FOCUS ON DUBAI | VOL 3, 2018 - PAGE 44 -
- PAGE 54 -
- PAGE 70 -
In the shadows of skyscrapers: traditional Dubai flourishes
Re-investing & re-inventing: Emirates’ flight plan
How the inquisitive harvest the best travel plums
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Contents #80
There’s a new word for that feeling when travel makes everything new
NEWS
LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLING
#12
World News
#24
Hotel News
#30
Cordis Auckland - Auckland’s latest five-star hotel
#34
Southern sojourn - Pescatore at The George
#104 New brute joins Ducati’s scrambler family
#36
Airline News
#40
Flight Report - Emirates to Istanbul & Dubai
#106 KTM’s 790 Duke twin - first in a new family
#54
Emirates’ flight plan - keep investing & inventing
LUXURY ESCAPES #58
Elements of Byron – perfect private hideaway
#62
Jamala Wildlife Lodge – big game up close
#66
Auckland realtor notes “huge shift” to luxury apartments
#68
Travel stick – healthy bug beater
WORLD FOCUS
| #6 |
#86
Visiting a glorious gilded age
#92
Placencia – forgotten Caribbean village
#96
Innovative and intriguing tools for travel
#98
Indian’s Roadmaster Elite - new gold standard
#102 BMW GS series - building on a legend
LIFESTYLE: CARS #108 Car News - McLaren intrigue builds #110
Honda’s Type R - doing the business
CRUISING #112
Trans-Tasman with Columbus - a “proper ship”
LIFESTYLE: WINE #116
Bordeaux’s glorious wines, baffling classification
#44
Cover Story: In the shadow of the skyscrapers Huge wooden dhows are loading electronics and textiles for centuries old trading routes to Oman, Iran - even Africa. It is noisy, colourful, seemingly disorganised - and a glorious contradiction to the glittering skyscrapers filling the skies overhead.
#70 World Focus: Harvesting juicy travel plums Paul Schoffelmeer demonstrates the rewards that are gained by keeping our eyes – and camera lens – on full alert.
#100 Motorcycling: Yamaha’s Niken 3-wheeled revolution | #7 |
| IMPRINT |
EDITORIAL PUBLISHER: BRUCE LAYBOURN | BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: TRUDY PARSONS-SMITH EDITOR AT LARGE: ROB PRINCE | TRAVEL EDITOR: PAUL SCHOFFELMEER | MOTORCYCLES EDITOR: DAN MCGRANE GOLFING EDITOR: KELSEN BUTLER | WINE EDITOR: LIZ WHEADON | PROOFING: MARK BARRATT-BOYES CORRESPONDENTS: ANTONELLA KANN (SOUTH AMERICA), GERARD HINDMARSH (NEW ZEALAND)
CREATIVE AGENCY: ROWENA BAHL CREATIVE
DISTRIBUTION INTERNATIONAL: NEWSPAPER DIRECT, MAGZTER, ISUBSCRIBE NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA: NEW ZEALAND’S TOP 500 CEOS, AUSTRALIA’S LEADING CONVENTION CENTRES AND EVENT PLANNERS, PREMIUM AIRPORT LOUNGES, HOSPITALITY EXECUTIVES, HOTELS, CAFES, CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. CORPORATE CABS, JET CHARTERS AND PURCHASERS TOP MARQUE AUTOMOBILES.
CORPORATE TRAVELLER MAGAZINE LTD CORPORATE TRAVELLER PUBLISHES FOUR TIMES EACH YEAR. THE CONTENTS ARE COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. MOST ARTICLES ARE COMMISSIONED BUT QUALITY CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE CONSIDERED. CORPORATETRAVELLERMAGAZINE.COM
TRAVEL EDITOR PAUL SCHOFFELMEER Paul Schoffelmeer joins Corporate Traveller as Travel Editor, with credentials perfectly fitting the role. Miles flown: One million plus (“too many”) Trip Advisor readership: 250,000 (“and still building”)
ON THE COVER: DUBAI AT SUNSET, STORY ON PAGE 44 PHOTO BY MICHAEL FOLEY
| #8 |
Images captured: 75,000 (“favourite hobby,” featured in National Geographic & Instagram Countries visited: 55-plus (“I enjoy new experiences, the people as much as the places”)
Business: Global Online Travel Agency www.Kiwi.com (“takes me to many new places, growing the global footprint of this dynamic and unique travel business.”)
| OUR WORD |
Naturally inquisitive dine on travel’s special plums PUBLISHER | BRUCE LAYBOURN
The naturally inquisitive have a huge head start when it comes to deriving the best from their travel. Their radar is attuned to the special plums that travel throws their way. They do it instinctively, instantly recognising a golden moment or image. While others might slope off to the bar or for a nap after a long day or voyage, they will slip away to explore. Inspired by the rewards their intuition delivers, they are at the forefront of opportunities to snatch the best photos, to rub shoulders with the most unforgettable characters. How do these folk end up in the right place at the right time? My guess is it’s partly intuition and partly because they spend more time simply being inquisitive.
The naturally inquisitive will naturally have noticed that this edition marks an exciting new chapter in the life of Corporate Traveller. Fairly evident is the distinctive new look by creative consultancy Rowena Bahl Creative: “Corporate Traveller’s new look takes inspiration from newspaper aesthetics and blends this with the luxuriousness of a magazine.
Invigorated by golden moments and the images captured, these folk become indefatigable. They’re up at sunset to capture the best light while the less blessed may have the curtains firmly drawn against hangover aggravating bright light.
“The new design embraces a stripped-back approach and raises the level of photography. While this edition welcomes fresh, appealing visuals, the next edition will see the magazine’s written content refreshed.
Our new travel editor, Paul Schoffelmeer is of the naturally inquisitive genus. He has 220,000 Trip Advisor readers and 8000 Instagram followers. He travels the world for work, but always finds time to sleuth out the unique and splendid – frequently in parts of the world better known for sombre rather than uplifting events.
“The old axiom of form follows function will be reviewed so that a conversation can take place
A huge bonus of Schoffelmeer becoming part of the Corporate Traveller team is that he launches the magazine to his huge new online audience.
| #10 |
Corporate Traveller’s new look
between visuals and words.”
| NEWS |
Travellers’ carbon footprint is expanding rapidly As in past decades, the United States was the single largest emitter of tourism-related carbon emissions. Germany, Canada, and Britain were also in the top 10. China was in second place followed by India, Mexico, and Brazil. “We see very fast tourism demand growth from China and India over the past few years, and also expect this trend will continue in the next decade or so,” said Ya-Sen Sun, a professor at The University of Queensland Business School in Australia, and co-author of the study. Small island countries such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Cyprus, and the Seychelles saw between 30 percent and 80 percent of national emissions from international tourism.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney shows that the trilliondollar global tourism industry is contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions - and its carbon footprint is expanding rapidly. Domestic and international tourism accounts for eight percent of total worldwide carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, researchers have found. The study was based on data from 189 countries around the world. It showed that the industry’s carbon footprint was driven mainly by demand for energy-intensive air travel. “Tourism is set to grow faster than many other economic sectors, with revenue projected
| #12 |
to swell by four percent annually through 2025,” said lead-author Arunima Malik, a researcher at The University of Sydney’s business school. The aviation industry accounts for two percent of all humangenerated C02 emissions, and would rank 12th if it were a country. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the total number of air passengers is expected to almost double by 2036 to 7.8 billion per year. Half of the 14 percent total increase of emissions due to global tourism occurred in highincome countries from 2009 through 2013. However, middleincome countries recorded the highest growth rate at 17.4 percent per year for the period.
The aviation industry accounts for two percent of all humangenerated CO2 emissions, and would rank 12th if it were a country.
Malik believes that tourism will grow at an annual four percent rate, outpacing many other economic sectors. That’s why it is “crucial” to make it sustainable, she says. “We recommend flying less, where possible. Try to stay earthbound to reduce emissions.”
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| NEWS |
Manhattan in Singapore tops 2018 list for Asia’s 50 Best Bars Inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, Manhattan is reminiscent of a grand hotel bar, modern yet with a touch of old New York glamour and sophistication.
The 2018 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was announced at Capitol Theatre, Singapore, at its first awards ceremony. This third edition of the awards includes eight new entries - with Singapore and China tying at a high with 12 bars each. Manhattan in Singapore claims the top spot for its second consecutive year, retaining its titles of “The Best Bar in Asia” and “The Best Bar in Singapore,” sponsored by Perrier. Singapore is also represented by Atlas (rising eight places to No.4), Tippling Club (No.7), Native (rising 12 places to No.8), 28 Hong Kong Street (No.12), Operation Dagger (No.19), Gibson (No.22), Employees Only (No.23), D.bespoke (No.32), Nutmeg & Clove (No.33), Jigger & Pony (No.42) and The Other Room (No.50). Native’s head bartender, Vijay Mudaliar, wins the Altos Bartenders’ award for his contribution to the sector over the previous year.
| #14 |
Manhattan in Singapore claims the No 1 spot for its second consecutive year, retaining its titles of “The Best Bar in Asia” and “The Best Bar in Singapore,” sponsored by Perrier.
INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY AWARDS: CHINA Shanghai’s Speak Low (No.3) retains its three-time title of “The Best Bar in China,” sponsored by Michter’s Distillery and earns the Heering “Legend of the List Award,” a title that celebrates a bar with consistent excellence over the history of the list. The Old Man in Hong Kong debuts at No.5, earning the “Highest New Entry” award, sponsored by Torres Brandy. Ten other bars on the list from mainland China include Hong Kong’s Lobster Bar & Grill (No.10), Stockton (No.11), Quinary (No.15), Zuma (No.18), 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana
(No.24), and The Pontiac (No.31), and Shanghai’s Sober Company (No.14) and Union Trading Company (No.28). Beijing is represented by Janes & Hooch (No.30), while Macaubased The Ritz Carlton Bar & Lounge is a newcomer at No.48. JAPAN High Five (No.6) in Tokyo is named “The Best Bar in Japan,” sponsored by Cocktail Kingdom for the third year. The seven other bars on the list are Tokyobased Trench (rising 12 places to No.16), Bar Benfiddich (No.20), Bar Orchard Ginza (No.37), Star Bar (No.43), and Lamp Bar (No.45) in Nara, as well as two newcomers, Gen Yamamoto (No.34) and Mixology Salon (No.40). CONT
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| NEWS | Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei, has been named “The Best Bar in Taiwan.”
KOREA Rising 15 places, Le Chamber (No.17) in Seoul is awarded dual titles – “The Best Bar in Korea” and the “Highest Climber” Award, both sponsored by The London Essence Company. Other bars in Seoul include Charles H (No.21), Alice Cheongdam (No.26) and Keepers’ (No.47). PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA The Curator Coffee & Cocktails (No.25) in Manila retains the title of “The Best Bar in Philippines,” sponsored by Peroni for the second year, while Potato Head Beach Club (No.36) in Bali rises seven places to earn “The Best Bar in Indonesia,” sponsored by Seedlip, as well as the first “Sustainable Bar” Award in Asia. Indonesia also celebrates the re-entry of Jakarta-based bars Loewy (No.39) and Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar (No.41). Malaysia is represented by two new entries from Kuala Lumpur Junglebird (No.38) awarded “The Best Bar in Malaysia,” sponsored by Nikka Whisky, and Coley (No.46).
TAIWAN Rising three places to No.2, Indulge Experimental Bistro in Taipei is named “The Best Bar in Taiwan,” sponsored by Mancino Vermouth, while TCRC in Tainan re-enters the list at No.35.
Bar (No.49).
THAILAND Moving up four places to No.9, The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok retains the honour of “The Best Bar in Thailand,” sponsored by Cognac Hennessy. Five other winning bars in Bangkok include Backstage (No.13), Vesper (No.27), Teens of Thailand (No.44), as well as two first-time entries - Smalls (No.29) and Ku
The list is created from the votes of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, a group of almost 200 industry leaders across Asia’s bar sector. Members list seven choices each in order of preference, based on their best bar experiences over the last 18 months - a minimum of three votes must go to bars located outside his or her country of residence.
Bangkok’s Rabbit Hole wins the Campari “One To Watch” award as a rising star bar with the potential to break into the elite list in the future.
Sauvignon 2019 – “savvy” lovers to converge on New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc offerings to leading wine producers, experts and key influencers.
In January, 2019 the world’s top wine experts will arrive en masse in Marlborough to attend New Zealand’s International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for New Zealand to shine the spotlight on the nation’s diverse
| #16 |
The event runs for three days - January 28-30, 2019 - with a programme designed to demonstrate the complexity of Sauvignon Blanc, emerging styles, vineyard practices, winemaking influences and future trends. Chairman of the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration committee, Patrick Materman, says New Zealand produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, and the New
Zealand wine is renowned for its quality and explosive flavours. “International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration 2019 is the opportunity to seize on this success and grow our reputation with international wine experts and influencers.” This is the second time New Zealand has hosted the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration. Sauvignon 2019 is an international event, with eight different Sauvignon Blanc producers outside of New Zealand flying in to join the festivities.
| NEWS |
Will Trinidad & Tobago ditch anti-gay laws? Laws in Trinidad and Tobago may soon decriminalise gay sex following a court ruling on April 13. Judge Devindra Rampersad said sections of the Sexual Offences Act, which prohibited “buggery” and “serious indecency” between two men, criminalised consensual samesex activity between adults and were unconstitutional. A final judgment on how to deal with the sections of the act is expected soon, and if all goes the way LGBT groups are hoping, soon Trinidad and Tobago will be able to welcome a wider spectrum of travellers with open arms. This is sure to boost tourism in the islands and improve the economy.
The case was brought in 2017 by Jason Jones, an LGBT activist who was born in the islands but currently lives in Britain. In an online campaign, he challenged laws inherited while the country was under British rule. Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in 1976. Last year, it was one of five countries that amended laws to ban child marriage. But it has no laws protecting LGBT people, and rights groups say many LGBT people fear being open about their orientation. Being convicted of buggery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Colin Robinson, director of the Coalition Advocating for
Inclusion of Sexual Orientation, warned there was a long way to go. “I don’t want to be alarmist, but I expect that this will take time for people to accept, and we hope the violence is minimal.” The group, which works for justice on sex and gender issues, said it expected the government would appeal the ruling. In February, the nearby island of Bermuda became the world’s first nation to reverse a law allowing same-sex marriage. LGBT activists feared that would set a dangerous precedent for gay rights and reverberate far beyond the region.
Robots are taking over the world - and they’re replacing humans Here’s the list of world’s five most robotised nations, where robot machines tend to gradually replace working humans.
Global robotisation is gaining speed irreversibly, according to the International Federation of Robotics. The latest data from the organisations show that, in 2015, the manufacturing industry saw 66 robot machines per 10,000 working people. In just one year, the figure rose to 77 robots per 10,000 of human workers.
| #18 |
SOUTH KOREA – NO.1 When it comes to the number of already working robotic devices, South Korea is a record-holder. Every 10,000 human workers enjoy the assistance of 631 robots. Most of the machines are used in the industrial sector and electronic engineering. SINGAPORE – NO.2 Nearly 90 percent of robotic machines in Singapore also work in the sector of electronics. With 488 robots for every 10,000 working people, the nation is the second most-robotised in the world. GERMANY – NO.3 Like Japan, Germany is one
of the world’s leading car manufacturers. The country has 309 robots per 10,000 workers. JAPAN – NO.4 Japan boasts 303 industry robots for every 10,000 working humans. Most of them are employed in the vehicle-making sector. Though Japan failed to make the top three ranking, 52 percent of global robot supplies are reportedly coming from Japan. DENMARK – NO.5 This Scandinavian state is one of the world’s leaders in using renewable energy. At the same time, machinery manufacturing reportedly makes up nearly 25 percent of industrial output. Denmark enjoys the help of 211 robots per 10,000 working people.
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| NEWS |
Brand USA’s marketing lifts visitor numbers by 5.4 million new opportunities for growth within the industry. As tourism increases so does the need to service our guests, which drives job creation in all service sectors, including retail, restaurants, and transportation,” said Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA.
Brand USA, the destinationmarketing organisation for the United States, has released a study by Oxford Economics, which charts the organisation’s impact on international travel to the United States. Since the fiscal year 2013, Brand USA’s efforts are directly responsible for increasing international visits by 5.4 million, travellers who spent $17.7 billion, generating a total economic impact of $38.4 billion, and supported an average of 51,580 jobs per year. Brand USA also provided initial results on the impact of its first film for IMAX and giant screen theatres. The new economic impact study shows that in the fiscal year 2017 Brand USA’s marketing campaigns generated 1.16 million international visitors, with a total economic impact of $8.5 billion, and supporting 54,212 jobs. The results equate to a marketing ROI of 29:1 based on Brand USA’s marketing expenses of $140 million and international visitor spend of $4.1 billion. Also presented was preliminary
| #20 |
field research on the impact of “National Parks Adventure.” Conservative results show individuals who have viewed the film now plan to visit the United States in the next 12 months - 17 percent in Canada, nine percent in Mexico, four percent in Asia, and one percent in Europe. Brand USA is the public-private partnership responsible for promoting tourism globally to the United States. The effort is designed to fuel the United States’ economy and spur job growth. Its formation marked the launch of the United States’ first nationally coordinated international tourism marketing effort.
Each year, Brand USA deploys a number of market-driven platforms and programmes to increase inbound visitors and drive tourism dollars to communities in all 50 states, the five territories, and the District of Columbia.
The results equate to a marketing ROI of 29:1 based on Brand USA’s marketing expenses of $140 million and international visitor spend of $4.1 billion.
The ROI study includes analysis of nine markets - Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and the United Kingdom - where Brand USA fully executed consumer, trade outreach, and co-op programmes.
“These ongoing programmes promote the United States in its entirety, and add and create value for our partners, including the USA Campaign, co-operative marketing opportunities, trade outreach initiatives, and media/ public relations strategies.”
“Travel and tourism is a significant contributor to the United States’ economy, and increasing international visitors to the United States provides
Brand USA also collaborates with federal partners to communicate U.S. visa and entry policies and conduct joint promotional activities.
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| NEWS |
Corporate Cabs choose Skoda Superb as new fleet car to bless the next stage of his journey with the Skoda Superb Corporate. “I was due to replace my car, and I thought ‘why not?’ One of our major points of difference at Corporate Cabs is the size of the car, especially for luggage, and the Skoda Superb Corporate is perfect for that,” he says. “Not only that, but it is a truly luxury vehicle, the technology is amazing and it’s really efficient, cutting down on fuel costs for me.” Corporate Cabs has launched its new fleet car, the Skoda Superb, which is being renamed the Skoda Superb Corporate edition for the New Zealand market in honour of the sheer number ordered of the distinctive cars. All the new Skodas are white, as the Corporate Cabs Holden’s were, and by the time the whole fleet across the country has been replaced in the coming years there will be 400 of them on the road. Corporate Cabs chief executive, Colin Samson, says that with Holden no longer having a suitable car it was not only necessary, but timely, to look at a new car.
25-year-old brand a lift. “We pride ourselves on the topnotch standard of our service - our drivers are courteous, knowledgeable and we’re always consistent - and the new car reinforces our ‘professionally driven’ motto,” says Samson. Existing Corporate Cabs will be replaced with the new car as they
Skoda New Zealand general manager, Greg Leet, says the exclusive arrangement to have the Skoda Superb Corporate as
The Skoda Superb Corporate matches the luxury and space of our current car, including the leg room, head room and boot space, as well as looking really smart and having clean lines to give our 25-yearold brand a lift.
“It’s been an extensive process to make sure it was a car with all the benefits that our customers, as well as owner-operators, have come to expect and enjoy.
come up for renewal with each owner-operator, but some are choosing to renew sooner so they can get out on the road in the new Skoda Superb Corporate.
“The Skoda Superb Corporate matches the luxury and space of our current car, including the leg room, head room and boot space, as well as looking really smart and having clean lines to give our
The first Corporate Cabs owneroperator to order one of the new cars is seven-year veteran Sonny Apanui. He and Corporate Cabs marked the occasion with a ceremony by a local kaumatua,
| #22 |
Following the ceremony, held at Giltrap Skoda in Newmarket, customers and drivers had the chance to examine the car in “taxi mode” and share morning tea before Apanui took to the road and began his work day.
the new Corporate Cabs fleet car reflects the alignment of the brands. “They are the premium taxi service in the country, and obviously we want people to experience the luxury edition of this car, but it’s about more than that as we share the same commitment and values with regard to professional service.”
Escape
-New Zealand’s forgotten Shangri-La New Zealand’s first discoverer, Kupe, arrived here 1000 years ago and, according to tradition, called it home for 50 years. From a nation’s birthplace to forgotten treasure, the Hokianga is being rediscovered The irony is that New Zealand’s oldest visitor destination is also it’s newest. At the Sneezle Beezle Beach Apartments, looking out over the harbour entrance to the giant sand dunes, guests can make the journey back to New Zealand’s forgotten Shangri-La
TO DO Fishing – Charter a boat or fish from beach, jetty or rocks Dining – Kiwi, Thai, Indian – or fish n chips Walking and cycle trails – easy trails to private beaches Cultural – a spiritual night visit to the kauri giants of Waipoua Forest Historical – from Kupe to Opo, the dolphin that won hearts all over the world
boatbuilding Rawene, - feel like you’re on a movie set Kohukohu – take the ferry to the Hokianga north shore Or just soak in the spa pool with a vino and watch the sun go down. This Kiwi-made spa pool by Trueform has a built-in sound system so simply Bluetooth music from your phone. Every guest receives a copy of Sneezle Beezle, the Kiwi kid’s book that reunited a boy and his dad.
PUB VISITS Opononi – the local Horeke – home of New Zealand
For further information: bruce@sneezlebeezle.com
| HOTEL NEWS |
Virgin Hotels launches in Scotland - likely just the first step in Europe completed in partnership with owner Flemyn and developer Jansons Property and will be managed by Virgin Hotels, and asset managed by Siggis Capital. “Flemyn is proud to have our first capital investment in Edinburgh with an amazing brand like Virgin Hotels,” said Luigi Gatti Bonati, co-founder of Flemyn.
Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has announced plans to open in Edinburgh, Scotland. Expected to open in 2020, the development marks an important moment in Virgin Hotels’ history and is likely to be joined by more United Kingdom and European projects in the coming years. Branson’s move comes as hotels in Europe recorded a 0.7 percent year-on-year increase in profit per room in March despite heavy declines in non-rooms revenue, according to the latest worldwide poll of full-service hotels. The growth in achieved average room rate was supported by increases across all sector rates, including residential conference (+3.8 percent), corporate (+4.8 percent) and the group leisure (+11.8 percent) segment. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be located in the landmark India Buildings at 1-6 Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The space itself will feature 225 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites; multiple dining and drinking outlets, including the brand’s
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flagship space, Commons Club, as well as numerous meeting spaces. In re-envisioning the building the design team will work to preserve its notable elements while adding a sense of style and sophistication. “Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled to be able to say it will be the home of the first Virgin Hotel in the UK and across Europe,” said Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group. “My grandparents were from Edinburgh and my wife Joan is also Scottish, so the country has always held a special place in my heart. The people of Edinburgh have been so great in welcoming us to their great city. We can’t wait to open our doors to people across the country and, indeed, the world.” “This project, from an awardwinning hotel brand such as Virgin Hotels, will further highlight the city’s eclectic style while remaining true to its historic heritage, all while offering guests and locals alike an experience like no other,” said Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will be
“Edinburgh is a city rooted in tradition with an energetic spirit. We’re delighted to do our part in restoring a unique property such as this,” said Andy Jansons, managing director of Jansons Property. The hotel will open just steps from the city’s famed Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. “This is an exciting announcement and a huge coup for Edinburgh. It really is testament to the city’s resilience during these uncertain times that Virgin Hotels has chosen Edinburgh as the first city outside the United States in which to open a new hotel,” said Gavin Barrie, housing and economy convener with the City of Edinburgh Council, which helped take forward the proposals as part of its ‘Edinburgh 12’ portfolio of investment sites. “It’s estimated that the hotel will provide a £5 million boost to the local community every year, helping one of the city’s key shopping areas in Victoria Street and the Grassmarket,” Barrie explained. “The development of the site will help support hundreds of jobs during construction.”
| HOTEL NEWS |
Luxury space hotel sets $9.5 million room rate their loved ones back home via high-speed wireless internet. While in space, Aurora Station guests will soar 360 kilometres above the Earth’s surface in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) where they will find stunning views of the Earth. The hotel will orbit Earth every 90 minutes, meaning those aboard will see an average of 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. On return to Earth, guests will be treated to a hero’s welcome home.
The first-ever luxury space hotel was introduced during the Space 2.0 Summit in San Jose, United States. Named after the magical light phenomenon that illuminates the Earth’s polar skies, Aurora Station is being developed by Orion Span and the company’s team of space industry veterans, who have more than 140 years of human space experience. The first fully modular space station to ever debut, Aurora Station, is intended to operate as the first luxury hotel in space. The exclusive hotel will host six people at a time - including two crewmembers. Space travellers will enjoy a completely authentic, once-in-a-lifetime astronaut experience during their 12-day journey, starting at $9.5 million per person. Deposits are now being accepted for a future stay on Aurora Station, which is slated to launch in late 2021 and host its first guests in 2022. The deposit is $80,000 per person. “We developed Aurora Station to provide a turnkey destination
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in space. Upon launch, Aurora Station goes into service immediately, bringing travellers into space quicker and at a lower price point than ever seen before, while still providing an unforgettable experience,” said Frank Bunger, CEO and founder of Orion Span. “Orion Span has additionally taken what was historically a 24-month training regimen to prepare travellers to visit a space station and streamlined it to three months, at a fraction of the cost. Our goal is to make space accessible to all, by continuing to drive greater value at lower cost.” During their stay on Aurora Station, space travellers will enjoy the exhilaration of zero gravity and fly freely throughout Aurora Station, gaze at the northern and southern aurora through the many windows, soar over their home towns, take part in research experiments such as growing food while in orbit (which they can take home with them as the ultimate souvenir), revel in a virtual reality experience on the halodeck, and stay in touch or live stream with
Prior to takeoff, those set to travel on Aurora Station will enjoy a three-month Orion Span Astronaut Certification (OSAC). Phase one of the certification programme is done online, making space travel easier than ever. The next portion will be completed in-person at Orion Span’s state-of-the-art training facility in Houston, Texas. The final certification is completed during a traveller’s stay on Aurora Station. “Aurora Station is incredibly versatile and has multiple uses beyond serving as a hotel,” Bunger added. “We will offer full charters to space agencies who are looking to achieve human spaceflight in orbit for a fraction of the cost – and only pay for what they use. We will support zero gravity research, as well as in space manufacturing. Our architecture is such that we can easily add capacity, enabling us to grow with market demand like a city growing skyward on Earth. We will later sell dedicated modules as the world’s first condominiums in space. Future Aurora owners can live in, visit, or sublease their space condo. This is an exciting frontier and Orion Span is proud to pave the way.”
| HOTEL NEWS |
UAE hotels warned - get sustainable & cut operating costs Hotel operators in the UAE are preparing themselves for a period of challenging trading conditions due to Ramadan and the subsequent summer season. The warning comes from Markus Oberlin, CEO of leading UAEbased FM and sustainability consultancy, Farnek, speaking on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2018. Seasoned UAE hotel managers know only too well that generating revenue over the next few months will be challenging, especially given the increase in supply and the subdued seasonal demand, which generally results in softer occupancy levels and rates. Overall, Chris Hewett, director at TRI Consulting, estimated that RevPAR in 2018 could drop by as much as seven percent, once compared with last year. Indeed, the latest Q1 2018 industry figures released by STR support TRI’s forecast with RevPAR down 2.6 percent and four percent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. “Converting that into hard cash, a hotel with 250 rooms, running at 80 percent occupancy, with an average rate of AED 750, could lose as much as AED 3.8 million in revenue over the course of a year and that’s not taking into account their F&B operation, nor does it take VAT or inflation into the equation. So, hotels will need to make savings, to protect their bottom lines, without compromising guest service levels,” said Oberlin. “The question is how and where?” One area could be waste management. On average UAE
hotels send 1200 tonnes of waste to landfill, half of which is food waste. That’s the equivalent of filling an average hotel room, every five days and works out to 8.5 kilos per guest, per night, compared with 1.2 kilos in Europe. And with Dubai Municipality introducing new tipping fees next month of AED 80 per tonne for general waste, it could become an expensive proposition. “During Ramadan the waste per guest, per night can increase by as much as 50 percent, much of it uneaten food and that’s against a backdrop, remember, of lower occupancies and softening rates. A sound recycling procedure can reduce waste by 25 percent,” added Oberlin. Although occupancies may be low, due to the heat and humidity, energy and water
usage increases proportionately. Guests often bathe more regularly and of course air conditioning temperatures have to be lowered for longer periods, which all add up to higher bills. “Using internet-based benchmarking software, such as Hotel Optimiser, hotel management can record their energy and water usage, benchmark their performance and identify potential savings. Currently, the average annual utility bill for a five-star city hotel in Dubai is around AED 7.5 million. It is not unusual for hotels to save 15-20 percent or put another way, AED 1.47 million,” said Oberlin. “Even simple devices such as A/C modules, LED lights and water aerators can dramatically reduce utility bills,” he added.
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| HOTEL NEWS |
Refuse the Straw - and save the ocean version supplied by the hotel. CaranaBeach launched a “Refuse the Straw” initiative to commemorate its second anniversary in late April, with artwork positioned around its bar and restaurant areas promoting the concept that to refuse a straw could mean saving the life of a sea turtle or other marine animals, according to CaranaBeach PR’s branding and communication manager, Nicole Saint Ange. “It’s not only about reducing the amount of waste that the hotel produces,” Saint Ange said. Patrons of the CaranaBeach Hotel on Mahé in the Seychelles are being asked to safeguard the ocean and its inhabitants, each and every time they order a drink. And they’ll do so by refusing to drink from a straw. Or at the very least, by enjoying the use of a biodegradable
“It’s as much or even more about raising awareness about the overall impact of plastic on our oceans, and we hope that our guests will spread the message and reduce the use of plastic in their everyday lives once they are back home.”
As the campaign’s promotional information indicates, straws are made in minutes, and used in minutes, but take 200 years to break down, and even then they’re decomposed into tiny toxic particles that marine animals can ingest. The hospitality group that owns CaranaBeach is extending the “Refuse the Straw” campaign to its other properties as well, on Denis Private Island and the Indian Ocean Lodge on Praslin. Now heading into its third year after a successful 24 months in operation, CaranaBeach also plans to step up its environmental agenda in the coming months, which includes the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label certification process, a national platform for hotels to adopt the best worldwide practices in sustainability.
Singapore celebrity goes undercover - as a difficult hotel guest Passionate hotel employees in “difficult’ situations,” is the content of a video where a Singapore celebrity, Michelle Chong, goes undercover as a hotel guest to test employees. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched the Celebrity Hotel Challenge video to showcase the passion and professionalism of hotel employees, and raise awareness of the variety of jobs within the hotel industry. In the video, Michelle Chong dons a disguise and checks into Pan Pacific Singapore. She plays the role of a VIP, and asks the
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unsuspecting hotel employees to attend to various requests, ranging from changing the colours of the lights in the hotel room to booking the entire swimming pool for herself. These requests were culled from real life examples in the hotel industry. Except for senior management, none of the employees were aware of her true identity until the end of the video. “The Business of Happiness hotel careers campaign is about changing perceptions that people may hold about working in the hotel industry,” said Ong
Huey Hong, director, hotels and sector manpower, STB. “We hope that through this light-hearted depiction of the daily work of hotel employees, people will be more aware that hospitality goes beyond manning the front desk or housekeeping. Every day brings exciting new experiences, and employees get to interact with guests from all walks of life regularly. Passion is the driving force in the ‘Business of Happiness.’” Watch the video here: workforahotel.sg
| HOTEL NEWS |
Global luxury hotel market to reach $115.80 billion by 2025
Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd is one of the key players in the luxury hotel market with over 95 hotels worldwide. Pictured is the Shangri-La Resort, Maldives
The global luxury hotel market size is expected to reach USD115.80 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, registering a 4.3 percent CAGR during the forecast period. The market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period owing to increasing purchasing power of consumers and the rising number of international as well as domestic tourists on business or leisure trips. Travellers opting for lavish vacations look chiefly for comfort and quality of service, while hotel tariffs may make for a secondary consideration. To compete in the luxury hotel market, companies are focused on providing unique customer experiences by investing in infrastructure and technologically advanced appliances. Building customer relations by extending the highest degree of hospitality is also a key area of focus. Major players in the market are integrating room control systems through the Internet of Things (IoT) platform. As a result, guests can control cooling, heating, and lighting in their rooms wirelessly through mobile-based applications. Furthermore, simplified hotel reservation processes have upped demand in recent years. Online hotel bookings
are supplemented by readily available information in the form of photos and videos of the property, along with customer feedback. The report also suggests … • The business hotels segment is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Thriving business tourism sector and growing realisation of the importance of rejuvenation and relaxation are driving this segment. • The holiday hotels segment was valued at a little over USD21 billion in 2017, with the airport hotels segment accounting for a revenue share of close to eight percent the same year. • North America is expected
to retain its position as a key revenue generator by 2025 owing to the increase in the number of rooms. Expansion of hotel properties in United States by luxury hotel chains such as St Regis, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, Four Seasons Hotels Limited, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will also contribute to the market’s growth • The Asia Pacific region is projected to expand at a CAGR of more than five percent over the forecast period • Key players in the market include ShangriLa International Hotel Management Ltd, Marriott International, Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safari, Accor Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group.
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| HOTEL NEWS |
Cordis Auckland Launches City’s Newest Five Star Brand Cordis Auckland is a new brand by The Langham Hospitality Group that launched in the city on November 1, 2017, after a multi-million dollar reburbishment.
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| HOTEL NEWS |
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Previously The Langham, Auckland, Cordis is a brand new hotel with the same Langham team continuing to deliver the world class service for which Langham Hospitality Group is renowned. Cordis launched with a 10-point plan to spoil guests. 1) A new, modern hotel In a great location. This fully refurbished, fivestar hotel is located at 83 Symonds Street, surrounded by a vibrant neighbourhood, in walking distance of the shopping along Queen Street, the fashionable bars of Ponsonby Road, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour restaurants, great museums - and is located right in the heart of Auckland, with easy access to the main motorways. 2) Cordis Auckland offers free wifi, so guests can upload all their special moments onto social media instantly. As well, Cordis is the only New Zealand hotel offering free use of a smart phone during their stay. This enables guests to make free local phone calls as well as free international calls to seven countries. 3) Guests can catch a free Cordis shuttle to meetings. For those with meetings outside the hotel, the hotel shuttle drops them off conveniently near the banks and offices in Customs street in downtown Auckland’s Central Business district. A timetable is available from the concierge. 4) Club privileges include butler service, daily breakfast, evening drinks and canapés, free flow coffee and snacks, non-stop ice cream for the kids and a delicious spread that is as good as having dinner. The Cordis Club Lounge is a brand new private retreat on the 10th floor that is exclusively available to any guest who books an Executive Room or Suite. 5) Families are welcome. Cordis is one of the rare hotels that have
family rooms with two double beds, and family suites with a kitchenette. Definitely worth packing up the family and checking in for a mini “staycation.” 6) Kids are the New VIPs. Children under 12 are immediately enrolled into the Cordis “Kids Programme” where the hotel’s younger VIPs get a special check in, their own room service menu and activity backpack with amenities and a fun treasure hunt around the hotel with an icecream to enjoy at the end. Cordis is the only hotel in Auckland with its own live mascot - Cody, a Red Panda mascot. He is fun, big hearted and friendly, in the manner of the rest of the Cordis team. 7) Drinks or High Tea at the new Lobby Lounge. At day’s end, guests can relax over a Cordis Beer, brewed locally at Urbanaut Breweries, or choose from a list of cocktails and drinks at the elegant new Lobby Lounge. Auckland’s favourite high tea returns as Cordis High Tea, served on contemporary fine bone China complete with Kiwi-inspired ingredients and a sommelier-style tea service. 8) Interactive dining at Eight. Eight is being billed as the city’s most exciting buffet restaurant where guests can tuck into dishes from eight interactive stations serving world class cuisines paired with the finest wines. 9) Free to use e-bikes. Guests can explore the city’s cycling trails by booking one of these great e-bikes with the concierge. The bikes are environmentally friendly and have a basket to carry everything needed for an adventure. 10) Spa treatments, whether a relaxing massage, facial or a range of pampering treatments await at Cordis Auckland’s award-winning Chuan Spa. Guests have the option to take a dip in the heated rooftop pool, a perfect way to end the day.
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| HOTEL NEWS |
Southern sojourn dining - Pescatore at The George WORDS: ROB PRINCE
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On a brief southern sojourn, we booked into that icon, The George, situated at 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch. Our attraction was as much to sample the fabled fare of Pescatore at The George as it was to be soak up The George’s well-earned reputation for hospitality.
| HOTEL NEWS |
On a brief southern sojourn, we booked into that icon, The George, situated at 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch. Our attraction was as much to sample the fabled fare of Pescatore at The George as it was to soak up The George’s well-earned reputation for hospitality. The George commands a superb position overlooking the Avon River across the road from Hagley Park. A 15-minute walk and we are in the middle of the city, surrounded by restaurants and bars. The George has 53 rooms and the enviable record of being voted New Zealand’s leading boutique hotel six years in a row. I guess it helps to have a one-toone ratio of staff to guests. Not only will we be guests at the fine dining Pescatore at The George but we will be meeting talented chef Ryan Henley, who has been making waves in the Christchurch culinary scene. Henley previously spent four years at The George before working at Melbourne’s Vue de Monde with acclaimed Australian chef, Shannon Bennett. Most recently he worked with the Continental Event Catering team at Maddison’s and led the menu design for the reopening of Mona Vale Homestead and Pantry. As a junior, he spent four years with celebrated Christchurch chef Jonny Schwass, and later re-joined him as head
chef at Harlequin Public House. Henley tells us his food philosophy fits with The George’s commitment to sustainability, good health, the guests and the environment. His style revolves around simple ingredients produced with care, celebrating each season. “We are committed to using the best, freshest ingredients found on our doorstep. Most of our vegetables are sourced directly from the grower at an organic farm on the Cashmere Hills, picked and delivered fresh each day, while our fish is all line caught and served the same day.” On the evening we dine at Pescatore we opt for the sevencourse degustation. This is dining at its finest and every course amazes - from the seaweedcured kingfish, Koshihikari rice and buckwheat paired with Mio Sparkling Sake, to the breaded snapper, slow cooked egg yoke, golden beetroot and vanilla paired with McArthur Ridge Pinot Noir (2010). But the most unusual and perhaps the dish I enjoy most is the curried pineapple ice-cream basmati froth, coconut jelly. Pescatore at The George had a new menu releasing in June to make the most of seasonal produce. For those who happen to be in Christchurch and want a memorable event I suggest a visit to indulge in Henley’s exceptional culinary skills.
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| AIRLINE NEWS |
Singapore Airlines voted world’s best Two of the six suites in Singapore Airlines new Airbus A380 cabin designed can be combined into a ‘double’ thanks to a lowering centre divider.
Singapore Airlines has been picked as the world’s best airline by users of TripAdvisor. Singapore Airlines beat secondplaced Air New Zealand and third placed Emirates Airlines to take the top spot in the ratings, which are the second of TripAdvisor’s now annual “Travellers’ Choice Awards.” “The award is a validation of the hard work and dedication of our thousands of staff all around the world, who focus their attention every day on ensuring that Singapore Airlines remains competitive on a global level,” said Singapore Airlines’ CEO Goh Choon Phong. The TripAdvisor ratings are not the only consumer-focused ranking. Among some of the more notable recent rankings, Skytrax named Qatar Airways as the best airline in its 2018 ratings while Conde Nast Traveler magazine picked Air New Zealand as its No. 1 last year. Travel + Leisure magazine will
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reveal if Singapore Airlines has retained its title as the world’s top carrier in that list. Emirates was the runner-up in those ratings. In May, Southwest and JetBlue each won their respective airline categories in the annual J.D. Power customer service satisfaction survey of North American carriers. And last month, The Points Guy website become one of the latest to rank airlines on overall quality and service, tabbing Alaska Air as the best among American carriers. There are probably at least a half-dozen other annual reports that rank. Singapore’s win in TripAdvisor’s 2018 ratings is little surprise for a carrier that routinely rates among the world’s best by most others. In fact, most of TripAdvisor’s top 10 are regulars in any “world’s best” conversation – though the inclusion of the British budget airline Jet2.com will likely come as a surprise to some.
As for TripAdvisor, this year’s effort is the second for the company that rates airlines. The company - known for its destination and travel reviews - described its methodology by saying: “Winners were based on airline reviews submitted on TripAdvisor Flights or via one of TripAdvisor’s review collection partners from February 2017 to February 2018.”
THE TOP 10 AIRLINES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Singapore Airlines Air New Zealand Emirates Airlines Japan Airlines EVA Air Southwest Airlines Jet2.com Qatar Airways Azul Korean Air
| AIRLINE NEWS | Nearly half American travellers feel mistreated by airlines Almost half United States’ passengers feel mistreated by airlines, according to a recent survey conducted by AirHelp, a leading air passenger rights company. According to this survey, which included more than 2000 respondents, almost one tenth of all travellers who experienced flight disruptions reported being stranded at the airport when their flights were delayed, and more than one in every 10 passengers reported having missed a relationship milestone or special event due to a flight disruption. According to EU regulation EC 261, which protects United States’ passengers on flights on European airlines flying to European Union countries, and any flight departing from an EU airport, airlines must provide passengers affected by lengthy delays of more than three hours, flight cancellations, or boarding denials due to overbookings with compensation of up to US$700, in addition to meals and drinks for all delays of more than two
hours. Also, if necessary, due to a flight delay or cancellation, airlines are obligated to provide passengers with a hotel room and the transportation there.
more than four out of every 10 passengers saying that they have felt the airlines were dishonest with them about the cause of flight delays or cancellations.
“My flight was delayed then cancelled and I wasn’t told why. They rebooked on a different flight that left one day later. I was not offered any assistance for the extra time I had to stay in Switzerland. I had nearly a full 24 hours to stay, and had to take a tram for $30, a cab the next morning back to the airport for $120,” reported one air passenger.
“For years, there has been an oversupply of airlines flying along the same routes which leads to price wars, especially on holiday routes,” said Henrik Zillmer, CEO of AirHelp.
“They didn’t offer me a hotel voucher or any food either. When I asked them where I was going to stay that night or what I should do, they told me ‘that’s not my problem.’ I’m 15 years old and was travelling alone.” Not only do stranded passengers at the airport complain about poor service, or feel that they are mistreated by airlines, AirHelp’s survey also found that less than 65 percent of passengers feel airlines are trustworthy, with
Aircraft door industry worth US$5 billion by 2022 The aircraft doors market was valued at US$3.37 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach US$5.22 billion by 2022. A study of the aircraft doors market, covering commercial and military aviation, looked at all door types - passenger doors,
cargo doors, emergency doors, service/access doors and landing gear doors. The study comprised North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Rest of the World. The report provides in-depth market intelligence regarding
“Therefore, airlines reduce customer service offerings in order to maximise profits, frequently leading to the mistreatment of air passengers. As a result, passengers are sometimes faced with rude staff, and are experiencing extreme delays and disruptions that the airlines can avoid or eliminate. “Our survey results show that almost half of all air passengers in the United States feel they are being treated badly by the airlines. The airlines have a duty to act in a customer-oriented manner in order to regain the trust of their passengers.”
key factors (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industryspecific challenges) influencing the growth of the aircraft doors market, along with an analysis of micro markets, with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market. The report also covers competitive developments, such as longterm contracts, new product launches, agreements, and research and development activities in the aircraft doors market, in addition to business and corporate strategies adopted by key market players.
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| AIRLINE NEWS |
Delta and Aeromexico celebrate first year of trans-border alliance One year ago, Delta Air Lines and Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. launched the first transborder airline alliance with antitrust immunity between Mexico and the United States. Since then, more than seven million passengers have enjoyed improved connectivity, more convenient schedules and increasingly seamless service between the two carriers. Delta and Aeromexico now offer more than 1100 weekly flights on 64 routes between 10 cities in Mexico and 33 in the United States. The partnership has launched eight new routes and two new joint destinations in Mexico and allowed co-location in nine airports in the U.S., six of which are Delta hubs, and three Aeromexico hubs in Mexico, making travel between the two airlines easier for customers. “Delta and Aeromexico are natural partners because we share the same values that put our people and our customers first,” said Delta CEO, Ed Bastian. “Our relationship is only getting
stronger as we continue to roll out our industry-leading partnership, and customers of both airlines are seeing the benefits as we accelerate the pace in 2018. “This first year has been the result of an alliance that goes beyond improving connectivity for the trans-border market. It has been about aligning actions
and objectives to improve our customers’ experience, while strengthening the bilateral relationship between both countries. We are very pleased with our results and we are certain that together we will continue to deliver the best service to our customers,” said Aeromexico CEO, Andres Conesa.
Pyongyang proposes new route through North and South Korea South Korea has revealed that North Korea has proposed a new air route through the two countries. The North has proposed opening an international air route to a third country, not a direct flight route between Pyongyang and Incheon, said South Korean foreign ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk.
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If established, the new route would be an air traffic highway for any flight passing through the two countries’ airspace, according to a South Korean government official. The United Nations aviation agency directors were to visit North Korea to discuss an earlier request by Pyongyang to open new air routes to South Korea.
| AIRLINE NEWS |
Airbus to offer cargo bay sleeping berths It won’t be a room with a view, but may help prevent neck strain. Passengers flying on Airbus SE planes will soon be able to slip down into the cargo hold for a proper nap. The European jet maker is working with seat manufacturer Zodiac Aerospace on the design and construction of lie-flat beds to fit in lower-deck cargo areas. The berths will initially be offered on Airbus A330 widebody aircraft from 2020, the companies said at a conference in Hamburg. The idea for speciallydesignated sleeping areas on planes was also raised last month by Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce, who said the airline is studying options for making ultra-long haul flights more bearable for passengers.
Qantas is exploring direct links from Australia to the United States and Europe that would require travellers to spend as many as 17 consecutive hours in flight. Joyce said the airline could introduce a new four-class structure, with part of the cargo hold used for beds. Under Airbus’s plan, the sleeping berths would be installed as modules that could be quickly replaced with regular cargo fittings during an aircraft’s
typical airport turnaround. Holds have in the past been designed as cabin crew rest areas and for ablutions. Airlines will be able to retrofit old planes with the modules or build them into aircraft coming off the production line, according to the manufacturer. Airbus is also studying the possibility of offering similar sleeper compartments on its A350 airliner.
Iran orders 40 Sukhoi Superjet-100 passenger aircraft from Russia Memorandums on the delivery of 40 Sukhoi Superjet-100 (SSJ-100) passenger planes to Iran were signed by Moscow and Tehran at the Eurasia Airshow, said Sukhoi Civil Aircraft President Aleksandr Rubtsov. Iran will receive the new SSJ100R version of the airliner by 2022, according to Rubtsov. Initially, both parties considered a deal for 100 aircraft, but they required approval from the United States Office of Foreign
Assets Control since the Superjet has many US-made components. Sukhoi has reduced the proportion of such components to less than 10 percent, which means no American approval is now required. “So far, we have signed two agreements of intent with two Iranian airlines (Iran Air Tours and Aseman Airlines) on deliveries of 20 Sukhoi Superjet aircraft in the RRJ-95R
(SSJ100R) modification for each of these companies,” Rubtsov said. He added that the contract will be signed by the end of 2018. The catalogue price for a SSJ100R aircraft is about $52 million. Sukhoi SuperJet-100 is Russia’s newest twin-engine regional passenger aircraft. It began operating commercially in 2011. More than 60 aircraft are in service with airlines in Laos, Mexico, and Russia.
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| FLIGHT REPORT |
Auckland to Istanbul for a decade - but first time with Emirates FLIGHTS EK449 Auckland –Dubai
Having made up to two flights a year
EK 121 Dubai – Istanbul EK 4122 Istanbul – Dubai
from New Zealand to Turkey for more
EK 448 Dubai - Auckland
than a decade on a range of airlines, it is
AIRCRAFT
time to try Emirates.
WORDS: BRUCE LAYBOURN
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Airbus A380-800/Boeing 777
| FLIGHT REPORT | Only a handful of airlines fly from Auckland to Istanbul, enabling me to visit family. Previous flights have taken me via Malaysia, Singapore and Korea. This time it is to be via the United Arab Emirates. With previous flights the two legs have represented roughly equal time in the sky – around 10 hours. This time there is a long leg (Auckland to Dubai – 17 hours) and a short one (Dubai to Istanbul – four hours 30 minutes). The long legs are aboard the Airbus A380 and the short legs aboard Boeing’s 777. While some travellers may baulk at a flight duration of close to 18 hours, I’m in favour of tackling the big chunk of the outward journey upfront. Being upstairs in the A380 makes the prospect even rosier. With a lie-flat bed for sleep, a big screen for movies, a mouth-watering menu and wine list what else can I ask for? Well there’s the ability to take a walk down to the lounge (and bar) to stretch the legs, chat with fellow passengers and be tempted by bar staff. This journey begins after an exhausting couple of weeks getting magazine arrangements up to date before setting off for a month in Istanbul – so sleep comes quickly a few hours after departing Auckland. I awake over the Indian Ocean, near Sri Lanka, reminding me of a wonderful scuba trip to the Maldives many years earlier. Fortunately Senior Chainsaw, so named for his prodigious snoring, is also awake. Dining, movies and sleeping are my key trio for passing time on long haul flights. Upstairs on the 380 there is that added bonus of being able to wander to the lounge. Dinner on leaving Auckland comprises roast lamb, while breakfast upon awaking is cheese and chives omelette with grilled chicken sausage, baked beans and roasted tomatoes. We’re clearly not going to starve. Plenty of laps of the cabin are needed. Before sleep I watch Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House. This movie is about “Deep Throat,” the FBI whistle blower who exposed the Watergate scandal that ended Nixon’s presidency. The back room skulduggery depicted bears a frightening resemblance to current events in Washington.
While some travellers may baulk at a flight duration of close to 18 hours, I’m in favour of tackling the big chunk of the outward journey upfront. Being upstairs in the A380 makes the prospect even rosier.
I spend nine hours in the Emirates Lounge in Dubai, during which the A380 bar-side camaraderie continues. I meet an Indian software graduate based in Chicago, a Ugandan working in Dubai, a fellow Kiwi and an Englishman homeward bound after a New Zealand holiday who is determined to return to live in New Zealand. The range of quality foods and beverages in the lounge is a trap. I start at the healthy salad bar but then digress, sumptuous desserts easily winning over my diminishing willpower. Eating to pass the time is a trap that regularly ensnares travellers. For the short Dubai-Istanbul hop, I recall little as sleep arrives swiftly, sweet dreams interrupted by landing preparations. The return journey to New Zealand a month later begins with EK122. This flight is delayed 15 minutes but this is easily made up en route. The Istanbul-Dubai leg enjoys a tail wind and is delightfully short – just three hours 30 minutes. With two days ashore in Dubai, the prospect of a long lounge wait is removed from the equation.
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| FLIGHT REPORT |
Despite being a full flight, all runs extraordinarily smoothly. This is clearly one happy, well co-ordinated crew. It’s always a pleasure to watch a great team in action. It certainly makes for a happy ship and shortens the journey. Turbulence mid-flight spooks my diminutive French neighbour, who needs a few minutes of reassurance and cheering up until the rocking and rolling ceases. After two invigorating days in Dubai, I am met by an Emirates chauffeur who collects me at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai and deposits me into Emirates’ care for a tour of their very impressive First and Business Class facilities at their home port. Dubai International Airport is home to seven Emirates lounges spread over three concourses - A, B and C. In each concourse there is a
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dedicated Emirates First Class and Business Class lounge. I’m a month too soon to enjoy an immersive cinematic experience in these lounges. Skylights theatre headsets were being trialled in April and May, these innovative new products offering a fixed-screen with a wide-angle field of view for 3D and 2D content in full HD. A mix of content is to be available, including 3D and 2D movies, box sets, documentaries and 360-degree videos. In addition to the immersive theatre experience, the Emirates Business Class lounge in Concourse B offers a full range of gourmet cuisine. As well, there’s a complimentary full bar service, shower facilities, a health spa, shoe shine service, cell phone charging stations, a wine cellar and a dedicated children’s play areas with arcade quality games. The newly refurbished lounge also features three
| FLIGHT REPORT | With a lie-flat bed for sleep, a big screen for movies, a mouth-watering menu and wine list, Emirates makes long haul travel a delightful experience.
distinct concept areas: a barista experience in partnership with Costa Coffee; a Health hub with Voss water featuring healthier food and beverage options; and an exclusive Moët & Chandon champagne lounge serving four distinct cuvées with food parings designed for Emirates, all complimentary for guests. Another much appreciated feature of the lounge configuration is the ability to board directly from the lounges – thus saving a long trudge through the terminal looking for the correct gate. Yet again, there is a happy, switched-on crew for the long-haul A380 journey to Auckland. In the lounge I chat with the crew and learn that the Auckland flight is sought after as New Zealand is a popular destination - and they get 56 hours off. The 16 hours-plus feels much shorter, with
enjoyable sojourns to the lounge, networking with crew and fellow passengers – and the trademark delicious dining. And so, aside from my phone launching itself irretrievably beneath the seat row in front of me upon landing, the long-haul experience to Istanbul and return is a very pleasant, comfortable and stimulating experience. The aircraft are immaculate, the dining and entertainment five star. But for me, the crews on every leg were the stars of the show. What a superb culture to produce a consistently happy, helpful and energetic team spirit. Even after we land, there are five of us on the floor trying to find my phone. The crew go way beyond in trying to locate the pesky electronic escapee – but in the end it is the engineers who have to dismantle a seat to locate the phone. Passenger and phone are united later that day.
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IN THE SHADOW OF SKYSCRAPERS TRADITIONAL DUBAI FLOURISHES WORDS: BRUCE LAYBOURN
LOCATION: DUBAI, UAE
| COVER STO RY |
Huge wooden dhows are loading electronics and textiles for centuries old trading routes to Oman, Iran - even Africa. It is noisy, colourful, seemingly disorganised - and a glorious contradiction to the glittering skyscrapers filling the skies overhead. LG and Samsung fridges appear to be a popular cargo with bundles of textiles being the second most obvious commodity stacked dockside. Far from the container ship era, these cargoes are handled almost exclusively by hand. Huge fridges are carried by a single man to shipside and laboriously heaved aboard. They are then stacked as a perimeter wall around the deck as a containing fence for the mountain of cargo still to be loaded. These traditional wooden ships have proven immensely strong traders over many generations. While they may look part of a long-forgotten era, these colourful old ships are now powered with modern diesel engines that enable them to cross long trading routes comparatively quickly and reliably.
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Their hard-working presence in the 21st century acts is a dramatic and delightful contrast to Dubai’s normal image as perhaps the world’s most modern city. We witness this busy scene on a day dedicated to exploring the history of this area of coast and desert that only beget Dubai in 1971. We begin with a walking food tour of Dubai. Muhammad Labeeb of Arabian Adventure can recognise a lost soul at 100 paces, even in a crowded hotel lobby. As I scan the lobby for my guide, Muhammad strides toward me, correctly guessing that I am his walking partner for the afternoon. This adventure slips well under the radar of all the elevated stereotypes of Dubai - of glistening skyscrapers, exotic super cars and wallet-buckling fashion brands. Instead we will explore at feet-onthe-ground street level, sample honest, traditional street fare and witness the resourcefulness of merchants and traders. While the emphasis is on food, the journey reveals
| COVER STORY |
While they may look part of a longforgotten era, these colourful old ships are now powered with modern diesel engines that enable them to cross long trading routes comparatively quickly and reliably.
ABOVE: Dubai skyline across the water. Photo by Tobias Scheck. LEFT: Traditional wooden dhows have proven to be immensely strong traders over many generations. Photo by Tobias Scheck.
innovative industry in action. Far from the throwaway culture, here shoes in terminal decline are restored to pristine condition, old time pieces are painstakingly recreated into retro masterpieces, tailor made suits crafted in hours - and cars fully re-upholstered on the side of the street while the customer waits. “I hope you’re hungry,” quips Muhammad. Fortunately I am, having slept through breakfast after arriving at the hotel at 3am at the end of the flight from Istanbul. We launch with the Al Malah Special, a fruit cocktail created at Al Malah café. What a spectacularly colourful way to kick off. Sure, It may sound like starting with dessert - but who cares? This creation comprises avocado, strawberry, mango, fruit chunks, almonds and cream, with honey drizzled on top. As we enjoy the “special,” Muhammad provides a pocket history of the United Arab Emirates. We are sitting on 2nd December Street, so named for the UAE’s historic birth date - February 2, 1971. We learn that UAE has a population of 10 million, with about three million living in Dubai. Of that 10 million, 85
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Old means of travel provide contrast to modern Dubai. Photo by Jay Tornaquia
| COVER STO RY | percent are foreigners and just 15 percent citizens. We have certainly visited the UAE at the best time. It is February and the temperature is a relatively cool 27 degrees. The best months to visit are November until April, the temperature becoming much hotter the rest of the year. As for coping, when the mercury hits 50 degrees, Muhammad shrugs: “You get used to it. It’s no different when I go somewhere very cold and I ask ‘how do you cope?’” Our appetite is teased with tastes of dates, samosas and Arabic sweets as we work our way toward the main course - a traditional family lunch at Ravi, situated in Satwa. Here, we enjoy chicken biryani and lamb kadai. It’s a feast without fuss, partaking without pretence, eating without etiquette. Just simply, it’s the enjoyment of wholesome fare. We tuck in with a grin, eat with our hands at times and savour the spices, the ancient symphony of proven favourites providing wave after wave of taste sensations. Splendidly sated, we set off to explore more of the history of this area of coast and desert that only became the footprint for Dubai less than 50 years ago. Muhammad strides through the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Dubai Creek and the gold and spice souks as a well-known figure, a greeting here and a handshake there to many of the market traders. A cruise ship is in town so we struggle for a view through the hypnotised cruisers of the world’s largest ring - but we do manage a photo of a 20 kilo gold necklace valued at more than US$1 million.
Unlikely as it sounds, the neighbouring spice market in some ways outshines the gold markets. Saffron, we learn, has a value by weight greater than gold.
| COVER STORY | Unlikely as it sounds, the neighbouring spice market in some ways outshines the gold markets. Saffron, we learn, has a value by weight greater than gold. We linger by the gold displays for their audacious displays of bling and loiter in the spice markets for the sheer joy of the smells. Our day also includes a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, and then a drive as close as we are allowed to the Zabeel Palace. We’ve heard stories of Sheik Mohammed’s solo drives, unescorted through Dubai, but on our visit we do not see his distinctive Mercedes Benz G-Class, modified by Brabus, sporting a “1” plate. Later, as the sun descends toward the horizon, we find ourselves part of a giant snake - a convoy of 65 Toyota Land Cruisers twisting and pirouetting over dunes in a wild, exhilarating sand dune roller coaster ride toward a Bedouin camp in the UAE desert. This desert safari proves a dramatic finale to our visit to Dubai. Leaving the city we visit the Dubai Camel Racing Club - complete with its own Camel Hospital - where we see dozens of camels being prepared with robot jockeys. The owners urge the camels on from moving trackside vehicles, radio control signals triggering robots to apply a little stick. At the edge of the desert our driver, Muhammad Saeed, deflates the tyres to provide needed traction on the sand. The first stop is to watch another UAE passion - falcons. This display is conducted by a South African lady who provides a fascinating history of falcon hunting, now prohibited, before initiating a spectacular aerial display, her falcon “hunting” the feathered bait she teases it with on the end of a line. She explains that the falcon carries a tiny GPS least he become bored and fly off in search of real quarry.
The exhilarating 4 x 4 dune dance follows. The twists, plunges and steep climbs through the desert dunes induce silence inside the Land Cruiser, either through fascination or fear we cannot be sure. As far as we can see ahead and behind there are 4 x 4s leaping into view, then disappearing. The course regularly carves back on itself in a tight choreography that might suggest an imminent giant pileup. We learn later that the course has been carefully planned and plotted into GPS. The lead vehicle follows the GPS line with the others following at a safe distance. The snake line moves surprisingly quickly, engines revving, wheels firing up clouds of sand during steep climbs, deep dives and tight turns.
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ABOVE: Our exhilarating 4 x 4 dune dance includes twists, plunges and steep climbs through the desert dunes. Photo by Bashar Alaeddin. RIGHT: Dubai desert camp. Photo by Traveljunction.
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| COVER STORY |
At the large established camp a large herd of camels are prepared for those wishing to take a brief ride. Inside we settle on cushions and carpet for a barbecue meal and belly dance entertainment.
Dubai’s phoenix-like leap from the desert sand in just 47 years suggests an uncommon vision, extraordinary investment confidence - and the absence of tedious planning procedures.
Reclined and relaxed on carpet beneath the stars in the desert adds further to the enigma that is Dubai. For here before February 2, 1971 this coastal stretch of desert was home to just a few scattered fishing settlements and nomadic camps.
Should the rocket-like rush from the desert floor to the sky, with a clear competitiveness to be the highest, be dismissed as oil boom decadence it is reassuring to learn the city does have secure roots.
As our convoy makes it way back toward the city skyline that is glittering against the evening darkness, a recurring astonishment returns - that Dubai’s monuments of glass and steel with their brave and extravagant architecture, weren’t here 50 years ago.
This grounding lies with the fishermen, the merchants with their still-trading wooden ships, the street cuisine, blossoming arts, the gold and spice souks and the traditional dhows ferrying visitors across Dubai Creek.
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| AIRLINE INTERVIEW |
Emirates’ flight plan - keep re-investing and re-inventing CORPORATE TRAVELLER AIRLINE INTERVIEW
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Emirates Airlines, the world’s largest international airline - with 155 destinations worldwide - anticipates the greatest growth areas on the horizon being Africa, the Middle East and Asia, particularly China.
| AIRLINE INTERVIEW |
In this interview with Corporate Traveller, New Zealand regional manager for Emirates, Chris Lethbridge, says re-investing and re-inventing is key to achieving a smooth the flightpath into the future. CT: In your view, as the world’s largest international airline, where does Emirates anticipate the greatest challenges and the greatest opportunities in the years ahead? The challenges facing the industry have become increasingly complex. However, we have gone into 2018 with a renewed sense of confidence in the global market environment, and more importantly, we continue to create a robust foundation for our future ambitions as an airline. Our strategy remains the same - we will focus on our own organic growth, work with partners to offer even better services and connect city pairs that make commercial sense for tourism and trade, while delivering the best value-for-money experience for our customers. We need to also ensure that we are consistent on that promise. We are also progressing our longer-term digital transformation plans to ensure our business is future fit and in line with changing consumer behaviour. CT: Responding to the growth in demand for air travel is clearly not just a matter of adding aircraft. Can you describe the huge logistical challenge? It’s certainly not a matter of just adding aircraft. At Emirates, we always want to live up to the customer’s expectations, which is one of the critical drivers of our investment decisions. We keep reinventing our products, enhancing our customer experience, and re-investing in our services and products. We have a diversified talent pool which we keep training and innovate our teams to differentiate our services and products. We tailor our product offering to the particular markets in which we operate. Extensive research, customer feedback, new culinary techniques and the expert knowledge of our catering team are taken into consideration when creating a menu based on the regional ingredients, cooking styles and cultural nuances. We have dedicated services such as special meals, non-stop entertainment system, toys and goodies to entertain and occupy children throughout their journey with us. These services are continually updated and enhanced. Billions of dollars in investment spanning our fleet, aircraft interiors, lounges and products and services ensure we leave no stone unturned in providing the very best value for money, delivering an experience
customers are eager to repeat and share like providing on board wifi, amongst other details. As I mentioned before, technology is hugely important to Emirates - and we deploy and continue to invest in the latest techniques to stay ahead of the game. CT: How do you anticipate this growth pattern will develop over the next decade? The airline industry will continue to grow as demand for global travel increases, especially in regions like Africa, the Middle East and Asia, particularly China, which is fast becoming one of the largest air travel markets in the world. Emirates, with its Dubai hub centrally-located, is well positioned to meet the needs of these travellers. The ability to conveniently connect travellers from east to west and vice versa also helps to stimulate trade and tourism with in the markets we operate to. Emirates remains the world’s largest international airline, with a network that spans over 155 destinations worldwide, operating a wide body fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. We believe that our young, modern fleet and our on board products and services offer customers who fly Emirates an unparalleled flight experience. CT: Where are the world “hotspots” in terms of expected growth? Significant markets include Asia and the Americas. These regions show both strong inbound and outbound traffic with a mix of business and leisure travellers. CT: The decision to order a further 36 new A380s was clearly a commercial decision for a much-loved flagship aircraft, but is it also fair to say Emirates is clearly invested in the A380 having a long future? We’ve made no secret of the fact that the A380 has been a success for Emirates. Our customers love it, and we’ve been able to successfully deploy it on different missions across our network, giving us flexibility in terms of range and passenger mix. Some of the new A380s ordered in January will be used as fleet replacements. This order will also provide stability to the A380 production line. We will continue to work closely with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and on-board product, so we continue to offer our passengers the best possible experience. The beauty of this aircraft is that the technology and real estate on board gives us plenty of room to do something different with the interiors, so watch this space when it comes to product innovation. CT: Over the next decade what do you expect will be the main challenges?
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| AIRLINE INTERVIEW | We are in an era where digitisation and fast-moving technologies will play a key role in changing the industry landscape, and how the customer experience will be defined. Emirates is adapting quickly to ensure we are ahead of the curve. The digital and consumer revolution is already happening, and we are already working in partnership with some of the best organisations and universities in the world to test and develop new business solutions using big data, realtime analytics, personalisation and automation.
CT: Do you see more opportunities abroad for companies like dnata and other Emirates interests in the future, including in New Zealand?
We are in an era where digitisation and fast-moving technologies will play a key role in changing the industry landscape, and how the customer experience will be defined.
Yes, because their products and services are designed to complement travel and they are leading on services and that means they can only grow and expand. CT: What exciting new developments can you share with Corporate Traveller’s readers - such as cabin design, business communications, entertainment, ease of transit? Emirates has made a number of significant announcements over the past year. We introduced product enhancements on both our Boeing 777 and A380 aircrafts, we unveiled an enhanced A380 Onboard Lounge, and our Boeing 77-300ER First Class private suites saw a multi-million dollar gamechanging upgrade. Emirates also recently announced a new Business Class cabin configuration on the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft with wider seats in a 2-2-2 configuration for the very first time. Economy class seats in the 777200LR have also been refreshed with full leather headrests with flexible side panels that can be adjusted for optimum support. Also in our Economy Class cabins, we introduced sustainable blankets made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, making it the largest on board sustainable blanket programme in the airline industry. We continue to find ways to meet customer demand with even more convenient flight options. In July 2017, we entered a partnership with flydubai, which offers passengers access to more than 200 destinations through the combined network of the airlines. In the Americas we launched a direct year round service between Athens and New York and also recently announced a direct flight service from Dubai to Santiago, Chile. In addition, we’ve announced increased capacity to Istanbul, Lisbon and Auckland via Bali. CT: Can you describe how Emirates facilitates the business traveller’s journey – from ease of check-in,
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lounge facilities, on-board comfort, dining, wifi and ease of arrival through to personal transport and hotel arrivals? The experience you get on board Emirates is comparable to premium hotel stays and fine dining restaurants, only it’s in the air. This can be attributed to our exceptional emphasis on aesthetics, ergonomic standards in our cabins with innovative features as well as technological touches like having over 3,500 channels of entertainment. On the ground, we offer the highest levels of comfort at the very beginning of the customer journey, from Chauffeur Drive service, to our bespoke lounges that are designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service across the globe at many major airports.
CT: What do you see as the main driver of the demand that has led to the new services to Istanbul? We’ve seen continued growth in travel demand to and from Istanbul over the past year and are therefore pleased to be able to offer passengers travelling with Emirates the choice of two destinations in the city. With flights to these two points in Istanbul, along with our extended partnership with flydubai, we’re able to offer customers more scheduled flight options and greater connectivity to Dubai and beyond.
| AIRLINE INTERVIEW |
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| LUXURY ESCAPES |
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| LUXURY ESCAPES |
Elements of Byron launches 19 new luxury villas Elements of Byron, the five star Australian resort on Belongil Beach, has added 99 new luxury twobedroom, two bathroom rainforest villas that are now completed and available to book. The villas feature timber decks, inbuilt fireplaces and luxurious veranda bathhouses. The villas enable guests to relax in harmony with Byron Bay’s unique environment. The new villas represent an elevated offering from Elements of Byron - a perfect, private hideaway for those seeking to be energised and rejuvenated. The villas, priced from $650 a night, are generous in size, a perfect base from which to explore this iconic stretch of New South Wales coast with friends and family. Opened in early 2016, Elements of Byron is a tranquil haven on the outskirts of Byron town, extending across 20 hectares of rainforest and interconnected tea tree creeks, lakes and ponds. The Elements property is home to more than 19 rare and threated Australian species. “Nature has always been a starting and primary point for our inspiration and design. Developments to the property throughout summer and beyond will maintain that philosophy and ethos,” says Jeremy Holmes, development director of Elements. Existing notable features of Elements of Byron, including an 850,000-litre infinity lagoon, endless day beds and rustic fire pits, award-winning leisure facilities and indulgent dining options. As well, a new exclusive pool and bar will launch within the property for guests 18 and over. The cocktail bar will be on offer throughout the day and night. The immersed swim-up bar will enable guests to enjoy the Byron sun, with a refreshing cocktail or organic cold pressed juice in-hand. The private pool will be the venue for a number of planned activities.
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| LUXURY ESCAPES |
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| LUXURY ESCAPES | Designed to provide guests with an escape, Elements of Byron offers private transport options to make the journey to and from the property. Guests can be collected in the private Elements of Byron helicopter from Ballina or Gold Coast airport, or into Byron town with a world-first, solar powered train that runs across three kilometres of coastal track. Further plans for the property, include an eco education centre featuring market gardens and organic composts - designed to inform and immerse guests on sustainable living practices and food production. As the resort develops, guests can still engage in favoured activities designed to heal and renew - from daily yoga classes on the Pacific Ocean, treatments at the Osprey Spa to beach horse rides, and guided nature walks with an in-house “bush tucker.” When it opened in 2016, Elements won the approval of one of Australia’s toughest judges - the good folk of Byron Bay. The landmark beachfront resort has also received the Award for Best Hotel Design from the Society of British Interior Design International Design Awards. Entries were received from 43 countries and Elements of Byron was the only Australasian finalist in this category.
“The upbeat and eclectic interior draws inspiration from water, fauna and human desire” noted the Society of British Interior Design judges. “Elements of Byron stands alone in the industry”. The award acknowledges the intensive collaboration between resort owner Peggy Flannery and Interior designer Rowena Cornwell from Coop Creative. “Byron Bay’s entrepreneurial youth culture makes it such an exciting place to visit,” says Cornwell. “I wanted to create spaces that captured that spirit”. This followed Forbes Magazine announcing Elements of Byron as being among the 25 Coolest Hotels in the World, along with a swathe of other accolades, including the New South Wales Master Builders Association Award for Best Hospitality Building.
The upbeat and eclectic interior draws inspiration from water, fauna and human desire.
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| LUXURY ESCAPES |
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| LUXURY ESCAPES |
Jamala Wildlife Lodge - up close and personal with big game Utterly at home in the grounds of the National Zoo and Aquarium in the heart of Canberra, is Jamala Wildlife Lodge, comprising five-star, Africanstyled lodges and bungalows, designed to get guests up close and personal with some of the zoo’s best known residents.
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| LUXURY ESCAPES | Jamala features 18 luxurious suites - Giraffe Treehouses, Jungle Bungalows and uShaka Lodge, which blend the opulence of five-star accommodation with the thrill of a wild African safari. uShaka Lodge offers several opulent room choices, all leading into the splendid lounge area featuring authentic African artefacts, as well as housing monkeys and a shark tank. The Giraffe Treehouses allow guests to mingle with the friendly animals in the private garden setting, before enjoying the experience of hand feeding a giraffe from their balcony. Guests are also treated to exclusive, behind the scenes zoo tours, encountering some of its most popular residents such as white rhinoceros and meerkats. The all-inclusive fine dining culinary offerings top off a lodge stay, featuring a memorable dinner with some very special wild guests. Jamala Wildlife Lodge’s safaristyle suites and bungalows not only boast sublime African art and décor, but are also surrounded by some of the world’s most magnificent and endangered animals. Three separate accommodation hubs, located across the zoo grounds, offer guests unique choices. uShaka Lodge has seven splendid rooms, all of which connect to the lounge area where guests can enjoy the company of the curious and captivating colobus monkeys and the inhabitants of the 200,000 litre shark tank. The Jungle Bungalows provide guests with the unique opportunity to bathe alongside a brown bear, sleep next to a lion or check out a cheetah from the five-star comfort of their African-inspired bungalow.
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The lodge offers an opportunity to connect with and learn about the world’s most amazing animals, providing a remarkable overnight, luxury experience for guests. Jamala Wildlife Lodge is billed as Canberra’s first, allinclusive luxury accommodation experience. The lodge was declared Australia’s No.1 deluxe accommodation in the Australian Hotel Association 2017 Awards. The lodge’s immersive experience treats guests to two exclusive zoo tours that encounter some of the zoo’s rarest, largest and most dangerous inhabitants. As well, all-inclusive fine dining featuring sunset canapés and drinks, a gourmet African-styled meal with fellow guests and a freshly prepared breakfast. Guests are invited to enjoy three different experiences – spending one night in each room type. Guests can also immerse themselves in one of the most unique experiences in the world. They can sleep next to a lion, bathe next to a brown bear or relax above a 22,000-litre shark tank. A 22-hour stay includes overnight accommodation, all food and dinner - which features five courses of African-inspired cuisine - top class beverages and exclusive tours. This is in conjunction with unparalleled access to some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals. Jamala wildlife Lodge occupies one of a very few open range sections in a zoo found in a city environment. The lodge opened in December, 2014, after a remarkable journey by a local family that began in 1998. Back then they set about building
| LUXURY ESCAPES |
a major zoo that housed animals in as comfortable surroundings as possible. As such, most of the enclosure sizes are far larger than found in other urban zoos and the husbandry and welfare are aimed at achieving world’s best practices. The addition of Jamala Wildlife Lodge was a major step to bolster the programmes run by the zoo. The
aim was that funds from Jamala would allow the zoo to continue to grow and support its breeding programmes. Jamala and its programmes have been designed to maximise the opportunity to subtly impress on guests that everything possible should be done to ensure that these magnificent animals survive in the wild.
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| BUSINESS EXCELLENCE |
Leading Auckland realtor notes ‘huge shift’ to luxury apartments
PROFILE PROMOTION
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The dramatic rise in demand for quality apartments in Auckland is being partly driven by people wanting to downsize from large family homes, notes a man at the centre of this trending development, Jason Gaddes of New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty.
| BUSINESS EXCELLENCE |
For many buyers, it’s freeing up their time and capital to really enjoy living their lives again.
We asked Gaddes to share his experience and advice for folk contemplating making the move from traditional residential to luxury apartment living. CT: Tell us about your background and experience I’ve been in sales and marketing roles most of my working life, predominately in the IT, print and communications industries. I’ve also owned and operated several businesses as well as a senior management role for a large New Zealand company. CT: What motivated you to move into real estate? I’ve always had an interest in the market, having bought and sold a number of times myself and felt I had the right skill set and business experience to be successful as a licensed professional. Plus, it’s an industry that rewards performance and results like no other, which really appeals to me. Which areas do you specialise in and why? My main area of speciality is quality apartment living, both existing and off-plan. I’m currently involved in marketing several high quality apartment developments in central Auckland’s art and law precinct, Parnell and Mission Bay. Over the past couple of years, I’ve seen a huge shift in people wanting to downsize from large family homes to the flexibility and convenience of luxury apartment living. For many buyers, it’s freeing up their time and
capital to really enjoy living their lives again. CT: What’s the best piece of real estate advice you give your clients? As a potential customer, don’t be afraid to say what you’re looking for and what your budget is. It can save you from wasting a lot of time. Even if the property you’re looking for isn’t currently on the market, quite often it can be found for you. Do your homework on the property and ask plenty of questions to ensure you’re well informed to make a decision and as always, ensure you seek independent expert advice before committing to anything. As a client, be open with me from the start and tell me what your plans are. That way we can discuss the way forward and agree on the best course of action. Remember, once you hire me, we’re in it together on the same team and it’s much easier for me to deliver you the desired outcome if I know the whole score. What special or added services do you offer to buyers and sellers? First and foremost, real estate is a people business, so you need to be able to communicate effectively. Knowing what people are looking for or what they’re wanting to achieve and why is critical to a successful outcome. This is an area that I am very well versed in through years of practical experience. jason.gaddes@nzsir.com | nzsothebysrealty.com
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| BUSINESS EXCELLENCE |
Travel Stick – healthy weapon against inevitable travel bugs Auckland aromatherapist Annie Prince’s Travel Stick has struck a chord with travellers tired of picking up bugs in the confined spaces and close quarters that are inevitable travel companions.
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| BUSINESS EXCELLENCE |
Attention is turning to research on the antibacterial properties of these ancient essences.
worldwide and tested for purity, safety and therapeutic quality. “The Travel Stick design uses the patented, research backed, technology from Switzerland of a suspended filter in the middle of the tube, to facilitate greater airflow, allowing the essential oIl molecules of black spruce, eucalyptus narrow leaf, frankincense, lemon, myrtle, niaouli, palmarosa and ravintsara to effectively reach the respiratory network.” Auckland aromatherapist Annie Prince’s Travel Stick has struck a chord with travellers tired of picking up bugs in the confined spaces and close quarters that are inevitable travel companions. This personal inhaler with pure essential oils is said to promote cool, clear breathing while helping the body resist infection. “New research featured in a World Health Organisation (WHO) journal has linked toxic cabin air to respiratory problems, cancer, chronic fatigue and neurological problems,” she explains. “Essential oils are nature’s antiseptics, the plant’s own protection against pathogens, and a plethora of research exists on their antibacterial properties.” It was using this knowledge that Annie Prince formulated the Travel Stick. The user simply inhales through both nostrils several times a day or as needed in unhealthy environments. Prince’s organic or wildcrafted essential oils are sourced from reputable distillers
Expiry date is two years from date of manufacture, with maximum efficacy six months after opening. This product is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women, nor is it intended as a treatment for any disease or replacement for medication. After completing a Diploma in Aromatherapy, Prince undertook advanced clinical aromatherapy studies overseas with the internationallyrecognised Rhiannon Lewis, director of Essential Oil Resource Consultants, provence and editor of the International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy. She runs her own practice incorporating treatments, classes and the making of bespoke products, in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland. “I believe it is an exciting time to be involved in the world of essential oils, as we lose our frontline antibiotics to resistant bacteria and attention is turning to research on the antibacterial properties of these ancient essences.”
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| WORLD FOCUS |
The juiciest travel plums await the active & adventurous WORDS: PAUL SCHOFFELMEER
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Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Corporate Traveller’s travel editor, Paul Schoffelmeer, demonstrates the rewards that are gained by keeping our eyes – and camera lens – on full alert.
| WORLD FOCUS |
An alley way in Malta leads down to the sea. Photo by Reuben Farrugia.
| WORLD FOCUS |
Photo by South Africa Tourism
South Africa’s Cape Winelands As we land in Cape Town we descend over some of the most interesting and picturesque countryside where grapes obviously flourish. Franschhoek (French corner) is located between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape wine lands area of the Franschhoek Valley. Sculpture, art, wine and food can be enjoyed within this heartland where splendid wines are grown, and top chefs create international cuisine. The weekend open-air market, which is held within the church grounds in the centre of this small quaint village, provides a trip down memory lane for those of us of a slightly older vintage. This is an engaging, family orientated and full of a fun fair atmosphere.
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We enjoy live music, arts, crafts plus lots of locally produced food - and even a gin can be savoured. With wonderful scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine and some of the finest wines there is a magic allure that even draws in day-trippers from Cape Town. The location is perfectly positioned as a base to visit the wider region.
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Photo by Francisco Anzola
Saudi Arabia’s Masmak Citadel Saudi Arabia has much to explore and enjoy - but it’s not without its challenges. Uber makes life easy to get around though, definitely a key to getting around here. If we leave data roaming on we’ll be just fine. In Riyadh the Masmak Citadel is a restored clay and mud-brick fort with four watchtowers and very thick walls founded on stone blocks. It is situated in the centre of the old town of Riyadh. This structure has played a major part in the kingdom’s history, as it was here that the recapture of Riyadh led by Ibn Saud, occurred on January 14, 1902.
market is not confined to standard carpet sellers. Saudi Arabia offers the opportunity to uncover hidden gems. But, as yet, it remains an unwise destination for solo women travellers.
After wandering through the fort and seeing the well-detailed history, we come across markets selling everything from spice and clothing to antiques. This
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Photo by Anton Strogonoff
Thailand’s Koh Sichang Just 90 minutes drive east from Bangkok along a raised dual carriage highway we find ourselves in the Chonburi Province of Thailand. We find Chonburi well before we get to the seaside holiday spot of Pattaya - now a city, can you believe? We jump on board our ferry and after a 30-minute trip we enter something of a time warp, a destination that’s defiantly relaxed, easy-going and a good 30 years back in its view on what’s important. Phone and internet coverage is found on the majority of the island, and there are some great beaches. Delightfully, we discover that the local people’s view of reality is refreshingly down to earth. Wild, semi-domesticated pigs wander
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the island as if they are in charge - but never menacingly - while the population goes about its normal everyday life. I really enjoyed my colonial stay at the Somewhere Hotel, a place that gives the vibe that this is the perfect atmosphere to write our memoirs or craft a compelling novel. Local history, both royal and seafaring, would provide for plenty of colourful content to either context. Being so close to Bangkok, this getaway Island is to be treasured and hopefully not spoiled. So far, so good.
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Photo by Jacek Dylag
Austria’s old town Vienna We walk, enjoy and absorb this beauty from early morning till late, unhindered by traffic. Vienna City Centre covers three square kilometres of Unesco World Heritage site. Old town Vienna is packed with history, palaces, classical music venues, coffee houses, restaurants and high-end shopping. They refer to the centre of Vienna as “Innenstadt.” About 82 hectares of it is a pedestrian area that gives us the edge in exploring at leisure. The city centre is quite round in shape and girded by Ringstrasse. Visitors should prepare themselves for medieval, baroque, historic, art nouveau, modernist and contemporary finds – along with brilliant cafés, bars and restaurants.
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Photo by Joy Rahman
Lebanon’s Beirut Marina Beirut Marina, from beyond Zaitunay Bay, is far from we might expect. This very French influenced city is full of fantastic people, food and experiences. The totally renovated marina is accessible to the general public, the upper and lower promenades forming an intensely active area, where Lebanese, tourists and Beirut food lovers enjoy a wide selection of menus, as well as spaces for events, cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions and a variety of other celebrations. We continue onto the Corniche - along the older Beirut waterfront - which is lined with palm trees. This waterfront esplanade has brilliant close-up views of the Mediterranean as well as the summit of Mount Lebanon to the east.
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This is an ideal backdrop to enjoying genuine five-star dining experiences. This vibrant city has as many options to explore as Manhattan. There is a fullon array of gastronomic waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
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Photo by Sara Cardoso
The Republic of Malta I was unsure what to expect, having flown over these islands a few months earlier at 40,000 feet while en-route from Dohan to Barcelona?
mark on what we find today. Malta is a real blend of so many influences, rather than reflecting only one portion of its past.
A mini-Britain in the Mediterranean, perhaps? What I found was a nation known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers -including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples on a very small outcrop of land that reminds me much more of the Middle East than Europe. The weather and the buildings are far more like what we see in Lebanon, Jordon and Israel.
This is a chilled, relaxed place that’s easy to get to and enjoy. In some places, however, it feels like there is a condo and apartment boom that’s catering specifically for the fly in/out elderly of northern Europe.
There is a great maritime feel here - for obvious reasons. The various rulers of these strategic islands have all left a
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Photo by Savannah Koomen
Cape Town’s colourful Bo Kaap Bo Kaap is one of the most photographed areas of Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why when we need only walk five minutes from the centre of the city to get here. Their brightly painted houses and quaint cobbled streets aren’t the only reasons to visit the Bo Kaap. It is packed full of history and culture. A chap called Jan de Waal undertook the earliest development in the Bo Kaap area in the 1760s. Subsequently, the area became known as Waalendorp. It has also been known as the Malay Quarter, the Slamse Buurt, and Scotcheskloof. Translated from Afrikaans, Bo Kaap means “above the cape.” There is no need for a guide here - just
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time and a perfect weather day are all that are needed for the best - with Table Mountain in the background.
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Photo by Toms Balcus
The Republic of Cyprus Cyprus is another island that made me look closer after I had seen it from 40,000 feet on my British Airways 787 flight from London to Tel Aviv earlier this year. After clearing Larnaca Airport and heading toward the centre of the island while driving around Nicosia it becomes quickly apparent at the border that we’re leaving a European infrastructure for a Turkish one - there’s no hassle with the border crossing here at all. Ascending the hills, the views become expansive, then in what appears to be a few minutes the sea opens up again in front of our horizon. Then it’s a descent into Kyrenia Harbour. a small town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and
castle - although the marina and eateries around the waterfront/port area are very popular with travellers and locals alike. I found the most pleasant places to stay were old, converted properties that are a few blocks back from the port, often run by local families or eastern Europeans who have found the place to be just what they seek - warm, relaxed and peaceful. The harbour, its yachts and fishing boat activity dictate what is happening here most of the day. That said, there is a great deal of art, sculpture and artisan’s work that will keep us interested. This is a very pleasant place to base ourselves while we explore the entire Northern Cyprus coast.
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WE HAVE A NEW WORD FOR THAT FEELING WHEN TRAVEL MAKES EVERYTHING NEW WORDS BY LIAM HENEGHAN EDITED BY BRIGID HAINS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIUSEPPE MILO
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On a double-decker bus from Dublin Airport to Drumcondra early one June morning, a young lad stretched out on the back seat and started to rap. What he lacked in talent he made up for in gusto. I was with a dozen of my students who were travelling from DePaul University in Chicago on a study abroad trip and this was their very first impression of Ireland. I cringed and tried to ignore the atonal reveller. Their response, it turned out, was at odds with mine. “That’s American rap,” one of them chortled. “Why is he rapping Kendrick?” The oddity of the situation entertained them, and they discussed it with a fervour typically reserved for matters of greater significance. One thing I’ve noticed over the years of bringing my students to Ireland - my homeland - is that they pay rapt attention to the little things. This heightened and delighted attention to the ordinary, which manifests in someone new to a place, does not seem to have a name. So I have given it one: allokataplixis (from the Greek allo meaning “other,” and katapliktiko meaning (“wonder”). In Modern Greek katapliktiko and the related word katataplixie can be used to register astonishment. Admittedly, in Ancient Greek the family of words surrounding kataplêxis sometimes signified “terror” and “panic”. It is, however, the note of pure “amazement” and “fascination’” present in this word that I want to celebrate in my neologism. Allokataplixis, as I use the term, is the gift, usually unacknowledged, that the traveller offers to the places they visit. For the past five years, I have travelled around Ireland each summer with a bunch of allokataplixic American kids. Almost everything draws them in. In the city, they never choose to stay downstairs on the bus - there’s just too much to see from the upper deck. Marvellous to them also is the slight smell of salt in the air when you arrive in Dublin, the raucousness of seagulls crying overhead, the lowrise and higgledy-piggledy appearance of the city’s architecture, the garrulousness of the people, the little fossils embedded in the bridge that spans the pond in St Stephen’s Green, the 99 Flake ice-cream cones, the inclination of Irish people to traditional music, the almost unfathomable reverence in the west for uilleann pipers, the omnipresence of sheep on hilly tracts of land, the unhealthy deliciousness of Tayto crisps, the intense greenness of the vegetation, the yellowness of the butter, the perennial greyness of the sky, the presence of poets - actual poets - in the streets, Martello towers, walled gardens, the frankness about matters of mortality, the way the elderly habitually cross themselves as their bus lurches past the churches, the vat-loads of tea
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consumed, the vat-loads of stout consumed, the strangeness of Ireland’s youthful drinkers hailing Budweiser as a premier beer, the national addiction to sweets, the quantity of dog shit left to gently steam in the thoroughfares, the medical acumen of pharmacists in “chemist” shops, the casual insults that friends sling at one another, the extravagant length of the midsummer’s day, the gorgeousness of the sun setting on the Atlantic viewed from the beaches of the west, the melancholy slopes in County Kerry that were abandoned during the famine. And so on. There is, of course, so much to learn when any of us visit a place for the first time and it would be easy to assume that information passes in one direction only, from the host nation to its guests. Yet over the years that I’ve been bringing students to Ireland I’ve observed that their thirst for fresh experience is contagious. It oftentimes brings out the best in people. A tourist generally has an eye for the things that, through repetitive familiarity, have become almost invisible to the resident. What is revealed need not always be congenial of course. Visitors can make the resident aware of the shortcomings of their home - litter in the streets, poor service, even troubling cultural attitudes such as xenophobia. A tourist can stir within us a recognition of both the delicious strangeness of mundane things and our own unseemly peccadilloes. This annual migration to Ireland that I take with Hugh Bartling, a climate policy wonk, and our students, is focused primarily on the ecology of our national parks. Unlike the United States, where such parks are often regarded as wilderness areas, in Ireland there is an acknowledgement that even remote landscapes are as much a product of cultural forces as they are of nature. To instil an understanding of the history and resilience of these traditional, cultural landscapes, we prepare our students before they leave by reading a great quantity of Tim Robinson’s work. Over a period of four decades - from the 1970s until his recent departure from Ireland - Robinson walked, mapped and wrote about the west of Ireland with verve and enormous grace. Those who have read his brace of books on the Aran Islands - Stones of Aran: Pilgrimage (1986) and Stones of Aran: Labyrinth (1995 ) - or his trilogy on Connemara - Connemara: Listening to the Wind (2006), Connemara: The Last Pool of Darkness (2008) and Connemara: A Little Gaelic Kingdom (2011 ) - will know the story of his coming to Ireland fairly well. Jaded from the European art scene, Robinson and his partner visited Inis Mór in the 1970s and elected to stay. A local postmistress mentioned that a map of the island would be useful. What began as an index of place names mushroomed over the years into one
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There is, of course, so much to learn when any of us visit a place for the first time and it would be easy to assume that information passes in one direction only, from the host nation to its guests.
of the great European literary projects of the last several decades. The work includes maps, books, a gazetteer, essays and lectures. A central metaphor in Robinson’s body of work is the notion of the fractal - a geometrical pattern that shows the property of self-similarity at various observational scales. Snowflakes and coastlines are examples in nature. Robinson writes that the fractal promises to be a rich “source of metaphor and imagery” in literature and life. He continues: “Like all discoveries, it surprises us yet again with the unfathomable depth and richness of the natural world; specifically it shows that there is more space, there are more places within a forest … or on a Connemara seashore, than the geometry of common sense allows.” Robinson, the one-time tourist, became one of the great natural and social historians of that part of the world. Though the work is rightly celebrated, what is not always noted is how Robinson, as an attentive outsider, awakens even his Irish readers to a recognition of the fantastical in the mundane landscapes of the west. Robinson is, in other words, a great writer of allokataplixis. One does not need, however, to be an outsider or a tourist to be allokataplixic. Is it not the task of most writers to awaken us from the dull, the flat and the average sentiments that can dominate our lives? Many of the Irish writers that my students read before
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| WORLD FOCUS | travelling have a knack for noticing the marvellous in the everyday, and of making the quotidian seem wholly other and amazing. Robert Lloyd Praeger, the great naturalist of the last century, is one such writer - as he travelled the rural counties, some of his greatest botanical discoveries were made right outside the guesthouse door. J M Synge, especially in his often-neglected writing on travels in Wicklow, Connemara and Kerry, is another such writer. And James Joyce, that profound naturalist of life’s epiphanic moments, specialised in observing how the ecstatic intrudes - sometimes painfully - into the everyday. My students read the story The Dead as an ecological text, for it provides an abiding account of a rupture between Ireland’s supposedly refined eastern coast and its feral west. At the conclusion, Gabriel Conroy, cuckolded by the ghost of Michael Furey, his wife’s dead boyfriend, takes a melancholic psychological journey across a snowy Ireland to that boy’s grave. Joyce wrote in one of his most celebrated passages that the snow “was falling on every part of the dark central plain, on the treeless hills, falling softly upon the Bog of Allen and, farther westward, softly falling into the dark mutinous Shannon waves. It was falling, too, upon every part of the lonely churchyard on the hill where Michael Furey lay buried.” I’ll mention just one more recent writer, if only to illustrate that a new generation of allokataplixic writers is emerging: Karl Whitney, author of Hidden City: Adventures and Explorations in Dublin (2014). In Hidden City, Whitney becomes a visitor to the city of his birth, a tourist of the commonplace. In one brilliant chapter, he inches along beneath the streets of Dublin, following the courses of rivers that have long been paved over. In another, he follows the excrement of the denizens of the city out to the sewage treatment plants and, once treated and refined, follows the liquid discharge out into Dublin Bay. Not since Leopold Bloom defecates so leisurely in an early chapter of Ulysses has urban excrement been so vividly described. Last year as we crossed the Midlands, we walked out on the boardwalk at Clara Bog in County Offaly, where by chance we met with a local out on his morning constitutional. Tommy was a former worker for Bord na Móna, the Irish semi-state body that oversees the economic development of peat for use as fuel. He is now an enthusiastic conservationist. That my students took such a delight in the bog seemed to ignite something in him. Noticing that one of the students carried a tin whistle, he volunteered to play a couple of reels and so we listened to the blast of a few tunes out on the bog on an ordinary Saturday morning. He said he’d never done anything like it. Allokataplixis is contagious. I don’t suppose one needs to live a life of perpetual
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I don’t suppose one needs to live a life of perpetual astonishment. After all, it’s adaptive to forget. Our daily grind is perhaps easier to endure in a state of mild amnesia. astonishment. After all it’s adaptive to forget. Our daily grind is perhaps easier to endure in a state of mild amnesia. Muscle memory sets in, routine takes over, and one day seems the same as any other. But days go by, the years hum along, and one can careen towards senility without being unduly startled by anything at all. Surely, there are times when we must be released from our moorings and free ourselves up to notice the peculiarities of everyday life. Our greatest writers have, as often as not, lived in a state of astonishment - this is not an easy burden. But in a quieter register and perhaps in an equally instructive way, even the everyday tourist can alert us to the remarkable in our home terrain. When we are ourselves tourists, we notice things. But even in noticing how tourists are alive to their surroundings, might we not learn something from them? Observe the tourists on Dublin’s Grafton Street listening to the buskers, or watch them marvel at the lights on Broadway in New York. Witness them sip their ouzo at the Acropolis or behold them picking their way across the newly minted basalt lava-flow in the Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. They’ve brought their allokataplixis with them.
Thanks to my wife Vassia Pavlogianis for discussions on the Modern Greek words for wonder, and to Dr Sean Kirkland of DePaul University in Chicago for a tutorial on the Ancient Greek etymology.
THIS ARTICLE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED ON AEON
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Visiting a glorious, gilded past - Asia’s grand old ladies WORDS: GERARD HINDMARSH
Asia’s “grand dames” provide both sanctuary from the strange and a dip into a glorious, gilded past. Travel is a foretaste of hell, so goes an old centralAsian proverb. This can still be applicable for travellers around the East today. Our hotel becomes a refuge from the distant hubbub, the steamy heat, and senses that feel assaulted at every turn. For the record, I’m more than happy staying in a seedy dive when I have to. But every so often, a more prestigious address must be had - the job dictates it, or maybe we’ve earned it after a hard time on the road. Either way we can’t go past one of Asia’s grand old ladies. These exotic and impeccable hotels, traditionally one of note per Asian capital, have offered exquisite refuge to generations of travellers. Trusted names like the E & O in Penang, Hotel des Indes in Jakarta, the Imperial of Tokyo, or Royal Station in Kuala Lumpur. A lucky few like the Peninsula in Hong Kong, Raffles in Singapore, The Strand in Rangoon (Yangon), and the Oriental in Bangkok have had millions lavished on them. Some, I mourn, like what used to be my very favourite - the eight-suite ex-colonial mansion known as the Bela Vista on the waterfront in Macau, now somehow sadly used as the residence for the Portuguese Consulate in the former colony. What a waste, not to be appreciated by many as it used to be for so many decades.
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| WORLD FOCUS | These places ooze with something that younger hotels can never claim to have – traditions, which are ardently kept alive. When I visited the five star Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, the manager and I sat down in the conservatory next to a rattan chair which daily is still reserved for the founding owner of the hotel, Mohan Singh Oberoi. Every day he would come in for afternoon tea and sit in the same chair. Even though he long passed away, the current staff still reserve the chair and put out a cup of the finest Assam tea for him every afternoon.
PREVIOUS PAGE The indoor pool at The Peninsula Hong Kong is located on the eighth floor and offers panoramic views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. RIGHT Deluxe room at the Oriental Bangkok. BELOW 1) The spa at The
Once, while dining on the expansive tiled veranda of the Bela Vista, I badly cut my finger while slicing through a Portuguese sausage with the sharpest breadknife I have ever come across. Blood everywhere, so embarrassing. I was forced to finish my meal with a cotton napkin wrapped around my finger. The impeccable Macanese waiter displayed genuine sorrow and shouted me an extra bottle of Portuguese wine. I like the way the ice tinkles in these grand old hotels, the way the butlers wait (at least they used to) at the end of every hallway, how we can put our shoes out at night and find them polished to a mirror finish by morning. These are the touches that ensure history is preserved. During the Second World War, General Isogai commanded Japan’s Pacific Invasion from the Peninsula Hotel at Kowloon in Hong Kong. Near the end of the war, allied fighter planes raked all the 8th storey windows with gunfire, the floor where he was thought to be staying. It took two years to tidy up after him before the hotel could reopen again. General MacArthur did the same thing at the Manila Hotel. These guys knew where to stay while their grunts were minced on godforsaken atolls. Visitors can still rent the MacArthur suite at $3300 a night. These hotels deliver their client’s appetite for period nostalgia. The Continental Hotel in Saigon heartily advertises that Graeme Greene got drunk there most nights when he lived in the city. For around $3400 a night, we can rent Somerset Maugham’s suite at the Oriental in Bangkok. It’s worth googling a picture of it, all majestic red, hot pink and gold colour- schemed, matching four-poster beds and elegantly crafted furniture. This is the hotel which, before electricity, used to employ four “fan wallahs” to keep high-paying guests cool in their room while they slept. We can still check out James Clavell’s little annex room under the stairs at the Peninsula in Hong Kong. We’re not talking overnighters here either. Clavell wrote his Asian trilogy of Noble House, Taipan and
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Peninsula Hong Kong. 2) Private dining at The Peninsula Hong Kong.
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Shogun while staying in “The Pen.” If we can’t afford it, we should at least visit the Peninsula when travelling through Hong Kong. Fifty bucks will still get us high tea and strawberry cakes with high society and four-piece orchestra. It’s like being in Alice in Wonderland. The ceiling fans may be long gone, replaced by more effective air conditioning, but the tall columns, gilded ornamental ceilings and sculptured angels exude as much opulence as the day it opened. In bygone days, it was customary for ladies of easy virtue to sit on the left or western side of the Peninsula lobby, while social matrons and their daughters graced the eastern portion - typical crosssections of colonial life and in particular high society. Although the connection is obvious, the term “grand hotel” was not so much about grandeur. It came in as a technical description, meaning a totally selfcontained hotel that for the first time combined all
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the aspects of hospitality - accommodation, fine food, opulent retreats to rendezvous, places for laundry, currency exchange, telephone operators, even sports or exercise facilities. “Grand” meant everything guests needed, including the ability to make onward booking arrangements, could be handled within the establishment. It was revolutionary service. I have to admit I like them a little faded, like the Majestic used to be in Saigon where I used to stay in the 1990s before it got all neoned and tarted up. Patina tiles and peeling paint was standard décor, and correspondingly cheap too. Visitors had to see past the rundown look, and imagine a past grandeur. It was clean enough, with everything largely working, just. There was no such thing as hot water, of course. I had to force open my balcony doors – supposed to be the fire escape
for my room – which had been nailed shut to stop climbing thieves getting in. Breakfast was served on the open roof, overlooking the bustling Saigon River. “Take care, my friend. This can be a very dangerous city,” warned the doorman every time I left the hotel. The staff actually seem to care. Often it’s the circumstances of our stay that make the hotel. Le Grand Hotel d’Angkor is not in Cambodia’s capital but close to the fabulous temples of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. The hotel is a boxy rebuild, after being smashed to bits by the Khmer Rouge. Nothing glitzy, overpriced if anything, but still a cool, dark peaceful sanctuary of a place just for one day among all the smells so strange, language so trying, colours so vivid. To have lived and not experienced one of these refuges would be delinquent indeed.
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PLACENCIA A FORGOTTEN VILLAGE HAPPY IN THE CARIBBEAN SUN
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Placencia, a tiny, sleepy fishing village sunning itself in the Caribbean nation of Belize, doesn´t catch the attention of too many people as nothing really happens there. But that´s exactly why this under-theradar destination is so worth a visit. Amarildo, Gaspar and Cleber are names with which we baptise the grey pelicans that perch on the tiny pier every sunrise and remain there until sunset. We witness their moves and dives from the porch of our casita, No.18, last in the row of the best ones, right on the private sandy beach of the luxurious five-star Turtle Inn Resort. Placencia lies on a peninsula in south Belize, which can be reached from the capital in a couple of ways - a three-hour drive or a scenic 45-minutes flight. For those who choose the flight, it´s just another five minute ride from the airstrip to the hotel. And, naturally, there is someone to pick us up. This signature hotel - the brand being Francis Ford Coppola, no less - is a sophisticated brand retreat, the most pleasant and charming place to stay in the whole area. It is mid-morning on a bright, sunny Monday when we land at Placencia airport. After waiting a few minutes we are swiftly transported by golf cart to the resort, and then to our bungalow. We are thrilled that ours commands the best location at Turtle Inn. It is the last casita on a stretch of sand so we practically have the beach all to ourselves. Nobody else passes by and we can relax on the sun loungers at leisure, watching the sun go down, sipping a glass of whatever we fancy. Our wonderful refuge, a stone’s throw from the water, comes with a spacious layout. Here we find a king size bed, an enormous bathroom and an amazing outdoor garden shower. Although there´s no air-conditioning or television, there is wifi throughout. But, rest assured, the sea breeze is an efficient fan. Better still, there’s no way to get bored at this haven. WORDS: ANTONELLA KANN PHOTOGRAPHY: COPPOLA HIDEAWAYS
So while we hunker down blissfully into this nest for a whole week and explore Placencia´s natural attractions, we also lose track of time. Imagine the following routine. We open our eyes in slow motion as the first lights of dawn sneak through the wooden shutters. We stretch one arm, then the other, followed by the legs. Gently we push away the sheet and lazily slide out of bed. Next it’s time to grab the bathing suit, head to your veranda and step down. There we are, barefoot on silky sand. A few more steps and we are beginning our day with a dip in the
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| WORLD FOCUS | tepid Caribbean, that wonderful blue carpet on our doorstep. Once out of the water, we face our first task of the day - coping with a heavenly breakfast – al fresco, at leisure with a temperature of 30 degrees, under an “ombrelone.” The Belizian people are gentle, communicative and curious about our country of origin. So we must be prepared to babble about almost any subject weather included. After another swim it’s time to get ready for our daily exercise. This is a 25-minutes walk on the beach to reach Placencia village. Along the way we pass many colourful houses, small hotels, bars and restaurants, Finally we join a path where all the interesting arts and craft shops are located. Here we find woodcrafts, ceramics, pottery and all the usual paraphernalia that travellers venerate. Prices are reasonable but it’s fine to bargain a bit. In the centre of the village there are a number of shops, cafés and even an Italian ice cream boutique. As expected, people usually start queuing early in the morning for an authentic gelato. Fresh fruits and vegetable stalls are also a common sight along the only paved road. Further along we reach the port where many sailing boats anchor while cruising the area. There´s even a yacht charter base in Placencia for those keen to take themselves sailing. One of our favourites here is the massage parlour It’s not exactly a bargain - but an extremely relaxing indulgence. At lunchtime, local restaurants offer plenty of choice, but curiously fresh fish or lobsters are not as abundant as the worldly hamburger and French fries. By contrast we enjoy fine
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The Belizian people are gentle, communicative and curious about our country of origin. So we must be prepared to babble about almost any subject - weather included. dining at the resort, where there are three restaurants at our disposal - and lots of gastronomical surprises popping up every day. From the village of Placencia, if we choose to go back to our comfy casita by other means than our feet, there´s always a taxi around. It’s pays to negotiate the fare beforehand, though. Other delightful pastimes in Placencia include swimming, working on our tan, observing the pelicans´ dance on the pier, eating and drinking, reading and resting. Visitors may also opt for a day at sea on a catamaran, sailing around the peninsula. Diving trips are also available either through the hotel or with local operators on-line. There are fascinating excursions inland too, visiting caves and archaeological sites - but be prepared to spend the whole day in a van enduring the tropical heat. Personally, there’s nothing more relaxing than staying put on our beach spot. It simply doesn´t get any better than that.
ABOVE: Local restaurants offer lunchtime diners plenty of choice. RIGHT: Roman’s Lagoon Bungalow at Turtle Inn.
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TECHTALK
WORDS: ROWENA BAHL
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#1 Senz Automatic Deluxe Umbrella: Aerodynamic Excellence
#2 Luminette: Beat Jet Lag With Light Therapy
Designed by three graduates from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, the Senz Umbrella line bids farewell to flimsy umbrellas that turn inside out in windy situations. Being able to handle up to 100kph winds without inverting, Senz umbrellas can weather the storm. Aesthetically, the umbrellas are a little unconventional due to their aerodynamic design (they are shaped in a similar way to velodrome bicycles helmets) but their eccentric shape is also what gives them a sort of “high-fashion” appeal. Our pick from the options available is the Senz Automatic Deluxe. Finished with a leather trim on the handle and a luxurious case made of soft twill, it adds sophistication to the quirky. Features include a special coating that makes it easy to shake off water droplets, UPF 50+ protection and Eyesaver caps that prevent us from poking other people in the eye.
Luminette, the world’s first light therapy glasses, bring the benefits of light therapy to individuals on the go. Light therapy has been used as a treatment for skin issues, jet lag, sleeping disorders, tiredness and even depression since the 1900s but most sessions required users to remain stationary in front of a light box. In 2015, Luminette took light therapy to the next level and created glasses that can be worn while cooking, watching TV, brushing teeth, reading and travelling. The glasses feature an innovative optical device that emits white light enhanced with blue light into the eyes - a combination that has been known to closely replicate natural sunlight. Frequent travellers who have to cope with multiple time zones can use Luminette to combat jet lag and can expect an energy boost almost immediately after their first session.
#3 Skyroam Solis: Unlimited Wifi Worldwide For One Flat Rate The Skyroam Solis is a mobile wifi device that gives travellers access to unlimited high speed wifi (4G LTE) in more than 120 countries for seven euros a day. Features include an embedded 6000 mAh power bank and USB-C connection to charge gadgets, the ability to share wifi with up to five other devices and a 16-plus hour battery life. With its multitude of useful features and “pay as you go’ plan, this round orange machine might well be the best mobile wifi device on the market.
#5 Airpocket: Fumble-free Plane Aisle Fumbling around in an airplane aisle, trying to take items out of our carry-on while a line of people wait impatiently behind us can be stressful. To address this issue, Australian entrepreneur Trish Smith created the Airpocket, a simple yet clever compact carry-on bag for essentials like cell phone, travel documents, ipad and glasses that fits perfectly into the airplane seat-back pocket. Made from neoprene, a soft but sturdy material that cushions and protects valuables, Airpocket is a convenient solution. What’s more, Airpocket features a wide band at the back that makes it possible to slip onto the extended handle of a carry-on suitcase and also comes with a detachable strap.
#4 Grin On The Go: The Eco-friendly Travel Pack New Zealand oral care company Grin Natural has just released an eco-friendly travel pack that features toothpaste made from 100 percent natural ingredients, a biodegradable toothbrush made from non-GMO cornstarch and a biodegradable amenities bag. As the world gets more conscious and the nightmare that is plastic floats to the top of our oceans, washes on our shores or ends up in landfills (nearly 22 million kilograms per year representing toothbrushes), it’s about time we reject the plastic amenities offered to us in-flight or push airlines to embrace ecofriendly alternatives.
#6 Steamfast Travel Steam Iron: The World’s Smallest Steam Iron Business travellers can now travel wrinklefree with the world’s smallest steam iron. The Steamfast Travel Steam Iron is strong enough for everyday use, yet small and light enough to take with us wherever we go. Featuring a non-stick soleplate, and dual voltage for overseas travel, this creaseless companion gives us one less thing to worry about on our next intercontinental sojourn.
| #97 |
The Roadmaster Elite - real gold standard for US’s oldest brand Right here is the cream of the crop of Indian motorcycles a machine that is going to raise the bar for comfort, convenience, power, style, infotainment, craftsmanship and most important of all - confidence.
WORDS: DAN MCGRANE
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
It is everything the Roadmaster stood for and this time, this Elite rises higher with the industry-leading Ride Command system, a 300-watt premium audio system, chrome front and rear bumpers, passenger armrests and stylish pinnacle mirrors. For 2018, American’s oldest brand will give the world a brand new lineage of motorcycles that are sophisticated and technologically packed, while keeping the core values of its predecessors intact of being the vintage charmers. One of them will be this Indian Roadmaster Elite, the most ultra-premium of all Indians and the only one to get real 23K gold leaf badging on the tank. That’s right – real gold. The Roadmaster Elite is huge. There’s no getting around that. The huge handlebar mounted fairings look like 1950s steamliner locomotives, adding to the gigantic stature of this motorcycle. Bright, brash and power are what is oozing out when we sidle up to this Roadmaster. Aiming to be the best money can buy is a tough goal but Indian has pulled it off with all bells and whistles. There is no higher level of luxury available on two wheels and being an Elite makes it ultra-limited. It holds true to its pedigree with its design and makes its purpose to let you ride in style. It offers a wealth of features to roll as one of the most badass V-twins on the market. Features include the electronically adjustable tinted windshield that rises up to 300mm to cover most riders from the buffeting wind. Talking of comfort, we can even lock and unlock the panniers with a remote that also acts as a keyless ignition. As well there is an automatic top box release and a start-stop button. Fancy stuff indeed. The industry-leading Ride Command system includes an explosive AM/FM, Bluetooth, USB, Smartphone Compatible 300-watt stereo boom box will put to shame any other motorcycle carrying a stereo system. There are six speakers for surround sound. The speakers are flanked beside a neatly tucked in multi-functional displays having a 175mm split touchscreen for GPS and classical analogue trip meters, including a fuel gauge. We can also get
speakers for the rear passenger on the sides of the seat and on top of the pannier lids. The dash also includes dual trip meters with distance and time, instantaneous and average fuel economy, fuel range, real-time clock, ambient air temperature, gear position display, front and rear tyre pressure, average speed, battery voltage, radio information display, vehicle trouble code readout, heated grip level, LED indicators, cruise control, neutral, high beam, turn signal, ABS, check engine, low tyre pressure, battery, low fuel, security system, low engine oil pressure and mph or km/h unit designation. Continuing towards the tank, we get additional switches to operate the top-loading panniers. It also has twin analogue consoles for fuel level and voltage. The panniers themselves will carry 10 kilos each and can be unmounted with a quick-release lever. This being a Roadmaster, we obviously get acres of storage - and then some. Coming to what that “Elite” really means exclusivity. Where else can we get a custom inspired two-tone paint job that includes embellishments with real 23 carat gold leaf badging? The paint itself is 20 layers of hand-painted silver pearl, silver glitter, clear coats and Cobalt Candy. The black crystals are actually glass flakes that play around with lights falling on them, making the whole bike sparkle, especially outdoors. This luxury continues onto the gold-spun engine covers as well. And of course, there is chrome. Lots of it. Chrome mirrors, hand controls, front and rear bumpers. As well, the Elite boasts billet aluminium footboards that give both the rider and the passenger a feel of luxury. Leather passenger armrest also adorns this Elite edition to promise the passenger the highest levels of comfort. Finally, there is nothing better than having a lit up “war bonnet” leading the way for us. So with gold prices on the rise, there’s never been a
| #99 |
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
Yamaha Niken Niken –Yamaha the three-wheeled – The Three-wheeled revolution Revolution WORDS: DAN MCGRANE
One of the most dramatic bikes to be revealed at the Tokyo show was the astounding production three-wheeler from Yamaha, based on the hugely popular MT-09 platform.
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
Highlights include: MT-09-based three-wheeler In-line triple engine Fully adjustable suspension Traction control and rider modes First production large capacity three-wheeler
Aiming to take the aggressive and fun attitude of the MT-09 and combine it with double the front-end grip, this bike will appeal on a variety of platforms.
look and feel at the same time.
As a statement of how seriously Yamaha is taking the new model, Niken (presumably a contraction of “Ni,” meaning “two” and “ken” which can mean “sword” in Japanese) – it was unveiled by company president, Hiroyuki Yanagi.
We can’t ignore the defining factor – the Niken has two front wheels. The benefit is double the front-end grip, massively improved stability and grip over manhole covers, white lines, grit, gravel and other road imperfections you find on our New Zealand roads. The front tyre sizes are 120/70 R15 and each wheel hangs on a single-side hub from a double fork. The rear is a 190/50 R17, all wearing Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tyres.
Yamaha is going to make a huge impact with this aggressively styled new threewheeler. This large-displacement Leaning MultiWheeler (LMW) is powered by a liquidcooled in-line three-cylinder engine. This model is equipped with LMW technology to reduce the effects of changing ride environments and to deliver a high feeling of stability when cornering. It achieves excellent performance for spirited and sporty riding on various road surfaces and the capability to freely carve through the continuous corners of winding roads. The body design makes full use of the unprecedented front end suspension mechanisms pairing 15-inch front wheels with dual-tube upside-down forks to visually accentuate the machine’s sporty performance and create a high-quality
But three wheels – isn’t this like a milking stool?
Each front wheel is suspended inbound of a double fork that looks no less meaty than a standard MT-09’s. Preload, rebound (both on top) and compression (bottom) damping adjusters are on the rearward of each pair of forks so that the set-up is fully adjustable. The great feature of this three-wheeler is that it leans like a motorcycle, so there’s none of the awkward leaning off fighting recalcitrance of a ‘flat’ trike. This means that it will handle, steer and corner like a normal bike. So a new machine that’s definitely pushes the boundaries - isn’t this what motorcycling is all about?
| #101 |
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
BMW’s GS series add muscle – and so the legend continues Since arriving on the market in 2007, BMW’s F series of the GS-lineup has been the middleweight Adventure bikes for the Bavarian manufacturer that paved the way for the legendary R1200GS.
WORDS: DAN MCGRANE
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
Since 1984 the German manufacturer has created a following around the world with people who wanted a go anywhere machine capable of carrying their rider and pillion and their luggage to all the far flung corners of the world. Those of us who remember Ewan McGregor and Charlie Bormann riding around the world on their BMW GSs in the “Long Way Round” will be able to attest to this. For 2018, these mid-weight adventure motorcycles grow in displacement, as well as agility and electronics. So let’s meet the 2018 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS. Once again both bikes share the same power plant, but with different tuning. The parallel twin grows to 853cc, and now produces 95 horsepower at 8250 rpm on the F 850 GS (up from 85), and 77 horsepower at 7500 rpm on the F 750 GS (up from 75). The 2018 F 850 GS makes 68 ft/lbs of torque at 6250, and the F 750 GS 61 ft/lbs of torque at 6000 rpm. The engine now features two counterbalance shafts to help absorb vibrations, a crankshaft journal that is offset 90 degrees, and a firing interval of 270/450 degrees for smoother power delivery. The former 798cc engine, developed with Rotax, has a 360-degree firing order. The six-gear transmission continues to deliver power to the rear wheel with a chain, but the drive system is now positioned on the left-hand side. There is also a slipper-andassist clutch to aid in rideability, both on and off the road. Besides a redesigned and more powerful engine, the F series bikes have a stronger monocoque steel frame that uses the engine as a stress member to save weight and improve chassis feel. This setup offers benefits in terms of torsional rigidity and robustness. For more optimal handling over the outgoing F 800 GS and F 700 GS, suspension components have changed. The new bikes also have new telescopic forks (upside-down on F 850 GS) and an aluminum double-sided swing arm with central spring strut for more sensitive response characteristics.
Both the F 850 GS and F 750 GS come standard with Road and Rain riding modes as standard, along with ABS and ASC (traction control). For those who demand more adjustability, Pro riding modes with ABS Pro (shut off rear wheel ABS), DTC (traction control while leaning), and the new riding modes –Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro (the latter only with the F 850 GS) - are available as options. The fuel tank is moved to the classic position between the seat and steering head versus the previous edition’s under-seat gas tank. The new bikes also receive redesigned bodywork and windscreens for improved wind and weather protection. The F 750 GS has 19-/17-inch cast wheels, and is available in light white, Austin yellow metallic, or an exclusive version with stereo metallic matte paint and hand guards. The F 850 GS gets 21-/17-inch spoked wheels, and is available in standard, exclusive and rallye versions with hand guards and special paint and finishes. Other optional equipment features ESA electronic suspension, a full LED headlight with LED running light, a 165 millimetres fullcolour TFT display, plus numerous features such as optional equipment, intelligent emergency call, Keyless Ride and Gear Shift Assistant Pro. So where are we going this weekend? If we feel the need we can just keep on going. These bikes really do it all.
| #103 |
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
How Would We Like Our Eggs - Scrambled Perhaps?
Adding a top tier of Ducati’s Scrambler family, the 800 and 400 are now joined by this brute, which uses an evolution of the lovely old Monster 1100 EVO engine – one of Ducati’s finest air-cooled V-twins. BY DAN MCGRANE
| #104 |
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
There are three flavours of 1100 at this first serving – presented as a base model, a Special and a Sport. There’s a good amount of steel and aluminium to give it a feeling of solidity and quality. As befitting a bigger capacity bike, the 1100 gets a fatter teardrop tank that can hold 15 litres of go-go-juice, and which allows for interchangeable aluminium side panels to be fitted. The seat is different on each version, and understandably plainest on the base model – while being more attractive on the hotter duo. All are more generously shaped than those of the smaller siblings for better comfort. This is thoroughly modern retro. It might look authentically old school, but there’s Bosch Cornering ABS and Traction Control to take the stress out of riding hard in variable conditions. A strong part of the design is the twin-silencer system and tail unit mounted number plate hanger (it’s swing arm-mounted on the 800) that helps to differentiate it from its sibling. The headlight keeps the LED ring, but gains a big X in the middle of the unit as homage to the tape scramblers used to put over their headlights. The LED ring is a DRL, while the main illumination is actually bulb, rather than LED. The rear light and indicators are all LED.
The other big changes are the clock unit, which boasts a new element jutting from the round clock face - now the display for the speedo - a side stand warning light and information from the Ducati Multimedia System (available as an accessory when the Bluetooth module is fitted). All the other information remains in the round dial. 1100 Special The 1100 Special has a more modern feel to it compared to the more simplistic base model. It gets black spoked wheels, chrome exhausts and aluminium front and rear fenders. It’s also the only model to come in Custom Grey and the brushed-effect swing arm is unique to this model. It also gets a brown seat with quilted stitching, contrasting nicely with the grey paint. 1100 Sport The most aggressive looking of the new 1100 trio, the Sport is intended to be more of a café racer, but in reality it’s closer to the 800cc Full Throttle model in terms of styling. Easily identifiable by its top-spec fully adjustable Öhlins fork and shock, the sportiness is underlined by the “Viper Black” paintjob with yellow tank details on the sides and dual yellow stripes down the centre of the tank and fenders. The aluminium wheels also get machine finished spokes, and there’s a tapered handlebar and bespoke seat, too.
| #105 |
KTM’s 790 Duke - Honey It’s Twins The 790 Duke is a hugely important bike for KTM. The 799cc naked parallel twin is not merely a new model - but the first of a family of bikes in the big-selling middleweight sector.
WORDS: DAN MCGRANE
| LIFESTYLE: MOTORCYCLES |
With its typically sharp-edged lines, the 790 fills the large gap between the 690 Duke single and 1290 Super Duke V-twin in the Austrian firm’s street bike range. It will be the starting point for other KTMs (including a 790 Adventure, due in a year’s time) as well as models from sister brand Husqvarna. KTM’s development team considered a midsize V-twin before deciding that a parallel twin, more compact and less expensive to produce, was a better bet. The DOHC, eight-valve unit (which KTM calls the LC8c, for Liquid-Cooled 8-valve “compact”) has its crankpins offset by 75 degrees (as opposed to the more common 180-degree orientation) to give an irregular firing order, and it is tuned as much for midrange torque as top-end power, which will suit New Zealand roads perfectly. The engine’s two balance shafts allow it to be employed as a stressed member of the frame which, in KTM tradition, is made from tubular steel. An aluminium rear sub-frame encloses the air box, whose intakes are below the seat on either side. The WP suspension has 43mm forks and a rear shock with adjustable preload.
class. The Duke follows KTM’s big V-twins in using a five-axis IMU to provide high-level traction control, plus independent anti-wheelie and cornering ABS braking as standard, along with four riding modes. It also has a neat TFT display, operated by an updated and easierto-use version of KTM’s familiar four-button switchgear on the left handlebar. A press of the “up” button changes the digital display to allow selection from the four riding modes, one of them a “track” setting that gives extra functionality, including on-the-fly adjustability of the traction control and the option of turning off the anti-wheelie function - if we’re brave enough. With KTM having a reputation for having light and flickable machines this certainly looks like it will “cut the mustard.”
Where the 790 excels is in its electronics, which set new standards for the middleweight
| #107 |
| CAR NEWS |
A McLaren sculpture money can’t buy McLaren has a new hypercar up their sleeve and information has been scarce until now. Codenamed BP23, the 106 confirmed buyers of the yet-tobe-named hypercar will receive a sculpture of the car’s interior along with a hint of exterior design. The BP23 “Speed Form” provides an early hint of the luxury and imagination of the interior, which is arranged in the same three-seat, central driving position layout as the McLaren F1 that triggered McLaren’s reputation for road-going supercars. Each McLaren BP23 “Speed Form” took more than 100 hours to create, with 30 hours of expert hand polishing alone.
A craftsman has checked each sculpture to achieve an exceptional standard of build, and the highest quality possible. The entire BP23 allocation of 106 - matching the number
of McLaren F1s sold - was spoken for within weeks of the petrol-electric hybrid car being announced. Perhaps the sculpture will be the answer to impatient customers - or will have the opposite effect?
Mission accepted - 007 alpine adventure 007 Elements has launched in Solden, Austria with Land Rover the “go to” for punters navigating their way atop the 3050m Gaislachkogl peak, part of what is known in skiing circles as the “Big Three” - three peaks each 3000 metres above sea level. 007 ELEMENTS offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the iconic secret agent in a new mountaintop location next to the ice Q restaurant, used as the Hoffler Klinik in Spectre. Interactive displays featuring Jaguar Land Rover technical content, along with the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover Sport SVR used for filming Spectre, are the star cars that will form part of the experience. The state-of-theart visitor attraction will open on 12 July 2018.
| #108 |
| CAR NEWS |
Battle of the German super coupes There is a new battle heating up in the form of super coupes. If SUVs weren’t enough, we now see low and sleek designs with added rear doors. First, Audi bought a little extra bite to the Big Apple when they announced the first ever five-door version of the RS 5. The latest high performance, high technology addition to the Audi Sport stable is set to take its place alongside the more familiar RS 5 Coupe, combining its blistering 450PS bi-turbo V6 power and quattro all-wheel drive with spacious five seat accommodation and ample 480-litre luggage capacity. Meanwhile, over at Mercedes AMG, the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door model has been announced for production as the new dimension to the AMG model family. The new coupÊ is the first four-door sports car from Affalterbach and draws directly on the legendary SLS and AMG GT models - again with rear doors as additions. The new coupe will adopt the use of a AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine already in use by numerous AMG models. It delivers 470 kW (639 hp) and a maximum torque of 900 Nm. Expect to see it in New Zealand in early 2019.
| #109 |
| LIFESTYLE: CARS |
Type R badge – the business end of Honda Identity is a founding pillar of society, with one of the first forms of identity we acquire being our name. When it comes to commodities like cars, they are usually given a name so consumers can not only identify the car, but also recognise what it stands for just by reading that name. WORDS: TRENTON MULINDI
| #110 |
| LIFESTYLE: CARS |
THE DETAILS Engine: 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo Power: 228kW Torque: 400 Nm 0-100kph: 5.7 seconds The price: $59,900
Without going down the familiar road of personifying the car, this is where the Honda Type R comes in. If we take one look at the Type R badge we recognise that this car is at the business end of the Honda range. Now entering into its tenth generation, the only original part of the new model is its name - this is the most fascinating part. No matter how much technology has evolved, engineering or customer demands have changed, there is still one thing that cannot be adapted and that is the name plate. The Type R has been through thick and thin. It survived the global financial crisis and returned after a five-year wait in 2015. Now, we’ve only had to wait two years for its replacement, which has already been out and posted a lap record at the Nurburgring along with acquiring a few awards - long before its landed in showrooms around the world.
are no pops or crackles when changing gear, nor is there a clever all-wheel drive system or plush leather seating. The Type R is a pure hot hatch with alcantara-clad seats, a machined alloy ball for a gear knob and a gaminginspired instrument binnacle to complete the driver’s scope. I find the Type R remarkably quiet at the cruising speeds it isn’t intended for. It is hard to keep the peace when all it takes is a downshift for the turbo to start spooling and acceleration is delivered, albeit brutally. A clever feature that leaves a lasting impression is the computer influenced blipping of the throttle on downshifts. I see this as one of the little things to get us going in the morning between home and the office.
The hot hatch segment is the fastest growing class of vehicle at present. Honda may have arrived late to the party, but there’s no disputing they’ve delivered the knockout blow.
As the Type R is reincarnated from generation to generation, it carries the same innate styling except for the front end. Rather than the sleek or slanted front end common to the Type R, this tenth generation model has developed some muscle and taken on sedan styling with bigger headlights and wider spoiler.
Honda deserves credit for not blinking first in what is a tightly held segment. They’ve still managed to embark on an unrestricted design path to deliver a cheaper and better car. Upon becoming acquainted with the Type R, I wanted to first focus on what it didn’t have. There
Winding down the test drive after living with the Type R for a few days make for a difficult parting of ways. It had been a long wait - but when I finally got behind the wheel I didn’t have to go looking for the devil in the Type Rs details. I found it almost instantly in the name.
| #111 |
| LIFESTYLE: CRUISING |
Trans-Tasman on the Columbus - a taste of “proper” cruising WORDS: ROB PRINCE
| #112 |
| LIFESTYLE: CRUISING |
Very seldom do we get the opportunity to take a cruise leaving Auckland in February. The Columbus is on a voyage around the world and we have managed to book onto the Auckland Sydney sector. This is a seven-night cruise visiting both Tauranga and the Bay of Islands before crossing the Tasman to Sydney. Boarding the Columbus in Auckland is fairly straight forward as there are fewer than 150 passengers boarding for this short leg of the voyage. The Columbus, however, is running at full capacity with most on board having booked for the round the world cruise. This Tasman Sea crossing is going to be interesting with Hurricane Gina about to hit New Zealand within the next 48 hours. However this isn’t going to affect us as much as another event that takes place the day after we leave the Bay of Islands. We are approximately 280 nautical miles from New Zealand when a medical emergency is declared after a passenger has a stroke. It is decided we would steam back toward New Zealand so the North Power Rescue Helicopter can fly out and uplift the patient. Late that afternoon, when we are approximately 50 miles from the coast, the helicopter arrives to effect the evacuation. As the Columbus doesn’t have a helicopter pad this operation has to be performed by winch - an amazing procedure to watch. All credit must go to the the ship and helicopter crews who worked together with a three to four metre swell running and blustery wind conditions. Our ship has a fascinating history. In 1986 Sitmar Cruises ordered a new ship to be called the Fair Majesty. But, as the vessel was completed, Sitmar sold it to Princess Cruises and the Fair Majesty became the Star Princess. It was transferred to the P & O fleet in 1997 to replace the Canberra, the Star Princess being renamed Arcadia. She went on to become the Ocean Village in 2003 and the Pacific Pearl in 2010 before being acquired by Cruise & Maritime Voyages in 2017. At 63,786 gross tonnage, the Columbus would be classed as a small to mid-sized cruise ship by today’s standards. Maximum passenger capacity is 1400, accommodated in 775 cabins and it’s pleasing to see that 150 cabins are allocated for single travellers. While 75 percent of the cabins have ocean views there are also 64 deluxe balcony cabins.
Our cabin is a standard twin on Deck 6. At 17.5 sq m the cabin is nice and roomy and with its light furnishings has a light and airy feeling. The bathroom is well laid out with a good amount of cupboard space and one of the largest shower cubicles I have seen. The wardrobe space is also generous, with plenty of room for clothes and cases. With a mini bar, TV, hair dryer and all the amenities usually found in a cabin, I would think this would be well suited for long voyages and world cruising. One aspect in the cabin stood out - the Columbus has tea and coffee making facilities. This is uncommon among cruise ships but in my view a big plus. Cruise & Maritime Voyages is a relatively newcomer in the cruise industry and is expanding rapidly with five ships in its fleet and rumours of another one on its way. The ships are all older, more traditional vessels, offering an adult-only experience for those wishing to experience cruising the way it was before cruise ships became floating holiday camps. The two main restaurants on board are the Waterfront Restaurant on Deck 7 catering for 812 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dinner is served in two sittings at 5.45pm and 8pm. The Plantation Bistro on Deck 12 serves, as the name suggests, bistro-style breakfast, lunch and dinner.
| #113 |
| LIFESTYLE: CRUISING | The Taste is a small boutique restaurant featuring dishes from different countries. There is a small charge for dining at The Taste. Altogether there are five dining options available, including three fine dining options and two specialty coffee shops, along with seven lounge bars, two deck bars and six entertainment venues. The food on offer is varied and the quality is excellent. No-one will go hungry aboard the Columbus with a burger bar serving all day and, to top it off, all the bars serve late night snacks at 11pm. Cruise & Maritime Voyages has the best drinks package I have come across. However, there is a drawback for those in a two-berth cabin where only one person requires the drinks package. In this situation, they have to pay double as the package applies to the cabin. The entertainment on board is quite low key. Quizzes are held throughout the day along with various activities and guest lecturers. The entertainment staff put on some excellent productions. Two that come to mind are The Rocky Horror Show and a show called the Jersey Beats, their own version of the the Jersey Boys. We have the option to join in the daily activities or just relax by the pool. The Columbus has expansive deck areas and even has a large screen for showing outdoor movies. This, along with two outdoor swimming pools and a well appointed gymnasium, give guests a lot of options to help fill their day. I thoroughly enjoyed my seven days on the Columbus. The crew went out of their way to please, making the overall experience with Cruise & Maritime Voyages very memorable. For those who like to share in the magic of how cruising should be, this is the cruise line. Unfortunately - and this does not reflect on Cruise & Maritime Voyages - it took four hours once the ship had docked for us to clear immigration and be allowed to go ashore. To make matters worse, on returning to the Columbus we could not board for over an hour as the automatic boarding walkways had malfunctioned and another way of boarding the ship had to be found, all adding to the mystique of cruising. Although immigration had been a bit frustrating, customs the morning we left Columbus was just the opposite. Within 20 minutes of disembarking we have collected our bags, been checked by customs and are in a cab on our way to the airport.
| #114 |
For those who like to share in the magic of how cruising should be, this is the cruise line.
| LIFESTYLE: CRUISING |
| #115 |
| LIFESTYLE: WINE |
| #116 |
| LIFESTYLE: WINE |
Bordeaux – glorious wines with baffling classification WORDS: LIZ WHEADON
Bordeaux is one of France’s largest cities, a bustling and exciting city to visit. Situated on the River Gironde, the city sprawls out from the old precinct. From a wine point of view, Bordeaux is considered by many as the centre of the “Fine Wine World.” Situated in France’s southwest, this is the region that produces more top quality wine than any other. Bordeaux is renowned for its reds, often referred to as claret. The reason these wines attract so much interest, and generate such high prices is largely their ability to age. Many do not show their true potential for decades. Divided into two main areas by the Gironde, the left is situated on the old gravel bed from the river - ideal for Cabernet, a variety that loves the free draining soils and heat from the stones. A long growing and ripening season, tempered by close proximity to the river, produces ripe Cabernet dominant wines with great freshness. On the other side of the river, the soils are very different - with blue clay dominating the plateau of Pomerol, making the area very suitable for Merlot. The most famous white region is that of Sauternes, home to the world’s most luscious dessert wines. The white wines from Bordeaux are made with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and, in some cases, Muscadelle. The very best white wines, like reds from Bordeaux, are extremely age worthy. Whilst visitors may question the relevance of the classification system in Bordeaux, to explore the region it does seem appropriate to include it. The 1855 Bordeaux classification was ordered by Napoleon when he asked his nephew to create a ranking for the top wines of Bordeaux for an expo that was being held in France. Being lovers of red tape, the French authorities created what became known as “The Classified Growths of the Medoc.” A five-class classification of 61 was awarded to the leading Medoc chateaux, as well as two from Graves. This formalised lists that were already in place, based on each chateaux’s relative quality as expressed by
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| LIFESTYLE: WINE | the prices of each individual estate. These growths, or “crus” range from first (premier) through to fifth (cinquieme). Over the years since, there has been very little change to the 1855 classification - other than Chateau Mouton Rothschild moving from second growth to first in 1973. Baron Philippe de Rothschild reportedly said: “Mouton I am, Second, I am not.” Chateau Cantemerle was added as a fifth growth in 1856 while Chateau Dubignon, a third growth, was absorbed into Chateau Malescot St Exupery. So, there have been few changes over the years since 1855. Add to that the point that the chateau was classified for wine from within an area, though the size of the chateau can change and the classification goes with it. If a Margaux Chateau does not expand into St Estephe, for example, the resulting wine will not be the classified wine within Margaux. But they can expand their holding in Margaux. Furthermore, over all the years, there’s considerable ownership change, some bringing focus to the chateau, some leaving the chateau in disrepair. Regardless, the classification stands. Even though this may seem a concern and a slight on the whole thing, the “first growths” are very much that, as alongside all of this comes history and pride. Owners of “first growths” care and nurture these properties and ensure that they are every bit what you’d expect of the greatest Cabernet Merlot dominant wines in the world. Under that, it is worth knowing a little about the chateaux. There’s a group of so called “super seconds,” then those at “fifth growth” level – for example Pontet Canet which most consider up with the very best “second growths.” Pontet is a fascinating property that is biodynamic a rarity in Bordeaux. Whilst much of the classification system holds true today, the inherent problem with a system is that some of the chateaux have improved out of sight since it was first introduced, while others are considered to have rested on their laurels, smug in the knowledge that their wines will always fetch high prices, as this was what the classification was based on in the first place. As with anything, it is a good guide as long as one keeps in mind the fact that some of the wines outside its boundaries can still be superb. The Medoc First Growths Chateau Lafite-Rothschild (Pauillac) Chateau Margaux (Margaux) Chateau Latour (Pauillac) Chateau Haut-Brion (Graves) Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Pauillac) The 1855 Classification system was for the Medoc, the left bank of the river, while the right side is home
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The most famous white region is that of Sauternes, home to the world’s most luscious dessert wines. The white wines from Bordeaux are made with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and, in some cases, Muscadelle to the appellations of St Emilion and Pomerol. St Emilion added its own classification system in 1955, which has subsequently been frequently amended. Pomerol has never been classified, although the greatest wine from this region, Chateau Petrus, is generally spoken of in the same hushed tones as the five “first growths” of the Medoc. The city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of this unique region. At the centre of all trade here is the Negociant system, an historic route to market that maintains strong today. The chateaux sell their wines to Negociants, who in turn offer them to their partners around the world, essentially an open trading market - with a few exceptions. We are, after all, in France. The chateaux don’t though sell direct to the Negociants, they sell through a courtier, the courtier organises the transaction and arranges everything. For these services, the courtier takes a small percentage. It’s a fascinating and historic system. Another interesting system is that of En Primeur, a process for acquiring arguably the best wines in the world at smart prices and in the format that buyers prefer. Essentially it is wine futures, like the way coffee, cotton and other items are traded on international commodity futures markets. It was in 1972, when chateau bottling became
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compulsory for classified growths in Bordeaux, that En Primeur in its current form was born. Prior to this, the chateaux in Bordeaux would sell their wine in bulk or in barrels to a wine merchant. The wine was then bottled by merchants at their offices on the Quay Chatrons.
July, 2018
The process of En Primeur essentially works like this, using the 2017 vintage in Bordeaux as an example:
The benefit of purchasing Bordeaux En Primeur is three-fold. Firstly, in most cases the purchase price at En Primeur is significantly less than the wine will be on the retail shelf two years later (that’s if it appears at all). Secondly, there’s the availability. Many of the wines will only be available at En Primeur and won’t make it on to New Zealand retail shelves. The third is the bottling.
- Whilst the 2017 vintage wines are in barrel in Bordeaux - The chateaux invite the international press to taste and review the young wines in April, 2018 - The chateaux in Bordeaux offer their 2017 vintage wines to a merchant (via a courtier) around May –
- The retailers then offer the wines to consumers around May – July, 2018 - The wines are shipped in May – June, 2020
Purchasing at En Primeur buyers have the option to choose how they’d like their wine bottled - whether half bottles, standard bottles or even up to six litres.
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