Lifestyle living

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SPORTS SKIING

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this winter… ski in the alps

Whether you’re a hardcore speed demon in search of a new skiing rush, a ski bunny seeking tame slopes but wild nights, or simply, an aficionado looking for an affordable place to take the family… there is nothing to beat the ski destinations of Europe KAMAL GILL EUROPE HAS much to thank the testosterone-charged Alps region spanning the Mediterranean coast of France through Switzerland, Northern Italy, Austria and into Slovenia. The region yields the most enviable ski destinations in the world. Holiday makers and professional skiers throng the many ski destinations across the Alps, enjoying the amazing spectacle of towering mountain ranges, long, endless runs, lengthy seasons, dramatic scenery and plenty of diverse terrain. Skiing is all about finding your pace and pushing your limitations. The Alps peaks are bigger than most in North America, implying more challenges and disparate topography.

SKIING WITH A BONUS Sportpasses and hiking passes are available from a ½-day pass for each individual area or for the entire Jungfrau region. Reductions are available for almost everyone: children (6-15 years) travel half-price and young people (16-19 years) receive a 20 per cent reduction on Sportpasses. Senior citizens from age 62 enjoy a 10% reduction on Sportpasses. And anyone buying a Sportpass valid for more than three consecutive days, can buy an excursion ticket to the Jungfraujoch–Top of Europe at 50 per cent of the normal fare.

Events such as the legendary International Lauberhorn Ski Races in January in Wengen, various boarder and ski cross happenings on First, children’s races and other events, as well as the famous SnowpenAir Concert on Kleine Scheidegg in April, 2009, offer guests a wealth of ways to enjoy their stay.

January 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

SPARKLING SWITZERLAND Welcome to the electrifying geographical terrain of Switzerland where, above the snow-draped slopes, sparkle the pinnacles of the Monch and the Jungfrau. Below, ski runs lead the eye in a downward spiral through snow-sprinkled pine forests to virgin-white pastures and cobalt lakes. And that’s for starters. The true jaw-dropper is another 1,400 metres higher — the Aletsch Glacier stretching across the roof of the Alps. Switzerland is all about drama, diversity, elegance, charming villages and stunning scenery, not to mention state-of-the-art lifts and helpful tourist offices. The relaxed lifestyle rounds off the experience with good food, long lunches and an animated nightlife.

The Jungfrau Winter Region offers snow-seekers a wide range of winter attractions close to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. A superb snow paradise awaits you, with over 200 kilometres of ski pistes, over 150 kilometres of prepared and signposted winterwalking trails and some 100 kilometres of sledge runs.

The three areas in the region offer rich diversity: GrindelwaldFirst with a boarders’ superpipe and terrain park, sunny pistes and extensive walking trails; Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen with its famous variety of runs around the Lauberhorn and up-to-theminute facilities; Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe, and MürrenSchilthorn with its Inferno event – the devilish downhill race from the Schilthorn (2971m altitude) and family-friendly pistes around the mountain village of Mürren.

From January to April, the Jungfrau region features a number

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BEST LOCATION FOR BOLLYWOOD AND HOLLYWOOD In the 2003 blockbuster The Hero – Love Story of a Spy, of international ski races, world Bollywood actor Sunny Deol jumps from the Jungfrau championships, ski cross world summit, more than 4,000 metres above sea level. James cup etc. From the pistes to crossBond performed his own hair-raising stunts below the country ski-runs, high action sport, Schilthorn, while the Lauterbrunnen Valley, described tobogganing, fun sport or winter by many as the most beautiful valley in the world, is walks, Jungfrau and its triumvirate of now considered by "base jumpers" as one of the Eiger and Mönch, offers a winter festival best places on the planet to practice their of adrenalin. Whether you dream of daredevil sport. Leaping from the sheer, high downhill slopes, cross country tracks, cliffs, they attempt to freefall as long as snowshoe hikes or lively après ski this is one possible before opening their parachutes. place where the party never stops.

The small city of Interlaken offers easy a huge elliptical curve, until it comes to a halt access to some of the Alps' most spectacular in the rocky bowels of the Jungfraujoch. At skiing, with 160km of trails in ski centres above 3454 metres, just under the Jungfrau summit, Grindlewald, all linked to Interlaken by a this is Europe's highest train station. mountain railway. Höheweg, Interlaken's You emerge into a steel-and-glass golden mile, is the best address in the observation post called the Sphinx. You walk metropolis of the Bernese Oberland. It is an out onto an open deck. The light is brilliant, inviting boulevard of hotels, cosy cafés, the snow is sparkling white, the sky is deep boutiques, watch and jewellery stores. blue, the air is crisp and pure, the world is new.

The Jungfrau Railway Network was a world Described as "The Top of Europe", it is sensation in 1912, and remains so today. The indubitably one of the great travel experiences.

Jungfraubahn is an engineering miracle. It Creature comforts are there too. In a complex climbs out of Kleine Scheidegg and heads built into the rock are restaurants and cafes, straight for the Eiger, burrows relentlessly into and even a conference room, just the thing the mountain whilst winding ever upward in

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for summit meetings. A cool dive is the Ice Palace, a cavern cut in the Aletsch Glacier. Decked with ice sculptures, it has a bar all made of ice where, you guessed it, drinks are on the rocks. To the south, the magnificent roof of Europe stretches away to infinity. The continent's largest glacier, the 22km-long Aletschgletscher, glides snowbound along a broad white valley towards a line of high peaks on the far horizon.

Each January, the Men’s World Cup Downhill Race, the longest and oldest in the world, starts from the Lauberhorn just above.

They whoosh down 4.26 km in just 2½ minutes.

Verbier is a snowboarding paradise with a great nightlife and boasts some of the steepest and deepest off-piste skiing in Europe. St. Moritz, on the other hand, remains one of the most extravagantly fashionable mountain resorts in skidom. With 117 miles of trails meandering through the famous Engadine valley and along the glittery shores of St. Moritz Lake, it is chic, elegant and exclusive, with an extremely cosmopolitan air. International winter sport events attract top athletes, stars, statesmen and royal

ALPINE SKIING With athletes bombing down mountains at speeds of 80mph, the Alpine Skiing World Cup which runs from October to March is second only to the Olympics in terms of the most exciting winter sports to follow. The fastest and most dangerous race in the year takes place in Hahenkamm, Austria from January 23 to 25. The route begins with a perilous near vertical freefall and drops 2,850 feet in just 2.06 miles.

families. The resort also provides illuminated night trails, heated dressing rooms and a topnotch ski school. Another wonderful and completely different way to enjoy the beauty of the Alps is to paraglide in winter and summer months.

FRENCH PARADISE The other spectacular ski destination is France, which has lent its inimical style to even the dizzying altitude, with naturally sculpted ski terrain, unrivalled beauty and a long season with plenty of virgin powder. Home to Europe's highest peak, the beautiful 15,771-foot Mont Blanc, offers some of the world's most challenging skiing. Its reputation as a global off-piste capital attracts adrenaline junkies from all over. Rhone Alps, the second largest region in France, as big as Switzerland offers great ski domains which can offer snow anytime of the year. The winter season sees more then 40 extraski activities, linked with mountain or snow.

Adventure lovers can paraglide or ice-dive, and for relaxation, they can try the fabulous spa centres. Winter sport playgrounds include chic destinations like Saint Sorlin d’Arves and Meribel (both in the Rhone Alps Region). Chamonix is the European home of stylish winter sports,

January 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

boutique hotels and great dining, and if you throw in a mountain sports clinic, some aprèsaction, skiing and snow-boarding…you could be looking at a winter heaven.

Courchevel in France encompasses the largest ski area in the world… four times the surface area of Paris! Covering 400 kms, it offers a vast choice of ski slopes, for adults and children, beginners and experienced skiers, or for simple contemplation. The three valley ski areas boast 330 groomed ski runs and 180 ski lifts, In Courchevel valley, there are 90 alpine ski runs, accessible by a network

of around 60 ski lifts which can achieve a passenger flow in excess of 70,000 skiers per hour. Courchevel thrives on a cocktail of different activities, offering everything, from squad bikes on snow to a helicopter ride over the snowy slopes.

AUSTRIA AND ITALY Austria offers an animated apres-ski highlighted by old-world chalet villages, liftlinked resorts and friendly hospitality.

Kitzbuhel, the historic Tyrolean town, is globally recognised for winter sports as it

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SPORTS SKIING

INDIAN CUISINE ON THE TOP-OF-EUROPE The Indian restaurant Bollywood is run by an Indian kitchen team offering a large selection of Indian menus. The Bollywood is not only very much appreciated by our Indian visitors but by everyone who likes an exotic change to their usual eating. The restaurant can seat up to 120 people. Urs Zumbrunn, runs the restaurants at the Jungfraujoch station, including the Indian selfservice diner, "Bollywood".

holds the World Cup Downhill Race, which is watched by thronging sports fans.

The wonderful Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, is better known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, and remains the most stylish and upscale ski destination in Italy. The destination has been the location for a number of movies, including the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, and the original Pink Panther.

NO BOUNDARIES: SKI-TOURS An interesting holiday for the complete ski enthusiast is a ski-tour. A seven-day ski-tour that will leave you breathless, covers the three mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. The tour is only for advanced ski or snowboard mountaineers and begins after a great train ride, which stops at the Eiger North Face, from which, one exits through a tunnel onto the biggest glacier in Western Europe. From there one can conquer one or two peaks a day, with steep skiing down to the alpine huts, where one can rest, eat and share the day's adventures.

The Bernese Oberland chain of mountains in Switzerland just got voted as one of the world’s natural wonders and offers a number of ski-tours which are less

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strenuous and more relaxing.

The Swiss Alps also offers some of the best off-piste skiing in the world. Accessed by trams and chairlifts, the terrain is stunning, steep, long and adventurous. Yet, there is comfort and luxury at the end of the day, when you spend the night in a luxury hotel and talk about the day’s adventure over a sumptuous five-course meal.

Another fine tour is from Chamonix to

Zermatt, one of the most classic traverses in the world. It is the ultimate adventure for every strong skier or ski tourer. Starting with the world-famous Valles Blanches in Chamonix, passing through beautiful scenery to Zermatt, where one can ski along wild glaciers, enjoying spectacular views of the Swiss and French Alps, using modern ski transportation systems to gain elevation. This tour is unique in that it combines physical challenges with the creature comforts of cosy alpine huts, where one enjoy local food and experience the diversity of European culture.

INDIA’S ONLY LUXURY HOLIDAY BRAND TO INTRODUCE SKI HOLIDAYS The luxury traveller’s pursuit of the definitive holiday experience just got a lot more interesting. Now you can embark on a ski holiday to the heart of the Swiss Alps, stay in private chalets that offer every possible kind of extravagance. Think champagne breakfasts, ski lessons from a professional, personal chefs, massages, husky sledding, private pools and jacuzzis. And top that off with a truly stunning view over the valley.

These are all part of the ski holidays launched by Kuoni. Ski holidays are the latest trend in luxury holidays–a very natural progression in the growth of the Indian holiday market, with larger numbers of wellheeled travellers demanding more unusual, highly customised experiences. One of the most sought-after resorts in the world, Verbier is situated in the Swiss Alps, a 90-minute drive from Geneva. Its private chalets offer the ultimate in personalised luxury, and have played host to politicians, movie stars and pop icons.

On the introduction of ski holidays, Haresh Koyande, Business Head–Kuoni Holidays said, “The Indian traveller has evolved, and now seeks experiential holidays, a

segment that will drive the Indian tourism industry in the future. A ski holiday among Indian travellers is fast gaining popularity. Travellers are keen on make skiing a part of their holidays as it is considered a truly exciting experience for the whole family. In the near future, Kuoni will also be introducing ski holidays to France, Italy and Austria.” Holidaymaker may choose from 17 catered chalets, four self-catered chalets, and bed-and-breakfast hotels. These chalets range from the cosy one-bedroom Chalet Mozart to the vast Septieme Ciel, which boasts an 11-metre indoor swimming pool, a private hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, a home cinema, wi-fi access and even an iPod docking station in each of its six bedrooms.

Those who would like to learn skiing can take lessons from a professional.

Every chalet has a resident chef, and chalets with more than three bedrooms also have a resident host. For chalets that are over a five-minute walk from the town’s centre, a chauffeur service takes guests to and from the slopes and nightclubs. Kuoni’s ski holidays begin at Rs 55,224 per person per week.

January 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

EVENT WEDDING WEDDING

If you are in the mood, you can do anything… why not fly down to Sun City in South Africa for your nuptials? The Palace of the Lost City has a unique heartbeat and an African rhythm all its own

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KAMAL GILL THIS IS fantasy land and your every desire is met. You have the opportunity to stage your wedding in the mind-blowing Palace of the Lost City hotel in Sun City, one of the most enticing travellers’ destinations in the world.

The Sun City Resort is the perfect place to say ‘I Do’ as it caters beautifully for weddings and is the perfect destination for an unusual honeymoon experience.

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Pilanesberg, one of South Africa’s most scenic locations, Sun City is a world unto itself and has earned its reputation as Africa’s Kingdom of Pleasure. Whatever you want, you’ll find it at Sun City, from sizzling entertainment, world-class casinos and restaurants to cater

January 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

to all tastes, to more relaxed poolside venues, quiet places, lush gardens and extensive sporting facilities, including two world-class golf courses.

The extraordinary Sun City Resort is internationally recognised as the ultimate African experience. Well-known on the international golf circuit for the incomparable Nedbank Golf Challenge and famous for the Lost City, fabled to be the ruins of an ancient civilisation, which resurrects the legends of a mythical past in its glorious architecture and entertainment features.

The skyline is dominated by The Palace of the Lost City, one of the finest and most extraordinary hotels in the world. Behind a fountain of bronze buck, caught in mid-leap, fleeing the powerful leap of a cheetah, lies a soaring, reception atrium with a handfrescoed dome, six storeys high. Here, guests experience the kind of memorable courtesy, attention and luxury which is unique to Africa. The Palace's 338 rooms and suites are decorated in a unique style to reflect the rich flora and fauna of the area. The Hotel features the incredible King, African, Royal, and Desert Suites–each is individually decorated in evocative African-style colours and the ultimate in luxury. Standard rooms have entrance foyers, en-suite bathrooms and seating areas.

With the emphasis on relaxation and entertainment, Sun City makes an ideal destination for honeymoons and weddings. It even has its own Wedding

When you are the happy bride and your madly-inlove groom is by your side, you radiate happiness all around! I was at Sun City in South Africa when this happy twosome and their families posed for pictures for their family album, just ahead of their marriage and reception. Not only did they let me shoot my pictures along with their talented photographer, they exchanged a happy banter every now and then.

Chapel and minister. The Wind Chimes wedding chapel is situated in the Lost City Gardens, and overlooks the dramatic backdrop of The Palace of the Lost City and the hills of the Pilanesberg National Park.

The gentle tinkle of wind chimes replaces the tolling of church bells deep in the Pilanesberg. Here, against the backdrop of rugged hills and the dramatic outline of the Palace of the Lost City, brides walk a pebbled path to an enchanting African bush-chapel, to join their grooms and recite their vows.

The Wedding Chapel, a pavilion in pale ash-hued wood is often dressed with bouquets of pale yellow orchids, apricot satin and trailing cream ribbons edged with gold. Winding stone paths are scented with honeysuckle, while the surrounding lawns are strewn with rose petals, making it the perfect place to tie the knot. Every last-minute detail can be orchestrated in advance, every wish catered to.

Affording enough room for the wedding party, with guests gathering round to witness the ceremony through the slim uprights supporting the roof, the chapel is fully accredited as a wedding venue, where the marriage can be solemnised and the register signed.

Although the civil ceremony must take place 'under a roof' (usually in a private house on the complex), the religious ceremony may take place outdoors and can be followed by tribal dancing and an orchestra, if you wish.

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EVENT WEDDING

Whether the marriage reception is for 20 or 2000 guests; whether it requires hi-tech staging or unusual venues, Sun City has the capacity to do it. Sun City offers the largest and most comprehensive facilities in the Southern Hemisphere. The setting is unrivalled for an enchanting honeymoon thereafter. The epitome of regal luxury is the King Suite (one of the four big individually named suites) with hand-carved walls, frescoed ceilings and hundreds of custom-designed items adorning two bedrooms, lounge, two en-suite bathrooms, guest powder room, library, butler’s pantry and balcony.

At night, huge torches flicker in courtyards and around the pools and rainforest surrounding the hotel. Villa del Palazzo, a Northern Italian restaurant, floats like a jewel box on a turquoise cushion of water. Opulent rooms feature hand-carved wooden furniture, zebra-striped and pawprinted fabrics, and enormous bathrooms.

For turndown service, housekeepers leave Swiss chocolates and thick terry robes on the bed and rose petals strewn on the floor and in the specially drawn bath that overlooks a wonderful view.

The following day, there are quiet retreats for the young couple to explore and enjoy.

You can stroll hand in hand through the jungle, the largest ever built by man, containing 1.6 million trees and 3,200 species of plants. The jungle is threaded with paths meandering past cascades and waterfalls, lakes and pools. You can bathe in the grand pool or stroll down to the royal baths in the Valley of the Waves, sip a cocktail at the poolside or in the gracious Tusk Bar and dine in two-some splendour at the special gazebo with little lights flickering in the garden to lead them to the canopied sit-out for a private luxury meal.

Or the couple can opt for a capriccio of beef with a rocket salad topped with parmesan, truffles drizzled with green basil oil at Villa del Pilazzo, the celebrated Italian restaurant, which showcases faux stone columns of bamboo, painted leopards peering through foliage above the handcarved chairs and magnificently laid tables.

The hotel's celebrated chefs can whip up a splendid honeymoon cake, with perhaps, a chocolate mousse filling, decorated with gold leaf spears of chocolate mocha flavoured and scattered with delicate white

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January 2009 | www.lifestyleliving.in

Dendrobaum Orchids. You can have a chilled glass of champagne while floating in a rose petal foam bath or float in a steaming jacuzzi set under a gazebo on the terrace of the spacious African Suite, with its handcrafted wooden inlayed floors and glowing, richly textured Persian carpets. The gorgeous suite offers you the undivided attention of both a private chef and butler.

Bask in the gentle early morning sun on the wide terrace, overlooking the undulating Pilanesberg Mountains. Later, breakfast on plump strawberries,

ripe Turkish cherries, poached eggs on rounds of crisp toast with bacon, grilled tomato and basil pesto.

Freshly made coffee and baskets of miniature luscious pastries are a special feature of breakfasts at The Palace. On the terrace, you can enjoy the privacy of a skilled therapist from The Gary Player Health Spa. At the centre itself, they have an extensive and full range of health, skin and body treatments. Finally, as you leave the hotel, it is no coincidence that you leave on the nostalgic notes of the grand piano in the foyer playing "If you go away..."

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the world in seventymm

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Australia

The image of Australia as an exotic, wild, expansive and beautiful continent with excellent social lifestyle and a rocking nightlife has cast a spell over Bollywood in recent years. Some of the popular films shot in here: Hindustani, Soldier, Dil Hi Dil Mein, Hadh Kar Di Aapne, Dil Chahta Hai, Janasheen, Road, Salaam Namaste, Phir Hera Pheri, Chak De! India and Heyy Babyy 29

Egypt Years after Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol made Egypt look even more splendid in KABHI KHUSHI KABHI GHAM, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif will repeat the Egypt magic on celluloid in their forthcoming SINGH IS KINNG. The city is now a popular place among Indians as the city of dreams. There are options of shooting in deserts, mountains and beaches, making for a good film package.

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France France with its charm, grace and attraction is a natural choice for Bollywood directors, producers and stars.

France as a destinatination provides several wonderful locations for film shooting. As the world’s most popular tourist destination, France manages to be all things to all people.

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Malaysia 34

In the international film industry's worldwide quest for exotic destinations, Malaysia has managed to attract numerous movie productions over the past half-century.

The country has gradually become popular with many top filmmakers as a backdrop for movies made for the silver screen and television. Not just Bollywood movies and serial, Tamil movies too have been shot here...

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Singapore Singapore is the place to be in Asia. It has the right mixture of leading lifestyle destinations, an exciting mix of shopping, entertainment and dining. And, along with the recent success of Bollywood blockbuster Krrish, Singapore is now one of the top places in the Bollywood movie map zone.

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turkey Great Scot! The green pastures, the serene lakes and the magic in the summer sky are to die for. Edinburgh is steepd in history and culture and the high lands is certainly the most photogenic Great Scot! The green pastures, the 38

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Thailand Great Scot! The green pastures, the serene lakes and the magic in the summer sky are to die for.

Edinburgh is steepd in history and culture and the high lands is certainly the most photogenic Great Scot! The green pastures, the

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Great Scot! The green pastures, the serene lakes and the magic in the summer sky are to die for.

Edinburgh is steepd in history and culture and the high lands is certainly the most photogenic Great Scot! The green pastures, the

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italy

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South Africa Great Scot! The green pastures, the serene lakes and the magic in the summer sky are to die for.

Edinburgh is steepd in history and culture and the high lands is certainly the most photogenic Great Scot! The green pastures, the

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