Jetsetter Winter 2015

WINTER 2015

EXOTIC PLACES

INTERESTING PEOPLE

INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

ISLANDS OF THE WIND KAZAKHSTAN IN FROM THE COLD

HIP NEW HOTELS FOR 2016

JOURNEY TO THE

NORT H SYDNEY’S SEXIEST HIDEAWAYS

24 HOURS BANGKOK

PENTHOUSE 64

JOURNEY TO THE

W 6

EDITOR'S NOTE elcome to another issue of JETSETTER and our last for 2015, a year that seems to have just flown by. We’ve

PUBLISHER Denis Fahy denis@channel1hk.com

spent the year scouring the world’s four corners for the most enchanting, enthralling and

invigorating

travel

MANAGING EDITOR Nick Walton nickwalton@artemiscomms.com

experiences

available and now, as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches, we’re

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Crystal Leung crystal@artemiscomms.com

looking forward to a timely staycation. For those of you looking to make the most of the festive break, we have the destinations you should be visiting, the means to get there and the hotels to check into in this bumper issue.

We discover Sydney’s best boutique hideaways and spend a weekend tempting our taste buds in Bangkok before taking an unforgettable journey through northern India aboard The Maharaja’s Express, which just won World’s Best Train for the 4th consecutive year.

We give you the low down on the top new hotels opening in 2016 before exploring the emerging destination of Kazakhstan, a fascinating place with a rich heritage and huge potential. There’s also time for a little pampering at the stunning new spa complex at The Ritz-Carlton Bali. In our regular Lifestyle section we chat with Thai chef Prin Polsuk, sip a new luxury whisky from Chivas Regal and slip behind the wheel of Porsche’s 2017 911 Carrera. Whether you’re staying at home or travelling this season, we hope JETSETTER has sparked your imagination and fueled your sense of adventure in the year past, and will continue to do so in the Year of the Monkey.

CHIEF SUB EDITOR Philippa Walton pipwalton@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Don Pierre Riosa don@channel1hk.com TRAVEL INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIP DIRECTOR Tammy Fong tammy@channel1hk.com BEIJING SALES MANAGER Louis Chu louis@channel1hk.com SALES MANAGER Fatima Cameira fatima@channel1hk.com

Safe Travels.

Nick Walton Managing Editor

CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE EUROPE Laurence James laurence.james@jetsetter.hk

JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical.

CONTRIBUTORS

JETSETTER is published by Channel One Communications JETSETTER is printed by Channel One Communications Suite 402-3, Hong Kong Trade Centre 161-167 Des Voeux Rd Central Hong Kong 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-5706 Valley Cottage, NY 10989 USA Milan-born Andrea Oschetti Born and raised in Hong Kong, left a successful corporate Divia Harilela has worked in career to follow his passions: lifestyle and fashion media for cooking, explorations, over 15 years, most recently as photography and journalism. fashion editor for The South He cooks for six months a China Morning Post, where she year in the private kitchen remains a contributing editor. he opened in 2008 in Hong She contributes to a range of high Kong and spends the rest profile publications and websites of the year adventuring in including Business of Fashion, extreme cultural and physical Vogue China, Howtospendit. environments around the com and Departures and is the world, scouting for experiences founder of The D’Vine (www. that are life enhancing. Andrea the-dvine.com), Asia’s leading leads group expeditions and luxury and fashion source. In this design bespoke adventures for issue she leaves the catwalks for private clients. the volcanic peaks of the Aeolian Islands. www.jetsetter.hk

Master of Wine Debra Meiburg is a celebrated wine journalist, TV personality, wine educator and in demand speaker. With a serious tongue for wine, but a little tonguein-cheek, Debra is pleasing palates across Asia with her fresh take on the world of wine. In this issue she shows wine lovers how to thrill their in-laws with the right festive tipples.

www.jetsetter.hk All rights Reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively for Channel One Communications, their partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source.

Channel One does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of the information contained.

CONTENTS WINTER 2015

32

Spa Profile Nouvelle Wellness in Paradise

38

Hip Hotels Top Openings for 2016

44

Boutique & Beautiful Southern Sojourn

48

India Journey to the north

58

Italy Islands of the Wind

74

Hotelier To Catch a Thief

CONTENTS WINTER 2015

92

Food Adventures Gems of the Spice Isles

94

Chef Profile The Keeper of Secrets

100

Restaurant Review The Asador Ambassador

101

Spirits The Making of an Icon

104

Wine Juicing up the In-laws

118

The Bite Island Inspired

12

DIARY

BaliSpirit Festival 2016 Bali, Indonesia

March 29 - April 3, 2016 Back for its ninth edition, BaliSpirit Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that will inspire and rejuvenate the weary souls of urban warriors.

Drawing participants from over 40 countries, the festival offers over 230 daily classes in yoga, dance and music, along with seminars focusing on healing, spirituality and personal development. Enjoy conscious shopping at the daytime Dharma Fair, which peddles an array of organic food and local handicrafts; and revel at the Bhakti Nights, which feature hundreds of top international performers and musicians. www.balispiritfestival.com

Where to Stay: Make the most of your rejuvenating experience at the Samaya Ubud Villas. Set alongside the picturesque River Ayung, it offers unsurpassed privacy and lavish comfort, wreathed by luxuriant tropical gardens. www.thesamayabali.com

BUKU Music + Art Project New Orleans, United States March 11 – 12, 2016 C

Tucked in the heart of a New Orleans warehouse district, BUKU Music + Art Project is a quirky boutique event that packs a punch without compromising its underground house-party vibe, and features some of the leading names in EDM, hip-hop and indie rock.

More than a striking fiesta of tunes and beats, the project is also a live gallery, boasting everything from the signature BUKU Graffiti Wall, to installations and paintings created by local and national artists. www.thebukuproject.com

Where to Stay: Channeling jazz and tarot energies in its interior design, the W French Quarter truly captures the soul of this vibrant city. Don’t forget to sample the authentic New Orleans cuisine at SoBou. www.wfrenchquarter.com

Eurosonic Noorderslag Groningen, the Netherlands January 13 – 16, 2016 Join 33,000 music enthusiasts to celebrate a wide range of European pop music in the Dutch city of Groningen. A key music exchange and networking platform, Eurosonic Noorderslag not only features a line-up of household names but also helps emerging talents to break into the music scene. Coming into its 30th edition, this year’s event will focus on 13 Central and Eastern European countries, showcasing over 300 vivid acts performed by up-and-comers like Bulgarian band K-Ross and Hungarian pop band Ocho Macho. www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl

Where to Stay: Stay close to the action at the NH Groningen hotel, a convenient hideaway just ten minutes walk from the main square. Its contemporary rooms offer luxurious comfort and sweeping views of the city. www.nh-hotels.com

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14

DIARY

Lumiere Light Art Festival

London, United Kingdom January 14 - 16, 2016

Artichoke, the creative minds behind the biennial Lumiere festival in Durham, is going to brighten up London for the first time to kick away the post-Christmas blues and lighten up the dreary mood of Londoners. An array of glowing sculptures, neon projections, and installations will be spread across more than 20 landmark locations in the West End and King’s Cross, showcasing the creativity of over two dozen talented artists, including Britain’s Julian Opie, who has a reputation for his graphic portraits and animated LED figures. www.lumiere-festival.com

Where to Stay: Leading the luxury scene of the capital city, Rosewood London seamlessly blends English heritage with modern sophistication, bringing guests an extraordinary Downtown Abbey experience. www.lumiere-festival.com

Sydney Sevens Sydney, Australia

February 6 – 7, 2016 One of the most anticipated events on the Australian sports calendar, the HSBC World Rugby Sevens will descend on Sydney and see 16 of the greatest rugby teams, including Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Scotland and Canada, battle in 42 matches over the white-knuckle weekend. If you are looking for a full carnival experience, book ahead for the South Stand, which is known as the ultimate party spot, favoured by excited rugby fans dressed in outrageous costumes. www.rugby.com.au/sydney7s

Where to Stay: Nestled in the heart of the city’s retail district, Sheraton on the Park features an award-winning seafood buffet to satiate your appetite and a luxurious spa to restore your energy. www.sheratonontheparksydney.com

Battle of the Oranges Ivrea, Italy

February 6 – 9, 2016 The Spanish people love fighting with tomatoes, but the Italians believe oranges are better weapons in a battle. Every year, nine competitive teams of almost 4,000 warriors fight against each other with 500,000 kilograms of fresh oranges in the tiny northern city of Ivrea, recreating a historic fight between townsfolk and a ruling tyrant. Intrepid travellers can sign up for the fight, while the rest can savour a fagiolate, a delicacy of beans and cured pork, while watching the oranges being thrown across the street. www.storicocarnevaleivrea.it

Where to Stay: Set in an ideal location for exploring the natural wonders and historic architecture of the Canavese area, Hotel Crystal Palace offers chic, stylishly furnished guest rooms designed for a relaxing holiday. www. hcrystalpalace.com

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16

ROOM WITH A VIEW

INTO THE WILD

L

ocated at the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s premium game-viewing destinations, Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge offers intrepid travellers the perfect marriage of creature comforts and wild encounters. Named for the rare African wild dogs that can still be found in the reserve, the lodge is home to just eight glass-fronted suites nestled in lush riverside forest. You’ll encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and black and white rhino on regular game drives, but sometimes nature gets curious, so expect awe-inspiring encounters that will last a lifetime. www.sanctuaryretreats.com

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ROOM WITH A VIEW 17

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18

INSPIRE

CARIBBEAN DREAMIN’ For the ultimate Caribbean escape, The Branson Estate on Moskito Island, in the British Virgin Islands, has joined Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, with sole bookings available in early 2016. Situated on 50 hectares of stunning paradise, surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters, The Branson Estate features three villas - Headland House, Mangrove Villa and Beach Villa - offering a total of 11 bedrooms for 22 guests. The heart of this island haven is the Recreation Area, located on the eastern side of the island, home to a wraparound infinity pool, hot tub, swim-up bar and tennis pavilion. Taking its inspiration from Branson’s first Caribbean island, Necker, which is a short boat ride away, Moskito marries colonial-esque architecture with the amenities of a private resort, including a fully-equipped water sports centre and a variety of unique al fresco dining venues that ensure guests enjoy the best of private tropical living. www.virginlimitededition.com

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AN ICY Reception

A new 11-day South Korea Discovery tour from Adventure World gives the curious a chance to travel from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the border between South and North Korea, with time for a visit to the spectacular Seoraksan National Park on the east coast, famed for its stunning granite outcrops and mountains that come down to the East Sea. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Andong and Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Shilla kingdom, as well as the beautiful Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and the Seokguram Grotto Buddha, among the most visited sites in the country. The tour also visits the southern seaport of Busan, with its amazing Jagalchi seafood market, one of the largest in Asia, and finishes in Jeju Island, where you’ll explore the famous women divers museum, the volcanic crater of Sunrise Peak, which juts out into the ocean, and the many caves and lava tubes found across the island. From AU$5,339 (US$3,892) per person. www.adventureworld.com.au

Mumbai MUSINGS

INSPIRE

19

Travellers looking for a touch of adventure will love the new 2017 European Arctic program from Aurora Expeditions, which includes an epic 24-day Arctic Complete journey that offers the ultimate in-depth exploration of Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland's most remote coastlines on the 54-passenger ice-strengthened Polar Pioneer. Starting in Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, high above the Arctic Circle, passengers will enjoy the island's glaciers and abandoned settlements before heading north into the pack ice in search of polar bears.

You’ll attempt to circumnavigate the remote island before crossing the Greenland Sea to discover the world's largest national park, as well as the world's largest fjord system in Scoresby Sund. In Iceland, explore a remote settlement before ending the expedition the nation’s stylish pintsized capital, Reykjavik. Each voyage is led by a team of experienced polar specialists, naturalists and historians that will guide passengers through the dramatic landscapes, unique cultures and abundant wildlife that capture the spirit of the European Arctic. With nearly 24 hour daylight, expect daily shore landings with opportunities to walk across spongy permafrost among summer flowers, the chance to visit a remote Inuit community, zodiac among giant grounded icebergs, and dog sled across Spitsbergen's interior. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

KOREA 101

Headed to India’s commercial capital? St Regis Mumbai has opened in chic Lower Parel, one of the city’s most sophisticated commercial, residential and entertainment districts, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. With an urban aristocratic design persona, complemented by warm tones and specially commissioned art work, which has to compete with the views from India’s tallest hotel tower, The St Regis Mumbai features 395 luxurious guest rooms, including 27 suites, all of which have access to the brand’s legendary butler service. Leave time for the hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea ritual, served in The Drawing Room at The Great Hall, with brews from local Indian estate teas, or for a tipple in the St Regis Bar, inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York. www.stregismumbai.com www.jetsetter.hk

20

INSPIRE

Cruising’s New Beginning Crystal has been the benchmark for luxury cruising for decades, but the line’s recent announcement of new icestrengthened ships, a new yacht division, river cruising vessels and even its own airline have avid cruisers eager to book passage to parts unknown. The cruise line will double the size of its conventional luxury cruising fleet with the addition of three custom-built vessels over the next three years, while a pair of state-of-the-art custombuilt river vessels will commence sailing in March 2017.

Passengers might even like to reach the world’s most exotic locales and their awaiting ships on the cruise line’s own Boeing 787 Dreamliner; catering to only 60 guests, Crystal Luxury Air will launch indulgent 28-day itineraries in 2017. Perhaps most exciting is Crystal Yacht Cruises, the line’s answer to expeditionary cruising with creature comforts. Launching this month, the all-suite Crystal Esprit will host just 63 guests and at just 3,000 tons will be able to reach far from the beaten path, catering to intrepid travellers seeking a more authentic connection with the world’s most exotic locales. The ship’s launch itinerary will take her through the Seychelles with cruises to Dubai and the Adriatic to follow. www.crystalcruises.com

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22

INSPIRE

BEHIND THE Gilded Curtain

As Queen Elizabeth celebrates her new title as Britain’s longest serving monarch, Exclusive Insight Vacations has created a new itinerary that offers an intimate glimpse into British high society. The British Royale, is a one-time-only foray into Britain at its most noble and venerated. Guests on this 11-day tour departing August 11, 2016, explore the most exclusive private clubs, properties and restaurants from London to Edinburgh, witnessing unforgettable performances and mingling with aristocracy along the way. Highlights of the journey include a private tour of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, followed by drinks and canapés served in the Hall of Monarchs; visits to Canterbury's glorious 11th century cathedral, the inspiration for Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Leeds Castle, and Highclere, “The Real Downton Abbey”. You’ll be personally welcomed to Alnwich Castle by the Duchess of Northumberland and explore both new and old in Edinburgh before finishing your tour with a spectacular performance of a traditional Military Tattoo. Along the way you’ll dine in style at the likes of Gordon Ramsay's Maze restaurant, Simpson's-in-the-Strand, and the 'In and Out' Naval Military Club, a private members club in St James, and stay in some of the UK’s best hotels, including The Milestone London. www.insightvacations.com

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will launch its newest luxury

Tour India’s SACRED RIVER

river cruise ship, this time on India’s sacred river. The Ganges Voyager II launches next month, catering to just 56 passenger in all-suite luxury, with both river and water itineraries. The ship's spacious, high-ceilinged suites provide all the comforts of a five-star hotel, each offering beautiful handpainted murals, cozy sitting areas and French balconies with floor-toceiling glass doors. Plush beds are dressed in soft linens with customizable pillow options and marble bathrooms boast rain showers, robes, slippers, and spa-quality Molten Brown bath products. Other high-end amenities include flat-screen televisions with a wide selection of on-demand movies, individual climate control, and a generous amount of closet space and under-bed storage. The new 13-day India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges journey features a seven night cruise and five nights on terra firma, staying at Oberoi hotel in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Highlights include Delhi's Humayun's Tomb, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, Jaipur's City Palace, Mother Theresa's home and tomb in Kolkata, Verdic temple in Mayapur, and Kalna's Rajbari Temples. www.uniworld.com

NOW OR NEVER

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Cazenove + Loyd’s new Monkey Safari might be your last chance to see the northern muriqui woolly monkeys of Brazil, an endangered species with less than 1,000 left in the wild. The new 11-day itinerary departs from Rio de Janeiro, venturing to Tiradentes and then from Paraty to Sao Paulo. During the excursion, guests will visit the Reserva Particular do Patrimonio Natural Feliciano Miguel Abdala, a national park in the state of Minas Gerais, where Harvard University researcher Karen Strier is working hard to reestablish the species. There will be time to explore the ancient canopied paths of the reserve, home to 335 monkeys, meet the dedicated team of researchers, and even hike, horse ride or explore the rain forest and Amazon River on special daily excursions. From US$8,000 per person, twin share, including private flights from Rio to the national park. www.cazloyd.com

24

INSPIRE

Into the

Amazon Change is afoot at Hurtigruten as the Norwegian cruise line prepares to add the Amazon rainforest, Canadian Arctic and Panama Canal to its itineraries in 2017. Hurtigruten has its roots in Norway’s vital mail boat service but has slowly evolved, first as a cruise line and now as an expedition specialist, offering insightful adventures to the Norwegian Arctic, Spitsbergen and even Antarctica. From 2017, Hurtigruten's expedition ships will sail to Viking settlements and the national parks of Newfoundland, explore the World's largest fjord complex in Greenland, travel along the Panama canal, and undertake the line's first ever inland voyage along the Amazon during a 16 night Expedition to the Amazon Rainforest itinerary. The journey starts in Manaus, deep inside the Brazilian rainforest, before departing to Montevideo in search of jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, parrots, piranhas and caimans on guided shore and river excursions. From GBP4,332, departing October 15, 2017. www.hurtigruten.co.uk

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Experience Hangzhou’s golden season at Hyatt Welcome the best of seasons to Hangzhou! A wonderful and charming autumn is a perfect time to explore the West Lake. Choose Hyatt Regency Hangzhou beside the lake as your home and enjoy your own “Paradise on Earth ”.

From now till December 31, 2015, book your room via Hyatt.com and stay over

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit hangzhou.regency.hyatt.com

26

INSPIRE

One of Sri Lanka’s most anticipated new boutique hotels, Tri Lanka has

SRI LANKA’S Newest Hideaway

opened perched on an island hill overlooking the country’s largest natural lake, Koggala. Tri’s exquisite site was discovered by British photographer Rob Drummond, over 10 years ago. Determined to bring something wholly different to Sri Lanka, Drummond worked closely with Raefer Wallis, of Shanghai’s A00 Architects, to design a hotel that honours nature, enriches its surroundings, and priorities sustainable practice. Look out for the cinnamon-clad water tower, designed to mirror nature’s ubiquitous Golden Ratio, as you make your way to one of eleven sumptuous suites, three of which are actually located in the tower, the remaining eight terraced down a spiral path, offering either sunrise or sunset views and terraces or plunge pools. Interiors combine the warmth of local Jak wood with cooling natural granite, while furnishings fuse natural materials with softly coloured, locally made textiles. The open-plan Main House offers a communal space for dining and relaxation underneath its cantilevered roof, with wide sunbathing terraces, a 21-metre swimming pool over the lake, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Tri is located just 25 minutes from Galle in the island’s south. www.trilanka.com

BEACHFRONT BLISS

One of Zurich’s oldest inns has been restored into the chic new Marktgasse Hotel, which opens this month, combining a contemporary 39-bedroom boutique hotel with two restaurants and a bar in a tasteful mix of old and new. Located on the cobbles of Zurich’s old town across two historically listed buildings that originally date back to 1291, the houses were acquired by Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Beat Curti back in 2004 and form part of a wider heritage conservation effort in the city. The Marktgasse Hotel now introduces a compelling mix of timeless eclectic design and relaxed hospitality; Scandi-inspired minimalist design and influences from Japanese purism combine with rediscovered heritage features. Its five room types, including two suites, feature glorious king size beds and art-deco monochrome style bathrooms with Aesop products, while the hotel’s signature brasserie style restaurant Baltho is furnished in an understated modern style with an open kitchen and a deliberately pared down menu offering newly interpreted international classics and seasonal surprises. www.marktgassehotel.ch www.jetsetter.hk

If you’re seeking sunshine this winter, Faena Hotel Miami Beach has opened in its namesake district, a vibrant arts and culture community in one of the US’ favourite playgrounds. Located at the heart of Miami Beach, in the former Saxony Hotel, the chic, sophisiticated Faena has been designed by award-winning film director/producer Baz Luhrmann and four-time Academy Award winning production and costume designer Catherine Martin in collaboration with Alan Faena. Opening in stages over the next three years, the new hideaway boasts just 169 rooms and suites, and 13 penthouse residences.

Hit the beach by day but leave time in the evening for the live cabaret shows of the 3,000sqft Theatre, or soak away your troubles in the expansive Tierra Santa Spa, the city’s first South American-inspired wellness haven. www.faena.com

OLD MEETS NEW

28

INTRODUCING

WHERE THE SPIRITS DWELL Nestled on the banks of Ubud’s Ayung River, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the newest luxury resort to open in Bali’s spiritual heartland. Only the third Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, and not to be confused with the new Ritz-Carlton resort located in Nusa Dua, Mandapa offers a secluded paradise amongst the rice terraces and flowing rivers of the island’s interior. Featuring 60 glorious suites and pool villas, which start at 93sqm and are dressed with colourful floor-to-ceiling murals and locally sourced materials, this exclusive hideaway is also home to fine-dining restaurant Kubu, with its private river-side bamboo hut tables, and an eight room spa that offers daily yoga, detox rituals and a range of ESPA treatments. www.ritzcarlton.com www.jetsetter.hk

INTRODUCING 29

ISLAND ICON

Setting a new benchmark in luxury on one of the Indian Ocean’s most beautiful locales, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa has opened on the east coast of Mauritius. The iconic resort, which has been extensively remodelled before joining the Shangri-La family, boasts 200 guest rooms and suites with views across one of the island’s most picturesque bays, as well as two swimming pools, a comprehensive kid’s club and an 18-hole championship golf course. Guests even have exclusive access to Ilot Mangenie, a private island, for that ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience. For couples looking to pamper themselves, check in at the Frangipani wing, an exclusive enclave accessible via footbridge; book ahead for one of three expansive beach villas, each of which come with 24-hour butler service, champagne on arrival, a dedicated buggy for exploration, and limo transfers; or head to the CHI The Spa at Shangri-La, the island’s newest wellness destination, home to eight treatment suites and a menu of Ayurvedic remedies. www.shangri-la.com

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30

INTRODUCING

DELTA DIVA

Belmond’s Eagle Island Lodge has reopened at the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta following an almost total rebuild.

Each of the lodge’s 12 spacious new Deluxe Tented Rooms, dressed in gentle greens, dusty gold and yellow, feature a private plunge pool, an outdoor deck and touches of both contemporary luxury and authentic Africa, including minibars crafted in the style of an explorer’s toolbox, plush, hand-stitched leather furniture, and art by local artisans. Oversized beds with handmade copper headboards offer stunning delta views; beyond, luxurious bathrooms boast deep bathtubs and walled outdoor showers. The lodge’s new restaurant features an open kitchen concept and al fresco dining, and is complemented by a new lounge with bar and library. After days exploring the stunning diversity of the Delta on boat, canoe, barge, walking and helicopter safaris, capture mesmerising African sunsets at the new Fish Eagle Bar, located adjacent to a new camp fire pit and barbeque. www.belmond.com

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INTRODUCING 31

H O L I S T I C H AV E N

Set to open in the first half of 2016, Arovada by Akaryn will be the first private island wellness retreat in Cambodia, one of Asia’s fastest emerging luxury travel destinations. Set on the private island of Koh Krabey, just 20 minutes by boat from the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Arovada will boast just 40 butler-serviced villas, each conceived by fashion designer Kenzo Takada and wreathed by natural vegetation. At the island’s heart is the revolutionary Ayurah Wellness Centre, where guests can undertake a complete lifestyle transformation during their stay. Founded on four pillars of wellbeing – Weight Optimisation, Anti-aging, Mind Balance, and Detoxification – Ayurah Wellness combines the best of Eastern and Western philosophies to create a fusion of spiritual and medical care. This holistic approach continues in the resort’s restaurants, which focus on a slow food concept using locally-sourced organic ingredients. www.akaryn.com www.jetsetter.hk

32

SPA PROFILE

NOUVELLE

WELLNESS IN PARADISE One of the year’s most anticipated wellness openings on the Island of the Gods, the new Ritz Carlton Spa marks the triumphant return of the brand’s signature holistic haven to one of Asia’s favourite playgrounds.

By Nick

www.jetsetter.hk

Walton

I

t’s easy to believe the rat race is literally millions of miles away during one of the signature massages at Bali’s newest wellness retreat. Time comes to a standstill and the weight of the modern world eases as the therapist relieves the tension of work-weary muscles. The air is scented with precious oils and a distant soundtrack of rhythmic chanting lulls me even further. If there is a heaven of my choosing, this would be it.

With its 313 spacious rooms and suites, a clutch of exclusive villas, six restaurants and bars, and an enviable position on the Nusa Dua coastline, The Ritz Carlton Bali has been a vision in the making. But no Bali resort is complete without a haven for spaophiles, and the new Ritz Carlton Spa lifts the benchmark for holistic healing in Asia.

Nestled into the cliffs and wreathed by lush traditional Balinese gardens, the new spa marries nature, culture, tradition, technology and spirituality to create a wellness destination in its own right, where Bali’s rich holistic heritage and the finest Indian Ocean ingredients meet modern techniques in contemporary yet timeless surrounds.

Two components are at the heart of the new wellness destination; the ocean has long been revered as a source of energy, healing and rejuvenation, while Bali remains the spiritual chakra of Asia. The spa’s two principle ingredients, seaweed, prized as a strengthening agent and exfoliator, and pearls, used by Asia’s royal families for centuries to deliver radiance to skin, join a narrative inspired by timeless Sanskrit folklore to create a truly Balinese yet unashamedly contemporary wellness encounter.

SPA PROFILE 33 On my first visit I’m guided to one of 14 private treatment rooms (the resort also boasts four spa villas, featuring private Balinese bathing pools that take their inspiration from royal bathing rituals); the space is kissed with mid-morning sunshine and bears the name Santhi, Sanskrit for ‘peace’.

While I opt for a 90-minute massage that’s designed to rid the fatigue of air travel, the spa’s extensive menu has a little something for everyone, from signature treatments like the Iridescent Delight, a 120-minute ritual that combines a skin smoothing Shimmering Pearl Polish with a pure pearl body wrap and Shine Renewal Massage using Vitality Oil; through to the 90-minute Balinese Ocean Dream massage, which uses traditional Balinese massage strokes to ease muscle tension, calm neutral pathways and encourage circulation.

A favourite from the Marine Power Rituals collection is the 90-minute Marine Algae Trio, a relaxing massage that relieves tension, followed by an exfoliation and a Thalgo seaweed body wrap, which infuses the skin with minerals, vitamins and micronutrients; while the Luster Pearl Aromatic Soaking Ritual is nothing but pure bliss as you soak in a bubble bath infused with pearl dust.

Families are increasingly visiting resort spas together and the new Ritz Carlton Spa’s offer a range of specialist treatments, including Mon, Dad & Me, a 135-minute journey that includes a full body treatment and a well-deserved soaking ritual for Mom and Dad, and a 30-minute neck and shoulder massage with a choice of strawberry or chocolate massage oil for the little ones.

Post-treatment, guests can opt to curl up in the intimate relaxation lounge; take a soak in the heated pool, or a steam

in the steam suite within each separate locker room; or, as I frequently did, retreat from the heat of the day to the serene Hydro-Vital pool garden, an outdoor shaded hideaway comprising five sections that focus on backs, necks, feet and leg muscle release.

Of course, for the active the spa is also home to a stateof-the-art 24-hour fitness centre, a yoga studio and a hair salon, essential for celebratory events, but unlike at many resorts, wellness is not restricted to just the spa.

Early the next morning I find myself strolling a beach basking in golden sunshine. On a strip of manicured grass a yoga class is in full swing, while in the main pool nearby an aqua-aerobics class is about to commence. The resort makes use of its stunning beachfront with both group and private sunrise yoga and beach meditation sessions, but I’m here for something a little more spiritual – a traditional Hindu-Balinese soul purification, conducted by a local priest.

Traditionally referred to as "Melukat," derived from the word ‘Lukat’ which means to purify in Balinese, the soul purification practice is centered around holy water, which can cleanse spiritual impurities and protect against negative influences. In Bali, holy water accompanies every act of Hindu-Balinese worship from individual prayer at a household shrine to island-wide ceremonies. Seated in the morning sunshine, the sound of the ocean nearby, a priest trickles holy water on my forehead and into my cupped hands and asks for my blessing from Surya, god of the sun and Baruna, god of the ocean. It’s a beautiful way to get in touch with a new culture and an even better way to start a new in paradise. www.ritzcarlton.com/bali

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34

PAMPER

A Gift from Nature Recently opened in the countryside of southwest England, The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel boasts a cutting-edge Spa Village that integrates the natural hot springs of Bath with a range of invigorating aquatic body therapies and luxurious treatments that draw on the historic use of aromatherapy in Great Britain. The Bath House features two natural thermal pools of varying temperatures; a dedicated thermal pool for aquatic body therapies; traditional and infrared saunas; a steam room; an ice alcove; and 11 treatment rooms, where guests can enjoy an extensive range of massages or organic skin care facials. www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

The Science of Beauty The Chuan Spa at The Langham Auckland has unveiled a new series of treatments using an award-winning range of anti-aging products by HydroPeptide, which harness the healing power of peptides to increase skin hydration, soften lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful look. With a combination of peptides, botanical stem cells, and moisturising actives, this professional collection is highly-effective and customisable for all skin types. The signature HydroPeptide treatments include an AntiWrinkle Signature Facial, a Brightening Facial, a Pumpkin Refresher, and a Calming Recovery, all of which ensure you’ll look your best when exploring the City of Sails. www.langhamhotels.com

Ultimate Indulgence The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has added four new treatments to their menu with the introduction of Carol Joy London’s beauty line, which is packed with precious golden millet oil, triple-action collagen, and caviar algae. The decadent Touch of Gold and Silk experience combines a full body exfoliation with Four Seasons’ signature back, neck and shoulder massage; while the Diamonds Are Forever facial leaves skin with abundant moisture and an instantly radiant glow. To ease away fatigue and tension, try the Crowning Glory, a deeply hydrating hair, scalp, and body treatment; or add extra sparkles to your windows to the soul with the Luminous Eyes treatment, ideal before hitting the town for a special occasion. www.fourseasons.com/hongkong

Wellness Sanctuary Boasting a unique, all-suite concept, the idyllic Meadowood Spa has opened in California’s Napa Valley to offer spaophiles a true sense of wellness privacy. Guests can indulge in an aromatherapy shower, dry body brush, or foot bath, before submitting to one of the result-driven spa packages, which include From the Vines, a vino-based massage and facial; From the Earth, a black walnut scrub and hot stone massage; and The Air We Breathe, which includes a detoxifying mud wrap, an invigorating leg scrub, and a soothing belly mask. Round off the experience with house-dried fruits, nuts and grains from the alluring spa culinary menu. www.meadowood.com/spa

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24 HOURS

BACK TO BANGKOK The Thai capital has seen some hard times but endures as one of Asia’s most fascinating, colorful and enthralling destinations, discovers Nick Walton

10am For one of the city’s most luxurious and historic accommodation options, you can’t go past the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, which has stood on the banks of the Chao Phraya River for more than 135 years. It’s an exciting year ahead for the hotel, which has just reopened its historic Authors’ and Garden Wings, in addition to unveiling the Joseph Conrad Terrace and the Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward-; and James Michener Lounges. A dozen new suites will open in the Garden Wing in early 2016, as will a new-look Royal Suite in the Authors’ Wing, offering once again the city’s grandest presidential suite. Embrace the rich heritage of the hotel with a stay in the Authors’ Suite, located in the River Wing. Paying a tribute to the many literary greats that have graced the hotel, this sumptuous suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, a spacious living room and a luxurious bathroom. Take your time over breakfast under the morning sun on The Verandah while you watch the activity on the river, before setting out to explore the city. www.mandarinoriental.com www.jetsetter.hk

24 HOURS 37

11am If this is your first visit to Bangkok, spend the morning exploring the Old City, which straddles the Chao Phraya River. This is the spiritual heart of the city, with the majesty of the Grand Palace, the timeless beauty of Wa Phra Kaew and the rich traditions of Wat Mahathat, widely considered Thailand’s first university and a centre for meditation. There are spacious ceremonial parks and wide inviting boulevards and if the heat gets to you, dip inside the National Gallery to cool off with some culture.

Alternatively, if you’re a Bangkok veteran, you might like to explore Pratunam, centred around the impressive 88-storey Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Thailand’s tallest building. This neighbourhood is best known for its shopping, from fashion outlets and street markets to trendy local boutiques, with something for every budget.

1.30pm After your retail therapy head to Kuang Heng Kaiton Pratunam, on Petchburi Soi 30, a local institution serving steamed chicken in the khao man gai style. The signature dish of this iconic hawker joint is served in strips with an oily rice infused with garlic and topped with fresh cucumber and a touch of chilli.

3pm The arts scene of Bangkok is heating up, with a host of new galleries opening in trendy Sathorn, including Bangkok CityCity Gallery, Sathorn 11 Arts Space, and Schemata

Gallery. Stroll the lanes of Sathorn to see what appeals, or visit one of the exhibitions; in early 2016 you’ll find carved teak furniture and temple rubbings at 56th Studio, and a solo exhibition by Tokyo-born painter Soichiro Shimizo at the design-savvy Yenakart Villa gallery.

6pm You’ve earned a pre-dinner tipple so return to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok for one of the city’s most refined cocktail experiences. The Bamboo Bar, a Bangkok institution, recently emerged from an extensive renovation as the city’s sexiest watering hole. A comprehensive cocktail menu includes house-aged cocktails as well as twists on classic libations, serviced amidst chic dark wood interiors. Stick around for the best live jazz in Thailand thanks to a revolving roster of the jazz and blues world’s top talents.

8pm If you’re celebrating a special occasion you don’t need to go far for the city’s best new dining experience; the iconic Le Normandie (above) French dine dining restaurant has just reopened at the Mandarin Oriental, offering a sublime epicurean experience that marries the best of Continental silver service with captivating river views and the elegance of Southeast Asian hospitality. Be sure to book a window table in advance.

Alternatively carnivores will love Meat Bar 31, the city’s newest steakhouse, which serves

premium cuts from the US, Japan, Australia and England prepared by Le Cordon Bleutrained owner Itthi Voranate. Bring your appetite as Meat Bar specializes in sizable steaks that are great for sharing, including the Australian grain-fed tomahawk, and the succulent Miyazaki Wagyu ribeye. EL Patio, Soi Sukhumvit 31, Tel: +66 95 778 2617

10pm If you’re visiting over the weekend, walk off your meal with a visit to the Talat Rot Fai Railways Markets, also known as the Railway Markets because its position on railways land.

Talat Rot Fai is best known for its vintage – sometimes kitsch – collectables; you'll find everything from old Vespa scooters in need of some TLC and dated pin ball machines, to old cameras and battered cocktail shakers.

Make time for a cocktail, served from one of the converted VW Combi van bars, or grab an ice cold beer from one of the impromptu stands and drink it sitting in one of the abandoned carriages which line the market.

If you’re more interested in views than crowds, make for The Speakeasy at Hotel Muse; while it’s not the most vertiginous of Bangkok’s outdoor bars, The Speakeasy is one of its sexiest, with a 1920s prohibition theme and a curated collection of delectable cocktails served in hipster-pleasing jam jars to a soundtrack of fusion jazz. Grab a table on ‘The Lawn’ or enjoy a stogie in the Blind Pig cigar room. http://hotelmusebangkok.com www.jetsetter.hk

38

TOP HOTELS OF 2016

IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Portals Nous,

Majorca

www.jetsetter.hk

For those looking for a far-flung island on which to relax, the five-star IBEROSTAR, opening in Majorca in May, might just be a perfect choice.

Perched on sublime Bendinat Beach and wreathed by an 18-hole championship golf course, this contemporary new resort will feature a range of bright, chic rooms by acclaimed Dutch designer Marcel Wanders as well as a clutch of themed-spaces, including the Games Suite, the Stargazer Suite, and the Naughty Suite. Spa-goers can spoil themselves with a range of restorative hydrotherapy treatments at the luxury spa, or sip sundowners at the Pool Bar with Majorca’s celebrity set. www.thegrandcollection.com

TOP HOTELS OF 2016 39

HIP HOTELS for 2016

A LINEUP OF TOP-NOTCH DIGS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE ROLLING OUT THEIR WELCOME MATS IN THE YEAR AHEAD, SHOWCASING LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION AND UNSURPASSED HOSPITALITY TO A FRESH GENERATION OF BON VIVANTS. BY CRYSTAL LEUNG

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40

TOP HOTELS OF 2016

Amanemu,

Japan

Cast your modesty aside and embrace Japan’s ancient onsen (mineral hot spring) culture at Amanemu, which is set to open in early 2016.

Nestled in the pristine Ise Shima National Park on the island of Honshu, this luxurious ryokan-styled retreat will boast just 24 soothing suites overlooking the tranquil beauty of Ago Bay – an additional four two-bedroom villas are ideal for families and boast private onsen facilities. Savour fresh seafood and top-notch Matsusaka beef in the resort’s signature restaurant and be sure to sign up for a bespoke Aman Journey to the Unesco-listed pilgrimage

Pulitzer Amsterdam,

The Neatherlands

routes of the Kumano Kod ō. www.aman.com

The Highlands,

Tanzania

Tanzania’s Unesco-listed Ngorongoro Crater - home to the highest density of lions in Africa - will see a luxurious new Asilia Africa lodge opening in March.

Set high on the slopes of Olmoto volcano, with views all the way to the Serengeti, The Highlands takes its inspiration from traditional Maasai bomas huts and will offer eight deluxe tented suites, each featuring a king size bed, picture windows, and a wood burning stove to keep the highland chill at bay. From this lofty position, guests can embark on an iconic Ngorongoro Crater safari, guided nature walks, and Maasai cultural experiences with the camp’s well-trained team. www.asiliaafrica.com

www.jetsetter.hk

Fans of the Dutch Golden Age will love the Pulitzer Amsterdam, which occupies 25 interlinked canal houses dating from the 17th century that once housed the iconic Hotel Pulitzer. Re-emerging in February after a meticulous renovation, this historic gem will feature tranquil gardens, hidden courtyards, and four exceptional themed suites inspired by trade merchants and Dutch aristocrats, including the Art Collector’s suite, which boasts a 21st century version of “The Last Supper” painting as part of its curated collection. www.pulitzeramsterdam.com

Helena Bay,

New Zealand

New Zealand has long been a couple-centric destination, but in late 2016 Helena Bay – the country’s newest luxury lodge – will fling open its doors on the North Island’s unspoiled Tutukaka Coast, offering two and three bedroom villa accommodation to families and friends travelling together. Take a 45-minute helicopter ride from Auckland to enter a dreamland of unsurpassed privacy at this ultra-luxe lodge, which will only accommodate a maximum of 12 guests and provides exclusive access to three private beaches.

The beautiful main lodge will also house a heated swimming pool, an intimate spa, and a library.

www.helenabay.com

TOP HOTELS OF 2016 41

San Clemente palace Kempinski,

Italy

Perched on the private island of San Clemente, just ten minutes by boat from St Mark's Square, this iconic Venetian hideaway reopens in March as a Kempinski, allowing travellers the chance to explore the beauty of Venice and offers an easy retreat from the maddening tourist crowds. We’re sure you’ll be seduced by the Venetian charms of the 190 ornately-furnished rooms, decked out with traditional high ceilings, Venetian terrazzo floors, Murano chandeliers, and refined tapestries. Just be sure to drag yourself away long enough to enjoy fresh Adriatic seafood at the Venetian-inspired

Finolhu,

Maldives

important business. www.finolhu.mv

Acquerello Restaurant. www.kempinski.com

Ritz Paris,

France

The Ritz Paris, which first opened its doors in 1898, was one of the favourite sojourns of Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Maria Callas; you’ll be able to find out why when it re-opens in March after an unparalleled restoration. The refreshed 71 rooms and 71 suites will retain their opulent Empire styling but with an injection of state-of-the-art technology to create a wholly new icon at the heart of the French capital. Ensure you leave time for the haute cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Sale at the new L’Espadon restaurant and look out for the new Chanel au Ritz Paris skin-treatment haven at the spa. www.ritzparis.com

Newly-weds in search of a special honeymoon destination should look no further than the retroinspired resort Finolhu, opening in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll next summer. By day, tear yourself away from the comfort of your classic-styled villa, and head over to The Cove spa for a fitness class or an Indian Ocean inspired wellness therapy, or try your hand at a variety of water sports at the Marine Hub. By night, surprise your partner with a candle-lit dinner under a canopy of stars at Baa Bar and Dining, before hitting the sheets for more

The President

by AKARYN,

Laos

Laos will have a chic new house of slumber when The President by AKARYN opens in Vientiane, between the House of Parliament and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, in March. Paying homage to the rich heritage of the country, this glorious retreat will blend French colonial influences with traditional Laotian design across its 30 spacious, exquisitely-appointed guest rooms. Spend a lazy afternoon in the French garden for a Vientiane high tea, and find balance between body and soul at the Ayurah Wellness Centre, which will offer bespoke treatments based on both Eastern and Western philosophies. www.akaryn.com

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INSIDER pairing – isn’t that a little dangerous?

Actually it will not be dangerous on any level; certainly you will not be drunk after the cocktail pairing as we do not serve you full size cocktails.

It’s more like a cocktail sampler which pairs extremely well. You can probably visit us on the 29/F after your dinner for a night-cap too!

What’s your favourite concoction on the current menu?

“SHIITAKE” is my current favourite. We slow-cooked mushroom whisky with a mushroom consommé to pair it with our signature “EGG” dish.

What are some of the most exciting or intriguing ingredients you’ve experimented with for the pairing cocktails?

KING THE OF

MAHOGANY

Cocktail lovers across Asia will know the imaginative and often eclectic cocktails created by Hong Kong’s own award-winning mixology prince Antonio Lai. But in his newest venture, VEA, he teams up with celebrated chef Vicky Cheng to create a truly harmonious marriage between bar and kitchen. By Nick Walton

What’s a bartender doing in a fine-dining kitchen?

We wanted to do something a little different, unusual and disruptive to the Hong Kong dining scene by combining my profession, mixology, with fine dining. Often we hear the term food and beverage, but there’s not many restaurants that really, truly combine the two together. This is how we started VEA, combining the dishes of chef Vicky Cheng with my cocktails.

We know your newest concept has a few different elements; what’s the story behind VEA’s 30th floor dining experience?

On the 30/F, it’s a fine dining experience prepared

by Vicky. The cuisine is modern French with heavy Asian influences, using seasonal produce, such as the hairy crab. Our guests are seated inside our open kitchen, watching all the dishes being prepared right in front of their eyes. There is also a private room that comfortably seats ten. The dishes on the menu will change every few weeks but essentially everyone in the dining room enjoys the same menu, either with cocktail or wine pairing.

www.jetsetter.hk

Where did the idea for an integration of mixology and gastronomy come from? Is there much conflict from bar to kitchen?

I first learnt molecular mixology from Dario Comini and was then deeply inspired by Tony Conigliaro and also el Bulli. What I’ve been doing all these years actually stems from molecular gastronomy, to add textures, dimensions and flavours to what we consume. Also, having worked at bars, clubs and also restaurants, I absolutely welcome the idea of integrating food and drink. That said, I don’t think there is much conflict from bar to kitchen, and we have a happy team at VEA.

How difficult has it been to create cocktails that complement Vicky’s dishes?

To be honest, it’s not an easy task. When we do pairing, it’s more than just creating new cocktails for our guests. We have to understand what’s in the dishes before we can decide which ingredients to use and how to use them in the drinks. It requires painstaking effort but it’s an interesting process too.

An eight course degustation with cocktail

Dash [fish] is an everyday ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and now it also forms the base of our pairing cocktail for the “TUNA” dish, which is actually pretty exciting. Shiitake mushrooms are also on the list.

We experimented with many different types of mushrooms and had rounds of tastings before we agreed that shiitake delivered the best result.

How do these tipples compare to those in the VEA Lounge one level down?

On the 29/F is a masculine lounge with a small terrace led by both myself and mixologist Leszek Stachura. Another marriage of food and beverages takes place in the signature drinks menu, where food ingredients such as Chinese mustard, longans, Japanese dashi fish and bone marrow are deconstructed and utilized in various cocktails.

Four categories of cocktails will be served – Sweet, Savoury, Sour, and Strong; with a total of 16 cocktails available on the menu along with newschool, Asian-style snacks, such as the signature Iberico Katsu in homemade pineapple bun. The lounge is the perfect venue for those who wish to enjoy a drink after work or those seeking an event space.

What has the reception been to fish vodka and whisky shitake consommé cocktails?

How open minded are Hong Kong diners?

As we’ve been open for only reception and feedback for consomme whisky and the dashi very receptive and our guests

3-4 weeks, the the mushroom vodka has been are often very

curious about it because it is unique and different.

What are techniques and ingredients you’re looking forward to playing with for future pairings?

I'm continuing with multisensory mixology, a boundless subject on deconstruction and reconstruction. To be specific, I'm experimenting with flavours and textures, incorporating spirits and food. Also, I will continue to play with the way pairings are presented, including the kitchenware and glassware used, as well as the garnishes. www.vea.hk

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BOUTIQUE & BEAUTIFUL

SOUTHERN S OJOURN Make these lavish urban hideaways your home-awayfrom-home on your next visit to Australia’s favourite summer city, says Nick Walton.

Sydney's newest house of slumber is the

Old Clare Hotel,

a heritage-listed former pub and Carlton & United Breweries admin building turned chic 62-room boutique beauty. Old Clare embraces the rich heritage and steady gentrification of Chippendale, a neighbourhood that not only boasts close proximity to the city centre but also a growing arts scene and a myriad of historic and sometimes eclectic architectural styles. With styling by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, this design-savvy retreat (it’s also a member of Design Hotels) features seven room styles; our favourite is the C.U.B. Suite, a former boardroom that still boasts its original timber paneling and parquetry floors. The space boasts a separate sleeping quarters, as well as a dining table for eight, its own library, and custom furnishings, including desk lamps fashioned from transformed vintage machinery. You’ll love the indie rock vibe of The Clare bar, and the urban solitude of the rooftop pool during Sydney’s sizzling summer months. 1 Kensington St, Chippendale, +61 2 8277 8277; www.theoldclarehotel.com.au

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BOUTIQUE & BEAUTIFUL 45

Nestled at the heart of the historic Rocks precinct,

The Langham Sydney,

formally The Observatory, has opened after an extensive four-month renovation.

With just 98 guest rooms and a refined, secluded

address

overlooking

the

Parramatta River and Darling Harbour, The Langham Sydney has the ambiance of a private members club. The elegant lobby, dressed in Calacatta marble with hints of Art Deco, leads to some of the city’s largest guest rooms, including the crowning jewel, the opulent 1,313sq ft Observatory Suite, with its inspiring views of Observatory Hill and the Sydney skyline, its stately drawing room with fireplace, and its private wine cellar.

The heart of the hotel is Palm Court, an elegant teal and citrus-hued space where Langham’s acclaimed Afternoon Tea with

pool. 89-113 Kent Street, Tel: +61 2 9256

A secret haven at the centre of the city’s coolest neighborhood, The Kirketon has been an enclave for those in the know for a decade. With only 40 chic, minimalist and utterly-sexy guest rooms located at the heart of Darlinghurst, just steps from Oxford Street and Potts Point, we suggest you book yourself into an Executive Room so you have room to breathe; the unashamedly modern space comes complete with a king sized bed, MicroCloud bedding, luxury linens, and an ensuite with rain shower. You’re staying here so you can be part of the scene, and that includes 50s-esque Eau De Vie on the ground floor, regarded as one of Australia’s best cocktail bars, and culinary sensation Fu Manchu, a great spot for people watching in the

2222; www.langhamhotels.com

city’s most vibrant precinct. 229 Darlinghurst Road Darlinghurst, Tel: +61 2 9332 2011; www.

Wedgewood is served, but leave time for a spot of pampering in the hotel’s intimate day spa, where skin treatments from German beauty pioneers BABOR and local organic experts iKOU are matched with Australia’s most iconic swimming

kirketon.com.au www.jetsetter.hk

46

HOTEL REVIEW

DUBLIN'S

H I D D E N H AV E N

With an enviable location and an Old World persona, Dublin’s Westbury Hotel captures the timeless elegance of the Irish capital, discovers

I

Nick Walton.

t’s not always easy to hide a five star hotel. By definition they tend to be grand affairs that demand statue and space. But in typically understated Irish style, The Westbury, Dublin's most luxurious enclave and a favourite with visiting politicians and celebrities, is nestled at the heart of the city, just steps from the pedestrianized malls of Grafton Street, the restaurants and pubs of Temple Bar and the hallowed halls of Trinity College. Once a convent, today the family-owned Westbury instills the best of Celtic warmth and charm across its spacious yet intimate public spaces and sumptuous guest rooms and suites.

www.jetsetter.hk

Your experience will start in the lobby, where the reception blends into a Georgian lobby lounge – the Gallery Room – that’s decked out with regal furniture by George Smith and Waterford crystal chandeliers.

Pieces by Irish masters grace the walls. The Gallery Room is really the heart of the hotel; it’s a place to see and be seen, a place to entertain and to find seclusion, a place that is at once serene and vibrant. Here, there is an all-day menu that is as ideal for couples looking for a bite before they go exploring as it is for business gatherings. Dublin’s most lavish afternoon tea is also served in The Gallery Room, complete with silver teapots, crisp service and a dedicated champagne trolley laced with vintage and non-vintage drops.

HOTEL REVIEW 47

Off the Gallery Room is The Marble Bar, a hidden gem that boasts an enviable selection of Irish single malt and blended whiskies as well as an innovative cocktail list – they also make a mean dirty martini, best enjoyed beside the open fireplace amidst understated Georgian interiors.

Also leading from The Gallery Room is Wilde, the hotel’s signature restaurant, named for the city’s famous son, Oscar Wilde. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wilde, home to acclaimed chef John Wood, showcases a contemporary take on traditional Irish cuisine, making the most of tremendous locally-sourced produce, including Irish Black Angus beef and the freshest fish from south and west Ireland. Airy interiors bask in morning sunshine during leisurely breakfasts – the Full Irish Breakfast with Clonakilty white and black pudding is a must-try – and lunches, and as evening arrives the restaurant takes on a cosy candle lit ambiance that’s a far cry from the main eatery of a busy city hotel.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Balfes Bar & Brasserie is located on Balfe Street, and is a vibrant all-day bistro with New York-styling, outdoor seating for Dublin’s glorious summers, and an unashamedly modern menu – think roast Atlantic hake with quinoa and Asian greens – that blends influences from east and west with ingredients from local artisanal producers.

Our Luxury Studio Suite, located on the hotel’s 6th floor, is the perfect marriage of intimacy and space. With views across the rooftops of Central Dublin, the spacious suite

features a king-sized four poster bed dressed in 300-thread count Lissadell linens and Blanc d’Ivoire throws, and minimalist yet elegant furnishings in dark timber and Mohair, original artworks on the walls and a marble-lined bathroom. The underfloor heating, beneath Irish wool carpets, helps keep the Irish chill at bay while windows that open to cityscape views give a delightfully residential feel to a hotel that instills all the charm and beauty of the Irish capital.

Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland, Tel: +353 1 679 1122; www.doylecollection.com www.jetsetter.hk

48

INDIA

JOURNEY TO THE

NORTH

NICK WALTON EXPLORES THE TEMPLES, STATELY PALACES AND MOUNTAIN FORTS OF NORTHERN INDIA ABOARD ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS TRAINS, THE MAHARAJA’S EXPRESS. Photography by Nick Walton

Verdent gardens within theAmber Fort

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INDIA 49

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50

INDIA NEW ZEALAND Clockwise from top left: The Maharaja's Express is regularly awarded best train journey in the world; an unforgettable reception in Jaipur; a spacious double stateroom

W

ith a blast of trumpets and a cacophony of colour we step down onto freshly rolled red carpets and into the blazing, mid-morning light of Jaipur, to a welcome reception that will last a lifetime.

Dancers and musicians in shimmering blue and gold costumes twirl and sway to the music while a pint-sized, bearded ring master in frangipani pink dances guests onto the platform and towards a line of waiting coaches, the musical troop following on their heels.

It’s our first day on the majestic Maharaja’s Express, the world’s most expensive train, and its seven-day Indian Panorama journey, www.jetsetter.hk

which visits some of northern India’s most beautiful and important locales, including Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi. The Maharaja’s Express isn’t India’s first luxury train but it’s widely regarded as its best and offers a lavishly simple way to explore the rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes of this fascinating but often challenging destination.

I admit I was a little skeptical when Hong Kong-based luxury travel gurus Lightfoot Travel recommended a luxury train through India. I’d visited many times and the impression I got of the nation’s rail experience was more pauper than prince.

However, Lightfoot were right on the money and my fellow guests and I had slept like

babies on the 260km overnight journey from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station, arriving with the dawn at Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan. Jaipur, a key component of the popular Golden Triangle tourist route, makes for a captivating first stop on this intriguing whirlwind tour of the north; The Pink City takes its name from the extensive use of red and pink sandstone in its ornate palaces and residences, including the sprawling Amber Fort, which dominates the horizon from its lofty positon atop a rocky peak.

We curl around mirror-like Maota Lake and climb the mountain in a convoy of rumbling jeeps, passing lumbering painted elephants and stalls selling bamboo puppets, which

52

INDIA

dance in the morning breeze. Spice and coffee scent the air as we climb to the fort’s entrance, where the stone path is worn to a polish. The Amber Fort, also known as the Amber Palace, was once home to the Rajput Maharajas and now receives more than 5,000 visitors a day. We join the crowds, emerging into a vast courtyard, one of four, ringed by exquisite Mogul and Rajput architecture in pale yellow. Ancient fortifications cling to the surrounding mountain slopes like scales as they lead up to the Jaigarh Fort, built atop Cheel ka Teela, the Hill of Eagles, to protect the royal residence below. From the ramparts above the Amber Palace’s Diwan-e-Khas, the Hall of Private Audience, children peak through www.jetsetter.hk

the stone latticing, while women in vibrant red and yellow saris sweep the courtyards and water the verdant gardens below.

from the arches above. It’s very easy to feel like royalty making a triumphant return to our ancestral home.

The legacy of Rajasthan’s kings continues back in Jaipur at the stunning City Palace, where we’re welcomed with the same spectacular pageantry, palace guards on horseback towering proudly above the dancing musicians. Built between 1729 and 1732 for the royal family of Jaipur, one wing of the palace is now a museum but as Maharaja’s Express passengers we’re guided away from the tour groups waiting to enter, passing instead through towering iron-clad doors into the royal residence as women wrapped in pink silk rain rose petals

Far from the tourist throngs we sip champagne in a sumptuous reception room where gilded chandeliers shimmer in the afternoon sunlight, before passing down long corridors, ever deeper into the palace, finally reaching sun-kissed gardens where a herd of elephants and two curious camels, dressed in regal attire, graze.

Unique encounters like this are part and parcel of life onboard the Maharaja’s Express, making the journey more like a cruise than a train trip. Each day during the

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Left: Muscians in City Palace; a child sells blessing blossums on the Ganges

Right: a temple at Khajuraho; one of the train's two sumptious dining rooms

week-long itinerary guests have the opportunity to depart on fascinating excursions executed with military-like precision. The train’s complement of butlers, resplendent in their golden coats, line the platform when we arrive, escorting guests down blossom-lined paths to waiting coaches, and are dutifully assembled again upon our return.

Each day is a different adventure and a new chance to delve into the ancient history of northern India; we chase the dawn from deep within Ranthambore National Park, passing the ruins of its ancient fortress, the hunting grounds of which have become one of India’s most important tiger sanctuaries. We linger as the sunset captures the red stonework of ancient Fatehpur Sikri, the shadows of the abandoned city’s beautifully-preserved towers reaching across its expansive ceremonial courtyards.

In Madhya Pradesh we decipher the intricate carvings of the Unesco-listed Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho with an experienced guide; and in Gwalior we explore the city’s 8th century hilltop fort, late afternoon sunshine streaking between its brilliant mosaicked turrets.

At the nearby Saas Bahu Temple, built in 1092

by King Mahipala for his mother and wife, flocks of swallows dance in indigo skies, taking turns to dart through the temple’s stone chambers as they hunt dragonflies.

Each adventures ends back in the serene luxury of the train. At crowded city stations and on remote rural platforms, guests pass through the ranks of assembled crew and enter the gleaming train through the Rajah Club, one of two luxurious www.jetsetter.hk

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This page: Rajasthan is famed for its vibrant colours; a king's welcome in Jaipur

Right, clockwise from top left: a muscian at the Amber Palace; the ancient dome of the Bada Imambara; guests take to the dance floor during the Indian night; bartender Vijay Singh, one of the train's superbly trained staff

leather-clad lounges, where barman Vijay Singh, a true highlight of the trip, is waiting with cold towels and freshly shaken cocktails. The Maharaja’s Express boasts two lounge bars; the Rajah Club is the de facto heart of the train while the Safari Club is a tranquil space that waits to be discovered. There are also two restaurant cars one dressed in warm burgundy and gold, the other in blue silk and silver - where Old World silver service is married with the regional creations of ever-smiling, always-charming chef John Stone.

Despite the bars and dining cars being conveniently located at the centre of the train it can still be a hike to get to your cabin

thanks to some of the largest staterooms on two rails. The almost kilometer long train boasts 14 guest carriages, named for precious stones, with a total of four cabin categories, including Navratna, the two-room Presidential Suite, which occupies an entire carriage.

My double cabin, configured with two single beds, is spacious and elegant, with gleaming wood work, plenty of storage, a large picture window, LCD television, complimentary wifi and an ample-sized bathroom with walk-in shower.

This is the domain of Vishnu, our ever-attentive butler, who appears, genie-like, room key in hand, a shy smile on his face, every time we enter the carriage – no matter the hour. First thing in the morning he is there with piping hot coffee, and as we retire he’s present, with a personalized briefing of the day’s adventures to come. It would be rare to find this level of service in a conventional luxury hotel but in the close confines of an ever-moving train, it’s truly impressive.

There’s no shortage of new found friends on the train. During the fascinating excursions and on afternoons when the train races across the landscape of Northern India like a burgundy streak, there’s a chance to socialize with guests from around the world: There is the www.jetsetter.hk

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former model from London, travelling with her daughter and a rather eccentric actress-turned-photographer friend; a Jain couple from Toronto guiding their young grandson through his first visit to India; and a well-travelled Mexican duo who have perfected the art of the selfie. We explore the manicured gardens and tranquil ponds of the Taj Mahal at first light with a Alice and François Levy, a South African couple who now call Dallas home, and on an unforgettable evening cruise down the Ganges, join Indian couples from the US and UK in casting candles into the sacred waters while the mesmerizing aarti prayers take place on the banks beyond.

On our last night, as the Maharaja’s Express sprints towards Delhi once more, the train’s crew lead guests, now dressed in pressed sherwanis and vibrant saris, to an impromptu Safari Club dance floor on the itinerary’s “India Night”, a brilliant, music-filled party to end our mesmerizing Indian odyssey in a celebratory fashion of which we’re sure the Maharajas of the north would approve.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS How to Travel: Journeys aboard the Maharajas’ Express can be booked through luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel. Prices for a Deluxe Cabin on an eight day tour start from US$6,200 per person, twin share, including accommodation, all meals and beverages, butler service and guided off train tours. www.lightfoottravel.com Clockwise from top left: the Ganges at dusk; local guides accompany the train; the Unesco-listed Amber Palace

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Getting There: Jet Airways offers direct flights between Hong Kong and Delhi, with business class from HK$12,400 per person. www.jetairways.com Caption for Pg 56

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I SLAND S O F

THE WIND There is no shortage of island getaways in Europe, from hot spots like Capri to the white washed villages of Santorini and Mykonos.

However, the destination for those in-the-know remains Southern Italy’s Aeolian Islands, discovers Divia

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Harilela.

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he Unesco-listed Aeolian Islands have long been romanticized by Italians who seek refuge in the archipelago each summer. The islands are only accessible via boat (the closest airport is approximately a seven hour journey away) which means that the Aeolians, named for the demigod of the winds Aeolus, remain free from the hordes of tourists that flock to nearby Sicily. A tiny population of only 10,000 and a seasonality that runs between May and October only adds to the destination’s exclusivity.

The few hotels that do exist are small and family run. In fact two of the outermost islands, Alicudi and Filicudi, are largely uninhabited save for donkeys, which are the chosen mode of transport. During the winter, fierce www.jetsetter.hk

storms often mean that these remote isles are cut off from the mainland for days on end.

While many revel in the area’s remoteness, its unique geography is also a major draw for visitors. Each island is home to an array of natural wonders, including black sand beaches, smoldering volcanoes, steaming mud baths and rocky coastlines with jaw dropping ocean views. And thanks to constant volcanic activity, the landscapes are ever-changing.

Each island has its own charm which is why island hopping is a must, whether it’s by the public ferry system or private yacht. Helicopters are also an option when you’re visiting Panarea, which has earned a reputation as a playground for the international jetset.

The most glamorous and smallest of all the islands (it’s

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just over three kilometres in length), its main drag is lined with glitzy designer boutiques, while smaller pathways lead you to the island’s shabby-chic bars and restaurants. The vibe here is definitely laid back, but your dinner companions are likely to be kitted out in the latest collections by Gucci and Louis Vuitton, so a chic wardrobe is a must.

If you want to hobnob with the rich and famous, then be sure to visit Panarea’s Hotel Raya. A local landmark since the 1960s, the hotel itself is a bit tired but people come in droves for its open air nightclub, which has the best parties in town. In fairness there isn’t much competition but there’s nothing like dancing under the stars in the middle of nowhere.

It isn’t all about glamour though – the real beauty of the island can be found among its tiny islets, which are defined by yellow stained cliffs and sandy beaches. Below the crystal waters you can catch a glimpse of the Roman port that once bustled here.

If nature is what you are after then head to Salina, which is considered the greenest of all the islands.

Immortalised in the Italian film Il Postino, which was shot at the quaint seaside village of Pollara, it’s more developed, with several upscale resorts including the infamous Hotel Signum. It also has two very small museums which detail its illustrious history in winemaking. The industry experienced a slump but is currently being revitalized so be sure to get a taste at the local wine shops. Hikers will be challenged by the climb up Monte Fossa delle Felci, which is the highest peak in the region.

The most famous peak in all of the Aeolians can be found on Stromboli, which is also home to another famous Italian export, fashion design duo Dolce & Gabbana. There’s not much to see here except for its namesake volcano, which towers at 926 metres high, and which was immortalised in the 1950s film Stromboli, starring Ingrid Bergman. It’s one of the most active in the region so during the day smoke billows from its main crater against a vibrant blue sky. In the evening it comes alive. On any given night it is known to spit out fiery red lava into the air, a dramatic spectacle that can only be witnessed at a safe distance. www.jetsetter.hk

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CLASS ACT

An elegant hotel set in the heart of Le’an, a unique landscape in Guangdong province, the Classical Plaza Hotel is the ideal setting for any event in southern China.

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he centrepiece of any event at the Classical Plaza Hotel is the opulent Royal Classical Ballroom on the property’s third floor, a sweeping space of 1,500 sqm. The grand ballroom boasts imposing double-height ceilings of eight metres, along with a timeless design aesthetic of rich carpeting and simple, graceful chandeliers. The massive space can accommodate up to 100 tables and 1,000 guests, yet with no pillars, it can be easily transformed into three smaller sections, making the Royal Classical Ballroom the perfect venue for any occasion, from weddings and media events to annual general meetings and conferences.

Bolstering the Classical Plaza Hotel’s ability to hold unforgettable events are a series of food and beverage outlets that offer sumptuous dining opportunities. Located on the first floor, the Central Restaurant tempts diners with a vast international buffet set up through breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seafood is the house specialty here, with gourmands offered a delectable spread of fresh ocean catch in casual yet elegant surrounds.

The Classical Plaza Hotel’s culinary jewel, however, is the graceful Pavilion Restaurant tucked into the hotel’s second floor. Offering wholesome, fresh organic produce in a mouthwatering array of Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes, as well as specialties like abalone and sea cucumber, the restaurant offers two daily services between 730am and 200pm, and 500pm and 930pm. Guests can feast in the restaurant’s massive main dining room, or for a more intimate affair, choose one of the 28 grand private dining rooms which feature ornate classical décor that includes Old Mastersstyle artwork, classical columns, and ornate chandeliers.

A unique proposition in southern China and boasting an enchanting ballroom and delectable culinary temptations, the Classical Plaza Hotel is an ideal choice for your next event.

Classical Plaza Hotel Le’An, Guidan Road, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, P. R. China 528226 +86 (0) 757 6668 8666; www.classicalplaza.com

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Vulcano is another one of the islands’ active volcanoes but it’s not the pyrotechnic displays of lava that will lead you there. You’ll know you have arrived because of the smell. The Fanghi di Vulcano, or healing pools of mud, is the island’s most famous and smelliest attraction and emits an egg-like stench that can be detected even before you dock at the port. They may reek but these pools are major drawcards for tourists and regulars who spend hours lounging in the warm slimy mud before dipping in the ocean where mid-sea fumaroles bubble from underneath. The smell can linger on your skin for days but it will be the best spa treatment you have ever had.

Leave Lipari for the end of your journey. It’s by far the biggest island and has all the major amenities, from hospitals to schools, which is probably why it also attracts boatloads of tourists. Sure, it may not have the same rural charm as the others – thanks to over mining some of the mountains are eyesores – but it has plenty of history, from the castle (citadel) to the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, which houses an extensive collection of theatrical masks and statuettes commissioned by Sophocles and Euripides.

At the end of the day, no matter which island you choose to escape to, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a land that time has happily forgotten.

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IN FROM THE COLD The ancient Silk Road once ran through Kazakhstan’s mountain passes and across its near-endless steppes. Today, the nation is enjoying new found fortunes and is proving once again to be a fascinating cultural crossroads for intrepid travellers. By Nick Walton

The faces of Kazakhstan tell of its rich cultural diversity

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Left to right: The gilded glory of the Ascension Cathedral; spices in the Green Markets

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t’s mid-morning and within the incense smoke-laced confines of Almaty’s Ascension Cathedral worshippers pray silently to gilded saints that tower high above.

Resolute against Kazakhstan’s harsh winters and scorching summers, the cathedral, the world’s second tallest wooden structure, remains a beacon for the faithful of the nation’s former capital, an ancient trading city wreathed by jagged mountain ranges and the emptiness of the Taukum Desert.

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Almaty is a fascinating place; the largest city of Kazakhstan and home to many of its 18 million inhabitants, the commercial capital is a cultural melting pot like no other. A gateway between the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia and the Far East, Almaty proudly preserves the its rich legacy as a vital way station on the ancient Silk Road.

The tsarist-era church, also known as the Zenkov Cathedral, is a multi-generational meeting place. Old, stooped babushkas,

bundled in layers of brightly coloured fabric despite the last of the summer warmth, and young couples in jeans and t-shirts worship before a magnificent golden iconostasis painted by Nikolai Khludov, lighting candles as a bushy-bearded orthodox priest watches from a corner. It’s a serene and timeless scene, save for the occasional chirp of errant smartphones, as residents step through the entrance arch and make the sign of the cross, heads bowed solemnly, before finding a pew or an alter and some welcomed despite from the bright morning sunshine outside.

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NANJING’S WELLNESS HAVEN Boasting one of the best hot spring offerings in the country, along with luxe accommodation and amicable hospitality, Regalia Resort & Spa, Tangshan, promises travellers a holistic escape from the hustle of modern city life.

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estled in the midst of Tangshan valley, famed for its natural hot springs, Regalia Resort & Spa is the ultimate wellness retreat in Nanjing, China. Only a 30-minute drive from Nanjing city, guests will be whisked to a bucolic sanctuary, wreathed by verdant mountains and a vast reserve of bamboo trees and wild flowers, from which they can enjoy the rich hot spring culture, luxurious comfort, and a wealth of family-friendly activities.

The indulgent experience begins the moment you step into the resort’s lobby, which is bedecked in soothing Southeast Asian décor and filled with a sweet, calming essence in the air. Guests can select their ideal secluded stay amongst 100

exquisitely-appointed contemporary rooms, including 11 villas and 24 townhouses, all of which boast a mini bar, bathroom floor heating, exclusive L’Occitane toiletries, complimentary wifi, and a private balcony offering sweeping views of Tangshan Mountain or expansive tropical gardens.

Embracing the natural beauty of Tangshan, the elegant resort features 23 opulent hot spring rooms, fitted with hot spring tubs, shower rooms and massage areas, while guests of the villas and townhouses can opt to take advantage of their own private hot spring facilities. To extend the rejuvenating experience, head over to the Andaman Spa for an aromatherapy treatment, designed to release tension and improve blood circulation,

or a session of Royal Thai physiotherapy, which helps relief joint and muscle pain.

Whet your appetite at Lotus Restaurant, which provides à la carte and buffet options serving Southeast Asian delicacies as well as Western cuisine, before savouring a refreshing cocktail at the Valley Bar, where sports enthusiasts can catch their favourite matches on wide screen televisions.

In addition to a games room, a cinema, a fullyequipped gym, and a swimming pool, Regalia Resort & Spa also offers an array of interesting outdoor activities, including mountain climbing, fruit and vegetables picking, shrimp fishing, and water park adventures. www.rhgresorts.com

No.8 Quanyun Road, Tangshan Town, Jiangning District, Nanjing city, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China Telephone: 400-115-3388 (Hotline) Fax: +8621-6139 2338 Website: www.rhgresorts.com E-mail: reservation1@regalia.com.cn

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are tapped and hard currency begins to chase away the shadows of the Soviet era.

It’s into the sunshine I wander, leaving the faithful to their prayers, emerging into the dazzling colours of the city’s Panfilov Park, one of Almaty’s many green belts. The park is popular with both locals and visitors, who take selfies before the candy-coloured cathedral, wander the manicured gardens and visit the moving, Soviet-styled memorial to the Panfilov Heroes, 28 soldiers who died outside Moscow fighting the Germans. At the heart of the park an eternal flame burns for the soldiers of past www.jetsetter.hk

battles, their faces, depicted beautifully in molasses-hued marble, illustrating in detail the myriad ethnicities that call Kazakhstan home.

In many ways Kazakhstan is also emerging into the light of a bright future. A fascinating country of contrasts and contradictions, Kazakhstan has one foot in its rich and often turbulent past and the other stepping towards new prosperity as its many natural resources

This new found prosperity can be seen all over Almaty, where new commercial towers reach for pale blue skies and the streets are packed with Land Rover, Mercedes and Porsche SUVs. There are luxury country clubs and housing developments, and a sleek new Ritz Carlton hotel will soon be joined by other big brands as investment flows in. The new look Kazakhstan can also be seen in the national carrier, Air Astana (read more on pg 88), which has already reached the coveted heights of the SkyTrax four star airlines, joining the likes of Air New Zealand, British Airways and Qantas as it opens up the country to the world beyond.

Not that Kazakhstan is a stranger to visitors, both voluntary and otherwise. From the days of the Silk Road to Stalin’s forced relocations, Kazakhstan has offered welcomed respite to people from across Asia and Europe, from ethnic Russians and Chinese, to Ukrainians, Uyghurs, Bulgars and Tatars, and Almaty’s diversity is best seen at its Green Markets, a fascinating food emporium at the heart of

KAZAKHSTAN 71 the city, where the vital ingredients of many regional dishes can be sourced direct from the producers.

Surrounded by stout, Soviet-era apartment blocks and tree lined boulevards (Almaty is one of the greenest cities in the world, with expansive green belts like the Park of the First President breaking up the urban sprawl), the markets have the architectural ambiance of a Communist-era public swimming pool, with green hued tiles and beams of bright afternoon sunshine reaching from high skylights to concrete floors polished with the passing of generations of hungry shoppers.

The sprawling market is divided into various sections; there are butcher aisles where horse steaks, a national favourite, are prepared alongside fresh lamb sausages, and deli counters where cured meats and caviar are presented in towering piles. In the vegetable section pomegranates and the largest apples I’ve ever seen gleam in the sunshine (Almaty is the ancestral home of the apple), and in the dried goods corner nuts from Persia and Afghanistan are piled high next to dried figs and apricots from the steppes. There is also a long line of Korean stalls selling authentic delicacies, from vibrantly-red kimchi to ddukbokkie rice cakes, evidence of the many ethnic Koreans who have called Kazakhstan

home for generations. Nearby spice stalls are ablaze with colour as the flavours of the Far East continue to migrate west as they did on the Silk Road. For the intrepid, the Green Market is also a great spot to try some of Kazakhstan’s more daring delicacies, from kymyz, fermented horse milk, to shubat, fermented camel milk.

Left: A cable car climbs into the Zaiilisky Alatau mountains; young Kazakhs celebrate their nuptials.

Below: ancient jewellery on show at the National Museum of Kazakhstan; a golden eagle hones its hunting skills

As the sun begins to settle in the sky and the lights of the weathered Ladas and gleaming new Land Rovers come on, I head to Gakku, one of the city’s leading Kazakh restaurants, to see how all that mouthwatering produce can be employed. Seated in a traditional Kazakh yurt I’m protected from the evening winds, which whip down from the mountains as the light drains from the sky. It’s the perfect chance to feast on a host of authentic local dishes, from besbarmak, slow-cooked mutton and horse meat with long silky noodles, the national dish; to assyp, a lamb’s heart, lungs and rice, wrapped in fat and steamed in a Kazakh take on haggis; and cheburek, parcels of pastry stuffed with beef that proved the perfect snack for ever-moving nomads.

For a better perspective on Kazakhstan’s new fortunes I head the next morning to the Zaiilisky Alatau mountains and the Shymbulak ski resort. We climb steadily away from the city, the suburbs of Almaty quickly replaced

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by dense forests, the towering peaks growing larger in the windscreen. The modern cable car that climbs the peaks soars over the top of the Medeu, an iconic outdoor speed skating and bandy rink located in the valley below the resort. First built in 1949, the stadium, as well as the alpine resort high above, were revitalised in time for Kazakhstan’s hosting of the 2011 Asian Winter Games. The Medeu also welcomes the annual Voice of Asia music festival during the summer months.

Two-thirds of the way up the craggy peaks, Shymbulak could be in the Italian Alps or on the flanks of Canada’s most popular runs.

There are chic international restaurants with fusion menus and old and new world wine lists, and clutches of well-heeled locals and tourists basking in the sun at al fresco tables, enjoying views that reach far down to the new skyscrapers of Almaty.

Despite the flow of new money into Kazakhstan, or perhaps because of it, preserving the region’s traditional culture is in vogue. In the alpine valley below the resort Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic hunting culture is maintained at Sunkar Falcon Farm, where Pavel Pfander, a Kazakh-German falcon trainer, thrills visitors with the hunting displays of his falcons, griffin vultures, and massive golden eagles. He explains the breeding and training process, and the traditional use of birds of prey by the nomads for hunting, before unleashing the birds, some the size of small children, on a series of mock hunts, the birds taking turns to swoop from the heavens, their feathers dusting the heads of the crowd as they pass.

Further down the mountain I stop in at Alasha, a traditional Uzbek restaurant capped with glistening blue domes favoured during the day by the city’s idly rich and at night by www.jetsetter.hk

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Left: Communist-era medals in the National Museum; the Hazrat Sultan Mosque lies at the centre of Astana.

Right: The towering Bayterek was designed

by Kazakhstan's ambitious first President

its power brokers. We dine on horse meat salad and plov, a traditional dish of rice, lamb and raisins cooked over open fires, amidst beautiful Timurid architecture that smacks of 1,001 Arabian Nights. With billowing curtains protecting them from the afternoon sunshine, teenage girls with raven hair and dark brooding eyes drink tea, smoke shisha and gossip in hushed voices in the booths that line Alasha’s terrace. It’s a far cry from the perception of Kazakhstan abroad, one of a backwards nation that’s still mired in its Soviet past while struggling towards modernity.

But that’s the beauty of Kazakhstan; it’s balancing its rich culture while navigating rapid progress, and much of that new prosperity can be seen in Astana, a short flight north.

The city, which was renamed and thrust from town to capital status in 1997, couldn't be more different from mountain-ringed Almaty; mirage-like, there is the shimmer of new commercial towers and apartment blocks; wide, proud boulevards planned by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa that stretch towards the horizon; and grand palaces and monuments, including the Norman Fosterdesigned pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and yurt-shaped Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center (home to an indoor beach). The Central Concert hall, one of the largest in the world, is designed to resemble a dombra, a traditional Kazakh instrument. Everything is shrouded by the hesitant silence of a newly minted park.

A City of Peace recognized by UNESCO, Astana is preparing for its time in the spotlight; the city will host the 2017 World Expo, welcoming an estimated three million visitors, many from far beyond Kazakhstan or its surrounding Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) neighbours. The theme of the expo will be ‘Future Energy’,

with a focus not only on the future of energy, in which Kazakhstan will play an increasingly important role thanks to vast oil, natural gas and coal deposits, but also on the energy of this emerging, captivating destination.

From the top of the Bayterek, an observation tower at the city’s centre themed on the mythological Tree of Life, it’s as easy to see how far the city has come as it is to imagine how far its ambitious first president Nursultan Nazarbayev, whose palm print is set in gold

within a giant gilded orb atop the tower, might take it. At the nearby, world-class National Museum of Kazakhstan visitors can journey through the country’s often tumultuous past before watching Astana grow from the floor in a fascinating light and sound display. But for now, from the city’s highest point, billiard table-flat steppes wreath the sparkling new city and sprint into the distance, bringing a sense of Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage to its bright new future. www.jetsetter.hk

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A THIEF

PHOTOGRAPHER Kerstin zu Pan WRITER Sophy Roberts

At the age of twelve, environmentalist and philanthropist Petter A. Stordalen was voted Norway’s top seller of strawberries. Today, he’s not only preserving the environment; he’s reshaped it with Oslo’s The Thief, an island hotel that sets a new standard for sustainability, art and architecture. www.jetsetter.hk

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here is something so convincingly optimistic about fifty-year-old Norwegian hotelier Petter A. Stordalen.

It’s as if his involvement in the Tjuvholmen project—an ambitious idea to turn a once-tiny islet (now a peninsula) in Oslo into a major center of urban renewal—was somehow predestined.

A man fueled by ebullient optimism, Stordalen instinctually recognizes what this once derelict site—a former den of vagabonds known in the 18th century as “Thief Island”—could deliver.

“It was the perfect place for a hotel like the one I wanted to create,” says Stordalen. “I’m a proud hotel nerd, and this time I knew I had to do something new, something I’d never done before. I wanted The Thief to lead the way in the redemption of the area. Once the scene of shady dealings, it has become one of the hottest districts in Scandinavia—or as I like to phrase it, ‘The New Oslo.’”

The hotel, which opened in 2013, is at the centre of a neighborhood whose seedy past has given way to its present: business, art, nightlife, culture, and some of the most dazzling examples of modern European architecture—including the Renzo Piano– designed Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, which is situated next door to Stordalen’s aptly named hotel. Smack on the waterfront (and with a hotel boat during summer months to shuttle guests about), this new US$110 million hotel was sustainably constructed and designed by prizewinning Mellbye Arkitekter AS; Sune Nord-gren, former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, was brought in to choose original artwork for each of the 119 rooms, while designer Anemone Wille Våge was responsible for the interiors, which feature high-quality international and Norwegian producers and rising design talents.

“When I was a boy, I always thought everyone else’s strawberries were bigger than mine,” says Petter A. Stordalen. “I was working with my dad in his grocery in Telemark, Norway, mopping the floors, sorting out the trash. My dream back then was to run the neighborhood supermarket, just like my dad.

But I was frustrated by the strawberry sales I made at the local market. I didn’t have a chance when the other women all had better fruit. So one night I finally complained about this great injustice to my father, and you know what he said? Focus on selling the berries you’ve got. My dad was a genius, you see. It was the best advice I ever got— to focus on what you have and to make the most of it. In other words, don’t worry about what everyone else has. That’s a waste of energy. Eye your own possibilities, not limitations,” he says.

Stordalen went from being named Norway’s “best local strawberry seller” in 1974 in the newspaper Porsgrunns Dagblad, to becoming one of Scandinavia’s most successful businesspeople, with an estimated personal net worth of US$1.2 billion. He has a total of 171 hotels under the company Nordic Choice Hotels and is a major property developer. The Stordalen empire also encompasses a huge philanthropic endeavor, The Stordalen Foundation, inaugurated in 2011, with the intention of helping tackle climate change (Stordalen has been known to chain himself to nuclear treatment plants to show his passion for the environment and has had his Ferrari rebuilt to run on biofuel.)

The speed at which Stordalen talks and the sheer dynamism he exudes are entirely seductive, especially when one considers The Thief is his 172nd hotel. Others would be weary by now, but not Stordalen. A former Ironman racer, he keeps himself in impeccable shape—slim, dark-haired, not a strand of grey on his head. On stage— and he’s well known, even famous, for his www.jetsetter.hk

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motivational speeches—he’s more rock star than white collar.

In an interview, he makes one feel as if all of his attention is on you, even though he operates at breakneck speed. There’s his glamorous personal life: he counts among his acquaintances Hollywood A-listers and America’s first families; his wedding in Morocco was officiated by Bob Geldof. And there is his highly engaged public life: following the Utøya shooting in 2011, Stordalen donated a large sum of money to have the youth camp rebuilt. This sense of humanity—or put another way, a love of people—comes across in his hospitality ethic. “Hotels will always be about the people who work there,” he says. “It’s what gives them their spirit.”

As for his collaborators on The Thief, Stordalen explains, “I don’t micro-manage, but instead encourage people to think freely, to come to the table full of life and ideas.” He invited all the key creatives to sit at a round table and think through everything that might matter to a guest. He then challenged them to raise the bar. “I like the unexpected, the element of surprise,” he says. “It’s what creates the meat of a hotel.”

Because for all of its fabulous design—those curvilinear walls like a boat, the bursts of banana yellow—The Thief is also human; it’s the details that make one feel connected to the place. Every room has a private balcony, allowing one to drink coffee in the open air, overlooking the water. Stordalen believes this sort of thinking means The Thief will remain iconic beyond its opening. Suffice it to say that if Stordalen himself is any indication, then The Thief’s future looks very promising indeed. He’s a game changer, and for Scandinavia, so is his hotel. www.jetsetter.hk

VIENNA’S

SPECIALPROMOTIONAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION SPECIAL

NEW HISTORIC CENTRE

As Vienna celebrates milestone anniversaries this year, the city’s historic centre gets a new icon. Goldenes Quartier is the city’s new hotspot for luxury shopping and visitors can explore this landmark from the new Park Hyatt Vienna.

T

The latest addition to Vienna’s luxury offerings, Goldenes Quartier is a recent project by Signa Holding. Occupying prime position in the heart of the city’s historic, Unesco-listed Old Town, Goldenes Quartier is bordered by Am Hof square, Bognergasse and Tuchlauben, with Seitzergasse running through the centre. The stylish new precinct features ultra-modern offices, gourmet restaurants, 15 exclusive residences and a host of international boutiques, all ensconced in magnificent, heritage-listed buildings.

The Goldenes Quartier is home to some of Vienna’s best retail experiences with world-renowned brands housed in beautifully preserved buildings. An extension of the elegant Kohlmarkt, Graben and Kärntner Strasse boulevards, Goldenes Quartier is home to stores by Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Saint Lauren, Valentino, Etro, Miu Miu, Brioni, Emporio Armani, Pomellato, 7 for all mankind, Mulberry, Kiton, Sergio Rossi, Church’s, Bambini, Roberto Cavalli and Brunello Cucinelli. Avant-garde British brand Alexander McQueen is the latest to open a flagship store in the area.

Also part of the regal Goldenes Quartier is the Park Hyatt Vienna, the latest addition to the city’s luxury offerings.

Overlooking resplendent Am Hof Square, the magnificent property is housed in a 100-year old heritage-listed building that was once the headquarters of the Austrian Hungarian Monarchy Bank.

The hotel’s 143 spacious rooms, which include 35 sumptuous suites, combine contemporary flair with Viennese elegance with classic shades of creams, browns and greys accented by gold detailing and touches of wood, marble and mother-of-pearl. All rooms include complimentary WiFi, spacious work desks and highend technology, while the expansive marble bathrooms are fitted with walk-in rain showers, deep-soak tubs and exclusive Blaise Mautin bath amenities.

Guests will delight in The Bank, a stunning all-day restaurant housed in the former bank’s cashier’s hall that

showcases crisp European service and regional cuisine; its traditional Wiener Gabelfrühstück Sunday buffet is one of the hottest tables in town. The ultra-luxe Pearl bar serves specialty cocktails, Austrian wines and light lunches, and hosts a monthly cocktail-making class with bar manager Michaela Beier, while the gentleman’s club-style Living Room is an invitingly refined space of wood panelling and plush armchairs that’s perfect for enjoying cigars and premium whiskies.

The hotel also boasts a comprehensive Technogym-equipped fitness centre, a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, and an Arany Spa offering European-inspired wellness rituals. www.goldenesquartier.com; www.vienna.park.hyatt.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

GASTR O N O MI C D ELI G H TS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN WITH A PLETHORA OF TEMPTING CULINARY OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT EACH OF ITS PROPERTIES, CONSTANCE HOTELS AND RESORTS OFFER THE ULTIMATE GOURMET ENCOUNTERS ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Constance Le Prince Maurice,

MAURITIUS

Start a romantic culinary journey at Constance Le Prince Maurice with a pre-dinner tipple at the elegant, intimate Lotus Lounge Bar, home to a stunning range of local rums, before strolling down lantern-lit pontoons to enjoy a candlelit seafood feast on one of the five floating decks at Le Barachois restaurant. For a touch of Mauritian fine dining, visit L’Archipel restaurant, matching your meal with an expertly-chosen drop from the Wine Cellar next door. Finish your night off with exquisite cocktails at the Laguna Bar, where the live music and cool sea breeze are guaranteed to whisk your stress away.

Constance Belle Mare Plage,

MAURITIUS

Epicureans can embark on a round-theworld culinary adventure at Constance Belle Mare Plage. The Blue Penny Café regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs from around the world; while at La Spiaggia, Mediterranean dishes and fresh lobster specialties are served in a romantic beachside setting. Visit Deer Hunter restaurant, which overlooks the resort’s golf course (keep an eye out for the deer, resident of the course), to get an authentic taste of traditional Mauritian fare; and indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent ice cream sundae at the Indigo beach restaurant.

Constance Lémuria,

SEYCHELLES

Surrounded by a tropical garden, Seahorse at Constance Lémuria is a fine-dining restaurant, offering refined contemporary cuisine with European and Indian Ocean touches. At the laidback Beach Bar & Grill, guests can satisfy their crustacean craving with fresh seafood cooked in Creole style while taking in the spectacular views of Petite Anse Kerlan beach. Catering to all palates, the hotel also boasts a lavish buffet of global cuisines at Legend

restaurant, which hosts special theme evenings each week.

Constance Ephélia,

SEYCHELLES

Gourmets are spoiled for choice at Constance Ephélia. Enjoy a smorgasbord of world cuisines at Corossol; or feast on a Mediterranean buffet, with dishes inspired by Italy, Spain, Morocco and Lebanon, at Helios. Move on to the Adam and Eve Bar to quench your thirst with a fresh fruit or vegetable juice, but if you are looking for something stronger, head over to the Cyann Bar, which boasts a unique selection of aged rums, single malt whiskies and sakes.

Constance Halaveli,

MALDIVES

Constance Halaveli celebrates the diversity of world cuisine with an extensive buffet at the Jahaz restaurant and bar, where guests can enjoy their meal in the elegant dining room or al fresco. Scrumptious Asian-inspired fusion cuisine is on offer at Jing, where Asian ingredients are married with European flavours at a stunning setting perched above the lagoon; while Meeru offers a candlelit dinner under a starstudded velvet sky, with seasoned chefs serving fresh seafood and meat over charcoal grills.

Constance Moofushi,

MALDIVES

After a day of adrenaline-pumping water sports at Constance Moofushi, relax on the beach with a refreshing ice tea from the Totem Bar in time for a captivating Maldivian sunset, before whetting your appetite with a vast selection of grilled seafood under a verdant canopy of tropical palms at Alizee restaurant.

Guests will never get bored in the Mantra restaurant, which changes its theme and specialties daily. After dinner, amble over to the Manta Bar and dance the night away to the tunes spun by a resident DJ.

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THE LIST

BE YOUR OWN CHEF

It’s one thing to savour local cuisine when you travel, but it’s another to get hands-on experiences and bring home secret recipes and cooking skills to share with family and friends. Here are our favourite cooking schools across some of the leading foodie havens of Europe. By Crystal Leung Situated in Lastra a Signa, Italy, A

Taste of Tuscany is a renowned cooking school offering a myriad of courses that suit cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy a pasta making adventure to learn how to prepare ravioli, tagliatelle and gnocchi, or cook a five-course Tuscan meal with an experienced chef in a more intensive program.www.tuscany-cooking-class.com From steak perfection and macaroon making to Japanese sushi rolling, L'atelier

des Chefs in London takes travellers on a round-the-world culinary journey with an array of themed cooking courses. Join the 30-minute Street Food class to whip up a Korean bi bim bap or Indian dosa pancakes; www.jetsetter.hk

or indulge your sweet tooth in the Pastry and Sweet Things class, where you’ll craft delicate desserts. www.atelierdeschefs.co.uk Learn how to cook like a true Parisian in

a professional chef, you’ll learn how to pick the finest ingredients in the markets, and the techniques to prepare two kinds of tapas, an authentic paella, and a traditional Spanish desert. www.cookandtaste.net

a fun, relaxing atmosphere at Cook’n with

Class in Paris. Indulge in a guided local

Tucked away in a quiet enclave in

market tour, before dishing up a four-course meal and savouring your efforts with a glass of fine wine. You can also get your hands in the dough and create famous French pastries from scratch in the specialist dessert and

Budapest, Chefparade Cooking School is a contemporary studio where you’ll master the skills needed to treat your family at home to a fantastic three-course Hungarian banquet. The classes feature Hungarian signature dishes including creamy potato soup with sausage; chicken paprika; and

baking class. www.cooknwithclass.com Nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Cook

& Taste is your destination to discover the authentic recipes of Spain. With the aid of

somloi galuska (chocolate and vanilla cream sponge cake). www.cookingbudapest.com

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VILLA LIVING

HIGH ABOVE IT ALL Hidden away on the cusp of Auckland’s waterfront, yet only steps from some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and museums, Penthouse 64 is a luxurious home-

I

away-from-home for those travellers in the know. By

t’s always fun to explore new digs; to move from room to room, opening cupboards and pulling drawers is part and parcel of examining your new temporary retreat. With most suites that initial impression is all but complete after ducking your nose into the bathroom, perhaps having a browse of the minibar, just for reference. Penthouse 64 is not one of those suites.

Easily Auckland’s best kept secret, the sprawling four-bedroom, four-bathroom www.jetsetter.hk

penthouse not only boasts more space than the average family house, but does so with infinite grace, elegance, and discretion.

Boasting over 400sqm of sumptuous living space as well as an additional 300sqm of outdoor entertaining and dining space, Penthouse 64 offers a unique, allyear commune with Auckland’s stunning Waitemata Harbour.

We park our hire car in the cavernous security-guarded garage with the assistance of Penthouse 64’s infinitely elegant manager

Nick Walton

Stephen, who guides us via private elevator into the sun-kissed space and pops a welcome bottle of bubbles in the stateof-the-art kitchen. “Penthouse 64 really is something special,” says Stephen. “It’s a home away from home for people who don’t want to leave their creature comforts behind when they travel.”

He’s not wrong. After an orientation on some of the Penthouse’s seamlessly integrated technology, Stephen leaves us to delight in a room by room exploration; the apartment

VILLA LIVING 83

has it all, from a media room with expansive wall-mounted television, to a wet bar, an outdoor Jacuzzi, covered and uncovered outdoor dining tables, wrap around balconies, a laundry, and lavishly-decorated guest rooms with decadent ensuites.

We start our stay finishing the bubbles in the spacious living room, with its 3.5-metre floor-to-ceiling glass façade overlooking the water, one end thrusting out like the prow of an ocean liner. In addition to a lounge suite and telescope for impromptu star-gazing, the lounge also features a glass-topped dining table for ten.

The Penthouse splits from here; one side leads down to the guest rooms, including

the sumptuous master suite. While all rooms feature direct balcony access, the master bedroom leads to the Penthouse’s outdoor Jacuzzi, with its views across the water to the Auckland Harbour Bridge. True water babies staying in the master bedroom can even jump directly from outdoor Jacuzzi to indoor over-sized whirlpool bath in the suite’s spacious bathroom.

The other path from the living room leads past the chef’s kitchen, with its Gaggenau appliances and breakfast servery, into a comfortable media room, which in turn either leads on to the ample custom-built house bar, complete with its own leathertopped bar stools, lounge suite and gas fireplace, or out to the main al fresco

entertaining zone, where couches and an over-sized dining table are warmed by another gas fireplace and sky heaters. Thick plastic lining ensure the outdoor space stays toasty, even on Auckland’s fickle winters, without compromising on the views to Devonport and Westhaven. A BBQ is built into an adjacent kitchenette set up, which leads on to an uncovered table for four with captivating views, ensuring seamless entertainment opportunities, rain or shine, in a city that looks beautiful in either.

From NZ$2,500 (US$1,683) per night (minimum of two nights). Book Penthouse 64 through The Exclusive Travel Group, which specialises in luxury travel to New Zealand www.exclusivetravelgroup.com www.jetsetter.hk

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

URBAN CHIC

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

With five captivating personas spread across its rooms and suites, Hotel Pravo Hong Kong adds a distinctive dash of style to Hong Kong’s hotel scene.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION Designed by Hong Kong-based FAK3, the 92room property is housed in a converted tenstorey commercial building. After a refreshing and extensive makeover, the hotel façade now features dark window frames and tinted glass, and is finished with brass accents. After dark this eye-catching façade becomes the canvas for a nightly LED lighting show, cementing the hotel’s presence in the heart of TST as well as pleasing the eyes of night wanderers.

Featuring quirky elements and pops of colours, the hotel’s unique rooms are dressed in one of the five interesting themes that exude sophistication and elegance while reflecting different moods for different travellers. The Dark rooms feature black chrome, magenta light washes and dark grey timber floors; while Luxury rooms boast a cream palette, leather, black lacquer with chrome trim, and plenty of ornamental detailing. Masculine rooms, outfitted with dark suede walls, coffee coloured leather and industrial mesh drapery, can be a good choice for gentleman travellers while females may fancy the Feminine rooms, which marry pastel hues with soft white furnishings.

All of the modern rooms and suites come with a sumptuous queen size bed, contemporary furnishings and fittings, a well-equipped bathroom, complimentary mini-bar with daily refreshment, broadband internet, and highspeed Wi-Fi. For the ultimate stay, opt for the Presidential Suite, which boasts a spacious living area; ensuite bathroom fitted with an opulent Jacuzzi and a walk-in rain shower; individually controlled air-conditioning; and a private balcony with sweeping views of the city’s renowned neonscape.

L

eading one the most successful property investment and development companies in Hong Kong, with businesses extending to Taiwan, mainland China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, Anson Chan, chairman and managing director of the Bonds Group Company, illustrates his distinct zest for life in unveiling the design-savvy Hotel Pravo Hong Kong in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.

Hotel Pravo Hong Kong is the fourth Hong Kong property to be managed by Ascott, the world’s leading international serviced residence company, which has a reputation for delivering impeccable services and uncompromising hospitality. Nestled in one of the city’s leading commercial and entertainment hubs, the hotel offers both business and leisure travellers a stylish and contemporary home-away-from-home, with easy access to the famed Victoria Harbour, shopping malls, and a kaleidoscope of culinary options.

As the MTR station is only a five-minute walk and the ferry terminal a stone’s throw away, guests are granted more time to explore the eclectic beauty and culture of different parts of Hong Kong.

Although the boutique hotel doesn’t provide any restaurant on-site, it is located at the heart of one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant dining scenes, with local choices ranging from cha chaan teng, which serves local fare; Japanese sushi counters; and Italian finedining restaurants, to a variety of sleek bars and clubs. While the knowledgable concierge is more than willing to make restaurant recommendations and reservations, a simple in-room dining menu supplied by a local restaurant caters to busy corporate warriors or tired souls returning after a day of urban venture.

With modern, tasteful design, a convenient location, well-acclaimed services and affordable prices, Hotel Pravo Hong Kong is the perfect base from which to embark on your journey of Hong Kong. www.the-ascott.com

HIGH UPON

THE LIST 87

A M O U N TA I N

After a day on the slopes return to luxury and a spot of pampering in our pick of the world’s leading ski chalets. By Crystal Leung

Located in Winkelmatten, the only ski-in ski-out district in Zermatt, Switzerland, Chalet White Pearl is an opulent free-standing retreat which can sleep up to 12 guests and features a swimming pool, a sauna, a cinema room, and a cosy lounge fitted with an open fire.

The perfect ski-in ski-out retreat, guests can ski down to the Klein Matterhorn Express from the chalet, and ski back to its door down the Moosweg ski-run. www.ultimateluxurychalets.com A luxurious, stylish custom-built hideaway situated close to Peak Eight lift at Breckenridge, Colorado, Chalet Chloe is your answer to a stress-free ski vacation. The six-bedroom chalet boasts a spacious open plan lounge and a dining room decked out with vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and a rock fireplace. A courtesy van is also available to shuttle you and other snow bunnies to and from the slopes. www.chalets-usa.co.uk Nestled in a private enclave within Les Bois, Chamonix, on Frances’ Mont Blanc, Chalet Sophie is a stone’s throw from the Flegere lift station and local bars and restaurants. Blending contemporary design with traditional materials, the elegant chalet features five deluxe

bedrooms, an indoor heated swimming pool, and an expansive terrace with stunning panoramic views of the valley, all the way down to Les Houches. www.worldindulgence.com Delve into the world’s best heli-skiing terrain at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada, from the private helipad of Bighorn, a five-star chalet serviced by an award-winning European chef and a dedicated staff. After a strenuous day on the slope, indulge yourself in the worldclass spa to restore your body and mind, or soak in the outdoor hot tub to relish the awe-inspiring vistas of the Columbia River and Monashee Mountains. www.bighornrevelstoke.com Overlooking Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring, Whare Kea Chalet sits firmly on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park in New Zealand.

Only a 20-minute helicopter flight from Wanaka township, intrepid travellers can embark on an exciting journey through prime heliskiing or hiking terrain. With two double rooms and a spacious loft, the chalet offers exquisite, intimate accommodation for up to six guests. www.wharekealodge.com

www.jetsetter.hk

88

TURNING LEFT

Out of the Blue AIR ASTANA KC0930 HONG KONG-ALMATY

NICK WALTON ENCOUNTERS REMARKABLE LEVELS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THE MOST UNASSUMING OF AIRLINES.

Summary Air Astana is the national airline of Kazakhstan and has operated since 2002. The carrier, a Skytrax four star airline, is presently counted among the top 20 most profitable in the world, and offers both domestic and regional flights within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as to an ever-increasing number of international destinations, including Dehli, London, Paris and Hong Kong.

Check In/Boarding Check in for Air Astana is in HKIA’s Terminal 2. Here I found charming and well-trained staff who quickly and diligently checked me in for my flight to Almaty. The airline’s CEO Peter Foster has made customer service an absolute priority at the relatively young airline, and the effect of intensive training can be seen from the first encounter. After a visit to the Plaza Premium lounge at gate 40, which the airline uses for its premium passengers, we boarded the 757-200, one of 30 aircraft in the airline’s fleet (they also have orders for 787s and A320neos). Although it’s certainly an older aircraft and one of the few flown into Hong Kong, I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of the Air Astana business class product. The cabin on our daytime flight was 90 percent full.

The Seat Decked out in white, with 16 seats in a 2-2 configuration, the recently refreshed business www.jetsetter.hk

class product for the 757 is ideal for mid-range journeys like the six hour flight to Almaty. The angled-lie flat seat is rather minimalist and does not include a seat-back entertainment system (the crew quickly dished out iPads which can sit in a sling on the seatback in front) but features plenty of storage, AC connectivity, and, ideal for Hong Kong’s hot summers, individual air nozzles. Glasses of Tattinger Champagne and amenity kits by Paul Zileri featuring Payot toiletries as well as a host of other useful products, were distributed by an immaculately presented crew who made each passenger feel like a VIP, offering a sense of service lost on many of Asia’s bigger carriers.

intense Palaja Colli Perugini Rosso from Italy and a Louis Jadot Chardonnay from the Macon Villages of France. The quality of the cuisine complemented an in-cabin service that was never slow or rushed; cabin crew were clearly well-trained and handled the quick meal service with military precision and grace.

Dining

A snack was served approximately 90 minutes out from Almaty, consisting of cold poached chicken with salsa and warm bread. I matched my meal with a local Kazakhstan Line beer.

Unlike many carriers, crew sprang into action very quickly after the aircraft reached cruising altitude, serving a selection of wines, spirits or local and international beers with an amuse bouche of a tiger prawn with mango. This was followed by spice crusted tuna fillet with celery remoulade, and a seasonal garden salad, and a choice of grilled chicken breast with thyme garlic sauce, chateau potatoes and leeks; stirfried beef with black bean sauce; grilled hamour fillet with shallot butter and asparagus; or parpadelle with a gorgonzola cream sauce and grilled peppers. Apple pie with vanilla sauce; chocolate mousse cake; and fresh seasonal salad, as well as an international cheese board, rounded out a meal matched with an

I navigated the iPad during my meal, and found a suitably diverse collection of films, television shows and music. After my movie there was time for a nap; the seats slide to almost ground level when in lie-flat bed mode but proved to be much more comfortable than expected from such a simplistic setup.

Summary Air Astana isn’t trying to be a globally dominant airline but one known for the emerging destination of its home base and for its worldclass hospitality, an approach that has won it a plethora of international accolades. The flight was one of the more enjoyable I’ve had in a long while and I actually relish the idea of the return journey.

Business class flights from Hong Kong to Almaty from US$3,225. http://airastana.com/tur/en-US/

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TURNING LEFT

A TO U C H O F O L D

WORLD CHARM Airlines can be vital first impressions for the destination ahead. Nick Walton finds Jet Airways an elegant ambassador on a recent flight between Hong Kong and Delhi.

Check In/The Lounge Although I encountered problems with the online check in, the staff at HKIA’s Terminal 2 were charming and efficient. T2 offers a faster, less crowded approach to the airport, especially when departing from the furthest gates. We were directed to the Plaza Premium lounge at gate 40, which the airline uses for its first class and Premiere business class passengers. Here, staff are very slow to direct guests to the area set aside for premium travellers, with its fully stocked bar and quiet tables, and instead allow them to glance left, see crowds and head right, away from the good stuff. Be vigilant.

The Flight We boarded from gate 65 and were welcomed into the Premiere cabin by smiling Jet Airways crew, who dished out hot towels and glasses of Billecart-Salmon Brut champagne as passengers found their seats.

The A330-200 features 30 lie-flat Premiere seats in a herringbone configuration that offers all guests direct aisle access and plenty of privacy and remains popular with travellers from Asia. Each seat is 21-inches at the waist and 35.4-inches at shoulder height when the seat is in its 74-inch long bed mode. Sizable personal monitors that swing out from the ‘wall’ are complimented by AC power points, personal reading lamps, and ample storage space, though the noise reduction headphones could do with an update. The cabin’s honey and tan colour scheme contrasts well with the crew’s vibrant uniforms in yellow and dark blue. We departed on time for our 5 hour 30 minute night flight (the airline has since moved its departures from Hong Kong to mid-morning allowing for greater connectivity in Delhi to Nepal, the Middle East and domestic Indian destinations).

Dining The crew were quick to snap into action, offering an elegant ‘Dine Anytime’ dinner service that showcases the best of Indian cuisine. Our dinner started with royal cumin pumpkin soup and a celeriac salad with radish, mango and corn, followed by a choice of Amritsari Murgh Makhni, chicken cooked in a tangy tomato gravy; ling fish with sweet chili soya sauce; Paneer Achaari, cottage cheese cooked in gravy and pickling spices; and parmesan gnocchi with grilled zucchini and a creamy pesto sauce. The chicken was perfectly cooked and was www.jetsetter.hk

matched with Khatta Meeta Baingan, eggplant cooked with Indian spices; Dal Palak, lentils blended with spinach, ginger and garlic; basmati rice; and an elegant Gavi la Battistina from Piemonte.

Entertainment The airline’s on-demand IFE system is on par with other carriers in Asia and offers a large selection of both Hollywood and Bollywood movies as well as music and television shows. Bring your own headphones, with an adapter, to really make the most of the 15.4-inch monitor.

Summary We landed uneventfully in Delhi just before midnight, thoroughly impressed by Jet Airways’ genuine service levels, charming crew, and brilliant dining at 40,000ft and our only regret was we weren’t flying further. Hong Kong-Delhi return from HK$12,349 (US$1,593) per person. www.jetairways.com Note: The author travelled on a fully paid ticket with the airline’s knowledge

LIFESTYLE

A MARRIAGE OF PAST & PRESENT CREATION OF AN ICON

CHIVAS REGAL’S NEWEST RELEASE

THE KEEPER OF SECRETS CHEF PRIN POLSUK

THE 2017 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA

THE BITE: ISLAND INSPIRED

GEMS OF THE SPICE ISLES

92

FOOD ADVENTURES

www.jetsetter.hk

FOOD ADVENTURES 93

SpiceIsles A native of Indonesia’s remote Maluku Islands, cloves were once prized for their use in both cooking and holistic healing.

Today you’ll find this humble spice showing off its versatility the world over. By Nick

H C

Walton

ead for the Thai seaside hideaway of Hua Hin and the world-famous destination spa Chiva-

Som (www.chivasom.com), which incorporates cloves into many of its Spa Cuisine menus.

Cloves are known to have many healing benefits, including aiding digestion, controlling diabetes and boosting the immune system. You’ll find cloves’ distinctive flavour in the resort’s signature Massaman Gai chicken curry, as well as its delectable anise panna cotta with rhubarb compote. loves have been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and that tradition continues at the luxurious Chuan Spa at Cordis Hong Kong at Langham Place

(www.chuanspa.com.hk). The Chuan Man treatment is a 90-minute wellness journey that uses techniques of traditional Chinese medicine to balance Qi and detoxify. The treatment commences with a 45-minute five-element full-body massage using acupressure to stimulate energy, and is followed by a 15-minute stress releasing treatment using warm bolus made from rice, peppermint and cloves, applied to male stress locators, including the neck, back and shoulders. Finish off with a 30-minute myofascial facial specifically designed for a man’s bone structure.

G F

o to the source of this unique spice with a Remote Lands cruise to the historic Maluku Islands. This amazing ten-day itinerary departs from Ambon and sails to the island of Buru, where you’ll tour Benteng Wantrouw, a Dutch fortress built in the 17th century. On Bacan Island, you’ll snorkel the gorgeous coral reefs with shaols of tropical fish; and in Bajau village you’ll have a chance to see cloves grown and harvested. www.remotelands.com

inally, in the heart of London’s SoHo district, Zenna (http://zenna-bar.co.uk), the city’s first and only Indian-themed cocktail bar, serves a host of innovative concoctions, many of which are laced with clove’s bold expression. The Black Cherry & Clove Manhattan, for instance, blends Danish cherry liqueur with Red Stag Jim Bean whisky and black cloves, to create a modern take on a timeless classic. www.jetsetter.hk

94

CHEF PROFILE

www.jetsetter.hk

CHEF PROFILE 95

Prin Polsuk, head chef at acclaimed modern Thai restaurant Nahm at the Metropolitan by COMO Bangkok, is known for cooking homestyle Thai food with flair that seduce palates worldwide. Andrea Oschetti becomes his newest apprentice in an effort to discover the secrets of his inspiring Thai cuisine.

What influenced you to become a chef?

It was actually a book I picked up about 15 years ago called Kitchen Confidential

to the smoky flavours to the seasoned

we will know if it works, so that we can

fish or meat. It all has to compliment each

bring an additional depth to our curries.

other.

What is Nahm’s secret?

Nahm has been voted for many years one of Asia’s finest restaurants. How do you maintain your home style ethos?

There is meticulous research into developing

Some of my earliest memories revolved

We do everything from scratch, from

sauce with the scent of flower blossoms or

around food and the smells and tastes

grinding the spices for the curry paste to

how to include different intensities of heat

that would come from my grandmother’s

making our own coconut milk, which is a

in the same dish. All our subtle additions

kitchen, surrounded by the rice fields

hard, full time job for one person. There

spark magic in the taste buds of our guests

of Lampang, in Northern Thailand. As

are no rotary evaporators, centrifugal

and give them extreme satisfaction.

a young kid I spent days with her, while

juicers, sous vide machines or ultrasonic

the adults worked in the fields. She made

homogenisers in our kitchen. But we do

curries using the ingredients she found

have a small army of 25 cooks. We do it

foraging and encouraged me to taste

like they did in the old days, everything by

everything. When I began cooking, it was

hand. Those 25 people in the kitchen work

as if I had developed a memory of tastes

diligently to feed patrons of a restaurant

in my mind.

which only seats 100.

What is the essence of Thai cooking?

What’s a typical day like for you?

no one remembers. He showed me how

It’s constantly evolving, but at its core

I don’t cook the orders like many people

lost. My work with him is to rediscover

it’s about blending flavors together. The

might think. I do supervise the other

and incorporate into our menu food

layers of flavor are important in each

chefs, but I am usually deeply involved

excellence, from royal palace dishes to

dish, yet balance comes from the entire

in developing new dishes, new curries,

immigrant-influenced street food.

meal, not just one dish. In traditional Thai

and new ideas. People tend to look at me

households when the bulk of the food is

with curiosity and frequently ask what I’m

set on the table, it’s everything at once.

trying now. You saw me experimenting

You may see curry dishes, soups, salads,

with the fermentation of bamboo with

Do you have a personal mantra?

and stir fries, and always rice. The flavors

jasmine rice water, lemongrass and Kaffir

Working hard beats talent.

need to blend, from the fresh vegetables

lime leaves for example. In a week’s time

by Anthony Bourdain. He trained at The Culinary Institute of America, and the book told it like it was. Everything he said came across as brutally honest and I couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen.

our recipes. We taste, taste, taste and then taste again. It’s about finding the perfect ratios of ingredients but also striving to add surprising layers of flavor; for example we asked ourselves how to make our fish

How has working with David Thompson influenced you?

David

is

passionate

about

antique

cookbooks and has collected them for 25 years. He loves to find ancient recipes that amazing Thai cuisine was a century ago and how much of that quality has been

www.jetsetter.hk

96

TOP TABLES The newest eatery to grace Hong Kong’s IFC Mall, Ivy is an elegant take on Mediterranean cuisine with stunning Victoria

Harbour views to boot. Occupying the space previously held by St Betty, Ivy transports diners to the French Rivera with a sophisticated menu that captures the essence of the Med with finesse and colour amidst interiors accented with warm wood, marble and bronze. Highlights of the seafoodheavy offering include the cured salmon with citrus, tomato and pink peppercorns; beef tartare with organic egg yolk; warm prawns in olive oil with basil and lemon (pictured); a refreshing crab and lobster salad with cucumber; and a hearty 400-gram entrecôte rib eye that’s ideal for sharing.

Don’t miss the basketball-sized soufflé, well worth the wait. www.gaiagroup.com.hk

In a unique partnership between Maximal Concepts and Mercedes Benz’s Hong Kong dealer, Zung Fu,

Mercedes Me has opened in Central Hong Kong,

offering a lifestyle destination that’s part fine dining and part auto showroom. A dynamic, luxurious and glamorous venue, Mercedes Me will showcase Mercedes’ vision and design, and will play host to a number of special events, fashion shows, F1 race screenings, exhibitions, concerts and corporate functions. All of this is combined within a high-end dining experience curated by the creators of Mott 32, Stockton and Blue Butcher. Drawing inspiration from Spain, Japan and Peru, Mercedes Me’s menu is laced with the best imported ingredients, with dishes served on a twenty metre, hand-picked, polished marble table and complimented by an inventive cocktail list. www.mercedes.me/hongkong

One of the city’s most anticipated culinary openings,

Ash & Elm

presents its modern

take on European flare at the Intercontinental Singapore. Part of the hotel’s multi-million dollar renovation,

the

new

150-seat

open-kitchen

restaurant takes over from the iconic Olive Tree with a refreshed vision for a hotel eatery. Three open culinary stations - a Charcuterie & Cheese Room, Wood-Fired Oven and an Open-Grill – are complimented by both buffet and a la carte menus.

Highlights include the Ash & Elm platter - a mix of house-cured beef pastrami and hot smoked pork loin, cold-roast beef, air-dried pork belly and foie gras with smoked duck – meats grilled over imported Manuka woodchips from New Zealand; a decadent dessert selection, and an enviable wine list laced with Old and New World favourites. www.intercontinental.com/singapore www.jetsetter.hk

TOP TABLES A refreshing twist on beachfront dining,

97

Limewood

has opened at The Pulse in Repulse Bay, offering a mix of Southeast Asian, Hawaiian, South American and Caribbean cuisine on one of Hong Kong’s favourite beaches. With vibrant, rustic interiors straight out of Cabo, the newest summery spot by Maximal Concepts is the perfect blend of beachfront living and urban chic.

The innovative cocktail menu is packed with heady concoctions, from cucumber and mint margarita, laced with smoky jalapeno; to charred coconut piña coladas, and the food offering ranges from zesty, flavourful tasting plates like the pork skin Chicharron with guacamole; and scallop and banana tartare with jalapeño sauce; through to fantastic meat dishes, the pinnacle of which is the 24 hour charred beef ribs, served with a mango-infused BBQ sauce, a dish that will make it always seem like summer. www.maximalconcepts.com

Southern Indian cuisine is under the spotlight with Indu, the hottest new eatery in central Sydney. With a focus on the fragrant dishes of coastal India, Indu combines the region’s distinctive fresh flavours with quality seasonally sourced produce across a menu created by head chef Bimal Kumar. The new approach to Indian cuisine, brought to Martin Place by the team behind local favourite Mejico Restaurant & Tequila Bar, is complemented by an inventive cocktail list that draws inspiration from classic Indian mixology. www.indudining.com.au

With its roots in Monaco, Beefbar has opened in Central Hong Kong, offering an elegant and refined take on a European steak house at the heart of the city’s financial district. Located at Ice House Street’s Club Lusitano, Beefbar specialises in sensational cuts of beef from the US, Australia, Japan and Europe. With chic interiors imagined by Humbert & Poyet of Monaco that employ leather, wood, marble and brass elements, Beefbar boasts two private dining rooms, an open kitchen, and an extensive rooftop terrace. The menu, created by executive chef Andrea Spagoni, is laced with hard-to-source beef cuts including signature favourites from Monaco, sumptuous seafood dishes, and touches of the Far East and when combined with crisp service, and a unique cooking method that seals in flavor, ensures an unforgettable carnivoric occasion. Highlights include signature creamy mashed potatoes, silky veal and tarragon tartare; and a coveted collection of Wagyu and Kobe beef cuts for true gourmands, matched with an extensive list of Old World and New World wines. www.beefbar.hk www.jetsetter.hk

98

RESTAURANT REVIEW

A M ARRIAGE O F

PAST & PRESENT HONG KONG’S NEWEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT FUSES CULINARY TRADITIONS WITH A THOROUGHLY MODERN DINING EXPERIENCE, DISCOVERS

NICK WALTON

H

ong Kong is seeing a rethink on Japanese cuisine of late, which is great for dinners looking for tradition and innovation in equal measure. A new opening on the cusp between Central and Sheung Wan offers just that; from the creators of Three Monkeys comes Momotaro, a new Japanese fusion restaurant that delivers the fresh, insightful, Los Angeles-inspired cuisine of chef Masaaki Aoyama, matched with cutting-edge cocktails.

Finding the new restaurant is easier said than done, but once you do you’re rewarded with dark, sexy interiors by Andy Malcomess Interior Architects that take their cues from the restaurant’s namesake folk story, about a small boy who descends to earth in a giant peach before fighting off evil demons. There’s a standalone cocktail bar lined with vibrant demon masks from Japan, the bar back tiled with authentic Kamon family seals; a separate sushi and sashimi counter for true diehards; an elegant dining room with a private VIP area; and an intimate balcony.

Momotaro’s menu has a little something for everyone without being indecisive. We start off with signature cocktails; the Yama Momo Taro features Nihonshu (sake) with raspberry, peach and fresh citrus, shaken and garnished with a Japanese yama momo mountain peach, while the Mexican Trader is a heady mix of blanco tequila with Campari, fresh watermelon, lemon juice and sea salt. Both concoctions showcase the bar’s finesse and attention to detail and prove that Momotaro is set to be a destination for more than just dining.

with homemade sesame sauce, a simple yet flavourful dish, has to be tried to be believed. Japanese yellowtail carpaccio with jalapeño arrives from the sushi counter and is firm and succulent, the pepper’s mellow heat offsetting the silky fish to perfection. A salad of snow crab and ‘momotaro’ tomatoes illustrates the minimalism and inherent elegance of Japanese fare and is at once both light and invigorating, while the zesty warmth of wasabi adds a punch to a fresh salmon tartare with caviar. The spectacular Momo Dragon maki roll is the perfect bridging dish, the avocado delightfully sweet, the soft shell crab cooked to perfection, before we finish off with miso marinated foie gras with seared Wagyu beef and sweet soy; and grilled Japanese chicken with a beautifully-balanced honey balsamic teriyaki sauce and smashed potatoes, two true crowd pleasers.

You’ll come to Momotaro for many reasons; it might be for the live music and revolving DJs, for the cocktails, the dedicated sashimi menu, or for a culinary graze through the modern Japanese foodscape, but every visit will be infused with imagination, dedication, crisp, genuine service, and a true passion for blending antiquity with We move on to an extensive selection of starters; the edamame beans with truffle modernity. UG/F, 198 Wellington St, Central, Hong is an indulgent and addictive take on the Japanese staple; while the boiled spinach Kong, Tel: +852 2865 0005; http://momotaro.hk www.jetsetter.hk

RESTAURANT REVIEW 99

A JOURNEY FOR

THE SENSES

THE FIERY FLAVOURS OF NORTHERN THAILAND ARE UNEARTHED AT NEW HONG KONG RESTAURANT SIAM 28, DISCOVERS CRYSTAL LEUNG.

I

f Tom Yum Goong soup, pad Thai, green curry chicken and green papaya salad are all you can imagine when it comes to Thai cuisine, you’re not doing justice to its eclectic Southeast Asian delicacies. Perched amidst Hong Kong’s shopping precinct of Causeway Bay, new opening Siam 28 surprises epicureans with its innovative menu drawing upon the authentic recipes of Northern Thailand.

Siam 28 boasts a contemporary, chic interior, graced with exquisite Southeast Asian-styled tiles and timber floors, and is dressed in a soothing olive green hue. Seating up to 60 guests, this cosy dining spot is the brainchild of half-Thai-half-Chinese restauranteur Gigi Li, who wants to bring a new lease of life to the city’s Thai culinary scene, with a multitude of delectable dishes reminiscent of her childhood spent in Northern Thailand.

A modern twist on Spanish tapas, the

restaurant’s signature Thaipas – bite-size appetisers that are perfect for sharing – are paired with a selection of delectable, homemade sauces. We start off with an unpretentious yet sublime snack, Pak Boong Tod (deep-fried morning glory), before teasing our tastebuds with Kai Look Keuy – an appetising plate of quail eggs drizzled in a tangy tamarind sauce traditionally made by a mother for her daughter’s boyfriend when he meets her approval. The Larb Ped Yong (minced roasted duck salad), infused with an assortment of herbs and Thai spices, is rich in flavour and texture; while the saltiness of the Larb Moo Tod (fried minced pork patties with Thai spice) is offset by crunchy, refreshing lettuce.

As we move on to the mains, we steer clear of the tried-and-tested tom yum goong soup and opt for a Tom Sab, a popular beef soup from Northern Thailand that is unexpectedly clean and spicy; the tender beef brisket, cooked with lemongrass, fresh lime, and a

piquant mixture of spices, is guaranteed to stimulate and warm the senses. Our spicy culinary journey continues with Goong Ob Woonsen (king prawn and glass noodle cooked in a claypot), in which the noodles absorb the essence of the king prawns as well as the spices, cilantro and white pepper, offering a burst of flavour in every morsel.

To take the edge off the heat, try the signature Sawadee Ka cocktail, a tantalising concoction of vodka, kaffir lime leaves, and berries, or enjoy an ice-cold Singha or Chang beer. We round out our fantastic dinner on a sweet note with a modern twist on the Thai staple Khao Niew Ma Muang (mango fried sticky rice), which is slightly seared on the surface to offer a more complex, decadent texture.

28/F, M acau Yat Yuen Centre, 525 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 3421 0472; www.et-troop.com.hk

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100

RESTAURANT REVIEW

THE ASADOR

AMBASSADOR NICK WALTON’S

FAITH IN THE HONG KONG DINING SCENE IS REJUVENATED

BY THE CITY’S NEWEST SPANISH SENSATION.

W

hen we think Spanish cuisine in Hong Kong, it’s easy for over-priced, poorly executed and rather cliché tapas to spring to mind.

After all there’s been no shortage of overly ambitious tapas joints setting up shop in Central and Soho over the past few years, many to succumb to natural causes soon after. So The Optimist, the newest opening to grace Wan Chai’s Hennessy Road, is a breath of fresh air, not just for lovers of northern Spanish cuisine, but also for fans of a well-made cocktail and a perfectly cooked steak.

The three-level concept by Christian Talpo and Manuel Palacio of Pirata success starts with a super sexy standalone cocktail bar on the ground floor designed

by Spaniard Rocío Martínez. In a space that boasts teal tiles, hanging houseplants and elegant Art Deco accents, after-work drinkers and diners alike can sample vibrant cocktails like the Martinica – Martin Millers gin, Aperol, fresh basil, lemon, vanilla and apple – and bites from the all-day menu that includes the likes of steak tartare cones, sliders and shrimp tempura.

One level up staircases framed with vintage maps, objects d’art and works by graphic artist Aleix Gordo Hostau is The Dining Room, offering a more intimate and refined dining experience. However, it’s The Grill on the third floor where the buzz is, and for good reason. Inspired by the timeless asador grilling style, The Grill offers a market-style selection of choice beef cuts, seafood and vegetables on ice, the picks from which are then cooked on charcoal grills to ensure a

www.jetsetter.hk

delectable smoky flavor. La Salita, an adjacent private dining space, caters to eight guests.

Executive chef Alfredo Rodriquez is no stranger to asador cooking, having spent 15 years in some of Madrid’s top kitchens. His menu of northern Spanish delights is refreshingly unpretentious and is navigated with the aid of well-versed staff. We kick off our visit with Iberian ham croquettes, and exquisitely grilled squid with potato and garlic, one of several sublime seafood dishes on offer. The Broken Eggs, a sizzling skillet of Iberian ham, potato, eggs, mushrooms and black truffle should come with a warning label as it’s utterly addictive, as is the silky steak tartare, one of the few dishes to escape the grill. Meat lovers will applaude the Carnes selection, which ranges from a 2kg Australian Angus tomahawk with roasted peppers and baked potato, to 45 day dry aged Rubia Gallega ribeye; and a more delicate Solomillo fillet with pancetta cake.

Somehow we’re talked into enjoying a rare dessert by our very persuasive waitress and the signature Alfredo’s warm apple pie with vanilla sauce is the perfect excuse for sin; more like a flan than a conventional apple pie, the pastry is delightfully light allowing the hint of spice in the apples to shine through and put the finishing touch on one of the best meals we’ve had all year.

G/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; Tel: +852 2433 3324; www.theoptimist.hk

SPIRITS 101

A

sia’s thirst for ultra-luxury whisky seems insatiable, with whisky houses scrabbling to create suitably premium products for the emerging market. The newest release from Chivas Regal, The Icon is a limited-release of 1,500 bottles that promises pride of place among the world’s pedigree blended whiskies. A culmination of history and an embodiment of craftsmanship and tradition married with the unparalleled expertise of Chivas Regal's master blender Colin Scott, The Icon is an ultra-smooth blend of whiskies from more than 20 distilleries from across Scotland, including acclaimed Longmorn and Glen Keith, as well as rare amber gold from distilleries now lost forever.

At the spirit’s heart are rare malts from Strathisla, the spiritual home of Chivas Regal and the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Highlands.

Accented with hand-selected single malts from Scotland’s greatest distilleries, Chivas Regal The Icon is a bold, balanced and unforgettable blend that perfectly illustrates the timeless art of the blend.

“It’s amazing when you think that we are a 500-yearold industry and yet we haven’t changed anything,” said Scott during an exclusive launch event at Hong Kong’s newest speakeasy, Foxglove. “What you get with The Icon are these little nuggets of taste and although we can’t always say what they are, we know they are there.

These are flavours that we will never see again.”

Each year Scott will produce a limited number of bottles of this luxury whisky, making it a must have product for Asia’s whisky collectors.

The Icon is presented in a hand-blown green-hued decanter created by the craftsmen of Dartington Crystal that is then delicately etched and finished with precisioncrafted metalwork. The decanter boasts a signature stopper featuring a traditional Celtic luckenbooth motif representing friendship and love, and comes housed in a green leather case by luxury cabinet and displaymakers Ch. Dahlinger that’s reminiscent of the golden era of travel.

Lovers of fine blended whisky will discover an exceptional character in The Icon, with an incredibly long and luscious finish, rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate, balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask, and a luxurious finish in the smooth Chivas house style.

The Icon is available in global travel retail from US$3,500, with purchasers offered the chance to have their name inscribed in a special plaque at the Chivas Regal distillery. www.chivas.com

THE MAKING

OF AN

ICON

CHIVAS REGAL lifts THE BENCHMARK FOR ULTRA-LUXURY BLENDED WHISKY WITH A NEW LIMITED-RELEASE WHISKY, THE ICON. BY NICK WALTON www.jetsetter.hk

102

MINIBAR

THE SPIR IT WITHIN

Chivas Regal has released the first of a new limited-edition collection available only in global travel retail.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Sipsmith, passionate pioneers of London’s artisanal gin renaissance, to

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish is first in a series

1915 Gin, to coincide with the 100th

of three ultra-premium Scotch whiskies finished in a variety of first fill wooden casks. Each whiskey is a masterful reinterpretation of the iconic Chivas Regal 18 and the ultimate gift for the most sophisticated palate. Presented by Chivas Regal master blender Colin Scott, the First Fill American Oak Finish edition is bottled at a special strength of 48% abv to further concentrate rich sweet notes of ripe plums, caramel, toffee and creamy vanilla, followed by a long, sweet and unbelievably smooth finish. www.chivas.com www.jetsetter.hk

create a new bespoke spirit, Raffles anniversary of the Singapore Sling.

Created by Sipsmith master distiller Jared Brown and handcrafted at the Sipsmith Distillery in London exclusively for Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the gin boasts a sensational balance of botanicals inspired by the Malayan peninsula, including jasmine flowers, fresh pomelo peel, lemongrass, Kaffir lime leaf, and nutmeg, distilled alongside some of the classic gin botanicals. The result is a smooth and full-bodied spirit, with the warmth of sweet orange spice coupled with an elegant, bright, balanced finish that would undoubtedly make Ngiam Tong Boon, creator of the Singapore Sling, very proud. www.raffles.com

The product of tastings at almost 100 boutique sake producers across Japan, Four Fox Sake is a new product that combines the traditions of Japanese sake making with a new generation of revelers who enjoy premium tipples when hitting the town. Made in Niigata to the highest junmai daiginjo standards, Four Fox Sake is a curious mix of past and present – a premium brew laboriously made to ensure only the finest finish, but presented in an unashamedly contemporary bottle, complete with built-in LED lighting, that will be more at home at the heart of a nightclub VIP section. Despite the sake’s pedigree, Four Fox has also created a series of crowd-pleasing cocktails to help set the mood for the night ahead. www.fourfoxsake.com

MINIBAR 103

FROM CELEBRATORY TIPPLES TO LUXURIOUS LIBATIONS, EACH OF OUR PICKS THIS SEASON INSTILL THE FINEST IN THE DISTILLER’S ART. BY NICK WALTON

The Teeling Whiskey Company, Ireland’s leading independent Irish

Scotland is making serious headway in the non-whiskey categories,

whiskey producer, has released The

including artisanal gins like

Revival, a limited-edition 15 year old single malt produced to mark the opening of the brand’s new distillery, the first in Dublin for over 125 years.

The Revival bottling consists of 15 year old single malt Irish whiskey distilled in 1999, matured exclusively in ex-rum casks and bottled at 46% abv with no chill filtration to create a truly unique Irish whiskey taste experience. This celebratory bottling is limited to only 10,000 and marks the upgrading of the Teeling Vintage Reserve Collection, which consists of limited small batch releases of very old and rare Irish single malt

Kirsty’s Gin, produced by a farm-

whiskeys. www.teelingwhiskey.com

Arbikie

to-bottle distillery from the Arbikie Highland estate of the Stirling family, fourth-generation Angus farmers who nurture the potato crops used to make this unique spirit. The producers of Scotland’s first potato vodka, the gin, named for Arbikie's master distiller Kirsty Black, has a traditional juniper base, with three traditional Scottish botanicals, kelp, carline thistle and blackberries (all of which grow wild in the Angus area). The gin is made from Arbikie’s award-winning potato vodka giving the gin an extra smooth and refined taste of depth

Kick the year off in style with the tequila that’s taking the region by storm. DeLeón

Platinum

Tequila is a provocative blanco-style tequila with a rich, complex agave honey flavor that is slow-fermented and twicedistilled ensuring a silky smooth finish without compromising on character. Exquisite highland agaves are slowly roasted in traditional ovens for a subtle taste profile with a whisper of sweet agave, citrus, warm spice and smooth vanilla on the finish.

Be sure to try this blanco with a twist, fresh fruit or in the ultimate margarita.www.deleontequila.com

and character. www.arbikie.com

www.jetsetter.hk

104

WINE

JUICING UP

THE IN-LAWS IF THERE IS EVER A TIME TO SHELL OUT ON GOOD WINE, IT IS DURING THE HOLIDAYS, SAYS MASTER OF WINE DEBRA MEIBERG, WHO RECOMMENDS THE WMD APPROACH: WINES FOR WELCOME, MEAL AND DESSERT.

T

here is no wine better suited to welcome your guests – especially the all-important in-laws - than Champagne.

Due to its prickly carbonation, champagne has a fast strike rate: its alcohol quickly enters the blood stream, guaranteeing giddy, happy rellies. If Champagne is too pricey for your in-laws, then add a few festive droplets of cranberry juice, Chambord or cassis to a bottle of bubbly from a less expensive region. Or, to ensure your guests are still standing by midnight, you might prefer to welcome them with Riesling from the Mosel region of Germany as its alcohol levels are less than nine percent—significantly lower than champagne and other white wines.

www.jetsetter.hk

Selecting wines for the array of dishes comprising a holiday meal is no easy feat.

Idiosyncratic family traditions come into play, so there’s no falling back on a standard wine match and though the old adage to serve white wine with fish and red wine with meat is a good rule of thumb, the cacophony on the table screams for more creative pairings.

Turkey’s obliging nature allows it to host a riot of unexpected flavors, ranging from fruity, herbal, nutty, and spicy, to earthy, smoky and even fishy accents. Whether serving roast goose, turkey, ham or lamb, the secret is to determine your meal’s dominant flavor and then match the wine accordingly.

Meals accented by spicy sausages, clove seasonings and mincemeat demand a spicy

Zinfandel or Australian Shiraz. Earthier menus sporting mushrooms, wheatberry and roasted onion can show an aged Pinot Noir or Rioja to advantage. If your holiday stuffing is packed with currants, apples, raisins and cranberries, then opt for a fruity wine match, such as Gewurztraminer or Chianti. The racy, herbal character of a Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with herbed bread stuffing and crisp green vegetables. Pecan, smoky chestnut and wild rice ache for a richer platform such as Meursault or a daring Amontillado Sherry.

The beau monde blessed with a balcony on which to barbecue their holiday turkey might prefer to sip crisp white Burgundy or a Pinot Noir with the moist smoky meat. Many Italian families wouldn’t dream of serving anything but “seven fishes” for Christmas Eve. Traditional baccalá (salted cod), anchovy pasta and eel call for crisp, zingy white wines, such as Chablis, Muscadet or Pinot Grigio.

The final coup de grace, dessert, can be the most explosive of all. If serving fruit based desserts, such as apple or pumpkin pie, then opt for luscious late harvest wines, ice wines or Sauternes. Many traditional holiday desserts, such as pecan pie, mince pies or Christmas pudding are dense, heavy and oozing rich flavors so demand a masterful accompaniment such as a tawny port, Oloroso Sherry, Vin Santo from Italy, Madeira or a deeply coloured Australian sticky.

106

WISH LIST

FIT FOR AN

EMPEROR

The result of thousands of hours of work, and combining several international patents, 2,675 high-quality components, complex mechanics and state-of-the-art technology, Imperiali Genève has unveiled the Emperador cigar chest, the most prestigious cigar chest in the world, available at the price of one million Swiss francs (US$1,040,000) for each of only 12 numbered pieces produced annually.

Combining a timepiece that perfectly illustrates the Swiss watch making art through a 323-part tourbillon and a ‘Clous de Paris’ guilloché dial, with the skills of 27 different trades, this unique chest showcases its mechanics but is careful to conceal its electronic components. Just three displays show, in real time, the relative humidity, managed by the world’s first self-regulating humidity system, and temperature inside the chest, the power reserve, and the number of gold leaf-wrapped Grand Cru cigars remaining, each of which is accessed via private code, inputted into a hidden LCD screen.

The savouring of each cigar is elevated by the Emperador’s three exceptional accessories, which are arranged in an unobtrusive drawer seamlessly incorporated into the front of the chest. The cigar cutter enables the cigar to be either mechanically cut or punched, while the table lighter offers a perfect flame, and the ashtray opens as if by magic whenever a cigar is brought near. www.imperiali-geneve.com www.jetsetter.hk

WISH LIST 107

The Lotus Collection by Graff Diamonds takes its inspiration from the graceful petals of the lotus, utalising white diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires to bring colour and life to Asia’s most endeared bloom. The collection features a range of exquisite pieces, including this stunning lotus ruby and emerald necklace, an intricate and infinitely elegant lacework of perfectly cut pear shape, round and marquise stones linked together by invisible platinum wires, creating a calming and graceful waterfall-like effect. www.graffdiamonds.com

www.jetsetter.hk

108

WISH LIST Golfers are always at the mercy of the elements, which is why Nike Golf has created the Nike Lunar Bandon 3 all-weather golf shoe for men. With a weatherproof upper atop six spikes on the outsole for traction and support on slippery surfaces, the futuristic new shoe features a forefoot TPU plate, providing stability during the swing, a premium weatherproof toe cap, made of engineered synthetic leather, and a hidden camo pattern interior for a touch of character on and off the fairway. www.nike.com

The new Odyssey Works Tank Cruiser Putter takes Callaway’s revolutionary Versa alignment and adjustable counterbalance and puts them together in tour proven head shape models as part of its new Odyssey Works collection, a high performance technology platform that takes everything the brand knows about putting and puts it to work for players of all levels. www.callawaygolf.com

As part of a new range of clubs for 2016

Taylormade has released the M1, the company’s first dual-track, sliding weights adjustable driver with a carbon composite crown. For a brand that introduced the first ‘metalwood’ to the US market, this is a dramatic departure, with the club’s new crown featuring a white titanium forward piece and a carbon composite rear section to reduce overall weight and increase performance. www.taylormadegolf.com

www.jetsetter.hk

GREEN

MACHINE As you head for warmer climes this season don’t forget to pack these golfing essentials. By Nick Walton

FRAGRANCE 109

SEASONAL

SCENTS From light lingering perfumes to bold, sensual fragrances that capture the essence of travel, these new scents promise seduction on the go. By Nick Walton The new Tom Ford Black Orchid is a luxurious and sensual fragrance, with sensuous notes of black truffle and ylang mingled with fresh bergamot and delectable black currant, making it ideal for formal occasions in exotic locales. With dark, tempting florals and rich fruit accords deepened with intoxicating lotus wood, the new fragrance is housed in a black glass bottle with a hand-tied cord and a goldtone name plaque with engraved lettering. www.tomford.com

Ermenegildo Zegna Parfums has released its Mediterranean

Neroli fragrance for men, the eighth addition to the coveted Essenze Collection. In the tradition of the original fine fragrances of the collection, the Mediterranean Neroli scent is an expression of one signature raw material with its own unique provenance, and transports the senses to the cool warmth of the Mediterranean.

Straight from the bitter orange tree, the Mediterranean Neroli fragrance encompasses the purest form of the crisp petitgrain and the aromatic orange flower. www.zegna.com

Refreshing and elegant, Be Desired , the new fragrance of the DKNY Be Delicious collection, whips users away to an urban garden in the heart of spring, thanks to notes of orange oil, black currant, violet leaves and iced grapefruit. Look out for touches of acacia flower, cassis absolute, Asian jasmine and Turkish rose as well as a finish composed of cedar, cashmere and amber wood. The fragrance is housed in an iconic apple bottle. www.dknyfragrances.com www.jetsetter.hk

110

WATCHES

POWER &

PERFORMANCE

In a tribute to the Continental GT3 and Bentley’s motorsport victories, the new Bentley GT3 chronograph by Breitling fiercely flaunts its sporting nature.

Limited to just 500 pieces, the sleek, masculine timepiece is presented in a black titanium case, with carbon fibre dial, original twin-counter system and chronometer-certified selfwinding movement. Boasting all the style and performance of the super-sleek racing car after which it is named, the Bentley GT3 watch’s black titanium case features a blend of sturdiness and lightness, two indispensable qualities in the heat of action. The carbon fibre dial exudes an ultra-sporty look inspired by racing cars and showcases an innovative display system featuring a 60-minute counter via a central hand and a combined hour/minute counter at 9 o’clock. The piece’s performance credentials continue with an exclusive black rubber strap, which bears the inscription “Continental GT3” – the embodiment of the will to conquer driven by the Bentley spirit. www.breitling.com www.jetsetter.hk

WATCHES

111

Both a smart watch and an elegant time piece that entails the tradition of the luxury chronograph, the TimeWalker Urban Speed UTC e-Strap watch by Montblanc explores the latest wearable technology by pairing a watchstrap that connects to the owner’s smartphone, with a fine timepiece driven by an automatic calibre. The result is a mechanical timepiece enhanced with digital functionalities. Made of high performance Montblanc Extreme leather, the NATO-type strap seamlessly integrates technology that connects to select Android phones as well as iPhones 4s and subsequent models. The e-Strap comes with a 128 x 36 OLED display, intuitive touch controls and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing it with a five-day battery life. The e-Strap integrates an activity tracker, a Find Me function for both smartphone and watch, notifications for incoming communications, and remote controls for the phone’s camera and music player. This is paired with a dynamic design characterised by skeletonised horns and a thin bezel that effortlessly blends modernity and tradition. www.montblanc.com www.jetsetter.hk

112

WATCHES

Celebrating 20 years as the official time piece of the world’s greatest spy, OMEGA has released two striking new limited-edition models to coincide with the launch of the latest Bond film, SPECTRE. Submerged in tradition, the Seamaster has been James Bond's watch since Goldeneye in 1995. With his naval history and classic style, it is perfectly suited to his iconic character. The

Seamaster 300

"SPECTRE" Limited Edition is limited to just 7,007 pieces, and is presented with a stainless steel case and black dial. The bi-directional rotating diving bezel is also black, this time made from polished ceramic. Combined with a LiquidMetal 12 hour scale, time can be kept with any country in the world. Ideal, some might say, for a person on the move. Other unique features include the "lollipop" central seconds hands, as well as the 5-stripe black and grey NATO strap - otherwise known as the James Bond NATO Strap. On the bracelet's strap holder, "007" has been engraved. Of course, no Bond would be complete without the gadgetry. On the inside, this watch is driven by the highly innovative OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, a revolutionary movement in its own right. www.omegawatches.com

OUT FROM

THE SHADOWS

The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M James Bond Limited Edition takes its inspiration from the Bond family coat of arms, a symbol that is repeatedly interlocked to create a dynamic pattern on the watch’s blue dial.

The coat of arms is also found near the tip of the yellow central seconds hand.

Among the most striking elements of this 41.5 mm stainless steel timepiece is the oscillating weight of the movement, visible through the sapphire crystal caseback. This component has been cut and shaped to resemble a gun barrel. Fittingly the piece is powered by the completely new OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8507, and is resistant to magnetic fields greater than 15,007 gauss. The timepiece is presented on a stainless steel bracelet and is limited to 15,007 pieces.

www.jetsetter.hk

BRAND STORY

B R E G U E T:

Innovation Through Dedication

A

s a brand that represents a great historical and cultural heritage as well as avant-garde technology, Breguet

has

always

had

a

fascinating ability to innovate. It

is not only connoisseurs who understand that owning a Breguet means owning something

At a time when connoisseurs seek to explore, ever-deeper, the roots of their favourite brands, the countless treasures of Swiss watch maker Breguet illustrate a rich history laced with innovation and the pursuit of excellence.

exceptional. For many people, the originality and timeless style of the watches expresses a philosophy and an identity that clearly sets them apart.

But despite its astonishingly skilful master watchmakers, it owes its place in European cultural history to its prodigiously inventive founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet.

Born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in 1747, Abraham-Louis Breguet spent much of his life in Paris where many of his important creations were produced. He worked simultaneously in all the areas of watchmaking, beginning his career with a series of masterly inventions: the automatic watch, referred to as “a perpetual”; the gong spring for repeater watches; and the first shock-absorber device, the “pare-chute”.

Breguet watches contained original movements, with anchor or cylinder escapements, that were constantly improved and Breguet counted King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette among

In 1999, the late Nicolas G. Hayek took control of

benchmark in contemporary fine watchmaking,

his esteemed clients. For his most prestigious

Breguet, an acclaimed name now in hibernation,

in addition to the unique position it already held

clients he created special pieces, including

instilling a new vision to restore Breguet to

as part of Europe’s cultural heritage.

the very first wristwatch, produced in 1810 for

greatness by reviving its cultural and emotional

Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples.

dimensions while taking on daring challenges in

Today more than ever under its President and

its commitment to the fusion of art, beauty and

CEO Marc A. Hayek, Breguet is committed

When the dark hours of the French revolution

technology. In 2003, a new Breguet Manufacture

to respecting the legacy of its founder. The

arrived, Breguet returned to his native city,

capable of achieving its ambitions was opened

company offers an increasingly fascinating

taking a host of inventions with him, including

and by 2011 the watch case manufacturer Favre

range of timepieces that combine refined

the Breguet balance spring; the first travelling

et Perret was incorporated to create a new

design

clock, which was sold to Napoleon; the

entity, Montres Breguet, Manufacture de boîtes.

famous Breguet hands in blued steel with the

with

technical

complications. The

off-centre, openwork “moon” tip continue to

“sympathique” clock; and the tourbillon, an indisputable demonstration of his genius. Made

Nicolas G. Hayek placed great emphasis on

grace its watches after 200 years, while fluted

a member of the Office of Longitudes and

research and the use of new materials, including

casebands remain an integral part of the

Horology of the Royal French Navy, he also

silicon, in watchmaking. Under his leadership,

restrained Breguet style. Iconic pieces like the

entered the Academy of Sciences and received

Breguet developed and filed a remarkable

Type XXII, the first series-produced mechanical

the Legion of Honour from King Louis XVIII. At

number of new patents and it continues to do

chronograph with an escapement that, thanks

his death in 1823, he was eulogised as a man

so under its new president, Marc A. Hayek.

to silicon, operates at a frequency of 10Hz; and the Tradition Tourbillon fusée, which

whose genius had revolutionised every aspect The Manufacture also achieved the feat of

features a silicon Breguet balance spring,

developing a new movement every year, several

define the brand’s dedication to maintaining its

But for Breguet as a brand, this was just the

of which were truly revolutionary. Its ability to

rich heritage while striding ever-forward with

beginning.

innovate has firmly established Breguet as a

innovation and passion. www.breguet.com

of timekeeping.

114

AUTO

Same Same

With an innovative flat-six turbocharged engine and abundant torque, the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera is the fastest yet. By

I

Nick Walton

t’s as iconic a shape as any car could hope to be, but the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera brings performance and everyday usability to new heights, thanks to its advanced chassis, superior handling, and sleek, refined lines that are at once a homage to and a tale of technological symphony.

While the classic lines of the first 911 – debuted in 1963 – linger, the 2017 model is unashamedly a product of its environment; many exterior features of the 911 Carrera have been visually refined, from new headlights with four-point daytime running

www.jetsetter.hk

But Different

lights to integrated door handle recesses, a redesigned rear deck lid with vertical louvers, and new rear lights, while for the first time, rear-axle steering is available as an option for the Carrera S, an encasement that has seen the S model race around the North Loop of the Nürburgring test track 10 seconds faster than its predecessor.

The completely new engine generation, featuring twin-turbo technology, enhances the driving pleasure of the 2017 911 Carrera; the 3.0-litre engine in the standard Carrera now develops 370hp – a 20hp increase compared to previous models – while the 2017 911 Carrera S delivers 420 hp from the same displacement, thanks to turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and a different tune for the engine management system. The new Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S engines are characterised by significantly increased torque. Offering up to 331 lb.-ft. and 368 lb.-ft., respectively, from 1,700 rpm up to 5,000 rpm, both powertrains supply generous torque over a broad powerband.

Reaching up to 7,500 rpm, the new engine generation also maintains relatively high

engine speeds – up to 294km/ph for the Carrera and 307km/hr for the S model - for a turbocharged powertrain, performance that is accompanied by the familiar, headturning Porsche sound.

Another standard feature of the new 911 Carrera models is the newly developed Porsche Communication Management System (PCM), which includes an online navigation module. The PCM can be operated by multi-touch gestures on the seven-inch display, similar to a smartphone, through handwritten user inputs, or through mobile phones and smartphones connected via Wi-Fi. Realtime traffic information is available for significantly enhanced navigation, while Google Earth and Google Streetview are also being integrated for the first time to offer better orientation. In an integration of technology that mirrors the innovations placed upon this most famous of marques, Porsche Car Connect and the Connect Plus module can now be used for remotely controlled vehicle functions, transferring destinations to the PCM for navigation and streaming music using third-party service providers via the PCM. www.porsche.com

CARRY ON 115

Elegant in its simplicity, this natural grained calf leather briefcase by

Ermenegildo Zegna is the ideal travelling companion for

business trips and day-to-day use and features scratch resistant material to ensure it withstands the rigours of the road. Crafted by veteran Italian artisans, the briefcase includes a padded compartment to protect a laptop and a zip pocket to stow smaller essentials. Finished with a front flap closure and a metal lock engraved with the brand’s signature, this time-honoured piece will ensure your belongings are safe and secure, and is available in navy, indigo, and burgundy. From US$995 www.zegna.com

GRAB AND GO IN STYLE

LIGHT, HANDY, AND EASY TO MATCH, THESE LUXURIOUS LEATHER BRIEFCASES ARE THE IDEAL ADDITION TO ANY URBAN ARMOUR. BY

CRYSTAL LEUNG

Handcrafted in flexible calfskin leather, Expediter No. 34 by

Ghurka is a stylish carry-on, rendered in vintage

chestnut colour, that offers a contemporary flare to any business travel ensemble. Featuring extended side panels, rounded corners and clean topstitching, which not only softens its masculine silhouette but also adds a sleek refinement, the case boasts a heritage-inspired, checklined interior that’s spacious enough to hold your travel essentials, including tablets, laptops and smartphone, without ruining your silhouette with unsightly bulging. From US$1,395 www.ghurka.com

With a masculine, boxy silhouette, the

Paul Smith

Leather-Trim Folio Bag is a smart addition to any luggage collection. Equal parts practical and eye-pleasing, the black toned satchel is made with sumptuous Italian calf leather and features a two-way zip fastening compartment and four internal slips which make organisation a breeze. Finished with gold hardware, the bag has two rolled handles and a detachable shoulder strap. From US$895 www.paulsmith.co.uk www.jetsetter.hk

116

PAGE TURNER

SAKE:

THE HISTORY, STORIES AND CRAFT OF JAPAN'S ARTISANAL BREWERIES Elliot Faber/ Hayato Hishinuma - Gatehouse Publishing

A comprehensive new guide to Japan’s leading sake breweries ensures an intoxicating read for novices and seasoned sake drinkers alike.

SAKE: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan's Artisanal Breweries, at 420-pages, is the ultimate compendium

to

Japan’s

generational

sake

producers. Featuring 75 breweries, including artisanal alternatives to the popular mainstream offerings, each profile is based on interviews with the families who have dedicated their lives to brewing this iconic beverage. With introductions and tasting notes written by Elliot Faber, a sommelier, sake professional, writer and beverage director for some of Hong Kong’s leading restaurants, and interviews and brewery profiles by Tokyo-based sake master and educator Hayato Hishinuma, SAKE is illustrated with photography by travel photographer Jason M. Lang, and showcases the small-batch processes, the landscapes in which these timeless sakes are crafted, and the families that have made sake brewing one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. www.gatehousepublishing.com

www.jetsetter.hk

118

THE BITE

ISLAND

INSPIRED

Although Honolulu is known for its fusion of cuisines, local chefs are looking towards their Polynesian roots as they embrace authentic traditional flavours using the freshest of local ingredients. Here are three classic dishes you need to try on your next visit to Honolulu. By Philippa Walton

E

ating oven steamed food out of a traditional imu is a taste sensation not to be missed. An

imu is simply an earth oven or cooking pit used to bake, smoke or steam food. Its use reverts back to the traditional lifestyle practised by the early Polynesians and produces incredibly tender meat with a wonderful smoky flavour. At Helena’s Hawaiian Food you can try authentic cuisine in a place locals have been eating at for generations. Originally opened by Helen Chock in 1946 and now run by her grandson Craig Katsuyoshi, Helena’s Hawaiian Food makes some of the best slow-cooked Kalua Pig, a local favourite

dish, poke, diced fresh ahi (tuna) and ogo (seaweed) mixed with white and green onion and seasoned with Hawaiian chilli pepper, shoyu and sesame oil. Unlike many places that have it made up in advance, Ono Seafood makes to order in front of the customer. Make sure you specify the spiciness. Ono Seafood, 747 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96816, +1 808 732 4806.

For more of the true taste of Hawaii, you need to experience a dish known as Lau Lau. Made from the leaves of a plant important

cooked in a traditional imu, in the city. Just the aroma will have

in many of the Polynesian islands, taro. Lau Lau is traditionally made using pork layered in taro leaves and cooked in an

you coming back for more. Helena’s Hawaiian Food, 1240 N

underground imu oven. Just down the road from Ono Seafood

School Street, Honolulu, +1 808 845 8044.

you will find Ono Hawaiian Foods, which serves up what has to

For some of the best Hawaiian seafood look no further then

be some of the best Lau Lau you will find on Oahu. Expect leaves that melt in your mouth, wrapped around succulent slices of pork.

Ono Seafood near Waikiki, which serves up another iconic

www.onohawaiianfoods.com

www.jetsetter.hk

DESIGN YOUR OWN WITH HIGH QUALITY FABRIC THE SHIRTS ARE TAILOR MAKE AND FITTED TO YOUR BODY MEASURMENTS.

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120

BEAUTY TRAVEL

SECRETS TO ETERNAL YOUTH With the ability to combat wrinkles, retain moisture and repair damaged skin cells, these innovative oil products will allow your skin the chance to step back in time. By Crystal Leung

Infused with de-aging ingredients, the latest Clinque Smart

Treatment

The

Renewal Oil by La Mer is

the brand’s first multi-faceted, dual-

Prepare your skin to face the day with

High-Potency Night-A-Mins

Oil promises to revitalise your skin

phase oil that is indulgent enough to

SkinRefining Oil by Origin.

and bring back its radiance. The

be used on the face, body, and even

Featuring a powerful blend of skin

combination of safflower, sesame

hair. Mimicking the skin’s hydrolipidic

refiners, essential vitamins and eight

and sunflower seed oils acts as an

structure, the luxurious formula

potent plant-based oils, including

emollient that conditions and nourishes

combines water with the highly active

pomegranate, cranberry and clary

dry, mature skin; while the clary and

oils of La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth

sage oils, this lightweight elixir will work its magic to bring the skin back

barley extracts help strengthen the

and sea-sourced nutrients to unleash

skin’s barriers and provide long-term

cell-renewing energy that can soften

to life after a long-haul flight. Once it

hydration. The cutting-edge formula

emerging lines and wrinkles and

lures you into sleep with its soothing

also includes potent antioxidants, such

improve collagen that helps lift and

aromas of neroli, valerian and vanilla,

as Vitamin C and E, which shield skin

plump skin. Perfect as a moisturizing

this overnight remedy will start

from harmful free radical damage. Well-

flight companion, this oil is dedicated to

removing dull, dead surface cells,

suited to all skin types, this lightweight

making your skin more resilient, leaving

restoring radiance of your face. You’re

oil is 100 percent fragrance free and

it with a healthy glow and a delicate

guaranteed to have a luminous,

will glide over skin without leaving a

scent of honeyed blossoms. US$240,

rejuvenated complexion upon landing.

greasy film. US$44 www.clinique.com

www.lamer.com

US$43, www.origins.com

www.jetsetter.hk

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

C E L E B R AT E THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY

IN

MACAU

With eye-catching parades, entertaining cultural performances and festive installations around the city, Macau is set to thrill travellers’ senses during Chinese New Year 2016.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

C

hinese New Year (also known as Lunar New

also make annual pilgrimages to their favourite temples and

Year) is the most important celebration in

make offerings to the deities in the hopes of getting into their

the Chinese calendar, drawing millions

good graces and ensuring themselves good fortune for the

of tourists every year to revel in this

year ahead. By way of public acknowledgments of Chinese

extravagant festival. While every Chinese

New Year, cities often host massive parties and parades with

city and neighborhood will be dressed in red - the colour of

flamboyantly decorated floats, never-ending dragon and lion

good fortune in Chinese culture - and wreathed by a strong

dances, and other entertainment, on streets generously

festive spirit, Macau - a former colony of Portugal - will offer

bedecked with lanterns, flowers and other traditional

visitors a more intriguing experience to ring in the Year of

decorations. The celebratory season usually culminates

Monkey, with its cross-cultural charm and rich heritage.

with spectacular firework shows that light up the night sky for hours on end.

As an emblem of joy as well as a symbol of virtue, truth, and sincerity, red is the colour predominantly associated with

Macau will morph into a multi-day celebration of joy and

Chinese New Year celebrations. Macau, like most cities that

delight visitors with a series of fascinating parades, lion and

celebrate the holiday, will be swamped with shades of red

dragon dances, cultural performances, and a hive of family-

as everything from candies and cakes to decorations and

friendly activities. Make sure you don’t miss the highlight

clothing sports this special hue.

of this year’s event – the Parade for the Celebration of the Year of Monkey - on the third day (February 10) and tenth

There are many traditions associated with celebrating

day (February 13) of Lunar New Year. Featuring exquisitely-

Chinese New Year, ranging from huge public displays to

decorated parade floats, local displays and over 1,000

smaller, more personal customs. During the festive period,

performers from around the world, the stunning parade

people greet each other with “Kung Hei Fat Choy” as a

will kick off at the square in front of the Macau Science

blessing of good wishes and fortunes; while as a way of

Center at 8:00pm on February 10, before winding its way

conferring hopes of good luck and prosperity for the coming

down Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and arriving at Sai Van Lake

year, red envelopes containing money – referred to as Lai

Square, where visitors will be able to enjoy an exciting range

Si – are lavishly distributed to friends and relatives. Many

of stage performances. The dazzling evening will climax with

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION with a visit to the flower market at Tap Seac Square. From February 1 to 7, the market will peddle a variety of New Year’s plants, including lucky bamboos, orchids and cherry blossom stems, along with an array of festive snacks, decorations and gifts.

For temple visits, a favourite spot is the 16th century A-Ma temple, situated on the southwest top of Macau. One of the oldest and most famous temples in Macau, it has been a popular site to visit for hundreds of years. Traditionally, the best time to go is the eve of Chinese New Year. Also worth a visit is the Kun Iam Temple. One of the Macau’s Three Ancient temples, it features a colossal entrance and open courtyards. In 2014, visit Macau to welcome the Year of the Horse in style. a spectacular fireworks display at 10:30pm.

zodiac mascots, and the Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity hot on its heels. Be

While strolling around the colourful city

Another popular parade that also captures a

ready to greet the God of Fortune, who will

during the festive period is delightful,

lot of attention is held on the first day of Lunar

distribute Lai Si (red packets) to spectators

visitors

New Year (February 8). In the early morning,

and give them the very best wishes in the

experience by taking part in some of the

thousands of locals and tourists will converge

year ahead.

interesting activities on offer, such as the

can

further

enhance

their

Workshop of Chinese Lunar New Year

at the Unesco-listed Ruins of St. Paul’s to witness the ‘eye-dotting’ ritual of the over

Before hearing the sound of the New Year -

Calligraphy,

200-metre long golden dragon, which will

firecrackers are set off everywhere to make

of the Statue of the Monkey, and the

the

Inaugural

Ceremony

then wind its way to historic Senado Square

the passing of one year to another - you will

performances by Shanghai Ethnic Art

with a score of dancing lions, the twelve

have a chance to embraces your senses

Troupe. www.macautourism.gov.mo

124

TECHNOLOGY

Ensure you don’t miss your next wildlife encounter with the new

CL Polaris

binoculars by Swarovski Optik.

Specifically designed with sailing enthusiasts and polar adventurers in mind, the new binoculars feature an ergonomic design and a striking dark blue colour theme, and deliver high-precision images thanks to a vast field of view of at least 124 metres. At only 500 grams, the binoculars are the perfect travelling companion for wildlife enthusiasts on arctic sailing and cruising trips, yachting experiences and polar expeditions, and are available with an 8x or 10x magnification. www.swarovskioptik.com

Take your own private movie show with you on the road with the

MobileCinema i60,

the perfect gadget for avid iPhone 6 & 6S users. This compact projector connects to your iPhone just like a second skin and projects all kinds of media onto a surface of up to 60-inches. With its 70 lumens, the

MobileCinema

i60

provides

more

than double the brightness of similar pico products, as well as rich colours and high contrasts thanks to its powerful DLP chip, known for its use in large cinema projectors.

The internal battery can even be used as a

SIGHT &

s ound From crystal clear images to radiant sound, this is the cutting edge technology of the season.

By Nick Walton

backup for your mobile device.

For truly great travel footage, DJI has introduced the world’s first fully integrated, stabilised handheld 4k camera. The new

DJI Osmo is the first camera designed to create stable photos and videos in

any condition, using DJI’s signature three-axis gimbal stabilisation technology. While the modular format of the Osmo makes it fully compatible with DJI’s Zenmuse camera series, it comes standard with a 4K, 12-megapixel camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor and a 94-degree field-of-view lens.

Intelligent controls built into the handle make changing between shooting angles, capturing photos or recording video effortless, while a connected smartphone allows film makers creative control over panoramas, long exposures, and even slow motion captures. www.dji.com www.jetsetter.hk

TECHNOLOGY 125

The new

Leica SL

mirrorless system camera sets new

standards in terms of speed, picture quality and versatility for photographers on the go. Featuring a 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor and an EyeRes electronic viewfinder developed especially for the SL series, the newest Leica boasts a touchscreen 2.95-inch back panel display and the ability to take up to 11 frames per second at full resolution or 4k video at a rate of 30 frames per second. The fullframe sensor guarantees impressive dynamic range, excellent contrast rendition, exceptional sharpness, and noise-free images in almost all lighting conditions, while the aluminium body is robust enough for everyday use, making it a traveller’s best companion. www.leica-camera.com

Travellers looking to stay connected while also being able to record those vital moments on the road will love the new Sony

Xperia Z5,

the world’s first 4K smartphone with a 5.5-inch 4K Triluminos IPS display. The Sony flagship Xperia Z5 comes in three models – the 5.2-inch Xperia Z5, the 4.6-inch Xperia Z5 Compact and the 5.5inch Xperia Z5 Premium – the latter of which boasts the 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 / 806 ppi) display. Not only are Sony’s new smartphones waterproof and dust-tight, making them ideal for travel to the world’s farthest flung corners, but they also incorporate a rear camera with a F2.0 G lens, a 23 MP Exmor RS BSI sensor, and what Sony says is “the fastest autofocus in a leading smartphone”. www.sonymobile.com

Perfect for long-haul travel, Bose has released the

SoundLink

around-ear wireless headphones II,

combining the best sound quality of any wireless headphone available today with a whole new kind of wireless experience: an amazing 15 hours of battery life, multi-point for connecting two devices, quick pairing with NFC technology, seamless audio/video sync, easy switching between music and calls, and intuitive controls and voice prompts that don’t leave you guessing. Made for mobile use and built to last, the new headphones are light-weight and comfortable, making them a traveller’s new best friend. www.bose.com

www.jetsetter.hk

126

LIMELIGHT

BRITISH POLO DAY PRESENTED BY

ROYAL SALUTE, INDIA

Polo, the Game of Kings, has returned to its royal roots with recent British Polo Day matches in Jodhpur, hosted by His Highness The Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur. It was British Polo’s fifth year holding the prestigious event in the Blue City of Jodhpur, with the three-day event drawing royalty, nobility and celebrities – as well as some of the game’s top players – from across the world. Before the match guests were led through an exclusive Olfactory Studio by star nose Barnabé Fillion, Royal Salute’s first product creative advisor, who guided guests on a journey through the exquisite blending process that forms the heart of Royal Salute 21 Year Old. This was followed by a specially-curated Royal Salute ‘Birds of Chandrapore’ evening, inspired by EM Forster’s classic Passage To India, which combined food, art, poetry and literature to celebrate the mysterious dialogue between British and Indian cultures.

The action on the pitch, in which Jodhpur conquered the Mundota Fort & Palace team of Jaipur in the Royal Salute Marwar Trophy, was followed by an unforgettable after party held at the at the Mehrangarh Fort, one of India’s largest ancient forts. In attendance at the Royal Salute British Polo Day event were His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh; Maharaj Narendra Singh and his son His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh; Colonel Umaid Singh; Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll; fashion designer Helen Bromovsky; The Honorable Geraldine Harmsworth; entrepreneurs Satinder Garcha and Ron Wahid; actress Priya Kapoor; and Princess Alexandra Cantacuzene Count Speransky.

www.jetsetter.hk

LIMELIGHT

128

LIMELIGHT

1

2

3

4

FA S H I O N

MEETS MUSIC Landmark Boutique Boulevard recently brought the city’s glitterati together to celebrate eight timeless musical genres, ranging from jazz to rock ‘n’ roll, at Landmark Atrium, with live performances by British chart-topper Rita Ora. In addition, the luxury brands at Landmark flew in their artisans from around the world to host a series of fascinating live demonstrations. On the star-studded guest list were singer Coco Lee, Enrico Kwok and Lorretta Chow; actor Andrew Pong; and models Angie Ng and Vanessa Yeung.

5

6

10 www.jetsetter.hk

7

11

8

12

9 1. Angie Ng 2. Bruce Rockowitz & Coco Lee 3. Andrew Pong 4. Lea T. 5. Venue Setup 6. Nicola Cheung Young 7. Elaine Lee 8. Valerie Liang & Vivian Liang 9. Vanessa Yeung 10. Enrico Kwok & Imelda Kwok 11. Lorretta Chow 12. Victoria Tang Owen & Christopher Owen

LIMELIGHT 129

1

2

3

4

5

6

BURBERRY FLAGSHIP

1.

2.

3.

4.

STORE OPENS IN SEOUL

To mark the opening of its first flagship store in Seoul, Korea, Burberry has hosted a glamorous event showcasing the best of British heritage and craftsmanship. Introducing its new “Personalised for You” in-store experience, the brand set up a range of stations throughout the store for guests to discover the intricate craftsmanship behind its iconic design. A live performance by British singer-songwriter Clare Maguire was followed by the alternative rock of Korean indie band Jaurim. Among the 500 guests were some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry, including actors Lee Jong Suk and Yoo Ah In; and actresses Jeon Do Yeon, Kim Go Eun, Song Ji Hyo and Son Ye Jin.

7

8

9

10

Burberry Flagship Store Clare Maguire Jeon Do Yeon “Personalised for You” in-store experience 5. Song Ji Hyo 6. Son Ye Jin 7. Kim Go Eun 8. Lee Jong Suk 9. Jaurim 10. Yoo Ah In

www.jetsetter.hk

130

CULTURE

7

PUCCINI’S TURANDOT11 AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

March 24 - April 24, 2016

P

uccini's epic fantasy, Turandot, is set to captivate and delight audiences when Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour returns in 2016.

Set against the striking backdrop of Sydney's most famous icons, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour will return for its fifth consecutive year, further cementing its role as one of the world's greatest outdoor operas.

Director Chen Shi-Zheng will present a new vision for one of opera's most loved works, with a huge cast, bold and exotic themes, big dance numbers and powerhouse voices including the biggest opera hit of all time, Nessun Dorma. Chen Shi-Zheng’s incredibly rigorous Chinese opera background, combined with his work in the West, has given him two worlds to draw upon. The result is a unique style, both spectacular and incredibly intense and powerful. Since 2012, Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour has attracted an estimated 37,000 visitors to one of the world’s most iconic waterfronts. https://opera.org.au www.jetsetter.hk

14

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E-mail: liiliicouture@yahoo.com.hk