SUMMER 2015
EXOTIC PLACES
INTERESTING PEOPLE
INTELLIGENT TRAVEL
TOP LUXE
CITY HOTELS THE ISLAND OF THE
FIRE GODS
AUSTRALIA'S TOP END
TANZANIA WHERE THE BIG CATS ROAM
ANTWERP'S BOUTIQUE BEAUTIES
BINTAN'S THE SANCHAYA
24 HOURS IN VIENNA
W
8
EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to another issue JETSETTER, of Asia’s leading experiential luxury travel magazine. I write this from the midst of the International Luxury Travel Mart (ILTM) Asia in Shanghai, an annual showcase of luxury travel experiences from across the globe. The huge growth in experiential travel across the region is most evident here, as travel companies from around the world are seduced by everything from expeditionary cruise lines and tented safaris to luxury shopping precincts and boutique hotels. “We are all looking to be surprised, to be challenged and to find something out of the ordinary,” says Alison Gilmore, senior exhibition director for ILTM, as she discussed the growth in demand over the past four years for ‘out of the ordinary’ and adventure travel from the show’s hosted buyers. With 493 exhibitors from 50 countries – including luxury shopping precincts, Antarctic cruise lines and luxury tented safari companies - conducting 23,000 appointments over three days, ILTM remains Asia’s ultimate luxury travel show and a canvas on which the future of luxury travel around the globe is painted. In this issue we have plenty of out of the ordinary encounters, from celebrating milestones old and new in Vienna, and travelling through New Zealand’s South Island by luxury lodge, to encountering wild new frontiers in Tanzania’s Serengeti. We head off road on a motorbike odyssey through central Java in Indonesia, explore the floodplains of the Mary River in Australia’s far north, and seek indulgence at our pick of the world’s best city hotels. In our regular lifestyle section we explore truffle-themed adventures, sip seasonal cocktails with plenty of unique botanicals and party the night away with our new Limelight section. It’s an exciting world out there, and whether you’re headed off the beaten path in search of adventure or prefer to soak in some serenity, we hope JETSETTER continues to inspire and empower you on life’s travels. Safe Travels.
Nick Walton Managing Editor
Contributors Master of Wine Debra Meiburg is a celebrated wine journalist, TV personality, wine educator and indemand speaker. With a serious tongue for wine, but a little tongue-in-cheek, Debra is pleasing palates across Asia with her fresh take on the world of wine, In this issue, she looks at the top rose wines for summer.
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PUBLISHER Denis Fahy denis@channel1hk.com MANAGING EDITOR Nick Walton nickwalton@artemiscomms.com DEPUTY EDITOR Gayatri Bhaumik gayatri@artemiscomms.com ART DIRECTOR Don Pierre Riosa don@channel1hk.com TRAVEL INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIP DIRECTOR Tammy Fong tammy@channel1hk.com SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Sherry Faller sherry.faller@jetsetter.hk BEIJING SALES MANAGER Louis Chu louis@channel1hk.com SALES MANAGER Fatima Cameira fatima@channel1hk.com CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE EUROPE Laurence James laurence.james@jetsetter.hk
JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical. 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 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 SUMMER 2015
18
Room with a View C a r i b b e an C o l l a b o r ati o n
34
Spa Profile E x i l e d E x t r ava g anc e
36
24 Hours Wa ltzin g T h r o u g h Vi e nna
40 City Centric Serenity The World’s Most L u x u r i o u s C it y H o t e l s
46
Boutique & Beautiful B e l g i u m En V o g u e
50
New Zealand Tracin g t h e L on g Wh it e Cl o u d
58
Australian Outback Where the Rivers Flow
66
The List Phot o T o u r s of th e W O rl d
CONTENTS SUMMER 2015 68
Tanzania W h e r e t h e Bi g C at s R o am
76
Indonesia T h e I s l an d o f t h e F i r e G o d s
90
Bintan Island T HE P L A C E B e tw e e n W o r l d s
96
Turning Left P r i d e B e f o r e t h e Fa l l
98
Food Adventures A l l T r u ff l e d Up
100
Chef Profile T h e K imc h i Q u e e n
110
Spirits B l o o min g B o tanica l s
122
The Bite F o r a g in g in F o g C it y
14
DIARY
T in the Park Balado, Kinross-shire, Scotland July 10 – 12, 2015
One of the biggest parties in Scotland, the T in the Park festival promises an extravagant international music experience with a lineup featuring more than 100 well-established acts. Expect big names like David Guetta, Sam Smith, Avicii, Marina & The Diamonds, Mark Ronson, Jessi J, and Paloma Faith to entertain frenzied revellers across nine stages. www.tinthepark.com Where to stay: For an authentic Scottish baron’s country estate experience, check into one of the 12 luxurious suites at the intimate Solsgirth House. www.solsgirthhousehotel.com
Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong August 8 - 9, 2015 One of Hong Kong's biggest parties, this celebration of beer and music in the heart of the city’s Central district is vibrant, colourful, and sure to thrill. The streets of Lan Kwai Fong, the city’s entertainment hub, teem with travellers sampling the specialty beers and limitedtime cocktails being served by the bars and restaurants that fill the area, and the crowd is kept entertained by live music performances and street artists. Don’t miss the annual Miss Julyfest Pagent. www.discoverhongkong.com Where to stay: Hotel LKF by Rhombus provides five-star accommodation in the heart of the entertainment precinct. www.rhombushotels.com
Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza Mammoth Lakes, California, USA July 30 – August 2, 2015 There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than with blues and brews in California’s pure mountain air at the 20th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza. The biggest event in the area spans four long summer days, showcasing the best craft breweries and top blues performers from across the country. This year, performers include Robert Cray, Johnny Lang, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, and Ruthie Foster. www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com Where to stay: With just 26 well-appointed rooms and suites, the lodgelike Mammoth Creek Hotel & Spa offers comfortable digs just minutes from the lake. www.themammothcreek.com
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DIARY
Singapore Stories: Then, Now, Tomorrow ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore July 17 October 4, 2015
Singapore's ArtScience Museum is celebrating the 170th anniversary of The Straits Times, Singapore's oldest English-language daily newspaper, and SG50, the island nation's official 50th year of independence. The exhibition chronicles the nation's development through a carefully curated display drawn from the archives of The Straits Times, capturing pivotal moments in the nation's history through front-page stories, headlines and photographs. www.marinabaydands.com/museum Where to stay: The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a luxurious, architectural marvel in Singapore’s skyline. Check into an Orchid Suite and make time for dip in the iconic rooftop infinity pool. www.marinabaysands.com
Greenwich Music Time 2015 Old Royal Navy College, London, UK July 23 – 26, 2015 Over four summer days, London’s Old Royal Navy College in the heritage-listed location of Greenwich will be transformed into the ultimate alfresco venue to hose a unique series of concerts. The exclusive event, in just its second year, will host just four world-class acts in these historic surrounds: the Gipsy Kings, Ray Davies, George Benson and Tom Jones. www.greenwichmusictime.co.uk Where to stay: Right in the heart of Greenwich, The Mitre Hotel is an 18th century coaching inn boasting 24 contemporary, stylish guest rooms which come with complimentary breakfast – the downstairs pub serving superb drinks and food right next to the Thames. www.themitregreenwich.co.uk
Andy Warhol: Campbell’s Soup Cans and Other Works, 1953 – 1967 Museum of Modern Art, New York City, USA April 25 - October 18, 2015
New York’s Museum of Modern Art is paying tribute to Pop Art icon Andy Warhol with a unique exhibition focusing on the artist’s most prolific years, between 1953 and 1967. The centre piece of the exhibition is Campbell’s Soup Cans – the 1962 series of 32 paintings is Warhol’s signature work. The showcase will also present drawings and illustrations from the 1950s, when Warhol began his career as a commercial artist, and other seminal prints and paintings from Warhol’s oeuvre, including his famous Marilyn Monroe images. www.moma.org Where to stay: Within easy subway or walking access of MoMa, The Mark is a serene urban retreat offering sumptuous rooms that combine the luxury of 1930s Paris with touches of Art Deco style. Check into the chic, light-filled Madison Suite, which boasts a separate lounge and bedroom, deep-soak tub, and custom Italian toiletries. www.themarkhotel.com www.jetsetter.hk
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ROOM WITH A VIEW
Caribbean
CO L L A B O R ATI O N
M
aking time for a leisurely bath has never been so easy, thanks to the indulgent panoramas of Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands. Located on a private
peninsula on the eastern tip of idyllic Virgin Gorda, Oil Nut Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive retreats, with its protected waters, white sand beaches, and industry-leading green credentials. The Cliffs, pictured, are the newest addition. Set into towering cliffs in the southeast of the 121-hectare property, two 82sqm deluxe suites and an expansive 123sqm Virgin Gorda Penthouse, furnished in partnership with Fendi Casa, are accessible by boat or helicopter and boast captivating views from the master bedrooms and living spaces through to the spacious bathrooms and outdoor open-air showers. Shake up a mai tai at the wet bar, take a dip in the private plunge pool, or soak away the late afternoon as the sun bathes the cliffs the colours of a Caribbean sunset. www.oilnutbay.com
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ROOM WITH A VIEW 19
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20 INSPIRE Australia’s Walk into Luxury has launched a new itinerary that traces its way through the acclaimed winelands of the Margaret River in the country’s west. The Cape to Cape (Margaret River) Walk, between Cape Naturalist and Cape Leeuwin, is a small group adventure that marries spectacular landscapes with some of the best wine and cuisine in Australia, as well as stays at luxurious seafront accommodation. With walking limited to between three and five hours a day, highlights of the new itinerary include flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world, lavish degustation dinners, intimate winery lunches, clifftop sunset cocktails, and even post-walk massages. From AU$2,990 per person, twin share with departures every Sunday from August 23, 2015. www.walkintoluxury.com.au
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INSPIRE 21 The first international edition of London’s Hoxton hotels series opens on Amsterdam’s Herengracht Canal in July, with 111 stylish guest rooms nestled within a row of historic 17th century canal houses that once played home to the mayor of the city. With designs by local interior gurus Nicemakers, guest rooms at The Hoxton Amsterdam range from ‘Shoebox’ (at least they’re honest) to ‘Roomy’, and feature ensuites with rainshowers (some with clawfoot bathtubs), Pen & Ink amenities, and canal views. Leave room for a bite at Lotti’s, the hotel’s signature modern Italian restaurant, or cocktails under the lobby’s spiraling staircase. www.thehoxton.com
Travel to Nepal next year and be part of its rebuilding with adventure specialists Intrepid Travel, which has launched a million dollar fundraising campaign that will see all profits from the company’s next season to Nepal being donated to local and international charities working there. The Namaste Nepal campaign continues the efforts of Intrepid’s not-for-profit The Intrepid Foundation, which has already raised AU$400,000 (US$304,000) to aid emergency relief in the earthquake-struck nation. Intrepid is the largest trekking company in Nepal and will offer a host of inspiring itineraries in late 2015 and 2016, including five-day Walking Annapurnas journey, which eaves through rocky terrain, lush forests and fields of wildflowers; and the five-day Everest in Full Picture itinerary, which includes a four-day trek from Lukla and stays at a traditional teahouse in the village of Phakding. www.intrepidtravel.com One of the most anticipated openings in the Chinese capital, Nuo Hotel Beijing,which soft launched this month,is the flagship of a new, contemporary luxury brand targeting affluent Chinese travellers. The 438-room hotel exhibits a strong Made in China persona that showcases Ming Dynasty design and culture, interspersed with more contemporary touches and plenty of modern creature comforts. A journey for the senses, Nuo is as much a living museum as it is a house of slumber; traditional tea ceremonies originated by the prince Zhu Quan, culinary voyages inspired by Chinese admiral Zheng He and spa treatments modelled on the medical philosophy of ancient physician Li Shizen all ensure guests have an immersive cultural experience. More modern touches include energyefficient guest rooms with air-purification systems, a unique red flag limo service, and a superb collection of contemporary Chinese art, including pieces by acclaimed artist Zeng Fanzhi. www.nuohotel.com www.jetsetter.hk
22 INSPIRE
The most acclaimed and innovative bar in the Indian Ocean has been given a fresh new persona.The world’s first underwater nightclub, Subsix at the luxurious Per Aquum Niyama in the Maldives has evolved into an ever-changing, seamless underwater entertainment
adventure and
that
combines
gastronomy
with
events and activities. Now dubbed a creative space thanks to designs by Poole Associates, Subsix is everything at once – a contemporary restaurant space six metres below the tropical lagoon, a private enclave for an unforgettable marriage proposal, and an interactive space for themed resort events centred on the new clam-inspired main bar and accessible via a dramatic three-tier staircase wreathed by Italian-designed abstract chandeliers. Look out for everything from kids-only pillow battles below the sea, insightful seminars by the resident marine biologist, wine pairing dinners, and weekly Glow Party and DJ nights in the Maldives’ most unique setting. www.niyama.peraquum.com
The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul flings open its doors in September, bringing contemporary luxury with distinctive Korean touches to the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals. Part of a mixed-use Heerim Architects & Planners-designed building with interiors by LTW Design works and inventive restaurants designed by André Fu and AvroKO, the Four Seasons will boast 317 light-filled guest rooms, including 32 suites, and a three-storey spa complex complete with seven treatment rooms and a traditional Korean sauna. Foodies will love the hotel’s seven restaurants and bars, overseen by executive chef Ralf Dohmeier, that will include a Japanese concept restaurant, a patisserie, and a speak-easy cocktail divan created by Proof & Co. www.fourseasons.com
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INSPIRE
Take a culinary escapade through the villages and vineyards of the Loire Valley with a new journey from Insight Vacations. The 12-day Loire Valley itinerary begins and ends in Paris and is led by foodie expert Barbara Barde and sommelier Tom Leroy. Make for the fishing village of Le Croisic to savour local specialties before a guided tour of the Musée des Marais Salants to learn about the craft of harvesting fleur de sel sea salt. In Nantes, visit the Château Des Ducs de Bretagne, which once served as the residence of the kings of France, before sampling your way through the muscadets of two exquisite wineries, Château La Cassemichère and Chéreau Carré. Learn the art of sustainable viticulture at Angers’ famed Louis de Grenelle winery before learning all you need to know about mushrooms at the Musée du Champignon in the village of St. Hilaure, then explore the local markets of CourCheverny before taking to the streets of Paris with a local expert on French food culture with visits to patisseries, gourmet delicatessens and food stalls. From SG$4,090 (US$3,037) per person, twin share with departure September 27, 2015. www.insightvacations.com
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26 INSPIRE The Temple House, the newest Swire hotel, will open in Chengdu in July, bringing a touch of boutique elegance to the heart of the ancient trading city. With just 100 guest rooms and 42 serviced suites, the new hotel – sister property to Upper House and East in Hong Kong and the Opposite House in Beijing, the hotel is part of a larger campaign to preserve the buildings surrounding the thousand-year-old Daci Tempe. Complementing a three-dimensional woven façade and a location in a restored hundred-year-old Qing Dynasty-era courtyard are stylish interiors by UK-based Make Architects, and restaurants and bars by chef David Laris and designers Avroko that include Tivano, an Italian open-kitchen concept with stone fired pizza and a vertical rotisserie. www.swirehotels.com
Luxury river cruise adventures company Pandaw will launch a series of new seven-night itineraries on the Upper Mekong River from early next year. With departures from February 29, 2016, the new journey will sail from Chiang Saen, in Thailand to Myanmar, thenon to Laos and for the first time will cross the border into China sailingon the emerald green Mekong to the charming city of Jinghong in China’s scenic Yunnan Province. The cruises will be on the new ten-berth Laos Pandaw, which was specifically built for sailing on the Upper Mekong, one of Asia’s most important rivers. Highlights of the itinerary will include the colonial hill station of LoiMwe on the Old Mandalay Road in Myanmar, visits to the Aka tribal villages of Laos, and the Menglun Botanical Gardens of China, home to many endangered species. From US$3,150 per person. www.pandaw.com
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INSPIRE
The Spa at the luxurious and recently renovated Velassaru Maldives has launched an indulgent new Vinotherapie treatment that’s bound to tingle all the senses. Combining the aroma of wine with natural clay and grape seed oil to create cocoons that revitalise the skin and improve elasticity, the treatment also includes a bespoke massage using geranium and rose oils mixed with red wine. Another new treatment spoils the lads; Maldivian Men includes a sublime Lagoon Coral scrub using the fine sand from the Maldivian atolls, a Botanical facial, and a sports massage to increase muscle flexibility. Finally, the new Oceanic Delight couples treatment features a Marine Body Buff that gently stimulates circulation, an Elements Detoxifying wrap containing seaweed, vitamins and oligo elements, and a Swedish massage, conducted over the gently lapping waters of a tropical lagoon. www.velassaru.com
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INTRODUCING
REGAL
RETURN
The Grand Hyatt Taipei retains its position as the city’s most luxurious urban retreat with the unveiling of newly renovated rooms, suites and restaurants, and a new Grand Club lounge. The hotel, which has been the benchmark for sophisticated luxury in the city for 25 years, re-launched in April after a multimillion dollar top-to-toe renovation that stripped all 853 rooms and suites and redesigned them with cutting-edge technology and timeless style. Guest rooms and suites – which range from 33 to 83sqm now boast deep soak tubs wreathed in marble, sophisticated lighting that turns each space from an office to a lavish retreat with the press of a button, goose down duvets, oversized picture windows, and textured walls. The hotel's palatial Presidential Suite, at 221sqm, offers captivating views across the city to the iconic Taipei 101 tower. Two new restaurants have also been added, with Yun Jin serving up sumptuous Chinese fare and The Steakhouse, opening later in the year, serving up imported meats from across the globe. In the lobby the hotel’s gift shop has been replaced with Baguette, a designer bakery that offers gourmet snacks on the run. www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com www.jetsetter.hk
INTRODUCING 31
MOSCOW MUSE
Starwood has opened the suitably regal St Regis Moscow Nikolskaya in the heart of the historic Russian capital. Located on Nikolskaya Street, which connects Lubyanka Square and Red Square, the hotel is housed in the former residence of Count Orlov-Davydov, and will appeal to both business and pleasure travellers thanks to its close proximity to parliament buildings, the Kremlin, and the GUM and TSUM luxury department stores. Its 210 spacious guest rooms and suites feature belle Êpoque interiors, cutting-edge technology and the brand’s signature butler service on tap. The hotel also promises to be a culinary destination. The Orlov Lobby Lounge specialises in indulgent high teas and the St Regis' signature bloody mary, the beetroot and horseradish-laced Red Maria; while the Osteria A Tavola serves Italian cuisine and Venetian-style cicchetti bites, and the The Farsh, a partnership with acclaimed restauranteur Arkady Novikov, puts a fancy twist on the humble hamburger. Leave time for a post-opera tipple at Robusto, the Cognac room, or a spot of pampering at the Alexandria Beauty Lounge & Spa. www.stregismoscow.com/ru www.jetsetter.hk
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INTRODUCING
HOTEL
I M I T AT I N G ART
Nestled between two of Singapore’s most historic enclaves – Little
India and Arab Street – and only minutes from the city centre, Hotel Vagabond has opened in the Lion City. The first property for Garcha Hotels, Vagabond promises to be the city's first ‘experience-driven’ hotel, with theatrical yet luxurious interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia across its 42 guest rooms and two Artist Ateliers. At the heart of the new art-inspired boutique beauty is the Vagabond Salon, a Parisian-themed lounge and restaurant that offers a five-star dining experience by FrenchSingaporean chef David Tien, and doubles as an intimate meeting space. Combine Tien’s delectable menu – which showcases the best jet fresh oysters and cuts of beef in town – with tipples from the Proof & Company-created Vagabond Bar, home to handcrafted cocktails and a curated collection of rare and exotic teas and coffees. A unique ‘Artist in Residence’ program that includes both conventional art and progressive design and fashion ensures there’s always plenty to discuss come happy hour. www.garchahotels.com
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INTRODUCING 33
R OUGHING IT Housed in a 17th century Roman bourgeois building at the heart of the Italian capital, G-Rough is the latest creation by innovative hoteliers Gabriele Salini and Emanuele Garosci, the masterminds behind PalazzinaG. The only Design Hotels member in Rome, the ten-suite retreat showcases a decidedly 'Made in Italy' approach to luxury, with a location on the edge of bustling Piazza Navona, suites that take their inspiration from famed Italian designers from the 1930s to the 1970s, dedicated Lifestyle Butlers that offer access to behind-the-scenes experiences, and a commissioned art collection by more than 20 artists. Guest rooms feature futuristic twinkling lamps and mid-century modern furniture contrasted against naked wood, original parquet and tiled floors, and unfinished walls to create a uniquely harmonious aesthetic. Ensure you leave time to combine check-in with a glass of vino at the contemporary wine bar that doubles as the hotel reception. www.g-rough.com
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SPA PROFILE
EXILED
EXTRAVAGANCE Located on an idyllic island once used to house political exiles, the
Kempinski Hotel Haitang Bay Sanya, on Hainan, has opened its signature spa, offering beach-bound travellers even more chances to indulge. Situated in the resort’s Kempinski Villa 8001, the new spa features five luxuriously-appointed spa suites – each boasting foot-washing stations, oversized bathtubs and jacuzzis – as well as a comprehensive menu of modern and timeless wellness rituals and treatments, many using the skincare products of Sothys Paris. The spa takes its inspiration from the best wellness traditions of both the Orient and Europe, with a host of facials, massages, wraps and scrubs to suit every traveller. Signature treatments include the Oriental Hot Stone Ceremony, a rejuvenating ritual that includes a ginger and nutmeg exfoliation and hot stone massage using aromatic spices; the Secrets De Sothys Facial, which combines various facial techniques to restore and recondition the skin; and for lovers, the Half Day Couples' Spa Package, a unique pampering experience that includes a 90-minute body massage, a Sothys facial or foot reflexology massage, and an aroma bath for deep relaxation. www.kempinski.com
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PAMPER
35
Biodroga Comes to Beijing Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Beijing has introduced Biodroga’s unique, customised skincare products to their wellness arsenal. The holistic line includes everything necessary for keeping skin in mint condition, from cleansing products and cosmetics to professional face and body treatments. Spaophiles can treat themselves to Biodroga’s indulgent, highly effective therapies, including the Pure Collagen Lifting Facial treatment for optimal moisture, the Caviar Crystal Soothing ritual for a refreshed glow, and the High Perfection Treatment which uses a warm wax mask to smooth skin and enhance elasticity. The new lineup also includes gender-specific treatments such as Body Contouring and AntiWrinkle Eye Treatment for women, and the Men Vitality Treatment for gents. www.fairmont.com
Luxury Treatments in Hong Kong In time for summer, Chuan Spa Hong Kong has added two new resultsdriven treatments by luxury spa brand Kerstin Florian to their menu. The 90-minute Ginger Renewal is an indulgent full-body treatment by the Kerstin Florian Essentials Body Care range that incorporates an invigorating exfoliation with ginger-infused hydrating mineral salts, a back, neck and shoulder massage with organic ginger oil and warm healing stones, a nourishing wrap, and a luxurious foot and pressure point scalp massage. The second ritual, the Advanced Repair Correcting Facial is customisable, and treats hyperpigmentation, congestion or premature ageing with a circulation-boosting massage and nourishing mask packed with multi-acid peeling and hyluronic acids for hydration and brightening. www.chuanspa.com.hk
Revamped Wellness in Baja Recently reopened, the One & Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos boasts the most comprehensive wellness facility in the Baja region. The main spa offers results-driven signature treatments in 13 private villas – with their own private courtyards and amenities – as well as a yoga garden and fresh juice bar. The 2,000sqm space also includes a full-service beauty salon, OBO by Jonathan & George, where ladies can drop in for blowouts and nail services; a male grooming studio called Barber & Blade where men can indulge in expert shaving and barbershop treatments featuring Murdock of London products; and a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre that includes personal training services. www.oneandonlyresorts.com
New Signature Rituals in NYC The Spa at Trump SoHo has introduced three new 90-minute Trump Signature Massages which use different levels of pressure to calm, restore and energise the body and skin. Calming is a meditative ritual designed for pure relaxation; Restore is a medium-pressure massage that invigorates and balances; and the Energize treatment is a deeply revitalising massage that lifts energy by increasing blood flow and improving range of motion. The Spa has also added the 60-minute Diamond Dust body exfoliating treatment by Natura Bissé, a luxurious ritual where skin is coated in a velvety mud formulated with diamond dust, and exfoliated through a massage with soft magnetic gloves, leaving the skin luminous and hydrated. www.trumphotelcollection.com www.jetsetter.hk
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24 HOURS
Vienna's virbant centre overlooking the newly opened Golden Quarter luxury shopping preccinct
Waltzing through
vienna
Celebrate with Europe’s unofficial capital of culture as Vienna marks many an important anniversary in 2015. By Nick Walton www.jetsetter.hk
24 HOURS 37
9am Check in at the city’s most luxurious new hotel, the Park Hyatt Vienna. Part of the new Golden Quarter luxury preccinct at the heart of the city’s historic district, and overlooking Am Hof Square, famed for its summer evening theatre renditions and winter Christmas markets, the hotel is housed in the 100-year old heritage-listed former headquarters of the Austrian Hungarian Monarchy Bank. Many of its bank-era elements have been beautifully retained, from the gold tiles of the former vault-turned-swimming pool, to the main restaurant, named The Bank, to the imposing marble-clad lobby with its revolving door and elegant staircase. Opt for the Belle Epoque Suite, an opulent space with exquisitely regal décor located in
the gable of the building. The suite features two open atriums and a main bedroom with a plush king bed, combined with a spacious living room with a flatscreen TV and a large work desk. There is a walk-in closet for Frack and ball gown storage, as well as a standalone deep-soaking bathtub and walkin rain shower for two. Am Hof 2; +43 1 22740 1234; www.vienna.park.hyatt.com
city’s hotel scene is the Palais Hansen
and suites, indulge with one of the Ring Suites (ask for one with a balcony overlooking the Ringstrasse), which features a separate living room, elegant soak tub and rain shower, a spacious work desk, and views across one of Europe’s most famous boulevards. Leave time to rub shoulders with captains of Austrian industry in the hotel’s elegant cigar lounge, or dine on contemporary interpretations of regional Austrian classics in the Die Küche restaurant. Schottenring 24; +43+43 1 236 1000; www.kempinski.com
Kempinski Vienna, located in another heritage-listed building on the city’s famed Ringstrasse. Housed in a stunning building designed as a hotel to coincide with the World Exhibition of 1873, the Kempinski opened in 2013 and remains one of the most luxurious retreats in Austria. Of the hotel’s 152 rooms
It’s only a short walk through the Old Town to the Spanish Riding School, which has a daily performance starting at 10am. This traditional riding school, the oldest of its kind in the world, celebrates its 450th anniversary
Alternatively, another lavish newbie on the
10am
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24 HOURS
this year and attracts visitors from across the globe to its training sessions, held in the iconic Winter Riding School, which was built between 1729 and 1735. Named for the Spanish Lipizzan horses used in performances, the school has its roots in traditional cavalry training. Consequently, it only accepted its first female students in 2008, after more than 400 years of history. Watch the riders as they enter on their beautiful white horses, saluting to the portrait of Emperor Charles VI as they pass. Tickets are priced from €14. www.srs.at
11.30am Better acquaint yourself with the central city with a tour of the Ringstrasse’s iconic tram line. The Ringstrasse celebrates 150 years since its inception by Emperor Franz Joseph I, who built the expansive, tree-lined boulevard in place of Vienna’s 13th century city walls, in a showcase of the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire. One and a half centuries later and the result is a stately road that links a beautiful collection of neoclassical, neo-gothic, neorenaissance and neo-baroque buildings, from the Austrian Parliament to the State Opera House, the towering City Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts, all of which are set between sprawling parks and public gardens. You can go it alone with a cost-effective day ticket or enjoy audiovisual guides offered by www.jetsetter.hk
the multimedia system on the Vienna Ring Tram, which departs from the Schwedenplatz and is the only tram that completes the whole 5.3-kilometre journey without the need to connect. www.wienerlinien.at
12.30pm Alight from the tram where you started and cut through the stunning Volksgarten, the People’s Garden. Built over city fortifications once destroyed by Napoleon, the gardens wreath the Heldenplatz at the front of the Hofburg Palace and are famed for their rose beds. Beyond is the Palace; laid out by Ludwig Remy in 1821, the former imperial palace at the heart of Vienna has been the seat of power in Austria since 1279. Today it houses the office of the president of Austria, as well as the Imperial Treasury, the Spanish Riding School, the Imperial Horse Stables, and the Burgtheatre. A guided group tour is the best way to explore this amazing complex. Commencing at 2pm daily, the tour takes in the Sisi Museum and the Imperial Apartments, while private tours offer access to the likes of the Swiss Wing, the palace’s oldest section dating from the 13th century; the Stallburg Imperial Stables; and the Leopold Wing, designed by Filiberto Lucchese. www.hofburg-wien.at
2.30pm Head east from the Palace into the Museum Quarter, following the Ringstrasse until you reach the acclaimed Stadtpark, for lunch at Michelin-starred Steirereck, the leading Austrian restaurant in the country, located at the park’s centre. Here, chef Heinz Reitbauer innovates on locally sourced ingredients, including a few rare finds like the Beta Sweet Carrot, a purple vegetable that’s cultivated in the gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace. Reitbauer’s tasting menu includes the likes of Castelfranco with pine tips; Duwicker carrot and sesame; alpine salmon with white asparagus, sprouts and lemon savory; and malt with rhubarb, elderflower and coconut. www.steirereck.at
4.30pm Walk to the University of Vienna and leave the boulevard behind by delving down Schottengasse into the fascinating narrow lanes of the city centre. This is home to some of Vienna’s best retail therapy, including the stylish new Golden Quarter, a contemporary showcase of luxury local and international brands housed in two beautifully preserved buildings at the heart of the city’s historic centre. This exciting new development is home to boutiques from the world’s leading
24 HOURS 39
designers; British designer Alexander McQueen is the latest to open a flagship store in the regal enclave, joining the likes of Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Miu Miu, Roberto Cavalli, Prada and Saint Laurent. An extension of Vienna’s elegant Kohlmarkt pedestrian arcade, the Golden Quarter (Goldenes Quartier to the locals), developed by the Signa Group, includes fine-dining restaurants, premium office space and 12 luxury apartments overlooking the city, but it’s the luxury shopping – from Brioni and Valentino to Mulberry, Pamellato, 7 for all Mankind and Brunello Cucinelli - that has injected vitality into the Unesco-listed Old Town. www.goldenesquartier.at
6.30pm Return to the Park Hyatt for a tipple to celebrate your new purchases at the hotel’s elegant Pearl bar. This has become the place to see and be seen during Vienna’s annual ball season, when the city’s good and great convene in their ball gowns and traditional starched Frack tuxedos before heading to the State Opera House or other regal venues for a showcase of traditional Austrian culture. With enchanting views across the Golden Quarter, the bar serves an inspired menu of contemporary cocktails and vintage champagnes.
8pm Walk the short distance to Fabio's, one of Vienna’s most popular fine-dining restaurants. Located at the heart of the Golden Quarter, the restaurant was opened by Fabio Giacobello (formerly of Italy's famed Antinori wine company) and continues to draw the city’s upper crust with chef Christoph Brunnhuber’s simplistic but innovative Mediterranean fare. Tuchlauben 4-6; +43 1 532 22 22; www.fabios.at
Page 38: The State Opera House, home to the annual Opera Ball Page 39: (from top) The elegant Bank restaurant at the new Park Hyatt Vienna; the city's trams follow the Ringstrasse, which turns 150 this year; the Donnerbrunnen Fountain
11pm Finish the night off at one of Vienna’s best kept secrets. The Sign lounge bar features a menu of classic cocktails inspired by the history of the humble libation, with influences from some of the mixology world’s leading legends, from Jerry Thomas and Harry Johnson to Louis Eppinger and Erik Lorincz. Expect beautifully presented cocktails in an elegant space that gets busy on weekends. 104-106 Liechtensteingstrasse; +43 664 964 3276; www.thesignlounge.at
10am Start your second day in Vienna with a walk through the trendy Karmeliter district, well known for its foodie scene and contemporary art galleries. An up-and-coming district an easy walk from the Old Town, the vibe is centred on the traditional Karmeliter market, which dates from 1671, with chic bistros like Schöne Perle and Das Engel popping up in converted spaces and hidden courtyards welcoming the city’s cool. Grab a sweet bite on the go at Fett+Zucker, an upmarket bakery, or for something more substantial, take a perch at Cafemima for brunch and a spot of people watching. Karmeliter market 21-24; +43 664 45 61 217; www.cafemima.at www.jetsetter.hk
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TOP LUXE HOTELS
The Beaumont Created by Corbin & King, the duo behind renowned London restaurants The Wolseley and Fischer’s, this recent addition to the city’s Mayfair neighbourhood is an Art Deco-inspired haven housed in a heritage building. Styled as a 1930s members’ club, the hotel captures the charm and superior levels of service of the era it emulates. Neutral tones, high-gloss rosewood, and original period paintings and photos abound here, and even the rooms boast steamer trunk-like minibars and easy-read books like Bohemians, Bootleggers, Flappers and Swells. The hotel’s most unique offering is the mysterious Room by Antony Gormley, whose exterior doubles as a distinctive ‘public art’ addition to the building’s façade. Don’t miss the Cub Room (pictured), a sexy turn-of-the-century bar inspired by the famous Stork Club that’s accessible only to residents, or the intimate, sanctuary-like spa – there’s even a old-school barber shop. www.thebeaumont.com
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TOP LUXE HOTELS 41
City Centric Serenity
With crisp service, lavish accommodation and sensational dining experiences, each of the world’s best city hotels are luxurious havens at the heart of our favourite urban jungles. By Gayatri Bhaumik www.jetsetter.hk
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TOP LUXE HOTELS
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok A timeless home-away-from-home on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, this classic property is a Bangkok institution. The hotel’s opulent Heritage Authors’ Suites, named for former guests Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward and James Michener, have long been the choice of distinguished visitors, including heads of state and Hollywood A-listers, while the legendary Oriental Spa became the city’s first hotel spa when it opened in 1993. Dining is taken seriously here, with 10 exceptional outlets offering real gourmand treats, whether it’s Michelin-starred French fare at Le Normandie; theatrical Thai banquets at Sala Rim Naam; expansive seafood buffets at Lord Jim’s; signature cocktails at the Bamboo Bar – rumoured to be the best jazz venue in town – or the renowned afternoon tea at the Author’s lounge. All of this is backed up by impeccable service offered by one of the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry. www.mandarinoriental.com
The Mark Hotel Situated in New York’s coveted Upper East Side neighbourhood, this luxury property boasts a range of unique offerings underpinned by a sense of French sophistication. The hotel has just added a series of new ‘specialty suites,’ which includes the Mark Penthouse, a grand space of 10,000sqft boasting five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a private rooftop terrace, and picturesque views of Central Park and the Big Apple skyline. After a cruise around Central Park in the hotel’s new pedicab service, make an appointment at world-renowned hairstylist Frederic Fekkai’s salon, housed in the hotel; get your shoes shined by staff trained by British shoemaker John Lobb; and dine at the innovative The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges. If that’s not enough, shop till you drop with the hotel’s 24/7 access to luxe NYC department store Bergdorf Goodman. www.themarkhotel.com
Armani Hotel Dubai Cocooned within Dubai’s famous Burj Khalifa, this designer beauty boasts the same casual elegance and luxury that defines the Armani brand. The vertiginous 160-room hotel offers a full-fledged lifestyle concept, with lavishly-appointed rooms and suites, seven awardwinning F&B concepts, a chic Armani Spa offering customisable treatments, and a luxury retail precinct where guests can treat themselves to the full range of signature products, including sweets from Armani Dolci and flowers from Armani Fiori. The ultra-luxe Armani Prive concept, a VIP lounge where the city’s beautiful dance the night away to tunes spun by international guest DJs, remains one of the hottest tickets in the Emirates. www.dubai.armanihotels.com www.jetsetter.hk
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Trump SoHo New York The first AAA Five Diamond hotel in New York’s coolest enclave, this towering 46-floor property is the brainchild of Trump children Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric. Despite its 391 rooms, the Trump SoHo boasts the feel of a boutique hideaway, one that regularly welcomes celebrities to New York’s fashion district. The hotel’s sun deck is a cool urban resort that draws the city’s glitterari with seasonal pool parties and an elegant juice bar that moonlights as sexy cocktail divan Bar d’Eau once the sun sets. One of the city’s best day spas, The Spa at Trump was developed by Ivanka Trump, and incorporates wellness traditions she discovered on her travels, including the city’s first authentic luxury hammam. Trump Attachés can organise everything from private shopping experiences to after-hours museum visits, and don’t miss the rarely used Library on the second floor, decked out with books by TASCHEN. www.trumphotelcollection.com
The Savoy On the banks of the Thames, London’s original grande dame hotel is a bastion of old world charm and sterling service, and is most famous for its gourmet experiences which include legendary cocktails at the American Bar, afternoon tea at the Thames Foyer, and traditional British fare at Gordon Ramsey’s Savoy Grill, which has welcomed Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra and Queen Elizabeth. Choose one of the four Personality Suites – tributes to Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra and Richard Harris – which offer marble foyers, designer technology, and the Savoy Suite Welcome, The Savoy's bespoke butler service and chauffeured transfers. During the summer, take the hotel’s Silver Darling yacht for a cruise up the Thames to the O2 arena and Pool of London, complete with champagne and a Fruit de Mer hamper. www.fairmont.com
Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires A recent addition to Buenos Aires' fashionable French heritage district of Recoleta, this palatial hotel is housed in a stunning 1934 building that once belonged to the city’s aristocratic Duhau family. More than half the grounds are given over to a majestic, cascading garden, but inside, the hotel boasts plenty of surprises. The underground art gallery – Paseo de las Artes – features an impressive array of works by local artists, while the Duhau Restaurante & Vinoteca boasts some 7,000 Argentinian labels alongside a menu of sophisticated locally-inspired cuisine. Knowledgeable concierges offer behind-the-scenes access to two of Argentina’s most famous activities – tango and polo. www.buenosaires.park.hyatt.com www.jetsetter.hk
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TOP LUXE HOTELS
Raffles Istanbul Set in the Zorlu Centre, on the European side of the Bosphorus, the new Raffles Istanbul is a fresh infusion of elegance into this ancient city. Every facet here, including the 136 guest rooms and 49 suites, draws inspiration from the city’s convergence of cultures, marrying timeless European style with contemporary Turkish touches. An enviable art collection, which includes commissioned pieces, paintings, sculptures and photos, speaks to the richness of Turkish culture; while the signature Raffles spa – one of the city’s biggest – offers Turkish baths and Eastern massages; and specialty restaurant Rocca serves Turkish-infused Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel also boasts a Long Bar, a Turkish twist on the Raffles Singapore original, as well as direct access to the Zorlu Centre, which offers luxury retail, Michelin-starred dining and cuttingedge designer brands. www.raffles.com
The Peninsula Paris One of the most anticipated openings in the French capital in a decade, the Peninsula Paris recently celebrated its official opening after the sixyear, US$580 million renovation of the Haussmanian-designed building that was once the Hotel Majestic on Avenue Kléber. George Gershwin wrote An American in Paris here in 1928, and the Vietnam War came to an end in 1973 when the Paris Peace Accords were signed in the hallowed halls of the then Foreign Ministry. Boasting fine marble, rich wood panlling and gold leaf finishings, the hotel has been returned to its 19th century splendour; 200 exquisite apartment-style rooms honour the city’s style credentials with grey and cream tones accented by high-gloss lacquered designer furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, and of course, the Peninsula’s signature valet box service. Tables 17 and 25 at the aviation-themed L’Oiseau Blanc French restaurant are considered the most coveted in the city, and guests shouldn’t miss the chance to have a drink at the hotel’s regal Kléber Bar, home to double-height windows that lead out on to La Terrasse Kléber, the perfect al fresco spot for Paris’ summer evenings. www.peninsula.com
Palace Hotel Tokyo Boasting a unique moat-side setting across from the Imperial Palace gardens, this refined property offers Omotenashi - traditional Japanese hospitality – in the heart of Japan’s most vibrant city. The hotel features Japan’s first Evian Spa, a tranquil, alpine-inspired space offering a full complement of indulgent treatments, backdropped by views of snowcapped Mount Fuji, and gourmet dining across ten fine-dining restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred Crown. The 290 spacious rooms marry cutting-edge technology with distinctive Japanese touches, from boutique Jegetsudo teas by Maruyama Nori, and Imbari bath linens, to traditional nambu-tekki cast iron teapots and masiko-yaki teacups, creating spaces that are both striking and harmonious. www.palacehoteltokyo.com www.jetsetter.hk
VIENNA’S
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
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.
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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
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BOUTIQUE & BEAUTIFUL
BELGIUM
EN VOGUE Known for the Antwerp Six, the collective
of homegrown designers that includes Ann Demeulemeester and Dries van Noten, the Belgian city of Antwerp extends its unique fashion creds to its modish boutique hotels, finds Gayatri Bhaumik
HotelO Sud Located in Antwerp’s trendy Zuid district, opposite the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, HotelO Sud is a brooding, gothic-feel affair which plays to the city’s designer cred. Black dominates the interiors throughout the hotel, from the public areas through the rooms. Adding to its moody aspect, the lights in the hallway of each floor are only activated when one steps into it – although the main hallway on each floor also boasts an alcove with an iMac for guest use. The doors to each of the 14 rooms feature Renaissance-style paintings which approximate the styles of Michaelangelo and Botticelli, and open onto spaces created by renowned Antwerp architect Jo Peeters which feature a mix of designer and classic furniture in open-plan layouts that see the bedroom meld seamlessly with the bathroom. Guests can choose different styles of room, such as the brighter, whitewashed Eco Rooms which come with an ecological wooden tub and a much lighter, neutral colour scheme, but treat yourself to the more exclusive O Loft. Housed in another building, this chic space is a self-contained apartment featuring river views, two terraces, separate kitchen and living areas, and a private elevator, and will make you feel like a native Antwerpian. Leopold de Waelplaats 34; +32 3 292 65 10; www.hotelosud.com
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De Witte Lelie Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, De Witte Lelie is a thoroughly charming home-away-from-home experience in the heart of Antwerp, just down the street from the eclectic Rockoxhuis museum. Housed in a trio of gabled white buildings built in the 17th century, guests have to ring the doorbell to gain entry. Inside, interiors that seem like a mash-up of contradictions, with old world touches and contemporary designer flair accented by heavy dashes of whimsy, work together to create a welcoming, convivial atmosphere. The intimate property boasts just 10 suites, including the atmospheric 17th century Duplex Rooms, but book ahead for Room Fourteen. One of the specialty suites, this fashionable bolthole is decked out in a palette of red, pink and gold but makes up for its overt femininity by offering a quiet space apart from the rest of the hotel, a postcard view over the private internal courtyard, design-savvy furnishings and a complimentary minibar, as well as a Bissazza Bagno-designed marble bathroom featuring an ornate vanity, separate walk-in shower and tub, and luxe Hermes amenities. Make time to gather with other guests over drinks in the courtyard or living room-like lounge – anchored by a working fireplace - and don’t miss breakfast in the old-
Hotel Les Nuits
school kitchen and dining room. Keizerstraat 16; +32 3 226 19 66; www.dewittelelie.be
Situated in the centre of Antwerp's fashion district, just minutes from the Rubenshuis Museum and Meir shopping strip, it’s all too easy to miss the entry to Hotel Les Nuits, an inconspicuously austere, black-clad shopfront with barely any markings. Guests make their way up to the first floor reception – next to the property’s Les Jours restaurant - for check-in, before heading up to one of the 24 unique rooms. This film noir-esque hotel is slightly gothic and very fashion-forward, dominated by a heavy black design scheme that’s relieved by flourishes of white and red. The cozy open-plan rooms feature intriguing layouts, black-lacquered headboards, unexpected Asianinspired details, and bathrooms fitted with gleaming black subway tiles. Guests will also find Auping Boxspring beds draped in Flamant bed linen, flatscreen TVs and DVD players, and Gilchrist & Soames amenities. After a full day trawling Antwerp’s designer boutiques – if the weather cooperates - enjoy a sundowner on the wood-dressed rooftop terrace, an extension of the Les Jours restaurant which serves up a simple yet thoroughly satisfying breakfast, as well as ever-evolving lunch and dinner menus that focus on local fare. Lang Gasthuisstraat 12; +32 3 225 02 04; www.hotellesnuits.be www.jetsetter.hk
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
NEW INDULGENCES F O R S U M M ER
T
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION his
summer,
GODIVA
encourages you to beat the heat with new additions to the popular Summer Collection. Three of our most
popular
products,
GODIVA Soft Serve, GODIVA Chocolixir, and GODIVA Cup Ice Cream have released new flavours to bring a touch of sweetness and refreshment to your summer adventures. The velvet-smooth indulgence of the GODIVA Dark Chocolate Soft Serve revitalises your taste buds, and this summer, GODIVA will tease and tantalise with the introduction of the brand new GODIVA Vanilla White Chocolate Soft Serve. Don’t miss the all-new GODIVA Chocolate Twist Soft Serve, a refreshing blend of vanilla and white chocolate infused with dark chocolate flavours that creates an enticing, distinctive experience. Like all the Chocolate Soft Serves, the Chocolate Twist Soft Serve is finished with drops of rich, smooth chocolate sauce, and a crispy cone dusted with chocolate crunch, forming an irresistible summer indulgence. Another addition to our offerings for summer is the limited-edition Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolixir which combines the richest dark chocolate and the finest hazelnuts in one refreshing icy drink. A perfect combination of hazelnut and silky cream, the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolixir boasts a smooth, sweet texture and revitalizes with every sip. GODIVA’s ever-popular Cup Ice Creams will offer a delicious new flavour in time for Summer 2015. The delightful Hazelnut Chocolate Cup Ice Cream retains the velvety, exquisite taste of hazelnut while preserving GODIVA’s exquisite chocolate flavour profiles in an indulgent, refreshing treat. The new addition joins the original Cup Ice Cream flavours of Milk Chocolate Chip, Belgian Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Chocolate Chip.
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NEW ZEALAND
TRACING THE LONG
White Cloud With a focus on local cuisine, luxury accommodation and breathtaking vistas, travelling through New Zealand’s South Island via its luxury lodges is the easiest way to get under the skin of this unique destination, says Nick Walton.
Luxury meets isolation: Seascape at Annandale www.jetsetter.hk
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www.jetsetter.hk
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NEW ZEALAND
Above and below: Otahuna has retained its timeless beauty as a luxury lodge.
I
known as Aotearoa, or the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ in the Maori tongue. But in the age of mass tourism, it can be hard to really experience a destination, meet its people, and understand their way of life. That’s where luxury lodges come in.
This is the kind of experience people are seeking when they travel to New Zealand,
Travelling via New Zealand’s luxury lodges, which slowly developed from humble fishing cabins to world-acclaimed houses of slumber, is slow travel at its very best. At each fascinating property, many of which are members of the acclaimed Luxury
t’s the silence you first notice at Otahuna Lodge, a beautifully preserved historic mansion on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city. As soon as our hire car comes to a halt on the manicured gravel driveway a pervasive silence, punctuated by distant bird’s song and hints of an evening breeze through the willow trees, washes over us. It’s utter bliss.
www.jetsetter.hk
Lodges of New Zealand association, guests delve into the personalities and histories of the property’s owners and hosts, kick their heels off amidst lavish accommodation, sample the best of local produce, and do so against some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. A Queen Anne-style home lovingly reborn, wreathed by 30 acres of stunning gardens and staffed by hospitality innovators, Otahuna was built in 1895 and bought by Americans Hall Canon and Miles Refo
NEW ZEALAND 53
in 2007. With the help of Kiwi manager and executive chef Jimmy McIntyre, they have created a sublime property that welcomes visitors from across the globe. Its five sumptuous guest rooms, including our spacious Rhodes Suite, named for the mansion’s first residents, are decked out in ancient wood, bespoke furnishings and subtle cutting-edge technology, and feature Victorian fireplaces, balconies with views to the Southern Alps, and plenty of little nooks to explore. All this lavish living is complemented by a stunning art collection by Kiwi artists like Peter Hackett and Virginia Leonard, as well as plenty
with saffron risotto and a decadent lemon and vanilla sauce; and Canterbury duck breast with quince jus, kumara purée and autumn vegetables, all from Otahuna’s gardens.
of little touches, from the ironic bedside tome A Short
Envisioned by New Zealand-born real estate tycoon Mark Palmer, Annandale isn’t really one property but a collection of four, each vastly different from the next, and each spaced a good 30-minute drive across a working farm from each other, ensuring the ultimate in privacy. There’s the historic and beautifully restored Homestead; the rustic elegance of Shepard’s Cottage; the open-plan, family-friendly living of Scrubby Bay; and then there’s Seascape.
History of Sheep in New Zealand by Richard Wolfe, to Royal warrant-holding Quercus toiletries.
Captivating landcapes are a major drawcard for New Zealand's lodges.
Chef McIntyre is renowned for his simplistic yet elegant approach to fine-dining, a philosophy that places locally-sourced ingredients, including 130 varieties of vegetables, fruit and nuts from the lodge’s own gardens, and meats from Otahuna’s own smokehouse, front and centre. McIntyre, with Austrian sous chef Thomas, serves freshly shucked Bluff oysters with glasses of chilled Central Otago Riesling in the Lodge’s leather-clad lounge, followed by a delectable five-course dinner in the dining room, a fire-warmed space dressed in timber the colour of molasses. Dinner is included in the tariff of most lodges, and McIntyre thrills with fat chipotle prawns with tomato and roasted pepper soup; locally caught monkfish
It’s with real reluctance that we leave the next morning, driving east into the deep valleys and hidden bays of the Banks Peninsula, stopping at the Trading Rooms in charming Akaroa for lunch, before climbing the switchbacks to Hilltop Tavern and descending down into Pigeon Bay, home to New Zealand’s newest luxury lodge property.
We arrive at Seascape after a 45-minute drive along spectacular clifftops that plummet to the mussel beds of Pigeon Bay far below, the farm’s Black Angus cattle watching our progress. A simple farm track leads steeply down into a remote bay wreathed by a stony beach and rocky headlands. Nestled into the hillside, Seascape is stunning. A spacious, unashamedly modern one-bedroom space, the open-plan villa offers spectacular views, gas fireplaces, and beside www.jetsetter.hk
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NEW ZEALAND
From top: Pen-y-bryn; gourmet cuisine is a lodge fundamental; owners James Boussy and James Gluckman.
the outdoor jacuzzi a simple kitchen with Miele appliances and a deep soak tub that looks out across the secluded bay. There is nothing between the king-size bed and the expanses of the Pacific. While not a traditional lodge, Seascape offers the same chance to become a part of the landscape, to slow down, sleep in, and leave the rest of the world behind. To that end, guests can choose to have a chef cook up a storm in the butler’s pantry; have raw ingredients delivered and be left to their own devices; or, like us, opt for the “we create, you serve” approach, which has executive chef Paul Jobin prepare a gourmet dish that’s vacuum packed and needs minimal preparation. That evening, we dine on local green lip mussels with tamari egg yolk and tomato jelly; Canter valley black lacquer duck leg with banana lychee relish and scallion pancake; and lemon passionfruit curd and honey macadamia wafers with the farm’s own raspberries. In fact, all ingredients either come from Annandale’s farm and extensive gardens, or from producers within 50 kilometres of the property. After dinner, my wife Maggie and I curl up on a duo of day beds by the outdoor fireplace, the waters of the bay before us cast in the lingering light of a startling canopy of stars, the inky landscape surrounding us unmarred by manmade light. It’s nothing short of magical. From Annandale we drive west, back up the winding valley roads of Banks Peninsula, and then south towards Taitapu, where we stop for coffee at The Store, a local institution that’s half art gallery and half restaurant. We reach Oamaru by late afternoon, the shadows of this historic little town, which was recently named New Zealand’s Coolest, already growing long. We stop in at the town’s recently revitalised historic precinct www.jetsetter.hk
NEW ZEALAND 55 to sample time-honoured drops at The New Zealand Whisky Collection, the cellar door of which sells the last whisky ever produced in the country, before climbing the hill to Peny-bryn, a category one heritage-listed home nestled in dazzling gardens overlooking the township. Built in 1889, Pen-y-bryn was bought by former World Bank economist James Glucksman and dentist James Boussy in 2010. Of the historic Victorian home’s five cozy guest rooms, three will become suites by September, complementing the beautifully preserved living rooms, dens and lounges. (including one featuring a full-size billiards table commissioned by the New Zealand houses of parliament). Filled with beautiful art and artifacts from the "James'" many years in Asia, Pen-y-bryn is a traditional lodge where the lines between private home and accommodation option are blissfully fuzzy, and where the old world hospitality of the owners, married with fantastic local fare, are the major drawcards. In fact, the convivial atmosphere and warm welcome of our hosts is second to none. Evenings commence with cocktails and canapés by the roaring fire, followed by a five-course dinner that includes South Island salmon and Bluff oysters with greens from the gardens; and indulgent roast pork with homemade lemon curd. Slow food lover James Glucksman is an Officier Maître Hôtelier in the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the Paris-based gourmet society, and serves up dishes that are not only inventive and delicious but are almost entirely sourced from the lodge’s own gardens, homemade in its kitchens, or brought from local suppliers. The Jameses’ years of travelling the world come through in the lodge’s décor, its fascinating object d’art, and its world-class cuisine, making a visit to Pen-y-bryn a sensory journey as well as a night at a homely inn. From Oamaru we drive up the glorious Waitaki Valley, passing through Central Otago’s wine belt and the all-year Alpine playground of Queenstown towards Glenorchy, taking a scenic road regularly listed among the top ten in the world. At its end you’ll find Blanket Bay, the Grand Dame of New Zealand’s modern luxury lodges.
Above: Blanket Bay is the grande dame of modern lodges. Below: Lodge visits combine many local activities.
Unlike Otahuna or Pen-y-bryn, Blanket Bay was purpose-built as a luxury lodge, designed to attract the well-heeled from the US and Europe, although today you’re as likely to hear Arabic or Chinese spoken in its Great Room as English or French. The lodge, flanked by Lake Wakatipu on one side and imposing peaks on the other, is a destination in itself. Designed by US architect Jim McLaughlin and built using locally-sourced schist rock and recycled timber, Blanket Bay boasts 12 luxurious guest rooms and suites, including four elegant standalone Chalet
Suites. In addition, there are cavernous living rooms with double-height picture windows and towering fireplaces, intimate bars, a modern games room, wine caves (plural), a spa and fitness centre, a seasonal outdoor pool, and an indoor spa that looks through French windows to the western tip of the lake. Located at the base of the Southern Alps, the lodge is the perfect jumping-off point for travellers looking to explore Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park by helicopter, www.jetsetter.hk
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the Dart River by high-powered speedboat, or the ancient rainforests and towering peaks of Middle Earth with a hike in the Mount Aspiring National Park. Here the fly-fishing is phenomenal, the heli-skiing the best in the Southern Hemisphere, and the horse-riding sensational. Guests return to dinner cooked by multiaward winning executive chef Corey Hume and served in the cozy Lake View Dining Room. His culinary creations range from Canterbury quail with celeriac purée and chorizo; through to Port Nicholson crayfish tail with coral and miso emulsion, seared scallops, and roasted vegetables from the lodge gardens.
Luxury Alpine living at Matakauri.
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The last stop on our itinerary is located just down the road, closer to Queenstown. Matakauri is the five-yearold sibling of acclaimed North Island golf destination lodges Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers, and brings a much more contemporary feel to the South Island. Positioned, like Blanket Bay, overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the towering Tooth Peaks that form the border with the province of Southland, Matakauri features just 12 guest rooms, four located within the main lodge, and the rest standalone apartments with glorious views and clean, modern décor that takes its design cues from autumn in Otago. Each retreat boasts a gas fireplace, private balcony, flatscreen TVs hidden behind artwork, and quite possibly the world’s best bathtub view. The Owner’s Cottage, the lodge’s penthouse, accommodates eight in absolute luxury.
The warm colours of the suites are continued in the main lodge, where breakfast and dinner is served in the intimate dining room, on the outdoor patio, or in the private Library. Head chef Jonathan Roger’s menus are inspired by the produce of the deep south and his ever-changing a la carte offerings are laced with the likes of roasted scallops with black pudding and beurre noisette, North Island terakihi with mussels and dill; and smoked Otago duck with beetroot, goat’s curd and blood orange. If you’re lucky, the chef will pop out and serve you himself. It sums up the luxury lodge scene to perfection - world-class cuisine, in a world-class setting, with a touch of the inherent humility that makes New Zealand such an endearing destination.
Travel Essentials Fly: Cathay Pacific has direct flights between Hong Kong and Auckland. www.cathaypacific.com
Stay: Learn more about New Zealand’s leading luxury lodges at www.lodgesofnz.co.nz
Get Around: Hertz New Zealand has a fleet of late model SUVs ideally suited for a South Island road trip www.hertz.co.nz
Book: The Exclusive Travel Group specialises in luxury adventures to New Zealand and Australia and can create the ultimate itinerary combining lodges and activities. www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
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AUSTRALIA
WHERE THE
RIVER FLOWS Where else can you see grazing water buffalo over cocktails or sample food as wild as the landscape? Toss aside the bow-ties, guide books and stilettos and head to Australia's Northern Territories for true bush luxury. By Nick Walton
The Mary River flood plains at first light
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itting under a fan-cooled pavilion, with an ice cold Bombay Sapphire and tonic in hand, and a dinner of stuffed barramundi and wild potato roasting on a nearby stone campfire, life at Bamurru Plains is about as idyllic as one can hope for. That is until nature takes this magical experience one step further with a procession of wildlife passing just metres in front of the luxury lodge's pool deck, just as the peach plume sun contemplates its daily decent.
place to escape to when the traffic jams, supermarket queues and deadlines of city living become a bit much. These renowned floodplains, a 2,687sqkm landscape that links the flood belts of the Adelaide and Mary Rivers, are home to a myriad of wildlife, including one percent of the world's populations of several important bird species, such as the wandering whistling ducks, pied herons, little curlews, sharptailed sandpipers, and more than 800,000 squawking, gossiping magpie geese.
Now Bamurru Plains, arguably the Northern Territory’s most luxurious game lodge, can’t take credit for the conga line of wild boar, water buffalo and wild Brumby horses that pass so close to our dinner table. But it’s the camp’s marriage with its stunning surroundings seemingly endless floodplains, eucalyptus forests and red rock formations - that make wildlife spotting here, miles from anything, a certainty rather than a novelty.
Situated on what Northern Territory's would refer to as a “lifestyle block”, (its owner also owns a ranch nearby that's more than three times larger), the 305sqkm station is an expansive property that plays home to all manner of wildlife. In typical Northern Territories fashion, it’s a good three-hour drive east from Darwin, the state capital, and a full 20-minute drive from front gate to front door. Guests can make their way to the lodge by tackling the dust-blown highway from Darwin by 4x4, or for the ultimate escape, fly into the lodge's own landing strip by helicopter or light plane.
Located near the borders of the acclaimed Kakadu National Park in Australia's far North, Bamurru Plains offers the ultimate in wild bush luxury and is the perfect www.jetsetter.hk
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Although the landscapes outside are wild, accommodation at Bamurru Plains is hardly roughing it. Forget tents or prefabs more reminiscent of an inner-city primary school; following a philosophy of 'wild bush luxury,' each of Bamurru's nine luxurious cabins feature comfy beds, air-conditioning and outdoor showers, and are perched above the verge of the floodplain, close enough to the main lodge to call for help when your Sauvignon Blanc runs low, but far enough not to interfere with your environmental voyeurism.
Top: A western bush wallaby; Bottom: Bamarru's cabins are spacious and merge with the landscape
At sunrise, coffee and wattleseed muffins are delivered by John, one of the knowledgeable team that city slickers tend to cling to when venturing beyond the infinity pool and fan-driven comforts of the lodge. Many guests take their morning cup of joe in the “viewing gallery," a little sun room located off each cabin's living room that's made from a unique 'one way' fabric that allows some great early morning wildlife spotting. For the patient, silence will be rewarded with an up close and personal wildlife encounter – from shy wallaby right up to snorting water buffalo - the likes of which few have experienced. And experience is the key word here; the floodplains of the Mary River is one of the most significant ecosystems in Australia and a host of activities at the lodge allow guests the chance to discover the unique flora and fauna for themselves. Wildlife, including 236 species of bird, wild boar, dingos, wallaroos, antilopine, agile wallabies, lumbering water buffalo, and lurking crocodiles, is everywhere and can be viewed from the lodge's shaded decks, on 4x4 and air boat excursions, and on boat cruises up the Sampan River. The waterway forms the western boundary of the vast property and is home to the largest population of crocodiles on the planet. Cruising amongst the mangroves – famed for its barramundi fishing, though you'll have to compete with the reptilian locals – keep a sharp eye out for these ancient predators just below the surface.
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their way towards the shade of the taller cabbage trees on dry land. The world is silent, tranquil and at peace, and after the bustle of Asia, the quiet is deafening and all consuming. With a roar that echoes, even under our ear protectors, the massive Chrystal engine of our air boat gathers momentum and propels the Teflon-coated hull across the flooded landscape at a tremendous rate. The area we're cruising along is dry half the year, but when the floods wash trillions of litres of waters down towards the coast, it creates a very special ecosystem, loved by a myriad of wildlife. Clouds of black, squawking magpie geese climb sluggishly from their hidden nests amongst the reeds and rouse the landscape from the branches of drowned trees. The air boat glides effortlessly across the emerald green flood plain which looks, for all intents and purposes, like solid ground, the warm air of morning whipping past us, its fresh, intoxicating earthiness awakening senses and souls in the process.
Top: Air boats are a great way to explore the landscape; Bottom: The Mary River floodplains are famed for their massive salt water crocodiles
Helicopter flights over the property and the coastline of Northern Australia offer lucky souls a bird's eye view of flocks of magpie geese and corellas, graceful egrets and even massive salt water crocodiles baking on the river banks. During the dry season, guests can explore the floodplains by 4x4 vehicle with guided afternoon excursions that provide a unique insight into this fragile yet fundamental environment. Open-top safari-styled vehicles allow for panoramic views, perfect for amateur photographers. One of the most unique activities included in any Bamurru Plains stay is climbing aboard a real air boat straight out of CSI Miami. Bamurru is the only place where the www.jetsetter.hk
common tourist can climb aboard for the ride of a lifetime and these massive fan-powered boats, which skim along the water's surface, over reeds and through flooded forests, take guests to the furthest reaches of the floodplains in search of plumbed whistling ducks, ibis and nesting geese. It's early in the morning, yet the sun is already high in the sky, its rays chasing away the pink-tinged clouds of night. After a gourmet breakfast served on the lodge's pool deck, I join a handful of other guests trekking out to the floodplain's edge, where a flotilla of air boats wait silently. In the distance, steam rises from the plains as a family of water buffalo slosh and splash
We spend the morning joyriding in the air boat, our legs turning brown in the Outback sun, flocks of plump black geese lurching for the skies as we approach. The landscape is vivid, the greens of the dancing reeds the perfect contrast to the robin's egg blue of the sky. Native birds laugh at us from skeletal trees reaching up from the water, and a tiny cricket catches a ride on my t-shirt before bounding off towards a wild garden of bobbing waterlilies. In the shade and silence of an ancient paperbark forest, guests bob on the still, swampy water of John’s favourite picnic spot. The water shimmers like charcoal silk and is home to some of the station’s largest crocodiles, so it's hands inside the boat. According to John, they lurk in the shadows cast by the partially submerged trees, waiting, not for tourists, but for fat barramundi to swim by.
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Sunset from the lodge's troopie
Would-be explorers feast on sundried tomato quiche and thick sandwiches of cheese and roasted capsicum; food seems to play a pivotal role at Bamurru, with multicourse dinners every night, breakfasts as wide as your imagination, and lunches straight out of National Geographic. Menus can be rather adventurous; lunch on the likes of terracotta pot pies filled with camel and water buffalo, and by evening, dine on local scallops and crayfish on the lodge’s sprawling deck as the day’s warmth ebbs away. Anglers can test their luck on the property's many rivers and swamps in search of giant burramundi, which the chef dutifully cooks for Bamurru's handful of guests. John reaches out to a nearby paperbark tree, prying off thick tuffs of the tissue-like bark and placing it in a paper bag. “The chef loves to use paperbark to roast baramundi,” he explains. “It really infuses the flavours of the outback into the fish, and we use it just as the Aboriginals did.” Aboriginal bush tucker is one of the www.jetsetter.hk
many topics discussed during the regular outings; from air boats through to the rugged little Toyota cutaway 4x4, which tumbles and grumbles through the bush like a mechanical water buffalo, guests see the true life of the station and learn about their newly adopted surrounds. Down the long dirt tracks we travel, past inquisitive buffalo, hip-high in grass or shaded by lines of trees, into the billabong swamps and down the dried waterways of this vast property. Along the way, guides point out the habitats of different creatures and talk of the behaviour of the station's many residents, from crocodiles and ants to bats and spiders hiding on leaves. Guests learn how “lime” ants taste - the intrepid among us biting down on the bulbous green behinds to sample the zesty flavour – or recognise potentially fatal berries, before smoking fish in bundles of paperbark in a real boy scout experience that's popular with visitors of all ages. As the sun begins to settle on our last night in the outback, we take chilled bottles and cameras, and board one of the trusty
air boats like real adventurers, bound for the depths of the floodplains. We sip champagne, marvelling at the simplicity and beauty of an outback sunset as our guides point out floating 'logs' hunting for dinner and flocks of sea birds headed home for the night. The sun is a huge, burning ball of orange and red that settles quickly across the horizon in an explosion of colour that sets the rippling, silk-like water aflame. For a moment, the geese settle in their reed beds, the buffalo stand still, ears twitching, and the world breathes a silent sigh of tranquility as the day ends in one of the planet's most beautiful settings. The two days at Bamurru drift past far too quickly and it’s morning as guests climb aboard a dusty “troopi” for the road back to Darwin. I leave, like so many of Bamurru’s guests, with a better understanding of this stunningly beautiful land, of the harsh realities of the Top End, and with a definite preference for cocktail hours with a Noah’s Ark procession. From AU$550 (US$426) per person, twin share; www.bamurruplains.com
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THE LIST
PICTURE PERFECT
ESCAPADES
There are an unlimited number of emotions, moments and memories you can capture with a camera in hand. Here are five of our favourite photo tours for the year ahead.
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n November, head to Churchill, Manitoba, with Natural Habitat Adventures, where wildlife enthusiasts can get up close and personal with polar bears with the Tundra Lodge Photography Expedition. On the eight-day experience, guests will stay in the custom Tundra Lodge 'rolling hotel' and take advantage of observation decks, 'Polar Rover' vehicle excursions and the expertise of award-winning photo expedition leaders to capture unforgettable images of Arctic wildlife as they explore the tundra and coast. From US$8,890 per person. www.nathab.com
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ravel to one of the most sought after photographic landscapes in the world with Linblad Expedition's Galápagos adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour. A specialist photography tour boasting a full complement of pro shooters to help you up your camera skills, the tour leaves from Ecuador and spends 10 days among the islands, which are famed for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas. From US$6,290 per person. www.expeditions.com
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pend six days with photographer Ivan Kobiolke on a journey into the heart of Australia with Wayoutback’s Central Australian Photographic Tour. You’ll be shooting the natural wonders of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, whilst also documenting black-footed rock wallabies and perentie lizards in their morning searches for watering holes. Camp under a star-filled night sky, and capture sights you’ll never find in the big smoke. AU$1,875 (US$1,546) per person. www.wayoutback.com.au
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n September, National Geographic's 14-day China Photography Expedition showcases the beauty of the Middle Kingdom. Start in Beijing with photographer Greg Girard to capture the Forbidden City and the Great Wall before travelling to Guilin, home to some of China’s most dazzling landscapes. Shoot closeups of Xi’an’s historic terracotta warriors before capturing the bold future of China with the neon cityscapes of Shanghai. From US$7,595 per person, twin share. www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
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orld Photo Adventures is offering a unique photography itinerary from Cape Town to the Kalahari in September, capturing all the beauty of the harbourside city and its iconic winelands through to the vast open spaces of the desert. Accompany photographers Darran and Julia Leal to the penguin colony of Boulder’s Beach and the Cape Hope Nature Reserve, before travelling to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to over 5,000 flora species. Get up close and personal with cape gannets on Bird Island and capture the sunrise in Quiver Tree Forest before delving into the Kgalagadi National Park, home to Kalahari lions, oryx, blue wildebeest, eland, spotted hyena and black-backed jackals. From US$8,495 per person, twin share. www.worldphotoadventures.com.au www.jetsetter.hk
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STREET SMARTS As Concierge at the Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Chettha Khambunditkul has earned the title of ‘Streetwise Guru’ by showing guests the city’s backstreets, hidden haunts, and the best of the local gastronomic scene. By Gayatri Bhaumik We want to explore Bangkok by river. What would you recommend? Rent a private longtail boat. These tours offer amazing insight into river life and take you on a journey of discovery you would otherwise miss. Make sure you see Khlong Daokhanong, Khlong Sanamchai, and the Wat Sai Floating Market where vendors in dainty boats sell everything from food to essential household items. Another option would be to take the local Chao Phraya Express boat and stop at the piers marked on the maps given out. Each stop ensures a delightful discovery, and the presence of Thai culture is apparent in every turn.
Now for a little souvenir shopping. Apart from Chatuchak, where can we pick up small knickknacks? Yaowarat is Bangkok’s Chinatown and perhaps the most exciting and busiest part of the city. Along with a fantastic array of Thai street food, there are a number of shopping markets. The most famous is Sampeng, a massive sprawl of random trinkets, jewellery, fabric and everything else you can imagine. Phahurat market is an Indian market near Chinatown, and is the place to go for fabrics and Indian cuisine. As well as Indian cottons and silks, you’ll find ready-made products
like shoulder bags. Lastly, Wang Lang market is one of my favourites for eating, browsing and collecting unusual items.
Bangkok is known for its rooftop bars. Where should we go for great pre-dinner drinks that isn’t too busy? I
would
recommend
Octave
Rooftop
Lounge & Bar at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, and the Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant at the Pullman G Bangkok hotel. I also really like the Sala Rattanakosin rooftop
What about if we’re in the mood for a quiet, luxurious dinner? Bangkok has become quite a dining hub, and there are plenty of great restaurants. Try David Thompson’s Nahm for great Thai food, or Blue Elephant for authentic Thai dishes. For French food, try Le Normandie at the Mandarin Oriental, L’Atelier de Jöel Robouchon, or J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain. If you’re looking for something different, Gaggan does great Indian food, and Zuma is good for Japanese.
bar, which is on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, and the Breeze Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower.
Where should we go for good local street food? Bangkok is a food haven and has some of the country’s best local street food. The food is fresh and delicious, and you’ll find a wide variety of local favourites. My favourite markets are Talad Noi, Khlong San, Lalai Sup and Thading Daeng. I would definitely recommend trying the deep fried pork and the khanom tungtag [sweet waffle coconut pancackes]. Lung Pha market is renowned for its Pad Thai, but don’t miss the delicious fish noodle soup at Bangrak, or the som tam kay tan [papaya salad with chicken] at Ratchawong Pier.
Time to experience some of Bangkok’s famous nightlife. What should we do? Khaosan Road is packed with swanky bars and clubs and has a carefree, anything-goes vibe unlike anywhere else in Bangkok. RAC – Royal City Avenue – is the epicentre of Bangkok’s clubbing scene, and institutions like Route 66 and Slim are packed every night. For sheer variety, Sukhumvit Soi 11 is unbeatable. You can sample great value world cuisine at the beginning of the soi, then work your way over to chic bars, worldfamous dance clubs, and pop-up camper van bars selling cocktails in buckets.
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WHERE THE BIG
CATS ROAM
A lioness walks across the sunkissed savannah while bushbuck watch on www.jetsetter.hk
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Delve into the heart of the Serengeti in search of luxurious safari camps and Africa's wild legacy. Words and Photos by
Nick Walton
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t’s a little disconcerting. I haven’t been marched to bed since I was a mischievous tyke, banished from the joys of post-8pm television with the usual threats of boogeymen. And yet here I am, being escorted by a spear-toting Maasai warrior wrapped in a traditional red wool shawl, whose job it is to literally stop me from being eaten. He waves his torch across the tree line, searching for the telltale reflection of a lion’s eyes or the sillouette of an elephant, but its probably more for my benefit; in the inky darkness of the Serengeti night, things that go bump don’t disappear when you turn on the light. www.jetsetter.hk
That we’re not alone among the acacia trees of Tanzania adds a unique element to the all-encompassing serenity of Africa once the sun has slipped beneath the curtain of dusk. The silence of my spacious tent seems to amplify every far off sound – is that the benevolent laughter of a jackal, the shuffle of an elephant, or the purr of a lioness? That’s why an African safari is such a unique experience – it’s all about proximity. We had arrived at Asilia Africa’s Olakira Nadutu Camp earlier in the afternoon, after a fascinating game drive from the dirt strip to which we had flown by light aircraft from
Kilimanjaro International Airport. It’s the first stop on an itinerary created by Africa specialists Robert Mark Safaris, designed to ensure we see the very best the of the Serengeti. A family of warthogs, their tails in the air like radio antennas, go to ground in a puff of dust with our passing and a herd of elephants emerge from the trees, one ‘toddler’ raising a trunk wrapped around a clump of reeds as if in welcome. On an expansive plain of dancing savannah grass, a cheetah bathed in late afternoon sunshine ignores us with the disdain of assured feline superiority while nearby, a trio of giraffes stride like models on a catwalk.
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Clockwise from left: Namiri Plains is famed for its lions and cheetah; an adolecent elephant; a yellow-billed kite
Night comes quickly in eastern Africa, as if a vacuum cleaner drains the sky of light. The acacia trees that ring the camp quickly become gently swaying silhouettes against an increasingly indigo sky. The nine-tent Olakira Ndutu Camp moves seasonally, and between December and March can be found in a shaded forest clearing on the cusp of the acclaimed Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, one of the most important conservation reserves in Africa and home to hippos, elephants, black rhino, crocodiles, Cape buffalo, and a large concentration of lions.
Rovers in the bush we have Olakira to ourselves, save for friendly, ever-smiling staff who serve a three-course dinner with gusto despite our remote location, and afterwards tell tales of the Serengeti past and present by the light of the fire. Finally our Maasai warrior, his trusty leaf-shaped eremet sero spear and a heavy torch in hand, escorts us to our tents, each of which boasts queensized beds, canvas floors, separate snugs, flushing toilets and bucket showers. We’re left alone to fall asleep to the sounds of nature infinite.
the golden arrival of dawn we’re already up, bleary-eyed but excited as we leave Olakira in search of other early-risers. A pair of fearless honey badgers dart across the road, and two spotted hyena eye us casually before scampering off in their signature skipping rhythm. A cheetah sits motionless in the gentle breeze, one eye on our slow approach, the other on a herd of dikdik. Beyond, a pride of lions pretend not to notice us as they lounge on a rocky peak surrounded by gently swaying savanah grass the colour of manuka honey.
Despite seeing plenty of other camp Land
Life on the plains begins early and before
It’s a short flight northeast to Namiri Plains, www.jetsetter.hk
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a true African story of conservation and rehabilitation. Closed for 20 years to create a safe haven for cheetah, the reserve, and its intimate Asilia Africa camp, opened in July 2014, promising an unrivaled ‘big cat country’ experience. One of the joys of Namiri is that, unlike in other reserves, we have this slice of Africa all to ourselves. Following a long dirt track across the flat landscape, we encounter more yelping hyenas, circling white-backed vultures that soar effortlessly in the thermals, and a pair of male lions cooling off in the shade of a desert date tree, their dusty manes halos of bronzecoloured hair wreathing battle-scared faces. In an acacia tree, an auger buzzard feasts on a plump green chameleon. We arrive at the camp in the early afternoon and as we dismount from the safari 4x4, our guide whispers to us, “Do you see? We’re being watched.” It takes me a while to catch on, eventually spying a pair of golden ears and an attentive face peaking up from the tall grass less than 50 metres away. It’s Namiri’s resident lioness, a beautiful cat who shares her time between the shade of a tree across from the camp's dining tent and the tall reeds of the river bed below, where her cubs safely play. The idea of a lion lurking, only a few bounding leaps from where we sit with our gin and tonic sundowners, www.jetsetter.hk
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Clockwise from top left: Camp manager Blessed prepares for a walking safari; zebras on the savannah; Namiri Plains; a tented suite at Olakira; a cheetah's wicked smile
is exhilerating. It’s why we’re here.
brilliantly white teeth.
Namiri Plains is less hardy than Olakira, veering towards the pampering side. The migration passes through Namiri Plains from October to May and unleashes spectacular predator sightings during December and January as the resident big cats feast on the passing herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Evenings at Namiri are a laidback affair. After drinks around the fire pit, we move across to the candlelit communal dining table set beneath a giant acacia tree draped in fairy lights. Just because we’re remote doesn’t mean we don’t live well, and the kitchen team serve up a delectable meal of potato and leek soup and a zesty fish curry with fluffy saffron rice, followed by a long, quiet session of stargazing and contemplation. I can’t help but wonder if the lioness is enjoying the same view as we are, or if she is already out hunting in the darkness.
The camp’s eight tents are well spaced apart and offer cavernous bathrooms with flushing toilets, screened off snugs and king-size beds. My tent, the furthest from reception and thus the most isolated, offers stunning views across the dried riverbed, where warthogs and wildebeast graze in the early morning sunshine. On an afternoon game drive, we watch as zebras drink at a water hole framed by emerald reeds, and play hide and seek with cheetahs in a pile of ancient bolders the size of a block of flats. As the sun sinks into the golden grass that evening, our guide serves cocktails from a picnic hamper while steps away, a pride of lions enjoys some family time, two three-month-old cubs taking turns to stalk our 4x4 before their mother recalls them with a growl that reveals rows of
That night, I hear the things that go bump as a hyena and a family of warthogs walk through the camp, one of them pausing to rub itself on the thick canvas of my canvasfloored tent. There’s very little risk of them getting in through the double zipped layers, so I just lie in my king-size bed, hold my breath, and listen to the night close in around me. Our final stop is Sayari Camp, another short bush flight away and our third Asilia Africa retreat. From the plane I watch the landscape below change. We leave the flat savannah
for the Mara River, on the border with Kenya. Here, the earth has been scorched to help regenerate the grasslands before the great migration arrives, revealing undulating hills dotted with massive, polished boulders. But even in the absence of the migratory animals, the Northern Serengeti is famed for its populations of elephants, antelope, buffalo and cats, which can be seen throughout the year. In a camp 4x4 we skirt around the Mara’s deep river bed, watched by massive Nile crocodiles and a clutch of hippos cooling off in the deeper water. The river is a popular spot for great migration viewing as hundreds of thousands of wildebeest attempt the crossing, the resident crocodiles doing their best to catch a few in the process. But today the landscape is quiet. A family of elephants, including two babies, stands in the shade of a kigelia tree and watch our progress; beyond, the tan-coloured tents of the camp can be seen on a low ridge. Sayari is built in two wings, one dedicated to families and groups travelling together, and boasting its own facilities. With spacious, air-conditioned living spaces, a small signature spa, and an infinity pool that www.jetsetter.hk
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A starry canopy above Sayari; the weathered face of a male lion on the Serengeti
offers captivating views and welcome respite from the afternoon heat, Sayari is no hardship. My spacious, hard-floored tented suite, one of 15, features a little patio, a deep-soak tub, a flushing toilet and flowing shower, and a king-size bed. Outside, only 100 metres away, a mother elephant and her baby stroll past without a care in the world. A northern goshawk circles above us like a drone, its broad wings casting a perfect silhouette in the late afternoon sunshine. With the sun low in the sky, we set out on our last game drive, heading north towards the Kenyan border in the wake of a herd of elephants that trace the dry riverbeds in search of grass. A family of mongoose race across the landscape and a hundred-strong herd of Cape buffalo eye us closely as we skirt a ridge above them. The leopards that many travellers venture north to find elude us this afternoon, but as we stop at the top of a gentle rise to welcome the sunset with ice-cold sundowners, we spot a pair of rare black rhino in the distance. There are less than 70 black rhino left in the Serengeti due to endemic poaching, and the rare encounter is the topic of the table when we return to camp and a glorious three-course dinner served under the African stars and serenaded by the timeless folk songs of local Kuria tribesmen. It’s a breathtaking finale to an unforgettable African adventure. www.jetsetter.hk
Travel Essentials Kenya Airways operates its new Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner between Hong Kong and Nairobi via Bangkok, with connections on to Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. www.kenya-airways.com Robert Mark Safaris is Asia’s leading African experts and specialise in bespoke Serengeti itineraries for travellers looking for the true safari experience. www.robertmarksafaris.com
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INDONESIA
THE ISLAND OF THE FIRE GODS Nick Walton takes to two wheels to explore the
volcanic peaks of central Java, Indonesia. Photos by Nick Walton
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Racing across the Sea of Sand at dawn www.jetsetter.hk
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INDONESIA
t’s one thing to drink organic, single origin tea from some far off exotic land. But it’s another to drink the brew of freshlyplucked leaves only feet from the plantation in which they grew. But this is one of the little perks of exploring the volcanic peaks of central Java on a truly unique motorbike adventure. We’ve stopped for a cuppa on the long road up the steep flanks of Mt Lawu, one of three volcanic peaks that our seven-day, five-night itinerary includes. The climb has been refreshing after the busy highways that connect Java’s chaotic cities far below. The air up in the highlands is fresh and clear, the view across the fertile tea plantations a mesmerising patchwork of greens and earthy browns, the hills undulating like a rippling quilt. The tea shack is perched on the edge of paradise. Our little group of five met in the university town of Yogyakarta two days earlier, after arriving from both sides of the Pacific. For my friends Marco Cortesi, Ben Smith, Will Theirbach, and my father Rob Walton, it had been a while since they’d ridden a motorcycle, but the idea of exploring Java on two wheels was seduction enough to draw them all the way to autumn in Indonesia. There was excitement and trepidation as we mounted our fleet of 200cc bikes and followed our ever-smiling, ever-smoking guide, Sugiat (another guide, Andy, drove a support vehicle with our luggage onboard), out of the city towards our first stop, the Dieng Plateau. After an hour, Above: the ancient temple of Borobudur at first light. Below: Crossing the Sea of Sand at the base of Mt Bromo the heavy city traffic gave way to narrow, winding mountain roads as we climbed through valley villages, abundant with paused to gauge our progress and gazed across terraced tobacco and tea plantations which fruit crops and rice terraces, towards the tumble down the mountainside into Sumbing Valley, the summit above lost in cloud cover. heavens. It’s easy to see why this volcanic plateau, wreathed by cloud-covered peaks and bubbling The Dieng Plateau is the floor of a sulphur-infused lakes, was once considered religiously auspicious. Of the more than 400 Hindu volcanic crater that sits some 2,000 temples that thrived here between the 7th and 8th centuries, only eight are left, but those that metres above sea level. In fact, its name remain have been beautifully preserved. After a lunch of fried chicken and freshly ground sambal comes from Di Hyang, which means at a tiny hole-in-the wall restaurant, we explored the temple ruins, running our fingers across the 'Above the Gods,' which seemed fitting ancient faces that stared out from the stone reliefs. as the road steepened and we climbed ever higher towards the clouds. At a And then we lost our guide – or more correctly, our guide lost us. Sugiat, on his zippy little white viewpoint near the top of the peak, we motorbike, isn’t the most attentive guide in the world, and after our group was slowly split apart www.jetsetter.hk
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INDONESIA
Morning sunlight floods the gardens surrounding Borobudur
INDONESIA 81 clockwise from top left: the towering Tawangmangu Falls; Marco at the ready' tea pickers on the flanks of Mt Lewu
listed temple’s base, and climbed the steep steps towards the summit. A 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple, Borobudur had been an important place of pilgrimage during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty before being mysteriously abandoned and buried with volcanic ash, only to be ‘rediscovered’ and unearthed again in the early 1800s. The complex consists of six square platforms topped with three circular platforms, home to a total of 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The story goes that if you read the reliefs, in order, from the base to the top, you’ll reach Nirvana. We did things in reverse, starting at the top as the sun cast the sky a dark indigo, followed by rose, and finally a ripe tangerine hue. There were more than 50 travellers watching the dawn, and the arrival of the sun was mesmerising. Once the day had begun, we wound our way down, fascinated by the ancient faces that peered out from the stone work, as the sun sprinted into the sky and the temperature climbed.
between trucks and buses on the narrow road down the mountain, we turned off the highway onto quieter roads for a chance to regroup. Sugiat, despite our calls and horn tooting, rode off into the sunset, oblivious that he had lost his charges. Of course, what do five foreigners in a strange land, without direction, do in such a situation? We decided to navigate our own way to Borobudur, which Sugiat had hinted was close by (throughout the trip, his estimates of the distance to our next destination would vary wildly, until it became an ongoing joke). With a little help from some sympathetic locals, and a refreshed sense of adventure in the air,
we set off in the direction of Borobudur and our hotel at its base. However, night comes quickly in the mountains of central Java, and with it, disorientation; the roads are bumpy at the best of times and the traffic copious, but under the veil of night, it became even harder to stay the course and we were forced to pull over, make some calls, and finally direct Sugiat to us. It was a valuable early lesson that we needed to keep an eye on both each other and our guide. It was an early start the next morning, a little after 4am, when we rose to explore Borobudur by first light. We carried torches and cameras up the dark, tree-lined path from the little Borobudur Hotel at the Unesco-
We spent the afternoon at Yogjakarta’s expansive palace, before touring the 9th century Hindu Prambanan Temple, and then braving the heavy highway traffic to dusty and rather run-down Solo City. We’re back on the road again early the next morning, climbing up into the tea plantations in time for a fresh brew. Our young brew master can’t stop staring and giggling; they don’t get many tourists up here, let alone five dusty and sunburnt motorcyclists, but she makes the strong tea for us in stout glass cups, the brew steaming in the shade of the simple bamboo shack. Below, we spy the conical hats of the tea pickers as they harvest leaves in a neighbouring plot, and across the road the dark silhouette of Lawu rises out of the morning haze. It’s a long, steep climb up to the Ceto www.jetsetter.hk
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INDONESIA top to bottom: The beautiful Sarangan Lake Hotel; our final destinations awaits; clouds reach down to the Dieng Plateau
Temple, a 15th century Javanese Hindu shrine hidden away high on the flanks of Mt Lawu. With bikes straining in first gear, we climb the potholed road into the tiny village which wreaths the ancient temple, before climbing up the stairs to the gates. The view down across Java is spectacular and well worth the journey up the mountainside. We slowly make our way down the mountain again, stopping in at a local restaurant for chicken roasted with wild bumblebee honey gathered by local farmers, before arriving at the impressive 81-metre high Tawangmangu Falls, where we pretend not to be intimidated by the wild monkeys that reign supreme at its base. By dusk, we’ve crossed the plains and made good time up modern, quiet highways into another mountain range, to the border between Central Java and East Java. At a trucker’s coffee shack we take a break and sip thick, black Javanese coffee and watch clouds roll down the mountainside, a troop of crab-eating macaques calling to each other across the valley, a weathered Chinese gateway the only sign that we’re passing from one province to another. Within an hour, we’re checked in at the beautifully maintained, 1950s Thunderbird-esque Sarangan Lake Hotel, sipping chilled Bintang on a terrace overlooking the water and waited on by two old gents in impeccable traditional Javanese suits and peaked caps. After a day’s ride across a plateau dusted with fresh volcanic ash from Mt Kelud’s latest tantrum, we reach Mt Bromo, climbing to the rim of the Tengger massif before crossing the Sea of Sand, a vast, protected sea of volcanic ash that curls around the base of the active volcano, up to the band of small hotels that cater to Bromo-bound travellers. At 2,329 metres Mt Bromo isn’t Java’s tallest active volcano, but it’s certainly its best known and most visited. It’s pitch dark and remarkably cool at 3.30am the next morning when we mount up again, temporarily exchanging bikes for seats in a long convoy of boxy, short wheel base Land Cruisers that wind their way through the night, around the crater’s edge, to a viewing point on the higher Mt Penanjakan in time for sunrise. After a chilly wait, the sun finally kisses the volcano’s slope with golden light, casting its rocky ravines in shadow, a steady plume of smoke at its summit a warning that the peak is still very much active, having erupted last in 2012. For five sometime riders, this has been a challenge that we've faced head on; a test of resilience, rewarded with superb landscapes and welcoming people. www.jetsetter.hk
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CELEBRATING NUPTIALS IN PARADISE
C
reate your dream wedding with Constance Hotels and Resorts, which offers bespoke packages at each of its resorts. Tailored to your preferences, each package includes a dedicated wedding planner, pre-wedding spa treatments, a make-up artist and photographer, a beachfront or in-villa ceremony, a lavish banquet, in-villa feast, or alfresco dinner to celebrate, rose petal turndown service, and a Champagne breakfast the next morning. Honeymooners can also celebrate their nuptials at Constance Hotels and Resorts with exclusive packages that include in-room gifts, a sunset cruise, wine-tastings and romantic dinners, a couples massage, and a Champagne breakfast.
At its luxurious properties across the idyllic Indian Ocean, Constance Hotels and Resorts creates your perfect wedding and honeymoon at beachside retreats that offer tailormade packages along with privacy, Constance Le Prince Maurice gourmet cuisine, and exciting Mauritius activities in breathtaking locations. A fabulously intimate hotel, Constance Le Prince Maurice gives newlyweds the chance to relax in seclusion and bond over fun experiences. Couples can relax on
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Constance Belle Mare Plage Mauritius Hidden in a bay alongside an expansive stretch of sand, Constance Belle Mare Plage offers newlyweds a stunning retreat in the form of its Villas with Private Pools, which boast private beach access. Spend the days lazing on the beach, exploring 37 acres of tropical gardens, indulging with couples’ spa treatments, or staying active with a range of water activities and golf on the two championship-level golf courses. At night, watch the sunset from one of five bars, then enjoy a romantic Mediterranean dinner at the secluded La Spiaggia, one of seven restaurants here. www.bellemareplagehotel. constancehotels.com
the beach or by the resort’s stunning infinity pool, take the greens of the two golf courses, and enjoy water sports like waterskiing and diving. Start romantic evenings with sunset cocktails, live jazz, and ocean views at the Laguna Bar, before indulging in delicious seafood feasts at La Barachois, a romantic haven floating above the lagoon’s still waters. www.princemaurice.constancehotels.com
Constance Lémuria Seychelles Tucked into a corner of the island of Praslin, Constance Lémuria boasts three white sand beaches, including the renowned Anse Georgette. Honeymooners can check into a Luxurious Villa, romantic boltholes offering complete privacy, and spend their
days lounging on beaches, indulging in Creole-inspired couples’ spa treatments, and enjoying candlelit gourmet dinners at three world-class restaurants. www.lemuriaresort. constancehotels.com
Constance Halaveli Maldives Located on its own island, Constance Halaveli is wreathed by clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Seek seclusion in the opulent Water Villas – furnished with private plunge pools and expansive decks – and try spa treatments for two, explore the waters of the North Ari Atoll, and indulge in gourmet Asianinspired meals at Jing. www.halaveli. constancehotels.com
Constance Ephelia Seychelles With unrivalled intimacy and luxury, Constance Ephelia is the perfect honeymoon destination. Check into one of the exclusive Hillside Villas to hide out in complete seclusion, soak up the sun on the pristine beaches, delve below the waters of the Port Launay National Marine Park, and pamper yourselves with indulgent spa treatments. By night, enjoy sundowner cocktails on the beach, then amble over for a sumptuous dinner at one of five world-class restaurants – try the fine-dining French, Seychellois, and Asian fare at Cyann, or casual beachside Creole specialties and fresh seafood at Seselwa. www.epheliaresort.constancehotels.com
Constance Moofushi Maldives Sprawled across its own secluded island, Constance Moofushi is the ultimate retreat for couples looking for a simple, relaxing honeymoon. Explore the waters of the South Ari Atoll, spend a day on a deserted island, take a sunset cruise on a traditional Dhoni boat, go snorkelling, and enjoy afternoon tea by the pool. In the evenings, indulge in gourmet meals and delicious cocktails at the Manta restaurant or Alizee beach grill. www. moofushiresort.constancehotels.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
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ROAD WARRIOR
LESSONS
IN WORLD
HISTORY Thriller writer Steve Berry spends a lot of time on the road researching and finding inspiration for his internationally bestselling novels. He talks to Gayatri Bhaumik about how he travels, weaving destinations into his books, and getting involved in historical preservation. What are the five things you can’t do without while travelling? A small travel kit for freshening up on the go; my laptop, an 11-inch Macbook Air; a notepad and pen, since I’m still a bit old-fashioned when it comes to research; a small camera; and my wife, Elizabeth, since I don’t like to go anywhere without her.
Everyone travels differently. Can you describe your typical day on the road? If it’s a research trip, we’re usually up and out the door by 8am. We always have a specific schedule that we laid out during the months of research before we travel, hopefully zeroing in on what we need to find. Many times, though, that schedule goes out the door as different things enter the picture. So off we go on tangents. If the trip involves a book tour, the day starts early with a plane ride then, once on the ground, we’re doing at least one event (usually more) and some local media. The day doesn’t end until around 10 at night, then it starts all over again the next morning. Touring is not fun.
When planning your travels, what do you look for in a destination? Do your plans for a book influence where you go, or does what you see on the road www.jetsetter.hk
influence your stories? Uniqueness and history are what attracts me. I like places people don’t ordinarily visit. I like stories that most have never heard. Those local myths and legends are wonderful. That’s how The King’s Deception was born. Even when we visit some of the more popular destinations, we’re always looking for something different. For example, when in Paris, avoid Notre Dame and instead, head to St. Denis. It’s more spectacular, less crowded, and loaded with French history. I loved it so much I that included it in The Paris Vendetta. Travelling is what recharges my imagination bank, and many a novel has later been written from a trip previously taken.
Which city have you found most inspiring? My favourites are the smaller places like Salzburg, Austria; Cologne, Germany; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Carcassonne, France. Each of these is steeped in the past and each has lots of tales to tell. Malta was another place that I loved, so much so that it will be included in a future novel.
Along with your wife, Elizabeth, you set up History Matters, an organisation dedicated to assisting communities around the world with restoring and preserving their history. How
did this come about and why is it important? Monies for historic preservation have dried up everywhere. In 2009 we began to really see that, so we started History Matters to help local communities raise funds for historic preservation. We do this in a variety of ways, but the most popular is through a four-hour writers’ workshop that Elizabeth and I teach. Over 2,700 students have paid to attend those workshops, every penny of which has gone to historic preservation. So far, we’ve hosted around 80 events that have raised nearly a million dollars, which has been extremely gratifying.
In 2010, you joined Operation Thriller, visiting troops in combat zones. What did you take away from this experience? The incredible work and sacrifice that the men and women in uniform give to this (the USA) country. It was an amazing 10 days. Never have a group of thriller writers toured a war zone, and it was an honour to be part of that first group. We discovered that reading was the number one recreational pastime in Iraq, and everyone was excited we were there. We talked books and writing from dawn to dark. It’s an experience I will never forget. Steve Berry's latest thriller, The Patriot Threat, is out now.
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VILLA LIVING
The mirror pond at The Sanchaya
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THE
PLACE BETWEEN
WORLDS It’s easy to feel blissfully lost between eras at Bintan Island’s newest luxury retreat, discovers
N ic k Wa lto n
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here’s a gentle breeze off the deserted white sand beach and the horizon is empty save for a solitary white sail that shimmers in the mid-day sunshine. You’d never think you were only an hour from one of Asia’s most important cities, but that’s the beauty of The Sanchaya, the newest hideaway on the Indonesian island of Bintan – it’s luxury escapism at its very best. That’s not just escapism from the rat race of city life, although that’s a big part of why people come here. It’s my wife Maggie and my first visit to Bintan Island, an easy one-hour ferry ride from Singapore, and we were certain we would be sharing our sun-kissed slice of paradise with the masses. But The Sanchaya, with its unique blend of colonialesque pomp, Thai serenity and levels of luxury never seen before on Bintan, seems to absorb its guests into their own little bubbles of peace and quiet. Save for a few somnolent souls poolside, we have the property’s expansive Lagoi Bay beachfront to ourselves. Of course you can escape to many places in Asia; it's authentic hospitality, an attention to detail, chic, history-inspired design by Thailand’s P49 Deesign, and great dining that stands The Sanchaya apart. For many guests the experience begins at the resort’s own VIP lounge at Bintan’s Bandar BentanTelani Ferry Pier (unless you arrive on your own yacht), where the Estate’s ‘Artisans’ take over, running through check in processes, dinner recommendations and spa appointment bookings with military precision and plenty of smiles. www.jetsetter.hk
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VILLA LIVING Then it’s a 15 minute drive to the 1,300-hectare property, a harmonious if not curious marriage of British colonial estate and Thai village where you’re as likely to find yourself sipping Pimms and playing croquet as you are munching on ayam bakar with a jasmine-infused mojito. At The Sanchaya you choose the canvas of your own escape; there are nine sumptuous suites in the Great House, the main estate building, a beautifully-preserved two-storey beachfront manor with deep wrap-around balconies, gleaming hardwood the colour of cinnamon sticks, and black and white panel work reminiscent of the bungalows of 19th century Malaya. Suites are contemporary recreations, ensuring a balance between heritage and practicality. Bathrooms are spacious white enclaves with cavernous showers and standalone clawfoot soak tubs. There’s bespoke furniture that smacks of a gentleman’s club in Singapore, touches of Indonesian art and black and white photography on the walls, and an iPad to control the room’s subtly integrated technology.
Clockwise from top left: The Dining Room; a suite in the Great House; The Sanchaya brings new levels of luxury to Bintan; the Thai-themed Sanchaya Spa
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If sitting on your private balcony watching the sea with a good book doesn’t spell escape to you (and it certainly did for us), the estate also features the Lewan Village, a clutch of Thai-styled one bedroom villas nestled around their own lagoon. Each features spacious outdoor dining areas, Bang & Olufsen televisions, and glorious bathrooms. Families travelling together are also spoiled for choice, from the three-bedroom Leelawadee Villas, with their private pool terraces, through to the 240sqm two-story beachfront Presidential Villa, with its four lavish
guest rooms, private infinity pool, spacious kitchen, and dedicated living and dining areas. As easy as it is to sequester yourself away in your Old World-meets-New World suite, it’s well worth prying yourself from its clutches and heading out, if only to commandeer one of the double-sized beach beds, or set up pool side with a cocktail menu and one of the estate’s complementary cooling kits (cool towels, bottled water, sun tan lotion, lime wedges). From either spot you can muse over The Sanchaya’s dining offering. You could forgive most resorts for having averageat-best dining – after all, you’re not in the city, you’re here for the sun and the waves and the massages. The Sanchaya breaks that mold with two restaurants and two lounges, each with their own persona. Poolside is the Tasanee Grill, dedicated to Thai street food under the stars, although its bar also shakes up a great daquari during the day as well as a tantalizing lunch menu that means you don’t even have to leave your sun lounge to find sustenance. All day dining takes place at The Dining Room, housed within the Great House and home to the most leisurely breakfasts south of the equator, which are laced with homemade pastries and preserves, eggs to order and traditional Indonesian Jamu Gendong tonics served by a roving herbalist. Before dinner you’ll probably discover the vibe of The Bar, a decidedly decadent space of leather chairs and aged rums devised by UK mixology
VILLA LIVING 93 gurus Fluid Dynamics (they also do a mean cup of Ronnefelt tea, including their own Sanchaya blend made from carefully selected leaves from small-batch farmers in Nepal), while next door The Salon and Library is all about good wine and even better cheese, and not only boasts an elegant lounge complete with copies of To Kill a Mockingbird to To Whom the Bell Tolls, pith helmets, indigenous art and overstuffed art chairs, but also a modern private dining room that features a glass-encased wine library and bespoke degustation menus for those special celebrations far from home.
At The Sanchaya you choose the canvas of your own escape...
If you need a reprieve from all this good living, you can make amends with a visit to the estate’s state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness centre, if only to browse menus from your perch on the exercise bike. If you’re more willing to quench desire with wellness sin, The Sanchaya Spa is a blissfully private enclave with both indoor and outdoor treatment suites that serves up indulgent treatments inspired by the age-old wellness traditions of Thailand, India, Bali and Scandinavia. They also host yoga sessions on the beach for early risers and all-afternoon holistic journeys for those looking to complement their hatha with a hot stone massage. Finish off with one of the resort’s own fragrant herbal teas and you’ll discover seventh heaven is just off the coast of Sentosa. www.thesanchaya.com
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FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SKIES LX138 ZURICH-HONG KONG
Swiss International Airlines has proudly put its national identity at the forefront of its inflight business class product, discovers Nick Walton on a recent flight from Zurich to Hong Kong.
Check-in We checked in online but had to check in our luggage at Zürich Kloten Airport, Switzerland’s largest. The charming crew were very helpful, allocating us our desired seats and directing us to the alternative Senator Lounge as the one near our gate was under renovation.
The Lounge After a walk through the maze that is Zurich’s ever-expanding airport, we arrived at Terminal A’s Senator Lounge, which was a mixed experience. The spacious retreat features a main floor with lounge seating for approximately 60 passengers, with an additional café-style area at the back, and stairs that lead up to a chic cocktail bar that also doubles as the lounge’s smoking area. Facilities also include basic shower suites which can be booked in advance. Unfortunately the lounge was in a real state when we arrived, with more than half the tables covered in used plates, glasses and litter making it hard to find somewhere to settle in. Staff eventually emerged from behind the scenes to tackle the mess an hour into our visit. Two full bars on the main level are complemented by great Swiss wines and beers, as well as snacks, soups and salad ingredients. A single heated pasta dish looked like it had been on display for quite some time.
Inflight Swiss International operates an Airbus A340-300 aircraft to Hong Kong in a three-class configuration. www.jetsetter.hk
Business class’ 47 seats are split across two cabins in a rather curious 1-2-1, 2-2-1 configuration that gives some passengers a good 30 percent more space than others. It’s well worth booking ahead for one of the spacious single window seats on the aircraft’s right side which, despite not being one of the spacious 'throne' seats on the left, have more room for feet when in the reclined position. The latest generation of Swiss business suites really give the sense of being on a private jet and are great for long-haul travel. Seats feature little in the way of storage but have USB and AC in-seat power and regular headphone sockets, which are easily reached in a panel at shoulder level. At two metres long, and with innovative firmness and massage features, they offer both a very comfortable sleep and a wellappointed work space at 38,000 feet. Signature noise-reduction headphones are included, as is a basic amenity kit. We were welcomed onboard with glasses of DuvalLeroy Brut Champagne, hot towels and menus. Swiss collaborates with acclaimed Swiss chefs to create locally-inspired cuisine for all classes. On our flight, we were offered a salmon tartar with horseradish cream, beetroot and goat’s cheese; followed by a choice of corn-fed chicken breast with a Sbrinz sauce and potato purée with truffle; perch meunière with lemon and sundried tomato butter; or artichoke with an orange and ginger sauce and cous cous. This was followed by tiramisu Tentazioni with salted caramel crumble, and complemented by both Swiss and international wines and Swiss chocolates.
A quick option is also on offer for passengers looking to make the most of the night flight. Between June and August, look out for a signature menu by Zurich restauranteur Linda Mühlemann and chef Antonio Colaianni. The airline’s inflight entertainment system has an adequate selection of both new releases, classic movies and television shows, but is a little clunky to navigate. Business class seats feature a monitor with smartphone and tablet connectivity.
Service This is probably where Swiss starts to stray. While cheerful at Zurich, the crew quickly went into a robotic mode that limited interaction and replaced elegance with utility, much as you would expect in economy class. In an attempt to hurry service and allow guests to relax on the long night flight, service was rather systematic, and then crew all but disappeared as the lights were dimmed.
Summary Swiss International continues to innovate, and offers a very comfortable if not straight forward approach to long-haul business class travel, but one that is proudly laced with plenty of touches of home. Business class tickets Zurich to Hong Kong return from CHF7591.40 (US$8,009) per person. www.swiss.com Note: The author travelled as a guest of the airline
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P R I D E BEFORE THE FA L L KQ860 NAIROBI-HONG KONG
Nick Walton finds Kenya Airways needs more than a state-of-the-art aircraft to compete with the world’s leading airlines. Check-in We flew into Nairobi on Precision Air after Kenya Airways cancelled our inbound flight without notice, leaving us stranded at Kilimanjaro Airport for several hours. At the dedicated business class counter, we watched a young crew member named Mitchell argue with the passengers before us, before coolly processing us, all while gossiping with her colleagues at the next counter. The next guest in line finally lost his cool at her attitude and lack of interest and started yelling.
included braised leg of lamb with Lyonnaise potatoes; grilled chicken breast with coconut cream sauce and saffron rice; tagliatelle arabiatta with courgettes and red pepper; and a vegetable curry with jerra rice. This was followed by strawberry mousse and chocolate ganache. The meal was well-cooked and served efficiently but without flare.
Inflight
On the west-bound flights passengers are not required to disembark in Bangkok, and when we arrived going east, Hong Kong-bound passengers were told to stay put. After 15 minutes at the gate, we were suddenly told to collect all belongings and leave the aircraft because the replacement crew were yet to arrive. There was a lot of confusion and mixed messages among staff, who clearly couldn’t wait to leave the airport. We were directed to wait in a remote Air France lounge, meaning all duty free brought onboard was confiscated by security because the complacent crew hadn’t packaged liquids in security-sealed bags, causing real frustration among passengers returning home with expensive gifts. In the quiet and well-appointed lounge, the first we knew of our re-boarding was a “last call” announcement; we ran to the gate only to find boarding had not yet commenced, causing even more frustration among panting passengers.
Kenya Airways operate a new Boeing 787-800 to Bangkok and Hong Kong, a beautiful and cutting-edge aircraft with 30 lie-flat business class seats, each with a 79-inch pitch in a 2-2-2 configuration in two cabins. Seats are very comfortable, even when fully reclined, and feature plenty of storage space, large monitors, in-seat AC and USB connectivity, but lack privacy. Fortunately, business class was almost empty.
The last leg of the flight was uneventful; the new crew was much more charming, but the damage had been done and many passengers left frustrated when we finally arrived in Hong Kong, proving that Kenya Airways will need more than just fancy aircraft and sleek livery if it really wants to endear itself to premium travellers.
The Lounge The Pride Lounge at Nairobi Airport is an intimate and well-appointed space located on a mezzanine level. Once you get past more surly and disinterested desk staff, you’ll find a well-lit space with lounge suites for approximately 50 guests, a well-structured buffet with hot and cold dishes, a full bar, a dedicated smoking room, international papers, and well-maintained bathrooms.
Staff welcomed guests on board with glasses of Elexium Champagne and stylish amenity kits. Our cabin attendant, Pitchaya, used the 70-minute delay (passengers on another cancelled KQ flight to China were loaded onto our aircraft, which then required additional fuel) to take orders from a menu that www.jetsetter.hk
Business class tickets Hong Kong-Nairobi return from HK$14,460 (US$1,865). www.kenya-airways.com/hk Note: The author travelled as a guest of the airline
LIFESTYLE
FORAGING IN FOG CITY
THE KIMCHI
ALL TRUFFLED UP ROSÉS TO MAKE YOU BLUSH
QUEEN
BLOOMING BOTANICALS ALONG CAME A SPYDER
VINTAGE FLAIR
98 FOOD ADVENTURES
aLL
Truffled Up Truffles continue to be a culinary favourite around the world, with a range of the humble fungus showing up on menus and cocktail lists around the world. Whether you prefer your truffle black or white, on your plate or in your drink, you’ll enjoy sampling them with these foodie experiences. By
Gayatri Bhaumik
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FOOD ADVENTURES 99
S
tart in Boston’s historic Back Bay neighbourhood where the elegant
Bistro du Midi features a delicious
ode to truffles in the form of its La Truffe Noire cocktail. A popular choice from the eatery’s list of specialty tipples, the cocktail uses Michter’s 10yr Bourbon as a base, which is then topped with black truffle-infused Dolin Sweet Vermouth, a housemade black truffle syrup, and Carpano Antica Formula, and finished with a white truffle honey rim and a bourbon honeypickled black truffle garnish. The rich cocktail can be served individually, but its intensity makes sharing a better option. www.bistrodumidi.com
H
F
urther east, the truffle gets an Asian
twist at Fat Cow, a small, slick ‘Japanese-inspired meat atelier’ in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Orchard district. Despite the joint’s focus on Wagyu, the menu boasts a truffle-filled surprise in the form of the Tai No Kuro-Toryufu appetiser. The heart of the dish is fresh, very lightly seared sashimi grade sea bream, laid over a bed of wellseasoned kelp. The finishing touch is a hefty layer of thinly sliced black truffles that could easily fool you into thinking the chef forgot the fish. You wouldn’t imagine these ingredients working together, but they melt in your mouth in a taste bud-satisfying burst of flavours. www.fat-cow.com.sg
ead over to Tuscany, Italy, where local truffle aficionado Vittorio Del Bono Venezze runs Truffle
Hunters, a highly specialised
tour company offering shared and private hunting tours in the region’s stunning countryside. Truffle and wine fans can indulge both their passions with the shared Chianti and Truffle Tour or the private Wine & Truffle Tour, but for a really hands-on experience, book the private Truffle Cooking Lesson. You’ll get up close and personal with the humble fungus as you learn to clean fresh truffles, and how best to incorporate it into sandwiches, pastas, omelettes and cakes, under the direction of the company’s chef Letizia.
F
or the ultimate tribute to the unassuming truffle, go south to Australia where in the depth of the southern winter, the country’s capital, Canberra, and its surrounding region celebrates the local Black Perigord Truffle harvest with an eight-week festival that runs from June through August. True truffle aficionados can expect to enjoy fungus-laced degustation dinners, join truffle hunts with local producers, try cooking classes with celebrity chefs, and explore local farmers’ markets. www.trufflefestival.com.au
www.trufflehunter.net
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100 CHEF PROFILE
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CHEF PROFILE 101
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102
TOP TABLES
VIETNAM ON A PLATE Following the success of his SoHo venture, Chôm Chôm, chef Peter Cuong Franklin has opened a new modern Vietnamese eatery in the heart of Hong Kong’s Central district. A sleek, expansive space, Viet Kitchen offers a range of share plates and pho, and handcrafted cocktails. Menu highlights include steamed pork and shrimp ravioli; caramel chicken wings; Hanoi chicken pho; Saigon beef pho; and roast duck pho. Other plates are infused with southeast Asian flavours, like the grilled lemongrass Korubuta pork chop; and wok-fried clams in lime butter sauce. Diners can wash down the flavourful dishes with drinks like the Saigon Night, a concoction of vodka, homemade Kahlua, drip coffee and coconut foam, or the Viet Signature Cocktail, made with rum, fresh-squeezed sugarcane, lemongrass and calamansi. www.vietkitchenhk.com
S U M M E R
A spate of new openings around the world brings high-quality A BLEND OF OLD AND NEW Milroy’s of SoHo has been an iconic purveyor of fine whisky since it opened in 1964, but the recent revamp, courtesy of new management, has added a bit more sparkle to this timeless London spot. The small bar on the ground floor boasts a selection of over 250 whiskies from around the world – poured at 35ml rather than the standard 25ml – as well as tastings and flights, and has been expanded to accommodate more patrons. The real draw is the new basement ‘speakeasy,’ The Vault of Soho. Entering through a hidden door secreted in a bookcase, patrons are greeted by a dim, raw yet comfortable space serving microwbrew beers, premium wines, highquality spirits, and specialty craft cocktails like the DI Barrel, a mix of homemade cherry wood-infused bourbon, dry vermouth, Amer Picon, maraschino, barrel bitters and a Chartreuse sugar shard. www.thevaultsoho.co.uk
French Flair in Bali The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has unveiled a new farmto-table French bistro concept at its scenic Riverside Café, on the banks of the Ayung River. Under the shade of banyan trees, chef Jocelyn Argaud employs traditional French techniques, wood-fire ovens and fresh local produce to recreate his mother’s home cooking in signature plates like chicken ‘Basquaise’ baked in a cast-iron pot with bell peppers, quail eggs and smoked duck jus; wood-fired tomato tart with Caciotta cheese, Dijon mustard, fresh oregano and arugula; and mushroom ravioli with goat’s cheese shavings and sauce ‘riche.’ Previously open only for lunch, guests can now enjoy dinner here with a la carte options or a set multi-course menu. www.fourseasons.com/sayan
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TOP TABLES
103
Fresh Mex Popular Hong Kong-based burrito joint Cali-Mex has opened a flagship store on Causeway Bay’s Pennington Street. Seating more than 80 customers over 2,000sqm, the new space offers a similar experience as the other outlets, with freshly-made signature tortillas and natural fillings like Australian Angus beef, Australian free-range chicken, US pork shoulder, New Zealand ling fillets, prawns, salsa, marinades and guacamole. The new space also offers three new all-day breakfast bowls, priced at HK$78 (US$10). All bowls come with two fried eggs, jalapenos, salsa, pico de gallo, cheese, Mexican rice and sour cream, but diners can choose between toppings of crispy bacon, spicy chorizo or sautéed spinach. www.cali-mex.com
SUSTENANCE fare and craft mixology to gourmands this season. By
Gayatri Bhaumik
RUSSIA’S ASIAN ADDITION As it celebrates its 140th anniversary, St Petersburg’s luxurious Belmond Grand Hotel Europe has unveiled a stylish new restaurant that pays tribute to Asia’s vibrant culinary culture. Azia puts creative twists on classic Asian recipes, melding the past and present with sumptious dishes. Interiors by Japanese firm Super Potato combine Russian fabrics and architecture with Asian materials like Castor Aralia wood and natural stone; the 700sqm space features a bar, a dining room, a sushi and sashimi counter, and a semi-private room for eight. The innovative menus include signature dishes like Singapore-style crab with chilli; tandoorcooked chicken with carrot and ginger; and steamed buns stuffed with lobster meat and five spices; while an extensive wine list features labels from over 20 countries, and the bar serves tea-infused cocktails like the Hazuki, a mixture of brandy-soaked apricots, jasmine tea, Prosecco and lemongrass essence. www.belmond.com
Designer Plates A New British dining concept by chef Stevie Parle and designer Tom Dixon, Craft London is a breezy space decked out in a palette of Scottish tweeds, British limestone and eclectic Londondesigned fittings created by Marks Barfield. Situated in Greenwich, the restaurant works closely with specialised craftspeople to develop world-class processes for coffee roasting, meat curing, beekeeping, smoking and more, to offer high-quality homemade products in dishes like scallop, mussel and clam porridge with parsley sauce; and clay baked duck with honey, board beans and barley ‘miso’. The sleek bar, which offers 360-degree views over London, whips up simple, modern cocktails by Adam Wyatt-Jones; the Cutty Sark, named for the famous tea clipper moored nearby, is an elegant concoction of gin, Cynar and H&H Raspberry Tea syrup.
www.craftlondon.co.uk www.jetsetter.hk
104
RESTAURANT REVIEW
A PLEASANT SURPRISE AT TYCOON TANN, SIMPLE INTERIORS BELIE THE DECADENT ‘MODERN’ CHINESE FOOD THAT’S ON OFFER. BY GAYATRI BHAUMIK
A
new concept by bma Catering Management’s Cherry Lo, Tycoon Tann is hidden behind a blink-andyou’ll-miss-it storefront on Hong Kong's Lyndhurst Terrace. Blending traditional and modern Chinese elements in a sparse, simple design scheme, Tycoon Tann is actually two venues spread over three floors - Mod Bar is the creative groundfloor watering hole, while the second and third storeys form two intimate dining rooms. We kick off our Tycoon Tann experience with innovative, quirkily-presented cocktails at Mod Bar. The small alcove is dominated by a long bar down one side, behind which Peter Kwok and his team of skilled bartenders whip up Asian-inspired and classic cocktails. The Suan La Tang was a surprising, spicy tipple that packed quite the punch. Inspired by the famously spicy Thai soup, tom yum goong, the concoction is made with gin, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, spices and coconut juice, and comes presented in a bowl, looking much like the soup that it mimics.
www.jetsetter.hk
After drinks, we settle into a corner table in the tiny first-floor dining room, ready for dinner. The room is unexpectedly sparse, with just six tables and a series of unusual Chinese-inspired paintings on the walls. But what it lacks in décor it makes up for with mouth-watering dishes turned out in style. The menu here presents innovative twists on Chinese favourites by chef Ng Chun-pui, and our first dish of char siew is surprisingly tender and flavoursome, thanks to it being made with Hungarian Mangalica Hogs pork and coated in a just-right honey sauce. Any Chinese restaurant worth its salt offers a signature roasted Peking duck in half and full serves, but Tycoon Tann does one better with its dish of sliced Peking duck with caviar. Individual-sized portions are made of slabs of succulent duck meat nestled on a lush blinilike base and topped with a dash of caviar that adds the perfect amount of salty tang to balance the flavours. Another standout dish is the baked crab shell stuffed with fresh crab meat, onion and cheese, a decadent crowdpleaser served in tongue-in-cheek fashion in a silver dish fashioned in the shape of a crab.
The final dish of crispy salty chicken was the only letdown, being rather too salty. Credit is due to the Tycoon Tann team who seem to handle special requests with aplomb; for the vegetarian on our table, they whip out a succession of vegetarian dishes – in time with the meaty plates – which are equally well-presented and appetising. We finish the meal with the signature Pearl of the Dragon dessert. Despite its rather grandiose name and presentation, the dish is simply a crispy glutinous ball with sesame, which is cut into large triangular slabs for individual serves, and is a satisfying, if rather heavy and not-overly-sweet note to finish on. By focusing on quality ingredients, careful innovation and strong presentation, Tycoon Tann offers a surprisingly enjoyable encounter with ‘modern’ Chinese fare. Tycoon Tann; 74 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3125 3228; www.tycoontann.com
RESTAURANT REVIEW
105
RECLAIMING THE NIGHT
An Innovative new Vietnamese Restaurant is Injecting Vibrancy into Central Hong Kong’s Financial District, discovers Nick Walton.
V
isitors to Hong Kong’s Central district after dark will know how culinary barren it can be. Sure you have the vibrancy of Soho only a few blocks up the hill but considering how many people call Central home during the week you’d think that someone would be trying to seduce these would be diners before they got onto the Mid-Levels Escalator. Fortunately someone has; innovative chef Peter Cuong Franklin has left Chôm Chôm at Soho Junction and has set up his own kitchen in the Nexxus Building in the heart of that gastronomic desert between the IFC and Queens Road Central with Viet Kitchen & Baguette, a bright, welcoming everythingfor-everyone eatery. The space, decked out with deep booths, iconic images from Vietnam and more than 300 brightly coloured masks
from Hanoi on its walls, serves chef Peter’s signature light and playful cuisine in an environment that’s as much happy hour bar as it is restaurant. As the name suggests there is an adjacent bagettery serving the chef’s addictive bahn mi sandwich to lunch seekers on the go but it’s in the evenings when this place really shines, with great Happy Hour cocktails and Vietnamese beer bucket specials, an imaginative menu that’s all about trying new things, an open kitchen so you can see all the action and a vibe that’s chilled and vibrant all at once. Start off with an imported beer; the beer buckets of 33, Saigon, Hanoi, and Biere Larue – Viet Kitchen is the only place in Hong Kong doing this iconic beer in the bottle – matched with mini bahn mi, caramel chicken wings, and soft shell crab rice paper rolls make this spot a Happy Hour winner, and teetotalers will love the freshly squeezed sugar cane (also used for signature cocktails) and the salted lemon soda, a recipe straight from the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. For the indecisive, the Pho Flight is a great option – four different mini bowls of Vietnam’s
most famous soup family - while a good selection of small bites, from steamed pork and shrimp ravioli which were plump and cooked to perfection, through to roast duck rice paper rolls allow diners to graze while their choose their mains. The Vietnamese take on the Caprese Salad, with crispy fried shallots and moreish tofu bites, was a real surprise, as was the lemongrass kurobuta pork chop with burned lime, which is caramalised with fish sauce to create a sweet, decadent black crust. The beef tenderloin with crispy garlic was a true palate pleaser, though the crispy green beans with XO sauce were a little too much like the Chinese staple to really stand out. We finished off with home-made Vietnamese café sua da ice cream – made from baileys and rich Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk – as well as a couple of signature cocktails from the bar, including the Saigon Night, made with homemade Kahlua, drip coffee, fiery Vietnamese vodka and coconut foam, the perfect finish to our new favourite Vietnamese retreat north of NoHo. Viet Kitchen & Baguette, G04 & G06 Nexxus Building, 4 Connaught Road Central, Tel: +852 2806 2068; www.vietkitchenhk.com www.jetsetter.hk
106 MINIBAR When we think of pisco, the Peruvian
Another fresh-faced London-
grape brandy that’s currently taking the
style gin that comes with plenty
world by storm, we tend to think of fluffy,
of tradition, Greenall’s Gin is
sweet pisco sours. But Barsol Perfecto
made in the oldest gin distillery
Amor, an award-winning aperitif made from
in the UK, one which dates back
100 percent Peruvian grapes, brings this
to 1761. The result is a pleasing,
unique drop to a new drinkership. Named
understudied gin with hints of its
for the perfect marriage of pisco and grape
extensive botanicals, which include
juice obtained shortly after the crush,
juniper, coriander, cassia, orange
Barsol Perfecto Amor is crafted in small
and lemon peel. Ideally suited for
batches using fortified grape juice from the
a martini, Greenall's Gin boasts
Quebranta, Italia and Torontel varietals,
a subtle flavour profile, which
and pure pisco spirit to create an intensely
makes it an ideal entry-level gin for
flavoured aperitif that boasts hints of raisins,
cocktails under the summer sun.
dried apricots and quince, perfect for long
www.greenallsgin.com
summer cocktails.
SUMMER
SENSATIONS
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Add a little tradition to your next homemade classic with these vital summertime additions to the home bar. By Nick Walton
In a world where more and more
Produced in Jamaica and bottled
bartenders and consumers
in London, Smith & Cross
are appreciating the beautiful
Traditional Jamaican Rum is as
complexities of gin, Berkeley Square gin brings 250 years of
well suited for summer libations as it
dedication and expertise to bear
With the distinctive flavour profile of
as it creates the ‘single malt of
Jamaican rums of the late 19th and
gins.' A timeless spirit made with
early 20th centuries, this elegant and
hand-picked botanicals like sage,
versatile spirit is produced using only
lavender, kaffir lime leaves and
Wedderburn and Plummer pot still
basil, and then produced in the
distillates - the former aged for less
traditional style since 1761, this
than a year, the latter split between
complex yet refined spirit is then
18 months and three years in white
presented in an eye-catching Art
oak, ensuring exotic fruity and spicy
Deco-esque emerald bottle at
notes that bring a touch of the tropics
46%ABV that thrusts the spirit into
to any cocktail combination. At 57%
today’s top drinking circles. Expect
ABV, the traditional strength required
a rich nose with balanced citrus
by the British Royal Navy, this spirit
fruit and a round juniper finish.
brings a heady touch to daiquiris and
www.berkeleysquaregin.com
dark and stormies. www.alpenz.com
is as a belly warmer on cooler nights.
MINIBAR 107 The Woodford Reserve Distillery’s Master Collection is inspired by
For a gin that’s not afraid to be different, try Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin. Bottled at 40% ABV,
the brand’s owner, Oscar Pepper, and master distiller James Crow,
this unassuming but unashamedly
two innovators in the rye whisky
modern gin has already developed
scene. The latest addition – and
a firm fan base among drinkers
ninth in the series – is the elegant
looking for something a little
Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Finish. Produced by taking a
different. Inspired by the ancient
batch of mature Woodford Reserve and finishing it in pinot noir barrels freshly emptied and shipped from California's famed Sonoma-Cutrer winery, this rich rye whisky boasts a deep garnet hue, and a nose
Spice Road that joined Europe with the Far East, the gin is crafted with exotic hand-picked botanticals, including spicy cubeb berries from Indonesia, black pepper from India, and coriander from Morocco. The botanicals in Opihr Gin make the
that’s bursting with red fruit and
journey to England, where they are
ripe berries, with touches of
married with fine English spirit to
cinnamon and clove. With a long
produce an exotic, oriental-spiced
and warm finish, ensure you
gin that’s citrusy on the nose and
crack this elegant addition open
offers a refreshing finish with a
with someone who inspires you.
touch of spice. www.opihr.com
www.woodfordreserve.com
John Walker & Sons has unveiled Another summertime gin that needs to be on your home bar is
Bloom. One of the controversial, less juniper-forward gins, Bloom is produced in the second largest gin distillery in Britain and is triple-distilled using honeysuckle, pomelo and chamomile, in addition to the more ‘standard’ botanicals of juniper, angelica and cubeb berries. This means you can expect a suitably light and fresh note with floral touches, making it an ideal sipping gin, especially as it’s a comparatively sweet spirit. A touch of dilution helps bring out the flavours. Alternatively, add summer flare to your Negroni or Tom Collins. www.bloomgin.com
the latest in its John Walker &
Sons Private Collection with the 2015 Edition. Showcasing the innovative craft and spirit of its creator, master blender Jim Beveridge, as well as a blend of rare fruit character, this is the second release in a seven-strong collection. The 2015 Edition is an exceptionally smooth blend of mature whisky fruit expressions from the heart of Scotland. The wonderful lightness of fresh and exotic Speyside notes deepens into the warm, autumnal fruits of Highland malts, finishing with a lift from the spicy, West Highland fruit character. The John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2015 Edition, at 46.8% ABV, is presented in a deep red glass decanter with an angled cut to reflect the slanted label on the iconic Johnnie Walker square bottle. www.johnniewalker.com www.jetsetter.hk
108 SPIRITS
Blooming
BOTANICALS As summer arrives, mixologists and bartenders alike will be reaching for the light, floral notes of aperitifs, including one steeped in the traditions of a British summer. By
Nick Walton
Aperitif /əˌpɛrɪˈtiːf/ French; noun; An alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite – Oxford Dictionary
M
anhattans and rum Old Fashioneds are all well and good during those chilly eves of winter, but come the summer months, many sippers will be reaching for something tall and cold, and potentially less potent. That’s where the aperitif comes in. Although people have been tinkering with herbal macerations since the Egyptian pharaohs, the modern wine-based aperitif was born in France and Italy in the mid-1800s. Aperitivo
in Italy and aperitif in France, these lighter, bittersweet tipples were just the ticket to opening the palate in preparation for a meal. Zip forward to the 21st century and a very British incarnation of those traditional bittersweet characteristics. Kamm & Sons, created by sculptor-turnedbartender, author and drinks consultant Alex Kammerling, is the poster boy of a new movement towards innovative, complex spirit-based aperitifs that are getting the creative juices of bartenders and consumers flowing. Based on England’s love affair with gin (and realised after over 100 experimental tinctures), Kamm & Sons has a lower alcohol by volume and a unique bitter kick that lends itself ideally to tall Collins-style cocktails. With floral and citrus notes delivered by a total of 45 natural botanicals – which include ginseng (the company makes a separate ginseng spirit that’s a little more curious), fresh grapefruit, wormwood, juniper, genitan and manuka honey - Kamm & Sons is also the perfect mixing aperitif. Juice it up with a dash of gin or vodka, then smooth it out with a drop of elderflower syrup, fresh passionfruit or pink grapefruit, or even a good tonic water or bitter lemon like Fever Tree. Kamm & Sons adds new complexity to a Tom Collins or even a traditional gin martini, and tastes great served over ice with a twist and a few massaged mint leaves. www.kammandsons.com www.jetsetter.hk
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
A
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.
T
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
110
WINE days after crushing. The wine absorbs only a small amount of colour and accrues little of the astringent tannins and bitterness that result from prolonged contact with the skins. The most internationally acclaimed rosés are from southern France and are made from Grenache, a widely planted yet little acknowledged grape. Easy to cultivate, Grenache produces light, fruity and savoury wines. Tavel in France is one of the finest rosé districts in the world. Delas Tavel La Comballe 2003 is a classic Grenache: dry, with fruity and citrus peel flavours and an occasional whiff of wild herbs and flowers. Sip this wine while flipping the pages of Peter Mayle’s Provencal novel, French Lessons. Both the Barossa Valley and McClaren Vale in South Australia produce Grenache based wines, so it is no surprise to discover a tasty 2004 rosé from Turkey Flat Vineyards in the Barossa Valley. It has a pale ruby colour, with a soft, silky palate of delicate raspberries and strawberries. Open this bottle when serving a simple grilled fish or mesclun salad topped with a poached egg and strips of crispy, grilled pancetta.
Rosés to
MAKE YOU BLUSH Ranging in color from salmon to strawberry, rosé is the perfect summer drink, says Master of Wine
Debra Meiburg
D
on’t confuse rosé and blush. Blushes are pink, but the resemblance stops there. Blushes are deliberately sweet, whereas rosés are dry and offer the aromas and flavours of red wine without the heaviness. Pink wines are made from red grapes. All grapes, even dark purple ones, have clearcoloured juice. To make red wine, the clear juice is allowed to rest with the dark skins for an extended period – as long as two months. The longer the juices stew with the skins, the deeper the colour. When making rosé, winemakers simply whisk the juice away from the dark skins a few www.jetsetter.hk
Rosés are often produced from a vineyard’s finest grapes. Why use prized juice to make pink wine? In regions where it is difficult to create dark red wines, winemakers “bleed” clear grape juice from the main batch of wine, leaving heaps of skins to colour the remaining juice. Chateau de Sours Bordeaux rosé is made from running the juice off Merlot grapes 24-36 hours after they are crushed. The resulting wine is a pretty ruby color, with jubilant fruitiness and more mouth-drying tannins than one would find in Grenache-based wines. Sip a glass of this wine with herb-crusted roasted lamb rack. Fancy making your own rosé? Some winemakers simply splash a finished red wine into a vat of white wine. Blending two colours is considered a no-no by the great rosé producers of Provence, but for centuries the winemakers in Champagne have used this technique to craft superb rosé Champagne. Grill veal chops and serve them with Möet et Chandon Brut Rosé Champagne, a tart, dry sparkling rosé with cranberry, lemon and orange rind flavours. Rosé should be served chilled and is best enjoyed outdoors, accompanied by the scent of a gently smoking grill, fresh strawberries, and a vase of summer roses.
CHAMPAGNE 111
CHAMPAGNE
WISHES
Champagne Perrier-Jouët has released the latest vintage of the House’s acclaimed prestige cuvée,
Belle Epoque 2007. Described by cellar master Hervé Deschamps as “a crystalline vintage whose subtlety and generosity highlight the precision of the Perrier-Jouët style,” the 2007 is set to be one of the most sought after vintages of the Belle Epoque cuvée in the last 20 years. The crystalline characteristics are displayed through the lightness and luminosity of the wine and its delicate freshness and elegance. Belle Epoque remains the iconic expression of Perrier-Jouët’s floral, stylish and diamond-cut style, hallmarked by the finest chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs, and benefitting from two centuries of winemaking expertise in the art of vintage. It is a beautifully elegant wine that closely mirrors the spray of white anemones adorning the bottle, designed by Emile Gallé in 1902. The 2007 Belle Epoque cuvée is an assemblage comprising 50 percent chardonnay from Cramant, Avize and Chouilly, bringing freshness, minerality and floral notes to the blend. The generosity and fresh fruit notes come from the 45 percent pinot noir from Mailly, Verzy and Aÿ. Deschamps also chose to add five percent pinot meunier from Dizy to add ripe fruit aromas and extra roundness to the finishing touch of the final cuvée. The wine was aged for six years in the Perrier-Jouët cellars before disgorgement, when it was given a light dosage of 9g/l. www.perrier-jouët.com
In addition, the House of G. H. Mumm Champagne has re-released a limited quantity of magnums of the celebrated Cordon Rouge Millésimes from 1985, 1990 and 1996 as part of the launch offering of a brand new
Collection du Chef de Caves.
The entire Collection includes magnums of the best vintages from the last 30 years that have been kept in perfect condition in the Mumm cellars in Reims, enabling the House to track its oenological history. The decision to re-release small quantities of three vintages at a time, when they are considered by cellar master Didier Mariotti to show one aspect of the vintage particularly well, will showcase the consistency and ageing potential of G. H. Mumm vintage champagnes. Each magnum has been given a light dosage of just 4g/l to let the true characteristics of the wine shine through. The new Collection du Chef de Caves will enable the House to share some of its finest mature vintages with champagne connoisseurs across the world. Each magnum within the initial release will carry a bespoke label inspired by the historical look and feel of the famous Cordon Rouge Millésime bottle of the 1980s. With the back labels personally signed by Didier Mariotti and featuring the date of disgorgement, the magnums will be presented in an authentic antique-white wooden gift box. www.ghmumm.com
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112 WISHLIST
Evoking the feel of summer on the Amalfi coast, the new Le
Parfum Resort Collection Eau de Toilette by Elie Saab is part of the Lebanese designer’s new resort line. Developed by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the limited-edition fragrance features base notes of amber and cedar. At its heart are lighter aromas of orange blossom, white jasmine and frangipani while top notes of caramalised fig and luscious mandarin round out the exotic perfume. www.eliesaab.com
NOTHING BUT
BLUE SKIES Nothing says summer like cloudless blue skies, and these luxe new pieces capture that perfectly. By Gayatri Bhaumik
The ideal companion for a night out, the Gucci
Sogo Blue MicroGuccissima Chain Bag is a sleek, stylish purse big enough to hold your nighton-the-town essentials. The eye-catching bag is made in Italy from Gucci’s microguccissima leather featuring ‘Sogo Blue’ detail, and is accented by a detachable chain strap and the brand’s trademark metal plate. Inside, the bag holds 13 card slots and three bill compartments. HK$5,990 (US$773) www.gucci.com
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Part of the dynamic new Tiffany CT60 collection, named for Tiffany & Co founder Charles Lewis Tiffany and boasting vintage-feel designs inspired by US President Roosevelt’s iconic gold watch, the Chronograph 42mm is a solid men's watch in stainless steel. The sophisticated timepiece features a blue soleil dial with silver poudré numerals set in a round 42mm case, and is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement. The Swiss-made watch is waterresistant to 100 metres. US$7,250, www.tiffany.com
WISHLIST 113
The stunning sapphire and diamond beaded tassel secret watch from Graff Diamonds is a true showcase of such inspirational craftsmanship. This unique piece combines meticulously graded and matched sapphires sourced over many months, to ensure a continuity in colour, fluidity and vibrancy, with an extraordinary tassel which conceals a pavé diamond watch face suspended from a delicate platinum chain. www.graffdiamonds.com
A summer wardrobe stable, the casual espadrille has been given a luxe makeover by Longchamp. Capturing the essence of the lingering days of the season, the Leather Front Espadrilles in Blue retain the simple rope base that the shoes are known for, along with upper linings and graceful, slim ankle straps rendered in butter-soft métis leather. Also available in yellow, cherry, bubble pink and green. HK$1,650 (US$21), www.longchamp.com
Inspired by the spices of South America, the limited-edition Tonka is the newest fragrance from London-based Laboratory Perfumes. The rich, elegant fragrance combines the piquancy of mandarin and pink peppercorn with warm woodland aromas and the tonka bean’s earthy vanilla notes. Like all the brand’s products, Tonka is blended using natural oils and has been scientifically formulated to react to the wearer’s biochemistry over the course of the day. GBP65 (US$100) for 100ml, www.laboratoryperfumes.com
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114 WATCHES
While most dive watches are inherently masculine, the new Breitling
Superocean II 36 is specifically crafted for women with adventurous streaks. This 36mm diameter variation of the brand's Superocean series combines elegant, feminine designs across its white-clad dial, bezel and strap, with new levels of underwater performance. Water
resistant to 200 metres with an officially chronometer-certified self-winding movement, the Superocean II 36 features a rubber-molded unidirectional fluted rotating bezel, which displays large, clearly visible numerals, a countdown of the last fifteen minutes of dive time, and a triangle with a luminescent marker at 12 o’clock. The dial is adorned with large rounded numerals and oversized hands accentuated by a luminescent coating. A new rubber Ocean Racer strap reinforces the sporting vocation of this timepiece with a row of holes surrounded by an embossed circular motif.
FROM THE SKIES TO THE OCEAN BREITLING HAS RELEASED TWO NEW TIMEPIECES, ONE CATERING TO WOMEN LOOKING TO EXPLORE THE DEPTHS OF THE SEAS, THE OTHER AN ULTRA-TECHNICAL MEN’S PIECE WITH DISTINCTIVE MILITARY-INSPIRED LINES. For the gents, the watch company has released a variation of its already popular Avenger Blackbird series. The Breitling Avenger
Blackbird 48 features
a new, robust and lightweight 48mm-diameter titanium case. Made from a metal much favoured in the aeronautical world, the new watch features a highly resistant black carbon-based coating – resulting in a ‘stealth’ look – and a sleek, ergonomic profile that’s extended by inward curving lugs. The dial features large, luminescent hour markers and hands, along with a red border framing the date window. The unidirectional rotating bezel, fitted with four rider tabs to facilitate handling, keeps an extremely precise count of flight times, while the large screwlocked crown with non-slip grip is equipped with reinforcements to protect against shocks. www.breitling.com
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WATCHES 115
GLITZ & G LA M OUR
The latest timepieces for women are all about bringing a bit of sophisticated sparkle to summer. Part of its 2015 collection, the
4948R-011 is an exquisite new timepiece by Patek Philippe. The feminine annual calendar features a refined 38mm rose gold case whose clean curves gleam with 347 diamonds, complementing the shimmer of the white Balinese motherof-pearl dial and gold appliqué numerals. As well as the time, the watch face displays the day, week, month and moon phase. Water resistant to 30 metres, the watch is finished with a handstitched matte white alligator strap and a buckle set with 27 diamonds. www.patek.com
One of Longines’ latest models, the sophisticated
L2.305.0.83.6 is part of the brand’s new Symphonette collection, designed to echo the elegance of music notes grouped in an impeccable arrangement. The stainless steel oval case glimmers with a halo of 56 diamonds, which surrounds a white mother-of-pearl dial with inlaid Arabic numerals and blued steel hands. The case is set on a detailed mesh steel bracelet secured with a butterfly clasp. www.longines.com
A new take on JaegerLeCoultre’s Duetto concept, the Grand Reverso Lady Ultra Thin Duetto Duo combines two personalities with a luminous face for day and a dazzling dial for evening, and allows wearers to indicate a second time zone. The first face features a guilloché dial and baton hands surrounded by two carats of diamonds; the second, activated with a quick reversing twist, is rendered in luminescent mother-of-pearl with dauphin hands. The dials are shielded by a rectangular white gold case set on a simple grey satin bracelet finished with a double folding buckle. www.jaeger-lecoultre.com www.jetsetter.hk
116
BEAUTY TRAVEL
BORN THIS WAY This summer is all about that naturally sunkissed glow and these new neutral products will ensure you look flawless through the season’s lazy, hazy, crazy days. By Gayatri Bhaumik Part of Tom Ford’s all-new 2015 Soleil Collection, the Cream
and Powder Eye Colour in Naked Bronze is an innovative duo that pairs two lush formulas in one sleek package to create lustrous, sexy eyes for summer. The hyper-pigmented, metallic cream shadow smoothes easily onto lids, while the shimmery powder intensifies the look with a touch of sparkle. Each shade The new, exclusive Flawless
Contouring Palette by Laura Mercier makes one of the hottest makeup techniques a breeze to achieve on the road. The palette has five unique crèmes in neutral shades that are perfect for sculpting the face and defining and highlighting features; there
can be worn alone, or layered for extra wow-factor. Presented in a simple, clear-and-white dual-layer
Described as ‘California in a
package, the Cream and Powder
compact,’ the new Bronze Lights
Eye Colour is also available in
by Smashbox is an ultra-refined
Golden Peach, Black Oyster and
bronzer. This hi-tech product
Midnight Sea shades. US$60,
has been developed with special
www.tomford.com
coated pigments that help it blend evenly into the skin, and a judicious infusion of Photoset
are three neutral brown matte
Mineral Complex ensures that it
crèmes for shading, and two crème
stays fresh for up to eight hours.
highlighters for light reflection.
The smooth, long-wear formula
The innovative cream formula is
gives a natural sunkissed glow
much easier to blend than the
while being translucent enough
usual contouring powders, allowing
to allow the skin’s undertones to
users to achieve a natural, flawless
show through. The Bronze Lights
application each time. The kit also
come packaged in a sleek black
includes a step-by-step tutorial and
compact, and is also available in
quick-fix tips, and comes presented
the slightly darker Deep Matte
in a chic deep brown case with
shade. US$34,
whimsical artwork on the lid.
www.smashbox.com
US$50, www.lauramercier.com
www.jetsetter.hk
THE LIST 117
www.jetsetter.hk
118
LUGGAGE
Vintage F l a i r This season’s luggage takes style cues from the golden age of travel and evokes the era's sophisticated style. By Gayatri Bhaumik Created by Barcelona-based designer Mauro Bianucci, Wilkens’ W1 is a real throwback to the days of steamer trunks. Made with sumptuous leather accented by solid hardwood and brass, and strengthened with carbon fiber, the carry-on-size case – which measures 14.8x21.8x9.1 inches – also features telescopic handles and vintage-look detailing. The W1 is a bespoke experience, with customers able to choose leathers, wood trims and metals, and finish the personalised case with a logo of their own initials. Each case is handcrafted in Montana’s Flathead Valley by Ryan Motley and his team of artisans. From € 2,950 (US$3,292) www.wilkens.com
British fashion line Reiss and Steamline Luggage have partnered to create a capsule collection of black toned, vintageinspired leather carry-on and stowaway cases that fuse style with functionality. Each piece is handmade with high-end materials – including recycled bonded leather, top-grain leather, and canvas - and features leather straps, TSA-approved locks, and brushed metal hardware. All cases are also equipped with wheels and extendable aluminium handles that make them easy to travel with. From GBP375 (US$585), www.reiss.com
The epitome of timeless style, the new Grenadier II by New Delhi-based
Nappa Dori is the ideal carry-on bag for those inspired by the golden age of jet travel. At 11x9x2.5 inches, the Grenadier II might be diminutive, but it certainly packs a stylish punch. The bag is entirely handcrafted in genuine harness leather and finished with antique-look hardware, while the attached cross-body sling leaves hands free, making travel that much easier. The Grenadier II comes in tan, maroon, dark green and navy blue. RS8,500 (US$132), www.nappadori.com
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AUTO
www.jetsetter.hk
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
PORSCHE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN HONG KONG with limited-edition 911
This year, Porsche and Jebsen Motors celebrate the 60th anniversary of the landmark partnership that brought the German company’s iconic cars to Hong Kong.
I
n 1955, Jebsen Motors made the momentous decision to sign the first importer agreement with Porsche and in October that year, Hong Kong received its first annual consignment – three units of the then-revolutionary Porsche 356. The cars were a hit on the streets of Hong Kong,
sparking an extraordinary, enduring relationship between this dynamic city and the iconic Germany automobile marquee. This year marks the 60th anniversary of this distinguished partnership. Over the last six decades, Porsche has gone from strength to strength in Hong Kong, developing a strong profile and reputation and meeting numerous milestones. Today, 60 years after Jebsen Motors first put Porsche cars on Hong Kong’s roads, the Germany company now imports seven iconic models to the city – the 911, Boxster, Cayman, Panamera, Cayenne, Macan, and the 918 Spyder. “Jebsen Group is proud to celebrate this important anniversary as Hong Kong’s exclusive Porsche dealer for six decades,” said Jebsen Group Chairman Hans Michael Jebsen. “We look forward to continuing the success story long into the future, and we wish to thank Porsche AG and Porsche China for their enduring support in making Porsche the benchmark for sportscars in Hong Kong, desired and appreciated in a city renowned for its discerning sophistication.” To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the partnership between Jebsen Motors and Porsche, a series of landmark events will be held in Hong Kong. To begin with, a collection of just ten limited-edition anniversary units of the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS, featuring distinctive design details, will be launched in Hong Kong. Throughout the rest of the year, Posche and Jebsen Motors will host a number of other commemorative events, which will culminate in a major celebration on November 14, 2015. Further marking this momentous occasion, 2015 will be the first time Team Jebsen will enter a two-car team in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, the region’s leading international GT sportscar championship. The historic team will see Macau’s Rodolfo Avila partner with Yuey Tan of Singapore for the exclusive race. www.jebsen.com
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THE BITE
FO R A G I N G I N F OG CIT Y
A city that’s welcomed travellers for centuries, San Francisco’s dining scene is proudly eclectic, relying on the innovation of its citizens and the quality of its local produce. Nick Walton discovers three essential dishes for any Bay Area appetite.
Y
ou’re in a city defined by the sea and her many moods, so your first stop should be at the Hog Island Oyster Co, home to
arguably the best oysters in the city. Located at the San Francisco-Vallejo Ferry Building, they specialise in handraised sustainable shellfish from their farm at Tomales Bay, as well as Washington State’s Peale Bay and Hood Canal, and Alaska’s Kachemak Bay, which they serve along with craft cocktails and an enviable locallyfocused wine list at their oyster bars in San Francisco and the Napa Valley. If you’re not into oysters au naturel, they have bernaise, rockerfeller, and opal basil pesto options, while the menu also includes the likes of white sea bass with watermelon radish, fingerling potatoes and mustard greens; clam strips with geoduck belly; and the city’s
www.jetsetter.hk
best chowder. Shop 11, 1 Ferry Bldg; +1 415 391 7117; www.hogislandoysters.com The Hangtown Fry, an omelette made with bacon and oysters, has its origins in the California Gold Rush of the 1850s and has been a beloved dish of the Bay Area ever since. The iconic dish is said to have been on the menu of San Francisco’s Tadich Grill for 160 years. Even today, you can go to the historic restaurant in the city’s Financial District (which is said to be the first restaurant in the US to use the traditional Croat method of grilling seafood over mesquite charcoal) for a traditional Hangtown Fry. Other menu highlights include mesquite-broiled Chilean sea bass; lobster thermidor; skirt steak with shrimp and scampi; and traditional Dalmatian seafood stew. 240 California Street; +1 415 391 1849; www.tadichgrill.com
When you’ve worked up a hunger walking San Francisco’s slopes, head to the Mission District, a historic neighborhood in eastcentral San Francisco, and the birthplace of the Mission Burrito. Made popular in the late 1960s, this large burrito includes a large steamed flour tortilla (which gives the elasticity needed for a larger bite) with any combination of Spanish rice, refried, pinto or black beans, salsa, and meat, usually carne asada (grilled beef steak), al pastor (barbequed pork) or carnitas (braised shredded pork). Modern additions include avocado, chorizo, stewed machaca beef, and even tofu. Head to
Taquerias El Farolito in Mission, said to offer the best Mission Burrito in town, as well as other classic Mexican snacks, from nachos to enchiladas and chilesrellenos, stuffed poblano peppers. 2779 Mission Street; +1 415 824 7877; www.elfarolitoinc.com
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
HISTORY COM ES TO LIFE I N
MA C A U
There’s nothing quite like exploring a city under the steam of your own two feet, discovering sights, sounds, smells and tastes that you might have otherwise missed. An exclusive walking tour by Step Out, Experience Macau’s Communities, visitors can explore Macau’s unique heritage.
P
erfect for visitors who want to delve into Macau’s distinctive history and cultural heritage, the Nostalgia in Coloane walking tour is a 30-minute route that allows visitors to embrace the tranquility of Macau’s village life, and enjoy the local delicacies that can be found in this old neighbourhood. Through an exploration of cobblestoned backstreets and ancient landmarks, visitors are given the chance to see a unique side of Macau. Highlights of the tour include
picturesque Largo do Presidente António Ramalho Eanes; the Tam Kong Temple in Coloane; the Chapel of St Francis Xavier; and the Coloane Pier.
Largo do Presidente António Ramalho Eanes This small square, named after the Portuguese President António Ramalho Eanes, who visited Macau in 1985, is a pedestrian hub that connects many of the old lanes and streets that form the small village of Coloane, and acts as a small backyard for locals. A statue of Cupid stands at the centre of the square, and this, along with the flowers and trees that grow here make it a popular oasis from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Visitors will also find a number of local stores offering a wide variety of local delicacies, as well as a selection of eateries and small coffee shops, where they can sample delicious Portuguese egg tarts and local cuisine.
Tam Kong Temple in Coloane This Taoist temple is believed to have been built around 1862, during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, and is dedicated to Tam Kong, the Taoist God of seafarers. The temple features a fine toll roof decorated with porcelain figures, as well as a six-metre long model of a dragon boat made from whalebone, crewed by wooden men dressed in red robes and yellow hats. During the Lunar New Year, followers visit the temple for blessings, in the hope of gaining fortune for the following year. On Tam Kong’s birthday – the eighth day of the fourth month of the Lunar calendar – the temple holds Chinese Opera performances, a parade and dragon dance, and a commemorative ceremony.
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier Built in 1928, the Chapel of St Francis Xavier is an example of the baroque style of Macau’s major churches, and features some strong Chinese architectural influences. The chapel has a cream and white façade dotted with oval windows, and a bell tower that is in harmony with the tranquil surrounds; inside, the chapel features bright hues and a portrait of the Virgin Mary in a Chinese outfit. The chapel is dedicated to St Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who devoted much of his life to missions in Asia and died on an island near Macau in 1552. Visitors can stop near the chapel to enjoy authentic local cuisine in the traditional Macanese and Chinese restaurants around it.
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Coloane Pier Rebuilt in 1873, the pier was once a crucial public ferry terminal linking Coloane, Taipa and the Macau Peninsula, before the Estrada do Istmo and the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge became operational. Over the years, land reclamation projects and new bridges have reduced the pier’s importance significantly. Now a tourist attraction, the aroma of local dried seafood products will give you a sense of the pier’s golden days.
Route: Largo do Presidente Antonio Ramalho Eanes – Ancient Temple of Kun Iam in Coloane – Ancient Temple of Tin Hau in Coloane – Tam Kong Temple in Coloane – Coloane Library – Chapel of St. Francis Xavier – Sam Seng Temple in Coloane – Coloane Pier For more information, visit, http:// en.macautourism.gov.mo/plan/walking_ tours.php?id=1336
Show us Your Selfie!
The Macau Government Tourist Office is running a special promotion, giving visitors the opportunity to show the best of Macau. To encourage visitors to explore the Step Out, Experience Macau Walking Tour Routes and undiscovered sides of Macau, and help them engage in this unique place, the Macau Government Tourist Office has launched the “Take Selfies to Win Prizes” campaign, which will run from June 12 to November 30, 2015. Participants have to download the Step Out, Macau mobile app, use the app to take two selfies at the designated spots on any walking tour routes, then they can go to any Macau Government Tourist Office’s Tourist Information to redeem a souvenir by presenting their selfies. The Tourist Information are located at Largo do Senado, Edif. Ritz, the Macau Ferry Terminal, the Border Gate, the Macau International Airport, and the Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal. Visitors can also enter the lucky draw to win surprising prizes by uploading their selfies and sharing their travel experiences via the app. Three rounds of draws will be held for this campaign, on August 3, October 5 and December 1. Prizes include: Two Business/ Economy Class round-trip air tickets (from the winner’s place of residence to any destination); Apple iPad WiFi (latest model); and the Samsung Galaxy Tablet WiFi (latest model). To be eligible, participants must submit their photos one day before the lucky draw. The Lucky Draw results will be announced on the Macau Government Tourist Office website within three working days after the Lucky Draw. Non-winners will automatically join the next round of the Lucky Draw. For details, please visit www.macautourism.gov.mo. Start planning your trip and download the app now!
CULTURE 127 Photo Credit: Estate of Helmut Newton/Maconochie Photography
SHOES:
PLEASURE AND PAIN VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON, UK
JUNE 13, 2015 – JANUARY 31, 2016
O
pening this summer at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Shoes: Pain and Pleasure is an all-new exhibition that explores footwear through time and place. The showcase will present some 200 pairs of shoes as it considers their cultural impact and transformative capabilities while examining the latest developments in footwear technology. In the display, which ranges from ancient Egyptian sandals decorated in gold leaf to futuristic footwear created with 3D printing, will be shoes worn by high profile personalities like Queen Victoria, Marilyn Monroe and Sarah Jessica Parker; historic items like 16th century chopines and silk mules; and examples from 70 of the biggest names in shoes, such as Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. The exhibition will look at the themes of transformation, status and seduction, before dissecting the process of designing and creating footwear, and will be enhanced by films, animations and designer sketches. The show closes by considering the idea of shoes as commodities and collectibles through a display of six private shoe collections. www.vam.ac.uk www.jetsetter.hk
128
TECHNOLOGY
Smartphones are essential to modern day travel thanks to all the information at your fingertips. The new Lenovo Vibe Shot is not only a powerful smartphone but also a sophisticated digital camera, meaning you can carry less and still be connected. For budding photographers, the Vibe Shot features a 16-megapixel rear camera boasting a six-piece modular lens and a true 16:9 image sensor for shooting images in dark interiors or at night. A tricolour flash adjusts automatically based on the ambient light conditions, and optical image stabilisation keeps photos sharp. The phone also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5-inch FHD display, and 32GB of storage via microSD. From US$488. www.lenovo.com
MORE THAN
Meets the Eye From ultra-affordable handycams to ultra-light laptops, this is the essential travel technology for the summer season. By Nick Walton
Garmin has released the next generation of HD action cameras, the
VIRB X and VIRB XE. Compact and capable of shooting rich, highdefinition, wide-angle footage, the VIRB and XE boast an all-new form factor allowing for more mounting options. Waterproof to 50 metres, the updated camera design is even more rugged, and doesn’t require an external case for underwater shooting. Capture even more info, from G-loading to altitude and speed, thanks to a plethora of built-in sensors and wireless functionality options, which can be overlaid on video to create a richer viewing experience. From US$299. www.garmin.com
Ideal for cruisers or travellers looking for a powerful tablet solution without the weight of a 2-in-1, the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is built to run all Microsoft apps, including the full Office suite, and features a new S pen experience that makes the tablet even more versatile. At just 8.7mm thin and weighing only 622 grams, the tablet boasts a world-class multi-touch 10.8-inch screen, front (3.5MP) and rearfacing (8MP) cameras that capture 1080HD video, and a longer 10-hour battery life, making it an essential travel companion. A new micro USB charger, the same used by many smartphones, means faster charging on the go. From US$499. www.microsoft.com
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TECHNOLOGY
129
The much-anticipated new MacBook is perfect for both work and play. The thinnest and lightest Mac ever at just 13.1mm, the new MacBook features a stunning 12inch Retina display, an Apple-designed full-size keyboard, an all-new Force Touch trackpad that brings a new dimension of interactivity, an incredibly compact USB-C port for data transfer, video out and charging in a single connector, and a new battery design that maximises every millimetre of space to deliver all-day battery life. You can even pick your colour - gold, silver and space gray. From US$1,460. www.apple.com
Sony has created its most affordable 4K Handycam ever. The FDR-
AX33 is the newest addition to Sony’s Handycam camcorder range, combining Balanced Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilisation, versatile manual operation features, and striking 4K footage in a compact body. Building upon the introduction of the FDR-AXP33 earlier this year, the FDR-AX33 allows users to watch footage on 4K televisions via HDMI, or instantly using the built-in projector. Packaged in an extremely compact body, the FDR-AX33 allows you to take creative control, with a manual ring on the lens to control aperture, focus and zoom, as well as white balance and AE shift, while an ISO-compatible shoe on the top of the camera allows you to add other accessories such as a light or microphone. www.sony.com
ASUS has released the Transformer Book Chi Series, a family of beautifully-engineered, razor-thin 2-in-1 Windows detachables that offer the unrivalled convenience of a powerful laptop that transforms seamlessly into a handy tablet whenever needed. The three models in the Transformer Book Chi series include the travel friendly T90, an incredibly-light 8.9-inch powerhouse for on-the-go productivity. All models have a bright, crisp and clear IPS display, as well as a luxurious and sophisticated feel, with precision craftsmanship evident in the seamless all-aluminum unibody design, while ASUS SonicMaster audio technology gives the detachables superior sound quality. Each Transformer Book Chi features convenient, fast USB 3.0 connectivity — via a Type B USB port — for data transfers that are up to ten times faster than USB 2.0. From US$399. www.asus.com
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130
LIMELIGHT
Karen Mok
Diane Krugeret & CEO Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët Philippe Guettat
Dinner is served
CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, has celebrated its landmark 300th anniversary at a glittering celebration at the historic Palace of Versailles outside Paris. A total of 300 VIP guests from more than 15 countries attended the spectacular evening, including new Martell Ambassador actress Diane Kruger, Antoine Firino Martell, one of the descendants of the House’s founder Jean Martell, American singer Solange Knowles, socialite Olivia Palermo, British actress Naomie Harris, and Hong Kong actress and singer-songwriter Karen Mok, the guest of honour from Asia. After a private tour of the Palace and a unique performance by Patrouille de France, the French Air Force’s aerial acrobatics team – a first for a private event – guests went on an immersive journey, from the Borderies vineyards and unique distillation process to the ageing of eaux-devie and the expert blending, discovering the craftsmanship of the Martell House for themselves in an exhibition that will soon visit Asia. World-renowned French chef Paul Pairet prepared a menu inspired by Jean Martell’s original journey to Cognac, with each decadent dish accompanied by his signature audiovisual elements and choice cognacs, including the rare new Martell Premier Voyage. The evening climaxed with a spectacular fireworks display in the Palace grounds. www.martell.com
Evening fireworks display
Naomie Harris
Bernar Venet, creator of the Martell Premier Voyage decanter
Olivia Palermo
Performance by Patrouillede France
Guilhem, Jean-Charles, and Louis-Marie de Castelbajac
Solange Knowles
LIMELIGHT 131
HIGH JEWELERY MEETS
High Society 1
1
A sparkling combination of exceptional jewellery and local glitterati lit up the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel recently, when Cartier hosted a gala dinner for the debut of its Royal High Jewellery Collection. This latest chapter in the long-running Cartier narrative of high jewellery encompasses more than 400 unique pieces. In attendance were Taiwanese actress Brigitte Lin, model Kathy Lepeu, Taiwanese model and actress Pace Wu, casino-owner Stephen Hung, and socialite Candice Chao, who were serenaded by 11-year old singing prodigy Amira Willighagen.
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Counter clockwise from top left: 1. A grand celebration; 2. Brigitte Lin; 3. Julien Lepeu & Kathy Lepeu; 4. Pace Wu; 5. Lynn Hsieh; 6. Stanley Sun &Jacqueline Sun; 7. Edward Cheng &Louisa Cheng; 8. Justin Hui & Adrienne Hui; 9. Candy Chuang
132
LIMELIGHT
S TAY
CONNECTED
GH Mumm Champagne has a long and distinguished relationship with the world of Formula One racing, having been the official podium Champagne since 2000. At this year’s Monaco Grand Prix, Maison Mumm took the opportunity to add innovation to that tradition with the lavish launch of the world’s first digitally connected champagne bottle, at an exclusive party aboard the House’s own track-side superyacht.
The connected Magnum, which is embedded with sensors that link with a venue's audiovisual system to ensure a spectacular response to every cork popping, was unveiled by international DJ and Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson. He is best known for his work with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars, as well as his own platinum-selling solo albums, and was given the honour of presenting the Mumm Jeroboam to 2015 Monaco Grand Prix winner, Nico Rosberg.
1
2
“Launching the world’s first connected champagne bottle with Mumm and handing the Jeroboam to Rosberg at the Monaco Grand Prix was an incredible experience, and one I feel privileged to have been a part of. Mumm’s ambition to bring innovative firsts to the world is inspiring, and popping the cork of the Magnum of Mumm was a great moment of celebration.” Also in attendance at the Mumm superyacht event were elite models, socialites and sisters Cara and Poppy Delevingne, former racing driver and Grand Prix owner Eddie Jordan, and international club owner Jean-Roch. There was also an exclusive performance by Singtank, the French band duo of Ronson’s wife, Josephine de la Baume, and her brother, Alexandre de la Baume. www.ghmumm.com
3
4
Clockwise from top left: 1. Jeroboam Podium celebration 2. Josephine de la Baume and Cara Delevingne 3. Mumm CEO Philippe Guettat and former F1 driver Jacque Laffite 4. Mark Ranson and Louis de Fautereau 5. Poppy Delevingne and Christophe Rgi 6. Mark Ronson (left) & Nico Rosberg (right) 7. Josephine de la Baume and Mark Ranson
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134
PAGE TURNER
Travelling in Style
No matter their innovations, modern day planes can never truly be considered luxurious ways to travel. These three books go back to different times and methods of travel to show what it really means to travel in style. By Gayatri Bhaumik
Cruising Along: Around the World in Eighty Years Christian Lamb
Bene Factum
Phileas Fogg and the hapless Passepartout may have won their bet to circumnavigate the world in 80 days, but how much did they really see of the world? Probably more than was recounted in Jules Verne’s classic novel, but certainly not as much as Christian Lamb, who has spent a lifetime exploring the furthest reaches of the world by sea. The daughter of a Royal Navy Officer, Lamb took her first sea voyage in 1930 and has spent the decades since following the routes of the sailors, botanists and explorers who inspire her. In her new book, Lamb delivers a tongue-in-cheek account of shipboard life through a witty, sometimes selfdeprecating narrative of the cruises which have taken her quite literally everywhere. Cruising enthusiasts will enjoy Lamb’s descriptions of the myriad vessels she travelled on, from large liners to small troop ships, while amateur anthropologists will love her rendering of her fellow passengers and ship crews. Part travelogue and part social commentary, the book also doubles as a spirited history of cruising as readers are taken from an ocean liner sailing to Malta in 1930 and an impetuous pond-hop aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 through to a recent, somewhat isolating trip with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
Last Call for the Dining Car: The Daily Telegraph Books of Great Railway Journeys Michael Kerr
Aurum Press
Collated by The Daily Telegraph’s deputy travel editor, Michael Kerr, this tome celebrates the luxury of trainpowered slow travel through a collection of the best writing on the subject drawn from the newspaper’s archives. This anthology is about the journey and experience of train travel, not a history of it, a sentiment captured by Paul Mansfield when he writes in The Rail Way to See the Continent, about a journey from London to Lisbon, “I could have made this journey by plane in about two hours – and missed everything.” The book is well thought out, with chapters dedicated to particular topics like train travel in specific regions, stories about daily commutes or fellow passengers, experiences on urban subways, or epic first and last journeys. Concentrating on the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st, the stories – written by personalities like Michael Palin, Jonathan Routh and Boris Johnson – cover places from London and Vladivostok to the Canadian Rockies and Alice Springs, Australia, and incorporate some of the world’s greatest train journeys, including the Trans-Siberian and the original Orient Express. After reading about such wildly different yet always compelling experiences, you’ll wonder why you don’t travel by train more.
On the Nile in the Golden Age of Travel Andrew Humphries
American University of Cairo Press
When Thomas Cook arrived in Egypt in 1869 and promptly hired two steamers to sail the Nile, he ushered in a golden age of travel for the region. Between the mid-1880s and the 1940s, steaming up the Nile between Cairo and Aswan was the ultimate luxury, a three-week indulgence where passengers viewed the magnificent landscapes of palm groves, deserts, mountains, and the monuments of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs, while enjoying the comfort of a wicker chair on a sundeck and being pampered by impeccable service. In his latest book, Humphries has drawn from diaries and other contemporary sources to tell the stories behind this particular luxurious experience. What he achieves is a compelling insight into the personalities, places, steamers and stories which came together during the heyday of Nile cruising, all perfectly complemented by judicious use of journal extracts and plenty of vintage images, illustrations and advertisements. Approachable and thoroughly captivating, this is a style of luxury you’ve never experienced, and you’ll finish the book wishing you could time travel back to the 1930s to jump aboard Nile steamer. www.jetsetter.hk
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