Join the club
EIGHT DON’T-MISS EXECUTIVE LOUNGES
Aconcagua SCALING THE AMERICAS' HIGHEST PEAK
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURER HOW BEAR GRYLLS TRANSFORMED TRAVEL
CHEF DAVID THOMPSON
TOKYO THREE WAYS
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL TIPS
A S T U N N I N G N E W L A N D M A R K O N T H E H O N G KO N G H A R B O U R F R O N T
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Editor's Note
H
ello, and welcome to the first issue of Jetsetter for 2019. We are excited to start the new year with the magazine’s very-first celebrity cover – and who better to be on it than the ultimate Jetsetter, Bear Grylls, who’ll be visiting more than 30 countries in 2019 as he goes about filming six new TV series. The modern-day explorer and survival expert also talks about filming in China alongside stars including Yao Ming (who passed on the maggots), filming his mostwatched programme ever with Barack Obama (he couldn’t persuade the former president to drink his own urine but they did dine on the bloody carcass of a half-eaten salmon together) and his quest to make adventures accessible to all. The opening of the TV star’s first adventure park, Bear Grylls Adventure, proves the presenter takes this mission seriously. Opened last September in the UK, the park invites wannabe explorers to crack codes and puzzles at basecamp and swing from the highest outdoor free roam high ropes in Europe, while there’s also the chance to try indoor skydiving and dive with sharks. Elsewhere in the issue, we head to the Andes for a first-hand account of climbing Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas and Southern Hemisphere after Everest. We also recommend eight must-visit club lounges, introduce the delights of Spain’s sundrenched city, Valencia, and present a flexible guide to Tokyo with three distinct itineraries. Enjoy the issue!
Denis Fahy
denis@jetsetter.hk Publisher Helen Dalley
helen.dalley@jetsetter.hk Managing Editor Nick Walton
Contributing Editor Don Pierre Riosa
don@jetsetter.hk Art Director Paul Lo
paul.lo@jetsetter.hk General Manager (Shanghai) Tammy Fong
tammy@jetsetter.hk Travel Industry Relationship Director Louis Chu
louis@jetsetter.hk Beijing Sales Manager Fatima Cameira
fatima@jetsetter.hk Macau Sales Manager Laurence James
laurence.james@jetsetter.hk Chief Representative Europe JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical. JETSETTER is published by Jetsetter Ltd JETSETTER is printed by Jetsetter Ltd Suite A:14/F Bangkok Bank Building, 28 Des Voeux Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Helen Dalley Managing Editor
Level 20 HKRI Centre Tower 2 288 Shimen 1st Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China 200041 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-5706 Valley Cottage, NY 10989 USA Tel +852 28557885
jetsetter.hk
Media Partner
Chris Kempster
Chris has been a magazine editor for more than 20 years, during which time he has worked on numerous titles. He currently lives in the French Alps, from where he publishes the mountain sports magazine, Trek & Mountain. Read Chris’s captivating account of his ascent up Aconcagua on p74.
Andrew Dembina
Andrew has been writing about food and drink in Hong Kong since 1995 for local, regional, UK and Australian newspapers, magazines, websites and guidebooks. He currently reports weekly on this niche for RTHK Radio 3 in Hong Kong. He is also editor-in-chief at Asia-Pacific Boating. Andrew reviews Gordon Ramsay’s new Hong Kong restaurant, Maze Grill on p104.
Jetsetter Magazine
Jetsetter.hk
All rights Reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively for Jetsetter Ltd, 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. Jetsetter Ltd does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of the information contained.
CONTENTS
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Photo By: Chris Kempster
62
Photo By: Bear Grylls Ventures
74
82
42 City Guide
74 Feature
98 In the Kitchen
three separate itineraries for the Japanese capital: culture, shopping and eating
intrepid trekker Chris Kempster recounts the highs and lows of climbing the highest mountain in the americas, aconcagua
find out why David thompson left Bangkok to open his new restaurant concept, aaharn, in Hong Kong
The flexible guide to Tokyo 44 Feature
Join the Club
a fabulous club lounge can make or break a hotel experience. Jetsetter singles out eight you should visit
Andean Ascent
82 Feature
104 Restaurant Review
susan R. pollack finds there’s much more to Valencia than its world-famous oranges
andrew Dembina reviews Gordon Ramsay’s latest Hong Kong offering, Maze Grill
Valencian va va Voom
56 Hotel Review
88 Sustainability
When in amsterdam, check into the toren, a beautiful boutique hotel with bags of character, chandeliers at every turn and an exceptional gin & tonic
Earth Changers’ Vicky smith delivers her top five tips on being a more sustainable traveller
Luxury on the Canals
62 Cover Feature
Call of the Wild
the ultimate modern day explorer, Bear Grylls is encouraging us all to be more adventurous with his inspirational tV shows and the opening of his first adventure park, says Helen Dalley
A Refined Take on Thai
Ramsay Ramps it Up
Leave No Footprint
92 Road Warrior
Surfin’ Safari
Road warrior Emi Koch is empowering coastal communities with surfing lessons and storytelling Cover image courtesy of Bear Grylls Ventures
Diary Berlin Fashion Week
Various locations, Berlin 15-18 January Check out the upcoming fashion trends for Autumn/ Winter 2019 & 2020 at Berlin Fashion Week. Urban street wear, plus size and eco fashion shows are some of the focal points of the event, while 40 established and young designers will present their collections at Berliner Mode Salon. fashion-week-berlin.com
Where to Stay: The Art Deco style Waldorf Astoria Berlin is home to Germany’s first Guerlain spa and Berlin’s highest suites. Pop in for a drink at the 1920sthemed Lang Bar, or savour bite-sized delicacies at Peacock Alley, where the hotel’s famous afternoon tea is served. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com
Taipei Dangdai
18-20 January Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
Australian Open
Melbourne Park 14-27 January 2019 Grand Slam tournament the Australian Open is one of the most important dates on the sport’s calendar, and Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer will be back to defend their titles here this month. In addition to top-drawer tennis, there’s plenty of entertainment, including live music at the AO live stage and movies galore at the Australian Open Sports Film Festival. The AO Ballpark facility, meanwhile, is now three times the size and features a giant waterslide, climbing walls and free entertainment. ausopen.com
Where to Stay: Reserve a room at Pullman Melbourne on the Park and you’ll be well placed to the on-court action. Book into the William Clarke suite, a split level space on the top floor of the hotel with views over the cricket ground and skyline, and tuck into a barramundi burger at The Cliveden Bar and Dining. pullmanonthepark.com.au
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A new international art fair taking place in Taiwan, Taipei Dangdai will showcase the works of 90 galleries from around the globe. The inaugural edition of the fair aims to place a strong emphasis on the region and also introduce Taipei to some of the world’s best galleries from Europe and the US. Under the directorship of Magnus Renfrew, the show promises to set the pulse for the art market’s year ahead. taipeidangdai.com
Where to Stay: The only hotel with a direct link to Taipei 101, Grand Hyatt Taipei offers great views over the city’s most famous landmark. Book a table at the Michelin recommended Bel Air Bar and Grill for surf ‘n’ turf and hit Ziga Zaga for Italian fare and live music. hyatt.com
Diary Kumbh Mela
15 January-4 March 2019 Various locations, India Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, has a history that dates back thousands of years. Celebrated at four different cities in India, it draws throngs of devotees bathing at sacred rivers. Held at the confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and Sarasvati, you’ll spot Hindu holy men practising complex asanas as bells chime, incense burns and hymns and mantras are uttered. kumbhamela.net
Where to Stay: Positioned at the highest point of the Kumbh Mela, Sangam Nivas overlooks the Sangam and offers the perfect vantage point for guests to soak in the atmosphere. There’s 17 luxury tents and 27 super luxury deluxe tents equipped with ornate bespoke furnishings. sangamnivas.com
Sydney Festival
9-27 January Various locations, Sydney From contemporary ballet and epic art installations to primal circus performances and punk protest music, the Sydney Festival’s inclusive programming setup encompasses a broad range of events. This year’s highlights include a disco-esque cabaret, Pigalle, and Blak Out, an indigenous programme featuring stories from across Australia, New Zealand and Canada. sydneyfestival.org.au
Where to Stay: Located within the historic Gowings and State Theatre Buildings, boutique property QT Sydney is a blend of gothic. Art Deco and Italianate-influenced architecture. The Gilt Lounge is the place for late-night cocktails and live tunes. qthotelsandresorts.com
Carnevale di Venezia 16 Februrary-5 March Various locations, Italy
Venetians will be donning their most elaborate masks for one of the biggest events on the calendar, the Carnevale. Public events include the Venetian Festival on the water (17 February), Mestre Carnival Street Show (23 February) and the Best Masked Costume Contest (5 March), while guests can sign up for carnival tours such as Secrets of Carnival with Giacomo Casanova and Carnival Pub Crawl “Venetian Style”. venice-carnival-italy.com
Where to Stay: Set on Giudecca Island, The Belmond Hotel Cipriani was opened in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar and inventor of the Bellini, as a hotel for the international jet-set. The suites extended into the 15th century Palazzo Vendramin in the late 1970s when it was purchased by Belmond and feature hardwood floors, original art and spacious marble bathrooms. belmond.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
WINTER
ROMANCE
A
holiday is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with that special someone in your life… particularly if you stay with Constance Hotels & Resorts, a collection of luxury hotels in authentic destinations across the Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, the Maldives, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Pemba, Zanzibar. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there is no better way to make someone feel special than arranging a romantic trip for two so you can spend some quality time together and feel at one with nature, whether that’s in a beautiful villa facing the Pemba Ocean at Constance Aiyana, or a tastefully appointed eco-villa surrounded by nature at Constance Tsarabanjina. In addition to its dreamily romantic locations, it’s the service that makes a stay at Constance so special. Many guests talk about the feeling of connectedness and belonging they get when they first discover Constance, and how staff go the extra mile to remember your favourite wine at dinner, or that you adore grapefruit for breakfast. Whether you choose to dine under the stars on a deserted
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
juice, croissants… and whatever your taste buds desire. If great food is a way to win your beau’s heart, then why not prove willing and sharpen your cooking skills with a cooking class at Constance Moofushi, so you can capture the romance of your stay back in your kitchen at home. Whether you’re a newly-wed, looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply spend some time with that special someone in your life, Constance offers a chance to fall in love all over again with its romantic settings and beautiful destinations. constancehotels.com
island or float on a Mauritian lagoon, romance is always in the air at Constance Hotels & Resorts. Couples can arrange a secluded dinner for two set amid the granite rocks above Petite Anse Kerlan at Constance Lémuria, savouring fresh seafood prepared in the traditional Creole style while enjoying the sweeping views across the Indian Ocean. The traditional date night of dinner and a movie, meanwhile, is given a luxurious twist at Constance Moofushi, where dinner is served by a personal butler on the beach. After an exquisite meal, couples can kick back and relax on beanbags on the sand for a private screening of their chosen film under the stars accompanied by canapés, cocktails… and of course popcorn. One of the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations, The Maldives’ dreamy turquoise water, silky white sand and gently swaying palms have been immortalised in many a honeymooners’ photo. It’s the little things that make it so special, like dreamily contemplating the stars: with no light from nearby towns, the views are simply stunning, be that on the beach or looking out from the privacy of your own villa. Some say food is the language of love, and that couldn’t be more true when it’s breakfast served on a traditional Maldivian fishing boat, the Dhoni, at Constance Halaveli Maldives, where you can gaze at the turquoise sea and pick out nearby islands over coffee,
Room With a View
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Room With a View
Australian abstract artist Michael Jackson’s design influence is the driving force at The Johnson Brisbane, a luxury boutique hotel owned and operated by Art Series Hotels in Spring Hill. For stellar city views, book the two-bedroom sub penthouse, where the large open plan living space and kitchen offers commanding views of the skyline. Inside the penthouse, the views are also pretty good, with Jackson’s signature vibrant prints enlivening the walls. Pull up a stool at the kitchen island and drink in the views over your morning coffee, or catch the sunset with something from the minibar in your hand from one of two luxuriant leather sofas. artserieshotels.com.au
www.jetsetter.hk
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Introducing
Himalayan Wonder Now there’s a new way to do Nepal with the arrival of the first luxury tented eco villas, The Pavilions Himalayas Lake View. The brand’s second property in the region alongside The Pavilions Himalayas is accessed via paddle boat across Phewa Lake, with eight tented villas set to a backdrop of the Annapurna Himalayas and encircled by cascading rice fields. As you’d expect given the extraordinary scenery, the focus is very much on the outdoors, with mountain treks, meditation and kayaking on the lake among the standout activities. Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the fresh mountain air, hit the clubhouse for refreshments and local treats, or book a spa treatment that combines foraged botanicals and traditional healing techniques.Come dinnertime, guests can look forward to menus showcasing traditional Nepalese cuisine created with ingredients from The Pavilions Himalayas’ organic community farm, and lakeside barbecues. pavilionshotels.com
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Introducing
Heritage Hideaway Singapore’s Chinatown is now home to two Six Senses properties following the launch of Six Senses Maxwell, which, together with Six Senses Duxton, make up Six Senses Singapore. The 138-room hotel is housed in a colonial-style 19th century heritage building that’s been reimagined by architect/designer Jacques Garcia. Over at Six Senses Duxton, Anouska Hempel has drawn on Malay, Chinese and European design influences, meaning the properties have two distinct personalities. Chinatown may be on your doorstep, but you don’t have to venture too far for food and drink if the city state’s getting too sticky as there are five options in the hotel including Cook & Tras Social Library for small sharing plates and Murray Terrace Brasserie for grassfed meat and organic poultry. Swing by the Rose Lounge & Bar for a signature Rose Bellini before dinner, and keep things retro by enjoying a spirit served tableside from an after-dinner drinks trolley, or a trip to the tricycle serving complimentary ice cream and sorbet. sixsenses.com
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Introducing
Mandarin Magic The first MO property in China’s capital, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing will open its doors in early 2019. Located in the heart of historic Beijing amid historic hutongs and ancient temples and boasting roof-terrace views of the Forbidden City, the 73-room property is located on the upper two floors of lifestyle retail destination WF Central. With rooms sized at a minimum of 55 sqm, the design combines residential style with a bright colour palette, while floor-to-ceiling windows command impressive vistas over the city. It may be a boutique property, but the hotel will still have two restaurants and a rooftop bar, all with access to a garden terrace. CafÊ Zi will offer all-day dining specialising in Asian cuisine and a signature lunchtime dim sum selection created by Michelin-starred Hong Kong chef, Wong Wing-Keung. Guests at the boutique hotel can chill out at the spa, which will have four suites offering wellness and beauty treatments, and a 25-metre glassroofed pool for those keen to keep their fitness regimens going while on the road. mandarinoriental.com
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Introducing
Modernist Muse Situated inside The Guardian Art Center, a can’t-miss stack of rectilinear forms with a jigsaw of interlocking volumes designed by architect Büro Ole Scheeren, the Puxuan Hotel and Spa is a new modernist icon adjacent to the Forbidden City. Managed by Urban Resort Concepts the property prides itself on its “hostmanship”, with 24-hour check-in and out, complimentary minibar and free breakfast in the lounge, room or on the go among the benefits of being a guest here. It may just have 116 rooms and suites, but there are plenty of eating and drinking options – Fu Chun Ju for authentic Cantonese fare and Rive Guache for comforting French bistro classics – plus a tea room with private degustation spaces and lobby lounge for pre- and post-dinner drinks. Don’t miss, too, the UR Spa, for 30-minute gender-neutral treatments if you’re pressed for time to whole day rituals if you’re not. Grand Suites command views of the Forbidden City and incorporate a scholar room for work or reflection, while the twobedroom Puxuan Suite features a designated tea preparation area alongside an openplan living and dining area and two master bedrooms. Want to schedule a catch-up? Those staying in rooms with club privileges can invite two guests along to the Puxuan Club, where a library, private meeting rooms and outdoor spaces await. thepuxuan.com
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Inspire
scaling new Heights Thrill seekers looking for a uniquely lofty panorama over Bangkok can check out the Mahanakhon Skywalk, which offers 360-degree panoramic views over the city 314 metres from the ground. The attraction is located atop Thailand’s tallest building and one of its most striking landmarks, the King Power Mahanakhon, which features a cuboid-surfaced spiral cut into the side of the building. With an indoor observation deck on the 74th floor and outdoor deck & rooftop bar another four floors up, there’s barely time to think if you’re up to crossing one of the world’s largest glass tray floors, as the elevator takes just 50 seconds to make its ascent. Look down – if you dare – and you’ll see the BTS Sky Train snake along like a miniature toy and the Chao Phraya twisting its determined path through the city. While Bangkok is hardly short of shopping malls, there’s also the opportunity to do some duty-free shopping at the King Power duty free stores once you’re back on the lower levels. The skywalk is directly connected to Chong Nonsi BTS station… so there’s no excuse that you can’t find it. kingpowermahanakhon.co.th
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Inspire Inspire Photo credit:
Mike Rinno Kruse
Go Eskimo A trip north of the Arctic circle doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort – even if you’re staying in a traditional hand-built igloo village on the UNESCO-listed Illulissat ice fjord in Western Greenland… Arctic experts Off the Map Travel is offering Northern Lights hunters the chance to stay in one of five igloos, each of which sleeps two. They are equipped with reindeer skins, warm winter sleeping bags and a petroleum lamp on a night table so you can feel like an Innuit spending a night in the Arctic tundra. On site is a wooden cabin containing bathroom facilities and a communal area where meals are served. While outside temperatures can drop well below freezing, the igloos remain around zero degrees, so you’ll be fine within the confines of your snowy home so long as you’re wearing specialist outdoor clothing. Available from the end of January to the beginning of April, the Ilulissat Igloo Experience includes one night in the igloo and three nights at the Hotel Arctic, where the best rooms command views over the sea and icebergs. The journey also includes snowshoeing, snowmobiling and two Northern Lights safaris, just in case you don’t catch a glimpse of them first time around. offthemap.travel
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Inspire
a Real taste of india A celebration of India’s country’s rich culinary diversity, Tour to Feast introduces travellers to delicious journeys of India's most popular culinary destinations, with a side order of history. Powered by travel company Cox & Kings, travellers follow the evolution of cuisines unique to each region, including Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Agra and Goa. Travellers can choose from several customised culinary journeys. Feast On covers everything from historical monuments and bustling markets to cooking classes and sit-down meals with local chefs, while Forgotten Worlds plunges travellers into a bygone era via heritage trails and home dining experiences featuring old recipes. coxandkings.com
steaming through Queensland Steam lovers take note: one of Queensland's best-loved tourism attractions, the Mary Valley Rattler, is up and running once more, cutting a scenic route through 46km of the Sunshine Coast’s most gorgeous countryside. The launch follows years of extensive track upgrades and improvements to the fleet of historic steam and diesel locomotives and carriages. Morning and afternoon services on the Mary Valley Rattler will run three days per week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for a return journey from the historic Gympie or Amamoor stations via Dagun. Don’t forget to get off the platform at Dagun station for a cheese tasting from Kenilworth Dairies, and stock up on locally grown spray-free fruit and veg from the Dagun Growers Market Collective on Saturday afternoons. maryvalleyrattler.com.au
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City Guide
All pics courtesy of JNTO except Nobu
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City Guide Ginza Six
Nobu
A GOURMET’S TOUR
RETAIL THERAPY
Senso-ji
CULTURE VULTURE
FRESH SUSHI, FINE DINING, BITTER MATCHA… CHEW AND SIP AUTHENTIC JAPANESE FARE FOR A TRUE TASTE OF TOKYO
STOCK UP ON CHARMING TRADITIONAL GIFTS LIKE VINTAGE KIMONOS AND JAPANESE PAPER BEFORE HEADING TO THE SLEEK MALLS OF GINZA
FILL UP YOUR INSTAGRAM FEED WITH BEAUTIFUL TEMPLES, EXACTING TEA CEREMONIES, KABUKI THEATRE AND, OF COURSE, FUJI-SAN
Morning Be up early to visit Toyosu market – Tsukiji relocated here last October – and observe the tuna auctions from a second floor viewing deck. Grab some sushi fresh from the chopping board at Sushi Dai, or head out to Andaman at the Imperial Hotel in Chiyoda for a typical Japanese breakfast of grilled fish, rice, miso soup and seaweed.
Morning Head to the Antique Mall in Ginza – the largest mall of its kind in Asia – for vintage kimonos and Japanese furniture. With its own paper concierge, Itoya is the place for all things stationery, including quirky greeting cards and postcards. Or how about a bespoke notebook with the paper and cover of your choice, or perhaps a baggage tag with your name engraved on it?
Morning Take a stroll through Ueno Park, Tokyo’s biggest and best, where several museums are housed, including the Tokyo National Museum and Le Corbusier’s National Museum of Western Art, along with the Tokugawa Mausoleum and pagoda of Kanlei-ji. Feeling energetic? Hire a bike and pedal under under the gingko and cherry trees before heading over to Asakusa for some spiritual reflection at Senso-ji.
Lunch Pull up a stool alongside the salary men at a traditional sushi restaurant like Nemuro Hanamuru and grab your make toro (fatty tuna), yari ika (spear squid) or buri (yellowtail) from the conveyor belt. For something more upscale, try the twoMichelin-starred kaiseki experience at Sekihotei. Afternoon Stop off for a revitalising cup of matcha, or a matcha dessert: the Dominique Ansel bakery offers a twist on the Paris Brest with a matcha ganache, and monaka cookie with matcha financier. Fancy afternoon tea? At the Lounge at Aman, small, beautiful bites like raspberry tarts are savoured as koto (Japanese harp music) plays. Dinner With a lively sushi counter and private dining rooms, Nobu Tokyo’s exquisitely plated dishes, like the black abalone with lemon garlic butter sauce, are almost too beautiful to eat. Evening Tokyo is renowned for its sky bars, like the Oriental Lounge at the Mandarin, where you’ll find French 75s and Moscow Mules, or the rooftop bar at Andaz Tokyo on the 52nd floor. Here, the views stretch out to Tokyo Bay and signature cocktails include a Gin Rose Hip Cosmo.
Lunch After a quick bite at somewhere like Ginza Hanasanto for Kyoto kaiseki, it’s time to take on the sleek malls of Ginza – including latest offering G Six where more than 240 boutiques are housed including Fendi, Kenzo and Alexander McQueen. With stores from Chloe, Valentino and Jimmy Choo, nearby Omotesando Hills offers a similarly upscale rendition. Afternoon Contemplate your next purchase at Café Dior by Pierre Herme at Ginza Six, where mini meringues are served on Dior tableware. Then head over to the Chanel building, which has three floors dedicated to clothes and accessories.
Lunch Visit one of the city’s oldest restaurants (it opened in the 1760s), Tamahide, to enjoy a traditional take on oyakodon: chicken, eggs and slices of onion simmered in a savoury dashi soup placed over a bowl of rice. Or enjoy the precise convention of the Japanese tea ceremony at Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens Tea House. Afternoon Head to Fujimi Terrace to catch the best views of Fuji San, where photographers are keen to capture “Diamond Fuji”, when the sun rests on the summit to glittering effect.
Dinner Now you’re well placed for dinner at Beige by Alan Ducasse Tokyo on the 10th floor of the Chanel building, where seared scallops and blue lobster with chicory await.
Dinner Buddhist devotional cuisine, known as shojin ryori in Japan, dates back to the 13th century. Try it at Sougo, where the seasonal menu includes dishes like deepfried eggplant and home-made tofu; cooking classes also available.
Evening Prepare to be dazzled by fine jewellery at the 10-story Bulgari Ginza tower, home to the largest Bulgari store in the world, before checking into Il Bar for a Negroni nightcap. Other fashion bars to see and be seen in are the Aquarium by Dunhill, which has the cosy ambience of a gentleman’s club.
Evening The legendary Basho sees Japan’s top sumos thrash it out in the ring, with the next installment at the Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium from 13-27 January. Alternatively, check out traditional kabuki drama performances at the Kabukiza Theatre, which has shows most days.
www.jetsetter.hk
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Club Lounges
J
ust as a perfectly executed gin martini or impeccably cooked steak can elevate your day from good to great, access to a first-rate club lounge can really make a difference to your trip. Inspired by the gentleman’s clubs of the 18th century, where fellows socialised with others of a similar standing over the finest spirits and cigars, their snob value was satirised in the TV show Frasier, when brothers Niles and Frasier Crane attempt to sabotage each other at a cocktail party at Seattle’s fictional Empire Club in order to secure its remaining sole vacancy. Fastforward to the 2010s and a club lounge has become one of a hotel’s biggest assets, providing a less formal space for guests to hold meetings, or simply kick back someplace else than their room. Characterised by their knockout views, upscale décor & furnishing and an increasingly discriminating line-up of complimentary food and drink, the best club lounges have become the go-to place for the most discerning business and leisure travellers.
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The one for fashionistas: SO/Bangkok
Club Lounges
In a nutshell With design input from Christian Lacroix, this cool, creatively-charged club delivers a contemporary twist on Old Siam and 19th century France. What they say: The cutting-edge design at Club Signature reflects Lacroix’s distinct style with imaginative patterns, rich textures and vibrant colours. “Club Signature is a gorgeously colourful space with a larger than life personality where you can indulge and relax in style. Guests often comment that the décor is bold and daring (it includes a surrealist artpiece that greets guests as they enter) and favourite benefits include the complimentary breakfast at either the club or Red Oven restaurant, with other complimentary offerings including a packing and unpacking service and the use of iPads at the club,” says Just Say So manager Paul Boonrungreung. The club was designed with an attitude of not being afraid to push the boundaries, and club ambassadors possess a similar personality, he adds. There’s an open policy in operation here, too: club signature guests can host nonresident guests in the lounge. Why you’ll be back In addition to the captivating surrealist mural, it’s the little extras, like the complimentary breakfast box on departure day if leaving before 7am, and free usage of the hotel’s bicycles at Lumphini Park. sofitel-so.grandluxuryhotels.com
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Club Lounges The one for all the family: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur In a nutshell The classiest club in town, with unparalleled views of Petronas Towers and KLCC and the option to bring in the kids on the weekend. What they say: “Guests who are here for business often find our facilities convenient for them as we have meeting rooms on the same floor as the club lounge,” says director of rooms Belinda Leong, adding that it has received positive feedback about the food and beverage menu, which is on daily rotation; there’s free flow of premium alcoholic beverages during evening cocktail and light entertainment by a pianist during cocktail hours. Mini Fans (children aged between 6 and 11) are allowed into the club lounge on weekends at the family lounge, where there’s a family room with TV, games, toys and mini tables and chairs along with comfy sofas for parents. What gives the lounge the edge over the competition is its spaciousness and comfort, says Leong, with two separate areas dividing the lounge and dining area. With more and more guests wanting to stay on club floors, Leong says it will curate special promotions to gain traction for club occupancy. “Training for colleagues is also important hence our learning & development department are working on conducting more training led by industry leaders to create new learning experiences.” Why you’ll be back The specially designed family lounge for travellers with young families to dine and play means all the fam can enjoy the club lounge experience. mandarinoriental.com
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Club Lounges The one for those who live a 24-hour life: Rosewood Beijing In a nutshell A discreet, upscale retreat from the city with billiard room that’s open round the clock. What they say: “The Manor Club is truly a residential concept and guests appreciate that it’s an extension of their own room. The ratio of space in the Manor Club compared to the hotel’s number of rooms is larger than for any other executive lounge in Beijing and possibly in China. Guests tell us how much they like the fact that it is never too crowded and they have a sense of privacy they can enjoy any time of the day,” says executive assistant manager of rooms, Roman Angulo. The fact that the lounge is open 24 hours is a benefit that no other club in Beijing offers, Angulo points out. “We also have more than one meeting space so guests can hold private meetings in one of three venues – the Manor Club meeting room, Billiard Room or Business Centre meeting room. We additionally adjust our décor based on seasonality and regularly review our benefits compared to other clubs in town to remain competitive.” Angulo expects many club lounges will attempt to replicate its exclusive, luxurious environment – but he warns the competition that it won’t stop pushing themselves to remain on top. “One particular element that we will focus on will be to bring in more private members and create more social activities in the lounge,” he elaborates. Why you’ll be back You want access to a club every hour of the day, and love nothing more than unwinding with a game of billiards after sealing that deal. rosewoodhotels.com
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Club Lounges
The one for those who love a good boardroom: Four Seasons Sydney In a nutshell Two distinct boardroom offerings plus contemporary Australian artworks and expansive views over Walsh Bay. What they say: “With an elevated position on level 32 of the hotel, Four Seasons Sydney offers panoramic views over the city, and guests appreciate its quiet nature and sophisticated atmosphere,” says regional vice president and general manager Bahram Sepahi. Make yourself at home in a soft leather banquet by the grand bay windows and admire the lounge’s three paper sculptures of life-size cockatoos by Anna-Wili Highfield. Doing business? Lounge 32 has two boardrooms, one that is completely private and equipped with a high-tech screen that enables guests to dial into international conference calls. The semi-private boardroom is a quiet space for those who don’t need complete privacy. “You’ll often find a few colleagues having a chat, friends catching up or someone sitting down with a coffee taking in the Sydney skyline,” says Sepahi. With more and more guests wanting to elevate their stay with a lounge experience, the hotel recently enabled all guests to purchase lounge access. Why you’ll be back You enjoy access to a good boardroom and like to ensure everything’s just-so before you check in. “With the rise of personalisation and guests’ expectations, the Lounge 32 team plan to work closely with our guest experience manager to ensure all guest needs, wants and expectations are organised prior to arrival,” says Sepahi. fourseasons.com
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Club Lounges
The one with Michelin-starred fare: Langham London In a nutshell: One of the largest lounges in London, this heritage hotel dates to 1865 and features a menu by Michelin-starred father & son Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jr. What they say: Ben Bateman, the Langham club and communications manager, says guests appreciate how the hotel pre-empts their needs. “All our team know our regular guests as if they were part of our extended family. We remember their favourite foods and drinks and the kind of things they like to do, and enjoy recommending things they might like to try or places and experiences they might enjoy. We constantly hear from our guests that we have the best lounge in London, but I think it’s the service as much as the surroundings that makes The Langham Club so special.” Indeed, its location places it at the heart of the West End within walking distances of Trafalgar Square and Selfridge’s. In line with the hotel’s culinary philosophy hotel, the menu in The Langham Club changes as the seasons do, and features dishes fine dining bites from its restaurant Roux at the Landau. Bateman admits that club lounges in London are few and far between but he expects to see more springing up. Their response? “We will continue to refine our service so it’s more personal and have a dedicated personal concierge service for guests.” Why you’ll be back If the thought of Albert and Michel’s cooking isn’t enough to tempt your tastebuds, then maybe the unlimited complimentary Champagne, spirits, wine and beers throughout the day will. langham.com
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Club Lounges
The one with dazzling skyline vistas available to all: Intercontinental Hong Kong In a nutshell The largest club in Hong Kong also has arguably the best view of the skyline over Victoria Harbour to the neon-clad skyscrapers of Hong Kong island – and anyone can check in. What they say: Phillip Ching, director of rooms, says colleagues really get to know the guests and their preferences so they can offer guests a customised experience with recommendations and special touches that truly enhance their stays. As there is no dedicated club floor at Intercontinental Hong Kong, guests can upgrade their stay to Club Intercontinental no matter what room type they have booked. Once you’re in, there’s a buffet or à la carte breakfast option, afternoon tea buffet and evening cocktails. Director of F&B Sebastian Gassen and Executive Chef Maxime Luvara are constantly reviewing the club lounge’s food & beverage options and guests’ preferences and adapting and upgrading the offering accordingly – ensuring that the breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail offering are interesting and varied and appeal to our guests who come from all over the world,” says Ching. Club Intercontinental guests expect a very high level of service that extends beyond the operational hours of the club lounge, he adds. “As such, the hotel is reaching out to our Club Intercontinental guests in advance so that we can customise their stay and make their stay even more seamless. Our guests want to be surprised and delighted, whether it is in the F&B offerings or in a small gesture by our staff that enhances their stay.” Why you’ll be back It’s the personalised concierge and business services from the Club team, from assisting guests with travel and business needs to offering personal sightseeing, dining and shopping recommendations, says Ching. ihg.com
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Club Lounges The one with two lounges: Conrad Centennial Singapore
In a nutshell There’s access to two distinctly different lounges, the luxe residential executive lounge and family-friendly lounge by the pool. What they say: Guests staying in executive rooms and suites can now experience the luxury of choice and personalisation, says commercial director Timothy Tan. “They have unprecedented access to two different lounges: our executive lounge on Level 31, which is accompanied by sweeping views of the city and Marina Bay. Lounge by the Pool, meanwhile, is perfect for families with its strategic location next to the swimming pool. It’s the ideal spot for lounging and enjoying a quiet time with your loved ones,” says Tan, who elaborates that guests love having access to both lounges. Having two lounges was inspired by guest feedback, who expressed they wanted a choice of lounge when staying at the hotel. Over the next 12 months, Tan expects exclusivity to remain an important aspect for club lounges. “Some are integrating the latest technologies into facilities while others are focusing more towards the exclusive services that are provided.” Why you’ll be back It’s the flexibility that having two lounges brings. “For families, our Lounge by the Pool is ideal as the children can enjoy a swim while their parents can have a bit of a me-time by the bar while watching over the children,” says Tan. conradhotels3.hilton.com
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Club Lounges The one for Central Park lovers: Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park In a nutshell This recently-renovated club lounge is the only one in NYC to offer a view of Central Park and it also features culinary presentations from local producers. What they say: The newly-designed club lounge aims to provide guests with a luxury oasis in the heart of the city, according to the hotel’s general manager Winfred van Workum. “The exclusive residential-inspired space offers guests a getaway on the hotel’s second floor overlooking Central Park. The newly expanded lounge infuses sophisticated dark wood-panelling, paired with vibrant shades of green and beige in velvet and leather fabrics. The design incorporated more intimate seating arrangements, which enabled us to be creative with new culinary and beverage enhancements including a large selection of wines and seasonal chef demonstrations.” Throughout the day, complimentary culinary presentations draw from local producers including Bouchon Bakery, Kings County Distillery and Brooklyn Cured Meats, the GM adds. He loves the feeling you get when opening the doors into the Club Lounge. “It evokes this sort of members-only or private club experience where everyone knows each other – whether they’re getting acquainted or reacquainted with one another.” Club Lounges continue to be more about the exclusive experiences guests can be a part of, beyond just the complimentary food and beverage offerings, says van Workum. “It’s a place beyond your hotel room to call home, and that is the ambience we want to continue to create and enhance. I expect this trend to continue as hotels align with likeminded brands to leave their guests with a memory, a new skill, or memento.” Why you’ll be back On weekends, Champagne and caviar is served during the evening and the lounge works with local and internationally recognised brands and personalities to provide an authentic taste and perspective of NYC. ritzcarlton.com
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Club Lounges
What makes for a good hotel club lounge in terms of benefits, décor and food & drink? The main key is space. You don’t want a club lounge to feel like a crowded lobby. The entire point of a club lounge is privacy, refinement and seclusion. Comfy chairs, working desks, and nooks and crannies are great. Multiple food presentation goes a long way, as does free flowing beverages. At a recent stay at the Langham Hong Kong, for example, there was breakfast, lunch, nibbles, afternoon tea and evening canapes. There were also great sandwiches in the fridge you could just grab at any point in the day. In addition, the wine and Champagnes available all day were actually worth drinking, with someone curating the selection with pride. It makes it feel as if you’re in your own living room, but so much better. Convenience and a place to unwind are just huge. I love coming in for a 6pm glass of Champagne before heading out to dinner, or grabbing some nibbles in the evening if I wasn’t able to grab a proper meal due to the day’s scheduling.
What have been some of your most memorable stays and why? I love staying in Japan because I find the ser-
vice so flawless and respectful. At the Andaz, the team is so on point. Another great one is the Pan Pacific Singapore. The club lounge there is on the top floor and they had free flowing Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne, and great finger food. The staff knew our names after one visit, were really helpful with ideas and recommendations and couldn’t have been more fun.
What benefits would you like to see introduced at hotel club lounges? Like airport lounges, there’s no perfect answer, but there are fun ideas. Quirky things like a mini movie theatre for screenings, with drinks and food, would be really cool. Maybe a game room, where guests can play billiards or cards. Hotels are nailing it with checking in club guests up in the lounge, or room, and I think that’s a great start.
How would you like to see hotel club lounges evolve over the next 12 months? It’s important to protect the integrity and sophistication of these spaces. Some hotels are so eager to get as many people in that they ruin the experience while others are almost too hard to get into. It’s all about finding a balance.
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Wellness
Go VR at W Hong Kong’s Bliss Spa If you find it difficult to relax during spa treatments and respond well to visuals, then the VR spa treatment at W Hong Kong’s bliss spa might be worth investigating. In a first for Asia-Pacific, the spa has teamed up with Barcelona-based beauty pioneers Natura Bisse to offer The Mindful Touch VR Experience. Guests are invited to don a VR visor and watch an immersive virtual reality video and audio track that encourages them to focus on their breathing and bodily sensations. The session continues with a voice-over that helps clients anchor themselves in the present moment before receiving one of two Natura Bisse facials, Diamond Life Infusion Experience or Diamond Multisensorial Lifting Experience. marriott.com
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Wellness
Go ultrasonic at Parisian Macao
With many world-class wellness brands in Macau, the city offers an increasingly diverse range of therapies, the latest being Le Spa'tique at the Parisian Macao's Sonic Wave An-Tea Pollution facial. Designed to brighten city-stressed skin, the facial harnesses the power of ultrasonic waves to rid the skin of toxins. It also incorporates Ling’s latest antipollution serum, featuring a powerful red tea extract, which is dispersed into tiny droplets that penetrate the skin. The facial is enhanced by a massage to firm the skin and a peppermint alginate mask to further boost the serum to create a blissful 90-minute treatment. parisianmacao.com
A new take on yoga
A reminder that the best connections are human connections, Trust Yoga is the newest addition to the wellness programme at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Bali. Head to the ocean-front yoga pavilion with a partner and take turns being guide and flier, with postures that build trus and strengthen your bond to one other. A yoga instructor is on hand to lead each couple through this 75-minute class, adapting postures to suit all levels. A fun way to connect emotionally and physically to someone special in your life. fourseasons.com
Cleanse your soul at Ritz-Carlton Bali
Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali can participate in an authentic Balinese ritual, Soul Purification, a spiritual journey that takes place on the beach early morning, when Surya, the God of Sun, is believed to rise. The journey begins with a Balinese Priest offering a devotion to both of the Gods, which is followed by a ‘Tepung Tawar’ ritual, a cleansing of the guest’s hands, feet, face, and mouth three times each with the holy water, to symbolically cleanse the body, mind, and soul. A prayer is then said, and a piece of string is tied around the guest’s wrist and worn until it falls off, symbolising their quest for balance. Guests participating in the ritual will be accompanied by a Sutri, the priest’s assistant, who will lead them through the steps of the ritual and deliver a consultation on Balinese culture. ritzcarlton.com
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Hotel Review
S
ituated in two 17th century Dutch canal houses in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal land on Keizersgracht in Westermarcht, the Toren is certainly no shrinking violet with its textured snakeskin print wallpaper, opulent chandeliers and elaborate ceiling frescos. With just 40 rooms in this luxury boutique hotel, you’re assured of personalised service – staff take pride in making tailored sightseeting recommendations – it’s also an utterly romantic destination, which is further evidenced by the general manager Ellen van Wittmarschen’s insistence on fresh flowers in the public areas, and a cosy fireplace to snuggle up to in the lounge. Bedrooms have the feel of a chic, upscale boudoir, with large, ornate mirrors, lamps sourced from upscale antique shops and plenty of pillows to lean back into. The chiming of bells from adjacent church, Westermarkt, reminds you that you’re in one of the city’s most historic districts, with the Anne Frank museum just around the corner. Having recently been renovated last November – an audio tour is now offered – this poignant place reveals how the teenager’s family escaped from the Nazis through photos, quotes and video testimony of survivors. Situated on the top floor of the main house, the junior suite offers sweeping views over the canal while there’s an option to transform two executive suites into one extra-large suite. I’m in a garden cottage, where lush fabrics in purple, red, black
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Hotel Review and gold enliven the room, and there’s a separate living area complete with chaise longue. Loved-up couples will appreciate there’s space for two in the shower/aromatherapy steam cabin and an in-room double whirlpool spa. There’s a sofa and a table outside my door, where I can kick back and gaze up at the city’s rooftops and listen to the church’s pleasant chimes. To encourage inter-guest mingling, there’s a communal space in the middle of the garden identified by its umbrella. With its plush leather sofas, romantic lighting and a ceiling fresco painted by students from the Leiden university (Rembrandt was once a student there) the lounge is an inviting haven with sumptuous drapes hanging at the hotel’s large bay windows. Pull up a stool at the bar and order up a gin & tonic with some Bobby’s gin from Amsterdam, which combines juniper and rosehips with cloves, lemongrass and cubeb pepper for a spirit described as, “Dutch courage mixed with Indonesian spice” and is garnished with raspberries, blueberries and mint leaves. The lounge also doubles as a breakfast room, and is the perfect place to indulge in a spot of people watching, with hordes of locals cycling determinedly past as you nibble a miniature pain au chocolat and sip a tea or coffee, both of which are presented in a silver pot so guests can linger over top-ups. As with any boutique hotel, you may have to venture out for dining options, with the lounge’s menu limited to small dishes, platters and canapes. If you’re looking for the same heritage chic as the hotel, try De Silverin Speigel for dishes like oxtail with onion marmalade, potato froth, crispy potato crackling and stewed pear with chocolate mousse, curd and stroopwafel ice cream, or Senses restaurant, where
chef Lars Bartelsen’s pioneering menu incorporates his own ketchup, liqueur and G&T caviar. Those looking to indulge in spot of retail therapy are also well-placed to do so at the Toren, with a host of delicious designer boutiques on the doorstep such as We Are Labels for shoes and jewellery from brands including Club Manhattan, and The Otherist for upscale prints, jewellery and homeware. Once you’re settled in for the night, light some candles and sink into the Jacuzzi… or head to the bar lounge once more for a nightcap (it’s open until 1am) and engage in some chit-chat with the friendly bartenders, or other lone guests propping up the bar. While romance is at the heart of this hotel, the convivial staff ensure singletons feel equally welcome in this blissful bolthole in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district. thetoren.nl
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Celebrate the
Year of the Pig in Macao The Year of the Pig is almost upon us, and Macao is readying itself for Chinese New Year, the most momentous date of the year on the Chinese calendar. A time for friends and family to come together, this muchloved holiday is celebrated with a host of time-honoured rituals, including a family reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year and filling the house with flowers and auspicious mandarin orange or kumquat trees. Artistic, refined and intelligent, the pig is lucky in Chinese culture, being viewed as a symbol of wealth. According to many horoscope predictions the Year of the Pig promises to be a carefree one for all 12 animals, one characterised by love and generosity. To welcome in the coming new year, Macao will line the
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
streets with beautiful red lanterns, while many residents will post lucky red couplets to front doors to bring good luck. Other century-old traditions include cleaning the house from top to bottom to welcome in the new year, and visiting the city’s temples to pray for good luck and prosperity. In 2019, the first day of the Year of the Pig, or Lunar New Year’s Day, will fall on 5 February. To celebrate the most important date on the calendar, Macao will host a Chinese New Year Parade, a Chinese Lunar New Year market, a flower market and fireworks during the Lunar New Year holiday, with the Parade for Celebration of the year of the Pig taking place on the 7 & 10 February, with cultural performances also being held over Chinese New Year. Before the festivities begin, locals and tourists alike can stock up on special Chinese New Year goodies at the Lunar New Year Market held at Tap Seac Square and Iao Hon Market Garden, which is decked out with beautiful Chinese New Year decorations, including lanterns and festive displays. There’s also the chance to pick out some fragrant blooms – plum blossom for courage and water
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION narcissus for good luck – and shop for festive snacks, decorations and gifts at the Macao Flower Market. Fireworks will illuminate the sky and firecrackers will ward off evil spirits on the Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen near Macau Tower. One of Macao’s signature festivities for Chinese New Year, the parade features a dazzling array of illuminated floats, with more than 1,000 performers entertaining revellers. The first parade on 7 February will begin at Sai Van Lake Square, while the second will begin at North Patane Street on 10 February. In terms of cultural performances, several international groups will be in Macao for the Chinese New Year celebrations, including “Griya Seni Ekayana” from Indonesia, a Street Circus from the Netherlands, “Lego People” from Slovakia” the “Red World” performers from France as a well as the “Sparkling Drums” from the UK. As another highlight, the God of Fortune, the Gods of Happiness, Prosperity and Longevity, the 12 Chinese zodiac mascots, an entourage boy and girl as well as dragon and lion dance teams and Macao Tourism ambassadors will be around town to wish residents and visitors a happy Lunar New Year while distributing “Lai Si” and other souvenirs. Have an unforgettable time celebrating the Year of the Pig with a trip to Macao this February.
macaotourism.gov.mo
Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Pig 07/02/2019 8pm-10pm
Route:
Sai Van Lake Square-Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen-Macao Science Center 10/07/2019 8pm-9.30pm
Route:
Rua Norte do Patane → Av. do Conselheiro Borja → Estrada do Arco → Estrada da Areia Preta → Av. de Venceslau de Morais → Rua Quatro do Bairro da Areia Preta → Av. da Longevidade → Rua do Mercado de Iao Hon → Jardim do Mercado Municipal do Iao Hon
Lunar New Year Market Tap Seac Square
Firecrackers and fireworks authorised areas
28/01/2019-03/02/2019 9am-12am
Macao: Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen near Macao Tower
04/02/2019 9am-2am
Iao Hon Market Garden 28/01/2019-03/02/2019 9am-10pm 04/02/2019 9am-12am
Taipa: Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro near Taipa bay shore 04/02/2019 12pm-1am
05/02/2019-09/02/2019 10am-12am
Feature: Bear Grylls
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Feature: Bear Grylls
F
rom using the corpse of a dead sheep as a sleeping bag and flotation device to drinking fecal liquid from elephant dung, British explorer Bear Grylls’ stomach-turning stunts have been enthralling TV viewers around the world since his first show Man vs Wild debuted in 2006, in which the presenter was dropped into inhospitable locations and showed viewers how to survive. A natural in front of the camera, the former SAS soldier’s good looks and easy charm won over audiences, as did the matter-of-fact way he approached bizarre feats like chewing off an octopus’s leg as its tentacles clung onto his throat, or demonstrating how to escape from a frozen lake in Siberia in -35 degree temperatures. His programmes have arguably inspired all of us to push ourselves that bit further, including celebrities like actor Zac Efron, Kate Winslet and even former president Barack Obama, all of whom appeared in the adventure TV series Running Wild with Bear Grylls. But there’s more to Grylls than TV host: he’s also Chief Ambassador of the World Scout Movement (awarded in 2018, in addition to him being UK Chief Scout), businessman, champion of several charity causes including African wildlife charity Tusk, motivational speaker and a prolific author, penning Mud, Sweat & Tears: The Autobiography in 2012, and a series of children’s books entitled Mission Survival among others.
INSPIRING MORE ADVENTURES
Last year ushered in another new chapter for Grylls with the launch of the first Bear Grylls Adventure park at the Birmingham NEC in the UK. Here, wannabe explorers head to basecamp, where they must crack codes and solve puzzles against the clock, take on the survival maze and scramble their way through an assault course before testing their mettle with activities including an indoor skydive and caged snorkel. Grylls hopes the Birmingham venue will represent the first of many such venues: he and his team are currently looking for new sites
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Feature: Bear Grylls
Clockwise from above:
Taking on the Sahara; with Yao Ming; in rural Beijing with team from the Chinese Bear Grylls Survival Academy
so they can roll out the adventure parks globally. “The parks are all about bringing adventure to millions of people who might never get access to it otherwise, and I’m excited to be giving people an opportunity to experience so many of the sorts of handson challenges I’ve faced adventuring over the years. Skydiving, diving with sharks, the highest high ropes in Europe, escape rooms, shooting… it’s all about empowering people with pride, confidence and great adventure experiences,” he says. As Chief Ambassador of World Scouting – a title he was awarded at the UN last year, in addition to being the made youngest ever Chief Scout in the UK when he was 34 – Grylls is equally passionate about galvanising the 50 million scouts he represents globally. “Scouting is a worldwide force for good that inspires young people to go for it in their lives and to learn great life and adventure skills to help them get ahead. My job is to bring this to areas that don’t as yet have the youth movement, whether that be China or parts of the Middle East.”
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TAKING ON CHINA
Shows such as Man vs Wild and reality TV series The Island, which will return for a sixth series in 2019, have cemented Grylls’ status as a global star. His profile received a boost in China following the debut of Absolute Wild China in 2017, in which Grylls took eight Chinese celebrities including Yao Ming, Taiwanese actress Ivy Yi-Han Chen and Chinese singer/ actor Geng Han into China’s wilderness. “The privilege of hosting Absolute Wild was being alongside these stars and helping them overcome their fears and boundaries. Journeying through the wild together always brings people close and removes barriers. I like that. There was something special about seeing that positive transformation in these stars and helping them find a pride and confidence that can only be earned through sweat and endeavour,” he says. Grylls says former basketball player Ming, along with the other Chinese stars who took part in the show, were humble, fun and hard working – and keen to fully
Feature: Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls Factfile Full name: Michael Edward Grylls Age: 44 Height: 6 foot Weight: Approx 72kg Place of birth: London Nationality: British Wife: Shara Cannings Knight (married 2000) Children: Three sons: Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry Schooling: Birkbeck, University of London (2:2 in Hispanic Studies) First job: British army reserves with 21 SAS First expedition: Climbing Everest, aged 23 World records broken: Highest open-air formal dinner party (2005); longest continuous indoor free-fall (2008)
embrace the unknown. “And that’s the magic: seeing them up against it, totally unguarded and sharing their own personal triumphs and failures along the way. The tough parts for these stars is often dealing with fatigue and bad weather. They often aren’t so used to having to rough it quite like that.” Following the success of the show Grylls says he’ll be going back to China “very soon to film a very cool new series”, but embargoes prevent him from elaborating further at the moment. While Grylls’ adventures have seen him break out of a 12-foot avalanche of snow in the Canadian Rockies and escape quicksand in the Sahara, he enjoyed tackling the rugged terrain of Sichuan province, where he tried
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Feature: Bear Grylls (and failed) to persuade Ming to eat maggots – although he did abseil, then swim into freezing water with the star who, at 7 foot 5, made the muscular six-footer look positively diminutive. “It’s been a great privilege to have been so welcomed in China. I love the country, the wilderness and the people so much – they are always warm and encouraging and that's why it was such an honour to visit some local schools in Beijing and take some kids out on some adventure activities. We’ve sold 15 million copies of our Mission Survival books in China now and it shows that the thirst for adventure is alive and growing.”
THE FAME GAME
With seven seasons broadcast over five years, Man Vs Wild was a phenomenally successful show, but the presenter admits dealing with his new-found fame wasn’t without its challenges. “The recognition side of things was strange to deal with at first but I’ve learnt to take it with a large pinch of salt. I simply consider it a huge honour to have friends all over the world – that’s how I view it and that’s how I explain it to our young boys. I’ll always remain grateful for that first Man vs Wild TV show success as it paved the way to so many adventures and subsequent series. But the real power for me came when I felt confident enough to make all these adventures about other people and sharing skills and attitudes that can transform lives. The power of courage, persistence, faith and positivity is universal and helps people not only on mountains but in life as well. I love seeing that grow in others, whether it’s one of my guests on Running Wild or a young scout camping out for the first time.” One of Grylls’ most-watched episodes of Running Wild was with Barack Obama, which saw the explorer head into the Alaskan wilderness with the then-sitting president in 2015 to witness the effects of global warming and climate change – and also make lunch out of a bloody carcass of salmon that had already been half eaten by a bear. “That journey was so special – although it was interesting having to manage the 50 secret service agents following his every move! But he was an awesome down to earth, family-centred guy. He loved being out of office and told me afterwards it was one of the best days of his entire presidency, which was a cool thing to hear. It was such a privilege to help champion his climate change ambitions and one of the best ways to really understand climate change is to see the effects close up
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Feature: Bear Grylls [the two came face to face with the rapidly receding Exit Glacier]. The highlight for me was the moments off camera chatting in the forest about life and the power of the great outdoors to make us all better human beings,” he remembers. From filming and overseeing his new adventure park to managing family life and charity commitments, to say the 44year old’s schedule is packed is something of an understatement. But asked what’s the most difficult thing about being Bear Grylls, he responds as most of us would. “I have many of the same struggles as other people, especially as a dad, juggling work and family and time away. It’s not always easy but it’s about trying to make sure you have clear priorities of family first and sticking to that wherever possible,” he admits.
As for the biggest misconception about the world’s most famous adventurer, Grylls is quick to point out he’s no tough guy. “People see me on screen, scaling cliff faces and jumping around wild terrain and expect it to be all about adrenalin and machismo, but the reality is that our team work so well because we leave the egos behind. We work hard, look after each other and always try to value kindness and humility over bravado and ambition.”
GOING OFF GRID
It was Grylls’ childhood dream to climb Mount Everest, something that he realised in 1998, aged 23, which made him the youngest Briton to ever reach the world’s highest summit. While that record has since been broken (it’s currently held by George Atkinson who summited aged
Clockwise from above:
Sharing a quiet moment with then-president Barack Obama; rappelling into a sink hole in the Costa Rican jungle; in rural Beijing leading a mini activity adventure
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Feature: Bear Grylls
Above: at the Bear Grylls Adventure park in Birmingham. Opposite page: Ready to take on anything Page 70
Climbing in Yosemite National Park; in the desert in Dubai
16 in 2011), reaching its snowy peak is still an accomplishment that resonates with the explorer. “My dad taught me to climb from a young age and was definitely a mentor for me… he inspired me to not be afraid, to go for things, and to take a few risks. The summit of Everest itself is extraordinary – small – like a coffee table and standing there was a feeling like no other. It changed me in so many ways, giving a gratitude for life that lasts to this day. I returned in 2007 later to the peak to fly a powered paraglider over the summit and that was a journey I will never forget too.” The record-breaking feat was filmed for Discovery Channel, and showed him endure dangerously low oxygen levels to reach 9,000 metres – almost 3,000 metres higher than the previous record of 6,102 metres. As someone who continues to devote much of their time filming in the harshest, most remote locations on the planet, it would be understandable if Grylls confessed that he’d appreciate some serious R&R in a five-star hotel, or perhaps an upscale private retreat like Richard Branson’s Necker Island when he got some down time. But in fact nothing could be further from the truth. “My perfect holiday is always to our small island hideaway on [Saint Tudwal’s Island West off Abersoch on the Lyn Peninsula] in North Wales – this really is where I feel most at home. We have no
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mains electricity or water and run everything totally off grid, but we love it. Our three boys, Jesse, Marmaduke and Huckleberry, and my wife Shara and I are happier there than anywhere else on earth – it’s adventure and solitude mixed with fun and family. We can dive, swim, paraglide and climb on the island so it’s always full of adventure, but we definitely also take time to chill and unwind – there is something about the off grid element that is very good for the soul. Especially for our young boys.”
THE PEAK OF FITNESS
By continuing to push himself to the limit on the camera – recent feats include jumping out of helicopter on a skateboard and scaling the cloud-covered craggy mountains of the Isle of Skye with actor Ben Stiller – means Grylls has to stay in great physical shape. “I try and stay as fit as I can, and consider it a key part of my job. I train using short, highly effective workouts, that I can fit around my schedule and family time,” he says. To inspire others to work out just as efficiently, Grylls can claim another string to his bow with the relaunch of British Military Fitness to Be Military Fit (BMF) last year, with his company Bear Grylls Ventures now co-owner. With the aim of inspiring a generation to get outside and active, BMF is Europe’s largest outdoor fitness provider, with more than 600 classes delivered
Feature: Bear Grylls
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Feature: Bear Grylls every week across 140 venues, he says. “We currently train exserving members of the armed forces to become instructors, and offer free classes to veterans. BMF is proving such a powerful way to help veterans and help regular people achieve their fitness goals in a positive community atmosphere. It’s amazing seeing it grow so fast.”
Photo courtesy of
Anantara Golden Triangle & Elephant Tented Camp
While Grylls is clearly delighted to be the face of BMF, the explorer is also “incredibly proud” of being a patron for Tusk, which aims to advance wildlife conservation across Africa. “I spoke alongside Sir David Attenborough and Yao Ming recently on the plight of rhinos and elephant, as it always pains me so much to see rhino horn for sale in China and Vietnam. A rhino is killed every eight hours in Africa to feed the false belief that horn will cure certain ailments. Horn is simply keratin, like nail, yet poachers slaughter entire rhino families for a single horn. It’s tragic beyond words.”
FIVE WAYS TO BE MORE BEAR
As such a seasoned jetsetter, Grylls is only too aware of the biggest challenges the planet is facing and conservation is an issue that weighs heavily on him. “It’s a key part of my role to highlight the importance of protecting our planet, and partnering with great charities such as Tusk and the scouts is a powerful way to share that message.”
1 Widen your culinary horizons Try something you wouldn’t usually eat, be that bull testicles or snake soup, both of which are easy to find in Hong Kong
Ever since Man vs Wild first catapulted Grylls to fame almost 13 years ago (the first episode saw him dropped in the middle of the Rockies and jump 70 feet into a river before finding his way back to civilisation), the camera’s lens has been firmly focused on him. This year is no different, with the explorer telling Jetsetter that he’s set to visit more than 30 countries in 2019. “We’ll be filming six different seasons of TV shows slated for 2019, so I’m braced for a busy one.” But the focus, he says, is always the same across all his endeavours. “I want to encourage young people from all walks of life to find their own adventure, chose the path less trodden, go for their dreams, embrace failure, know the power of courage kindness and never give up.” And in those words, perhaps, we have Gryll’s most potent message: to just keep on, even when we feel like giving up.
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Get out of your comfort zone and embrace Bear’s bold ethos
2 Test your survival skills Visit the Bear Grylls Survival Academy in China; beargryllssurvivalacademy.com 3 Join a military-style class Shake up your workout routine by joining a class fit for those on the front line 4 Support one of his charities Do your bit to support the plight of African wildlife and volunteer or set up a standing order with Tusk; tusk.org 5 Do your bit for climate change Buy organic and local whenever possible, eat less meat, use energy wisely and offset your carbon emissions; myclimate.org
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Insider
FirstFor Class All Why did you set up Plaza Premium First – and why Hong Kong? Plaza Premium First was launched to serve travellers looking for a more refined lounge experience. As Hong Kong is a very mature travel market, there are a lot of travellers that crave an elevated lounge experience with personalised services.
What does the lounge offer and how does it differ from other similar lounges? Operating under a pay-per-use system, our new lounge offers a number of exclusive, best-in-class services. As soon as guests walk into Plaza Premium First, they are welcomed by a lounge ambassador, a drink and 10-minute complimentary massage. Our table-service restaurant, Primo, offers à la carte dining with seasonal made-to-order entrées, all-inclusive and self-serving hors d’oeuvres, and breakfast options. We have additionally partnered with [Hong Kong social enterprise promoting plantbased living] Green Monday to be the first airport lounge in Asia to serve the [vegan] Beyond Meat Burger.
Tell us about the design concept of the lounge? Designed by award-winning Hong Kong designer Kinney Chan, it has been imagined as a calming oasis for travellers to escape the busy terminal. Natural materials, soothing colours and artwork including a large forest mural have been installed to create a tranquil ambience.
How has the airport lounge market taken off in the past 20 years and how do you expect it to evolve? Travelling 20 years ago was considered a luxury, airports were nothing more than a transit hub, and lounges were reserved for elite and premium
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travellers. Airports are now destinations in their own right, and travelling is now considered a necessity be it for business or leisure. The majority of travellers, especially in Hong Kong, consider a lounge as part of their travel experience. I’m expecting that in the coming years, the airport experience will become even more seamless with the integration of smart technology.
You founded Plaza Premium Lounge following your experiences flying economy class. What was the initial response to your business concept? Setting up Premium Plaza Lounge was definitely challenging. I was creating a new concept in the industry where I had to explain my vision and passion to do something for the majority, and one of the biggest challenges was proving that there was a gap in the market for an independent lounge. Nevertheless, an opportunity presented itself during the opening of Hong Kong International Airport in 1998, when we launched our first Premium Plaza Lounge.
How do people travel now compared to 20 years ago? The travel industry has changed tremendously since we launched the first Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport 20 years ago. Travelling has now evolved into a lifestyle where people travel frequently for work and leisure.
Where will we see your lounges next? We have lounges set to open in China, India and the US. China openings in the pipeline include Guangzhou, Zhengzhou and Qingdao. Other Plaza Premium Lounges will open in Ahmedabad, Denver, Helsinki and [transit-friendly hotel] Aerotel at London Heathrow. plazapremiumlounge.com
Aconcagua
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Aconcagua
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Aconcagua
Clockwise from opposite:
Blue skies on the way to the top; tents echo the colour of the mountain; almost half-way at Laguna de Horcones
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s the helicopter lifted off, our vision was obliterated by clouds of hot dust that billowed towards us and had us instinctively shielding our eyes. By the time it had begun to clear, the heli had become a tiny speck in the distance as it raced down the Horcones Valley towards the gates of Aconcagua Provincial Park. Onboard the helicopter was my teammate Phil who had been struggling to adjust to the altitude since we’d arrived at Base Camp. When that morning he’d detected an irregular heartbeat and went to see the doctor, the inevitable medical evacuation swung into action. We’d lost a valued member of our team and hadn’t even been up the mountain yet. And with only around half of those attempting to reach the summit being successful, it felt like my fate was hanging in the balance… I was in Argentina to climb the highest mountain in the Southern and Western Hemispheres and the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas – Aconcagua. Named ‘Acconcahuac’ (the stone sentinel) by the Incas and reaching an elevation of 6,962m, ‘Aco’ is one of the coveted Seven Summits – the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. It sees around 3,000 trekkers a year take on what is a significantly bigger challenge than, say, Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro. Though not a ‘technical’ peak – there is no climbing with ropes – Aconcagua’s twin dangers of high altitude and extreme cold means it can be a very costly mistake to underestimate what it takes to get to its summit. I would experience first hand how devastating the effects of trekking at this altitude can be.
HITTING THE ALTITUDE
It had taken us two days to get to Aconcagua Base Camp – or ‘Plaza de Mulas’ – at an altitude of 4,300m (for comparison, that’s only 500m lower than Mont Blanc, the highest
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mountain in Western Europe). Once there the team’s sole focus became acclimatisation, as any successful and safe trek to nearly 7,000m requires the adjustment of the body to the lower pressure which results in less oxygen getting into your blood. To achieve this, the team would make several ‘rotations’ up the mountain to sleep at higher camps (Camps 1 and 2) then return to Base Camp for recuperation. Acclimatisation was tough, but it was tempered by the sight of the Penitentes – Spanish for "penitent-shaped snows" – elongated, thin blades of snow or ice found above 4,000m. First documented by Charles Darwin in the 1830s, they are said to be formed by the strong winds round the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, and deliver a cool photo opportunity. Finally our acclimatisation was complete and we set off for the summit. Not everyone, alas, had got to grips with the dizzying altitudes. On the trek from Camp 2 to high camp we came across a distressed climber who was slumped against a rock. We quickly realised that he was in a serious condition, losing his sight and appearing to be suffering from cerebral oedema, a severe form of altitude sickness. While I helped him eat one of his energy bars, one of our
Aconcagua
guides, Jerry, called mountain rescue and asked for immediate assistance. Before too long, help arrived and we continued on our way, but it was sobering to realise that at least one other team had passed the man and not stopped to help. We carried onto our high camp – Camp Colera at around 6,000m – which the guides had chosen for its sheltered position. This was to prove a great decision during the coming hours, as all the tents of a neighbouring expedition were blown away in high winds (ironically, the team that had passed the climber earlier). We slept fitfully, with winds battering our tents, and in the early hours we crept out into the darkness, both nervous and excited about the big day ahead.
LOSING team members
Although some might describe summit day on Aconcagua as a ‘walk to the top’, this definitely isn’t the phrase I’d use. With around 1,000m of height gain from high camp to the summit, it’s a big day, and
factoring in the worsening weather and the descent from nearly 7,000m, it was definitely not going to be easy. The initial climb out of Camp 3 was steep, and despite the chill in the air we quickly worked up a sweat. Less than an hour out of camp, one of our party, Shelagh, decided she wanted to turn back. An hour passed and another member of the team, Paula, also decided to turn back. Physically she seemed in good shape, but perhaps the loss of Shelagh, her closest buddy on the expedition, weighed heavily on her. Time started to become a blur for me as the hours rolled past, but I remember stopping near the shelter at Independencia, where we took shelter behind some rocks and bolted down some food and fluids. I heard whistles blowing close by but didn’t register what was going on; tragically, I found out later on, a Scotsman had collapsed and died of a heart attack just a few feet from where we were sitting. Oblivious
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Aconcagua Clockwise from this image:
Views of the Andes and glaciers; 4,300m up at Plaza de Mulas; taking a breather at the Confluencia camp
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to his plight, and unaware of his distressed friends nearby, we got up and pushed on. The wind by now had become serious, so much so that I turned to our guide, Gianni, and asked, “Can we go on?” The gusts were strong enough at times to make walking impossible, but he nodded and we continued. By now, we’d lost Evan too. Although the youngest and fittest in the team, his constant battle to acclimatise had sapped his energy; ultimately he just didn’t have enough left in the tank. We were edging closer to the ‘crux’ of the climb, the Canaleta, a huge, screefilled couloir steep mountainside gorge was the final hurdle to the summit. Yet before we got to its base, Lee decided he’d had enough too. The attrition rate of the team was brutal, with just me and Stella now left standing. Would a single one of us make it to the top? I stopped for the first time to catch my breath then, doubly determined now we were so close, willed myself on.
THE final PUSH
We reached the bottom of the Canaleta and stopped at La Cueva (the cave) – a huge, rocky overhang at 6,650m that offers welcome shelter – and had some food and drink before for the final push. From here, we were to take another two hours to the top, yet time was passing like in a dream for me now. I remember a glider flying overhead and fleeting glimpses of the terrifying South Face of Aconcagua off to the right. And then, finally, we were there. I rounded some rocks to see the flat of the summit and walked across and kissed the summit cross. Close behind me was Stella, and we took a few minutes to take photos and enjoy the incredible views all around. I was pretty spent at this point, and on the way down the Canaleta my body decided to call in all the favours I’d asked of it on the way up. I stumbled down the scree slope, all my efforts focused on just staying on my feet. Finally we reached the Cave, and here I forced some energy bars down, praying that the injection of sugar would get my body going again. Just behind me Stella seemed to be having a similar experience, and when we started moving again, we walked down the mountain in a half daze.
Sixteen hours after leaving camp, we stumbled back into Camp Colera and into the arms of our waiting teammates. We’d got to the top, but instead of feeling victorious, I felt humbled. Aconcagua had allowed me to stand on its summit, but it felt like I’d had to leave a little piece of myself on the mountain in return. Cathay Pacific flies from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires, while LATAM Airlines connects Buenos Aires to Mendoza. Aconcagua Mountain Guides (aconcaguamountainguides.com) organises tours to climb the mighty Acon, including private climbs with customised itineraries and services. Prices start from US$4,190 to complete the normal route
Aconcagua: The lowdown WHERE? Located in the Andes range in Mendoza Province, Argentina, Aconcagua is bound by the Horcones Valley to the west and south and the Vacas Valley to the north and east. HOW HIGH? At 6,962m, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Americas, the highest peak in the Southern and Western Hemispheres, and is one of the Seven Summits. WHICH ROUTE? There are two main trekking routes on Aconcagua: the Normal Route, accessed by the Horcones Valley, and the Polish Glacier Traverse, accessed by the Vacas Valley, which takes in more challenging terrain. TEMPERATURE: During summer, the temperature drops to -20 degrees, while it’s -30 degrees at the summit WHEN TO CLIMB? High season is between December and February when the weather is at its most stable
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Aconcagua
Where to Stay? Mendoza is a wonderful base for a trip to Aconcagua, with restaurants serving world-class Argentinian steaks and local Malbec and many hotels offering breathtaking views of the Andes
THE VINES RESORT AND SPA Nestled at the base of the Andes in the Uco Valley, The Vines features 21 private villas, an outdoor pool and stunning views of the Andes at every turn. Legendary Argentine chef Francis Mallmann serves up inspired regional fare and traditional asado feasts at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Siete Fuegos. You can even harvest grapes or make your own custom wine in the hotel’s own vineyards, working side-by-side with world-renowned consultant winemaker Santiago Achával. vinesresortandspa.com PARK HYATT MENDOZA With its beautifully restored 19th century Spanish colonial facade, the Park Hyatt Mendoza Hotel is conveniently situated in the centre of the city with a prominent position on the Plaza de la Independencia. With stunning views of the Mendoza vineyards and the Andes – including Aconcagua itself – this five-star hotel organises Mendoza wine tours, while the Kaua Club and Spa offers winebased treatments. hyatt.com INTERCONTINENTAL MENDOZA For a more contemporary feel, the Intercontinental Mendoza offers extensive accommodation and facilities and is located next to Mendoza Plaza Shopping, the largest shopping mall in the city. Set in the city’s burgeoning entertainment and business hub, the hotel boasts a casino, indoor pool and spa. intercontinentalmendoza.com
Clockwise from this image:
The writer with penitentes; night time on the Andes; terkkers are usually required to carry their own kit
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Valencia
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Valencia
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Valencia
Clockwise from this image:
City of Arts and Sciences; Valencia Cathedral; Valencian oranges and paella
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est known for its juicy oranges and as the birthplace of Spain’s iconic national dish, paella, the saffron-scented rice casserole served in big round steel pans, the port city of Valencia lies on Spain’s east coast and boasts 300 plus days of sunshine annually. Yet fresh oranges and paella are just excerpts of Valencia’s charms, which were shown to international advantage during the city’s two stints hosting the America’s Cup yacht races in 2007 and 2010. You’ll find plenty of each in the city’s lively old town cafes at the Art Nouveau-style Mercado Central, one of Europe’s largest public markets with more than 300 stalls, and along the bustling promenade at Malvarossa Beach overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Start with the visually stunning City of Arts and
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Sciences, the futuristic cultural complex designed primarily by renowned architect, and native son, Santiago Calatrava. Spread across 35 hectares, Valencia’s top landmark is an architectural marvel: an eye-popping cluster of stark white, contemporary buildings that include a science museum, a giant eye-shaped IMAX theatre/ planetarium, an opera house, a meeting and performance space, and an aquarium that is the largest in Europe designed by Felix Candela and shaped like a water lily. The scents of rosemary and lavender perfume the air for visitors strolling the long, palm tree-lined garden, L’Umbracle, while they admire the outdoor sculptures and reflecting pools.
HOLY GRAIL
The heart of Valencia is old town, its medieval hub, which is home to a multi-layered tapestry of attractions. Whether on foot or bicycle, exploring this ancient district is like travelling through time, from Roman ruins dating back 21 centuries
Valencia
MICHELIN-STARRED EXPERIENCES SAMPLE SPANISH COOKING AT ITS BEST AT ONE OF THESE FINE ESTABLISHMENTS Set aside two to three hours for a gastronomic experience you’re unlikely to forget at the two Michelin-starred Ricard Camarena (ricardcamarenarestaurant.com). Located inside the Bombas Gens art museum, diners can select the longer Richard Camerena Experience menu (10 courses with wine pairings) or the shorter tasting menu. The seasonal menus include dishes like green asparagus in coffee butter and roasted aubergine and Almadraba tuna taco. Boasting one Michelin star, El Poblet (elpobletrestaurante.com) is helmed by Luis Valls, with starters including ”The Living Forest”, a cold appetiser crafted from mushrooms, meat jelly, truffle and sprouts plated up to resemble a forest, while popular fish dishes include grilled red mullet with citrus juice and sweet potato. The restaurant follows in the traditions of its mother restaurant, Denia, which is headed up by acclaimed chef Quique Dacosta.
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to a mix of Moorish-influenced architecture and monuments built in Gothic, Renaissance and Neoclassical styles. A highlight is the 13th century Valencia Cathedral with its intricately painted interior dome. Built on the site of a onetime Roman temple that became a mosque, it’s a beautiful mash-up of three main architectural styles: Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic, exemplified in its varied exterior doors. Inside, visitors flock to see what the Vatican has recognised as the Holy Grail, the legendary chalice Christians believe was used by Christ at the Last Supper, which sits in an elaborate side chapel under glass. Save some energy to climb 207 steps up the octagonal bell tower, El Miguelete, for impressive vistas over the city. Nearby, The Silk Exchange, the Longa de la Seda, is intriguing with its Courtyard of the Orange Trees, gargoyles and vaulted hall with spiral columns resembling tall palm trees. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this marvel of Gothic civil architecture is testament to Valencia’s 15th century golden age as a Mediterranean trading powerhouse. And don’t miss the prison for merchants who didn’t pay their debts.
WINING & DINING
After all that sightseeing, it’s time to cool off with either of two local specialties: the city’s namesake cocktail, Agua de Valencia, a mix of gin, vodka, sugar, fresh orange juice and one of the city’s most famous exports, Cava. If you want to keep a clear head, then order up a horchata de chufa, a sweet, milk-like beverage made from locally-grown tiger nuts that locals drink to beat the heat. It’s often served with a long, thin bun called a farton, which is dipped into the cold milky beverage. The birthplace of Agua de Valencia, the Café de Madrid, is arguably the best place to sample the city’s renowned cocktail. It is now located in the Marques House Hotel, which is situated in a historic building next to El Palacio del Marque de Dos Aguas. The Horchateria de Santa Catalina, meanwhile, is a good option for horchata, for cups of comforting hot
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chocolate and more-ish churros. At the horchateria, you’ll spot some wonderful examples of decorative ceramic tiles, another Valencian specialty. If you’re a porcelain fan, don’t miss a visit to the Lladro factory and museum while you’re in town, which is located just 15 minutes from town (see box for more details). We were thrilled later to find both of Valencia’s signature beverages in the dining room and bar of our hotel, Parador de el Saler, located 12 miles from downtown past a wetlands park and the rice paddies where paella was born. The Parador, part of Spain’s chain of nearly 100 state-run luxury inns, boasts a challenging seaside golf course set in the La Albufera Nature Reserve.
Festival Time
Plan your trip, if possible, for mid-March when all of Valencia celebrates Las Fallas, one of Spain’s biggest national festivals. Commemorating the patron saint of carpenters, it’s a high-spirited, five-day spectacle of bands, parades, fireworks and gigantic figures made of papier mache and wood, which are burned in huge bonfires on St. Joseph’s Day (19 March). The orange season is also in full swing then, too, so take a stroll through the city’s orange groves, pick some up at the market or sample their fabulously sweet flavour in a freshly-squeezed juice: Valencia in a glass.
Valencia
DAYTRIP: LLADRO FACTORY FIND OUT HOW ONE OF EUROPE’S FINEST PORCELAIN IS MADE
Clockwise from top left:
Catching the Mediterranean waves; cafe culture in the city’s hub; the Las Fallas festival
The Lladro workshop in Tavernes Blanques district enables visitors to observe how this world-famous handmade porcelain is put together at the brand’s only factory in the world, with free guided tours in English. The Lladro Museum & Boutique, meanwhile, showcases the pottery’s latest collections. Most exquisite of all is its high porcelain range, which includes limited edition vases featuring detailed scenes by sculptor Marco Antonio Nogueron, ornate Oriental horses, Kwan Yin sculptures and dragons presented in blue enamel. The boutique also stocks home accessories, lighting pieces and jewellery, including its quirky “Animal Heroes” collection, which feature masked cats and chihuahua pendants. lladro.com
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Sustainability
Leave No Footprint
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ny type of tourism, be it luxury or basic, can be more sustainable. But what does that mean? Sustainability isn’t just based on an economic bottom line, but on a triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental. So in sustainability, every decision isn’t just to achieve maximum positive economic impact (profit), but on a holistic balance considering social (people) and environmental (planet) impacts too. That’s every decision from design and construction, to energy, water and waste management, to staff employment, supply chain procurement and forming partnerships. If sustainable tourism is the destination, responsible tourism is the journey – the process to get there: to make “better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit”. The travel industry of course needs to prioritise the planet and people to ensure its own sustainability, but when you’re a guest, how does it make your own travels better? Here are five tips for choosing your more sustainablyminded journey…
1. What’s the Purpose? Let’s start with the Why. You can have an incredible time in an amazing place yet tourism
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need not be frivolous: behind the scenes operations can be totally geared to sustainability – so why not? Climate Change, arguably the biggest havoc-wrecking threat to our world let alone holidays, is caused by global warming from increased greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon. Yet for most countries, tourism is a top export, bringing forex and investment – especially for developing countries. With No Poverty the #1 priority for the UN’s 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals, 2017 was also named the Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
Choose Low Carbon: travel organisations with better energy efficiency save money and the planet. Leg-power where you can, take public transport, and if you have to fly choose less flights, more modern, efficient planes and economy over higher classes. 2. Consider the Place: Sustainable tourism isn’t just intangible, you can see it too. Recent over-tourism world-over shows a volume-based tourism industry isn’t sustainable. Responsible tourism suppliers carefully manage visitor numbers, focusing on the quality of visits rather than a quantity of visitors profit approach. Accommodations created with the local sense of place in mind not only contribute to the local economy but also integrate local culture. They are more harmonious with
Sustainability the environment, so more relaxing. They choose local procurement and produce, supporting local industry and arts; food is less transported, more fresh, natural, organic, colourful and cuisine more tasty, Instagrammable. Outside, they support conservation of local flora and fauna: you may see endemic wildlife and biodiversity that you may not be able to experience elsewhere in the world. A per-day ‘payment for ecosystem services’ may additionally support this. Ownership, management and supply chains bring local culture and the sense of place.
Choose local quality: Ownership, management and supply chains bring local culture and the sense of place, making holidays are a more pleasurable, relaxed and unique experience. 3. Respect People: What do you remember most about your holidays? You might like the pool you ensured your facilities search included, but usually it’s the people that really make your stay: the driver, the housekeeping, the waiting staff, the guide. Sustainable tourism employs, integrates, supports, and champions local people. It pays fair wages and treats the local community with equality, fostering mutual respect. It assists local cultural preservation and social development, for example in heritage, health and education, nurturing great pride in their environment and dignity in their community. Choose community: Sustainable tourism creates a sustainable and supportive workforce: happy, healthy and helpful, which guests appreciate, value, remember, positively review and even return.
Clockwise from top left:
Sustainably-minded property Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge in Nepal offers great views; Chumbe Island in Tanzania is an award-winning private nature reserve that takes conservation seriously; property Kasbah du Toubkal in Morocco supports local girls’ education and the environment; at the beautifully secluded St Luce Bay, Madagascar, there are eco-friendly lodges
Choose better value: Your time is precious, make the best of it. 5. Beware Greenwashing: With the growth in consumer concern and demand for sustainability, there’s a market advantage to organisations who want to appear so – even if they are not. Looking for transparent data evidence proof is one way to substantiate any claims. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on the accreditation or certification labels in tourism – with more than 150 they are confusing, merely voluntary and can be prohibitively expensive. This is where experts step in – to discern and promote true sustainable tourism. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council recognises the best standards, and organisations like Earth Changers help discern and promote the very best of the sector, transparently explaining the wheres, whos and whys of sustainable tourism for community, conservation, and the guest experience. Earth Changers research & promote the very best positive impact, sustainable tourism for people to find & book trips that truly change the world. It features a curated collection of life-changing places, with world-changing people, for extraordinary experiences with purpose. earth-changers.com
4. Better holidays are better value: The business case for more sustainable holidays is clear for places and people. It translates to a better quality product at sometimes lower cost – offering better value, with the addition of a bundle of unique selling points – often invaluable and priceless experiences.
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The List
One of only seven naturally pink beaches in the world, the turquoise waters of Komodo Island in Indonesia contrast wonderfully with the blush tones of the sand. Formed over many years of calcium carbonate and foraminifera (tiny marine creature) erosion, it’s a colour clash with its contrast turned up to 100. A mostly uninhabited island, the corals of Pink Beach are in excellent condition, with plenty to keep snorkellers and divers entertained. Keep an eye open for any Komodo dragons – these creatures roam freely across the island all year round. With a name that directly translates to ‘heavenly sea’, Hawaii’s Lanikai Beach is truly a sight to behold. Stroll nearly a mile of coastline at sunrise to take in the views of the Mokulua Islands, or make the most of the reasonably shallow waters for calm, carefree swimming. With very little to be had by ways of public facilities, Lanikai is truly cut off from the rest of Hawaii, making it the perfect place to destress, unwind and grab some unspoilt, uninterrupted photographs. Sink into the bathwater-warm depths of The Similan Islands in Thailand for true rest and relaxation. Nail the perfect shot on one of the many colossal rock formations, built up through millions of years of volcanic activity. Watch out for
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butterflies, lizards and monkeys within the thick forest, or hop from island to island – there are nine to explore with Koh Huyong offering the largest and widest beach. The Similans are particularly popular with sailing cruisers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Colour lovers will fall head over heels with the Marina Grande Beach of Positano, Italy. Enjoy a stunning drive along the Amalfi Coast and admire the pastel-hued homes clinging to the cliffside, descending elegantly onto the shore. As popular with locals and it is with tourists, Positano won’t be the quietest of beach locations, but it may be one of the most fun – pair your sunbathing with some excellent seafood from one of the many local restaurants, or enjoy an aperol spritz as you bask in the Mediterranean heat. Located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach in Australia has won countless national awards for its pristine sands and eco-friendly conservation. Made up of 98 per cent pure white silica, you’ll be hard pressed to find sand as luminescent as this. It’s the perfect backdrop for holiday photos and cool to walk upon even on very warm days. With BBQ and camping facilities, it’s an ideal place to build a trip around, being just a 30-minute boatride away from Hamilton Island.
Road Warrior
You were an accomplished surfer by the time you were a teenager. What are some of your favourite ways to ride and why?
I love riding waves – whether that’s on a longboard, shortboard, bodyboard or even without a board. The feeling of dancing down the line or dropping in deep, in any case, being propelled forward by some leftover energy from a storm is just wild and breathtakingly fun.
You travel to small-scale fishing villages in your role as founder & director of non profits Beyond The Surface and Coast to Coast and were in Morotai, Indonesia last year. What impressed you most about the place?
How in-tune the people were with their environment. The local kids in the village we lived in were outside splashing in the rain or running wildly down the street with little toys they’d fashioned themselves. I loved how nature play was just woven into the social fabric of the communities.
You’ve travelled extensively in South America, Africa and Asia. Which countries have left the biggest impression on you?
Peru was the first place I visited through my nonprofit and ten years later, I’ve found a home there with my partner Nicolás in Lobitos, the first community I partnered with. In South Africa, I met some of the most resilient kids in the world who were changing their life around through surfing with support from a homeless shelter for street children. Surfing with them in Durban was extraordinarily inspiring. Despite all the trauma these epic groms had experienced, their happiness was palpable in the water.
What inspired you to set up Beyond the Surface and Coast 2 Coast?
In high school, I heard this analogy that if the world was minimised into a village of just 100 people, only one of those people would have access to the internet and the chance to earn a college degree. I felt this huge sense of responsibility as that one person in the theoretical village. The one powerful thing I really felt I could leverage on surfing. After a few years of facilitating surfing workshops, I realised what a powerful relationship-building tool surfing was to establish trust with people from completely different backgrounds and cultures. We then thought to include an audiovisual component for kids
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to communicate about their cultures and how ocean degradation from anthropological stressors is impacting their wellbeing.
Surfing can be a pretty dangerous sport. Have you ever felt out of your depth during your adventures around the world?
Even though we go over safety extensively before we get in the water, I’m always grateful to the universe that after teaching a surf lesson that no one was injured. It’s organised chaos usually given that we are often using beaten up equipment and rather short staffed. I definitely get nervous but I try to channel that into just being hyper vigilant to making sure no one gets hurt.
Which communities are you planning to reach out to next and why?
As part of my master’s thesis, I’m headed back to Peru, India and hopefully Vietnam. As a graduate student at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, I’m looking at how resource scarcities in a changing climate are impacting fishing villages. My hope is to include the affected communities in academic research to make sure their voices are heard.
Where did your commitment to philanthropy come from?
I’m not sure… and I think that’s because it’s never been philanthropy to me but rather just connecting with others and spreading positivity wherever you go. We work together for socialecological wellbeing and where that prevails in one place, there’s a ripple effect that can be nurtured and built upon so more and more people benefit. It’s just the understanding that no man is an island. beyondthesurfaceinternational.org, coast2coastmovement.com
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Hotel VIC is perfectly placed for those looking to indulge in a spot of retail therapy
N
ow there’s another reason to stay at Hotel VIC, following the opening of Harbour North@VIC, a stylish shopping mall located on the lower floors of Hotel VIC that opened last December. This holistic lifestyle mall incorporates esteemed brands best summed up under the acronym LATTE – Lifestyle, Artistic, Timeless and Thriving. Occupying one of the last prime waterfront sites on Hong Kong Island, Harbour North@VIC offers spectacular views over the iconic harbour, and features a grand design full of eye-catching style. This sparkling new shopping and entertainment hotspot is destined to make North Point a retailer’s paradise, and Harbour North@VIC is all about looking and feeling good. An eclectic mix of top Asian and international brands, it offers a comprehensive fashion experience where shoppers can add a dash of glamour to the life with the finest fashions and accessories. Hotel VIC is also celebrating being crowned the 2018 global winner of “Luxury Harbour Hotel” at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Defining excellence in global hospitality, the awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the luxury hotel industry. Offering international recognition, the awards are voted for by guests, travellers and industry players alike, with more than 300 000 international travellers casting their
votes annually. Located in the up-and-coming district of North Point on Hong Kong Island, Hotel VIC’s unique blend of comfort and topnotch amenities, including rooftop bar and swimming pool, make it the ideal location for a memorable staycation in the city. For overseas visitors, meanwhile, it represents a great base from which to explore the city. Conveniently situated steps away from the MTR subway, ferry pier and other public transport, the hotel is housed in grand twin towers designed by award-winning architects AFSO, and each room has a spectacular panoramic view of the harbour and the city. During their stay, guests can enjoy access to a 24-hour gym, outdoor rooftop swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms. All rooms include a deluxe rain shower and in-room Nespresso coffee machine. Technology is key to the hotel’s offering, with a tailormade smartphone app offering in-room services, chat and reservation capabilities, while the hotel’s free lightning-fast wifi and online check-in and out feature is another major highlight. Hotel VIC is also the first hotel in Hong Kong to provide a key card kiosk, so that guests can access their room key with a QR code sent to them following online check-in prior to their arrival. hotelvic.com
Turning Left
Happily Horizontal
THE LOUNGE
In Hong Kong, Malaysia Airlines directs its business class passengers to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1, although the airline’s flights currently depart from the satellite concourse, a 20-minute train ride and walk away. If you have oneworld frequent flyer status, I would recommend you visit one of Cathay Pacific’s flagship lounges in Hong Kong. Having previously visited three of CX’s lounges – The Wing, The Pier and The Cabin – I decided to try out the latest facility, The Bridge, near Gate 35. The 2,567 sqm space designed by Foster + Partners is tastefully decked out in the airline’s green, grey and beige tones and features separate dining and bar areas in white marble that offer unobstructed views of the airport’s busy tarmac. Depending on the time of day, the lounge offers various hot and cold buffet choices and a soup noodle station.
BOARDING
Boarding for the 2:50pm departure on MH73 began at 2:20pm from Gate 208. Priority was given to business class passengers and oneworld status customers. I arrived at my seat and was quickly offered a welcome drink from a selection of fresh guava, orange juice or water. A plush pillow and day blanket were available on request.
THE SEAT
Malaysia Airlines is investing heavily in new onboard products and has recently completed a refurbishment of its A330-300 business class cabin. Each of the airline’s 21 A330 aircraft are now fitted with the airline’s latest lie-flat product. The seat is 20.6 inches wide and will be pitched at 43 inches, with a fully flat length of 76 inches. Configured 1-2-1 and 1-2-2, 90 per cent of the seats (except 2K, 4K, 7K) offer direct aisle access. Business class passengers will also be able to make use of increased working space, extra stowage space for
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personal items, a 16-inch Panasonic in-flight entertainment monitor, and a power outlet and USB port. Since this was a regional flight, neither amenity kit nor pyjamas were offered.
DINING
Malaysia is a foodie paradise and the nation’s love for all things scrumptious definitely spills over into its national airline. For starters, there was Malaysia Airlines’ signature chicken and lamb satay, one of the things I look forward to whenever I travel with the airline and a dish I always notice the crew taking great pride in serving. Even the menu card reads: “Don’t be shy to ask for extras!” For mains there was a selection of beef rendang, seared breast of chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables, Kandar-style fish curry or mushroom tortellini. For dessert, there was cheesecake, fresh fruit or Haagen-Dazs ice cream. I had the beef rendang, which was full of flavour, and nicely presented. I paired the food with the fruity and crisp De Venoge Cordon Bleu Champagne.
SERVICE
The service was exceptional. Every crew member I interacted with was professional, enthusiastic and looked genuinely happy to be there. Drink refills were proactively offered throughout the entire flight.
VERDICT
Malaysia Airlines is emerging from the most traumatic period in its 70-year history. Although not as glitzy as Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways, the airline is definitely enjoying something of a comeback. The airline’s most valuable asset is its crew. The Malaysian hospitality onboard was superb, and the crew went out of their way to ensure everybody had a memorable experience onboard. malaysiaairlines.com
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LIFESTYLE LE MANS TRIBUTE
DECANTING PRIVILEGE
ASTON MARTIN DBS59
LOUIS XIII SMART DECANTER
THAI TRIUMPH
CHEF DAVID THOMPSON INTERVIEWED
RAmSAY RetuRNS
to hoNG KoNG MAZE GRILL IS SIMPLY AMAZING
MEAT-FREE BURGERS
AUDEMARS PIGUET GETS FROSTY
In The Kitchen
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In The Kitchen
You left Nahm Bangkok this Summer after 18 years. What were some of the highlights of your time in the kitchen there? It was the pleasure of achieving something with a team, having a unified focus and the aspiration between kitchen and the floor. There’s nothing more delightful, more affirmative and more pleasing than having a well-functioning restaurant.
While you have Long Chim restaurants in Singapore and Australia, Aaharn is a new concept from you. What were some of the challenges of bringing it together? I’m about to find that out as it’s still a new concept. The building itself in Hong Kong suggests it does oblige itself to street food because the building itself is so wonderful, so refined, so interesting that it requires a slightly different operation to the rambunctious Long Chim’s.
Why did you decide to set up a restaurant in Hong Kong and what’s it like being a chef in the city? I’ve always liked the rakish quality of Hong Kong. I like a dishevelled charm in a city, as it shows soul and depth and character. Hong Kong has that in spades. As for timing, how could I turn down the opportunity to open in such a historic location – and an old police station at that.
How important is the location of the restaurant and what do you like about it the most? Location is crucial to any restaurant and Tai Kwun is a fantastic area. I know of no other place in Hong Kong that has a mango tree that shades the balcony upstairs.
Aaharn is the first time you have presented a tasting menu and you spent a lot of time researching it – tell us about the challenges you encountered along the way. It’s the first time that I’ve presented a very specific tasting menu, but I’ve always offered tasting menus. There were tasting menus at Long Chim and Nahm, where the guests could construct their own, but this is the first
time that I’ve specifically structured it for guests.
Aaharn has been described as the city’s first truly elevated Thai dining experience. Why do you think there aren’t more Thai fine dining restaurants around? I’m delighted that people might think that, but this is a merely a Thai food restaurant serving good Thai.
What inspires you about Hong Kong’s dining scene and how does it differ to Bangkok? I love Hong Kong – it’s great to be part of the city and I hope that I’m welcomed just as much as I hope to be welcomed. How is it different to Bangkok? All kitchens seem the same after a while. I think it’s different to Bangkok because people turn up to their bookings.
You’ve drawn inspiration from ancient Thai ceremonial recipes not often seen and rarely cooked. Tell us about some of the recipes that you have been particularly taken with. They’re old recipe books, not necessarily ceremonial. Most of those have seen the light of day at Nahm. Some of them are being used in Aaharn, but as Aaharn begins to develop its own character, it won’t be rooted in the ceremonial past, but be rooted in a sense of time that is contemporary rather than retrospective. My palate has been honed on those old recipes, and I’m taken with many of them. Aaharn will be enjoying the benefit of that, but I’m going out of my way to make sure that the menu and the presentation is far more streamlined and made for modern diners – not a compromise of taste, but of simplicity.
For your role in culinary anthropology, you were awarded the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and were the first Thai restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star for Nahm in London. What does that mean to you? It’s nice to have, but I do what I do not because of accolades and awards but because I believe in it. aaharn.hk
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Food Adventures
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Food Adventures
A
popular installment on Hong Kong’s food scene, The Butcher’s Club Burgers chain has embraced the growing vegan movement and felt the benefits of doing so: at the last count, its meat-free burgers accounted for 10 per cent of its sales. It uses the Beyond Burger vegan patties, which aim to replicate the taste and texture of meat, to make its Beyond Classic, which is a play on its classic Michelin-listed burger. It combines the meatless patty with vegan cheddar, pickled beetroot, tomato, dill pickle, and a signature burger sauce made with vegan mayonnaise and caramelised onions. thebutchers.club
F
ollowing the recent launch of Green Monday in Singapore, Mezza9 at the Grand Hyatt Singapore was the first F&B outlet to launch the Beyond Burger in Southeast Asia and it proved to be a big hit. In three days, more than 3,000 burgers were sold at the food truck set up at the hotel driveway, leading the hotel to incorporate it onto the menu. It’s available as a classic cheese burger or a Modern Asian Burger, with Asian coleslaw, furikake, sriracha, pickled daikon & ginger and wasabi mayo. singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com
A I
t Bangkok vegan restaurant Broccoli Revolution, the broccoli and quinoa charcoal burger doesn’t try to imitate meat but instead makes the most of plant ingredients in line with the eatery’s principles. Up the healthy stakes by pairing it with a Burmese tea leaves salad and a cold-pressed juice. broccolirevolution.com n health-conscious San Fran, joints selling meat-free burgers are plentiful but most locals seem to agree that Roam Burgers has one of the best veggie burgers in town. Your organic home-made patty sits atop a bun with lettuce, tomato, onions, house-made pickles and house sauce and can be served on a bun or lettuce wrap if you’d rather cut the carbs, while artisan toppings include truffle parmesan fries and avocado. roamburgers.com
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Top Tables Maybe Baby
Pizza Party
Kytaly, the award-winning Geneva-based Italian restaurant co-owned by legendary pizza chef Franco Pepe, has opened its first international outpost in Hong Kong. One of the biggest names in pizza, Pepe and his family of bread-makers were the first to create original recipes from scratch following the traditions and methods set out by his family. Once the pizza has been made, it enters a custom-made Moretti oven created in partnership with Pepe and is ready in just 90 seconds. Try the award-winning Margherita Sbagliata – mozzarella and tomato dotted with a reduction of basil and extra virgin olive oil – and don’t forget to save some room for one of three takes on the tiramisu, including a Nutella version. kytaly.hk
Located inside the new Eaton Hong Kong hotel by Eaton Workshop, bar and performance space Terrible Baby ushers in a new take on cocktail culture to Hong Kong’s Jordan neighbourhood. The beverage programme is helmed by bartender Edgar Santillan who earned his stripes at the the Ivy Hotel in California and Casa Negra Bar in London. Signature mix This Guy evokes childhood breakfasts through Fruit Loops-infused vodka, banana liquor and infused cinnamon cocchi Americano bianco, while other innovative libations include the tonguein-cheek Terrible Mary featuring pink peppercorn vodka. In addition to a 57-seater outdoor terrace, Terrible Baby has a Music Room, which acts as a platform for local talent and experimental audiovisual projects. eatonworkshop.com
Feeling Saucy
A casual red sauce bar and restaurant inspired by New Jersey’s Italian American dining scene, Frank’s Italian American spans a rare two stories at the lively junction of Wyndham Street, Arbuthnot Road and Hollywood Road. Downstairs, the bar is a setting reminiscent of a retro grocery store, where guests order cocktails and antipasti inspired by Southern Italian street food. Upstairs, the dining room is inspired by the unofficial backrooms of family-owned establishments in New York and New Jersey with a soundtrack of jazz, soul and blues. Classic Italian American Zuppa di Mare is elevated with a whole red lobster, cherrystone clams, scallops and fillets of fish complete with crisp pan-fried skin cooked in a lobster shells and fish bone sauce. Another signature dish is the Chicken Parm: fried chicken topped with homemade mozzarella and tomato sauce that’s finished in the oven. frankshk.com
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Top Tables Dutch Daring
At Table 65 by Resorts World Sentosa Singapore, you can expect dishes including langoustine albufera and coffee, scallop, black truffle and fermented oxtail, and foie gras seaweed broth umeboshi from famous Dutch chef Richard van Oostenbrugge. His modern take on fine dining pares back the traditional formalities and places the focus on the core flavours of quality ingredients to entice gourmands into the restaurant. Guests can expect to enjoy a full view of the culinary action while seated at long chef’s tables surrounding the entire kitchen that dominates the restaurant’s main dining area. The distinctive restaurant layout reflects the vision for Table 65’s dining experience – one that is engaging, fun and relaxed where the spotlight is on the food and the chefs at work. rwsentosa.com
Shanghai Style
A modern Asian bar and cocktail club, Eliza delivers an upscale take on your average Singapore nightclub experience, with carefully curated cocktails paired with Shanghai dishes including duck breast with orange soy sauce and hairy crab roe with glass noodles set to a backdrop of live jazz interpretations of classic pop. Chief bartender Sam Wong’s cocktail menu is divided into three categories: classic, vintage and signature. The vintage section showcases well-crafted libations steeped in history from the 1800s, while classics presents six curated tipples that tip their hat to the golden age of cocktails. Signature mixes include the Drums & Sax, an eclectic fusion of Old Tom Gin and ginger liqueur with chamomile syrup, honey and Peychaud bitters. elizalo.com
Let There Be Steak
The popular steakhouse/deli Feather & Bone has opened another location in Mid-Levels, Central, which is worth visiting alone for its rooftop terrace. Stopping by in the morning? Then set yourself up for the day with a bacon and egg roll and an espresso, or a long black. Those in the vicinity for lunch or dinner can order up Feather & Bone’s signature Butcher’s Counter Experience, where diners choose their preferred meat and cut at the counter, and let the staff know how they like it cooked. Pair with a side of either potatoes, salad, or kale and a red wine, pepper, Roquefort, butter or béarnaise steak sauce. featherandbone.com.hk
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Restaurant Review
H
ong Kong’s fascination with bigname chefs is still going strong, as demonstrated by another outpost by one of the biggest names of them all: Gordon Ramsay. It’s the third restaurant in the territory to open in collaboration with the British personality who’s known as much for his TV work as his restaurants. Maze is an imprint already successful in the UK and elsewhere, and is a touch more formal than the two other Ramsay dining rooms in Hong Kong. It projects itself as a grill house, with chilled steaks ageing behind glass, and diners may be familiar or have heard of the three dining rooms of the same name in London, where quality cuts are cooked on a charcoal-fired high-end US Josper grill-oven, as they now are in Hong Kong. But the grill selections in Hong Kong, where seafood is top of the wish list for many a diner, also has plenty of alternatives. Some starters get in grill mode: sweet plump seasonal Japanese diver scallops are enhanced by a moreish topping of jalapeno, green apple and coriander salsa, while grilled octopus is served with garlic puree and toasted nuts. The Wagyu tataki with black truffle vinaigrette is a piece of tasty rare US sirloin, served sliced and seared at its edges. Cold starters include seasonal oysters – excellent French Fin de Clare on this writer’s visit topped with green apple mignonette. Confit duck and watermelon salad with lotus root chips is served with flair tableside. For something lighter, there’s the baby beet salad with buratta.
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The mains are almost all grilled listings. Besides three cuts of British beef (sirloin, rib-eye, fillet on the bone), US T-bone and both Australian and Japanese Wagyu, there is the tasty dry-aged English pork chop, slow-cooked pork rib, whole black-pepper French baby chicken, aged-beef cheese burger and hot smoked miso salmon. Top sides are lightly creamed corn, bone marrow mash, and hand-cut chips. Sauces, along with a few modern steakhouse staples include a pastrami and bone marrow combo. Sharing mains include the flavoursome and tender Ramsay signature, beef wellington, which is served with mash and peppercorn sauce. There’s also a lobster version, and Chateaubriand is another option with skinny fries and Café de Paris butter. Desserts include a crowd-pleasing sticky toffee pudding with dates, pecans and vanilla ice cream and a coconut & dark chocolate cremaux with passion fruit sorbet topped with a candied walnuts and a brandy snap. Special mentions should go to the excellent sommelier, who is happy for diners to trial tastes of his recommendations at their table, even for wine by the glass, while the restaurant manager is a font of menu knowledge should he be serving your table. Signature cocktails, meanwhile, include the Fleetwood Mac, which encourages diners to feel the British blues with a harmony of Tanqueray gin, violet liqeur, lemon, Rosé and a dash of plum bitters. Shop 401, level 4, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong; diningconcepts.com
Spirits
60'S Flavour
The ‘60s was a fine decade for many reasons – the Beatles, Andy Warhol, Audrey Hepburn – and it’s recently been revisited by Scottish distillery Bowmore with its 1965 Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Released as part of its 50 Year Old Vaults Series, the extended maturation period has created a rare and refined tipple with a blend of complexity and elegance that connoisseurs have come to expect from the oldest licensed distillery on Scotland's isle of Islay. Indeed, the 52-year maturation process has unlocked the rich fruit and balanced smoke tastes distinctive of 1960s Bowmore whiskies, which are renowned as some of its most collectible expressions. Not collecting? Then open it up and you’ll find it offers elegant bursts of fragrant fruits, sweet bees wax and intense dark chocolate on the nose, developing into burnt heather and a fresh spring flower finish. Perfectly balanced with a touch of jasmine, dried fruit and apricots, this single malt is best enjoyed neat – in your finest whisky tumbler, naturally. Sitting at the pinnacle of the distillery's portfolio, only 232 bottles of Bowmore 1965 have been produced for the world. To further add to its appeal, it’s presented in a hand-blown glass bottle boasting sterling silver adornments and housed in a hand-crafted cabinet made from Scottish oak. bowmore.com
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Minibar
Winter Warmers Ginger Rejuvenator Looking for an alternative to the usual liqeurs in the drinks cabinet? Then pour yourself a King’s Ginger, a warming tot specifically commissioned in 1903 for King Edward VII to enjoy during morning rides in his horseless carriage. Crafted from ginger root and lemon oil, it has a warm, lingering mouth feel with zesty lemon, sherbet and golden syrup on the nose. It will also add some zing to a cocktail. thekingsginger.com
Limited Edition Scotch Johnnie Walker has launched the fifth and final edition in the John Walker & Sons Private Collection, 28-year-old Midnight Blend. Only 3,888 individually numbered collectible decanters of this Scotch have been released, with each containing whiskies aged for a minimum of 28 years. Made to be savoured after dinner, it features layers of butterscotch, caramel and toffee, which is balanced with fruit and a touch of spice. johnniewalker.com
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Mauritian Marvel Penny Blue VSOP is a single-estate Mauritian rum from the Medine distillery, the oldest in Mauritus, which was established in 1926. Aged for at least four years in cognac, whisky and bourbon casks, it has hints of glazed fruit, cedar wood and spices on the palate with marmalade and cloves on the nose. Worth investigating if you’re a whisky drinker new to the world of rum. pennybluerum.com
Minibar
Feeling Rum Mount Gay Rum Distilleries, the makers of the world's oldest rum, has unveiled the first edition of the Master Blender Collection with the launch of XO The Peat Smoke Expression, an unconventional limited edition blend crafted by Mount Gay Master Blender Allen Smith. The expression marrys the aromas of ripe bananas and toasted notes of Mount Gay XO with salty and smoky notes from peated whisky casks and is limited to 6,120 bottles. mountgayrum.com
On the Dry Side Leading wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros & Rudd relaunched its own label London Dry Gin last year in response to the spirit’s newfound popularity. Soft and approachable, it has a sweet, floral flavour with juniper and violet creams on the nose. Reach for it, along with a bottle of a high-end tonic like Fever Tree or East Imperial, when only a gin and tonic will do. bbr.com
Mexican Tradition Established to reinforce a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Mexico and its traditions, Clase Azul’s sipping tequilas are presented in artisan ceramic vessels, each of which is hand-sculpted and painted. Crated using organic Tequiliana Weber blue agaves, the Mexican brand’s premium offering, Ultra, is presented in a highly collectible platinum, silver and gold decanter and aged for five years in sherry wood casks for a smooth, sweet, elegant flavour. claseazul.com
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Watches
Understated
Sparkle In a world of jewel-encrusted watch faces and kitschy designs, you can still rely on Audemars Piguet to come up with the goods if you’re looking for some subtle sparkle in your watch repertoire. Following the success of the Royal Oak Frosted Gold, which launched late 2016, the watchmaker has debuted the Royal Oak Frosted Gold Limited Edition 41mm, which features a textured surface decoration with tiny indentations to give a sparkle effect similar to diamond dust. With a production of just 200 pieces, it has an 18-carat white gold case and bracelet, glareproof sapphire crystal caseback, blue toned Grande Tapisserie dial and those classic Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating. Those keen to accessorise can pair the Frosted Gold with one of six new pairs of Royal Oak cufflinks, which incorporate the iconic octagonal shape and hexagonal screws of the watch case and are available in stainless steel, pink gold or yellow gold. audemarspiguet.com
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Watches
TRADITION
MEETS INNOVATION
A watch so beautiful that everyone will notice it, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5205G-013 sees the Ref. 5205 Annual Calendar get a new blue dial for the white gold model, pairing the discreet shimmer of the precious metal with an elegant two-tone sunburst dial and subtle black gradation toward the circumference. Its sleek, contemporary style is neatly underscored by new luminous three-face Dauphine hands and applied white-gold hour markers. The slightly concave bezel and the delicately pierced strap lugs are among the special facets of the case. The self-winding caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/206 with Patek Philippe’s Annual Calendar mechanism automatically recognises months with 30 and 31 days and displays the day of the week and the month. It only needs to be corrected by hand once a year, at the end of February. This convenience is crowned by a moon-phase display that takes 122 years to deviate from the actual lunar cycle by one day. How’s that for precision? patek.com
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Watches
Nautical
NUMBER
Created in collaboration with designer Thomas Erber, who is part of a network of designers and artists making rare objects via the Cabinet de Curiosities initiative, the Corum Admiral Legend 42 Automatic Hotel de Crillon is a limited series of eight Admiral Legend 42 pieces that debuted at the legendary Parisian hotel late last year. The piece is inspired by a Corum watch that debuted in the 1980s and was relaunched last September for the Japanese market. As with its limited edition Bubble series watches and other limited edition Admirals, this unique piece aims to elevate Corum’s status among collectors and draw attention to its customisation and artistic collaboration programmes.
Presented in stainless steel with a blue PVD treatment, the watch features a blue dial, case and bracelet and is adorned with the Admiral’s twelve nautical flags alongside a monogram made of the “C” from “Crillon” at 6 o’clock. The piece features blue and gold tones on the crown and the hands, has a power reserve of 42 hours and is water resistant to 50m. To further add to its exclusivity, the watch will only be for sale at the hotel. corum.com
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Watches
Limited Edition
Seamasters
Omega’s new Seamaster 1948 watches are deeply rooted in WWII history, when the esteemed watchmaker delivered more than 110,000 timepieces to the Royal Air Force and other branches of the military. Highly prized by British airmen and sailors for their water resistance and reliability, Omega responded to demands for a timepiece with the same robust technology for civilian life with the Seamaster line, Omega’s first family of watches. As part of the Seamaster 70th anniversary celebrations last year, Omega has released four limited edition tributes to those early battle-proven timepieces: two stainless steel models and two luxury editions in platinum. Both stainless steel models feature a polished bezel and opaline silvery domed dial. Driven by the master chronometer 8806, the Central Second model has a blue-grey leather strap and the Small Seconds is powered by the master chronometer 8804 and presented on
a brown leather strap. Both make for good collector’s pieces, being limited to 1,948 pieces each. Featuring a luxury finish, the platinum Central Second model has 18k Sedna gold hands to further up the luxury stakes and is powered by the master chronometer caliber 8807. The Small Seconds version is driven by the master chronometer 8805 and also has Sedna hands. Both are fixed to the wrist by a 950 platinum buckle and limited to 70 pieces each. Turn the watch over and you’ll find a caseback engraved with “Seamaster”, “limited edition” and a limited edition number. Best of all, though, the flat sapphire crystal is laser engraved and lacquered by hand with a 70th anniversary logo, a ChrisCraft boat and Gloster Meteor aircraft, the first jet plane used by the Royal Air Force. omegawatches.com
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Wishlist
Geneva
GEM
Following the opening of its first store overseas in Hong Kong at the Prince’s Building, Geneva high jewellery brand Boghossian is set to dazzle the Hong Kong market with its statement pieces, like this exquisite emerald and diamond bracelet. Set with seven hexagonal and octagonal emaralds matched for clarity, lustre and colour, it went under the hammer at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction late last year.
With more than 150 years in the business, this family-owned and run brand draws on Eastern influences, particularly Murghalera architecture, while one of its signature techniques, ‘kissing’ sees two gems embracing each other without exposing any metal. boghossianjewels.com
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Wishlist
Decanting Privilege
Members of the Louis XIII Society, a private members club for owners of Louis XIII Cognac decanters, will be able to access exclusive content, unique experiences and personalised services through their smartphone from this February, thanks to a small NFC chip embedded into the decanter lid. After removing the seal, clients simply tap and scan their NFC-enabled smartphones on the cork stopper to access the Louis XIII Society landing page to create or log into their account, at which point the decanter number is automatically registered. This private club offers bespoke services such as customised decanter engraving, pre-releases of limited editions, contact with a Louis XIII personal advisor for private tastings and experiences, and an invitation to network with Louis XIII Cognac connoisseurs globally. The Louis XIII smart decanter will additionally enable clients to customise gifting messages that will appear when recipients scan their decanter. louisxiii-society.com
www.jetsetter.hk
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Tech
PUMP UP
the Volume Travel speakers so good, you’ll want to use them at home and on the road
Able to comfortably fit into the palm of your hand, the Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker is the brand’s smallest, most rugged portable speaker yet. Measuring just 9.5cm wide, 3.8cm high, and weighing in at 0.29kg, you’ll wonder how the speaker can deliver such a sound given its diminutive size. Another cool bonus is you don’t have to worry about getting it wet, as it’s been tested beyond its IPX7 waterproof rating to withstand salty, soapy and chlorinated water. The Micro lets you enjoy music, take and make calls, and access Siri or your other virtual personal assistant. When used with the Bose Connect app, it can sync with other Soundlink speakers for Stereo Mode (left-right channel) or Party Mode, so you can play music simultaneously. bose.com
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Winter
Tech
Built for extreme durability, Ultimate Ears’ Megaboom 3 is not only imminently portable but also waterproof, so you can enjoy your tunes in the pool or at the ocean’s edge without worrying if your speaker will suffer – they even float. With a “Magic Button” on top of the device that enables you to play, pause and skip tracks directly, Megaboom 3 delivers deeper bass and improved clarity over the original Megaboom. When paired with the Ultimate Ears iOS mobile app, you’ll have one-touch access to Apple Music’s entire catalogue of more than 45 million songs and all your favourite playlists. ultimateears.com
Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay P6 references the design of transistor radios with its retro pearl blasted aluminium grill and leather strap. It also packs quite the sonic punch thanks to the large volume in the cabinet, additional amplifier and True360 Bang & Olufsen signature sound. The Onetouch button enables you to activate your favourite sound profile from ToneTouch and take calls, or access Apple Siri or Google Assistant. And with a battery life of up to 16 hours, you can keep the tunes coming for some time before reaching for the charger. bang-olufsen.com
www.jetsetter.hk
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Luggage
Tumi’s coveted Latitude collection has expanded its range with some stylish additions
Tumi’s most durable lightweight hardcase yet, Latitude, has won accolades for its tough luxury style, which is able to withstand high impact and harsh climates. New additions to the range include the stylish 19 Degree Short Trip packing case in ember, which is available in three sizes: international carry-on, short trip packing case and extended-trip packing case. The 19 Degree in gunmetal, meanwhile, is available as an international carry-on option. The Latitude collection is the pinnacle of form and function. Crafted from Tumi’s innovative selfreinforced polypropylene, a durable material that is lightweight and incredibly strong, the collection delivers a unique blend of performance and style. All silhouettes include tie-down straps, multiple pockets and a hanger bracket. All styles additionally feature integrated low-profile TSA locks, Tumi Tracer to recover lost or stolen items, a sturdy, softtouch top and side handles reinforced with plastic substructures. A patented X-Brace 45 telescoping handle system crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum adds the final flourish. tumi.com
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Winter
Style
From airy fabrics to easy-going textures, there’s a laid-back, surf-inspired vibe to the Hugo Boss Spring/Summer 2019 collection for men and women Inspired by the coastal cities overlooking the Pacific Ocean for a cool overlap of beach and metropolitan life, the Boss Spring/Summer 2019 collection sees precision design get a casual, surf-inspired vibe. The colour palette is cool and airy, while signature Boss tailoring remains elegant but is relaxed for summer with softened structures, light fabrics and easygoing textures. Suits are crafted from crinkled cotton and paper-touch cloth, while lightweight nylon coats and jackets have a surprisingly crisp texture. Just like last season’s runway, sports tailoring continues to inform the designs with surfboard stripes reimagined as appliqués on tailoring, dresses and outerwear, with pants and blouses fastened with drawstrings. Finish the look with accessories including bucket bags and pouch-like designs in soft leather, also fastened with drawstrings. Men’s looks are completed with rubberised trainers and derby shoes, while eyelet-detail sandals for women effortlessly transition from seaside to city. hugoboss.com
www.jetsetter.hk
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Beauty Travel
Oliver Bonas De-stress Set Nervous flyers should be putting this Oliver Bonas set on their wishlist. Packed in a useful cotton bag, the set includes travel sizes of its basil and sage ‘relax’ rollerball, the ‘energise’ grapefruit, green tea and black pepper rollerball, and a sweet stress ball for any particularly tense moments. oliverbonas.com
Coconut Matter Hydrating Balms
Eco-conscious shoppers will adore Hong Kong beauty brand Coconut Matter, which works with a social enterprise in Australia to ethically source coconuts from the Solomon Islands and packages all products in paper. Some balms, including the invigorating grapefruit and relaxing lavender, can be used on the body and face as well as the lips. coconutmatter.com
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Winter
Milu I Can’t Believe Your Eyes Hydrogel Eye Patches Feeling the strain of longhaul travel? These discreet eye patches will de-puff any dark circles without irritation, reducing the appearance of fine lines and fatigue. Packaged in a secure envelope pouch, they slip easily into any carry on, and pair wonderfully with any of the brand’s other hydrating sheet masks. meetmilu.com
Tee Off
T Honing the Hybrid
he latest Big Bertha Hybrids from Callaway are the first clubs of their kind to to combine the US golfing brands’ Jailbreak Technology and adjustability for long distance, fast ball speeds, and easy launch. Not familiar with the Jailbreak? The US golf equipment brand developed lighter hourglass-shaped titanium rods for a strong vertical connection between the crown and the sole, enabling the face to take on double the impact load to promote ball speed and boost distance.
Annihilate the competition with Callaway’s new Big Bertha Hybrids
Callaway claims to be the #1 hybrid brand because of its ball speed technologies, which began with its Hyper Speed Face Cup, and advanced with its Jailbreak Technology. The synergy of Jailbreak and Hyper Speed Face Cup promotes a level of power never thought possible in a hybrid. What’s more, Callaway has also developed a new hosel system that’s shorter and lighter to optimise the centre of gravity for easy launch and high, longcarrying flight. A new progressive shape makes it easy to hit, while the premium Recoil shafts add to an appealing design that’s worthy of being called Big Bertha. cmp.callawaygolf.com
www.jetsetter.hk
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Auto
I
nspired by Aston Martin’s historic 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with the DBR1, Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a collection of 24 special DBS Superleggeras – one for every hour of the legendary endurance race – to mark the 60th anniversary of this now legendary race. Since described by Sir Stirling Moss as "the most important Aston Martin ever produced", the DBR1 has deservedly attained iconic status. Just five were built between 1956 and 1959, making it one of the rarest Aston Martins ever. When one last went to auction at Monterey in 2017, it set a new world record as the most valuable British-made car ever with a sale price of US$22.5 million. Immediately identifiable by its Aston Martin racing green paintwork, the DBS 59 features obsidian black and chestnut
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Winter
tan leather throughout the interior, together with fabric inspired by the DBR1 seat material to trim the seat backs and door inserts. Bronze detailing is deployed around the exterior and interior, while bespoke saddle leather helmet pods in the rear compartment hold DBS 59 crash helmets, race suits and gloves. A bespoke DBS 59 logo is embroidered on the seat headrests, and each of the cars is additionally identifiable by a small painted white roundel adjacent to the side strakes, with each car numbered from 1-24. The DBR1’s genetic legacy is very much evident in the 2018 DBS Superleggera. The fastest and most powerful series production model in Aston Martin’s range, this 211mph, 715bhp Super GT is an inspired combination of imperious performance and impeccable style. A marque for those who appreciate the significance of DBR1’s historic victory and the performance and handling of the DBS Superleggera. astonmartin.com
Culture
R Gilbert & George:
The Beard Pictures
Hong Kong & Seoul
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Winter
enowned for graphic, photobased artworks that explore everything from religion, and sex to racial tension and patriotism, living sculptures Gilbert & George have used London’s East End as backdrop and inspiration throughout their 50-year career. Their newest body of work, The Beard Pictures, arrives in Asia in 2019, and sees the artists portrayed as intense, red, sinister versions of themselves, the massive images depicting them in symbolic beards made from beer foam, flowers and barbed wire, which are interspersed with imagery of street signs and graffiti. As the British novelist Michael Bracewell elaborates, “The Beard Pictures are violent, eerie, grotesque, lurid and crazed. They show a dream-like world of paranoia and destruction and madness. They depict a world bereft of reason, in which negotiation no longer exists.” The Beard Pictures will be shown from 10 January-16 March at the Lehmann Maupin galleries in Hong Kong and Seoul. lehmannmaupin.com