November 2017
WINTER ROMANCE
AN INDULGENT ROAD TRIP THROUGH GERMANY
SEYCHELLES
Discover the Hilton twin escapes
PORSCHE 911 TARGA 4 GTS
THE LATEST INCARNATION OF THE 911 ISN'T TO BE MISSED
A NEW RENAISSANCE DISCOVER THE LATEST LUXURY OFFERING FROM DUBAI
NEW-SEASON WATCHES
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DAZZLING JEWELS
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SUPERYACHTS
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LUXURY CARS
Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa Wolmar | Flic en Flac | Mauritius | T: +230 403 1500 | maradiva.com
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november 2017
on the Cover 50 A stein romance Germany’s autobahns, culinary pleasures in Bavaria and five-star luxury in Frankfurt 58 A tale of two Hiltons Discover the charming contrast between the archipelago’s sibling Hilton escapes
50 A sneak preview of Frankfurt’s latest luxury hotel sparks a solo German road trip to a quartet of romantic Bavarian destinations for Steven Bond, who charts a course with rich history, richer flavours and just a few drops of weissbier
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HURAWALHI - CAPTURING THE SOUL OF MALDIVES A 5-Star, adults only island boasting a breath-taking undersea restaurant, a beautiful beach and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Maldives. This island paradise is the best choice for an unforgettable holiday, a romantic honeymoon or even the best setting for your wedding.
r eser vatio n s@ hura wa lhi.com
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www.hura wa lhi.com
Contents
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november 2017
In the news
26 Europe
FICO Eataly World CEO Tiziana Primori; Sweden’s Ice Hotel; Aman Le Mélézin in Les Trois Vallées
31 Middle East & Africa Four Seasons Hotel Tunis; All eyes on Abu Dhabi; LUX* Grand Gaube is reborn in Mauritius
35 Asia & Oceania Maldives movers and shakers; Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley team up with State of Escape; COMO rides high
39 Americas Nobu heads south; Suite treats at Hotel Esencia; Sky-high luxury, from LA to New York
42 Debut
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Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts
46 Diary This month’s pick of sporting, cultural and artistic events
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spend It 72 Escapes
The best one-of-a-kind travel experiences money can buy.
77 Staycations Inspiring packages to book in Dubai
78 Essentials This month’s pick of accessories to stay chic on your travels and beyond
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81 Airline review
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Business Class from Abu Dhabi to Mahé with Air Seychelles
82 Suite dreams The Palazzo Versace in Dubai, reviewed
85 Gourmet review The ambiance and polished service at Le Cirque Dubai
86 On the road Motoring news from Lamborghini, McLaren; road testing the Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
94 Out of this world The ultimate wedding at the St. Regis New York
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Seychelles...
the call of the islands
news
hoT eveNTs, New hoTeLs ANd gLobAL jeT seTTers
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ice PALAce surely in the running for the world’s ‘coolest’ hotel, sweden’s Ice hotel isn’t about to let its cult status melt away anytime soon.
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Luxury travel news from around the world This month’s best new hotels A guide to the top events in November
News europe
A New GATewAY To ITALIAN GAsTroNoMY:
FICo eATALY worLD Ceo TIZIANA prIMorI with FICo eataly world set to open its doors (well, gates) to millions of visitors this month, we asked Ceo Tiziana primori about just how this mecca for lovers of Italian gastronomy is set to revolutionise the way we think about the relationship between land, food and culture. Q: How would you describe Eataly World to someone who’s not familiar with the original Eataly concept? A: Eataly World is the world’s largest agri-food park. The concept is to represent the main Italian food production chains “from field to fork”, meaning the making of iconic Italian food products from the very raw materials to the table. The park covers 100,000 sqm of which 20,000 dedicated to open-air fields and stables containing 2000 different Italian cultivars and 200 animals from the farming world. Then, there are 40 farming factories (Italian food producers) who moved part of their production inside FICO to be showcased to visitors. There, you can see how milk become cheese, flour and eggs become pasta, and so on… Then there are over 40 restaurants, trattorias, street-food kiosks, cafés and bars where you can taste and discover traditional Italian recipes, from north to south. Visitors can personalize their visit and choose to attend up to 30 classes a day and events, and enter the 6 multimedia carousel for an interactive exclusive experience.
Q: What makes Eataly World so unique and different to any other kind of experience anywhere else in the world right now - be it food or travel? Is it about truly immersing visitors in the world of Italian gastronomy? The sheer size and scope of the concept? The way visitors can personalise their experience to exactly what they are interested in? A: The answer is yes to all these questions. FICO is a unique place – but most importantly, a genuine and authentic place. Everything inside the park is real: the production is real, the animals and crops are real, you will learn how to make Italian food yourself taught by true artisans and masters, who have dedicated their whole life and expertise to food production. FICO wants to be a bite of Italy and wants to encourage visitors to be curious and go visiting for real the places they get to know inside the park, such as small towns which usually don’t fall within the main touristic destinations but
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are exceptionally rich in culture and beauty. We’re expecting 6 million visitors a year. And the entrance is free.
Q: Why is the timing perfect right now for the launch of Eataly World? What other forces in the worlds of gastronomy and travel have influenced the decision to create Eataly World? A: The idea of FICO was born when the whole Italian peninsula was preparing for EXPO, and Italy was at the center of international attention with the Milan exhibition, focusing the enormous interest of the world on Italian food. FICO was therefore thought of as a unique place: a radical innovation, the “blue ocean” of an unexplored market space thought to fill up an evident void. If there are many theme and amusement parks around the world (starting from Disneyland) nobody has ever had the ambition not only to represent, but to make people experience and touch with their own hands the entire supply chain of Italian food, from field to fork. Even in Italy - where Eataly had already radically innovated the industry, putting together selling, eating, and (partly) producing food in one place - there was nothing like that. While in the world there is a great “urge” for Italy, for Italian food and lifestyle (confirmed, among other things, by the success of Eataly, the Made in Italy itself, and the Italian sounding phenomenon), there was no place - in Italy or abroad - that could be at the same time a symbol, and the key attraction for lovers of our products, our cuisine, our territories.
Q: Which elements of Eataly World are you personally the most excited about? A; Personally, I take great pride in the educational dimension of FICO Eataly World. I’m most excited about seeing children and youngsters from all over the world participate in our special activities and learn in a fun and interactive way.
Q: What do you want visitors to walk away from Eataly World having learned, felt or experienced? A: I would love people to leave FICO with the curiosity to visit the whole of Italy and its 53 recognized UNESCO Heritage Sites – which are represented at the very entrance of the park. FICO is deeply intertwined with its territory, and the beauty of Italy is for the world to see. Moreover, I’d like people to leave with the awareness of the pivotal importance of healthy nutrition according to the Mediterranean Diet.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
THE ROYAL EXPERIENCE A ROYAL WELCOME The Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne is where heritage meets hospitality. The iconic hotel lays in the heart of the city, where the address has stood for decades – with views of both Lake Geneva and the Alps – but a late-2015 re-opening kick-started a new chapter in the property’s longstanding legacy. Hotel renovations are two-a-penny but, let us assure you, this is something quite different and special. The complete renovation of the original historic building was an ambitious project to say the least, costing well over $100 million and resulting in a truly masterful high-end hotel. The thorough redevelopment has reignited the reigning spirit and elegance of the pre-existing Art Nouveau décor, while giving the hotel a new lease of life and upgrades on all the latest conveniences and technologies, as one might expect from the sheer volume of investment. STAY & RENEW When you consider the spa offering at The Royal Savoy, it’s almost poetic – this is a place of restoration and renewal. The oasis of relaxation is a vast facility, spanning 1,500sqm, and leaves no desires unfulfilled. Among the comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments, holistic therapies and massages, the spa includes an indoor and outdoor pool, eight treatment rooms, a “ladies only” Spa area, two additional private spa areas, as well as a 24/7 fitness facility equipped with the latest machines. The spa is a fascinating blend of cutting-edge design and organic Zen, with rich wooden fixtures, walls of moss and tasteful lighting. Whether you’re recovering from retail or finding your composure on vacation, the serene space has your fix. SUITE LIFE If you’re going to stay, why not stay in style? All of the hotel’s 196 rooms and suites promise a memorable stay, but none can compare to the all-new Penthouse Suite; an open-plan, three-bedroom home away from home. The family-friendly accommodation is the jewel that sits atop the hotel’s new Garden Wing, perched on the sixth floor and vaunting 350sqm of outstandingly comfortable space. A suite of this calibre is fitting for a hotel with such a rich history. The magnificent architectural setting has attracted aristocracy through the years, along with VIPs, celebrities and (obviously) royalty. The Spanish royal family made the hotel their home at the property for several years, while the former King of Thailand was a regular patron and a familiar sight at the hotel.
Hotel Royal Savoy ■ +41 21 614 88 88 ■ www.royalsavoy.ch/en
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News europe
How cool? Ice cold! Surely in the running for the world’s ‘coolest’ hotel, Sweden’s ice hotel isn’t about to let its cult status melt away anytime soon. keeping things fresh, the hotel comprises both a year-round, permanent section of 20 suites, and an additional 35 art suites (all are made of ice and snow) that are only open from mid-december to mid-april, before melting back into the pristine waters of the torne river from which they were built. three new art suites - crafted by artists nina hedman and lena kriström as well as designer franziska agrawal have just been unveiled, with inspiration ranging from china’s terracotta army and monty Python’s women to the idea of ‘walking on thin ice’. a further 15 new art suites are set to add to the chill factor from mid-december.
PeaCe on the Pistes aman le mélézin in leS troiS ValléeS is asking its guests to sit back and relax to celebrate its 25th anniversary by enjoying a brand-new 767-sqm spa. last year saw the winter retreat’s guest rooms undergo a revamp, and this year’s new holistic spa is the highlight of a number of new additions to the wellness sanctuary situated on the Bellecôte piste in courchevel. after a day on the slopes, the spa offers respite and rejuvenation over two floors with a hammam, five private treatment rooms (including a signature thai massage suite), yoga studio, experiential showers to stimulate circulation and a 14-metre lap pool. Pre-ski massage treatments and spa journeys to counter the winter elements will benefit ski bunnies and snowboard bums making the most out of the slopeside holiday. other additions to the aman lodge this season include the launch of Japanese-restaurant nama and the introduction of the children’s club for kids aged three to 15.
Four seasons is set to launch its First property on Greece’s athenian riviera in conjunction with Greek hospitality leaDer astir palace vouliaGMeni s.a. the hotly anticipateD hotel will Debut as Four seasons astir palace hotel athens
Don’t Miss
ClassiC never goes out of style in Cambridge
‘Studying the claSSicS’ iS Set to take on a whole new meaning with the upcoming rebirth of the university arms, as the landmark hotel in cambridge’s historic centre prepares to unveil a stunning transformation under the impeccable hands (and eyes) of architect John Simpson and interior designer martin Brudnizki. the hotel’s 60s and 70s extensions have been replaced with a classically designed building that pays due homage to the vibrant literary and academic spirit of the city, while adding its own unique chapter to its story. a stay here looks set to be a quintessentially British experience, blending grand tradition with characterful quirks – all done with that grand english air of quiet confidence, of course.
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PP RR O UR R EE OM MO O TT II O ON NA A LL FF EE A ATT U
A DIAMOND IN THE SNOW
THE CHEDI ANDERMATT WHEN BOOKING AN ALPINE ESCAPE it’s fair to say that most ski enthusiasts aren’t critiquing the architecture or design, but with The Chedi Andermatt, like with any true luxury travel experience, it’s all in the details. At this ski-in/ski-out property, Alpine chic meets Asian sleek thanks to the unique Jean-Michel Gathy design, which has raised the bar for hotel aesthetics in the entire region, and throughout all the 123 rooms and suites (ranging from 52-330sqm) the hotel designer has achieved a sense of cohesion by incorporating local elements with his trademark keen attention to detail, especially with the magnificent and extravagant two-storey, three-bedroom Furka Suite. The all-familiar large fireplaces, wood panelling, and terraces allow the indoor and outdoor spaces to blend seamlessly, with local materials used to ensure the traditional Chedi style. The hotel’s two-bedroom Grand Deluxe Suites are perfect for families and groups of friends and kitted out with two-and-a-half bathrooms, living room, dining room, fireplace, kitchen and balconies offering stunning panoramic vistas of Andermatt and the surrounding Ursern Valley. With more
fireplaces than rooms (over 200 of the latter), the resort doesn’t skimp on the all-important cosiness factor, but also amps up the edginess with a quirky, Ski / Sports Butler service on hand to turn your whims and wishes into reality – perhaps an appointment at the hotel’s indulgent, award-winning 2,400sqm The Spa and Health Club for a restorative mountain-inspired treatment? There is nothing quite like a soothing post-ski massage and the 60-minute Alpienne Mountain Massage is just one of the indulgent inclusions in the Chedi’s new Alpine Adventure package, which along with a three-night stay in a luxurious and spacious Deluxe Suite, includes a scenic Alpine helicopter flight, a champagne lunch on the frozen and privatised Sustenpass, an exclusive wine and cheese tasting, and a truffle fondue, priced from just CHF 3,730 (US$3,824) per person. Decadent wine and cheese from a dedicated, fivemetre-high cheese room is just a tempting glimpse into the culinary spoils offered at the hotel, which has a variety of stylish dining venues dressed accordingly by SPIN Design Studio from Japan. Simply titled “The Restaurant”, the primary eatery
showcases four open kitchens specialising in cold cuts, desserts, Western and Asian Cuisine and is open all day. Named with similar simplicity, “The Japanese Restaurant” has space for 46, ensuring the utmost exclusivity and privacy, where guests can choose to sit at either the open sushi and sashimi bar or the tempura and teppanyaki counter, where authentic Japanese delicacies will be served. A selection of Japanese sake and beer is available as well as expertly paired wine and champagne. For an even more relaxed atmosphere, “The Wine & Cigar Library” is the perfect space to kick back and sample the bountiful offerings of the resort’s cellar and walk-in humidor while enjoying views of The Courtyard. The Lobby is another to be seen, and with two fireplaces, The Bar and Living Room is the perfect venue to refuel with The Chedi Afternoon Tea – and it’s here you can liaise with your Ski Butler to plan the next day’s activities, be it another day on the slopes, a round of Alpine golf on the 18hole golf course, or a bespoke driving experience to explore the passes of stunning Andermatt, which featured in the James Bond film Gold Finger.
The Chedi Andermatt ■ Phone: +41 41 888 74 88 ■ www.thechediandermatt.com dotwnews.com November 2017
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News middle east & africa
tuNis takes its place iN the spotlight
tUNIsIa’s CapItal Is hIttING Its strIde rIGht Now, with a brand new Four seasons hotel tunis set for a december opening and emirates increasing its flight schedule to seven days a week - making it easier (and more tempting than ever) to explore this charming, cosmopolitan yet laidback city, rich in heritage sites. the Four seasons hotel tunis promises to raise the bar on luxury lodgings in the city, with glorious arabesque arches and columns framing sparkling mediterranean sea views. a beach bistro and lounge, roman-style swimming pool and sumptuous spa also beckon both international guests and locals looking for the perfect spot to admire their city. emirates will no doubt be ferrying a decent portion of this international clientele, adding a monday flight to its dubai-tunis route to cater to increasing demand and offering tunis-based passengers greater access to emirates’ global network with just one stop in dubai.
all eyes oN abu dhabi
New developmeNts areN’t the oNly thing on the rise in abu dhabi – it’s also just been named the fastest-growing destination city in the middle east and africa, according to the 2017 mastercard Global destination Cities Index – ranking fourth globally, and up 18.9% on 2016’s visitor figures. he saif saeed Ghobash, director General, department of Culture and tourism said: “last year was a record breaking year for the emirate of abu dhabi, welcoming 4.4 million visitors. our year-on-year growth rate has been strong and by the end of 2017 we are looking to
reach our target of over 4.9 million visitors to the emirate.” the numbers are hardly surprising, when you consider the current boon in desirable drawcards for visitors to the Uae capital. the recent announcement of the louvre abu dhabi – touted as one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the world, and set to welcome visitors to a vast medina playing host to artefacts and artworks spanning the spectrum of human life on earth – is just one bright star. the 2017 F1 etihad airways abu dhabi Grand prix (Friday 24 – sunday 26 November) is set
to welcome hordes of Formula 1 fans to its spectacular track setting on yas Island, renowned for its innovative, anti-clockwise circuit and state-of-the-art grandstands and facilities on the waterfront setting. Foodies will meanwhile be licking their lips in anticipation of a must-do visit to la petite maison’s new venue in the Galleria on al maryah Island. the French-inspired indoor space will seat 80 guests, while a further 60 diners can savour spectacular skyline views along with their French-mediterranean-via-ligurian-Italyinspired dishes on the outdoor terrace.
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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E
AUTHENTICALLY MALDIVIAN THERE ARE PLENTY OF RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES, BUT FURAVERI ISLAND RESORT & SPA IS ONE of the few where guests will actually feel like they are experiencing the real Maldives – with fivestar service and want-for-nothing facilities, of course. The tropical 23-hectare coral island in the Raa Atoll is not only owned and managed by a local Maldivian family and mostly staffed by Maldivians, but honouring the culture of the island archipelago nation is woven throughout the philosophy, and authenticity is in every detail, from the 200-sqm Dhoni Pool Villas – wonderfully private villas shielded from view by lush vegetation and inspired by the local Maldivian dhoni vessels, with wooden ceilings that soar up to five metres in height and semi-alfresco bathrooms – to the excursions to neighbouring islands, where guests are welcomed into the homes of local Maldivian families for tea, and later given a personal tour of “island life”, from the town hall to the school. At reservation, Furaveri guests are even encouraged to bring a school book from their home country to donate to the various local schools in the Raa and Baa Atolls! As well as holding true to the local culture, Furaveri is always evolving to meet the discerning tastes of its luxury guests. Guests are spoiled for choice on the island, which has a kids’ club, a PADI 5 Star Dive facility, a fitness centre and a spa, though families, or those simply seeking a little more room to breathe can reserve the two-bedroom Over Water Pool Suite, an expansive 200-sqm villa with private butler service, an over-water infinity pool, and direct sea access – just a short swim away from one of the island’s two house reefs. Also new at Furaveri for gourmands, the resort’s Asian fusion restaurant, Raiyvila, is just weeks away from opening, the à la carte restaurant offering dreamy views over the white-sand beach and the Indian Ocean. With paradise seemingly at every turn, it’s easy to fall in love with the Maldives, but travellers seeking a genuine, Maldivian experience may just fall head over heels in love with Furaveri too.
Furaveri Island Resort & Spa ■ +960 658 2718 ■ www.furaveri.com ■ info@furaveri.com
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News asia & oceaNia
Maldives Movers aNd shakers
The jeT-seT’s favouriTe indian ocean playground is having (even more of) a moment of late, with a raft (or, erm, luxury liner) of new players set to dial up the desirability factor. first off the rank will be Baglioni hotels, which brings its uniquely italian style of luxury to the tropical island of Maagau, in dhaalu atoll, from March 2018. expect paradise with italian flair and that assured, ‘we-know-what-youwant-before-even-you-do’ style of graceful hospitality (aperitivo, anybody?), all served up in impeccably stylish surrounds. la dolce vita in the tropics? sounds pretty perfect to us. hilton’s Waldorf astoria has announced an expected 2019 launch date for its new resort spanning three islands on the ever-dreamy south Male atoll. The brand’s impeccable service will be blended with laidback tropical escapism, all within easy reach of the mainland. hot on its heels for a Q4 2019 Maldivian landing is avani hotels & resorts, which has announced the development of its first resort in the Maldives on fares island, in the Baa atoll. The sister brand to anantara hotels, resorts & spas says the new offering will appeal to ‘millenial minded travellers’, with the 12.4ha private island set to welcome a 200-room hotel blending mod-cons with signature avani indulgences like The pantry serving artisanal deli snacks and comfort food 24/7. The ahivahfushi Beyru dive site nearby boasts a bounty of
sea life to tempt underwater adventurers, while baby beach bums can be happily ensconced at the kids’ club while mum and dad settle into the signature spa for some well-earned relaxation amidst…well, all that relaxation. Meanwhile, dubai-based emaar hospitality group is also joining the fold with its first south asian offering, address Madivaru Maldives resort + spa announced for early 2020. set to occupy spectacular ocean frontage on the privately owned island of ethere Madivaru, address Madivaru will offer 80 beachfront and overwater villas, with selected units also for sale. it promises to be quite the spectacular offering, with bells and whistles including floating restaurants and lounges, overwater fitness facilities, swimming pools and kids play zones all seeking to capitalise on the water-bound wonderland setting. The raffles brand is also set to make its mark on the Maldives, with owner accorhotels having taken over management of dhevanafushi Maldives luxury resort as of september. While the resort, nestled discreetly away at the southern end of Maldives on Meradhoo island, already lays out a veritable banquet of top-notch luxury island must-haves (think ocean villas with private pools, scenic cocktail bar, 24-hour butler and private chef service, awardwinning spa and padi-certified dive centre), the long game here is a series of further enhancements next year, before a repositioning as the latest member of the iconic raffles roster of resorts and hotels.
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Debut November HOT HOTELS, CHIC BOUTIQUES AND EXCLUSIVE NEW RESORTS THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI Words by: Matthew McQueen
RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI
Dubai, UAE
In the heart of a city which demands only the most luxurious of hotels, soaring high in the thriving Downtown Dubai, visitors and residents to the city have been preparing for the launch of the new Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai which offer 298 guestrooms, including 65 sprawling suites the hotel looks to really burst onto the scene offering stylish accommodation in a fantastic location. As part of the Marriott International portfolio you are guaranteed luxury from every aspect of the hotel from its rooms, to B&F outlets and its beautiful Six Senses Spa. With exceptionally spacious rooms this hotel truly oozes luxury in every way possible, with trendy décor, unrivaled views of both the Burj Khalifa and the recently opened Dubai Water Canal. It is not hard to imagine spending an evening in the property lapping up all of the beautiful views and whilst relaxing in your room or enjoying one of the many restaurants you have to choose from. Each of the guestrooms and suites boast floor to ceiling windows, allowing natural light and creating playful shadows against hues of deep blue and pale greys. The sumptuous fabrics, sandy color leather accents and natural wood finishes complement the matte gold and metal hardware that theatrically changes throughout the day with the movement of natural light. Guests are greeted on arrival by a close-up black and white photograph of a camel smirking; and above the bed, Pablo Picasso’s famed camel sketch is reimagined into a cheeky, 3D iron rod sculpture – both playful jests to reframe your stay. Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai have continued the exceptional luxury they are offering into their B&F outlets
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with World-Acclaimed Chefs setting the stage for Culinary Excellence. With a varied selection of venues including BHAR, Grounded, BASTA!, Bleu Blanc and Morimoto Dubai, all are set to become highlights of the cities prominent and bustling food scene. BASTA! and Bleu Blanc are two new contemporary concepts by David Myers. Bleu Blanc is a Southern French farmhouseinspired restaurant where a large, wood-fired grill area takes centre stage, offering guests the chance of an up-close and personal chef’s table experience. BASTA! transports diners to an urban interpretation of a Roman trattoria, Florentine steakhouse and Neapolitan pizzeria, reflecting David’s personal travel memories from these regions. Both venues will showcase beverage programs designed by world-renowned mixologist Sam Ross. A contemporary dining experience offering indigenous Middle Eastern cuisine and shared dining atmosphere, BHAR, the Arabic word for spice, is designed to awaken the senses. Morimoto Dubai will display internationally acclaimed celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto’s contemporary Japanese cuisine, infusing traditional dishes with Western ingredients and preparation methods. The restaurant’s expansive space will include three private dining rooms and terraces with undisturbed views of the Burj Khalifa. The Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai will also open the first of its kind, all-suite spa concept from renowned Six Senses. With a design rooted heritage of balancing all of the senses, Six Senses Spa will feature six treatment suites that are each dedicated to a different sense – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and intuition – to offer the perfect balance of calm and sensory experiences in the bustling downtown area. renaissancedowntowndubai.com
NEWS DEBUT
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News debut
Debut November ROsewOOd
Phuket
Private infinity pools, floor-to-ceiling windows and hypnotic ocean views are just a few of the luxe charms set to welcome guests to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ first foray into Southeast Asia. Phuket’s idyllic Emerald Bay is the crown setting for this new gem; the 71 pavilions and villas are nestled gently into the tropical landscape, creating a tantalising ‘never-want-to-leave’ hotel vibe versus an abundance of authentic, immersive experiences within easy reach, should you be able to drag yourself away (think hidden shrines and SinoPortugese architecture in Phuket Old Town, and luxury yachts to whisk you around nearby islands). The hotel’s integrated wellness concept blends alternative therapies and healing practices with fitness and lifestyle coaching; while a beachside infinity pool, poolside lounge and restaurant, Italian eatery with expansive bay views, and Rosewood Explorers kids program round out what’s set to be a new must-do in one of South East Asia’s hottest destinations.
wILd COAst teNted LOdGe
Yala, Sri Lanka
At the meeting point of the jungle at the Indian Ocean, this new Resplendent Ceylon destination – and Relais & Chateaux member – promises to be as exceptional as its sister-properties. Adjacent to Yala National Park, known for its dense leopard population, the luxury-tented camp has been meticulously designed to blend into the surrounding nature. Local, natural materials were used to make the 28 tents, called Cocoons and Urchins, while still boasting the ultimate in luxury with fourposter king-sized beds, freestanding handmade copper bathtubs, Sonos streaming audio and some with sparkling chandeliers and plunge pools. The Family Cocoon Suite even includes an adjacent Urchin with two twin beds, so kids and adults alike can enjoy a spot of privacy. Fantastic dining and wellness facilities round out Sri Lanka’s newest must-do retreat.
shANGRI-LA hOteL,
Colombo
This month sees the unveiling of Shangri-La’s second Sri Lankan property, with the Colombo outpost promising a new level of luxury hospitality – with a distinct local flavour. Shangri-La’s signature Asian elegance has a prime location on Galle Face Green promenade: with soothing, plush interiors rendered in tones echoing the ocean views boasted by many of the 500 rooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments; the divine CHI Spa; stellar conferences and events venues, and top-notch dining on offer. Local flavours are also given top billing: featuring the renowned Kaema Sutra restaurant, with celeb chef Dharshan Munidasa set to continue his commitment to celebrating Sri Lanka’s beautiful, spicedriven produce. A Sri Lankan-style bar will also showcase native fruits and spices from a mixology perspective; and guests will be greeted in the lobby by a life-sized sculpture of a baby elephant, hinting at the stunning nature that beckons beyond the city.
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News debut
Park Hyatt
St. Kitts
Set on Banana Bay, boasting the Sugar Mill Spa & Sanctuary, and The Fisherman’s Village offering ocean-to-table dining…The Park Hyatt’s arrival this month on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts sounds downright delicious, and that’s just an appetiser. The newcomer boasts 78 rooms and 48 suites, all nestled at the foot of beautifully lush, rolling hills. Décor is Caribbean chicmeets-colonial heritage, and is tastefully refined to let those stunning sea views take centre stage. Premium suites step it up a notch with private rooftop pools and sundecks; while the Presidential Villa comes with all the spoils, including butler, private chef, wellness area and infinity pool. Three signature restaurants cater to every taste – from family-friendly all day dining at The Great House (modelled in the style of a grand colonial home) to date nights at the adults-only, intimate setting of the Stone Barn… and the Rum Bar sounds like just the ticket after a day spent exploring the postcard-perfect surrounds, if you ask us.
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N E W S D I A RY
NOV 11
CULTURAL MASTERPIECE
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi, UAE Built on a 97,000-square-metre site on Saadiyat Island, the opening of this museum, designed by award-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, is set to be one of the biggest cultural events of the year, let alone the decade, for the UAE, With 23 permanent galleries, and more than 600 pieces on display in the museum at any time, including 300 loaned by 13 French museums for the inaugural year, there’s also 2,000 square metres dedicated to temporary exhibits and a 200-sqm children’s museum. Among the masterpieces to look out for - Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-portrait, Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière and Jackson Pollock’s Number 26A: Black and White, 1948. www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Diary NOVEMBER
NOV 13-18
Sybaritic jet setters and tastemakers have a number of “must-attend” events this month, from a prestigious thoroughbred horse race in Melbourne, Australia to the debut of the longawaited Louvre Abu Dhabi
CREATIVE MINDS
Dubai Design Week – Dubai, UAE With a programme brimming with some 200 events, from talks and workshops led by local and international industry experts, the six-day international design event is back for the third edition, taking place across hub venue Dubai Design District (d3) and various city locations. This year’s highlights include a conversation between Sir David Adjaye, regarded as one of the world’s most influential architects and designers, and renowned commentator Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a talk by Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo’s chief design officer, the return of the Global Grad Show, Iconic City, ABWAB, and the design trade fair Downtown Design. www.dubaidesignweek.ae
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N E W S D I A RY
NOV 4-11
HEART-STOPPING HORSE RACING
Melbourne Cup Carnival – Melbourne, Victoria, Australia It’s hard to believe just how deep-seated and ingrained this annual horse race is in Australian culture, yet around the country at 3pm on November 7, stores close, school students crowd around televisions and the nation holds its breath for a single race – the AU$6.2 million Emirates Melbourne Cup. Part of an inaugural racing carnival with four thrilling races in a single week, it’s an unmissable highlight on the spring calendar, drawing some 325,000 race-goers to Flemington for elite sport, food and wine, and of course, Myer Fashions on the Field, Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event. With past guests including Nicole Kidman and Elizabeth Hurley to royalty including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana, make this one a must-do if you’re Down Under. www.flemington.com.au/melbournecupcarnival
NOV 16 GREATEST OF ALL TIME
Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction – New York City, USA Available to view from November 3, Sotheby’s has announced the exciting inclusion of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Cabra in the Contemporary Art Evening auction later this month. Emerging from the private collection of Yoko Ono after nearly 25 years, the vibrant acrylic and oilstick painting inspired by Basquiat’s boxing icon hero, Muhammad Ali, (the word Cabra is Spanish for ‘goat’ – which is a clever acronym for “Greatest of All Time”), the masterwork is estimated to fetch between US$9 and 12 million, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale channelled into Spirit Foundations, founded by Ms. Ono and her late husband, John Lennon to support charities addressing the needs of women, children, the elderly and other needy communities. www.sothebys.com
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Anahita Golf Course by Ernie Els, Mauritius
Anahita The Resort
Four Seasons Mauritius at Anahita
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Shanti Maurice - A Nira Resort
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Le Touessrok
destinations
T h e w o r l d ’ s m o s T d e s i r a b l e l o c aT i o n s
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a tale of two hiltons a visit to the seychelles to discover a charming contrast between the archipelago’s sibling hilton escapes
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road tripping and new luxury stays in Germany explore twin resorts in the seychelles
a stein
romance A sneak preview of Frankfurt’s latest luxury hotel sparks a solo German road trip to a quartet of romantic Bavarian destinations for Steven Bond, who charts a course with rich history, richer flavours and just a few drops of weissbier
Above: Frankfurt’s Opernplatz is transformed into a winter wonderland and the Alter Oper (Opera House) is bathed in light – with the new Sofitel Frankfurt Opera visible at the rear. Previous spread: Fortress Marienberg looms over Würzburg’s alte Mainbrucke, a stone arch bridge first erected around 1120
I
t was the best of times, it was the wurst of times. It’s hard to reflect on a trip to Germany without a nod to one of its most prolific exports, and the city of Frankfurt will be eternally linked to the frankfurter würstchen (little Frankfurter sausage). But the humble hot dog is a peculiar – and quite unfair – product to be linked with when you consider that Frankfurt am Main (on the River Main) has a rich history spanning more than a thousand years. The proud city thrived throughout the Holy Roman Empire and endured 15,696 tons of Royal Air Force explosives in World War II, and first graces the history books as “Franconofurd”, where Charlemagne presided over the imperial assembly
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and church synod in AD 794. Although he was probably only there for the sausages. Modern Frankfurt may have been shaped by its wars and regimes, but in 2016 it’s a twin capital of finance and culture, and technically the eighth most significant financial centre in the world – a ranking that’s due to get a boost if the projected 40,000 (or so) bankers, brokers and opportunists flee London in the wake, or anticipation, of Brexit. With or without that economic boon, the city smacks of significance, in part due to the modern high-rise skyline that leers over architectural gems that predate the printing press. Those wolkenkratzers – the more pleasurable German word for skyscrapers – are the inspiration for central Frankfurt’s endearing
nickname, Mainhattan. Which, as you probably guessed, is a portmanteau of the local river and a certain New York City borough.
A Night At the OperNplAtz And in this former Empire State we lay our starting line. The Alter Oper (Old Opera) is Frankfurt’s original opera house; built in 1880 and fully restored after the aforementioned hammering from the Allies. Now a concert hall (www.oper-frankfurt.de/en), the building is the cornerstone of Opernplatz (Opera Square), connecting the banking district with the Innenstadt, or inner city, but it’s not the roster of performances that’s generating the most buzz. The real talk is centred around the new kid on
D e s t i n at i o n s G e r m a n y
the ‘platz; Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. Why the hubbub? First and foremost the box-fresh hotel is a perfectly located splash of tasteful modernity wrapped up a cosy, classic 18th-century façade. Secondly, the 150-room hotel is one of just a handful of legitimate luxury properties in the city, ranking alongside the likes of Jumeirah, Rocco Forte and a pair of Steigenbergers. The interest in the hotel from media and Frankfurters alike was so great, the spike in traffic briefly took the hotel’s website offline. I glimpse the phenomenon myself, when I’m invited to be the first-ever patron of Schönemann, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Myself and the team (conducting a dress rehearsal of sorts) lose count of the curious lurkers and passers by
peering through the ground-floor window, which have included, so I’m told, an off-duty GM from a nearby hotel who dropped by to ask for a hard copy of the dinner menu. His curious request was politely declined. The venue borrows its name from Lili Schönemann, the former fiancée of famed writer and son of Frankfurt, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and it will certainly inflate the impact of the hotel’s arrival with it’s own entrance and eventual warmer-weather terrace spilling onto the Operplatz. The (closely guarded) menu is a synergy of Sofitel’s French heritage with distinctly German favourites, featuring suckling piglet, cabbage rolls and a twist on duck à l’orange, replacing the citrus element with a local apple
wine. To my slight chagrin, I had failed to realise the location is just an hour away from some of Germany’s finest vineyards, conveniently placed for a restaurant that’s steadily rolling in over a hundred varieties of grape. The Goethe theme is unsurprising given his former home is just around the corner (www.goethehaus-frankfurt.de), and I manage to get a glimpse of “Lili’s”, the hotel’s upcoming bar that connects to the main lobby – soon to be replete with local and international tipples with postwork libations in mind.
the not-so romantic route One of the most gratifying elements of my stay is exploring the Innenstadt and nearby medieval
Sofitel Frankfurt Opera’s 18th-century building contrasts the city’s neo skyline (top); we popped the proverbial cherry as the first to dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Schönemann (above)
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D E S T I N AT I O N S S E Y C H E L L E S
A TALE OF TWO
HILTONS A visit to the Seychelles is postcard paradise from horizon to horizon, but Steven Bond landed for a luxe long weekend to discover a charming contrast between the archipelago’s sibling Hilton escapes
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FROM JET TO JETTY “There’s nothing on this island that will kill you.” This wasn’t an answer to a question I’d asked, or even thought about, but now I was suddenly curious. Surely a falling coconut could do some serious damage? My guided tour of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa had essentially been a leisurely spin around the fertile complex in a golf buggy, but this was an abrupt and dramatic tangent. “Well, you might see a hairy caterpillar… you don’t want to touch that.” On reflection, it wasn’t such a strange comment. This was Silhouette Island, a half-hour boat ride, 20km from Mahé, the foremost island of the 115-member island cluster and the home of Silhouette National Park, spanning 93 percent of the landmass – a lump of earth so verdant that its 751-metre ceiling, Mont Dauban, is barely accessible without a gang of chainsaws Save the ferocious caterpillar, this might be the safest tropical island playground on offer. Despite trekking to a few corners of the island reserve, and discovering (among a multitude of other things) secluded coves, shy lizards and wonderfully serene pathways, it turned out the prickly yellowish critter didn’t make
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d e s t i n at i o n s s e y c h e l l e s
an appearance during my stay – but the advice soon came in handy when I encountered my first shark. After a lavish buffet breakfast at Café Dauban I was fully unpacked and strolling back out of the resort across the lagoon walkway to catch a boat around the island and explore the views below the surface. The 20km-square island is maintained and monitored to a meticulous degree. The local ecologists could readily list the number of house cats and giant tortoises, with a clear idea of what feathered friends would be lurking among the palms. But the Indian Ocean is a different beast. Plunging below, the near transparent waters around Silhouette are home to multitude of sea life so dense, varied and vivid that it’s like an audition day for the next Finding Nemo movie. Or like an aquatic version of Hitchcock’s Birds, minus the horror. The two whitetip sharks were utterly nonchalant at my arrival, weaving their way around the topographic granite floor below, though I made sure not to extend any digits in its general direction. Because you just can’t be too sure. Within two short hours, I’d been acquainted with shoals of darting fish, trio of sea turtles, a bobbing family of squid, I thought I’d seen it all. But a pair of eagle rays the size of some flattened out Mini Coopers glided past our boat as we ambled back to the jetty.
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bespoke mclaren a limited number of bespoke Mclaren 570Gt models are available to a fortunate few Mclaren buyers in the uK and europe. commissioned f ro m M c l a re n s p e c i a l operations as an Mso collection
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itineraries to inspire your next adventure elegant essentials for chic travellers Business class air seychelles style suite dreams: the palazzo Versace dubai Gourmet review: le cirque dubai Motoring news and road testing the porsche 911 targa 4 Gts couture weddings at the st. regis new York
SPEND IT ESSENTIALS
Essentials NOVEMBER
Whether it’s made from gold, crystal or platinum, spoil yourself with a precious collectable this month Words by: Michelle Wranik-Hicks
A DIAMOND’S DESTINY The destiny of an ultra-rare 342-carat diamond dubbed “Queen of the Kalahari” has been unveiled by Chopard, which used the gemstone discovered in Botswana to create six exclusive pieces for The Garden of Kalahari collection. Among the 23 diamonds cultivated from the “Queen”, five weigh more than 20 carats. The showpiece of the collection is undoubtedly this 18-carat white “fairmined” gold necklace, a showstopper laden with, among others, three exceptional gems: a 50-carat brilliant-cut, a 26-carat heart-shaped and a 25-carat pearshaped diamond. POA; www.chopard.com
THE IVY LEAGUE Ever since Frédéric Boucheron saw wild ivy growing beneath the arcades of the Palais Royal where he opened his first boutique in 1858, ivy has been featured in the Maison’s collections. One of the masterful highlights in the latest Lierre de Paris (Paris Ivy) collection is “Point d’interrogation” (question mark), a high-jewellery necklace inspired by a creation dating from 1881, with nine leaves in white gold set with pavé diamonds. POA; ww.boucheron.com
GET THE GLOW Express your nonchalant elegance on every occasion. Accessorise your look with Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti earrings and bracelet in white gold and diamonds. Bracelet Serpenti USD 56,164 Earrings Serpenti, USD 23,288 www.bulgari.com
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SPEND IT ESSENTIALS
BLACK AND WHITE HOT If monochrome is your weakness, you may struggle to choose between these beauties from Chanel’s J12·XS collection. Sleek, functional and undeniably sexy, with a flange studded with 32 brilliant-cut diamonds, and either a black or white high-tech ceramic and steel bracelet set with 116 brilliant-cut diamonds. POA; www.chanel.com
TOYZ FOR GROWN-UP BOYS The sartorial gent knows it’s all about the details, and the details are there in Ermenegildo Zegna’s new exclusive line of men’s accessories, travel, entertainment and home products, which are a feat of textile excellence, luxuriously crafted from the brand’s signature Pelle Tessuta – an innovative woven leather fabric made from extremely thin strips of micro nappa leather in place of fabric yarns. Among the Zegna’s Toyz collection, available mid-Autumn, are dominos and music accessories such as headphones, earphones and speakers, created in collaboration with Master & Dynamic. www.zegna.com
TOWEL OFF WITH LAGERFELD Whatever Karl Lagerfeld touches seems to turn to gold but in this case, it’s blue and white. Partnering with French swimwearbrand Vilebrequin to launch a summer 2017 capsule collection, the limited-edition buys includes men’s and women’s swimwear, beachwear and beach accessories, like this fabulous towel – ripe for the Riviera. US$165; www.vilebrequin.com
BENEVOLENT IN BLUE It’s easy to be altruistic with Montblanc creating such exquisite pieces. Inspired by the Rosetta stone, the handwritten characters on this Solitaire Blue Lacquer writing instrument are the first letters children learn to write at school in Latin, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Hindi scripts. Adorned with a priceless sapphire, three per cent of all proceeds from the Montblanc for UNICEF Collection will support UNICEF and its literacy projects. POA; www.montblanc.com
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spend it motoring news
mcLaren speciaL operations honour the F1 Xp gt ‘LongtaiL’
A limited number of bespoke mclAren 570Gt models are available to a fortunate few McLaren buyers in the UK and Europe. Commissioned from McLaren Special Operations as an MSO Collection, the six cars are finished in McLaren historic ‘XP Green’ exterior paint – the same colour as the famous F1 XP GT ‘Longtail’ homologation model built in 1997. “Any McLaren is a very special vehicle, but we are also seeing an increasing number of buyers expressing a desire to personalise their cars with additional features and options as well as colour and trim choices outside of the core specification offered,” explained Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive executive director, global sales and marketing. “As well as making it possible for individual McLaren owners to have exactly
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the McLaren they want, McLaren Special Operations will continue to create limited-volume collections such as these six 570GT models in XP Green, to further extend customer choice.” The XP Green 570GT cars will be going to owners in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. The MSO content in each is identical and adds £21,000 (US$27,859) to the final price of the vehicle, which will depend on other options chosen. A specification that encompasses a By McLaren Designer Interior, GT Upgrade Pack (which includes vehicle lift, rear view camera, volumetric alarm upgrade, Bowers & Wilkins audio system and car cover) and 5-Spoke Lightweight Forged Wheels in Stealth finish among the options gives the XP Green MSO Collection McLaren 570GT a price of £188, 567 ($250,162).
spend it motoring news
the wait is Nearly over
thE long-awaitEd first lamborghini super sports Utility Vehicle (ssUV) will be unveiled on the 4th of december in its home of sant’ agata Bolognese. the Lamborghini Urus is said to redefine possibilities, creating a class of its own, offering unprecedented sUV performance, luxury and versatility with the distinctive dynamic design dna of a Lamborghini super sportscar.
The Porsche cayenne did you Turbo s has been know? deThroned by The alfa romeo sTelvio Quadrifoglio which now claims The TiTle of world’s fasTesT ProducTion suv aT The nürburgring, laPPing in an incredible 7 minuTes 51.7 seconds
F1 FiNe art iN New york ExclusivE and rarE, sothEby’s in nEw york will be auctioning Michael schumacher’s Monaco Grand Prixwinning Ferrari F2001 on november 16. chassis F2001 #211, which contested the 2001 Formula 1 world championship, is the car in which the seven-time world champion won the last of his five Monaco victories, and the car in which he secured his fourth world title at the hungarian Grand Prix. the F2001 represented early noughties state-of-the-art F1 chassis design – and so good was the F2001 that it started the 2002 season in lightly modified form and proved quick enough to win the season-opener in Melbourne, australia.
PHOTO: Pawel Litwinski 2017 Courtesy RM Sotheby’s
Bow to the NürBurgriNg kiNg
Porsche has set a new record for road legal sports cars on the famous 20.6-kilometre nürburgring nordschleife, in the 911 Gt2 rs. this lightweight rear-wheel drive two-seater coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, achieving a top speed of 340 kph with its motorsport-derived drive technology. the record time of six minutes and 47.3 seconds was achieved in the presence of a notary and surpassed even Porsche’s own expectations. Frank-steffen walliser, Vice President Motorsport and Gt cars said: “at the start of the development process, we set ourselves a lap time target for the Gt2 rs of less than seven minutes and five seconds.”
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Kris Karacinski finds out why the Porsche 911 is one of the greatest cars in modern motoring history, as he acquaints himself with the latest 911 Targa 4 GTS
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SPEND IT MOTORING
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Smile all the stay.
Welcome to the new LUX* Grand Gaube, a totally reimagined retro-chic tropical retreat in Mauritius. Launching December 2017. What’s Next? MAURITIUS
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CHINA
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VIETNAM
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