DOTWNEWS OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE

October 2021

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Stake your claim on Italy’s iconic floating city

48 HOURS IN MADRID

The Spanish capital but not as you know it

MAGNIFICO! Why the new Ferrari Roma is redefining la dolce vita

GRAND

DESIGNS DUBAI’S FORWARD-THINKING NEW HOTELS AND THE WORLD’S GREATEST SHOW

EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECES

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EXQUISITE JEWELS

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UNIQUE ESCAPES

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LUXURY CARS

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In Pursuit Of The Extraordinary Driven by a desire for luxury that feels both intriguing and ownable, the world’s most seasoned travelers will find in Habtoor Palace Dubai a coveted base of exploration. From its grand lobby with marble gilded staircases, to its legacy suites – a Bentley Suite and Sir Winston Churchill Suite; all is seamlessly choreographed through butler service to deliver a distinctive hospitality experience.

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Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 435 5544 ~ reservations.habtoorpalace@hiltonalhabtoorcity.com www. habtoorpalace.com ~ @habtoorpalace

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SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD

Experience Maldives in Manama.

Wake up to the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and enjoy the ultimate retreat at one of our 3-bedroom seaside Villas. The villas are the perfect antidote for a stressful week at work or can serve as a holiday home to enjoy quality time with the family. For reservations, call +973 1758 0000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/bahrain.

Starting from BHD 750++ per night, offer is applicable to Villa reservations for up to 6 persons including in-Villa breakfast. Offer is subject to availability, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer and is not applicable for Rewards redemption.

Advanced reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion. Void where prohibited. ©2021 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel 88 April 2020 dotwnews.com Company, L.L.C.

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CONTENTS

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS

October 2021

IN THE NEWS 18 Europe

Explore art history with Dorchester Collection; Travel the world from your armchair with Kimpton; Jumeirah’s Knightsbridge hideaway returns e

20 Middle East & Africa Switch to electric on a sustainable safari; Life’s a beach in Bahrain; Park Hyatt Dubai’s a cut above

22 Asia & Oceania

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Less work, more play at Anantara; Reboot your world at Sangha Retreat; IHG launches Vignette Collection

24 Americas Six Senses to open in Belize; Four Seasons’ mini-break with Maserati; Perpetual luxury with Mandarin Oriental

26 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

30 Gourmet News Cheval Blanc’s tango in Paris; Accor announces new top chef; Nola’s new vibe; From Sicily with love

32 Restaurant Review There’s more to Koyo Dubai than meets the eye… Let the show begin!

DESTINATIONS 34 48 Hours In Madrid

From Moorish baths, monumental city centre architecture and world-class cuisine… How to make the most of Madrid

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42 World of Imagination Dubai takes its place in the spotlight as EXPO 2020 opens its doors. Take a walk through The World’s Greatest Show

48 Escapes Workcations and wellness retreats, from Baku to Istanbul

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HOTELS 54 Suite Dreams

An all-inclusive escape with a difference at Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites

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56 Arabian Journeys We’ve got food on our minds this month with culinary-focused staycations, as well as mountaininspired nature retreats

60 Al Habtoor City Why this triptych of hotels should become your home-away-from-home during Expo 2020 and beyond

62 No Adults Allowed Nature calls with autumn’s familyfriendly outdoor adventures and the best kit to wear with it, plus Mandarin Oriental Jumeira welcomes family first

SPEND IT 66 Jewels

Get lost in a sea of elegance with jewels that ripple in hues of azure to aquamarine

68 Watches Rework your watch-wearing tendencies with timepieces that take a little bluesky thinking

70 Watches Omega’s new espionage adventure with No Time To Die is the watch brand’s legacy mission

72 Life is Beautiful An exquisite hotel buyout in Venice puts the ahhh into Aman

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NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

SWITCH TO ELECTRIC ON A SUSTAINABLE SAFARI LIONS CAN HEAR THEIR PREY FROM UP TO A MILE AWAY, so there’s a good chance they’ll detect a noisy, petrol-powered 4x4 from the moment it turns on its engines. Not so with electric safari vehicles: the silent, emissions-free jeep alternatives that are becoming a regular sight on the great plains of Africa. Specialist safari company Ker & Downey Africa has put together a new 10-day safari in Kenya, in which guests will stay at three different lodges that have made the switch to electric vehicles: the latest in a series of sustainability-focused trips the company has introduced for mindful travellers.

Starting off in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in northern Kenya, guests will set out on day and night-time game drives, horseback safaris and guided walks in the company of Maasai warriors, before returning home each evening to one of the nine cottages at Lewa Wilderness Lodge: a picturesque hideaway on the edge of the Ngare Ndare Forest.

In case the importance of sustainable tourism needed reinforcing, travellers will then travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where the last two remaining northern white rhino in the world are guarded day and night by rangers. Here, they’ll spend a few nights at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, where seven eco-friendly tents are spaced along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, and join in with conservation activities such as canine training and recording lion sightings.

The third and final stop is Entumoto Private Safari Camp, 350km away on the southern edge of the Maasai Mara. If visiting in July, guests will be able to get closer than ever to the thousandsstrong herds of the Great Wildebeest Migration: a once in a lifetime experience made possible by the stealthy approach of their electric powered vehicle. Prices start from US $7,180 per person based on two sharing. www.ker-downeyafrica.com

AS GLOBAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS CONTINUE TO LIFT, 86 PER CENT OF UAE DID TRAVELLERS PLAN TO TRAVEL ABROAD IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, WITH 56 PER YOU CENT OF THOSE STATING THAT EUROPE IS THEIR FIRST CHOICE OF DESTINATION. HEAR? THAT’S ACCORDING TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY DNATA TRAVEL, THE UAE’S LONGEST-STANDING TRAVEL COMPANY. AMONG THE EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, SWITZERLAND, THE UK, ITALY, GREECE AND GEORGIA WERE THE TOP CHOICES FOR UAE TRAVELLERS.

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NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

PARK HYATT DUBAI: A CUT ABOVE HAIRDRESSER TO THE STARS ROSSANO FERRETTI h a s brought his world-famous skills to the UAE with the opening of a new flagship hair spa at Park Hyatt Dubai. Beautifully designed with leather upholstery, wood panelled walls and warm gold accents, the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa reflects Ferretti’s passion for art, fashion and design.

The acclaimed coiffeur, whose clients include Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Moss, Lady Gaga and the Duchess of Cambridge, is known for his signature technique, ‘The Method’ and his award-winning

collection of 99 per cent natural, vegan and cruelty-free haircare products.

Ferretti personally selected the team of hair artists who deliver his sought-after services, which also include a Deluxe Hair Treatment for dry, damaged hair, mani-pedis and hair colouring, as well his most popular treatment, The Method.

By taking into account factors such as hair type, character and the way the hair falls naturally around the face, The Method allows Ferretti and his team to draw out the natural beauty within each and every client. www.hyatt.com

LIFE’S A BEACH IN BAHRAIN FIVE KILOMETRES FROM BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT on the southwestern coast of the island, Bilaj Al Jazayer is a mixeduse development project taking shape under the auspices of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. Here, situated along three kilometres of recently rejuvenated beachfront, two new resorts from Minor International will mark the company’s debut in the Kingdom.

Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort and Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer will both offer 110 guestrooms and suites when complete in 2024, and collectively be home to swimming pools, a gym, spa and wellness facilities, and a selection of bars and restaurants. Guests at both will be able to access a shared beach club on the shore of the Arabian Gulf, as well as the shops, dining and entertainment of the wider Bilaj Al Jazayer waterfront development.

To date, Minor is operating hotels and resorts under four brands in the Middle East Ω Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks Ω with two more, NH Collection and NH Hotels, due to debut soon, bringing the number of properties in the region to 29. www.minor.com

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NEWS DEBUT

Debut October

HOT HOTELS, CHIC BOUTIQUES AND EXCLUSIVE NEW RESORTS HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS NEW LAUNCHES

THE ST. REGIS DOWNTOWN, DUBAI

Dubai, UAE

Solidifying its ever-growing portfolio in the Middle East, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is set to unveil its fourth UAE hotel this month with the opening of The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai, a gleaming urban escape overlooking Dubai Water Canal and the towering peaks of Downtown.

Formerly Renaissance Downtown Hotel Dubai, the property has undergone a few soft changes since joining the St. Regis family, including the addition of St. Regis rituals such as daily Afternoon Tea in The Library and Champagne sabering at 7.00pm each evening, and the world-acclaimed St. Regis Butler Service, affording every guest personal attention around the clock. The 298 guestrooms and suites retain their pared back, desert chic feel – with textured concrete walls and earthy tones in gold and beige with deep blue accents; two-metre desks carved from one solid piece of wood; and bronze panels engraved with Arabesque patterns framing floor-to-ceiling windows – created by Dubai-based WA Interiors when the hotel first opened in late 2017. The St Regis Spa affirms the hotel’s role as a true urban retreat, with a traditional Arabian hammam and bespoke treatments including flotation pod therapy and a 24-karat gold anti-ageing facial. While popular restaurants BASTA!, with its barebrick and hardwood interiors and a giant portrait of Italian actress Sophia Loren on the wall, and Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill, continue to offer exceptional cuisine from Italy and France respectively, the new-look hotel introduces St. Regis Bar, an intimate space with a twinkling mural overhead, evoking the starry night in the Arabian desert: a celebration of place that captures the magic of this unmissable Downtown address. www.marriott.com

NEWS DEBUT

CORA CORA MALDIVES

Raa Atoll, Maldives

Far from the ho-hum of the daily grind in the astonishingly blue waters of the Raa Atoll, Cora Cora Maldives opens this month, welcoming visitors to a tropical playground where nature and culture take centre stage. Situated on the teardrop shaped Maamigili Island, 45 minutes seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, the resort is home to 100 beachfront and overwater villas with bright, modern interiors bathed in white. The TwoBedroom Lagoon Pool Villa provides an abundance of extra space over two levels for families, with a private infinity pool and waterslide; while Beach and Lagoon Pool Villas offer an intimate escape for couples; and the spacious Beach Suite is a verdant hideaway in its own private garden that’s ideal for honeymooners. Dining options abound, with Asian, Italian, Japanese and all-day options spread around the resort, as well as two bars, and the soothing spa features seven beachfront and overwater treatment rooms for the ultimate relaxation.

Cora Cora’s dive school and water sports centre offer an enormous range of excursions to the house reef and beyond, and guests can embark on PADI-certified dive training courses and excursions to discover the abundant marine life of the Indian Ocean. The thing that sets this bright, playful resort apart from the competition is its cultural connotations. Cora Cora houses a collection of artefacts found on Maamigili island and other parts of the Maldives that date back to pre-Islamic and colonial times, when the islands provided a safe haven for traders navigating the Indian Ocean. The resort’s outdoor museum is home to a 900-year-old bathing tank and a traditional Maldivian wooden house, while the lobby gallery features a collection of artefacts, giving visitors a rare and unique opportunity to learn about the heritage of this tropical archipelago. www.coracoraresorts.com

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DISCOVER JOURNEYS OF ASIAN SPLENDOUR ON THE SHORES OF PALM JUMEIRAH.

Encounter a blend of island luxury with vibrant city life for your seamless vacation. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers all the elements for a great escape – whether for days of seaside romantic bliss or fun-filled family adventure.

Stay in spacious rooms or villas that reflect the Thai origins of Anantara, whilst embracing the lavish opulence of this ground-breaking destination.

Laze by your private infinity pool or step into the shimmering lagoons straight from your room. Exquisite gastronomy awaits at our fine dining venues.

Experience a traditional Turkish Hammam or one of our signature therapies in the soothing surrounds of Anantara Spa. Delight in a coastal paradise overlooking the glittering city lights of Dubai.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com

ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT P.O. BOX 71607, EAST CRESCENT, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T +971 4 567 8888 E resdubaipalm@anantara.com

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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THE LAND OF SMILES COMO Hotels unveils an all-new COMO Shambhala Retreat deep in the rolling Tuscan hills. World-class treatments, Michelinstarred cuisine and a nature-infused sanctuary await at COMO Castello Del Nero’s beautiful 12th-century castle

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Fancy a Spanish fling? Here’s how to make the most of Madrid, a city that fuses arts, culture and über-cool cuisine The World’s Greatest Show is unveiled as Expo 2020 throws open its doors, putting Dubai firmly in the spotlight Workcations and wellness escapes, from Baku to Istanbul

D E S T I N AT I O N S M A D R I D

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D E S T I N AT I O N S M A D R I D

Madrid 48 HOURS IN...

From its Moorish baths to monumental city centre architecture, Spain’s lively and elegant capital marries world-class cuisine and art, making it the perfect 48-hour Spanish fling WORDS: Sarah Freeman

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THE WORLD’S

GREATEST SHOW The moment the world’s been waiting for... Expo 2020 is officially here. Discover the best things to explore, experience and witness the wonderful magic of

HOTELS

T H E M O S T B E A U T I F U L P L A C E S T O S TAY I N

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CLOSE TO HOME With Expo 2020 underway, all eyes are on this region, allowing us to shine a spotlight on the everevolving tourism and hospitality industries here. Whether you stay in Dubai for proximity to Expo, or seek adventures further afield, like at the ultra-serene coastal resort of The Chedi, Muscat, we hope you fall in love with the UAE like we have

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Suite dreams: How Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites is redefining the all-inclusive model on new luxury terms The best regional escapes, with wellness retreats, mountain adventures and culinary escapades on your doorstep Al Habtoor City – your new home-from-home Get the lowdown on autumn’s coolest things for kids

H O T E L S S TAY C AT I O N S

URBAN SEASCAPES Plumped pretty along the city’s 20-kilometre corniche, Rosewood Jeddah has the best of both city and Red Sea views.

A property perfect for both business and leisure, guests can broker deals in the boardroom, of which the hotel has six, then further fuel the grey matter at Al Malaki Lounge Terrace on the 21st floor, feasting al fresco on seafood and Arabic specialties, then dip into the rooftop pool with its panoramic views for some end of day R’n’R. To make your stay really count, book a two nights at Rosewood Jeddah and bag an extra night for free. www.rosewoodhotels.com

Arabian Journeys There’s food on the menu this month for culinary-focused vacations, or look to the mountains for outdoor adventures now that autumn’s weather is here

SERENE SURROUNDS The undulating Hajar Mountains will be a welcome sight for those cooped up over the summer and the Hatta Fort Hotel a perfect base for outdoor adventures.

The hotel oozes natural serenity with its rocky backdrop, green grounds and wealth of activities, from pedalboat rides at the nearby Hatta Dam and a visit to Hatta Honey Bee Farm to zip-lining, wall climbing, mountain biking and kayaking at the newly re-opened Wadi Rum. Stay two nights and receive 30 per cent off the second night, plus breakfast in bed. Or stay three and get 50 per cent off the third night and a complimentary massage. www.jaresortshotels.com

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H O T E L S S TAY C AT I O N S

FEEDING THE SOUL Food-inspired holidays are more popular than ever, with gourmands building whole getaways around the best in the restaurant business. Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates makes things easy for culinary connoisseurs, with a raft of eateries each offering something unique. Noir Cocktail Lounge & Bar reopens this month with its signature afterdark sophistication, cigars, cocktails and bespoke service; Salero brings the Flamenco vibes and authentic Spanish food on tap (or should that be, tapas?); To give guests a taste of the Middle East, Olea champions Levantine cuisine, with a focus on mezze; While for a taste of old-school luxury, take afternoon tea at Aspen by Kempinski, and indulge in sandwiches, scones and Valrhona chocolate truffles.

At the end of the day, you can roll into bed in the ultraglam Presidential Suite. www.kempinski.com

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HANDMADE WITH AMORE This summer, Dolce & Gabbana launched its first home décor line at its Alta Moda couture show in Venice, allowing fans to pepper their homes with a chic collection of products infused with the Italian brand’s impeccable craftsmanship and love for ‘fatto a mano’ (handmade). Leopard-print bed and a Murano glass chandelier, anyone?

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Get your rocks off with autumn’s most vibrant jewels Put a little blue-sky thinking into your timepiece-buying Omega’s new espionage mission with No Time To Die We put the new Ferrari Roma through its paces An all-new hotel buyout in Venice puts the ahh into Aman

L U X U RY W AT C H E S

007

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L U X U RY WAT C H E S

PHOTOS: NO TIME TO DIE © Danjaq and MGM. NO TIME TO DIE, and related James Bond Indicia © 1962-2020 Danjaq and MGM. NO TIME TO DIE, and related James Bon Trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq. All Rights Reserved

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT Possibly the most anticipated film of all time, the wait is finally over for Bond fans, with this month debuting the latest 007 adventure, No Time To Die. Set to be Daniel Craig’s last outing as the secret agent, even more eyes will be on the film, as movie buffs soak up the stunts, the espionage and, of course, the cutting-edge style and innovation that weaves its way from hi-tech gadgetry to fast cars and faultless fashion.

Keeping Bond on time since 1995 is Swiss watchmaker OMEGA, which first collaborated with the Bond brand on GoldenEye, in which Pierce Brosnan’s 007 was equipped with a Seamaster.

The Seamaster has had an important supporting role in every Bond movie since, and for No Time To Die, the collaboration continues with a special new release. The 42mm Seamaster Diver 300m James Bond Numbered Edition is crafted in platinum-gold, with a platinum-gold plate on its side, engraved with each numbered edition, and a polished-brushed buckle on a black leather strap.

Look a little deeper to reveal more unique detailing, such as a black ceramic bezel ring with a platinum diving scale; an uberslick black enamel dial with a spiralling gun barrel design in 18k white gold; a 007 logo at 7 o’clock on the white enamel minute track; and a Bond family coat-of-arms at both 12 o’clock, and on the sapphire crystal caseback.

This new Seamaster is part of the OMEGA James Bond collection which launched last year, and so features a hidden number 50 within the Super-LumiNova of the 10 o’clock index in homage to the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

And finally, to put a new high-style James Bond seal of approval on this Seamaster, the watch comes presented in its own Globe-Trotter suitcase, bound by NATO-inspired straps. It’s definitely time to buy. www.omegawatches.com

THE OMEGA SEAMASTER HAS FAITHFULLY SERVED JAMES BOND SINCE 1995. THIS MONTH, A NEW INCARNATION UNDERTAKES A BOLD NEW 007 MISSION

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PEDIGREE W I T H O U T

P R E C E D E N T

The Roma is a completely new car by Ferrari but where does it fit in with eighty years of supercars, racing glory and luxury lineage?

WORDS: Ali Kemal Sarper PHOTOGRAPHY: Adel Rashid

SPEND IT MOTORING

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LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL A new all-private offer at Aman Venice allows guests to stake their claim on Italy’s iconic floating city.

Pronti? Via!

ARGUABLY ONE OF ITALY’S MOST POPULAR holiday spots, Venice is a well-trodden destination for those wanting a slice of its romantic pie, especially come summer when its cobbled streets teem with tourists.

But with recent announcements that the city will soon charge visitors in a bid to cap over-crowding, now is the time to plan a visit to the archipelago in relative peace.

A destination for arts and culture lovers, as much as for food and fashion aficionados, between punting, pizzas and beautiful piazzas, no day will be the same.

A city built for walking, once you’ve trod the streets from dawn to dusk, you can reward yourself with a stay at Aman Venice Ω a majestic property overlooking the Grand Canal, that oozes both sumptuous and sensuous charm.

But the real charm is Aman Venice’s new offer that lets guests book it for a three-night (or more) whole hotel buyout. The ‘A Palazzo To Call Home’ offer gives guests complete and utter privacy with sole use of the hotel’s facilities, and a dedicated concierge team to action your every whim. Whilst crowning your new palatial home-from-home, you can sink back in one of its magnificent suites complete with 18th-century frescoes and original artworks, enjoy daily breakfast and personal use of the library, games room, gardens and roof terrace.

In addition, your concierge can arrange exclusive cultural visits and excursions just for you and your guests, from guided gallery tours and personalised boat trips along the canal, to boxes at the Fenice Opera House and market tours with the chef. www.aman.com

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SUITE TREATS IN LAUSANNE, BEST SMALL CITY IN THE WORLD

AT THE ROYAL SAVOY HOTEL & SPA, SPOIL THE FAMILY IN A CORNER SUITE AND AN EXTRA CONNECTING ROOM.

Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne Avenue d’Ouchy 40 1006 Lausanne T. +41 (0)21 614 88 88, info@royalsavoy.ch www.royalsavoy.ch

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omegawatches.com

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JAMES BOND’S CHOICE On the trail of a mysterious villain, James Bond faces his latest mission in No Time To Die wearing the OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M. This

timepiece comes ready for action with

a lightweight titanium design and a high standard of Master Chronometer precision and anti-magnetism that can always be trusted.

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More information available at OMEGA Middle East, Emirates Towers, Dubai, UAE. Tel: +971 4 3300455