DOTWNEWS FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE by DOTWNews

February 2022

ONE OF A KIND

It’s all Bentleys, butlers and stately style at this hotel

LOVE ISLAND

A romantic escape in a South Pacific paradise

BALI BITES

How to eat your way around Ubud

SECRET

HAVEN EXQUISITE HOLIDAYS AND BEAUTIFUL HIDEAWAYS TO CAPTURE YOUR HEART

EXCLUSIVE TIMEPIECES

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EXQUISITE JEWELS

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UNIQUE ESCAPES

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LUXURY CARS

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The epitome of island luxury, Cora Cora Maldives boasts palm-fringed, white-sand beaches surrounded by the glistening waters of the pristine Raa Atoll. Only accessible by seaplane or speedboat, Cora Cora Maldives is unrivalled in its dedication to freedom, wellbeing, and celebration of Maldivian culture. A onsite heritage site and museum has over 400 local artefacts, encompassing the spirit of the Maldives. All 100 of their luxurious villas and suites emulate the relaxed Maldivian lifestyle but with the perfect blend of fun and freedom. Those looking to delight their senses can expect a treat at their four restaurants and two bars, one of which is open 24/7, with decadent authentic dishes, all of which are part of Cora Cora Maldives’ Gourmet Meal Plan® giving all-inclusive a whole new meaning. For a tropical experience like no other Cora Cora Maldives embodies fun and freedom and is quite simply, paradise perfected!

COR ACO R A R ESO RTS .CO M dotwnews.com March 2020

SCPOENNTDE N I TT SO U T O F T H I S W O R L D

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CONTENTS February 2022

NEWS

20 Europe 22 Middle East & Africa 24 Asia & Oceania 26 Americas 28 Debut 30 Restaurant Review

Chef Mauro Colagreco unveils a stunning new-look Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage

38 Gourmet News

DESTINATIONS

42 Bali’s Food Revolution Eat your way around Ubud in style, courtesy of extraordinary chefs and heroic homegrown producers

48 Escapes

Fall in love all over again with an exclusive escape to the Indian Ocean or the South of France

HOTELS 52 Park Hyatt

Why this beautiful Arabesque-meetsMediterranean property on the banks of Dubai Creek has stolen our hearts

60 Royal Occasion

Butlers, Bentleys and luxury found at every turn at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts

70 Staycations 68 No Adults Allowed

SPEND IT

78 Jewels 80 Jewels: Mahallati 82 Watches 84 A South Pacific Paradise

Escape to St. Regis Bora Bora to experience romance on another level, with a helicopter ride and a heart-shaped island

The Future of International Travel

HYBRID

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NEWS

H OT E V E N T S , N E W H OT E L S A N D G LO B A L J E T- S E T T E R S

THE GREATEST JOURNEY This month, we shine a spotlight on the experiences that deserve a place in your heart, from travelling to farflung corners of the globe with VistaJet – such as its new itinerary to Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique to stay at eco-luxury lodge, Kisawa Sanctuary – to all-new hotels to fall in love with

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NEWS Luxe travel updates from around the world DEBUT Our pick of the best new hotels CULINARY REVIEW We reveal a newlyrevamped beachside icon at One&Only Royal Mirage GOURMET Culinary updates, from near and far

NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

DREAMING OF OCEAN ADVENTURES WITH JUMEIRAH FIRST CAME THE JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL, a wave-shaped resort in the burgeoning emirate of Dubai, where tourism was just finding its feet in the late 1990s. Then came Burj Al Arab: a ground-breaking, sail-shaped hotel with a self-appointed “seven-star” rating that became the symbol of Dubai and a must-visit destination for UAE-bound travellers. Jumeirah, the company behind both hotels, has grown up alongside Dubai’s booming tourism scene, colonising the emirate with a collection of luxury hotels and resorts and spreading its wings to destinations as diverse as London, the Maldives and Shanghai. Its latest endeavour, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, circles back to the rule-breaking spirit of the company’s early years, with an ultra-luxury resort that pushes the

boundaries of architectural design, embodying the company motto: “Stay Different”. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab takes the form of a futuristic superyacht: a sleek, organic looking structure that sits at the heart of a new luxury lifestyle district that will also be home to a superyacht marina and collection of sixbedroom villas. Completing the ocean-themed trilogy alongside Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will be home to 386 rooms and suites and four spectacular penthouses when it opens in 2023, as well as 83 residential suites, three floors of health and fitness facilities and 10 restaurants. A collection of premium suites that follow the flowing contours at the prow of the yachtshaped building will feature retractable floor-

to-ceiling glass walls and vast outdoor decks, creating unique indoor-outdoor living spaces with 180-degree views of the Burj Al Arab on one side and the superyacht marina on the other. All rooms and suites will boast four-metre-high ceilings and luxuriously-appointed interiors by French designer Tristan Auer and Dubai-based Wilson Associates. Award-winning architect Shaun Killa – who was involved with the creation of Burj Al Arab in 1998 and a string of visionary resorts, museums and urban masterplans since – is responsible for the resort’s iconic design, which Jumeirah CEO Jose Silva says will mark the start of a new era of ultra-luxury properties from the Dubai brand. www.jumeirah.com

FOUR SEASONS PRIVATE RESIDENCES LURE UHNWIS IN DUBAI GREAT HOTELS DON’T JUST OFFER A PLACE TO STAY, they create a mood and a scene: a lifestyle embodied by a certain level of service, recognition and experience. Privately-owned, hotel-managed residences afford affluent travellers the chance to live the lifestyle embodied by their favourite brand, and the sector has seen a boom in the last few years. The latest project to woo the elite is Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah, a collection of 28 luxury apartments and villas created by French designer Sybille de Margerie. The exclusive homes feature terraces overlooking Dubai Water Canal and grand living spaces flooded with light, all serviced by a dedicated team of Four Seasons employees. Owners have use of a private pool overlooking the canal, as well as spa and wellness facilities, a kids club, and the services of a private chef and personal trainer on demand. Anyone tempted by Four Seasons living must be quick off the mark: all 28 residences, which started from US $3 million, were sold in the space of three months, marking the first time a Four Seasons residential project has sold out before going to public sale, according to Bart Carnahan, president, global business development and portfolio management, Four Seasons, reflecting the voracious appetite for luxury living among the world’s wealthiest. www.fourseasons.com

February 2022 dotwnews.com

NEWS MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

STAY AT A LIVING MUSEUM IN SOUTHERN TURKEY

WHILE TURKEY’S ASFUROGLU FAMILY WAS PUTTING THE FINAL TOUCHES to one of the most exciting hotel projects in the world in early 2020, Covid-19 was in the early stages of its rampant journey around the globe. The Museum Hotel Antakya was forced to close its doors a few months after opening, an agonising twist in a tale that was 2,000 years in the making. Almost a decade earlier, developers broke ground on what

was intended to be a 400-room hotel in Antakya in southern Turkey, only to discover the remains of a 2nd-century mosaic and a treasure trove of ancient antiquities. Development was halted while the mosaic was excavated and plans for the hotel were altered to preserve the site as a living museum. The new design incorporated 185 rooms, 15 suites and a fourbedroom residence in a modern,

suspended steel architectural marvel built around the site, with open-air walkways, canopies and rooms and restaurants overlooking the ongoing excavations. Now fully open at last, The Museum Hotel Antakya is one of the most remarkable in the world. Among the guestrooms, all of which are decorated in natural colours and locally made furniture and textiles, the 38 Museum Rooms offer direct views onto the site, where remains

from 13 different civilisations have been uncovered; many of which are on display at the nearby Necmi Asfuroglu Archaeological Museum. The hotel is also home to the 3,300-square-metre Balans Spa & Fitness, with indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish hammams and a state-of-the-art fitness suite on the hotel rooftop, as well as five restaurants and bars. Visit now to witness archaeology in action. www.themuseumhotelantakya.com

TRAVEL THE WORLD IN STYLE WITH VISTAJET FOLLOWING A SURGE IN DEMAND FOR PRIVATE JET TRAVEL, business aviation company VistaJet has created a collection of immersive journeys to far-flung corners of the world for 2022, in partnership with some of the leading experiential travel providers on the planet. VistaJet reported a 35 per cent increase in bookings in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the previous year – 19 per cent more than pre-pandemic levels – and noted an increase in the number of passengers as customers choose to travel with groups of friends and extended family. Highlights of the 2022 VistaJet Private World line-up include a desert adventure in Namibia with Wilderness Safaris, exploring the dramatic landscape in the company of scientist and conservationist Dr Conrad Brain. Daily excursions will set out from remote lodges made accessible by private aircraft, all of which provide doorstep access to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes and wildlife in Namibia. Another trip takes jetsetters to the stunning Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, where sustainable luxury lodge Kisawa Sanctuary provides a home from home while guests reconnect with nature through wellness experiences: morning yoga and meditation on the dunes, organic meals overlooking Crocodile Lake and rituals, massages and treatments at the Natural Wellness Centre. Other bespoke Private World experiences across Europe, Asia and the Americas are the result of collaborations with firms including Pelorus, EYOS Expeditions, GUEST and Based on a True Story, and can start from anywhere in the world thanks to six new Bombardier Global 7500 jets, which have a range of 7,700 nautical miles and can carry up to 14 passengers. The company now boasts a fleet of more than 80 private jets, which can service 1,900 airports in 187 countries worldwide. www.vistajet.com/privateworld

dotwnews.com February 2022

NEWS DEBUT

Debut February

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

LUX* GRAND BAIE RESORT & RESIDENCES

Grand Bai, Mauritius

Rooftop bars were so 2021: the top deck is all about wellness at LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences, the Singaporebased brand’s new flagship on Mauritius’ north coast. Home to two 30-metre Olympic-standard running tracks and the MyBeast fitness frame, Muscle Up on the Roof is the first open-air rooftop gym in the Indian Ocean and one of many innovative wellness activities at the resort, which also includes a Technogym Group Cycle Studio, Niyama Studio for classes and a Wellness Bar for healthy refreshments. It’s all part of LUX* ME Spa & Fitness, a four-floor venue with a spa that’s home to thermal experiences, including a Kniepp walk, Turkish hammam and Tepidarium soaks, as well as eight rooms for East-meets-West treatments. Junior jetsetters can join Little Green Fingers gardening project, experiment at the Ice Cream Lab and join junior yoga sessions at PLAY kids club, while older children can flex their creativity at the DJ deck or Photofanatics station at Studio 17, or explore the waves in water sports lessons. Designed by Mauritiusbased architect Jean-Francois Adam, the resort is inspired by nautical architecture and the natural surroundings, with 114 Kelly Hoppen-designed suites, residences and villas that champion indoor-outdoor living. www.luxresorts.com

ROSEWOOD SÃO PAULO

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Set at the heart of Cidade Matarazzo, an urban regeneration project breathing new life into what was once the Matarazzo Maternity hospital, Rosewood São Paulo is the result of a collaboration between Pritzker-winning architect Jean Nouvel, legendary French designer Philippe Starck and real estate tycoon Alexandre Allard. Nouvel has envisaged a vertical garden as the focal point of Cidade Matarazzo and the home of Rosewood São Paulo: a 100-metre tower whose exterior forms an interconnected wooden lattice strewn with greenery, extending the surrounding park and gardens high up into the air. Inside, Starck has added his vision to the 160 guest rooms and 100 Private Rosewood Suites, as well as six restaurants and bars, a recording studio, cinema and an outpost of Asaya, Rosewood’s spa and wellbeing concept. A collection of 450 site-specific artworks created by 57 Brazilian artists was curated by Starck under the theme of ‘respecting the past yet pointing to the future’. Billed as São Paulo’s largest upcycling project, the hotel is committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy within a year of opening. www.rosewoodhotels.com

February 2022 dotwnews.com

NEWS DEBUT

KIMPTON KITALAY SAMUI

Koh Samui, Thailand

There’s something instantly appealing about Kimpton Kitalay Samui, a warm, timber-built stilted resort on the north-eastern tip of the island that blends the exterior aesthetics of a traditional Thai village with the contemporary interiors of a modern beach resort. Created by P49 Design, the Bangkok-based studio that worked with IHG on Kimpton Bangkok and several dozen IHG properties around Southeast Asia, the resort is home to 138 rooms, suites and pool villas, all decked out in the earthy tones of reclaimed wood and the colourful hues of local artwork. Local touches abound: blue cotton robes custom made by local tailors, bathroom tiles embellished with motifs inspired by Thai basketry and signature amenities by Thai skincare brand HARNN. Pimãanda by HARNN is the resort’s spa and wellness centre, where signature treatment, Paradise of Wondrous Sea, is inspired by the beat of the Manora dance drums of southern Thailand. Among the five dining options, guests can grab a cup of single original Thai coffee, artisanal tea or locally made spirits at LANAI Bar & Lounge, feast on classic seafood or playful modern dishes at FishHouse or eat sweet treats at HOM Baking Company. www.kimptonkitalaysamui.com

AVANI+ KOH LANTA RESORT

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Perched at the end of a rocky peninsula overlooking the jade green waters of the Andaman Sea, Avani+ Koh Lanta is an island hideaway where guests will find themselves immersed in nature from the moment they arrive. Bangkok-based studio PIA Interior has drawn inspiration from the island’s seafaring heritage and the colours and motifs found in the nearby Old Town for the 92 guestrooms and pool villas: bright spaces where lush greenery and ocean views frame vibrant interiors. Below the resort, the tropical forest spills down to a private beach and the warm waters of the Andaman, while guests staying in the private pool villas can bliss out while gazing at distant islands and spectacular sunsets. Situated at the very tip of the peninsula, the Grand Ocean Residence is the crème de la crème: a sleek two-bedroom abode set in a private garden that’s ideal for private events and parties. Local fishermen supply the seafood at The Cliff, served alongside fresh fare from Koh Lanta’s organic market; and the beachfront Reggae Bar is the spot to enjoy lazy sundowners and long, languorous evenings. Active guests will appreciate the AvaniFit Gym concept, which offers state of the art fitness gear and a bootcamp programme, while Avani Spa allows adults to recharge and relax while little ones blow off steam at AvaniKids club. www.avanihotels.com

dotwnews.com February 2022

GOURMET REVIEW

TABLE

TALK

Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco puts down new roots at the artfully revamped Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage. Step inside and taste the difference PHOTOGRAPHY: Xavier Ansart

February 2022 dotwnews.com

GOURMET REVIEW

dotwnews.com February 2022

SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD

Confused about where to go for your holiday? Hola España! With eased entry for all vaccinated travelers, Spain is your perfect year-round holiday choice. Delight your senses in one of Europe’s finest destinations. Indulge in Barcelona’s delicious tapas, shop until you drop in Madrid, and bask in the beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands. It’s hard to choose just one highlight of Spain: beaches, food, culture, fiestas, majestic medieval towns, whitewashed Moorish villages, passionate locals and their love of life, family and friends – they’re all exceptional. Expect surprises around every corner and wonderfully diverse regions that are well worth seeking out #Youdeservespain

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DESTINATIONS

PHOTO: Denis Moskvinov

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

THE HUNGER GAMES While the pandemic has certainly taken a toll on Bali’s tourism infrastructure, there’s a slew of creative restaurateurs kickstarting a new food revolution, with extraordinary chefs and heroic homegrown producers turning adversity into opportunity

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Take a Bite out of Bali: How to eat your way around Ubud and make the most of Bali’s new food revolution Escapes: There’s romance on the cards this month, with chic chateaux stays in the South of France to anything but ordinary adventures in the Maldives

D E S I T N AT I O N B A L I

BALI’S FOOD REVOLUTION

Extraordinary chefs and heroic homegrown producers have transformed the island into one of Asia’s most celebrated culinary destinations WORDS BY: Mark Lomas

estled among the tiered paddy fields and verdant jungle of Bali’s central foothills, the town of Ubud has long attracted those seeking a spiritual awakening. But in recent years it has been devotees of gastronomy who have been drawn to Ubud, ecclesiastic in their eagerness to discover some of Asia’s most fascinating fine dining experiences. The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the island incredibly hard, but some big players remain, and they are determined to ignite Bali’s recovery when international travel finally reopens completely. As of February, vaccinated citizens of 18 countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia and India can travel

February 2022 dotwnews.com

directly to the island but must quarantine for five days. Most nationalities have to transit through Jakarta and travel on to Bali. Almost a decade ago, chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah first threw open the doors to Locavore (www.locavore.co.id). It proved to be a revolutionary restaurant. At a time when the buzzword ‘disruption’ was just a sparkle in Silicon Valley’s eye, Locavore charged into the culinary spotlight with a promise to elevate Indonesian produce to new heights. Importantly, they strived to do so sustainably. “It really is the only approach for me,” Plasmeijer explains. “Sourcing locally and trying to make the most out of humble Indonesian ingredients makes total sense.

What we do is still very unique, and it takes so much time and effort to establish the right networks to source and find produce. And even now there is still so much for us to explore, discover and implement – we are always trying to find ways to do better.” Eating at Locavore is not just an epicurean education, but an agricultural and geographical one. Visually stunning dishes pair style with substance, each item on the degustation menu telling a story of Indonesian land and sea. Dishes such as the vivid yellow lobster with citrus cashew butter sauce, lime leaf oil and kedondong leaves exemplify the marriage of flavour and aesthetic. The restaurant became an instant classic and since 2015 has been ever present on Asia’s

D E S I N TAT I O N B A L I

Opposite page: One of the starters from Locavore’s menu of grilled bok choy stem, charred bok choy puree, burnt coconut peanut sauce and pickled young ginger Clockwise from top: The team at Locavore, who create a menu of contemporary European fare utilising only the finest of locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, is lead by Ray Ardiansyah and Eelke Plasmeijer, right; Catch of the day, with fermented leak and oyster vinaigrette

dotwnews.com February 2022

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

CHARACTER BUILDING This month features UAE hotels that cover all ends of the luxury spectrum, from the regal refinement of Habtoor Palace Dubai (above) to the Mediterranean-meetsArabesque prettiness of Park Hyatt Dubai. Stately, contemporary or laid-back, there’s something to suit every mood

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Why the Park Hyatt Dubai has stolen our hearts Suite Review: Treasure island adventures in Ras Al Khaimah Royal Occasion: Butlers, Bentleys and luxury found at every turn at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts Staycations: Explore the UAE with these beautiful escapes Get the lowdown on this month’s coolest things for kids

WORDS: Emily Baxter-Priest

H O T E L S PA R K H YAT T D U B A I

February 2022 dotwnews.com

H O T E L S PA R K H YAT T D U B A I

A WORLD

AWAY

A secret haven hidden away from the city, life slows down at Park Hyatt Dubai. It will charm you, transport you and entertain you in equal measure, giving you no good reason to ever leave PHOTOGRAPHY: Xavier Ansart

dotwnews.com February 2022

H O T E L S H A BT O O R PA L A C E D U B A I

ROYAL

OCCASION A fleet of Bentleys, butler service and a Sir Winston Churchill suite, Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts has luxury, history and heritage at every turn

dotwnews.com February 2022

12:01AM

The moment you discovered the picture-perfect festive holiday

This festive season, gift yourself with peace of mind and embark on a journey of self-healing, emotional regeneration and personal discovery. Recharge, Reconnect and Rediscover the zest for life in a Tropical Chic 70’s style. Book the grandest festive at https://www.fairmont-maldives.com/ festive-escape/

SPEND IT U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E S A N D S O P H I S T I C AT E D E S S E N T I A L S

LET ME HEAR YOU ROAR Celebrating the Lunar New Year this month, watch companies such as Arnold & Son have released beautifully-timed homages to Asian culture. This ‘Year of the Tiger’ Perpetual Moon 34mm timepiece features a golden, roaring tiger on the dial, and is made of 18k rose gold and hematite, with mother-ofpearl moon and hand-painted stars.

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Jewels: There’s passion at play Make this a month to remember with Mahallati Watches: It’s time for love with these red hot investments Out of this World: Celebrate love in the South Pacific with arguably the most romantic escape of all

SPEND IT OUT OF THIS WORLD

A SOUTH PACIFIC PARADISE The St. Regis Bora Bora’s romantic escape will hit all the right notes, with a helicopter ride, a Tahitian black pearl necklace and a heart-shaped island to escape to

IF YOU EVER NEEDED AN EXCUSE TO ESCAPE TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC, Valentine’s Day 2022 has to be it. Gift yourself the holiday of a lifetime with someone you love, with a stay at The St. Regis Bora Bora and its all-new bejewelled and bedazzling Valentine’s Day Black Pearl Romance Getaway. The vast 44-acre resort sits in a tropical paradise and masterfully blends French Polynesian hospitality with The St. Regis’ world-renowned service. Coupled with sunsets so epic they’re sure to win someone’s heart, it promises to be a spectacular escape. The resort itself is also home to pristine white beaches that are surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the South Pacific, and backdrop views of the majestic Mount Otemanu. There are two swimming pools, an incredible Lagoonarium filled with tropical fish, an Iridium Spa and all sorts of aquatic toys, from paddle-boarding to deep-sea fishing.

February 2022 dotwnews.com

To really make the most of your moment in paradise, the Black Pearl Romance Getaway features five nights in a St. Regis Bora Bora Overwater Villa, with exotic woods and Italian marble, dining gazebo and viewing panels into the ocean below. Once settled in your new over-water abode, you can also indulge in a champagne dinner by candlelight on the resort’s private island; a private helicopter fly-over Bora Bora’s famous heart-shaped Tupai Island with Billecart Salmon Rose Champagne; a signature Canoe breakfast; and a 24-carat gold al fresco couples’ massage. If all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also be gifted a Robert Wan Tahitian Black Pearl solitaire necklace on an 18-carat gold chain. The black pearl is one of the region’s natural treasures, with the Tahitian Black Pearl symbolising ‘happiness in life’ in Polynesian culture – a perfect memento from what promises to be the most romantic holiday of all. www.marriott.com

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breguet inventor of the tourbillon

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