Destinations of the World News - May 2014 - PREVIEW

May 2014

ENNIO CAPASA

Reflections on a life of travel

ESSENTIAL UAE Discover the Emirates in style

VIP IN MONte-CARLO A guide to the Grand Prix de Monaco

TASTE OF LIMA

Latin America’s culinary capital

BEIJING MASTERS

10 essential stops in China’s capital

WILD WEST

South Africa’s Western Cape

NYC ON TREND

RAGING BULL

A stylish guide to New York

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann

LONDON EVOLUTION

WHERE EAGLES DARE

Taming the wilderness in Mongolia

New luxury arrivals in the UK capital

BALI DREAMING Indonesia’s quintessential island hideaway

SuITE DREAMS Le Royal Monceau, Paris

INSIDE MAN

Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon

ON THE ROAD Mercedes S63 AMG

Contents title

Sectiony

May 2014

On the cover 78 Return to Bali 136 New York in 24 hours

From Seminyak to Ubud, the Indonesian island keeps getting better and better

Follow the fashion set to these en vogue shopping, dining and party hotspots

92 London 2014 138 Legend of design

Two years after the Olympics, the UK capital is still reinventing itself

Pierre-Yves Rochon proves why he remains the master of his game

108 Mongolia deluxe 142 My city... Beijing

Luxury yurts and cold champagne — things are changing in big sky country

Jing Li, CEO of Beijing Dashing Equestrian Culture Co., shares her top luxe escapes

120 Emirates uncovered Exploring the UAE in style on the ultimate luxury road trip

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Bliss out in Bali Enclaves like Uluwatu are emerging as new luxury travel hotspots in Bali

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Photo: Maalifushi by COMO

Contents May 2014

In the news 48 Europe 62 Debut

Monaco’s new yacht club; Veuve Clicquot taxis; vintage art in Cannes

Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

50 Middle East & Africa 66 Diary Nigeria’s new elite; Hakkasan and MGM unite; ladies-only luxury in KSA

70 158

54 Asia & Oceania 70 VIP: Monaco

Cruising Down Under; art in Istanbul; Singapore Airlines sponsors F1

Where to go after the chequered flag at the Monaco Grand Prix

58 Americas 72 Interview

San Francisco luxe; a masterpiece in St. Barths; Versace’s mansion reborn

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Exhibitions, festivals and sporting events to keep you busy this month

CoSTUME NATIONAL founder and creative director, Ennio Capasa

Gourmet 148 Taste of... Lima 160 Spirit of travel

Latin America’s foodie capital is a cauldron of culinary innovation

The Caribbean is home to pristine beaches, blue skies and golden rum

152 Restaurant news 162 The restaurant

New eateries and culinary creations from Bermuda to Hong Kong

Fine dining from 55&5th, The Grill, at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island

156 Gourmet journey 164 The lounge How to eat and drink your way around Dubai in serious style

Cave blends traditional French fare with chic surrounds at Conrad Dubai

158 Chef’s table 166 Wild West

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli is on a mission to change the way we eat

Natural riches and innovative dining along South Africa’s Western Cape

Spend it 184 Escape 200 In the driving seat

A selection of the finest luxury travel itineraries money can buy

Lamborghini’s Stephan Winkelmann talks about life in the fast lane

190 On the road 204 Set sail

Drop-dead gorgeous: Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Ferrari and Koenigsegg

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Hybrids and concept yachts are the shape of things to come on the water

198 Ignition 210 Suite dreams

First-class driving in the all-new Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

A Parisian wondeland at Le Royal Monceau Raffles, Paris

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Celebration season in Monaco After more than a decade in the works, the new Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) is almost complete.

Designed by architectural icon Sir Norman Foster, the new nautical hub takes pride of place in Port Hercule, next to the Société Nautique and the YCM’s Sailing Division. The new clubhouse on Quai Louis II is preparing for its grand opening, coinciding with a members-only cocktail event next month.

The second level of the new building is reserved exclusively for

YCM members, while the remainder of the facilities welcome residents and visitors. The marina itself boasts 26 berths for superyachts, and owners will gain access to the new clubhouse during their stay in the principality.

It seems lengthy projects are currently en vogue in Monte-Carlo.

As the Hôtel de Paris marks its 150th birthday, work has begun on a major renovation. The opulent hotel on Place du Casino has been placed in the hands of architects An artist’s impression of the inside of YCM

Richard Martinet and Gabriel Viora for a major refurbishment. The renovation includes the creation of a new central garden courtyard, as well as a new pool, revamped spa, fitness area, and a new rooftop villa with its own private garden and pool.

The refurb will also see an increased number of suites as existing rooms are upgraded. The hotel’s façade, which faces Café de Paris, will remain intact, as well as its famous wine cellars. Outlets Bar Américain, Salle Empire, Louis XV and Le Grill will also remain untouched during the work, which will be completed in phases over four years.

While the highfalutin throngs of Monaco find ways to pass the time during these extensive projects, they may not wish to hold their breath for arrival of the proposed waterborne version of the principality. The Streets of Monaco concept yacht remains just that, three years after first being touted as a billionaire’s playground by Yacht Island Design. Now projected to cost $400 million, the hyperyacht was priced at $1.3 billion when designs were first released.

Europe

Harrods enters the Pradasphere

Champagne cabs in Belgium French champagne house Veuve Clicquot has drafted vintage taxis to help riders get around Belgium in safety and style. Visitors to Brussels and Antwerp will soon have the opportunity to pop bottles from A to B with Clicquot cabs; five retro American cabs in the yellow hues of the champagne label

that will dart around the cities this month.

Riders also have the option of being papped by a Clicquot photographer and having the images posted on the company’s social media portals. ‘Clicquot Stations’ will pop up at various locations, serving cabs on consecutive Saturdays, May 17 and 24.

Prada is in the midst of planning a special exhibition at London’s Harrods. The Italian fashion house has unveiled plans for the ‘Pradasphere’ (below) at London’s iconic department store this month. The Qatar-owned store is set to showcase the world of Prada in the installation, which unites two brands “synonymous with luxury, design and creativity,” in the words of Harrods’ fashion director, Helen David. The Pradasphere will include an exhibition on the store’s fourth floor, featuring items from past collections, special projects and collaborations, as well as artefacts from the brand’s architectural and cinematic endeavours. In addition, Harrods’ window displays are poised to pay tribute to garments and accessories by Prada from the past 100 years. The pop-up event also introduces the first Pradasphere café. www.harrods.com

Suite additions in Barcelona

Celebrating the golden age of travel JW Marriott and Christie’s auction house are celebrating the ‘golden age’ of travel with a vintage travel poster exhibition at JW Marriott Cannes. The special exhibition will take place during this month’s Festival de Cannes and showcases the “timeless appeal of the glamorous Côte d’Azur” through Art Deco-style posters that were commissioned by railway companies to promote travel in style. The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought artists, writers, and aristocrats to the Côte d’Azur, and with that influx came a deluge of interesting designs, images and typography. Highlights of the exhibition include posters by AM Cassandre and Roger Broders, which are valued in upwards of $10,000 apiece. The exhibition will be open to the public daily between 10am and 6pm from May 14-15, before going on sale in June at Christie’s in South Kensington, London. www.marriott.com

Five years after opening its doors, Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona adds 17 spacious suites to the Catalonian capital. The development now boasts 120 rooms in total, adjacent to the Passeig de Gràcia boulevard, with the new suites up to 124 square metres in size. Award-winning Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola created the original hotel and was recommissioned to create the décor for the new rooms with the same styling as the rest of the hotel. Urquiola has introduced new interpretations of Catalan modernism with hydraulic mosaics and artworks commissioned exclusively for Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona. The flagship Barcelona suite has a 123-metre-square terrace, complete with an outdoor jacuzzi and solarium. www.mandarinoriental.com dotwnews.com

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Embark on an enchanting escape and journey with us to a place of pure bliss. Stay encapsulated in the rejuvenating aura of our environs. Reconnect with your inner self as we tailor make experiences to delight your senses.

HERITAnCE TEA FACToRy

HERITAnCE KAndALAMA

HERITAnCE AHungALLA

EARLS REgEnCy

www.AITKEnSPEnCEHoTELS.CoM

Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Ltd Aitken Spence Tower II, 315 Vauxhail Street, Colombo 2 T: +94 112 308 408 F: +94 112 433 755 E: ashmres@aitkenspence.lk

This boutique offering from Alila Hotels and Resorts is perched 2,000 metres above the Gulf of Oman just two hours’ drive from Muscat, in an area popular among adventurous nature lovers. Alila Jabal Akhdar opens just in time for the blooming of the Omani Roses, when 7,000 rose trees transform the Hajar mountains into a blanket of pink. While the bloom is a feast for your eyes, treat your other senses with Arabic cuisine at the hotel’s Juniper Restaurant, enjoying the relaxing ambience of one of the 78 suites and villas, or spending some time at the spa, fitness centre or swimming pools. Book the opening ‘Alila Rose Package’, which offers a two-night stay with a welcome dinner, guided terrace tour and a restorative rose bath. www.alilahotels.com

Nizwa, Oman

Perthshire, Scotland

The 15th-century Cromlix Estate saw the construction of the first Cromlix Cottage in 1874. Now, the rustic property has opened as a luxury hotel thanks to tennis ace, Andy Murray.

Just a short drive from Gleneagles, this truly boutique hotel has just 15 large rooms including five suites, though activities are abundant with fishing, archery, falconry, billiards and of course tennis. Rest assured, guests won’t have to hunt their own haggis, as per the myth passed around to first-time visitors to Scotland. Cromlix will be home to Albert Roux’s sixth Chez Roux restaurant in the country. The culinary team will also serve up personalised dishes for guests throughout most of the building’s private rooms. www.cromlix.com

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Cromlix Rotana’s first foray into Oman sits on the Arabian Coast in the Dhofar province. Oman’s second largest city, Salalah, is arguably one of its bestkept secrets. The area is best known for the Khareef, or monsoon season, which sees an explosion of lush, green vegetation from July to September.

If the unique Gulf microclimate isn’t a sufficient USP, the hotel embraces the region’s heritage with traditional mashrabiya and arabesque patterns mixed with modern finishes. Among the 400 rooms is a comprehensive range of suites to suit a range of tastes.

Speaking of which, guests can enjoy Arabic cuisine or international fare at Silk Road — aptly described as an “east meets west” experience. www.rotana.com

Salalah, Oman

Salalah Rotana Resort

Nha Trang Bay can now boast an extra 279 rooms and 56 luxurious suites overlooking the central Vietnam coast.

On the shoreline, frequently voted one of the most beautiful bays in the world, InterContinental Nha Trang has made its mark with two soaring beachfront towers. Guests can whittle away hours visiting nearby springs, island-hopping or scuba diving around the protected Hon Mun Marine area. Vietnamese specialties are dished out daily in the Cookbook Café and at the poolside Aqualine, which offers lighter bites with bay views. With three outdoor pools, guests can float in peace before and after treatments from the Spa InterContinental, which also includes a couple’s suite, sauna and jacuzzi. www.ihg.com

Nha Trang City, Vietnam

InterContinental Nha Trang

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May 2014

A magnet for nature-lovers and curious pilgrims, Emei Mountain is the highest of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains, at the foot of which you will find this 150-room Anantara property.

The resort is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage area’s waterfalls, hot springs and holy sites. With 40 private pavilion villas and 20 jacuzzi and pool villas, the resort is focussed on deep respite. An outdoor swimming area is also available to guests, as well as a full fitness centre.

Anantara Spa’s signature treatments incorporate hydrating therapies and purifying tea scrubs, while the resort’s Spice Spoons cooking class allows for a taste of Sichuan cuisine and a guided tour of the local markets. www.emei.anantara.com

Emeishan City, China

Anantara Emei Resort & Spa

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Interview

A WORLD OF STYLE He was born in Italy, mastered the art of self-discipline in Tokyo and learned about diversity in New York. Life is a journey without end for CoSTUME NATIONAL founder and creative director, Ennio Capasa Interview: Joe Mortimer

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fter graduating from design school in Milan, Ennio Capasa hit the road on a voyage of discovery that would lead him first to Tokyo and then around the world in pursuit of the ‘energy’ that inspires his groundbreaking creative designs. Along the way, he founded the Italian fashion house CoSTUME NATIONAL, which became famous for designs characterised by dark colours and an edgy, underground vibe, often inspired by the urban centres Capasa encountered on his travels.

With a list of celebrity followers and friends that includes Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and Madonna, Capasa has plenty of support from the A-list, but he believes that it is his constant quest for personal growth, understanding and visceral experiences that play the biggest role in his success as a person and a designer.

How important is travel in your line of work?

Fashion is one of the oldest global businesses. In the beginning of the 20th century, [Paul] Poiret went to the US to sell his products, so there is this kind of connection between fashion and travel. It’s a global language; it’s like music. For me, as a creative person, travel means not just understanding the feeling and energy of a place, but it’s also a source of stimulation and creativity. Travel for me has two values. One is personal, which is a kind of therapy; travel is the best therapy to refresh myself. The other is inspiration.

Could you do what you do without travel?

I don’t think so. The internet lets you see whatever you want, but in my experience, the energy of the people and the electricity [of a city] give you a different perception of it. In the experience of travelling, there is the experience of life. We are travellers as human beings; it is in our DNA. The need to discover and to travel can only be satisfied with the physical experience. You can read the best books about a place, but until you go there and smell it and feel it on your skin, it doesn’t feel as real.

Where has your career taken you?

I’m a globetrotter who loves to travel. I spent a lot of my time when I was young in the Orient, because I was and I am still... not anxious, but I have this extra energy. That part of the world calmed me a lot and when I went to Thailand or the Philippines or India I found peace and beauty. But I also like also big cities. I think it is a question of balance. Sometimes, I like to go out of civilisation and enjoy nature, and sometimes I like to be in the middle of civilisation and feel the people and the smell and the energy.

Where do you find inspiration in big cities?

I made some of my most beautiful collections with a bit of rock-and-roll style when I came back from London. I saw a beautiful girl with amazing energy and I was inspired by that. The year before last I made a ‘New Wave’ collection that was very strong. I went to London and bought some old Joy Division books, and I was really inspired by that and I started drawing. In that sense, I think travelling is like eating — you need to do it.

What city has had the biggest impact on your career?

There are two big cities that have had a big impact for different reasons. One is Tokyo. I was there when I was 18 years old and it was just amazing. At the time there were no foreigners, no internet and no nothing. I started to work with a Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto. I learnt about the discipline of work, so it was a big lesson in life. Also, the quality in Japan is quite similar to the Italian approach to quality. It was an incredible lesson. I also had a lot of experience in terms of human relationships that made me grow a lot.

I went to New York after that, where I learnt about the multicultural scene and the energy of art, which influenced me a lot, and the beautiful mixture of people. I realised how diversity can be the best part of this planet. Richness comes from diversity. That was another amazing shock. For different reasons, they are both very important contributors to my personal ideas.

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Nirwana Bali Golf Club

Bulgari Hotel

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Banyan Tree Ungasan

Conrad Bali

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Viceroy Bali

Destinations

The world’s most desirable locations

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Photo: Getty Images / Kimberley Coole

A new dawn Resort developments all over Bali are breathing new life into the island paradise

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Two different sides of

London’s new wave

Luxury under canvas in

In pictures: exploring

Indonesia’s paradise island

of five-star arrivals

the wilds of Mongolia

the UAE in style

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Spend a fashionable

Hotel design legend

An insider’s guide

24 hours in New York

Pierre-Yves Rochon

to Beijing’s gems

Bali rediscovered The laid-back vibe and spiritual atmosphere of Bali is now tinged with urban appeal and designer touches for a younger, more discerning crowd. Nick Walton returns to the island to explore two very different towns, Seminyak and Ubud, and discover the new breed of travellers who frequent them

Photo: Tommy Schultz

Spellbinding sunsets and sublime natural landscapes have made Bali a quintessential island escape for half a century

American hotels, French luxury brands and vintage fashion retrospectives are popping up all over the British capital, which sizzles in a post-Olympic renaissance WORDS: Elisa Anniss

Interview

Ultimate U A E

w E E k E n d

In the first of a series of collaborations with some of the world’s top luxury brands in motoring, hospitality and lifestyle, Destinations of the World News takes a 48-hour journey across the UAE in style Words: Joe Mortimer Photos: Haitham El Shazly

Interview

C

reating the ultimate weekend escape in the UAE requires three ingredients: award-winning hotels, unforgettable experiences and the best luxury transportation money can buy.

What better place to start than Rolls-Royce, a brand that is synonymous with luxury and renowned throughout the world as a creator of beautiful motorcars for elite individuals who value quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Flagship of the company’s line-up is the Phantom, a gracious, elegant vehicle that is usually seen at weddings, state visits and anything involving the British royal family — in other words, the obvious vehicle of choice for a chauffered tour of the Emirates.

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request a test drive

Night & dAY How to spend a whirlwind but very fashionable 24 hours in the city that (thankfully) never sleeps

new york

Words: Caitlin Cheadle

08.00 Arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (panynj.gov). Hopefully you had some shut-eye on the flight, so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running (or shopping, in this case). Once you’re through customs, head outside to the taxi rank. It shouldn’t take long to nab one — even at peak times the queue runs like a well-oiled machine.

09.30 Since shopping is going to be an important part of your agenda, a centralised location is everything. Check into a suite at The Carlyle (35 East 76th St), a favourite of visiting celebrities and politicians nestled discreetly among Madison Avenue’s designer boutiques on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a short walk from Central Park and the high-end shops of Fifth Avenue. The hotel boasts a rich heritage, dating back to 1930, and the vibe, from its luxurious apartment-style rooms to the impeccable service, is pure understated elegance.

10.00 You could grab a bagel and wander up to

Fifth Avenue for breakfast at Tiffany & Co. (727 Fifth Ave and 57th St; +1 212 755 8000; tiffany.com), but why not opt for a touch of Parisian decorum and swing by the gourmet ‘Maison de Macarons’ Ladurée (864 Madison Ave; +1 646 558 3157; www.laduree.com)? Enjoy a few delightful confections before exploring Madison Avenue’s designer boutiques, which range from upscale anchors Chanel, Hermès, and Bulgari, to harder-to-come-by boutiques from Proenza Schouler, Tom Ford and Halston Heritage. Stop into Barney’s New York’s sleek flagship store to peruse nine floors of international designers, from sophisticated classics like Prada and Valentino to more casual labels like Rag & Bone and 3.1 Phillip Lim, located on the seventh floor (660 Madison Ave.; + 1 212 826 8900; www.barneys.com).

11.30 Stroll up to Fifth Avenue and head directly to Saks Fifth Avenue for 10 floors of highend designer wares, with plenty of space devoted to handbags (611 Fifth Ave; +1 212 753 4000; www.saksfifthavenue.com). If you’re more interested in footwear, head to

Bergdorf Goodman (754 Fifth Ave; +1 212 753 7300; www.bergdorfgoodman.com) and drop by the spectacular second-floor shoe salon.

13.00 Time for lunch. Bergdorf’s chic seventhfloor restaurant, BG, offers upscale cuisine and views over Fifth Ave and Central Park.

But for a true New York experience, take style cues from the ladies who lunch at Café Boulud, celebrity chef Daniel Boulud’s highly regarded upscale French eatery in The Surrey hotel (20 East 76th St; +1 212 288 3700; www.cafeboulud.com).

14.00 You’re in one of the world’s fashion capitals, where individuality reigns. As such, you’ll want some one-of-a-kind wearable souvenirs of your trip, and there’s no place better to find something unique than at the many sample sales taking place across the city. Plan your shopping trips in advance by checking out Racked.com (ny.racked.com) to find regularly updated lists of sample sales, from clothing to accessories and homewares.

Breathtaking window display at Tiffany & Co.

Manhattan at night

Theinside Carlyle Saks

16.00 Visit the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (Seventh Ave at West 27th St; closed Sundays and Mondays; www.fitnyc.edu), home to award-winning exhibitions and a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories from the 18th century to the present day.

18.00 Not far away, in New York’s Garment District, step onto the Fashion Walk of Fame, a tribute to America’s most influential fashion designers (Seventh Avenue/Fashion Avenue between Macy’s at 34th Street and Times Square; www.garmentdistrictnyc.com).

A total of 28 different plaques are set in the pavement along Fashion Avenue, commemorating iconic designers integral to New York’s fashion industry, including Diane von Furstenberg, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs.

20.00 Time to kick back and revel in some of NYC’s most fashionable hotspots. ABC Kitchen (35 East 18th St; +1 212 475 5829; www.

Saks outside

abchome.com), celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s take on the locally sourced ingredients fad, is still a favourite among visiting celebrities and scene-y New Yorkers alike — even President Obama is a fan.

22.00 Continue your fashionable-hotspot hop to Little Italy, where Beyoncé and Jay Z recently partied the night away at the swanky Goldbar (389 Broome St; +1 212 274 1568; www.goldbarnewyork.com).

Charlie Bird in SoHo (5 King St; +1 212 235 7133; www.charliebirdnyc.com) and the excellent Perla in the West Village (24 Minetta Lane; +1 212 933 1824; www. perlanyc.com) are also popular stops for local fashionistas. What was once the Boom Boom Room is now known as The Top of the Standard (848 Washington at 13th St; +1 212 645 4646; www.standardhotels. com), but it’s still a magnet for models and moguls, especially during New York Fashion Week.

02.00 Time to get in a few hours’ beauty sleep before your flight home. n

Saks Fifth Avenue

STAY The Carlyle Tel: +1 212 744 1600 www.rosewoodhotels.com

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Spirit of travel

The Caribbean The sugar barons and rum-runners are long gone, but the Caribbean’s favourite libation is still big business

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here are two visions of the Caribbean in popular culture. One is all palmfringed beaches, white sails and former sugar plantations turned luxury hotels. The other entails pirates, buried treasure and gallons of rum. Today, the pirates have been replaced with well-heeled tourists, and the treasure that lures people from around the world is the natural beauty of the Caribbean islands, but thankfully, the region’s rum-making heritage lives on.

Christopher Colombus brought sugar cane to the West Indies in 1493 and by the mid-16th century, the cultivation and trade of the sweet commodity made the Caribbean one of the richest places in the world, attracting pirates, buccaneers and the British, Spanish and Dutch navies, which fought for control of the region for the next 300 years. When rum was first distilled from molasses, a by-product from the sugar-production process, the region’s appeal grew even further.

In the early 20th century, rum had taken over from sugar as the leading export in several Caribbean islands, notably Cuba, Puerto Rico and Trinidad — countries that continue to produce some of the world’s best rums. Interest

in the spirit spread across Central America, with notable varieties today coming out of Panama, Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua, and further afield in destinations such as the Indian Ocean and Australasia. But, for connoisseurs, rum will always be associated with the Caribbean.

The comparatively low cost of rum compared to other spirits means it has never been regarded with the same esteem as cognac or whisky, but barmen and industry insiders believe it’s having a global renaissance. In the Caribbean, big brand rum-makers and artisan distillers put out small batches of high-quality limited-edition rums that could upstage many of the top-shelf beverages found in the world’s finest hotel bars. Legacy by Angostura of Trinidad and Tobago is a blend of seven rare Angostura rums celebrating 50 years since Trinidad and Tobago’s independence. Just 20 bottles of the special blend will be sold, each one presented in a crystal and silver Asprey decanter with a price tag of US $25,000.

You might be seeing a lot more of the golden nectar in high-end bars around the world in the future, but the best place to sample the finest rum is from the veranda of your own Caribbean hideaway.

Buried TrEasUrE

In December of last year, 12 bottles of 230-year-old rum were sold at a Christie’s auction for GBP 78,255 (US $131,500). The haul, which was discovered in the cellar of Harewood House in Leeds, is believed to be the oldest Barbados rum in the world and the most expensive rum ever sold by Christie’s.

aquatic EVOLUTION

Sea travel played a big role in the refinement of export rum; storing it in old bourbon or cognac casks gave the rum its dark colour and rich taste, and the aging process that took place on long, ocean voyages smoothed out the flavour.

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FOUR INDULGENT CARIBBEAN HIDEAWAYS 1. BARBADOS

3. PUERTO RICO

Sandy Lane Caribbean resorts don’t get much more luxurious than Sandy Lane, popular among well-heeled visitors since it opened in 1961. Home to three golf courses including the famous Green Monkey the resort occupies a prominent spot on the western coast of Barbados, home to some of the oldest rum-makers in the Caribbean. Book the Villa, a private retreat set apart from the rest of the resort, and sample the local Mount Gay rum in the private garden shaded with mahogany trees or on the terrace of the Master Suite.

Price: the Villa starts from US $9,400 per night. www.sandylane.com

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Once the private beach hideaway of Laurance S. Rockefeller, this exclusive resort is the pinnacle of luxury living on the northern coast of Puerto Rico.

For an authentic billionaire experience, reserve Su Casa, a 1920s Spanish style hacienda spaning 8,000 square feet. It comprises four bedrooms, a huge living area, full kitchen and maid’s quarters. Don’t miss out on a visit to the nearby Bacardi rum distillery in Old San Juan.

Price: Su Casa starts from $17,000 per night. www.ritzcarlton.com

2. BAHAMAS

The Villas at Stonehaven This collection of 14 three-bedroom villas perched on a hillside overlooking the ocean makes an intimate escape for Caribbean connoisseurs. Each 3,700 sq ft villa has a private infinity pool and a 50-foot veranda with dining table for six and lounge area, the perfect spot to watch long Caribbean sunsets with your favourite tipple in hand. Visit the eighthectare estate of Angostura, which makes the country’s leading rum as well as the famous Angostura Bitters, and explore the distillery, museum, art gallery and retail stores.

Price: from $2,106 for a six-night stay. www.stonehavenvillas.com

One&Only Ocean Club A strategic spot during the early days of the rum trade, the Bahamas might not produce as much rum as it used to, but it remains one of the most exclusive destinations in the Caribbean. One&Only Ocean Club is the former private estate of A&P heir, Huntington Hartford II, and the beachfront resort still oozes a colonial air. Book the 4,800-square-foot villa, which has two master bedrooms and two smaller rooms, as well a vast terrace with infinity pool looking out onto the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Price: the four-bedroom villa starts from $11,000++ per night oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com

4. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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All about aesthetics (clockwise from above) Epic sunsets from the rooftop terrace at Abalone House; rustic whitewashed homes in Paternoster; homemade preserves from Oep ve Koep; fresh mussels at Noisy Oyster restaurant

It’s a menu rich in West Coast influences.

Alongside Reuben’s signature dishes of chilli-salt squid and braised pork belly, you can expect the likes of double-baked snoek soufflé with salted apricots, or grilled rock lobster on mussel risotto. With the opening of a new sea-view terrace expanding the cosy interior, it’s a fine spot for dinner.

Which is just as well, for if you have an adventurous palate there is really only one spot you should consider for lunch.

Kobus van der Merwe, the owner/chef of Paternoster’s Oep ve Koep, has fast made a name for himself as a chef interpreting the terroir of the West Coast on the plate.

That could include anything from bokkoms — salted air-dried mullet — to local venison.

Saldanha Bay mussels are reinvented as a traditional Cape bobotie (a dish usually of spiced mince meat, baked with an egg

custard topping), while farmed kabeljou (fish) from the village is a regular feature on the daily chalkboard menu.

Kobus draws most of his inspiration from the seashore and local dunes; locations that also provide rich pickings for the plate.

Indeed, his foraged herbs and greens are a feature of every dish. “The best way to taste a region is to start nibbling on things in the veld. You can’t get any more local or true to a region than by eating the wild greens,” he says. Eat your heart out, Noma.

Klipkombers seaweed is used as Japanese nori, asparagus-like veldkool is picked in winter, while succulent dune spinach makes for a remarkable salad. Perhaps most memorable is wild samphire, a plant from the intertidal zone that transforms a simple plate of oysters into an edible memory of the West Coast.

There are plenty of other edible memories to be made in Paternoster. Regional craft beers are best enjoyed at sunset on the wide wooden deck of the beachfront Voorstrand Restaurant, while the Noisy Oyster offers a quirky globetrotting menu that rarely fails to deliver.

Suzi Holtzhausen’s cosy bistro Gaaitjie is another great option come dinnertime, with sea views that perfectly complement her inspired West Coast cooking. Expect subtly spiced spring rolls of angelfish, oven-roasted snoek or local yellowtail in a curry leaf masala. The wine list, as at Oep ve Koep, is proudly local with a selection of the best the Swartland — the fertile wine region to the north of Cape Town — has to offer.

And it’s the Swartland that’ll draw you back to the south once you’ve eaten your way through Paternoster.

Photos: Richard Holmes

South Africa

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Escape A private Caribbean hideaway, a tour with Bentley and Chanel, and a VIP John Hardy jewels experience are just some activities to inspire this month

Around the world in style Private jet operator Intrav is launching the first of its around-the-world tours this September, offering affluent explorers the chance to see the world the way they want to, in style. The inaugural flight is scheduled to leave the US on September 8, taking guests to Brazil, Chile, Bora Bora, Australia, Myanmar, Turkey, India and Morocco before arriving back on October 2. While in the air, you’ll enjoy elite comfort and service including 180-degree flat-bed seats, privacy screens and personal lounge space. You’ll also be able to stay connected via the on-board Wi-Fi (using your complimentary iPad Mini) and enjoy meals prepared by a personal chef. Although you’ll be travelling with a group of 50 other passengers, you can choose how much you’d like to interact with them, with the tour being so flexible that private cars, private meals, secluded hotel rooms and solo activities can be arranged to suit your travelling tastes.

Available: from September 8 to October 2 Price: $99,950 per person Book: info@intravjet.com intravjet.com

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Experience the colour of Rio de Janeiro on a VIP world tour

Caribbean indulgence

*All prices are subject to change. Please contact the listed companies for further information.

Birthday celebration

Ani Villas has partnered with Moët Hennessy to provide ‘The Ultimate Connoisseur Beach Escape’. Gather 14 like-minded companions for a week-long stay at Ani Villas, Anguilla, where you’ll arrive via Canada or the US on a private jet.

The 10-bedroom Ani Villas estate overlooks Little Bay and offers a range of outdoor pursuits, including tennis, mountain biking and paddleboarding, but there’s also a pool and hot tubs if you feel like doing nothing at all. A full team of concierges, butlers, a tennis coach and private security are on site to help make your stay as smooth and as easy as possible. The resident chef, Kelston Connor, will customise a week of menus to suit your preferences, while a Moët Hennessy expert will also be on hand to pair your meals with fine champagne.

Dining experiences are sure to be as memorable as your surroundings, with a beach barbecue, sunset dinner cruise and a cliff-side dinner and dance under the stars on the agenda.

Available: now Price: US $250,000 Book: dreams@anivillas.com www.anivillas.com

Help Glenagles celebrate its 90th birthday

When it first opened in 1924, Gleneagles was dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.

Ninety years later, this icon of the Scottish Highlands still draws golf enthusiasts and visitors seeking a luxury country break. To mark the hotel’s 90th year, guests can book a special birthday package to celebrate in style. The VIP treatment begins with private chauffeur transfers from Glasgow or Edinburgh to the hotel, where you will enjoy cocktails on arrival before settling into your Royal Lochnagar Suite, a tribute to traditional grandeur in silks, polished wood and leather.

Dinner in The Strathearn restaurant is included, as is the legendary Gleneagles breakfast, so you can fuel up before a morning on the greens. Not a golfing aficionado? You also have full access to The Club, which boasts an indoor and outdoor pool as well as a sauna, steam room and five tennis courts, where you can practice a different swing.

Available: until June 2014 Price: GBP 1,924 ($3,200) per night Book: +44 1 764 662 231 www.gleneagles.com

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Sail away

Glass CONCEPT BY LUJAC DESAUTEL

It’s not just big-name interior designers and luxury innovators coming through with the goods for new concepts in yacht design. The recent Showboats Design Awards proves that plenty of fresh talent is jumping into the fray.

Lujac Desautel, a ‘Young Designer of the Year’ award finalist, has designed a concept that responds directly to the ever-changing environment outside. Glass is designed to accommodate 12 passengers across three glass ‘brick’ levels, which allow natural light to come in from the sides and above. Glass’ airy spaces and twin-hull design give it the feel of a modern warehouse apartment on water. www.lujacdesautel.com

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