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THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE • SPRING 2010

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CONTENTS_mar10 26/03/2010 13:49 Page 13

CONTENTS Fashion & Luxe 32

Traveluxe

46

Vertu You

56

Network Star

106 Top 10 128 Step Lightly

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CONTENTS People 86

Panerai Sets Sail

96

Golf Guru

110 Timeless Treasures

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CONTENTS Travel 30

Best Weekend Getaways

50

Meeting Magic

60

French Decadence

74

Magic Marrakech

116 Magnificent Metropolis

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CONTENTS Features 29

A Global Ambassador

66

Taking Off

82

Service With a Smile

103 The Main Event 124 SIHH 2010

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T H O U S A N D

C L U B

The Editor’s Note

F

or inspiration, education and excitement, our best advice is always to travel. Whether

you’re going far outside the sphere of your own experience or simply taking a break from the everyday, there is nothing like the feeling of stepping out of a plane, boat, train, bus, car, pack mule—we’ve tried all of these—into a whole new world awaiting discovery.

When it’s relaxation you seek, we can’t speak more highly of a destination than legendary Mo-

roccan resort La Mamounia. One of the most hotly anticipated openings of the year, welcomed back to Marrakech with a celebrity-studded party and Cirque du Soleil dancers flying through the sky, the hotel reopened after several years of renovations bigger and better than ever before, but with all the warmth of history and experience that you would expect from a destination that opened in 1922.

If you’re traveling for business, as so many of us are these days, you need resources you can depend on. We went to Hong Kong, one of the fastestgrowing business centers in the world, to explore the Intercontinental Hotel’s new meeting facilities, that let an out-of-towner create a real presence in the city, if only temporarily. We also went to London, to see what went into the Vertu Axyta, a veritable business center in itself—after all, who can work without their phone these days?

And of course, in travel and hospitality arguably more so than any other industry, there are the people. We spoke with Gaith al Gaith, the CEO of Dubai’s new low-cost airline, getting you everywhere you want to go, and travel professional Robert Kunkler, who oversees the Madinat Jumeirah, one of the largest resorts in the region. In addition, CEOs like Angelo Bonati of Panerai watches and Peter Harradine of Harradine Golf, experienced travelers both, spoke with us to share the stories of their businesses.

We hope you enjoy this issue of The 100 Thousand Club—and we wish you safe travels, wherever they may be.

Kate Winick, Editor-in-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS_aug09 26/03/2010 13:50 Page 24

Contributors

Nick Kolakowski

Natalie Brandweiner

Sydney Cannon

Nick Kolakowski has written about some

Though Natalie began her career as a

Her fleeting feet and studies of Philoso-

of life’s finer accessories for publications

business writer, interviewing executives

phy have taken Sydney around the world.

such as Playboy, Private Air, AutoWeek,

from a variety of industries, and still con-

The Los Angeles native now combines her

Trader Monthly and Thrillist. The Vertu

tributes to several business magazines,

wanderlust, passion for all things luxe,

phones profiled in this issue, however,

her understanding of the needs and de-

and love for literature to contribute to

represented a whole new category, merg-

sires of high-profile people give her

100thousand Club.

ing timepiece-caliber craftsmanship with

unique insight into creating maps, lists,

cutting-edge electronics: the perfect de-

and feature stories that will grab her

vice to accompany a wide-ranging tour

reader’s attention.

around London.

Josh Sailor

Matt Buttell

Norimichi Inoguchi

After working in production for the better

Matt’s interests in the jet set lifestyle,

Born in Japan, Norimichi Inoguchi received

part of his professional career, Josh even-

fashion, gadgets and style meld perfectly

his education in New York where he refined

tually caved into his passion for photog-

with his other writings as a business jour-

his passion for photography. His love for the

raphy, and hasn’t looked back since.

nalist, which also help to offer a different

luxurious lifestyle and desire to create visu-

Based in New York, his portfolio is as di-

persepective to his work. Having con-

ally stunning images inspired him to become

verse as his experiences, and he creates

tributed to 100thousand Club before, his

an expert in still-life photography. Using new

fabulous shots of people, installations,

extensive and varied ournalistic experi-

techniques to achieve amazing purity, clar-

and beautiful places around the world.

ence are a welcome return.

ity and definition in the resulting photos.

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Advertising, Marketing, and Client Services T: +44 117.921.4000

Senior Vice President ANDREW BAHADOOR Account Executives NATASHA OGDEN, JENNIFER SPENCE, DAVIS TAYLOR, HOLLY PARKER

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Information Editorial/Executive Chairman/Publisher SPENCER GREEN

AIMEE WHITEHEAD Circulation Manager BEN KELLY

Subscription Enquiries T: +44 117.921.4000 www.100thousandclub.com

Director of Projects HARLAN DAVIS Creative Director ANDREW HOBSON

General Enquiries info@100thousandclub.com

Editor-in-Chief KATE WINICK Associate Editor NATALIE BRANDWEINER Assistant Editor MATTHEW BUTTELL

Letters to the Editor letters@100thousandclub.com

Online Editor JANA GRUNE Assistant to the Editor TSVETANA ARAPOVA

Printer Workbrands Ltd. Ferodo House, Willway Street, Bristol

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Contributing Writers REBECCA GOOZEE, MARIE SHIELDS, HUW THOMAS, BEN THOMPSON

100 Thousand Club (Vol. 2, Issue 4, Q2 2010) is published four times a year

by GDS Publishing.

Contributing Photographers JP GREENWOOD, NORIMICHI INOGUCHI, JOSH SAILOR

Designers MICHAEL HALL, CRYSTAL MATHER, CLIFF NEWMAN, LIVIO BONDI, CATHERINE WILSON

All rights reserved. GDS Publishing, Ltd. Queen Square House, 18-21 Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4NH, UK.

Legal Information The advertising and articles appearing within this publication reflect the opinions and attitudes of their respective authors and not necessarily those of the publisher or editors. We are not to be held accountable for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or photographs. All material within this magazine is © 2010 100Thousand Club.

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E: info@gdsinternational.com

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KEHILAN Ed_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:21 Page 29

A Global Ambassador

accomplished much as a family breeding and training Arabians in the United States. We and our clients won championships at Regional shows, the prestigious Scottsdale Arabian show and the crowning

By Becky Rogers

glory – The Arabian National Show.

But as we learned more about the desert Arabian horse and it’s history we became fascinated with this animal and the desire to preserve rare bloodlines. So we made the decision to focus entirely on breeding and narrowed our search to bloodlines represented by that shimmering vision we saw that night in the arena: the desert Arabian bloodlines of Sameh. Sameh is the grandsire of Sakr (the horse in the lights that night) and is relatively unique even within an already rare and coveted group of horses known as Straight Egyptian Arabians.

Most modern Straight Egyptian Arabians trace in blood to a prominent and masterful sire called Nazeer. The bloodlines of Sameh represent an ideal outcross to the Nazeer lines while maintaining the desert purity so sought after.

In time, we acquired the Sameh son Sultann who was imported to the United States directly from Egypt and was the father of the first white stallion Sakr. We also housed the great stallion Nabiel an immensely popular son of Sakr. And finally we purchased the alabaster and exotic Makhsous – a son of Sultann and brother to Sakr. Carefully through the years we have taken the best of these bloodlines and combined them with the best of the foundation Straight Egyptian Arabian breeding programs here in the United States to produce our very own version of this horse. Our farm name is Kehilan Arabians. And today the Kehilan horses possess the exotic faces, thin skin, dark eyes, flowing manes and proudly carried tails of their ancestors from the Middle East.

“This mystical horse provokes a passion among its breeders that is shared across the globe in many languages, religions and cultures.

It transcends politics and nationalities”

In 1982 an inspiration took our family down a path that many would call fate. I might agree for one of the most profound results of this journey has been our introduction to cultures and people from all over the world.

T

he white horse shimmered in the spotlight. Long silky mane

Through our breeding endeavors Kehilan horses can be found in breeding

flowing and tail held high he pranced and danced captivat-

programs in Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, Den-

ing his audience. Including a Grandmother, her two adult

mark, England, The Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand,

daughters and the young granddaughter intent on watching

Egypt, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. At our home in Texas we

the ethereal white Arabian cavort in the lights.

entertain breeders from all over the world to see our horses and we in-

The year was 1982 and the white stallion was the legendary Ara-

troduce them to Texas hospitality. Likewise, we have traveled to visit

bian stallion named Sakr upon his retirement and receipt of his Le-

breeders in nearly this many countries and experienced their unique

gion of Merit award in Houston, Texas. The family watching was

culture and hospitality, a humbling experience and an education that

mine. My mother Ida Jean Rogers, myself, my sister, Nancy Rogers

cannot be gained by staying within our home country. This mystical horse

Blankenship, and her daughter Amy. Already owners of two Arabi-

provokes a passion among its breeders that is shared across the globe in

ans, at that moment our involvement with this special horse would

many languages, religions and cultures. It transcends politics and na-

radically change. Then the inspiration for preserving this magnifi-

tionalities. For it is the love of the horse, the unique history of this noble

cent animal would take shape. It would be a few years later that our

animal and the original guardians the Bedouins, as well as the passion

family put down our training spurs and focused entirely on breeding

and inspiration to preserve this for future generations that now connects

and preserving the rare Arabian horse of the desert. In the interim we

us together as global citizens. n

100 Thousand Club

29

Beirut, Lebanon Long known as the Paris of the Middle East, this youthful, beautiful city is known for its vibrant nightlife and, well…nightlife.

Though you can keep yourself busy during the day touring nearby vineyards or exploring the historic downtown, come nightfall, get ready to hit famous hotspots like Sky Bar and Le Voile Blue in

Istanbul, Turkey

nearby Byblos, or bar crawl through Gemmayzeh.

One of the cultural capitals of the world, Istanbul welcome

Stay at: Le Gray; Four Seasons Hotel Beirut

history buffs and lovers of the arts with offerings old and new—you can tour the landmarks and historical sites, or explore the galleries, shops, of this ancient city’s newest incarnation. At night, a thriving restaurant culture and boisterous clubs on the Bosphorous are fun for everyone.

Stay at: W Istanbul, Beikta; Hotel Les Ottomans, Kuruçeme

B W G ETAWAYS The Maldives:

BE S T WEEKEND GE TAWAYS

The perfect, stripped-down beach destination also boasts

Map.indd 30

some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. Renowned for the quality of their diving and snorkeling sites, this is the perfect place to bask in a few days of uninterrupted sun, sand, and sea.

Stay at: The Beach House at Manafaru Maldives; The Rania Experience

26/3/10 11:33:07

Muscat, Oman A classic Middle Eastern city, you can of course explore the mosques, souks, and palaces of Muscat, but Oman is quickly becoming known for its dedication to nature-focused travel. Day-trip into the desert for sandboarding and camel riding, and then relax beachside to escape the heat.

Stay at: Al Bustan Palace; Al Husn,

Abu Dhabi, UAE The capital city may not have the same glitzy appeal as other parts of the Emirates, but strolling the Corniche and cycling along the coast is a nice change of pace, and the new Formula 1 racetrack is a must-see—whether or not you can get tickets.

Stay at: The Yas Hotel; Shangri-La Qaryat al Beri

Goa, India It’s worth taking the time to get a visa to visit this holiday hotspot-just make sure you don’t leave it behind in one of the coastal city’s incredible nightclubs. This beaches of this hippie enclave are filled every day, and beach parties in Anjuna and open-air clubs in Calangute take advantage of the beautiful weather by night.

Stay at: Pousada Tauma, Calangute; The Goa Marriot, Panaji

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BE S T WEEKEND GE TAWAYS

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

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Brooks

Brothers: The Black

Fleece line of suiting has revolutionzed this classic American brand, with fresh lines and modern tailoring. This mid-weight suit is a go-anywhere, do-anything ensemble for the modern man.

Products Ed US.indd 32

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Cartier: The New York flagship of Cartier is one of the most famous retail corners in the world, and it is here that they’ll be bringing their first serious collection of men’s watches, including this Roton de Astro tourbillon, one of the most beautiful and innovative new watches we’ve seen this year.

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Asprey:

If you’re never fully

dressed without the perfect watch on your wrist, take your collection on the road with Asprey’s elegant padded box, designed to keep your favorites safe and close at hand.

Products Ed US.indd 34

26/3/10 13:55:17

Ettinger: This range of leather accessories combines a powerful aesthetic with just a little bit of flash—suitable, as they were made in collaboration with Bentley motorcars.

Products Ed US.indd 35

26/3/10 13:55:23

Berluti: Though best known for their luxuriously customized shoes and boots, the leather experts at Berluti have made their latest luggage set yet another homage to the intersection of form and function.

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Hermès: For the gentleman on the go, Hermès’ princely leather overnight case has just enough room for a fresh shirt, a clean tie, and a few small sundries—all you need for a quick overnight jaunt.

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26/3/10 13:55:35

Audemars: The new ambassador of Audemars Piguet jewelry is Moscow Ballet prima ballerina Svetlana Zakharova, who embodies the delicate strength and grace of the Millenary collection.

Products Ed US.indd 38

26/3/10 13:55:43

Richard Mille: Known for his strong, masculine lines and innovative constructions,

watchmaker

Richard

Mille created this pocketwatch for a man who isn’t afraid of something substantial—the chain unscrews to allow the mechanism to be used as a small clock.

Products Ed US.indd 39

26/3/10 13:55:45

Roberto Cavalli: For a weekend in the city or a quick getaway to the Maldives, we love this upscale duffle bag from Roberto Cavalli, whose Cavalli Club in Dubai has quickly become a destination for vacationers and locals alike.

Products Ed US.indd 40

26/3/10 13:55:50

Porsche Design: In the land of fast cars and bright sunshine, what could be better than a pair of sunglasses from the team at Porsche. Clean lines and a mirrored fi nish toe the line between modern and classic.

Products Ed US.indd 41

26/3/10 13:55:53

Miura: Katsuhiro Miura is one of the most well-respected crafters of precision golf clubs in the world, and his latest, the Miura Precious Edition, is a tour-quality utility club that is nevertheless extremely playable. Make sure this weapon is in your arsenal when you hit the course to impress.

Products Ed US.indd 42

26/3/10 13:55:58

Ulysses Nardin: In the techsavvy world of Japan, you’ll have no trouble standing out with the fi rst cell phone from Swiss

watchmakers

Ulysses

Nardin, combining the best of watchmaking craft with the lastest mobile technology.

Products Ed US.indd 43

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VERTU NEW PHONES new_mar10 26/03/2010 11:24 Page 46

VERTU YOU

VERTU NEW PHONES new_mar10 26/03/2010 11:24 Page 47

One company tries to take mobile phones on the same luxury path as cars and timepieces.

I

It helps to think of the Vertu Constellation Ayxta as something other than a phone.

limited – the same detail-obsessed spirit you find in watchmakers’ shops.

There are still conveyor belts, and computer screens flashing complex

Yes, it makes calls, snaps photos, and surfs the Web.

diagnostics, but each Vertu phone (with its hundreds of mechanical parts) is

Yet the Constellation Ayxta is a phone only in the way

assembled primarily by hand. Then the phone’s electronics are tested a final

that the De Witt Tourbillion Différentiel is a timepiece:

time, the craftsperson’s signature laser-etched onto a back panel, a last pol-

once you handcraft a device from aerospace metal and

ish by an expert – and the device is lowered into its foam-bed inside the

sapphire crystal and fine-grain leather (precious stones

distinctive Vertu box, ready to be shipped from this white-box facility in the

optional), it stops being merely functional and becomes

quintessentially rolling English countryside to the Vertu boutiques north,

a piece of jewellery. One that happens to make calls, snap photos, and surf the Web.

south, east and west.

Despite the factory’s fine-tuned nature, Vertu’s executives feel that the

The Constellation Ayxta represents the first folding phone in Vertu’s

luxury-phone market is a relative newborn. “We are just in the beginning

collection, but the company has been creating its high-high-end devices

stage,” says Perry Oosting, Vertu’s president. “It is very much a young in-

since 1998, when Frank Nuovo, whose resume includes stints as Design

dustry.” There is a historical analogy, Oosting feels, between Vertu’s expe-

Director of BMW/Designworks and Chief of Design at Nokia, sat down

rience and that of the original luxury car- and timepiece-makers.

to sketch his first ideas for making a mobile phone – ordinarily disposable, ordinarily ordinary – into a luxury item.

As originally engineered, Henry Ford’s Model T performed a single function: moving people from Point A to B. It did so in an unadorned

“It boils down to what a phone really needs.”Nuovo says, hefting the

manner (you could have the vehicle in any colour, Ford once allegedly

Constellation Ayxta in his palm to show off its weightiness (“You can

said, so long as it was black), a situation quickly corrected by carmak-

feel it; you know it’s there,” he chuckles. “I mean, you wouldn’t want to

ers such as Rolls-Royce, which in 1907 rolled out the iconic, six-cylin-

lose it.”) before setting it on long soft pad alongside earlier examples of

der Silver Ghost. In the same manner, devices used to tell time have

his company’s work: the Vertu Ascent Ti, and the Vertu Signature.

evolved over the centuries from boxy contraptions to increasingly minia-

The first thing that strikes you about the phones is how old-fash-

turized, intricate wristwatches.

ioned they appear, if such a term can be applied to technology that made

“We’re proud of what we’re beginning to provide,” Nuovo says, ac-

its first appearance when Ronald Reagan still popped jellybeans in the

knowledging the tightrope his machines need to navigate between style and

White House; nonetheless, the phones’ hefty bar shapes seem a gener-

technology. “There are a lot of disciplines that need to work together in order

ation removed from today’s mobile phones with their sliding and swiv-

to make this happen.”

elling keyboards, their glowing touch-screens. “We didn’t rely on trendy inspirations,” Nuovo says. “We wanted tested technology.”

The Elephant in the Room

In other words, those things that the masses love about the Palm Pre

The inevitable retort by owners of Apple’s iPhone, or the Palm Pre,

and Apple iPhone are design fads, likely consigned to the technological

is that their device is a handheld office; that it boasts dozens of appli-

graveyard for the next innovation six months down the road. They never

cations, and can send email; that you can use it to book flights or check

last. Things that never last are not something you want in a phone whose

football scores, via the Web browser, while jammed in a slow meeting.

price ranges from €4,900 to €6,500 for the basic model. (Having a oneof-a-kind custom one built, of course, costs a lot more.)

Ah, yes, the Vertu owner responds. But see this little button here?

Press it to hear the soothing voice of the Concierge – capable of fulfilling any number of requests both mundane and ludicrous. (Once upon a time,

Handmade in England It all starts at the factory. Actually, the term “factory”, as it applies to the facility where Vertu makes its phones, is something of a misnomer; that word suggests giant industrial processes, a rough ballet of massive

the Vertu’s Web site insists, the Concierge booked an elephant for a client; because sometimes, someone just needs a two-ton Loxodonta Africana).

(Another client wanted the perfect pair of shoes. A harder item to find, arguably – the Concierge delivered on that, as well.)

machines, sparks and smoke. The Vertu Factory is more of a workshop,

And take a look at this, the Vertu owner adds, navigating through

in the sense of artisans performing tiny, precise actions to craft something

screens to the City Guide, which offers up a regularly updated list of

100 Thousand Club

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VERTU NEW PHONES new_mar10 26/03/2010 11:24 Page 48

eateries, bars and shops worth visiting; no tourist-traps, no obnoxiously hip

likely won’t have a luxury car rolling over your hip pocket and its

hidey-holes where you need a bone through your nose to attract the bar-

phone anytime soon. But you get the idea.

tender’s attention. The places, in other words, you would have a hard time finding with Google.

But as with so many things, it comes down to the small details. Set the

On the day that Vertu launches the Constellation Ayxta, Frank

Vertu’s alarm; once it starts blaring its merry little tune, in the pre-dawn

Nuovo and Perry Oosting pile onto a gleaming-white boat with a couple

hours (early meeting; early international flight; early drinks), you can

dozen other guests and head, in a burst of foam and a roar of engines,

merely flip it over, back-to-front, in order to engage the snooze function.

down the nighttime Thames, out of bright and honking London towards

The hinge has been finely engineered, opening with a smooth but some-

the suburb Greenwich. Twenty minutes later, the boat thumps softly

how regal motion. That ringtone on the Constellation Ayxta comes cour-

against a pier, a few yards from a parked line of BMWs, their engines al-

tesy of Grammy-nominated Zero 7, who spent a thoroughly lengthy

ready rumbling for a winding drive up a hill to the Royal Observatory.

amount of time composing the tune in the basement of the Hospital Club,

Later on, a celebratory dinner of sorts will be held under the dome

a London members-only establishment (and former hospital, says leg-

of the Octagon Room, the building’s main chamber. Before that, the

end) whose basement studio is elaborate enough to make an audiophile

guests filter through a downstairs exhibition where, under brightly lit

break into Pavlovian drooling.

glass, sit John Harrison’s four tries at creating the perfect marine

Necessary elements for a phone? Absolutely not. But then, if ac-

chronometer: three of them big clockwork machines, with dozens of gears

coutrements were determined strictly by the necessary, everyone

moving in sync; the final one a compact device that looks like an over-

would be wearing a Timex. Plus, the Vertu phone represents a hardy

sized pocket-watch, capable of keeping perfect GMT time even at sea.

specimen of engineering. Place a Palm Pre and the Vertu Constella-

Before 1761, Harrison made that intuitive leap, streamlining his bulky

tion Ayxta under the left and right wheels, respectively, of a Bentley

but functional designs into a thing of beauty. Vertu seems to want to make

Continental Flying Spur (curb weight: 5,279 lbs/2,440 kilo) and roll

the same analogy to its guests: at a certain point, all devices make that evo-

the car forward. The Ayxta, with its stainless steel frame and aero-

lutionary leap, becoming something elegant in addition to merely useful.

space-grade aluminium parts, may very well survive better than the everything-plastic Pre, which will be reduced to plastic shards.

Unless the divorce proves unexpectedly messy, of course, you

48

The Evolution of Style

100 Thousand Club

“It continues to evolve,” Nuovo says, and his own Constellation Ayxta – this luxury brick, this platinum-and-crystal jewellery that makes calls – breaks into song. n

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HongKong NEW.indd Sec1:50

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I

t’s the rare executive who doesn’t have business in Hong

for their opulent yet individual styles as well

Kong these days—this sparkling waterfront city attracts

as their incredible cuisine. Other notable

power brokers from all over the world to take advantage of

European destinations include CÉPAGE,

the explosive growth in Asia. But where to stay and where to

noted for their excellent 2,100 bottle cellar

meet when you’re in town? As any experienced dealmaker

and wine pairing recommendations to go with

knows, not all business is done in meeting rooms, and in

their French cuisine, Gaddi’s in the Peninsula

a city a food-centric as Hong Kong, where better to show yourself a

Hotel, where French food first became the

tastemaker than the city’s top restaurants?

byword in fine dining in 1953, and Grissini

French has long been the dominant European cuisine in Hong Kong,

in the Grand Hyatt, traditional Italian food

and the city’s own Michelin guide was launched last year. It handed out

done with a light, fresh touch. These restau-

three stars to just two restaurants, including French classic Caprice,

rants are frequently at home in hotels to take

in the Four Seasons, and two stars to seven restaurants in Hong Kong,

advantage of their high traffic and excellent

among them Amber, in the Mandarin Oriental, for Chef Richard Ek-

views of the harbor, and sometimes it can be

kebus’ contemporary cuisine, and Petrus in the Shangri-La, all notable

an embarrassment of riches in one building;

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for example, the Intercontinental, where The Steak House winebar and grill and the Harbourside’s international buffet receive accolades alongside SPOON by Alain Ducasse, where the best of French cuisine is combined with the freedom and flexibility of less-formal Western dining, to increase enjoyment of the modern sensation on your plate and the dramatic backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline, a visual feast in and of itself.

Other inroads have of course been made from the east, as Japanese cuisine continues to exert an influence on Hong Kong’s foodie style.

Aqua, an Italian/Japanese blend in the Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district, and Zuma, a Japanese restaurant in The Landmark hotel and office complex both benefit from their central locations, but stand on their own drawing diners at every meal to experience their modern décor and light, fresh food. There is also an outpost of Nobu Matsuhisa’s empire at the Intercontinental, and at this location of NOBU they’ve blended his signature visual and taste experiences with local ingredients and visuals—the stunning ceiling evokes an ocean floor covered in sea urchins, while the bamboo-studded walls and black river stone bar frames Nobu’s trademark Japanese cherry blossoms, for a pan-Asian experience all around you, including on your plate.

Chinese cuisine itself has become more elevated in recent years, with the awarding of Michelin stars to Lung King Heen, led by Chef Chan Yan Tak at the Four Seasons in the inaugural guide, as well as to Yan Toh Heen, the Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in the Intercontinental, which is a popular power-lunch spot for locals as well as travelers where top-quality, fresh ingredients are transformed into incredible delicacies by the talented Chef Lau Yiu Fai. For gatherings larger than a single table can provide, many restaurants can be rented out privately or have private dining rooms, but the big name in business meetings here for the last 30 years has been the Intercontinental Hong Kong. In addition to arranging transportation and access to top private golf and country clubs for daytime outings, the hotel’s top of the line facilities and unfailingly excellent service, including 24-hour concierge and business services, serve the 495 contemporary guest rooms. Spacious and plush, they’re designed to welcome weary travelers and get them ready for action with high-speed broadband internet access, LCD televisions, and iPod docking stations.

While the rooms are equally adapted to business and leisure, the operations team is able to pull off meetings and conferences with seamless aplomb in a variety of spaces, to suit the most particular needs.

“Our catering operation is the largest in Hong Kong,” said Carole Klein, Director of Public Relations at the InterContinental Hong Kong, as she showed off the facilities advantages. The hotel’s capacious and versatile ballroom space can host up to 200 for dinner or 300 for cocktails, while 11 harborview rooms contain a full audiovisual setup, high-

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ACORDO DEVELOP AD.indd 1

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speed broadband connection, and wireless internet access. To really

art technology to please any executive. And

make the facilities work for you, however, the events managers and

in this case, it can please their guests, too—

banquet team who assist behind the scenes assign a personal Meeting

these suites are a unique venue for private

Butler to each room, who is fully trained to handle food and beverage,

cocktail receptions for up to 50 people.

audio-visual, temperature control, as well as miscellaneous tasks that arise—no more fumbling with speakerphones at a crucial moment!

54

The hotel’s central location and impressive reputation have made it the choice of

And to maximize that view even further, the hotel now offers a truly

travelers in Hong Kong for many years, but

unique experience, tailored to either personal or professional needs—

as with all great hotels, it’s the service that

the Terrace Suites. The Presidential Suite, 7,000 square feet of pent-

makes or breaks the experience, and at the

house and 2,500 square feet of terrace with the most incredible view

Intercontinental Hong Kong, it’s a class apart.

in the city, has long been considered one of the top luxury suites in the

From the first welcome in the lobby to the last

world, the infinity pool alone a truly unique experience. In light of their

bite of dim sum, the hotel works behind the

success with that suite, the hotel has recently added two new specialty

scenes to make your experience both special

suites in the same vein. Both boast broad terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis,

and seamless. Standing on the terrace of the

but in slightly different styles. The Terrace Suite is a honeymooner’s

CEO Suite with a glass of champagne over-

paradise, with capacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and a luxurious

looking the harbour, we were immediately

outdoor bedroom setup, with a white-curtained bed positioned to catch

impressed by the power the view provides, as

the sunrise, and en-suite treatments from the hotel’s luxurious I-Spa a

uniformed servers glide silently from guest to

phone call away. The CEO Suite, meanwhile, is just as it sounds—dark

guest: it’s a situation any dealmaker should

glossy wood and masculine décor are artfully mixed with state-of-the-

take advantage of.

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HongKong NEW.indd Sec1:54

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ASIA PACIFIC AD.indd 1

24/3/10 15:13:07

In the crowded world of Dubai fashion, Aiisha Ramadan has always stood out.

NETWOR Aiisha Ramadan.indd 56

26/3/10 11:56:38

RK STAR Aiisha Ramadan.indd 57

26/3/10 11:56:42

fashion line better. That is in addition to the fact that I’ve gained a lot of confidence and valuable contacts, two very essential elements for a more successful future,” she explains.

While still holding down her day job as a senior satellite coordinator and a system administrator at MBC, she’s built up a cult following of her contemporaries in the Middle East. It was a challenging endeavor for the young entrepreneur to take on by herself, without financial support from investors, loans, or family money, but it’s only made her that much more proud of her success. “The thing about having your own business is that it’s like delivering your own baby. Responsibilities and expenses grow simultaneously.

However, I had an energy that I decided not to waste and I just have a lot of faith. In the end, the best thing I learned about myself is that I’m not only good at fashion design,” she says.

Still, though, her designs have continued to draw attention as her brand has evolved.

When asked if her style has changed since the company launched, she laughs, “Oh, yes!

Growing up in the Middle East, I was raised to love the bling-bling. However, a foreign university introduces you to a variety of styles

58

At first, it was her youth and ambition that attracted attention...

and with that you, eventually, develop an open

aving moved to the UAE from Lebanon as a child, she

H

from high-quality handbags and accessories

went from dressing her Barbie dolls with scraps of

to full-fledged ready-to-wear collections.

when she was just 23 years old.

designers are also helping shape the event for

mind and think a little outside the box.” The nature of her business has evolved as well,

fabric from her aunt’s tailoring shop to studying fashion

As a well-known local talent, designers

design at the American University in Dubai, winning

like Aiisha are an integral part of events like

the Young Designer of the Year award in the eveningwear category

Dubai Fashion Week, and she and her fellow

Now, it’s her extraordinary ambition and modern understanding

the future. While she feels that Dubai Fashion

of the business of fashion that ensures she gets noticed. Just before

Week gives designers a platform to showcase

graduating, she took a job at MBC as a stylist, which took up all her

their talents and work, particularly those who

energy for several years. When her love for fashion could no longer be

can’t afford to throw their own fashion show,

denied, she segued into a job as a fashion stylist for and on national and

it still needs a lot more time to get to the in-

international TV shows, which proved to be hugely beneficial for her

ternational levels in terms of serious buyers

fashion career. A very new profession in the Middle East at the time,

and setting high standards. “So far, there’s

styling taught her to think different about fashion. “In the end, once I

no identity to you. You find the conservative,

learned more about my personal style, I got to define the essence of my

the casual, the evening, the ethnic, and more.

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26/3/10 11:35:08

The fashion business in the Arab world and in the UAE shows great

ducing new lines and new collaborations, and

potential, but needs more identity and standards in which customers can

these changes will keep the public eye on us

refer to when selecting a shopping destination. Everything is available,

for a long time.” Although her success doesn’t

but with very little variety within genres. As for the buyers, the UAE

surprise her, given the amount of work she’s

is an emerging market when it comes to embracing the local design-

put into all sides of her business, she still finds

ers,” she says. Her own aesthetic is the opposite of what she feels the

it exciting.

UAE so often embodies--simplicity. “Our customers are those who travel

“I never thought that collaborations would

and want to express themselves without necessarily copying the glossy

really be the part I enjoyed the most about my

magazines. We’re classic but not boring and that is what keeps our de-

work. There’s still a lot more to come and I

signs interesting for many years to come. Furthermore, what makes us

love the mystery in having it feel right but not

unique is that we fall right in between the Western style and the Middle

knowing exactly where it’s going. I love that

Eastern one in the sense that we like to have a single focal point.” A

the future of my career is like my sketches.

very confident woman is one who seeks simplicity, she says, and that is

You never know how they’ll end up while

her ideal customer, wherever she may be found. “Although we primarily

in production.”

worked with foreign women as a start, we currently work mostly with the local and ladies from the Middle East in general. One thing all of these

Ready-to-wear collections are sold onlineat

ladies have in common is that they seek simplicity.”

www.aura-b.com for the Middle East and

She is inspired by women themselves, she says: “women with all of

www.planettogs.com for the USA.

their swinging moods, curvy or slim figures, dark or blonde, everything about women starting from myself is a world of inspiration for me. I don’t generally linger on one designer. It depends on my mood and on what that designer had to give. But generally speaking, Valentino, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Jil Sander and the late Alexander Mc Queen top my list. As for the designers from the Middle East, I love the techniques George Chakra and George Hobeika use.” She still sells custom items at her workshop and through the Galeries Lafayette in the Dubai Mall, allowing her to full realize her visions, even as her ready-to-wear collections, sold in Dubai, Lebanon, and online, continue to expand.

One of the things that has fostered her creative expansion, as well as providing new business and promotion opportunities, are her various corporate collaborations. Truly a child of the new millennium, she understands that art doesn’t have to happen in a vacuum, and she has developed some amazing partnerships with big lifestyle industry players. “I had my first collaboration with Swarovski over a random collection in 2003, which received an incredible feedback, compliments and challenges. Then one fashion show followed the other. After our big hit show with Nokia for the Prism 7900, HP named me the spokesperson for their fashion products in the Middle East. The beauty of these projects is their continuity, depending on the theme and season. One of my all-time favorite collaborators is Procter & Gamble, where we’ve worked with Michel Lacoste, Max Factor and very recently Camay. Camay launched five new scents and we had to design dresses that reflected these moods.

Our Spring/ Summer 2010 collection was in complete collaboration with French jewelery brand Victoria Casal and within that, we had a fellow collaborator in Manolo Blahnik, which was surreal! We’re always intro-

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By Natalie Brandweiner

French

Decadence

A

s the plane descends to our destination of Nice

and into the marbled lobby – where on our visit, a team of attentive staff

International Airport in the south of France, it is

greeted us with the warmest welcome.

immediately apparent that this is the place for

The film festival’s origins and legacy have created an arena for the

careless frivolity and the perfect getaway to sa-

bold and the beautiful, and not only for the festival’s 12 days. And for

tisfy the urge to splurge. The world’s most luxu-

those beautiful people, the Carlton is regarded as the most prestigious

rious superyachts dot the stunning coastline, and

place to stay. One natural outcome of this has been the extravagant par-

the blazing sunshine warms us on our short but scenic drive into Can-

ties for which Cannes has become notorious.

nes. The luscious green palms line the road’s edge before thinning out,

The nightly entertainment, privately commissioned by the film fe-

to be replaced by grand hotels, stylish restaurants, and the luxe bouti-

stival, is pure luxury for the world’s A-list; never diminishing in its no-

ques of the Promenade de la Croissette, including Balmain, Tom Ford,

toriety for Cannes is the flowing champagne amidst the backdrop of a

Saint Laurent, Rykiel and Hermès, as well as those of the lesser known

scenic summer night. The most prestigious parties of the festival are

designers, such as Claude Bonucci and Durani.

those held at the Carlton. This is where, historically, the world’s stars

Also located on the promenade is the Carlton Intercontinental, one

come to party, and have done since the hotel’s construction in 1911.

of the world’s most renowned five-star hotels, where we were to spend our

Long before the festival’s conception the hotel has been a favorite of

short but extremely glamorous break. Regarded as the gold standard for

those wanting the privacy to party in a well-established setting of age-

the luxury and glamour that Cannes has come to represent, the Carlton

old glamour.

has long been home to the extravagant parties of the city’s annual film

The Carlton’s interior was designed to recapture that 1950s Holly-

festival. Le Festival de Cannes, one of the world’s oldest and most pre-

wood feel, retaining the associations of its youth and combining them

stigious and glamorous festivals dates back to the 1930s – its history is

with the technologies of modern-day luxury. For its elegant deign and

that of Hollywood starlets and old-style glamour.

infamous structure it is registered as a historical monument with a façade

The hotel has remained at the epicenter of the festival’s frenzy sine

that is recognized the world over and classified as one of the seven splen-

the early days of Brigitte Bardot. One of the city’s icons, she visited for

dors of the Cote d’Azur. Its colonial-style exterior incorporates 338 rooms

the first time in 1953, posing for photographs on its famous shore at the

and 39 suites; in tribute to the festival, the hotel’s most prestigious su-

early age of 19, and was often found partying along the city’s seafront be-

ites are named after some of the worlds greatest film stars – from Sean

fore hanging up her dancing shoes and retiring to the city’s neighbor, St

Connery to Alain Delon to Sofia Loren.

Tropez. The increased media attention since those early days has seen

The suites have housed some of the world’s most important people,

a steady influx of Hollywood’s glamorous A-list pass through the doors

the likes of Arabian princes and celebrities such as Madonna. Large,

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Classic beauty - French actress Brigitte Bardot

rant. The food itself is also of the highest standard, luring in residents of the hotel as well as locals to enjoy its gourmet menu. During our stay we were treated to the infamous €49 lobster and champagne menu at the hotel’s La Brasserie restaurant. A summer menu proven to be a huge hit with the locals, the combination of crab and lobster is delightful and is the perfect way to spend a summer’s evening.

The decadence of the hotel is typical of its surroundings: be it the Old Town or the more developed parts of the city. Most typical of the restaurants nearby are those such as L’alham-

“Whatever experience you’re looking for in Cannes, from authentic French tradition to the full celebrity treatment, you won’t be disappointed” bra, which we visited on our first evening. Offering a chic inner-city sophistication with a gastronomic menu of calf kidneys madeira sauce or pain-bagant. The area is home to many such restaurants and provdes a great setting in which to spend the night socializing and relaxing over a glass of sumptuous champagne.

Further inland lies the heart of traditional Cannes – the Old Town. Built on the site of a Roman military camp before being owned by Monks in the 11th century, who later moved to

62

plush and luxurious, the suites are perfect for accommodating those wan-

the nearby island of St Honorat, the original part of this modern city is

ting a glamorous stay – the décor retains that French aristocratic feel

steeped in cultural history. The architecture of the picturesque port and

that is displayed throughout the hotel but with a minimalist touch that

Suquet hill that make up the area is simply breathtaking. The narrow

adds a heightened sense of sophistication. Each of the rooms bestows

and winding streets are a labyrinth of architectural beauty, and upon re-

views of the seafront and private balconies on which to soak up the sun

aching the top of the hill we discovered a view of the entire city. Howe-

in seclusion. The hotel itself has also played its part in film history, ho-

ver, do not be fooled that old necessarily means lifeless. The Rue Saint

sting the set for Grace Kelly and Cary Grant’s appearance in the 1955

Antione snaking its way up the Le Suquet hill is home to several re-

movie ‘To Catch A Thief’.

staurants, each providing an authentic French experience.

It is not just the decadence of the Carlton’s Hollywood style that sets

There is one that sets itself apart from the rest. The Méditerranée

it out from the various hotels lining the Croissette, but the services that

restaurant on the top floor of the Sofitel bestows views of the city, inclu-

it offers are far beyond the usual standard of luxury. It also incorporates

ding the old harbour and the sea as far as the Lerin islands. Offering

14 meeting rooms and a private beach, which includes its own restau-

what it describes as a ‘haute-couture’ version of Mediterranean gastro-

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With its unique architecture, the Carlton Hotel has long been an icon for Cannes and the Cote d'Azur. A sumptuous snow-white building in the Belle Epoque style, the hotel was built over a century ago in 1909. After enjoying the view of its elegant facade decorated with a huge variety of ornamental elements, guests enter a luxurious lobby that stuns with its graceful marble columns (complete with Corinthian capitals), huge crystal chandeliers, caissons with fanciful ornaments and mosaic carpets. In August 2009, the Carlton Hotel became the first five-star hotel in Cannes and is one of only 26 French hotels to comply with a new five-star classification system.

nomy, the menu lived up to its name as did the views, which we enjoyed on the roof top sun terraces.

It is not just the stylish and modern bars that create the vibrancy and buzz that is found in the Old Town. Marché Forville is the town’s main daily market and offers a real insight into the traditional Cannes way of life. Taking up a full block, the market is covered, trapping inside the exotic smells and sounds of the multiple grocers, fishmongers and dairy farmers. The vibrant colours of the Mediterranean vegetables continue into the flower market situated at the west end of the market.

Surrounding the market are the favourite eateries of the locals. Traditional they may be, but they are certainly no less decadent than those on the Croissette. La Cave du Marché is a popular hotspot and certainly one that’s hard to define. On first entering it appears to be a wine store; bottles of the most luxuriant wine adorn the walls, be it the pink rosé so notoriously loved in Cannes or glasses of the most exquisite champagne.

But alongside such arduous drinks is a bistro-style menu boasting the best of Mediterranean tapas – from delectable goats cheese to succulent gnocchi to a most distinguished octopus salad.

Gorgeous food and wine, stunning scenery, designer shopping, luxurious accommodation; whatever experience you’re looking for in Cannes, from authentic French tradition to the full celebrity treatment, you won’t be disappointed. As I watch the jeweled coastline recede from the window of my flight home, one thing is certain: this visit won’t be my last. n

64

100 Thousand Club

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Fly Dubai ED new_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:18 Page 66

Fly Dubai ED new_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:18 Page 67

A

ny frequent traveler knows that all too fre-

by Ghaith al Ghaith, CEO and a former Emirates executive, heralding a

quently with air travel, you don’t get any-

bright future for this new venture. We spoke with all Ghaith about his work

where near what you pay for. The popularity

on the promising young airline.

of low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Ryanair in Europe and JetBlue in the United States

Two years into the running of flydubai, how would you charac-

is therefore easy to understand – many con-

terize the company’s growth? Are you pleased with the suc-

sumers will happily trade already-decreas-

cess of the airline thus far?

ing amenities for lower ticket prices on short, simple flights.

We only started commercial operations with flights to Beirut on June

In the Middle East region, not only did no such carrier exist, but the

1 last year. Since then we have begun flights to a further ten desti-

special needs of this market, laden with expatriates from all parts of the

nations, bringing our total now to 11 operational destinations. We re-

world, meant that many destinations residents desired were served infre-

cently announced Kuwait City and Muscat as our next double daily

quently or not at all by major airlines. So it was to great fanfare that the new

routes with flights to Muscat starting on Sunday, March 28th, and

low-cost airline, flydubai, was founded in March 2008. Begun at a cost of

Kuwait on Tuesday, March 30th.

Dh250 million, it is completely owned by Government of Dubai, and oper-

We have taken delivery of seven 737-800NG aircraft on schedule

ates out of Dubai International Airport between various cities in the Middle

from Boeing including the first Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft

East and Africa. Though not part of the Emirates Group, flydubai was

equipped with Goodrich Corporation Duracarb carbon brakes. In July

founded by Emirates Chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and is led

and November last year, we signed aircraft financing, maintenance

Fly Dubai ED new_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:18 Page 68

and logistics deals worth around US$520m. And, we also moved into

Government of Dubai announced the formation of Dubai’s first low

a new headquarters building on the North side of the airport, near to

cost airline in March 2008.

Terminal 2. So, yes we are more than pleased with the success of flydubai to date.

Did you look to the experience of other low-cost carriers to model what flydubai was going to do? What were some of the

Had you ever been involved in a project of this scale before? Can

characteristics that you identified as successful? What did you

you tell us a bit about your professional background?

feel you could improve on?

Well, I have a long track record in the airline industry. I began my career

flydubai brings a fresh approach to travel and has its own unique business

with Emirates airline as a Management Trainee in 1986 and have come a

model. It was not modeled on any other airline, although we have tried to

long way since then. Before I took on the position of CEO of flydubai, I was

take the best of other low cost airlines from around the world and adapt

previously with the Emirates Group as Executive Vice-President Com-

them to the market in this region. The flydubai model aims to make travel

mercial Operations Worldwide for Emirates Airline. Prior to this position,

a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive for

I was the Senior General Manager Commercial Operations for the Middle

travellers. We’ve kept these basic principles in mind when conceptualis-

East, Africa & CIS.

ing our business model. And, going by the enormous number of passengers that continue to travel with flydubai, I think we’ve successfully

At what stage were you chosen as the CEO of Flydubai? How had

achieved what we set out to do.

your previous experience at Emirates prepared you for this task?

68

After more than 20 years with Emirates, I was asked by His Highness

The original order for 50 Boeing 737’s at the Farnborough show

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, to be the CEO of flydubai the

made headlines. What was the logic behind placing such a large

100 Thousand Club

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Fly Dubai ED new_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:18 Page 71

order all at once? What led you to choose that particular model?

The flydubai aircraft order made at Farnborough was valued at approximately $4bn and marks the biggest single order by a Gulf-based low cost carrier for the Boeing aircraft. The reason for making such a large order at once was for two reasons – one, to assure the best price possible for our fleet and two, because only once we have our fleet in place we can move forward and make decisions on route network, staff appointments etc.

We choose the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft because they are acknowledged as being the safest, most reliable and most fuel efficient aircraft flying today. The aircraft has the equivalent of more than 30,000 years in the air and has carried 12 billion passengers across 75 billion miles.

Those are fantastic credentials by any standards.

Its reliability, safety and fuel efficiency make the aircraft ideal for flydubai, which can pass on the savings to its customers. And, the five safest aircraft models currently

flydubai currently serves and will continue to launch a mix

under production, with more than 10 million flights a year,

of destinations that are commercially popular as well as

are all Boeing, with the 737 having one of the best records

those that are currently underserved by direct flights from

and the most flights.

Dubai. Our aim is to expand the region’s low cost air travel

One of the most striking features of our aircraft is the winglets, on which we invested an US$50m These

sector by making travel more affordable and accessible for everyone.

winglets add an extra 1.4m to the wingspan, and are aero-

I think all the destinations we currently fly to and will

dynamically designed to save up to 4% of the total fuel

fly to in the future have great potential, especially since

burn. A winglet equipped aircraft can typically use 3%

Dubai is a country dominated by a strong expatriate pop-

less climb thrust on take off, and cruising fuel flow is 6%

ulation. With flydubai, travellers now have the option to

less. This will save flydubai between 75,000 and 125,000

travel more often – be it for business, leisure or to visit

gallons per aircraft per year, which not only saves on en-

friends and family back home.

“We choose the Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft because they are acknowledged as being the safest, most reliable and most fuel efficient aircraft flying today”

ergy expense and extends engine life, but also ensures lower fuel consumption.

This reduction in fuel has a positive impact on the en-

What are some of the services you offer that set you apart? How do you improve service for your

vironment as it ensures nitrogen oxide emissions are re-

customers over other carriers?

duced by as much as 5% and carbon dioxide emissions

At flydubai, we like to keep things simple to keep costs

by around 4%.

low and that’s how we keep fares low. We’re constantly

Another great benefit of the winglets is the reduction in

looking at ways to make things easier and to save costs. We

noise from the aircraft. Because les thrust is needed on take

want to be clear about the way we operate so there never

off, there is an average 6.5% drop in decibels, making it a

any doubt about the cost of a fare.

much more flight path friendly option for local residents.

Our fares are fair, as they include all taxes and charges and a generous hand baggage allowance of 10kgs.

You currently fly to eleven cities and are adding

On flydubai you only pay for the services you want and we

two more very shortly. How have you chosen which

believe you should only pay for the baggage you have. If

cities to expand into? Where do you see the most

you require checked-in luggage, you can have it, but you

potential for growth in the coming years?

pay for it separately.

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Fly Dubai ED new_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:18 Page 73

We are also committed to ensuring a good on-time

and have been on track with our plans – to be honest,

performance and a high quality on-board service. fly-

I am overwhelmed by the great response we have re-

dubai may be low cost but that doesn’t mean we will

ceived!

cut corners in terms of our on board experience. Our

In terms of challenges, like any business, our very rapid

cabin crew is trained to provide the best customer

expansion has meant we’ve had a very steep learning curve,

service possible and they are of a variety of national-

however, we’ve met these challenges well and are in a strong

ities to ensure a wide range of spoken languages and

position this year. Also, as flydubai continues to expand an-

cultural diversity.

other one of our challenges will be to continue to attract and

flydubai connect allows passengers to transfer in Dubai onto another flydubai flight. flydubai connect is available between certain cities

recruit the right number and calibre of staff to ensure we can continue to offer our customers the excellent levels of service on board that we have started with.

where the scheduled flight into Dubai arrives at least 1.5 hours before the scheduled flight out of Dubai and where

This airline first began in 2008, when so many air-

the connection time in Dubai is less than 24 hours.

lines were struggling – what made you confident

In terms of expansion, do you prioritize adding flights

that you would succeed?

to your existing routes, or opening up routes to new cities?

It had been the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

How far do you see your reach eventually expanding, ge-

Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, to have a low cost car-

ographically speaking?

rier here for many years. He recognised the need for

In terms of geographical reach, flydubai will serve those

Dubai to have its own low cost airline to serve the

countries that are within a five-hour flight radius of Dubai.

largely expat population in the region and to ensure

This takes in a population of 2.5bn people and gives fly-

more people would be able to travel to more destina-

dubai access to one third of the world’s population.

tions more often. The capacity constraints at Dubai In-

It is important to us to expand our network quickly to

ternational Airport made the establishment of another

give our passengers the widest possible range of destina-

airline in Dubai impossible before now. However, with

tions to fly to. But some of our routes are proving to be so

the recent opening of Terminal 3 and the expansion of

popular that we need to add extra capacity to some exist-

Terminal 2, these constraints were no longer a barrier

ing routes to keep up with the demand.

to Dubai having its own low cost airline and flydubai was announced in March 2008.

What is your day-to-day routine like on the job?

flydubai was set up to support the city’s commer-

What are you currently working on?

cial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers and

Well, it’s tough to describe my daily routine as every day

providing them with affordable air links to a range of

is different, but as you know we have had a very busy 10

destinations. We live in a region that has a large ex-

months of operation and we plan to continue our rapid

patriate population who rely on air travel to visit their

growth over 2010. There are new things happening each

home countries however, there are few travel alterna-

day and at present I am working on several things includ-

tives. There was no doubt that flydubai would be a

ing new route announcements, operations, logistics and

success.

planning for the upcoming months.

What is next for Flydubai? What are you most exWhat has surprised you most in the initial months of

cited for in the future?

Flydubai? Was there anything that differed greatly

There is plenty to look forward to in the future. We have

from what you expected in running the airline?

not even completed a year of operations yet and have al-

What have been some of your major challenges?

ready achieved more than we set out to. I am excited about

It has only been 10 months since we started commer-

everything we do. I’m looking forward to flydubai evolving

cial operations so we’re still very new, however, we are

as a brand and company helping to expand the region’s

expanding rapidly. We are proud of our achievements

low cost travel sector further. n

I think all the destinations we currently fly to and will fly to in the future have great potential, especially since Dubai is a country dominated by a strong expatriate population.

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MARRAKECH

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E

veryone in Marrakech tells

Moulay Mamoun, who received the land on

actually plain white at all, but a painstakingly

the same two jokes. The first

which the hotel now sits as a wedding gift from

applied mixed plaster smoothed on by master

joke is when they ask you if

his father during the 18th century, and who

artisans, waterproof and buffed to a luxurious

you’ve

Moroccan

began growing the beautiful gardens that are

sheen. The attention to detail borders on com-

whiskey, which in this Muslim

still one of the best-loved features of the prop-

ical: the nailheads studding the side of each

part of North Africa refers to the sweet mint tea

erty. The 20 acres are thick with 700-year old

upholstered chair don’t simply terminate, they

that is served in every home, restaurant, and

olive trees, stands of orange trees heavy with

blossom into a flower; the art isn’t just beauti-

cafe. The second is when they offer to let you

fruit, and now a kitchen garden, providing

ful, it was commissioned from a series of

pay with Berber credit—half now, and half

herbs and vegetables to the hotel’s restaurants,

North African artists capturing the hotel and

when you leave, a gentle dig at their neighbors

and two clay tennis courts, pristine and ready

the city in totally new ways; the bread isn’t

in the Atlas Mountains, the only thing that

for play. Throughout its various owners and

just baked fresh, your waiter will pause, note

breaks the endless sightline into the desert.

renovations, it’s continually attracted a who’s

out loud that one piece is shaped like a heart,

They tell these jokes in any of three, four, five

who of famous names, from the political (the

and present it to the lady at the head of your

languages, to visitors from all over the world, in

suite Winston Churchill used as his winter

table with a flourish. As with any luxury, the

taxis and in shops, in the souk and in the ho-

quarters still bears his name), to the musical

staff is what makes the experience, and the

tels. They tell them and you know that you’ve

(the Rolling Stones made Morocco a dream

ratio of staff to guests is extremely generous,

tried

arrived in one of the world’s great resort towns, where the jet set has relaxed for decades, and if you’re very lucky, you’ve arrived here on your way to La Mamounia, the great goddess of the North African desert, back to life after several years of renovations.

As you watch the red city rises up slowly out of the desert on the road from Casablanca, the bright sun blurs the line between sand and structure. It surrounds you quietly, welcoming

777 employees for 210 rooms – and an aes-

They feed you, welcome you, delight you and surprise you – and this, truly is the secret of La Mamounia

you into the embrace of the medina, the walled

thetic delight in itself, as they are all closed in exquisite custom uniforms from Terre & Ciel Conseil, tailored and embroidered differently for every hotel role, and for some, different costume for day and night. Clocking in at over three years and 120 million euros, the renovation involved up to 1,400 workers at any given time, incorporating artisans from all over the country to redesign everything from scratch. The result is an unusual aesthetic

old city that stands for the cultural heart of

destination for traveling youths in the 1960s),

harmony, that manages to be richly layered

Marrakech, and just steps inside, prepared to

to the theatrical: the hotel itself has been the

and luxe while also being well-ordered and

welcome her guests, stands La Mamounia, be-

site of many films, and played a particular role

logical – it has all the charm of an old hotel

hind a wrough-iron gate, wrapped with a cob-

in the oeuvre of Hitchcock, who was startled

without the idiosyncrasies and technical diffi-

blestone drive. The staff greets you in

by pigeons on his balcony while filming "The

culties that come with an aged building. The

traditional garb and ushers you into a cocoon

Man Who Knew Too Much" there, an experi-

experience of staying here is intended to en-

of dark, and silence. Before your eyes adjust,

ence that later became “The Birds.” More re-

gage all five of your senses, from the low light-

your nose is filled with the scent of dates and

cently, stars like Sharon Stone, Sylvester

ing, running water, and soothing music, to the

cedar, a memory instantly formed, and when

Stallone, Charlton Heston, Tom Cruise, Or-

signature cedar and rose scent designed by

the surroundings snap into focus, the velvety

lando Bloom, Hillary Clinton, and the cast of

Olivia Giacobetti, which is diffused via flick-

couches, flowing drapery, smooth marble and

Sex and the City, who stayed for several

ering scented candles around the hotel.

stained glass, it’s almost too much to take in.

months while filming their second movie.

The various rooms are divided between

The light beckons again, drawing you forward

The property, redesigned under the care

single rooms, suites, and three magnificent 3-

into the lushly landscaped gardens, and you

of French designer Jacques Garcia, is in a

bedroom riads, which have private and direct

begin to explore the magic of La Mamounia.

word, spectacular. Every square inch of the

access to the kitchens for the house staff. They

Built in 1922, the hotel has long been con-

property has been treated with exquisite care,

all express the same aesthetic, from the intri-

sidered the ultimate expression of Moroccan

from the most intricate mosaic to the plain

cately tiled shower walls and studded head-

style and luxury. It takes its name from Prince

white walls, which, it was explained, are not

boards to the carved wooden shutters that open

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onto private balconies, but even beyond the spectacular specialty suites, there are special rooms, with garden views and some with a prime view of the Koutoubia mosque, whose call to prayer echoes across the city five times a day. The outbuildings on the property echo the look as well: the pavilion at the pool is modeled after the Manara Resevoir, while the Menzeh, a garden pavilion, serves mint tea and delicate French pastries on Morocco’s famous engraved silver. The incredible light of the city is so bright and clear, there’s nowhere for anything less than perfection to hide.

In addition to the historic nature of the hotel itself, the city Marrakech has long been one of the world’s most welcoming playgrounds. Visitors today enjoy the same caliber of incredible cuisine, fashionable restaurants and nightclubs, pristine accommodations and exciting shopping opportunities as guests have for decades. These days, the action is at a few key hotspots (Pacha has an outpost here, and Téatrô and Diamant Noir still draw crowds) and shopping has expanded beyond the souks into the new areas of the city, but the old appeal still holds. The Majorelle Gardens are a peaceful oasis, particularly early in the morning before the crowds come (guests of La Mamounia can examine at their leisure a mural by Majorelle that decorates the cathedral-like ceiling of the hall that leads to the garden), and the hotel provides some of the best-connected and helpful guides in Marrakech to lead you through the souks – or to any of the newer boutiques popular with guests. Some of the most upscale drinking and dining in the city, however, is right in La Mamounia itself. The Churchill Bar has long been one of the most famous bars in Marrakech, its underground speakeasy atmosphere enhanced by a live jazz singer every night, and each of the restaurants have their own unique, adjoining bars as well, serving signature cocktails that are only a precursor of what’s to come. The

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restaurats L’Italien, Le Francais, and Le Marocain represent the absolute best of the country’s culinary heritage, and serves the needs of its guests’ most experienced palates, from the first custom Bernardaud plate that touches your table to the final sip of mint tea.

L’Italien by Alfonso Iaccarino and Le Francais by Jean-Pierre Vigato both bear the marks the Michelin 2-star chefs who direct them, serving the best of their native cuisines, right down to the homemade limoncello and macarons, to close out your meal respectively. The cuisine changes with the crop from the garden and the bounty of the nearby sea, but always maintains a level of quality that can compete with any European equivalent. Le Marocain, however, is a truly unique dining experience and an absolute must for the foreign visitor – as any Moroccan will tell you, the best Moroccan food is in the home, but Chef Rachid Agouray serves a modern take on traditional Moroccan dishes, in such plenty and of such quality that you feel as cared for as if you were personally his guest. The restaurant’s tables are set back into romantic, private alcoves, while musicians play under a fabric-festooned ceiling just out of sight, and tagine after tagine arrive to delight your imagination.

The great resorts of the world ask nothing of their guests but to enjoy. They ask you to wrap yourself in a plush white robe and make your way to the blue-tiled spa, where you descend into bliss in a massage or enjoy an ancient hammam ritual. They invited you to fill your plate at the poolside pavilion with custom-mixed tartars and fresh fish and salads, and then sleep off your meal on a padded lounge chair. They feed you, welcome you, delight you and surprise you – and this, truly is the secret of La Mamounia.

In every room, around every corner, in every bite, there is a new world of luxury just waiting to be discovered, by those who dare to truly indule. n

ORASCOM AD.indd 1

24/3/10 15:57:07

Service With A Smile

T 82

Harrods.indd 82

hough it’s an iconic London landmark, Harrods is far from static—indeed,

T

store can serve its clients, and has only increased her

as one of the most respected luxury stores in the world, their top priority is

enthusiasm for the job. There is only one Harrods, and it

reaching out to new markets and customers as well as their base of regular

constantly changes, updates and improves every aspect

shoppers, and providing top-notch service to one and all. Abigail Rainer,

of their business, but the focus is always on customer

Director of Fashion Accessories, Fine Jewellery and Watches, Luxury Gifts & Statio-

care. “It’s the small things that make the big difference.

nery, as well as personal shopping, is on the ground every day at Harrods providing a

Because of the many services and product categories

for the store’s clients, and like the rest of her colleagues at the famed store, goes above

that we cover, Harrods is like a town in one building,

and beyond every day.

and people can make use of their time effectively,” says

She describes her job at Harrods as “destiny,” and feels privileged to work at such

Rainer. Shoppers come to Harrods from all over the

a great institution. After a long career in retail, she’s come to love the feeling of a family

world and with all sorts of different needs, but they have

business, with its focus on personal interaction and customer service. Being on the

several characteristics in common. “Our customers are

ground every day has given her a unique perspective on the various ways in which the

people who have broad international perspective; they

100 Thousand Club

26/3/10 11:10:15

are well traveled, have well defined taste and preferences and are very aware of what is

Moreover, we have them in our hearts and minds when-

good, what is new and what is stylish. They appreciate the privacy that Harrods offers,

ever we are at market working with our suppliers, we

the high service levels and also the theatre of activity that they can enjoy,” Rainer

understand their tastes and preferences and how much

says, and all these attributes have of course made Harrods an attractive destination

they enjoy shopping.”

for shoppers from the Middle East, that appreciate an extremely high level of service and style.

Serving a diverse population means buying for the store with a variety of different needs in mind, from

“Customers from the Middle Eastern countries represent an important portion of

varying tastes and budgets to differences as simple as

our international business and have done for so many years,” says Rainer. “They

geography. A focus on brands that have an interna-

are our friends and in some ways like a wider family. I think Harrods gives them an

tional wide profi le and appeal, as well as inarguable

experience that is unique in the world, where they can relax and be taken care of in

craft, beauty and style are the most successful across

very familiar surroundings. Of course our Chairman, being Egyptian, has special

the board. “We at Harrods have a reputation for bring-

connections and affections that are projected through the whole team here at Harrods.

ing in the exclusives from those brands – whether it’s a

100 Thousand Club

Harrods.indd 83

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26/3/10 11:10:21

an increasing number of watch brands that are willing to create bespoke and one-off creations exclusively for their customers, who return these valuable purchases to Harrods for servicing throughout the generations.

For those appreciate that level of personal experience, Harrods offers their “By Appointment” personal shopping service, for both in-store shoppers and longdistance customers. “The process of finding the perfect gift for our clients is one of constant joy. We love difficult challenges, and will use our connections to source and track down the rare, the beautiful and the precious.

With such an international customer base, we have to consider all occasions and ensure that we represent celebrations - religious, national, commemorative and universal. Our buying team has an annual calendar that highlights all the important dates from around the world, and of course the Middle East is very important to us so we all know holidays and celebrations for those friends.” Though they cover everything, from seasonal wardrobes, to special occasions, to sporting equipment, to decorating a new home, there is also the Harrods concierge service, By Appointment and Beyond, for things like organizing holidays, parties, property sourcing, pet-buying, and…well, beyond. “With our wide ranging connections we are able to engage external partners to support us in this area. This has been a great deal of fun working closely with our customers on some fantastic projects.” While Rainer won’t name names, recent tasks have included everything from, sending 18 of our favourite Russian clients on a tailor-made trip with us to enjoy the world of Chanel in Paris, to organizing a

84

Harrods.indd 84

bag, or piece of jewellery, we have a selection in each category that our customers will

party for 800 people at a London landmark, to sourcing

not be able to fi nd anywhere else in the world. That is our appeal to all our custom-

a pet zebra.

ers, including our Middle Eastern clients,” says Rainer. Those exclusives are the

Despite all the excitement surrounding the more

products of partnerships that have lasted for decades, and produce an overall higher

exotic offerings at this special store, Harrod’s isn’t

level of specialization for the Harrods customer. “They understand and share our

tempted to stray from its core mission—indeed, they

vision and service criteria. We understand that for our Middle Eastern customers, for

see it as quite the opposite. Like the brands they sell,

example, color and richness of design is very important. We work very closely with

says Rainer, “from my point of view, the best of the

Cartier, Van Cleef and Boucheron, among others, to make sure that our exclusives

‘tried and true’ brands are those that are constantly

are exceptional.”

renewing and exceeding expectation. People want new

Watches are selected directly from the brands at the big watch fairs, keeping big

things but they also trust the quality that comes from

customers and collectors in the front of their mind when choosing models. “My rule of

those brands and products that have stood the test of

thumb is that if we can’t think of five individual customers who would love each watch

time. In this day and age, it’s not enough to just be

then we don’t buy it. Many of these customers are of course from the Middle East,”

a brand, you have to throw in a bit of love and a lot of

says Rainer. Similar to what has happened in the jewelry sector, Harrods has found

respect as your guiding values.”

100 Thousand Club

26/3/10 11:10:23

REGENCY CASINO AD.indd 1

24/3/10 15:57:30

Panerai ed_mar10 26/03/2010 13:53 Page 86

Panerai ed_mar10 26/03/2010 13:54 Page 87

Panerai sets

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“Our purpose was to establish a brand, not a trend, we continue to follow our own way. What is important in luxury is coherence.

You cannot lose your identity”

W

88

Production began slowly; even Panerai in its previous iteration had produced only 300 watches in 60 years, for the Italian military. What had once been a military secret was ready to come out, once Richemont purchased the family shop in Florence to produce the cases (they began producing their own movements five years ago in Switzerland, discarding their previous Rolex-made movements) and their strong entrance into the market positioned them to be the leader they are now, famously in the world of extra-large watches.

“It was so fun at the beginning, in 1998 when I presented the first

When Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati was ex-

watches. In 1997 we had sold 1,000 watches at 30 points of sale in one

ploring Antigua during his first visit to the is-

week to test the market. Three or four months later at SIHH we presented

land for the Classic Yachts Challenge, he came

the watch, and people said, “Are you proposing a war clock for the

across something that made him stop and

wrist?” And I said, “This is a train. You can get on it and take it to suc-

stare. The remnants of an old wooden boat,

cess, or you can stay here.” At the time 38mm was the max for men’s,

Eilean, were lingering in a boatyard, beautiful

and only Rolex and Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak went that large.

but destroyed. The story of the boat’s rescue

Women’s watches were at 31mm. After a year they all started to follow;

and rejuvenation is not unlike the feat he

even Rolex now offers something bigger.” But Bonati rejects the notion

pulled off ten years earlier, taking the mere

that Panerai should ever be trendy; that was not the goal at the time, nor

idea of a Panerai watch and transforming it

is it now. “Our purpose was to establish a brand, not a trend,” he says,

into one of the most successful brands on the

“we continue to follow our own way. What is important in luxury is co-

market today.

herence. You cannot lose your identity.”

He’s been with the Richemont Group for

Clients love Panerai for their distinctive shape, signature size and

more than 28 years, in various positions in-

heft, and practicality of design. Though the entry level price is higher

cluding the Italian management of Cartier, but

than for some other sport watches (and on the high end, goes up to

his biggest success story by far has been the

$150,000USD), collectors can’t get enough. “When you look at a Pan-

creation of Panerai. In 1997, when Richemont

erai Tourbillon it seems simple on the face, you can only see the move-

approached him about becoming CEO, he saw

ment on the back. The back shows it – it’s not our idea to show off at all.”

an opportunity to create instead of manage that

This subtle luxury is arguably the new byword for luxury spending since

was an irresistible challenge. “The brand did-

the recession, and Panerai’s small production has kept them from losing

n’t exist then. We bought…say, the name, Pan-

significant sales, as their clients buy out of passion.

erai, from the family, and the Luminor Marina.

Bonati says he is always involved with the design of the watches,

In the beginning we had the watch and a his-

and it is his influence that keeps the direction of the company on track.

tory full of value, but it was not linked to man-

“Our designers are young people, and it’s difficult for them to create. We

ufacturing. We had to understand how to build

have to be on this railway, so they just work on small details, subtle

up the brand, to keep the DNA to fill that kind

changes to the case, and the case has to work around the movements.

of box.”

They don’t take white paper and just start fresh, it can be a little frus-

100 Thousand Club

Angelo Bonati

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BELLAGIO AD.indd 1

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Panerai ed_mar10 26/03/2010 13:54 Page 91

trating for them. So I check them and make

it will sink with me. I said ‘Hey, you can survive a bit longer,” and he

sure they’re still Panerai,” he says.

agreed to sell it to me.”

His biggest project lately, however, has

As they explored the idea a bit more, he discovered an exciting con-

been the rebuilding of Eilean, marking a sig-

nection to Panerai. “The boat is William Fife, and the date it launched

nificant step in the brand’s evolution. Though

is the same year that Panerai made their first watch, 1936. It could be

it is of course a significant corporate invest-

the right way to commemorate, I said, we can restore it, so we moved it

ment, Bonati clearly has a personal connection

to Martinique, got it on a ship and brought it to Italy to refurbish it. It

with his passion project. “I didn’t buy this boat

took three years and we’re ready to show it.”

for nothing!” he jokes, explaining, “We base

Of the actual project, he says “I spent every weekend of the last

our focus on classic yachts because it’s some-

three years going up and down, 600 kilometers each way, to Viareggio to

thing of value, of history. The tradition of the

supervise. We saved a lot of parts but it had to be completely restored. I

sea is linked. That’s why we chose to sponsor

learned a lot about the boat during the process, I had expected it to be

the Classic Yachts Regatta. And on the other

much easier. Every detail had to be discussed, there were 20 or 30 peo-

side, I noticed this boat, I asked to go inside,

ple who couldn’t proceed without my decision—red? Black? Gray? I’m

and the owner, the man, he was a bit desperate,

not a technician, but the yard doesn’t want all the responsibility, they

an old hippie named John. I asked him why it

won’t just go ahead. And it had to follow our plan.” The finished boat is

was in such bad shape and he told me, “You

an expression of the drive that Bonati has put into all aspects of his ca-

know, this boat is linked to me and when I die,

reer, to truly live out his aesthetic and philosophic desires. “You have

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“My overall belief is beauty has no limits”

to put your passion in it, whatever you do. I’m proud to have contributed to a piece of history of the sea.”

The project currently is essentially completed, with just a few more preliminary steps to go. “We are finishing all the details and expect the registration soon – it’s still an object, you know, not yet a boat. I think we’ll test it in January, I want to be sure before we cross the Atlantic.

That’s a long trip if we’re not sure.” A sailor himself for the past 20 years, he would love to make the trip himself, but isn’t sure he can spare the three weeks for delivery. Of the future plans for the boat, he sees it as a useful communications tool. “We plan to race the boat with a crew and participate in the classic yacht regattas, and incorporate some social responsibility too, to educate, bring people on board and show them how

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it was rebuilt. We want to do something for people who can’t do this kind of project.”

Hardly the first watch company to get involved with the sailing world, he postulates that the appeal is in the purity, of the sport and of the sea. Brands can have a great deal of impact on their clientele without a huge impact on the planet, but even in that regard, Bonati tries to go above and beyond, personally attending as many of the sponsored regattas as he can schedule. “The owners of the boats [in the regattas they sponsor] appreciate my presence, I attend a lot of the events. In most events the sponsor is not present, they’re just a banner. They find us really different.”

“You have to put your passion in it, whatever you do. I’m proud to have contributed to a piece of history of the sea” Though those boat owners covet their Panerai prizes, the proud owner of Eilean doesn’t plan to commemorate her that way. “We thought about an instrument for Eilean, but I didn’t want to capitalize on the boat. I think it’s vulgar. We don’t want to compromise the boat or the brand – it’s part of our image, but it’s not used to sell.” He has similarly refused to compromise on anything regarding Panerai’s direction from his earliest days at the company, and sees a fundamental similarity between watchmaking and boat building. “From my point of view, it’s based on values. The watch is to have a long-lasting life. When you build it, you know it has to last for a long time, you don’t buy one and expect to throw it out two or three years later. When these classic boats were built, they intended them to keep sailing.

There is knowledge; technique; craftsmanship, it’s real, it takes time to learn how to do. My overall belief is beauty has no limits.” n

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Ritz carlton.indd 1

25/3/10 14:09:04

Peter Harradine.indd 96

26/3/10 11:37:44

Golf Guru I Peter Harradine on design, real estate developments, and what he really thinks of celebrity courses.

n a world where the sun always shines, the air is clean, and the

understanding of leisure time is unparalleled, you have, in essence, a golfer’s paradise. While Dubai

has been the center of golf course

construction, as with many other

luxury industries, everyone else in the region has followed suit. But how do these oases of

green come to thrive in the desert? For that, the region’s builders turn to Peter Harradine, a third generation golf course architect, and Dubai resident since the 1970s.

He was working for an English company when, in 1976, they were asked to do a job setting up an irrigation line from the airport.

“I’d just been to the United States on a similar project and had some experience with that, so they said okay, you go. I said, “Excuse me, where the hell is Dubai?” Because you know then, it wasn’t anything. I was there for 6 months and a very nice sheikh asked me to help him grow an alfalfa field, which if you know how to irrigate is really not very difficult, even in a desert, but it seems rather miraculous.

So he asked me if I wanted to stay and go into business with him.”

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26/3/10 11:37:45

While he initially said no, preferring to return to Europe and do golf courses, he eventually agreed to an impressively flexible contract with that sheikh, allowing him monthly visits to Europe, legal rights over his projects, and so on, and stayed on as a landscape architect. While the golf courses didn’t come until later, Harradine feels he make the transition from gardens to golf at the right time—after he’d established his own company in Dubai with funding from his sheikh client.

“The golf courses started here in the late 1980s—I’d been growing grass in the deserts, so I didn’t really have any technical challenges. It’s pretty easy to move sand around. It’s a lot easier in sand, honestly, and there are special grasses that are very heat-proof and salt-proof.” While it took time to establish a business, he feels that he had an advantage being in the Middle East from the beginning, as he’s been able to pick up projects in neighboring countries as well as back in Europe. “It’s a good hub to operate from. If I’d stayed in Europe I would have missed out on this market, I think.” It also accords well with how he likes to work,

“As efforts to produce more alternative energy expand, it will impact the golf course expansion, but the nature of the place makes it a different game than the rest of the world” visiting each site at least every month. “I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve never really looked for work, people seek me out, but they’ve never called me to the States, for instance—Spain or Portugal either. I’m going to Armenia, we’re building in Khartoum, in Russia—Eastern Europe has slowed down quite a bit, but we see signs of recovery.”

Unfortunately, he feels, golf has come too far under the influence of marketing and PR, and isn’t serving the needs of many players. “I think there was a lot of unnecessary money thrown around to promote some places, to get these celebrities involved. My son, who is studying to become a landscape architect, which I feel is the first step, thinks he should have just gone on tour, hit a ball 300 yards, and boom, he’s a golf course designer.” Harradine speaks for his clients, describing himself as a good golfer, but decidedly not a professional. “The way the pros play— which is good for golf, I believe that, which is good for the business—but these guys have no clue whatsoever on how a normal player plays. Our advantage is that we can design normal courses and good courses for people to enjoy themselves—‘oh, that’s a nice little course’ sort of courses—whereas these top-notch players have to produce a monument, which is usually very hard to play. Normal golfers pay the fees, and I think they’re incredibly frustrated on these courses, paying hundreds of dollars for six hours of punishment. One has forgotten in these real estate

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projects that these courses shouldn’t be built to sell houses—they’re for people to play golf.” Given his own druthers, if there was money left over, he’d decorate the clubhouse or improve the greens, or build another nine holes, rather than build houses. The courses themselves, though, rarely make enough money to support themselves independently, so the houses are a necessity, but they attract homeowners who like the cachet, not golfers who insist on quality.

Harradine is unapologetically evangelical about his beliefs. “I’m Martin Kaymer of Germany, winning the final round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

trying to spread the message, at every conference and every opportunity.

I think golf is the greatest game on earth, and I think it’s misunderstood.

The only reason it’s played by the elite is because it’s expensive. In the UK and America where they have public courses, I think that’s great.

We’re getting scolded by environmentalists now, which I think is wrong.

It’s a great game. I say to everybody, one of my greatest memories is that I played with my children, five or six hours of quality time that you can have with your kids. I used to play with them for money, and lose at the beginning, and then they wanted to play all the time! Then they beat you fair and square and you stop letting them win. A grandfather can play with his grandchild and still win, depending on handicap. You can’t do that with squash or tennis; with chess you’re concentrating on the game, but golf is social. It allows you to judge your opponent, because there are so many ways to cheat. A guy who cheats at golf will cheat you anywhere else.”

Fortunately for the environmental concerns, he says of Dubai, “there are no ecologists here! No, I’m being unfair, we have a political ecologist in central Europe, and he’s a big pain in the neck. He doesn’t sit down and talk about it or compromise; he says no. Here at the moment, there is

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - Final Round

nothing really to protect the desert, and there is of course an ecosystem in the sand, amazing what goes on there, but it’s different here, things just get done.” As efforts to produce more alternative energy expand, he believes it will impact the golf course expansion, but the nature of the place makes it a different game than the rest of the world. “In the sea, yes, the lagoons, but in the desert, apart from a lot of sand, there isn’t a lot to protect. But there will be now, with the gardens we’re creating, those will need to be protected, as well as the animal preserves. I find it interesting, I think it’s the future, absolutely, the only way to go, otherwise our children will suffer. But because I work in golf courses, I’m labeled a capitalist pig, which is unfortunate.”

At the outset of the recession, the company saw four projects canceled or delayed in quick succession. “A lot of people have been sacked when they could have stayed on, people panicked. What was going on in Dubai wasn’t sustainable, it couldn’t go on like that, though it was incredible.

There are things starting up again here, slowly, so I think a lot of these jobs will come back. We had an incredible site, right in the middle of the dunes, would have been an incredible course, so we’re waiting for better

Peter Hanson of Sweden

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times. We’ve got some jobs in Eastern Europe in Kazan, in Kazakhstan,

watch the business of Dubai expand, both

that I’m excited about too. Delayed is not canceled.”

in the influx of business travelers and new

Harradine, who has spent a great deal of time in Switzerland,

permanent residents. Gone are the days when

compares the success of Dubai to that northern bastion of neutrality.

all the expats knew each other, he says, but

“Switzerland is a country of nothing at all, just beauty, but they are the

they still gather to do business: “It’s a city

Swiss, which makes a big difference, and it profited from its geographical

now, it was a village then; we have to make a

position, and gets money from everyone. They positioned themselves in

point of meeting, and sometimes the only time

a way that made people want to invest, and Dubai is the same way. It’s

we meet is on the golf course—that’s one good

between East and West, it has a visionary ruler, they have a lot of courage

thing about golf. During the corporate days

here, and they’ve really gone for it. They have no oil, no culture, no

and competitions, we meet on the golf course.”

real history, but it’s been an incredible success because of the people

And for that reason and many others, he only

who run it. I feel very much at home in Dubai, it’s always been very

sees his business expanding. “I’ve built about

welcoming and cosmopolitan. It’s the only place I know where a local

160 golf courses, high and low, salty and

can’t speak his own language, because no one will understand him. It’s

sweet, you name it, there aren’t really any

very tolerant, too, although the Islamists keep to themselves, which is

technical challenges anymore. We could build

a way to protect their culture.” He’s also been in a unique position to

on the moon if we had the money.”

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Jewellery Arabia ED_27Apr 26/03/2010 11:19 Page 103

A

The Main Event

As the largest and most prestigious jewelry exhibition in the Middle East,

largest jewellry retailers in Bahrain. Many of these exhibiting compa-

Jewellery Arabia has provided international jewellery houses with unri-

nies have an exclusive presence in the Middle East at Jewellery Arabia,

valled direct access to trade buyers and private collectors since 1992.

affording upwards of 40,000 visitors a unique view of the global market.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin

Jewellery Arabia 2009, the eighteenth show in the series of high pro-

Salman Al Khalifa Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Jewellery

file exhibitions serving the Middle East’s fine jewellery and luxury watch

Arabia consistently attracts over 600 exhibitors from 30 nations; whose

market, ended on a positive note on 21 November having reaffirmed its

exhibits range from incredible finished jewellery to luxury time pieces,

position as the definitive industry event of its kind in the region.

to precious stones of every size, shape and cut.

The five-day exhibition occupied 18,000 square metres of space at

Eminent jewellery houses and watch manufacturers seeking to reach

the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre and show-

the influential and wealthy customers of the region include Audemars

cased more than 600 companies from 30 countries. According to the or-

Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston,

ganization, the event drew a total of 39,829 jewellery trade buyers and

Hublot, Patek Phillipe, Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels amongst many

private collectors, 23% of which came from Saudi Arabia (the region’s

others. These well-known international brands are complemented by the

largest jewellry market), and many more coming from Kuwait, Qatar, the

creative gleam of national pavilions from the leading jewellery export

United Arab Emirates, Oman and other neighbouring countries.

countries of Brazil, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Thailand

“The continuing importance of the Jewellery Arabia series to the

and Turkey, and the refined sparkle of the Middle East’s finest retailers

watch and jewellery industry is evidenced by the event’s sheer size,

and manufacturers. “The interest we receive from our international part-

extensive exhibitor participation and healthy visitor attendance de-

ners and the continued expansion that we undertake each year is evi-

spite the current global economic situation,” said Arabian Exhibi-

dence that this show is a trend-setting event in the global market,” said

tion Management’s director of sales and marketing Fawzi Al Shehabi.

Mohammed Mahmood Jaffar, chairman of Asia Jewellers, one of the

“Feedback from exhibitors indicates that whilst some wholesale and

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retail customers were cautious in comparison to previous years, business was brisk enough to either exceed or meet the majority of participants’ exhibition objectives during this challenging time,” he continued.

Visitors to Jewellery Arabia 2009 were dazzled by the region’s largest display of luxury watches; diamond, gem-set, platinum, gold and silver jewellery. Internal industry products like retail packaging and merchandising material, and jewellery manufacturing machinery and technology also played an important part in the exhibition.

National pavilions from leading jewellery export countries this year included Brazil, featuring an astonishing variety of earrings, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and Turkey. Jewellery Arabia 2009 also welcomed its first official delegation of Malaysian exhibitors coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

The latest high quality jewellery collections and luxury watches from world famous jewellery houses including Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Patek Phillipe, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels and many more also went on display – consolidating Jewellery

“The continuing importance of the Jewellery Arabia series to the watch and jewellery industry is evidenced by the event’s sheer size, extensive exhibitor participation and healthy visitor attendance”

Arabia’s reputation as the region’s most prestigious jewellery event. A strong Lebanese and GCC contingent drawn from the region’s most exclusive jewellers complimented this line up. Amongst them were Bahrain’s leading jewellers – Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls and Al Zain – who brought together stunning collections of international brands in boutique formats. Don’t let the word boutique fool you, however – in true Middle Eastern fashion, the displays were done big. Asia Jewellers, for instance, occupied over 1,000 square meters, comprised of 27 high-end jewellery and watch companies, each presenting a unique piece, such as the local favorite, Cartier, which brought in a unique jewellry set from Paris just for Jewellry Arabia.

As a complement to the main event, The Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Bahrain for the fifth consecutive year. Hosted by MPPArabia, this glittering ceremony on 17 November rewarded top industry brands for their creativity and distinction.

Looking forward to 2010 already, the organizers of Jewellry Arabia, Arabian Exhibition Management, are already gearing up for the event in 2010, to be held again in Bahrain from 26-30 October 2010. Vendors and visitors alike can continue to expect more of the same quality, efficiency, and glamour that this event has demonstrated year after year. n

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• Dubai Mall, Tel: 971 4 3398897 • Ibn Battuta Mall, Tel: +971 4 3685508 • Mercato Mall, Tel: +971 4 3443468

• Wafi, Tel: + 971 4 3244342 • Khan Murjan, Tel: +971 4 3279233 • Souk Al Bahar, Tel: +971 4 4200282

Now open at Mall of the Emirates, Tel: +971 4 3233370

Email: attar@emirates.net.ae

CRYSTALLINE.indd 1

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26/3/10 15:21:17

Top T op 10 Dubai Men’s Spa Spas For vacationers and locals alike, Dubai is a spa-lover’s dream. The luxury hotels that populate the city ensure a steady swtream of world-class new treatments, but uniquely in Dubai, the need for separate men’s and women’s hours means there is a proliferation of men’s spas here unlike anywhere else in the world.

That means spas with treatments, technicians, and décor all designed to please you—and what gentleman wouldn’t want to experience that? These are our favorite destinations for a little pampering, guy-style.

Akaru Spa

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Located within the Aviation Club, the men’s

intensive cosmeceutical treatments for extra slimming, detoxifying, and

floor has a separate entrance and dedicated

exfoliating on the face and body. Separate hair and nail salons cater to

staff, but with all the plush amenities, free-

those faster treatments, making this a perfect stop to make sure you

flowing water features, and soothing earth

look your best before heading out to join in the fun at one of Dubai’s

tones as the spa overall. All kinds of massag-

favorite social clubs.

es, from hot stone to aromatherapy to pressure

The Aviation Club, north side of Al Garhoud Bridge adjacent to the

point massage is on offer here, as well as more

Emirates Airlines Training Centre T: 04 2828578

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1847

facial, the perfect complement to a hot shave.

This Dubai mini-chain is all about putting your best face forward, with

DIFC (04 425 0350). Open 10am-9pm daily

the focus squarely on the classic barbershop shave. Named for the year the first safety razor was patented, the expert hands at 1847 draw you

Man/Age

into their huge reclining chairs and let you relax while they do the

First established in 2007, there are now three branches of this spa

work. Of course, it’s not your grandfathers’ shave, unless your grand-

(two in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi) and their formula clearly works—

father followed up with a hot facial massage and a very dedicated pore

chic neutral interiors and an upscale atmosphere focused on the

cleansing. They also offer body massage and nail treatments, like the

male customer. Specializing in all things haircare, their experi-

executive manicure, executed by two specialists buffing away while you

enced barbers can tame the unruliest of manes, and follow up with a

busy yourself with the remote control to your personal tv.

face mask and shave. Their deep tissue and Balinese massages are

Jumeirah

Emirates

Towers

(04

330

1847);

Jumeirah

Beach

Residence (04 437 0252).

known to be particularly expert and intense—just the thing for an aching back.

Rimal 1, Jumeirah Beach Residence (04 435 5780). Open 10am-10pm

The Spa at The Palace

daily. Other locations: Arjaan, Dubai Media City (04 437 0868)

Location in The Palace-The Old Town hotel, this Moroccan-influenced resort spa offers an exclusive retreat for men and women, each given

The Signature Lounge

a spacious floor in the hotel to enjoy the unique and expansive treat-

Signature Lounge’s services run the gamut from haircuts, shaves,

ment experience. The facilities include the hammam slab, Jacuzzis,

massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing, as well tailor-

Monsoon showers, steam rooms, a dedicated consultation space, relax-

made treatments for specific customers. Their regulars come back

ation lounge and retail counter, to create experiences like the King’s Ritual, a body wrap to unwind muscle tension, followed by a massage and personalized facial treatment tailored to your skin-type. To cater for couples who wish to complete the relaxing experience together, The Spa also provides a private couples suite.

The Palace – The Old Town, Emaar Boulevard, Dubai, T: 04 428 7805

Sensasia Urban Spa Though the spa is co-ed, Sensasia offers a full list of male-oriented treatments, including some of the least-forgiving but best massages around bodies—there’s a Golfer’s Tonic massage, designed to relax tired shoulders and feet, and treatments tailored to general sports fatigue and jet lag. The pan-Asian black and jade décor is pleasantly masculine, and the technicians refreshingly no-nonsense. Gentlemen should feel free to choose from the wider treatment menu as well as their own cleansing facials and scrubs.

The Beach Club 1 Al Nafura, Shoreline Apartments, The Palm Jumeirah (04 422 7115).

Urban Male Lounge Located in the DIFC, the Urban Male Lounge comes with its own loyal clientele practically built in. Seated in your own reclining chair, with a television angled in front of you for your viewing pleasure, nail technicians go to work on hands and feet, finishing with a two-person massage for feet and neck. Private rooms are of course available for more extensive treatments, like their signature hot stone massage and exfoliating

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excellent service. There are a full range of a la carte treatments, as well as longer spa packages, but their signature services—a deep-cleansing facial and a long soak in the saltwater flotation pool—are a sure-fire combination to get you back on your feet in no-time. The flotation package even includes a visit to the Oxygen Bar, for a science-fiction style boost.

Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, T: +971 4 3198181

Cleopatra’s Spa Dubai One of the oldest and largest spas in Dubai, it rises well above its Egyptian theme to provide an international selection of treatments and technicians. With separate male and female spas open seven days a week, they’re there when you need them for treatments like their signature “Royal Japanese” treatment, which combines massage, exfoliation, scented oils and a milk bath for a truly luxurious experience. They also offer medical-spa treatments like Elemis massage, Ionothermie, and Ultratone for the best possible results for their clients.

Wafi , Dubai, U.A.E. T: 04 3247700

Willow Stream Spa This modern beauty covers more than 40,000 square feet of space, with a for the chic, modern environment and the convenience of never being

separate and well-stocked health and

out of touch—you can get groomed and get work done at the same

fitness center in one location, and an

time, with multiple flat screen televisions showing business news

engaging Mediterranean-style spa facility

and sports, complimentary Internet access, and even a Wii for some

with separate male and female sections,

true male bonding. But don’t feel you have to squeeze in a lunchtime

both featuring an opulent Jacuzzi area

appointment—there are enough top-notch services here to keep

with Turkish Hammam inspired steam

anyone busy for a full day of rest.

rooms, invigorating ice shower, two relaxing

G-18 Business Central Towers, Exit 35, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

footbaths and a total of eight private

Media City T: +971 4 4342 110

treatment and relaxation rooms. The spa coordinators are there to help you sort

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H20 The Male Spa

through a lengthy menu of treatments,

Located in the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, H20 is aimed at tired

including five different just-for-men total

business travelers who need an hour or two to recover and unwind, but

experiences.

locals should take advantage of the same luxurious atmosphere and

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, T: 4-332-5555

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TIMELESS TREASURES

O

ut of a bright, sunny studio in Soho in downtown New York,

spin orbs of gold, amulets of crystal and diamond, yards of shiny gold links, charms and pendants, glittering rings.

They’re destined to adorn women all over the world, who see themself reflected in the uniqueness of the piece, and at the center of this international whirlwind of creation is Temple

St. Clair: designer, scholar, mother, and world traveler extraordinaire. Though she describes herself as a Southern girl, and speaks with an accent to match even after years up north, the sweet tea and magnolia blooms were just the background to a life that has long been out of the ordinary.

As a girl, St. Clair attended boarding school in Switzerland, perfecting her French and mixing with girls from all over the world, and then as a student at Smith, switched to Italian in order to study abroad longer. She returned to Florence for a masters’ degree in Italian literature, and unexpectedly encountered her life’s work when her mother asked her to have an antique Italian coin set into a necklace. The goldsmiths in Florence, she found, opened up a whole new world to her and her sketches. “They work in a traditional way, everything done by hand,” she says, remembering that, “It took them some time to get used to me, I tried for a little while to learn how to make jewelry myself, but I realized I could never catch up, so now they produce my designs.” Her designs are well-suited to this kind of craftsmanship, borrowing as they do from ancient cultures and art – not just Italian, but Greek, Roman, and the ancient cultures of Byzantium and the Etruscans. Educated in absorbing other cultures from the

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time of her travels as a young girl, St. Clair takes inspiration from many aspects of what she sees, sometimes reproducing details from jewelry depicted in paintings, to abstract effects and colors in ancient mosaics. The stones she uses are referred to in the jewelry industry as “semiprecious,” but she feels the term is a misnomer: “I seek out rare and unusual stones that are of great quality, and nearly all natural stones,” meaning not heat-treated to enhance their color, which are extremely rare in today’s market, particularly among traditionally valued stones like emeralds and sapphires, but extending to many colored gems. “The stones I used are sourced from all over the world and I love that aspect of search and discovery; I feel they’re more special than some precious stones.”

In her latest collection, St. Clair turned to aquamarines, sapphires, and is most excited by her latest discovery, the Paraiba tourmaline. “It’s this incredible blue-green color, but it can go almost turquoise; it’s named for the mine in Brazil where it was discovered. They’re real one-of-a-kinds, so I wanted to do something really special with it,” the end result being a stunning statement bracelet. In a departure from the antiquarian patterns and lines of the majority of her collection, this season evokes another part of St. Clair’s fascinating history—her time spent working on Project Ocean Search with Jean-Michael Cousteau, son of Jacques

In her latest collection, St. Clair turned to aquamarines, sapphires, and is most excited by her latest discovery, the Paraiba tourmaline

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Cousteau. A life-long scuba diver, St. Clair was just a teenager when she joined the project, diving day and night to take macro photos of coral, sea creatures, and plankton, all the tiny details her artists’ eye was drawn to from the beginning. Her color palette has from the beginning incorporated the blues and greens of the ocean, and this season, inspired by Matisse’s freeform cut-outs, she has let the asymmetrical, organic lines of her imagination run free over her various pieces. This includes, of course, her signature rock-crystal amulets, which have been part of her collection from the beginning (she still wears the first one she ever made every day), and more than anything symbolize the kind of role that St. Clair has cast for jewelry in her life: a talisman, a symbol, to be given or received or bought for yourself to carry with you throughout your life. “I’ve always been a fan of Matisse’s cutouts, which were very late in his life, because they’re very free and whimsical, just about enjoying color and shape—it was fun for me.”

She produces two collections a year for a variety of retailers, from small but trendsetting specialty boutiques to major retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Barneys New York, and as far-flung as TSUM in Moscow and stores in Dubai and Lebanon. With such a diverse base of clients to satisfy she’s found that the key is to remain true to her aesthetic that’s brought her success—that authentic blend of history, artistry, and imagination. “My collections are always seasonal and different,” she says, “but I see these pieces as a strong part of the line, new classics.” While the inspiration for this line, in stores in February, may have come from the depths of the ocean and the art museums of Europe, who knows from where this perpetual traveler will bring back her next inspiration? Having just returned from Christmas in Italy, visiting both her favorite places and her artisans there, she’s traveling to Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Japan within the next six months, and offers perhaps a hint at the future: “I’m looking at Tibet and Bhutan right now, and I’m hoping to go soon,” she says, explaining simply, “I love their colors.” She’s on her way to the airport in just a couple of hours, taking off from her aerie to absorb the world, and distill it down to its essence, into something as organic, as natural, as a single, perfect jewel. n Temple St. Clair is sold at Imperial Jewellry, Level 1, The Boulevard Emirates Towers, Dubai UAE. Telephone: +971 4 3300681

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As the world of luxury hotels in Dubai continues to expand, some still stand out among the rest—and of those, the Madinat Jumeirah still stands apart, as one o the largest properties in the region. We spoke with Regional Vice-President of Operations in Dubai, ROBERT KUNKLER, about his work at the property.

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What is your professional background? How did you end up at the Madinat Jumeirah? How did you get involved in the hotel industry?

I was born in Freiburg, Germany in 1958, and have worked in hospitality in Germany, United Kingdom, South Africa and the Philippines. Robert joined Jumeirah in 1999 in the position of General Manager of Emirates Towers Hotel from Le Meridien Dubai, where I had been the Deputy Ge neral Manager from 1996 to 1999 after being promoted from Director of Food & Beverage. In April 2004 I took over as General Manager of the Ju meirah Beach Hotel, then Resort General Manager of Madinat Jumeirah. In 2007 I was named Area General Manager of the Beach hotels in Dubai be fore becoming Regional Vice President Operations Dubai in 2009.

It was always very gratifying working for Jumeirah. Firstly to be part of the opening team of the world’s most luxurious Hotel, The Burj Al Arab. I then joined the team of our City Hotel Jumeirah Emirates Towers, moved to Jumeirah Beach Hotel as General Manager and finally joined Madinat Jumeirah.

How long have you been at the Madinat Jumeirah? What is your role in the daily operations?

Madinat Jumeirah includes three properties: the Mina A’ Salam, the Al Qasr and the Dar Al Masyaf, each with its dedicated Team and General Managers.

I am overseeing the three properties, but our dedicated team of 3500 col leagues from 80 countries make sure that every guest has an exhilarating and memorable experience.

Can you describe a bit about the resort and some of its offerings?

Madinat Jumeirah translates into the 'City of Jumeirah', so named because of the variety of the resort and is authentically Arabian styled featuring uni que UAE architecture and design.

The destination encompasses three components; two grand boutique hotels (Mina A’Salam, Al Qasr); and clusters of 29 traditional Arabic sum mer houses (Dar Al Masyaf) nestling among the gardens and waterways, all built around the souk, the traditional centre of Arabic life at the heart of the resort. The resort also provides the most comprehensive conference, incentives and banqueting facilities, a multitude of dining options, the aut hentic ancient souk, a collection of 7 royal villas and a world class spa.

Linked by waterways to all resort areas, guests can travel from Dar Al Masyaf by water taxi to Al Qasr, Talise Spa, the bustling Souk Madinat Ju meirah, Mina A’ Salam, one of the many restaurants, or any event held wit hin the resort.

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exceed their expectations. Jumeirah’s promise to “Stay Different” delivers imaginative and exhilarating experiences in a culturally connected envi ronment offering a thoughtful and generous service.

What are some of your favorite things about the hotel? Are there any new features or amenities being added soon?

I love our recent addition, the fully integrated Wellness Centre at Ta lise Spa. We’re also currently hosting Art Dubai, the first contemporary art fair in Dubai, welcoming over 70 galleries from 30 countries. Pe renially, our personalised service, from the butlers, to meet & greet, to beach service (sunglass cleaning, ice lollies, fruits/cucumber slices for eyes), our 44 restaurants and bars, our Souk Madinat Jumeirah both high end boutiques and ‘market stalls’, our waterways and abras, and our 2 km of private beach to stroll along uninterrupted make this pro perty what it is.

My personal favourite spot in Dubai is the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams De sert Resort & Spa and its Al Hadheerah Restaurant – definitely a “must see” for every visitor!

Are most of your guests regional or international?

Most of our guests come from Germany and the UK. Depending on the season we welcome many visitors from the Middle East, Asia and Russia, while very important upcoming markets are the US, Brazil and China.

What do you think Middle Eastern customers look for particularly in a hotel?

I believe that all our customers, no matter where they come from, are loo king for warm and generous service true Arabian Hospitality. Simple things such as remembering their preferences, attention to detail and luxury in everything the senses can take in.

What do you think sets your hotel apart from other luxury hotels in Dubai? What are some of the unique aspects of staying there?

Jumeirah is committed to being world’s most luxurious brand. Our core brand strategy is ‘Stay Different’ and we define luxury by providing tho ughtful and generous service through exhilarating and imaginative experi ences in a culturally connected environment.

At Jumeirah we define luxury as emotional, memorable, and above all personal, and this is what we believe today’s sophisticated luxury traveller The resort is practically a small city in terms of its size—how do you

relates and responds to. We want to be innovative, imaginative and leave our

keep the operations coordinated and ensure that you’re supervising

customers with a smile in their minds.

the property at all times? What would you say are your biggest prio

We are always looking on the trends within the hospitality as they are

rities as management?

an important indicator on what the guests needs. Our guests are primary

Maintaining our award winning team of colleagues dedicated to personali

for us and to be able to exceed their expectations we need to listen to them

zed service. The priority is and always will be to look after our guests and

and provide them with the best level of personalized service.

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What are some of the major attractions in Dubai? Some of the lesser known? How can the Madinat Jumeirah help guests experience them?

Dubai has become one of the most popular and sought after tourism de stinations in the world with its exceptional facilities, high levels of service and hospitality and a very exciting calendar of high profile sporting and en tertainment events, such as the Dubai World Cup and Dubai Desert Clas sics. It has become a year round destination that offers something for everyone. We’ve been a part of that with events like Art Dubai, and ho sting the Dubai International Film Festival for the past 4 years.

To you, what makes a great luxury hotel?

Stay at a Jumeirah Hotel to find out for yourself‌

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SIHH 2010 ooking forward from 2010 was all

L

a new turn with the equation of time concept,

about looking back this year at

which appeared in several places: essentially,

the Salon International de Haute

the watch is programmable anywhere within

Horlogerie. While the halls were

the 55th parallels to show the most exact time,

full of buyers and collectors, the new watches

sunrise and sunset for a specific city. As a

on display were mainly subtle updates and line

simple but subtle way to make a watch more

extensions, and even the newest models bor-

individual without a full-on customization, we

rowed a great deal from the successes of the

predict that more companies will explore this

past—ultra-flats were making a comeback, as

concept in the years to come. Mainly, we were

were traditional decorative techniques like

heartened as always to see that innovation

guilloching. Gray and brown faces and cases

continues apace in the workshops of Swit-

seemed to be taking back some of the market

zerland (and Germany too!) and that as the

share from the black, black, and more black

buyers return, the brands are more than ready

of the last few years, though there was plenty

to delight them, as they always have. These

of noir on hand as well. Personalization took

are some of our favorites from SIHH 2010.

Vacheron Constantin debuted several unique additions, including a new pocket watch, but it was their Historiques Ultra Fine (1955 is a round face, 1968 is a square face) that garnered most of the attention, with their classically slim profiles making a refreshing new direction next to the behemoths of recent years. We also like the latest in the Patrimony collection, and the newest Métiers d’Art, a collaboration with the Zohiko maki-e workshop in Japan that continues to delight with their artistic presentation.

IWC declared this the year of the Portugese, their staple model with classic, clean lines. The latest is the Portugese Grande Complication, the first time the Grande Complication has been housed in a new 45mm Portugese case, and what a housing it is—a striking ardoise dial evoking a globe and actual rose-gold stitching band, as sporty as ever, but with some seriously stylish chops, limited to just 50 pieces a year.

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Montblanc has turned their attention to two

models

in

particular:

the

Riussec,

debuting this year with a new kind of silicon escapement, and their more conceptual TimeWalker

Metamorphosis,

featuring

several new developments, the most obvious of which is on its face, literally—the patentpending concept created by Franck Orny and Jonny Girardin allows the classic face to fold inwards towards the center, revealing a totally different chronograph.

Cartier is making a concerted effort to expand their men’s collection, and while their movements haven’t quite convinced the techies, their styling is sure to win converts.

The Calibre Tourbillon Volange deserves serious consideration, with its exceptional flying tourbillon front and center over the bridge, as does the Rotonde de Cartier, as seen on pg 33.

Richard

Mille

continues

adding

to

his

numerically-designated collection, this time featuring RM 022, the Aerodyne dual time zone, in classic Richard Mille tonneau style, with sporty accents like the honeycomb support structure built into the dial and the delicate bridges supports the winding barrel and the tourbillon. New colors, styling, and stones decorated the face of many older models, giving them a fresh new look for the future.

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First-time participants at the SIHH, Greubel Forsay wanted to expand beyond their Baselworld booth, as their business expands from its beginnings, in 2004, as two watchmakers trying to realize their ultimate vision. The 24 Secondes is an asymmetrical beauty, with great sightlines into the case to view this off-centered mechanism, a priority for the brand’s styling.

Audemars Piguet showed a diverse range of new offerings, from the ultra-butch Royal Oak Offshore Grand Prix, with a forged carbon body that looks straight off the racetrack, to the finely designed Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar, just 4mm thick with a sunburst brushed-satin dial that would look right on any man in the world for a century in either direction. AP also debuted their ultra-personalized Royal Oak Equation of Time, an extra-flat engraved with your city of choice.

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Panerai turned its considerable face to the sky this year, with a special room to observe their Jupiterium, a glass globe with a geocentric model of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter (as observed by Galileo) showing the planets rotating in real time. On the wearable timepiece front, there is a fully customizable equation-of-time tourbillon model associated with the piece, called L’Astronomo, which takes 8 months to make. Incredibly good-looking as well is the Radomir Composite Marina Militare, featuring a new process for the case, heating aluminum until it turns into ceramic, a process borrowed from Formula 1 car construction, which creates a really unique finish.

Riding high on the successful launch of their Zeitwerk, launched last year, which showed their modernist guts, this year A. Lange & Söhne reminds us that even as a young company, their roots run deep. To celebrate their 165th anniversary the brand is celebrating with three new editions of some of their best-loved watches. The Tourbograph Pour le Mérite is the beginning of a second edition, after five years of producing the first, in a new honeygold color that is sure to spark imitations. The Lange 1 Tourbillon has been further perfected with a stop-second mechanism, and the 1815 Moonphase has a new guilloched dial in an edition of just 265 pieces.

Jumping into the ring just last year, Ralph Lauren returns this year with more of their equestrian-inspired

collection

that

so

embodied their brand’s aesthetic, it was hard to believe they hadn’t been producing these for years already. But unlike previous licensed watches, these had real horological chops with the weight of the Richemont Group behind them, so the only question is how watch buyers will respond.

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C

hampagne Piper Heidsieck CuvĂŠe Brut finds the perfect mate for its devilish red label in a classic black stiletto bearing the iconic red

sole of Christian Louboutin. The twist? The designer, in his first ever collaboration outside the fashion world, created this glass slipper to serve as a Champagne flute, to make this set, Le Rituel, a luxurious continuity of color and excess. It evokes the sex appeal of a phenomenon that has stood for generations as a symbol of excitement and decadence...we don’t suggest enjoying it alone.

Available through early 2010 online via www.lerituelpiperlouboutin.com

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