Gv#002

Thailand Edition vol. 2

Bestination

Bangkok

My Top Ten

Best Island golf Destinations

By Tony Smart

Destination

Rancho

chaRnvee

Much More Than Golf Course

Bermuda triangle

Tales of Peru Living large in queenstown

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.2 january-february 2014 / 180 baht

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the first

St. Andrews International Golf Club A new private golf course set in the Home of Golf looks for members.

Set for completion in spring 2015, St Andrews International Golf Course is a new “members-owned” golf course and the only one in St Andrews, Scotland. Targeting an influential membership, they are looking beyond traditional shores across the Atlantic to the Asian continent as well.

With limited membership in three classes – Founder, Morris, and Ross – starting from £40,000 upwards, there will be many European celebrities as well as notable golfers who will be instituted as founding members.

Sited at the former Feddinch estate, which was first recorded in The Golden Charter of 1479, it is merely 11 miles from St Andrews. The course, simply named “The Feddinch”, will be a heathland layout designed

by American Major winner and course designer Tom Weiskopf.

A traditional par 72 with a variety of tees that can stretch from 5,336 to 7,373 yards, the large greens (some double) will feature rolling undulations, a variety of steps and collection areas which will make some shots fairly demanding. A unique feature is the ‘bye-hole’ that will allow matches to be determined without returning to the first tee. Weiskopf will also design the practice facility comprising a 400 yard long range with a variety of targets and a special short game area featuring a number of bunker styles and an extensive practice putting green which will reflect actual on-course conditions.

Out of golf, there will be many facilities and amenities including a full-service clubhouse with personalised concierge service with security and privacy of utmost importance. Membership to this new golf course is by invitation only and potential members will need to complete an extensive application form and provide a CV before gaining final approval.

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Contact

Asia Representative Tel: +86 21 32507050 DID: +86 21 32507050 ext. 802 HP: +86 1820-1763-450 Fax: +86 21 32507051 Email: Luke Gilbart-Smith at lgilbartsmith@standrewsigc.com

UK Office Membership Services Email: info@ standrewsigc.com Tel: +44(0)1334806888 Fax: +44(0)1334800584 www.standrewsigc.com

contents

ON THE COVER

GOLF VACATIONS THAILAND VOLUME 2 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 RANCHO CHARNVEE RESORT & COUNTRY CLUB, KHAO YAI, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, THAILAND

Contents

GM MULTIMEDIA PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED Chairman & CEO : Pakorn Pongvarapa Executive Vice President : Finance Pornjitt Pongvarapa Executive Vice President : Editor niPan kulprasoot Executive Vice President : Business Development ritnarong kulprasoot Executive Vice President : Marketing Suebwong kaewthipharat General Manager : Panuwat Pongvarapa Finance Manager : wiMonLak asaiphanit New Media Director : PeSiLP Pongvarapa Executive Art Director : PrateeP Putchimtuck Accounting Manager : niCHaPa buparanond Editor-in-Chief : Suebwong kaewthipharat Editorial Staff : SiraYa Pongvarapa Computer Artist : PraSit anakananthpun Advertising/Marketing Manager : kongwarong Somsa Advertising/Marketing Staff : SantiPat Suksinchai Production Manager : ratana khow Marketing Development Manager : rattiYa Somchit Color Separation : kanoksilp (thailand) tel. +662 215 1588 Printing : Sirivatana interprint tel. +662 675 5600

Editor's Page “CHEERS!” “CHEERS!” was the sound that broke the silence on the peaceful Sky Bar, one of Bangkok’s roof top bars that features a magnificent view of beautiful golden-pink sunset on the swirling Chao Phraya River basin.

Raising 4 champagne glasses to cheer symbolizes an internationally recognized gesture of expressing one’s joy. I smiled and said “thank you” to all 3 diners who agreed to buy tonight’s “Drink & Dine” meal.

It’s the happiness that requires none of your effort except your time. One late morning, our fun started with a nice, relaxing round of golf right at the heart of Bangkok and continued into the afternoon with a spa treatment that is ranked as one of the top spa treatments in the world, only to finish off with a glass of champagne with Jazznova playing gently in the background through high-end speakers.

Tonight is one of the seven nights that Bangkokians have the opportunity to welcome a three-star Michelin chef who flew from France to prepare the meal, along with a crew of sommeliers ready to offer wine tasting pairing with Opus One in Vertical Tasting style. This has become a norm for Bangkokians and the city’s visitors as many restaurants have begun to offer such splendid wine tasting opportunity regularly once or more every month.

This is surely a great opportunity for us to sample the wine according to our preferences.

Another surprise during our dinner was when we noticed a tenor-opera singer singing O Sole Mio as if Luciano Pavarotti himself was singing behind us during our first course. ‘Good Food, Good Wine, Good Company and more...?

Joyous moments and exceptional feelings all happen here in Bangkok, the city of charm that offers great diversity, never sleeps and is ready for you to reap happiness any time around the clock but most importantly is the exceptional “price” that is considered More Value for Money.

There is no wonder why Bangkok has earned the World’s Best City Award for 4 consecutive years from Travel + Leisure Magazine.

Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

SingapoRE Company: Pacom Media Pte Ltd Address: 801 Toa Payoh Lorong 7, #06-08, Wearnes Building, Singapore 319319 Tel: (65) 6323 9600 Publisher: Karen Chan Managing Editor: Benny Teo CHina, Hong Kong & MaCau Company: Senasia Publication Group Ltd Address: Unit 832, 8/F, Metro Centre II, No. 21 Lam Hing Street, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2570 6123 Website: www.senasia.com.hk Publisher: Alan Mok Managing Editor: Alex Tam CzECH REpubliC Company: Resort Media s.r.o.

Address: Škroupovo nŠmestŠ 1255/9, 130 00 Prague 3, Czech Republic Tel: +420 271 773 934 Website: www.golfvacations.cz Publisher: Vera Hartmanova Managing Editor: Cenek Lorenc MalaySia Company: Big Shot Media Sdn Bhd address: 31-5, Block E1, Dataran Prima, Jalan PJU 1/42, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Tel: +603 7880 2788 publisher: Louis Foo Managing Editor: Tony Francis

THailand

Company: GM Multimedia Public Company Limited Address: GM Group Building, 914, Rama 5 Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand Tel: +662 241 8000 Website: www.gvthailand.com Website: www.gmgroup.in.th E-mail: thepooh.gvthailand@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/ golfvacationsthailand Publisher: Pakorn Pongvarapa Editor-in-chief: Suebwong Kaewthipharat

contributors

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Justine Moss

tony sMart

She’s gone from Thailand to Laos and now to Queenstown in New Zealand getting soaked up in the wonderful sights and outdoor adventures the area has to offer. With reading the news on radio every morning and conducting media training after, Justine also writes for the Business Times when not leisurely traveling for us.

Where does she find the time?

He’s a Londoner but he loves the beaches.

That’s probably the understatement of the year for any Englishman actually. Tony’s stay in Mauritius some years back has brought forth many interesting experiences, including one in Seychelles, another in Bermuda, and from there, island-hopping for what this story on his top ten favourite island golf destinations. Been to them all yet?

DaviD J.Whyte

Bek van vliet

They say the Scots are natural golfers, and while David would love to live that, he’s been commissioned by us to travel the world in search of the finest golf schools. Here, he finds himself at Doonbeg, just across the Irish Straits from where he lives, and figures out the uncanny game of links golf that has perturbed him all his life.

Bek is a graduate of media production and communications, converting her degree into a career as a journalist and content producer for various entertainment dotcoms and magazines. She arrived in Bangkok in 2005 to complete a four-month contract and has never left. She has written for MTV Screen, Ministry of Sound, and Nylon in Australia, and several publications in Thailand, including The Bangkok Post. She lives in Sathorn with her two cats and her favourite cuisine is Northeastern Thai.

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Contributors shaun mcGuckIan

nantakWanG sIrasoontorn

When he’s not out searching for ways to get professional golfers to let their hair down, the editor of GolfPunk UK actually does a lot of pondering about the state of the game. A year in perspective, Shaun sheds some light on the state of golf in Asia and tells us what he thinks of the ‘big boys’ coming over for tournament play.

Nantakwang is the Creative Director of GM Group who has experience working as Master Degree of Art’s visiting instructor at Thammasart University and Chiang Mai University, Guest DJ at 99 FM and 89 FM radio, columnist for many magazines and a TV host at Nation Channel.

IttIchaI BenjathanasomBat Ittichai is the Managing Director of Cellar Eleven Wine Bar & Bistro. He has over 20 years of experience in financial consulting and real estate development industry. His passsion lies in food, wine and travelling.

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jafrI m.

Probably the most well-traveled financial advisor we know, Jafri packs his luggage to Peru this time, and spends a fortnight breezing across the South American country’s vast and varied historical monuments. Invigorating? Well, let’s hear it from him.

Postcard

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chiangmai Highlands golf and spa resort, thailand Par 4, Hole 10

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cartogolf

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World of Scenic Holes The world of golf is also the world of sight-seeing as we search for the beauty queens amongst the lot.

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Hole 8, Par 3, “Postage stamP”, royal troon, scotland

Hole 9, Par 5, sPring city golf and lake resort, cHina

Hole 13, Par 3, tHe lost city, soUtH africa

Hole 18, Par 5, tHe montgomerie, dUbai

Hole 16, Par 3, cyPress Point, Usa

Few other par 3s around the world can claim such drama over such a short distance. The 8th at Royal Troon is named “The Postage Stamp” for a reason. It’s square, and it’s hard to hold on to once the winds get going.

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The ultimate scenic hole location with Lake Yang Zhong Hai to its right and a greensite that sits almost on its own, jutting into the water. Cliff to the left with full-bloom flowers of Spring makes this a jaw-dropping sight.

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Probably the most dangerous 160 yards in golf. This elevated par 3 may not be long, but it’s got a sight that will inevitably draw golfers wherever they come from - 38 live Nile crocodiles residing in the pit circumventing the hole makes this an unforgettable experience.

Well known as a golfer, Monty is also a prolific course designer, and with this early work, he has masterfully crafted a links course out of the desert with the finishing hole at 656 yards, offering a monstrous finale. With water protecting the front of the green, it defies even the best player to hit the green in two.

The antithesis of the Postage Stamp, the 16th at Cypress Point is a punishingly long 220-yard carry over the ocean to get there.

Driver is the only option here and even then, it may not be enough.

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*COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE

The First Luxurious Onsen Condominuim in Thailand The First Onsen Condominium in Thailand which is located at Khao Yai (Nakhon Ratchasima Province) Super luxurious onsen condominium under the concept of Elegant Tranquility with a unique Japanese Modern architectural style, zen-inspired design, authentic Japanese onsen and 360-degree panoramic view of Khao Yai. Sales Gallery

ZEN NEXT @ Khao Yai (Opposite Khao Yai Kitchen)

For more information

084 – 810 – 7777, 0 – 2332 – 2333 www.zennext-condo.com

Regular

Type S

Type M

*Images for advertising purposes only. Completed product may differ from artist’s representation.The developer retains the right to change or modify any details for any reason and without prior notice.The Owner; K.D. Asset and Development Co.,Ltd. Registered capital (Bant): 150,000,000.- (Fully paid up).Head offce located at no. 120 Ample Tower 20 th Floor, Bangna, Bangkok 10260. Managing Director: Mr.Theadsak Boontos. Zen Next project will be constructed as a Residential Condominium on the land little deeds no.56156 and 77064, total of 2 plot(s) approximately land areas: 3 Rais, Tanarat Rd. Moo See Sub-district, Pakchong District, Nakornratchasrima. Currently, the land is under obligations of Thanachat Bank Public Company Limited. Construction permission No.70/2556 (Sun Building), Construction expected to start from April 2013 and expected to be completed in October 2014, The company reserves the right to make any changes without prior notice.

Type L

Journal ★ Design

The Centurion Club A new private club that aims to be the top of the game.

Almost 2,000 years ago the Romans invaded Britain and in AD61 a Roman general, Gaius Suetonious Paulinus, and his centurions led a Roman army to victory over Icenian rebel, Boudicca, ending resistance to Roman rule in the southern portion of Britain for over 300 years, at the Battle of Watling Street in Verulamium, or St. Albans as it’s now known.

In July 2013, a new exclusive golf club has opened at St. Albans. Taking their theme from the town’s Roman history, they have chosen to call themselves the Centurion Club with two of their four categories of membership called ‘Senate’ and ‘Centurion’. The other two categories are ‘International’ and ‘Corporate’.

The International Memberships are limited to golfers who reside abroad and are a member of a notable overseas golf club.

Members in this category are allowed only 12 visits per annum but each can bring three guests on weekdays or one at the weekends.

They are also entitled to play in all club competitions.

The initial fee for becoming an International Member of Centurion Club has been fixed at $2,750 while the annual fee has been set at $2,250. The annual fee is the minimum spend per annum.

The 6,756-yard, par 74 course was designed by Simon Gidman, a former president of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, and it’s a great layout in superb condition with magnificent greens. And the club’s owners aim to make the superb course condition last all year round, having employed Troon Golf to advise on agronomy.

Gidman’s belief is that a golf course should be defined by the spirit of its landscape and here he has created a natural lay-out which wanders up and down hills and features 80 bunkers, four major water features and undulating bent grass greens. The course has an unusual format with seven par-5s, six par-4s, and five par3s, starting in mature woodland with a par five and culminating with a par five protected by a large lake to the right of the green.

Managing director Scott Evans, who has extensive management experience at Troon Golf at Dubai Creek and Loch Lomond says, “We offer our members what will become a world-renowned golf course, in an immaculate setting combined with an experience rarely offered so close to a global urban hub such as London.”

1st hole

18th green

13th hole

www.centurionclub.co.uk Guided tours can be arranged by calling +44 1442 510 520.

Getting there:

A few miles from junction 8 on the M1 and junction 21a on the M25, 10 minutes drive from Luton Airport, 25 minutes by car from Heathrow Airport and, by train from St. Albans, just 30 minutes to the centre of London.

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By to n y s m a rt

Journal

★

Suitespot

Waldorf Astoria

Luxury, old as spice, as reconciled in the form of the Waldorf Astoria, finds its way across the globe to the Emirates.

A distinct landmark finally made its way to the

oil rich United Arab Emirates in the form of the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. Today a Hilton Worldwide luxury brand, their first hotel in the UAE is the 25th addition to the global Waldorf Astoria portfolio globally – a stretch from its roots back in New York’s 5th Avenue 120 years ago.

Lauded as the first hotel that started what is now commonly expected as ‘room service’, this new site, like all others, discerningly picked, offers sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf at this northeastern province whose Arabic name loosely translates as “Top of the Tent”, in reference no doubt, to its geographical location.

waLdorf astoria ras aL KhaiMah

Junior suite sea View BaLcony night

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www.waldorfastoria.com

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peacocK aLLey

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The highly anticipated 346-room Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will delight connoisseurs of luxury who have sampled the fast modernising cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and are out looking for something more unique. Located just 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah boasts majestic mountain ranges, expanses of red sandy desert and lush green plains along a series of creeks and lagoons. Charming historic sites, forts and abandoned villages also echo the Emirate’s 5,000-year heritage.

It is against this backdrop that the Waldof Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is set, with designs mirroring the magnificent classic features of an Arabian palace, and yet bringing its distinctive experience to all who enter. Most notably, the two brand signatures – a grand lobby clock and Peacock Alley – are found here but with adherence to its new cultural roots with the clock paying tribute to the five daily prayer times of the Islamic faith, and Peacock Alley located across ground floor and mezzanine levels, reminiscent of the grand social promenade that connected the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels in New York as a place to see and be seen.

The hotel boasts spacious rooms and suites, a stunning 350-metre private beach and two temperature-controlled outdoor pools. Dining at the Waldof Astoria is a process to be enjoyed with four fine restaurants in the US steakhouse, The Lexington Grill, Japanese dining Umi and Emirati-inspired cuisine at Marjan. Add to that, a tea lounge, an exclusive nightclub, its famous cigar bar and two outdoor dining venues, there is plenty to whet the senses from, all reflecting the authenticity of individual cultures and styles.

Saving the best for last is the hotel’s distinctive 18-hole championship golf course that is built in the heritage of its lauded cousins in Hawaii (Grand Wailea), Arizona (The Boulders) and Florida (Boca Raton) and will join the nearby Al Hamra Village Golf Resort and Tower Links Golf Club as an inviting visit for golf aficionados looking to enrich their experience of the game we all love. Thereafter, soak into the Emirate’s largest spa at 1,650 square metres and relax the day away.

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By Joseph Lancaster

dtac

staff across Thailand join forces to “Do Good for the King” With renovation of 86 schools and implementation of the “1 Million Hours for Thai Children - Internet for All” project.

“Under the project, dtac donated SIM cards, air cards and free internet service packages to 86 schools.

These schools were jointly selected by dtac and the Technology Learning Center of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). We aim to offer this gift of knowledge to a total of 200 schools by mid 2014 and over 2,000 schools with 1,000,000 students by 2016.

On top of this, dtac staff demonstrated to the students how to use the internet effectively and to avoid using the technology inappropriately. They also used this opportunity to introduce Wikipedia to students,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Carolynne Schloeder, Director of Mobile Programs at Wikimedia Foundation, which operates Wikipedia, said that “Wikipedia is the world’s largest online encyclopedia. The fact that it is continually updated at a rapid speed means it has advantages over print versions of encyclopedias. Our dream is for everyone in this world to enjoy free access to information. In cooperation with dtac, we have recently developed a new channel so that people can access our service from their mobile phones. ‘Wikipedia Zero,’ is the new service enabling users to search for information on their mobile phones free of charge. It is an attempt to promote a learning culture for the educational benefit of youths.”

Mr. Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO, Telenor Group said: “I am impressed by the impact you made on your CSR day on 3 December. With the Internet for All – 1 million hours for Thai children you are not only helping improve the physical environment in schools, you are enabling the youth of Thailand to experience data connectivity first hand and to gain access to the world’s largest repository of knowledge. This is empowerment in practice.”

dtac celebrates Father’s Day on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 86th anniversary by supporting its staff to do good deeds nationwide, renovating 86 schools and presenting free internet to rural students. It has also joined hands with Wikipedia to launch Wikipedia Zero service in the hope of elevating Thai educational standards, while increasing Thai students’ capacity to compete internationally.

Mr. Jon Eddy Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Total Access Communication Public Co., Ltd. or dtac said that “the company has already achieved its goal of the ‘100,000 Hours Do Goood, Feel Goood” project in which it encouraged over 5,000 staff members to sacrifice their personal time to do good things for Thai society and local communities to reach 100,000 hours by the end of 2013 so as to help improve the quality of life of the Thai people.”

To mark the auspicious day of December 5, dtac staff from all over the country went out to do something good for Thai society. They carried out the “1 Million Hours for Thai Children - Internet for All” project so that more students in rural areas will have access to the Internet at their schools, thereby narrowing the digital divide in the country.

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Journal ★ Travel

Sky Safari,

by Elewana Collection

An eight-day adventure in East Africa with memories to last a lifetime.

Glamping, a word that is the ultimate in ironic travel.

It simply means luxury camping on a grand scale. This unique experience, once perhaps the purview of warring Khans from antiquity, is today a reality for those who can afford this method of bespoke adventure.

Certainly, living a nomadic lifestyle, however breezy, is not for everyone, which is why the Elewana Collection, with their careful selection of lodges, camps and hotels in East Africa, came up with a unique offering by taking to the skies to offer the ultimate glamorous camping experience.

SkySafari by Elewana, a deluxe all-inclusive package solution, is a bespoke blend of incomparable game viewing opportunities, luxuriant accommodations, intimate dining choices and tailor made experiences, all combining to create a series of unsurpassable and lifelong memories of Africa.

If, in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Life is a journey, not a destination”, SkySafari is all about ensuring exemplary and unfettered access to the wildlife spectacular that is Africa during each stage of the journey. With SkySafari, how you travel is as significant as where you stay and both the journey and accommodation form an integral part of the definitive safari experience.

Adventurers travel in style onboard SkySafari’s own executive class Grand Cessna Caravan plane, the only aircraft of its kind in Tanzania, between the parks and conservation areas in the air and in custom fitted Safari Land Cruisers and Land Rovers on the ground. The seven-night, eight-day journey takes travellers across Northern Tanzania’s most

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iconic locations with unique accommodations at four Elewana Collection lodges and camps.

In the Serengeti, guests are in for the pinnacle of glamorous camping in tented rooms that pay homage to the mobile camps of the 1930’s and exude decadence reminiscent of African high society life in days gone by, all whilst being strategically positioned to offer superlative access to the extraordinary annual Great Migration.

On the edge of an elephant migration corridor they step up to luxurious new heights in tree houses perched high up above the baobab and marula trees with unmatched views of the largest herds of elephants on the continent. And on a huge coffee estate in the hills south of the Ngorongoro Crater one of the first safari lodges to blend East African hospitality with old world Afro-European architecture and decor offers the perfect grandiose rest stop on the safari trial. www.skysafari.com www.elewanacollection.com

By Wilsurn lim

From a private golf course to an open course

Before it became a resort and golf course, Rancho Charnvee was initially the private home and farm of Anutin Charnveerakul. Later a horse stable and a private airport were built in the property. After a period of time the farm was replaced by a private golf course while the stable was renovated into a clubhouse in which the second floor was made as an accommodation for personal guests.

The 9-hole private golf course was originally intended for Anutin’s family and friends to enjoy. Despite being a closed private course, Anutin, being someone who gives his fullest in everything he does, hired Bob Mcfarland, a leading architect and professional golf course designer from the United States to design the golf course. After its completion, the course has been maintained well according to professional standards.

It’s not a wonder why friends who visited the golf course were impressed with how this place can give golfers the challenge of the game while experiencing the beauty of nature. In fact, they convinced Anutin to build a complete 18-hole course and open the course for the public to experience. The additional 9-hole course was also drafted by Bob Mcfarland. However, this time Anutin was the one who specified where each hole should be positioned.

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Fun, Challenge, and Entertainment

This standard 18-hole, 72 par, 7,131-yard championship golf course is presented in a luxurious concept and, at the same time, is challenging for golfers of all handicaps. Golfers witness the extravagance of Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club the moment they set foot on the course. Different breeds of horses are used to portray the levels of difficulty of each hole.

As mentioned earlier, this course was designed and built by a world-class golfer. Therefore the challenge this course brings makes it the location where several golf tournaments were held. In addition, the course has been well maintained with meticulous care given to every area of the course, such as the fairway, the green, and water and sand hazards. The result of this perfect combination is the golf course that is called the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club.

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Going through the details of the golf course, you will see that the tee markers for each hole are in the form of horses. These horses are meant to mark the start of the (golf) journey. You will also notice that the yardage markers are in white and red, with horse shoes on top of the markers. For instance, the white yardage marker means that there is 150 yards left to the green while the red marker means that the distance to the green at that spot is 100 yards. These little details bring out the uniqueness of this place, in addition to its beauty. While the different levels of difficulty of each hole excites golfers, the main unique feature lies in the slope of each green. The slope of some greens are found to be slanted while others are curved, making putting challenging and fun at the same time.

To instill a feeling of ownership in this course, golfers were asked to vote for their most preferred hole in the entire course. The hole with the highest votes was named the golf course’s signature hole. This is the reason why the 18th hole is labeled the signature hole. The 7th hole came in a close second.

The charm of the 7th hole is in its details. The distance of this par 3 hole is 162 yards from the blue marker, 147 yards from the white marker, and 133 yards from the red marker. With a handicap of 13, the teeing ground for this hole is higher than the green, with a pond on the left side of the green and 2 sand traps on the right. This means that if you become mesmerized by the view of the yacht that is sitting in 34

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the middle of the lagoon, there is a great chance that you will end up hitting your ball into the pond. Golfers wouldn’t miss a chance a picture with the “RANCHO CHARNVEE” sign at this hole to take back as a souvenir.

The 13th hole is a par 3 hole surrounded by the view of the Khao Yai mountain.

The scenery is so beautiful you feel like you’re standing in the middle of a painting.

The distance from the blue marker to the green is 200 yards, 172 yards from the white marker, and 145 yards from the red marker. This 16 handicap hole is another one where you’ll need to keep your focus because the teeing ground is also higher than the green. If you hit the ball too high then you might be trapped by the bunkers surrounding the green.

The 18th hole is the signature hole with 4 pars and handicap level of 10.

The distance from the blue marker is 330 yards, 320 yards from the white marker, and 300 yards from the red. What makes this hole so special is the elevated green surrounded by sand hazards. It becomes even more special when you stand at the tee-off area of the 18th hole and look back to the green. You will get a 360-degree panoramic view of a yacht in front, a clubhouse and green in the center, and a background view of the Khao Yai mountain. Golfers will have to be cautious of being distracted by the beautiful scenery and end up hitting the ball into the bunkers or water. Don’t say you were not warned because if you end up in one of those deep bunkers, it will be quite difficult to get out with a satisfactory play.

Take a Break at the clubhouse

After being moved to its new location, the new clubhouse presents itself in a simple, yet luxurious country style. The clubhouse boasts its yacht placed in the middle of the lagoon and a 360-degree open air view of nature. The clubhouse is packed with amenities for golfers, such as a restaurant that serves international food prepared by an expert chef who uses only quality ingredients. There is also Rancho De Charnvee coffee shop for guests who prefer to take a sip of coffee in the morning or in the afternoon while breathing in the fresh air. In addition, there are banquet halls available that range from the small rooms for private and personal parties to the bigger ones that could fit around 200 guests. Other amenities include shower rooms, locker rooms and a pro shop where golf fans can buy souvenirs.

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Rest at the Resort

Aside from the challenging golf course, the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club also has accommodations for guests. The rooms are luxurious in a European country style, and are surrounded by the nature of Khao Yai to make your relaxation time complete.

Initially, the old club house was renovated into 14 bedrooms to accommodate personal guests who came to play some rounds of golf.

However, when the golf course was opened to the public more rooms were made to accommodate the additional guests. Building 1 and Villas 1-7 were designed in English country style, with a striped walkway. The decorations were inspired by rural English and cowboy styles. The design of Villa 8 is a combination of vintage and modern.

The 2nd and 3rd buildings were later built to meet the increased demands.

Both buildings were built in the form of European mansions and decorated with the luxurious Louis style designs.

The hotel and resort of Rancho Charnvee are available in various types: 40 superior rooms, 12 deluxe rooms, 2 suites, and 8 private houses. The houses are divided into three 1-bedroom types and five 2-bedroom types.

Anutin himself has been involved in every process of building Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, such as choosing the furniture and appliances. Most importantly, he wants to make sure that guests are satisfied and impressed with the services received. He wants his guests to feel that they were his friends visiting his home.

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Other amenities Experience this world class service at Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club. Call us at 044 756 210-3 or 088 378 2324.

333/2 Khanongphra, Pakchong, Nakhon Rachasima or visit our website at www. ranchocharnvee. com

There are other amenities at the Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, such as fully equipped seminar rooms that are available to small and big groups. Another one would be Chez Sonia, which offers a variety of European foods particularly Italian cuisines, such as salmon steak with meuniere sauce, pork chop with apple sauce, and strip loin with red wine sauce. You can order a special drink such as the sweet-colored Berry Martini to make your meal even more special. The restaurant also has a pizza oven and wine room ready to serve guests. Other activities guests can enjoy are the fitness gym, a big-sized swimming pool, biking in the midst of nature and horse-back riding. The resort also has a small private airport ready to welcome a special guest like you.

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Clubhouse

The Optimistic Perfectionist Anutin Charnvirakul, owner of Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, discusses life and managing an 18-hole golf course. - t h e p o o h

It takes a great deal of determination and a keen eye to details in making a large scale project such as an 18-hole golf course with a hotel, and a private airport within a 700-rai land a success. The road taken and managing such project did not come easy, admits Anutin Charnvirakul Ex-CEO of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc. and Bhumjaithai Party leader. However, he has firmly believed that there is nothing beyond reach.

And he simply has to just put his best effort and focused mind to it – to accomplish great results.

For about 2 years of the establishment, Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club and its 18-hole course in Pakchong district by Anutin Charnvirakul is regarded and praised by many local and international golfers and visitors for its high quality, a well-maintained golf course, hospitable hotel, and appreciated for its high level of service and deep attention to details.

“Before this became an 18-hole course, I did not have a slightest clue that it would turn out as big to what has been developed today. Just right after I took a leave from politics after the coup that took place in September 19, 2006, I felt tired and did not want to go back to the private sector as someone had already been assigned to oversee the businesses that I was involved in. So I thought that I would be best move to the province and take a break 38

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and spend more time with my family. I would spend my time in Bonanza and would frequently drive up to this plot of land. There was something strange that took me and it seemed I belonged here and did not want to depart it. And it only took me 2 hours to make a decision to buy the first plot of the land.”

Before this 700-rai of barren land was converted and decorated with green fields and equipped with full range of convenient amenities, it used to be a plantation by the previous owner, said Anutin. He was a businessman who wanted to settle down and focus on farming such as sugarcane, cassava or corn. However, because he lacked the capital and farming skills and expertise, the project wasn’t very successful. So the idea of acquiring the mentioned plot and converting it to a golf course took place.

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“It’s difficult for me to let go of a failure, and would not want to go in the same path. It would be better for me to find a new purpose for the land. I managed to acquire it as a bargain so it was completely feasible to convert it to anything.”

With strong experience in large scale construction and building know-how, these points were taken in account and used in the design and management of this golf course. This also included the hiring of a foreign consultant with expertise in creating mountainous courses to help design a 9-hole golf course. He had a good amount of friends, so the initial concept was to push this property to become an exclusive golf course to which only VIP guests are invited. However, with the high monthly maintenance cost, this was a wrong decision made and was later adjusted.

“Not everything went according to what we had originally intended, with the high cost of maintenance and development. Once we completed the construction, we could not leave the course under poor maintenance. Just to take care of the tee-off area, fairway and greens was not good enough. When the rest was left under-maintained, it became just like government-run courses. I myself could not stand this. I needed the course to be beautiful in all corners. It should have a beautiful contour and the grass must be well kept. However, what followed next was the high cost of maintaining it. It took us about 600,000- 700,000 baht to take care of the grounds, as we needed a large workforce to take care of the grass and well keep the green. For the green, if you don’t care for it more than 3 days, it will be ruined. This happened because I did not think it through.”

Once Anutin slowly made changes to the structure, he managed to convert some areas for golfers to stay and relax. And later this turned out to become an 18-hole golf course. And to serve the needs of golfers who wanted to bring their families along, he then later thought that he should develop the hotel in a western style that relied upon customers’ self-service concept. This did not receive good feedback because Thais are more accustomed to full service and then Anutin had to upgrade the hotel to meet customer’s needs and fitted the hotel with full amenities, service and facilities.

“The course is starting to gain recognition from the public and that we have started to take in seminars and conferences. Our customers are mainly from seminars and we rarely receive walk-in customers as most are golfers who come in big groups. Usually golfers would bring their families along as there is a place for them to rest and this later expanded well. Initially it was only a place for golfers to spend the night and start out the morning playing golf. Then it turned out we needed to provide amenities such as a pool, fitness club, cycling and horseback riding areas.”

The Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club stands out with its full range of amenities and attention to details.

The guest rooms are provided with a coffee maker, furniture and other premium amenities. Anutin believes that this is his long-term investments.

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“When I sell condominiums, I am willing to take in only a “I have a very small profit in order to make customers feel that we are delicate eye for giving them the very best.

This is similar to hotels. All details. To what furniture and appliances have many might not see, been specially made for this hotel only. Don’t ponder upon I would then be able the investment made to this as it would take at least 300 to see. I am able to years to break even. It sounds yet possible. As see a candy wrapper unbelievable, a businessman, I think of every angle. If I don’t create a good in the golf course. hotel with a good-quality golf course, it would be worth only I really don’t know 200,000 baht. But today with if I can call myself a the great facilities at Rancho Charnvee and a great golf happy person or a course, I can easily make two million baht for the selling sad one.” price. I think I have gained the profit from the value added to the property itself.”

Its success today is not just because it is Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club. It is also because Anutin is a person who is focused in doing business and brings a great deal of experience to apply in everything else he sets his mind to do. “ I have this very character that if I do something, I must deliver upon only the best. I am fortunate that both my mom and dad has built a family business and that I am able to live and survive upon it. I don’t do business for the sake of making money. Otherwise, building golf courses is a wrong idea because then you have to cut costs, up to 35 percent. And it would become a plain and ordinary course, and I could not very well accept that.”

It won’t be wrong to call Anutin Charnvirakul a perfectionist.

“I have a very delicate eye for details. To what many might not see, I would then be able to see. I am able to see a candy

wrapper in the golf course. I can see marks made in the wallpaper of the guest room. I really don’t know if I can call myself a happy person or a sad one. I can find dust stuck on the side wall when I go around to inspect the hotel.

After touching the wall, when I raise my pointing finger to see the dust on it, my staff then would know what is expected of them to do.”

Upon entering Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club, you will encounter a private airport with no less than 3 aircrafts parked because Anutin is an enthusiast in flying airplanes. He has earned a degree as a commercial pilot and a license to operate such planes and has an intention to build a private airport for the convenience of golfers to travel to the golf course and make it as a highlight to the golf course.

“Every week, there are planes coming from everywhere such as from Singapore, Malaysia, etc. Golfers come to stay at the resort. Here landing and taking off is free.

No extra charges for the airport services. I consider their flying here as my honour. I provide them with a parking space, a caretaker, fueling service and a place to take a rest. For those flying for many hours, they don’t have

to make a single trip. They can stop over and take a break, have some meals then continue with their trips. Every week there are planes visiting my resort and seeing the landing on my strip makes me very delighted.”

Even though he has lived a very simple life, he still maintains the attention to details of everything.

Anutin is a businessman who has a good taste and is a guru in food which is mostly simple Thai cuisine.

The kitchen of Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club has its specialty and expertise in delicately cooking original and traditional dishes.

“I love good tasting food. Tasty doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. At the clubhouse, if we have more than 100 visitors, we will have a special corner for traditional noodles. We serve pork and duck noodles and guests will feel like eating at a nice noodle stall, not so pretentious that you would not want to eat.”

Attention to details is an important element Anutin uses in managing his team. By wearing many hats; having many roles such as being a politician, businessman – he needs a strong and sharp management style.

“I have been brought up very fortunate. I don’t have to worry much about power and I trust my people. I believe that if all the power has to come back to me, not trusting upon the people around me – then all the load and work will come only to me.

I would provide each one of them with full authority.

I believe that if people have good intentions, then they are able to perform on anything. And when they can perform well, they will have the confidence to continue with their tasks. If they fail, then they will learn from that mistake and remember it for the rest of their lives. And I will not get mad at them, as punishing them will not bring back any good results.

Our time, effort and all the investment put in them will be in vain. We will have to recruit new people to start from scratch. It is useless. I usually do not scare people away but I believe in “giving the right job to the right man.”

One simple sentence to define Anutin is that he is an optimist. He seldom gets frustrated whenever a problem arises. His true and independent self reflects in the management style and policy that is “We are what we are”. He is convinced that with determination and honesty, giving the fullest effort to work will eventually deliver great successes.

“I believe that life is this simple, and we should have good surroundings and not enemies. Don’t get greedy. And do anything that will make us happy.

We must not inflict pain to others. Don’t cheat off anyone and don’t let anyone take advantage of yourself. But if you are to be fooled or taken advantage of, then you are aware of it or it is your will to do so. I think this is it; no more, no less.”

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Legends

Jack Nicklaus may have 18 Majors but Samuel Jackson Snead is the man with the records to beat. - BY to n Y s m a rt

Opening picture: Sam Snead, 1951.

Left: the younger Snead with a sense of humour.

It’s June 1939 at the US Open at Philadelphia Country Club.

Sam Snead is standing on the final tee needing only a par to win the tournament at the par 5, 18th hole. However, there were no oncourse scoreboards back then and a spectator has told Snead that he needs a birdie to win so Snead plays the hole aggressively, finding two bunkers and finishing with a triple bogey 8 to miss play-off by two shots. This is the first of Snead’s many mishaps at the US Open; the only Major this great golfer never won in an illustrious career spanning five decades. That’s right, five decades. Only Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson have come close to matching Snead's longevity as a professional golfer.

Snead’s second US Open disaster came in 1947 at the St. Louis Country Club when he missed a 2½ foot putt at the final play-off hole to gift the title to Lew Worsham after Worsham, who had a similar length putt, interrupted play just as Snead was about to putt, asking for the putts to be measured to determine who should putt first.

Whether or not this was gamesmanship or a genuine concern for order of play, it certainly ruined Snead’s concentration. He missed his putt, Worsham holed it, and the rest as they say, is history. Two years later, at Medinah Country Club, Snead came to the last needing a birdie to force a play-off but could only make par and another US Open slipped from his grasp.

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frOm tOp: Wentworth, 1964; A lighthearted moment at the practice range.

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But if Slammin’ Sammy couldn’t win a US Open he could certainly win everything else. Three Masters, three US PGA Championships, and one British Open brought his career Majors haul to seven, and he still holds the record for the most wins in the US with 82 victories. Tiger Woods, who lies second with 74, is the only current professional who has any chance of overtaking Snead. Slammin’ Sammy also won 69 other regular professional tournaments around the world, 14 Seniors titles, and one LPGA tournament.

Perhaps this last victory needs further explanation less anyone gets the wrong idea. The Royal Poinciana Invitational was a golf tournament on the LPGA Tour in 1961 and 1962 in which male professionals were allowed to compete. It was played at the Palm Beach Golf Club in Palm Beach, Florida, a par-3 course. In 1961, the field consisted of 24 men and women, both amateurs and professionals.

The tournament was 54 holes and won by Louise Suggs with Snead finishing third, two shots behind.

The following year the field consisted of Snead and

14 LPGA golfers and was played over 72 holes.

Snead won by five strokes over Mickey Wright, making him the only man to win an official LPGA Tour event.

Snead won “about $1,500” for taking first place, but it came with a price as, according to a Palm Beach Post report at the time, “The last three holes [of the opening round] were played with the knowledge that his expensive little inboard runabout boat was slowly sinking, just a wedge shot from the course, in Lake Worth.”

BeGINNINGS Samuel Jackson Snead was born on May 27th 1912 in Ashworth, Virginia into a poor family.

The youngest of six children, Snead was a natural athlete and at high school he could run the 100yard dash in 10 seconds flat. even in his 70s, he could still kick the top of a 7-foot door from a standing position.

As a child he preferred to go barefoot rather than wear shoes and, with a natural musical rhythm, he taught himself to play the banjo and trumpet by ear. He learned golf in much the same way and, on those rare occasions when the rhythm of his swing was off, he could regain it by removing his shoes and socks, as he did for nine holes at the 1942 Masters.

Snead was first drawn to golf after watching his older brother Homer hit balls across the family's cow and chicken farm, and he started in golf by caddying at the nearby Homestead Hotel golf course in Hot Springs, Virginia. Soon he was making his own clubs out of maple tree branches and using balls he found caddying.

With a natural gift for the game, he got his first assistant pro job aged 19 at The Homestead, then moved to the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia in 1935 as playing professional. In 1936 he joined the PGA Tour and quickly took the Tour by storm, winning four tournaments in 1937 and eight the following year when he was the Tour's leading money winner as well as collecting the Vardon Trophy for lowest stroke average for the year.

Snead was an immensely long hitter and also a very creative shotmaker and, with his penchant for straw hats and his talent for playing the game barefooted, was immediately seen as a highly marketable commodity. Under the management of the famous American sports promoter Fred Corcoran, who marketed Snead as a hillbilly force of nature out of the Back Creek Mountains of Virginia, he soon became golf's prime attraction.

And so began an incredible career that spans over six decades, from the PGA Tour to the then Seniors (now Champions) Tour. His last win on the main tour was at the Greater Greensboro

In 1979 he was the youngest PGA Tour golfer to shoot his age (67) in the second round of the Quad Cities Open. He shot under his age (66) in the final round.

Open in 1965, an event he won eight times, the Tour record for victories from a single tournament. When he won in 1965 he was aged 52 years and 311 days, making him the oldest player to win a PGA Tour event to this day.

Indeed, whilst his record on the tour was phenomenal, his achievements past the age of 50 were almost unbelievable. In 1973, Snead became the oldest player to make the cut in a US Open at age 61, a record that still stands. He shot a final round 68 at the 1974 PGA Championship to finish tied for third, three strokes behind winner Lee Trevino.

At age 62, it was Snead's third consecutive top-10 finish at the PGA Championship, but his last time in contention at a major.

He also remains the oldest player to make the cut at a major aged 67 years, 2 months, and seven days at the 1979 PGA Championship, the only player to post a top-10 finish in at least one major championship in five different decades, and in 1979 he was the youngest PGA Tour golfer to shoot his age (67) in the second round of the Quad Cities Open.

He shot under his age (66) in the final round. This is the only time this has happened on the PGA Tour and the only time it's ever likely to happen.

Needless to say Snead also featured heavily in the Ryder Cup, playing for the winning USA side in 1937, 1947-55, and 1959. In 1951 and 1959 he was also captain of the team, one of the few playing captains there has been in the Cup's history, and in 1969, he was non-playing captain in the first tied-match in the competition's history.

Throughout his career, Snead was admired by his peers for having a perfect swing, the result perhaps of his natural rhythm. And his record speaks for itself. In his later years he also experimented with various putting methods, first putting ‘croquet’ style, facing the hole and putting from in between his legs.

However, the United States Golf Association banned this in 1968 so Snead changed to putting side-saddle, crouching with his feet again pointing towards the hole, holding his putter with his hands apart on the grip and putting from outside his right foot. He used this style for the rest of his career.

In 2000, a couple of years before he died following complications from a stroke, Snead was acknowledged as the third greatest golfer of all time behind only Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan.

This was a great tribute to one who only played golf “so I can afford to hunt and fish”. He left us with many pearls of wisdom about the game such as, “Of all the hazards, fear is the worst”, or “Forget your opponents, always play against par”, and a particular favourite: “If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork the way they do a golf club, they'd starve to death.”

They just don't make 'em like Slammin' Sammy no more.

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He gave so many thrills and spills to his fans during his playing days on the world stage, but as a designer, Jack has probably delivered even more, thanks to the myriads of golf courses millions can play globally.

With many of his courses and holes following the leftto-right shape and fade he used to hit, how could the majority of golfers fail to enjoy them?

Nicklaus Design has now created close to 300 spectacular courses worldwide. Each design is unique, but they all share Nicklaus’ philosophy of enhancing the natural environment and creating courses that are both challenging and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

All this was in large part thanks to design maestro Pete Dye. Back in the mid-1960s, Dye requested for Nicklaus to look over the architecture process of The Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. But Jack’s input into the project soon became more than just offering a couple of pointers.

“Pete Dye came to see me in Columbus, where he was doing a course, I think it was the fourth one he built.

He said ‘Jack, I want you to come out and give me some advice,’ and I told him, ‘Pete, I know nothing about golf courses.’”

The Interview Series

Nevertheless, he went to the site with Dye and took a look. “We got to the second hole, and it had a big bunker at the top of a hill,” he recalls. “I said ‘What’s this?’ and he said ‘it’s my rendition of a hole at Prestwick.’ The next hole had a big round green with four bunkers around it. I said ‘It looks pretty bad’ and he had me draw up what I thought was wrong with it. He had me do that on a couple of holes and I realised it really interested me.”

Soon after, a first real opportunity appeared. “Charles Frazier from Sea Pines came to Mark McCormack and said ‘We’d be keen to have Jack design us a course,’ so I went to Pete,” Nicklaus says. The result was Harbour Town Golf Links in the Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Born in 1969, and consisting of narrow fairways, overhanging oaks, pines, palmettos, and dark lagoons, it is today, almost half a century later, still one of the finest courses in North America. While credit must be given to Dye, Harbour Town helped Jack learn about design and fueled his desire to come into his own.

Even then, the Golden Bear was still more a professional golfer than designer and had no idea what would happen next. It was only when he returned to Columbus and did his first work that things started to kick off. “Pete and I did five golf courses together, and when I came to build Muirfield Village, I wondered how to tie in real estate in with the golf course.”

Little did he realise that that would augur the future of golf course design as today, plenty projects around the world are built with real estate in mind, like one of Nicklaus’s more recent work with four courses in Spain called the Nicklaus Golf Trail in Polaris World.

The Golden Bear, The Designer

The most famous name in golf, Jack Nicklaus’s legacy will ring together with Old Tom Morris for their exceptional skill as a player and discernment as a designer. -By S h au n M cG u c k i a n

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“Pete Dye came to see me in Columbus, where he was doing a course, I think it was the fourth one he built. He said ‘Jack, I want you to come out and give me some advice,’ and I told him, ‘Pete, I know nothing about golf courses.’”

CEO of the Polaris World development, Jose Luis Hernandez mentioned, “Today, Nicklaus also stands for outstanding course design, a result of Jack’s more than three decades as a renowned golf course designer and his sons’ and son-in-law’s burgeoning reputations as designers themselves. Nicklaus Design has elevated the standards of golf course design worldwide, which is why we were determined to secure the company as our partner.”

It has given the man himself great pleasure and he is certainly the forebear of players moving into course design.

Are they as good as Jack at it? Probably not, but then he’s long been untouchable.

Jack himself has moved on from being a rookie to one of the finest in the business. “Our figures show that I personally have done 271, of which 227 of those are solo, 31 are co-designs and 13 are redesigns. We’ve also got projects in 47 countries, 27 of them I’ve never worked in before.”

But it was not to be an easy ride. Some of Nicklaus Design’s courses from the 70s and 80s have come and gone.

“When I first started I had one way to do a golf course.

People would say: ‘I see Nicklaus was here, everything goes left to right’. And I thought that was fair comment.

As I get older, my ability to do design gets better because of experience. Now I have probably 25 different ways to do golf courses. I try to let owners have a bit of involvement in that. The best courses we’ve done are the ones where the owner had that involvement.”

Of his current projects, there is one in Panama called Isla Viveros, a 1,500-acre island with 160 feet of elevation which he terms as “Gorgeous” and another one in the Bahamas on Royal Island.

“In the Bahamas, we’re doing a course with Roger Staubach, which will have 18 holes along the ocean. There’s no housing. No nothing. We’re taking the eastern end of the island and it will be all golf. It will be spectacular. They have a lot invested in the island and I think the project’s going to go. It’s just a matter of when.”

“We’ve also done quite a bit in Southern Africa.

We looked at properties in Zimbabwe, Namibia, but I have not done any courses there. Another project that looks like it’s going to go is in Mauritius. Northern Africa, we have courses in Morocco, prospective projects in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

There’s nothing in the middle of Africa. We had one about 15 years ago in Zaire, where Mobutu was, where he got overthrown. He was going to do a head of state place and we were going to do the golf course and of course it never happened. I’ve never had an issue, politically, at any place I’ve gone. Sure, there are a couple of places I’m not wild about. There are places you couldn’t get me back to with a team of wild horses, but I’d rather not name those.”

“We’re in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We’ve had proposals from Israel, Jordan, just off the coast of Lebanon. We have a project on Cyprus and Turkey, Greece, two-thirds of all the Eastern Bloc Countries we’ve got projects.”

For a man his age (73), his mind is as nimble as a 30-year-old, and the design company that he had built over the course of the last 40 years is fast becoming, if not already, the largest and finest in the business.

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“I’ve never had an issue, politically, at any place I’ve gone. Sure, there are a couple of places I’m not wild about.

There are places you couldn’t get me back to with a team of wild horses, but I’d rather not name those.”

“I have more than 20 guys that have worked for me that are members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and I’m really proud of that. There’s nothing really new in golf course design, it’s about how you apply principles,” he says.

Even with more golf courses to his name than days to a year, he does have his regrets: “One property we haven’t done and it doesn’t look like we’re going to do it is in Iceland, on the ocean. It looks like valleys down through the lava field.

It’s all covered with fescue. It’s unbelievable. I doubt if that course will ever happen but it’s a great piece of property. I’ll never forget that one. Did you know there’s probably more golf played in Iceland than most places in the world? They play 24 hours a day in the summertime and the northern part is warmer than the southern part.”

But of those that he did do, there are some that stands out from the rest – they form part of the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, and there are only 25 signature courses hand-picked by the man himself but how does he select them, out of so many?

Jack reveals, “It’s a course I got involved with and visited a few times. Some of my early golf courses I wasn’t as involved. I was playing and maybe it was hard to get to.

Maybe you might find one in China or some place like that.

Like Mission Hills in China, I was only there for one visit.”

Today, with little or no involvement in playing golf, letting alone competing, his involvement goes beyond the odd comment or visit here and there. An astute businessman with years of experience dealing with people across multiple cultures, he knows how to get around the tough question of, ‘How much?’.

“If you came into my office and said, ‘Jack I’d like to have a golf course and I have $2 million dollars. What can I do?’

Well, you’ll get Nicklaus Design and you’ll get the best you can get for $2 million dollars.

“Another guy comes in and says he wants all the bells and whistles and everything else, my goal is try to do it for as inexpensively as I can because I don’t believe in just spending money to spend money, or moving dirt just to move dirt. But I do believe you want to try and create something there that’s very unique and very special for him because that’s what he’s asking for and that’s probably what’s going to fit his market.”

In the end, we couldn’t help but ask the million-dollar question: ‘If you had one course to play for the rest of your life, which would it be?’

“I would want to go to one of my golf courses more than likely. But if I had to pick one, I’d have more than 300 unhappy people. So I don’t pick! If I was going to exclude my golf courses, I’d go to Pebble Beach,” he says matterof-factly, if not democratically, and continues, “if I had one golf course, from a design standpoint, one that I really love, it would probably be Pinehurst. There’s a totally tree-lined golf course where trees are not a part of the strategy. And the toughest course I’ve ever played is Carnoustie, or Carnasty.

That would be sort of the gamut that I would go with.”

Coming from the man who has 18 Major championships and more than 300 courses under his belt, we would be wise to take note.

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Destination Focus

Ber mu da

Getting lost here is a golfer’s dream come true as our senior writer Tony Smart soon finds out.

- BY To n Y S m a rT

triangle Bermuda is a thin strip of land in the western Atlantic Ocean, some 650

miles from the nearest point of land at Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, USA. Viewed from the air or on a map the island looks like a fishhook or maybe a scorpion, with the stinging tail being at Bermuda’s West End where the Royal Naval Dockyards are. It is just 20 miles long and only two miles wide at its widest point. That such a small island should contain five 18-hole championship golf courses, plus an 18-hole executive Par 3 course, an 18-hole par 62 course and a 9-hole course, is quite amazing and it is, quite rightly, Bermuda’s claim that they have more golf courses per square mile than any other country in the world.

They also have lots of tiny little islands, some inhabited, some not, that create coves, harbours and sounds around the island which makes for some stunningly beautiful views, particularly that of Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour from the first tee at the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort.

Belmont Hills is a very beautiful little course, measuring just over 6,100 yards, par 69 from the very back tees. Even so, it is quite challenging with some tight tee shots and extremely difficult greens likened to those at Augusta National by none other than three-time Masters champion, Nick Faldo, who has visited many times and incidentally also owns property in Bermuda.

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Tacking those difficult greens can start as early as the first hole here at Belmont - a downhill 339-yard par 4 that shares a huge double green with the 10th, another short downhill par four. Hit your approach way right on the first or way left on the latter and you will likely find yourself standing over a huge putt well over 100 feet. Two putt from there and you can walk off the green feeling very proud to have achieved a par.

Belmont’s other claim to fame is that the film star Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta Jones have a house close to the par 3, 17th hole. Douglas’ mother is Bermudian and he and his wife were frequently seen playing golf or shopping around the island before their recent separation.

Nevertheless, there are many reasons still why both should continue their sojourn to Bermuda with Tucker’s Point being one. One of the best courses on the island, Tucker’s Point Golf, Beach & Tennis Club, is a stunningly beautiful layout with holes that play through jungle, hills and valleys, many of them overlooked by luxurious mansions, and, particularly on the back nine, some holes that provide absolutely breathtaking views over Harrington Sound and Castle Harbour.

The 6,491-yard, par 70 layout, completely redesigned by Roger Rulewich (a former senior designer for Robert Trent Jones) in 2002, is again not long – well, none of the courses in Bermuda are. But it makes up for its lack of length with the stiffness of its challenge, utilising tight fairways on some holes and with others cascading up and down hills. From elevated tees to elevated greens, they all combine for tough approaches and difficult distance judgement that perhaps only a Bushnell rangefinder with slope correction can help.

Throw in a regular stiff breeze off the ocean, which can become a howling gale in an instant, and you have one tough test of golf.

But Tucker’s Point is very playable and very beautiful. In particular, holes 11 and 17, which play parallel to each other in opposite directions are stunning with spectacular views over the waters of Castle Harbour. Hole 11 is a 225-yard par 3, slightly downhill, to a small green with Castle Harbour waiting to catch anything that goes right while number 17 is a driveable par 4 of 310 yards, from an elevated tee with the best views on the course to a well-bunkered, slightly elevated green.

Next door to Tucker’s Point is the most famous golf club in Bermuda, the venerable Mid Ocean Club which was originally designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, a key figure in the formation of the United States Golf Association, and opened in 1921. Remodelled by Robert Trent Jones in 1953, the course is a classic links for the first and last few holes with the remainder running inland through jungle-lined fairways, over mangrove swamps or round beautiful lakes.

Here the houses overlooking the 6,520 yard, par 71 layout are even more luxurious with pastel shades being the preference for the buildings’ exteriors, in contrast to much of the rest of the island where bright blues, greens, purples, oranges, yellows and reds are the norm.

Frequently rated within the world’s top 50 courses, Mid Ocean has over the years hosted a veritable Who’s Who of world figures, including Presidents Eisenhower and George H. Bush, Sir Winston Churchill, the Duke of Windsor, Babe Ruth and, in Ian Fleming’s ‘For Your Eyes Only’, 007 himself, James Bond.

They would all have likely been mesmerised as early as the first green which stands high on a cliff with views across what seems like the entire Atlantic Ocean. Other incredible holes at Mid Ocean include the 433 yard, stroke-index one, par 4 fifth hole, which dog-legs sharply left around Mangrove Lake from a elevated tee, before requiring an accurate midiron into a long, severely sloping green surrounded by bunkers and mangroves. And the 18th, a stunning finishing par four of 421 yards that starts from a small tee perched high above the ocean before dog-legging slightly right to a heavily bunkered green. Though a private club, Mid Ocean does welcome all golfers in possession of a valid handicap certificate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. But do call in advance to book a tee time. It is definitely worth the while.

Only slightly younger than Mid Ocean is Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club which opened for play in 1922. Though just 5,854 yards, par 70 from the very back tees, Riddell’s Bay can lay claim to having some of the most beautiful holes on Bermuda, most notably the signature 360-yard, par four 8th which dog-legs right around the waters of Little Sound to a green isolated on a thin promontory of land. Viewed from the slightly elevated tee, this hole is a stunner, and tempts you as to how much of the ocean you want to cut off with your drive.

previous page, opening picture: Mid ocean golf course. left: newstead Belmont Hills golf course. opposite page, clockwise froM left: Driving at tucker's point golf course; typical Bermudan beach; st george's Harbour; cambridge Beaches hanging beds; st george's town; newstead Belmont Hills resort.

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left page: par three 16th hole port Royal clockwise fRoM left: port Royal golf course; the Reefs priva te beach; cambridge suite; the Reefs point suite; tucker's point golf course.

Port Royal Golf Course www.portroyalgolf.bm

Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort

www.newsteadbelmonthills.com

Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club www.riddellsbay.com

Tucker’s Point Golf, Beach & Tennis Club www.tuckerspoint.com

Mid Ocean Golf Club

www.themidoceanclubbermuda.com

The Reefs Resort & Club www.thereefs.com

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa

www.cambridgebeaches.com

Bermuda Department of Tourism www.gotobermuda.com

The ninth also plays across the ocean, a massive 247-yard par 3 from the back tees that the members usually play as a par four. And the 10th, a 340-yard par 4, also tees off beside the ocean before asking you to play your second over a small pond to the narrow green.

The final full size 18-hole course on Bermuda is Port Royal Golf Course, a great course that has hosted the PGA Grand Slam of Golf every year since 2009.

This 6,842 yard, par 71 layout was designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1970 and has some beautiful holes, most notably the signature 235-yard, par three 16th, probably the most photographed hole in Bermuda; an all-or-nothing shot across the ocean and cliffs to a well-bunkered green.

For the rest of it, Port Royal is a hilly course with several steep climbs from tee to green. It also has plenty of other beautiful holes that bring the ocean into play, most notably at the 213-yard, par three 8th, and at the 412-yard par four 15th, and it is a great test of golf.

When not on the golf course, some great places to visit on Bermuda are St. Georges, the quaint and historic town at the very eastern tip of the island; Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton, home of the world’s second oldest Parliament; and the Crystal Caves, a magical collection of stalagmites, stalactites and underground pools first discovered many years ago by two young boys in search of their cricket ball which had disappeared down a hole in the ground.

Two wonderful places to stay on Bermuda are The Reefs Resort & Club and Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. The Reefs is a small boutique style hotel situated on the southern side of Bermuda towards its western end which made Conde Nast Traveller’s 2013 Gold List of Best Places To Stay In The World. It has a delightful lounge and bar with old style golf paintings on the walls and a friendly and helpful staff. It also has a small gym, jacuzzi, private beach (with Bermuda’s famous pink sand) and all rooms have a sea view.

Cambridge Beaches is a luxurious cottage style hotel located on a small promontory of land near King’s Point at the western tip of the island (the aforementioned scorpion’s tail). It has over 50 beautiful cottages dotted around this headland from where you can see the sea on both sides, three private beaches, a state-of-theart spa with gym, swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, and a central reception area with restaurant and bar.

All in all, though expensive, Bermuda is a great place to go for a golf holiday. Best times of the year are April-June and September-November though the weather is generally good all year round. Why not see for yourself?

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Destination Focus

Living large in

queenstown

The ultimate outdoors vacation town in New Zealand also has some of its finest golf courses. - By j u s t i n e m o s s

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Located in New Zealand’s Southern Alps on Lake

With all that in its backdrop, Queenstown provides a spectacular entrée for golf course designers to work on and true enough, there are a handful of world-class layouts here with standouts being The Hills, Jack’s Point, Kelvin Heights and Millbrook Resort. For the junkie who wants to try it all, stay on longer and discover the Arrowtown and Wanaka golf courses.

The Hills, which opened in 2007, is an exclusive private club with only a few thousand members, but they do welcome visitors to play a round. Venue of the 2008, 2009 and 2011 NZ Open championship, the 500-acre property has also hosted the NZ PGA in 2012 and 2013 and will do so next year as well. Avid golfer and owner Sir Michael Hill, a New Zealand jeweller, entrepreneur and philanthropist, originally built a house on the land and arranged for a par-4 hole to be built near his property as a practice facility. Then, a second was built by designers Darby Partners – the par-4 fifth – before he commissioned a further 16 holes. The outcome is simply stunning and it’s well worth forking out the NZ$500 fee for a round.

get an insight into its epicurean culture and award-winning wines. Central Otago is the southernmost wine-growing region in the world and various ‘cellar door’ operations and wine tours provide a great way to enjoy its worldrenowned wines - most notably the Central Otago pinot noir and pinot gris styles.

The Remarkables mountain range was allegedly named because it is one of only two mountain ranges in the world that runs directly north to south (the other being the Rockies). However, another more romantic explanation is that early Queenstown settlers saw the dramatic razorback mountain range in all its glory during a sunset one evening and named it ‘The Remarkables’. The view across the lake to The Remarkables has now become one of the most photographed in the Southern Lakes region.

Millbrook, named the world’s best golf resort in Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2011 Gold List Awards, has 27 holes. There are the Remarkables, designed by Sir Bob Charles, Arrow and Coronet, designed by Greg Turner.

While all three have their own characteristics, the first is its highlight with the ninth hole on the Coronet finishing beside the picturesque Millhouse restaurant. Stay at the resort’s luxury accommodation overlooking your favourite course or a heated, covered driving range converted from an Otago shearing shed for a golf vacation within a vacation. There are villa suites, hotel villas, cottages and ‘village inns’, a spa, three other restaurants apart from Millhouse, and a health and fitness centre - all within a 20-minute car ride away from Queenstown.

Wakatipu, the country’s third largest lake, Queenstown is renowned for its four distinctive seasons that makes it a year-round playground for those wanting to indulge in their favourite lifestyle choices. With approximately 220 activities and attractions operating throughout the year that has golf ranked pretty high up, you can also check out the pistes for a spot of skiing or snowboarding, or diving, biking, horse-riding, bushwalking, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, skydiving, heli-trekking, flyfishing or a 4WD safari.

Or, if you want to go there simply to chill out and enjoy the wonderful New Zealand produce, wine and landscape, there are also lots to offer with awardwinning fine dining establishments alongside cheerful cafes, a variety of ethnic restaurants and takeaways spots downtown while dining above the gondola provides awesome views of the Wakatipu Basin. Nearby Arrowtown is also home to some of New Zealand’s most awarded restaurants. With 200 vineyards in the vicinity, there are plenty of chances to explore the Central Otago region and

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Jack’s Point, which wraps around part of Lake Wakatipu, is simply breathtaking. Designed with minimal excavation, the course measures 6,388 metres from the championship tees and is built on the most spectacular of local terrain, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. With beauty comes hazard so take plenty of balls and mulligan away if you have to; it is very easy to get distracted by the view if you really need an excuse for hitting again.

Kelvin Heights, otherwise known as Queenstown Golf Club, is surrounded by water and, with the towering Remarkables mountain range behind, has been ranked as amongst the most scenic in the world. A few of the holes are quite spectacular, including the 110 metre par 3 10th which is possibly the most deceptive hole on the course and is a test in the same mould as Pebble Beach’s 7th. Club selection can be very difficult and will vary considerably with weather conditions, and with the variety of tee level options that the greenskeeper has to choose from. The par 4 fifth is quite dramatic with Lake Wakatipu

OPENING PICTURE (PREVIOUS PAGE): Jack's Point 8th hole.

THIS PAGE, FROM TOP & BOTTOM LEFT: Millbrook Resort; Driving Range; Winter cottages; 10th hole; 9th hole; Jack's Point 5th hole BOTTOM PICTURE: The Hills 14th Hole

framing the left side of the fairway that doglegs to the left. A well-struck drive for men means that you’ll be able carry the lake and reduce the length of your approach shot, but any miss-timed drives will definitely result in a wet ball. The ladies, however have it easier without worrying about the water hazard.

And finally, for the ultimate exhilaration, try the heli-golf experience from Over The Top (OTT), a helicopter company which has been operating in Queenstown since 1986 and hold landing concessions in Conservation Areas in Fiordland, Otago and Milford – all distinguishing landmarks of the South Island.

In addition to developing specialised itineraries, they also offer a number of scenic helicopter flights. These include private helicopter access to alpine lakes, mountains and glaciers and flights over the Remarkables mountain range, through Milford Sound and the Fiordland and dropping in at some of Otago’s best wineries. One can also enjoy a picnic on a peak, take a private heli hike, experience personal heli-skiing, fly fish in the local rivers and check out the flightless kiwis on Stewart Island.

And, for those keen to practise their longest drives at high altitude, OTT also offers an Extreme Golf Tee (EGT) experience available all year round with the highest that one can go at about 7,500 feet and on the glacier. Apart from the spectacular natural location and view, there is one thing that isn’t real - the golf ball.

The eco golf balls, which are also used on cruise ships and are made of dog biscuits, are manufactured in China and apparently take about two weeks to ‘break down’ which ensures the environment remains pristine.

Apart from Millbrook, there are various places to stay each offering the visitor various kinds of conveniences. Something more central for example, is the 82-room The Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa that features a mix of French antique chic and local avantgarde design. Another option close by is the Crowne Plaza Queenstown with views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains. There are 139 guest rooms with individual balconies, car valet, business centre, ski drying room, 24-hour room service, and a separate conference floor for businesses.

Home of the NZ Open 2014, The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a five-minute drive from Queenstown airport and a 10-minute water taxi ride from the centre of town – a unique proposition. Located on the northfacing waterfront of Lake Wakatipu with panoramic mountain views, it provides the perfect base to explore the area’s natural attractions, plus it is the closest hotel to access all six golf courses in the region. There are 178 guest rooms - all with fireplaces - meeting facilities, a wine bar and lounge, a lakeside restaurant, spa, a 25m indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms.

For something quaint, The Hotel St Moritz offers the same quality views and is a member of the MGallery Collection, which comprises of unique, boutique upscale accommodation throughout the world. It is within easy Golf Vacations

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covered mountains for snowmobiling and heli-skiing, the last of which takes skiers and boarders deep into the backcountry for totally breathtaking fresh powder days and unforgettable views. The ski season runs from early June until early October, conditions permitting. There are state-of-the-art facilities, freestyle terrain parks, worldclass instructors, onsite crèches, kids’ programmes, and events to keep everyone entertained.

Through all that adventure, there is also much to be learnt. The region has an abundance of early European heritage to explore including restored buildings and deserted towns from the goldrush of 1862, homesteads of the earliest European settlers, and the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship (built in 1912 – the same year as the Titanic). To cap it all, visit the picturesque old goldmining village of Arrowtown with its quaint tree-lined streets, old miners’ cottages, a restored Chinese Village and the fascinating Lakes District Museum.

Queenstown can easily lay claim to one of the most beautiful places in the southern hemisphere and should definitely be on a golfer’s bucket list. Postcards don’t do it justice – it’s so much better to visit the real thing.

walking distance to all the restaurants, bars, shopping and activities for which Queenstown is so renowned, including their own Lombardi Bar, Dining Room, Library, gym and sauna. Especially nice are their one- or two-bedroom alpine suites.

Finally, for families looking for more space, The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments has hotel rooms and oneto three-bedroom apartments all with private balconies, a fine dining restaurant, wine cellar, HushSpa treatment room, gymnasium, observatory and private jetty and a stroll along the lakeside to the town centre.

Away from the golf courses, Queenstown is also a popular place for biking enthusiasts. New trails and a growing range of bike-friendly products have opened up iconic landscapes and experiences from leisure pedalling to high-energy alpine descents. The new 110km Queenstown Trail is the perfect way to explore the popular tourism spots of Queenstown Bay, Frankton, Lake Hayes, Arrowtown or Gibbston’s ‘Valley of Vines’.

Queenstown is a snow lover’s paradise so if you are there in winter then a visit to the ski fields is a must.

There are four major ski-areas between 20 minutes to 1½ hour’s drive away as well as a dedicated freestyle park, a Nordic skiing area, and thousands of acres of snow-

useful information GettinG there There are daily services with singapore airlines direct to Christchurch which is the international gateway to the south island. from there it’s a 45-minute direct flight on either air new Zealand or Jetstar. Queenstown airport is also new Zealand’s busiest helicopter base and is heavily used for tourist ‘flightseeing’, especially to milford sound and mount Cook, using both fixed-wing and rotarywing aircraft.

When to Go a popular holiday spot at any time of the year, Queenstown is renowned for its four distinctive seasons. The alpine climate means winter brings crisp, clear blue-sky days amongst snow-capped mountains, spring retains the snow but blooms into longer, warmer days, summer offers hot days averaging 26ºC and long twilights, and autumn’s brilliant red and gold colours are a special feature across the region. The peak seasons are late December to march and the months of July and august.

Golf Course & ProPerty links www.thehills.co.nz www.millbrook.co.nz www.jackspoint.com www.queenstowngolf.co.nz www.sofitel.com www.queenstown.hilton.com www.therees.co.nz www.stmoritz.co.nz www.crowneplazaqueenstown.co.nz reCommenDeD Golf tour ComPanies remarkable Golf tour www.remarkablegolftours.co.nz Peak Golf www.peakgolfqueenstown.co.nz over The top www.flynz.co.nz

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Queenstown aerial view in winter dusk; Earnslaw in winter; Tour de Wakatipu finish line at Chard Farm; Alfresco dining in The Mall; Stemer Wharf at dusk; Snowboarder on the slopes

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My Top Ten

Best Island Golf Destinations In over 30 years, Tony Smart has travelled the world experiencing the finest golf destinations and living out many dreams. Here, he tells us his favourite 10 island destinations. - by To n y S m a rT 64

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Kapalua ResoRt, Hawaii, usa

Any personal list of ‘The World’s Ten Best Island Golf Destinations’ is bound to be subjective and mine is no different. In choosing the following island golf resorts, I’ve made the quality of their golf course or courses, in the case of some, my first priority, followed by the quality of the resort itself, the location, the quality of their staff, and the availability of other activities to do when you’re not on the golf course. In order to avoid too much subjectivity, the ten resorts listed below are not listed in any order of merit, but simply alphabetically according to the country they’re in.

Suffice to say, I’ve visited a lot of golf resorts around the world in my long career and these really do take the honours.

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1

The AbAco club on Winding bAy, AbAco islAnd, bAhAmAs

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is a fantastic golf resort. So good that Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Sean Connery and many other famous people have bought property purely for the sake of being there. Featuring a magnificent 7,123-yard par 72 golf course designed by Donald Steel, it is the world’s first tropical links and the number one ranked course in the Bahamas.

But if you do not own a property there, accommodation is in the form of rental villas, which you may also purchase. With a luxurious clubhouse that serves gourmet dining, a swimming pool and stunning views of Winding Bay, a fully equipped, state-of-the-art gym, and a relaxing spa, there really isn’t much more you can wish for.

Great international cuisine is on offer at Buster’s Beach Bar as well as Buster’s excellent refreshing frozen drinks. Other sports include all-weather tennis courts, a croquet lawn, snorkelling, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing.

But golf is its biggest draw. Most of the holes play right beside the Atlantic Ocean, combining spectacular views with testing challenges. The greens are excellent, the fairways in great condition, and there are a lot of truly magnificent golf holes. The Abaco Club would make anybody’s top 10. Island or otherwise.

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Not content with having the world’s biggest golf resort (12 courses) on mainland China, the people at Mission Hills have opened a second megaplex with eight full-size 18-hole courses and two par-3 courses at Haikou on Hainan Island. All the courses have been designed and built by Schmidt-Curley Design, who were also responsible for building 10 of the 12 courses on the mainland, and they are in superb condition, providing a variety of different layouts to test your skill.

The hotel is huge and opulent. Containing 539 rooms and suites, it also houses seven restaurants serving Chinese, Japanese, Asian and international food. The large Volcanic Mineral Springs Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments from around the world and is centred on a natural hot mineral spring for various aqua massages. A golf academy, volleyball, indoor swimming pool, and great local sightseeing takes up just part of the facility which will soon also include entertainment galore in conjunction with Hong Kong’s famous Lan Kwai Fong district. www.missionhillschina.com/en-US/haikou

sAndy lAne, bArbAdos

The Sandy Lane Resort is so good that back in October 2004, Tiger Woods rented the whole resort for one week for his ill-fated marriage to Elin Nordegren.

There are two fabulous 18-hole courses – the uniquely famous 7,343-yard par 72 Green Monkey course and 7,060-yard par 72 Country Club course, both designed

by Tom Fazio. There is also an original Old Nine that paved the way back in 1961. All three courses are different in character with the Green Monkey carved from an old limestone quarry, the Country Club having five lakes and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea whilst the Old Nine wanders through the Sandy Lane estate with heavily tree-lined fairways.

The luxurious accommodation is divided into Orchid, Ocean and Dolphin rooms and suites, and its spacious and sumptuous spa provides treatments from all over the world - the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and the Far East.

Four restaurants serve high quality international cuisine and seven different bars provide a variety of places to relax. And should you ever tire of golf, there is a gym to work out in, tennis courts and a full range of water sports, as well as a beautiful beach to sunbathe on. www.sandylane.com

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mission hills hAikou, hAinAn islAnd, chinA

4

cAsA de cAmpo, dominicAn republic

Made famous by The Golf Channel’s ‘The Big Break: Dominican Republic’, Pete Dye’s Teeth of the Dog course at Casa de Campo has been legendary in the world of golf for over 40 years since it opened in 1971. Since then he’s added three and a half more – The 6,664-yard, par 71 Links course in 1975, the 7,191-yard, par 72 La Romana Country Club course (private) in 1990, the 6,951-yard, par 72 Dye Fore course in 2003 and another nine holes at Dye Fore in 2011.

But it’s the stunning and challenging 7,077yard, par 72 Teeth of the Dog, with many holes running beside or across the Caribbean Sea, that is still ranked the number one course in the Caribbean.

In addition to the great golf at Casa de Campo, there is also a Caribbean Spa, an Equestrian Centre for horse riders and polo players, a Shooting Centre, 13 tennis courts (10 of them floodlit) with tennis coaches available, miles and miles of beautiful beaches, a fitness centre, running trail, bicycles to rent, almost every water sport imaginable, and luxurious accommodation in either the Casa de Campo hotel or in their 3 to 7 bedroom villas. www.casadecampo.com.do

5

nirWAnA bAli resorT, bAli, indonesiA

Voted Indonesia’s Leading Golf Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2010 and 2011, the Nirwana Bali Resort and its golf course have collected a whole host of other awards since it opened in September 1997. The Greg Norman designed layout, which measures 6,805 yards, par 72 from the back tees (or Shark tees as they’re called), is a beauty and features some unusual hazards including rice fields which come into play on several holes as rough and hazards, and in a way never seen on any other golf course before or after.

Stunning holes are a given but special mention must be given to the 7th, 13th and 14th which are located on a cliff top overlooking the Indian Ocean. The relatively new 278room Pan Pacific hotel is also a joy to stay in with a luxurious, romantic ambience that is heavenly. All rooms and suites have breathtaking views of the golf course and the ocean, fully furnished in a contemporary style that marries style with tradition.

Six establishments serve multi-cultural cuisine with a unique organic café and private dining experiences to boot. The spa combines western influences with the Balinese Hindu “Usadha” philosophy of wellness. Aqua-gymnastics, yoga, tai chi and meditation are also available to help you relax after a hard day on the golf course. www.nirwanabali.com Golf Vacations

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6

le Touessrok resorT, mAuriTius

An island within an island, Le Touessrok has a golf course situated on its own island at Ile Aux Cerfs on Mauritius’ east coast; the only golf course I’ve ever played that is not reachable by road, only by boat or helicopter. This incredible Bernhard Langer designed course measures 7,115 yards, par 72 and is a layout that has to played to be believed. With several holes that run right beside the white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the whole course is a feast for the eyes, featuring a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna, including scarlet coloured cardinal birds that flit around ever so casually.

Whilst visually captivating, the Le Touessrok course is also an extremely tough one with black volcanic rock outcrops coming into play on several holes, mangrove swamps featuring on many others, water hazards to test your accuracy on 13 holes and strategic bunkering on many more.

The resort itself is the finest in Mauritius with superb rooms, the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten in, a Givenchy Spa, and a wide range of land and sea activities. www.letouessrokresort.com

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riA binTAn resorT, binTAn, indonesiA

A unique addition to the list, the Ria Bintan Resort had previously been purely a golf club which offers one of the most stunning and challenging course in Asia. It now has a lodge, which though comfortable, is never going to be rated as luxurious. Always featured alongside Nirwana Bali as the top golf course in the Indonesian archipelago, they feature 27 stunning holes of golf designed by Gary Player, including the aforesaid Ocean Course. The 7,058-yard par 72 course was opened in 1997 and the first nine of the planned Forest course was opened in 2000 with the second nine never completed.

Nevertheless, based on the strength of the Ocean course and its picture-perfect landscape, especially around the turn between holes 7 to 9, it is easily one of the top 10 island-type courses in the world. Generally recognised as one of the best par 3s in Asia, the 9th is also Ria Bintan’s signature hole.

Now, while the accommodation consists of 31 Par, Birdie, Eagle and Albatross rooms in the Ria Golf Lodge, complete with WiFi, air conditioning, LCD cable TV, and an Asmara Spa, you should also consider staying at the Club Med Ria Bintan hotel where its unique all-inclusive package also includes activities for non-playing partners and the entire family alike.

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lemuriA resorT, prAslin islAnd, seychelles

A little further north in Seychelles is the 6,105-yard par 70 golf course at the Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island. It is the only 18-hole course in Seychelles but what a golf course it is! Though short by modern standards, this stunningly beautiful layout presents a tough challenge for golfers as you will find out more, if you have not already, in my bigger feature on Lemuria in this issue of the magazine.

But here’s the summary. Designed by Rodney Wright and Marc Farry, and opened in 2000, the first 12 holes play through narrow palm-lined fairways beside the resort itself with plenty of water and sand just waiting for wayward shots.

Then the remaining six holes rise up into the island’s hills providing spectacular panoramic views across the course, the island, and other islands in the distance, whilst the fairways get narrower and the challenge harder. Apparently the record for number of lost balls in one round stands at 40, so take plenty of ammo with you. If you ever get the chance to play here, grab it because this is one of the most beautiful courses I’ve ever played anywhere in the world.

The rest of the resort is equally spectacular with luxurious rooms, first class restaurants, two fabulous spas, and a whole host of other land- and water-based activities for you to pursue if you can tear yourself away from this very special golf course. www.lemuriaresort.com

www.riabintan.com

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9

kApAluA resorT, hAWAii, usA

The US PGA Tour starts here every year with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, played on the resort’s 7,411yard par 73 Plantation course designed by famed golf architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. There is also an Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane design measuring 6,600 yards, par 72, called the Bay course. It is no slouch either having hosted the 2008 Kapalua LPGA Classic.

Complementing these two great courses is the Kapalua Golf Academy designed

by Hale Irwin and voted one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in the America.

Kapalua also has a Ritz-Carlton hotel, a superb collection of two- and three-bedroom ocean front villas, and 1 to 3 bedroom condominiums located throughout the resort. The Kapalua Spa won the World Luxury Spa awards in 2012 and 2013 as the ‘Best Luxury Destination Spa in the USA’. Other activities include tennis, hiking trails, and over two miles of zip-lines over the West Maui Mountains for adrenaline junkies. For those who love dining and shopping, the resort has 11 restaurants and five shopping areas, making it one of the most complete resorts in the world. www.kapalua.com

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kiAWAh islAnd resorT, souTh cArolinA, usA

One of the best golfing experiences of my life has been playing the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island on a beautiful sunny morning.

The Ocean Course was home to the 1991 Ryder Cup (the notorious ‘War on the Shore’) and last year’s US PGA Championship which Rory McIlroy won by eight shots. The 7,356-yard par 72 Pete Dye designed layout is just one of five public courses at the Kiawah Island Resort. The other four were designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Clyde Johnston and they are all a treat to play.

The Sanctuary Hotel is a magnificent old southern mansion, a little like Tara from the movie ‘Gone with the Wind’, with rooms filled with all the latest luxuries. The Sanctuary Spa is a joy to relax in with highly trained therapists and a multitude of treatments from all over the world. Seven restaurants serve anything you could want to eat and the food is of the highest quality. Numerous bars serve great cocktails, wines, beer and soft drinks. Kiawah Island has also been voted the number one tennis resort in the world. There are a gym, swimming pools, a variety of nature walks and fishing trips, and the wonderful historic southern city of Charleston just 30 minutes drive away. All these factors combine to make Kiawah Island one of the finest island golf resorts in the world and if there is a number one in this top ten list, which I have mentioned will not be ranked, this certainly could take the cake. www.kiawahresort.com

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Destination Focus Peru is historic, yet modern, and simply reverberates with adventure. From nature’s wonders to manmade landmarks, your travel trails of Peru will definitely be memorable. - By J a f r i M.

Tales of

PERU

Lima, the capital of Peru. Set in the central coastal part of the country, it is all about contrasts. Infused with historic and colonial traditions, a rural nature and agricultural backdrop, it reverberates with a growing modernism and burgeoning market economy. A thriving city of some eight million inhabitants with a cosmopolitan feel, it hugs the seashore at the mouth of the Rimac River and is fondly dubbed the Pearl of the Pacific. Flights land daily at the Jorge Chavez International Airport of Lima, and acclaimed for its modernity but it takes about 27-hours to get there from Singapore on a United Airlines flight that transits via Tokyo and Houston. Nevertheless, the journey, once you get there, is worth it.

Lima was christened ‘City of The Kings’ in the 1530s by its Spanish founders. They then turned it into a veritable cultural and architectural bastion of churches, convents, and mansions. No surprise then that UNeSCo proclaimed it a World Heritage site in the early 1990’s. Walking across downtown Lima where striking architectural landmarks abound, the austere Cathedral of Lima, the majestic Government Palace, the pictureque Provincial City Hall of Lima, and sprawling City Square.

The last, which was the centre of the colonial city, is also within 20 minutes of plush hotels, quaint restaurants, bars, cafes and unique boutique shopping experiences beckon with unrelenting charm.

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“Lima was christened ‘City of The Kings’ in the 1530s by its Spanish founders. They then turned it into a veritable cultural and architectural bastion of churches, convents, and mansions.”

Visit museums, as they are steeped in antiquity, like a good museum should. The Museum of Religious Art, with its fine collection of canvasses, chalices and sculptures, and the Metropolitan Museum of Lima, which showcases 10,000 years of Lima’s history are good starting points. Quaint restaurants, traditional bars, cafes with rickety furniture and time-honoured boutiques also beckon with unrelenting old world charm. Just keep walking, and the cobble-stoned streets reveal a plethora of hidden treasures at every turn, hawking intricate local jewelry and clothing made from alpaca, vicuna and cotton. Shopping centres like the Miraflores Indian Market and the Pueblo Libre Handicraft Market are great for souvenirs.

Lima is also well known as a city for fine food.

There is naturally a multitude of restaurants offering typical Peruvian and Novo Andean fare, which tend to be heavy and spicy, but the city enjoys great diversity in cuisine, offering both regional and international courses as well. The city’s chefs often combine its homegrown coastal, jungle and highland products with progressive cooking techniques for unique taste sensations.

Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Japanese, is interestingly popular here although they have a discernible Peruvian influence in terms of the mix of ingredients and cooking styles. Do try the ceviche, which is often touted as the Peruvian national dish. essentially, ceviche is a popular seafood dish comprising fresh raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice and then spiced up chili peppers. And food staples boggle the mind with their wide variety, like corn, potato and chili.

For that evening aperitif, try Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru, made with pisco, a brandy made of grapes. Variations include Coca Sour and Chicha Sour. Be careful here because the sweet freshness of this thirst quencher belies the fact that it is potent and one can get drunk if too indulgent.

There is also Inca Kola, Peru’s most popular soft drink, a refreshing yellow-fruit flavored concoction that tastes just like cream soda.

Sure, this is a relatively popular stop, especially with new tourists arriving at Jorge Chavez International Airport serving over 13 million visitors arriving to Lima annually. But the more informed traveller would do well to plan a greater part of their 74

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OPENING PICTURE (PREVIOUS PAGE): 15th Century Inca site located in the Cusco Region, Machu Picchu District of Peru.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP LEFT: Desert of Paracas Janine Costa.

Golf in Lima Lima Golf Club Av Camino Real 770 San Isidro, Lima, Peru Los Incas Golf Club Av. El Golf Los Inkas s/n Monterrico Surco, Lima, Peru Country Club de Villa Av. Hernando de Lavalle Chorrillos, Lima, Peru Country Club La Planicie Av. José Barandiarán 457 Urb. La Planicie La Molina, Lima, Peru

stay outside this historic city. Cusco, in southeastern Peru, and just over an hour’s flight away, in one such destination.

Cusco, capital of the Incan empire, nicely balances history with modernity too, perhaps most visible in its conversion of Incan palaces into five-star luxury hotels like the Monasterio Hotel.

There is also the Libertador Hotel, once a mansion house constructed during the Spanish colony, and which sits across a famous Cusco landmark, the Korikancha, Incan Temple of the Sun and once a palace of gold and religious structure. Another landmark is Santo Domingo convent, which was constructed on the foundations of the Koricancha temple and from there, go see the 16th century Cusco Cathedral with its rich gothic, mannerist-renaissance and baroque influences. Nearby is the quaint and stone-arched village square, built during colonial times and still eye-catching, and a great place for souvenirs and eats.

From there, make that short hop to explore Sacsayhuama’n, just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. This is a brilliant example of Inca military architecture, and well located on a hilltop that overlooks the city.

In the afternoon, head onward to the Sacred Valley, which is an hour’s drive away. Urubamba, popularly known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, is set in a scenic and highly fertile valley, and today is a picturesque, fruit-producing countryside. The valley is set in the Peruvian Andes, and just below the ancient and sacred city of Machu Picchu.

While there, a recommended stay is the Tambo Del Inca Resort and Spa by The Luxury Collection.

Luxuriant and cosmopolitan with glass, wood and rough-hewn stone blending beautifully into the structure, it is a showcase of great local design that combines modern materials with Incan pottery, stone and native textile motifs within.

The valley is a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas. The town of Paucartambo, for instance, makes for a fascinating visit. At the time of my visit in mid-July, it is celebrating its yearly La Fiesta de la Virgen Del Carmen. The weeklong Andean party parade sees an uplifting riot of colourful costumes, spirited singing and dancing, all in tribute to the Catholic Virgen Maria and local folklores of colonial history and mythic battles.

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TOP LEFT PAGE, LEFT ROW TOP TO BOTTOM: Tambo Del Inka Main Entrance; Lobby; Terrace.

MIDDLE PICTURE: Tambo Del Inka overview.

RIGHT ROW: Palacio Del Inka lobby; Main entrance; Main patio.

BOTTOM PICTURE: Paracas Bar lounge.

For the entire trip, a good idea is to book a private and personalized luxury tour, which will ensure that you travel in assured comfort.

My small tour group is organized by internationally renowned luxury travel company, Abercrombie and Kent. Its guides are just splendid – well-informed, caring and so good with all the little details that the 2-week trip is remarkably seamless.

of course, such excursions just set the backdrop for the main highlight, which is the breathtaking Machu Picchu. An adventure in itself getting there, it can only be reached by train or foot. Located about 80 km northwest of Cusco, and just under 2,500 metres above sea level, it is one of the most prominent archaeological sites in South America, and certainly the most visited tourist attraction in Peru.

Best to set out in the early morning for this. on reaching the ollantaytambo station, hop on the Panoramic Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. once arrived at Aguas Calientes, it will be a 25-minute bus ride to the magnificent ruins of the Lost City of the Incas.

The ancient city, a UNeSCo World Heritage site, is acclaimed as one of the new ‘7 Wonders of the World’ and rests in a saddle between the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The views are breathtaking indeed, soaring mountains amidst soft clouds and a lush expanse of greenery. The central buildings use the classical Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls of regular shape. expect to spend a day checking out this wonder. A lot of walking and climbing is involved, and remember to take high altitude pills.

Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438– 1472). often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.

The Incas built the estate around 1450, but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction. Most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed in order to give tourists a better idea of what the structures originally looked like. By 1976, 30 percent of Machu Picchu had been restored. The restoration work continues to this day.

Later back at Cusco, one can easily take a short hour-long flight to Pueto Maldonado, a city in southeast Peru in the Amazon forest, and where amazing jungle adventure awaits at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge. First, there is the transfer to the Inkaterra Butterfly Lodge just 15 minutes from the airport.

Then, there is a scenic 45-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to the lodge. The sprawling property offers charming cabana lodgings, diverse excursions to enjoy nature as well as a high level of eco-friendliness. City types may be in for a shock - for instance, a limited number of hours for electricity and no air-con - but the sheer fascination of the wildlife and jungle easily prevails over minor inconveniences.

Some must-do excursions include a twilight river cruise, and a guided afternoon boat ride on the iconic Madre de Dios River. Be sure to also take a guided walk along the Trail system, which leads all the way into the Reserva Amazonica natural area, and right into the many

secrets of the dense forest surroundings and the Amazon Basin.

The guides are very good, very detailed with diverse explanations, and highly adept at spotting wildlife like exotic birds and monkeys hidden amongst tree branches. There are the awe-inspiring trees, like the Shihuahuaco, as well as the potent strangler fig. And in the water, a baby anaconda glides silently past.

Do also go on the Lake Sandoval excursion within the Tambopata National Reserve, where from a wooden canoe gliding across a calm and gleaming lake, one can glimpse the giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red belied macaws and black caimans.

For many visitors though, the ultimate highlight may just be the thrilling Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, where one starts off at the first tower, almost 30 metres above ground.

From there, it is a gently swaying walk for over a quarter of a mile on a suspension bridge network with eight observation platforms.

Walking through a rainforest canopy so high above ground level, one can see the tops of the magnificent trees. Mesmerizing indeed. once descended, complement that experience with a 30-minute Anaconda Walk to experience more of the rich swamplands and eco-system.

Finally, it is to Paracas, south of Lima, and reached via a return flight to Lima and then a 4-hour drive by private bus along the Pacific coast. Paracas is truly a spectacle of nature, with amazing wild life and sea juxtaposed with miles and miles of amazing sand dunes. A must try is an exhilarating excursion in an SUV over one of the most arid deserts in the world. The Paracas dunes are stunning and coupled with a glorious sunset, make for an especially memorable moment. Better yet is the grand dinner that follows underneath a gorgeous white tent completed with glittering lights and attentive waiting staff.

The next day, opt for a morning boat ride to the Ballestas Island, where pelicans, sea lions and Humboldt penguins abound. And then fit in a 90-minute flight over the desert to view the mysterious centuries-old Nazca lines.

Another nice place to stay while here is the Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection offering quite a visual delight; all low rise, all white structure set against the magnificent aqua blue of the gleaming sea. Right across from a nature reserve, it embodies Paracas, and indeed Peru – a mix of modern charm intertwined with history, culture and nature. www.peru.travel

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collection ★ Showcase

golf The True Nature of

Birdie, eagle and albatross may be below par but we take the game to another level with birds of a different feather.

P h oto g r a P h e r: C a l e b M i n g / S U r r o U n D a rt D i r e C t i o n: o n g W e i S h e n g D i g i ta l i M ag i n g: ag n e S t e o

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Toucan

Yamaha RmX wedge fRom mST golf.

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Hummingbird

(top to bottom) Honma amazing Spec 3-Star Hybrid from pan-WeSt; mizuno JpX fli Hi Hybrid from golf HouSe; titleiSt cuStom 913 Hd Hybrid from acuSHnet.

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Owl

(left tO right) taylOrMade Sldr driver frOM taylOrMade gOlf; CObra baffler Xl driver frOM CObra gOlf; rOManO ray SerieS 460 hX blaCk driver frOM tranSview gOlf.

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Parrot

SuPerman Fairway SPm-Fw 3-wood From GolF & leiSure.

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Penguin

(left to right) titleist scotty cameron golo Putter from acushnet; taylormade sPider Blade slant Putter and taylormade lethal golf Ball, Both from taylormade golf; Bettinardi Kuchar standard model 2 Putter from golf & leisure.

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Choice Resorts

Lemuria GoLf resort, seycheLLes

A Golf Resort Made In Heaven The Indian Ocean is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the world's best destinations for golfers and the Lemuria Resort, Seychelles provides one of the most exhilarating experiences for golf and nature lovers alike. - BY To n Y S m a rT

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Par three 15th hole.

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With the exception of the Caribbean, where else in the world can you play on great courses, in lush tropical surroundings, beautiful weather, and then cool off by snorkelling or diving in crystal clear waters and gazing in awe at the beautiful coral and amazing variety of sea life?

All whilst staying in a luxury resort.

The best place to enjoy all this in the Indian Ocean is the Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island in the Seychelles. The golf course here is both stunningly beautiful and extraordinarily challenging, with the record for the number of balls lost in one round currently standing at 40. Staff in the pro shop will tell you of how this poor golfer rushed in after nine holes to quickly buy three dozen new balls to hopefully last him through the back nine. This is largely due to the narrowness of many of the fairways, which can be daunting when seen from the tee, and the impenetrably lush jungle or water hazards that await should you miss the fairway on most holes. But this should not put you off playing the Lemuria course which is one of the most beautiful courses I've ever played anywhere in the world.

Quite short, measuring just 6,105 yards and par 70 from the very back tees, there's no need to use driver off every tee and golfers can use whichever club they feel gives them the best chance of hitting the fairways. Designed by Rodney Wright and Marc Farry, and opened in 2000, the first 12 holes play through narrow palm lined fairways beside the resort with picturesque lakes and plenty of bunkers awaiting wayward shots. The remaining six holes rise up into the island's thickly forested hills providing breathtaking panoramic views across the course, the island, the Indian Ocean and other islands in the distance, with the 14th, 15th and 18th tees in particular providing spectacular photo opportunities.

"On a course this beautiful, it is difficult to pick out a signature hole because almost every location is a work of art but the final six holes are worthy of special mention."

top row, Anti clockwise FroM leFt: presidential Villa; par five 16th fairway ; 1st hole; 6th hole; View of the 13th hole from the green back .

BottoM iMAge: leMuria resort seychelles, aerial view.

On a course this beautiful, it is difficult to pick out a signature hole because almost every location is a work of art but the final six holes are worthy of special mention.

From the green of the par 4 13th, you get some nice views back across the resort but, by the time you’ve climbed to the 14th tee, you can now see not only the resort, but also the beautiful beaches and sea beyond on your left; The islands of Cousin and Cousine beckons in the distance, whilst straight ahead lies the perfect beach of Anse Georgette and the bluest water you’ve ever seen.

By now you are about 250 feet above the resort but when you reach the 15th tee, you are at least 300 feet above the green below at this short par 3. It says 166 yards on the card but all you need is a soft 9-iron and then just watch your ball hang in the air before taking forever to plummet down to earth and plug into the green like a dart in a dartboard. Amazing hole and, again, the views are unbelievable. If you are in need of cooling off when you finish this gem, the beautiful white sand of Anse Georgette beach and the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean lie just to the left of the green accessible by a path across a small mangrove marsh.

The 16th is a 480 yard par five that anyone could reach in two, if you can thread the eye of a needle with your driver, fairway wood, long iron or whatever you choose to hit on this jungle-lined hole. It’s the tightest hole tee to green I’ve ever seen and apparently, it used to be even tighter before some of the jungle was cut back.

The only way to play this hole is five-iron, five-iron, nine-iron, 2 putts and, if you do that and achieve par, you can walk off the green a happy golfer.

Whilst 17 is a fairly average par 3, the 18th is something else. Again on the tee you are almost 300 feet above the fairway and your drive has to carry all kinds of jungle foliage with fully-grown trees to reach the fairway.

The views are similar to those on the 14th tee, which is sited just adjacent to this one. Once you’ve reached the relative safety of the fairway, you still have a very large lake (which hugs the right hand side of the fairway all the way to the green before cutting in front of it) to negotiate before you reach the putting surface. And there is no bail out room to the left; just jungle. This is the Seychelles, where you have to get government permission to cut down anything, so imagine the amount of form filling and bureaucracy that had to be negotiated before Wright and Farry could create this absolute gem of a golf course.

From the 18th green, it is a short journey to the clubhouse where you can relax with a refreshing cold drink. Thereafter, you can relax in many other ways as well, with a soothing massage at the Spa de Constance or the Shiseido Spa; kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, deep sea fishing or parasailing in the Indian Ocean; for more vigorous activities on land, there are tennis, volleyball, mountain bikes, jogging, aerobics and nature walks, as well as organised boat trips to various other Seychelles islands including La Digue, Cousin (a limited access wildlife preserve owned by the Britishbased Birdlife International), Curieuse (a nursery for giant tortoises), and Aride (one of the world’s most Golf Vacations

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"You can soak up the sun on one of the three magnificent beaches (Grande Anse Kerlan, Petite Anse Kerlan and Anse Georgette); walk lazily through the Seychellois gardens; or eat at one of Lemuria's three world class restaurants."

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leFt pAge, Anti clockwise FroM leFt: Main building and pool; Junior suite; shiseido spa; legend restaurant.

important nature reserves owned by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation). You can also just soak up the sun on one of the three magnificent beaches (Grande Anse Kerlan, Petite Anse Kerlan and Anse Georgette); walk lazily through the Seychellois gardens; or eat at one of Lemuria's three world class restaurants.

The Legend restaurant, where breakfast is taken, is particularly lovely. The veranda is about 30 feet above ground level in the rainforest canopy with spectacular views of palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, white sand beaches and the vividly turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean beyond, the waves breaking and foaming around two rocky outcrops some 100 yards offshore. Brightly coloured birds swoop around, lurking for crumbs from the breakfast

ABoVe: Beach Bar & grill; teeing off in paradise.

tables, and some of them are so bold they’ll even snatch food from your plate when you’re not looking.

With luxury every step of the way, including the fully equipped and sumptuous suites and villas that make up the resort's accommodation, Lemuria is the only place to start a golf vacation in the Indian Ocean. If you can afford it, the Presidential Villa is unbelievable. It has a three level infinity pool, its own private beach, a gigantic living room, a master bedroom with a stunning rock and marble bathroom, its own outdoor jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass so that you can gaze at the ocean and surrounding beach and jungle while you sweat, two further huge bedrooms and a bottom floor executive office with an underwater window into the pool. www.lemuriaresort.com

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Special Story

What’s new in 2014 - t e x t BY Be k va n v l i e t

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Bangkok

has long been a popular travel hub for the international jet set. The last decade in particular has seen a significant rise in the city’s popularity both as a tourist destination and as a home for expatriates. It’s easy to see why–this cosmopolitan capital offers a diverse mix of cultures, world-class dining, a sleek modern cityscape and a sophisticated after-hours scene. At the same time, the City of Angels retains deep links to Siamese history and tradition, evident in everything from the humble wai to the soaring gold spires of the Grand Palace.

The upcoming year will see some exciting changes in Bangkok, from towering additions to the skyline to extensions of mass transit lines. One of the biggest new developments in the city centre is Central Embassy, a uniquely designed luxury retail complex at Ploen Chit BTS. The futuristic shape of this 37-story multi-function building was inspired by the infinity sign, and with restaurants, premium boutiques and a Park Hyatt opening onsite (Sky Bar included) it will no doubt become another must-visit landmark in Bangkok.

Central will also be opening out in Salaya, where Mahidol University is located. This project will provide shopping and entertainment to thousands of students and local residents, with a design theme of “Contemporary Botanical” featuring tropical gardens and mixed indoor/ outdoor areas. The arts and culture of Salaya and Nakhon Pathom will be incorporated into the unique design of the property, providing visitors with plenty of fodder for the popular Thai pastime of photo-taking.

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Over the next few years, Bangkok will also see extensions of rail networks. The MRT is adding a Pink Line to its monorail service, stretching more than 35 kilometres from Khae Rai to Minburi with a total of 30 stations. There’ll also be a Purple Line running from Tao Pun to Khlong Bang Phai. In the city centre, the people of Bangkok will have a healthier option of getting around with more and more Pun Pun bicycle sharing stations cropping up. Right now, stations are peppered throughout the city, with many along Sathorn Road, though a total of 50 are planned, providing more than 500 bicycles.

With a growing international profile, Bangkok is becoming more popular as a location for large-scale touring events. In 2012, the massive Sensation music event by Heineken filled BITEC Bangna with millions of people – a feat set to repeat itself on the first of February this year. International DJs and a world-class lightshow will once again bring the arena to life.

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It’s another great year for foodies as well, with big overseas names setting up on Thai turf. The new Mahanakorn building in Sathorn–set to be the tallest skyscraper in the city–will launch the CUBE retail space this year, inside it L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and Vogue Club will open their doors.

All these new developments, set against a backdrop of iconic Bangkok locations, keep this vibrant city one of the most exciting in the region. Sukhumvit’s popular lower sois continue to build on an ever-diversifying roster of bars, clubs, shops and restaurants, while the fringes of the city develop along with the transport lines, with areas such as Wongwian Yai, Bang Na and Bang Wa emerging with new character.

As a rapidly growing and changing city, Bangkok continually offers unique experiences, with hotels, bars, and restaurants launched and relaunched every week. In such a vast metropolis, the opportunities for an unforgettable experience are many–and whether you’re a resident or a first-time visitor, Bangkok never fails to surprise. In these pages, we showcase a selection of the best Bangkok venues and experiences, highlighting some of the things that make this city so great.

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Top 5 Sky BarS

Moon Bar, Banyan Tree

Perched on a corner of the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, this sophisticated open-air venue draws a mix of well-heeled young locals and travellers. From the top of the slender Banyan Tree building the views are some of the most spectacular in town–clogged highways become rivers of light and Bangkok’s sprawling outer suburbs twinkle in every direction. A creative cocktail menu here includes signatures such as the Siam Ray and the tropical fruit-filled Vertigo Sunset.

Dress code applies.

21/100 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, Bangkok T: 02 679 1200 94

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octave

Positioned on the top three floors of the Marriott Sukhumvit Bangkok near the trendy Thong Lor area, Octave is one of the newer sky bars to open. Starting from the 45th floor, guests can lounge by a dramatically lit wooden bar or enjoy drinks at the very top of the building with 360degree views of the city. Bar snacks are in the form of Asian-style tapas, with wagyu sliders, fresh oysters and fois gras terrine part of a generous shared platter. Top-level liqueurs, wines and beers are offered, as well as a long list of cocktails.

2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Klongtan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok T: 02 797 0000

ku De Ta

This high altitude bar is one of the city’s newest, offering modern cuisine, drinks and music in a stylish venue across the 39th and 40th floors of a downtown skyscraper. As can be expected, the views are incredible, and Ku De Ta’s outdoor garden terrace provides a refined environment from which to escape the somewhat chaotic pace of street level. The venue offers several indoor and outdoor areas, so you can enjoy dinner, DJs and after-hours drinks all in the one place.

39 & 40/F, Sathorn Square Complex, 98 North Sathorn Road, Bangkok T: 02 108 2000

189 Sukhumvit, Klongtan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok T: 02 126 9999

Scarlett

188 Silom Road, Suriyawongse, Bangrak, Bangkok T: 02 238 1991

The “sky bar” here is actually the outdoor garden terrace of the Pullman G’s 37th-floor French restaurant and wine bar, Scarlett.

It’s a smaller, more intimate setting than most open-air venues in Bangkok, and the restaurant is one of the best in the city.

The menu is inspired by the Michelin-star garnering chef, Manuel Martinez, of Paris’s Louis XIII restaurant, and is supplemented by regular cheese and oyster promotions. A vast selection of new and old world wines make this the perfect venue for gourmands.

L’appart, Sofitel Sukhumvit

One of Bangkok’s lesser-known high-altitude venues, L’Appart is often overlooked. This stylish venue offers skyline views across Bangkok from the 32nd floor and offers fine French dining and a long list of wines and cocktails. As the name suggests, the ambience is similar to that of a sophisticated Parisian apartment, complete with library, dining room, living room and kitchen. Guests can relax in a lounge chair in the salon or find a seat on the balcony to enjoy some of Bangkok’s best city views.

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Top 5 Modern CuiSine

Sra Bua

Aston @ 31

Sra Bua by Kiiin Kiin, located in the Siam Kempinski hotel, was named in San Pellegrino’s 2013 list of Asia’s 50 best restaurants.

Offering authentic Thai flavours with a modern molecular touch, Sra Bua pops up frequently in best-of lists, and draws as many locals as it does travellers. The Siam Kempinki’s unfailing fivestar service and high-gloss interiors complete the experience.

Young Chef Zra Jiraratana made a name for himself at CDC with Aston Gastrobar, and now he offers something a little more grown-up at his purpose-built restaurant in Sukhumvit soi 31. The steel and glass renovated house works off a post-apocalyptic industrial theme, while the menu–made from fresh local produce and some in-house herbs–offers modern European.

The menu changes according to whatever ingredients are available that day, so diners are assured an innovative and superlatively fresh dining experience.

991/9 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok T: 02 162 9000

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68 Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok, T: 02 102 2323

issaya Siamese Club

Good Thai food is not particularly difficult to come by in Bangkok, but Chef Ian Kittichai elevates Thai cuisine to a special dining experience in his restaurant in Sathorn. Nestled in the backstreets, a converted 1920s house furnished with lounges and beset by colourful tropical flowers offers contemporary renditions of Thai classics–things like gai yang, yum nuea and khanom Thai. Organic and vegetarian options are in good supply.

4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Road, Bangkok T: 02 672 9040-1

Photo: Vasco célio/stills/iGF2013

Gaggan

Shintori

18/F, Zen, Central World, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok T: 02 100 9000

Situated on the 18th floor of Zen building at Central World, Shintori offers modern Japanese dining with an artistic twist. A fusion of traditional Japanese dishes and flavours from around the Asia region, its industrial-style decor and large open kitchen provide the setting for a truly contemporary dining experience. A private dining room is available though views from the main dining room are just as stunning, extending past the Royal Sports Club to well beyond the river.

68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok T: 02 652 1700

Named after Chef Gaggan Anand, this restaurant, tucked away at the end of a driveway on Langsuan, offers one surprise after the next.

Inspired by his favourite childhood dishes and his extensive travels, Gaggan’s creations reinterpret classic Indian fare in a modern molecular fashion. A degustation menu paired with wine is the best way to experience the cuisine here.

Gaggan is always close at hand to explain the flavours and concept behind each course.

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Top 5 SuiTeS W Hotel

This modern hotel in Sathorn continues the W brand’s hip sensibilities with spacious, eyecatching rooms that incorporate Thai motifs in a contemporary manner. Funky, modern interiors are luxurious and technologyready, with the Extreme Wow Suite the pick of the crop, offering 216 square metres of living space with a state-of-theart entertainment system, dining room and decadent four-person rain shower.

106 North Sathorn Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok T: 02 344 4000

Sofitel So Bangkok

Only the second So property in the world, Sofitel So Bangkok boasts some of the most design-savvy spaces in the city. Inspired by five elements– water, fire, earth, wood and metal– each section of the hotel bears a different theme and a completely unique look. It’s possible to stay in the hotel several times and each time have a completely different experience.

The Water level rooms– closer to the top of the hotel–are some of the most visually impressive, offering wide park views and window-side soaking tubs.

2 North Sathorn Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok T: 02 6240 000

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praya palazzo

Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, this luxurious property was once the home of a Thai nobleman, whose design of the building was inspired by Italian architectural styles. The interiors recall a Tuscan mansion of the early 20th century, with charming ambient interiors and– from the Chao Phraya Suite–river views.

The old world charm pairs perfectly with all the latest mod cons in a romantic and tranquil setting.

757/1 Somdej Prakinklao Soi 2, Bang yeekhan Bangkok T: 02 883 2998

Hansar

Cabochon Hotel

This luxury eco-conscious hotel boasts spacious suites and sweeping views over the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Perfectly positioned to access luxury shopping and the city’s best dining, Hansar offers a range of studios and suites–the “Edge” category featuring an interior “living wall” of tropical plants and the larger “Vertigo” suite at 82 square metres with a spacious work area, walk-in wardrobe and deep soaking tub.

Sequestered in a quiet part of Sukhumvit soi 45 the Cabochon Hotel offers classy, Art Decoinspired spaces, with suites up to 58 square metres. Meticulously decorated with vintagestyle items, polished wooden floors, French doors and tufted armchairs, the property enjoys a classy old-world ambience, with all mod-cons included (cable TV and WiFi etc). The Cabochon includes a beautifully restored club lounge and a rooftop pool.

3/250 Soi Mahadlekluang 2 Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok T: 02 209 1234

14/29 Sukhumvit 45 Road, Klongtan Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok T: 02 259 2871-3

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Top 5 HiDDen pLaCes Maggie Choo’s

One of Bangkok’s most hidden bars, Maggie Choo’s is a unique experience from the moment you enter its heavy iron door and descend below street level. Guests are greeted by what appears to be a mom and pop noodle store in Shanghai circa 1940, but behind the velvet curtain lies a cabaretthemed bar adorned with Chinoiserie and gentleman’s club-style sofas. One of expat entrepreneur Ash Sutton’s imaginative venues, Maggie Choo’s is great for late night cocktails and live jazz.

320 Silom Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok T: 02 635 6055

Le Derriere

Located at the back of Q Bar–hence the name–Le Derriere recreates Bohemian Paris both in decor and in its key offering–absinthe. Supported by a late-might menu of French bistro favourites such as croque monsieur and fresh oysters, a vast line-up of absinthe adorns the hundred-year-old bar–from 50 percent up to 80 percent alcohol. Beginners can enjoy a light absinthe cocktail before working their way on to a straight shot over sugar. French champagne and various cocktails are also on offer.

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34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Bangkok T: 02 252 5366

Ocean Club

Ideal for a chilled afternoon of cocktails and tapas, Ocean Club is a unique Bangkok concept combining resort facilities with a bar and pool. Guests can lounge by the pool enjoying a laidback DJ set, drinks by mixologist Joseph Boroski and food by Chef Jacobo. In the pool Lounge visitors can also enjoy massage, dance performances and games. Ocean Club also hosts regular pool parties.

7 Sukhumvit soi 33, Klongtan Nuea, Bangkok T: 02 261 2800

Sala Restaurant and Bar

Located on the banks of the Chao phraya opposite Wat Arun, Sala Restaurant and Bar is perfectly placed to enjoy quiet drinks and a romantic dinner by the water.

The views of the Temple of Dawn are stunning, especially around dusk, when the lights of the Wat reflect off the river. The restaurant is part of the contemporary-style Sala hotel, which also offers an open deck and rooftop bar. It’s a great place to take overseas visitors or enjoy a memorable dinner with someone special.

39 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok T: 02 622 1388 Benedict Studios

Located out of the city centre in Bang kapi, this hidden place recreates a Gothic cathedral, complete with stone archways, courtyard and peristyle. playing host to weddings, runway shows and luxury product launches, this atmospheric location is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful secrets.

The black and white tiles, colonnades and dream-like garden setting make it the perfect venue for fashion shoots and high society events.

Yothin Pattana 11 (behind CDC) T: 02 936 6365

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Top 5 arT experienCeS

Serindia Gallery

Housed in a beautiful post-colonial building in OP Garden complex, this small private gallery hosts an international roster of exhibitions highlighting art from the Southeast Asian and Himalayan regions. Curated by local art expert Shane Suvikapakornkul, the collections on display at Serindia are world class, changing regularly and representing the most exciting artists from Thailand and abroad. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 8pm.

Room 3101, 3201, OP Garden, 4-6 Charoen Krung Soi 36, Bangkok T: 02 238 6410 Museum of Contemporary art (MoCa)

This impressive contemporary space just outside the city centre hosts a great array of modern Thai art. Created by Mr. Boonchai Bencharongkul to honour King Rama XI and Professor Silpa Bhirasri, an Italian-born sculptor who is considered the “Father of Thai Contemporary Arts.” The museum itself is just as much a creative feat as the works it contains, and well worth the trip out to Chatuchak area. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

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499 VibhavadiRangsit Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok T: 02 953 1005

V64 artstudio

Showcasing young upcoming contemporary artists, the V64 art studio takes up a chunk of re-purposed land in Vibhavadi. Featuring studios, gallery spaces, an art academy and boutique shop, it’s a multi-faceted venue where visitors can immerse themselves in art works from a vast pool of local talent. There’s also a cafe and bar onsite.

143/19 Chaengwattana Soi 1 Yak 6 Bhang khen, Laksi, Bangkok T: 02 973 2681

Thailand Creative Design Centre (TCDC)

Located in an unlikely position for art - the top level of The Emporium in Prom Phong - the TCDC is one of the newest mid-city places for art lovers to congregate. Part-gallery, part-shop, the TCDC hosts a changing roster of exhibitions both international and regional. The library there is an excellent resource for design students, and the WiFi and quiet environs make it a popular place for study.

Sukhumvit soi 24, 6th Floor, The Emporium, Bangkok T: 02 664 8448

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

100 Ratchadamnoen klang Avenue, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok T: 02 621 0044

This completely renovated building pays tribute to the art and culture of the Rattanakosin Era, harking back to the times of King Rama V. European styles were in favour during that period, and at Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall visitors can delve into that picturesque history via permanent exhibitions that include scale models, photography, video installations and examples of architecture, arts and crafts.

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Top 5 Leisure AcTiviTies Khongsittha Muay Thai

This Thai boxing club offers training and state-of-the-art facilities for students of all ages and levels. Both recreational boxers and competitive fighters train here, with classes for learners held daily. For recreational training, Khongsittha offers 90-minute sessions with pad and bag work, jogging and strength exercises, specifically designed to hone muay Thai skills and improve fitness. Both group classes and one-on-one sessions with an experienced trainer are offered.

It’s open from 9am to 9pm every day.

3/42 Sukhonthasawat Road, Ladphrao, Bangkok T: 02 932 9911 Bangkok Farmer’s Market

93, 95 Sukhumvit 26, Klongtan, Klongtoey Bangkok T: 02 258 9919

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On the last weekend of every month, K Village in soi 26 transforms into a busy organic market with local food artisans coming together to showcase their wares. Everything from homemade gourmet sausages to beauty products to bakery items is in on sale, with live music, comfortable outdoor seating and ponies for the kids. The market is open from 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Flow House

For a spot of surfing in Sukhumvit, you can head to soi 26 where Flow house offers the FlowRider. This simulated wave provides a challenging and fun environment for city surfing, with surfing and bodyboarding lessons available for learners. Several drinking and dining outlets are onsite for spectators.

A-Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klongtoey, Bangkok T: 02 108-5210

Yunomori Onsen

A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok T: 02 259 5778

For a literally immersive experience of Japanese culture in Bangkok, Yunomori Onsen offers guests a relaxing soak in traditional-style hot tubs. Aside from communal baths, the onsen offers a range of healing massages and spa treatments, including Thai herbal compress and aromatherapy. The environment is luxurious and serene, with minimalist Zen-style decor and relaxation areas, plus a beauty salon and Japanese restaurants.

Opium Spa

Downriver at The Siam hotel, the luxurious Opium Spa offers massage and various wellness therapies using all-natural chemical-free products.

This opulent venue offers spacious spa suites with in-room steam rooms and private change areas, with treatments ranging from reiki to body scrubs to Thai massage. Multi-day programs are available for a more comprehensive wellness regime and there’s a Turkish hammam-style bathhouse and Muay Thai ring also on-site.

3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok T: 02 206 6999

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Top 5 GoLF CLuBS

The royal Gems Golf & Sports Club

Thai Country Club

This Peninsula Hotels property is located around an hour’s drive outside of Bangkok, offering superlative service and a course designed by US golf course architect Dennis Griffiths.

This award-winning course has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the Volvo Asian Masters tournament from 2005 to 2008, the Asian Honda Classic 1997, and the Johnnie Walker Super Tour 1998. The club features a luxurious clubhouse. It’s closed on Mondays.

98 SalayaBangpasi Road, A.Phuthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom T: 02 429 8066

Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao T: 038 570 234

This beautiful course lies 40 minutes outside of Bangkok city centre, converted from farmland into a challenging 18 holes.

Incorporating water hazards, elevation and trees, this course features recreations of famous international greens, including the back nine of Augusta National. The Royal Gems doubles as a tranquil escape from the city, with squash, swimming, and tennis facilities, plus the Prestige Sports Club with business and banquet facilities.

alpine Golf Club

99, BangkhanSathaneevitayu Road, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani T: 02 577 3333

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US golf course architect Ron Garl designed this 18-hole course, which in 2000 and 2004 hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic.

The rolling hills, water hazards, and thick groves of trees contribute to making this the most challenging course in Bangkok, with many greens surrounded by water and jungle. Though challenging, the course is one of the city’s most picturesque and peaceful, and offers full clubhouse facilities and two restaurants.

royal Bangkok Sports Club

1 Henri Dunant Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan Bangkok T: 02 251 0181

For members and their guests only, this city centre course is the most prestigious in Bangkok. Located in the central business district within the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, it’s a short course of 18 holes well-positioned for early morning pre-meeting games. The course features excellent caddies and a variety of different restaurants, cafes and lounges for apres-golf relaxation.

rajpruek Golf Club

100 VibhavadiRangsit Road, Tung Song Hong, Laksi, Bangkok T: 02 955 0055

This members-only international standard course is located within Bangkok city in a tranquil, tree-dotted landscape.

The 18-hole undulating course was designed by J. Michael Poellot and features well-designed, challenging holes.

The club has a full-service leisure centre with five-star fitness facilities, with 11 tennis courts, three swimming pools, squash courts, a billiards room, table tennis, badminton and an all-purpose athletics field with jogging track.

This elite environment often sets the scene for informal business meetings, with corporate facilities available onsite and restaurants, banquet halls, a wine lounge, international buffet and world-class Chinese restaurant - Man Fu Yuen - among its outstanding F&B offerings. Rajpruek boasts meticulously tended gardens and club areas, superlative service and state-of-the-art facilities, making it not just a championship golfing destination but a social and business networking hub.

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Resort Golf Academy

The Lodge at

Doonbeg

“Learn the links in the most natural of landscapes golf has to offer.” - wo r d s a n d p i c t u r e s by daV i d j. w h y t e

We’re in the west of County Clare, one of my favourite parts of Ireland. The quiet little village of Doonbeg looks over the vast Atlantic where the nearest port of call is New York. I first came here when Greg Norman had just finished building a golf course. The staff were eager-faced, happy to see visitors who changed their shoes in a Portacabin.

Today, the golf course, along with the outstanding Lodge at Doonbeg is a 5-star world-class destination. The dunes were perfect for it: the curving scimitar of Doonbeg Bay cutting out a terrain ideal for golf. Norman and his crew caringly laced a course to suit the untrammeled landscape and now it’s settled and admirable.

However, some things do not change. Like the nonplussed, matter-of-fact nature of the way things are.

The teaching facilities here are rudimentary, consisting of a warm-up range and small putting green next to the 1st tee.

Curiously, this fits perfectly well with the ethos of links golf as prescribed by Brian Shaw, The Lodge’s head PGA professional.

“We bring too much to the game as it is,” he told me as we stood on the 18th green, the majestic Atlantic Ocean rumbling in the background. “It’s not a practice range you need here, it’s to get out and play the links.” This encapsulates Brian’s attitude to the game and the elemental nature of the course he works with.

“The way to play links golf is to feel it. You have to smell it. You have to eat it. And most of all you have to enjoy it.

The person who doesn’t know links golf and tries to play it in the same way they approach a country club or parkland course is in for a shock. It’s very different! You have to learn about it; you have to respect it.”

For many, this is how golf should be played. The seaside links is where the game began and it is still largely considered golf in its purest form. Links golf offers so many more challenges. It is natural and people haven’t needed contrive it. Simply put, Man couldn’t put together such diverse, ever-changing elements. The course at Doonbeg, even though relatively new, offers all this.

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“A links course is like a supermodel,” Brian went on.

“In the mornings it can be a bit temperamental, difficult to work with; sometimes even wild. You don’t know what to expect. Everyday is different. You’re going to stand on the tee and know it’s an angry day for instance. So you think, ‘how do I deal with this?’ You can come back on a lovely afternoon and it’s tame, it’s going to behave itself and you have a chance to take it on.

A links course has got real character and if you don’t respect it, as with a person, you’re not going to get as much out of it. If you approach it properly, it’s going to give you things, it’s going to question your game and if you get it right, you get the rewards.

The great players understand this. That’s why so many of them are interested in the heritage of the game.

They understand what players of old were able to do even with their limited equipment. Lee Trevino, Ben Crenshaw, Henry Cotton, Peter Thomson; all those guys knew how important it was to appreciate a links course.

That’s what marked them apart. They ‘read’ the game so well. Nicklaus and Trevino both had that remarkable ability. They could read the course and read each shot.

Nicklaus tailored his game to suit every single golf course he played. That’s largely gone now. A lot of the modern courses don’t have the character of links. They’re built as resort courses, long at 7,600 yards. That’s not the way the game was developed.

I don’t think there are any signature holes on a links golf course whether it is Muirfield, Doonbeg, St Andrews or Ballybunion. You start at the 1st and finish on the 18th and it’s the journey that makes it great. It’s the sum of all the parts that makes a great golf course, not just the 4th or the 15th hole, or the great view at the 18th.

And that’s how we should approach links golf. With a free spirit, eager to learn and work with the conditions no matter what they are. That’s what we try and teach players here at Doonbeg.

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Golf Academy

Brian Shaw’s Putting Tips

The Putting Grip

Let’s start with how you hold the club. The grip is probably the most important factor in a good putting stroke. The Interlocking Grip is what most of us use on the course or the Overlap but both of these are liable to break down with a putting stroke.

Stability is vitally important throughout the putting stroke and the best way to introduce and maintain this is by applying a straight forefinger down the inside of the grip, the left index figure covering the right gripping fingers. This stops your right hand taking over.

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The Setup

Once we feel secure with the grip, then it’s how we address or stand to the golf ball. The most important thing here is to have your eyes directly over the ball. A simple test is to take your stance and put another ball to your eye and drop it. This will show you where your eyes are in relation to the main ball.

The ball position should also be forward in your stance to allow the putter to meet the ball on the way up. This creates topspin, which is very important especially in links conditions and fast greens. The final element of the setup is posture.

Don’t slouch over the ball as you’ll tend to rock forward. Take an athletic position, back quite straight with head over the stroke line. This is a good, sturdy position from which to make a sound, controlled stroke.

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on a Links Golf Course

Tee Box ManageMenT

The Stroke

Crucial in good putts is the pace and length of the stroke.

What is very important here is to release the putter head. To achieve this we can’t let our hands get ahead or leave them behind. But we do need to let the putter head go, release it. The butt end of the club should be pointing towards my belly button a bit like a belly putter. The problem with the belly putter though was it was very hard to gauge distance because it was stuck to your belly.

The idea was correct but you need to release the club head also. So try and mimic the belly putter in keeping the butt pointing at your belly throughout the stroke.

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Putting on a Links Course

Here are Doonbeg and all links courses we encounter some difficult elements and therefore our putting technique needs to change to cope with these conditions. Wind and rain will affect the putting stroke so you must get closer to your work.

The hands come closer to the body, shielding them from the wind and rain. If you use a normal stroke in these conditions, the putter head would get blown off-line. Great links player such as Seve Ballesteros kept their hands close to their body in testing links conditions, taking a shorter stroke with a firmer grip.

They take the hands back only to the right knee and then pop it with a more deliberate stroke. It’s definitely worth practicing this if you are about to play on a links course.

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The Lodge at

DOOnbeg

Irish beauty perfectly blended with the charm of its common folk makes Doonbeg and its surrounds one unforgettable vacation.

Other Courses in the area We asked Brian about the other famous links courses in this area.

“When you’re playing the 1st here at Doonbeg, you’re looking towards Lahinch. As you come back up the 18th you’re facing Ballybunion.

These are two of the greatest links golf courses in the world. Combined with Doonbeg it’s probably one of the best collections of links courses in close proximity to each other anywhere.

“Tom Watson declared Ballybunion a firm favourite when he started coming over each year to practice ahead of The Open. An equally big fan is ex-US President Bill Clinton whose statue stands outside Ballybunion’s Police Station.

The course has some truly amazing stretches between ancient, high dunes and open coastlines. A lot of the tee boxes at Ballybunion are elevated whereas here at Doonbeg and at Lahinch, that would make things far too difficult in stronger, more blustery winds.”

“Lahinch is truly magnificent, a golf course that perhaps doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s possibly a future Walker Cup site and has already hosted some notable amateur events. It’s a very tough golf course, probably the hardest of the three with a few quirky corners such as the blind 4th where a marshal lets you know when it’s clear to play. But it’s a wonderful experience. Many people end up loving Lahinch.”

“All three courses in this area complement each other. They can all be equally as nasty or as beautiful.

They will certainly teach you a thing or two. Each golfer will have a different experience on each golf course. And when they come back here to The Lodge at Doonbeg they’ll have different preferences and opinions. And that to me is what great links is about! Like a person, it is how you relate to it; how you get on with it.”

The Lodge at Doonbeg has only been in existence for eight years and the course, four more which is difficult to believe when you see its outline reminiscent of something from a Jane Austin epic, an ancient 18th century Celtic manor. It’s a sort of adult Disneyland; an interpretation of what its developers imagined international guests would imagine an Irish manor house to look like.

There are all the luxurious touches you expect from such a 5-star operation including an ever-lit peat fire at reception. But it’s not the trimmings that set this place apart. What is outstanding is the genuine kindness and friendliness of the staff. You get this throughout Ireland but I suspect more so here in this remote corner of County Clare. It’s known as ‘Irish charm’ throughout the world but here you find the genuine article at its source - and it’s most disarming.

The Lodge at Doonbeg pride themselves as being part of the local community and every Wednesday you are almost ‘shooed’ down to the village of Doonbeg to enjoy local food, culture and ‘craic’, a hearty slice of Irish life as it was and still is here in distant Doonbeg. At Comerford’s Bar in the Main Street, an older gentleman spontaneously burst into song, not for the entertainment of visitors or too many Guinesses. This is just what they do in this part of Ireland and everyone stops to listen. ‘Set Dancing’ is also popular in the pubs, a form of Irish folk dancing based on quadrilles. This too goes on at Comerford’s most Wednesday nights. Then it is over to Tubridy’s Bar or any of the several hostelries in town. In the end, you don’t want to leave.

The Lodge at Doonbeg is a gateway to rich Irish experiences. We took to the River Shannon to dolphinwatch, not altogether a successful enterprise in this instance but it was enjoyable nevertheless. “They’re wild animals,” our captain kept insisting and they must be resting today.

We were more successful walking along the beach or learning to fly-cast for sea bass. We discovered a secretive ‘perfumery’ amidst the Burren, an area of outstanding natural beauty, a sparse, bone-like landscape populated with unique wild flora and fauna. There are horse trails and mountain bikes available at the hotel as well as walks along popular tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher.

Whatever you do at Doonbeg, it’s sure to cast an Irish spell on you and have you coming back for more.

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Destination

High Life in Dalat - By T h e P o o h

Discovered by Prf. Yersin in 1893, Dalat was first planned to be developed around the Dankia Lake at the foot of Mount Lang Bian. At the change of the French General Governor, it was decided to build the city closer from the “Belle-vue” pass to Phan Rang and Dalat really started its constructions in 1905 at the present location, on the Cam Ly river. The region was totally free of any building, and the first thing a resort needed was a lake: The Cam Ly River was dammed to create the Xuan Huong Lake.

The Hill right by the lake was a natural place to build a hotel and the city was to be developed on the opposite side, with the residence of the City Mayor on top of the hill.

Resort facilities were to include a sport arena, a round shaped island to have a restaurant and on the opposite bank the ground was dedicated to the golf course.

Residential, Educational and Recreational areas were created, the Saint-Benedict Lake (now dried and used for vegetable farms) and the Lake of Sorrows. At the far end of the Xuan Huong Lake the most famous boarding school at the time the “Lycee Yersin”, opened in 1935.

The lower part of the town was dedicated to smaller ranks administrators and teacher, close to the junior high school known as the “Petit Lycee”.

The city center developed on both sides of the main hill, hotels and cinema were added in the late 50’s as the city cinema was built just before the new market.

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The Dalat Palace

Since 1905, when the final decision was made to develop a climate resort of “Sanatorium” as the french called it, a hotel with all modern comfort of the time was to be built overlooking the lake.

It would be called “The Langbian Palace”, after the name of the culminating peak of Dalat.

The blue prints were ready by 1913, but with the start of World War I and the unfinished road access to Dalat, the construction started only in 1916. It took 6 year to be completed and the 30 rooms Langbian Palace opened in 1922. Its Victorian style of preWWI was already considered being old-fashioned as the Art-deco trend was pointing out.

The Palace was hosting the rich and famous of the time, coming to Dalat for hunting and to enjoy the cool mountain climate. The hotel rates at the time were mandatory full board daily, weekly or monthly based. Evenings were filled with ballroom dance parties, as a full band was permanently employed to entertain the guests.

In 1941, it was fully refurbished in a much praised Art-deco slim style and rooms were added. It hosted the negotiators of the future Fontainebleau conference in 1946 between the Viet-Minh and the French authoriies. The National Hero, General Vo Nguyen Giap was staying in the Suite 101 during the months of April and May 1946.

In 1991, an American multi-millionaire, Larry Hillblom, made a joint venture with the Dalat Provincial government to refurbish the Dalat Palace hotel, the Dalat Hotel (today’s Du Parc) and the Dalat Golf Club. The choice was made to re-do the interior design in the very first Victorian style that you can still enjoy today at the Dalat Palace.

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The Golf Club

On the first city plan made by Architect Mr. E. Hebrand in 1923, a golf course was already featured, together with the sport arena opposite the man-made lake.

It was finally decided to build the course in early 1930’s when Emperor Bao Dai returned from a trip to France, where he discovered the sport in Normandy and in Paris chic suburb of Senlis-Chantilly.

He then decided to build his own course in Dalat, as it was marked on the city plan. The course had 6 holes at the time and a small clubhouse, the one you can still enjoy today. The course was then abandoned in 1945 after the Emperor left to Hong Kong.

In 1954, Doctor Hach, a physician from Hanoi, settled in Dalat and revived the Dalat Golf Club together with Ferdinand d’Or, the Lang Bian Palace Hotel Director.

They collected some sponsors to rebuild the course, one sponsor per hole.

Since they found 8 sponsors, the course had 8 holes and the hole #8 was played wice from a different tee-box. The club house was extended in the mid 60’s when the course started to become popular, especially with the Japanese engineers working in the region. The famous golfer, Billy Casper, coming to cheer the American troops, played the Dalat Golf Course. The Golf Club was closed again in 1975.

In the early 90’s, the American millionaire Larry Hillblom, a co-founder of DHL revived the Golf Club which finally became an 18-hole championship golf course, known today as the Dalat Palace Golf Club.

Awards: 2013 Best Golf Course in Vietnam

by Robb Report Magazine 2010 voted best Golf Course in Vietnam

by Asia Golf Monthly Magazine 2008-2009 voted Best Golf Course in Vietnam

by Asia Golf Monthly Magazine 2008-2009 voted Best Golf Course in Vietnam

by Vietnam Golf Magazine 2001-2007 ranked Vietnam’s #1 golf course

by Golf Digest (USA) 2007 voted Vietnam’s #1 golf course

by Asian Golf Monthly 2007 voted Vietnam’s “Most Beautiful” golf course by Vietnam Golf Magazine 2006 vote Asia’s 10th best golf course

by Asia Golf Monthly DALAT PALACE LUXURY HOTEL 12 Tran Phu Street, Dalat City, Lam Dong, Vietnam Tel: +84 63 3825 444 FAX : +84 63 3825 666 Email: palacereservation@dalatresorts.com G o l f V a c a t i o n s Jan- fEB 2014 119 Website: www.dalatpalace.vn

Journey

Wisdom Life - T E X T by N A N TA K WA N G S I R AS O O N TO R N

Where does the meaning of ‘journey’ begin?

Does it begin with the first horse Shane rode to help the people in the 1953 cowboy movie or when Enzo Ferrari drove his car to the race track?…when the old man set sail in Ernest Hemingway’s novel or with the first word from Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’?

The last bit was what we experienced the first day we arrived at the Hotel NH Excelsior in Siena, Italy. A card was placed under our pillows with a quote from a poem written on it – a common practice by artistic hotels. This ‘Wisdom’ trip was a 5-day trip of beautiful scenery that was organized by KBank. If Vienna was the “Angel of Eastern Europe” then Rome would be “a warrior who has gone through numerous battles of love”.

My group and I arrived at the Fiumicino airport the morning of November 10. Although it was raining the whole day, it did not keep us from visiting Montepulciano, the biggest hill town in Italy.

Located in the southern part of Toscana, Montepulciano is known for its wine and is also the place that Sir Alex Ferguson fell so

much in love with that he bought land to grow grapes for his years of retirement. According to the locals, Montepulciano is located 600 meters above sea level and houses are built along the ridges.

You can try picturing old tough-looking houses made of stones with narrow walkways. People here make a living in a variety of ways, such as selling cheap ornaments or cooking food and snacks which look like chestnuts and nuts. They even have huts where they sell coffee and old clothes along the way. Although the shops and way of living are interesting, the highlight of this place is in its delicious wine. Montepulciano has a reputation in terms of wine production.

It is located in the countryside of Toscana where the scenery can be sweeter than the wine itself. This is not an exaggeration because even the poet Francesco Redi has once written that the wine of this town is “The King of All Wines”, and there are a number of them (there are a variety of wine “kingdoms”). One of the most famous wine caves is owned by Alexandro Contti, who is probably already in his 70s but is still a strong and healthy man. He showed us around his house to appreciate good wine.

- Florence Cathedral

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- Panoramic view of Florence

- Taste of Italy: From Toscana to Milan

“There are various types of wine to choose from here, ranging from the cheap ones to the very expensive types”, Alexandro explained. “The most popular ones are Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montepulciano which have been receiving very good reviews from wine tasters. These two brands grow very well in fresh air and are easier to care for compared to the Pinot Noir grape, which tends to get frail especially during climate changes”.

I was a part of the group that had the opportunity to see the vineyard and I realized that although wine is a new custom that has been spread to other regions, one thing that was not passed along with it was the practice of drinking wine. Alexandro explained that wine drinking has its delicate features, similar to how women take a long time getting dressed in front of the mirror. “The difference between women and wine is the latter does not need a hair treatment, manicures or a steam bath. All it needs are feeling, time and learning and its life partner, the glass”.

In this wine cave on a hill town, Alex owns various wine businesses. However, the intriguing part about this family business

is that they also make beautiful wooden boxes for tourists to pack wine in to carry back home. The boxes come in sizes for 1 bottle up to 10 bottles. “Does wine have a gender?”, I asked. Alex explained that good wine all over the world tend to have a “purpose” for specific occasions. For instance, the 1961 Cheval Blanc is for 10-year wedding anniversaries while the Opus One is for businessmen to celebrate their successes. After a few glasses of wine tasting, we started to get a little bit dizzy. Alex then recommended us to see the Tuscan - Renaissance arts of this town.

This town is so beautiful that it was named “The Pearl of the 17th Century”. I noticed that even though this town is on the hills, there were a lot of small cars compared to the hill towns in Madrid, Spain. These small cars would be parked along the shoulders of the road. I guess it’s not so strange considering the number of foreign tourists walking around. Although this town is high above sea level and requires walking up and down the hills, one of the interesting things about Montepulciano is in its city planning, which has been spread to the nearby town of Pienza (you may recall that Pienza is a Renaissance utopia).

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- Duomo di Milano

Italy is not comprised only of Rome, just like how Toscana is not the only place in Florence. In the southern part of Florence, there is a place called Siena where its buildings reflect its historical heritage. Our tour guide told me that in the past, Siena was an important trade rival of Florence. However, in 1348 two-thirds of the population was lost to a plague that hit Siena and put the city’s development to a halt.

For Asians who are like me and haven’t been to Siena before, one of the things I remember from watching the movie Calmi Cuori Passionati is that this city has a Duomo that is enchanting (beautiful is not enough to describe it). In the movie, the man promises his lover that they would someday visit the Duomo together. I don’t know if I was there the same day as they were but all I know is I was in there for several hours. The Siena Duomo was built in the year 1215. The interior and exterior parts are made from green and white marbles, reflecting a Romanistic art (these two colors are also the color of Siena). This cathedral is different from the rest when viewed from the outside. It gives you an illusion of an overlapping picture which is an effect of the wall designs. Near Siena Duomo is a public space located in the center of Siena called the Piazza del Campo, and is where the Palazzo Pubblico is located.

The Palazzo Pubblico was built in 1297 and originally served as a government house. This palace was designed with medieval Italian architecture and a mixture of Gothic influence. The first floor is made from stone while the second floor is made with red brick.

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Beside the palace is the Torre del Mangia, a bell tower designed

by Lippo Memmi and built during 1325 until 1344. This tower was intentionally built to be higher than the Firenze Tower, which was the tallest bell tower during the medieval Italian era. Today, the Torre del Mangia has become the inspiration for various artists.

When I reached the front part of the bell tower, I walked over to buy some football team flags, each costing 10 euros. When I was about to buy flags of the Juventus and Milan teams, the vendor told me that the flags of these two teams do not smell so good (a way of bluffing in football). This was a similar experience I had 2 years ago when I visited Milan. I went to the Milano team shop to buy their team flag. The salesperson persuaded me to buy the Juventus team flag instead because it looked nicer (than the flag of the team he was working in). I found out later that the he was from Turin.

This taught me that just because a football team is from that city, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the salesperson is. Therefore, it wouldn’t be strange if people working in the accounting department of the Manchester United club were all from Liverpool, would it?

The flag of Florence is beautifully colored in purple and white which reflects its reputation as the center of arts, culture and renaissance history. It is also the home of world-class painters such as Michelangelo whose artwork can be found everywhere such as the famous sculpture David. One of the works I think is comparable to Michelangelo’s would be the Ponte Vecchio that spans into the old city. This bridge has made appearances in numerous Japanese and French films, and is a famous photo spot for tourists to catch the scenery that shows a combination of the river, bridge, building and life.

We spent another 2 days walking around looking at small churches. I feel that Florence is similar to Provence in its beautiful countryside view and communities. The program for the next day was a change of scenery. We went to Maranello, the metropolitan city of Modena, and the city where the current Ferrari factory is located (after moving its production base from Modena in the 1940s). Maranello is also known as the City of Ferrari because,

- Pakorn Partanapat, Executive Vice President of Kasikorn Bank

aside from its factory, the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One Racing team is also based here. We headed to the Ferrari Village which, as its name says, is everything Ferrari. Starting from the check-in counter where there was a race car model, while the rooms and the halls were carpeted in red and white, giving the feeling of being in a race track. I don’t think I need to separately describe any further what the colors of the doors, bathrooms, beds, and tables were because everything was in red and white. The shower set even came in a race car package. We stayed at the Ferrari village for 1 night to prepare us for the real thing - driving the “Prancing horse”.

The people at Ferrari gave our ‘Wisdom by Kbank’ group a warm welcome. We got to pose for pictures while sitting in classic cars and, of course, the highlight was driving the Ferrari which cost 4,200 baht for a 10-minute drive. There were 8 people in our group who asked to drive the car. The drive was around 5 kilometers on a curvy road. I believe the curvy path was their way of playing it safe as to keep drivers from racing too fast. They also had a staff who sat along with the drivers to tell them whether it was time to speed up or to overtake (which almost never happened). People who wanted to sit on the back seat had to pay 20 euros, or around 1,000 baht. I would say that this car meets its reputation.

Ferrari’s marketing was quite impressive. They took every possible opportunity to earn revenue. For instance, if you drive the race car and want a DVD to show off to people at home then you can purchase the DVD for 20 euros. After driving, a museum awaited to tempt visitors with a range of products, such as pencils, pens, smartphone cases and pajamas. The thing that surprised me the most was that they had disassembled car engines driven by famous racers, such as Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, and put the parts up for sale. Some of the parts included small 2-inch knots, packed with a label saying “this knot was used in a real race and won in the….so on and so forth race”. The item cost 500 euros, or 20,000 baht. Some of the products sold in the museum were not even related to car racing, such as cards, pencils, pajamas, etc. This is to prove that once your brand is strong then you can sell anything.

The staff told us that around 200,000 tourists visit the place each year. Before leaving, I also noticed that even the exterior of the hotel building was painted in red and white.

For our last stop we headed to Milan, the city of fashion, football and cathedrals. During our ride, I asked Ellen, our tour guide, what the difference between Rome and Milan was. As someone who was born and grew up in Italy (the tour guide changes according to each guide’s specialty, such as shopping guide, guide for cathedrals, sports guide, etc.), she explained that “Rome does not follow Milan just like Beijing with Shanghai. Milan has a more modern culture while Rome is unique in its history and buildings.

It may be true that the present-day Rome has developed for marketing purposes, but in the eyes of the Italians, Rome is Rome and will never be Milan”. Each city in Italy is very unique in its own ways. For instance, I noticed that after visiting 5-7 bookstores the shops don’t sell foreign books, except for foreign books that are about Italy. I tried asking if they carried Hunger Games: Catching Fire or the pocket book of Sir Alex Ferguson. An instant ‘no’ was the reply I got.

Our last two days for the trip was the “Exclusive Experience” concept in which the Bottega and Prada shops were closed to the public for our own personal shopping. Based on my observations, our group of around 20 people spent around 15 million baht that day. “I didn’t really buy much. I only got 2 watches worth 2 million baht”, said one of my fellow travellers. While the others were on a “shopping war”, I was contemplating that the trips with the “Exclusive Experience” concept have been popular for a while now and think that the degree of expectations would increase even more.

These trips will need to be more special and more personal in 2014 (might be trips to heaven, hell then back home or take a trip to Mars and float around in space like George Clooney in Gravity).

These are some additional perspectives of “journey” I would like to share. While Robert Frost once said “a good journey is like discovering fine wine”, I would like to end the quote with “Making good wine is a skill. Fine wine is an art”.

- Exclusive Experience with Wisdom by KBank

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Collection ★ Travel

LOUIS VUITTON

CITY GUIDE 2014 Marking their 15th year, Louis Vuitton unveils a new look for its City Guides, now covering 15 of the world ’s most exciting cities.

New cities, new features, new format the

Louis Vuitton City Guides get a complete makeover, emerging entirely refreshed and revitalized.

Nothing has been left to chance to make this fifteenth-anniversary edition truly exceptional, ensuring that this unique collection of guides stays ahead of the pack. The new look reinvents the guides while making sure that their faithful readers will love them even more.

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its insatiable urban wanderlust through its City Guides.

Eagerly awaited every year and heralded even by the world’s most sophisticated travelers, they truly capture the heart and spirit of each city explored, offering a hand-picked selection of exceptional places, delivered with flair and conviction. This year, the collection embarks on a new journey, taking in fifteen of the world’s most exciting cities across all its inhabited continents: Cape Town, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Moscow, New York, Paris, Beijing, São Paulo, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo and Venice.

For its fifteenth-anniversary edition, the collection also gets a fresh lease on life. New features, new perspectives, new contributors, and a new layout all more lively and more cohesive, to make readers feel entirely at home, so that they can easily find their bearings from one city to the next, from one guide to the next. Now presented as individual volumes, beautifully illustrated with exclusive photographs, the Louis Vuitton City Guides are no longer bound by geographical limitations. New and fascinating destinations have been added to the journey and abiding favorites have been revisited.

Readers will be thrilled to rediscover the subtle mix of places from conventional to quirky, classical to avant-garde behind the collection’s success. As urban aficionados, attentive to the changes shaking cities to their very core, with an offbeat and refreshing take on fashion, design, contemporary art, food and culture, the Louis Vuitton City Guides unlock the secrets of each city. They benefit from the wide-ranging contributions of a team of journalists and authors from different countries and backgrounds. Never shying away from

- la

- hong Kong

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- PARIS

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- MoSCoW

- lonDon

- nEW YoRK

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- MEXICo

- Sao Paolo

- CaPE ToWn

subjectivity, these fiercely independent contributors may purposely avoid the usual expected places and reveal others off the beaten track, always articulating their own personal vision, taking in everything from the most exquisite hotels to the very best chocolate shops, from neighborhood eateries to elegant luxury boutiques, from electro dance clubs to little-known museums. Rather than focusing on price as a main consideration or the latest hot spots, the Louis Vuitton City Guides always look above all to quality when making their selections. By identifying trends and offering recommendations not found anywhere else, by providing the most up-to-date information, filtered through their unique perspective, they are intended as much for travelers with time on their hands as for jet-setting business people, and even for residents of the cities explored.

MORE COHESIVE SUMMARIES, NEW FEATURES

The main ambition of the Louis Vuitton City Guides is still to offer the finest selection of places available.

Hotels, restaurants, gourmet treats, bars, cafés, tea rooms, fashion houses, spas, antique dealers, designers, museums, galleries - in the pages of these newest City Guides, all readers, from the worldlywise to the wide-eyed, will find the elements that have built their unequaled reputation. And a whole lot more. This year’s City Guides include an even more discerning, more personal selection of places, enlivened by the perspective of contributors drawing readers into their intimate take on the city.

Distinctive experiences, snapshots of life in each city, take center stage, not only through the detailed descriptions of selected places, but also in the broader commentary, where the contributors give free rein to their impressions, conveying the attitudes, trends, styles and surroundings that build the personality of the city and express its essence.

Insiders’ tips, unwritten dress codes, appropriate attire for every imaginable circumstance, roof terraces with gardens, imaginary museums, notto-be-missed souvenirs, and literary tidbits are just some of the types of featured content that will pique readers’ interest and curiosity. The summary section of each guide is organized around these same features.

- BEIJIng

- ToKYo

LOUIS VUITTON AND TRAVEL

By way of an editorial, each Louis Vuitton City Guide recalls the House of Vuitton’s philosophy of travel. Travel is an art, with multiple facets.

It requires an artist’s eye, among other senses, to dream up possibilities, gain perspective and savor experiences. As for the art of traveling itself, it cannot be completely improvised, but must instead be organized and carefully constructed.

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- VEnICE

- SYDnEY

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- SEoUl

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Each City Guide features the contributions of a special guest.

These celebrities or local insiders offer their distinctive vision of their city and remain at the reader’s side throughout the guide, sharing experiences and personal favorites, inviting the reader to join them at table, open their wardrobes or peruse their bookshelves.

THE CITY AND ITS NEIGHBORHOODS

Taking a simplified map of the city as its starting point, this chapter helps readers gain a better grasp of the city’s layout, through its various neighborhoods. Historical background is provided for each area, as well as information on architectural styles, the main activities, the characteristic atmosphere of its landmark places, and the denizens readers are likely to encounter.

THE ESSENTIALS

Presented in a single chapter, this practical mini-guide provides easy access to information on modes of transportation, from subway systems to hired limousines with drivers, the calendar of the city’s annual must-see festivals and events, keys to fitting in with the pace of life preferred by the locals, together with a suggested list of books to read, films to see and songs to listen to before or after the visit.

24 HOURS IN THE CITY

This new feature crafts twelve hand-picked experiences for the reader to capture the very best the city has to offer, filling an entire day and night with twelve ideal addresses for each of twelve time slots around the clock, from an early morning breakfast spot to a late-night haunt before turning in at dawn.

HOTELS FIVE-STARS TO OFFBEAT HIDEOUTS: WHERE TO STAY IN THE CITY RESTAURANTS TOP TABLES TO CORNER CAFÉS: EATING OUT IN THE CITY GOOD THINGS GOURMET DELIS TO FARMERS MARKETS: THE TASTE OF THE CITY BARS, CAFÉS AND TEA ROOMS BREAKFAST TO DRINKS ON A TERRACE: TAKING A BREAK IN THE CITY NIGHTLIFE JAZZ CLUBS TO TECHNO DANCE FLOORS: WINDING DOWN IN THE CITY A SENSE OF STYLE HIGH FASHION TO EMERGING DESIGNERS: SHOPPING IN THE CITY INTERIOR CACHET QUIRKY ANTIQUES SHOPS TO CONTEMPORARY DESIGN GALLERIES: LIVING IN THE CITY

ARTS AND CULTURE

MAJOR MUSEUMS TO RADICAL THEATRES: EXPLORING THE CITY’S CULTURAL RICHES

THE SCENIC ROUTE

Another new feature, each guide offers five themed itineraries for readers interested in taking a breather between seeking out any of its many recommended spots, to explore the city on foot, avoiding the urban hustle and bustle, far from the madding crowd. Each suggested itinerary comes with a map and an indication of the time required.

LOUIS VUITTON’S GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS

Each guide includes this chapter offering an amusing digression, presenting Louis Vuitton’s views on the art of packing and the art of travel, putting into perspective the history of the House since its origins and providing an overview of the timeless products that have built its renown.

A CLEARER LAYOUT AND AN UPDATED DESIGN

Each city in the collection is assigned a special color, used on the guide’s cover as well as the pages inside. For this latest edition of the City Guides (design work by the Paris-based studio Lords of Design™), these signature hues run from royal blue for Paris, rosewood for Tokyo and buttercup for New York to queen purple for London and imperial red for Beijing.

Still conveniently sized and soft to the touch, the City Guide’s pages are now slightly bigger, making it easier to use and read.

Down to its finely wrought details, the City Guide departs from the typical formula for travel guides, bringing to mind something more akin to a fine stationery product. All of the guides feature an attractive cloth binding with rounded corners.

On the front cover, the distinctive Louis Vuitton City Guide stamp features the name of the city while, on the back, a duotone photograph sets the mood. Inside, a revamped design creates an open and airy feel with an improved structuring of information, so that readers may leaf from one chapter to the next with ease, immediately locating the information they need.

The layout, the fonts used (Futura, designed by Paul Renner in 1932 and Arno Pro, designed by Robert Slimbach in 2007 for Adobe), the subtle treatment of full-tone colors, the clarity and elegance in the way information is presented, as well as the modern look of the whole make the newest Louis Vuitton City Guides both more practical and more attractive.

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Accommodation Golden Cliff House Boutique Hotel

Golden Cliff House Boutique Hotel is a small luxury boutique

resort in Pattaya, styled like a Victorian castle and set in a dream location.

The resort is situated next to the sea with the most beautiful view of the secluded bay and the island of Koh Larn. It provides privacy and tranquility but is also conveniently located to enjoy what Pattaya and the surrounding areas have to offer.

The highlight is the large unique “sea water pool� right next to the sea where guests can relax and unwind with south Pattaya panoramic coastline far beyond the sea The resort offers friendly and personal service in luxurious surroundings to ensure that guests have a wonderful time during their stay.

www.goldencliff.com www.facebook.com/ goldencliffhouse Tel. 038 250 133, 038 250 810 130

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“When a European or a North American young professional starts out in life and scores his first monetary successes, generally the car and/ or the dwelling will become big bragging tools,” says Gregoire. “In Singapore, with real estate prices inflated by a heated market context and imported luxury cars highly taxed, most young Singaporeans will turn to watches as a means to distinguish themselves.”

Median monthly salaries for graduates in Singapore are barely enough to cover the average monthly rent on an apartment, so real estate is out of most young people’s reach. Imported cars are also too expensive. A Honda Civic in the USA costs around 23,000 US dollars. In Singapore, the same car is in excess of 100K Singaporean dollars (around 80K US). With the two major status symbols simply unattainable for most young local men, many splash out on high-end watches.

The trend is so strong that local banks such as OUB have tailored lines of credit just to cater for them, offering loans specifically for the purchase of high-end timepieces. Gregoire draws a parallel between luxury watches – particularly from a younger, more niche company such as Robert Mille or MB&F – to contemporary art. As he sees it, buyers are able to exhibit their individual taste and affluence by buying something “unique, expensive and not for everyone.” And, unlike contemporary art, a watch is a portable status symbol, prominently displayed on the wrist at all times.

Another aspect of the allure of luxury watches is that they represent a sound investment. Like gemstones, they can be easily moved, making them perfect for buyers whose countries may suffer financial or political instability.

Dominic Khoo, 35-year-old “retired” celebrity photographer, recently founded The Watch Fund, whose entire function is to broker the sales of second-hand luxury timepieces and ensure buyers make money on their investments. The Watch Fund works by acquiring luxury watches for investors – hand-picked by Khoo – to be sold at an estimated annual yield of around 7 percent.

Though the fund technically owns the watch, the investor is in possession of it for the specified term and can opt to buy it for an additional 10 percent.

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Khoo, a native Singaporean, has always had an affinity for luxury timepieces. As a graduation gift, his mother offered to buy him either a car or a watch. He opted for the latter, which he saw as a better investment as it needed neither gas nor maintenance. He still owns his Glashutte Original’s Alfred Helwig Tourbillon, worth significantly more now than when he got it. “Watches hold a typical quality and value in the eyes of the masculine [Asian] culture,” says Gregoire, “where traditions and accomplishments are essential concepts.”

The biggest Swiss watch brands in Asia right now include Cartier, A. Lange & Söhne, Patek Philippe, Rolex and IWC, with Richard Mille and MB&F representing the younger houses. There are also some regional watchmakers taking some of the market share. China’s Hong Kong-based Memorigin, for one, specialises in tourbillion watches retailed at a fraction of the price of Swiss-made watches.

Designs by this 45-year-old company not only fill a gap in the market for more affordable tourbillon timepieces, they cater specifically to local buyers by marrying Western design with auspicious Chinese motifs. According to Memorigin founder Wai Lum “William” Shum, their watches appeal to buyers interested in unique design as much as brand reputation. As he told Forbes.com last year, many sophisticated horologists have already collected all the major Swiss brands and had reached a stage where they want something different, that incorporated auspicious meanings - “something they feel will grant them some type of good fortune.”

Whether an investment, a status symbol, a lucky charm or a combination of the three, complicated watches look set to remain one of Asia’s favourite luxury items. As more and more European maisons realise the potential of the power of Southeast Asia, and as more local watchmakers enter the market we can only expect a wider range of fantastic timepieces on our shores.

elements of style

Beyond The GifT of Love RogeR Dubuis excalibuR 36/42 Throughout the history of the Excalibur 36 and 42 line, elegance has been one of its permanent characteristics. Wearing an Excalibur 36 and 42 is a way of reading the time gracefully. This time, two choices steel and diamond and rose gold are added, further demonstrating what elegance feels like. The dials are satin-brushed in a sunburst pattern and finished with a semi-matt varnish or a rhodium-coating.

All are stamped with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva and guaranteed to wrap your lady’s wrist in luxury.

Available at Roger Dubuis Boutique, 1st floor, Gaysorn (02 656 1101)

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Beyond The Gift of Love Bvlgari Spindle ColleCtion The collection offers one-of-

a-kind pieces that explore new, fresh and audacious colour combinations.

A stunning mix of amethysts, blue chalcedonies, citrine quartzes creates an effect of softness while the sparkle of pavé diamonds highlights it further. The precious stones are all cabochon cut, to exalt the round shapes and to perfectly fit the grace of the women that wear them.

Bvlgari Spindle Collection is now available at the Bvlgari Store on the M floor of the Siam Paragon (02 610 9929)

leiCa C The new Leica C triggers a new concept within the Leica compact camera portfolio. The Leica C combines a sophisticated feature package with a stylish design and an innovative assortment of accessories. The new Leica C has an outstanding picture and operation quality that offers, for the first time in the Leica compact camera history, wireless transfer of pictures and videos.

The design of the new Leica C benefited from the support of the Audi Design Team.

Audi’s professional approach and expertise for innovative designs and colors gives the camera and dedicated accessories a special touch. With a choice of two different colors – Light-gold and Dark-red – the camera expresses its positioning and style with a dedicated and creative accessory program with fancy details and materials.

Available at Leica Gaysorn (02 656 1102) and Leica Silom (02 266 4080).

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Beyond The Gift of Love Vertu Constellation Vertu’s Constellation is a

smartphone that embodies everything that the brand has become renowned for – fine materials, outstanding engineering and craftsmanship and modern technology. It uses a 5.1 inch sapphire piece – weighing more than 100 carats – to cover the entire front of the phone making it virtually scratch proof. It also comes in an engineered grade 5 titanium casing and finest quality calf leather in 5 exquisite colours.

Vertu Constellation is now available at the Vertu flagship store on the first floor of Siam Paragon (02 129 4488) and Gaysorn (02 656 11260).

Quintessentially Quintessentially is the world’s leading

private members’ club with a global concierge that provides a unique brand of service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The specialist teams will assist with your requests such as booking the finest resorts and spas, arranging all transportation, securing tables at restaurants in Thailand and all around the world and sourcing the hottest, most-wanted, rare items.

Quintessentially Lifestyle is your passport to the very best life has to offer.

To apply for Quintessentially membership, please call 02 201 3456 from 9:00-18:00 Monday-Friday.

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Gastronomy

Va len , tine s Day

Valentine’s Day Promotion at Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park In the month of romance and love, the Executive chef and his team is presenting their loves on the menu for you and your loved ones at Bistro M. Make your Valentine’s Day extra special with a special 4 courses set dinner at THB 2,700 including a bottle wine from February 10-20, 2014.

For reservations, call 02 302 5555 or visit www.bistrombangkok.com

Flame Your Passion at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa invites you to celebrate your Valentine’s day at sunset on the beautiful Mai Khao beach front. Romance

by Design at THB 9,999* per couple features a memorable candlelit dinner in a flowing white tent complete with a personal butler overlooking the Andaman Sea from 6-10pm.

For reservations, call 076 338 000

At La Tavola Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel Celebrate in cherished intimacy this Valentine’s Day. Share the enchantment in chic and romantic dining settings with special gifts including red roses. La Tavola offers you Italian Valentine’s couple menu at THB 3,200++ For reservations, call 02 125 5000

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Gastronomy The Most Romantic Day of the Year at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Spoil your loved one with an incredible evening filled with romance.

The District Grill Room & Bar

Dine at The District in the theme of the ‘20’s New York‘. A specially crafted 5 course menu with a glass of Chandon Brut Rose, live music, complimentary CCco truffles to take away for the lady, as well as a lovely red rose.

THB 2800++ per person / For reservations, call 02 797 0000

Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Savor the true romance on top of the world at Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge with Chef’s signature platter for 2 people with a choice of glass of Moet Rose Champagne. Special for the evening, Octave also offers 6 Fin de Clair #2 Oyster with every bottle of Moet et Chandon Champagne. The ladies will receive a lovely red rose and complementary CCco Truffles to take home.

Starting THB 1300++ onwards / For reservations, call 02 797 0130

Lui e Lei Valentine’s Day Romance at Rossini’s Delight your sweetheart with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at Rossini’s. The award-winning restaurant’s intimate Tuscan villa setting is the perfect venue for an unforgettable night of romance, fine dining and exceptional wines.

To help you celebrate your love for each other, from February 10 -16 Chef Paride will present a special 5-course “Lui e Lei” menu with a different dish for her and him.

With the restaurant’s knowledgeable sommelier on hand to recommend wines from the award-winning “primoVino by Rossini’s” wine list diners are also assured the perfect pairing for the extraordinary menu of modern Italian cuisine.

The unforgettable “Lui e Lei” Valentine’s Day dinner at Rossini’s is THB 6,000++ per couple.

For reservations, call 02 649 8364 Golf Vacations

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Collection ★ Style

FLORENTINO Evolution

- BY I t t I c h a I Be n j at h a n as o m B at

FLORENTINO, founded in 1970, has

been created as a company combining design and manufacturing, based on the idea that the combination of both concepts will lead the right way to progress and develop the company. The brand FLORENTINO is completely produced by the Spanish group Florentino Collection, with a design, production, quality control structure firmly consolidated.

The FLORENTINO’s Quality centre is equipped with innovative technologies and automation, including the transportation system, that permits the company to produce and distribute more than one million garments each year all around the world.

Each season, FLORENTINO develops new proposals, showing the brand styles according to the trends of each moment. A special attention to the details in design and fabrics with premium quality and nobility, sustains the work of each collection.

FLORENTINO Luxury Corner is now exclusively launched at Paragon Men Intrend, 2nd Floor, Siam Paragon.

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Sartorial Touch TOD’S SARTORIAL VIA DELLA SPIGA, 22 - MILAN The Sartorial floor of palazzo TOD’S in Milan’s Via Della Spiga is a special and innovative space, dedicated to men who love quality and unique craftsmanship.

The warm and cosy atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive and modern club where it is possible to enjoy exquisite whisky blends in total relaxation, while spending time with friends.

This enchanting space is lined in natural leather, natural wood and steel, and highlights the craftsmanship and high quality of the brand TOD’S, which is always defined by its very masculine signature and design.

The impeccably refined wooden flooring recalls the design at the palazzo of the Maison, in Corso Venezia.

Handmade creations are displayed throughout the atelier, the designs of which continue the heritage of the brand. Each product of unique quality and craftsmanship is featured in sophisticated leather

Suitcases: The Epitome of TOD’S. The entire space successfully reflects TOD’s refined elegance and is enriched by the addition of vintage items and of contemporary art.

Furniture: A collection of memorabilia which embraces the guest in an exclusive and sartorial atmosphere.

‘Sartorial Touch’ is an expression that tells TOD’S craftsmanship soul and high quality.

This technique of colouring leather comes from many little secrets developed through the dignity of two generations of workers who have used and treated the best leathers in the world with love and extraordinary skill.

To distinguish this exclusive and unique result, all products created using this hand-made technique will be branded “J.P.TOD’S” a name which, as everyone remembers, is the trademark that dates back to the origins of the brand.

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Collection ★ Drink

A Century of Robert Mondavi Commemorating the Father of American Wine’s 100th Birthday. - BY t h e Bi g g u Y

At the age of 53, with little money,

but full of energy and vision, Robert Mondavi changed the course of the U.S. wine industry.

Realizing a long-held dream to create excellent Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company of the world’s finest, he founded the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966, opening the door to the future of American fine wine.

Through tireless innovation, an uncompromising eye for quality, and an unshakable faith in California’s vineyards, Robert Mondavi created a collection of California wines for the world to enjoy. With infectious enthusiasm he traveled the globe, making believers out of millions of wine lovers, and putting Napa Valley on the map. He began exporting his wines in 1972, and today his legacy lives on through the growers who tend his vineyards, the artisans who continue to craft wines according to his vision, and through wine lovers worldwide who share those wines with their family and friends.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Robert Mondavi, Ambrose Wine Limited and Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro is commemorating this centennial milestone of Mr. Robert Mondavi, the visionary vintner and entrepreneur by offering an innovative membership program, ‘Club 100’ Known for its uniqueness, Thailand’s first fine wine bar & bistro, Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro received the exclusive rights to host ‘Club 100’. Membership in Robert Mondavi Club 100 allows you access to a host of exclusive benefits and privileges all year round.

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Membership Privileges:

- Membership fee as low as 5,000 Baht in return member will receive a full range of Robert Mondavi Private Selection (5 bottles valued at 15,500 baht.)

- Pre-sale of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Limited Edition Pack 4,900 baht from 10,500 baht -15% discount on all Robert Mondavi wines at Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro - 10% discount on all foods at Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro Membership can be applied at Cellar 11. For more information, please call 02 255 5833-35 or e-mail at reservation@cellar11.com

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The Last Putt Pure Perfection

Discover Earth’s Finest Water, FIJI Water

On a remote Pacific island, 1,600 miles from the nearest continent, equatorial trade winds purify the clouds that begin FIJI Water’s journey through one of the world’s last virgin ecosystems. As tropical rain falls on a pristine rain forest, it filters through layers of volcanic rock, slowly gathering the natural minerals and electrolytes that give FIJI Water its soft, smooth taste. The water collects in a natural artesian aquifer, deep below the Earth’s surface, shielded from external elements by confining layers of impermeable rock. Natural pressure forces the water towards the surface, where it’s bottled at the source, free from human contact until you unscrew the cap.

Today, FIJI Water is the number one super premium bottled water in the United States and is enjoyed in over 40 countries across the globe. Known for its iconic square bottle, soft mouth feel and unique mineral profile, it is the water choice among discerning consumers, celebrities and top chefs.

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MUCH MORE THAN GOLF COURSE

Rancho Charnvee Resort & Country Club

18 holes of Charmpionship Golf Course and European Country lifestyle for your great memorial Pakchong Nakornratchsrima Thailand : www.ranchocharnvee.com : Tel. 044-756-210-3