Gv#003

Thailand Edition vol. 3

Collection Move

Mercedes benz e200 coupe aMG Dynamic

The 19th Gilded sea Travel

GRanD pRIx Golf club

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

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Reasons

for an Island Getaway

Summer Style

Vacation blues

magazine of the gm group golf vacations thailand vol.3 MARCH-APRIL 2014 / 180 baht

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Welcome Welcometotothe theGrand GrandOpening Openingofof Golf GolfVacations VacationsThailand Thailand

ELABORATING ELABORATING THE THE LUXURIATED LUXURIATED LIFE LIFE 2014 2014 21-22 21-22 March March 2014 2014

Rancho RanchoCharnvee Charnvee Resort Resort&&Country CountryClub ClubKhao KhaoYai Yai AAfriendly friendly‘Golf ‘GolfCompetition’ Competition’sponsored sponsoredbybyluxury luxurybrands brands Half HalfDay DayTrip TripininKhao KhaoYai Yai Art Art&&Design DesignShow Showatat‘Khao ‘KhaoYai YaiArt ArtMuseum’ Museum’ Afternoon AfternoonTea Teaatat‘Toscana ‘ToscanaValley ValleyKhao KhaoYai’ Yai’ White WhiteNight NightParty Partywith withDinner DinnerbybyExclusive ExclusiveChef Chef‘Julien ‘JulienLavigne’ Lavigne’ &&Enjoy EnjoyThe TheOpera OperaSinging SingingShow Showduring duringDinner Dinnertotomake makethis thisnight night ever evermore moreelegant elegant ‘Maserati ‘Maserati Ghibli’ Ghibli’ Exclusive Exclusive Test Test Drive Drive onon Rancho Rancho Charnvee’s Charnvee’s Airport AirportRunway Runway *More *Moredetails detailswill willbebepublished publishedininthethenext nextissue. issue.

the first

The St. Andrews Experience

A reader’s experience at the Home of Golf pays tribute to paying right.

- BY Andre w K wA

Many of us would like to at least play once in our golfing

lifetime at the Home of Golf, and that to me, is not just walking through the Kingdom of fife, but playing the Old Course at St. Andrew’s. While many of you are, like me, an avid reader of Golf Vacations magazine, I’m sure you’ll already know by now the various places that have been recommended. What I have are simply based on my personal experience being there recently that I hope, will inspire some to do the same. first of all, plan your trip to be away from the winter season and travel anytime from March to October, or even early November, where the weather will be kinder, but not necessarily good, because of rain and fog nearer the end of the year. there is a company called ‘the Old Course Experience’ which they vouch, can “Guarantee your group tee time and memories for your game at the famous Old Course.” this company has many

www.oldcourse-experience.com 8

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different programs, from 3-, 4- and 5-night experiences with different accommodation options to suit your budget. they also have packages for non golfers just in case your other half may want to tag along with you.

Our group recently took a 4-night experience program and we stayed at the Old Course Hotel costing us £2,630 each.

It includes four rounds of golf at the promised Old Course, Kingsbarn, the Jubilee Course, and St Andrew’s newest, Castle Course. Although it may sound expensive, it surely was worth every dollar that we spent.

And spend, you will continue to do. Do not save on getting a cadddy while there. Each caddy will cost you £45 and a tip of £10-15 thereafter is very much appreciated. If you share a caddy, please be prepared to also tip the caddy that is helping you. But I strongly recommend taking your own. for instance, the sun was well and up on our second day but suddenly, on day three, there was thick fog with only 20 metres of visibility. thanks to the caddies, we nevertheless managed to play through the very difficult Castle Course.

As you probably already know, golf courses there are not designed like many of our modern layouts. for starters, you have to tee off from the 1st tee with the 10th the furthest part of the course for some; so no double barrel start. Of course you do need a valid handicap card but more than anything, I would certainly recommend that you are a true 18-handicap before even considering making this trip.

Also, buggies are given if you have a medical certificate or if you are over 75 years old so be prepared to walk all 18 holes however many courses you’ll be playing there. And finally, outside of golf, there are surprisingly many Asian restaurants at St. Andrew’s with a nice thai outlet and decent Indian food. the locals are also extremely friendly so don’t be shy to sit and chat if the opportunity permits.

Well, I do hope I have given you an insight on a golf vacation at St Andrew’s, and hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy it as much as I do.

Golf Vacations thailand Edition Vol.3 MaRch-aPRil 2014 GRand PRiX Golf clUB

Thailand Edition vol. 3

Collection Move

Mercedes benz e200 coupe aMG Dynamic

The 19th Gilded sea Travel

GRanD pRIx Golf club

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

10

Reasons

for an Island Getaway

Summer Style

Vacation blues

magazine of the gm group

03

golf vacations thailand vol.3 MARCH-APRIL 2014 / 180 baht

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01

ALWAYS SURPRISE Being able to receive news on the “KBank Enjoy Your Swing” from Kasikornbank is something I eagerly look forward to every year – to see what rewards and privileges it has to offer golfers.

This includes the various activities and prizes that surprise the industry offered by the program. This is also a chance for me to update the success and development taken by the Kbank “Enjoy Your Swing” with Khun Chatchai Payuhanaveechai, Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK and head of the program and as an executive who loves golf as a sport to give an interview.

Khun ChatChai PayuhanaveeChai, exeCutive viCe President of KasiKornBanK

CURRENTLY WE HAVE AROUND 3.2 MILLION KASIKORN BANK CREDIT CARD HOLDERS, AN ESTIMATED 21% OF THEM ARE GOLFERS. As An executive, whAt hAs been your perspective towArds golf?

I started to golf back in 1984 or about 30 years ago. However, having played for so long does not mean that my golf skills are excellent, especially when work and responsibilities have taken over my leisure time. And I have not really been able to practice much. Currently, the main reason that I play golf is because of business. In previous years, it was more towards leisure and entertainment. Having been assigned to manage the credit and loans business unit for Kasikornbank, I then have to entertain the customers and golf has been good to me in bonding with them and strengthening partnerships with various organizations.

However, I truly believe that golf is a fun game and helps you relax. Try not to stress out on the game as it will affect those who are on the course with you and they would not enjoy it as well. Observe correct etiquettes and rules on the course. This is a factor that helps others decide if they want to socialize with you or not. My advice for golfers is to play with a good spirit and aim to have fun in the game and not to be too competitive – as desirable goal is to win friendship, camaraderie and trust in business.

pleAse elAborAte further on the “enjoy your swing” progrAm goAls And its objectives?

This program has been receiving positive feedback all throughout. This is witnessed by an annual increase of more than 20% of golfers. Last year more than 400,000 persons applied to use the services of and the total spending was more than 2 billion baht which exceeded the initial target. And this year the total spending and the number of the card owners of the “Enjoy Your Swing” program is expected to grow more than 20% compared to the previous year. confidence towArds tAking on the no. 1 credit cArd stAtus?

Currently there is no other credit card that can deliver and match the special benefits as such that provide a discount on green fees and golf related privileges to what Kasikorn Bank has been providing. We are then confident that Kasikorn Bank credit card has been providing golfers with utmost rewards and benefits. The bank has been carefully selecting the best benefits and discounts for Kasikornbank credit card customers. Such privileges include the “Enjoy Your Swing” program, which has been running for 5 years now and continuously providing better benefits each year.

whAt is the overAll mArketing strAtegy for kAsikorn bAnk credit cArds?

Kasikorn Bank has been providing an extensive line of credit card products to suit the needs of all segments. Our products such as “The Wisdom”, “The Premier” or CoBranded Cards target the individual needs of customers such as traveling, shopping, health care and even golf. This, of course is to strengthen upon “Valued Proposition” of the credit cards in providing the best rewards and privileges to customers using Kasikorn Bank credit cards for all opportunities and lifestyles.

In addition, we have created new marketing campaigns that will help attract customer satisfaction that has never been achieved by others. We are known to be the credit card that has delivered “Always Surprise… beyond expectations” for 2 years by now. And this year, we still continue this sort of program to always surprise the customers, delivering benefits and privileges beyond the customers’ expectations. confidence towArds the success of the “enjoy your swing” progrAm? Kasikorn Bank is extremely confident that the introduction of new campaigns for 2014 will help stimulate Thai consumers to spend more on travelling domestically to play golf in more than 100 courses nationwide. They will be awarded with several discounts on green fees and food and beverages in clubhouses as well as accommodations. This will help increase consumer spending in tourism industry and will help circulate revenues to other related businesses. This, at the same time, helps strengthen our leadership in offering credit card rewards and privileges – card holders can collect bonus points of each and every spending to redeem for valuable rewards throughout the year. The various categories include travel mileage, prizes and cash back rewards at the point of sales in department stores. This is to encourage customers to choose Kasikorn Bank card as the primary choice of payment.

Editor's Page ALOHA! SUMMER We’re all going on a summer holiday.

No more working for a week or two.

Fun and laughter on a summer holiday.

No more worries for me and you.

For a week or two.

We’re all going where the sun shines brightly.

We’re all going where the sea is blue.

We’ve seen it in the movies.

Now let’s see if it’s true.

Everybody has a summer holiday.

Doing things they always wanted to.

So we’re going on a summer holiday.

To make our dreams come true For me and you.

These are the lyrics to the song “Summer Holiday” by Cliff Richard that encourage people to go out and take a vacation.

And of course, the “beach” is the dream destination for many people. However, for golfers, there must be a golf course added to ultimately complete the word “Vacation”.

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 námestí 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

Suebwong Kaewthipharat editor-in-chief

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

todd leong

As good with her tongue as she is with the pen, Justine Moss conducts public speaking classes, reads the morning news on radio and sends the top female players in the world off each year when announcing at the HSBC Women’s Champions event.

She also talks to China’s number one on his favourite courses ever played.

Todd Leong is the Marketing Director of Empire Motor Sport, the sole authorized Maserati dealer and after sales service provider in Thailand. An avid golf enthusiast and occasional traveller, any challenging assignment involving the outdoors, art, music, food and beer is an excuse to leave the comforts of the office. Todd holds an MBA from the Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University, and an architectural degree from the Rhode Island School of Design.

English sub-editor Chris Folley makes a golf vacation to Lisbon and discovers the wonders and variety of golfing and other experiences almost incomparable anywhere else. Always looking for greener pastures (pun intended) to trot upon, we can count on him to avail something new each time, even if it’s an old location.

The modern, sensitive male traveller with a touch of the finest things in life, Jafri packs up his troubles in his antiquated kit bag and reminiscences over life’s precious moments on board an Orient Express train – the only way to savour one’s own serendipities as well as share new ones with others.

Chris Folley

JaFri Mohd

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Contributors

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Beau Welling

Bek van vlieT

Beau Welling is a golf course designer based in Greenville, SC, USA. Having helped lead Tom Fazio’s design firm for ten years, he left to form Beau Welling Design in 2006. He currently is assisting 27 different major championship winners with the design of The 27 Club in Tianjin, China. He also is very surprisingly a US representative to the World Curling Federation. He can be reached at bw@ beauwellingdesign.com.

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.

In a bid to finally hone his game for good, David took off to the ultra luxurious Gleneagles Resort and exposed himself to a holistic program the intensity of which is seldom seen in amateur golf.

From analytical to biological to technical, issues that sound hard to him at first have been made easy by the professionals here.

Managing Editor of Golf Vacations and GolfPunk Singapore with over 13 years experience in publishing, he is a 10-handicapper who trawls the world casting his iron-shafted net, metaphorically speaking, in a life-long search for the finest golf experiences in the world.

DaviD J.WhyTe

Benny Teo

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Patrick lim

Bandon dunes golf resort, Oregon, USA Pacific dunes Course

by Tom doak #11 Par 3, 148 yards

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Patrick Lim

cartogolf

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World’s Longest Holes As though the game isn’t challenging enough, these courses stretch it out that little bit more.

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964 yards, par 7 Hole 7 Sano Golf CourSe, SatSuki Golf Club, Sano, Japan

395 yards, 1,300 feet, par 3 tHe extreMe 19tH leGend Golf & Safari reSort, liMpopo provinCe, SoutH afriCa

878 yards, par 6 Hole 4 St andrewS 2000, pattaya, tHailand

861 yards, par 6 Hole 13 St andrewS 2000, pattaya, tHailand

711 yard, par 5 Hole 5 Jade draGon, Snow Mountain Golf CourSe, liJianG, CHina

The record holder for the world’s longest golf hole is the par 7 7th at the Sano Course at Satsuki Golf Club in Sano, Japan. The course is a Par 75 course and ranked amongst the toughest in the country.

With no bunkers and a slight dogleg right, the fairway is set between trees on both sides. Teeing off is a challenge as you need to meander through the narrow alley of trees before arriving at an open fairway.

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Only accessible by helicopter, the teebox at the Extreme 19th is a whopping 1,300 feet above the green while the hole measures 400m horizontally from the foot of the mountain to the green. Professional golfer Padraig Harrington was the first to make a par on this hole and no one has yet to make an ace.

Designed by the flamboyant English-born and Cambridge-educated architect Desmond Muirhead, this course is recommended for players with a handicap of 18 and below. With two par 6s (one on each nine and both featured here), this first one is the official signature hole with water hazard following throughout along the left side. Bushes, large rocks, and other natural and artificial hazards make this a tough call to make par.

This other par 6 at St Andrews 2000 is possibly the toughest hole on the course. Played from the back, it takes a 300-yard drive to reach the ladies tee. Thereafter, there is water all through the right (and rest of the 500 plus yards) all the way to an elevated, two-tiered green.

Named after an immense glacier 35km long and 21km wide, the course is set 10,000 feet above sea level and offers mini oxygen tanks while playing there.

Officially the longest par 5 in the world, it is a right dogleg that plays downhill from the tee with 13 bunkers and water guarding the left on approach shots.

Journal ★ Design

Environmentally, Golf Where big budgets means more for the environment than you think.

When people hear about big budget golf projects, they tend to assume that they are built with little concerns for the environment.

I have been fortunate to be involved in many and can tell you, to paraphrase Mark Twain, that “it just ain’t so!” When properly designed, constructed, and maintained, golf courses can serve the players who enjoy them, as well as be valuable assets to local communities and the environment. They can function as critical wildlife habitats, run-off filtration areas, storm water reservoirs, and eco-corridors in urban or suburban areas regardless of budget.

Proper Site

If a location can be chosen to utilize land already impacted by development, then the environmental benefits from redevelopment are greater. Wildlife habitat can be created to support viable species populations where none existed before. By choosing the right location, golf development can enrich and enhance the character of the existing landscape and ecosystems and its immediate surrounds.

Actual Design

In designing a course, one needs to consider minimizing disturbance to existing topography and drainage corridors, reducing consumption of fresh water and energy resources, improving the quality of water run-off, and setting aside land to promote flora and fauna diversity.

Higher budgeted projects have an advantage as they need not be as land-use efficient, can invest in high-efficiency, water-saving irrigation, and can incorporate state-of-the-art water treatment areas and renewable energy techniques.

Construction

Significant erosion control measures should be planned to avoid offsite impact while protected habitat areas should be roped off to avoid construction impact. Construction can also be phased so disturbance to wildlife is reduced and soil erosion and siltation prevented. Again, a higher budgeted project has more flexibility to incorporate these sensitivities.

Maintenance

Incorporating state-of-the-art maintenance practices that include the adoption of an integrated pest management (IPM) plan as well as the use of all current best management practices (BMP).

Implementing these can improve the long-term quality of air, water, and soil. Applying slow release fertilisers and using organic techniques should be considered where feasible to reduce maintenance frequency.

In 2001, while working for Tom Fazio, we were involved in a high-end project that was heralded as the new standard for golf development: The Old Collier Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

Guided by the principles outlined above, The Club was sited on a property amid intense residential and commercial development, 24

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and the golf course design availed only 77 acres of turf while over 150 acres were set aside for wildlife preservation and as native habitat corridors.

A water management plan using new approaches to water use and conservation was developed which included the selection of a salt-tolerant turf grass (seashore paspalum) and salt-tolerant native plants, thereby allowing the course to be irrigated with brackish water and preserving local fresh water sources.

The commitment to conservation was carried throughout including the use of recycled plastics designed to meet aesthetic and environmental standards, recycling water and materials, heating and cooling systems, lighting and energy management, and equipment cleaning and maintenance. Not surprisingly, the Old Collier became the world’s first Audubon International Certified Gold Signature Sanctuary.

Over the course of my career, great strides have been made in golf course development, but I feel there are more innovations to be made where there are no wastages either within its useful life, or afterwards as nourishment for something new. Hopefully, very soon we will be saying, “It just is so!”

By Beau Welling

Journal

★

Tranquiliser

Volcanic Mineral Springs & Spa A holistic experience at the world’s largest golf resort with easily the largest spa and mineral springs on earth.

Built on a vast lava rock landscape in the volcanic region of Hainan Island’s Haikou city, it made perfect sense for Mission Hills Resort to one day utilise the natural spring water located some 800 metres beneath the ground. The resort, which encompasses luxurious accommodation, 10 golf courses, clubhouse, golf academy, meeting facilities, shopping arcade, food and beverage outlets, sports and recreation centre and a 22,000-sqm spa, opened its impressive award-winning Volcanic Mineral Springs last year.

Together with an already vast spa, this 44,000-sqm complex contains 168 hot and cold springs as well as water features spread out and themed according to the five continents – Asia, Oceania, America, Africa & Middle East, and Europe. What they actually contain is the most comprehensive collection of spa-springs in the world with Asia hosting the Tropical Orient and Eastern Onsen and Historical Angkor springs while Oceania offers Native Maori treatments; America is home to the roaring Amazon River; Europe comprises of Ancient Roman Baths; and finally, Africa & Middle East houses Mystical Egyptian and Exotic Turkish pools.

A few hours are necessary to comfortably meander across the various ‘continental divide’ but one should preferably do so over the course of a few days. If starting off in the heat of day, begin by experiencing the cold springs first before working your way up to the hotter ones by early evening. Each pool has a sign explaining its healing, rejuvenation and restoration benefits as well as water temperature.

Asia and Oceania pools start with the Eastern Zen zone which offers a traditional Tai-chi experience, a Chinese art for building mental fortitude and relaxation. Thereafter, dip into a Chinese medical herbs springs and a hot stone bath, Chinese Empress Pool and different-sized bubble springs for massaging and blood circulation. There is even a Ginseng Spring with its 41 degree Celsius temperature and health benefits including nerve system regulation, memory enhancement, cardiac function improvement and body immunity strengthening.

The Japanese-inspired Eastern Onsen section includes hot and cold Sake Springs – sake is said to enrich blood circulation, revitalize the body, ease digestion and stimulate blood production – a Korean Ginseng Spring and a Foot Massage Tunnel. Take time to check out the Tropical Orient too with its Malay River Spring, Colour Pool Pavilion, Balinese Spring and Waterfall Massage Pools, and the Native Maori with its five Crystal Energy Springs.

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for a fun and therapeutic Bathing experience at gaMes spring

experience the deepest relaxation and reJuvenation in the Buoyancy of the dead sea spring

the elegant couple treatMent suite is graced With a Modern chinese flair

Other activities, if time permits, include walking through the Mist Shower Tunnel, shooting down the Pool Water Slides, performing self-application mud therapy, and finding your inner peace on a yoga mat in the Bamboo Walkway.

Thereafter, walk the short distance to the spa to indulge in one of their superb treatments. Like most spas, they offer various body scrubs, wraps and massages. However, you should try one of the five treatments from their Spa Ritual Collection – the Energy, Earth, Recovery, Aqua or Soul Escape. They include a foot ritual treatment, body scrub or facial and a massage and range from 90 to 210 minutes. And if you weren’t already completely relaxed from your Volcanic Minerals experience, trust me you’ll be floating on air after one of these. http://mineralsprings.missionhillschina.com

By Justine Moss

Feel Goood at dtac hall Since the digital world and telecom industry are ever-evolving, the revamp of dtac service center is meant to encompass the most innovative elements aiming at creating truly unique, engaging customer experience.

dtac is delivering what customers truly value, dtac service center is developed based on our ‘Loved by Customers’ strategy, with aim to meet diversified needs of today customers that we define as physical shopper and digital shopper. Physical shoppers prefer visiting service center where they can have physical contact with service staff and hand on experience with new products.

Digital shoppers, on the contrary, opt for prompt, automated service and less human interaction. dtac Hybrid Shop is a new concept of service center that combines the key strength of physical and digital customer interaction.

Physical services comprise every elements that customer can interact with – the look and feel that reflect dtac’s identity and consumer lifestyle, the development of tools and equipment, as well as the service staff. Smartphone Expert program is set up to provide service staff with direct knowledge training from technology owners for Apple IOS, Samsung Android, Microsoft Windows and BlackBerry. The service center is decorated to mimic retail store with extensive display of mobile phones and accessories.

Digital service offering is developed based on the portal concept in which the service center brings customers to the digital world where they can select product and service themselves, with service staff awaiting to assist upon request. The automated ‘Scan Me’ system can quickly connect customers with special offers and promotions.

With the two service types combined, dtac customers can be assured that they can truly rely on service staff in seeking the information on products, services and packages as well as getting their hands on product trial, or choose to access product and service information quickly on self-service digital station available at the new service center.

Mr.Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO, dtac and Khun Chaiyod Chirabowornkul, CCO, dtac

Journal ★ Luxury

Aqua Boracay by yoo Better known for its raucous beach parties, this Philippine island has now turned a corner with a surprisingly charming resort-residence.

Now here’s a chance to own a piece of the first five-star

resort on the Philippine island of Boracay. At a series of exclusive sales events in Hong Kong and Singapore, investors have been introduced to Aqua Boracay by yoo, the island’s first branded resort residence offering one and two-bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses tucked away in a lush setting on stunning Bulabog Beach.

“Aqua Boracay by yoo offers an ideal opportunity to be an early investor in one of Asia’s hottest new island destinations,” said Marco Biggiogero, Chairman of Aqua Boracay. “With fivestar design, amenities and management by yoo Collection along with an optimum location along Bulabog Beach, Aqua Boracay by yoo offers superb value and return on investment.”

There is much for investors to appreciate starting with the island’s close proximity to major cities - Boracay is only a few hours from Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Shanghai and Seoul, and a mere hour from Manila, making it a perfect year-round getaway location for Asian travellers.

In addition, Boracay has become the next ideal island getaway by discerning travellers with the tropical island paradise recently named “World’s Best Island” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and “Number 1 Asian Beach in the World” by TripAdvisor. And in the midst of a major growth period, the island will see the expansion of the airport offering direct flights throughout Asia.

John Hitchcox, co-founder of yoo says, “We are delighted to present this unique offering – a beautifully designed resort with the kind of facilities, services and amenities they have come to expect from the world’s most exclusive hotels. In today’s market, branded residences offer an even higher rate of return on investment because of the quality and prestige associated with the brands.”

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yoo is a collaboration between celebrity designer Philippe Starck and Hitchcox with an eye towards design-led experiences that deliver unrivalled luxury infused with local character and seamless service.

Comprising 144 units available in three phases, the first two will feature 46 apartments in one and two-bedroom layouts, and two penthouses. Starting from US$272,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, sizes range from 80 to 95sqm while two-bedders are from 173 to 190sqm. Penthouse apartments are about 600sqm and include a private swimming pool.

Each one and two-bedroom residence is designed for indoor-outdoor living, featuring sliding glass doors that open onto spacious terraces offering endless views of the crystalline waters; and also turnkey luxury with modern interiors that are furnished with high-end appliances, luxury fixtures and fittings, and state-of-the-art audio/visual systems. Owners will have exclusive access to Aqua Boracay’s onsite facilities including a yoo-designed clubhouse, two pristine swimming pools, a fitness centre and day spa and a convention center.

The complex will also offer dining and shopping.

For more information, visit www.aquaboracay.com.

For sales enquiries, please contact Claire Brown Realty at enquiries@clairebrownrealty.com.

By Benny teo

The Journey ... To Discover. The DesTinaTion is on your chosen " Eat " not just eat ... " Travel " not just arrived Answers " The moment of Happiness on every breath " On the future standard

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Cover Story

GRAND PRIX Golf Club, Kanchanaburi - TEX T BY Todd LEong - PHoTogR APHY BY BUSAKoRn BEnJAKUL

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With over 250 golf courses and growing,

Thailand is indeed Southeast Asia’s golfing capital.

Home to a slew of official Asian Tour and LPGA tournaments, there’s no wonder that top quality golf courses are not hard to find in Thailand with more than a handful within a reasonable distance from metropolitan Bangkok. With this in mind it’s not difficult to make a short golf outing or overnight stay with family, friends, and golfing diehards.

A quiet leisurely 2-hour drive northwest from Bangkok lands you in a place that seems time has forgotten. Thirty minutes north of its more famous neighboring tourist destination, Kanchanaburi, takes you into the district of Bo Phloi, formerly a gem mining destination founded almost one hundred years ago.

It is here that all golf enthusiasts can actually find a ‘diamond in the rough’, a golf course carved out of the mined pock-marked earth by an owner who is quite the ‘gem’ himself to the automotive and publishing realms.

The Grand Prix Golf Club (par 72, 18 holes), situated within a 2,400 rai golf course development, is the newest championship golf course in the Kanchanaburi area (and Thailand) having been officially opened in October of 2013. It lays adjacent to the Blue Sapphire Golf and Resort only a few kilometers down the road. The development project which includes future housing and a hotel is the brainchild of Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Group, a publishing empire and owner of the Bangkok International Motor Show, Thailand’s largest motor show which attracts 2 million visitors annually.

Created in collaboration with local designer, Mr. Prayard Chinarad, and constructed alongside the Lam Taphoen River, there are similar references to other well known courses such as the dry climate, rolling grounds and spotted lakes of the Windsor Golf Club in Sonoma, California, and the placement of

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tropical foliage to line the wide (most of the time) and undulating fairways with numerous and challenging large sand bunkers as found at the Prince Golf Club in western Oahu in Hawaii. Plantings of colorful bougainvillea along various paths, roads and certain fairways, ample palm and deciduous trees, and tropical flora used to accent holes throughout will enhance and render the course more challenging over time as it matures. There is no shortage of water play or sand (95 bunkers in total!). At over 80 meters elevation, the golf course during early February was a dry 30 C and comfortable 22 C in the evening.

Upon entering the well marked gates of the property, a long drive takes you through the entrance to the clubhouse which is perched at the highest point of the whole course yielding a commanding view of the surroundings including all holes, future housing development areas, the 60-room hotel footprint (set to be completed by November 2014), the current owner/guest lodges, and the distant Burmese mountain ranges.

Knowing who Dr. Eamlumnow is and his decades long iconic presence in the auto industry, one immediately notices the large curiously placed, Mount Rushmore-esque logos of various car, motorcycle and insurance brands that have each marked their territories amongst the different holes as a tribute to the good doctor and his friendships, contributions, influences, achievements and accolades in the industry.

The clubhouse entry hall has a wall of portraits of the ‘who’s who’ in the auto business. This personal museum of sort has a display of motorcycles and a hall of autographed branded logo golf bags all personally given to Dr. Eamlumnow. The pro shop and check-in cashier is small but sufficiently stocked with necessities while the locker rooms are adequate. The single clubhouse restaurant offers moderately priced Thai and western food, perfect for the early breakfast before tee time or a quick bite to finish the day with your foursome (note that five-some groups are allowed everyday).

There is no shortage of electric golf carts at Grand Prix (of course) and the required caddies. One, two, or three, it’s your choice and luxury to choose as many as desired (or needed).

At this particular stage, being a very new course, the planted trees and shrubbery are short and young allowing for an easier attack and unobstructed views from various angles. The use of Bermuda 419 grass at the tee boxes, fairways, and rough make the play in the early morning mist a pleasure while not yielding Golf Vacations

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to the hot sun at noon. The durable Novatec greens are pristine and smooth but don’t help you much with the various pitches and breaks which make these greens quite the challenge for any level golfer. This 7,136 yard course offers five sets of tee boxes (red, yellow, white, blue, and black) for all levels of golfers. As an additional interest and perhaps personal touch of Dr. Eamlumnow, the course has a large sized enclosed habitat where parakeets, various fowls, and rabbits are kept.

The challenge of play comes with a strategy to navigate shots along the long undulating fairways and calculations of approach shots to the multi leveled greens. The very playable bunkers are plenty and very intimidating being organically shaped, deep in some areas and deceptively large. Water seems to be just about

everywhere though at most holes are not an issue and more of an aesthetic. But beware of the par 4 second and fourth, and the par 3 seventh holes where crossing over water is required. Of course the longest and hardest hole at Grand Prix is the 535 yard (594 yards black tees) eighteenth where the narrow fairway for second or third shots has one to ‘go for broke’ and carry the water for an eventual pitch to the green. Thankfully the designers spared the approach towards the clubhouse with smaller bunkers peppered along the way. But with all holes on this course, accurate and long ball hitters will fare better, especially when the fairway brush and trees grow to maturity.

Save for signature 14th par 3 hole. With one of the most dramatic cart drives to this hole lined with a beautiful array of tropical flowers and pond setting, and equipped Golf Vacations

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with one of the best stocked snack shops (of all Thai golf courses), one can’t imagine a better culmination that represents the Grand Prix Golf Club. Steps leading to the elevated tee boxes reveal the most dramatic view of the course which is of the distant Burmese mountain range behind one of the most terrifying bunkers ever seen.

Visually stunning, one doesn’t know whether to thank the designers or curse them for surrounding the green with a monster bunker rather than water.

If Mr. Sandman were to play golf, this would be his favorite hole. The green is rather large and wide so the only penalty would come to play with a poor club selection or gusty cross wind.

At this point one would be happy for those multiple caddies to give out their helpful tips.

It was a pleasure to see a local designer achieve such a great quality golf course design that fits beautifully in its surroundings and at the same time offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience for guests. At first coming as a surprise, the brand logoed holes finally made sense as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. Eamlumnow’s contribution to the industry. His dream continues to grow alongside his friends and guests coming to play at the Grand Prix Golf Club. There is no doubt that this course will rank within the top ten in Thailand as long as the level of management is kept as it already is. And as the government plans to build a motorway, the access to the course will be cut to 90 minutes from Bangkok. By then, the full project inclusive of a full service hotel and housing estate will have come to full fruition and players will only have to worry about booking available tee times at this ‘gem’ of a course.

Green Fee: weekdays Green Fee: weekend/holidays Golf Cart Caddy Fee Maximum golfers per group

1,400 thb 1,900 thb 600 thb 400 thb 5 persons (7-days)

For reservations: +6687 160-0140 or +6634 603-858 Grand Prix Golf Club 91 Moo 13, Chongdan, Bo Phloi Chongdan Kanchanaburi Thailand 71160 www.grandprixgolfclub.com Golf Vacations

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Legends

Giving Hope,

by Bob and Dolores

A couple that had lived over 100 years and impacted many more lives, with a legacy that continues to live on. - By Benny teo

In 1933, Bob Hope walked into The

Vogue Club in New York City and a young beauty by the name of Dolores Reade was on stage, singing. “It was love at first song,” he said. Soon after, they had their first date and discovered a mutual passion that helped clinch the deal. Golf. In a lovely restaurant with a pristine white tablecloth as their drawing board, they scribbled drawings and diagrams of holes they had played and where their shots landed.

As a symbol of an enduring marriage, and a Hollywood one at that, Dolores Hope gave up her singing career to spend 69 years at the side of her famous actor/comedian husband pursuing golf, philanthropy and a lifetime of memories. She passed away on September 19, 2011 aged 102, at the same home in which they had lived since 1940 in the Toluca Lake section of Los Angeles. Bob went earlier at the age of 100 on July 27, 2003.

For the uninitiated, both Bob and Dolores represented all that is good in love, life, and also golf for that matter. But Hope, like many men in his position, is prone to being tempted. He allegedly had affairs with two known actresses but despite that, Dolores stood firm as Mrs. Hope. In all those years, golf would be a source of endless conversations, instructions, despair and laughter. Later in life, Bob and Dolores Hope attributed their mutual love of the game as one of the ingredients of contributing to the longevity of their marriage.

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“In all those years, golf would be a source of endless conversations, instructions, despair and laughter. Later in life, Bob and Dolores Hope attributed their mutual love of the game as one of the ingredients of contributing to the longevity of their marriage.”

Š Bettmann/CORBIS Golf Vacations

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© Bettmann/CORBIS

That Hope was an avid golfer is an understatement. Using a golf club as material for stand-up segments of his many television specials, he putted against a then two-year-old Tiger Woods in a television appearance with James Stewart on The Mike Douglas Show in 1978. Hope also headlined over 60 Tours for the United Service Organization – a non-profit organization supporting morale and welfare to men and women in uniform.

Having played in as many as 150 charity tournaments a year, his love for the game, and the humour he could find in it, made him a sought-after foursome member. He once remarked that President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave up golf for painting, “fewer strokes, you know,” and continued, “it’s wonderful how you can start out with three strangers in the morning, play 18 holes, and by the time the day is over you have three solid enemies.”

Hope never left home without his clubs. From the deserts of Iraq to the jungles of Vietnam to the steel decks of ocean going battleships, he stood on stages, club in hand, and brought laughter and a touch of home to American troops abroad. He played golf whenever and wherever he could, even driving balls off the USS Iowa toward cheering sailors aboard a nearby ship.

On the home front, the Hope’s built their Toluca Lake estate virtually next door to Lakeside Country Club where they became lifetime members.

“Golf is my profession. I tell jokes to pay my green fees,” he once exclaimed. While Hope may have joked, the rest of the world took him seriously enough to have him inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Enshrined within its hallowed halls is a bas-relief of his profile with a plaque that reads, “Bob Hope known by his nose, applauded for his humour, envied for his wit 40

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and loved by millions for his unselfish concern for all beings, Bob Hope is truly one-of-a-kind. He popularised golf to the unknowing, sponsored it for charity and played it for fun. Not a golf champion but a great champion of golf.”

To that end, his life was lived as a participant, a spectator and an author of golf. His book, “Confessions of a Hooker,” which spotlights the memorable moments of his more than 50 years of golfing, was on the New York Times ‘Bestseller’ list for 53 weeks. In prominent spots in his trophy room are: the Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Golf Writer’s Gold Tee Award and a PGA medal honouring him as “one of the three men who have done the most for golf.” As would be the case, these had recently all been auctioned off, together with the rest of the couple’s memorabilia and personal effects, including a unique silver cup from Sports Illustrated commemorating his 5th hole-in-one at Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook, Illinois. Since then he has added two more to his record at courses in Palm Springs.

Needless to say, it was his, and Dolores’ oft visits to this golf haven that led to the most important professional and philanthropic collaboration of their marriage; the symbiotic relationship between the Bob Hope Desert Classic and the establishment of the Eisenhower Medical Center. In 1965, Hope became the driving force behind the Desert Classic and Dolores Hope became the primary mover and shaker behind the founding of the Eisenhower Medical Center, named after their good friend, the aforementioned Dwight D. Eisenhower.

As ground was being broken for the Center, the Classic was quickly becoming one of the most successful pro-am tournaments in the country. Over the next 47 years, the Classic raised over US$40 million for the Eisenhower Medical Center as well as 70 other desert charities.

Dolores Hope was EMC President for seven straight years, then chairperson and for the rest of her life remained involved in key leadership capacities and dedicated to its cause. She once said, “I played a lot of golf before I became involved with the Center. Yes, my game has suffered but my life has been greatly enriched.”

Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States, said, “Bob Hope has contributed immeasurably to the good

things golf can provide.” Ford and Hope were very close friends and shared a passion for the game. However, Ford was infamous for beaning folks in the galleries and this, of course, made him one of Hope’s most favourite subjects. “There are over 50 golf courses in Palm Springs and Jerry never knows which one he’s playing until after he tees off,” Hope once joked to great laughter.

As he was friend with many presidents and played golf with several of them regularly, it is unsurprising that many of them would have personal feelings for the funny man. President Richard Nixon once famously landed in the presidential helicopter on the grounds of the Hope estate and whisked him off to play a round with Jimmy Stewart and Fred McMurray at nearby Lakeside. At the White House, Hope once demonstrated his putting acumen by knocking the ball into an ashtray held by Nixon.

While these meetings are mostly private, Hope’s level of diplomacy is best exemplified by an extraordinary event that happened during the 1995 edition of The Bob Hope Dessert Classic. The man himself teed up for the opening round in a foursome which included Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton – the only time when three presidents played in the same golf foursome. Hope’s take at the end of the day sounded like this: “Clinton had the best score, Ford the most errors and Bush the most hits. Me, I cheated better than ever.”

Clinton and Hope enjoyed many laughs together, and Bob loved his spirit and wonderful sense of humour.

Now known as the Humana Challenge, it was the only PGA Tour tournament that took place over five rounds, until 2012, when it was cut back to the conventional four.

After Hope’s death, President Clinton took on the hosting duties and carried on, till this day, the legacy that his dear friend left behind.

Golf was at the centre of Bob and Dolores Hope’s long lives. It gave them great joy, great friends and the opportunity to do very good work. Now, two years after Dolores’ passing and a decade after Bob’s, their lifelong collection of memorabilia had been auctioned off by Julien’s Auctions of Beverly Hills entitled, “Property from the Collection of Bob and Dolores Hope” that took place on Friday, September 20th and Saturday, September 21st at Julien’s Auctions’ Beverly Hills gallery.

The intrigue of both lies with the long list of celebrity entertainers and friends, dignitaries and world leaders who would often visit the Hopes. With a career that spanned the 20th century, the collection covers an impressive history of Bob Hope’s personal and professional achievements and some of Hollywood’s most memorable and cherished moments.

“There has never been anyone who has entertained more people in more places than the legendary Bob Hope,” said Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien’s Auctions. “This collection represents over 60 years of Hope’s illustrious career. It takes us back to his vaudevillian days and all the way through his time on the golf course. I can picture him now standing on stage

“While these meetings are mostly private, Hope’s level of diplomacy is best exemplified by an extraordinary event that happened during the 1995 edition of The Bob Hope Dessert Classic. The man himself teed up for the opening round in a foursome which included Presidents Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton – the only time when three presidents played in the same golf foursome.”

with that iconic grin telling one of his famous jokes or stepping out with some of the world’s most famous celebrities.

There will never be anyone else like him and we are thrilled to be able to offer such an exclusive collection of true Hollywood history.”

The auction included golf collectibles from the Hope homes as well as an array of treasures including Desert Classic items, golf clubs, signed Bob Hope Chrysler Classic photographs and Bob Hope’s personal E-Z Go Golf Cart (US$7,860). Other memorabilia includes signed Presidential books and photographs including one inscribed to Hope by John F. Kennedy (US$6,080), a Bob Hope People’s Choice award plaque (US$7,500), trophies, figurines and novelty items from political luminaries and celebrities such as a George I Green Japanese Parcel-Gilt bureau (US$168,000), Turkish carpets, a Richard Skelton painting (US$10,880), another from Pablo Picasso (US$21,250), furniture, decorative arts and memorabilia from the careers and life of Bob and Dolores Hope.

In all, there were nearly 700 items sold and although the ones mentioned here were listed at relatively high prices, there were many who were sold for as little as US$256 - Clown Lithograph and Posters – or US$320 for a Bob Hope Clown figurine. Before their passing, Bob and Dolores Hope had wanted their golf treasures to go to auction so that fans and friends might be able to remember them and enjoy a piece of history. While it may be for more esoteric purposes than anything else, the auction still managed to raise well over US$1 million with all benefits to the Bob and Dolores Charitable Foundation to support American’s veterans and to help feed the poor.

Never far from making lives better, Bob and Dolores continues to do so, and gives ‘Hope’, so to speak, to others as they smile from the heavens.

www.bobhope.com http://humanachallenge.com www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2013/bobhope/index.html Golf Vacations

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The Interview Series

The Major Designer,

Rees Jones

Scion of the famous Robert Trent Jones Snr. and also known as “The Major Designer”, Rees Jones has had his name stamped on many heartbreaking and celebratory major championship grounds. - BY BennY teo

opening picture: cascata, situated at the entrance of Boulder city just 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas strip. inSet: rees Jones.

A life spent in golf. Now wouldn’t that

be a dream. For Rees Jones however, it has been one that has spanned seven decades and counting.

Born in New Jersey to a family that has been involved in golf for the greater part of the 20th century through the elder, and then his older brother, it seemed natural that the younger Jones would do likewise, and, hundreds, if not thousands of hours of Major championship golf later on prime-time TV, the world is glad he did.

As a boy, Rees Jones would accompany his father as he goes about surveying golf courses.

“As a young man, I took vacations with my family to my father’s jobs,” he recalls. “I became interested in golf course design because I visited many of the sites under construction and became fascinated with the work.”

After graduating from Yale and Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, he unsurprisingly joined the family business at Robert Trent Jones Incorporated where he assisted on numerous courses until coming out on his own in 1974. “I decided to

become a golf designer while still a junior at Yale, so I enrolled in art, math and design courses in order to apply to the Harvard School of Design.”

“I had a great childhood, enjoyed school and all kinds of outside activities. I played golf from age six or so, often with my father and was hooked from the beginning. Later on, I worked in the summer on some of my father’s projects where I learnt first hand how a golf course is built.”

Being in a golfing family, it seems, had everything to do with his decision. “I have been immersed in golf my whole life because of my father. It was an easy decision to make. In the United States, it is not uncommon to follow in one’s father’s footsteps,” he says, continuing, “Because of that, I think it was easier to get started in the industry, but at the same time, my clients held me to a higher standard because of my father’s reputation but my background and my family name certainly helped me find clients.”

And it is here that we begin our look into his extraordinary career than has spanned over 100 golf Golf Vacations

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courses, served as the president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, and recipient of the 2004 Old Tom Morris Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, which is its highest honour. “I enjoy the confirmation that these awards bring and especially looking forward to receiving the Donald Ross Award in April from the American Society of Golf Course Architects, as this was voted on by a group of my colleagues.”

“When I started out, the country was in a recession. In a way this was good, as it gave me time to get myself organized and let people know I was on my own. I had four courses on Hilton Head Island (South Carolina) that gave me a good start. Jobs were steady, but it was not until I completely redesigned The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in preparation for the 1988 United States Open that my business took off. That was a definite milestone and the positive feedback from the golfing world helped my business and my reputation.”

As confident as he had been back then, the young designer never thought to consult his more experienced family or sought assistance in his fledging career but he did take his father to Haig Point and Pinehurst No. 7 for a look like any proud son would. “When he attended the 1997 U.S. Open at Congressional, he praised the work I did there,” Jones beams in recollection.

It was, however, his work at Brookline that made the biggest impact. “I made changes on several courses prior to 1988, but Brookline is my most significant complete redesign, done in 1985 in preparation for the 1988 U.S. Open. In order to restore Brookline, I used old photographs to bring the course back to its original design intent.”

As his reputation for bringing new life to old championship tracts spreads, Jones began to get more and more interesting jobs that demands meticulous research into each project’s unique characteristics and how best to bring it a new lease of life.

“When I restore a course, I typically try to understand and maintain the original designer’s philosophy and style, while updating the course to match today’s playability and maintenance standards.

This is easy with my Dad’s courses, since I am so familiar with his design philosophy and style,” he says, further explaining, “Sometimes, the client wants to retain the original design style of their course, in which case, we will restore or reconstruct the course.

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While restoring a course, we are also up-dating it by repositioning bunkers and tees to bring it into the 21st century and keep up with modern equipment.”

However there are instances where the owner wants even more extensive changes to the course, including re-routing some or all of the holes in order to achieve his needs. That is a redesign. The decision, while it usually lies with the owner, is also something that the experienced designer consults in. Most of that depends on the quality and condition of the existing course, as well as the owner’s goals and objectives. Nowadays, because of bigger budgets and better technology, more can be achieved sometimes without sacrificing the soul of the original plan.

“I just like to work for good clients with good vision on a good site. With a new design, there are often many possibilities. We study the land to ‘find’ the best course, so to speak. Sometimes with remodeling, depending on the existing conditions and the client’s goals, we either restore and update the existing course - I like to call this process a “restoration-modernization” - or we undertake a more comprehensive remodeling approach where the course assumes our own design style and philosophy.”

With a keen eye for detail and creative landscaping, his projects soon developed reputation as strong championship grounds. While some of the courses had already been awarded a Major before he was selected to work on them like Brookline, as mentioned above, Hazeltine and Bethpage Black, others required remodeling before they could be selected. For example, at Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course, The South Course at Torrey Pines, the Highlands Course at Atlanta Athletic Club, and Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis (this most recent, for the 2018 PGA Championship), a complete remodeling needed to be done in order for them to be selected.

IMAGES ON THE RIGHT PAGE: Yunling Golf Club & Rees Jones at the project site.

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“The 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, after our renovation, was perhaps the most exciting because the championship was held on a public golf course for the first time in its history.”

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Interestingly, they are all, noticeably, American classics. “I love to work on the great old courses, especially (A.W.) Tillinghast, (Alister) McKenzie, (Seth) Raynor and (Donald) Ross. I learn from them as I do the work.”

Reflecting on his lifework, he observes, “I have been fortunate to have worked on many classic golf courses. I take what I learned and apply those ideas to my modern designs. All good architects today use good ideas from the past. I like courses that have a more traditional feel to them. I think more traditional designs, with no gimmicks, have stood the test of time and have proven to be better.”

Having said that, the ‘Major Designer’ does have certain philosophies of his own that golfers of every ilk will appreciate as being fair. Emphasizing strategy, variety and playability, he abstains from blind hazards or holes in order to show the golfer the shot at hand.

“Because skill levels vary greatly between golfers, I think it is important to design and locate features and fairways in a manner that provides a genuine challenge for the best players, but also allows average players to enjoy their round and want to play the course again,” he explains and adds, “I design so that a course has an ebb and flow, variety, aesthetics and especially shot options. I want each hole to be memorable and different from the others.”

IMAGE ON THE LEFT PAGE: Bethpage State Park (Black Course).

IMAGE ON THIS PAGE: Congressional Country Club (Blue Course).

But the biggest satisfaction he derives is nevertheless in testing the best golfers in the world. “The 2002 U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, after our renovation, was perhaps the most exciting because the championship was held on a public golf course for the first time in its history. It introduced a new breed of enthusiastic fan.”

While the classics may have given him satisfaction, it is his newer designs that tested him the most. Cascata, a private golfing enclave opened in 2000 and owned by hotel and casino operator Caesars Entertainment is situated at the entrance of Boulder City just 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas strip. Together with the North Course at Lake of Isles (opened in 2005) in Connecticut, they make up for his most testing challenge.

Aptly named ‘waterfall’ in Italian, Cascata is built upon a hilly backdrop with a 418-foot waterfall that flows from steep mountainside, over mammoth boulders, cascading into a river and roaring through its clubhouse while the North Course at Lake of Isles is built around the 90-acre body of water that it is named after, rolling terrain and island greens and tee boxes.

“These were two of the toughest to work on because of the severity of the topography and the rock outcroppings on the site. Only a very experienced golf course architect could have managed these sites because changes had to be made constantly as the site conditions dictated. However, the difficult nature of the sites of both courses made for two truly spectacular golf courses from a playability and visual perspective,” says Jones of both courses which are among the finest in their respective states.

Unlike his well-travelled brother Robert Trent Jones Jnr., Rees has, for many years, worked mainly in North America and has only a smattering of projects overseas. This is a departure from many others who have moved to the ‘promised land’ of Asia and the Middle East to seek out new fortunes and some mind-bogglingly huge projects.

He explains simply that, “in order to accomplish what I wanted to accomplish, I took only a limited amount of jobs, and there were plenty of those closer to home.” Despite that fact, the draw of adventure and new frontiers have proved too enticing

even for the picky architect who is currently enjoying opportunities in places like Kunming, Beijing and Osaka.

In reference to his current Yunling Golf Club project in the golfing mecca that surrounds the southern Chinese city of Kunming, he says, “I find that there are great design opportunities in Asia now.

I enjoy working in Asia and especially in China. I am especially intrigued by many aspects of Chinese culture.”

His visit has made such an impact as for him to declare, “We plan to be active in the Asia and China markets… continue to evaluate and pursue those opportunities that we feel are consistent with our firm’s values and philosophy… providing excellent service for our clients and designing the world’s best regarded golf courses!”

To that end, he maintains certain criteria when selecting jobs.

“I think the most important thing is to have a client that has the same objectives that I do. We evaluate many projects throughout the world, but we are primarily interested in working with great clients who have a great site and are committed to building a quality product.”

“Our design team has worked together for years. I continue to work closely with each designer. When a client works with one of them, he is getting my input also. I feel Rees Jones, Inc. has the best staff in the industry today. Our firm has built more then 170 courses and our design team has over 110 years of combined experience, so I think my clients feel they are in good hands.”

Many designers today play the environment card when talking about their work and Jones is especially known to be very vocal on this issue. “I think we work hard for each of our clients to create a golf course which is environmentally sound as well. The golf course industry has been environmentally conscious for years. In fact, working to make the golf course sustainable has made the designs better for today and for the future. We have long embraced the notion that golf courses can, and should, co-exist in harmony with the landscape while benefitting the environment. We believe a properly designed and maintained golf course can protect wildlife habitat, preserve native vegetation, conserve water resources and buffer open green spaces from development.”

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Destination Focus

Lisboa Charm Any golf trip to Portugal immediately brings to mind the southernmost region of Algarve but for variety and an unparalleled experience, Lisbon wins hands down.

- by chris folle y

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Viaduct at Penha Longa

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“Another striking feature about Oitavos Dunes is its clubhouse, all glass and raised on stilts.

The centrepiece is the Verbasco restaurant, with an elegant terrace wrapping around it overlooking the 18th.”

Penha Longa, 18th Hole from hotel

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The Portuguese capital offers a

chance to not only play great courses but also enjoy one of Europe’s most vibrant and underrated cities. Perhaps appropriately for a country that is on its knees every bit as much as Greece in the euro crisis, there’s a rather shabby, faded grandeur to Lisbon.

But that ends up being part of its charm–the Bairro Alto, dating back to the 16th century and centred around Rua da Atalaia, is full of atmosphere, the sound of traditional fado music drifting out of bars where mojitos and Sagres beer flow freely and revellers are still out on the cobbled streets until the early hours.

We found it hard to escape The Old Pharmacy Inn, on Rua do Diário de Notícias, a relatively new wine bar where a list of more than 150 almost all Portuguese wines – reds from the Douro Valley and Dao stand out is complemented by huge plates of pesticos (hams and cheese, a Portuguese kind of tapas). They may not have much money these days in Portugal but there’s still plenty of soul.

And like so many European capitals, history is never far away. The World Heritage site Jeronimos Monastery, for example, the resting place of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama built in the 16th century, is one of the city’s must-see landmarks, as is the iconic Belem Tower, built as a fortress to guard Lisbon harbour.

All this is just a 40-minute cab ride or train journey from the likely base for golf, Cascais. Once a simple fishing village, Cascais is now an affluent seaside town with a marina that has become a popular retreat for royalty and the wealthy. There are also fabulous beaches nearby such as Guincho, a surfer’s paradise.

A World of Golf Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for golf to catch on here, with a cluster of big resorts now firmly established along the Lisbon coast to choose from: Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha and Penha Longa not only have championship quality courses but also five-star hotels on site within walking distance of the first tee.

The finest among them in golfing terms has to be Oitavos, set within the enclosure of the pine-clad Sintra-Cascais National Park. The hotel only opened in August 2010 - you can’t miss the juxtaposition of a modern, designer building with its trendy infinity pool and parasols towering over the 18th hole that is set against one of the country’s most lush pine forest reserves.

Sited right at the splendid Oitavos Dunes course, designed by Arthur Hills in 2001, it was voted in 2011 as the 68th best golf course in an international Top 100 list and only one of two from mainland Europe.

Long, and with a variety of play, it also has wonderful sea views framing along its immaculately maintained fairways and greens.

After a couple of relatively straightforward holes to start with, you are met with an almost 200yard par 3 over three bunkers and protected by umbrella pines. Then the course moves higher, up and away from the sea until it arrives at the 398yard stroke index 1 5th hole, notable for a difficult and blind tee shot over a series of bunkers. The winds off the Atlantic can come into play here to further compound matters.

The bulk of the course appears to be on a huge plateau and therefore a number of holes seem flat but clever design makes it a real test. By the time you get to the par 5, 8th (stroke index 3), you have a devilishly difficult drive uphill, over a tight fairway, before you turn right over a series of undulations that make your distance to the small green quite deceptive. Then you have a tricky downhill par 3 at the 9th - in the background you get fabulous views of the Sintra hills, with the UNESCO World Heritage Sintra Palace towering over the city of Lisbon.

As the course turns for home, there is more to offer. Many a good golfer has been undone by the sharp slope on the raised green at the 11th, which you must reach with a drive that lands on a fairway that breaks the other way. After back-toback par threes at 14 and 15, the final three holes are punishingly long – almost 1,500 yards in total, with only one par five among them.

Another striking feature about Oitavos Dunes is its clubhouse, all glass and raised on stilts. The centrepiece is the Verbasco restaurant, with an elegant terrace wrapping around it overlooking the 18th. The Oitavos, meanwhile, is a sleek and modernist hotel – glass and clean, bright

GettinG there

Emirates flies daily to Lisbon from Singapore via Dubai.

Depart Singapore 0120 / Arrive Lisbon 1430 Depart Lisbon 1800 / Arrive Singapore 2045

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Penha Longa Resort; Oitavos Dunes 7th hole; Oitavos Dunes, 14th hole.

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colours rule at this 142-room five-star retreat. The ground floor is one long, light reception area, with the Ipsylon restaurant, lounge bar, sushi bar (open only on Fridays and Saturdays) and breakfast area all rolled into one.

Once you’ve checked in, your clubs, shoes, anything you need for your round are taken to a storeroom which leads out onto a short walk to the first tee and driving range. When you need to start your round again, your clubs are parked conveniently for you, with a trolley, scorecard and bottle of water waiting with it. Little touches, but they make the difference. Finally, there’s also an excellent spa, with the Gentlemen’s Exclusive Programme, at €295 euros, offering a head-toe treatment that works a treat when you walk off the tee.

If you want more variety for your golfing vacation but prefer to stay local, there’s plenty to choose from within a 20-minute radius. Quinta da Marinha is right 52

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GOLF

Ribagolfe Vargem Fresca, EN 119, Infantado 2135194, Samora, Correia, Portugal Tel: +351 263 930 040 Email: geral@ ribagolfe.pt www.ribagolfe.pt Green fees from €50.

Oitavos Dunes Rua de Oitavos, Quinta da Marinha, 2750-374, Cascais, Portugal Tel: +351 21 486 06 00 Email: info@ theoitavos.com www.theoitavos.com Three nights B&B, two rounds including use of trolley and driving range balls package from €620 twin sharing.

Estoril Golf Club Quinta da Beloura, Viela do Mato 4, Bloco C, R/C Esq. 2710-692 Sintra, Portugal Tel: +351 969 084 954 www.estorilgolf.com Email: info@ portugalgolf.net Green fees from €56.

Penha Longa Estrada da Lagoa Azul Sintra - Linhó 2714 – 511, Portugal Tel: +351 21 924 9011 www.penhalonga.com Green fees from €97.

Praia del Rey Avenida Dona Inês de Castro 1 - Vale das Janelas, Óbidos, Portugal Tel: +351 262 905 100 Email: golf. reservations@praiadel-rey.com www.praia-del-rey. com Multi-golf from €187 per night B&B, includes one dinner, car hire, two rounds at PDR, Bom Successo or Royal Obidos.

LEFT PAGE - FROM TOP: Praia Del Rey, 10th Hole, with Marriott Hotel in the background.

BOTTOM CENTRE: Praia Del Rey, 15th Hole.

THIS PAGE: Praia Del Rey, 13th Hole.

next to Oitavos, with its own hotel, the 198-room Onyria, which only opened last March, and 44 villas.

The 6,420-yard course is the brainchild of Robert Trent Jones Senior, and is known for its water challenges.

Another worthwhile golfing visit is the Peter Townsend-designed Ribagolfe complex just 40 minutes away over the river Tagus to the other side of Lisbon. It has two championship courses with Ribagolfe 1 hosting the European Tour’s Qualifying School since 2009; an indication of the sort of challenge it proposes. The other, Ribagolfe 11, is a 6,214-metre relatively pleasant walk in the park. Visually pretty and on relatively flat ground, this course is framed by cork oak trees all round, particularly on its back nine.

Head back towards Lisbon and you reach Estoril, the old-fashioned favoured resort of Lisbonites for decades, and perhaps best known as the home of Portugal’s Formula One track (though Formula One has now stopped holding events there). Estoril Golf Club has been established since 1935 and has hosted the Portuguese Open many times. It’s not the longest course, and suffers from traffic noise - you have to head over the motorway on a footbridge between some holes - but as with so many traditional courses, the challenge is in reaching the green. Clever iron play rather than booming drives are the way forward here. Estoril is also the only course in Portugal to offer the services of caddies.

Inland, and in the foothills of the Sintra mountains, is the 6,519 yard Robert Trent Jones designed Penha Longa Atlantic course (Penha Longa also has a nine-hole course, the Monastery), a challenging 18 holes that has been a favourite for tourists for years and has also hosted several European Tour events. Even though it’s only a 20-minute drive inland from Cascais, it has a completely different feel to it – secluded, windy with its own micro-climate, the air is cooler here.

Maintenance of the tee zone could be better but some of the holes here are an absolute joy. There are bunkers in all kinds of teasing positions to tempt big hitters. Look out in particular for the 6th, with a green framed by a lake and ruins of a viaduct and old tower. Buggies aren’t compulsory but you’ll certainly need to be fit to tackle the very hilly terrain here.

The huge Penha Longa Spa and Golf Resort, built in Italian palazzo style, is certainly luxurious, and as such attracts more than just golfers. When it opened in 1992, Japanese-backed and to the tune of £100 million, it was seen as a spectacular if garish arrival in an area not noted for such grand statements. It is still a quite breathtaking edifice, with 194 hotel rooms, restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, an equestrian centre and the award-winning Six Senses spa, housed away from the hotel in a beautiful 16th-century monastery.

Thereafter, some 70 miles up the A8 motorway is Praia del Rey on the Silver Coast. Even without the golf, there’s plenty to like about this relatively unheralded part of Portugal’s Atlantic coast, with the walled medieval town of Obidos, quaint fishing port of Peniche, a lagoon at Foz de Arelho and plenty of surf beaches.

Although there are two recently opened courses Bom Successo and Royal Obidos - Praia del Rey Golf & Beach Resort is still the centrepiece here. Coupled with a huge, sprawling development centred around a 177-room five-star Marriott hotel with five restaurants and a spa, life here keeps evolving with villas and townhouses constantly being built.

Designed by Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 1997, Praia del Rey is part-links and part-parkland.

6,723 yards long, it starts quite innocuously, moving to parkland holes by the 6th. The 10th is a par 5 which starts right under the terrace of the clubhouse and offers a long drive from an elevated tee, atop of which views over most of the resort can be seen.

You then have a dog-leg right approach with water menacingly hugging the green.

By the time you get to the 12th however, you’re heading out to sea and can hear the surf pounding the beach while you take on a run of seriously long, undulating holes hugging the beach. It’s a stunning links setting, offering shades of both California and Scotland.

As with Oitavos, the killer holes come at the end with the par 5, 523-yard 17th the toughest, mainly because the dog-leg discourages using a driver off the tee. That means long irons to approach a green, which also happens to be the smallest on the course.

Whichever way one chooses or whatever style of play one prefers, the city of Lisbon offers a panoply of choices for all levels and penchants of golf. However, with the intrinsic charm of a city accompanying you at each step of the way, this will certainly be a travel experience unlike any other, even for well-travelled vacationers like yourselves.

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The 19th

Gilded

Sea Travel A cruise that takes in only 400 passengers with gourmet fare and personal butler service. Welcome to the world of Silversea Cruises.

- By Jafri M. Photo courtesy of silversea cruises

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OPENING PICTURE: Silver Shadow at Sydney.

They say the Italians know style and taste when they see it. Imagine if

they own it. That is precisely what you’ll get at Silversea Cruises, a small, bespoke luxury cruise operated and owned by the Lefebvres of Rome, who in the early 1990s, conceived the idea. Silversea launched its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994, creating a unique niche with its smaller, purpose-built vessels that could slip into more exotic, tucked away ports that otherwise larger cruises can’t.

Then came Silver Wind in 1995, Silver Shadow in 2000 and Silver Whisper in 2001.

In late 2009, Silver Spirit debuted as Silversea’s beautiful new flagship with the year 2011 bringing forth a totally new experience in luxury cruising - the expedition ship name changed to Silver Explorer to better describe its adventurous style, taking passengers to far flung areas like the Antartica and the Silver Galapagos to that bejeweled land set deep within the confines of equatorial Pacific Ocean.

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With over 500 fascinating destinations, Silversea nevertheless retains the common mantra of personalised European elegance, which means all-suite accommodation, personal butler service, premium culinary standards and a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly one-to-one. The fares are all-inclusive, and they include round trip air and ground transfers, onboard spending credit, and spacious luxurious suites, with over 85 percent offering private verandas.

The small ship advantage means that a Silversea vessel can smoothly cruise around smaller islands, navigate narrower waterways and park itself pier-side with greater ease. There are also more opportunities to socialize with other passengers and a higher level of interaction with the staff onboard.

This effectively translates to a personalised butler service meaning guests can enjoy a warm champagne welcome, have their luggage unpacked, special food preferences arranged and onboard dinner reservations ensured. My daily breakfast, served by my butler each morning in my suite, always arrives punctually and is smoothly set up.

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ABOVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Silver Whisper at Sicily, Italy; Silver Explorer; Silver Spirit at St Lucia.

BELOW - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Grand Suite at Silver Cloud; Silver Cloud in London; Butler service.

Naturally, there is also more space, which makes embarking, going ashore and disembarking a breeze.

Guests also appreciate that aboard such voyages, there is less risk of widespread contagious illnesses, which can be challenging to contain on bigger ships with a higher number of travellers.

But amenities are not sacrificed. The ships incorporate requisite big-ship features like a large show lounge with nightly entertainment, a casino, and sleek spa and fitness facilities. The spa, for one, offers diverse treatments, from anti-aging facials and micro dermabrasion to deep tissue massage and reflexology.

Its Oriental medicine program encompasses acupuncture therapy and herbal supplements.

My cruise, a second with Silversea, is about six days long, and on the Silver Shadow, with stopovers at Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. On my ship, the majority of the guests are older Caucasian passengers, mostly retired, and well travelled. As I discover later, they are often good fun and make for engaging conversationalists at mealtimes.

The Silver Shadow, which entered service in 2000, accommodates some 382 passengers, and about 295 crewmembers. She also has a sister ship, the Silver Whisper, which I first experienced on a Singaporeto-Phuket leg. Both vessels were constructed by the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy, and have a high space-to-passenger ratio at 74, (industry standard stands at around 51) providing more space per passenger than any other cruise ship. With space ratio configured by dividing a vessel’s gross tonnage by its passenger capacity, the passenger-to-crew ratio works out to be commendably high, at 1.31 to 1.

The experience says it all, if not the numbers and with over 190 outside suites, ranging in size from 27sqm to 134sqm, of which some 80 percent feature teak-floored balconies, there are plenty to take in during the journey. My suite, with a well-sized balcony, has the expected fittings – upscale furnishings, walk-in wardrobe, full-sized bath and pillow options. There is also the option of scenting your suite, like I did, with a range of aromatherapy choices by renowned Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto, and personalise your bathroom with Bvlgari or Ferragamo toiletries. To top it up and share your joy with loved ones, there is also enjoy personalised stationary. And the final piece of good news? Champagne, wine and spirits are replenished regularly.

Silversea prides itself for its onboard culinary experience and the same can be expected in the Silver Shadow. Its fine dining restaurant, Le Champagne, by Relais & Chateaux, offers a six-course set menu of

TOP PART CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: La Terrazza; Pool deck at Silver Spirit; The Spa at Silver Cloud; Fitness Centre at Silver Spirit.

regionally inspired dishes complemented by wines of impressive vintage.

The more casual La Terrazza showcases an ecogastronomic concept that highlights authentic Italian specialties like buffalo mozzarella from Naples and organic balsamic vinegar from Umbria. It is all about authentic recipes and the principals of ‘Slow Food’, which highlights fresh, sustainable and locally grown ingredients and preserves cultural food traditions. The Emilia-Romagna region also produces Silversea’s 24-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

The outdoor poolside dining area serves pizza and more casual bites for lunch. In the evening, it becomes The Grill, where seafood and rather generous prime cuts are grilled tableside on heated volcanic rock plates.

Also, explore the sprinkling of bars, like Panorama Lounge, pool bar, The Lampadina and The Humidor.

Make sure you try the inventive cocktails of the day, like the citron mojito on mine, which is a bracingly refreshing concoction of mint, citron vodka and soda.

At sea, passengers can easily keep themselves busy. During the day, there are dance and language classes, films and documentaries, as well as bridge lessons. Noteworthy are the many enrichment seminars, often helmed by renowned keynote speakers. Indeed, recognising the importance of mind-enriching experiences, this year sees a stellar cast of renowned authors, historians, political analysts and other cultural experts hosting the line’s popular Silver Perspectives enrichment program.

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For instance, fans of the hit television series Downton Abbey will be pleased to know that British royalty expert Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE, a consultant to that hit television series, returns to Silversea this year as a Silver Perspectives host.

Others include Leeza Gibbons, long-time television personality and author; Brian Hoey, British author, broadcaster and monarchy expert; Rick Senat, former London-based head of business affairs for Warner Brothers; Wendy Leigh, New York Times bestselling celebrity biographer; William Gurstelle, bestselling science and technology author named to Wired magazine’s Smart List; Tim Hughes, Ph.D., political analyst and BBC consultant; and Patricia Schultz, #1 New York Times bestselling author and travel journalist to name a collection.

This year also sees a new Wine Series collection of 11 voyages for enthusiasts. Guests can sample celebrated vintages and explore the traditions of winemaking. There are special tastings and lectures given by wine makers and vineyard owners. Some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions are explored on optional guided shore excursions. The Silversea ships also offer a wide complimentary selection of fine red and white wine pairings for both lunch and dinner.

“Our wine-themed voyages offer guests the chance to broaden their understanding and appreciation of one of life’s most cherished luxuries - fine wine,” declares Steve Odell, president of Silversea in Europe, Africa and Asia.

“We’ve invited top experts from some of the world’s most acclaimed vineyards and wineries to mingle and interact with our guests, guiding them through entertaining tastings and lectures that add a unique and enriching dimension to their travel experience.”

The nights are just as eventful, with casual and formal programs alike. On a typical weeklong cruise, there are on average two formal evenings, with the requisite evening gowns for women and dark suits for men. It is all wonderfully civilized and guests make an effort to dress up. Once dinner is over, they can catch a musical at the Show Lounge, go dancing at the Panorama Lounge or play blackjack at the casino.

But when the ship arrives at a new port, passengers usually enjoy a full day or more of a city stop instead of holing themselves in. On my particular cruise, Sydney shore tours include the ‘Blue Mountains by Four Wheel Drive’, ‘History of the Rocks’, and ‘A Touch of Aussie Wildlife’. The Melbourne tours options cover ‘The Great Ocean Road’, ‘Puffing Billy, Wildlife & Dandenongs’ and ‘Melbourne Views & Tramcar’, all of which are pretty self-explanatory.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Fitness Centre at Silver Spirit; La Terrazza; Shore Excursion; Cuisine; Hot Rocks Dining.

“Silversea prides itself for its onboard culinary experience and the same can be expected in the Silver Shadow. Its fine dining restaurant, Le Champagne, by Relais & Chateaux, offers a six-course set menu of regionally inspired dishes complemented by wines of impressive vintage.”

I opt for the last one as it entails taking a beautifully refurbished tramcar on a bright sunny morning. My fellow shipmates who made the same selection indulge in a rather sumptuous breakfast of fresh strawberries, cream, scones and elegant finger sandwiches, while enjoying cheery Melbourne scenes from the comfortable plush interiors of the charming tramcar as it trundles along with aplomb.

Before long, the day is over and it is time to head back to the ship, which got me thinking, “if only life was one long cruise after another with ports of call like this!” www.silversea.com Golf Vacations

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My Top Ten

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MY TOP

10

His trademark swing has gotten him to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit and a course record at a Major championship; here, Liang Wen-Chong shares his favourite courses with us.

- By Liang Wen-Chong - intervie W By Justine Moss

China’s favourite golfing son

and number one player plies his trade on a number of global tours including the Asian, European and Japan circuits. The personable and talented golfer also has a few accolades to his name. In 2007, he won the Order of Merit on the Asian Tour, becoming the first from Mainland China to do so. In July 2008, Liang became the first Chinese golfer to make the cut at a major -The Open Championship - at Royal Birkdale Golf Club and in August 2010, he set a new course record at Whistling Straits with his 8-under 64 in the third round of the 2010 PGA Championship. As vice captain for the victorious Asian team at the Royal Trophy 2012 last December, Liang Wen-Chong was in a light hearted mood when he reminisces his favourite courses around the world.

1

Augusta National Golf Club.

Augusta National Golf Club, 2604 Washington Rd, Augusta, GA 30904, USA “I guess it’s in every player’s top 10 – playing there was a very unique experience for me.”

Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the site of a former indigo plantation, the course was designed by Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in January 1933. Since 1934, it has played host to the annual Masters Tournament. Various holes have garnered nicknames over the years, in particular ‘Amen Corner’ - the second shot at the 11th, all of the 12th, and the tee shot at the 13th hole – which has produced some of the most exciting golf each year during the Masters.

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Chung Shan Hot Spring Golf Club, Arnold Palmer Course.

2

3 “Playing in the 2010 PGA Championship was my best experience in a Major so far. It’s a beautiful course.”

Whistling Straits is home to two courses the Straits and the Irish - which have hosted the PGA Championship, U.S. Senior Open and the Palmer Cup. The Straits course that played host to the 2010 Wanamaker Trophy has open, rugged and windswept terrain and is a walking-only, links-style layout. What made Liang’s record-making feat even more amazing was that it had a total of 1,200 bunkers all round.

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Whistling Straits, 18th Hole.

Whistling Straits, Straits Course, N8501 County Road LS, Sheboygan, WI 53083, USA

Chung Shan Hot Spring Golf Club, Sanxiang Commune, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, China “My home course, it’s where my dream started and the Palmer course which opened in 1984 was the first golf course in China.”

This club has two courses – the Arnold Palmer and the Jack Nicklaus. Palmer designed the original 18 holes, which opened in 1984, and over the years, the layout has staged numerous top-level tournaments as well as several men and women China Open amateur championships. The Nicklaus course was built on an 80-hectare site on the eastern side of the Palmer course in November 1993 and is widely regarded as the finest all-round test of golf in China.

4

St. Andrews - Old Course, Pilmour House, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9SF, Scotland, UK

St. Andrews - Old Course.

“What can I say? It’s the home of golf.”

St. Andrews is home to seven golf courses including the Old Course, which is considered by many to be the ‘home of golf’ because the sport was first played on the Links at St. Andrews in the early 1400s. One of the unique features of the Old Course are the large double greens – seven of them are shared by two holes each – and it is also home of ‘The Road Hole’, 17th, considered by many as the world’s best par 4.

“I had the best time with my coach, Kel Llewellyn, in 2008 at The Open Championship. It was the first time I made the cut in a Major championship and I will never forget that experience.”

This magnificent layout is one of the finest links courses in England and thus, is also part of the Open rotation for both men and women. Hosted its first national championship in 1954, it is the venue for the Senior Open Championship this year.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club - 9th Hole.

5

Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Waterloo Road, Southport PR8 2LX, England, UK

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6 Waialae Country Club, 4997 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA

Fujizakura Country Club.

“It’s the course for the annual Sony Open, there is lovely sunshine, it has a charming beach, and is a fantastic course.”

Founded in 1927, this private country club is home to a mature, lushly landscaped, and player-friendly championship course, It features wide forgiving fairways lined with stands of coconut, monkey pod and kiawe trees and 83 strategically placed bunkers. It includes both left and right doglegs and, thanks to its well-planned layout, can challenge the low handicap player while not penalizing the beginning player.

7

“Golfing with the view of Mount Fuji and with it, Fujizakura the masterpiece of Japanese golf.”

This stunning layout is set in the foothills of Mount Fuji and is fairly difficult with its rather long Par 4’s being the main challenge for amateur golfers. It is the venue for the annual Fujisankei Classic which is played on the Japan Tour.

Le Golf National, 2 Avenue Golf, 78280 Guyancourt, France

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“It’s simple but magnificent, tough but interesting.”

Home to the annual Open de France, this course has been selected to host the 2018 Ryder Cup. It has two 18-hole layouts and one 9-hole, yet it is the Albatross which is the main championship course with a par of 72 and measuring 7,315 yards.

In 2011, it was voted one of the top 100 courses in the world.

Le Golf National - Albatross Course.

Waialae Country Club.

Fujizakura Country Club, 7187-4 Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Japan

9 “I cannot forget the golfing experience of playing in the Alps.”

One of the most spectacularly scenic golf courses in the world, this layout is perched on a mountain plateau in the Alps. It’s only open a few months of the year due to weather conditions, but playing a game here has its advantages – the ball travels much further at this high altitude.

Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.

Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, Direction Exploitation.

Rue du Prado 20 3963, Crans-Montana, Switzerland

Mission Hills Haikou - Blackstone Course, Nandujiang No.1 Bridge, Meilan, Haikou, Hainan, China,

Mission Hills Haikou - Blackstone Course.

“It’s lots of fun with the volcanic rocks, very special and natural.”

The crown jewel in this 10-course facility, the Blackstone course is true championship material. Its landscape is quite striking with mature trees, thick jungle vegetation, expansive lakes and wetlands and bed of lava rock. The course begins in the more heavily wooded portion of the property with a wide variety of lengths while the finishing holes play in and out of a hub of raised terrain.

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On Him

DiOR HOmmE Black Suit anD tuxEDO PantS BuRBERRY PRORSum mEtallic SHiRt

On HER

DiOR FlORal PRint DRESS Gucci ORnamEntal nEcklacE

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Style ★ Vacations

Vacation

Blues Lounging along the pool in chic blue styles makes for a romantic getaway. words: Benny Teo phoTogr apher: Joel low sT ylisT: Jerome awasThi

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Style ★ Vacations

On Him

J. linDEBERG WaiStcOat; PRintED SHiRt; WHitE DEnim JEanS; liGHt BluE BlazER cOacH Panama Hat Gucci lOaFERS

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The swimming pool is about

the most fascinating place in a hotel when it comes to people watching and strutting your stylish stuff. Kenji and Daria does well to look their vacation best without letting the afternoon sun get under their skin as they arrive at the W Singapore in matching floral prints by Burberry and Dior, in blue, no less, ready to soak up all that the trendy, quirky and ultra luxurious hotel can offer. As Kenji gets out of his J. Lindeberg top and into a DSquared2 bermudas to get that masculine tan, Daria flows herself into a sensual Gucci plunge neck gown to set the mood for seduction.

On HER

Gucci WHitE PlunGE nEck FlOuncE SlEEvE GOWn; ORnamEntal nEcklacE

On Him

DSQuaRED2 WHitE BERmuDaS WitH Black tRim

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Style ★ Vacations

On Him

J. linDEBERG liGHt BluE BlazER; PRintED POckEt SQuaRE Gucci knit POlO tEE

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Style ★ Vacations On Him

HuGO BOSS liGHt BlazER; PRintED tEE anD cOttOn BERmuDaS Gucci Silk ScaRF anD lOaFERS J. linDEBERG, tRanSviEW GOlF BaG

On HER

BOSS BikER JackEt; WHitE BlOuSE; PRintED PantS Gucci WHitE HEElS WHat WOmEn Want ORnamEntal nEcklacE

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On HER

SunSEEkER HEaRtSHaPE HaltER SWimSuit

PREVIOUS PAGE: The man, in reflection of his thoughts against the fiery sheen of cast by a bright blue day, takes his stroll in a Gucci knit polo and J. Lindeberg blazer.

Lost in thoughts, or of his feline companion, Kenji trots on, not realising the immense presence of style that he has created with the various shades of blue in this picture.

Finally reunited, man and woman walk in synergetic tandem towards their destination; a picture of poise and dark, contrasting charm cast by the Hugo Boss blazer for him and Boss biker jacket for her, and set against the serenity that is the still chlorine light blue of the water and stark white boardwalk. Gucci prints complete the act for Kenji and Daria. Golf is never far from his sights though as he picks up a cool, clean white J. Lindeberg bag with XXIO sticks to further drive his point. But Daria, rather letting the man enjoy his game while she hots up the water hazard in her Sunseeker halter swimsuit, turns eyes both male and female in more unmistakeable, shimmering blue.

Photographer: Joel Low Stylist: Jerome Awasthi Hair: Kenneth Ong using Redken Hair Products Makeup: Fion Tan using YSL Beaute Model: Kenji/ Ave, Daria/ Upfront Location: W Hotel Special Thanks to Dawn Lim for the arrangements and kind hospitality Golf Vacations

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Destination Focus

Chronicles of

Luxury

Rediscover a forgotten world of luxury rail vacation and partake in all its beguiling permutations and charms. - By Jafri M.

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The Eastern & Oriental Express, or E&O for short. A name that

conjures images of old world travel that harnesses an imaginative past. This is where travelling first class on rail equates the finest expression of luxury and the Malayan adventure a journey of new exploration.

But its roots began some thousand miles separated. Originally built in Japan in 1972 and operated as the Silver Star in New Zealand, it was subsequently sold to Orient-Express, which owns hotels, restaurants, river cruises and most notably, the Orient Express train which operates overnight service between London and Venice.

In its foray to the exotic Far East, an extensive internal rebuild and fit-out plus exterior painting and badging was undertaken by the new owners at their (then) newly-constructed maintenance depot on KTMB land in Singapore’s Keppel Road rail yards. The design of the remodelling was by Gérard Gallet, the man behind much of the design and refurbishment of other Orient-Express products such as the British Pullman and the aforementioned Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train.

Essentially, the train offers four categories of train cabins, namely, the Pullman Single, Pullman, State Cabin and Presidential Cabin. Fully airconditioned with ensuite showers, washbasins and toilets, most offer twin-sharing accommodation. The Pullman Cabins offer both upper and lower berths, while State and Presidential cabins have two single floor-level beds. In the day, the berths are used as cushioned seating.

Exuding gorgeous old world plush, the cosy State Cabin is resplendent in rich cherry wood and elm burr paneling, intricate marquetry friezes and exquisite design inlays. Luxuriant carpets and fabrics along with large picture windows complement the sterling craftsmanship. Two dining cars with tables that seat two or four, two bar cars, one of which has a large open-air observation deck, a library and a saloon car for overflow dining completes the deck. There is also a 24-hour steward service on call via a personal bell.

Today, the journey begins at Singapore with a complimentary night’s stay at the iconic Raffles Hotel before scooting off by coach to the E&O train stationed just across the Causeway in Malaysian Johor. And what a sight the gleaming green and cream carriages are to behold with its magnificent long train complemented by smartly outfitted porters and stewards ready to welcome its passengers. From here, the fabled journey beckons to Hua Lamphong, Bangkok, stopping at Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Butterworth and Kanchanaburi, Thailand, altogether taking three days and two nights; and since 2007, it has also extended its route from Bangkok to Vientiane, the capital of the historic city of Laos.

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MAIN PICTURE: The Eastern Oriental beginning its journey.

RIGHT PAGE - TOP PICTURE: Magnificent natural views for great photography.

BOTTOM ROW-CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: En-suite butler service for that extra touch; sleeping in one of its luxurious cabins; comfortable lounge to watch the world go by; teatime is a treat onboard the E&O.

In all, there are two to eight-night journeys throughout the year that carries passengers in luxury through dense rainforests and towering mountains past golden temples, rubber plantations and fields of frangipani, tapioca, sunflowers and mango orchards, and remote towns and villages. It has been awarded a place on the World’s Top 25 Trains list by The Society of International Railway Travelers for its exceptional beauty, service, dining and off-train experiences.

One can start from its ‘Classic Journeys’ from Singapore to Bangkok and vice versa before going for longer journeys like ‘Chronicles of Southeast Asia’, held about twice a year with smaller groups of up to 30 guests. Other inspiring journeys include ‘Epic Thailand’, ‘Tales Of Laos’, and ‘Fables of the Hills’, the last of which covers Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, and Penang in Malaysia, and through the Tham Kasae viaduct to River Kwai in Thailand. Historical and cultural highlights aside, all meals and a selection of beverages on board, tours and excursions are included in the 9-day-8-night journey.

decor, has a reading room and a small boutique.

Dining carriages like ‘Rosaline’ and ‘Malaya’ feature rich cultural references and delicate hand-painted panels and the Observation Car, located at the back of the train, is all gleaming teakwood flooring and paneled walls. It has its own bar and with its outdoor observation deck area, exudes a nostalgic tropical colonial vibe. It is also a great spot to enjoy the lush panoramic scenery as the E&O trundles past the exotic tropics.

The dining onboard is very good. Diners are taken on sumptuous culinary and cultural journeys agleam with gourmet explorations and fine china, crystal and silverware. For instance, while the train meanders through Thailand, guests can indulge in the robust Tom Yam Cappuccino, flavoured with lemon grass, chilli, galangal and a touch of Kaffir lime leaf.

Executive chef Yannis Martineau says that while physical kitchen space is limited, the workspace is well equipped and organised, with a 12-member team that helps him achieve a good balance between Asian and Western cuisine, including the skillful and talented Chef

“And what a sight the gleaming green and cream carriages are to behold with its magnificent long train complemented by smartly outfitted porters and stewards ready to welcome its passengers.”

Such travel is unhurried, languid and wonderfully relaxed. It is a slow process that literally seeps into the modern day traveller’s psyche with a sense of endearing excitement to its ongoing travail up and down the heart of the southeast, and celebrating the gracious old world style and romance of leisurely train journeys.

But this feeling of antiquity must be kept real, so there is no wireless internet connectivity onboard the train. How does one check one’s email, for heaven’s sake? Yet, by the evening of the first day, after unwinding the inner spirit, no less over cocktails and dinner, the usual custom on the E&O is to seat different guests together. The initial discomfort and possible panic about strained exchanges and awkward silence soon dissipates, as the long forgotten art of unrushed, uninterrupted, insightful conversation unveils itself.

Going outside, its luxurious exuberance extends throughout its carriages. The Piano Bar, for instance, located in the middle of the train, is a popular gathering spot with its lovely pale ash wood panelling, friendly resident pianist and comprehensive offering of cocktails, aperitifs and liqueurs. The Saloon Car, also in the middle section and with a traditional Chinese interior 76

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Martineau whose dinner menu may read as thus: lobster medallion and crispy bacon on shitake and enoki velouté topped with milk foam, then mains of either rack of lamb marinated with tandoori spices on lentil dahl with cucumber raita and capsicum, or traditional Malaysian fried rice with Nonya curry and grilled satay.

For dessert, a classic chocolate tart with coconut cloud and raspberry coulis. Doi Chaang coffee from northern Thailand and Boh Plantation tea from Cameron Highlands along with petit fours add the finishing touches.

Wines for that dinner include a chardonnay from Deakin Estate, Victoria in Australia and a cabernet sauvignon, also from Deakin Estate to complete the flourish.

The perennial fervour within the gently rocking train is good fun too, and there is a nice balance of casual and dressier formal nights. Kudos go to charming and dapper train manager Ulf Buchert, who flits around guests with exuberance and youthful vigour. The Peter Pan of luxury train travel perfectly complements blonde and bubbly Leesa Lovelace, the train’s general manager and together, they make travelling on this adventure a delightful experience.

The guests too, vary and on this occasion, consists of a wonderful cacophony of traits from onboard guest speaker and historian Leslie James and his delightful wife to retired European couples and a family from New York; the common denominator being a common interest for historical exploration and leisurely travel.

At every stop, there are tours aplenty.

A morning tour of Kuala Lumpur, for instance, offers various options like ‘A Cultural Tapestry’, ‘Kampong Traditions and Crafts’, ‘A Canvas of Heritage and History’, and ‘Pewter for Kings’. Art and cultural lectures onboard and the many guided excursions certainly unite the group but there is also ample time to do your own thing throughout, should you wish to shop or get in a round or two of golf, which is highly recommended when arriving at Cameron Highlands some 200 kilometres away from the morning stop at the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur.

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LEFT PAGE - CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Ancient Thai temple; Cameron highlands hotel; a typical train stop in Thailand; tea plantations line up the Cameron highlands

Golf around the tour KUALA LUMPUR Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club No. 10, Jalan 1/70D, Bukit Kiara, 60000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603-2093 1111 “Home to the LPGA’s Sime Darby competition and the CIMB Classic featuring top professionals in the world, both the East and West courses are well maintained championship tracts.” www.klgcc.com Saujana Golf Club P.O. Box 8148, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, 46783, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel: +60 3 7846 1466 “Carved within a former palm and rubber plantation are two courses, The Palm and Bunga Raya, both designed by Ronald Fream and unusually challenging.” www.saujana.com.my Cameron Highlands Resort

By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata, Malaysia Tel: +60 5 491 1100 “Splendid views and cool air throughout the year on a championship layout 5,000 feet above sea level.” www.cameronhighlandsresort.com PENANG Penang Golf Club (formerly Bukit Jambul Country Club) No.2 Jalan Bukit Jambul, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia Tel: +60 4 644 2255 “18-hole, 5,763m, par 72 design by Robert Trent Jones Jnr. across 130 acres of rugged hills and jungles.

Same owner, different name.” www.bjcc.com.my Bukit Jawi Golf Club 691 Main Road Sungai Jawi, Penang, Malaysia Tel: +601 2 495 6685 “Two 18-hole courses, both Hill and Lake layouts are spread over 315 acres of palm-fringed fairways, contoured lakes on undulating terrain.” www.bukitjawi.com.my THAILAND Kanchanaburi 27/7 Moo7 Thambol Pang-thru, Amphur Thamuang, Kanchanaburi, 71110, Thailand Tel: +66 34 644 147-8 “A wonderfully woven layout that stretches across an old mine and designed by Jack Nicklaus.”

For more information or to book online, visit www.orient-express.com/e&o.

The Cameron Highlands Golf Course is situated at the luxurious Cameron Highlands Resort at Tanah Rata, which this travelling band will spend the night anyway. At 5,000 feet above sea level, it is certainly a cool way to tee off in the tropics. Also, the par 71, 6,100m golf course is set against a backdrop of forest foliage with lushly shrouded mountains as backdrop.

The next morning, a ‘Best of Highlands’ tea plantation tour and brew sampling awaits but with the entire day at leisure, there is plenty of time to explore the vast jungles of the highlands or simply indulge in the cool comforts of the Cameron Highlands Resort.

By the time day five arrives, it is off to ‘Charms of a Malaysian Royal Town’, which is a tour through the royal city of Kuala Kangsar, the lushly green and serene town that is home to the Sultan of Perak, with a visit to the Royal Museum of Perak, completed in 1931 as a temporary palace. Amazingly, the building, which now houses the royal regalia, was built without a blue print and totally without nails. Instead, its walls are woven from spiced bamboo strips with diamond patterns in the weave.

The latter, Malaysia’s only surviving Georgian Mansion, was built in the early 19th century on the vast pepper estate owned by Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang. With its lush green manicured lawns and distinctive architectural outline, no wonder it is considered one of the finest Anglo-Indian residential structures outside India today.

On day six, the train crosses into Thailand where after lunch there is a visit to the country’s first monkey training college at Surat Thani. The final morning brings the intrepid travellers to the historic bridge at the River Kwai and onwards towards Wang Po where the train trundles along the famous trestles at the Tham Kasae viaduct.

Photo opportunities abound throughout the scenic trail, along with a mix of sadness and curiosity given its violent past as a World War II forced labour site.

A barge cruise follows, with reflective visits to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and the Don Rak War Cemetery. After lunch, some tour the Hellfire Pass Memorial while others explore the peaceful Khmer ruins at Muang Sing and an

“At every stop, there are tours aplenty. A morning tour of Kuala Lumpur, for instance, offers various options like ‘A Cultural Tapestry’, ‘Kampong Traditions and Crafts’, ‘A Canvas of Heritage and History’, and ‘Pewter for Kings’.”

Then, it’s off to the Ubudiah Mosque, renowned as one of Malaysia’s most resplendent, is indeed a serene sight as it glimmers majestically in the sunlight. Completed in 1917, it was designed by Arthur Hubback, a British architect who used similar Indian Mughal detailing for both the Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur railway stations. And the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, in a former restored palace called Istana Kota, is a comprehensive, well edited showcase of his documents, mementos, family photographs, trophies and state regalia.

Later that afternoon in Georgetown, Penang, more tour options abound, like ‘In The Footsteps of Captain Francis Light’, ‘Unveiling a Living Culture and On The Spice and Batik Trail’.

Or simply golf at leisure with the selection of about five courses in the vicinity. There is also a splendid opportunity to savour a grand Penang dining experience at the likes of “The 1885”, a fine dining restaurant at the genteel colonial inspired Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Suffolk House.

elephant camp. The Hellfire Pass Memorial is dedicated to the thousands of Allied prisoners of war and Asian forced labourers who lost their lives in the area during the Second World War. There is a museum, and an entire walking trail which is over an hour long and stretches about four kilometres, made more taxing by the uneven and stony ground. Good sturdy walking shoes are recommended, and definitely lots of energy.

The Muang Sing Elephant Village, just 40 minutes from Kanchanaburi, serves as a training school for elephant mahouts. A highlight here is watching the elephants play football and partaking of an exhilarating 30-minute elephant ride.

At the farewell cocktails and dinner on board, there are no tears, but lots of cheers from by now closely bonded train travellers. Finally, the Eastern & Oriental Express arrives in Bangkok. It is 9.40 in the morning, it has been heavenly, and the City of Angels beckons. Perhaps to conclude, it is appropriate to quote the legendary crime writer Agatha Christie: “Trains are wonderful… to travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and rivers… in fact, to see life.”

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Special Story

10 Reasons for an Island Getaway As the weather heats up, the beaches of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao beckon. Here are 10 compelling reasons to head south for the summer.

- tex t BY Bek van vliet

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When to visit

Thailand's southern islands are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Phuket and Koh Phi Phi are undoubtedly the region's most renowned, but on the other side

of the Kra Isthmus the Thai Gulf has its own little patches of paradise. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are the three stars of the Chumphon Archipelago, a collection of islands that spans Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces, blessed with coral reefs, limestone forests, lush mangroves, and pristine beaches. Between them they offer the full spectrum of island vacations, from leisurely golf getaway to restorative spa retreat to luxury beach escape.

Though these islands share the common traits of clean, azure waters, fine, white sand and thick tropical jungles, each has its own unique character. Koh Samui is the most developed of the three, boasting an international airport, golf courses and scores of five-star resorts. On Koh Samui, it's possible to spend all day on the fairways or the beaches, then enjoy a degustation menu in a luxury resort and end the day with cocktails in an upscale bar.

Koh Samui is home to a vast array of luxury services, including private yacht charter and limousine hire.

Koh Phangan, with its full moon events, has a party reputation. This is only a small facet of its character, however–on closer inspection, this laidback island is just as conducive to a quintessential tropical getaway as its neighbors, if not more. Though there are luxury resorts on the island, it's still relatively undeveloped–for now–and free of big name brands such as Starbucks and McDonald's, harboring a more bohemian ambience. Koh Phangan's first airport is currently under construction, due to be completed this year–a development that, for better or worse, will likely herald a more modern age.

Then there's tiny Koh Tao–Turtle Island. Diving is the most popular pastime here, though the island's quiet coves and virgin jungle encourage a rounded eco-conscious island experience that goes beyond dive schools and beach bars. The rocky terrain and coastline boulders shelter small, sandy coves where travelers can truly escape urban stresses. For a rounded island vacation experiencing the best of each island, it's easy to hop between them either by public ferry, boat tour or private charter.

The islands on the western edge of the Thai Gulf experience a different set of weather conditions than the rest of Thailand. The wettest period occurs from October to January, when the rest of the country is dry.

The cool, dry season spans from February until May. From May through to September rainfall increases, though this is much lighter and more sporadic rain than experienced on the Andaman-side islands during the same period.

Due to its good weather during the monsoonal season of the Andaman islands, the Chumphon Archipelago is a better option for an island getaway from May to September. Over the Christmas and New Year holidays, however, weather can be rainy and seas rough.

How to get there The fastest and most convenient way to get to the islands is by plane. Koh Samui has an international airport serviced by both Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways makes the trip 19 times per day – flight time is around 60 minutes. From Koh Samui, it's a 30- to 45-minute ferry ride on the Haad Rin Queen to get to Koh Phangan, or around 20 minutes via speedboat transfer. For Koh Tao, Lomphraya and Seatran ferries operate a few times a day – the trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes around two hours.

Other airlines servicing the island are Air Asia and Nok Air, though they land in Surat Thani on the mainland and require a 90-minute van transfer to the pier, then a further 90-minute ferry transfer.

To get to the islands overland, there are overnight VIP bus services from Sai Tai Mai terminal in Bangkok. For Koh Samui and Koh Phangan it's 12 hours on the bus, then 2.5 hours on the car ferry. For Koh Tao it's a six-hour bus ride and a 120-minute ferry. For the truly intrepid traveler, overnight trains also service Surat Thani, taking from 12-15 hours.

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Beaches

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People come from around the world to enjoy the beaches of the Thai Gulf – the coastline is worldclass, with the fine white sands and warm blue waters associated a quintessential tropical paradise.

With Koh Samui airport receiving direct flights from nearby Asian countries, these beaches are growing ever more prolific on an international level, yet are still free of the high tourist numbers of Phuket.

The three islands vary greatly in terms of beachscapes. Koh Samui's coastline is more developed and urbanized than those of the other islands.

Koh Phangan has everything from remote bays to bustling beaches. Tiny Koh Tao is mostly rocky, with schools of tropical fish inhabiting the reefs that fringe the shoreline, so it's quieter and perfectly suited to people who want to dive or snorkel.

The most famous beach of the three islands is undoubtedly Koh Phangan's Haad Rin, where the monthly full moon parties are staged. These raucous affairs have garnered international attention – not always positive – but they're only a small facet of what the island can offer. On Phangan's myriad other beaches – such as Chaloklum in the north, or Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi on the northeast coastline – travelers can find tranquil seas and nigh-deserted stretches of sand.

On Koh Samui, the most popular beach is Chaweng, home to the island's bar strip, which attracts a young international clientele. Parties here continue well into the early hours every night. More sedate but still offering sophisticated drinking and dining is Lamai, with an increasing amount of high-end spas and resorts cropping up along the shoreline. Though Koh Samui is the most populated island in the archipelago, it's still possible to have a "deserted island" experience here. Beaches such as Lipa Noi on the west coast and Taling Ngam are far away enough from the main tourist areas to provide serenity, with pristine beaches surrounded by tropical jungle.

On Koh Tao it's Sairee Beach that draws the most travelers. It's not as easy to get around on this mountainous island, and not much outside the town centre, so many visitors stay in Sairee, within walking distance of the pier. Sairee and neighboring Mae Haad are the two major sand beaches on the island (the coastline is mainly rocky) with shallow water that's suitable for children and quick access to bars and cafés. The downside of this area is its proximity to the pier and traffic from dive boats and ferries. Quieter, more secluded alternatives can be found in Jansom Bay and Freedom Beach – two small, protected coves teeming with fish. Nang Yuan Island, connected to Koh Tao by a sandy isthmus, is a must for nature-lovers. Its clean waters are rife with coral and fish and there's a viewpoint a 10- to 15-minute hike up the hill with panoramic coastal views.

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2 Health and wellness

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Koh Samui enjoys a strengthening reputation as a spa destination. The location – clean air, unspoiled beaches and lush forests – inspires detoxification of mind and body. Across the three islands, the spectrum of health and wellness facilities spans everything from five-star spas to rustic jungle retreats, with the gamut of Eastern and Western wellness techniques at hand.

For high-end spas, Koh Samui can't be beat.

The array of five-star resorts means travelers here enjoy the widest range of choices and the highest levels of luxury. Luxsa Spa at Hansar Samui is one of the most established spas on the island, offering massage, beauty treatments and extended wellness programs based on the four body elements of water, earth, fire and air. The W hotel offers a superlatively stylish spa experience at Away Spa. This award-winning facility offers treatments across five modern pavilions and allows visitors to relax with views over Mae Naam beach. Away Spa is the first place in Asia to offer a "Thaimazcal" herbal steam/sauna, inspired by the Mexican Temazcal ritual for spiritual and physical purification.

Another stand-out spa on Koh Samui is located at the Six Senses on the northeast coast of the island. Wooden spa bungalows are nestled in gardens along the waterfront, offering everything from traditional Thai massage to scrubs and baths to reiki treatments. Various packages and "rituals" here are tailored to the individual's specifications in a luxurious yet relaxed environment. Similarly, the awardwinning Banyan Tree Spa provides a wide range of spa experiences further down on the southeast coast. Unique spa experiences here include the Rainwalk, a hydrothermal therapy where visitors walk through a rainforest-like trail with steam, sauna, ice fountain and vitality pool.

For something more holistic, the three islands host plenty of detox centers. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort in Samui is one. Here, visitors can enjoy health and wellness programs, yoga, massage and detox in a luxury environment. The Spa Resorts–also in Samui– offer a wide variety of programs (fasting, fitness, detox, yoga etc.) on the beach and in the mountains.

The Sanctuary on Koh Phangan is another popular destination. Located on a remote beach, accessible only by longtail boat, its detox programs take place in quiet tropical jungle, far from any urban centers. More accessible on Koh Phangan are the yoga and meditation centers of Sri Thanu, where more low-key, holistic programs take place in a cluster of healing centers.

3 Dining International travel and a growing number of expats inhabiting the islands have enriched the area's culinary options manifold. Still, the foodie scene is young and fine dining as we know it in the world's capital cities has yet to properly etch out a serious niche on these islands. There are a few restaurants headed in the right direction, however–all of them in Koh Samui.

At the forefront is the Six Senses' Dining on the Rocks, a "New Asian Cuisine" restaurant literally perched on the boulders of the northeast coast.

Panoramic views and a sophisticated wine list complement an innovative menu that mingles European influences with regional flavors. It's one of the most romantic dinner places on the island and has protected areas for all-weather dining.

Another romantic dinner venue is Zazen restaurant on Bophut Beach. Here, French cuisine is served in an ambient, dimly lit space decorated Arabian-style, with candles, archways and hanging Moroccan lamps.

Located on the beachfront, it's perfectly positioned for an after-dinner stroll. Also right on the waterfront, the upscale Le Jaroen restaurant at The Scent boutique hotel serves up modern French and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as Thai-inspired dishes and afternoon tea. The mood here is very quiet, with an intimate setting perfect for couples.

Popular in Chaweng is The Larder, a gastropub that serves up a "rustic" menu of meaty plates, including pork belly, Wagyu steak and fois gras. A hearty line-up of dishes is complemented by a long wine list and cocktails that include a decadent peanut butter martini. Not far from Chaweng, located on the hillside and commanding far-reaching coastal views is 9 Gems Lounge Restaurant, where diners relax on daybeds on a rooftop terrace. To ensure a quiet, relaxed experience, children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

Over on Koh Tao, Charm Churee Villa offers one of the island's most ambient dining experiences at their Starlight restaurant. The mood here is upscale but rustic with low tables and Thai pillow seating set up on a wide timber deck over the ocean. Food is European and Thai favorites, with wine and cocktails–it's far from fine dining, but fits the low-key atmosphere of Koh Tao. Whitening Bar & Restaurant on Mae Haad beachfront is another popular choice on Koh Tao. Its all-white interior, sunken tables and beanbag seating provide a casually chic setting for cocktails and fresh seafood.

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Luxury living To complete the island getaway experience, Samui, Phangan and Tao Islands offer a vast array of luxury accommodation, from beachfront pool bungalows to private family villas. Koh Samui has the greatest choice and the most luxurious resorts, with international hotel chains dotting the shoreline as well as smaller, boutique properties offering five-star services and designer interiors. The newest additions to the hospitality scene in Samui are the Conrad and the W Retreat – both offering unspoiled water views from private villas boasting their own infinity pools.

These hotels – and the Napasai, run by the Orient Express – represent the most exclusive hotel/resort experiences on the island.

Families and larger parties traveling to Samui for extended stays might find it more convenient and comfortable to rent a large villa. Properties such as the 1,200 square-meter, four-bedroom Villa Kya provide live-in staff, continental breakfasts, a pool and wide outdoor terraces in their rates.

On Koh Phangan five-star luxury options are few.

The two most famous on the island are the Panviman and the Anantara Rasananda. The former is situated on cliffs overlooking the Thai Gulf, far from the crowds of the party areas. Spacious spa villas here boast private open-air Jacuzzis, while sprawling pool villas offer more than 100 square meters of living space plus a private pool. The Anantara Rasananda, on the quiet cove of Ao Thong Pan Noi, offers Ocean Pool Suites with private pools surrounded by sand and tropical gardens. Interiors are luxurious contemporary Thai style, mixing modern amenities with traditional materials such as silk, muslin and bamboo. Santhiya, on Thong Nai Pan beach, also offers luxurious villas with cliff-side infinity pools– its suites are constructed in a traditional Thai style with intricate carved wooden paneling.

Koh Tao, home to an abundance of affordable beach and jungle bungalows, also has its share of luxe properties, though nowhere near the scale of Koh Samui. Casas del Sol is the most contemporary in style, with a handful of modern villas clinging to the mountainside, overlooking the ocean. These villas sport cool, minimalist décor and are fully self-contained with a modern kitchen and private plunge pools. In a more relaxed style, the Koh Tao Cabanas offer wooden cottages decorated in a quaint island décor with spacious living areas and sea-facing terraces. Charm Churee Village is another ambient sea-front property, with a wide range of different rooms and bungalows peppered throughout tropical forest. Larger villas have private pools and wide outdoor terraces, plus direct access to the coral-filled waters of Jansom Bay. 86

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5 Outdoor adventure Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao are blessed with beautiful beaches and rainforest jungles, and there are plenty of activities that allow visitors to get outdoors to appreciate the natural environment. Trekking and hiking are popular pastimes on Koh Phangan, where trails lead through thick forests to waterfalls and hidden bays. There are several well-marked trails on Koh Phangan, one to Than Sadet waterfall in national parkland – a spot visited by King Chulalongkorn 16 times and inscribed with the royal initials of the Chakri Dynasty kings.

Also on Koh Phangan, the Khao Rha hiking trail scales the island's tallest mountain, leading to a viewpoint 627 meters above sea level. This well-signposted track is quite steep but rewards travelers with views over the entire island.

Hikers will encounter butterflies, monkeys and local houses along the way. Radio Tower walk, on the opposite end of the island starting from Haad Rin beach, offers complementary views back the other way.

Adventure-seekers in Koh Samui can turn their attention to off-road ATV tours. These organized tours teach the proper way to handle the vehicles, then lead the group on jungle trails through coconut plantations and past waterfalls.

Drivers must complete a few rounds of a practice circuit before heading off-road. For the more eco-conscious traveler, there's also mountain bike riding. Samui Bicycle Tours and Red Bicycle are just two companies offering bike rental and guided tours around the island.

More outdoor activities across these three beautiful islands include kayaking, rock-climbing, deep-sea fishing, zip-lining, water-skiing and wakeboarding, jeep safari and football golf.

The latter is a unique combination of football and golf, a sport created in Koh Samui and located in Chaweng. The 18-hole golf-like course winds through a kilometer of jungle, with players kicking footballs into holes attempting to get a "goal in one." For an activity that's more traditionally Thai, there are a multitude of boxing camps dotted throughout the whole archipelago, many of which offer casual train. For something quite unique in Thailand, Koh Phangan offers Wipeout, an obstacle course set over water. Inspired by the TV show of the same name, Wipeout features a variety of inflatable objects to cross–rolling barrels, big red balls, a towering "iceberg"– the winner is whoever can complete the course in the shortest time.

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6 Great golf When it comes to golf in the Thai Gulf, Koh Samui houses the best courses. There are two on the island: the Santiburi Samui Country Club and the Royal Samui Golf and Country Club. Both are easily accessible from anywhere on the island.

Santiburi Samui Country Club is the only 18hole course on the island. Positioned on undulating grounds on the north coast, it's nestled in the middle of the coconut palm forests that cover the mountain slopes. The fairways offer spectacular views over the island and of neighboring Koh Phangan. The course opened in 2003 and regularly hosts the PGA Asian Tour, and is considered one of the most beautiful courses in the region. The inland mountainous position of this course nevertheless keeps temperatures pleasant, with cooling jungle breezes providing relief from southern Thailand's tropical weather. Santiburi Resort is currently undergoing renovations (due to be complete in October this year), but nearby are plenty of other accommodation options, with some luxury resorts positioned right on the waterfront of Maenam beach.

The Royal Samui Golf and Country Club is a nine-hole course located in the mountains between Lamai and Chaweng beaches. The views from all

nine holes are spectacular, with the eighth tee overlooking Lamai beach to a particularly amazing ocean panorama.

Golf carts are also compulsory here to navigate the drops in elevation, though it's a course that's suitable for all levels, even beginners. Massive boulders, coconut palms and wide coastal views provide the backdrop for this scenic course.

For some family fun, there are a few mini golf courses located across the islands. Crazy Golf in Chaweng offers nine holes in a fun setting, with various obstacles and family restaurants onsite.

Further north in Choengmon, Mini Golf International offers 12-metre concrete tracks built to international standards for serious putting practice.

Koh Tao's terrain might be unsuitable for a full golf course, but families can enjoy putting 18 challenging holes at Koh Tao Leisure Park. The mini golf course here winds through replicas of famous world landmarks such as Stonehenge–it's floodlit and open until midnight.

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7 Coral reefs Koh Tao is the undisputed center of diving in the Thai Gulf, with a great selection of dive centers–around 50–operating from Sairee Beach. Dive schools–including PADI and SSI– provide Open Water certification courses for newcomers for 7,000 to 10,000 baht, including three nights' accommodation.

The waters around Koh Tao are perfect for diving–the water is clear, there's an abundance of coral and there's a vast number of fish species that call the area home. Away from the busy pier area, fish inhabit the reefs right up to the shoreline–divers and snorkelers can explore these reefs without joining a dive boat tour.

There are, however, some must-see dive sites a short distance from Koh Tao, so it's worth joining at least one expedition. These include: the wreck of HTMS Sattakut, the Chumphon Pinnacle, Shark Island and Sail Rock. The latter is the most famous dive site in the area, located two hours from Koh Tao. Around this granite rock, divers can see large schools of fish, colorful nudibranchs, anemones, barracuda, batfish, the occasional turtle and in the right season, whale sharks. Though Koh Tao is best known as the diving island, dive tours are conducted from all three islands.

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For those who prefer snorkeling, Koh Tao's waters are the best, with protected covers and easily accessible reefs. In some areas, such as Jansom Bay, schools of fish come right up to the shore to investigate swimmers and snorkelers.

In Koh Phangan, the western and northern coastlines have the best snorkeling spots. Haad Salad, Chaloklum and Mae Haad beach in the north of the island are all clear, protected bays with plenty of coral to explore. Koh Ma is another great place to snorkel–it's an island attached to Mae Haad beach by a sand bank at low tide.

Koh Samui is not the best island for snorkeling– the visibility is low and there isn't much to see.

There are plenty of tour operators that head to Ang Thong Marine Park, however, which comprises more than 40 stunning limestone islands. It was this area that inspired Alex Garland's famous novel The Beach and here where you can find some excellent reefs.

Generally speaking, the waters of the Thai Gulf in the dry season are gentle and free of dangerous sea creatures, though snorkelers and divers should always be aware of the tides.

Standing on and/or breaking the coral must be avoided at all costs and swimmers should be wary of standing on submerged rocks, which can be extremely sharp.

8 Island-hopping and sailing One of the best ways to explore Koh Samui and the surrounding islands is by sailing on a private boat. Cruising the calm blue waters of the Thai Gulf is the ultimate luxury and there are plenty of operators offering yacht and catamaran cruises around Ang Thong Marine Park and beyond. All of the most luxurious sailing services operate from Koh Samui, with wave-protected routes to ensure passengers as smooth as possible a trip. Most outings can be tailored to the client's preferences.

Ocean's Elite is one company that offers cruises, with a fleet of six luxury vessels.

Private trips and tours can be chartered that last from a few hours to a week–popular tours include the romantic sunset sailing trips that depart daily and the Five Island trip, a five-day tour on a catamaran with full crew provided. They also offer dive trips of up to seven days, with an instructor and dive training included.

The eco-luxury catamaran, Sensation, is another vessel available for private hire off Koh Samui. Equipped with two sun-lounging trampolines and a luxurious interior, the Sensation can be booked for a two-hour champagne sunset cruise, a half-day morning or evening cruise, or a full-day cruise that incorporates swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or fishing. The staff will even prepare fish caught on the trip.

One of the more unique and eye-catching boats seen sailing the waters of the gulf is the Red Baron. This junk-style yacht has an upper deck with sun beds, an outdoor lounge, a buffet and fishing platform and can take up to 40 passengers. It's also available for private charter for everything from birthday parties to weddings to photo shoots to tours of Ang Thong Marine Park.

A must for sailing enthusiasts is a trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. Comprising more than 40 limestone karst islands, the calm, emerald-colored waters are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. The main island is Koh Mae Koh, which has an internal lake surrounded by a towering limestone wall.

It's a 40-minute hike over the wall to the inner lagoon, but the top provides spectacular views. Wildlife here includes dusky leaf monkeys, hairy-nosed otters, turtles, pythons and a wide array of sea birds.

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9 Exciting events While Koh Phangan's monthly full moon parties might be the most famous events in the region, there's a lot more going on across the islands in terms of organized events. On Koh Samui, there's the month-long Fine Dining Festival which runs throughout March and offers diners an array of different food and drinks promotions, showcasing the best of the island's culinary offerings. In April there's the Samui Midnight Run (12th), a charity run raising funds for the School for Autistic Children and the Green Project, with both a 5K and a 10K route. Also for the sportsminded there's the Samui Triathlon (date TBC), which draws competitors from around the globe.

Samui Regatta (24th-31st May) is another fantastic annual event on the island.

Organized by Regattas Asia, it's the final event in the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championship.

The Regatta was first held in 2001 and has expanded from 11 competing boats to more than 40 in recent years, with more than 500 participants from 20 countries. Spectators can watch the excitement on the water and take part in the many sideshow events the regatta brings.

In June, with dates yet to be announced, Koh Samui will again host the Queen's Cup Golf Tournament–an event that will see the world's most elite golf players to Santiburi Country Club. The prize is US 300,000 dollars, and the event includes a pro-am tournament which gives talented local golfers a chance to compete against world champions.

Over on Koh Tao, 2014 sees the island host its fifth annual Earth Day Film Festival on April 22nd. The event showcases movies directed by local videographers, designed to highlight the island's biodiversity and draw attention to conservation projects in the area.

Visitors to Koh Phangan in October can enjoy the annual Chak Phra Festival. This religious event sees the park in Thong Sala filled with food stalls, with parades coursing through the main street and dance performances, beauty pageants, long boat races and water sports filling up a week's worth of celebrations.

In terms of partying, there is always something happening somewhere across the three islands. Koh Tao's Sairee beachfront has regular events at Maya Beach Club and an annual New Year's Eve party called The Experience Festival. Koh Phangan obviously has many parties, from the full moon events to Jungle Experience parties–electronic music events held in the rainforest. Koh Samui offers more cosmopolitan clubbing, with a selection of upscale and casual beach bar-style venues. A regular Sunday event is brunch at Nikki Beach Resort. Here, patrons can enjoy house music and live saxophonist with cocktails and a generous gourmet brunch buffet including seafood, pasta and a carvery station.

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10

Sunsets

The tropics produce the most colorful sunsets and every evening in the Thai Gulf, visitors can enjoy a spectacular show as daylight fades.

There are many great places to enjoy the s unset on the islands, but some places offer better views than others.

The most populous beaches of Koh Samui –Chaweng and Lamai–are on the wrong side of the island to view the sunset. On the opposite side is Big Buddha Beach, from which the ferries to Koh Phangan depart.

This long stretch of sand offers stunning sunset vistas over the bay–the jetties, moored boats and silhouette of the mainland setting a beautiful scene. Farther south on Koh Samui there's Taling Ngam beach, offering views over five limestone islands that jut from the water off the coastline.

On Koh Phangan, the best sunsets are again away from the main party area of Haad Rin beach. Not far from there–a short walk over the headland–is Leela Beach, which has a handful of resorts with beach bars along a quiet stretch. Close to Thong Sala pier, Nai Wok beach offers a cluster of bungalow resorts and rustic beach bars. The view extends over the water to Koh Tae Nai island, with the sun setting behind the headland.

Places such as Beck's Resort and Joon's Bungalows are well-placed for enjoying sunset views. North of this, Haad Salad beach offers a wide bay with several beach bars, each playing chill-out music and front row seats to the sunset show. The water in the bay here is deep enough to enjoy sunset while submerged.

At the top of the island Mae Haad beach is a popular sunset spot with locals. This quiet beach has a small selection of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy cocktails as the sun goes down.

Koh Tao also has some fantastic sunset spots. Sairee beach is the most popular– located on the western coastline of the island, this long stretch of sand has a wide selection of beach bars and cafés where travelers congregate to watch the sunset.

These range in intensity from relaxed to upbeat–bars such as Maya Beach Club and Lotus Bar will continue sunset libations into the early hours of the following day. Fizz Beach Lounge on the same beach is a little more laidback, with beanbags positioned on the waterfront for the best views.

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collection ★ Time

the man behind the magic - By The Pooh

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Revisited and reinterpreted in a timeless

vein, the timepieces in the Hommage Collection regroup the entire genetic heritage of Roger Dubuis. Like the master-watchmaker who gave life to this collection, the latter is endowed not only with style but also with a powerful character. The Hommage collection tells a story: that of its founder, Mr Roger Dubuis. It offers a chance to discover the creative talent of the man who in 1995 embarked upon an adventure that is unique in the watchmaking world. It portrays an exceptional personality who instigated the policy of earning Poinçon de Genève certification for the entire Roger Dubuis production. It serves as the custodian of his spirit of innovation and his quest for reliability. Vividly embodying the masterwatchmaker’s wealth of experience, inherited from all those who have preceded him and admirably perpetuated by the current generation at work within Roger Dubuis, this collection gives rise to creations that will make their mark on horological history.

This collection is a crucial link between Roger Dubuis’ early days and a promising future: an ode to traditional Fine Watchmaking movements and complications as well as to exquisite craftsmanship skills such as working with guilloché and mother-of-pearl. It thus embodies historical watchmaking codes expressed in precious materials. With this in mind, in honour of Mr Roger Dubuis and his legacy to the Maison, Roger Dubuis has incorporated a number of historical elements to this incredible new watch. One of these is the number 208 after the student ID number of Mr Roger Dubuis during his studies at the Geneva Watchmaking School and resulting in the Hommage Flying Tourbillon being issued in a 208-piece limited edition.

Featuring classic designs and frequently issued in limited editions, the models in the Hommage collection embody a blend of aesthetic refinement and traditional watchmaking references. Dedicated to Fine Watchmaking enthusiasts in search of excellence, they all proudly bear Mr Roger Dubuis’ signature on the exhibition-type caseback, either metallised on the sapphire crystal pane, or engraved on the surrounding metal.

The Art of Guilloché The art of guilloché, which dates back to the 16th century, consists in “decorating an object with engraved, etched and intersecting lines”. At the end of the 18th century (1786), this art was applied to decorating watch dials and cases. The brilliance of the incision in precious metals produced a peerless decorative effect and this technique enjoyed an extraordinary surge of popularity in the 19th century. In 21st century watchmaking, guilloché remains an unmistakable token of meticulous attention to detail and creates fascinating visual effects that enhance the personality of a watch.

Hand-guilloché techniques in particular convey a unique prestige, applied using age-old straight-line or rose engines turned or operated by artisans and thus in fact mere tools assisting the latter in their delicate task entirely guided by personal skill, experience and intuition. The beauty of the motifs thus created depends on the artisan’s aesthetic flair and dexterity, since the success of their endeavours is determined by a number of factors including speed, pressure and accurate positioning.

Recalling that the lines composing the patterns measure a mere hundredths of a millimetre (0.05 to 0.1 mm) deep gives a clearer idea of the hair’s breadth precision required to achieve an attractive final result. This is also precisely why the guilloché motifs hollowed out by the graver will never be identical on two given parts – a fact that in turns explains the unique and exceptional nature of each watch with a hand-guilloché dial.

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Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon with Hand-made guilloché – a stunning contemporary interpretation of a time-honoured decorative skill This new masterpiece of the Hommage collection highlights the traditional art of guilloché embodying an audacious combination of traditional and modern craftsmanship.

By introducing the first Hommage models in 1995, Mr Roger Dubuis was paying a glowing tribute to his forefathers in the watchmaking field as well as to horological traditions in the broadest sense of the term. When it came time to create the exceptional Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon with Hand-made guilloché, Gregory Bruttin and the R&D department that he heads opted for a deliberately simple display. Adopting a pared-down design made it possible to tailor the movement even more closely to the intrinsically traditional nature of the Hommage collection, while also providing even more space in which to offer a contemporary aesthetic interpretation.

The result of these deliberations was the RD100, a new movement composed of 452 individually hand-finished parts, endowed with a 50-hour power reserve and which called for 1,200 hours of manufacturing – of which 360 are devoted to meeting the Poinçon de Genève criteria – as well as six full weeks of controls. Such an accomplished mechanism naturally deserved to be showcased to its full advantage.

The new Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon with Handmade guilloché achieves exactly that in a spectacular new demonstration of Roger Dubuis’ equally intense concern for the inner and outer beauty of its models. Endowed with historical design codes including long slender lugs, a concave bezel, large Roman numerals, a fluted crown and a distinctive folding clasp, it also features a range of subtle new touches.

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Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon

Graphic appeal and intricate detailing As Lionel Favre, Associate Director of Product Design, points out, details such as the slightly more bevelled lugs, horizontal satin-brushing on the sides of the case, a large interhorn space ensuring a perfect fit, combine to create an even more ergonomic look and feel. Despite exuding an admirable presence, this generously sized model is not at all bulky and instead maintains an aura of refined elegance that befits its classic heritage. The polished and alternating satin-brushed surfaces, along with the sunray effect that has become a signature feature of Roger Dubuis timepieces, jointly contribute to the graphic appeal based on effective contrasts such as that between the rhodium-plated movement and its pink gold case.

Doubtless the most striking aspect of the new Hommage Double Flying Tourbillon – and the one that immediately catches and holds the gaze – is the highly original guilloché work on the front. This intricate technical and decorative technique creates a unique, delicate and precise sunburst effect that cannot fail to appeal and intrigue.

Hommage Chronographs – Dedicated to keeping pace with performance The Manufacture Roger Dubuis pursues its self-appointed task of reinterpreting the codes of classicism with a strikingly handsome chronograph that stands out boldly within a highly competitive field.

Among the range of additional horological functions, the chronograph falls firmly in the category of so-called “useful complications” and is currently more popular than ever in an age dedicated to the cult of performance and sporting accomplishments.

This chronograph model available in pink or white gold versions is powered by its very own ‘Incredible Mechanics’ in the shape of the RD680 movement with micro-rotor – a signature of the Manufacture Roger Dubuis movement expertise dedicated to ensuring excellent performance and optimising manufacturing processes.

And speaking of signatures, this time in a literal sense, that of Mr Roger Dubuis is metallised on the sapphire crystal fitted in the exhibition case-back. The distinctive shapes of bridges, springs and levers are all distinctive features of Roger Dubuis movements, and the 261 parts are individually hand-finished to the standards of uncompromising excellence demanded by the Poinçon de Genève.

Hommage CHronograpH in pink golD

The snailed chronograph counters at 3 and 9 o’clock, complemented by a sweep seconds hand, bear eloquent testimony to the enduring strength of traditional watchmaking as applied to the modern task of accurate timekeeping. The concave bezel juxtaposed with the high flange bearing applied five-minute markers extending the raised applied Roman numerals and subtly lowered centre, all combine to create a mesmerising impression of depth and multiple layers. The latter is in turn further emphasised by the audacious sunray guilloché dial motif – which itself echoes the radiating arrangement of the numerals and is picked up on the crown surface. Such intricately interwoven aesthetic elements admirably reflect the complexity of the movement within.

The eminently virile character of this chronograph with its boldly rectangular chronograph pushers and decisively ridged crown is subtly softened by the beautifully rounded curves and the delicately leaf-shaped counterweight on the sweep seconds hand.

Clasped firmly yet gently to the wrist by a brown genuine alligator leather strap secured by a pink gold pin buckle for the pink gold version, or an identical black strap with white gold buckle for the white gold variation, the Hommage Chronograph lives up to a proud heritage while propelling itself firmly towards the future.

Shorttime measurement has seldom looked so good.

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State-of-the-art watchmaking expertise meets traditional craftsmanship Hommage chronographs and automatic models share similarly appealing guilloché dials. Guilloché is a traditional decorative technique based on an exquisitely repetitive motif that is often regarded as a symbol of fine watchmaking. As one has come to expect from Roger Dubuis, it is given an inimitable design twist calling for exceptional workmanship typical of the concern for details characterising the Manufacture. As delicate as they are precise and exuding an aura of technical sophistication and aesthetic charm, these dials are extremely complex to create and take between 20 to 50 minutes to be entirely engraved with this pattern.

True to its custom of lending a contemporary touch to tradition, Roger Dubuis also plays with a blend of tone-ontone and contrasting colours between the bezel, railway track flange and guilloché pattern, as well as the chronograph counters, markings and numerals. These design elements typical of classical watchmaking, yet reinterpreted in a contemporary manner expressing the unique Roger Dubuis vision of its art, are designed to facilitate reading the indications as well as to enhance visual appeal.

baCk oF THe Hommage CHronograpH

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About Roger Dubuis Roger Dubuis has been at the forefront of contemporary Haute Horlogerie since 1995.

Its audacious creations, firmly anchored in the 21st century, bear the mark of all the savoir-faire and expertise of the finest watchmaking mechanisms combined with powerful and daring designs.

Boldness and extravagance are the brand’s signatures, and determination its engine. Rich in conceptual creativity and mechanical detail, its collections are inspired by four different worlds: the Incredible Player, the Incredible Warrior, the Incredible Venturer and the Incredible Diva.

The Roger Dubuis product lines La Monégasque, Excalibur, Pulsion and Velvet are distributed worldwide through an exclusive sales network and boutiques. The quest for excellence, the long search for the right gesture, the development of unique skills are all constants of the Geneva based Swiss Maison, which is part of the Richemont Group since 2008. The fully integrated Manufacture Roger Dubuis is the only watchmaker in the world to have all of its precious timepieces embossed with the Poinçon de Genéve, a guarantee of finest craftsmanship.

Roger Dubuis Boutique You can explore the unique world of exclusive, creative and innovative timepieces at Thailand's first and only Roger Dubuis Boutique at Gaysorn (one of 20 Roger Dubuis exclusive boutiques in the world).

At this boutique, you will be greeted by watch experts who will assist you on the journey to discover all the fine products that the brand has to offer; from the most popular models to the rare Limited Edition ones, as well as Boutique Exclusive models available at Roger Dubuis Boutique only.

Roger Dubuis Boutique also provides first-class, aftersales services. With a team of authorized watch experts, whenever it's time for checkups or repairs, you can be assured that your precious watches are in good hands.

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Resort Golf Academy

PGA National Golf Academy The PGA Natonal Golf Academy features a brand new holistic approach to improving the game and, in many instances, life itself.

- WORDS anD pic tuReS by DaViD j. Why te

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At Gleneagles

Adjustable drivers and putters, laser-milled wedge faces, solid core multi-layered balls; the advancements in equipment technology can make your head spin, if not the ball. The new TaylorMade R1 for instance offers a total of 168 unique settings available at address. While there is logic to the advantages of a professional fitter and a battery of launch monitoring radars, does this mechanical maelstrom of technical tweaks really make that much of a difference in the quest to maximise golf performance?

There is actually more to game improvement than mere physics.

While equipment unquestionably plays a crucial role, it is the golfer that is and always will be the single most significant influence on a golf swing and its results. So how do we adjust a golfer? How can we fine-tune a person to enable them to maximise their performance.

With these questions in mind, the “UltraFit for Golf” programme will be launched at Gleneagles Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort this spring featuring 3, 5 or 7-day programmes. The renowned ‘Palace in the Hills’ will play host to the 2014 Ryder Cup and is no ordinary location to start.

The setting alone, its luxuriously appointed hotel and three magnificent championship courses serenely nestled within the breathtaking Perthshire Hills will inspire Ryder Cup viewers around the world.

OPENING PICTURE: The renowned ‘Palace in the Hills’.

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The PGA National Golf Academy is a busy place. In spite of its prestigious status, Gleneagles is very much part of the local golf scene with local lads honing their skills along with hotel guests and day-golf visitors.

The teaching centre actively participates with Scotland’s aspiring players who come from all over the country to use its fine facilities that includes a 320-yard double-ended driving range, undercover pitching bays, a short game pitching area, three short game practice greens with five large bunkers and two full-sized putting greens.

Andrew Jowett, Gleneagles PGA Head Golf Professional is one of the most experienced coaches around and has a keen eye for idiosyncrasies.

“Your posture and swing are excellent,” he advises on a frosty-cold Scottish morning, but he did note an obstinate inclination to pull left. “Let’s take a closer look on video.”

UltraFit for Golf

The first part of Gleneagles’ UltraFit for Golf makes an overall appraisal of your game through an interview, pre-set skills tests covering the long game, short game and putting, and then video analysis. Slow-motion video revealed my proclivity to rise up at impact causing my arms to swing left to compensate. Who would have known?

“Try this,” Jowett says, placing a golf bag at my left hip. “Knock it over with your hip as you swing through.” After a few tries, I registered the move and was soon striking the ball more solidly and straight.

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a darkened room to ‘go deeper’ with a preliminary Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, session a form of sports psychology that has found favour with golf coaches over the past two decades.

“Golf isn’t all about technique,” says Jowett.

“The inner game is such a vast area. With the new UltraFit for Golf programme, we generally do two-to-three hour sessions finding out which modality the guest learns best in before establishing the correct inner dialogue.” In the limited time I had to experience this area of learning, he took me through a discussion on ‘Neutral Thinking’ as opposed to ‘Positive’ or ‘Negative’ thinking.

“If you keep telling yourself you are going to succeed, score or sink a putt, and you don’t, it can have a detrimental effect. There has to be an element of honesty in your internal dialogue.

Frame the question differently. Is it possible that I can hit this fairway? You can say with honesty, yes, it is possible. What we’re trying to do with NLP is to free the mind up. Being too positive or indeed too negative can get in your way. NLP gives you a better framework for the mental approach to golf.”

And how did the UltraFit for Golf programme come about I asked Andrew? “We were aware of what tour players were doing these days. Looking at the entourage culture that they have adopted – swing coach, psychologist, fitness coach, physiotherapist, equipment experts, our goal with this new programme is to provide all of these services in one, complete experience.”

At the same time, we were getting lots of requests from members and guests asking how they can improve their golf performance beyond technique. We were already working with NLP, custom-fitting and TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) so diving deeper into fitness and overall health was the last piece of the puzzle. Besides that, we already have these wonderful facilities and highly-trained people so it made great sense to bring this programme together.”

Naturopathy

The Spa at Gleneagles encompasses ESPA Life, a new approach to health and well-being staffed with a team of specialists including a naturopathic practitioner along with osteopaths, physiotherapists, acupuncturists and a herbalist. The UltraFit for Golf programme brings these disciplines together with the PGA golf instruction team to offer a truly holistic approach to both golf and health.

Louise Westra, a naturopathic practitioner who worked in Australia for 10 years and now heads up Gleneagles’ Ultrafit team tells me as I started my session with her, “I understand there’s an issue with your digestion.” I had mentioned to Andrew during my initial interview that I had some minor gastric issue passed off by the medical profession as irritable bowel syndrome. Over too many years to mention, I had no success in either pinpointing the problem or finding a remedy.

Westra fastidiously went over my medical history as well as nutritional, emotional and physical wellbeing. At the end she advises, “I’d recommend having two tests done. We could quite probably get to the bottom of your digestive issue and then recommend the right course of action.” Which she did.

Louise would normally review a client’s information in detail and during a second appointment, outline a path to wellness, which includes dietary advice, recommended supplements, suitable lifestyle programmes or referrals to the appropriate complementary and alternative medicine, fitness or spa professionals - all with the simple and singular aim to help you feel good inside and out.

Osteopath

Bradley Blair, an Osteopath and Personal Trainer is the final piece of the puzzle. Blair is a big man, imposing, jovial and very likeable. His role is to identify any physical limitations you might have and to work on or manipulate problem areas in order to restore correct function. He put me through some basic bends and stretches to determine any rangeof-motion issues, or areas for fitness or strength development. He will then tailor an exercise regime to meet the individual’s needs. Bradley identified my several areas of ‘tightness’ and offered a series of exercises that I should do at least 5 times a week in order to improve my overall fitness.

LEFT PAGE: Outdoor personal training.

TOP RIGHT: Bradley Blair, Osteopath.

BELOw: Louise westra, Naturopath & Nutritionalist.

Summary

A few weeks have gone by before meeting once again with Louise and following her recommendations; nothing too difficult, just one or two supplements added as my food regime was already good. More crucially, my digestion has gotten better as has my golf swing. I am now more flexible and stronger thanks to Bradley’s simple daily exercises and the digestive bouts seem to be lessening.

I believe Gleneagles is onto something here. Golf pros can point out things about your swing you were not conscious of and suggest changes but the most important element to deal with is yourself, the physical and mental being who tries so hard to hit that little white ball perfectly and yet is completely unaware of an array of issues that could be hindering it. Tight calf muscles, glutes or shoulder muscles can markedly affect your golf swing.

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Golf at

GleNeAGles

Andrew Jowett tells us how to play the courses, Queens, Kings and PGA Centenary.

- by anDRe W jOWet t, GleneaGleS pG a heaD GOlf pROfeSSiOnal

The Resort

Gleneagles needs little introduction as one of the world’s longstanding, premier golf destinations. Since the 1920’s, Gleneagles has occupied a prominent position in the game as a wonderful retreat secluded amidst some of Scotland’s most splendid scenery. Its original two courses were designed by the late, great James Braid, a five-time Open champion and prolific golf course architect.

Queens Course

The Kings and Queens are two of James Braid’s first and many would say, his finest designs. A lot of people when they look at its yardage (just under 6,000 yards) underestimate the Queens and think it is not going to pose much challenge. But the first six holes, generally playing into the prevailing wind are as tough a stretch as you will find on any of the three Gleneagles courses. It eases off a bit as you head towards the turn at the Par 5, 7th.

But this course is not just about challenge. If you catch the Queens on a long, Scottish summer’s evening for instance, the views especially around the turn are quite stunning, absolutely breathtaking. It is useful that the halfway house is placed there for more reasons than one. For a social round, the Queens is hard to beat.

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The Kings Course

What would I say about the Kings? It’s got a heritage and history all of its own. From the Bells Scottish Open to the Ladies Weetabix Championship it has been a stalwart test. It’s an iconic Scottish golf course.

The 1st hole gives you a similar kind of experience as you get on the 1st or 18th at St Andrews. It is a bit of rush knowing that you’re about to take on such a highly respected challenge.

All the holes are well laid out in front of you. It is interesting to think that the course was made without any modern machinery. The way Braid has sculpted the golf course through this fairly undulating heathland is phenomenal. That’s a big part of the charm. There are some genuinely great golf holes out there, all of them in a stunning setting - the 4th is a great example and a test!

The Kings plays longer so long hitters will have an advantage but you also have to be accurate.

If you’re looking to make a good score, you need to hold your game together through the first 11 holes. That’s where all the challenge is! There’s the opportunity down the inward stretch to make a few birdies but you need to be in a good frame of mind as the first half will have tested you. The Kings is tough, and especially so at the back tees.

The PGA Centenary

TOP LEFT PAGE: The PGA Centenary; .

BOTTOM: The Kings Course; The Halfway House.

THIS PAGE– FROM TOP: The PGA Centenary - 5th Hole; The Queens Course 9th Hole; The Kings Course.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus in the late 1990’s, the PGA Centenary is more contemporary than the Kings and Queens. An inland links style course, Nicklaus commented at the time that it was the finest parcel of land that he’s ever had the opportunity to work with.

The course has been designed with an eye to hosting major championships so you’ll find natural amphitheatres and well routed walkways to get crowds around. The course has undergone some significant changes recently in preparation for the Ryder Cup. The par 5, 9th changed dramatically, the pond comes further out and into play more. And there are more strategically placed pot-bunkers. It looks a bit more Scottish. There was criticism that this course was an American-style design but these changes make it more in tune with the local environment and weather conditions. The changes have been universally approved. The 18th lacked the spark of the rest of the golf course but now it has the ‘Wow’ factor – It used to be a long par 5 with the green sitting across the fairway offering a tight finish. Now, there’s a completely new green complex running long ways. The hole plays slightly shorter as the tee has been raised. The green complex has numerous run-offs and so, although it’s reachable in two, it is a genuine risk-and-reward hole with testing chip shots if you miss the green. www.gleneagles.com/golf Golf Vacations

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Collection ★ Drink Glenfiddich Celebrating

125 Years of Pioneering Spirit

In the summer of 1886 in the

Scottish highlands, William Grant set out to fulfill his lifelong ambition to create ‘the best dram in the valley’. William Grant enlisted the help of his 7 sons and 2 daughters to build his own distillery in less than a year. The distillery was named Glenfiddich which is gaelic for “Valley of the Deer”.

On Christmas Day 1887, the Grant family was rewarded when the first drop of spirit flowed from their copper pot stills – last year marks the 125th anniversary since then. Today, William Grant & Sons still maintains their pioneering spirit, as a fifth generation family owned business celebrating 125 years of success and superb craftsmanship. Glenn Gordon, William Grant’s great-great-great grandson and the company chairman still is at the helm of the business, while Charles Gordon, William Grant’s great-great grandson who had been the life President and never wavered in his commitment in maintaining Glenfiddich’s pioneering spirit and innovative approach to whisky-making. This is reflected in the fact that it is the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch Whisky.

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The Glenfiddich core range features the award winning and best-selling single malt Scotch whisky – 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old Solera Reserve and the 18 Year Old Ancient Reserve. Each year rare expressions are also made available such as the 21 Year Old, 30 Year Old, 40 Year Old, and 50 Year Old. What makes the youngest variant, the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old unique, is that it is actually matured for nine years longer than the minimum amount of time Scotch whisky must be left to be deemed ‘Scotch’. This is a perfect example of the dedication and detail that goes into each whisky. Each whisky is carefully married

by Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, and bottled in the signature triangular Glenfiddich bottles to create an exquisite single malt Scotch whisky.

Glenfiddich boasts a range of exquisite whiskies and last year celebrates 125 years of pioneering whisky making. From the world’s number one single malt – the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, its founder, William Grant, succeeded in his quest to produce the ‘best dram in the valley.’ The Glenfiddich range features the rare and precious Glenfiddich 50 Year Old, and proudly continues the pioneering legacy of Glenfiddich by introducing limited edition expressions such as the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery series as well as the Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix.

www.glenfiddich.com

Matthew Fergusson stewart William Grant & Sons- Southeast Asia Regional Brand Ambassador – Glenfiddich

I've always avoided the term expert, as whisky is a great learning experience. I'll always be learning more about whisky. Whisky was always my preferred drink, but over time an appreciation became a passion, and eventually a career. Having consumed whisky for many years, I started working part time for a whisky society in Australia, while still working full time in the finance industry in Australia. The more I worked with whisky, the more I loved the product and the people I met. At the same time, I became less and less enamoured with my full time job, and eventually decided to make the switch to whisky full time. At the point I moved to Singapore, and threw myself into whisky consulting work. Eventually, I began to manage The Auld Alliance, a bar in Singapore with the largest range of whisky in Southeast Asia. Their collection currently numbers about 1350 different bottles!

The Auld Alliance is one of the world's great whisky bars and I continued to learn an enormous amount about whisky, while meeting whisky people from around the world. This included people from William Grant & Sons. When they needed a Brand Ambassador, they asked me if I was interested, and I jumped at the chance to work with such a great whisky company, and such a great brand in Glenfiddich.

Matthew Fergusson stewart

I hear that you are one of the foremost experts on whisky, please tell us about your journey to become Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich.

"Glenfiddich also became the first whisky distillery to adapt a Solera maturation process to whisky, I find that this is our most favoured variant in Thailand. The flavour seems very suited to the Thai palate."

As Glenfiddich is one of the world's most award winning single malt, can you tell us some of the things that makes it unique?

So many things! One of the most important things is the fact that Glenfiddich, after more than 125 years, is still family-owned.

Being in the same family gives the distillery a great connection to its past and great connection to the history of making great whisky. In many ways Glenfiddich is very traditional. We still use direct fired stills, we still use wooden washbacks, and we still have our own onsite cooperage. Few distilleries still do these things, and we are probably the only one to use all three.

When you visit the distillery, it is remarkable to see the workers still recording notes on chalk boards, where many distilleries are using computer systems that make them almost fully automated. At the same time, Glenfiddich has been incredibly innovative. Glenfiddich was the first single malt whisky to be commercially exported around the world in 1963 and it was the first distillery to open a visitor centre in 1969.

In 1998, Glenfiddich also became the first whisky distillery to adapt a Solera maturation process to whisky, which is how we make out Glenfiddich 15 Year Old. Incidentally, I find that this is our most favoured variant in Thailand. The flavour seems very suited to the Thai palate.

Here are a few recommendations: 1. Kanom Krok- coconut rice pancakes which is a popular dessert. sweet flavor. consume with Glenfiddich 18 Year old 2. Pad thai - is a combination of fresh ingredients like rice noodles,meat, tofu, egg and veggies - stir fried in a small wok. Has a sweet flavor, slightly spicy. consume with Glenfiddich 15 Year old 3. mango sticky rice -this thai dessert is made from cooked sweet coconut milk, the sticky rice is placed with fresh ripe mango on top. in some regions, mango sticky rice comes as bite-sized balls with sweetened sauce on it. consume with Glenfiddich 21 Year old

We are now nearing the Thai New Year or Songkran Holidays, could you tell us which Glenfiddich you recommend in which to celebrate this occasion? What food would you pair it with?

Firstly, I think Songkran is a great time to drink whisky. From my time living in Thailand, I know that Songkran is a New Year celebration, imbued with a sense of renewal, symbolised in the washing of hands and feet, which of course also manifests as nationwide water fight!

Water as an agent of renewal and new life is also found in the word 'whisky'.

Whisky is derived from the Gaelic term Uisge Beatha, which in fact means, the water of life! After you get soaked with regular water in the day time, it seems fitting to soak your palate in the water of life in the evening.

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Collection ★ Move The E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic W212 Facelift 2014

is the latest sports model to be introduced following the success of the CLK. The marketing strategy behind the name change from Mercedes Benz is to comprehensively modernize the E-Class and extend its leading position in the luxury segment even further. Sporting two-doorsand 4 seats, this model has been developed entirely anew, retaining the cues set by the W212 platform and compensated with major improvements. The Facelift 2014, holds a unique and fresher dimension when competing with coupes like BMW's 4 Series and even when compared to high technology vehicles such as the Audi's A5. The new line of E-coupe delivers a maturity and a class that these sportier rivals lack.

The beautifully designed sports package offered by AMG incorporates a revised headlamp that brings out the Mercedes star now boldly positioned in the centre of the grille combined with LED day-time lights. The E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic W212 Facelift 2014 takes on eye-catching elements that highly attract both male and female drivers in search for a sporty yet elegant looking E-Class for enhanced comfort, high-quality appointments, efficiency and driving pleasure. Emotional appeal delivers an important role towards winning customers’ approval.

The new E-Coupe is very eye-catching, even though the E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic adapted cues from the W212 platform. The Facelift 2014 innovative follow-through

- By Arcom roumsuwAn

MERCEDES BENZ E200 COUPE AMG DYNAMIC

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design is set right into the front end assembly for sharp look.

The sense of balance can be felt throughout the vehicle in such a way that combines the expressive, modern exterior together with the luxury and refinement in assembly - worthy to bear the prestigious classic star. This test drive unit is fitted with AMG Sport trims giving it an overly aggressive look. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine that delivers a 184HP push.

The rear side windows can be lowered for uninterrupted beautiful effect. They are well and harmoniously designed to fit in the new taillight that also includes the rear spoiler by AMG that bears a beautifully sculpted exhaust piper. The front spoiler consists of a shiny crafted plastic painted in shiny chromium. Both side spoilers have been sharply designed to look like a knife– delivering a nonconformist, quick-response, provocative and powerful with three prominent lines that give sense of movement to the vehicle when viewed from the side. This will certainly provoke BMW owners to drool on the modern design.

The dimension is proportionally similar to the previous generation; as the vehicle stands out at a 1,786 mm in width, with a total body length of 4,703 mm and standing at a height of 1,397 mm, on par with the BMW Series-4. When opening the door to sit in the cabin, the mood and ambience of a truly Mercedes Benz is spread across the cockpit. The console is made out of large molded foam upholstered in leather, slightly

larger when compared to the C-Coupe. The instrument panels of the two seem similar; however, the E-Coupe takes on a mixed variety of elegance bundled with a hint of sportiness differentiating it from smaller models from the same brand.

The 3 spoke steering wheel covered in suede is a bit too big to grip. The paddle shift is small and made out of a black plastic.

The electric leather seats with 3 memory modes deliver a sporty feel due to the comfortable fit and style of the seat which is designed to accommodate both drivers and passengers of the car. The sporty design of the seats is different from the 4 door models. The rear passenger seats might not be as comfortable as the 4 door variant which has a bit bigger interior space.

In the seated position, visibility is good, especially from the large windscreen. The main change you'll notice is the way that the auto gearbox lever has migrated from the centerconsole to the steering column and that it feels a bit strange because you have to constantly remind yourself that it is not the signal lights. It does take a while to adapt and familiarize in using the gearbox lever in such position. However, it is not that hard once you get used to it. Having the auto gearbox lever at the steering column was once popular and it disappeared for many decades.

However it has now returned to both the new E-Class in both its sedan and 2-door Coupe version that extends to the new A-Class.

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The side windows of the E-Coupe can be easily controlled all the way down and received positive feedback for this point.

The panoramic glass sunroof is larger when compared to older models. The Mercedes Benz E200 Coupe has been fully decorated with sports package offered by AMG and powered by a 2.0 turbo engine delivering adequate fast speeds without any delay. Benz has claimed that acceleration of 0-100 km/h was recorded at 7.8 seconds. However, when I timed myself on this I managed to accelerate 0-100 km/h 8.1 seconds under the ECO mode (fuel saving mode). Slowing accelerating to the conditions of the urban traffic, the new power assisted steering wheel delivers a smooth and comfortable feel as well as a good performance. What is similar to competitors is that this car does an excellent job in reducing external road noise. Thanks to high quality acoustical, rubber and glass materials that makes the E-Coupe silent. The ECO start/stop function, through the Mercedes Benz BlueEfficiency Technology, stops the engine when car is stationary and automatically starts when there is a need to drive forward. When I removed my foot from the accelerator, I can feel a small vibration when the engine stopped. However, this did not bother me much. The benefit of the Auto Stop/Start function is that it helps save fuel consumption and reduces emission of CO2 each time you come to a halt. For those who are not familiar with this technology and feel annoyed with the constant start/stop of the engine during the city traffic, there is an Auto Stop/Start switch to disengage this function during your drive.

While driving on the highway, the E400 Coupe can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds, However, the smaller

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E200 Coupe engine is as capable when compared to its bigger brother and is equally responsive–as the foot pushes through the accelerator with ease and comfort (without the need to change drive mode at all). The 300 Nm torque is a perfect match for female drivers who want a good looking vehicle and don’t need too much power. One good reason on safety for the 184HP E-Coupe is that it is easy to maneuver as a result of good calibration of the new power assisted steering wheel. The turbo charging boasts better output and is very responsive. However, a small lag can be felt from the electric accelerator when the vehicle is active in the ECO mode. I had to switch to the Sport Mode to get a better feel and responsiveness from the vehicle.

When headed out from the motorway towards the Baan Bung-Klaeng road with speed at 120-140 km/h, with the bumpy and bad road conditions, I was very well impressed that the suspension of the New E-Class Coupe could very well dampen the road bumps and gaps.

The innovative suspension technology and springs of the E200 Coupe convert the bumpy roads to a smooth and excellent seating comfort. If the sport leather seats are as soft as the Heico V40 Sportiv, then I can assure that the seating comfort would double in this vehicle. The suspensions are the highlights and comfort is much different from its competitors such as the BMW Series-4 that would be more on the Sport feel.

Sometimes the sportiness of the BMW Series-4 suspension will feel stiff, however in the E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic, the ride was so smooth during high speed drives that I needed to be a bit cautious as the Baan Bung-Klaeng road condition was filled with waves and potholes.

The electrically assisted steering wheel of the E-Coupe ratio is affected by the speed of the vehicle. In the ECO mode, it delivers a comfortable steering feel. However, when the mode is shifted to the Sport Mode, the steering wheel is adjusted to feel a bit firmer. This gives a stable feel to the driver when driving in a faster speed. The suspension feels stable and responsive even if the roads are uneven and bumpy. The 7G Tronic Plus gear releases a small amount of exhaustive the backlash from a Closeratio mode. Dynamic of the suspension and steering wheel operates in the way that paves way to bad surfaced roads. So I had to reduce speed from 140 km/h to only 90-100 km/h to be able to control the vehicle and avoid the numerous potholes on the road.

In the Sport mode, the gear ratio of the 7G Tronic works in a variation to the steering gear. It allows you to drag around more with the car engine running in the periodic torque that increases continuously. The newest generation of the 7G has a “+” sign in the end. Beforehand, the 7G-Tronic Plus was a standard equipment to be seen in the 4 generations of the C-Class sold. And recently, this 7G-Tronic Plus function has been added to the E-Class such as these models, E200 BlueEFFICIENCY ELEGANCE, E250 BlueEFFICIENCY AVANTGARDE ESTATE, E250 BlueEFFICIENCY Cabriolet and E250 BlueEFFICIENCY AVANTGARDE Coupe Sport AMG. A new COMAND Online function has been added to E-Class models such as E200 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY, E200 BlueEFFICIENCY ELEGANCE, E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E250 BlueEFFICIENCY AVANT GARDE, E300 AVANTGARDE Sports mated with the new BlueDIRECT engine found in the S-Class S500 BlueEFFICIENCY Long Wheelbase model.

The E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic imported by Mercedes Benz Thailand, is capable of handling any road conditions well without the need to worry much on the capability of steering. The 18 inch rims and 255/35R18 tires in the rear is perfect for uneven road conditions, but somewhat smaller than the BMW. However, it is capable and can handle the 1.6 ton weight that is slightly more than the Series-4 that weights a bit less (BMW Series-4 420i weights about 1.5 tons). For on the road performance, it delivers a lighter than actual feeling from the electric powered steering wheel that has an adjustable ratio. Weight distribution has improved from the new chassis that is on par with the torque delivered by the E200 Coupe that yields superior handling. However, it’s not as challenging as driving the BMW, as you have to choose between sporty or precise driving feel that both brands differ in. On an empty road, the speed on the E200 Coupe can accelerate to around 240 km/h. On the corners, I pressed the brakes hard to decelerate

the speed of the vehicle before making the sharp turn.This showed a good weight distribution output than front wheel drive.

The ability to adapt to the road environment is as essential as road safety. So driving a car such as ESP, which does not allow you to rock and roll much, makes its safety prominent in the industry.

The highest mode or the Sport Mode in the E200 Coupe gives a smoother feeling when compared to the Audi A5 or the Series4. If there is a need to give a rating to this vehicle, I would entirely give my best regards towards the new developed electric assisted steering wheel on this vehicle. The Speed – Sensitive variable rate electro mechanical steering works very well with the help of the internal circuit, which consists of a hundred of items. The automatic speed control system works well with the brake system of high-speed sensor, completely worth its price tag. If you need a more powerful vehicle, there is an option with an adjustable sport suspension. The built quality is exceptionally well and is well suited for the demanding driver. The E200 Coupe is ideal for drivers who need an enjoyable ride and prestigious looks. The engine works very well, even the revolution is very light. The benefit from the rear boot space is that it is bigger than the BMW or Audi. The position of the passenger seats can only take in light loads as the design is a coupe when compared to the 4 door. Headspace on the E200 Coupe and the leg area of the E200 Coupe has a soft feel making it feel like sitting on a flying carpet. It feels odd and inconsistent with its AMG options that come with the car, as it delivers a meaner looking vehicle. One thing that you cannot deny is that you can find this model on all of the roads when compared to competitors of the same country. The price of the E200 Couple AMG Dynamic makes customers look for best deals from independent importers. However, vehicles taken from the Mercedes Benz Thailand will be delivered faster. Customers will make a buying decision based on guarantee entrusted and after sales service provided.

If you are a manly, macho man and like a raw feeling in driving alone, the SLK200 AMG Dynamic is suitable with a price tag of 3.4 million baht getting 400,000 baht change. If you are an avid traveler and like to travel with the whole family, E300 BlueTec Hybrid AMC Dynamic is your choice. With only one tank, the vehicle can travel more than 1,000 kilometers, with a price tag of slightly more than 4 million baht. If you’re a driver who loves a sporty feel and a comfortable smooth ride, the E200 Coupe AMG Dynamic is for you. For a male or female driver, the E2000 with the AMG package should deliver a great sense of satisfaction.

The number of Benz E-Coupe on the road reflects the value of the car to wealthy, upper-class clients in Thailand. The vehicle is available at Mercedes Benz showrooms in Thailand with the price tag of 3.8 million baht, not pricey for such a striking sports car by the star brand.

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Gastronomy

The Road to Crêpes & Co. Philippe Bruttin conceptualized Crêpes & Co. at the end of 1995 and in April 1996 the first restaurant opened its doors in the most unlikely location: in a house at the end of a narrow dead-end Soi (road), without parking on Sukhumvit Soi 12, Bangkok. This house was the beginning of a great adventure…

Swiss-Bulgarian HotelierRestaurateur, raised between Greece, Morocco and Spain, Philippe, the eldest of three brothers, all graduated from the Lausanne Hotel Management School, decided initially to make Crepes & Co. a family affair and asked his youngest brother Serge to help for the first year of opening.

Philippe’s idea was to introduce a Crêperie for the first time in Bangkok together with a fantastic brunch and great salads in a home like atmosphere. Since there was not, (and still isn’t) any such restaurant in Bangkok, its popularity and number of patrons have been steadily increasing over the years, mostly through word of mouth.

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At the very beginning, the menu comprised of only a few items but with Philippe’s entrepreneurship and through the years, it expanded to a 350-items menu. Philippe’s idea changed into a vision when, from his personal background, he took on to introduce foods and tastes not represented in Bangkok yet. Apart from the Crêpes that are unique-using a family recipe which includes a little bit of rice flour for a lighter and healthier dough base, as less eggs and no butter nor oil is needed Crêpes & Co. started serving Greek, Moroccan and Spanish food.

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5 1. Crepe Marinara 2. Crepe SupreMe 3. MOuSaKa 4. CHiCKen pHiLLipe 5. TaJine Of LaMb

The family home-cooking recipes from the Mediterranean regions were an instant hit and the concept of harmoniously offering dishes from France, Morocco, Greece, Spain and a great brunch under one roof was born.

Constantly looking for quality, choice and presentation, Crêpes & Co. became a place where one can be assured to always find a constant level of high quality standards. Philippe was set to concur Asia!

After Philippe’s untimely passing in 2000, the two brothers, first Olivier and then Serge Bruttin, took over the restaurant operations and grew the business to new heights and even more success and recognition.

In May 2007, Serge partnered with his long time Lausanne Hotel School friend and Mandarin Oriental Hotel group Food & Beverage “veteran”, David Perrot, to create a new company called Crepes & Co. Development. The objective of Crepes & Co. Development is to expand the Crepes & Co. brand in Asia and introduce new crepes restaurant concepts in the market The first realization of these objectives was the opening of Crêpes & Co. Thonglor, in 2008, followed by the introduction of Crêpes & Co. Corner concept in 2009 operating in CentralWorld, Bangkok.

2012 saw the sad loss of Crêpes & Co.’s first restaurant, on Sukhmvit Soi 12, as the contract was not renewed.

Thankfully, the house concept was kept alive with the opening of Crêpes & Co. Langsuan one week after Soi 12 restaurant closed.

2012 saw also a huge milestone in the company’s development, with the opening of our first restaurant in Shanghai, China.

Crêpes & Co. Shanghai Centre was a partnership with David Perrot’s former colleague, also a Lausanne Hotel School graduate, Philippe Huser and the beginning of a new adventure in China.

And finally, the newest development led

by Serge, is the new Crepes & Co. in Hua Hin! www.crepesnco.com

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Gastronomy ★ Design

THE SALA

WINE BAR & BISTRO Awarded from the world Architecture community.

The Sala Wine Bar and Bistro, the

visiting centre situated beautifully in Siam Winery’s very own Hua Hin Hills vineyard, recently won a prestigious award from “Cited

by Honorary Members” category, 20+10+X award by World Architecture Community.

THE DESIGN

The Sala building design adopted the curvilinear shape of a traditional roof structure, which can be seen from Thai houses to temples. The traditional roof structure is not only functional in terms of shape but is also elegant and iconic. The final roof design was a series of curved surfaces cladded in shingles against the mountainous backdrop.

Inspired by the King’s vision of sufficient economy, the building has a mission to be sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Therefore it was decided to use local materials from handmade bricks to local grown bamboos as main architectural finishes. Furthermore to save energy the building adopts a strong passive cooling strategy. Simple design elements such as large terraces and openings encourage natural ventilation. Tall trees and bamboos are acting as sun shading devices along these facades.

Air-condition will only be necessary during the hotter months.

The building has a simple programme: a linear experience starts with the open-air gallery and then arriving at the retail and restaurant terraces, finally heightened at the wine tasting room where a panoramic view of the vineyard is most breath-taking.

Three main rooms, namely gallery, restaurant and wine tasting room are linked visually by a long curved brick wall, broken by a series of openings into the back of the house.

The back of the house includes a wine storage room, kitchen and restrooms. The wine storage is purposefully sunken into the ground to achieve a natural cooling effect. For landscape design, the main concept is to bring vine plantation around and into the building.

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Collection ★ Style

GAYSORN

DIAmOND LOUNGE

Gaysorn is out to pamper its Diamond Members with an array of exclusively unique expericnces.

Gaysorn is set to deliver utmost experience of truly distinctive lifestyle shopping with the launch of “Gaysorn Diamond Lounge”, an exclusive lounge completely equipped with facilities for shopping perfection. A privilege for Gaysorn Diamond Card holders, the lounge offers an unmatched sense of exclusivity with a range of three classy services: the first and only Moët Bar in Thailand, relaxing massage service by THANN Sanctuary, and walk-in-closet dressing room complete with all amenities. In addition, full-scale services of the shopping centre are also consolidated to win the favour of Gaysorn Diamond Members.

Blessed with luxury feel of modern contemporary decor style, Gaysorn Diamond Lounge is noted for its spacious ambience and splendid furnishing that allows the customers to fully unwind. At the same time, a warm colour palette of beige, brown and black works in perfect harmony with warm-tone lighting to greet the members with homey comfort right after stepping in. The lounge features three services.

Gaysorn Diamond Lounge pleases its guests through all senses, from pleasantly scenting interior and light ambient music to the sense of taste from Moët & Chandon champagne served by the partner brand at Thailand’s first and only Moët Bar within this exclusive lounge. Other beverages such as tea, coffee and fruit juice are also served. The guests can enjoy reading from a nice library of fashion magazines and catalogues of the newest collections from top brands. iPad and free Wi-Fi connection are also available.

Gaysorn Diamond Retreat will make relaxing time of Gaysorn Diamond Members even more relieving physically and mentally with head, neck and shoulder massage by therapists from THANN Sanctuary. It also presents a fine selection of refreshingly pleasant essences from THANN Native, such as the Aromatic Wood Collection that is especially rejuvenating with citrusy ingredients and nutmeg oil, and the Oriental Essence Collection for bodily soothing effects of bergamot essence and lemongrass oil.

Gaysorn Diamond Closet is a personal dressing room for privacy of customers who wish to change for a party or other functions. It is completely equipped with amenities needed for the purpose, including steam iron, hair dryer, closet, hangers and private preview for your wish-list products.

In addition to the new lounge facilities, a full host of other privileged services are also available to delight Gaysorn Diamond Members, such as Valet Parking for convenience right from their arrival, Gaysorn Mobile Application for the latest fashion and lifestyle updates, Gaysorn Lifestyle Consultant for personal advice about fashion trends and customer’s individual style, Hand Free Shopping for the most agile shopping experience across the shopping center, Exclusive Private Preview for private show of collections from any brands within Gaysorn and exclusive preview of the newest collections, and impressive Birthday Gift on the special day of the members.

The lounge is open 10:00 – 20:00 hrs daily.

For reservation, please contact Gaysorn Diamond Ambassador 02 656 1100.

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Accommodation

Centara’s new 5-star hotel opens at Phratamnak, Pattaya’s ‘Beverly Hills’

Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya, set in the exclusive residential

district of Phratamnak Hill, the “Beverly Hills” of Pattaya.

The hotel is situated just a few steps away from the beach.

The five-star hotel has a dramatic interior design that features two large aquariums in the lobby stocked with exotic marine species, a lighting system that extends the marine concept throughout the ground floor, jellyfish chandeliers, luxury furniture from Italian designer Fendi, and a jellyfish tank at Ruffino Restaurant & Lounge.

Along with the creative design the hotel will be offering an exciting range of restaurants, with a signature outlet being Ruffino Restaurant & Lounge, located on the rooftop and serving a wide selection of Ruffino Italian wines along with a choice of world wines, and specialising in Italian coastal cuisine.

The elegant hotel features 165 guestrooms and suites, each with a private balcony, and each featuring highest quality furnishings and fittings including the finest cotton sheets, Jim Thompson pillowcases, and Harnn bathroom amenities.

The rooms all have Nespresso coffee machines and premium tea selections, LED flat-screen TV with DVD player, and free Wi-Fi. Phratamnak Hill is home to luxury condominiums and villas, and the foot of the hill, where the new Centara property is located, leads directly to the beautiful beach.

The newly built hotel is just steps away from the beach and will have its own beach house, serving light meals, tapas, refreshments and cocktails, and will also contain Spa Cenvaree.

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The architecture of the hotel, the interior design and the style all reflect the exclusivity of the location, and this will become a very attractive destination for top travellers, as well as a gathering place for local residents.

Despite being tucked away in this quiet hillside setting, the hotel’s location makes it easy for guests to reach any part of Pattaya, with Jomtien Beach, downtown Pattaya, Bali Hai Pier and the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) all just a few minutes away by car.

The hotel also operates a complimentary shuttle service to and from Central Festival, the city’s premier lifestyle and convention complex.

Centara Grand Phratamnak Pattaya features a meeting room that can hold up to 80 persons seated theatre-style, and there is a delegates’ bar that is an ideal venue for small size functions and also provides a perfect setting for coffee breaks.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 42 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom. A further 18 resorts in the Maldives, Vietnam, Shanghai, Bali Indonesia, Sri Lanka

and Mauritius Indian Ocean, Ethiopia brings the present total to 60 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 27 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, together with its newly launched value brand Cense by Spa Cenvaree, which provides core spa services for busy travellers. The company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens are taken care of. Centara Hotels & Resorts also operates three state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok, and two in northeastern Thailand, one being located in Udon Thani and the other in Khon Kaen. The latest Centara brand is named COSI Hotels, an economy brand designed for travellers who predominantly make their bookings via the internet and who want comfort and convenience at the most friendly prices available, which is under development with the first property due to open in 2015.

For more information and reservations, please contact tel. +66 38 306 337 or e-mail to cgpx@chr.co.th or www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cgpx Facebook: www.facebook.com/ centarahotelsresorts Twitter: www.twitter.com/MyCentara

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Collection ★ Gadget

AvAnt-GArde

Communication tool?

TAG Heuer RACER SUB NANO is the first luxury mobile phone to feature the revolutionary WaterBlock™ technology, which protects internal electrical components from water and moisture by a nanostructured, repellent barrier.

This pioneering mobile device advances TAG Heuer’s history of innovation, which is written into the brand’s very name. TAG means ‘Technology Avant-Garde’ and represents the forward-thinking philosophy driving the Swiss brand since 1860.

According to TNS Global research, in 2012, more than 82.5 million handsets have been destroyed by water or moisture in the U.S. alone. TAG Heuer partners with HzO, a top industry pioneer and innovator in the field of thin-film nanotechnology, to address this common problem.

Produced in a Limited Edition of 500 pieces, TAG Heuer RACER SUB NANO follows the core design codes of the RACER Racing Carbon smartphone with its elongated, octagonal form and sporty, durable design. The PVD-coated black finish contrasts the sandblasted yellow line accents, while the stainless steel screws echo the side navigation bars and stainless steel panel on the rear. The back cover is engraved with the Limited Edition number and secured by a glass, embedded with the TAG Heuer shield. Its glossy and transparent surface not only recalls the sleek touch screen used for smartphone navigation, but also suggests the protection provided by the nano-coating laminate on the electrical components inside. The TAG Heuer RACER SUB NANO smartphone accords with the TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500m timepiece–both are essential tools for those with active lifestyles, such as watersport enthusiasts, who demand top performance in variable conditions like driving rain and splashing.

WaterBlock™, powerfully and invisibly protects vital electronic circuitry from water and other liquids, humidity, and body moisture. WaterBlock™ is is an innovative thin film applied through a vapor deposition process, providing highly dense and uniform coverage that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The WaterBlock™ technology creates protection up to 1 meter of submersion under defined conditions of pressure and time, which matches the IPX7 rating on the 120

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Ingress Protection Rating test. Military, marine, industrial and first responder fields are beginning to integrate this ground-breaking technology into their own devices, which underscores TAG Heuer’s avant-garde position with the launch of TAG Heuer RACER SUB NANO. By integrating the innovative WaterBlock™ technology, TAG Heuer RACER SUB NANO provides unprecedented accident protection without sacrificing the powerful functionality and aesthetics for which TAG Heuer is renowned.

As its name suggests, once again TAG Heuer is fearlessly at the helm of the technology of our time, always advancing perfection and protection in its performance tool.

Collection ★ Time

tAG Heuer

Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer edition

TAG Heuer Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer, grandson of the brand’s founder

and company CEO during its golden era of innovation in the 1960s and 1970s, is here celebrated in a spectacular edition inspired by the two-part construction Heuer stop watches that he once used on pro racing circuits around the world. The technical details, however, are all leading-edge, with elements borrowed from Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team and aeronautics: black titanium carbide steel bezel, hand-brushed and polished to a high sheen; polished, fine brushed and sandblasted steel and titanium cage; tachymetre and pulsometre on the dial. The innovative asymmetrical case design is based on the Carrera Mikrogirder - slightly rising at an angle at the top, where the crown and chronograph pushers are located. Jack Heuer’s coat of arms and signature decorate the smoked sapphire caseback, through which can be seen the audacious 39-jewel Calibre 1887 movement. In every way, a stunning tribute to the singular vision of a pioneer in technology and design.

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Collection ★ Fashion

Tour de BALLY Bally’s 2014 Spring/Summer Collection.

Cycling in all its styles and 1950s photographs of Switzerland’s iconic ‘Tour de Suisse’ cycle race found in the Bally archives were among the key inspirations for the Men’s Collection for Spring-Summer 2014.

Items in the collection revolve round three distinct themes – the City Biker, the Cross-Country and the Racer mood – that all combine high-technology leatherwork, re-engineered classics from the Bally archives, as well as innovative techniques and treatments.

The City Biker

This mood reflects the relaxed elegance of a businessman cycling round town.

Key elements include the Premier collection of footwear featuring a derby, a monk strap and a new-look penny loafer–all constructed with a newly designed last in brushed spazzolato box calf leather with Bally’s premier Goodyear sole.

The loafer comes lined with cotton silk twill in a wide range of distinctive colour combinations including Bitter Brown & White and Navy & White.

Two specially developed methods of bonding leather also feature prominently.

Plongé leather is made by bonding two layers of classic rich nappa at high pressure and high temperature. The result is a super-sharp yet relaxed look with no stitching as seen in an elegant coat and a blazer in the collection. Bally’s technologically-advanced method also bonded water-resistant Bally ‘Techno Suede’ to storm cotton used on the cycling-inspired cape and other jackets.

The Cross-Country

A luxurious interpretation of an easy-going weekend of sport and outdoor activity is the idea behind the Cross-Country collection. Key piece is the highly functional cycling-inspired cape made from the new Bally ‘Techno Suede’ that is treated with a special Teflon tanning system to protect the leather from rain showers and spills. The cape also features a front patch pocket, draw cord hood storm placket and rubberized stud fastenings.

Specially-engineered rubberized leather is another innovation. Treated with a fine rubber coating, the leather has a rich matt finish and sporty, high-performance feel. For SS14, a range of multi-colour gym and duffel bags has been created along with the ‘All Season’ sneakers featuring a new debossed motif, the ‘Bally Grip’.

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The Racer

Hero of this collection is Bally’s interpretation of a classic biker jacket, constructed from perforated and ultra-lightweight suede that feels like cashmere.

Inspired by an original jacket made for cycle racing, the light, unlined garment drapes easily over the body and features an asymmetric zip front fastening and four zip pocket details, including a functional cycling pocket at the rear.

Racer sneakers in high-end perforated and non-perforated unlined ‘Saddle-Soft’ leather are a luxurious, superlightweight interpretation of a professional racing shoe. A re-engineered super-flexible rubber sole replaces an original leather development first created by Bally. Sneakers come in a range of colours including Off White, Night Race Blue and Asphalt Grey.

THE TRAVELLER

The Louise Vuitton Men’s Spring/summer 2014 Collection moves from the East to the West Coast of the United States.

Let loose with the mythology of the American road trip in its many

incarnations, yet never neglecting the practical and luxurious actuality of such an endeavor, the Spring-Summer collection embraces the narratives that make up a golden, global view of America.

“The collection is really about the freedom of the road and that freedom itself being luxurious” says Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Studio and Style Director, working under the Artistic Direction of Marc Jacobs. “The clothing should have that do-what-you-want attitude. It’s a road trip drawing on element of classic American culture from clothes, music to souvenirs. It’s the changing environment from city to forest to desert; that journey in a day from snow covered mountains to cacti in the desert that you can only really seem to have in America. Like the radio you listen to as you travel through the states.”

Embracing the iconography of classic American sportswear, utilitarian and formalwear - yet each given the inimitable, hyper-luxurious Vuitton view–the collection encompasses a notion of chic eclecticism. Building from a contemporary take on sixties varsity preppy, taking in the free-ranging spirit of the outdoorsman, nodding to the counter-culture credo and culminating in the sophisticated formality of the prom.

Icons of American pop and clothing culture are transposed and transported in the form of the motorcycle jacket with tuffetage V logo, the ulitimate blouson, the classic denim jacket reformed in soft, blue suede or the Vuitton Monogram bandana and Damier patchworks. American plaids run throughout fused into double-faced silks, often reversible and super light for summer or blown-up and woven as lightweight tweeds. Patchwork functions as a leitmotif throughout, from simple cotton patterns in oversized shirts to the predominant technique in the footwear, featuring a combination of contrasting exotic skins. Tie-days and a new galaxy Monogram silk give a contemporary take on psychedelia and a new meaning to the space race. While signature hand-woven Japanese kimino silks dominate the youthful eveningwear – a new, chic take on prom classic. Here the boys wear ‘corsages’ crafted from feathers and in the shape of silver pegged dandelion clocks, forget-me-nots and ears of corn.

The Vuitton bags in turn feature a distinctly on the road feel this season. A soft, roomy, luggage construction predominates, hybridized between the suitcase and the rucksack. A perforated take on the classic Damier pattern appears mainly in caramel Nomade leather–a colour theme that is also transposed to key items of leather outerwear in the collection.

Contrasting sleek aluminium cases for laptops and tablets–in similar Damier patterns–are carried in an equal sophisticated yet utilitarian sense. The Damier is also recalled on a new ultra supple and light leather, proposed on multi usage bags. The first step of a new vision of nomadism.

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Collection ★ Fashion

LANVIN

Summer 2014 Sunglass Collection

This new line, which is the result of the

close collaboration between Alber Elbaz, LANVIN’s Artistic Director, and the De Rigo Group, combines couture details with industrial aesthetics. A perfect synthesis between innovation and elegance.

SHAPES, COLOURS AND INSPIRATIONS

The 2014 sunglass collection draws inspiration from the accessories of the latest LANVIN fashion shows, which are now reinvented: oversized burnished gems and metal inserts create retro or industrial aesthetics. On one hand, a female and elegant world that evokes the 1920s’ Art Déco style; the models play with horn-effect materials, exotic leather inserts and antique finishing for metal in gold, gun metal and bronze. On the other hand, an industrial feel that presents chains, screws and sharp cuts as distinctive features of the Maison. Bold lines and large volumes experiment with new shapes.

The refined colour palette is presented together with interplays of shades and transparencies: pale pink, camel, black and brown or even burgundy, green and blue.

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Collection ★ Drink Moët & Chandon presents

‘The Black Magic Romance’ An enchanting Valentine’s Dinner at KU DÉ TA Bangkok

Bangkok, February 2014 – Moёt

& Chandon, the world’s most adored fine Champagne, embraced the season of love by creating a Valentine’s Champagne dinner entitled Moёt & Chandon presents The Black Magic Romance. Enchantingly created in glamorous black and gold, guests enjoyed a distinctive selection of premium Champagne perfectly accompanied by an exquisite modern Asian 3 course dining experience, especially prepared by Executive Chef Jonathan Maza of KU Dё TA Bangkok.

According to Sirigunya Aksaranan, Moёt & Chandon Brand Manager, Diageo Moёt Hennessy (Thailand), “For an elegantly effervescent Valentine’s Day or for any of life’s meaningful moments that calls for Champagne to celebrate with style and intimacy, Moёt & Chandon is the perfect choice for any occasion.”

In addition to the palate pleasing delights of the night, three celebrity guest couples joined the occasion to extol the virtues of romance namely Ae-Sasikarn & Dominic Vincent Leong, Kasidit & Karnchanita Kolasastraseni and Top-Nattaset & Pam-Orn-arpa Poonsapmanee, who participated in a romantic Champagne cocktail workshop inspired by their love stories on this most enchanting of evenings.

As a highlight to the evening, Executive Chef Jonathan Maza created his hallmark Modern Asian cuisine with robust flavours that were layered and balanced perfectly to accompany the Champagne on offer. The dinner menu consisted of a first course of ‘Madai’ Japanese Sea Bream served with Watercress Mizuna Salad, Mangosteen, and Calamansi Vinaigrette paired with Moёt & Chandon Brut Impёrial; followed by a second course of ‘Hamachi’ Japanese Yellowtail Fish, Heirloom Tomato Confit, Sofrito Ponzu and Petite Purple Shiso paired with Moёt & Chandon Grand Vintage 2004; as a culinary finale to the evening guests were treated to a third course of ‘Musu’ (Mousse), Yuzu Raspberry Mousse with Almond Crumble and Chocolate Pearls paired with Moёt & Chandon Rosё Imperial.

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Moments 18 February 2014

↓ Roger Dubuis Thailand Private Fine Dining with Watch & Wine @Cellar 11

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Moments 5 February 2014

↓ William Grant & Sons Glenfiddich unveils very rare bottling to mark 125 years of single malt excellence

Bangkok, February 5, 2014

Glenfiddich, the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch whisky, unveiled the Glenfiddich Anniversary Vintage, an exclusive 25 Year Old expression, at “Celebrating 125 years of Glenfiddich” in Bangkok. With only 286 bottles released, Glenfiddich Anniversary Vintage is one of the rarest and finest examples of Glenfiddich’s malt making expertise.

Distilled on Christmas Day, 1987, as part of the single malt’s centenary celebrations, this special release marks 125 years of pioneering whisky making at The Glenfiddich Distillery. It was selected on Christmas Day 2012, the distillery’s 125th anniversary, by its founder William Grant’s great-great grandson, Peter Gordon and his son, Dougal. All 286 bottles of Glenfiddich Anniversary Vintage were taken from just one cask, selected by Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman and William Grant’s descendants. Brian Kinsman said, “The whisky’s unusually high ABV of 55.2% signifies the uniqueness of this precious, caskstrength liquid. It is a true connoisseur’s choice and with a host of evocative flavours and subtle aromas it marks another milestone in our pioneering history.”

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Moments

6 February 2014

↓ dtac feel goood executive golf 2014 February 6, 2014,

Mr. Jon Eddy Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, Total Access Communication PLC or dtac hosted “feel goood executive golf 2014”, a golf tournament held at Royal Gems Golf City to strengthen relationships among corporate customers. This is one of the first special and fun activities that dtac plans to hold for corporate customers this year.

The tournament was honorably participated by more than 100 senior executives from top organizations with special guests - “Pro Mai” Prayad Marksaeng and “Pro Cherry” Tiranan Yoopan who spent a whole day, including the dinner party during which dtac management team presented awards to the winners and gave out lucky draw and other prizes.

Mr. Jon Eddy Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer, dtac said, “dtac goood business has been organizing a variety of activities to thank our corporate customers for their continued trust in dtac goood business and to strengthen relationships and give our corporate customers an opportunity to exchange ideas and network for business.”

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The Last Putt

UV EXPERT XL-SHIELD™

To extend the benefit of Blanc Expert with a dream complexion and protect the skin tone, UV EXPERT, the number one UV brand in Asia*, proposes a new standard in UV Protection, the new face of expert protection. For the very first time Lancôme’s XL-Shield™ protects skin against XL UVA rays.

THE HARM OF XL UVA

tone in many circumstance, flawless and notably uniform.

Long UVA rays, also called XL UVA, which penetrate more deeply than short UVA and UVB rays, are more

With a deeper penetration into the skin, long UVA rays are more harmful to the skin. UV Expert XL-Shield™ is targeting its action at the frontier of

harmful to the skin and affect it in three areas in the long term:

long UVA rays and can also boast about a new combination of UV filters for

- Colour: they cause melanin to turn grey. Day after day, skin becomes dull and lacklustre and sun-induced age spots appear.

- Functional: they lead to cell dysfunction. The defences become weaker and the skin dries out.

- Structural: they impair the quality of the skin. Its elasticity declines, wrinkles form and redness appears.

In its search for ever more effective sun and pollution protection solutions, UV Expert XLShield™ is targeting its action at the frontier of long UVA rays for a more luminous and even tan. The skin is protected, including against long UVA rays, defends itself better. The skin’s youthfulness is visibly preserved.

XL-SHIELD™ FOR XL PROTECTION AGAINST EXTERNAL AGGRESSIONS A beautiful skin needs to be protected and preserved.

The new XL-Shield™ technology has an anti- greyness and anti-dullness action to protect the skin tone and create a wonderful nude effect. A powerful shield designed to stimulate the creation of a beautiful skin

12 hours of UVB solar protection. The skin is protected against UV rays, including long UVA rays, and defends itself better. An advanced technology, an XL protection.

To enhance and reveal all the radiance of Asian skin, UV Expert XLShield™ also combines actives to prevent against external aggressions and internal damages. Enriched with a pollu-safe complex known for its anti pollution properties and other actives famous for its anti ageing benefits.

AN INNOVATIVE TEXTURE IN A BRAND NEW DESIGN The expert formula of UV Expert XL-Shield™ associates an optimal alliance of ever advancing protection and a very pleasant texture, as light as one rose petal. Skin stays shielded and radiant, this sensational extract brings out a nude rosy skin all day long.

Genuine to Lancôme’s texture cult, the formula provides a sensation of intense comfort and is approved by 100% of women. It creates a fantastic nude effect.

Packaged in modern tube, UV Expert XL-Shield™ is easy to adopt by means of its practical service cap. The touch of ruby color reminds of healthy skin tone, emphasize a conspicuous feminine universe.

UV EXPERT PERFORMANCE, 100% APPROVED BY WOMEN UV Expert XL-Shield™ gathers 100% of women’s approval, they find their complexion more uniform and less dull, their skin look fairer, visibly younger and healthy, the skin tone seems natural. The product is well appreciated for its anti-ageing properties and benefits for a beautiful skin, the wrinkles and fine line seem less visible, and the blemishes seem 1 softened .

The texture of UV Expert XL-Shield™ is 100% approved by women, they find it comfortable, rich and protective2.

1. Self-assessments – 42 women - 1 to 4 weeks.

2. Self-assessments – 41 women - 1 to 4 weeks.

* Beauty research, Asia 5 markets Consolidation (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong) – Fragrances and Cosmetics Selective Distribution – Full Year report for calendar year 2012 shows that Lancôme has been ranked 1st brand overall in value.

Discover more on Lancome.co.th and 130

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/LancomeThailand

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