Exotic Places • Interesting People • Intelligent Travel
SPRING 2014
Marrakech
Mystique The Traveller's Bucket List 2014 The Ultimate Travel Experiences for the Year Ahead
Africa's Hottest Destination
Come Fly with Me
Private Aviation in Asia
Come ye to conStantinople The Guide to Istanbul
Seoul • Washington D.C. • Hanoi • Bali • Margaret River
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Magazine
10 EDITOR’S LETTER
W
elcome to the latest issue of JETSETTER, the luxury travel and lifestyle magazine dedicated to experiential living. Across Asia the cold days of winter are leaving and the warmth of the summer months in the northern hemisphere is arriving, which makes it an ideal time to travel to some of the world’s leading destinations. In this issue you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our annual Bucket List feature, which showcases ten of the year’s must-try travel experiences. We also jet to Marrakech, one of North Africa’s hot spots and the centre of Morocco’s tourism renaissance, before visiting the great city of Istanbul, where that sensational marriage of east and west in infused into every facet of life. Summer is also a great time to head to Scotland where luxury is alive and well, from the golf course to the distillery. In this issue we also check into some of the hidden gems of Washington D.C.’s boutique hotel scene, explore the Margaret River’s top cellar doors, and discover the pleasures experienced by a growing number of private jet travellers. Closer to home we visit Bali’s thriving Seminyak in a new Neighbourhood series, visit Hanoi’s newest luxury hotel and spend a day and night in Seoul. In our regular Lifestyle section, you’ll find honey-inspired travel tips, award-winning chef Lanshu Chen, discover vermouth’s new-found popularity, and get behind the wheel of McLaren’s latest supercar. Wherever you’re headed this spring, we hope Jetsetter remains your consummate guide to true experiential travel.
Nick Walton
Contributors
Managing Editor
PUBLISHER Denis Fahy denis@channel1hk.com MANAGING EDITOR Nick Walton nickwalton@artemiscomms.com DEPUTY EDITOR Gayatri Bhaumik gayatri@artemiscomms.com ART DIRECTOR Herbert Nunag herbert@channel1hk.com TRAVEL INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIP DIRECTOR Tammy Fong Tammy@channel1hk.com BEIJING SALES MANAGER: Louis Chu louis@channel1hk.com SALES MANAGER Fatima Cameira fatima@channel1hk.com JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical. JETSETTER is published by Channel One Communications JETSETTER is printed by Channel One Communications Suite 402-3, Hong Kong Trade Centre 161-167 Des Voeux Rd Central Hong Kong www.jetsetter.hk
All rights Reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively for Channel One Communications, their partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source. Channel One does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of the information contained.
Master of Wine Debra Meiburg is a celebrated wine journalist, TV personality, wine educator and in-demand speaker. With a serious tongue for wine, but a little tonguein-cheek, Debra is pleasing palates across Asia with her fresh take on the world of wine. In this issue, she looks at Spanish Cava as the perfect springtime tipple.
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Divia Harilela has been working in fashion and lifestyle media for over a decade and recently held the post of Fashion Editor at the South China Morning Post newspaper, where she remains a contributing editor. She has often been quoted as a leading authority on fashion in Asia, and can be found navigating the cobbled streets of Paris in her Rupert Sandersons or interviewing design luminaries such as Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani or John Galliano. In this issue she explores Istanbul for our regular Guide section.
When on assignment, JETSETTER’s editorial team use Nikon professional cameras.
12 CONTENTS
CONTENTS
SPRING 2014 40
48
20
Room with a View Soaking in the Samburu
40
24 Hours... Life & Seoul
44
52
48
54
Boutique & Beautiful Crashing in the Capital
Private Aviation Come Fly with Me
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The Neighbourhood Coastal Chic
The Traveller’s Bucket List 2014
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A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE IT WAS MADE FOR YOU. BECAUSE IT WAS.
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1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7337 Japan For reservations, call 81-3-6388-8000 or visit ConradHotels.com
14 CONTENTS
CONTENTS 74
SPRING 2014 90
80 111
62
Morocco Marrakech Mystique
74
The Guide Come Ye to Constantinople
80
90
88
111
Luxury Scotland Under a Scottish Sky
Food Adventures Nature’s Nectar
www.jetsetter.hk
Chef Profile French Twist
Auto McLaren 650S: The Best of Both Worlds
16 DIARY French Quarter Festival New Orleans, USA April 10-13, 2014
Noosa International Food & Wine Festival
Noosa, Queensland, Australia May 15-18, 2014 Australia’s Sunshine Coast hosts its annual food and wine event which will see visitors enjoy sumptuous local produce in one of the country’s most beautiful settings. Sample food by celebrity chefs like Neil Perry and David Thompson, critique cuisine with Masterchef’s Matt Preston, and learn about wine from Tyrell Wines’ Chris Tyrell and De Bortoli’s Steve Webber. Live music, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations, and a range of other activities and events will round out the program. www.noosafoodandwine.com.au
You may have missed Mardi Gras, but you can still get your fill of boisterous New Orleans fun at one of the largest musical festivals in the South. This year’s 30th anniversary event will feature over 800 local musicians and 65 of the city’s best restaurants. Expect to see piano sensation Davell Crawford, as well as the Lost Bayou Ramblers, Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns, and Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers. www.fqfi.org Where to Stay: Stay close to the action at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, in the heart of the city’s French Quarter. Our suite of choice is the elegant Bourbon Balcony loft, which features a split-level loft design, a wet bar, and a large private balcony. www.bourbonorleans.com
Where to Stay: Book ahead to secure the Starlight Suite at the Netanya Noosa. The ultimate in rockstar cred, this super sexy hotspot overlooks the beach and boasts a rooftop spa and BBQ, three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and champagne on arrival. www.netanyanoosa.com
Hong Kong Art Basel
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong May 15-18, 2014 The sister event to the renowned Art Basel shows in Switzerland and Miami, Hong Kong Art Basel has made a name for itself by presenting an eclectic collection of more than two thousand emerging talents and modern masters, showcasing high-quality paintings, sculptures, installations, and photographs, as well as hosting an informative series of talks. This year’s event promises to further cement its status as the city’s mustsee art show. www.artbasel.com/hong-kong Where to Stay: Designed by Andre Fu, one of Asia’s hottest young designers, The Upper House is an intimate luxury offering in the heart of the city, and is located within walking distance of Victoria Harbour for entry to the show. www.upperhouse.com Courtesy of Art Basel
www.jetsetter.hk
BMW Sydney Carnival
Australian Turf Club, Sydney March 22 – April 26, 2014 For the equine-inclined and fashionforward, the BMW Sydney Carnival is one of the hottest events of the year, and is also one of the world’s largest horse-racing meets. Between glasses of champagne and exclusive VIP events held in marquees round the tracks at Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick, the Carnival features classic races such as the Tooheys New Golden Slipper and David Jones’ Australian Derby. The highlight of the event is the Schweppes Sydney Cup Day. www.theraces.com.au Where to Stay: Each of the 171 guest rooms at The Darling is luxuriouslyappointed, and some even boast stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Blue Mountains. Book the Adored Suite, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in wardrobe, a marble bathroom, and Molton Brown amenities. www.thedarling.com.au
18 DIARY Roland-Garros 2014 Roland-Garros Stadium, Paris, France May 25 – June 8, 2014
Tribeca Film Festival Tribeca, New York City, USA April 16-27, 2014 Created by veteran actor Robert De Niro as an effort to promote New York City as a major filming location, this now-iconic film festival has screened more than 1,400 films from over 80 countries since the inaugural event in 2002. One of this year’s highlights is Summer in February, a drama about love and loss among friends produced by and starring Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens. www.tribecafilm.com
One of the most anticipated events on the World Tennis Association calendar, the French Open is the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, and the only one to be played on clay courts. World Number One Rafael Nadal will be looking to cement his position as the ‘King of Clay’, while Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka will be looking to follow up his big win at the Australian Open, although in a year of surprises, the trophy could go to a number of other contenders. www.rolandgarros.com Where to Stay: Created by designer Olivier Lapidus, Hotel Félicien is a fashion forward hotel in Paris’ elegant 16th arrondissement, just minutes from the Eiffel Tower and the Roland Garros Stadium. Treat yourself to the stylish Silver Suite on the hotel’s ‘Sky Floor’, which features a separate ‘salon’ and bedroom, and a private terrace with jacuzzi. www.hotelfelicienparis.com FFT
Where to Stay: For a truly immersive experience, stay at the elegant Tribeca Grand. The luxurious hotel boasts 202 rooms, but the Penthouse 8 features an exclusive rooftop terrace with views over the city, an iMac G5, Frette linen, Malin + Goetz bath products, and provides the ultimate movie star experience. www. tribecagrand.com
Veronese: Magnificence in Renaissance Venice The National Gallery, London, UK
March 19 – June 15, 2014 London’s National Gallery invites visitors to experience the works of Paolo Veronese, one of the most significant and influential painters of the Venetian Renaissance. The exhibition comprises 50 major works by the celebrated Italian artist, the majority of which are on loan from major European and American museums, and will include important pieces like The Family of Darius before Alexander, The Adoration of the Kings, and Allegories of Love series. www.nationalgallery.org.uk Where to Stay: Tucked into an unbeatable location that’s walking distance from many of the city’s biggest attractions, St Martins Lane is a dramatic, daring hotel with 204 rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and Philippe Starck furniture. Check into the Corner Suite, which features an interactive light installation which gives the room ambient lighting, and state-ofthe-art technology. www.stmartinslane. com
Dresden Music Festival
The National Gallery, London
Dresden, Germany
May 23 – June 10, 2014 Started under governmental decree during the Cold War, this festival has become a distinctive cultural institution in Dresden. The three-week festival sees renowned orchestras, world-class soloists, and established ensembles perform in spectacular venues throughout the city’s historic centre and surrounds. This year’s theme is the ‘Golden 20s’, which will highlight the best music to come from the years 1620, 1720, 1820, and 1920. Star performers include Philippe Herreweghe with the Collegium Vocale Gent, Claudio Abbado and the Orchestra Mozart, and Anoushka Shankar. www.musikfestspiele.com Where to Stay: Located in the city centre, close to all the action, the elegant Bülow Palais is a historical property boasting just 58 well-appointed rooms in an 18th century building. Choose one of the refined Junior Suites which are situated on the top floor and offer spectacular views over the Königstrasse. www.buelow-palais.com www.jetsetter.hk
20 ROOM WITH A VIEW
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ROOM WITH A VIEW 21
A
n African safari doesn’t have to be just about bouncing around in the back of a 4x4 at the crack of dawn looking for wild animals. It should also be about communing with Africa’s ancient landscapes, about finding your own inspiration, at your own pace. That’s certainly the case at Saruni Samburu, one of Kenya’s best kept secrets. Created by writer Riccardo Orizio and brothers Paolo and Davide Barberis Canonico, the six-villa lodge is located in the heart of the Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy, outside the Samburu National Reserve, a crucial migratory corridor for herds of elephants. You might spy them from your lofty outlook in one of the lavishly-appointed and spacious villas; opt for one of two Family Villas, which not only boast captivating views across northern Kenya, but also two luxurious bedrooms and spacious bathrooms with stone soak tubs made for lingering contemplation. www.sarunisamburu.com
Soaking IN THE
Samburu
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22 JOURNEYS
The
Ship Ice in the
If you’ve read anything on the history of Arctic adventure (or even newspapers of late) you’ll know that North Pole-bound ships can become victims of their own stunning surrounds. Visit the Ship in the Ice, the world’s only ice-bound ship hotel, with Basecamp Explorer Spitsbergen’s four-day Northern Lights Adventure. Travel deep into the Arctic, bound for the Ship in the Ice, and witness the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights in all their glory. Solar activity is set to reach its peak this winter, affording guests the best possible conditions to see the Lights in one of the few places on earth where they can be seen 24 hours a day. On this unique adventure, guests will journey to the majestic Templet Mountain where the Ship in the Ice stands, and discover a level of comfort and facilities that are barely imaginable so far into the wilderness. The Arctic adventure trip also includes a stay at the unique Trappers Hotel situated in the heart of Longyearbyen. From GBP1,795 (US$2,993) per person, including flights from London, accommodation and meals. www.magneticnorthtravel.com
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24 JOURNEYS
Pearl of Arabia Travellers looking to combine their passions for exploration and fine jewellery will love the newest experience on offer from the sumptuous Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach outside Dubai. The Banyan Tree’s unique Arabian Pearl Retreat, a first for the region, starts with a scenic Seawings seaplane flight down from Dubai Creek to the resort, where you’ll check into a Beach Pool Villa with captivating Arabian Gulf views. From there you’ll head by private car to visit the only pearl farm in the UAE for insight into this ancient practice and the techniques used to harvest pearls. There will be time for an intimate picnic on a floating majilis, tended by a personal waiter, before you test your luck opening oysters in search of two pearls, which are then used to create a bespoke jewellery piece. Finish your day with dinner under the stars back at the Banyan Tree; you’ll know which special piece of jewellery to wear. From GBP1,699 (US$2,789) for one night, twin share, including seaplane transfers and pearl farm visit. www.banyantree.com
Temple Itinerary Luxury travel specialists Abercrombie & Kent has created a new escorted journey to Sri Lanka, one of Asia’s fastest emerging destinations. The specially tailored 12-day itinerary, which departs Colombo November 15, includes a unique range of hotel accommodation, from boutique bolt holes to a tea plantation bungalow, and from a rural sanctuary surrounded by rice paddies to colonial gems like Amangalla. Fully guided tours explore the most important sites of the Cultural Triangle, including the Buddhist caves of Dambulla and the cliff top citadel of Sigiriya; delve into Sri Lanka’s historic tea plantations and botanical gardens, and venture off the beaten track with fascinating local identities, including renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and Colombo native Mark Forbes. From AU$6,995 (US$6,322) per person, twin share; www.abercrombiekent.com.au
Cannibalism & Cargo Cults Steppes Travel, a bespoke tour operator known for its pioneering adventures, has created a new, 11-day journey to Papua New Guinea, exploring with an expert the extraordinary history, exotic wildlife, and unique culture of the “Land of the Unexpected.” Occupying the eastern half of New Guinea, on the remote periphery of Asia and Australia, PNG lies on a vast tropical island of torturous topography, tree-dwelling kangaroos, 850 separate languages, 1,000 different cultures, and people addicted to the art of adornment. The tour takes in some of the wildest frontiers on Earth, from the the coastal fjords of Tufi and the rugged Western Highlands, to New Britain, the main island of the Bismarck Archipelago, and is designed to give a few adventurous travellers access to the pristine rainforests, roaring rivers, coral reefs, beaches, and crystalline waters that make this the most culturally diverse country on earth. Tours will be guided by Australian naturalist Ray Andrews and will include opportunities to climb an active volcano, dive on WWII wrecks, canoe up tropical fjords, spy Birds of Paradise and cassowary, and encounter the traditional ceremonies of the Huli wigmen, the Mudmen of New Guinea and the Baining Firedancers. With departures in May and June, trips start from US$9,752 per person, excluding flights. www.steppestravel.com
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JOURNEYS 25
Hermit Kingdom Pilgrimage If you fancy delving into one of the world’s last true hermit kingdoms, Cazenove + Loyd has created a unique 11-night Inspired Journey to Bhutan to coincide with the Gangtey Festival. Designed as a spiritual adventure to experience Buddhism in mesmerising surrounds, the tour is hosted by Lama Neten who leads travellers to some of the most beautiful monasteries and sacred temples in the Kingdom, offering along the way insight into Bhutan’s sacred philosophies. The itinerary is timed with the Gangtey Festival, one of the most important religious events of the year, and a unique opportunity for travellers to interact with pilgrams and learn more about their ancient beliefs. The Gangtey Festival is not only an important sacred occasion in the Bhutanese calendar, but it is also a lively social gathering for the local people. This is a unique opportunity to join in this local celebration deep in the Himalayas. Departing September 27, 2014, the tour is priced from GBP5,140 (US$8,551) per person and includes flights from Delhi to Paro, private transfers and guiding, accommodation on a full board basis, and monastery and palace entrance. www.cazloyd.com
Tipples in Tasmania With nine whisky distilleries in Australia’s island state producing some highly acclaimed single malts, new Tasmanian Whisky Tours, run by passionate whisky enthusiast Brett Steel, are an exciting new experience for Tassie-bound foodies. Tasmanian whisky distillation was outlawed in 1838, despite the presence of the perfect raw ingredients for ‘turning grass seed into gold’, and remained dormant for 154 years until, with the passing of a new law in 1992, the industry was reignited with the creation of Lark’s Distillery. Steel guides groups of up to 11 around three or four distilleries in one day, from as far south as the Tasman Peninsula to the majestic Central Highlands. All participants sample up to ten single malts a day, meet the makers, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery process, and can purchase at discounted prices. All tours start at the cellar door of Lark’s Distillery in Hobart, and are priced from AU$185 (US$166) per person. www.taswhiskytrail.com
The Ultimate Conservation Adventure Encounter 18 of the world’s most vulnerable species in 12 locations across the planet with Natural World Safaris’ Journey to Nature’s Edge, a once in a lifetime, one million dollar adventure for the wellheeled looking for true adventure. Ideally suited for travellers who are committed to wildlife preservation, the itinerary is as much about creating awareness to the plight of over 9,000 species currently endangered, as it is about delving into the habitats of those most at risk. Escorted by Natural World Safaris’ managing director Will Bolsover, and with a percentage of the tariff going to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, this epic, three-month adventure features visits to Antarctica, Arctic Canada, Borneo, Botswana, Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. You’ll encounter everything from African wild dogs, black rhinos, black and white ruffed lemurs, orangutans, sun bears, and green sea turtles, through to giant tortoises, pygmy elephants, Bengal tigers, snow leopards, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, waved albatross, jaguars, penguins, and the increasingly endangered polar bear. Of course you’ll do so in comfort, with luxury accommodation and private transfers, because who says conservation means roughing it? www.naturalworldsafaris.com/journey-to-natures-edge www.jetsetter.hk
26 CRUISING
Sample the Seas Tall ship sailing specialists Star Clippers has come up with an innovative solution for those wanting to take to the high seas of Europe without the huge time commitments which are often necessary for cruises. Through 2014, the company’s Royal Clipper and Star Clipper tall ships will be putting out to sea for several short ‘taster’ cruises around Europe. Between April and October, the Royal Clipper will operate a three-night round-trip cruise from Venice which will call in at Rovinj in Croatia and Piran in Slovenia; and a similar seven-night itinerary which includes stops at Kotor, Montenegro, and Dubrovnik and Hvar in Croatia. The ship will also operate a four-night journey departing from Rome and stopping at ports in Corsica and Sardinia; and a five-night itinerary sailing from Malaga and cruising the Balearic Islands. For those looking for an immersive Mediterranean experience, the Star Clipper will be plying the warm waters of the Ionian Sea on a five-night voyage departing October 18 from Athens to Valletta that will call in at several ports in Greece and Sicily. Between May and October, the Star Clipper will also cruise the Greek islands on a seven-night round-trip itinerary from Athens that will make port at Patmos, Amorgos and Mykonos, and includes overnight stops at Camlimani and Kusadasi in Turkey. www.starclippers.co.uk
Discover the Antarctic One Ocean Expeditions is offering adventurers with a taste for icy conditions a trip to remember with its latest offering, a 12-night cruise which departs from Ushuaia, Argentina on November 8, and will give guests the opportunity to get up close to the animals and wilderness of Antarctica. The Antarctica Off the Beaten Track journey will be taken aboard the Akademik Ioffe, an imposing icestrengthened ship designed for polar research, and one of just a few cruise ships actively participating in oceanographic science. On board, passengers will enjoy modern comforts and superb amenities. Participants will be able to explore ski routes along the peninsula; embark on an overnight kayak expedition; accompany renowned polar photographer Daisy Gilardini on photography trips in the field; as well as take part in a range of outdoor activities such as show-shoeing, hiking, cruising in zodiacs, seakayaking, and overnight camping. Depending on ice and weather conditions, the trip may also include a visit to Petermann Island to observe Weddell, crabeater, elephant seals, skuas, seabirds, and penguins. The 12-night voyage includes all meals and accommodation, zodiac excursions, special hiking programs, ship transfers, foul weather gear, and overnight camping. From US$9,595 per person, twin share, or $7,095 per person, triple share. www.oneoceanexpeditions.com
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Galapagos Gems On The Go Tours, experts in adventure travel, has launched a new lineup of cruises through the Galapagos Islands which offer nature enthusiasts a chance to explore this renowned wildliferich archipelago aboard the Anahi. Passengers can choose from three itineraries: the six-day Galapagos Discovered, the sevenday Galapagos Encounters, or the 10-day Ultimate Galapagos. Each itinerary sails from Quito, Ecuador, and includes two guided excursions a day with a naturalist guide, and opportunities to swim, snorkel, and kayak. The stunning wildlife are the highlights of the trips, which take in Floreana Island, renowned for its flamingos; Gardner Bay, famous for its sea lion population; and Puna Suarez, home to the albatross. Each itinerary comes with inclusions such as airport transfers, and pre and post-tour accommodation in Quito, and can be extended with stays in Ecuador or Peru. The Anahi catamaran caters to just 16 passengers in eight comfortable, air-conditioned cabins with large windows offering sweeping panoramas. Onboard, passengers will be treated to three buffet meals each day, and can revel in plenty of lounge space with an al fresco bar and dining area, a spacious sun deck and jacuzzi, and a lounge and library with comfortable sofas and a 50-inch television. www.onthegotours.com
CRUISING 27
Dalmatian Dreams UK-based holiday operators Orbital Travel are capitalising on the growing popularity of Eastern European travel with the addition of a seven-night cruise through Croatia and the Dalmatian coast. Departing from and returning to Dubrovnik, the cruise will call in at the islands of Mljet, Korkula, Vis, and Hvar; the cities of Sibenik, Trogir and Split; and the beautiful Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. Passengers will experience the best of the region, including Dubrovnik’s Dominican Monastery and Museum, Mljet’s national park, the Krka Falls, the heritage-listed site of Trogir, and Kotor’s Maritime Museum. The Dalmatian Coastal Cruise voyages are on board the MS Belle de l’Adriatique, a stately ship with 99 comfortably-appointed cabins, excellent food, and amenities such as a sprawling sundeck with two jacuzzis and a swimming pool. Cruises will depart most Thursdays between April and October. From GBP1,325 (US$2,175) per person, including return flights (from London, Manchester, or Birmingham), transfers, seven nights’ full board, drinks, and the Captain’s gala dinner. A number of optional excursions, including guided tours, are available at additional cost. www.orbitaltravel.co.uk
Music at Sea Saga Cruises, the nautical division of holiday specialists Saga, are making the most of this summer with a series of exclusive, musically-inclined cruises that will take in the best of the Nordic countries during their most temperate season. Opera is the highlight of the nine-night Nordic Notes itinerary in September, which features soprano star Lesley Garrett and a visit to Norway’s oldest opera house, in Kristiansund. In June, the seven-night Fjordland Melodies voyage will cruise the Hardanger Fjord while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Hardanger Music Festival, and a visit to composer Edvard Greig’s former residence in Bergen. Baby-boomers will not want to miss the seven-night Spellbinding Norway cruise in July, which will feature the Steve Love Band and a swinging 60s vibe while roaming the quaint villages and historic ports of Norway. All three cruises will be aboard the Saga Sapphire, a contemporary, mid-sized luxury cruise ship. Onboard, guests will enjoy spacious cabins with 24-hour room service, delicious cuisine, and fantastic facilities like a spa and beauty salon, a clubhouse, and a library. Prices for each cruise include travel to port, all meals, entertainment, and travel insurance. www.saga.co.uk/cruises
All Hands on Deck Catering to would-be sailors with a taste for excitement and the cold, new adventure sailing company Rubicon 3 has launched a series of expeditions that will explore the Arctic Circle while giving guests the opportunity for hands-on sailing. Beginning in April, Rubicon 3 will operate trips of at last two weeks on its specialised 60-foot expedition yacht, the Hummingbird. The company’s philosophy of ‘sail, train, explore’ means passengers will get hands-on sailing experience while taking in iconic shipping areas, spectacular islands, charming coastlines, and lively cities. Run by experienced British sailors Rachael Sprot and Bruce Jacobs, these expeditions will feature a crew of eight with an instructor-to-client ratio of at least 1:4. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate, and no previous sailing experience is necessary; guests can choose to do as much or as little hands-on sailing as they wish. The first expedition, The Hanseatic Route, is a 20-day journey that departs April 16 and features open-water sailing in the North Sea, visits to Amsterdam and Gdansk, and cruising through the Kiel Canal. Priced from GBP1,995 per person, including accommodation, onboard meals, a pre-departure RYA Essential Navigations course, and a seamanship pack. www.rubicon3.co.uk
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28 HOTELS & RESORTS
Glamping the Flinders Located in the stunning Flinders Ranges in South Australia, Wilpena Pound Resort is the latest wilderness hideaway to add luxury tented camping to its repertoire. Offering an authentic Australian outback experience, the 15 luxury ensuite safari tents are located in their own campground within the Flinders Ranges National Park, and are set among river red gums, native pines, and abundant wildlife. Each spacious tent is made from insulated canvas, offering zip king beds (for doubles and twins) with luxurious linen and bedding, bedside tables and lamps, a gas fire heater for the colder months, and a ceiling fan. The ensuite bathrooms include a vanity, shower, and luggage store, plus a separate toilet. Guests can enjoy mesmerising outback sunsets from private decks constructed in front of each tent, with dedicated ‘bush butlers’ preparing meals and serving glasses of local South Australian wine. The new tents are priced from AU$340 (US$307) per couple, twin share. www.wilpenapound.com.au
Mountain Retreat Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts debut their first resort in Tibet with the opening of the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa in April. Set on Lhasa’s alpine plateau, some 3,650 meters above sea level, the 289-room property is wreathed by towering snowcapped peaks, and will make the perfect base from which to explore this ancient Buddhist capital, with key attractions like the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, and the Jokhang Temple within walking distance. The hotel’s interiors feature distinctive Tibetan influences, from the dramatic 6.5-meter bell-like chandelier of the lobby, to the earthy tones of traditional Thangkas paintings. Guest rooms feature modern décor grounded in neutral colours and accentuated with the earthy reds, deep blues, and vibrant greens that are seen in traditional Tibetan dress. Traditional Himalayan accents such as turquoise stone, decorative metals, floral patterns, and auspicious symbols complement the contemporary design. Be sure to leave time for a visit to the city hotel’s oxygen lounge. www.shangri-la.com
Downtown Diva Housed in the historic United Artists building in Downtown, the Ace Hotel is Los Angeles’ newest hip hideaway. Occupying the iconic theatre and tower, which was opened in 1927, the new hotel is part of Downtown LA’s modern renaissance, and features architecture by GREC Architects and interiors by Commune Design that embrace the building’s Spanish Gothic style, while adding plenty of modern minimalism. Our favourite rooms are the “Medium with Terrace”, which have an urban, residential feel to them and feature fully-stocked minibars, king beds, Rudy’s toiletries, and private terraces – some even have acoustic Martin guitars. Look out for L.A. Chapter, a signature restaurant from Brooklyn’s Jud Moongell and chef Ken Addington that serves modern organic cuisine – it’s LA after all. There’s also The Bar, which is already making a name for itself with its bottled and barrelaged drinks and innovative cocktail list. www.acehotel.com
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HOTELS & RESORTS 29
Rural Indulgence Cromlix, the new luxury Scottish hotel owned by international tennis star Andy Murray, opens in the coming months, offering travellers to Dunblane their own luxury estate experience. With just fifteen beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites, each named after great Scots past and present, the Victorian mansion is perfectly located for golfers bound for nearby Gleneagles. Situated on an 11-hectare estate and managed by Inverlochy Castle Management, Cromlix will offer guests a true rural indulgence, from clay pigeon shooting, archery, and fly-fishing in the estate’s own loch, to quad biking and off-road driving. The new hotel will also boast a Chez Roux restaurant offering fine-dining with a specific focus on locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. www.cromlix.com
Idling in Illinois Travellers bound for the Windy City of Chicago have a new luxury haven to escape to. The Godfrey Hotel, hidden behind an eye-catching Cubist façade in River North, is a chic and distinctly urban retreat boasting 221 contemporary guest rooms and suites, including a collection of 27 savvy one bedroom suites. Each guest space is dressed in contrasting textiles and modern hues, and features complimentary WiFi, a wet bar, a spacious lounge, and ample work space. Be sure to leave time for a tipple at I|O Urban Roofscape, one of the city’s most anticipated watering holes and one that features both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a two-level fire pit, a retractable roof, VIP cabanas, and mesmerising city views. Also look out for a signature restaurant by Aviary alumni chef Riley Huddleston later in the year. www.godfreyhotelchicago.com
Manila Madness Set to open in the coming month, the Amélie Hotel Manila promises to be the city’s newest chic address. With just 70 rooms decked out in a modern minimalist style, including chic furniture and art deco inspired accents, each room also features an oversized map of Metro Manila that serves both as a design anchor and also as an actual guide to help tourists navigate the streets of Malate and landmark the sites of Metro Manila. Designed by noted interior stylist Anton Barretto, the rooms all feature an interesting design motif: a stylised, linear canopy that sets the bed apart and gives the room more depth and dimension. All come with large and comfortable queen-sized beds and are equipped with essential amenities such as a 32-inch flat screen LED TV and complimentary WiFi. Design and art play important roles in the identity of the new hotel. Inspired by the bohemian spirit of old Malate, the Amélie Hotel Manila incorporates works by contemporary local artists. Hallways leading to the rooms will feature niches where works of emerging Filipino artists will be put on display on a rotating basis. Likewise, the hotel will curate the music being played in all public areas to include independent and underground artists playing their own brand of music. www.ameliehotelmanila.com www.jetsetter.hk
30 INTRODUCING Lose yourself in breathtaking natural surrounds at the new Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, a wilderness hideaway on Abu Dhabi’s own desert island. Joining two other Anantara properties on the former royal retreat turned conservation project, the Al Sahel Villa Resort is located at the heart of the island’s 4,100-hectare Arabian Wildlife Park, home to families of cheetahs and hyenas, as well as protected Arabian oryx, giraffes, and gazelles. Immerse yourself in a unique landscape of savannah grasslands, salt mounds, and desert dunes from one of 30 traditional thatched villas. Designed for couples, accommodation includes freestanding bronze bathtubs and king-sized beds; One Bedroom Pool Villas boast private plunge pools. You’ll also be able to explore your surrounds by safari-style, open-sided Land Cruiser on daily wildlife drives, by mountain bike, or by horseback. Alternatively, try your hand at Arabian archery, kayaking, or scuba diving at the comprehensive water sports centre. For a true treat, arrive from Abu Dhabi by scenic seaplane flight. www.anantara.com
Wild Ways www.jetsetter.hk
INTRODUCING 31
The hottest new opening in LA’s vibrant Koreatown, The Line is the much anticipated brainchild of NoMad owners the Sydell Group, as well as nightlife gurus the Houston Brothers, restaurateur Roy Choi, designer Sean Knibb, and art house Poketo, and promises to inject some design-savvy sophistication into a neighborhood dominated by pre-1940 brick colonial revival buildings. Expect industrial interiors, king beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious work desks with Negril chairs, curated minibars with Korean twists, and Baxter of California bath amenities in all 388 rooms, as well as a rooftop pool bar with views to the Hollywood Hills, and a chic star-studded lounge bar that will add to Koreatown’s already sterling entertainment scene. Downstairs there will also be a hot pot restaurant and vegetarian speciality outlet by Choi, best known for his Korean Mexican fusion dishes. www.thelinehotel.com
Down to the Line www.jetsetter.hk
32 INTRODUCING
To the
Mountain Born
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Ski bunnies will love the new W Verbier, which recently exploded onto the scene of the famed resort town in French-speaking Switzerland. The first W Hotels alpine escape and one of only five resorts with ski in/ski out access, W Verbier is part of the Place Blanche, the new heart of the alpine town, and features everything from modern Swiss cuisine by chef Sergi Arola at his eponymously-named restaurant, and Carve, a celebrity-studded destination bar, to design-savvy guest rooms, including our favourite, the E-Wow Suite, with its private terrace, jacuzzi, and stunning mountain views. www.wverbier.com
INTRODUCING 33
Omani Opus Opening next month on a dramatic clifftop deep in the heart of the Al Hajar Mountains, the luxurious Alila Jabal Akhdar promises to be a gateway to the untouched beauty of Oman’s interior. Set 2,000 metres above sea level, and only 150 kilometres from Muscat’s international airport, the Alila will be a haven for adventure travellers, with just 84 suites and two sumptuous villas constructed with Omani architecture and sustainable design. Guest suites are minimalist and organic, with touches of Oman’s rich history married with cutting-edge technology. Alila’s focus on experiences continues with a dedicated leisure concierge team tasked with creating memorable encounters along six themes – cultural learning, conscious living, active spirits, culinary delight, private pursuits, and couple celebration. After an active day delving into the surreal landscapes of the desert, pamper yourself at the Spa Alila, where treatments blend ancient Asian wellness techniques with locally-sourced ingredients. www.alilahotels.com
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34 SPA PROFILE
L
ocated outside the all-year alpine playground of Queenstown in New Zealand, the newly opened Aro Ha Wellness Retreat seeks to connect its guests with nature, and does so in spectacular surrounds. Just 40 minutes from Queenstown, this haven of holistic living is located on an 8.4-hectare alpine terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu and combines ancient healing traditions with modern technology to create Zen-inspired luxury. Using a series of carefully curated programs of vegetarian diet, exercise, meditation and “supportive relationships�, the wellness centre offers everything from Vinyasa
Holistic
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yoga and sub-alpine hiking through to functional strength training, journaling, permaculture, kriya, and contrast spa therapies. All of this is conducted in a state-of-the-art, sustainable, purpose-built facility that marries harmony with its awe-inspiring surrounds, and includes accommodation in eight luxury units made from recycled timbers, and featuring woven, naturally-dyed blankets, organic cotton linen, New Zealand wool floor rugs, and natural latex mattresses. Each comes with shared bathroom spaces. Opt for one of the Private Eco suites if you prefer a little less sharing and a little more privacy. www.aro-ha.com
Haven
CELEBRATING 5 YEARS OF STORIED ELEGANCE The St. Regis Bali Resort invites travel connoisseurs to join yearlong, 360-degree celebrations surrounding the number “5”, highlighting the rich legacy and unique
stregisbali.com/5years
heritage of the St. Regis brand. Be delighted with Kayuputi restaurant’s “Panca Surprise Anniversary Menu”, savor five distinctive Bloody Mary cocktails at the King Cole Bar and immerse in pure relaxation with the Remède Spa’s luxurious “Golden Sea Creation” treatment. Discover a world of bespoke service and extraordinary indulgences at Bali’s fi nest address.
kawasan pariwisata nusa dua lot s6, bali, indonesia 80363 tel: +62 361 8478111 stregisbali.com
36 PAMPER
Sky-High Romantic Interlude
Spas on Safari
Dubai’s renowned Burj Al Arab has unveiled an exclusive new spa experience designed to fan the flames of romance. The hotel’s Arabian Nights-inspired Talise Spa will offer couples an evening of luxury and relaxation with the Romantic Moonlight Swim (AED7,000/US$1,900). Guests will be treated to a 55-minute massage before enjoying a dip in a private infinity pool adorned with floating rose petals while taking in sweeping views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. The experience is complemented by bespoke Burj Al Arab refreshments, and a personalised playlist. Guests will take home the hotel’s signature white chequered bathrobes as a lasting memento of their indulgent night. www.jumeirah.com
Bongani Mountain Lodge, in the heart of South Africa’s Mthethomusha Game Reserve, is bringing luxury to the safari experience with the opening of a new spa specialising exclusively in Africology skincare products. Africology is a leading holistic spa and skincare company that creates 100 percent natural products that work with the body’s hormonal system and cellular rejuvenation process to preserve the skin’s integrity and prevent premature aging. Guests indulging in the luxurious spa treatments – designed to relax, revive, and refresh – will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding bush and the rugged beauty of the Malelane Mountains while being pampered. www.bonganimountainlodge.co.za
The Gentleman's Choice
Party this Spring
The award-winning Chuan Spa Hong Kong, at the Langham Place Mongkok, has introduced the Metropolitan treatment, a restorative experience exclusively for men. The 90-minute ritual includes a back scrub and warm paraffin back mask, a deep calf and foot pressure massage, a therapeutic back massage, and is finished off with the Chuan Man Maintenance treatment, a facial specially created to energise and purify the male complexion. To round out the experience, guests will enjoy complimentary access to all the spa’s health and wellness facilities, including the Pulse fitness studio, Plunge rooftop pool, and private Tri-Bathing Ritual areas. The Metropolitan treatment is priced at HK$1,088 (US$140). www.chuanspa.com
Enjoy a full day of pampering with friends at the Plateau Spa at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Just in time for Spring, the spa has launched its two new Spa Parties packages. The first package offers 60-minute treatments (HK$1,350/US$174), while the second has 90-minute treatments (HK$1,680/US$217), and both packages include a choice of light spa refreshments, and a glass of Champagne or healthy smoothie, which will be served in the tree-lined courtyard. For refreshments, spaophiles can choose six items – four savoury and two sweet - from the new Detox Canapé Menu or Recharge Canapé Menu. Packages are available for groups of four or more and can be customised, and come with all-day access to the hotel’s 50-metre outdoor heated pool, sauna, and sun terrace. www.plateauspa.com
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CONCIERGE 37
Sin City Secrets Laura Iva developed a strong career in theatre and dance in her native Romania, but two years ago, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue her interest in hospitality. Now a concierge at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Iva gives Gayatri Bhaumik the low-down on her adopted hometown.
What are the Vegas experiences that most people miss, but shouldn't?
We want to start our evening with a sumptuous dinner. What's trending right now?
Many go to the Grand Canyon, but the best way to see it is by helicopter, which offers stunning views of the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, the Indian Hualapai Territory, The Strip, and Downtown. World Class Driving is also a fantastic, unique experience which gives guests the chance to drive three or four exotic or muscle cars while enjoying scenic views of Red Rock Canyon.
Nobu Restaurant and Lounge is a firm favourite - the Vegas restaurant is the largest Nobu in the world. Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas offers guests an upscale atmosphere and ultra-modern décor, and specialises in one-of-a-kind cuts of beef. Hakkasan at MGM Grand is a Chinese finedining restaurant offering a modern twist on authentic Cantonese cuisine, and has a very chic ambience.
We need new clothes for a night out in Vegas. Where do we go shopping? Vegas has everything from high-end couture to outlets, so you have plenty of choice. Crystals at City Center offers some of the largest designer stores in the city, including a two-story Louis Vuitton store. Town Square is where locals go; it’s very European, with a mix of big name shops and unique boutiques. Las Vegas Premium Outlets North is an outdoor village-style outlet centre that has everything you could want, and features brand name products at discounted prices.
After dinner, we'd like to take in a show. What are the most coveted tickets? Celine Dion, Elton John, Shania Twain, and Rod Stewart are all currently resident headliners at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, and their shows always draw packed crowds. Britney Spears’ new residency show, Piece of Me, at Planet Hollywood, is proving to be very popular. For a more risqué performance, check out Absinthe. The adult circus show features
exotic burlesque dancing and acrobatics, and is quite a performance. The Cirque du Soleil shows are also really popular.
Time to hit the dance floor. Which are the hottest clubs in town right now? Hakkasan at MGM Grand is a beautifully designed five-level structure that merges eastern and western stylistic elements, and often has the most popular DJs of our time spinning tunes. Light at Mandalay Bay is a very avant-garde nightclub, with stunning visual effects, and special performances by Cirque du Soleil performers.
No Vegas trip is complete without a visit to one of the notorious day clubs. Which are your favourites? Wet Republic at MGM is a popular day club, with three pools over 53,000sqft and a huge menu of specialty cocktails, while Tao Beach at the Venetian masterfully hosts the day club experience in a beautiful Asianinspired area.
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38 BUSINESS TRAVEL
Amenities with Heritage Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has introduced a range of colourful, limited edition amenity kits for passengers travelling on long-haul services to and from the airline’s home base. The new kits, which reflect the culture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates, have been created in partnership with Sougha, a social enterprise aimed at preserving Emirati traditions and promoting local crafts. The new amenity kits will be offered to passengers in the airline’s Diamond First, Pearl Business, and Coral Economy cabins. All kits will sport Sadou patterns, an intricate, ancient Abu Dhabi weaving craft inspired by the designs traditionally used on blankets, cushions, and Bedouin tents throughout the region. Diamond First kits will be stocked with exclusive products by luxury New York brand Le Labo, while the Pearl Diamond kits will feature amenities by Korres, an Athens-based skincare line specialising in all-natural products. www.etihad.com
Rest Easy Air France has unveiled its new long-haul fully-flat business class seat. The Zodiac Cirrus Aero seat was developed by designer Mark Collins and agency Brandimage, and has several marked differences from the Cathay Pacific and American Airlines offerings; most notably, the 16-inch high-definitely touch-screens are fixed into the back of the seat, and storage areas are configured differently. Arranged in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, the seats offer total privacy and a completely flat bed of almost two metres, an adjustable soft leather headrest, a delicate duvet, and a featherdown pillow. Each seat offers direct aisle access and the latest technology, and are accompanied by new amenities containing a Clarins moisturiser, eye mask, lip balm, shoe horn, dental care kit, earplugs, and comb. The seats are removable, ostensibly to allow the airline to reconfigure cabins to accommodate more economy class seats during the busy summer season, when demand for business class seating wanes. www.airfrance.com
Fly Smart Catering to the demands of time-crunched business travellers, Scandinavian Airlines will launch two brand new travel classes onboard its flights. Created in consultation with customers, SAS Go and SAS Plus are designed to provide smoother, more time-efficient journeys, and offer more value for money. All flights will feature improved mobile services, including mobile check-in, and a new range of food and drinks, although offerings in each class differ between intercontinental flights and flights within Europe. All passengers travelling on intercontinental flights will enjoy complimentary food and drinks, and in-flight entertainment; SAS Plus passengers will also get two checked bags, fast-tracked bag drop and immigration and security clearance, lounge access, and double EuroBonus frequent flyer points. For flights within Europe, SAS Go ticketholders will be served complimentary tea and coffee, and can purchase food and wifi access, while SAS Plus passengers will receive the same benefits as those on intercontinental flights, in addition to complimentary food and wifi. www.flysas.com
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BUSINESS TRAVEL 39
Hong Kong Pit-Stop British Airways, the only European airline operating in Australia, is creating more value for passengers flying between the two continents by adding to its list of stopover destinations in Asia. The carrier typically allows stopovers in Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Bangkok, but has recently added Hong Kong to the lineup. Passengers travelling on BA-coded flights are now able to break their journey in Hong Kong, giving them a chance to explore this vibrant city, or conduct business. This move by British Airways is aimed at providing more options to meet the increasing demands and varied itineraries of modern business and leisure travellers. The airline has also introduced its new A380 aircraft on selected flights on the Hong Kong-London route, so passengers taking advantage of the new stopover option will be able to try the newest additions to the fleet. www.britishairways.com
Sky-High Connections Social media addicts and on-the-go business travellers will be clamouring to fly German national carrier Lufthansa now that the airline has launched Lufthansa FlyNet, the exclusive inflight mobile phone service developed in association with AeroMobile. Passengers flying on network-enabled aircraft will be able to use their own mobile devices to text and browse online while in the air, allowing gen-y travellers to keep abreast of the latest on Facebook and Twitter, and power-suited passengers to stay in contact with the office. Eight A330s flying from Munich and Frankfurt to North America and the Middle East have already been fitted out with the service, and Lufthansa has confirmed that it will roll out the service across its entire long-haul fleet over the year. The service is intuitive and user-friendly; passengers connect their device to the in-the-air network, and are billed by their phone service provider at rates comparable to roaming rates in the ‘rest of the world’ option available on most carriers. www.lufthansa.com
Next-Gen Travel Travellers visiting Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Wing lounge at London Heathrow can now receive an unprecedented level of personalised customer service through the use of cutting-edge, wearable technology. Virgin Atlantic’s concierge staff at the Upper Class Wing have been fitted with either Google Glass or Sony Smartwatch 2 integrated with a purpose-built app that has been designed by SITA and the airline’s passenger service system. The information-driven technology will allow staff to greet Upper Class passengers by name as they arrive at Heathrow by chauffeured limousine, and update them with the latest information for their flight, as well as weather and local events at their destination. Although still in the pilot phase, the airline will soon evaluate the service with a view to implementing a wider roll-out in the future. www.virgin-atlantic.com
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40 24 HOURS
LIFE & SEOUL Few cities in Asia have maintained the intimate balance between antiquity and modernity quite like Seoul. The Korean capital is a bustling metropolis where ancient temples and regal palaces are as at home as the towering skyscrapers, and the contrast makes any visit a journey for the senses. By Nick Walton 9am Check in at the W Seoul - Walker Hill, the first W hotel to open in Asia, and a local landmark. Chic and sophisticated, this unique house of slumber is a favourite with visitors and locals alike. Be sure to leave time for a tipple at the Woo Bar, and ease the post-retail therapy aches and pains with a treatment at the signature Away Spa. www.starwoodhotels.com 10am Get your first taste of Korean culture in early with the changing of the guards at the stunning Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal fortress located in the city’s north. Constructed in 1395 and abandoned for almost three centuries after a fire, the palace was lovingly reconstructed in 1867. It remains the largest of the five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty, despite having sustained severe damage in bombing raids by the Japanese. Soldiers reenact the traditional changing of the guard and gate opening ceremonies each hour, resplendent in their brightly-coloured era uniforms. 11.30am From the palace, make your way to another of the capital’s landmarks, the Namdaemun or Gate of Exalted Ceremonies, a true symbol of Seoul which was recently reopened after an extensive renovation. Located between Seoul Station and Seoul City Plaza, the gate is as much an icon as it is a literal gate into the heart of the city, including the 24-hour Namdaemun Market, located next door. The markets are the largest in Korea and were founded in 1414, with renovations throughout their long history. Pedestrian friendly, the markets are a great spot to pick up bargains from Seoul’s grassroots fashion scene, and to tantalise www.jetsetter.hk
your taste buds before lunch, with a host of stalls serving up fluffy pancakes, sweet barbequed squid, and cold naengmyun noodles. 12.30pm Time for something a little more substantial. Jump in a cab and head to Tosokchon (5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongnogu), a restaurant in Jongno-gu that specialises in samgyetang, whole spring chickens stuffed with rice, chestnuts, and ginseng, and served in soup. You won’t have any language troubles here as the menu features only black chicken soup – an acquired taste – or white chicken soup. Most popular in summer, samgyetang is a great dish for travellers exploring the city on two feet. 2pm Walk off your meal through Marronnier Park, once the campus of Seoul National University and now home to one of the city’s most beautiful greenbelts, as well as countless theatres and performing arts spaces in the neighbouring streets. Once you’ve traversed the park, stop in for a coffee at one of the many eclectic cafes and bars in the surrounding streets, each of which boasts its own flair and feel, and remain popular with the university set. 4pm Art lovers can continue on through nearby Insadong, the city’s arts hub. A favourite with visitors and locals alike, Insadong is a lively neighbourhood that combines Seoul’s past and present, with boutiques, cafes, and galleries now housed in former merchant warehouses and government offices. Over 40 percent of Korea’s antique stores and art galleries can be found here, as well as a staggering 90 percent of the traditional stationery stores. Be sure to
24 HOURS 41 look out for posters and medals from North Korea, elegant calligraphy brushes, stunning ceramics, and even modern art. Insadong also boasts Tongmungwan, the oldest bookstore in the city, the acclaimed Kyung-in Art Gallery, Korea’s oldest tea house, and Jogyesa, an important Buddhist temple. More contemporary art and galleries can also be found in Samcheongdong, an emerging neighbourhood that’s also popular with ceramicists, potters, painters, and jewellery designers. 6.30pm You’ll want to book early and start early if you’re dining at new Seoul sensation Siwhadam, a VVIP restaurant in the eclectic neighbourhood of Itaewon. With the shortest set menu lasting three hours and 19 courses, this is as much a meal for the senses as it is for the palate, as artistic and tantalising dishes are presented by owners Grace Park and Chung Oh, who were determined to bring a new level of finesse and artistry to the table. Between courses, be sure to examine the restaurant’s displays of funeral relics and ceramics from the United Shilla dynasty. www.siwhadam.com 10pm If you’re looking to paint the town red, head for one of the city’s newest hot spots, Club Ellui in Cheongdam-dong. At 36,000sqft, this is Seoul’s largest club, and features a massive dance floor as well as two separate VIP sections. Look out for local K-Pop celebrities in the coveted White Zone, which is dressed in chic leather ottomans and polished floors, or get closer to the action in the Black Zone, a favourite with the younger crowd. www.ellui.com 10am Time for a touch of retail therapy in one of Seoul’s top shopping precincts. The COEX Mall (58 Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnamgu) has something for everyone, with a museum and aquarium, theatres and restaurants, duty-free boutiques, and a sprawling Hyundai Department Store. Pick up a map from the information desk when you arrive as it’s easy for the size of this mall to become overwhelming, and be sure to check out the many local Korean design labels on offer. www.jetsetter.hk
42 HOTEL REVIEW
Hanoi’s New HAVEN Gayatri Bhaumik checks into Hanoi’s newest luxury house of slumber and discovers why the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is making its mark on the city’s new central business district.
Background Lavish and architecturally arresting, the new JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi has caused quite a stir since its recent opening, and for good reason. Guests arriving at the property are greeted by the sight of a massive steel-andglass structure, rendered in a ‘reverse skyscraper’ style that hints at the shape of a dragon. This modern, minimalist feeling continues in the lobby which is all marble and high ceilings, and sparsely furnished. Designed by Carlos Zapata Studios, the JW Marriott dwarfs everything that surrounds it in the city’s up-and-coming Tu Liem district, including the humble bia hoi shopfronts across the street. www.jetsetter.hk
HOTEL REVIEW 43
The Rooms The hotel houses 450 well-appointed guest rooms, including 56 suites, ranging from the 48sqm Deluxe rooms to the 320sqm Presidential Suite. Each spacious room has been designed with a refined aesthetic featuring hardwood floors, floorto-ceiling windows, expansive marble bathrooms with stand-alone baths and Aromatherapy Associates amenities, flatscreen televisions, Bose iPod docking systems, and Nespresso machines. My Deluxe room was irreproachable; the open plan – the bathroom was separated by sliding doors - enhanced the feeling of spaciousness, while the furnishings were at once comfortable and functional. The wardrobe opened on either side – into the room and the bathroom – an unusual feature whose practicality you only understand when you actually have it, while a favourite feature of the room was the reclining chair, the perfect spot for curling up with a good book after a long day. As someone frequently tethered to electronics while travelling, I also appreciated the expansive desks, ergonomically-designed chairs, global power outlets, and high-speed internet. A quick peek at the Presidential Suite revealed extra luxuries like a butler’s pantry and kitchenette, a private study, generous living spaces, a dining table for 12, and two walk-in wardrobes.
wine. The large, stylish restaurant boasts a bustling open kitchen and massive, glass-encased walk-in wine cellar, while the menu’s emphasis is on fresh seafood, prime steak, and premium wines. The international dining experience continues at the Chinese Palace, which dishes up an array of Cantonese food amid modern, crisp interiors. A novelty in the city is the hotel’s slick, sexy lounge, the Antidote Bar. On entry, we were greeted by dark interiors and an unattended grand piano; once settled, we were treated to delectable cocktails, wines, beers, and spirits, and the smooth beats being spun by a visiting DJ. It’s still new, but once Antidote catches on, it’s guaranteed to be a nightlife hotspot for the who’s who of Hanoi.
Wellness Catering to leisure travellers looking to relax and executives set on maintaining their fitness on the road is the well-appointed wellness space, on the hotel’s top floor. The ultra-modern fitness centre is decked out with a range of cardio and strength training equipment, and seems like a real gym
rather than the afterthought that many hotel gyms feel like. I enjoyed early morning laps in the cantilevered heated pool – Vietnam’s first – where, thanks to my being there at an ungodly hour, I enjoyed sunrise views of the city and plenty of natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows and skylight, and the attentiveness of the staff, who provided water, towels, and international newspapers. Also on hand is the hotel’s spa, an Oriental-themed oasis with nine treatment rooms – including two double rooms – offering a full complement of spa rituals, including facials, hair treatments, and massages. I ducked in for a 30-minute reflexology treatment, which was heavenly in itself; the fact that it was carried out in one of the eight plush leather chairs facing floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a nighttime panorama of the city took it to another level.
Not So Great For leisure travellers, a sore spot would be the relative distance of the hotel to major Hanoi tourist destinations like the French Quarter, which is 30 minutes by car. But this is offset by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle which operates on weekends.
Things We Rate We loved the attentive service, the rooms’ hidden practicalities, the sexy, relaxed vibe of the Antidote Bar, and the reflexology treatment at the spa. JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, No 8 Do Duc Duc Road, Me Tri, Tu Lien District, Hanoi, Vietnam, + 84-3833-5588, http://www. marriott.com/hotels/travel/hanjw-jwmarriott-hotel-hanoi/
Dining Any five-star hotel worth its rating finds space for quality dining options, and with six distinctive outlets, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi is set to become a dining destination in itself. We enjoyed a lively dinner at the French Grill, where each of our three beautifully presented courses was was paired with an expertly-chosen www.jetsetter.hk
44 BOUTIQUE & BEAUTIFUL
Crashing in the Capital
The seat of the American Capella government is a melting pot Washington D.C., of politics and history, but the Georgetown sumptuous boutique hotels Tucked into the historic neighbourhood of of Washington D.C. combine Georgetown, Capella is one of the city’s boutique hotels. The intimate this with total luxury and newest property boasts just 49 guest rooms, each of attentive service, discovers which features elegant furnishings, intuitive Gayatri Bhaumik. technology, Aqua di Parma toiletries, Pratesi linens, and complimentary refreshment centres. Our pick of rooms are the six Executive Suites which feature separate bedrooms and living areas, views of the C&O Canal and Georgetown, and expansive bathrooms with limestone bathtubs and separate rainshowers. Guests have exclusive access to the rooftop bar, where they can swim in the indoor-outdoor infinity
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pool, unwind with sundowner cocktails while taking in views of the city’s landmarks like the Washington Monument and The Kennedy Center, or in cooler weather, relax by the fireplace. A team of personal assistants stand ready to create a unique stay by organising anything a guest could want, whether that’s after-hours shopping at the city’s exclusive boutiques, or – thanks to a partnership with the Washington Ballet – VIP tickets to a show, or even a walk-on role. Make sure to brunch at the hotel’s Grill Room restaurant, which serves sumptuous fare right next to the C&O Canal – try the popular Pastrami Hash – and have a predinner cocktail at the Rye Bar, a slick, sexy space with a focus on craft cocktails and rare whiskies. www.capellahotels.com/ washingtondc/georgetown
BOUTIQUE & BEAUTIFUL 45
The Hay-Adams Just across from the White House, and in view of Lafayette Park and the National Mall, The Hay-Adams combines history and luxury with an incredible political pedigree. Originally built in 1928 in the Italian Renaissance style, the hotel was named for John Hay, secretary to President Lincoln, and Henry Adams, a distinguished descendent of both President Adams. Extensive renovations in 2001 at the hands of designer Thomas Pheasant retained a sense of old-world charm with rich wood furniture, antique-style lighting fixtures, and warm tones. Each of the 145 guest rooms and suites boast turn-of-the-century glamour and lavish décor, with intricately carved ceilings, patterned drapes, marble bathrooms with Etro amenities, custom Italian linens, flat-screen televisions, and iPod docking. The hotel’s political roots and intimate bar and restaurant mean it’s still a top choice for the city’s wheelers and dealers looking to talk shop without being overheard. The Lafayette is the hotel’s lightfilled, elegant dining room, offering a finedining experience unlike any other in the city; Off the Record, the hotel’s gentlemen’s club-like bar, is the place to go to ‘be seen and not heard’, where light snacks, a strong wine selection, and delicious cocktails are served under the watchful eyes of caricatures of Washington’s political elite. www.hayadams.com
The Dupont Circle Hotel Set in the heart of the famed downtown district that lends its name to this hotel, this Doyle Collection property is the perfect position from which to enjoy all that the city has to offer. You’ll be walking distance from attractions like the White House, the National Mall – which includes the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial – and the Smithsonian Institution museums. Exploring Georgetown or taking in a performance at The Kennedy Center will also be a breeze. The hotel houses 327 lavish rooms and suites, all of which come
equipped with free wifi, marble bathrooms with heated floors, Aromatherapy Associates amenities, and Lissadell bed linens. Treat yourself to the Luxury Suite with Balcony, which comes with a king bed, 47-inch flatscreen television, complimentary wet bar, and panoramic views. Those checking into suites on the hotel’s Level 9 floor will also get private elevator access and exclusive use of the Level 9 lounge. Café Dupont, the hotel’s minimalist restaurant, serves seasonal French-inspired dishes using the best local produce, while Bar Dupont has a well-curated list of specialty cocktails, wines, and beer. www.doylecollection.com/ hotels/the-dupont-circle-hotel www.jetsetter.hk
luxurious comfort
A TOUCH OF TRADITIONAL BALINESE WARM HOSPITALITY COMBINED WITH REFINED SERVICE IS THE KEY TO A SERENE GETAWAY. PAMPER YOURSELF IN OUR LUXURY PRIVATE VILLAS WITH 24 HOUR BUTLER SERVICE AND COMPLETE ACCESS TO VILLA LOUNGE AND NIKKO CLUB LOUNGE. WE'LL MAKE YOU HOLIDAY UNFORGETTABLE... For futher information and reservations, please contact: GRAND NIKKO BALI Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, PO BOX 18, Nusa Dua, Bali - 80363, Indonesia Tel: +62-361-773-377 Fax: +62-361-774-060 E-mail: sales@grandnikkobali.com URL: http://www.grandnikkobali.com
Special Promotion Section
S a n c t u a ry i n B a l i
F
rom its position perched atop a 40-metre cliff in Nusa Dua, the Grand Nikko Bali boasts breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, along with traditional Balinese warmth and attentive service, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway. Guests are assured of deluxe accommodations at the Grand Nikko Bali, which boasts 389 well-appointed rooms and 19 charming villas. Each guest room has been designed with a contemporary aesthetic, accented with traditional Balinese touches, and finished with all the necessary modern comforts. Treat yourself to one of the luxurious one, two, or three-bedroom villas, which feature lush garden views or stunning ocean panoramas. Offering total privacy, the gorgeous villas boast LCD TVs with Bose sound systems and iPod docks, spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor showers, and private swimming pools and gardens. Added benefits include complimentary internet, 24-hour butler service, and daily breakfasts and afternoon tea. Villa guests also enjoy exclusive access to the indoor-outdoor villa lounge, and the Nikko Club Lounge, which features all-day refreshment including afternoon tea and evening cocktails, and a private swimming pool with sunloungers and cabanas. The Grand Nikko Bali is also the ideal choice for a destination wedding, with
a range of spaces that offer exactly the wedding event of your choice. Take your vows in an intimate sunset ceremony at the Kamita wedding gazebo with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop; a relaxed, barefoot ceremony on the property’s private Serenity beach; or a clifftop ceremony at Taman Sari that combines the best of both. Later, celebrate your wedding in the MPF Ballroom, which offers sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows, and can accommodate any style of reception, from a large sit-down dinner, to a smaller cocktail event.
A five-star resort combining attentive service, luxurious accommodations, and a wealth of fantastic facilities, the Grand Nikko Bali is a great choice for any visit to Bali.
Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, PO BOX 18, Nusa Dua 80363, Bali - Indonesia Tel: +62-361-773-377 Fax: +62-361-773-388 E-mail: sales@grandnikkobali.com URL: http://www.grandnikkobali.com
48 PRIVATE JETS
Come Fly with Me
Gayatri Bhaumik jumps aboard a Bombardier Challenger 850 bound for Singapore to find out why private jets are an increasingly popular way to fly. www.jetsetter.hk
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50 PRIVATE JETS
I
t’s just after midday on a Saturday afternoon as I walk into the small, well-appointed lounge of the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, the terminal that handles arrivals and departures for private jets. On request, I hand over my travel documents to an obliging concierge who sees to immigration formalities as I enjoy coffee and snacks while overlooking the tarmac.
Soon, Captain Marc Van Sommeren is walking us across the tarmac to board a Bombardier Challenger 850 – a VistaJet charter – to Singapore. Walking up the jet’s stairs, I can see my luggage being stowed in the hold. There’s no risk of losing your bags on a private jet. I’m welcomed aboard by Iris, the bubbly cabin hostess, with a glass of perfectly chilled Ruinart champagne, some Lindt chocolate, and today’s International New York Times, and settle into a plush leather club seat. I’m ready for take-off. The private jet industry has gone from strength to strength over the last decades, and the speedy, fuss-free experience I encounter makes it obvious why private jet charters are such an attractive choice. Time is of the essence, and flying private is a saving grace
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for time-crunched executives, says VistaJet’s chief commercial officer Ian Moore. “The number one reason people use private jets is to save time. Travelling with VistaJet means you can likely have business meetings in three different cities on the same day, and be home for bedtime.” Many believe celebrities to be the target market for private jets, and certainly there are some who only fly private. Maverick himself, Tom Cruise, abandoned his Top Gun roots for a Gulfstream IV; and John Travolta, a licensed pilot, owns 11 jets. But Annie Cossette, a Bombardier representative on the charter to Singapore, tells me celebrities are not the main customers for business aircraft. “The majority of our customers are corporations, charter companies, high net worth individuals, and governments,” she points out. During the flight, we’re treated to a late lunch catered by Amber, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s two Michelinstarred restaurant, and served with Cristofle china and cutlery. Over the sumptuous meal, Annie acknowledges another aspect of the growing popularity of business aviation. “Globalisation is an important factor in the rise of private jet travel, as an increasing number of executives need to travel frequently to key emerging markets,” she explains.
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Private jets are especially making huge leaps in the Asia-Pacific market, which more than doubled its share of annual business aircraft deliveries between 2007 and 2012. Governmental bodies in the region are also going out of their way to support the industry. In September 2013, Transport Ministers for the 21 APEC countries adopted a set of core principles to facilitate business aviation, a marker of the increasing importance of private jet travel in the region. Manufacturers like Bombardier, Gulfstream, Cessna, and Embraer lead the business aircraft industry with luxurious, cutting-edge models. Montreal-based Bombardier, arguably the leading manufacturer, boasts a comprehensive lineup of 12 business jets that includes its Learjet, Challenger, and Global lines. In 2013, Bombardier led global aircraft sales, accounting for 180 of the 678 deliveries made. Our Challenger 850 model is now sold exclusively as a made-toorder option. Annie tells me this is because the highly-customisable aircraft offers a special configuration aimed at a niche market; when superstar singer Beyoncé bought husband Jay-Z a private jet for a recent birthday, she chose this very model.
For those who want to own their own aircraft but feel they don’t log enough flight time to justify the hefty investment, companies like NetJets, FlexJets, and Executive Jet Asia offer fractional ownership solutions, a concept similar to time shares in property. Another option is private charter, a service offered by companies like VistaJet, AsiaJet, MetroJet, LilyJet, and SinoJet; most of these also offer aircraft acquisition and management services for those who do want their own planes. Other companies, like VictorJet and ElJet, let you buy a seat on a private jet, alongside other passengers wishing to travel to the same place at the same time. Towards the end of the flight, I hop into the jump seat on the flight deck to watch the approach and landing into Singapore. Smothering my laughter at the lighthearted banter between the captain and copilot – “For you, anything!” was a particular gem – I’m struck by the thought that time pressures and globalisation may be responsible for the increase in private jet travel, but it’s the experience that would keep you coming back for more. For more information about Bombardier and their aircraft, visit www.bombardier.com
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52 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Coastal Chic
I
t’s just after 10pm on a warm night in Bali, and under a sky lit by a hunter’s moon, Motel Mexicola’s open-air courtyard is packed with diners listening to pipedin trumpet and feasting on palm-sized tacos. Despite the bright pink neon above the white caged bar, the pastel paint job wreathing the courtyard, and the vintageesque furnishings, it’s a remarkably contemporary scene, especially for Bali. Sexy, sophisticated, design-savvy joints like Motel Mexicola are heralding new times for Seminyak, once a favourite with backpackers looking to make their dollars, pounds, or euros go as far as possible. The fact that Motel Mexicola would be cool in any city helps; vintage and kitsch without being painful, this Tarantino-style
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cantina is staffed by well-trained local lads who bring the sense of fun camaraderie you’d expect to find on a party ship (and similarly pleasing prices). But don’t let the jokes fool you, they’re all business when it comes to the drinks, from chilled shots of tequila right up to the likes of the Margarita Verde, with Jose Cuervo tequila, fresh cucumber, red and green chili, salt, and lime. The food by Mexican chef Silverio Martinez Altamirano is perfect for one-handing, with soft tacos filled with pork belly, grilled chicken, or seared tuna; quesadillas with chorizo and cheese; and a series of Comida para la Familia dishes to share, including a whole grilled snapper with coriander sauce. Jalan Kayajati No. 9X, Petitenget Beach, Seminyak, Bali; Tel: +62361736688; www.motelmexicolabali.com
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From bamboo cathedrals and boutique hotels to old school cantinas, the first of our new The Neighbourhood series dives into Bali's coolest coastal corner, Seminyak. By Nick Walton If you’re looking for a little more elegance and a few less Santa Muerte shrines, you can’t miss Vin + Wine & Beyond. Built with a slick, cathedral-like bamboo façade, this savvy space is the sixth by the Vin group, the island’s wine pioneers, and combines an elegant cocktail and wine bar with al fresco dining and a temperature-controlled wine cellar boasting more than 18,000 bottles. Go for the ambiance of the fiery torchlit courtyard and its menu of delectable modern global dishes, from house-cured salmon gravlax with vodka crème fraîche and pickled beetroot; through to a spicy prawn and pomelo salad with green mango and glass noodles, matched with the stunning collection in the wine cellar.
Kayu Jati 1 Seminyak, Bali, Tel: +62 361 473 2377; http://vingroup.biz Much of Seminyak’s new found popularity stems from key developments like Potato Head Beach Club, which, four years after opening in the heart of Seminyak, retains icon status. No visit to Seminyak is complete without a couple of hours spent lying by the pool, listening to the DJ-spun tracks and sipping a cocktail at the island’s best beach club. Created by Ronald Akili and Jason Gunawan and designed by acclaimed architect Andra Martin as a modern day Coliseum, Potato Head Beach Club combines the laid back ambiance of a beach club, complete with infinity pool and coveted but very reasonably priced day beds, with clublevel music and brilliant cocktails and
cuisine. Book ahead for one of the shaded day beds, order a Prohibition Iced Tea, served in a copper tea pot complete with dry ice ‘steam’, and settle in for smooth sounds and sea views. Jln. Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; Tel: +62 361 473 7979; www.ptthead.com Of course you’re going to need somewhere to stay; the new Alila Seminyak, opening in Q2, promises to be an urban, savvy extension of the island’s favourite resort brand. Located in the centre of Seminyak, and only minutes from the best restaurants and bars, Alila Seminyak’s chic guest rooms will range from 46-177sqm and promise stunning sea views and beach club amenities. www.alilaseminyak.com
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54 BUCKET LIST
The Traveller’s
Bucket List
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BUCKET LIST 55
The Land of Ice & Snow
2014
Kick off the New Year by breaking away from the beaten path. Arctic specialists Albatross Travel is one of the only operators plying the beautiful western coast of Greenland, including the iceberg capital of the world, Ilulissat and its UNESCO-protected ice fjord. Greenland is evolving into a popular destination for ice adventures and Northern Light spotting; cruising on the five-star Sea Explorer, you’ll not only encounter the remarkable marine life that call these frigid waters home, but also have a captivating view of the icy glaciers and otherworldly landscapes of Greenland in between shore excursions to remote bays where icebergs are calved, and to local homes to experience authentic Greenlandic hospitality. The journey starts in Sisimiut, the northern-most ice-free port, from where the ship sails to Disko Bay, home to Disko Island and its distinctive thousand-metre-high layered mountains. You’ll pass herds of icebergs in Uummannaq Bay and learn of the region’s sealing and whaling history, before encountering the towering Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The most productive outside Antarctica, its surrounding bay is often clogged with newly-calved icebergs, with up to 35 million tons of ice shed per year. Finish your adventure with a tour to the milky white landscapes of the icy interior, an area 40 times the size of Denmark. Departing June 11, 2014, from US$4,799 per person, twin share; www.albatros-travel.com
From the frozen climes of the North and South Poles, to photographic assignments in Angkor Wat and two-wheeled adventures in Nepal, Jetsetter's annual Bucket List is a showcase of new and exciting travel experiences for you to tick off your list in the year to come. By Nick Walton
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The Hermit Kingdom As North Korea gets a taste for tourists’ dollars, opportunities to visit this unique Stalinist nation are on the rise. Travel with Remote Lands, who do regular tours to North Korea, and time your visit to coincide with the Mass Games, a breathtaking annual showcase of 100,000 synchronised gymnasts, acrobats, and dancers held in the Mass Games Stadium, the world’s highest seated capacity stadium, between August and October. Highly politicised but at the same time awe-inspiring, the Games are a unique insight into North Korean dogma; students rehearse for months before the Games, which are held multiple times a week during the celebration season and are attended by high-ranking North Korean officials. Outside the stadium, you’ll have a chance to drive down the deserted boulevards of the capital, visit Kim Il Sung Square, the tomb of the Great Leader, schools, and major monuments, and mingle with the people who call this remarkable time warp home. A selection of North Korean itineraries are presently on offer. www.remotelands.com
Mountain Rider Nepal and its endless chains of peaks is best known as a hiking mecca, but tenacious two-wheel outfit The Himalayan Motorcycle Experience has created a unique way to explore the remote villages and pristine alpine lakes of the country’s far east – by iconic Royal Enfield motorcycle no less! The East Nepal Experience is an 11-day journey through the flat plains of Nepal’s terai grasslands and the jungles of Fattepur, before venturing up into the highest hills of the cloud city of Bhetadar and the tea plantations of Ilam. You’ll start in Nepal’s chaotic capital of Kathmandu before mounting your 500cc Royal Enfield Bullet, bound for the terracotta buildings and tiled pagodas of Bhaktapur. In Pashupatinagar, you’ll have a chance to sample the famous tea produced on the border with Indian Darjeeling before reaching the border with Tibet, and witnessing pilgrims bathing in the 200 pools of Janakpur. This fascinating journey includes most meals, all accommodation, tour guides, motorcycle hire, and airport transfers, and starts from US$2,900 per person. http://himalayanmc.com
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BUCKET LIST 57
Arabian Nights Few landscapes are as captivating as the desert at night. Delve into the sand dunes of the Sahara under a canopy of stars with Morocco’s first mobile luxury camp. The Night in the Sahara experience, created by regal retreat Palais Namaskar, starts with a traditional camel caravan into the desert, to a hidden camp site wreathed by towering dunes. Sip sundowners during the desert’s unique blue hour, a favourite time for painters as the final rays of day dance over the dunes, while camp staff cook dinner around an open fire and sing traditional Bedouin songs. You’ll spend the night in a luxurious tent decked out in Moroccan décor, listening to the sounds of the dunes shifting, and will be well rested the next morning to watch the sunrise from the top of a nearby dune, complete with thimbles of steaming Moroccan mint tea. www.palaisnamaskar.com
Antarctica through the Lens This year is certainly a hot one for the cool climes of Antarctica as expeditionary cruise lines and adventure companies turn their attention to the deep south. Natural World Safaris will give budding photographers a chance to hone their art in one of the world’s most remarkable locales with a special itinerary hosted by acclaimed wildlife photographer Andy Rouse. There will be plenty of captivating images to shoot in remote South Georgia and Antarctica as you cruise on the ice-strengthened MV Ushuaia in search of penguin colonies, elephant seals, and graceful albatross. Starting in the Falkland Islands and departing October 18, 2014 this unique eight-night journey avoids the dreaded Drake Passage and is timed to coincide with the highest snow levels of the season, ensuring awesome images of penguins enjoying their frozen wonderland. With 15 published books and a strong outlook on conservation, Rouse is the perfect Antarctic guide and will run a full photographic program onboard for shooters of all skill levels. From GBP7,500 (US$12,300) per person, excluding international flights; www.naturalworldsafaris.com
Being Bond Inside many of us is a yearning to follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous secret agent, James Bond, and with a new experience by Island Outpost Resorts and Magellan Jets, you’ll get about as close as you can without causing an international incident. The Ultimate James Bond Experience begins with a private jet charter, complete with Bond-themed gift baskets, into the exclusive Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica, a strip reserved for private charters (and easily accessible from major US cities like New York). From there, you’ll be whisked away to the lavish Strawberry Hills Hotel & Spa for two nights of pampering, before helicopter transfers to Golden Eye, once the low-key home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Located just outside the town of Oracabessa on the north coast, it was, for decades, the hideaway of choice for glitterati and literati. The 52-acre estate now boasts beach and lagoon villas, but for the real Bond experience, you can’t go past three nights in Fleming’s own three-bedroom villa, where his writing desk remains right where he left it. There are massages, romantic candlelit dinners, and cocktails included throughout your stay, or celebrate in style with up to ten friends. Fly out of Ian Fleming International Airport at the end of your ‘mission’. Diamonds may be forever, but this is an experience that will last a lifetime. From US$5,500 per night for Fleming’s villa and US$5,300 per hour round trip for the jet. www.magellanjets.com www.jetsetter.hk
58 BUCKET LIST
The Festival of Cold Pack your winter warmers before heading to Oymyakon, the coldest inhabited place on earth, for its unique annual Pole of Cold Festival. Travel company 56th Parallel’s itinerary to this awe-inspiring landscape in remote Siberia begins in the Yukutian capital Yakutsk, from where cold lovers will travel to Oymyakon, located near the village of Tomtor, where Russian scientist Sergey Obrychev recorded the bonechilling, record-breaking temperature of -71.2-degrees Celsius back in 1924. The festival takes place in late winter, when the temperature is a balmy average of -40 degrees. Join the ice-hardened locals in traditional dress as they welcome only the hardiest of travellers for reindeerracing, ice-fishing, dog-sledding, native cuisine, and of course, a Miss Pole of Cold competition. You’ll be joined by the Santa Claus of Lapland, Ded Moroz (the Russian Santa) and the Lord of Frost, and have the opportunity to stay with local reindeer herders in the village of Yuchyugey during the annual reindeer festival, a truly colourful affair for those who embrace the cold. From US$3,650 per person, twin share; w w w. 5 6 t h p a r a l l e l . c o m
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Mounted Meander Botswana is where it’s at in terms of African safari action in 2014, with the magical Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, seducing wildlife lovers from across the globe. What better way to ease your way into nature than on horseback? In The Saddle riding holidays offer an enchanting three-day itinerary for experienced riders that seeks out giraffe, elephant, buffalo, antelope, and even lions on the hunt. Once considered a wasteland swamp, the delta is now one of Africa’s prime wildlife areas, and the four six-hour per day rides are tailored to follow the movement of game and the ever-changing water levels. Guests will spend their days cantering with zebra and lechwe, tracking elephant herds and navigating the delta’s waterways, and evenings in classic safari tented camps with ensuite facilities and even a central plunge pool to ease the aches of the saddle. From US$5,223 per person; www.inthesaddle.com
Bird’s Eye View Ever wished you could capture the ancient beauty of Angkor Wat from a different perspective? Belmond’s luxurious La Résidence D’Angkor in Siem Reap has created a unique itinerary hosted by award-winning fine art photographer John McDermott designed to not only help your shooting skills but to also help you take home a truly memorable vista in the process. The Angkor Photo Adventure package includes two nights’ accommodation, a three-day pass to the Unesco-listed Angkor Wat complex, and a full day excursion under the wing of a professional photographer. Choose your shooting position, from the back of an elephant beside the meandering Siem Reap River, from the co-pilot’s seat in a helicopter for that perfect aerial shot, from your perch on a long boat bound for the Kompong Phuk water village on Tonle Sap lake, or from behind the handle bars on a bicycle tour of the town’s tree-lined boulevards. Follow your adventures with a picturesque picnic, or visit a vibrant market for perfect people shots. You’re limited only by your imagination. From US$1,400 per person, twin share; www.orient-express.com
A Whale of a Time Set sail with Maple Leaf Adventures and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in search of bears and whales in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. You’ll cruise this vibrant yet remote landscape and its mirror-like fjords on a stunning 92-ft schooner as the first European explorers did, and follow local guides deep into the lush rainforest to visit First Nation villages whose culture goes back a millennia. Open to just eight guests per vessel and limited to just three ships, this truly awe-inspiring nine-day expedition is hosted by Canadian naturalist and artist Robert Bateman and members of the geographic society, the perfect travelling companions as you encounter pods of humpback whales, birds of prey, and grizzly bears. There will be opportunities to shower under towering waterfalls, explore deserted coastline by zodiac, and even soak in natural hot springs. Even better, a significant portion of all proceeds go to help the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. Departing June 19, 2014, from Vancouver, and priced from C$9,995 (US$9,112) inclusive of all meals, accommodation, beverages, and shore excursions. www.MapleLeafAdventures.com www.jetsetter.hk
60 BUCKET LIST
Travel with Teeth The Amazon jungle is famous for many things, but few of its inhabitants have quite the reputation of the piranha, carnivorous fish which have been known to attack unsuspecting bathers. In fact, the incidences of piranha attacks in South America are on the rise, making Aqua Expeditions’ fournight cruises perfectly timed for adventurous anglers and intrepid travellers. Beginning in the remote colonial city of Iquitos in Peru, the journey travels down the Ucayali River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as four other rivers, giving passengers a chance to not only fish for piranha, but also trek in the ancient jungle in search of monk saki monkeys, three-toed sloths, and blue-yellow macaws; photograph pink river dolphins; and visit isolated river-side communities by ship skiff. Of course, you’ll explore in comfort with beautifully-appointed staterooms and Amazonia-influenced culinary treats by executive chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. www.aquaexpeditions.com
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Special Promotion Section
Contemporary
Elegance in
Tokyo
A luxurious retreat just minutes from Tokyo’s world-famous Ginza district, the Conrad Tokyo is a chic, contemporary hotel offering the ultimate urban escape along with panoramic skyline views and breathtaking vistas over Tokyo Bay and the historic Hamarikyu Gardens. Housed in a stunning skyscraper, each of the hotel’s 290 guest rooms and suites are refined, elegant retreats that combine modern aesthetics, touches of minimalist Japanese design, and the latest technology. The Conrad Tokyo also offers guests and visitors world-class dining options with its four sumptuous restaurants. Collage is the place to go for modern French fine-dining by Michelinstarred chef Shinya Maeda; at China Blue, chef Albert Tse dishes up inspired, Michelin-starred modern Chinese creations; kaiseki, sushi, and teppanyaki is the focus of the traditionally Japanese Kazahana; while Cerise is the perfect choice for allday casual dining, whether it’s salads, sandwiches, pasta, or dessert. Complementing the dining outlets is TwentyEight Bar & Lounge, a stylish destination for afternoon tea; in the evenings, the space becomes a sophisticated bar, offering patrons an extensive selection of cocktails, beers, spirits, and whiskies, paired with stunning night views of the city and live music. The Conrad Tokyo boasts one of the best wine selections in the city, a carefully curated collection developed by renowned Japanese sommelier Satoru Mori. Leading the hotel’s other amenities is Conrad Concierge, the hotel’s mobile app which allows guests to customise their stay from their smartphone or tablet, whether that involves booking a relaxing spa treatment or organising a wakeup call. Personalisation is key at the Conrad Tokyo, which offers guests the ability to make their own choices in everything from bathroom amenities and pillows to transportation and room service. Offering contemporary accommodations, sumptuous dining, and personalised service in the heart of the city’s downtown district, the Conrad Tokyo is the perfect base in Japan’s busiest city. Conrad Tokyo 1-9-1 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-7377, Japan Tel: +81 3-6388-8000 conradhotels3.hilton.com
62 MARRAKECH
The exotic Moroccan city has always charmed visitors and captured the imagination – even Winston Churchill was inspired to paint here. DIVIA HARILELA discovers why Morocco’s fourth largest city is attracting a new wave of tourism.
MARRAKECH Mystique
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64 MARRAKECH
W
hile Morocco’s capital of Rabat lies in the north, it’s Marrakech in the south that has been beguiling visitors for decades. Known as one of the most exotic destinations in the world, it has long inspired creatives from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to Yves Saint Laurent, thanks to its eclectic mix of art, tradition, and history. Most recently, it has evolved into a must-see destination for urban travellers looking for a getaway that combines ancient culture with a bustling nightlife, gourmet food, and other modern luxuries. The Royal Mansour tops the list for travellers looking to experience the splendour of Moroccan design and architecture. Unlike the nearby La Mamounia, which is inundated with tourists, the Royal Mansour is a place for those in the know. It was built at the behest of Morocco’s King Mohamed VI as a showcase of the country’s best decorative arts and craftsmanship. It took almost five years to build thanks to 1,500 of the country’s best artisans, many of whom regard the project as the highlight of their careers. No expense was spared and as such, it attracts the crème de la crème of society, from diplomats and millionaires to heads of state. The property is discreet, hidden behind the walls of the ancient city, or medina. While the 3.5 hectare estate offers everything a modern traveller could wish for - an outdoor pool, children’s club, spa and gym - it’s the spectacular design and architecture that takes your breath away. The central courtyard immediately
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MARRAKECH 65
transports you to an ancient Moroccan palace; its sunken fountains, chandeliers, intricate metalwork, stained glass, carved cedar panels, Moorish archways, and zelig (geometric) and motherof-pearl mosaics are a feast for the eyes. Every space, from the bar to the cigar room and the library, is testament to Morocco’s finest craftsmanship and offers something new and undiscovered. A maze of alleyways lined with olive groves and palm trees leads guests to the property’s 53 riads, traditional Moroccan villas, which range in size from one to four bedrooms. Each has a living room, bar, dining room, and rooftop terrace with an outdoor fireplace and private plunge pool. While the three-floor layout is traditional, the amenities cater to the modern traveller with full-sized bath amenities from luxe label Maroc Marc, Simons beds, Porto linens, and flat-screen TVs and DVD players. Even the roof of the courtyard comes with hitech sensors so that it automatically closes at the first drop of rain. What really sets the Royal Mansour apart however, is its sense of intimacy. You’ll rarely see any staff in your riad, even though they are there to cater to your every whim. Instead, they navigate the property discreetly through a series of specially built underground tunnels that allow them to go unnoticed. While the Royal Mansour offers a quiet haven in the city, there is plenty to explore nearby. As soon as you venture into the city, your senses are ignited. Colours burst everywhere, from the brilliant blue sky overhead to
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66 MARRAKECH the pink and red hues of the main city wall. The air is fragrant with a heady mix of orange blossom flowers, spices, and petrol fumes. Horse-drawn carriages amble alongside shiny Mercedes as the men walk the streets covered in thick, hooded cloaks that bring to mind 1,001 Arabian Nights. As soon as you walk down the hotel’s private driveway, you’ll see the Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city. The main street, Avenue Mohamed VI, is just a five-minute walk away and connects the medina with the new district, Gueliz. This bustling area is full of chic cafés, including the popular Le Grand Café de la Post, a 1920s-style French brassiere. It’s also a shopper’s paradise with countless boutiques run by French expatriates that have an eye for style. The best part: there’s no haggling! Walk further north and you’ll stumble upon one of the city’s most fashionable attractions, the Majorelle Gardens. This vibrant garden was originally created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle and is an absolute delight with its bamboo groves, raised pathways, banana and coconut trees, fountains, pools, and bougainvilleas. After years of neglect, it was restored by legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé; fashion fans come in droves to visit the Saint Laurent memorial and pay homage to their style guru. The garden also houses a museum dedicated to Moroccan art and culture. But it’s when the sun finally sets behind the snow-capped Atlas mountains that Marakech really comes alive. As with any bustling metropolis, there are countless restaurants to choose from, including the famed Al Fassia, where traditional Moroccan delights are cooked by a team of women-only staff. Hailed as the best restaurant in north Africa, the Royal Mansour’s La Grande Table Française is run by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, formerly of Paris’ Le Meurice. While the bar scene is supposedly one of the best in the region with top spots including Le Comptoir - complete with belly dancers - and a franchise of famed Ibiza nightclub Pacha, the real adventure begins at the city’s famed square, Djemaa el-Fna. Yes, it’s a world heritage site, but it feels more like a circus. There are performers, snake charmers, ancient healers selling potions, and even a dentist - the fake teeth laid out in front of him are all for show, thankfully. In one corner, groups of men congregate to listen to storytellers spin yarns more fantastical than Aladdin. As the Morrocan saying goes: everything is possible, nothing is certain. Delver deeper and you’ll see steaming pots of local delights, mounds of colourful spices, sticky dates, preserved lemons, and chefs manning the steaming grills. You can even attempt to navigate the 6,000 plus souks laid out behind the square, but they will definitely test your patience and your wallet! Go during the day to visit the master artisans at souks dedicated to different crafts, from blacksmithing and ironwork to saddlery. Finally, no trip to Morocco is complete without a vigorous rubdown at the local hammam. These public bathhouses are a rite of passage for locals and involve a full-body scrub performed by a bullish bath attendant who will scrub you until your skin glows. If roughhouse pampering is not your thing, then go for the luxury version at The Spa at the Royal Mansour, which involves hot saunas, fragranced steam rooms, and cold plunge pools. Definitely a treatment fit for a king.
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ROAD WARRIOR 67 Burma, India, and Thailand are all places I love to shoot in and return to, but there’s also a little beach I just love in Anguilla.
How do you really get under the skin of a place? For me, it’s important to research an area before I go so that I have a skeletal plan of action; then I allow for serendipity. I’ve found that my camera has been useful for allowing me access to people’s lives; because of my camera, people around the world have graciously opened up their homes and hearts to me, allowing me to experience destinations the way locals do.
What, for you, is the best part of travelling? The most rewarding aspect of my work is to know that I’ve created global awareness and in some way helped or inspired someone else – to know that I’ve made a difference, no matter how small. Isn’t that what we all want?
TRAVELLING with a Purpose
How do you combat jetlag? I change my watch to local time while on the plane, and try and to adjust to the local time immediately. If it gets really bad, I use Melatonin or some heavy-hitting sleeping pills.
What would we find in your carry on?
Photojournalist Alison Wright has built a career taking As much as possible. I carry all my camera powerful, evocative images while travelling the world. gear and computers, some reading The recently-named 2013 National National Geographic material, water, and headphones. I like to watch movies on the plane, because I Traveller of the Year talks to Gayatri Bhaumik about her never get the chance to when I’m home. hows and whys of travelling. How can people 'do good' What have been some of your favourite travel experiences? I love the exchange of meeting new people, and using my camera to get me through the door. I enjoying photographing and connecting with people that I meet along the way in each country, like when I was able to wander through the tents of Tibetan nomads, or spend time with the Dalai Lama.
What do you look for in a destination? I consider the story I want to tell, and whether the places are visually interesting. My work focuses on indigenous cultures and tribes, and social issues, so I am mostly drawn to places that are very remote.
What are your top five destinations? I’m fascinated by Himalayan cultures, as I love the Buddhist vibe of Asia. Tibet, Nepal,
while travelling? On January 2, 2000, I nearly lost my life in a devastating bus accident on a remote jungle road in Laos. It inspired me to start my own non-profit, the Faces of Hope Fund (www.facesofhope.org). I wanted to give back in some small way to the communities that I’ve photographed and connected with during my travels. I think it’s important that we remember we are ambassadors for our own countries, so we need to treat others with respect, and respect their own traditions and cultures. www.jetsetter.hk
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70 THE LIST
Spoils of the
Margaret River
Arguably the best wine region in Western Australia, Margaret River is home to some truly spectacular cellar door experiences. From quaffable wines to award-winning cuisine, these are our favourite wineries in the area.
T
he first commercial vineyard in Margaret River, Vasse Felix lets guests linger over premium wines and sumptuous degustation dinners while enjoying panoramic views of the vines. Time your visit to coincide with one of the many art exhibitions and live concerts held here.
L
ocated on top of a hill and commanding magnificent views over their Leston vineyard and parklands, Burch Family Wines boasts an expansive, uncluttered wine-tasting room which has won accolades for its architectural design, and was developed in line with traditional Feng Shui principles.
P
art winery and part art gallery, Leeuwin Estates produces sumptuous wines and boasts an award-winning restaurant with seasonal menus featuring the best local produce. Dine on sweeping verandas overlooking the picturesque meadows, wander the celebrated art gallery, or take in one of the alfresco concerts.
A
t the Driftwood Estate, classical Grecian aesthetics reign supreme. World-class musical performances are frequently given at the estate’s Greek style amphitheatre, and leisurely meals and superior wines are served in the award-winning restaurant, housed in a gorgeous Grecian building tucked among the vines.
T
he wines at the Voyager Estate are produced mainly through organic practices, but the centerpiece of the property is the stunning Cape Dutch-style restaurant nestled within perfectly manicured gardens. Overseen by executive chef Nigel Harvey, it features the best seasonal local produce, and is famous for its acclaimed high tea.
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74 THE GUIDE
Come Y e to
Constantinople Istanbul is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, making it a lively melting pot of East and West, writes Divia Harilela
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THE GUIDE 75
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76 THE GUIDE
EAT Thanks to its location, Istanbul is all about fresh seafood, and there are dozens of expensive riverside restaurants lining the Bosphorus. Located in Bebek, Poisedon (Bebek Mh., Cevdet Paşa Cd No: 58, +90 212 263 3823, poseidonbebek.com) is considered one of the best, thanks to its unbeatable view and fresh seafood. It comes at a price, but it’s worth it just to sample their famous fish soup or wide selection of Mezze (hot and cold), which ranges from hummus to dolmans (rice wrapped in vine leaves) and octopus. Save space for the main course, the catch of the day, either grilled or baked in salt so it falls off the bone.
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For a touch of avant-garde Turkish cuisine, head to Gile (Şair Nedim Caddesi, Akaretler Sıra Evleri, E Blok No:14 Akaretler Beşiktaş; +90 212 327 11 66, gilerestaurant.com), located in Akaretler Sıraevler, where two popular chefs of Istanbul, Üryan Doğmuş and Cihan Kıpçak, serve tantalising, everchanging menus laced with the dishes of their childhoods, and given a distinctive modern twist while incorporating locallysourced ingredients.The wine list here is also a sensory journey in itself, with choice drops from Turkey’s top vineyards – including Turasan’s 2010 and 2011 wines produced from the grapes of Argos vineyards in Cappadocia. If you are looking for local cuisine with a modern twist, then Muzede Changa (Sakip Sebanci Caddesi No. 22; Emirgan +90 212 323 09 01, changa-istanbul.com) hits all the right notes. It may be located inside the Sakip Sabanci Museum, but it’s interior is industrial and chic. Famed Kiwi chef Peter Gordon has consulted on the menu, and you can see his touch in dishes like mashed chickpeas and cold beef peppered with cinnamon and currants and succulent clove flavoured meatballs, which are served up with eggplant, walnuts and cheese for a modern take on a local classic.
SLEEP The most luxurious spot in the city is the Four Seasons Bosphorus (Yıldız Mh., Çırağan Cd No:28, Beşiktaş +90 212 381 4000, fourseasons.com), where guests can check in by speedboat at the hotel’s private dock. The property boasts a 623ft-wide promenade (the largest on the waterfront) featuring a pool and several dining options. While there are two newer wings in the hotel, opt for rooms in the main building, a former 19th-century Ottoman Palace. The interiors combine traditional Ottoman style with decorative geometric motifs, hand-painted ceilings, Turkish carpets, and modern luxuries like freestanding baths and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. For a more cultural experience, spend a few nights at the Four Seasons Sultanhamet (Tevkifhane Sokak No.1, SultanahmetEminönü,+90 212 402 3000, fourseasons. com) which is a stone’s throw from popular attractions such as Topaki Palace and the Blue Mosque. This eye-catching yellow and red neoclassical building is a former prison, and wraps around a landscaped, courtyard garden providing an intimate escape from the action in the old town.
THE GUIDE 77 If you are looking for a more designer experience, then check out local chain House Hotels. A series of modern boutique hotels, there are several locations around the city, including the hip Galatasaray area (Beyoglu, Bostanbaşı Cd 19, +90 212 244 3400, thehousehotel.com). If you want to be in the middle of the action, choose the outpost in Nistansai (Harbiye Mh., 34 Abdi İpekçi St, +90 212 244 3400, thehousehotel.com), which is the Istanbul’s answer to Fifth Avenue.
PLAY Reina (Muallim Naci Avenue 44, Ortaköy,+90 212 259 5919, reina.com.tr) remains one of the city’s glitziest clubs, and celebrities such as U2 frontman Bono and Kylie Minogue have been known to arrive by boat to avoid the city’s notorious traffic. The two-storey space offers several bars and dance floors to get your groove on. Lucca (Cevdetpaşa Caddesi No. 51, Bebek, +90 212 257 1255, luccastyle.com) may seem like a regular restaurant during the day, but come dark, it’s transformed into the city’s sexiest hotspot. It boasts a roster of top Turkish and international DJs who spin everything from jazz to house.
Drinks are designed by award-winning mixologist Cevat Yildirim - don’t miss his signature Satsuma Vodkas. If you are looking to get off the grid, head to Alex’s Bar (Gönül Sokak No.7B, Beyoğlu). Located in the ultra hip neighbourhood of Beyoglu, this cave-like space is the antithesis of hotspots like Gaspar. Technically it has no official name, but locals have christened it after its owner, bartender extraordinaire Alex Waldman, who is known for serving up the best cocktails in town. The impeccably dressed Waldman even makes his own bitters and syrups, which he uses in classic tipples such as the Negroni or Old Fashioned. Try one of his favourites, the Misir Çarşısı, a delicious concoction of gin, calvados, green apple, and wasabi tonic, finished with fresh lime.
EXPERIENCE Istanbul is one of those cities that tantalises all your senses at once, from the fragrant smells of the Spice Market to the hustle and bustle of the Grand Bazaar. While tourists swarm to ancient sites such as Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Caddesi 13, Sultanahmet) is a different experience altogether. Built in 532 AD, it’s the city’s largest underground
water cistern, and was designed to hold up to 100,000 tonnes of water. Many of its columns have been taken from ancient ruins, including the two large carvings of Medusa’s head which are believed to have the power to make your wishes come true. For those looking to go back in time, a slice of ancient Turkish life can be experienced at Prince’s Island, a series of nine different islands a short ferry ride from the city. A popular summer destination for the rich and famous, it’s known for its beaches and lush forests. There’s no motorised transport here, so visitors travel around the old-fashioned way, by horse and cart. Finally, no visit to Turkey is complete without an experience at a Hammam (Turkish bath). While the city has various options, from centuries old public bath houses to modern spas, the most luxurious can be found at the Four Seasons Bosphorus (Yıldız Mh., Çırağan Cd 28, Beşiktaş +90 212 381 4000, fourseasons.com). There are no communal areas here as guests are led to a private chamber where they lie on a marble stone in the centre of the room. Following a vigorous scrub down, the body is covered in foaming soap suds which are then massaged in to soften the skin. You will leave the city a new person.
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78 VILLA LIVING
Dreaming of
Seclusion
One little-known resort in northern Phuket offers seasoned beach goers luxury and seclusion on Thailand’s favourite tropical island, discovers Nick Walton
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ocated on Phuket’s northwest coast, hidden away down narrow streets where sunburnt tourists linger and window shop, Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa, which opened in 2011, is a place for travellers to disappear. Sure, it has a grand entrance lobby with a water feature that runs the length of the main building; there’s a cocktail lounge on the roof, and an expansive swimming pool out front. But that’s not what most guests come here for. Instead, they’re here to escape the troubles of the world in one of Maikhao’s 22 lavishly-appointed two or three-bedroom villas, each of which boasts elegant, almost decadent interiors, modern technology, copious amounts of space and, if you pick the right one, views across a largely undeveloped nine-kilometre stretch of Mai Khao Beach to the Andaman Sea. Our 5,000sqft two-bedroom Beachfront Pool Villa is made for long-stay guests looking to linger rather than explore.
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VILLA LIVING 79 golden accents. Beyond, another fullsized bathroom boasts double vanities and a soak tub under a vaulted skylight. In a natural courtyard made by the two wings of the villa, there is a shaded sala, perfect for in-villa massages, a rather curious jet pool, and a private plunge pool with a waterfall. Families travelling together might opt for one of the 11 three-bedroom Double Pool Villas, massive 7,000sqft two-level residences, with rooftop pool terraces and captivating sea views. Each boasts three luxurious guest rooms, as well as ample living spaces and a kitchenette on the second level. Both villa configurations have an inviting residential feel to them (in fact, the resort has opened a boutique in Bangkok to sell its popular linens and amenities to the city’s affluent) ensuring that guests can enjoy everything from fine-dining to signature spa treatments in the comfort and privacy of their own Thai home-away-from-home. If you do manage to venture from your villa, Maikhao Dream’s signature restaurant, Dokbua, is located in the resort’s main building and serves lingering breakfasts and modern Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the resort pool, while a beachside grill serves up fresh catch of the day, matched with labels from one of the
island’s most extensive wine collections. Dream Bar, on the main building’s roof, offers private cabanas serenaded by the sea below. The perfect antidote to a long day in the sun is one of the signature treatments at the Maikhao Dream Spa, a hideaway within a hideaway. With cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of therapists dishing out an indulgent array of Thai-themed wellness rituals and treatments – including facials by Margy of Monaco, and a unique sand therapy that has guests buried in the mineral-rich sands of the beach - the spa also incorporates weight management and diet consultation, ensuring you’ll look and feel your best. Of course if you do crave activity, the resort boasts a full complement of water sports equipment, from kayaks to stand up paddle boards, and can organise snorkelling excursions to Phi Phi Island or even diving in the Similan Islands. The resort also boasts its own 60-ft Sunseeker Manhattan yacht, in case you fancy cruising off the coast of Phuket’s Millionaire Mile in style. 138/21 Moo 4, Maikhao Beach, Thalang, Phuket, Thialand; Tel: +66 76 371 371; www.maikhaodream.com
A vestibule and guest bathroom open into an expansive living space, complete with a well-appointed kitchenette, a dining table, and lounges wreathing a home entertainment system and 46-inch LED television. The kitchenette boasts an electric hob, a wine cabinet, a full-sized refrigerator, and all the refinements needed to entertain on the spot. Beyond, a walkin wardrobe ensures there’s no luggage taking up space and reminding you of the world outside to which you must at some stage return, as well as a sizable bathroom complete with an indulgent deep soak tub. The master bedroom continues the flow towards the sea, with glass on two sides, a king sized bed at the centre, and a small work station to one side. But as the infomercials say, there’s more. Down a corridor off the vestibule is another guest room, equally elegant in its appointment, dressed in muted green pastels, dark timbers, and cream and www.jetsetter.hk
80 LUXURY SCOTLAND
From the majestic highlands and wind-whipped coastal hamlets, to its historic manor houses and increasingly cosmopolitan cities, Scotland has a unique experience for every luxury traveller. Here are some of our favourites. By Nick Walton.
Under a
Scottish Sky www.jetsetter.hk
LUXURY SCOTLAND 81
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82 LUXURY SCOTLAND
O
ne of Europe’s most famous trains, The Royal Scotsman will offer a host of unique itineraries this season, including trips for golf lovers and whisky aficionados alike. A new twoday-one-night London to Edinburgh journey offers stunning views and tantalising touches of history as the train winds its way through Alnmouth, Berwick, Peterborough, Newcastle, Darlington, Hertfordshire, and York. Highlights include the Queen’s private residence at Sandringham, Cambridge University, and Alnwick Hall, which had a starring role as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Priced at US$1,350 per person, there are departures in August and September. For golfers, the Classic Scottish Golf Tour & Gleneagles is the perfect summer escape. The six-day itinerary includes four of Scotland’s most prestigious courses – the PGA Centenary Course, the longest inland course in the country, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, Castle Stuart, and Cruden Bay. Of course, you’ll also pop into Dunrobin Castle, Dalmore Distillery, and the acclaimed Johnston’s Cashmere Centre along the way. Priced from US$8,810 per person, departures are in May and September. www.belmond.com Golfers bound for Scotland’s most hallowed grounds, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, can now do so in style with the opening of Hotel du Vin St Andrews in April, the first luxury hotel located within St Andrews’ Old Town. The hotel is perfectly positioned for golfers looking to make the most of summer’s most prestigious golf tournaments. Only moments from the first tee, the traditional stone and slate hotel provides guests with an elegant and lavish base from which to explore the Old Town, the manicured golf courses, or even the famous golden West Sands beach. The hotel boasts dark leather and subtle patterns through 22 spacious bedrooms, each of which feature custom-made, Egyptian cotton beds, flat-screen TVs, and Lavazza coffee machines. The signature restaurant, the Bistro, serves seasonal French-inspired menu matched with an extensive list of champagnes and wines carefully selected by the resident sommelier, perfect for postmatch celebrations. www.hotelduvin.com Of course, whisky remains as much a draw card to Scotland as its oldest game, and on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky remains the jewel in the crown of The Scotch Whisky Experience, the city’s premier whisky visitors centre. Comprising 3,384 individual bottles of Scotland’s most famous export, the collection was assembled by Brazilian Whisky enthusiast Claive Vidiz, and was returned to Scotland in 2009. The collection includes single malt, grain, and blended whiskies from across the past 120 years, with the oldest bottles dating back to the late nineteenth century. Visitors to the Scotch Whisky Experience will encounter the collection, stored in a specially designed glass and marble air-conditioned vault, and can even use the space for intimate private dinners and tastings, catered by the culinary team the venue’s award-winning restaurant, Amber. www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
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LUXURY SCOTLAND 83
If you prefer to travel for your dram, Hong Kong-based The Experience Company has a new eight-day Whisky Festival Experience that departs May 1st and combines both world-class whisky with golfing and Celtic tradition. Highlights of the itinerary include exclusive tastings of Glenlivet and Macallan, spending time with world whisky authority Charles Maclean and bidding in a highstakes whisky auction, visiting Ballindalloch Castle, and teeing off at St Andrews. You’ll celebrate your score card with the coveted first release 1988 Glenfarclas 25 years, have the opportunity to fly-fish, dine on local favourites like black pudding and haggis, and even cruise Loch Ness, while being accommodated at leading luxury hotels across Scotland. Priced from US$9,800 per person, twin share, excluding flights. http://theexco.com If you’re looking to flee the crowds, you can’t go past the Isle of Eriska, a picturesque 100-hectare private island off the West Coast of the Highlands, complete with its own luxurious hotel, Michelin-starred chef, and ESPA Spa. Just a two-hour drive from Glasgow, and two and a half hours from Edinburgh, Eriska offers the ultimate Highlands rural indulgence; with just 25 luxurious guest rooms and the ambiance of a country manor, there is always a quiet, sunny nook in which to curl up with a good book, while the more active can try their hands at everything from fly-fishing and mountain biking to archery and clay shooting. A modern spa offers a host of indulgent treatments to get you into an escapist mindset, and the Relais & Châteaux restaurant, headed by chef Ross Stovold, focuses on using the very best locally-sourced Scottish ingredients. www.eriska-hotel.co.uk Once you’ve tired of links and liquour, you’ll quickly discover that Scotland boasts a rich medieval history, and castles like Eilean Donan, located on its own island in the country’s northwest, where three great sea lochs meet, are testament to its glorious past. One of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Eilean Donan was partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, and lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years, until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRaeGilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the
castle to its former glory. The fourth reconstruction of this historic fortification was reopened in 1932, and can easily be visited on day trips from Inverness, Aviemore, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. www.eileandonancastle.com Another breathtaking summertime escape is to the picturesque island of Mull, population 2,800. Located off the west coast of Scotland, Mull is often visited on tours of the Inner Hebrides, which include the Isle of Skye, Canna, Coll, and Eigg. A great way to explore Mull’s dramatic landscape and to spy some of its acclaimed wildlife is on the six-night Heritage and Wildlife of Mull and Glencoe itinerary by The Majestic Line, a local cruise operator that specialises in the Hebrides. Departing from Oban in April and October 2015, the itinerary explores the Sound of Mull, the magnificent sea lochs of Loch Sunart and Loch Linnhe, imposing Duart Castle, the tiny distillery at Tobermory, and the small islands of Oronsay and Canna, home to seals, porpoises, and birds of prey. www.themajesticline.co.uk www.jetsetter.hk
Constance LÉmuria Seychelles Located on the island of Praslin, Constance Lémuria provides a heavenly setting with three white sand beaches, including the renowned Anse Georgette. Newlyweds can check into one of the Luxurious Villas, tranquil, romantic retreats offering total seclusion, and spend their days lounging on the beaches, indulging in Creoleinspired couples’ spa treatments, and feasting at candlelit gourmet dinners at one of the three world-class restaurants. Constance Lémuria also offers exclusive honeymoon packages.
Newlywed BLISS
Couples looking for the perfect honeymoon destination should look no further than Constance Hotels and Resorts, whose properties across the Indian Ocean offer beachside retreats with privacy, gourmet cuisine, and exciting activities in breathtaking locations.
Constance Halaveli Maldives Set on its own idyllic island, Constance Halaveli is surrounded by clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Honeymooners can seek seclusion in the opulent Water Villas, where they can soak in private plunge pools and lounge on expansive decks. Outside the villa, try spa treatments for two, explore the waters of the North Ari Atoll, and indulge in a candlelit Asianinspired dinner at Jing, or perhaps a sumptuous champagne breakfast in your villa.
Constance Moofushi Mauritius Set on its own secluded island, Constance Moofushi is the ultimate retreat for couples looking for a simple, relaxing honeymoon. Newlyweds can choose the popular all-inclusive Cristal package, which features drinks; all meals at the Mantra restaurant; an a la carte dinner at the Alizee beach grill; afternoon tea by the pool; snorkelling; and a Dhoni boat excursion. Explore the waters of the South Ari Atoll, spend the day on a deserted island, take a sunset cruise, and indulge in gourmet meals and delicious cocktails at the two restaurants and beachside bars.
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Constance Le Prince Maurice Mauritius
Constance Belle Mare Plage Mauritius Secluded in a bay alongside an expansive, pristine stretch of sand, Constance Belle Mare Plage offers honeymooners a stunning retreat with one of its Villas with Private Pools, which offers private beach access. Spend yours days lazing on the beach, exploring the 37 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, relaxing with couples’ spa treatments, or staying active with a range of water activities and rounds of golf on the two championship-level courses. At night, watch the sunset from one of the five bars, then enjoy a romantic, candlelit Mediterranean dinner at the secluded La Spiaggia, one of seven restaurants here.
Constance Ephelia Seychelles Boasting a delicious sense of intimacy and five-star luxury, Constance Ephelia is the perfect retreat for newlyweds. Check into one of the exclusive Hillside Villas to hide out in total privacy, soak up the sun on one of the pristine beaches, explore the waters of the Port Launay National Marine Park, and slip away at the property’s Spa Village. In the evenings, enjoy sundowner cocktails by the beach or pool, then amble over to a sumptuous dinner at one of the five world-class restaurants – try Cyann for fine-dining cuisine which combines French, Seychellois and Asian influences, or Seselwa for casual beachside dining featuring Creole specialties and fresh seafood.
A fabulously intimate resort, Constance Le Prince Maurice offers honeymooners the chance to relax in seclusion, or bond over a host of fun experiences and activities. Couples can relaxing by the on the beach or by the property’s stunning infinity pool, play a few rounds on the two golf courses, and enjoy water sports like waterskiing and diving. Start your evenings with an aperitif at the Laguna Bar while enjoying stunning ocean views with live jazz, then indulge in a delicious seafood meal at La Barachois, a romantic haven floating above the still waters of the lagoon and reached by a pathway lit by lanterns.
86 TURNING LEFT Cathay Pacific’s business class product is the perfect antidote to long-haul flights, discovers Nick Walton on a recent flight from New Zealand.
Tried &
True Check In In the post-festive season rush, Auckland International Airport was chaotic, but we checked in for our CX flight through a dedicated check in counter with ease, before taking an elevator for premium passengers that lead directly to dedicated security and immigration lanes on the level above.
The Lounge Cathay Pacific business class passengers departing Auckland have access to Air New Zealand’s chic flagship Koru Club lounge. Designed to resemble a New Zealand bach, or summer house, the lounge is segmented into a variety of spaces, from long communal tables to lounge settings, and closed off workspaces to games rooms for the little ones. The décor is residential and refreshing, with ample natural light, rustic furniture, silent televisions playing cricket highlights, and plenty of greenery. You can also snap up some great New Zealand drops, from Wake Apple Cider from Marlborough, Mac’s Best Bitter, and Moa Pale Ale, to Mudhouse Sauvignon Blanc and Te Hana bubbles, as well as a wide selection of salads and cold cuts, and a full bar offering.
Onboard Cathay operates an Airbus A340-300 between Auckland and Hong Kong in a three cabin configuration consisting www.jetsetter.hk
of economy, premium economy, and business class. The business class cabin features Cathay’s older herringbone-style business class product, which some frequent fliers dislike but I always enjoy. I revel in the privacy of the herringbone seats, the additional space at shoulderlevel when in full recline, and the direct aisle access. Cheerful and efficient crew welcomed us on board with hot towels and glasses of Deutz Champagne as we settled in for the eleven and a half hour day time flight, which departed a few minutes early. The herringbone seats were a groundbreaking business class product when they were first introduced, and continue to offer levels of space and privacy leagues ahead of many other global airlines. When configured as a seat, there is lumbar support, an oversized work table, shelves for cocktails, pockets for magazines and reading glasses, in-seat power and USB access, and a 15.4-inch personal screen linked to the airline’s sophisticated entertainment system, Studio CX. When in 180-degree lie-flat configuration, coupled with luxury linens and pillows as well as amenity kits by French label agnès b, which feature select skincare products from American brand Murad, they offer a very comfortable bed in the sky.
Dining Day time flights are great because you have the chance to fully embrace the
dining experience without sacrificing sleep. We started with a salmon, apple and wasabi mayonnaise salad, followed by a choice of stir-fried prawns in XO sauce with jasmine rice; grilled New Zealand beef fillet with red onion confit; gruyère and herb-crusted chicken breast with yellow mustard seed pappardelle; or oregano gnocchi with wild mushroom cream. The cheese boards features fantastic selections from New Zealand, including Kapiti aged cheddar, Aorangi brie, and Mount Peel blue, followed by a lemon and lime curd tart and seasonal fruit. As if that wasn’t enough, a second meal was served over the Philippines, which included a choice of Portuguese chicken curry; pancetta and mushroom risotto cake with wild mushroom cream sauce; or a fisherman’s pot pie, with Haagen Dazs ice cream and roast duck noodles available on demand. Meals were served with a choice of two white wines, including a Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, and two reds, while the meal service was the usual picture of efficiency and diligence, with staff attentive and friendly throughout the flight.
Summary Long-haul flights can be tiresome, but Cathay Pacific’s marriage of innovation and professionalism takes the pain away from any journey, old seat or new. www.cathaypacific.com
lifestyle
The Brunch
Benchmark
The Principal’s Chef Jonay Armas Thrills Again
The Best of Both World's Mclaren’s new 650S Supercar
Nature's Nectar Honey-Inspired Healing
Harlan Goldstein’s Comfort • Personal Wealth • The Vermouth Vanguard
88 FOOD ADVENTURES
Nature's
Nectar A cave painting in Valencia, Spain, suggests that humans have been using honey for more than 8,000 years. In that time, we’ve developed some curious and indulgent uses for the sweet stuff, discovers Gayatri Bhaumik.
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FOOD ADVENTURES 89
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pa Aiyana, at Carmel Valley Ranch in the heart of California’s Monterey County, offers spaophiles a thoroughly immersive honey experience with its Bee Beautiful treatment. The 90-minute ritual begins with the application of warm lavender oil to prepare the skin for a healing, moisturising honey and calendula body buff. To maximise the restorative properties of the honey and calendula, you’ll be enveloped in a warm cocoon wrap, while being treated to a facial massage with the spa’s Royal Jelly Exfoliating Polish and Honey Aloe Purifying Mask. Once the face and body masks come off, you’ll luxuriate with a soothing Honey Shea Butter massage which will leave you buzzing for the rest of the day. www.carmelvalleyranch.com Over in the Philippines, treat your taste buds to as much honey as they can handle at the Fairmont Makati. Spectrum, the luxury hotel’s buffet restaurant, offers a range of delights at its live cooking stations, one of which is dedicated solely to honeyed offerings. Spectrum’s honey station features live bees at work alongside a wide selection of fresh honey, including some infused with a variety of flavours like French vanilla, star anise, fig and apricot, cinnamon, and sunflower. Don’t miss the honeycomb in chocolate cups, or the pistachio mascarpone with honey drizzle. www.fairmont.com/makati If you’re looking for a comprehensive range of honey-based products, head south to Taupo in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island to visit Huka Honey Hive, a honey institution with a 20-year history. Here, you’ll find a huge variety of honeys, including active Manuka honey and New Zealand Bush honey; honey-infused wellness, skincare, and beauty products; mead wines, liqueurs, and honey beers; and gourmet products like the Grillhouse Horseradish Manuka Honey Mustard. Huka Honey Hive also puts a percentage of all sales towards philanthropic efforts, making your purchases that much sweeter. www.hukahoneyhive.com For the ultimate honey encounter, go north to Victoria, Australia, where the Beechworth Honey Experience offers an interactive, immersive guide to the sweet stuff. Start with the free 25-minute tour where owners Jodie and Steven Goldsworthy will take you through the history of honey, then accompany a beekeeper through stunning rural landscapes as he gathers this natural, runny gold. Leave time to try the company’s honey ice cream, honeycomb, sparkling honey drinks, and nougat, or pick up a sumptuous honey recipe, beeswax candles or honeylaced beauty products for friends. www.beechworthhoney.com.au
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90 CHEF PROFILE
French
TWiST After training with the best culinary schools and chefs in France, Lanshu Chen returned to her native Taiwan to open her own restaurant, the innovative Le Možt. The 2014 Veuve Clicquot Asia's Best Female Chef tells Gayatri Bhaumik about her love of the culinary arts and French cuisine.
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CHEF PROFILE 91
How did you become involved with cooking and culinary endeavours? I’ve loved cooking since I was a child. I grew up in a big family, and all my aunties were great cooks who taught me to cook traditional Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine. At university, I wanted a new challenge, so I committed to spending up to two years exploring my interest in cooking overseas, just to see if I could make it.
You chose France to study the culinary arts and you specialise in French cuisine. Why? Early on, I developed a passion for pastry so I went to Paris in 2003 to study pastry-making at Le Cordon Blue. After a year, I went to another culinary school, Ferrandi, and unexpectedly fell into French cuisine. I was quickly overwhelmed by the charm of French cooking, and indulged in its world of speed and heat. I soon realised this was something I could completely devote myself to.
How has your roundthe-world restaurant experience influenced your culinary style? I interned with chef Jean-François Piège in Paris, who inspired me with his artistic balance of flavours and exquisite visual achievements. His work at Les Ambassadeurs, at the Hôtel de Crillon, is the prototype of French haute cuisine for me. It was incredibly impressive to me to watch his brigade creating beautiful dishes, and since then, I’ve dreamt of becoming a chef like him.
What inspires your cooking? I’m inspired by everything that surrounds me, whether that’s street food or finedining, Taiwanese or western cuisine. Colours, pictures, smells – anything
can spark creative inspiration for me. I always carry a small notebook to write down my ideas and reactions – these help me find essential elements that I can then transfer into concepts for dishes.
Can you describe your cooking philosophy? I strive to find harmony among flavours and textures. The essence of exceptional cuisine is defined by the balance of ingredients; it’s the interplay of sour and sweet, spice and aroma, that will ultimately create the perfect medley of flavours. I always emphasise balance when I invent new menus; from the visual presentation and flavours to the textures, it’s about incorporating all the details that come together in a dish. French cuisine isn’t just about the food; it incorporates culture, processes, and emotion. My experiences in Paris taught me that people appreciate attention to detail.
Le Mo t adapts European culinary traditions for Taiwanese diners. How do you achieve this? When luxury products from around the world meet local Taiwanese delicacies, there is an instant spark. Whether it’s fresh Silkie Hen’s eggs, sweet baby carrots from Nanto’s organic farm, line-caught wild Amadai from Taiwan’s northeastern coast, black truffle from Perigord, Beluga caviar, or Wagyu beef, they come together to create a sensational combination. I create my own ‘haute cuisine’ by fusing local produce with international luxury ingredients, and using classic French touches.
Have you learned any important lessons during your time in the industry? The key thing I’ve learned is respect. “Respect food, respect guests, respect yourself” is a motto I keep as a sticker on my fridge. It’s important to present ingredients in the best way; to treat all diners as unique
and special; and to respect my career, despite the fact it is sometimes viewed negatively in Taiwan and China. Passion is also essential to developing a career as a chef. It’s what drives me so I never feel tired.
Now that you've been named Veuve Clicquot Asia's Best Female Chef, what's the next challenge you'd like to take on? I would like to continue expanding the Le Moût brand. We plan to invite more Asian chefs to work with us on special dinners at the restaurant, and experiment with other Asian cuisines like Japanese, Indian, and Thai. We’re also opening our Choux Choux Atelier in March, which will serve highquality breads and pastries, as well as my favourite chinaware brands and teas. The idea for this stemmed from my breakfast and afternoon tea dates with my son that we have most days. Personally, I’ll continue to travel to look for new ideas and work with other chefs to broaden my vision.
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92 MINIBAR Continuing the global renaissance of high-quality gins, Langley’s No. 8 Gin is a 100 percent English spirit, tailored for the ultimate gin and tonic. The award-winning gin uses English grain and a John Dore & Co copper still named Connie to create a spirit that is undeniably masculine without losing finesse. Handcrafted in small batches and made with eight secret botanicals, Langley’s No.8 delivers a smooth, lingering, and robust flavour profile with hints of spicy juniper, aromatic coriander, and zesty citrus harmoniously complementing each other. A slightly higher ABV of 41.7 provides the perfect strength to allow the true balance of flavours to come through, especially when served with good quality tonic water. www.langleysgin.com
Created to coincide with the muchanticipated Anchorman 2 movie, Ron Burgundy Blended Scotch Whisky: Great Odin’s Raven Special Reserve, named for one of the fictitious anchorman’s favourite exclamations, is made in Scotland by the St Andrews Distillery. A combination of 60 percent malt and 40 percent grain, the blend features whiskies from Speyside, the Highlands, and Islay. Any fan of the film and its cast of crazy characters will love the heavy-duty marketing around this drop, even if the over-sweetness means you only reach for it when watching Will Ferrell in action. Perfectly suited for mixing up a Rusty Nail or similar whisky concoction, expect touches of smokiness that will appeal to Scotch drinkers, and a rich toffee hue that will look great on the home bar, even if it’s rarely poured. Look out for this manly spirit across the US. US$25; www.rivieraimports.com
Floral Flourish Celebrate new beginnings with the release of Dewar’s 1893 Edition of The Legacy Collection. The 1893 edition is the first of three exceptional whiskies that make up The Legacy Collection, which has been created to celebrate three landmark years in the extraordinary history of Scotland’s foremost whisky maker. Just 1,000 bottles of each edition will be released, available exclusively through travel retail outlets. This first edition of The Legacy Collection marks 1893 - the year that John Dewar & Sons was granted its first Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria. Priced at US$3,888, the 1893 edition is an exquisite blend of 20 malt and grain whiskies that have been sourced from rare and longaged casks from the Aberfeldy and Royal Brackla distilleries, amongst others. After initial ageing and blending, the blend undergoes a period of double-ageing – one of Dewar’s pioneering innovations - with the whisky returning to a cask for another year to evolve, mellow, and harmonise into a beautifully smooth blend. In a final luxurious flourish, the rarest, oldest, and most precious Royal Brackla single malt has been added to make the 1893 edition an unsurpassed example of Scottish whisky-making. www.dewars.com
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Spring is certainly in the air as boutique champagne house Perrier-Jouët launches its limited-edition Belle Epoque 2007, the 25th vintage of the acclaimed prestige cuvée styled annually with a spring bouquet. This year’s springtime blend features predominantly Grand Cru chardonnay grapes - the House’s signature - selected for their freshness, finesse, and liveliness, married with the delicacy, body, and subtleness of macerated pinots noir grapes, principally from the commune of Vertus, the only Côte des Blancs village producing red wine. Cellar-aged for five years, the vintage is released while still young to keep all of its original freshness from a year when summer arrived early. The region’s chardonnay vines flowered in late May 2007, rather than the usual midJune, and harvesting began in late August, nearly a month ahead of traditional schedule. The result is a delicate spring bouquet dominated by the aromas of elderflower, peaches, and yuzu zest, with notes of Morello cherries. www.perrier-jouët.com
MINIBAR 93 Enjoy the last of the cool nights and a little slice of history with the distinctive Black Tot Last Consignment Royal Navy rum. Made from the last consignment of Royal Navy rum, hidden since the official ration ceased in 1970 – a day known as Black Tot Day – this elegant, award-winning dark rum was bottled directly from the original imperial gallon stone flagons in which it was stored and sealed by HM Customs and Excise in December 1970. A great sipping rum for true aficionados, expect a bright yet deep mahogany hue with flashes of ruby, as well as dark chocolate and super-ripe black fruits on the nose, followed by a sweet and thick profile on the palate with hints of tamarind and liquorice. At 54.3 percent ABV it’s a heady drop with a remarkably light finish. www.blacktot.com
The perfect addition to springtime cocktails, Bärenjäger (also known as Bärenfang) is an elegant honey liqueur from Germany that’s increasingly making its way into the top cocktail bars of Europe. Named for the fur trappers of Europe, and with a heritage that reaches back to 15th century East Prussia, the best known Bärenjäger, made by Schwarze & Schlichte, still features a bear and fur trapper on the bottle. For some, it’s perhaps too sweet to be served by itself, but Bärenjäger is the perfect liqueur for light summery cocktails, and matches well with Elderflower. Expect an intense honey nose with hints of vanilla and caramel, followed by a very sweet palate and a warm finish. www.barenjagerhoney.com
From gins laced with sweet wine to rum with military heritage, here’s what you’ll find in our wet bar this spring. Delivered in an eye-catching silverhued bottle and available only through travel retail, the first of the Russian Standard Vodka Original Folklore series is dedicated to the magical Zhar Ptitsa firebird, a spirit famed for its magnificent plumage. The ideal addition to any home bar this season, the limited-edition bottle is the first in a series showcasing Russian craftsmanship, and features a meticulously-crafted illustration using exquisite metallic print technology that brings the legacy of the Russian phoenix to life. The rich heritage of the brand’s Russian provenance makes the Folklore edition a charming and evocative gift. Russian Standard is made exclusively in St. Petersburg, where the famed Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev, founder of the Periodic Table, established the principals of vodka-making in the 19th century. www.russianstandardvodka.com
For a gin with a difference, the new Ferndinand’s Saar Dry Gin takes its name from the royal Prussian forester Ferinand Geltz, a co-founder of the VDP Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Zilliken wine estate, where they produce award-winning Schiefer Rieslings. The vineyard team has partnered up with Avadis Distillery and marketing company Capulet & Montague to create a spirit distilled from locallysourced grain and the addition of a whopping 30 botanicals. These include lavender, thyme, sloe, rose hip, hop blossom, almond shell, and ginger. This distinctly modern gin is produced with two infusions – an initial steeped infusion followed by a vapour infusion – followed by the addition of a dash of Riesling from the estate. The result is a light and floral gin that has a real depth to it, and a touch of sweetness that lends itself perfectly to spring and summer cocktails with forest fruits. Presently, the drop is available in Germany and the UK. www.saar-gin.de www.jetsetter.hk
94 SPIRITS
Dust off your bottles of Cinzano and Martini & Rosso and dig out your collection of classic cocktails: vermouth is back in vogue, discovers Nick Walton
L
ike many of us, you probably have a bottle of vermouth sitting at the back of the liqueur cabinet. You don’t use it, you don’t tend to make Martinis at home, but you don’t throw it out because…well someone might one day. Fortunately, this velvety drop is enjoying a renaissance as bartenders rewrite classic cocktails with new, premium spirits. Like port and sherry, vermouth is a fortified wine, flavoured with herbs and spices, originally wormwood. There are both sweet versions, including Martini Rosso, a key component in a Manhattan, and dry styles like Noilly Prat, which remains popular for Martinis. Other styles include Lillet Blanc, which had its own renaissance after the Bond movie Casino Royale was released (it’s used in the original Vesper martini), and the delicate Chambéry, drunk on its own in Switzerland. But despite years of decline, a new generation of high quality vermouths are being given a chance to star in the cocktail show, not just cameo. “Vermouth is a star player in the classic and pre-Prohibition cocktails that are enjoying a resurgence in cocktail bars around the world,” says Ludovic Miazga, Noilly Prat Global Brand Ambassador. “The classic dry martini cocktail, Negroni and Manhattan are just some of the favourites where vermouth plays an integral part. People are also discovering the light and delicate taste of vermouth when served as a simple and refreshing aperitif . A time-honoured French tradition and pastime, the aperitif is becoming increasingly popular around the world.” The renaissance began, some say, with adventurous winemakers in California, who created small batch vermouths that were floral and elegant, catching the eyes of local bartenders. Others say it was the classic summertime cocktails of southern Europe that won new favour in mixology capitals like London and Sydney as bartenders dabbled with the past, brands renewed their marketing efforts
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and launched premium products, and punters placed importance on locally made spirits. “I’ve always been fascinated by vermouth and its many uses,” says Peter A. Cicero, director of culinary science at Damascus Spirits. “The modern vermouth is being turned upside down in that modern mixologists are varying the types of herbs being used to create cuttingedge flavour profiles. These new flavours allow vermouth to occupy the main stage of drinks instead of always being used as a component.” “Vermouth has never really been forgotten as it’s such an important ingredient in many classic cocktails,” says David Hernandez, bar manager at Grain at the Four Seasons Sydney. “What has changed is the perception of vermouth, as customers are becoming more aware of different vermouth brands. In the last few years we have seen several ‘premium’ brands appear and do very well in the market, like Dolin from France and Vya from the US. At Grain, when a guest orders a Negroni or a Manhattan, not only do we offer the choice of spirit but also the choice of vermouth.” “Vermouth is an invaluable tool for rounding out and balancing cocktails,” says Duston Sullivan, avid vermouth fan and lead bartender at San Francisco’s Fog City. “Dry vermouth can add a gentle acidity when lemon or lime is too tart; sweet vermouth can add a gentle sweetness and richness when syrups are too sweet. When I’m working on a drink and having trouble getting the flavours to come together I always look to my vermouth collection for answers.” The trend back to vermouth can also be seen in Asia’s top cocktail spots. Hong Kong’s newest speakeasy, the infinitely elegant Stockton, uses not just one vermouth but two - Dolin Rouge and Dolin Dry – with the addition of Geneva gin, bitter Italian spirit Fernet Branca, and Jerry Thomas bitters, to make its signature Hawtrey, a heady, modern interpretation of the classic cocktail style that made vermouth a household name in the first place.
SPIRITS 95
theVermouth
Vanguard
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96 WINE
The Catalan Caper The Spanish loved the sparkling wines of champagne so much they perfected their own style, a wine that’s now a world leader, finds Master of Wines Debra Meiburg.
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he world has turned upside down when the finest bullfighter in the world is French and the highest selling sparkling wine in the world (over 200 million bottles) is Spanish. Sparkling wine made its debut in Spain about 150 years ago when Don Jose Raventós became fascinated by the Champagne region’s bubbly wines while on a selling tour in France. Head of the bodega Cordoniu in Penedés, Don Jose promptly acquired the basic equipment used by the Champenoise and proceeded to craft a Spanish sparkling wine using Champagne’s traditional methods. Authentic champagne is produced only in the Champagne region of chilly northern France and is made from varying proportions of three grape varieties, chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. Don Raventós didn’t have these varieties handy for his new venture, so he fashioned a blend from three indigenous varieties, macabeo, parallada, and the virtually unpronounceable, xarel-lo. Other wineries in the region soon followed suit. Like Hong Kong families who meet regularly at weekend yum cha, Raventós and other www.jetsetter.hk
local winemaking families began to meet for lunch after Sunday mass. Munching on tapas - their version of har gow and char siu bao - they came up with a bold plan to make the Penedés region the “champagne region” of Spain. Early production was cheekily labelled Champán, Champana, Xampany, or simply Spanish Champagne, however, by the 1970s, the EU suggested the successful Penedés producers might consider developing their own regional name rather than riding on champagne’s reputation. The Penedés growers took the hint. Over Sunday yum cha, they agreed on the more easily pronounced “cava”, which means wine cave or cellar in the local Catalán dialect. Cava can be produced in six wine regions of Spain, but 95 percent is made in its historic home turf, the Penedés region. The small, quiet town of San Sadurní de Noya, which is about 43 kilometres from Barcelona, is the centre of cava’s success. Each October, the little village bursts open like a bottle of cava in culmination of a week-long celebration called “Cava Week.”
The fiesta begins in Barcelona with the crowning of the Cava Queen, who then parades regally through town with her hand maidens in a royal carriage. After crowning, she is given a bubbly glass of – what else – cava by the San Sadurní Fellowship. Cava is so integrated into Spanish traditions that babies are often given pacifiers dipped in cava during baptism. As with champagne, cava can be blended from a range of years or labelled as a single, outstanding vintage. The wines range from dry to sweet, but the most popular styles are the dry ‘brut’ category. Cava are usually “blanc de blancs” meaning they’re produced wholly from white grapes, though a dollop of red wine can be used to produce rose styles. The French variety, chardonnay, is increasingly used to enhance cava’s elegance and weight. Somewhat like the cola industry, cava is dominated by two brands: Freixenet and Cordoniu. Both are fierce rivals, with lawsuits and compliance accusations as part of a oneupmanship game that makes the Iberian bullfight seem graceful by comparison.
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98 RESTAURANT REVIEW
Acclaimed chef Harlan Goldstein showcases favourite recipes from a career that spans decades and continents at his newest Hong Kong restaurant, discovers Nick Walton.
Finding Comfort
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his is a place where I get to show the food I love, my favourite dishes, in a cool setting that’s all about comfort,” promised a gesticulating, largerthan-life Harlan Goldstein when he first told me about his newest eatery in the middle of a gym work out, his biceps curling like a locomotive. “It will blow your mind man!” I’ve been a fan of Harlan’s intelligentwithout-being-pretentious cuisine since I first came to Hong Kong, and that included the short-lived Striphouse concept, into whose stripped shell Comfort, his newest eatery, is nestled. With low-slung black painted ceilings, dark timber, and exposed bricks, nestling into Comfort is what you do; it’s a place for mellow moods and long conversations, for laughter and music, and above all, good food made for sharing with even better company. So I carefully choose three of my favourite people in the world and found a corner booth on a Thursday night, the restaurant already packed by 8pm.
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An eclectic soundtrack blared over specials recounted by staff dressed like Google interns, and a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures followed that had us reliving the chef’s culinary journey. First of all, you won’t be admonished for not even getting off the Something Small selection; perfect for grazing over a good chat and a well-made Manhattan, these delectable little dishes include sensational Finger Licking Chicken Wings with sweet soya, ginger and spring onions; Spanish pork and 5J ham meatballs that fall apart in the mouth with a sigh; tangy, moreish Wagyu beef bresaola; thick slices of bruschetta with truffled chicken liver; and crispy soft shell crab with Asian slaw. A clear favourite were the glazed pork belly baos, surely the best in Hong Kong, while meat lovers should also opt for the truffled beef tartare, which was silky and succulent. If you can move on from the tasty tapas, there are some fantastic mains that demand a little more commitment. The rigatoni with Wagyu bolognaise is rich
and warming, as is the slow-cooked beef cheek, which is served with mash potatoes and home-style gravy, just like Harlan’s mother made it. An ode to his wife, Harlan’s My Tai Tai’s beef brisket curry has been tweaked by the New Yorker and is a dish that’s not for everyone, but the slow cooked Spanish Duroc pork ribs are good enough to convert a vegan. What’s encouraging is how consistently good every dish was, a rarity in any restaurant that dabbles with the label “fusion”. Of course, Harlan is best known for his sweet tooth, and you can’t leave without piling on the guilt with dessert. While the liquid nitrogen dish is playful and mesmerising in its presentation, it was the Old School Apple Crumble that had our two female guests unwittingly re-enacting the iconic diner scene from When Harry Met Sally much to Harlan’s amusement. Comfort, 5/F, Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, www.gold-dining.com
100 TOP TABLES
From organic gardens in the heart of the city to healing brews matched with modern Chinese dishes, here are some of Asia-Pacific’s top culinary experiences this season. By Nick Walton
Health Conscious
Cuisine
Causeway Bay has a new hideaway ideal for post-retail therapy comforts. Shelter Italian Bar & Lounge is a sophisticated space perched above Hysan Place that boasts rare al fresco dining in the heart of the famed shopping district, as well as a menu laced with Italian classics. Executive chef Simonetta Garelli focuses on dishes from Italy’s north, lacing them with ingredients from the restaurant’s own organic garden, and supplementing them with the chemical-free produce of organic farmers across Hong Kong. Dishes also include wild-caught fish and hormone-free meat to ensure only the finest ingredients are used. Signature gems include the pici all’arrabbiata, a hand-rolled spaghetti in spicy red sauce made with homegrown tomatoes; and the organic risotto from Acquerello with black olives and a cream sauce with prawns. For secondis, the hormone-free beef tenderloin, a true palate pleaser, is served with beer foam and organic tempura vegetables, and can be matched with drops from an enviable wine list. The restaurant’s unique design is reminiscent of a glasshouse, with ample natural light and deep booths ensuring the space is used throughout the day. www.shelterhk.com A year after Hong Kong’s The Principal launched its acclaimed Sunday brunch, chef Jonay Armas has taken that leisurely fusion meal to the next level with a new degustation-style brunch. Priced from HK$740 (US$95) per person, including freeflow wines, champagne, and juices, the innovative new menu begins with The Picnic, a delectable selection of imaginatively presented cold cuts, cheeses, anchovies, and liver pâté. The Flintstone Ceviche, a tantalising mix of corvina, lime, onions, garlic, and cilantro, served with diced yams and air-dried sweet corn; and light, tantalising tempura vegetables are followed by Armas’ imaginative Sunny Side Up Egg, which is cooked at the table on a hot plate with sliced croutons, and arugula. Paying homage to Sunday roasts, the classic Spanish suckling pig, a reinterpretation with a modern Asian twist, is served with lettuce, Korean kimchi, and house-blended ginger and scallion sauces for diners to create their own lettuce wraps. No visit to The Principal is complete without a sweet ending, and in the new brunch’s case, that includes homemade mini ‘Snickers’ bars; raspberry pop rocks; piña colada profiteroles; chocolate meringue lollipop; and warm Spanish churros. www.theprincipal.com.hk
If you’re headed Down Under this winter, qualified chef and founder of byochair. com Terase Davidson will be in Byron Bay to launch her first food tour and cooking classes at the iconic Fig Tree Restaurant in early June. Having grown up in a family of chefs, Terase spent most of her family holidays as a young girl hanging out in the kitchen at the iconic Fig Tree Restaurant, which was founded and owned by her aunt and uncle. This planted the seed for Terase’s strong desire to showcase Paddock to Plate eating. Terase’s upbringing and training has inspired her to team up with her cousin Che (who currently runs the restaurant) and launch its first ever food tour and cooking classes. The Food Tour & Cooking Classes showcase some of the Northern Rivers region’s best producers, from Salumi Australia to cheese maker Justin Telfer, and targets producers and farmers who have the same slow food philosophy. The cooking classes will take place at the restaurant’s “Sunrise House”, which offers a large open kitchen and dining area with stunning views across the Fig Tree’s awardwinning garden. Classes will take place between June 7-13. www.byochair.com
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TOP TABLES 101
Despite summer’s swift approach, it’s not too late to embrace the humble chili at Hong Kong’s newest Sichuan restaurant, Qi. Combining creative spicy chili cocktails with a fiery menu of China’s most flavoursome regional cuisine, Qi House of Sichuan, located in Wan Chai, is a great first step for foodies looking to tackle the spice of central and northern China. Chic, intimate, and contemporary, Qi is named for the star anise, a common ingredient in Sichuan cuisine. Head chefs Lo Ka Ching and Wong Chun Fai capture the “seven flavours of Sichuan” (spicy, aromatic, sweet, bitter, sour, peppery, and salty) in exuberant style – with chili levels registering from a tearful eight to an apocalyptic ten - yet the extensive menu also offers an array of choices for diners sensitive to spice. Delectable signature dishes include the chili Dungeness crab with red chilies, green scallions, and Sichuan peppercorns; melt-in-your-mouth lamb seasoned with earthy cumin and roasted chili; traditional Sichuan ‘Mala Chicken’; Sichuan chili-miso fish; and ginger scallion beef. An extensive wine list features Old and New World favourites, while the spice theme continues behind the bar with signature cocktails like the Masala Express, and Ginger Spice. www.qi-sichuan.hk
In his second collaboration with SkyCity Auckland, New Zealand chef Sean Connolly gets to realise his passion for simple, uncomplicated dishes at his newest Italian eatery. Gusto at the Grand is an authentic and humble Italian restaurant based on a philosophy of simple food, classic flavours, and fresh seasonal ingredients. Located within the lobby of the five-star Sky City Grand hotel, Gusto is a culinary experience designed to be shared amongst friends, and joins other well-known Federal Street eateries such as Masu by Nic Watt and The Grill by Sean Connolly. The menu features a generous offering of authentic and rustic dishes with something for everyone, from house-made ricotta with truffled honey and pine nuts; and king crab with lemon and parsley; to kingfish tail saltimbocca with sage and prosciutto; and rabbit cacciatore with black olives. The Acqua Pazza – a whole fish cooked in a splash of Coromandel seawater – is one of the more unusual dishes on the menu, while the Sicilian octopus salad playfully pays homage to the restaurant’s four-metre long artwork of an octopus by awardwinning Australian artist Jason Benjamin. www.gustoatthegrand.co.nz Hong Kong’s modern Chinese restaurant Cuisine Cuisine has introduced a series of nurturing delicacies infused with eight types of fine Chinese tea, as well as a tea menu featuring six premium brews. Available until the end of April, the limited Tea Gourmet Menu takes advantage of tea’s many active healthimproving ingredients, from amino acid to tea polyphenol and antioxidants. Thoughtfully crafted for health-conscious diners, Cuisine Cuisine’s tea gourmet specialties are prepared with fresh and premium ingredients to elicit the aroma of different teas while retaining the flavours and nutritional values of all. Dishes include the chilled “Oriental Pearls” tea pudding with scallops - a refreshing cold dish that features fresh Canadian scallop and a detoxifying tea jelly made with “Oriental Pearls” tea, konjac powder and chicken broth; pan-fried boneless duck marinated with “monkey-picked” tea and a red date sauce; and stir-fried lobster with “Bi Luo Chun” tea, a healthy dish featuring the best green tea varietal, “Bi Luo Chun” from Jiangsu Dongshan, and sautéed fresh lobster for an anti-aging and energy-boosting treat. www.miradining.com www.jetsetter.hk
102 WISHLIST
Chic, stylish, and immensely practical, the new Jennifer bag from Tom Ford’s Spring/ Summer 2014 collection is the perfect accompaniment for spring capers in the city. All the hardware on the bag is solid brass coated with 0.5 micron gold, while the lining is alcantara, a durable material with a similar consistency to suede. Hidden behind the bag’s big zip is a small mirror, perfect for lipstick touch-ups on the go. The Jennifer bag is available in a variety of colours like green and red, and exotic materials including French calfskin and alligator. www.tomford.com
Luxe
Temptations
Evoking the mystery of the desert and recalling the magic of Arabian Nights mythology, Sahraa Oud is the sumptuous new fragrance by boutique French perfume house Fragrance Du Bois. The alluring scent carries delicate hints of oud – or agarwood – and base notes of rose absolute, and is presented in 50ml crystal bottles that extend the exotic experience. Part of the Du Bois Privé collection, Sahraa Oud is a limited edition fragrance with only 500 bottles available, and is priced at SG$550 (US$436). www.fragrancedubois.com
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Italian accessories house Bulgari has unveiled their new Bulgari-Bulgari jewellery collection which features the brand’s signature classic styles and clean designs. The covetable new line encourages sartorial creativity with pieces that are meant to be stacked or mixed –and-matched. The collection carries four sophisticated rings, each of which features 0.04 carats of diamonds; choose from pink, yellow, or white gold, or white gold with black ceramic. Prices range from HK$8,6000-HK$14,7000 (US$1,100 – US$1,900). www.bulgari.com
WISHLIST 103
Amateur photographers demanding style and performance should look no further than the sleek new Hasselblad HV, an ‘elite’ camera boasting some of the most advanced technology available. The new HV features a 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, a 24-70mm Carl Zeiss lens, and the ability to take 35mm full-frame HD videos. The camera ships with a robust, highperformance ‘super resin’ case which protects the camera from extreme weather conditions, and has an integrated organiser to hold cables, charters, memory cards, and even a laptop. www.hasselblad.com
From dashing designer offerings to cutting-edge technology, spring into the new season with these indulgent treats.
Maui Jim has debuted its new line of sunglasses, PureAir, which combine the company’s MauiPure lens technology with ground-breaking, ultra-light frames. The new frames use Grilamid TR90LX, a thermo-plastic famous for its durability and its ability to be coloured any shade possible, and feature MauiPure lenses which are lightweight and scratch and impact resistance. The lenses cut up to 99.9 percent of glare, and eliminate all UV rays, greatly reducing eyestrain. The first in the series is the sporty Bamboo Forest, inspired by the lush bamboo forests of East Maui, Hawaii. www.mauijim.com
The ATH-M50 headphone by Audio-Technica has been given a makeover with the release of the ATH-M50x. The new headphones feature the same sonic signature and incredible performance as its critically-acclaimed predecessor, but include the addition of refined, 90 degree swivelling earpads, and three detachable cables. With custom-made largeaperture drivers, sound-isolating earpads, and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched audio experience with exceptional clarity through an extended frequency range and deep bass. The ATH-M50x is available in black, white, and limited-edition blue. www.audio-technica.com
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104 WATCHES
Diamonds
Are a Girl’s Best Friend
Whether you prefer a subtle dose of sparkle or a can’tmiss-it hit of glitz, there’s no mistaking the glamour of these two bejewelled timepieces.
Longines has released the latest iteration of its iconic Le Grande Classique, which was first launched in 1992, and has become a bestseller for the brand. This new version, Le Grand Classique de Longines 100 Diamonds, retains all the timeless elegance of its predecessors, but brings a touch more sparkle with the addition of 100 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds set in a double layer configuration on the bezel, and 12 diamond indices. Like its predecessors, the new model features a quartz movement, this one the L209.2, and boasts an ultra-slim profile of just 4.60mm, a Longines-patented feature achieved by incorporating the caseback with the lugs for the bracelet. The timepiece is available with a ‘black laquered’, ‘blue sunray’, or white motherof-pearl dial, set in a 29mm stainless steel case, and topped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. This gorgeous piece of arm candy is also waterproof up to 30 metres, and comes fitted on either a black alligator strap with a buckle fastening, or a steel bracelet with folding clasps and push-piece opening mechanism. www.longines.com
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The epitome of show-stopping arm candy, the Cat’s Eye High Jewellery watch by Girard Perregaux is the ultimate addition to any special-occasion outfit. Covered in 50 carats worth of F-VVS grade white diamonds, the luminescent watch ensures maximum shine with the multifaceted surfaces of 645 emerald cut diamonds set across the dial, case, and bracelet, and the single rose-cut diamond set in the heart of the crown. In total, the timepiece boasts 646 diamonds, which required 120 hours to be set by hand. The exquisite watch retains the oval case that’s become a signature of the Cat’s Eye collection; in this model, the case measures 38.63mm by 33.63mm, and sports anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Every effort has been made to ensure comfort and fit, from limiting the thickness of the watch to 12.99mm, to including similarly bejewelled links to expand the bracelet. The case, as well as the dial and bracelet, is forged from white gold, and houses a GPO3300 calibre automatic winding movement. Water resistant up to 30 metres, and finished with white gold hands and a decentred second hand set at nine o’clock, this watch combines subtle functionality with a huge dose of bling. www.girard-perregaux.com
WATCHES 105
Dive Masters From luminous indices to thick, watertight cases, every detail in these three new watches caters to divers exploring the depths of the sea.
Waterproof up to 600 metres, and limited to just eight pieces, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Orange Ceramic is a powerful diver’s watch. An Omega Co-Axial 8615 movement, specially fitted with an si14 silicon balance spring, sits between the sapphire crystal caseback and sandblasted 950-grade platinum dial. Details in 18-carat white gold and orange aluminum bring contrast and visibility, while a central GMT hand, which circumnavigates the watch-face once every 24 hours, is used with the bidirectional, rotating bezel to keep track of time in a second or third time zone. The 43.55mm case sits on an integrated orange leather strap finished with platinum stitching. www.omegawatches.com
Celebrating the recently-opened Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives, Hublot has unveiled the exclusive Oceanographic 4000 Cheval Blanc Randheli Special Edition. It took 18 months to create this toughas-nails watch, which is waterproof up to 4,000 metres. The 48mm case is made of microblasted satin-finished titanium and incorporates a screw-down back, as well as thicker-than-normal 6.5mm sapphire crystal. The matte white dial and satinfinished appliqués with bright yellow photo-luminescent pigment make telling time underwater easy, while the rubber strap and titanium buckle keep the timepiece fastened to the wrist. The finishing touch is a stainless steel helium valve positioned at 10 o’clock, which allows the timely release of accumulated gasses during ascent after a dive. www.hublot.com
Offering divers high underwater visibility is Alpina’s Extreme Diver Orange 300. Available in two models, the watches are waterproof up to 300 metres, and feature steel cases and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, along with jet black rotating 60-minute bezels with luminous markers. To maximise underwater visibility, the watches also sport rich black dials with bright white indexes, and large three-day date displays; completing the made-to-dive credentials are a screw-in crown and screw-down caseback. The larger watch features a 44mm case with an AL-525 automatic movement, set on a rubber strap, steel bracelet, or metal mesh strap; the smaller boasts a 38mm case with an AL-240 quartz movement, set on a rubber strap or steel bracelet. www.alpina-watches.com
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106 MONEY MATTERS
Where the Smart Cash is Heading Asia-Pacific investors continue to be optimistic about reaching their financial goals, and are particularly confident about their home countries’ stock market performance and the performance of real estate, both in 2014 and beyond.
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A
ccording to the Franklin Templeton’s Global Investor Sentiment Survey (released Feb 27), which was conducted in 22 countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, the region’s investors are generally optimistic about stock market performance in their home countries, with over half 58 percent believing that it will improve in 2014. Given these findings, it comes as no surprise that 38 percent of
Asia-Pacific investors plan to add to their portfolio or increase their investments in equities in their home countries in 2014. However, Asia-Pacific investors will be taking a less conservative investment approach in 2014 than they reported last year. Thirty percent still rank the Eurozone debt crisis as their top concern about investing in Europe. Compared to other regions, Asia-Pacific investors have the most concerns about investing in the US.
MONEY MATTERS 107
Investors are more concerned about the tapering of the US Federal Reserve’s bond buying programme than other regions. Elsewhere, Asia-Pacific investors believe that alternative investments (real estate, hedge funds, private equity, hedge funds) will perform better in 2014. Expectations for alternatives jumped, with 24 percent of Asia-Pacific investors believing alternatives will perform best this year, compared to just 13 percent of investors last year.
Leading Indicators Leading developed country markets finished 2013 in positive territory, while major emerging countries ended in the red, noted experts from Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management in a report earlier this year. This trend reflected changing fundamentals, with Japan and the US largely outperforming Europe in local currency, even if European market performance matched their returns in the second half of the year. Two things of note in the report were that: equity market performance in southern European countries like Italy and Spain has been very strong since June 30, 2013; and China woke up in the fourth quarter of the year. On bond markets, performance was also mixed. Government bonds generally posted negative returns, especially in the emerging zone, while returns on corporate debt stretched from satisfactory to very positive, with subordinated financial debt and convertibles leading the field. The Euro gained ground against most currencies, and especially the Yen.
General Outlook The cyclical recovery is taking shape, and the overall monetary context is still very favourable. In 2014, a less stringent approach to budgetary policy should provide extra support for the economy in both the US and the Eurozone. The progress accomplished so far should mean less austerity than in the last three years, and so less of a negative impact on growth globally.
Passion investments Passion investments returned 77 percent (local currency terms) to June 30, 2013 from 2005, outperforming shares, according to the first edition of The Coutts Index: Objects of Desire. Launched on February 14, the new index aims to provide the global benchmark for monitoring the performance of passion assets. Coutts is the wealth division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The index captures the price return in local currency (net of the holding costs) of 15 passion assets across two broad categories: trophy property and alternative investments. Alternative investments can be further broken down into fine art, collectibles, and precious items. Of all the alternative investments examined for the index, classic cars have returned the most since 2005, rising by 257 percent, outpacing all other investments by more than 80 percentage points over the seven-and-a-half-year timeframe. Classic watches have also proved they can stand the test of time, rising by 176 percent from 2005. Jewels returned 146 percent in comparison, while the standout performer in the fine art space is the traditional Chinese works of arts sector, which rose by 163 percent between 2005 and June 30, 2013. Over the past seven-and-a-half-years, the Coutts index, based in US-dollar terms, has risen by 82 percent. The Coutts index incorporates a real estate component supplied by Savills World Research. Trophy property comprises “billionaire” residential properties in the ten prime global city locations, and “leisure” properties in the world’s most desirable leisure destinations associated with these cities. Both measures lost value in the run-up to the global recession, but billionaire property values have risen strongly since, rising 100 percent from 2005 to June 30, 2013.
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108 INSIDER
Encounter, the latest book by photographer David Yarrow is a collection of nearly 90 dramatic images of wildlife and landscapes. He talks to Gayatri Bhaumik about the good, bad, and ugly sides of a life behind the lens.
A Walk on the How did your interest in photography develop?
Wild Side
My mother is a sculptor and encouraged us to observe the world around us; putting a camera in our hands at every opportunity was a natural extension. Growing up, I was an avid sports fan, and it was primarily my passion for sport and the hours spent off the pitch spectating that drove my passion to capture great moments in time. More recently, I’ve been absorbed by the world around us and have turned to nature in my efforts to take images that transcend both context and aesthetics.
Which has been your favourite place to visit and why? Amboseli, Kenya. Amboseli – which means salty earth – is not pretty in the conventional sense, but has the serenity to elicit strong emotions. The landscape is arid and, at the end of the long dry season, the parched earth of what was Lake Amboseli offers an ethereal art canvas probably without equal in Africa.
How do you conceptualise the dramatic shots that you take? We live in an era of content-overload, and to take images that transcend mainstream offerings is a challenging brief. www.jetsetter.hk
It can be a mistake to go on assignment with a preconceived idea of the end result; time must be spent familiarising oneself with factors such as lighting conditions and animal behavior. A certain amount of planning is required in order for a photographer to capture a clean, contextual, and emotive picture. When conceptualising animal shots, I strive for a different perspective from the norm. This may be to achieve perspective, but often, I try to get the animal at eye level and pin sharp. I use different lenses and sometimes remote controls to achieve these goals.
Given the nature of your work, have there been any scary moments on location? There have been many! I did have one particularly hair-raising experience with a brown bear in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Visitors are encouraged never to travel alone through the woods in case of an encounter. Late one afternoon I disobeyed this. Bears in Katmai are lazy and they sometimes use the paths to get from one fishing spot to another. As I turned a corner after a 20-minute walk, I was met by the sight of an approaching bear 80 yards away. It says little for my sense of self-preservation that, after the initial shock, I instinctively raised my
camera and took one picture. I then did as the safety drill had instructed and stood to one side talking loudly to the bear, saying, ‘Good afternoon Mr Bear,’ repeatedly, and louder each time. In retrospect, it was all rather comical, but the nearest human was at least a mile away.
How do you try to capture the essence of a location? A transcendental photograph requires a great deal of observation and homework. I do the research, and on location I spend hours familiarising myself with the surrounding community and wildlife. My camera is just a tool, which I use to convey my understanding of a location’s essence and soul.
How do you choose locations for shooting? As a general rule I pursue the road less travelled, like following the Suri tribe in Ethiopia. The banks of the Omo in Ethiopia host some of the most renowned tribes in Africa, the majority of which live on the east side of the river, which is more accessible. So I travelled the west side, despite the discomfort, the poor facilities, and interminable hours in a four-wheel drive. It’s what I call the Omo trade, the sacrifice of comfort for content. This concept is at the heart of my approach.
TOKYO’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
Come and experience Tokyo’s exciting night at Tantra Artistic Lounge. Special Shows and perfomances every night. Once a secret only known to Celebrities and VIPs, now open its door for you.
快來體驗在東京 Tantra Artistic Lounge 令人興奮的夜 每 都有特別節目和表演 這個秘密, 一直只是名人和貴賓知道，現在它的大門已為你打開. JAPAN, TOKYO, MINATO-KU, ROPPONGI 395, Zeches Baum B2 Tel: 03 5775 6533 // info@tantra-tokyo.com // www.tantra-tokyo.com
110 LUGGAGE
Lighter than
Air
Pack more and struggle less with these ultra-light new luggage collections BY JOHNNY NG
Made with new hi-tech Makrolon polycarbonate, the 22-inch Monaco II is the latest design from JOHN LEWIS. This 2.2kg suitcase features multi-directional wheels and a TSA-approved combination lock, as well as a double-decker design with useful mesh dividers in the main compartment. This elegantly crafted collection comes in two colours - ruby and graphite. From HK$1,400 (US$180). www.johnlewis.com
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Fresh and simple, DELSEY ’s Helium is ideal for youthful travellers looking for stylish and easy-to-carry luggage. Created with 100 percent polycarbonate, this 25.2-inch wheeler (pictured) is only 2.9kg, and boasts smooth lines and surfaces and the added security of a TSA-approved combination lock. There are nine distinct colours in the collection, and four sizes ranging from 54cm to 76cm. From HK$2,180 (US$281). www.delsey.com
Despite its recent debut,
SAMSONITE ’s Firelite is already an award-winning luggage collection, and is perfect for adventurous travellers. Made with unique Curv material that’s exclusive to Samsonite, this 21.7-inch suitcase weighs only 1.95kg, and is shock resistant and water-proof, with a polyurethane-coated zipper to further protect the compartment from water and harsh environments. There are four different colours in the collection. From HK$4,850 (US$625). www.samsonite.com
AUTO 111
Best of Both Worlds The
McLaren is poised to introduce it fastest, most engaging, and best equipped series-production supercar yet, discovers Nick Walton.
W
ith an official debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the new McLaren 650S takes the best from the 12C and sold-out P1 while redefining the high performance supercar segment. With a twin turbo V8 engine and an encouraging 650PS output – hence the name – this unique marque benefits from significant development to handling, transmission, drivability, and engagement, as well as McLaren’s half-century legacy. Despite its roots in the raw power of the P1, the 650S introduces a new design language for McLaren. The supercar’s front bumper presents a dramatic, yet clean appearance and sits below new LED headlamps which reflect a similar look to the McLaren P1. The more integrated front splitter contributes to increased levels of downforce, giving a greater level of steering feeling and confidence to the driver on
turn-in, while also adding to the agility, and the car’s handling balance. Unique door blades behind the front wheels direct air from the trailing edges of the front splitter, further benefiting front-end grip and vehicle balance. Consequently, the aerodynamic performance of the McLaren 650S is as efficient as the 12C, boasting the same drag coefficient figure, yet the air is being worked harder and more efficiently as it flows over, and through, the functional bodywork. Air flow is fundamental to the 650S design; unique side intakes behind the dihedral doors feed large, efficiently packaged radiators, which help provide the cooling requirements of the mid-mounted, compact engine. Active aerodynamics, which feature on both the 12C and McLaren P1, have also been honed to ensure ultimate performance and ability. The McLaren Airbrake, originally fitted to the 12C and 12C Spider, and designed to
offer optimised levels of downforce on the rear of the car, now deploys intuitively and operates with a greater level of functionality, providing increased stability. Below the Airbrake, a distinctive rear three-piece bumper, similar to the GT3 racing version of the 12C, complements the aerodynamic shaping of the McLaren 650S. The McLaren 650S is designed to be the best and most engaging driver’s car in its class, yet it is not a stripped out road racer. Ride comfort and refinement are to executive saloon standards. The McLaren 650S models are equipped with IRIS satellite navigation with Bluetooth telephony, DAB digital radio, wireless tethering, audio streaming, and voice control as standard, while also offering enhanced levels of optional specification, from fixed-back carbon racing seats, and a rear parking camera, through to extended carbon fibre throughout the interior. www.mclaren.com
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Temptations for
Spring and Summer
Just in time for the spring and summer seasons, GODIVA introduces a new selection of tempting treats to help you beat the heat.
Special Promotion Section
First introduced in summer 2013, GODIVA’S Chocolate Soft Serve is an irresistible indulgence. A crispy cone dusted with crunch chocolate biscuits is filled with a rich, smooth, velvety soft serve that’s topped with a sprinkling of chocolate sauce. Guaranteed to keep you cool and satisfy your sweet tooth the Chocolate Soft Serve is the perfect summer indulgence. This year, the Chocolate Soft Serve will be available in 16 stores throughout Hong Kong. Sweet and dangerously decadent, the Chocolixir is a delicious frozen treat. A thick, smooth, chocolate drink is topped with a large lashing of vanilla cream, and finished with a flavour-specific topping. Traditionally, the Chocolixir is available in four varieties: Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Mint Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Decadence, and Milk Chocolate Decadence. New for spring and summer 2014 is the White Chocolate Matcha Chocolixir. The perfect combination of bitter Japanese Matcha powder and sweet, smooth white chocolate, this new drink is sure to thrill with its compellingly complex aroma and refreshing flavours. A wonderful mixture of richness and creaminess, GODIVA’s Cup Ice Cream Collection is a sweet addition to spring and summer. No spring or summer season is complete without indulging in a good helping of ice cream, and GODIVA’S Cup Ice Cream are sure to thrill. For spring and summer 2014, five sumptuous flavours are available: Milk Chocolate Chip, Ivory Chocolate Chip, Belgian Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Chocolate Chip, and Caramel Chocolate Chip. The perfect gift for any party or backyard barbeque, GODIVA’s Chocolate Exotiques Collection are a burst of refreshing, irresistible indulgence. This beautifully boxed selection of 18 individually-wrapped double layered chocolates combines exotically-flavoured fruity ganache with contrasting textures. Delicious pairings include the Tangerine-Banana Crunch, the Mango-Cranberry Crunch, and the Passionfruit-Almond Crunch. Other indulgent additions to GODIVA’s spring and summer lineup are the exclusive dessert truffles and summer truffles.
Macau by Foot There’s no better way to get under the skin of a destination than to pound the pavement. Exploring a city under the steam of your own two feet can introduce you to sights, sounds, smells and tastes you would have missed had you taken a different mode of transportation. The next time you’re in Macau, get out and walk around to experience what the city has to offer. You may absolutely explore a charming and attractive Macau!
Step Out, Macau Exploring Macau on foot has never been easier, thanks to the new ‘Step Out, Macau’ app. With the new mobile app, residents and visitors can choose from a variety of self-guided walking tours that explore the history and culture of Macau. Currently, four different themed tours are being offered, each of which allow you to discover a different side of Macau. For each tour, the app provides maps and videos, introductions to various tourist spots en route, and transportation tips for the beginning and end of your tour. The app is available in Traditional and Simplified Chinese, as well as English and Portuguese. It’s available through the Apple App Store, with an Android version on the way. If you prefer to read the detail information about each destination, you may also take the leaflet of Step out, Macau at MGTO’s tourist information counter.
A-Ma Temple
Senado Square
Tour 1: Arts and Culture
Tour 2: Historical Trails
Macau may be known for its casinos, but the city boasts its own active arts and culture scene, and this tour takes you through the important cultural landmarks in the area. Visit the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, a large-scale themed entertainment complex; check out the Macau Cultural Centre and Macau Museum of Art, and don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage-listed A-Ma Temple, a major cultural landmark of Macau.
A stroll along the Historical Trail is like an experience of going through a time tunnel, to explore Macau’s history and development with this tour that visits some of the most prominent historical sites of the city, and see how it became what it is today. You’ll walk down the main thoroughfare- Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, see the classic General Post Office and the popular Senado Square, and visit the beautiful St. Dominic’s Church and some distinctive Chinese historical buildings.
Route: Macau’s Fisherman’s Wharf -> Macau Cultural Centre -> Macau Museum of Art -> Handover Gifts Museum of Macau -> Macau Science Centre -> Kun Lam Ecumenical Centre -> Macau Tower -> A-Ma Temple Estimated time: 150 minutes
Route: Avenida da Praia Grande -> General Post Office -> Leal Senado Building -> Senado Square -> St. Dominic’s Church -> Sam Kai Vui Kun (Kuan Tai Temple) -> Heritage Exhibition of a Traditional Pawnshop Business -> Tung Sin Tong Historical Archive Exhibition Hall -> Carpentry Guildhall -> Travessa do Mastro -> Rua da Felicidade -> Cheng Peng Theatre -> Baia da Caldeira -> Inner Harbour -> Opium House -> Praça de Ponte e Horta Estimated time: 100 minutes
Special Promotion Section
Guia Fortress Lighthouse
Cable Car - Flora Garden
St. Lawrence’s Church
Tour 3: Nature and Creativity
Tour 4: East Meets West
Lush natural scenery and Macau’s creative hub are the focus of this walking tour, which explores a side of Macau that few visitors get to experience. Follow walking trails to the Macau Reservoir, see the flora and fauna at the Flora Garden, and immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere of St. Lazarus Parish, a Portuguese architectural style area, where many local arts and culture groups have set up shop.
Due to the historical evolution, Macau remnants lots of Portuguese heritage, and this tour shows the seamless integration of East and West that Macau embodies. See the roof of Chinese tiles on St. Lawrence’s Church, see one of Macau’s first Portuguese settlements - the Lilau , and visit one of the earliest European theatres in China - Dom Pedro V Theatre.
Route: Pou Chai Sim lum (Kun lam Tong) -> Communications Museum -> Macau Reservoir -> Guia Cable Car -> Guia Fortress -> Tap Seac Square -> Dr. Sun Yar Sen Memorial House -> Lou Lim Ieoc Garden -> St. Lazarus Church
Estimated time: 150 minutes
Route: Senado Square -> St. Augustine’s Square -> St. Lawrence’s Church -> St. Joseph’s Seminary and Church -> Mandarin’s House -> the Lilau -> A-Ma Temple -> Macau Maritime Museum Estimated time: 90 minutes
For more information about the walking tours and the ‘Step Out, Macau’ app, please visit www.macautourism.gov.mo or download the app
Special Promotion Section
Macau Arts Festival Cel e br at es S i lver J u b i l e e
The Macau Arts Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a monthlong fiesta that will include thirty-one acts, sixteen venues, and more than 200 events. This year’s festival is themed around the idea of ‘Impulse’ – a metaphor for the surging power of the arts, and a demonstration of the strength of the Macau Arts Festival The highly-anticipated event will kick-off at Tap Seac Square at 7:30pm on Friday, 2 May, with the Macau Arts Festival Silver Jubilee Opening Concert. The opening concert will feature specially invited local musicians. The Macau Arts Festival will feature an array of performances from international artists. Performers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Portugal, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Japan, and Singapore, will put on an exciting
range of colourful shows, ranging from contemporary dance to items of Intangible Cultural Heritage such as Cantonese Opera and Macanese Theatre (Patuá theatre), multimedia performances to shadow puppetry, audiovisual architectural mapping to exhibitions of western media and photography. The lively, engaging performances will be held across the city’s purpose-built performing arts venues, as well as at many of Macau’s world heritage sites. On 23 and 24 May at 8pm, the Macao Cultural Centre Grand Auditorium will host Robert Lepage’s theatrical work The Andersen Project, regarded as a classic that merges real with virtual theatre, which has gained popularity over the years. Art exhibitions also feature in the festival’s line up. Not to be missed is the 2014 Macau Annual Visual Arts Exhibition(this year dedicated
to western media, aims at promoting local visual arts and encouraging home-grown talent to participate and exhibit their work) and ‘Collotype – Recurrence: Spatial Convergence of John Thomson and Wong Ho Sang at the Macau Museum. The festival will come to a scintillating close with ‘A Dream of Light’, a grand, original audiovisual mapping show, that will be staged amid the spectacular surrounds of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, every night from 8pm, between May 31 and June 8. For more information about the 25th Macau Arts Festival, please visit www.icm. gov.mo/fam/25/en. Tickets can be reserved online at www. macauticket.com, or by phone by calling +853-2855-5555 (Macau) or +852-23805083 (Hong Kong).
CULTURE 117
Man Ray. Laboratory of the Future. 1935. Gelatin silver print, 9 1/16 x 7” (23.1 x 17.8 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of James Johnson Sweeney © 2014 Man Ray Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
A World of Its Own: Photographic Practices in the Studio February 08, 2014 – October 05, 2014 New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) presents A World of Its Own: Photographic Practices in the Studio, a mesmerising new exhibition that examines the ways in which photographers and other artists using photography have worked and experimented within their studios, from photography’s inception to the present. For more than a century, photographers have dealt with the spaces of their studios in strikingly diverse and inventive ways: from using composed theatrical tableaux to putting their subjects against neutral backdrops; from the construction of architectural sets within the studio to chemical procedures conducted within the darkroom; and from precise recordings of motion to playful, amateurish experimentation. A World of Its Own offers another history of photography—a photography created within the walls of the studio, and yet as innovative as its more extroverted counterpart, street photography. Featuring both new acquisitions and works from the Museum’s collection that have not been on display in recent years, this dynamic exhibition brings together photographs, films, and videos. www.moma.org
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118 TECHNOLOGY
Eyes & Ears This season it’s all about being kind to your senses with cutting-edge SLRs, weatherproof camcorders, and earphones that guarantee life’s soundtrack follows you on your travels. By Nick Walton
Perfect for sunny holidays away, the new Sony MDR-AS700BT Wireless Splash Proof Headphones enable travellers to take their life’s soundtrack virtually anywhere. With a solid splash proof design and a secure neckband fit, the headphones feature one-touch NFC connectivity as well as Bluetooth for music streaming and call answering. Simply touch an NFC-enabled smartphone to the headphones to establish an instant wireless connection, with up to nine hours of continuous music playback. Available in blue and orange. www.sony.com
The newest addition to Samsung’s award-winning NX family, the Samsung NX2000 is a stylish, slim compact camera combining outstanding, professional results with revolutionary SMART Camera technology. Its large 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor produces extremely sharp and highly detailed images, even in low light conditions, and with 8fps fast continuous shooting, the NX2000 can effortlessly keep up with the fast pace of life today. The large 3.7-inch WVGA Full Touch Screen provides a convenient and intuitive navigation tool to access the camera’s range of features, which include 14 different scene modes, while a choice of 12 interchangeable lenses gives users even more control over their images. www.samsung.com www.jetsetter.hk
For avid photographers looking to take their art to the next level, the new Nikon D4S HD-SLR promises formidable levels of speed and accuracy, in the studio and on the road. Designed for demanding photographers and multimedia professionals, the Nikon D4S improves upon the revered D4 to give users enhanced image and video quality, improved autofocus (AF), faster performance during and after capture, in addition to an astonishing ISO range. The newly developed 16.2-megapixel FX-format sensor works in conjunction with the new EXPEED 4 image processing engine to deliver new levels of still and HD video quality and performance. A new Group AF function and overall improvements build upon Nikon’s proven 51-point AF system, while the camera breaks convention with an ISO range that goes to an incredible 409,600 ISO (Hi-4) for maximum versatility in nearly any lighting condition. www.nikon.com
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Canon has released the new VIXIA mini X compact personal camcorder, a nifty little device that gives shooters the freedom to film and record their hobbies, specials interests, and memorable moments hands-free. With “professional-like” features and outstanding audio quality, the VIXIA boasts the same outstanding image quality seen in the previous VIXIA mini compact personal camcorder, as well as easy-to-use Wi-Fi sharing capabilities for uploading to social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube. Featuring a Canon f/2.8 fisheye lens (160 degree MP4 movies/170 degree photos /150 degree AVCHD), the camera is equipped with a 12.8 megapixel high-sensitivity sensor and Canon’s DIGIC DV 4 image processor to ensure superb image quality in a variety of shooting situations. www.canon.com
The perfect earbuds to slip into your pocket, the stylish new Meze 11 Deco earphones combine elegant, simplistic styling with cutting-edge technology. Boasting an 8mm neodymium speaker system and gold-plated connections, the earbuds are crafted in beech wood to give a warm, natural sound and an eye-catching timber accent. A nontangle cord and built-in microphone also make them great day to day sound solutions. www.mezeheadphones.com
Please your ears throughout the house with the new Bose Sound Touch Portable Wi-Fi music system, which allows users to stream music wirelessly in any room. The portable system combines a full-range audio and a rechargeable, lithium-ion battery in a speaker no bigger than the average book. The system streams music at the touch of a button, accessible through preset channels or the system’s remote. A Bose Sound Touch app then lets users use their smartphone, tablets or computers for additional control. www.bose.com.hk
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120 PAGE TURNER
In The Footsteps of
Giants
History is littered with tales of legendary voyages undertaken by larger-than-life characters, some so much so that they still captivate today. In this issue, we tag along as avid adventurers retrace some of the most fascinating journeys ever taken.
On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads
Tim Cope • Bloomsbury
At age 19, while cycling through Mongolia, Cope was captivated by the sight of local horsemen sweeping majestically through the plains, and was soon fascinated by the legendary nomadic tribes of the region, and the notorious warlord Genghis Khan. At age 25, Cope set out to travel the entire length of the Eurasian Steppe on horseback in 18 months, blithely disregarding his inexperience as a rider, and the fact that no one had successfully completed this journey since the time of Genghis Khan himself. Within days, his horses are stolen, and he’s left questioning his commitment to the journey. Yet he perseveres, and over three years, with his faithful canine sidekick Tigan by his side, Cope travels through Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Crimea, and Ukraine, finally reaching his end point of Hungary’s Danube River, while learning to fend off wolves, grapple extreme weather conditions, cheat near-death experiences, and benefit from the kindness of strangers. The book runs over 400 pages, so it’s lucky Cope has a simple, readable style of narrative that draws in the reader with the smooth juxtaposition of personal struggles, day-to-day drudgery, and sweeping, insightful historical context. What Cope has created with this book is a compelling glimpse into a little understood area and way of life.
Shackleton’s Epic: Recreating the World’s Greatest Journey of Survival
Tim Jarvis • HarperCollins Publishers
In 1916, explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton undertook a risky voyage through the Antarctic to seek help for the marooned crew of his ill-fated ship, the Endurance. Almost 100 years later, Shackleton’s granddaughter challenged Antarctic adventurer Tim Jarvis to exactly recreate the ‘double’ journey: travelling across the Southern Ocean in a replica of Shackleton’s wooden boat, the James Caird, then trekking through the mountainous heart of South Georgia. In 2013, using the same equipment, eating the same food, and facing the same hostile, desolate conditions Shackleton did, Jarvis and his crew of five set out to retreace the 1,178-mile journey. Jarvis wastes no time in telling his readers what an undertaking this was, starting the book with the sentence, “I thought I knew Antarctica by now.” The journey tested the crew’s mental and physical strength – Jarvis nearly sacrificed his right food – and their perseverance and spirit; but they succeeded in becoming the first people to replicate what is often acknowledged to be ‘the greatest survival journey of all time’. Jarvis’ storytelling style is clear and straightforward, making this easy to read, and anecdotes from his trip are weaved with background information about Shackleton’s. Illustrated with over 200 contemporary and historical photos, Jarvis’ book gives insight into the inspiration, research, and preparation for this voyage of epic proportions.
Jungleland
Christopher S. Stewart • HarperCollins Publishers Myths of lost cities have long captivated explorers, and Christopher Stewart is no exception. A former journalist, he learned about the ‘lost’ Ciudad Blanco – the White City – in 2008, while on assignment in Honduras. He was captivated by the legend, as were Columbus, Cortes, and Lindbergh before him, and soon, his obsession led him to follow the trail of Massachusetts-based explorer Theodore Morde, who set out to find Ciudad Blanco in 1939. Jungleland chronicles Stewart’s growing obsession, resolve in setting off, and experiences during his own journey to find Ciudad Blanco. This tome hints at Indiana Jones-style adventuring, with Stewart battling treacherous roads, dense forest, drug traffickers, and particularly nasty wildlife like the fer-de-lance, a snake whose bite will cause a horrific death, and the bullet ant whose bite is as painful as a gunshot wound. The narrative alternates between Tim’s life and exploits, and those of Theodore Morde, who was quite a character himself - explorer, diplomat, World War Two spy, and journalist, were just some of his identities. Stewart effectively deploys a conversational, no-holds-barred style of writing that is captivating; he doesn’t hesitate to admit his failings, fears, doubts, and personal struggles, such as his guilt over missing his daughter’s fourth birthday. www.jetsetter.hk