Corporate traveller june/july 2013

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LUXURY YACHTS

CRUISES TO COVET

where business meets luxury + IN TRANSIT

24hrs in Seoul

UP CLOSE WITH SINGAPORE AIR CHARTER’S STEFAN WOOD

INSIDER REVIEWS AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA THE WESTIN CHOSUN, SEOUL Vol.1 Issue 3 SGD9.50/RM20 ISSN 2335-6588

Perfection in

PERTH

CONTENT 10 Postcard London’s Millennium Bridge

58

CONCIERGE 16 What’s on A round-up of corporate and recreational events in the region.

18 News Flash The latest happenings in regional cities as well as updates in the hospitality and travel industry.

BOARDING PASS 30 In Transit Seoul: Infinity in the Making

36 City Report Kuala Lumpur: The Gem of Asia

42 Insider Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa/ Shutters

42

66

The Westin Chosun, Seoul Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket/ La Trattoria

52 Getaway Sirens of the Sea

58 First Class Perfect Perth

66 Wonderlust The Magnificent Seven

Cover Photography Ming @ Surround Styling Ong Weisheng On Elena Printed dress by Bottega Veneta; Bag by Miu Miu; Gold snake skin heels by Dior; Sunglasses by Fendi; Charms watch in yellow gold, Perlee ring with diamond clovers in pink gold, both by Van Cleef & Arpels On Milan Double breasted suit by Emporio Armani, White shirt by Burberry London; Silk tie by Bulgari; Pocket square by Alfred Dunhill; Leather lace-ups by Dior Homme; Leather briefcase by Prada; Classic Manufacture in rose gold with black alligator leather strap by Chopard

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Enjoy a potpourri of unique cultural and historical experiences in the country that offers a fascinating blend of traditional and contemporary flavours.

Cultural tours, historical sites, medical and aesthetics tours, 24-hour shopping, amazing food, the K-pop phenomenon, and so many more await you!

Korea Tourism Organization and Korea MICE Bureau take pride in establishing Korea as the premier destination for MICE visitor.

For more information and assistance in holding your events in Korea, please contact KTO (Singapore office) at +65-6533 0441 or email: koreamice.singapore@gmail.com

CONTENT JET-SETTERS 74 Expert Stefan Wood, Sales Director/ Owner, Singapore Air Charter

77 Frequent Traveller Barry White, Director of Spa, Langham Hospitality Group

LUXE COLLECTION 84 Style File Dress right with stylish ensembles, accessories and grooming products

92 Tech Talk New gadgets to flaunt and four compact cameras to consider

94

94 Shopping Report Quintessentially English

100 Fashion Jet set in style

108 Shopping@Changi A gift gallery of luxury accessories at the airport

112 Indulgence Experience the freedom of wearing Hermes’ Galop Bracelet

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EDITOR’S NOTE

EVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET

The strategy of business. The eccentricity of art. Seemingly opposites in mindset and execution, these two disciplines require a paradigm shift in perception and understanding. To suggest a harmonious co-existence, not to mention a blend of dictums that can be made to channel business motivation is to suggest an antithesis of principles.

But that is precisely the business proposition of a Washington-based set-up called Movers & Shakespeares, and it’s not your run-of-the-mill business venture either. Its owners are the quintessential movers and shakers in the Washington political and corporate scene: Ken Adelman is former ambassador to the United Nations and former director of the US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency; while his XJGF $BSPM XBT B IJHI nZFS BU UIF 64 "HFODZ GPS *OUFSOBUJPOBM %FWFMPQNFOU 5PHFUIFS UIFZ IFBE B QSPmUBCMF WFOUVSF UIBU teaches leadership, strategy and management to an impressive clientele the likes of the Smithsonian Institute, Wharton School of Business and Raytheon Missile Systems.

Taking inspiration from classics such as Henry IV, Hamlet and Julius Caesar, they prescribe creative lessons for dealing with business succession, crisis management and corporate takeovers. The pragmatic may deride the need for such pomp in the hardcore world of business, but creative reframing helps to push the boundaries. Being daring, being different and even being contradictory leads the way to the future of management.

Oscar Wilde made an enlightening point when he said: “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.� If Wilde is too wild a reference point for the conservative, then Sun Tzu may drive home the point when he said in The Art of War: i7JDUPSJPVT XBSSJPST XJO mSTU BOE UIFO HP UP XBS XIJMF EFGFBUFE XBSSJPST HP UP XBS mSTU BOE UIFO TFFL UP XJO w In this spirit of creative change and progress, let us take a look at how cities and business entities have gained solid ground in the global economy: Incheon International Airport has accelerated growth and quality standards to a position that threatens to dethrone our Singapore Changi Airport (pg 30); Kuala Lumpur is steadily moving up the ranks as a world-class meeting and conventions venue (pg 36); London shines in the international fashion arena while keeping its feet mSNMZ SPPUFE UP USBEJUJPO QH 1FSUI USBOTGPSNT JUTFMG JOUP B buzzing luxury destination (pg 58) and Singapore Air Charter BOE "TJB 1BDJmD +FUT QSJNF UIFNTFMWFT UP UBLF PO UIF NVMUJCJMMJPO EPMMBS QSJWBUF KFU DIBSUFS NBSLFU QH

May these success stories – whether accomplished or still work-in-progress – inspire A Midsummer Night’s Dream of magical adventures and dream-like experiences.

Happy reading!

Esther Faith Lew Group Editor

PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER EDITORIAL

Cecilia Woo Sharon Cheu Group Editor Esther Faith Lew Editor Derek Rodriguez Associate Editor Natalie Joy Lee Senior Writers Darren Wong, Michelle Yee Contributors Ching, Sherwin Chua, Lisa Cheong, Caleb Ming, Ong Weisheng

ART

Senior Creative Director Tommy Hong Art Directors Junlong Loh, Cally Han Contributing Designer Joanna Cheng

WEB

Web Content Designer/ Photographer Victor Toh

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Corporate Traveller MICA (P) 152/08/2012, ISSN 2335-6588, PPS1814/01/2013 (025533), is published bi-monthly by Regent Media Pte Ltd.

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POSTCARD

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London’s Link Boasting a revolutionary design, the London Millennium Bridge links the city at St. Paul’s Cathedral with the Tate Modern Gallery at Bankside, two of London’s popular MBOENBSLT *U XBT PGmDJBMMZ PQFOFE PO +VOF XIJDI TBX UP DSPTTJOH JU

Corporate Traveller

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WE ARE NOW ON

ANDROID!

CATALOG and Regent Media now offer mobile applications, the latest platforms for reaching readers 24/7 and on-the-go.

• The definitive shopping guide for the style aesthete • An authority on streetwear, avant-garde fashion and street culture • Up-to-the-minute style and pop culture updates • Discover insider fashion, must-try beauty tips and scoops on the next big talents • Pre-loaded on some of the latest Samsung devices and available for download at the Samsung Apps Store • See the sights and shop without falling into the usual tourist traps • Discover the hippest independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants • The app includes establishments from over 40 cities around the world • Available on the Samsung Apps Store

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Completely FREE, our stable of mobile applications provides our users with the latest information, useful features plus the best contests and promotions. Some of these apps also come pre-loaded on the long-awaited Samsung Galaxy S4 mobile phone in Singapore and will be included in upcoming Samsung devices.

We are constantly exploring innovative avenues for dispensing content, and have plans to launch exciting new initiatives on more devices and operating systems soon!

Contact us to learn how we can tailor an app for your purposes, or for any other information.

• Hotels, attractions, restaurants and shopping locations are categorized for ease of use • Organized and easy viewing of calendar to find out about upcoming festivals in destination countries • Promotions on the latest travel, dining and lodging activities • Pre-loaded on some of the latest Samsung devices and available for download at the Samsung Apps Store • Restaurants are segmented according to cuisine types for more convenient searching • Easy, tried-and-tested recipes from our food&travel editorial team • Promotions, events and special privileges to reward our users • Pre-loaded on some of the latest Samsung devices and available for download at the Samsung Apps Store

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USEFUL FEATURES • Discover fascinating travel destinations and incredible places of interest • Restaurants, hotels and shopping locations are categorized for ease of use • Use our calendar to find out about upcoming festivals in your destination country • Check out the latest travel, dining and lodging promotions

CONCIERGE

Photo courtesy of Rang Mahal

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WHAT’S ON

Clifford Pier— A Place in our Hearts Singapore 3rd June to 31st August To celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the country’s most enduring landmarks – Clifford Pier -, the Fullerton Heritage will be launching an exhibition that will transport visitors back in time to several major events that took place in the country including the Interwar Period (1920-1942), the Japanese Occupation of Singapore (1942-45), the Malayan Emergency (1946-1961) to Singapore’s early nationhood. In its bid to encourage up to 150 stories and pictures, The Fullerton Heritage is staging an online contest at http://www.iremember.sg/index. php/2013/04/02/iremembercliffordpier-contest, to select the 10 best entries for display at the exhibition. The exhibition will be held at 80 Collyer Quay.

ITE Hong Kong Hong Kong 13th to 16th June Widely regarded as one of the leading events of its kind in Asia, the International Travel Expo, which is Hong Kong’s only Travel and MICE exhibition, attracts hundreds of international exhibitors annually including hotels, resorts, travel agents, airlines and destinations. With nearly 80% of exhibitors and 26% of buyers and trade visitors from PVUTJEF )POH ,POH UIJT FWFOU JT EFmOJUFMZ BO effective platform for industry players to cover the fast growing Asian markets.

International Luxury Travel Market Shanghai

Real Estate Investment World Asia Singapore 25th to 27th June Held at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, this three-day convention is set to gather over 500 senior executives from the industry including asset managers, property developers, investors, and other like-minded individuals; providing the perfect opportunity for networking with prospective clients.

Touted as the region’s largest and most established convention, attendees will also stand to gain the latest industry insights and research mOEJOHT GSPN JOEVTUSZ FYQFSUT JODMVEJOH "OESFX Clare, Stephen Dubner, Jonathan Pain, Joe Rodriguez, and a few others.

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3rd to 6th June Organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, the ILTM Asia 2013 will be held at the Shanghai Exhibition Center this June.

Strictly a ‘by invitation only’ event, this year’s edition is set to welcome approximately 500 luxury travel suppliers from more than 70 countries, as well as almost 490 luxury travel buyers and agents representing high-net-worth JOEJWJEVBMT GSPN BDSPTT UIF "TJB 1BDJmD region. A highly exclusive event not to be missed, ILTM Asia allows discerning buyers to learn more about the high-end products and services available, and provides industry players with plenty of business opportunities.

Singapore International Jewellery Show Singapore 4th to 7th July Touted as the most prestigious jewellery event in Singapore, the Singapore International Jewellery Show will be back for the ninth year this July, and is set to welcome over 190 exhibitors and approximately 16,000 visitors from around the world. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, this four-day event will welcome leading exhibitors from the industry, and visitors can expect to witness an array of exquisite jewellery pieces including one-of-a-kind jewellery designs, stunning and rare gemstones, and even jewellery machinery tools and equipment.

Singapore Food Festival Singapore 12th to 21st July Singapore isn’t called a food paradise for nothing, and the Singapore Food Festival is just the event to celebrate the country’s passion for food. Be introduced to local culture and cuisines as you chow down authentic traditional food from the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cuisines including Hainanese Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab, Satay and more. Other highlights include cooking workshops by internationally renowned chefs, special promotions offered by participating food and beverage establishments, and many more.

Phuket Race Week Thailand 17th to 21st July $PNF +VMZ TBJMJOH BmDJPOBEPT DBO HFBS VQ GPS GPVS EBZT PG FYIJMBSBUJOH SBDJOH BSPVOE Phuket’s gorgeous coastline, combined with four nights of magical, beachside parties at UIF mWF TUBS $BQF 1BOXB )PUFM " TUSPOH MJOF VQ PG *3$ CPBUT DSVJTFST TQPSUT CPBUT BOE multihulls will be taking part, and in keeping with tradition the Regatta will host the best Classic Class in South East Asian waters.

Seoul Auto Salon Korea 11th to 14th July Held at the COEX Exhibition and Convention Center, this automobile exhibition provides industry players with the perfect platform to showcase their products, as well as establish business relationships with other companies from the trade, especially those from outside South Korea including Japan, Germany and the US. Attendees can expect to walk through hundreds of booths exhibiting current tuning trends for automobiles, parts, accessories, tires and many other related products.

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WITH SHANGRI-LA’S VALUE AND FAMILIAL HOSPITALITY INSPIRED BY MILLENNIA-OLD CHINESE CULTURE, JING AN SHANGRI-LA EMBRACES SHANGHAI – CHINA’S GLOBAL CITY. WE HAVE SHANGHAI AT OUR HEART AND THAT SETS US APART. Jane Li Director of Sales and Marketing, Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai

Shangri-La makes a cultural statement in Jing’an China The 508-room Jing An Shangri-La in West Shanghai opens this June, sitting on the prime location that is Jing’an – one of Shanghai’s NPTU CV[[JOH BGnVFOU GBTIJPOBCMF BOE DVMUVSFE EJTUSJDUT 4FUUJOH PVU UP DSFBUF B IPUFM UIBU XPVME CMFOE JOUP 4IBOHIBJ T WJCSBOU DPNNVOJUZ OP EFUBJM JT MFGU VOUPVDIFE GSPN UIF TUBGG VOJGPSNT EFTJHOFE CZ $IJOFTF EFTJHOFS )BO 'FOH BOE UIF PWFS TJML MBOUFSOT UIBU BQQFBS UP nPBU NBHJDBMMZ JO UIF 4VNNFS 1BMBDF $IJOFTF restaurant to the commissioning of large-scale BSUXPSL GSPN UXP PG UIF NPTU SFOPXOFE $IJOFTF DPOUFNQPSBSZ BSUJTUT o ;FOH 'BO[IJ BOE ;IPV $IVO :B (VFTUSPPNT UBLF VQ UIF UPQ nPPST PG UIF IPUFM T TUPSFZ CVJMEJOH XIJMF SFTUBVSBOUT PGmDFT BOE SFUBJM TIPQT BSF MPDBUFE PO UIF MPXFS MFWFMT 'MPPS UP DFJMJOH XJOEPXT BMMPX

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Creating a legacy Embraer Soon to enter the private jet market is the Embraer Executive Jet Legacy 500, which took JUT NBJEFO nJHIU JO /PWFNCFS BOE JT OPX VOEFSHPJOH DFSUJmDBUJPO nJHIU UFTUT GPS BO FYQFDUFE TFSWJDF FOUSZ JO 5IF QBTTFOHFS -FHBDZ JT UIF SFDJQJFOU PG TFWFSBM JOUFSOBUJPOBM EFTJHO BOE JOOPWBUJPO BXBSET BOE JT UIF mSTU NJETJ[F KFU XJUI GVMM nZ CZ XJSF UFDIOPMPHZ GPS DPNQMFUF FOWFMPQF QSPUFDUJPO BOE JNQSPWFE DPNGPSU FGmDJFODZ BOE TBGFUZ *U JT BMTP UIF mSTU JO JUT

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THE NUMBERS

4

Costa coasts into town Singapore

Melbourne Airport saw an increase of four per cent in international and domestic passenger movements in April this year over the same month in 2012.

5

Pullman marks its ямБfth property in Thailand with its latest debut in Phuket with the Pullman Phuket Arcadia, which opened in May. The 277-key resort is situated on Naithon Beach.

1,000,000

Japan stepped up efforts to increase Southeast Asian visitors with the launch of the ямБrst Japan-ASEAN Travel Mart 2013 in May, with the goal of attracting 1,000,000 visitors by end-2013.

10.8

The Philippines saw a 10.8 per cent year-on-year increase with 1.3 million foreign tourist arrivals in the ямБrst quarter of 2013. The Department of Tourism reported that its 5.5 million arrivals goal is on target.

100

MedanтАЩs highly anticipated Kuala Namu International Airport will feature up to 100 modern check-in counters and a more efямБcient baggage handling system, a ямБrst for Indonesian airports. It is expected to handle 10 million passengers yearly.

Voyage in Style Dubai

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Le French May exhibition opens Hong Kong and Macau 0OF PG UIF MBSHFTU 'SFODI BSU GFTUJWBMT JO "TJB -F 'SFODI .BZ IBT CFFO IFME BOOVBMMZ JO )POH ,POH BOE .BDBV GPS PWFS ZFBST Staging world-class acts spanning the music, WJTVBM BSUT BOE EBODF TDFOF UIJT ZFBS T GFTUJWBM GSPN "QSJM "QSJM UP +VOF BMTP IPTUT 'SFODI "SHFOUJOFBO BSUJTU 1BCMP 3FJOPTP XIPTF TDVMQUVSFT IBWF CFFO GFBUVSFE JO #VFOPT "JSFT +BQBO BOE 1BSJT 3FJOPTP ESBXT IJT JOTQJSBUJPO GSPN sculpture, photography, architecture and EFTJHO HPJOH CFZPOE UIF MJNJUT PG QPTTJCJMJUZ by uniting opposites and mixing up materials GPS IJT DSFBUJPOT 5IF FYIJCJUJPO UJUMFE Living Sculptures GFBUVSFT BSUXPSLT EJTQMBZFE JO 0OF $FOUSBM BOE .BOEBSJO 0SJFOUBM GSPN "QSJM UP +VMZ www.onecentral.com.mo

Bespoke Luxury Travel Services Singapore 2VJOUFTTFOUJBMMZ -JGFTUZMF B HMPCBM QSJWBUF NFNCFST DMVC BOE MVYVSZ MJGFTUZMF HSPVQ now provides tailor-made luxury itineraries XJUI JUT USBWFM BSN o 2VJOUFTTFOUJBMMZ 5SBWFM Privileged travellers can expect tailor-made itineraries which include nJHIUT BDDPNNPEBUJPO USBOTGFST EJOJOH UPVST BOE NPSF 1BZJOH BUUFOUJPO UP UIF EFTJSFT PG JUT DMJFOUT UIF BHFODZ BJNT UP GVMmM CFTQPLF SFRVFTUT CF JU PSHBOJTJOH

A Wine Journey to Remember Europe Launched in 2012, Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa’s Wine Concierge Service XBT UIF mSTU PG JUT LJOE JO &VSPQF 4JUVBUFE JO UIF IFBSU PG UIF XPSME T MBSHFTU MPDBMF PG mOF wine vineyards, the brand has now MBVODIFE JUT A8JOF +PVSOFZ TFSJFT UBLJOH HVFTUT UP EJTDPWFS UIF SFHJPO T mOFTU XJOFSJFT UISPVHI UISFF VOJRVF KPVSOFZT A$MBTTJD $BS 8JOF +PVSOFZ UBLFT HVFTUT through the Paris-Bordeaux-Paris trail while FOKPZJOH B WJOUBHF SJEF *U JODMVEFT B gourmet lunch in a vineyard and one 22 Corporate Traveller

OJHIU T IPUFM TUBZ GSPN 4 0S SFUSBDF UIF GPPUTUFQT PG GPSNFS QSFTJEFOU PG UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT 5IPNBT +FGGFSTPO XJUI UIF A+FGGFSTPO 8JOF +PVSOFZ " DIPJDF PG UISFF DIÉUFBVY GSPN UIF XJOF FTUBUFT UIBU IF visited 225 years ago is presented in this journey, which also allows guests to visit UIF 64 DPOTVMBUF JO #PSEFBVY *U JODMVEFT UXP OJHIUT TUBZ BOE EJOOFS GPS UXP BU UIF IPUFM T .JDIFMJO TUBSSFE A-F 1SFTTPJS E "SHFOU SFTUBVSBOU GSPN 4

www.ghbordeaux.com

BO BDUJPO QBDLFE *OEJBOB +POFT TUZMF adventure in Jordan, or getting seats to -POEPO /FX :PSL BOE 1BSJT GBTIJPO XFFLT 8JUI B HMPCBM QSFTFODF PG PGmDFT 2VJOUFTTFOUJBMMZ -JGFTUZMF UBQT JOUP JUT JOUFSOBUJPOBM OFUXPSL GPS TPVSDJOH UIF CFTU suppliers and vendors to ensure clients FOKPZ B TFBNMFTT BOE QFSGFDU USBWFM FYQFSJFODF JO UIF TFUUJOH PG UIFJS EFTJSF www.quintessentiallytravel.com

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Rang Mahal

Caf├й Gray Deluxe

Level 3, Pan PaciямБc Singapore, 7 RafямВes Boulevard, Singapore. Tel: +65 6333 1788

Level 49, The Upper House, PaciямБc Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 3968 1106

*O UBOEFN XJUI UIF CVTJOFTT IPUFM T renovation upgrades, the award-winning 3BOH .BIBM JT CBDL XJUI B CPME GBDFMJGU UIBU TIPXT PGG QPMJTIFE &VSPQFBO touches and contemporary interiors, XIJMF TUJMM SFUBJOJOH TVCUMF FMFNFOUT PG UIF *OEJBO DVMUVSF &YQFDU IVFT PG DSFBN HPME CSPO[F and burgundy, illuminated by red GSPTUFE HMBTT QBOFMT BMUFSOBUJOH XJUI TJML UFYUVSFE XBMMT $VTUPN NBEF CSBTT QFOEBOU MBNQT JO UIF TIBQF PG PME *OEJBO CFMMT BOE UIF PXOFST QSJWBUF DPMMFDUJPO PG BOUJRVF *OEJBO XBSF TUBOE brilliantly on display in the voluminous NBJO SFTUBVSBOU BSFB SFNJOJTDFOU PG BO &VSPQFBO EJOJOH IBMM 5IF NFOV GFBUVSFT B QBSBEJHN PG cuisines spanning the northern, coastal BOE TPVUIFSO *OEJBO SFHJPOT UFNQUJOH diners to savour new appetisers such as IPU HSJEEMF UBWB TDBMMPQT ESJ[[MFE JO B green chilli and coconut sauce, and TVNQUVPVT NBJOT PG UBOEPPS SPBTUFE QSBXOT mMMFE XJUI DSBCNFBU BOE +PEIQVSJ (BUUF ,F 4VC[J o TPGU DIJDLQFB nPVS EVNQMJOHT QPBDIFE JO MJHIU UVSNFSJD ZPHIVSU DVNJO BOE BTBGPFUJEB 8IJMF TJQQJOH ZPVS DIPJDF XJOF GSPN PWFS MBCFMT SFMBY JO UIF OFX BMGSFTDP DPDLUBJM BSFB BOE FOKPZ UIF WJFX PG 4JOHBQPSF T HMJUUFSJOH TLZMJOF www.rangmahal.com.sg

The Connaught Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 20 7499 7070 Playing up to discerning palates, the Sommeliers Table at The Connaught hotel caters an intimate and customisable lunch or dinner, curated by Head Sommelier Hugues Lepin and two .JDIFMJO TUBSSFE $IFG )├ПM├ТOF %BSSP[F The private dining experience enables wine BmDJPOBEPT UP TQFOE UJNF XJUI -FQJO JO NBLJOH UIFJS TFMFDUJPO GSPN 5IF $POOBVHIUT DFMMBS PG PWFS CPUUMFT BGUFS XIJDI %BSSP[F QSPDFFET UP DSFBUF B CFTQPLF NFOV UP QBJS XJUI UIF XJOF -PDBUFE JO UIF hotelтАЩs new wing, guests dine within the limestone-walled wine cellar, with meals presented on QMBUJOVN HJMEFE 0SE B[VS #FSOBSEBVE QSFTFOUBUJPO QMBUFT BOE EFMJDBUF TJMWFS DVUMFSZ CZ $ISJTUPnF www.the-connaught.co.uk

0WFSMPPLJOH )POH ,POH T 7JDUPSJB Harbour, the restaurant is helmed by DFMFCSBUFE DIFG (SBZ ,VO[ BOE GFBUVSFT NPEFSO &VSPQFBO DMBTTJDT that have been inspired by his FYQFSJFODF JO UIF mOFTU LJUDIFOT JO &VSPQF "TJB BOE "NFSJDB *O IJT MBUFTU DPMMBCPSBUJPO XJUI 1BSJT QFSGVNFS %JQUZRVF HVFTUT DBO FYQFDU BO aromatic gourmet experience with the .PIFMJ "GUFSOPPO 5FB *OTQJSFE CZ &BV .PIFMJ o %JQUZRVF T TJHOBUVSF nPSBM GSBHSBODF DPMMFDUJPO MBVODIFE JO .BZ IJHIMJHIUT UIF GSBHSBODF PG HJOHFS QJOL QFQQFSDPSO ZMBOH ZMBOH .PIFMJ BOE )BJUJ vetiver, which come together in a EFMJHIUGVM CMFOE PG CSFXFE UFB 0UIFS DMBTTJD DIPJDFT PG %BSKFFMJOH BOE GSFTI NJOU BSF BMTP BWBJMBCMF 5IF "GUFSOPPO 5FB BMTP JODMVEFT CBLFSZ BOE QBTUSZ NJYFT PG DVSSZ QPBDIFE DIJDLFO TBMBE UBSUMFU NJOJ cinnamon rolls, homemade preserves BOE NPSF QMVT B DPNQMJNFOUBSZ TFU PG .PIFMJ GSBHSBODF LJU GSPN %JQUZRVF T nBHTIJQ CPVUJRVF BU *OUFSOBUJPOBM 'JOBODF $FOUSF 1SJDFE BU 4 QFS QFSTPO PS 4 GPS UXP BWBJMBCMF EBJMZ GSPN QN UP QN UJMM +VOF www.cafegrayhk.com Corporate Traveller

23

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Exclusive travel deals for UOB card members Bintan Lagoon Resort

Swissotel Hotels & Resorts

Bintan Lagoon Resort is a beautiful, 473-room beachfront resort, with two championship golf courses. The hotel is easily accessible by direct ferry from Singapore and is the jewel resort on Bintan Island. With over 12 restaurants and hundreds of activities, Bintan Lagoon Resort is

the epitome of deluxe hospitality. t 15% off Best Available Room rate for Bintan Lagoon Resort t Offer includes complimentary breakfast t Includes complimentary welcome dance and drink

Providing the best of Swiss hospitality and luxury standards, Swissotel is an award-winning brand with an elite clientele around the world t Exclusive 20% off on Best Available Rate for Executive Club Room at participating hotels t (Min. 2 nights’ stay required) t Applicable to selected cards only

The Leela Group Comprising a collection of luxury hotels and resorts, The Leela provides discerning travellers with memorable experiences in India. t 4th night free with 3 paid nights booking t Complimentary daily buffet breakfast t Complimentary access to high-speed Internet in the room t Priority upgrade to the next higher room category t Applicable to selected cards only

Moevenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach Phuket Karon Beach is known for its long stretch of white, glistening sands. The white, sandy beach is fringed by different hues of crystal clear ocean.

Find your own retreat on this paradisiacal stretch.

Favourite beach activities are strolling along the beachside, swimming in the ocean or playing

24 Corporate Traveller

beach volleyball. There’s a whole stretch of beach to discover and explore. So if you can pull yourself away from Karon Beach, Patong Beach offers another beautiful beach and makes for an ideal day excursion. t Exclusive 35% off on Best Available Rate for UOB Cardmembers

Share the gift of extraordinary this holiday season.

Uniworld Holiday Season Boutique River Cruises include: 7- to 12-night cruises in riverview staterooms onboard luxuriously appointed ships Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard Fully hosted shore excursions, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Arrival and departure day transfers All meals onboard Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program on the “Classic Christmas Markets” December 15, 2013 departure where young travelers SAVE 25% off the cruise price.*

Sailing onboard a luxurious, festively decorated boutique ship to breathtaking European cities and towns this holiday season is nothing less than extraordinary. Experience the joys of an old-fashioned Christmas on a perfectly-planned Holiday Season Boutique River Cruise, or share the magic with the entire family on a special “Classic Christmas Markets” departure featuring Uniworld’s Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program. On this journey that is bound to delight travelers of any age, families can walk through some of Europe’s most beloved holiday markets, explore a toy museum in Nuremberg, enjoy familythemed meals and activities onboard the ship, and more, all while making memories to last a lifetime.

Book any 2013 Uniworld Boutique River Cruise and receive a S$150 Takashimaya shopping voucher per couple.* Payment must be made by selected UOB credit cards.*

For bookings and enquiries, please contact UOB Travel’s lifestyle concierge at (tel) +65 6252 6822 or (email) UOBTP-Leisure@UOBgroup.com. *For every accompanying adult, one child between the ages of 4 and 18 qualifies for the 25% off savings. 25% savings offer is off cruise-only price and valid for new bookings on the “Classic Christmas Markets”, December 15, 2013 departure date only. Offer is combinable with Special Savings, Past Guest Savings, and Takashimaya shopping voucher offer. Shopping voucher offer listed in Singapore dollars, per couple. Shopping voucher offer is applicable to new 2013 Uniworld Boutique River Cruise bookings only; cruise payment must be made by select UOB credit cards. Shopping voucher offer is combinable with the 25% off savings only; it is not combinable with other Uniworld promotional offers. Subject to availability. Capacity controlled. Other restrictions may apply. Uniworld and UOB Travel reserve the right to change or withdraw offers at any time. For complete details on all promotions, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, contact UOB Travel.

ADVERTORIAL

A VACATION LIKE NEVER BEFORE FORGET SKIING IN JAPAN OR EVEN DIVING IN THE MALDIVES. EMBARKING ON A VACATION ONBOARD A LUXURIOUS CRUISE IS CURRENTLY IN VOGUE AMONG DISCERNING TRAVELLERS. For those hoping to retreat to somewhere unique and tranquil, yet still offers unrivalled comfort, luxury and a slew of exciting experiences, then a vacation onboard a luxury cruise could just be the answer.

To make your cruise holiday planning a hassle-free one, turn to Citystate Holidays, the Preferred Cruise Agent for more than 16 cruise lines worldwide. The company specialises in planning and providing customers with the most memorable cruise vacation they will ever have.

Whether you are planning a cruise holiday from domestic to international cruises, Citystate Holidays team of Cruise Specialist will be able to tailor a package to meet your TQFDJmD OFFET BOE CVEHFUT

ASIA A Voyager Class ship of the Royal Caribbean International, Mariner of the Seas, will be arriving on the shores of Singapore this June.

A ship built for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between, this 15-deck vessel will offer guests with a host of exciting recreational 26 Corporate Traveller

activities onboard including DreamWorks Entertainment onboard, rock climbing, basketball, ice-skating, mini golf and many more. Other highlights include a variety of popular dining options and state-of-the-art mUOFTT BOE TQB GBDJMJUJFT Mariner of the Seas will offer cruises from Singapore to countries around the region this June holidays. For year-end, she will be PGGFSJOH UISFF UP mWF OJHIUT UPVST UP .BMBZTJB and Thailand.

ALASKA If you are looking to cruise in Alaska, rejoice, as this summer, Royal Caribbean International will once again be plying the Alaskan waters with the cruise line’s recently revitalised ship Rhapsody of the Seas. Offering guests refreshed staterooms, expanded technological conveniences, and nearly quadrupled dining options on seven-night round-trip cruises from Seattle, travellers can look forward to being thoroughly pampered.

Radiance of the Seas, also revitalised in

2011, will alternate seven-night north- and southbound itineraries from Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, respectively.

EUROPE For those who wish to embark on a Mediterranean cruise holiday, Royal Caribbean International also offers a wide selection of Mediterranean cruises that appeal to all type of travellers.

One of the all-time favourites - Liberty of the Seas, which is the only ship in Europe to offer the Dream Work Experience, offers a range of exciting activities including ice-skating, rock climbing and mini golf.

Making a round trip from its homeport of Barcelona from May to October 2013, Liberty of the Seas will sail every Sunday on 7N Western Mediterranean itineraries and will call at port of Barcelona (Spain), Provence (Toulon), Nice, Florence, Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples.

With Citystate Holidays, you can now plan your cruise holiday just the way you like it. www.citystate.travel/holidays

One price. All in, All aboard!

ALL FLY-CRUISE PACKAGES INCLUDE

**

HSBC Cards Exclusive

fr $

759*

7N Western Mediterranean Cruise

1,119*

1,189*

fr $

12N Venice/Italy & Greek Isles Cruise

Onboard Celebrity Equinox (122,000 tons) Sailing dates: Jun 10, 22, Jul 4, 16, 28, Aug 9, 21, 4FQ 0DU /PW Ports: #BSDFMPOB t 3PNF $JWJUBWFDDIJB t /BQMFT t 4BOUPSJOJ t &QIFTVT t .ZLPOPT t "UIFOT t 7BMMFUUB t #BSDFMPOB

Onboard Liberty of the Seas (160,000 tons) Sailing dates: .BZ 0DU FWFSZ 4VOEBZ

Ports: #BSDFMPOB t 5PVMPO t /JDF t 'MPSFODF t 3PNF t /BQMFT t #BSDFMPOB

fr $

28� luggage bag with min $5,000 and above spent

24� luggage bag with min $3,000 and above spent

OSIM uSnooz Neck Pillow with min $1,500 and above spent

12N Mediterranean Venice/Greek Isles Cruise

1,309*

fr $

10N/11N Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

Onboard Serenade of the Seas (90,090 tons) Sailing dates: May 19, 31*, Jun 12, 24*, Jul 6, 18*, 30, "VH 4FQ 0DU /PW Ports: #BSDFMPOB t .POUF $BSMP t 3PNF t "UIFOT t ,VEBTBJ &QIFTVT t 4BOUPSJOJ t /BQMFT t #BSDFMPOB

Onboard Celebrity Reflection (126,000 tons) Sailing dates: May 27* , Jun 7, 17*, 28, Jul 8*, 19, 29*, Aug 9, 19*, 30, 4FQ 0DU Ports: 3PNF $JWJUBWFDDIJB t .FTTJOB *UBMZ t "UIFOT t ,VTBEBTJ 5VSLFZ

t 3IPEFT (SFFDF t 4BOUPSJOJ t .ZLPOPT t /BQMFT t 3PNF

%FOPUFT .FEJUFSSBOFBO 7FOJDF JUJOFSBSZ QPSUT EJòFS

%FOPUFT / DSVJTF TBJMJOH

1,129*

fr $

12N Scandinavia & Russia Cruise

4,288*

11D9N Alaska Northbound/Southbound Fly-Cruise

Onboard Radiance of the Seas (90,090 tons) Sailing dates: Northbound: May 31, Jun 14, 28, Jul 12, 26, Aug 9, 23 Southbound: May 24, Jun 7, 21, Jul 5, 19, Aug 2, 16, 30 Ports: 7BODPVWFS t ,FUDIJLBO t *DZ 4USBJU 1PJOU t +VOFBV t 4LBHXBZ t )VCCBSE (MBDJFS t 4FXBSE Includes: / QSF / QPTU DSVJTF BDDPNNPEBUJPO JO 7BODPVWFS

2,988*

11D9N Alaska Hubbard Glacier Fly-Cruise

Onboard Celebrity Century (71,545 tons) Sailing dates: .BZ o 4FQ FWFSZ 4VOEBZ

Ports: 7BODPVWFS t *DZ 4USBJU 1PJOU t )VCCBSE (MBDJFS t +VOFBV t ,FUDIJLBO Includes: / QSF / QPTU DSVJTF BDDPNNPEBUJPO JO 7BODPVWFS

Onboard Brilliance of the Seas (90,000 tons) Sailing dates: May 27, Jun 8, 20, Jul 2, Aug 7, 19 Ports: )BSXJDI t $PQFOIBHFO t 4UPDLIPMN t )FMTJOLJ t 4U 1FUFSTCVSH 3VTTJB t 5BMMJOO &TUPOJB

t (PUIFOCVSH 4XFEFO t )BSXJDI

fr $

fr $

Save up to $1400 per cabin ^

fr $

4,868*

Save up to $600 per cabin ^

14D11N Alaska Northbound Cruisetour 4 Fly-Cruise

Onboard Celebrity Millennium (91,000 tons) Sailing dates: May 24, Jun 21, Jul 10, Aug 2, 16, 30 Ports: 7BODPVWFS t ,FUDIJLBO t *DZ 4USBJU 1PJOU t +VOFBV t 4LBHXBZ t )VCCBSE (MBDJFS t 4FXBSE Includes: / QSF BDDPNNPEBUJPO JO 7BODPVWFS t / FTDPSUFE DSVJTFUPVS 5BMLFFUOB %FOBMJ "ODIPSBHF

6 2 2 2 9 2 2 2 *Prices stated are per person based on twin-sharing in SGD and are subject to cabin/seat availability. All prices are subject to change. Associated taxes & surcharges correct at time of print. All prices exclude all applicable airport and cruise taxes & fees ranging from . ^Cruise saving offer applies to new bookings on selected Alaska Cruise for sailing dates from Jun to Sep, 2013 and amount of saving varies by itinerary and stateroom category. **While stocks last. Other terms and conditions apply.

$200 - $1500

BOARDING PASS

Photo courtesy of Incheon Int’l Airport Corporation, Incheon Development and Tourism Corporation

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IN TRANSIT

INFINITY IN THE MAKING Posting an increase in sales despite worldwide business slowdowns, South Korea’s Incheon international Airport is still not done, pushing ahead with its expansion projects in expectation of a rosier decade ahead.

Text by Natalie Joy Lee Photos courtesy of Incheon Int’l Airport Corporation, Incheon Development and Tourism Corporation

30 Corporate Traveller

S

outh Korea stands as Asia’s fourth-largest economy and the 15th worldwide; a global hub with access to two-thirds of the world’s markets.

Globalisation has propelled South Korea’s growth and economic success, where Korea’s national competitiveness was ranked 24th across 142 countries surveyed between year 2011 to 2012 – consistently keeping within the top 25 ranking for the past four years.

A leader in exporting industrial goods the likes of automobiles, consumer electronics and textiles, South Korea’s successful

2010-2012 Visit Korea campaign also significantly increased foreign visitor numbers, welcoming 10.3 million tourists in November 2012 – the Republic’s first in topping 10 million in tourist numbers.

Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (IIA) has proven more than capable to handle this spike in numbers, receiving 83 airlines operating flights into Korea from 184 cities worldwide. Regularly voted as one of the world’s top three airports, IIA was once again honoured at the recent 2013 World Airport Awards by Skytrax, the survey

garnering 12.1 million responses. Airport customers worldwide voted IIA the world’s second-best airport, a close fight behind top winner Singapore Changi Airport. Handling nearly 40 million passengers yearly, IIA also received the award for ‘Best Airport Staff Service – Asia’, winning for the third time in the four years since the category was introduced in 2010.

With airports increasingly shifting their focus on transit passengers, IIA also proved successful as the ‘Best International Transfer Airport’, with a minimum connecting time

of just 45 minutes across its 74 passenger gates. A third-phase expansion project is also in the works for completion in 2017, as part of IIA’s marketing initiatives targeting airlines and transfer passengers. It will see a second passenger terminal, new aprons, and a connecting railway.

“The fact that Incheon has achieved success in this category for the second time in [four] years indicates that the airport continues to be a world leader in terms of passenger satisfaction,” says Edward Plaisted, Chairman of Skytrax.

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IN TRANSIT

2 TO 4 HOURS:

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Offers traditional Korean cuisine, snacks, the Erdinger Bar, as well as fast food chain Kraze Burger.

Twice a day, curious tourists will be able to relive the days of the Joseon Dynasty, through the re-enactment of the ‘Walk of the Royal Family’. Consisting of a cast of 23 members, the ‘royal family’ takes a lengthy walk along the airport’s third floor, parading their royal regalia and making regular stops for photo-taking sessions with tourists.

ENGAGE UÊ ÕÌÞ ÀiiÊ- «« } Lotte Duty Free offers three Cosmetics & Perfumes sections across the third floor.

Expect major brands the likes of international names Chanel, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, SK-II, Guerlain, Clinique, La Prairie, M.A.C, La Mer, Elizabeth Arden, Shu Uemura, Givenchy, Cellex-C, Jurlique, Dr. Brandt, Sulwhasoo, OPI, Bulgari, Burberry, Lanvin, Hermes, Issey Miyake, Diesel, Cacharel, Hugo Boss, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Ferragamo and more.

Shilla Duty Free stores can be found in the centre and west wings of the Passenger Terminal, stocking nearly 300 brands including Rene Furterer, Cle de Peau, Amore Pacific, Darphin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Noodle & Boo, Vidi Vici, Aramis and more. IIA also became the first airport in the world to bring Louis Vuitton into their tenant list in September 2011.

UÊ `Ê-µÕ>ÀiÊQÎ ]Ê ÕÌÞ vÀiiÊ>Ài>R

UÊ `Ê Ê ÀÊ-ÌÕ` ÊÓÊQ £]Ê*ÕL VÊ>Ài>]Ê >ÃÌR Catering dishes from seven different countries such as Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Italy.

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The European-style bakery bakes fresh bread daily and serves top-notch sandwiches, pastries and brews.

Open from 10am to 8pm, put on your skates and glide along the artificial rink. Free admission; fees applicable for skating gear.

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With six gardens on the first floor, it’s a green oasis within this eco airport. The Pine Tree Garden features that alongside quiet ponds surrounded by gorgeous flora, a great way to rest amidst a refreshing scent of pine.

Seasonal displays can be expected, such as daffodil and azalea in spring and pampas grass during autumn.

Passengers will be drawn to the Water Gardens, where soothing trails of running water makes its presence felt along the Welcoming Hall on floor one at the Arrival Hall; while the Flower Garden lends colour to the terminal with its flowers, ever changing with the seasons. For the great outdoors, head to the Wildflower Garden at B1, entirely created upon artificial ground and found on the east and west corners of the Transportation Center.

The semi-buffet area offers international cuisine with an emphasis on ‘well-being’, managed by Seoul’s Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel.

UÊ `Ê >« Ì> ÊQÎ ]Ê ÕÌÞ vÀiiÊ>Ài>R Premium food court area offering Korean, Japanese and Western fare.

UÊ Ài>Ê Õ ÌÕÀ> Ê-ÌÀiiÌÊÊ ÊÊÊQ{ ]Ê*>ÃÃi }iÀÊ/iÀ > R A brilliant showcase of traditional Korean culture, ranging from architecture such as a giwa (tiled roof) house and a jeongja (pavilion), Korean classical chamber music concerts, restaurants selling Korean rice cakes, and even a Hallyu wave (Korean pop culture) themed store selling popular artistes’ merchandise.

1 1. Catch the daily procession of the Royal Family, who make regular stops for photo opportunities with tourists 2. Take a few spins at the airport’s gigantic rink 3. A typical Japanese bento set offered at Food on Air Studio 2 4. Transcend 5,000 years of Korea’s history at the Korea Culture Museum 5. Creating memories at the Korean Traditional Cultural Experience Center 6. Relaxing amenities such as these are available for transit passengers

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4 TO 6 HOURS: ENGAGE UĂŠ ÂœĂ€i>ĂŠ/Ă€>`ÂˆĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ Ă•Â?ĂŒĂ•Ă€>Â?ĂŠ Ă?ÂŤiĂ€Âˆi˜ViĂŠĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ iÂ˜ĂŒiÀÊQĂŽ ]ĂŠ*>ĂƒĂƒi˜}iÀÊ/iĂ€Â“ÂˆÂ˜>Â?R Supported by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, the centre schedules performances of traditional Korean music, 30-minute sessions available twice daily.

Passengers may also try their hand at making traditional Korean arts and crafts pieces with the help of friendly English-speaking instructors – we got to create a personalised envelope on Sijeonji paper with a traditional Korean printing stamp; easily done in 10 minutes. Simply present your foreign passport to enjoy the activities for free.

UĂŠ Â˜ĂŒiĂ€Â˜iĂŒĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜}iĂŠQ{ ]ĂŠ*>ĂƒĂƒi˜}iÀÊ/iĂ€Â“ÂˆÂ˜>Â?R Free Internet is available at the Internet Zone, in 30-minute blocks. Books and tablet PCs can also be rented at the Information counter.

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UĂŠ 6ĂŠ/Â…i>ĂŒĂ€iĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠQ/Ă€>Â˜ĂƒÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠ iÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€]ĂŠ*Ă•LÂ?ˆVĂŠ>Ă€i>R

sleeping rooms are available for overnight transit passengers (to clear immigration process ďŹ rst since spa is at public area), a snack bar and even meeting rooms.

The world’s third to install a theatre in an international airport, with two halls allowing 240 seatings.

RELAX UĂŠ ˜VÂ…iÂœÂ˜ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂŠ/Ă€>Â˜ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂŠ ÂœĂŒiÂ?ĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠQ{ ]ĂŠ/Ă€>Â˜ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂŠ>Ă€i>R Room rates start from a minimum of six hours, standard rooms going for ŕŹ„52,000 for the standard room, to ŕŹ„95,000 for the suite. Extra hours are charged at ŕŹ„12,000, while business travellers can utilise the business center which has secretarial services, computers, copier and fax machines (www.airgardenhotel.com).

UĂŠ-Â…ÂœĂœiÀÊ >VˆÂ?ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠQ{ ]ĂŠ*>ĂƒĂƒi˜}iÀÊ/iĂ€Â“ÂˆÂ˜>Â?ĂŠĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ œ˜VÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒiR Free shower facilities, from 7am to 10pm daily.

UĂŠ >ĂƒĂƒ>}iĂŠEĂŠ >ˆÂ?ĂŠ Ă€ĂŒĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠQ{ ]ĂŠ*>ĂƒĂƒi˜}iÀÊ/iĂ€Â“ÂˆÂ˜>Â?ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ œ˜VÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒiR Relieve any sore muscles at the Massage Center, offering 15-minute massages with soft acupressure, foot reexology, full body massages, facials as well as manicure and pedicure services (40 to 100 minute sessions). For those in transit for long hours, the centre also offers free shower facilities. Open from 7am to 8.30pm daily.

UĂŠ-ÂŤ>ĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ ÂˆĂ€ĂŠQ ÂŁ]ĂŠ >ĂƒĂŒĂŠ*Ă•LÂ?ˆVĂŠ>Ă€i>R Open all year round, the sauna provides hotel-standard facilities, including showering and massage options. Private

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UĂŠ Ă•LĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜}iĂŠQ{ ]ĂŠ*>ĂƒĂƒi˜}iÀÊ/iĂ€Â“ÂˆÂ˜>Â?R Facilities include a 50-inch television, domestic and foreign newspapers for reading, computers equipped with Internet, complimentary Wi-Fi, a business meeting room with printer and fax machine.

Complimentary food and drinks are available, open from 7am to 10pm at US$35.

SEE UĂŠ"Ăƒiœ˜}ĂŠ"LĂƒiÀÛ>ĂŒÂœĂ€ĂžĂŠĂŠ ĂŠĂŠĂŠQĂŽ{‡™Ê >“LՎ‡`œ˜}]ĂŠ Ă•Â˜}‡}Ă•]ĂŠ ˜VÂ…iœ˜R At an elevation of 51.5 metres, this is the best spot in appreciating 360 degree views of IIA. Located 10 minutes by bus from the airport, the deck is open from 10am to 5pm, and closed at 4pm in winter.

UĂŠ ÂœĂ€i>Â˜ĂŠ Ă•Â?ĂŒĂ•Ă€iĂŠ Ă•ĂƒiՓÊQ{ ]ĂŠ œ˜VÂœĂ•Ă€ĂƒiR In conjunction with the National Museum of Korea, the museum covers an impressive 5,000-year timeline across Korea’s history, showcasing relics of daily life and royal costumes from the Chosun Dynasty. Expect themed sections of Royal Culture, Traditional Arts, Printing/Korean Alphabet Heritage, and Traditional Music. One won’t miss seeing the Goryeo Bronze Bell, embodying the tradition of the Korean temple bell. Before leaving, try your hand at Korea’s ancient printing technique section – previously using woodblocks, before being replaced by movable metal types in the Joseon period.

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IN TRANSIT 1. Don’t miss a pit-stop to Gourmet 494, located at Galleria West, Gangnam-gu area.

2. The majestic Incheon Grand Bridge spans 21.38km long 3. The ferry ride towards Wolmi Park is a popular spot for seagullfeeding sessions

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SEE UÊ V i Ê> `Ê-i Õ Ê/À> Ã ÌÊ/ ÕÀÃI

6 TO 24 HOURS

Even if you are transiting for just two hours, head on to the Transit Tour desk located between gates 6 and 7, on the first floor.

Currently operated by Omi Travel (www.omitravel.kr; +823 2741 3139) and Hana Tour ITC (www.hanatourintl.com; +823 2743 6680) the hassle-free programme provides a tour bus and guide, as well as various itineraries ranging from one hour to eight hours that will match your budget and time. Luggage can also be left at the tour desk or in the tour bus until completion of tour.

Log on to www.cyberairport.kr/contents/ eng/trans/tour/guide/index.jsp for details.

SHOP UÊ > } > }Õ Gangnam-gu is Seoul’s prime living district, often called the ‘Beverly Hills of Seoul’ thanks to its many high-end fashion stores, arts scene, fine dining and slew of famous cosmetic surgeons. The Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong area is home to a slew of luxury stores the likes of Prada, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo and Rolls Royce – where the young and fashionable gather, and celebrity sightings are common. Most famous of all would be Galleria, divided into the East and West.

East spans five floors, the choice mall for world-class designers Jil Sander, Tom Ford, Bottega Venetta, Valentino and Chanel, products ranging from apparel and golf wear to jewellery and watches.

Just across the road is West, also five floors of designer haven – though also catering to mid-end shoppers with brands like Shu Uemura cosmetics, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bebe and Diesel, as well as children’s wear and lifestyle concept stores.

While at Galleria West, don’t miss a stop to Gourmet 494 located at the basement.

Like a global marketplace, the grocery store is integrated into the dining area, which is zoned according to cuisines – our favourite being the Pizzeria D’Buzza for its delicious pizzas (from ଄7,500) , topped off with a 34 Corporate Traveller

£°Ê Ài> Ê i` V> Ê/ ÕÀÊ­vÀ Ê1-fÓää® 3

thirst-quenching green grape juice (଄4,800) from Café Mamas.

Connected directly to exit eight of Gangnam subway station, Samsung D’light is formed from ‘digital’ and ‘light’, referring to light that’s been thrown onto the digital world. Two floors carry the themes of natural light, land and water, all a brilliant showcase of Samsung’s latest technologies and products. Experience a 3D TV experience, media interaction and gaming zone at level one; smart appliances, the popular Galaxy Tab and fascinating lighting drums on level two.

Available Mondays to Fridays, pick from the one-hour ‘Standard A medical examination’, ‘Standard B medical examination’, two-hour ‘Special Medical Examination’ or a complete four-hour ‘Health Program’ (US$1,800).

Procedures at the Inha University Hospital, staffed by doctors and nurses fluent in several languages including Chinese, English, Japanese and Russian (www.inha.com).

Ó°Ê/i « iÊ/ ÕÀÊ Experience Korea’s culture at Yonggungsa Temple, located near the airport. The one-hour tour starts with a 15-minute picturesque walk towards the majestic temple, built in 670 AD during the Silla Dynasty. For those with a bit more time, the two-hour option brings guests to Incheon * Transit tours subject to changes from July

Grand Bridge, spanning 21.38km long and extending over the ocean, before heading to Heungryunsa Temple sited halfway up Cheongryangsan Mountain.

ΰÊ ˜VÂ…iÂœÂ˜ĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ/ÂœĂ•Ă€ In the three-hour itinerary, places visited include the Incheon Grand Bridge; Dohobu Building – a former government ofďŹ ce in the Joseon Dynasty; the traditional Singi market, peddling various food, fruits and vegetables; Sinpo old Market that specialises in fried chicken in hot red pepper sauce; and a scenic ferry boat ride from Yeongjong Pier towards Wolmi Park, where you can also try your hand at feeding seagulls along the journey.

Two four-hour itineraries are available.

Tour three focuses on a ferry ride from Jamjin Pier towards Hanagae Beach for your slice of sun and sand, before moving on to Muido Island, a quiet seaside village.

Tour four visits popular attractions of the famous port city of Incheon, including a ďŹ sh market and the Sudoguksan Museum of Housing and Living, providing an insight of living conditions in the 1960s and 1970s.

{°Ê-iÂœĂ•Â?ĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ/ÂœĂ•Ă€ Heading to the heart of the city, tourists will have time to explore for ďŹ ve hours, including a visit to the royal palace of Gyeongbokgung (the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty built in 1394, the oldest and grandest of ďŹ ve palaces of that time;

audio tours are available at ŕŹ„1,000; www. royalpalace.go.kr). Then, experience traditional Korean ways of life at the National Folk Musuem, take a scenic stroll by Cheonggyecheon Stream (runs 5.84km along downtown Seoul with 22 bridges, best viewed at night), and stock up on last-minute souvenir shopping at the traditional street of Insa-dong. Here is where 100 galleries run the gamut down the cobbled street, stores displaying old books, calligraphy and even pottery from the Joseon era.

Option two takes guests to the Namsan Hanok Village showcasing traditional Korean houses, a trip to Insa-dong, and the N Seoul Tower for stunning views of the city from the top.

Tourists still craving for shopping time can choose option three, heading to the famous Namdaemum Market, and the popular tourist strip of Myeongdong.

x°Ă&#x160; <Ă&#x160;/Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC; See the actual line of division between the North and South of Korea at this six- to eight-hour tour towards the infamous Demilitarised Zone. Symbolising war and peace, division and uniďŹ cation efforts, the DMZ tour continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Pick from the regular tour which includes a trip to Hongik University Station (abounding with chic cafes), or the private tour which includes a trip to the Freedom Bridge. Reservation required.

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CITY REPORT

36 Corporate Traveller

THE GEM OF ASIA A cultural bridge between the East and West, together with its centralised location, affordable venues, excellent international air access, and good mix of business and entertainment options â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kuala Lumpur is fast emerging as a destination of choice for both leisure and corporate travellers.

Text by Michelle Yee Photos courtesy of Tourism Malaysia; 123rf

O

nce known to be an established tin-mining town, the capital city of Malaysia has since evolved into a 21st-century metropolis. Affectionately known as KL among locals, this bustling city offers a rich fusion of Asian cultures and culinary delights, endless shopping options and word-class meeting and convention facilities, which effectively contribute to the steady increase in tourist arrivals.

Facilities and attractions aside, Malaysia is also one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more affordable travel destinations. The World Economic Forum found Malaysia to be the third most price-competitive country out of 139 countries surveyed in its 2011 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report. A great value-for-money option, Malaysia offers an uncompromised experience for less.

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CITY REPORT A Fascinating Shopping Experience As the country’s commercial hub, KL possesses a bevy of huge megamalls and shopping streets. Its primary shopping and entertainment belt is Bukit Bintang, an area that rivals Singapore’s Orchard Road in dimension and variety, and will prove an exercise of physical endurance and financial restraint to its visitors. Malls range from the glitzy Starhill Gallery (Starhill is the English translation of Bukit Bintang) to the sprawling Berjaya Times Square, which accommodates mostly independent local stores within its 12 storeys.

Additionally, the up and coming KLIA 2, which will be the largest low-cost carrier airport in Malaysia, will also witness a new factory outlet centre. Poised to strengthen the retail business in the airport area in Sepang, the Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA is set to offer a wide selection of leading brands including luxury goods and popular select shops, top fashion and accessories, gifts and sports, as well as outdoor items at price guaranteed to be below their reccomended retail prices. In addition to popular Western brands, the outlet will also offer top Asian brands from Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

The outlet is expected to house more than 240 famous international designer brands based on their presence in current existing Mitsui Outlet Parks in Japan and China.

The development is targeted to be opened by end-2014.

incentive trips, conventions and exhibitions. Its growing appeal can be attributed to its easy accessibility, solid infrastructure, capabilities in hosting events and a wide variety of leisure options to ensure an enjoyable and enriching experience for employees and delegates.

The city plays host to a slew of international conferences and trade shows annually and is emerging as one of the best places to meet in Asia. Its MICE resume includes many international conventions, such as the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress, World Congress on Information Technology, FIGO World Congress of Gynecology & Obstetrics, World’s Savings Banks Institute’s World Congress, and the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, Post-Ministerial Conferences and ASEAN Regional Forum.

Looking ahead, Malaysia is also welcoming a number of business conferences in 2014 including the Million Dollar Roundtable Experience 2014, 16th Asian Congress of Architects, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) 2014, Offshore Technology Conference Asia (OTC) 2014, and many others.

A Value Proposition for Business Events Kuala Lumpur is quickly emerging as a destination of choice for global meetings,

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38 Corporate Traveller

1. Suria KLCC - a popular shopping destination in Kuala Lumpur.

2. For an upscale shopping experience, head over to Starhill Gallery, which houses several luxury brands.

3. With a slew of public transportation options, getting around the city is a breeze.

4. A bird’s eye view of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling cityscape.

THE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY KLIA 2 AS WELL AS THE CONNECTION WITH THE CITY WILL NO DOUBT BOOST KUALA LUMPUR’S APPEAL AS THE LEADING DESTINATION FOR BUSINESS EVENTS. Ho Yoke Ping General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

Tourism – A Key Contributor to its Economy Recognised as one of the National Key Economic Areas, the tourism industry remains as one of the key contributors to the country’s economy. In 2011, tourism ranked seventh-largest contributor with a Gross National Income total of US$12.3 billion and the third-largest foreign exchange earner after manufacturing and palm oil. The Malaysian tourism industry in 2010 also provided 1.8 million jobs.

Amongst the 12 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) are duty-free shopping, luxury tourism, designating KLCC–Bukit Bintang area as a vibrant shopping precinct, improving business tourism and increasing the supply of four and five-star hotel rooms, etc.

The country’s minister of tourism, Ng Yen Yen, said tourism performance so far - Malaysia recorded 11.6 million tourist arrivals during the first half of 2012 - was putting the destination on track to achieving the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020’s goal of 36 million arrivals and RM168 billion in revenue.

The minister added that in line with the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 towards achieving 36 million tourists and 168 billion in receipts by 2020, it is important for Malaysia to shift its focus on growing yield per tourist rather than to rely heavily on growth in tourist arrivals. To achieve its goal of 36 million arrivals by 2020, and to continue attracting high-yield tourists, a string of luxury hotels will be rolled out this year including Pullman Kuala

1. Plenty of shopping and entertainment options abound in Bukit Bintang.

2. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Lumpur Bangsar, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and many more in the pipeline.

Currently, most visitors fly into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), located 50 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. As Malaysia’s main international gateway, KLIA has proven its abilities to handle the increasing influx of foreign visitors both for business and leisure, by being voted as one of the world’s top 10 best airports for the past four consecutive years, awarded by Skytrax.

But to better cater to the increasing number of tourists arrivals, a brand new airport, the KLIA 2, has been built and is slated to be open around the second half of this year. “To cater to the growing demand of the country’s aviation industry, the KLIA 2, one of MAHB’s latest developments is built to be Malaysia’s Next Generation Hub. Apart from that, it is also built to replace the current temporary Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).

The new KLIA 2’s terminal is measured to be at least 242,000 sqm, accompanied

by 68 aircraft parking bay with departure gates for each parking bay plus a retail space to accommodate 225 retail outlets.

The airport is designed with the capacity of 30 million passengers and the provision to expand to 45 million passengers a year.

The extension will allow connectivity between low-cost and full service carriers and features a multi-modal transportation hub for buses, taxis, and Express Rail Link (ERL) train to provide connectivity for passengers and also for the public. Other facilities planned include a semi-automated baggage handling system, support zones, cargo and inflight complexes, a 6,000-vehicle parking complex, two to three hotels and AirAsia’s future headquarters.

The facilities provided by KLIA 2 as well as the connection with the city will no doubt boost Kuala Lumpur’s appeal as the leading destination for business events,” said Ho Yoke Ping, general manager of sales & marketing, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).

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CITY REPORT

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2 1. The Petronas Twin Towers.

2. Petaling Street, also known as Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.

3. Pavilion Shopping Centre – one of the up and coming malls in Kuala Lumpur.

THE KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KLIA) IS WELL ON ITS WAY INTO DEVELOPING SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING INFRASTRUCTURE TO INCREASE MALAYSIA’S VALUE AS A DESTINATION. APART FROM THE UP AND COMING KLIA 2, WHICH WILL BE THE LARGEST LOW COST CARRIER AIRPORT IN MALAYSIA, THE AIRPORT SITE WILL ALSO WITNESS A NEW FACTORY OUTLET CENTRE. Ho Yoke Ping General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

SHOP Suria KLCC (Lot No. 241, Level 2, Suria KLCC, Tel: +60 3 2382 2828) Though it has aged a little, KLCC still remains one of the best places to visit to flex your credit cards. Besides housing a number of premium brands, the mall also counts department stores Isetan and Parkson Grand as its tenants. Food options are spread throughout its six storeys and include restaurants, cafes, and food courts. Other than these, KLCC features an aquarium, a 12-screen cinema, an art gallery, and a landscaped park.

Pavilion Shopping Centre (168 Jln Bukit Bintang, Tel: +60 3 2118 8833) Pavilion is one of the latest malls in Kuala 40 Corporate Traveller

Lumpur and is on the way to becoming one of the city’s more recognisable landmarks, thanks to the crystal fountain in front of the mall. Fashionistas will find Pavilion a shopping haven; brands present at Pavilion range of high-end labels like Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Gucci and Hermes to affordable fashion brands Forever 21, Fred Perry and Zara. The mall is sectioned thematically into seven precincts for easy navigation, including ‘Tokyo Street’, ‘Fashion Avenue’ and ‘Gourmet Emporium’.

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houses a number of reputable restaurants that serve authentic cuisine from around the world.

Central Market (Jln Hang Kasturi, Tel: +603 2031 0399) For a variety of local crafts and intricate souvenirs, head down to Central Market where you will find an array of interesting handmade items including exquisite silverware, pewter, wood carvings, batik and brocade-wear.

Petaling Street Starhill Gallery (181 Jln Bukit Bintang, Tel: +60 3 2782 3855) Starhill Gallery’s flamboyant facade is a result of its revamp in 2005. Internally, Starhill Gallery has also changed from a regular mall to one that focuses on luxury brands, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the city. These include names like Dior, Kenzo, Antoinette and Khoon Hooi. The mall also

When the sun sets, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown transforms into a lively hub of activity and a fascinating place to explore. A whole host of stalls selling replica products, souvenirs, jewelry, knick knacks, and of course all kinds of delicious street food pop-up along Petaling Street at night. Prices are hardly fixed here so some bargaining skill is required if you want to bag a good deal.

SEE

EAT

Batu Caves

Tamarind Hill Restaurant

The Batu Caves is located 10 kilometres northwest of Kuala Lumpur and is a spectacle to behold. These vast labyrinthic natural caverns make a great site for photography and a fantastic place to take a slow relaxing stroll. Once a year, in January or February, a horde of people gather here to celebrate Thaipusam, a festival which sees a few devotees testing their faith by carrying kavadis up the 272 steps of the caves.

(19 Jln Sultan Ismail, Tel: +603 2148 3200) It is easy to sustain a lucid image of the Tamarind Hill as the ideal out-of-city respite.

Set within a historic colonial house, and surrounded by an abundance of nature, visitors dining at the Tamarind Hill can expect to feel detached from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Apart from the lovely ambience, the restaurant also offers an extensive menu of delicious Thai and Burmese dishes, such as Mandalay chicken and potato curry, stir-fried chicken with pineapples and cashew nuts, and many more.

Zouk (113 Jln Ampang, Tel: +60 3 2171 1997) This famous institution stands resolutely at the top of Kuala Lumpur’s list of nightspots. Be sure to dress to the nines as it’s a place to see and be seen. The club is separated into a few different rooms that cater to different music tastes: the main room plays dance music; R&B is played at Phuture; electro at Bar Sonic; and reto at Velvet.

Petronas Twin Towers Persiaran Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Tel: +60 3 2615 8188 Standing at a whopping 452 metres with 88 storeys, the Petronas Twin Towers used to be the world’s tallest structure until the

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completion of the Taipei 101. Nonetheless, the colossal spires have become part of KL’s iconic skyline, with Islamic elements dictating the way in which, glass, steel and concrete were used to build the Towers.

Follow the crowd up to the Sky Bridge, which connects the two towers at 170 metres above ground, and offering a bird’s-eye view of the city. This iconic tower also houses several offices including Al Jazeera’s Asian broadcasting centre.

(35 Jalan Dang Wangi, Tel: +603 2698 8108) A hot favourite among the locals, Yut Kee is one of the oldest coffee shops in Kuala Lumpur. Offering authentic coffee, homemade white toast with generous portions of coconut jam, prawn noodles soup, “roti baba” (a luscious bread pie stuffed with shredded pork and onions), and a whole lot of other yummy dishes, tourists are highly recommended to visit this place at least once during their trip.

Rebung (2 Lorong Maarof, Taman Bangsar, Tel: +603 2283 2119) A trip to Kuala Lumpur wouldn’t be considered complete without experiencing some authentic Malay cuisine. And a place to go for delectable Malay cuisine would be Rebung, where the “rendang” (slow-cooked beef or mutton in coconut and spices), prawn fritters, and the fish cooked in coconut broth dish will surely satisfy the most discerning taste buds.

Frangipani Restaurant and Bar (25 Jln Changkat Bukit Bintang, Tel: +603 2144 3001) Touted as one of the best French restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, Frangipani Restaurant and Bar offers decadent French cuisines including grilled Wagyu beef cheek and roasted skinless duck breasts – all done to perfection. After your meal, adjourn to the bar where you can indulge in delicious cocktails and have a wonderful evening with your friends.

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1. A mouth-watering dish – Mandalay Chicken and Potato Curry 2. The Batu Caves makes a great site for photography and a fantastic place to take a slow relaxing stroll.

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INSIDER

AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA Text by Esther Faith Lew

A private terrace with a daybed and bathtub overlooking the exclusive Larkhill Terrace pool

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THE APPEAL OF LARKHILL TERRACE SUITES LIES IN ITS RICH TAPESTRY THAT BLENDS NATURE, HERITAGE AND CONTEMPORARY STYLE. THE SUITES ARE AN EXOTIC FUSION OF SENSITIVELY RESTORED COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE AND CHIC APPEAL. Cyndi Ng General Manager

ProďŹ le History and heritage run deep at Amara Sanctuary, an idyllic resort set within the lush surrounds of Sentosaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tropical allure. Colonial charm, warm hospitality and chic amenities have endeared locals, tourists and celebrities to this peaceful enclave.

New to the Amara Sanctuary is its Larkhill Terrace Suites, an exclusive block of 18 private suites located behind the main resort building.

Formerly, a WWII British army barrack, this block has been restored to house two storeys of luxurious suites with spacious living rooms, private verandahs and courtyards and an JOmOJUZ FEHF QPPM PWFSMPPLJOH MVTI GPMJBHF

Front Desk The lobby felt cosy and cheery, with nPPS UP DFJMJOH HMBTT QBOFMT MFUUJOH JO UIF XBSN TVOTIJOF "O PME TDIPPM XPPEFO DBSU JO UIF corner beckoned with Amara Sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refreshing signature iced tea and a variety of kacang puteh; a nice local touch to welcome arriving guests.

Room Review * BTDFOEFE B TIPSU nJHIU PG TUFQT B MJGU BXBJUT those who are averse to stairs) and entered my TFDPOE TUPSFZ TVJUF " TQBDJPVT MJWJOH SPPN greeted me, but my eyes were immediately drawn to the verandah where a daybed facing lush foliage promised Jane Austenâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;inspired moments of lyrical prose.

A basket of fruit and bottle of red wine awaited my refreshment, which perked me up as I cleared some paperwork at the desk. The bright and airy ambience, complemented by the high ceiling, seemed to clear my mind and

Colonial-style living that makes guests feel right at home

instilled a sense of focus and calm.

This mood set the precedence for using the spacious bathroom, complete with his and hers WBOJUZ DPVOUFST BOE B MBSHF TUBOE BMPOF CBUIUVC for indulgent pampering. Come nighttime, my deep slumber was a blissful affair; the TVNQUVPVT GPVS QPTUFS CFE BOE HFOUMF UXJSMJOH fan lulled me to sleep immediately.

STYLE Modern Colonial BUILT 2007 REFURBISHED Newly built Larkill Terrace Suites in December 2011

ROOMS SPPNT TUVEJPT TVJUFT 10 villas; 1 mansion

Amenities Corporate retreats are a luxurious affair at Amara 4BODUVBSZ XJUI B EFEJDBUFE TUBUF PG UIF BSU MICE building featuring a Grand Ballroom and TFWFO GVODUJPO SPPNT -BSHF TDBMF DPOGFSFODFT of up to 850 guests as well as smaller groups are easily accommodated.

Squeezing in some exercise in between meetings is a breeze, as the resort has a special imUOFTT QMBZHSPVOEw GPS BEVMUT " VOJRVF BOE GBTU QBDFE NJOVUF XPSLPVU VTJOH Quadballers, Suspension Trainers, the LVOH GV TUZMF 5ISFF ,JDLT .BDIJOF BOE UIF Power Plate, a toning and shaping vibration machine, will give you quite a cardio workout. I ended my day on that productive note, complete XJUI B TBUJTGZJOH EFFQ UJTTVF TJHOBUVSF NBTTBHF BU UIF BXBSE XJOOJOH 5IBOO 4BODUVBSZ

RATING 'JWF 4UBS ROOM RATES S$600 to S$8,000 ADDRESS 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island, 4JOHBQPSF

TEL +65 6825 3888

Summary The resort offers a world of difference for UPVSJTUT XIJMF CVTJOFTT USBWFMMFST CFOFmU GSPN its close proximity to Shenton Way and the CBD. A stay at Amara Sanctuary takes you on an enchanting journey to experience the best of Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tropical allure, colonial history BOE DJUZ WJCFT 8IJMF ZPV SF BU JU TUBZ mU BOE QSJNFE UP QFSGPSN XJUI DVTUPNJTFE mUOFTT sessions that are perfect for busy executives.

Tranquil moments beckon at Larkhill Terrace Suites

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INSIDER

SHUTTERS AT AMARA SANCTUARY RESORT SENTOSA Text by Esther Faith Lew

The 80-seater Shutters exudes a warm and cosy ambience

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I BELIEVE THAT BLENDING THE EAST AND WEST OPENS UP A BOUNDLESS VISTA OF EXCITING POSSIBILITIES, ENABLING ME TO PUSH BOUNDARIES AND EXCITE DINERS. Galvin Wong Executive Chef A lush view from the chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s table

ProďŹ le A chic restaurant with a contemporary outlook in combining the best of western and eastern cuisines, Shutters is headed by executive chef Galvin Wong, who blends traditional and modern culinary skills in creating a menu that is light, yet wholesome; IFBMUIZ ZFU TBUJTGZJOH OBUVSBM ZFU SFmOFE Chef Galvin has just recently launched a spa cuisine menu that is low in fat and calories with organic ingredients. Although this menu is specially designed for guests who take up the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stay in Shape Staycation programme, the regular menu SFnFDUT IJT QSFGFSFODF GPS UBTUZ ZFU IFBMUIZ nBWPVST BT XFMM

I was escorted to the chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s table at the back of the restaurant; a small intimate alcove facing beautiful lush foliage and the rooftops of the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colonial buildings.

The table for six is dressed in plush black for B DMBTTZ MPPL BO JOEJDBUPS PG UIF SFmOFE dishes that were to come.

Service The staff were attentive and alert to the BQQSPQSJBUF UJNFT UP DMFBS EJTIFT BOE mMM VQ my water glass without being intrusive.

4FSWJDF BU 4IVUUFST XBT EFmOJUFMZ PO QBS XJUI UIBU PG mOF EJOJOH FTUBCMJTINFOUT EFTQJUF being positioned as a casual eatery.

Food Ambience Warm lighting and dark brown hues give the restaurant an air of cosiness despite its large dining hall. The restaurant was BMSFBEZ mMMJOH VQ GPS EJOOFSUJNF CVU UIF chatter remained muted, and each table has enough space among them to allow diners to indulge in conducive conversations without raised volumes.

Even the chefs manning the open concept kitchen remained unobtrusive with nary a clang, although we could see them going about their culinary duties with TNPPUI nVJE NPWFNFOUT

My spa cuisine meal began with no less than a potent bittergourd and carrot juice for an antioxidant boost. While the end note had the lingering bite of bittergourd, the sweetness of the carrot gave the drink a refreshing lift.

The avocado broth that came after offered sublime savoury mouthfuls of thick pureed avocadoes blended into a rich chicken broth, FOIBODFE XJUI UIF nBWPVS PG MFFL BOE UIF crunch of multigrain croutons. It was a good way to increase vitamin E intake for great skin.

My dining companionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grilled scallop summer salad was a sunny island of zesty nBWPVST BOE WJCSBOU DPMPVST 5IF TDBMMPQT XFSF

A Crème BrÝlee Indulgence

CUISINE Modern intercontinental OPENING HOURS BN UP BN CSFBLGBTU

QN UP QN MVODI

QN UP QN EJOOFS

PRICE RANGE S$10 to S$29 SEATING JOEPPST

ADDRESS 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Island, 4JOHBQPSF

TEL +65 6825 3866

springy and juicy, and matched well with the fresh avocadoes and asparagus drizzled with DBSSPU WJOBJHSFUUF GPS XFMM CBMBODFE CJUFT XJUI UFYUVSF BOE EFQUI PG nBWPVS For mains, I opted for the kurobuta pork tenderloin. I love the richness of juicy kurobuta pork, but I was nonetheless TBUJTmFE XJUI UIF DIFG T IFBMUIZ SFOEJUJPO PG the meat, which came nestled on a bed of JNNVOJUZ CPPTUJOH TBVFSLSBVU BOE ESJ[[MFE with grainy mustard pig jus. The sake steamed red grouper also delighted us with its fresh delicate meat and vibrant broth.

Dessert was a refreshing affair that perked up our taste buds; the white grape and mango yoghurt freeze hit the spot with its fresh fruits and smooth texture.

Summary

Garnishing the avocado broth

The artistically plated kurobuta pork tenderloin

The casual yet stylish ambience as well as its spacious interior position Shutters as an apt venue for small meetings or discussions. #VTJOFTTNFO XPVME NPTU DFSUBJOMZ CFOFmU from Chef Galvinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light hand at creating healthy and wholesome dishes that leave one feeling primed and ready to perform.

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INSIDER

THE WESTIN CHOSUN, SEOUL Text by Natalie Joy Lee

The 492-key Westin Chosun Seoul boasts a central location thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for business and leisure

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Warm woods and plush materials give the Premium Junior Suite a cosy ambience

ProďŹ le The Westin Chosun boasts a rich history and USBEJUJPO EBUJOH CBDL UP *U XBT UIF mSTU luxury business hotel to introduce western DVMUVSF UP ,PSFB o GSPN UIF FMFWBUPS mSTU known as a vertical train), to ice cream, the buffet restaurant and dance parties.

Today, The Westin Chosun Seoul continues this tradition of innovation in the hotel industry through extensive renovations and personalised services. The Westin Chosun started upgrading works in 2006, and the 30-billion won makeover is now complete, after the latest transformations in UIF MPCCZ CBORVFU IBMMT BOE mUOFTT DFOUFS UP create an even more inviting and inspiring atmosphere for guests.

XPPEFO nPPSJOH VQPO FOUSBODF BOE anti-allergy carpeting for the rest of the room.

My spacious Executive Deluxe Room is DBUFSFE UP B NPEFSO USBWFMMFS T OFFET pampered by a LCD television (in nine languages) with digital information services and over 50 channels, a mobile phone for free local calls, a comfortable working desk area, and a cosy corner with a small sofa and table.

Internet charges are applicable at 22,000won per day, waived only for guests with Gold status privileges under the Starwood Preferred Guest programme.

Top-notch turn-down services are naturally QSPWJEFE BOE UIF JOUFSOBUJPOBM IPUFMJFS T signature Westin Heavenly Bed guarantees blissful slumber in the days ahead.

THE WESTIN CHOSUN SEOUL WILL MARK ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER 2014...

TO BE CELEBRATING A 100TH ANNIVERSARY IS TRULY AN EXTRAORDINARY FEATâ&#x20AC;ŚWE BELIEVE THAT QUALITY OF PRODUCT AND HEARTFELT SERVICES KEEP OUR HOTEL IN THE LEAD. Brian Pak General Manager

Amenities Front Desk Pulling up to the driveway, I was promptly greeted by an immaculately-dressed bellboy who opened my door and spoke near-perfect English. I was led swiftly to the lobby, a grand interior of polished marble, and warm hues of brown and glossy glass panels, with a plush sitting area dressed in dark rich wooden hues that invite guests to relax.

Room Review " TFBNMFTT SFnFDUJPO PG 5IF 8FTUJO T XPSMEXJEF CSBOEJOH 5IF 8FTUJO $IPTVO T 462 spacious rooms, including 40 suites, feature bespoke shades of cream and brown,

Mornings are made beautiful with access to The 8FTUJO &YFDVUJWF $MVC -PVOHF PO UIF UI nPPS which boasts gorgeous views over downtown Seoul and the historic Hwangudan (Temple of Heaven). Open from 6am to 10pm, breakfast, afternoon snacks and a 5pm to 8pm cocktail hour options are available, with a selection of newspapers and magazines for reading, and 600 library books for rent.

The hotel has revamped its meeting space, with the newly unveiled Grand Ballroom on the MPCCZ nPPS XIJDI JODPSQPSBUFT TUBUF PG UIF BSU lighting, and sound and video conferencing facilities, with eight screens for an all-encompassing experience.

The modern Orchid seminar room

STYLE Contemporary with classic ,PSFBO JOnVFODF

BUILT 1914 (rebuilt: 1970) ROOMS 462 SUITES 30 RATING Five-Star

Summary

The Renewal Suite bathroom invites indulgent pampering

Its golden location within the city centre allows easy walking distances to key government PGmDFT FNCBTTJFT QBMBDFT USFOEZ TIPQQJOH districts and local markets, making it a favourite choice for any discerning traveller. The Lotte Department Store is right next door, while the popular tourist strip of Myeongdong took all of three minutes to get to, with easy access to the subway whenever I wished to travel further.

ROOM RATES 380,000won to 12,000,000won (Room rates are subject to 10% service charge and 11 % VAT)

ADDRESS 87, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea 100-070

TEL +82 2771 0500 / +82 2317 0404 (reservation) Corporate Traveller

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INSIDER

DUSIT THANI LAGUNA PHUKET Text by Evonne Lynn Lee

The plush master bedroom of the Oceanfront Pool Villa

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WE HAVE REVITALISED OUR MEETING SPACE IN RESPONSE TO AN INCREASE IN DEMAND IN 2013, AND WE NOW HAVE A NEW 233 SQM DUSIT LAGUNA HALL AS WELL AS REMODELLED BOARDROOM/BREAKOUT ROOMS. Peter Komposch General Manager

ProďŹ le The Dusit brand is perhaps one of Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected icons of legendary Thai hospitality, characterised by the genuine warmth and graciousness expected of its people and culture. Reinforcing its strong Thailand reputation through the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing international presence, Dusitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inimitable hospitality can be anticipated in new openings slated for China, USA, India and Africa, boosting its portfolio of existing properties in Manila, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Maldives and Thailand.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, is the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nBHTIJQ SFTPSU BOE UIF mSTU QSPQFSUZ UP CSFBL HSPVOE PO -BHVOB $PNQMFY "TJB T mSTU integrated resort development on Bang Tao bay, northwest of Phuket.

Front Desk A smiling Ukranian guest service agent charmed me with her perfectly pitched â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sawasdee khaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; welcome as she served me a welcome fruit punch and cold towel. I was ushered to the Dusit Club room, which has been specially designated for business travellers. As I UPPL JO UIF NBHOJmDFOU WJFX PG UIF "OEBNBO Sea, I envisioned an active day spent XJOE TVSmOH LBZBLJOH PS TBJMJOH #BSFMZ mWF minutes later, my luggage arrived, and I was promptly escorted to my room. Thoughtful perks for Dusit Club guests include free local calls; afternoon tea (3pm to 4pm); free soft drinks from the minibar and daily standard pre-dinner cocktails (6pm to 7pm) at Horizon Lounge.

Room Review As I entered my 35 sqm Dusit Club room, I was impressed by its elegant, yet stylishly understated decor, accentuated through the use of ivory colours and earthy brown tones, and enhanced by rich Thai silk textiles. I stepped onto the private patio (complete with sun-deck chairs) to survey the sprawling grounds dotted with lazing sunbathers just steps away from the ocean.

The bathroom afforded an indulgent moment of pampering; I took a long soothing soak in the bathtub while listening to soothing music and appreciating the complimentary red wine and pralinĂŠs. Ladies will be pleased to know that a large vanity mirror and

countertop provided more than ample space for my stash of facial care products, cosmetics and travel accessories.

Amenities Dusit Thani is big on team-building activities.

There is never a dull moment for the active and sporty types on this sprawling 115,200 sqm resort. Dusitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;7 Days Many Waysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; programme offers multiple recreational facilities and options such as watersports, games, creative arts, culinary arts (royal Thai cooking, fruit and vegetable carving) and an 18-hole golf course nearby. Faced with a staggering 24 options, I vacillated between shopping at Canal Village boutiques (just outside the resort) and a massage at Angsana Spa before the inviting crystal-clear waters won me over. I put on my nJQ nPQT BOE IFBEFE PVU UP UIF MBHPPO UP LBZBL * mHVSFE JU XPVME CF UIF CFTU XBZ UP FOKPZ Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gorgeous sunshine and natural surrounds before getting down to any meetings.

Summary Dusit Thaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlimited free high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity resort-wide is a boon to frequent business travellers. Staying connected is made seamless at any Dusit property worldwide, and in the Phuket resort, I spotted many sunbathers engaged on their ipads, laptops and android phones. Additionally, Dusitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s romantic setting for weddings and MICE got a boost from a recent 10 million baht revitalisation of its meeting spaces, that boasts Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only air-conditioned beach meeting facility tucked amongst casuarina trees. This makes Dusit Thani an ideal location for combining business and leisure.

The Casuarina meeting room and its splendid sea view

STYLE Modern Thai BUILT November 25, 1987 REFURBISHED Meeting rooms were refreshed in November 2012

ROOMS 213 with 12 suites and 28 pool villas RATING Five-Star AWARDS 2012 Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Beach Resort; Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Golf Resort since 2010 (World Travel Awards)

ROOM RATES 6,000 baht (S$254) to 40,000 baht (S$1,692)

ADDRESS 390 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road, T. Cherngtalay, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110

TEL +66 76 362 999

A traditional welcome at Dusit Thani Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansive lobby

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INSIDER

LA TRATTORIA AT DUSIT THANI LAGUNA PHUKET Text by Evonne Lynn Lee

The prime location of La Trattoria on the beach makes it an ideal dinner venue for long leisurely evenings

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MY UNIQUE TAKE ON AUTHENTIC CUISINE INFLUENCED BY THE NORTH-ITALIAN PROVINCE OF LECCO, COMBINED WITH OUTSTANDING THAI HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE, HAVE EARNED US AWARDS FOR THE FIFTH YEAR IN A ROLL.

ProďŹ le La Trattoria has been ranked alongside Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best restaurants for four consecutive years (2009-2012) by the media.

With Executive Chef Silvano Amolini at the helm, the restaurant is known for hearty, SPCVTU GPPE UIBU SFnFDUT UIF NVMUJDVMUVSBM JOnVFODFT PG UIF 5SFOUJOP "MUP "EJHF QSPWJODF The Germanic tastes of Austria to its north and UIF -BUJO BOE .FEJUFSSBOFBO nBWPVST PG UIF Veneto province to its south have given play to a wide range of regional produce that inspires creative dishes.

Ambience Dining on the beach at La Trattoria was a classy affair with a breezy Mediterranean appeal. Comfortable brown sofas textured with layers of rustic wood, natural rattan and soft suede, paired with striking patterned white chairs gave a warm and contemporary feel to the restaurant. Its white dĂŠcor and high ceiling accentuated the sense of expansiveness in UIF JOEPPS EJOJOH BSFB XJUI nPPS UP DFJMJOH windows on three sides affording marvellous seafront views from almost any table.

However, with the sound of the ocean and the cool tropical breeze beckoning, dining in the uplifting blue- and white-themed alfresco area seemed like the perfect choice for TBWPVSJOH DIFG "NPMJOJ T mOF 5SFOUJOP DVJTJOF

Service On the two occasions I had dinner at La 5SBUUPSJB * XBT TBUJTmFE XJUI UIF TFSWJDF standards of the wait staff although they were busy with an almost full house of diners. Hit by a craving for Italian food on the evening I was due to check out, I popped into the restaurant and ordered a three-course dinner. I had little time to spare, but my courses were served promptly.

In particular, Supervisor Suriyanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s product knowledge deserves mention. When I asked him about the ingredients of the eggplant dip that came with my home-baked focaccia, he was able to do so with ease. His deliberated recommendation of Pinot Grigio II Zonin Primo Amore was also spot on.

Food Good minestrone soup forms the cornerstone of reputable Italian cooking, and La Trattoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Silvano Amolini Executive Chef

Executive Chef Silvano Amolini putting WKH Ă&#x20AC;QLVKLQJ WRXFKHV RQ KLV GLVKHV

chunky interpretation of the classico minestrone did not disappoint. It arrived piping hot with generous portions of cabbage, carrot, celery and zucchini in a hearty tomato broth, topped off with freshly grated parmesan.

My appetiser of Spaghetti alle Vongole was UPTTFE JO mOFMZ NJODFE HBSMJD BOE QBSTMFZ XJUI B mFSZ [JQ PG QFQFSPODJOP BOE B TQMBTI PG 1JOPU Grigio for a perfect balance. The homemade spaghetti cushioned sweet plump clams that made for toothsome bites.

I also tried Suriyanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation of local seabass; Branzino alla Grilia on Pomodoro Fesco, Potate e Asparagi. Each NPSTFM PG UIF TVDDVMFOU mTI XBT KVJDZ BOE GVMM PG texture, complemented by potato, black olives, asparagus and basil-scented tomato cubes.

Exchanging tasting notes with a wine connoisseur sitting nearby, we discussed the various fruity hints of my Pinot Grigio. I thought HSBQFGSVJU XBT UIF EFmOJOH FOE OPUF CVU IF politely suggested that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peach. Regardless, the delicate crisp white wine from the northeast region of Veneto and Friuli with smooth PWFSUPOFT PG IPOFZ HBWF UIF QBTUB BOE mTI more body and made my meal complete.

CUISINE Italian OPENING HOURS 6pm to 10:30pm daily PRICE RANGE 150 baht (S$6) to 1,300 baht (S$55) SEATING 130 including terrace area ADDRESS 390 Moo 1, Srisoonthorn Road, T. Cherngtalay, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110

TEL +66 76 362 999, ext. 7303

Comforting ravioli

Summary On both nights, the serversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thoughtful gesture of reserving my favourite table in the terrace area gave me opportune moments to relish the fresh salty scent of the Andaman Sea as dusk silently crept ashore while I indulged in comforting Italian food.

The restaurant has built up quite a following among regulars, and service is evidently one of the qualities that has impressed them, including me.

Hearty spaghetti alle vongole

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GETAWAY

Mechanical rather than mythical, these distinctive yachts are the modern-day tempters that lure travellers into their domain for unforgettable cruises.

SEA

SIRENS OF THE

Text by Esther Faith Lew

M

ore than just sojourns that hint of an indulgent lifestyle, these cruises to awe-inspiring destinations appeal to the free spirit within and bid us to set sail into the deep blue sea to heal and rejuvenate. Be it to get away from the madding crowd or to reconnect with nature’s wonders, travellers find themselves being increasingly drawn to the berths of beautiful yachts and the shores of exotic locales.

Those who have honed their sailing skills and gotten down and wet in navigating a sailboat would profess that it

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is more than just the technical efficiency of being able to tack, gybe and sail a triangular course. It is also about having a good instinct for reading weather and sea conditions and gauging wind directions. It is an addictive sport that requires speed, agility and stamina in timely manoeuvres as well as mental focus and calmness in handling unpredictable factors.

These are traits that serve us well in any situational context, where we are required to step up to the plate and prove our calibre. So as we appreciate the luxury yachts that impress us with grand designs and posh

facilities, and tempt us to purchase one that meets our desire, it is also worth our while to remember the humble sloop that helps build resilience.

Whether it’s a schooner, a catamaran or a megayacht that rocks your boat, the sea of options promises experiences that are as colourful as the rainbow. Combine that with a spectacular itinerary to exotic destinations and you’re set for a journey to be remembered forever. We’ve shortlisted unique luxury yachts (minus the casinos) with memorable cruises for your contemplation.

1 1. Alfresco dining with gorgeous island vistas 2. The MG boasts from the impressive line of Maiora yachts 3. Recline and relax in the plush saloon 4. An extensive range of water sports equipment is available for sports enthusiasts

THE STYLE FACTOR When it comes to making a fashion statement, this ultramodern motor yacht has all the right looks and qualities to be considered a glam gem. It has an impressive pedigree from the sterling Maiora line, built in the shipyard of Fipa Italian Yachts. Known for its dedication to style and perfection of design and function, Maiora yachts boast innovative features, and the MG is considered to be a masterpiece. She is 40m and has a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 23 knots, backed by state-of-the-art technology systems that meet the expectations of a discerning clientele.

More than just about substance, she exudes elegance and refinement in style, with a modern minimalist décor that reflects refined tastes. Mood lighting with strategic downlights and crystal hanging lights endow your cruising experience with a warm ambience, complemented by the soothing shades of beige and brown and wooden flooring. The saloon welcomes you and your guests with an island bar counter, a 50-inch plasma television set and two long sofas for comfortable lounging.

Dining on the MG is a fine affair too, with carefully selected silverware and dinnerware to suit the occasion.

Accommodating about 10 to 12 passengers, the MG has one master cabin, two VIP cabins, two twin cabins with one

Itinerary The MG is berthed in Greece and virtually almost 2

any destination in the region may be included in fully customised itineraries. Whether it’s sightseeing in Greece, Croatia or Turkey; island hopping; culture cruising; or water sports and activities; this cruise is yours to dream up.

Charter rates €100,000 (low season) and €120,000 (high season) per week. Comes with a crew of seven.

Contact Mayfair Luxury Yachts 3

tel: +65 6823 6820 (Singapore); www.mayfairluxuryyachts.com

Pullman berth each and one playroom. All come with en suite facilities. The master cabin features a king-sized bed, a sofa, a desk and settee, a walk-in closet and a 32-inch LCD magic mirror television set.

The MG also has the necessary equipment for watersports: a waverunner, waterskis, a wakeboard and snorkelling and fishing equipment.

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GETAWAY

CULTURE CHIC The 40m Si Datu Bua harkens back to the days of the thriving spice trade, where maritime routes played a pivotal role in growing Indonesia’s commercial value of spices such as nutmeg, cloves and mace. The character of a traditional Indonesia phinisi sailing boat has been retained in the Si Datu Bua, hailing from the elegant fleet of Silolona Sojourns by Secret Retreats, a collection of boutique residences, hotel and boats in Asia.

Painstakingly handcrafted using tropical wood and the indigenous methods of the Konjo people of Sulawesi, the Si Datu Bua is a nautical artwork that offers uncompromising standards in safety and comfort. She offers an exclusive cruising experience, with accommodation for up to

six guests in three suites with en suite facilities and full air conditioning. Her cabins are warm, cosy and plush, with dark rich wood and ethnic décor lending an old-world charm, contrasted by luxurious modern amenities.

Relaxing on the Si Datu Bua is an indulgent affair, with a choice of the comfortable lounge or dining areas to ensconce guests in intimate comfort, while the spacious and beautiful teak deck will entice the free-spirited to sunbathe and take in the fresh sea air. Diving enthusiasts will be impressed by the well-equipped PADI Dive Center on board, making it safe and easy to explore the beautiful waters at a whim’s fancy.

2

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4 1. An authentic replica of the Indonesian phinisi 2. A spacious all-teak top deck that’s perfect for lounging 3. A bathroom with a spa-like ambience 4. The cosy interior of the luxurious suite

Itinerary Berthed in Labuanbajo, Si Datu Bua offers adventure seekers an opportunity to explore the Raja Ampat Archipelago from October 24 to November 2. Discover Indonesia’s “four kings”: Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool. These islands offer spectacular scenery that is perhaps contested by the stunning underwater world of colourful coral reefs and marine life. Nature lovers may have the chance to glimpse whales that migrate along the coast of Papua and while diving enthusiasts will be thrilled by the beautiful dive sites in the archipelago.

Charter Rates Master Cabin Suites: US$1,810++; Guest Cabin Suites: US$1,280++. Rates include shore excursions, transfers, entrance fees and permits and use of water sports equipment.

Contact Secret Retreats E-mail: dream@secret-retreats.com 1

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www.secret-retreats.com

COSY CRUISING

1 1. The Athala II was specially built for cruising the Galapagos Islands 2. Relax and dine on sumptuous feasts while taking a break from island hopping 3. The Jacuzzi and bar on the upper deck is ideal for parties 4. Up close with sea lions while island exploring

Itinerary 7KH VL[ GD\ Ă&#x20AC;YH QLJKW 6RXWKZHVW *DODSDJRV Cruise takes passengers to Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana and Rabida Islands, while popular DWWUDFWLRQV VXFK DV 3RVW 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH %D\ DQG WKH Charles Darwin Research Station are featured.

On these excursions, passengers will have many opportunities to swim, snorkel, kayak or hike. The islands are home to a bounty of natural beauties, and present nature buffs with VQDSZRUWK\ PRPHQWV IHDWXULQJ WKH Ă LJKWOHVV cormorant, the blue-footed booby, the waved albatross and even colourful sally lightfoot crabs and sea lions.

Rates Upper deck: US$3,990 (low season), US$4,950 (holiday season). Main deck: US$4,190 (low season), US$5,150 (holiday season). Rates are based on double occupancy and include transfers and shore excursions.

Offering the comfort of a larger yacht yet retaining the exclusivity of a private cruise, a catamaran offers the best way to explore the Galapagos Islands up close. The 30m Athala II is an upscale motor catamaran that has been designed for maximum outdoor enjoyment on its upper deck. The large partially covered sundeck is perfect for suntanning or whale and dolphin watching, while the upper deck with its Jacuzzi and bar tempts you to relax with a drink or two, with the mesmerising scenery to keep you company. It is also where many passengers choose to dine alfresco under the stars.

Athala II has eight comfortable double staterooms with private bath facilities and large picture windows, four of which with private balconies are located on the main deck, while the other four are on the upper deck. Passengers are served by a crew of 10, including a Cruise Manager and a Galapagos Naturalist Guide to ensure personalised service.

Built exclusively for Galapagos cruising, the Athala II is a modern and technologically advanced catamaran with superior stability and superb speed. She was completely refurbished in 2011 and features a modern design and interior that appeals to the trendy tastes of the young and adventurous crowd.

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Contact Adventure Smith Explorations Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com www.adventuresmithexplorations.com

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GETAWAY

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(QMR\ Ă&#x20AC;QH Egyptian cuisine and attentive service 2. Soak in the sunshine in one of the many cosy nooks on the top deck 3. An authentic dahabiya with Oriental and colonial LQĂ XHQFHV

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HISTORICAL VALUE

Itinerary

A favoured mode of transportation by aristocrats and sophisticated travellers in the 1920s, a dahabiya was a stylish way to experience the beauty of the Nile in Egypt.

Those days of charming elegance have been resurrected in the 49m Nile Lily, a true replica of the dahabiya, albeit with modern amenities that travellers have come to associate with luxury.

The romance of the Nile can now be experienced in the privileged setting of the Nily Lily, who is dressed in colonial style with oriental and Egyptian inďŹ&#x201A;uences. The opulence of cherry wood, marble and period pieces as well as the simplicity of charming furniture such as wicker chairs giver her an air of staidly elegance that is also warm and homely.

Launched in 2010, Nile Lily features 10 spacious cabins with en suite facilities and modern comforts, while a crew of 15 ensures that quality service is in place. As passengers take in the tranquil landscape of villages and open countryside while cruising leisurely, they will be pampered by tastefully prepared international and Egyptian cuisine in the dining area of the elegant saloon.

The 12-day Ancient and Nile cruise takes passengers on an idyllic journey to appreciate famous cultural landmarks such as the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak temple complex, and $EX 6LPEHO ZKHUH RQH FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH IRXU colossal statues of Ramses II. Beginning with a tour of Giza, the itinerary then takes passengers by air from Cairo to Aswan where they will board the Nile Lily. They will also visit the Agilika Island and Kitchener Island for close-up encounters of the cultural kind during its route between Aswan and Luxor. Cruising dates are from October 31 to November 11.

Rates ÂŁ3,520 per person for double cabin; price includes full board, alcoholic beverages, return air fare from London, domestic air travel, guides, transfers, port and airport taxes and crew gratuities

Contact ACE Cultural Cruises Tel: +44 1223 835 055 (UK); ace@aceculturalcruises.co.uk; www.aceculturalcruises.co.uk

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Itinerary The seven-night Amazon River Expedition Cruise promises to perfect the luxurious experience on board the M/V Aria with an abundance of natural wonders to be discovered during the expedition. Be it a jungle hike or 1

swimming with pink dolphins, passengers will have opportunities to get acquainted with $PD]RQ¡V Ă RUD DQG IDXQD LQFOXGLQJ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ IRU

MODERN CHARM The typical river boat undergoes a renaissance in style and form with the 45m M/V Aria, designed by renowned Peruvian architect and designer Jordi Puig. His contemporary touch is evident in the exterior facades, suites and public areas of the double-decker M/V Aria. At night, as she slides through the calm waters of the Amazon River, she lights up like a glamorous hotel, with warm lighting and ďŹ&#x201A;oor-to-ceiling picture windows affording grand peeks of the luxurious suites within.

The M/V Ariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16 Design Suites are aptly named, as they feature 23 sqm of luxurious space with a comfortable en suite sitting area that is perfect for long tranquil moments while gazing out at the stunning vista of the Amazon River, especially when

1. First-class suites with Ă&#x20AC;UVW FODVV YLHZV 2. The observation deck beckons one to enjoy the beautiful sunsets &XWWLQJ D Ă&#x20AC;QH Ă&#x20AC;JXUH LQ style and design 4. Appreciate the Amazon River from the comfort of the lounge 3

piranha and watching impressive six-foot-wide

the stars are twinkling brightly in the clear night sky. To enhance deep slumber, passengers can expect ďŹ ne Peruvian bed linen adorning king-sized beds, luxury toiletries and a private bath as well as a shower for indulgent grooming.

Come dinnertime, expect no less than ďŹ ne crystal and china service to accompany gourmet Peruvian cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Pedro Miguel SchiafďŹ no, one of Limaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culinary stars. Discerning palates will be pampered by an European-inďŹ&#x201A;uenced Peruvian menu, paired with South American vintages. After dinner, the elegant indoor lounge beckons one to sink into a plush armchair or sofa with a cocktail, accompanied by soothing music and good conversation.

Victoria Regia water lilies burst into bloom at twilight. The array of colourful birds in the Amazon will have nature lovers clicking away as well. Several departure dates are available each month.

Rates 86 Ă&#x20AC;UVW GHFN VXLWH 86 VHFRQG deck suite). Rates are based on per person double occupancy, and includes meals, beverages, excursions, transfers and the entrance fee to Pacaya Samiria Wildlife Reserve.

Contact Aqua Expeditions Email: reservations@aquaexpeditions.com; www.aquaexpeditions.com

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FIRST CLASS

PERFECT PERTH As a city, Perth is the metaphorical caterpillar quickly transforming into the next Australian powerhouse for business, culture and entertainment. Here is why you should give the city – and its neighbouring regions – a second look.

Text by Lisa Cheong Photos courtesy of Tourism Western Australia and Lisa Cheong

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f you’ve visited Perth before, it’s easy to assume you’ve seen all of Perth’s offerings. After all, this city with all its laid-back charm is a quick five-hour flight from Singapore and its close proximity attracts many Asian travellers who come for work, holidays or studies.

Saddled with the reputation as the uncool, smaller sister to Melbourne and Sydney, things in Perth are morphing faster than you can say “G’day, mate”. Walk down any main street in the Perth’s Central Business District and the sight of construction cranes, scaffoldings stretched across buildings and men in bright yellow construction gear is ubiquitous, with international retail brands, hip bars and restaurants and luxury hotels springing up to meet the city’s insatiable demand.

What’s the catalyst behind this speedy rejuvenation? None other than the booming mining sector in Western

Beneath its laid-back charm, bustling activity is underway to transform Perth into a vibrant luxury destination

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FIRST CLASS 1. A chic art deco interior that draws the trendy crowd 2. White-collar professionals regularly frequent The Trustee in the evenings 3. An extensive and carefully curated wine list appeals to discerning palates 4. The historic WA Trustees Building lends an ambience of (XURSHDQ ÁDLU

Photos courtesy of The Trustee

Australia, which in turn, produces droves of employees flush with cash and ready to live it up.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of restaurants and small bars that cropping up. Years ago, there wasn’t an awful lot to do in the CBD in the evenings, but now the scene is vibrant,” says Stephanie Buckland, CEO of Tourism Western Australia. To prove her point, celebrity chefs such as TV personality Jamie Oliver, Nobu’s Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and Aussie darling Neil Perry have

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hedged their gastronomical bets and plopped down restaurants in Perth over the last few years.

For Scott Taylor, epicurean dining is serious business. As the director of The Trustee, Taylor runs this bar and bistro and one other food establishment together with his sister, Angie. As a tribute to Perth’s heritage, The Trustee derives its namesake from the historic WA Trustees building that the restaurant resides in.

The bar and bistro is highly favoured among Perth’s white-collar set for its European fare and carefully curated wine list of over 500 bottles.

Being located in Perth has been a boon, says Taylor, as the city did not feel the full impact of the global financial crisis. The buffer from the economic collapse allowed restaurateurs such as 60 Corporate Traveller

BIGGER, BOLDER AND BETTER. THAT SEEMS TO SUM UP PERTH’S UPSWING THESE DAYS, AS THE CITY SHEDS ITS OLD STODGY REPUTATION AND CREATES A TOURIST GEM THAT IS RICH BEYOND ITS MINERALS.

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Taylor to “be more aggressive with new projects, more daring with design and more forward thinking when it comes to marketing and advertising.”

Bigger, bolder and better. That seems to sum up Perth’s upswing these days, as the city sheds its old stodgy reputation and creates a tourist gem that is rich beyond its minerals.

For a quick drive out of Perth: Mandurah The areas that lie on the city’s fringe provide just as much to see and do, while still being in close proximity to Perth. An hour’s drive south is Mandurah, which got its namesake from the Aboriginal word “mandjar”, which stands for “meeting place”. Formerly a thriving fishing town, Mandurah is now synonymous as the holiday destination for affluent Perth

1. Luxury retail brands are heating up the shopping scene in Perth 2. Clear skies in Mandurah make it perfect for outdoor activities 3. Fishing is one of the NH\ KLJKOLJKWV IRU DIÁXHQW Perth residents

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residents seeking a brief respite from work, many of whom own sprawling houses perched along the waterways.

It’s no surprise the population of Mandurah swells dramatically during vacations. The area is blessed with clear skies, wide open waterways and seven highly-acclaimed golf courses in the region.

Here, one activity that should be on everyone’s list is a scenic ferry ride run

by Mandurah Cruises (www. mandurahcruises.com.au). Tuck into a satisfying meal of fish and chips while sailing down the famous water canals and past the manicured yards of luxurious vacation homes. It’s also highly likely that wild bottle-nosed dolphins would swim by and frolic alongside your boat during the cruise.

Hankering after some putting action?

Mandurah Cruises can assist in creating itineraries that will soon have you teeing off on some of Western Australia’s championship golf courses that include Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club and The Cut, the latter golf course hosted the Western Australia PGA Championship from 2007 to 2010.

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THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THIS TOWN [BROOME], KNOWN AS THE PEARLING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, THAT DRAWS VISITORS WHO WANT TO BE SUBMERGED IN A WORLD UNLIKE ANY OTHER. 1. and 2. Creative hand-crafted beers await at Matso’s Brewery 3. A relaxing ferry ride down Mandurah’s scenic waterways 4. Appreciate the famous Cable Beach on a camel

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For a quick flight out of Perth: Broome There are no tall skyscrapers in Broome, no flashy buildings made of glass and chrome that shimmer in the sunlight.

Instead, undersized one- and two-storey buildings made from corrugated tin walls, a material built to withstand nature’s elements, sprawl across the red dirt here.

Just a mere two-and-a-half hours’ plane ride from Perth, Broome best resembles an ’80s movie set in Hawaii complete with rows of transplanted palm trees swaying in the wind and warm weather to boot.

There’s something about this town, known as the pearling capital of the world, that draws visitors who want to be submerged in a world unlike any other.

The carefree, breezy attitude that locals share here is all-pervasive. Late for an

appointment? Don’t worry, it’s just Broome Time, locals say with a shrug.

Despite Broome’s quiet and affable charm, this town does not suffer a lack of celebrity wattage. Names such as Elton John, Tom Cruise, Kylie Minogue have all descended on Broome’s sandy shores to seek a safe haven away from paparazzi.

But Kerry Stokes, owner of Australian television news station Channel Seven, is probably the most high-profile person to own a slice of this beach paradise. For a glimpse at his exclusive beachfront mansion that once hosted Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, hop on a camel for an hour-long sunset ride down the famous Cable Beach (www. redsuncamels.com.au). As the gentle, tawny giants plod along the receding

shoreline, it’s impossible to tear yourself away from the beauty of the Indian Ocean bleeding into the horizon.

On blisteringly sunny days, quench your thirst with cool hand-crafted beer at Matso’s Broome Brewery (www.matsos. com.au), where pints of ginger, chilli and mango-flavoured beers practically fly off the taps. The brew is made on the premises itself, so you are guaranteed a fresh and crisp flavor and none of that stale bottled aftertaste.

It would be remiss to come to Broome and skip out on its flourishing pearling industry. For an excellent primer, take a farm tour of Willie Creek Pearls (www. williecreekpearls.com.au). In this half-day farm tour, you will discover the history behind Broome’s pearling legacy, learn how Corporate Traveller

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FIRST CLASS pearls are produced currently and even get to buy some jewellery in their extensive showroom. Then, you are whisked off in a motorboat and taken out to see how the oysters are maintained in their farm.

If the stars are aligned, you might be able to observe what is one of Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breathtaking phenomenon, known as Staircase to the Moon. This phemomena occurs when a full moon meets the exposed mudďŹ&#x201A;ats of Roebuck Bay on an extremely low tide. The reďŹ&#x201A;ection of the

When travelling to Margaret River, Leeuwin Estate (www.leeuwinestate.com.au) produces quality tipple that stands heads and shoulders above the rest. Since the winery began in 1972, this highly-lauded boutique winery located just 1

280km south of Perth has built an avid following of wine connoisseurs with its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Art Seriesâ&#x20AC;? label, XIJDI TIPXDBTFT -FFVXJO T mOFTU XJOFT GSPN each vintage and with labels that feature contemporary Australian artists.

Not content on just serving up wine and good food, the winery also has built a legacy on its annual concerts held in its vineyard.

Dubbed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leeuwin Concert Seriesâ&#x20AC;?, the concert has seen musical luminaries such as Diana Ross, STING and Carole King perform on its grounds.

And at the helm of this iconic Margaret River institution is Simone Horgan-Furlong, Joint Chief Executive of her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Leeuwin, we have seen an increase in visitors from overseas looking for bespoke food and XJOF FYQFSJFODFT w )PSHBO 'VSMPOH BGmSNT 5P keep up with changing tastes, Leeuwin Estate now offers cellardoor food and wine pairing tastings, behind-the-scenes winemaking tours, B SFTUBVSBOU "SU (BMMFSZ DIBSUFS nJHIU TFSWJDF and summertime alfresco concerts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leeuwin also caters for the corporate traveller with private boardroom facilities and tailor-made experiences,â&#x20AC;? she adds.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just an endless array of things to see and do in Perth, as Horgan-Furlong attests, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Along with its stunning environment, visitors to Perth are now discovering a vibrant commercial, cultural, food and wine hub with a range of quality experiences.â&#x20AC;? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to like about that?

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1. Insights into how pearling is carried out at Willie Creek Pearls 2. Exquisite jewellery to choose from at Willie Creek 3. The breathtaking phenomenon known as Staircase to the Moon

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moon cast upon the mudďŹ&#x201A;ats conjures up an image that resembles an illuminated staircase reaching towards the heavens. Dates for when this phenomenon will occur are available on www.broome.wa.au.

With Perth and Western Australia undergoing radical transformation, the list of new offerings the region has to offer is almost inexhaustible. So perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time you gave Perth and its outlying areas a second look?

A run-down on some of the major establishments that will enliven the city of Perth.

ELIZABETH QUAY

luxurious hotel rooms, Crown Towers will sit alongside its

Overlooking the Swan River, this new development will

GPVS TUBS BOE mWF TUBS DPVOUFSQBSUT UIF $SPXO

inject new energy and vibrancy into Perthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Central

Promenade and Crown Metropole.

Business District. Occupying nearly 10-hectares, the

Timeline: 2017

$2.6 billion project is expected to reel in locals and tourists with residential apartments, shops, cultural

PERTH AIRPORT

NVTFVNT BOE PGmDFT BMM DPOOFDUFE UISPVHI B TFSJFT

Perth Airport wants to make your travels smoother,

of sparkling waterfront promenades and boardwalks.

fuss-free and even downright enjoyable. With an

Timeline: Estimated completion mid-2015

overhauled domestic and international terminal, visitors DBO FYQFDU UP TFF MBSHFS DIFDL JO BSFBT BOE mSTU DMBTT

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CROWN TOWERS PERTH

shopping and dining amenities. The airport will also have

A $568 million investment, this six-star luxury hotel is

the capacity for large planes such as the Airbus A380.

slated to be the largest hotel in Perth. Offering 500

Timeline: Estimated completion mid 2014

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WONDERLUST

THE MAGNIFICENT

SE EN Text by Sherwin Chua Photos by Dreamstime & 123rf

Our bucket list of the world’s greatest monuments – those that you must visit in your lifetime.

T

HE IDEA OF ranking man’s most wondrous creations can be traced back to the 5th century BC, when Greek historian Herodutus of Halicarnassus listed some must-sees in his compilation titled History. Ever since then, numerous catalogues of the world’s great wonders have appeared over the course of time: The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; The Seven Wonders of The Modern World; The New Seven Wonders of The World, etc.

And so, with the aid of several experts, including historians and archeologists, we present our own list of mankind’s most NBHOJmDFOU BODJFOU FOHJOFFSJOH GFBUT – monuments that you must see at least once in your life.

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A sacred site that fuses Mayan construction techniques with new elements from Central Mexico

CHICHEN ITZA Spanning a land area the size of nearly 300 GPPUCBMM mFMET UIF DJUZ PG $IJDIFO *U[B XBT one of the most monumental metropolises the ancient Maya have ever built.

Discovered by explorer Edward Thompson in the early 1900s, and named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the 1,250 year-old city is located in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and was once the urban centre for all Maya political, religious, cultural and trade activities. During its heyday, Chichen Itza was home to 50,000 Mayans.

Highly skilled in architecture, agriculture, astronomy and mathematics, the Maya NBEF TVDI QSPHSFTT JO UIPTF mFMET UIBU XIBU they had discovered more than a millennia ago are relevant today. The concept of zero, for example, was developed by the Maya.

They also deduced that a solar year was slightly more than 365 days. Says historian William Scheller, â&#x20AC;&#x153;They built numerous pyramids, temples, and columned arcadesâ&#x20AC;Ś proof that the Maya was once the most advanced society in the Americas.â&#x20AC;?

Today, Chichen Itza is one of Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular tourist attractions thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visited by nearly 1.2 million people each year. Most go there to see two sites: The Well of 4BDSJmDF o B N XJEF CZ N EFFQ OBUVSBM waterhole that the Maya dedicated to their rain god, Chac; and the Temple of Kukulcan (see box story).

&KDN &KHO VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FLDO statue of the Mayan

WHAT Chichen Itza, Capital of the Maya WHERE Eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico WHEN Dating back from 750 to 1200 AD. GETTING THERE Chichen Itza is near a small town The observatory at Chichen Itza

called Piste. Bus services connect to the international airports at Merida (under two hours) and Cancun (two and a half hours). For details, log on to www. chichenitza.com.

BEST TIME TO VISIT The ruins are open daily. The climate is tropical all year round, with temperatures averaging 34 deg C.

MUST-SEE The Temple of Kukulcan, a 30m-high temple dedicated to a Maya serpent deity. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s said Columns in the Temple of a Thousand Warriors

that the Maya acoustically designed the steps of this pyramid to act as a sound resonator that mimics the chirp of a bird. Visiting during spring and autumn equinoxes offer the chance to see the incredible shadow serpent of the temple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but be prepared to jostle with the maddening crowd.

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WONDERLUST

One of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, Petra features Hellenistic architecture with Eastern traditions

PETRA Nestled in the side of the mountain Jebel al-Madhbah in south Jordan, Petra is an ancient city that dates back to biblical times. Established around 300 BC, the city, which is half-built and half carved out of the rock, was once the capital of the Nabataeans – an advanced Arabian civilisation that thrived in antiquity.

Built upon the Nabataneans’ mastery of architecture and irrigation, which amazingly gave the desert city ample access to water all year round, Petra reached its peak around AD 1 and was home to 30,000 inhabitants and a bustling caravan hub. Chinese silk, Indian spices and Arabian incense were traded in Petra.

"MUIPVHI UIF DJUZ nPVSJTIFE VOEFS UIF Nabataeans, archeologists claim that they weren’t the only civilisation to lay claim to it.

Excavations have unearthed evidence that the Assyrians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans have made it their home.

The city survived into the seventh century AD, but its decline began in the second century when trading routes began moving away from it. A series of earthquakes in the third century also catalysed its demise.

Today, Petra is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of Jordan’s top tourist attractions.

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WHAT Lost city of Petra WHERE In the mountain Jebel al-Madhbah, south Jordan

WHEN Built around 300BC HOW TO GET THERE Petra is a three-hour drive from Amman on the Desert Highway. Several BJSMJOFT nZ UP "NNBO *OUFSOBUJPOBM "JSQPSU GSPN Singapore. From the Jordanian capital, public and private buses run the route daily. Taxis may also be hired for the return trip.

The spectacular As-Siq gorge in Petra

BEST TIME TO VISIT March to May (spring) and October/November (autumn) are ideal times to visit Petra, when temperatures are a cool 18 deg C to 22 deg C. Avoid the mid-year summer and end-year winter. For more details, log on to www. visitjordan.com.

MUST-SEE Al Khazneh (Treasury) is one of the most elaborate temples in Petra that has been intricately carved out of the soft sandstone. Built in UIF mSTU DFOUVSZ "% "M ,IB[OFI IBT CFFO GFBUVSFE Petra’s intriguing royal tombs

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Jones and the Last Crusade.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA Legends about the Great Wall of China are legion. Stretching 2,700km from the Sino-Korean border to the Gobi desert, and with an actual span of 10,000km â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you include double, triple and even quadruple sections and loops at certain sections â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is the largest man-made thing on Earth.

Built on the back of 300,000 men under Shi )VBOHEJ T UIF mSTU FNQFSPS PG B VOJmFE $IJOB

rule 2,200 years ago, the Great Wall, with its countless gatehouses and watchtowers built, served as a barrier against marauding tribes from Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s north and northwest.

But more than just a defensive monolith, the wall demarcated the â&#x20AC;&#x153;civilised worldâ&#x20AC;? from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wildernessâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To the Chinese, [the wall] separated the organised from the disorganisedâ&#x20AC;Ś to pass within the wall was to enter the known civilised world,â&#x20AC;? says archeologist Chris Scarre in his book Seventy Wonders of The Ancient World.

"MUIPVHI UIF mSTU TFDUJPO PG UIF XBMM XBT built during Shiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign, it was further EFWFMPQFE BOE GPSUJmFE CZ TFWFSBM PUIFS emperors in the years to come. Two dynasties that made their mark on the wall are the Han (221 BC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 220 AD) and the Ming (1368 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1644). The former extended the wall to its longest ever, and the latter performed

an epic renovation on it, leaving it in a state similar to its present form.

Today, the Great Wall, which was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1978, stretches 11 provinces in China and is visited by nearly 10 million tourists yearly.

Before the use of bricks, the wall was originally built with earth, stones and wood

The Great Wall of China is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest man-made structure

The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall of China in Luanping County

WHAT Great Wall of China, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest man-made object

WHERE Stretching 11 provinces in China, from the Sino-Korean border to the Gobi desert.

WHEN Built in 220 BC GETTING THERE Although you could visit it in several provinces, most tourists explore the wall from Beijing, the capital of China. The most popular section (Badaling) is about 70km from the city and boasts PVUTUBOEJOH WJFXT 4FWFSBM BJSMJOFT nZ EJSFDU UP #FJKJOH

BEST TIME TO VISIT Autumn (September to November) is ideal as this period sees lesser crowds than summer (May to August), although temperatures are a nippy six deg C to 15 deg C. Wind and dust is common in spring (March to early May) and winters are usually freezing (late November to March).

OTHER MUST-SEES From the Forbidden City and the Qing Summer Palace, to the Ming Tombs and Hutongs (traditional courtyard residences), youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to tourist Memorable vistas spanning grasslands, deserts, mountains and plateaus await tourists who undertake the journey

attractions in Beijing. For more details, log on to www.ebeijing.gov.cn.

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WONDERLUST

CHRIST THE REDEEMER There’s a Cariocan (natives of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil) saying that goes: “There’s no other place in the world where you’d get such spectacular scenery while standing next to Jesus!” And it isn’t far from the truth.

A national icon of Brazil and the city of Rio, the world-renowned 38m statue of Christ the Redeemer is built atop Mount Corcovado, which itself is more than 700m above sea level.

On a cloudless day (or night), standing at the foot of the statue would allow you to take in heavenly views of not only the city sprawling out below, but also of attractions almost 30km away, including the Botanical Gardens, Sugar Loaf, and Ipanema and Copacabana– two of the country’s most famous beaches (see box story).

Built in 1931 at the cost of US$250,000 ($3.2 million in today’s value), the statue of Christ is considered the greatest architectural monument of its time. Before it was constructed, some critics strongly wanted Christ to hold a globe in his hand. But its designer, Heitor da Silva Costa, argued for his arms to be outstretched – a simple gesture of welcome.

Now a symbol of the religiosity of Brazilian Christians, Christ the Redeemer was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012. It is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, garnering more than two million visitors annually.

The statue of Christ the Redeeemer houses a small chapel at its base, welcoming all to Rio de Janeiro with outstretched arms

MACHU PICCHU

WHAT Machu Picchu, royal retreat of the Incas WHERE Cusco Region, Peru WHEN Built around 1450 GETTING THERE The gateway to Peru is through Lima, the country’s international airport. From UIFSF HFU PO B EPNFTUJD nJHIU UP $VTDP B DJUZ 80km from Machu Picchu. From Cusco, you can

High up in the tropical mountain forest of the eastern slopes of the Andes lies what possibly was one of most opulent cities the Incas ever built. Meaning “Old Peak” in Quechua (the language of the Incas), Machu Picchu was constructed around the year 1450 and is perched on a Peruvian mountain ridge that’s 2,430m above sea level.

The estate spanned an area of 13 sqm (10,400 Olympic-size swimming pools) and was home to about 1,000 people.

Says Austen Atkinson, historian and author of Lost Civilizations, “Machu Picchu was not an ordinary city, but its function is not

fully understood.” He speculates that it may have been a spiritual retreat for Inca royalty – whose empire included present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, "SHFOUJOB BOE $IJMF o CFGPSF UIFJS mOBM defeat by the Spanish in 1575.

Like the Maya, the Incas were a people of great achievement. “Their expertise in building, agriculture, administration and art left its mark on history,” says Atkinson. At its peak, the Inca civilisation boasted a population of

either trek (ranging from 2 to 7 days; visit www. incatrailperu.com) or take a train to Machu Picchu.

Empire that sits 3,400m above sea level. It was

BEST TIME TO VISIT July and August are the

declared a World Heritage Site in 1983. You may

not-so-wet months in Machu Picchu (it’s never

have to pass through it enroute to Machu Picchu.

really dry in a tropical climate), but they’re also the

Huayna Picchu is a 2,700m mountain next to

busiest. November to April is a rainy season, but

Machu Picchu. The Incas built a trail up its side

not the wettest – good if you want to avoid the

and constructed temples and terraces at its

crowds. It’s best to skip January and February,

summit. Some sections of the path up Huayna

which sees a lot of rainfall.

Picchu are slippery, and you’ll have to use steel cables on the steepest parts. Only 400 climbers

OTHER MUST-SEES Cusco and Huayna (Wayna)

are allowed up each day, so book this trip with an

Picchu. The former is the historic capital of the Inca

agent while you’re in Lima or Cuzco.

70 Corporate Traveller

A dazzling creation of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu covers about 32,500 hectares of mountainous territory in the Peruvian Andes

WHAT Christ The Redeemer, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th largest statue of Jesus

WHERE Rio de Janeiro, Brazil WHEN Built in 1931 GETTING THERE " OVNCFS PG BJSMJOFT nZ UP UIF 3JP de Janeiro-Galeao International Airport.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Christ the Redeemer is open daily, but the best time to go is in spring (from September to October) when temperatures hover around a cool 25 deg C. Visit the statue in the evening to catch the sunset and the stunning Rio night lights.

OTHER MUST-SEES Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Botanical Gardens, and Copacabana or Ipanema. Sugar Loaf is a 395m summit that offers breathtaking views of the city. To get to the top, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to either do a hard trek or take a cable car. The 137-hectre Botanical Gardens is a paradise for nature lovers. Created in 1808, it houses over 5,000 tropical plants. Copacabana and Ipanema are two world-renowned beaches that need no introduction. Both locations are about a 30-minute drive from Christ the Redeemer, and are ideal alternatives to the hustle and bustle of Rio city.

THE COLOSSEUM Roman emperor Vespasian commissioned the Colosseum to be built in 72 AD. The construction of this colossal monument took just eight years to complete, but remained the largest amphitheatre on earth for nearly two millennia.

Originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is an engineering marvel that is said to be the ancient blueprint of modern sport TUBEJVNT *U XBT UIF mSTU TQPSUT BSFOB JO the world that could seat 50,000 people, and was elliptical in shape â&#x20AC;&#x201C; providing 360-degree views. For more than 320 years, the amphitheatre played a central role in Roman recreation. It hosted HMBEJBUPSJBM CBUUMFT BOJNBM mHIUT re-creations of epic naval battles, and concerts and plays. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the place where Romans went to see and be seen,â&#x20AC;? says historian Lesley Dutemple, author of Great Building Feats: The Colosseum.

The decline of the Colosseum began when emperor Constantine outlawed gladiatorial games in 326 AD. Despite his CBO mHIUT DPOUJOVFE JMMFHBMMZ BU UIF Colosseum for another 78 years until 404 AD. For the following 1,500 years, the Colosseum would fall victim to lightning,

earthquakes, quarrying of stone for other buildings (such as St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basilica), vandals and looting.

Although whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left of the Colosseum today JT CVU B QBMF SFnFDUJPO PG JUTFMG JO JUT IFZEBZ JU bears testament to the ambition and might of the once-powerful Roman empire.

WHAT The Roman Colosseum WHERE Rome, Italy WHEN Built between 72 AD to 80 AD GETTING THERE 4FWFSBM BJSMJOFT nZ UP 3PNF T UXP airports, Leonardo da Vinci International and Ciampino Airport. The former is a 40-minute drive (35km) from the Colosseum, and the latter is a 30-minute drive (25km).

BEST TIME TO VISIT The Colosseum is open daily except on Christmas and New Year. Peak season is in June and July, when queues are long. You can hire a guide on the spot, or book a tour in advance.

OTHER MUST-SEES There are numerous tourist BUUSBDUJPOT JO 3PNF GSPN UIF mSTU DFOUVSZ 1BOUIFPO the temple of the Roman gods, and the Trevi Fountain, to Vatican City. For more details, log on to www.rome.info.

CFUXFFO mWF BOE NJMMJPO QFPQMF When explorer Hiram Bingham chanced upon Machu Picchu in 1911, it was left largely intact, as the Spanish who invaded in the 1530s seemed to have missed it.

Following Binghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discovery, the ruin has become an international icon of the Incas. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, and has been dubbed by Atkinson as â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most famous archeological adventures of all timeâ&#x20AC;?.

The Colosseum was popularly used for hunts and gladiatorial games

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WONDERLUST

PYRAMIDS OF GIZA Of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, only the pyramids of Giza are still standing.

Built by three kings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of the fourth Egyptian Dynasty (circa 2500 BC to 2475 BC), these enormous structures have come to represent the uber-superpower that the Kingdom of Egypt once was. The largest of the three pyramids, known as the Great Pyramid, belongs to Khufu and was the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tallest building structure for over 4,000 years.

The contributions the Egyptians made to the advancement of civilisation have been BOE TUJMM DPOUJOVF UP CF TJHOJmDBOU UJMM UIJT EBZ From the arts and agriculture and architecture

WHAT Pyramids of Giza

to mathematics, medicine and militarisation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just to name a few â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their enlightening progress have astounded scholars and archeologists for decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The science and precision that had gone into the building of the Giza Pyramids are simply brain-confounding,â&#x20AC;? say Kevin Jackson and Jonathan Stamp, authors of Pyramid: Beyond Imagination.

The Egyptians believed that the pyramids served as a conduit for their royalty to pass into the after-life, and no detail was sparred in NBLJOH UIFN NBHOJmDFOU 6OUJM UPEBZ Egyptologists are still unearthing new artifacts from the Giza Pyramids and its surrounds.

WHERE Giza Plateau, Egypt WHEN Dating back to 2500 BC GETTING THERE Cairo airport, is the nearest international air hub to the Giza Pyramids. From there, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive to the pyramids.

You could also take the subway from Cairo to Giza, and book a local tour from there.

BEST TIME TO VISIT Visit anytime from October to April, when temperatures are usually below 30 deg C. However, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to deal with the crowds. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re game about visiting from June to September (summer) when the mercury hits a scorching 35 deg C, pack light clothing, sunglasses, a big hat and lather yourself with sunscreen. For details, log on to www.en.egypt.travel.

OTHER MUST-SEES The Great Sphinx, the largest monolithic statue and oldest sculpture in the world, and the Solar Boat Museum, where the Khufuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;solar bargeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a boat that ancient Egyptians used to bury in the tomb of their pharaoh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; has been reassembled from 1,200 individual pieces and is on display.

The Egyptian sphinx represents the form of a sun god The Pyramid of Chefren, the second-largest and second-tallest among the Giza pyramids

THE SCIENCE AND PRECISION THAT HAD GONE INTO THE BUILDING OF THE GIZA PYRAMIDS ARE SIMPLY BRAIN-CONFOUNDING. Kevin Jackson and Jonathan Stamp authors of Pyramid: Beyond Imagination 72 Corporate Traveller

Bedouins on camels crossing the desert

JET-SETTERS s &2%15%.4 42!6%,,%2 s %80%24

3 Corporate Traveller

EXPERT

SET ON JETS

Flying stirs the soul of Stefan Wood, owner cum sales director of Singapore Air Charter, who makes it his mission to create seamless flight experiences for corporate clients.

Text by Esther Faith Lew Photos courtesy of Singapore Air Charter

74 Corporate Traveller

S

ince young, Stefan Wood knew for a fact that he wanted to fly planes for a living. With his deadset focus and impassioned goal, the young ambitious Stefan dived right into it after his graduation. Gaining his hard-earned pilot’s licence was the defining moment in his life and sent him down the runway to a jet-setting career.

As a Melbournian, Stefan paid his dues to his country by serving Wave Hill Station, one of the biggest cattle stations in Australia. From there, he moved to Darwin, where he started an aviation business with one aircraft and gradually expanded it as his clientele grew. His commitment led him to achieve several recognitions in the industry; he was the Young Northen Territorian of the Year in 1998 and Young Australian of the Year in 1999.

Bolstered by his achievements and thriving business, which operated 46 aircraft in Northen Australia by 1995, he decided to sell his shares of the business and carve out new territory in Asia. Stefan now operates Singapore Air Charter, a private jet company that offers chartered

flights and manages aircraft for clients. We find out more about the lucrative private jet industry from this experienced aviator.

Asia is expected to take US$40 billion in private jet sales over the next 10 years. In your opinion, what is the expected take-up rate by private air charter companies?

Private air charter companies will be at the forefront of this expansion although there is a noticeable trend towards the airlines themselves incorporating private jet divisions within their own organisations.

We’ve seen this in Europe with Lufthansa for example and Singapore Airlines here at home has shown interest in the private jet market and its potential.

As the world slowly recovers from the GFC, we believe there will be renewed interest in travelling privately as commercial airline travel expands with its corresponding increase in passenger numbers and potentially its queues, subsequent delays and security concerns. The advantages of using secondary airports such as Seletar in Singapore reduce delays significantly.

In the current competitive landscape of cheaper flights and attractive promotions, how will private air charter hold its own ground in the market?

Private air charter offers a myriad of advantages compared to travelling commercially, which many businesses, corporations and individuals still value highly. The aircraft will depart when you want it to depart. The secure, private environment on board is conducive to either quality rest or quality work time.

You know with whom you’re travelling – a great comfort in terms of security.

The savings in time itself can vastly outweigh the extra cost of using a private aircraft particularly when flying to multiple destinations not adequately served (or served infrequently) by commercial airlines. Immigration and customs procedures are expedited as well.

Getting home to the family rather than staying the night in a hotel is priceless!

Our forecast therefore in this regard is positive. Even brief introductions to private jet travel will encourage those who’ve enjoyed its benefits to look more closely at either acquiring an aircraft outright or ‘sharing’ the aircraft with a number of like-minded individuals by way of a fractional ownership scheme – a wonderful way to secure your part of a jet aircraft and reap the rewards of ownership.

As an example, we currently have a beautiful Nextant 400, a development of the Beechjet 400 for sale on behalf of a client for under $5 million. It has a superb seven-seat leather and walnut veneer cabin, advanced avionics, ultra-efficient turbofan engines and an endurance of five hours. It would make a wonderful first jet or divide the cost and share it under a fractional ownership scheme, which Singapore Air Charter can manage.

The Nextant is the entry-level jet, we have helped clients into many different jets right up to the pinnacle of aviation – the

Gulfstream 550. We always source the most suitable aircraft to suit clients’ needs.

What is Singapore Air Charter’s modus operandi and how will it contribute to healthy growth?

Singapore Air Charter will continue to develop its three core business strategies of providing a prompt and efficient air charter service together with managing and acquiring aircraft for its growing clientele. The company has recently introduced the idea of fractional ownership to two groups of prospective aircraft purchasers and will continue to invest in new ways of bringing private aviation to the island state. From VVIP dignitaries attending an APEC summit to a Presidents four-nation state visit to a private individual who simply needs to get to Sydney in a hurry, Singapore Air Charter will continue its no-nonsense approach to providing the very best in reliable and dependable air charter and management.

How have aviation authorities in Asia responded to the increasing trend for private air charter and ownership?

There is increasing flexibility on the part of civil aviation authorities to accommodate the requirements facilitating private jet travel. Flight planning is generally much more expeditious than say four or five years ago, allowing over-flight and landing permits, for example, to be issued more quickly and introducing more of an ‘on-demand’ system of travel. It’s not quite there yet if we compare our region to the US or Europe but we’re certainly heading in the right direction at a very fast pace.

1

WHILST A GREAT MANY ENQUIRIES ARE LOCAL, THERE’S AN INCREASING NUMBER EMANATING FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS IN INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, CHINA AND ALSO FURTHER AFIELD.

In your opinion, how will the increasing number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals in Asia Pacific impact the market for private air charter and ownership?

A private jet is of course a glamorous addition to ‘the garage’ but once the advantages of on-demand aviation become apparent, private jets will increasingly be seen more as a necessity for a productive private and business life and less as an overt wealth statement or luxurious addition to the material portfolio.

1. Stefan’s business network includes many government authorities and corporate organisations 2. Owning a private jet may soon become a practical option for corporate travellers

2

Corporate Traveller

75

EXPERT What is the demographic profile of your clientele, and do you see a change in the near future?

This is Asia’s century and we’re proud to be a Singaporean company serving the requirements of Singapore business and private aviation. Whilst a great many enquiries are local, there’s an increasing number emanating from our neighbours in Indonesia, Malaysia, China and also further afield. Recently, we’ve organised a multi-city tour of China for a very well-known major US corporation for example.

In your opinion, what are the most pertinent concerns of frequent business travellers?

1 and 2. Personal attention and service with a private jet charter gives peace of mind to a business traveller

76 Corporate Traveller

Certainly where commercial aviation is concerned, time is the most important commodity and concern. Adhering to the airline’s schedule, allowing sufficient time to check-in and proceed through immigration and then the disruption and possible failure to meet commitments at the destination when delays are experienced all weigh on the mind of the business traveller.

Multi-city tours or travelling to regional destinations with infrequent scheduled services further exacerbates those concerns.

How will Singapore Air Charter respond to these needs?

Enter the business jet. You arrive at your departure airport and are personally greeted by a ground handling agent and representative from Singapore Air Charter.

Your bags are loaded onto a trolley and taken through security. You’re escorted to the immigration counter and present your passport. In less than a minute, you’re on your way to the waiting aircraft.

Airborne, you’re served with a light and healthy breakfast (or any catering to your requests) and spread the forthcoming meeting’s agenda onto the walnut veneer table in front of you. The cabin is quiet and private and a discussion with colleagues at 43,000 feet is effortless. The meeting at your first destination is on time and by late morning, you’re on your way back to the waiting jet. Lunch is served and in an hour or so, you’ve arrived for your mid-afternoon on-site visit near a small regional airport.

Visit complete, you board your waiting jet and head for home. You’re poured a long cool drink and drift away to the sounds of Vivaldi coming from the on-board entertainment system. It’s been a productive day.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER

THE ART OF RELAXATION The holistic trinity of attaining balance in mind, body and soul may be a goal for the spiritual seeker, but for Barry White, Group Director of Spa for Langham Hospitality Group, it is all about work.

Text by Esther Faith Lew Photos courtesy of Langham Hospitality Group

B

1

2 1 and 2. Barry and his wife, Caren, enjoying their holiday in New Zealand

arry White takes his spa sessions seriously. After all, it is his job to ensure that all Langham guests are fully satisfied with their experiences. Nothing less than a sublime experience is to be expected from Chuan Spa, Langham Hospitality Group’s proprietary wellness brand.

As Group Director of Spa, Barry ensures that consistent high-quality service and products are upheld to exacting standards and protocols. Chuan Spa is a brand name that has built up a reputation for providing coveted spa treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine philosophies and techniques.

Under Barry’s management, the spa has

won an award for Best Male Spa Treatments; the hotel too has been nominated under several spa categories.

A creative individual with an outgoing personality, Barry is a natural when it comes to hospitality. Combined with his tenacious and meticulous nature, he has kept a tight rein on global spa operations.

Corporate Traveller finds out more about Barry’s travel experiences when he is not busy with onsite spa matters.

My most memorable holiday was in...

New Zealand. My wife and I stayed at The Langham Auckland a few days before flying down to Christchurch. We then Corporate Traveller

77

FREQUENT TRAVELLER 1. The inviting domain of Chuan Spa 2. The artistically designed Peak Tower 3. A scenic view from Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars

GO TO SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, WHICH IS TYPICALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SHOPS; BUT AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WEEKENDS, IT BECOMES A HIVE OF ACTIVITY FOR THE YOUNG AND ARTISTIC.

1

hired a camper van and travelled around the South Island. The South Island is like a mini un-spoilt Europe with stunning fiords, mountain ranges, glaciers, beautiful countryside and beaches.

Combined with great food and wine as well as endless activities, it was an experience I will never forget. I will definitely return there.

2

Hong Kong is a good place for business because... there is relatively no language barrier; it is a multicultural and open society, which positions it well as the gateway into China. Everything is just so convenient here, especially the great and efficient transportation system.

What business protocols or social norms should one take note of?

One should always hand your business card over with two hands, this is to show respect to the other party. More importantly, leave behind any inhibitions about having to go for karaoke sessions.

You would advise business travellers to... first download Google map and Google translate; it’s a must for any city.

It would help you navigate your way around easily; most destinations are not that far away in Hong Kong. Besides, taxis are affordable and the MTR (subway) and other public transport are excellent as well. I would recommend that you keep your hotel selection to Kowloon though; if you have appointments on Hong Kong Island as it would minimise travelling time. Just take note of heavy traffic through the harbour tunnels during peak hours. As a regular traveller to major world cities, most CBDs can start looking the same, but staying in Kowloon has its own 78 Corporate Traveller

3

unique characteristics, making it a much more interesting and dynamic place to stay. I highly recommend Kowloon.

To get yourself refreshed and rejuvenated for a business meeting, you must... have a workout at Langham Place’s Health Club fitness studio. It has amazing views of the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong Island. Thereafter, have a relaxing Chuan Spa Signature 90-minute Hot Stone Massage. Or take the tram up to The Peak look-out, but take the time to

walk back down, it is such a relaxing walk and affords splendid views.

Where would you go to entertain clients for dinner?

Either one of Langham’s Michelin-starred restaurants – Tang Court or Ming Court.

Alternatively, try Isola Italian Restaurant (Shops 3071-75 and 4011, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Centre, Central; tel: +852 2383 8765) on Hong Kong Island. Then head off to any one of the numerous and ever changing bars along Hollywood Road

Central. For a less busy scene, check out the selection of night spots along Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui.

For a relaxing night out in the city, go to... The Back Yard at Langham Place; it is a hidden gem. Alternatively, try the Dragon Back cocktail at the Parlour Bar (Ground Floor, Hullett House, 2A Canton Rd; tel: +852 3988 0101) in Tsim Sha Tsui or the Pawn Bar (62 Johnston Road; tel: +852 2866 3444) in Wanchai.

The best shopping can be done at... the Elements (1 Austin Rd West, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: +852 2735 523) or Harbour City (3 - 27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: +852 2118 8666) shopping malls. The Elements is great if you wish to avoid the crowds, as it is slightly out of the way, comprising mainly mid- to high-end shops. Harbour City has everything you require and is very conveniently located in Tsim Sha Tsui, which means it can be crowded especially over the weekends.

To appreciate art and culture, go to...

Mongkok to experience pop art culture.

Although Mongkok is not typically associated with art and culture, you will be pleasantly surprised. Go to Sai Yeung Choi Street, which is typically associated with electrical appliance shops; but at night, especially during the weekends, it becomes a hive of activity for the young and artistic. You will see a wide range of street art and performances; it is young, dynamic and full of energy.

For a different kind of art scene, our Langham Place hotels are a good place to start as we always have a nice collection of art pieces displayed in the lobby and public areas. For Langham Place, Mongkok Hong Kong, we provide iPods to hotel guests who want to enjoy a leisurely art tour within the hotel.

1

2

3

1. Shopping galore in Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night markets 2. Sai Yeung Choi Streetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic performances 3. The Backyard is ideal for relaxing evening drinks

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ADVERTORIAL

A SPLASH OF COLOUR OAKWOOD UNVEILS A NEW, VIBRANT COLOUR FOR EACH OF ITS BRANDS IN ASIA. For over 50 years, global serviced apartment operator Oakwood has been synonymous with innovative accommodations, impeccable service, and unrivalled comfort â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it is these very qualities that have earned them a following among discerning travellers from around the world. Despite boasting a strong customer base consisting of top Fortune 500 multinationals, the company is not one to rest on its laurels; in fact, they are constantly innovating and improving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the latest being introducing new colours for its three brands in Asia.

The company understands that colours have an amazing effect on a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotions and moods, and have decided to play up vibrant hues to refresh elements of their brand look and feel to identify with their growing customer base, as well as usher in a period of renewed focus and commitment to their business.

The colours were specially chosen to represent each brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique personality and values. The luxurious Oakwood Premier, which is a favourite with top corporate executives travellers, is represented by a rich and deep 80 Corporate Traveller

peacock blue, while a warm forest green is associated with the comfortable and friendly more laidback Oakwood Residence brand which is a hit with those travelling with families.

Finally, Oakwood Apartments, the choice of the trendy and smart traveller, is given a fresh, chic look with the colour, mandarin orange.

Leisure travellers, especially families with kids in tow, have been assigned with forest green and mandarin orange respectively.

To support the launch of the new brand colours, the company has rolled out a series of promotions and campaigns, which are aimed at getting the public and their associates to

interact with and get to know the new colours.

The Colors of Summer promotion for one, features special deals for stays in any of its 25 properties, while a new consumer campaign, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Color, has also been launched, inviting the public to share in videos, words or photos what the colours mean to them.

A winner will be selected every month for the duration of the contest and be awarded an iPod Nano and a 2-nights stay at an Oakwood TFSWJDFE BQBSUNFOU JO "TJB 1BDJmD 4VCNJTTJPOT can be made through the dedicated campaign microsite www.oakwoodasia.com/colors from 15 April to 30 September 2013.

LUXE COLLECTION s 349,% &),% s 4%#( 4!,+ s 3(/00).' 2%0/24 s &!3()/. s 3(/00).' #(!.') s ).$5,'%.#%

4 Corporate Traveller

STYLE FILE

Michael Kors

BEAUTIFUL DETAILS

These edgy bracelets are as interesting as they are fun (from S$120).

Create a wardrobe of fun dresses and accessories that brighten even the gloomiest days Bally Pury is inspired by the exquisite leather-cut work from the 1930s with a modern take (price unavailable).

DRESS SHABBILY AND THEY REMEMBER THE DRESS; DRESS IMPECCABLY AND THEY REMEMBER THE WOMAN. Coco Chanel

Details are important on a woman’s dress.

However, keeping it simple is the key to elegance and class.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton The Speedy Cube MM has brushed shiny calf leather embossed with the historic Damier pattern, while structured by an English frame (price unavailable)

84 Corporate Traveller

Tod’s The brand’s signature small shoulder bag is crafted with shiny patent leather with 3D dimensional pebble pattern (S$770).

Michael Kors

Take away your suit and put on a comfortable polo shirt or tee shirt.

Throw on a jacket if you want to look chic.

Tod’s A belt that has a light tone with suede material is what you need to pair with casual pants or shorts (S$360).

Ermenegildo Zegna

Brioni

Louis Vuitton The Cabas bag is casual yet stylish.

This weekend bag is light and sturdy, and it comes with an adjustable and removable shoulder strap (price unavailable).

CASUAL SUNDAY Welcome the weekend with these stylish accessories

LEARN TO INVEST IN THE BEST QUALITY YOU CAN AFFORD AND WEAR PIECES IN DIFFERENT WAYS. Michael Kors

Gucci The new retro-inspired frame with ‘clip-on’ sunglasses is quirky and unique, yet masculine and is a must-have for this season (price unavailable).

Longines Its characteristic design of an impressive diameter and an angled dial is eye-catching and innovative (S$7,160).

Corporate Traveller

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ACCESSORIES

WORK DESK ESSENTIALS This month we introduce you the most stylish covers for your work instruments PHOTOGRAPHY CHING ART DIRECTION ESTHER FAITH LEW

Bottega Veneta iPad cover (S$1,620) Hermes Ulysee PM Togo Capucine agenda (S$420) Montblanc limited edition Alfred Hitchcock fountain pen (S$4,660) Montblanc Meisterstuck single pen pouch (S$160)

86 Corporate Traveller

Louis Vuitton Epi Electric Noir agenda (price unavailable) Bottega Veneta iPhone case (S$540) Iconic MFBUIFS DVGnJOLT (S$355) Classic Avorit sunglasses (S$735), both from Alfred Dunhill

Corporate Traveller

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ACCESSORIES

Vertu TiBlack Leather (S$13,000) Chassis single pen case (S$165) Sentryman carbon mCSF CBMMQPJOU QFO (S$900), both from Alfred Dunhill

88 Corporate Traveller

Ulysee MM Togo Vert Anis agenda (S$565) Vide Poche Mises Relances Bicolore (S$700), both from Hermes Louis Vuitton Monogram iPad case (price unavailable) Club Oval sunglasses (S$395) 'BDFU DVGnJOLT (S$625), both from Alfred Dunhill

Corporate Traveller

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GROOMING

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Available at all LancĂ´me counters. rs.

ELIZABETH ARDEN 5TH AVENUE NYC

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VAN CLEEF & ARPELS RĂ&#x160;VE EDP, S$98 FOR 50ML

fragrance, the NYC EDT exudes the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The luxury French brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest launch features a lively blend of fruits and

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XIJUF nPXFST o EFMJDBUF mSTU XIJGGT PG OFSPMJ BOE QFBS TFUUMF JOUP UIF NBJO

BQQMF MVTI CMBDLDVSSBOU BOE QFPOZ mOJTIJOH

scent of lily and osmanthus, complemented by sensuous base notes of

with a trail of warm woods, vanilla and musk.

sandalwood and amber.

Available at all Elizabeth Arden counters.

Available at Perfumes & Cosmetics stores, Singapore Changi Airport.

GLOW ON Let these beauty saviours rejuvenate you and keep you looking radiant for important business trips

CHANEL LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW SHEER POWDER SPF 15/PA++, S$80 Inspired by the bare-faced glow that Gabrielle Chanel so loved, Les Beiges is all about achieving effortless, natural radiance, with a formula that protects the skin against pollution, dehydration and the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays. Available in seven shades, each palette is matched with a unique half-moon shaped brush designed to allow fast application.

Available at all Chanel counters.

Text by Natalie Joy Lee ORIGINS GINZING ENERGY-BOOSTING MOISTURIZER, S$50 Jump-start your day in an instant with this gel moisturiser, which combines panax ginseng and caffeine from coffee beans to optimise the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cellular energy, while olive, wheat and barley hydrate. The formula is also lightweight, oil-free and infused with lemon oil to increase mental concentration.

Available at all Origins counters.

ESTEE LAUDER NUTRITIOUS RADIANT VITALITY ESSENCE OIL, S$100 Like a vitamin-booster for skin, the light texture is JEFBM GPS QPTU nJHIUT PS ESZ XFBUIFS TFBTPOT UP freshen up, replenishing skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moisture for a soft, rosy glow. Warm a small amount of this silky blend of nourishing oils onto palms, gently tapping face from the centre out.

Available at all Estee Lauder counters.

90 Corporate Traveller

YSL KOUROS

DAVIDOFF THE GAME EDT SPRAY, S$115 FOR 100ML

ENERGIZING EDT, S$99

*OTJOVBUJOH UIBU DPOmEFODF JT UIF OBNF PG UIF HBNF XFBSFST PG %BWJEPGG T

FOR 50ML

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This athletic scent gets a man

that sashays into sensuous blackwood notes for a vibrant contrast. The

ready for summer fun, thanks

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to its refreshing citrus-chypre

lines, with a cap reminiscent of stacked poker chips.

note lifted by bergamot and

Available at Tangs Vivocity, Robinsons and Metro stores.

lemon essence. It rounds off with a masculine base of incense, leather and cedar.

Limited edition, available at

RALPH LAUREN BIG PONY FRAGRANCE

YSL ION Boutique and YSL

COLLECTION FOR MEN DEODORIZING BODY

fragrance counters.

SPRAY, S$39 FOR 200ML Perfect for a mid-day perk-me-up at work, these nifty CPEZ TQSBZT SFnFDU UIF GPVS PSJHJOBM #JH 1POZ TDFOUT The light bottles are a perfect companion for men

GIORGIO ARMANI EAU DE NUIT,

on-the-go. #1 speaks sporty; #2 seductive; #3

LA MER THE

S$139 FOR 100ML

adventurous and #4 stylish.

MOISTURIZING CREAM,

Like a well-pressed tuxedo suit, Armaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Available at Tangs Orchard, and all Ralph Lauren

100ML FOR S$680

latest scent takes inspiration from the beauty

Fragrance counters.

World Oceans Day 2013

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will once again see La

into darkness. Rich notes of sensuous spices,

Merâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment in

citrusy fruits, musky wood and powdery irises

protecting the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

mingle, suited for men seeking elegance as

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they transit from day to night.Available at

conjunction with National

Tangs Orchard, and all Giorgio Armani

Geographic Society and

Fragrance counters.

MEN

renowned ocean explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle; as well as having donated $1 million to date to Oceana, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest international ocean advocacy organisation. To do your part, La Mer is retailing its world-renowned, age-reversing

VERSACE EROS EDT, S$120 FOR 100ML

$SĂ&#x2019;NF o GBWPVSFE CZ

Greek-Roman references to art and culture is

A-listers the likes of Brad

revisited in a contemporary fashion with the

Pitt and Eric Dane. Log on

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to www.lamer.com/

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worldoceansday for more

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information.

with sensuous vanilla, amber and tonka beans,

Available at Tangs

followed by woody cedarwood and oak moss

Orchard, Takashimaya

notes that are ideal for a sensuous night out.

and Robinsons The

Available at Sephora, Takashimaya,

Centrepoint counters, till

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end-June.

BOTTLED BLISS Good things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always have to come in big packages, as this issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picks reveal Text by Natalie Joy Lee

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TECH TALK

OLYMPUS PEN E-P5 (S$1,388, BODY ONLY; S$1,998, WITH 17MM F1.8 LENS KIT) How well it scored: *U CPBTUT UIF XPSME T mSTU NJSSPSMFTT interchangeable-lens camera that offers 1/8000 sec. high-speed shutter (perfect GPS QIPUPHSBQIJOH GBTU NPWJOH PCKFDUT B built-in WIFI function for easy sharing of images and wireless shooting (by connecting your camera to smart phone), and an aesthetically beautiful exterior.

Spark your creativity: 5IF "EWBODFE *NBHF .BOJQVMBUJPO GFBUVSFT EJGGFSFOU BSU mMUFST BOE BMTP introduces Photo Story and Photo Story+, enabling users to add a rich variety of stamps and signatures (handwritten or original image).

SONY Cyber Shot HX50V (price unavailable) How well it scored: Besides being the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest and lightest digital still camera, this model offers a powerful 30x optical zoom range, coupled with 20.4 megapixel sensor, built-in image stabiliser and high-speed autofocus that captures nFFUJOH TVCKFDUT Spark your creativity: HX50V boasts nine different picture effects, three picture effects in Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode and four unique movie effects.

92 Corporate Traveller

SNAP

UP THE

NIKON COOLPIX A (S$1,549) How well it scored: *U JT UIF mSTU $00-1*9 DPNQBDU EJHJUBM camera to be equipped with a DX-format $.04 TFOTPS EFMJWFSJOH TVQFSJPS JNBHF quality, rich tonal expression and colour SFQSPEVDUJPO PG B EJHJUBM 4-3 DBNFSB There is also a new wide-angle 18.5mm, G mYFE GPDBM MFOHUI /*,,03 MFOT designed exclusively for this model.

Spark your creativity: There is a variety of image editing GVODUJPOT JODMVEJOH 'JMUFS &GGFDUT $PMPVS 4LFUDI 4FMFDUJWF $PMPVS BOE .JOJBUVSF Effect for you to play around with.

FUN We look into four compact cameras that are lightweight, easy to use, and inspire creativity Text by Darren Wong

SAMSUNG NX300 (S$999) How well it scored: *U IBT B XJEF *40 SBOHF GSPN UP 25600 (great for low lighting conditions), a brand new 20.3 megapixel sensor, and a new Hybrid Auto Focus system that delivers fast, accurate detection. We also love its stylishly retro design.

Spark your creativity: If you purchase an additional Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens (S$649), you will be able to take full 1080p HD video captured in 2D or 3D.

GET GROOVY #FGPSF DSFBUJOH JUT IFBEQIPOFT #BOH 0MVGTFO TUVEJFE UIF TIBQF BOE DVSWFT PG UIF human ear and crafted out the suitable geometry for the best quality and comfort. The new BeoPlay H6 (S$650) is an over-ear headphone that is made of anodised high purity aluminium, which makes the headphones light yet durable and robust. It is BDDPNQBOJFE CZ TPMJE DPXIJEF MFBUIFS TFMFDUFE GSPN IJHI RVBMJUZ IJEFT GSPN /FX ;FBMBOE $PMMBCPSBUJOH XJUI %BOJTI EFTJHOFS +BLPC 8BHOFS UIF CSBOE QSPEVDFT brilliantly crafted headphones that enhance a perfect music experience on the go.

Available in September

TECH EXPERIENCE Invest in these smart gadgets that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing Text by Darren Wong

Made for Business

VISUAL ARCHITECT Using Triluminos display, a technology unique to Sony, the 3 TFSJFT -&% NPEFMT GSPN S$2,999) produce a higher gamut of colours on screen, making images more life-like and vivid. The new series also earns praises for its latest sound-engineering techniques that offer an immersive audio experience. Sony also includes BO JOOPWBUJWF 0OF UPVDI mirroring function allowing users to wirelessly amplify videos, images or applications from their smart phones onto the TV screen XJUI KVTU POF UBQ

$PNCJOJOH HSFBU TUZMF XJUI VTFS experience, HP ElitePad 900 (S$1,099) is an ultrathin, lightweight tablet designed for Windows 8. Besides its tough-guy attributes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its gorgeous 10.1-inch diagonal display and 9.2mm-thin body are ideal for everything from viewing of business applications to video contents. It also supports touch-, pen-, or voice-based input. Additional accessories include the cool HP ElitePad 1SPEVDUJWJUZ +BDLFU o BO integrated keyboard, connectivity ports, SD reader BOE BEKVTUBCMF WJFXJOH BOHMFT

CHA CHARGE ARGE IT AGAIN Powerskin is a maker of shockabsorbing, battery-boosting cases for smart phones and gaming BDDFTTPSJFT 0OF PG JUT OFXFTU QSPEVDUT the PowerSkin Hybrid, features small, nFYJCMF TVDUJPO DVQT UIBU BEIFSF externally to mobile devices (so you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to remove your mobile phone case), and can be connected via an interchangeable tip to a micro-USB or "QQMF -JHIUOJOH DPOOFDUPS *U IBT B power of 2,000 mAh and is a great charging solution for heavy users.

S$79.90 for iPhone 5, S$69.90 for micro-USB devices

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SHOPPING REPORT

QUINTESSENTIALLY

ENGLISH As one of the most visited cities in the world, Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban dynamism is a magnet to even the most discerning travellers Text by Darren Wong Photos courtesy of 123rf

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;S

winging Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a catchall term coined by the British as a reference to the fashion and cultural scene of London in the 1960s, says a lot about this English capital.

5IBU FSB TBX NBOZ JOnVFODFT UIBU effectively spanned through many countries across Europe and America. Mod fashion, which is overtly British, is a subculture originated in London from the late 1950s to mid-1960s. The fashion of Bohemian elements, new Italian and French styles; the music of African American soul, British beat music and R&B; and motor scooters such as Vespas and Lambrettas all contributed to this subculture phenomenon. One excellent example is Lesley Hornby,

otherwise famously known as Twiggy, who shot to fame in Swinging London, was TQFDJmDBMMZ DBMMFE AUIF GBDF PG BOE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Queen of Modâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She was recognised by IFS TIPSU FMmO IBJSDVU UIBU FNQIBTJTFE IFS enormous blue eyes. Her high fashion mod look granted her covers from Elle to Vogue magazines, and has made her one of the mSTU TVQFSNPEFMT JO UIF XPSME While the British are serious about their fashion and culture, the British fashion scene DBO CF FYUSFNFMZ mDLMF UIF MBUFTU USFOE SJTLT the danger of becoming yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news in the blink of an eye (perhaps that is also why its fashion scenes are adequately exciting).

However, London remains one of the fashion capitals of the world, and is home to many

renowned British designer brands such as Burberry, Alfred Dunhill, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. It is not uncommon to see groups of British gentlemen who are immaculately groomed from cuff to collar, and women with their impeccable sense of style in this fashionable city.

Some parts of London offer the tranquillity of yesteryear, while others deliver exciting shopping experience, sightseeing opportunities and modern living, without losing its intrinsic British spirit. Join the mob at Harrods department store; indulge in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thumping nightlife scenes; or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in one of its elegant cafes and watch the fashionable bunch get along tirelessly with their order of business.

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SHOPPING REPORT 1. Regent Street is decorated with union jack Ă DJV WR FHOHEUDWH WKH 4XHHQŇ&#x2039;V 'LDPRQG -XELOHH 7KH 3LFFDGLOO\ Circus in London

THE WEST END Charles Dickens was once so fascinated by Seven Dials and its notorious slum district in the West End of London that he immortalised the place in his illusive tale, Bellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Life In London.

8FTU &OE IBT USBOTGPSNFE JG QFSTPOJmFE GSPN an unkempt riffraff to a dandy of sort. Attracting over 15 million tourist every year, West End is the heart of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatre land. Home to a string of the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best loved and long-standing theatres, it emulates Broadway in New York, where aspiring playwrights and actors dream to belong. A kaleidoscope of restaurants, bars, and fashion boutiques, this bustling commercial melting pot is its golden ticket to a striving tourism.

Soho & Chinatown In the 20th century, Soho was established as an entertainment district notorious for its sex shops, OJHIUMJGF BOE mMN JOEVTUSZ "GUFS B GBDFMJGU UIJT IBT become the area where vintage junkies and avid shoppers gather. Shops retailing a good blend of high street fashion and vintage goods include Joy (162-170 Wardour Street W1F 8AB), where timeless tee shirts, beautiful silk dresses

SIDE TRIP TO MARYLEBONEâ&#x20AC;Ś MONOCLE SHOP Run by the talented team behind renowned design and international affairs magazine Monocle, this shop offers exclusive goods and special collaborations such as tote bags, leather goods, apparels, magazine racks, planners, as well as back issues of the magazine. www.monocle.com/shop; 2A George Street, Marylebone W1U 3QS

1

and interesting gadgets can be found. Vintage House (42, Old Compton Street W1D 4LR) is a family run business and is paradise for whisky connoisseurs, as it stocks more than 1,000 single-malt Scotches and a wide array of spirits and liqueurs that can hardly be found elsewhere. Looking for a souvenir for the young is made easy at Hamleys (188-196 Regent St W1), one of the largest toy stores in the world.

From soft toys, art and craft materials, action toys to games, it truly lives up to its well-acclaimed name.

Known for being the longest shopping street in Europe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beating Avenue des Champs-ElysĂŠes or Rodeo Drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oxford Street is 1.5 miles long and is a conglomeration of approximately 300 shops. Intersecting Regent Street (another stripe densely lined with retail stores), Oxford Street is home to Debenhams, a nBHTIJQ PG OBUJPOBM EFQBSUNFOU TUPSF DIBJO BT well as House of Fraser Department Store.

Stores such as H&M, Gap, Massimo Dutti, French Connection, Nike Town and Disney Store in this area satisfy the most discerning female shoppers and often their disgruntled male counterparts.

Convent Garden & Leicester Square English are as particular about their cheese as the French, and Nealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yard Dairy (17 Shorts Gardens WC2) caters to such particularity with over 70 varieties of ripe cheese, gathered from independent farmhouse brands, as well as condiments, pickles, jam and chutneys. Find a range of beauty products for both men and women at Molton Brown (18 Russell St WC2), its British natural beauty range offers toiletries, skin-care products, home accessories, and facial services. Be dazzled by the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of fashion boutiques such as Paul 96 Corporate Traveller

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4NJUI 'MPSBM 4U 8$ XIFSF POF DBO mOE the best of British classics with creative twists; and Poste Mistress (61-63 Monmouth St WC2), which carries exquisite womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes from brands Emma Hope, Vivienne Westwood, Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten at discounted prices.

Mayfair While New York Upper East Side is renowned for its slew of luxury boutiques, London Mayfair boasts its fair share of designer stores such as Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Stella McCartney. Fairly new to the area is Sting (1 Piccadilly Circus W1), a fashion boutique that stocks apparels of European labels that are little LOPXO JO UIF 6, *U JT TQSFBE PWFS UISFF nPPST and merchandises everything from sweatpants to elegant dresses to cool shirts.

Despite the recent controversies on Abercrombie & Fitchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contentious comments, the store still maintains its allure with its overpowering perfume and topless hunks greeting customers at the door. Busy from the minute it starts operating, Abercrombie & Fitchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ALFRED DUNHILL

1

(7 Burlington Gardens W1, Piccadilly Circus) signature wholesome look attracts a throng of customers, despite its relatively high price tags.

Within the gorgeous Georgian Mansion stands Bourdon House (2 Davies St), home to MVYVSZ CSBOE "MGSFE %VOIJMM T nBHTIJQ TUPSF tailored for sophisticated gentlemen (think Don Draper in award-winning American television series Mad Men). Through the Cellar Bar patio and up the plush carpeted staircase, the cutting room awaits. Barber Jay offers clipping, trimming and shaving services. Expect personable, skilled and quality service as you sit in a room packed with old books, mini TVs and various vintage products. There is also a spa area offering treatments for men and women.

And of course, nip by Cellar Bar for an excellent Bloody Mary, or have it while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at your barberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair.

IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO EXPECT A MAN TO PAY FOR THE BEST, YOU MUST ALWAYS GIVE HIM WHAT HE HAS PAID FOR.

How English is Alfred Dunhill? Founded in 1893

by Mr Alfred Dunhill himself, this British luxury brand is the epitome of Englishness. The CVTJOFTT mSTU EFWFMPQFE B MJOF PG BVUPNPCJMFT accessories called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dunhill Motoritiesâ&#x20AC;?, producing car horns and lamps, leather overcoats and goggles. He later opened a pipe, cigar and tobacco store among the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs of Duke Street, followed by a pipe factory nearby. Along the years Alfred Dunhill had launched his very own lighters, iconic Facet timepiece based on Alfred Dunhillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car headlamp design and manufactured Dunhill cigarettes. In 1907, Alfred Dunhill began the process of establishing himself as a pioneer of the gentlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wardrobe by opening a London shop. Somersetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cloth makers and Alfred Dunhill incorporated innovations and techniques in their respective methodology to achieve undoubted levels of excellence.

Alfred Dunhill today specialises in ready-to-wear, custom and bespoke menswear, leather goods and accessories. Besides merchandising menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparels, the brand also introduces the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Voiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ad campaign, celebrating the achievements of various British men who have done extraordinary things in their life. For this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring/Summer campaign, musician Brian Eno, photographer Don McCullin and mountaineer Geordie Stewart are featured in a series of black and white portraits, as well as JOEJWJEVBM mMNFE JOUFSWJFXT

Alfred Dunhill

MVYVSJPVT DBTINFSF BOE TJML CMFOET mOF NFSJOP wool and double-layered cottons.

The hand screen-printed v-neck jumper is a staple piece for the season. Woven with 70-percent cashmere and 30-percent silk for a TPGU BOE FMFHBOU mOJTI UIF KVNQFS JT VMUSB lightweight, making it perfect for layering, even in tropical countries. An excellent alternative to blazers, the 100-percent merino wool cardigan in navy or charcoal is a relaxed and structured knitwear that is double faced with coroza nut buttons and discreet contrasting under collar.

The Spring/Summer outerwear collection features a series of comfortable and versatile pieces such as the navy reversible silk rain mae, created with the British summer in mind. It is lightweight and stylish yet functions well against summer showers. This versatile mae can also be reversed to complement the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attire. *OTQJSFE CZ B USBEJUJPOBM NJMJUBSZ mFME KBDLFU UIF sage cotton/linen utility jacket is designed to keep the wearer cool even in the hottest summer temperatures. It also boasts a detachable padded lining, perfect for the transition from spring to summer.

Spring / Summer 2013 5IJT TFBPO T LOJUXFBS GPDVTFT PO UIF mOFTU materials, with classic shapes and contemporary details. The collection includes

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SHOPPING REPORT

EAST END & DOCKLANDS Jennifer Worthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Call the Midwifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, now a BBC period drama series, offers readers glimpses of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s East End in the 1950s.

Settlements scattered across East India Dock Road and Leyland Street, and Deptford strived XJUI JUT IFDUJD QPSU USBGmD /PU NVDI GVSUIFS down were blocks of tenements where the underprivileged resided, with some having to squeeze up to 12 family members within two or three rooms. East India Company, once a stronghold in the area, was a major trading company specialising in trades of cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpetre and opium with East Indies (representing Southeast Asia, especially the Malay Archipelago). Long gone were the days of poverty and industrialisation, and the East End now is peppered with interesting and quirky art, architecture and cultural sites, and also its newest and rather expensive addition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Olympic Park.

shopping centres. Its anchor tenants include John Lewis department store, Waitrose supermarket, the familiar Marks and Spencer department store, as well as a 17-screen all-digital cinema.

Olympic Park

The Museum of London Docklands (No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay E14) remains one of the top sights in Docklands.

Converted from a warehouse dating as far back as 1802, this museum offers an overview history of the Thames. Helpful staff HPFT UISPVHI UIF TQFDJmD EFUBJMT PG UIF docks during World World II, and their controversial transformation into the Docklands during the 1980s. The museum shop offers an extensive range of postcards, posters and prints related to Docklands, as well as toys and a variety of gifts.

The sporting complex built for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Summer Paralympics covers parts of Stratford and Hackney Wick.

Consisting of the Olympic Stadium, Aquatic Centre and Media Centre, this area has attracted thousands of visitors and the eyes of millions of television viewers during its glorious Olympic days. The London Velopark, a cycling centre, received much praises for its aesthetic qualities and sustainable credentials.

-PDBUFE BEKBDFOU UP UIF QBSL JT 8FTUmFME Stratford City, one of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest urban

White Chapel Gallery (77-82 Whitechapel High St E1) is a groundbreaking gallery transformed from an art-nouveau building with an extended library constructed in 2009. This exhibition venue sports 10 galleries, with themes that change every couple of months. It often holds live music performances, poetry reading TFTTJPOT UBMLT BOE mMNT UJMM MBUF PO 5IVSTEBZT 5IFSF JT BMTP BO FYDFMMFOU CPPLTIPQ mMMFE XJUI publications, posters, gifts and stationary, as well as a place selling artworks of some of the XPSME T NPTU TJHOJmDBOU BSUJTUT

DINING IN WHITECHAPEL ,W LV QR VXUSULVH WR Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH DEXQGDQFH RI ,QGLDQ food in this region. 7D\\DEV is a Punjabi restaurant that offers tantalising seekh kebas, PDVDOD Ă&#x20AC;VK DQG RWKHU GLVKHV VHUYHG RQ VL]]OLQJ hot plates. This restaurant is hugely popular, so expect to see long queues around the premises. www.tayyabs.co.uk; 83-89 Fieldgate St E1

Museum of London Docklands

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White Chapel Gallery

98 Corporate Traveller

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A LOWER PRICE Very often, one cannot help but over-exercise his wallet in London, which is why we recommend some cheaper alternatives that might just make the best souvenirs (or for oneself) to bring home.

Bicester Village Offering an authentic English experience of fashion, food and culture, Bicester Village, part of Chic Outlet Shopping, is merely 60 minutes from the majestic monuments and city life of -POEPO " mOF DPNCJOBUJPO PG MVYVSZ CSBOET from sought-after local designers to international brands can be found here. What WJTJUPST DBO mOE BU UIJT QMBDF BSF CSBOET UIBU offer their previous seasonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collection with savings of up to 60-percent on the recommended retail price throughout the year.

In the months of June and July, Bicester Village will see the launch of British

Designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Collective, an exclusive collaboration between the shopping village and the British Fashion Council. This collaboration allows young British talents such as Piers Atkinson, Hussein Chalayan and Holly Fulton to retail their collections, and at the same time gives visitors the opportunity to discover new, talented fashion designers and the collectable must-have pieces. British singer-songwriter and actress Rita Ora becomes the latest ambassador for British Designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Collective, succeeding television presenter Alexa Chung and

actress Thandie Newton.

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Burberry Factory Shop British fashion powerhouse Burberryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s factory outlet (29-31 Chathama PI London, Greater London) used to be a well-hidden secret, but in recent years it has become a popular place for tourists. The classic Burberry trench coat can be found here, as well as good-quality jumpers and suits. It sometimes offers as much as 70-percent discount on selected JUFNT XIJDI JT EFmOJUFMZ XPSUI B WJTJU Corporate Traveller

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Blue suit, black shirt, all by ZZegna; Sunglasses, pocket square, both

by Alfred Dunhill; Silk tie by Bulgari; Grand Reverso Ultrathin Duoface in stainless steel

by Jaeger-LeCoultre

100 Corporate Traveller

BUSINESS CLASS There’s no reason for your style to take a beating when you fly. Here’s how to look the part and feel comfortable for the journey ahead.

Photography Ming @ Surround Styling Ong Weisheng Location Seletar Airport Private jet courtesy of Singapore Air Charter and $VLD 3DFLÀF -HWV

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Tuxedo, white shirt, all by Dior Homme; Pilot Doublematic in steel by Zenith; Organizer by Montblanc; Sentryman black resin with gold fountain pen by Alfred Dunhill

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Dress by Roberto Cavalli from Tyan; Black platforms by Buberry Prorsum; Bag by Fendi; Vintage Alhambra pink gold earrings in letterwood, Vintage Alhambra 10 Motifs pink gold necklace, Vintage Alhambra 20 Motifs Long pink gold necklace in Letterwood, both by Van Cleef & Arpels; Captain Dual Time in steel by Zenith

104 Corporate Traveller

Lambskin cubist dress by Hermès; Tuxedo jacket

by Dior; Heels by Emporio Armani; Princess Grace de Monaco in red gold, leather organizer, MeisterstĂźck pen, all by Montblanc Corporate Traveller

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White dress and jacket by BOSS; Happy Spirit necklace in yellow gold set with a 0.1 carat moving diamond, Classic timepiece in white gold with black alligator leather strap, both by Chopard; 2jours bag in yellow , Sunglasses, both

by Fendi

106 Corporate Traveller

Photographer Assistant Felix Lee Stylist Assistant Sean Heng Hair and Makeup Raudha Railey using M.A.C Cosmetics and Wella Hair Professionals Models Elena / Carrie Models, Milan / Mannequin Corporate Traveller

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SHOPPING@CHANGI

LUXURIOUS TREATS Featuring the latest cosmetics and accessories inside the world-class airport Text by Darren Wong

MCM (Available at Terminal 2, Departure/Transit Hall) MCMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest campaign â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Very MCM in Monacoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for its Spring/Summer 2013 collection features a range of printed and embossed leather, classic Visetos materials (iPad case), colourful hues of calypso coral, blue Danube, metallic gold, and fressia against classic-toned downed prints. This collection emphasises lightweight materials and functional features such as internal pockets and pouches secured with additional buckles and zips.

LANCOME (Available at all Perfumes & Cosmetics stores) Lancome introduces its exclusive beauty set (S$400) featuring a triple-packed essential product range targeted to trump the signs of aging â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Absolue BX Lotion (150ml), Absolue BX Eyes (20ml) and Absolue Premium BX Crème (50ml). The Absolue collection aims to rejuvenate the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty through JUT JOUSJDBUF GVTJPO PG CPUBOJDBM JOHSFEJFOUT XJUI FYUFOTJWF TDJFOUJmD SFTFBSDI PO TLJO TUFN DFMMT 5SBWFM SFUBJMFS /VBODF 8BUTPO BOE -BODPNF BMTP CVOEMF UIF PVUmU PG TLJODBSF goodness with three complimentary travel-size products â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Absolue Nuit Precious Cream NM 67 &YQFSU (/ 4IJFME 41' BOE (FOJmRVF :PVUI $PODFOUSBUF 4FSVN NM

108 Corporate Traveller

PRADA (Available at all Perfumes & Cosmetics stores) Travel retailer Nuance Watson brings in the latest fragrance from Prada, Candy Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Eau at its Changi Airport duty-free stores. Celebrating freshness and joyfulness, Candy Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Eau boasts a base mix of white masks, benzoin and caramel, BOE JT IFJHIUFOFE CZ B nPSBM OPUF BOE UIF lingering scent of citrus. The fragrance is embodied in a nude and gold art deco QBDLBHJOH XIJDI QFSTPOJmFT UIF SPNBOUJD BOE ESFBN MJLF RVBMJUJFT PCTFSWBCMF JO UIF fragranceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heroine, Candy.

S$106 for 50ml; S$133 for 80ml

VICTORIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRET (Available at Terminal 2, Departure/ Transit Lounge North)

WE HAVE SEEN THE TREMENDOUS GROWTH FOR VICTORIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRET AT CHANGI AIRPORTâ&#x20AC;Ś TERMINAL 2 SERVES THE REGIONAL BOUND PASSENGERS AND TO HAVE A VSBA STORE AT THIS TERMINAL MAKES PERFECT SENSE, IN TERMS OF SALES OPPORTUNITY AND AIRPORT RETAIL OFFERINGS.

Starting its operation in June this ZFBS UIF OFX TRVBSF NFUSF lingerie and beauty store offers customers access to an assortment of best-selling Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret beauty products including fragrances, body mist and lotion, as well as the VS Fantasies body care. Its store interior features CMBDL DIFSSZ mYUVSFT MJU GPDBM XBMMT a gallery of iconic black and white imagery, and a video wall displaying the sexy Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secret Supermodel video footage.

Ken Tse, Managing Director of Nuance-Watson Singapore

Corporate Traveller

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Alfred Dunhill #01-42, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; 6734-8126 Bally #01-12, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6238-2078

STOCKIST

Bang & Olufsen #01-05, Grand Hyatt Singapore, 10/11/12 Scotts Road,; 6737-7500 Bottega Veneta #01-04A, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6238-0020 Brioni #B1-73, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands; 6634-1253 Chanel #B2-43, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6634-5500 Ermenegildo Zegna #01-34/36, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; 6735-8147 Estée Lauder #02-28, Metro Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; 6735-1472 Elizabeth Arden Level 1, Takashimaya S. C., Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road; 6735-7605 Gucci #01-38/39, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; 6734-2528 Hermes #02-02, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road; 6735-5228

Montblanc #01-34, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road; 6735-5038

Tangs Vivocity #01-187 & #02-189, 1 Harbourfront Walk; 6303-8688

Lancome #B2-40 Canel Level, Lancome Beauty Institute, 2 Bayfront Avenue; 6688-7699

2ULJLQV -FWFM 3PCJOTPOT 3BGnFT $JUZ Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road; 6337-6581

Tod’s #01-48, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road; 6738-3323

Louis Vuitton #01-20/24, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road; 6788-3888

Sephora #01-05/06, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6509-8255

Michael Kors #01-16/17, Scotts Square, 8 Scotts Road; 6723-8068

7DQJV 2UFKDUG Level 1, Tangs Beauty, 310 Orchard Road; 6737-5500

Vertu #01-02, Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Road; 6235-1810 Yves Saint Laurent Beaute #B2-34, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn; 6509-7423

Corporate Traveller

111

INDULGENCE

HERMES Galop Bracelet

Captured in movement as if galloping across the green, this Galop bracelet captures the spirit and mesmerising personality of the design house.

Resplendent with detail, its torsade is clasped onto a beautiful mane of brown diamonds, which characteristically recalls the colour of leather, and creates an understated elegance of this noble creature.

S$28,000 Available at Hermes boutiques

112 Corporate Traveller

Discover Tasmania

N M U T AU

WINTER

ere cations wh cking to lo o fl f urs o lo n co io tradit utumn range of a follow the r s la is n th ia cu a n , a s’ ct e u its sp e Fag mn, Tasm rning of th , to witness d Tu Every autu n d. e u rl h o fo ‘T w e d e b e . Call lse in th tree can rilliant gold nowhere e the Fagus b d n to a h ia g n u a Tasm red thro be seen in from rust e can only cl a ct e sp stunning

The onset of winter is also welcomed as it is an opportunity apples from the Huon to enjoy fresh crisp Valley or a candlelit dinner and then to rel glowing embers of ax in front of the a log fire as the tem peratures cool off du Snowfalls at the hig rin g the evening. hest mountain altitu des are not uncomm on in winter.

Getting there Tasmania is only an hour’s flight from Melbourne. From Sydney it’s less than a two-hour’s flight. There are many connecting flights each day on Qantas, Jetstar, Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia to Hobart or Launceston.

For more information Visit: www.discovertasmania.com