The Finest Emirates Edition 3 Autumn 2014 by The Finest Emirates

The finest Emirates Âˇ EDITION 03/2014 Âˇ AUTUMN

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03 2014 ENGLISCH

E M I R AT E S AN D LUXU RY LI F E WO R LDW I D E

CHANEL CRUISE COLLECTION IN DUBAI

Where the shore ends, adventure begins. Crystal shimmering waters whisper a language only the heart can interpret. A secret. A breeze. Set adrift on endless azure dreams. A liquid haven, where stories of the past write the verses to the future. And you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it all? Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae

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MASERATI 100 Years of elegant Power

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U LT I M AT E

Editorial

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esert, skyscrapers and lavish luxury. Is this what you associate with the United Arab Emirates? You would be right. But also wrong. Because the UAE has far more to offer than sun, sand and high-tech glamour. The emirate Sharjah, which we introduce this time, delights increasing numbers of visitors with its completely unique artistic and cultural diversity. It was therefore appropriate that the eponymous capital with its numerous museums was appointed UNESCO Culture Capital of the Arab World in 1998. In this issue we also focus on the arts: the fine art of watchmaking. Select examples of haute horlogerie are both exclusive gems and ticking masterpieces at the same time. And not only that. With know-how and a little luck a fine watch not only enhances the wrist, it also brings a tidy profit for its owner. A 1969 Rolex Daytona was sold at auction for 1.1. million dollars last year. Hard to believe that the very same model was on offer for less than 1,500 dollars at the end of the 1980s. Deals such as this are the exception, of course. Nevertheless, a high-quality mechanical watch from a Swiss manufacture is a good investment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and certainly an attractive eye-catcher. A perfect timepiece for THE FINEST MOMENTS. Regards Sarah Schmitt & Mark Valentini

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Content

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4 5 6

THE FINEST EMIRATES INSIDE

THE FINEST TRAVEL EMIRATES

THE FINEST TRAVEL WORLDWIDE

THE FINEST LIFESTYLE

Sharjah “Rising sun“ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Opening November 2014 . . . . . . 48

Mauritius Active holiday in paradise . . . . . . . 58

MASERATI 100 Years of elegant Power . . . . . 80

Must-Sees in Sharjah . . . . . . . . . 16 Hot Spots: Dine and more . . . . . 18 Buying property in the UAE . . . 20 CHANEL Collection Croisière, Dubai . . . . . . 24 Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Mastaba ‘The eighth wonder of the world’ . . 32 Interview with Martin van Almsick General Manager at Al Nassma Chocolate LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah An exclusive world of luxury . . . . . 52

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Sans Souci Wien . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Esterházy Fabulous Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

FInEST SElECTIon . . . . . . . . . . . 86 once upon a Time . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Haute Horlogerie . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

THE FINEST LOOK

GOOD TO KNOW

For her . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Smart Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

For him . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Imprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

The finest Beauty . . . . . . . . . . 116 Momentum Spa, Düsseldorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

BMW Welt Motoring joy to go! . . . . . . . . . 102 Four Seasons Jet “The sky’s the limit!“ . . . . . . . . . 104

Meliá Vienna High Class Lifestyle . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Grandhotel Hessischer Hof Live like a prince at the heart of Frankfurt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Dubai Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Sharjah “RISING SUN“ … the poetic translation of Sharjah. A more than fitting name for the third largest emirate in the UAE. Sharjah lies partly on the Persian Gulf and partly on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Oman and is slowly emerging from the shadow of its larger neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi, just a short drive away. And rightly so. The small emirate has much to offer. Unusual natural settings, unique artistic and cultural diversity delight more and more tourists from year to year.

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CULTURE CAPITAL OF THE ARAB WORLD

GOOD to know…

For culture-loving travellers a visit to the approximately 2,600 km² emirate with its eponymous capital is more than worthwhile. In 1998 Sharjah was named Culture Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO. A significant distinction, but not the only one: in 2015 all attention will be on the festivities in its role as Captial of Arab Tourism. The emirate gained this distinction thanks to its remarkable contribution to the preservation, promotion and spread of local, Arab and Islamic culture. This is an issue close to the heart of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, who is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the artistic and cultural diversity of Sharjah. Whilst other rulers were putting up skyscrapers, in the early 1980s he established over 20 museums. A love of art is in the genes of the ruling family: in 2009 Princess Hoor al-Qasimi, daughter of the sheik and herself an artist, took over the leadership of the Sharjah Art Foundation. Her enthusiasm and commitment can be seen in events such as the Sharjah Biennale, the largest event for Arab contemporary art, which will draw numerous art lovers back to the small emirate next year (5 March to 5 June 2015).

Sharjah is a paradise for sun lovers. Cloudless skies, warm temperatures on land and in the water. It is advisable to visit the desert metropolis between October and April, as then the thermometer seldom rises above 30 C° in the daytime. During the rest of the time tourists should brace themselves for the heat, and sightseeing at 40 C° and over is not for everyone. Travellers can fly direct to Sharjah International Airport with Qatar Airways and a stopover in Doha. Sharjah is also less than a half-hour drive from Dubai Airport, which is served daily from Europe. After an approximately six-hour flight passengers land at the international airport of Dubai. Jet lag is unlikely, in the summertime the time difference is just two hours ahead, in winter three. A passport is required to enter the UAE, with this valid for at least six months after planned departure. With passport control at the airport Europeans receive a free tourist visa with the stamp in the passport. The visa is valid for 30 days, and can be extended for a further 30 days in return for a fee. Children are required to have their own passport.

Sharjah is the only emirate with two coasts.

PRESERVING ARAB IDENTITY

Sharjah Light Festival: Major structures and monuments presented in dramatic fashion by international multimedia and illumination artists.

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Until the 1940s the chief source of income for Sharjah was pearl fishing. Life in the sleepy region changed dramatically with the discovery of oil in 1972, in the Mubarak Oilfield near the island of Abu Mousa. Oil has been extracted in Sharjah since 1974, gas since 1990. Today, the emirate has ten percent of the world’s known oil reserves. Despite the wealth and progress, Sharjah still places great value on preserving its Arab identity. This is no emirate of superlatives. Instead, the emirate places greater emphasis on preserving its unique culture and nature – and this did not begin with the onset of oil wealth. As early as 1907 the first school in the Emirates was opened in Sharjah, the Al-Islah-al-Taymeya school. The first library in the Emirates, the Al-Taymeya Library, followed in 1933. And in 1942 Sharjah was the first emirate to grant women access to education.

ATTRACTIVE DIVERSITY Sharjah is an attractive and familyfriendly travel destination for tourists who are not necessarily looking for hightech entertainment. Value for money in the hotels and restaurants is outstanding. The historic old town with its numerous alleyways and palaces is a highlight in its own right. And let us not forget the shimmering coasts with their fabulous sandy beaches, the picturesque desert landscapes and the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia. In the city, modern shopping centres, traditional souks, impressive mosques and unique museums await tourists from around the world. The “rising sun“ with its cultural heritage and natural beauties has truly a great deal to offer its visitors. Photos: © SCTDA

Sharjah is more traditional and conservative than its neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Alcohol is strictly forbidden, including in hotels. With regard to clothing and behaviour, visitors should show respect to the Islamic faith. Western clothing is not a problem as long as it is not too revealing. Bathing costumes belong on the hotel beach or in the pool, knees and shoulders should be covered when sightseeing and shopping. Provocative clothing (close-fitting, bare midriff, see-through etc.) is also a no-go, as are overly brief shorts for men. Displays of affection amongst couples, such as kissing or cuddling, are not permitted in public. The United Arab Emirates are known for their unusually low crime rates. Sharjah is no exception to this. The emirate is not only a very beautiful destination, it is also a very safe one.

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Photos: ÂŠ SCTDA

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Sustainability in focus: nature reserves… Nature is a well-protected treasure of the emirate. As a result, Sharjah places great emphasis on the preservation of the nature reserves Sir Bu Nair Island (maritime protection area), Khor Kalba and Al-Zulaiyma Enclave (sand dunes). Ecological education and the Pollution Control Department also contribute to reducing environmental pollution in Sharjah. Tourists, too, are the beneficiaries: in Khor Kalba they can admire the finest seashell beaches in the world and varied bird life. The site ends in the oldest mangrove forest in Arabia, home to numerous endangered species. The hinterland of the region with its spectacular red sandy desert is also perfect for unforgettable excursions.

Inspirational museums… There are numerous museums in Sharjah that should not be missed, here is a small selection: visitors to the Sharjah Heritage Museum are immersed in the varied history, fascinating culture and traditional customs of the emirate. Over 5,000 select artefacts from throughout the Islamic world can be admired in the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. The museum is located at the historic heart of Sharjah City, on the Majarrah bank, and was formerly a traditional oriental souk. It is unique of its kind in the UAE. Artistic texts as witnesses to Arab history are exhibited at the Calligraphy Museum, the only one in the entire Gulf region. Visitors gain an exciting insight into this vibrant art form and its historic significance, deeply rooted in Islam.

History at first hand… Romantic alleyways, opulent palaces. Far from the glittering skyscrapers, the old town of Sharjah is a true eye-opener. The history of the region is all around you here. Imposing merchants' houses made from coral stone have been extensively restored, offering a majestic sight. A visit to the Al-Naboodah building dating from 1845 is a real must. Once owned by the wealthy al-Shamsi pearl trading family, it tells of the daily life of an age long past.

MUST-SEES in Sharjah

Just a 20-minute drive from Dubai, the Emirate Sharjah is an Arabian world that forms a clear contrast to the neighbouring mega metropolis. Visitors are met by a destination that is both traditional and fascinating. The cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates is not just a dream destination for those interested in culture, however. Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will also find ample opportunities to experience their dream holiday in the dramatic desert landscapes and on picturesque sandy beaches.

Arab shopping: Souk Al-Arsah…

Impressive: Khor Fakkan… Framed by two headlands on a beautiful bay, the town of Khor Fakkan is a highlight for tourists. A long sandy beach with promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the mountains, not far from Khor Fakkan, lies the Rifaisa dam. In the clear waters of the reservoir the remains of a flooded village can still be seen.

Entertaining: Al Qasba… Not just culture and nature are to be found in Sharjah. Entertainment is also available, albeit not so spectacular as in the neighbouring emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The one-kilometre-long Al Qasba Canal encloses the amusement centre and the entertainment strip of Sharjah. Cafés and restaurants are clustered together here. A relaxing boat trip on the canal, admiring the fountains or a trip on the Eye of the Emirates, a 60-metre-high big wheel, are absolute must-dos for a visit to Sharjah.

Photos: © SCTDA

Not far from the Al-Naboodah building is the Souk Al-Arsah, one of the oldest souks in the UAE. Four gates with traditional wooden doors grant access to visitors, mostly tourists. In over 80 souks crafts, jewellery, Arab clothing, carpets and herbs are offered, together with old weapons such as swords and daggers. For those seeking a break from shopping the Coffee Shop is just the place. The local dishes and sweets accompanied by a cup of tea or Arabian coffee should not be missed.

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Golf & Shooting Club Sharjah, ÂŠ SCTDA

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HOT SPOTS:

Dine and more

Sharjah Dhow Restaurant: Once a traditional Arab merchant ship, now a floating restaurant. In addition to typical Arab specialities there are also delicious fish and grilled specialities. In the Calypso restaurant of the Radisson Blu Resort international classics can be enjoyed with a view of the sea. One particular highlight is the imaginatively-mixed alcohol-free mocktails. www.radissonblu.com/resort-sharjah/restaurantsand-bars/calypso-cafe Lebanese cuisine with European elements can be found at the Shababeek restaurant. A fabulous location on the Qasba Canal, an opulently dramatic interior and tasty mocktails promise a great evening. www.shababeek.ae The ElManza Restaurant sits idyllically in the Khalid Lagoon and delights with a chic interior and varied menu. www.elmanza.ae Shopping: With its attractive wind towers, the Blue Souk â&#x2C6;&#x2019; also known as the Central Souk or Souk al-Markazi â&#x2C6;&#x2019; offers an Arab-style shopping experience. In the N-Collection shop local women buy their elegant abayas, wonderfully embroidered or hand painted. www.ncollection.ae

Information about the must-sees as well as news and facts about the emirate and city of Sharjah: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), www.sharjahtourism.ae

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Sporting entertainment in a stylishly relaxed atmosphere: Golf & Shooting Club Sharjah. www.golfandshootingshj.com TIp: The hop-on-hop-off bus visits all key sights in Sharjah: www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/ united-arab-emirates/sharjah.htm

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AbuDhabiSkyline,©TCAAbuDhabi

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BUYING PROPERTY

in the UAE Sunshine all year round, the sea never far away, an extremely low crime rate, modern infrastructure and a high standard of living – there is a lot to encourage foreigners to buy property in the United Arab Emirates.

hereseemedtobenolimitto the property boom in the UnitedArabEmirates.Atleastuntilthe end of 2008 and then came the rude awakening.Dubai,wherethedriveto build was crazy, suffered particularly hardfromtheconsequencesofthepropertycrash.ButtheEmirateroselikea phoenix from the ashes. After a few yearsofstagnation,thepropertysector isonceagainshowingexcellentgrowth figures–andnotonlyintheEmirateof Dubai. Purchase prices and rents are risingintheUAEandattractingnumerousinterestedpartiestothechicdesert metropolis. Buying property here is easier than you think and just now particularlyexciting.Still,therearestill some interesting, affordable properties, but with the positive forecast, thesemightsoonbequitescarce.

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As a holiday home, investment, residentialoroffice,propertyintheUAE is popular with foreigners. But you shouldbeclearaboutthepurposeand useofthepropertyandthelegalsituation beforehand. In the UAE, there arenofederalpropertylaws;eachof thesevenEmirateshasitsownparticularregulations.

PROPERTY LAW IN DUBAI Foreignershavebeenabletobuyproperty in the Emirate of Dubai since 2002,butithasbeenlimitedtocertain regionsandonlywithanentryinthe ownership directory. The “Law No. 7 of 2006 regarding Land Registration in the Emirate of Dubai clarifies to what extent foreigners can acquire

t itletorealestate,andhowtherights are registered“ (source: DeutschEmiratische Industrie- und Handelskammer). The properties can be purchasedtodayforanunlimitedperiod (freehold). This was not always the case;previouslyownershipofaproperty was limited to 99 years. However, what is still subject to restrictions is thelocation.Foreignersmayonlypurchase property in certain areas. Now rest assured, this doesn’t mean that non-Emiratisgetthesliceofthecake thatisnotasnice.Theselectedlocationsareveryattractive,asshownin the example of The Palm. The manmadeislandhasnowbecomeahome fromhomeformanycelebrities.And Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, or EmiratesHillsarealsoexclusiveplaces wherelifeisexcellent.

To avoid any nasty surprises, you should only trust brokers registered withtheRERA(RealEstateRegulatory Authority). Anyone going for a property receives the Title Deed (similar toanentryinthelandregister)after thepurchaseandpaymentinfull.The acquisition process is fairly straightforward; a simple handwritten purchase contract is sufficient – and binding. Another benefit is that you canapplyforaresidencepermitafter purchasing but this doesn’t entitle youtoaworkpermit.

PROPERTY LAW IN ABU DHABI AnyonewhoisaresidentinaMember State of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation

Council)maypurchasepropertyinthe investment zones. Other foreigners, however, only have the option of buying apartments; they are not allowed to purchase land. However, thoseinterestedinavillaoranoffice building in the largest Emirate can purchase a 99-year leasehold, which covers both the property and the land.

TAX BENEFITS? TheUAEisataxhaven;thereisamong other things no property tax, local rates,residentialtax,inheritancetax, capitalgainstaxorstampduty.However, for foreign property owners thisdoesnotmeanthattheirincome from immovable property is exempt

fromtax.Howthisishandledexactly always depends on the country of origin. In Germany, for example, tax must be paid on this revenue. This excludes independent subsidiaries of a German-based company under the Foreign Tax Relations Act. Their profits are not subject to German taxation. The United Arab Emirates have learnedfromthebuildingboomdisaster of 2009. The property sector is now aiming for growth with caution and prudence. This makes the UAE more attractive than ever for anyone lookingforsometimeoutunderablue skyorareturnoninvestment. Text:MarkValentini

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Photo:©HaiderY.Abdulla/Fotolia.com

DubaiMarina,© DTCM

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COLLECTION CROISIÈRE,

Dubai round1,000invitedvisitors travelled to this exclusive fashion event in elegant, very authentic style. The likes of Tilda Swinton, Freida Pinto and Vanessa Paradis were transferredtotheman-madeprivateislandin traditional Arab boats. Awaiting them wasanenchantingsetting:lights,mosaics, candlelight and in the background the spectacularskylineofDubai.KarlLagerfeld’sfashionvisionofaunionofOrient and Occident is both innovative and ingenious.“It’smyperceptionofanidealisedOrient,albeitanOrientforall.Totally w ithoutanyfolklore.Theinfluencesare manyandvaried,includingtheworldof fairy tales, the movies, the paintings of DelacroixandthecreationsofPaulPoiret from1914“,explainsthedesigner.

MODERN ORIENTAL PRINCESSES

CHANEL

There are some events, like the unveiling of Chanel’s pre-fall and resort collection, that

call for an absolutely superb setting. What city could better fulfil this requirement than Dubai? In a specially erected building with Arabian flair and the double-C logo, the dream destination in the United Arab Emirates provided the perfect backdrop for Chanel’s Croisière Show 2014/15. On the private island simply called The Island, the illustrious guests

Awide-sleevedboleroembroideredwith tiny sequins, fitted tweed combi-shorts andbloomersmadeofgoldensilklurex. That’showChanelseesmodernoriental princesses. Coat dresses or tunics are worn with either bloomers or skinny t rousers,whichthusdefineawholenew silhouette – sometimes androgynous, s ometimes feminine. The collection is a daring firework of colours, a fairy-tale interpretation of the mosaics typical of theOrient.Intheeveningthelongdresses areadornedwithsumptuouspipingand glittering embroidery, from which it is possibletomakeouttheskylineofDubai withtheoutlineoftheBurjKhalifa.Ascot neckwrapsaddthefinishingtouchtothe silk crêpe dresses with clear, strict lines. Karl Lagerfeld underlines the typical C hanelcoloursofwhite,black,goldand beige with fuchsia, nocturnal blue and crimson.Lightweighttweed,silkmuslins, linens, gold lamé, cotton voile and airy, sensualfabricscreateaninterplayoftransparency andoverlappinglayers.Accessories such as canister-shaped pockets

m adeofgold,quiltedleatherorthetiaras adorned with a crescent are knowingly amusingandtestimonytoKarlLagerfeld’s constantlyevolvingcreativity. “Dubai is tomorrow’s world,“ maintains Karl Lagerfeld. And thus, apart from a pair of items drawing stylishly on the 1960s and 70s, the latest Collection C roisièreisalsoultra-modern.Chaneland Dubai–withoutdoubtafashionliaisonof superlative class: innovatively appealing, charminglyorientaland,ofcourse,exceptionallyglamorous.

experienced a collection full of luminance. The finesT emiraTes 03/2014

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CHANEL The finesT emiraTes 03/2014

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Saadiyat Cultural District

AbuDhabi

aadiyat Island lies around 500 etresoffthecoastofAbuDhabi. m The whole area is still an enormous constructionsite,butthecomingyears will see the creation of the cultural centre of the Arabian Peninsula on this, the largest natural island in the Emirates. The mammoth project was launchedinearly2013.Stararchitects such as Frank Gehry and Sir Norman Foster are each to design and build oneoffivemuseums.Initiatorofthe project was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, who has since died. Next year is already set to see theopeningofthefirstmuseum,the LouvreAbuDhabi.

In the past decades, culture was not the focus of attention when it came toattractingtouriststotheEmirates.

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TheEmiratisconcentratedmoreonthe aspects of sun, luxury and shopping enjoyment.However,afewyearsago this attitude changed. In the future, theUnitedArabEmiratesalsoaimsto offer its visitors unusual cultural attractions. The idea arose of using one of the two hundred natural islandsoffthecoastofAbuDhabias a construction site. Thus the mega Saadiyat Cultural District project was launched.Futuristicbuildingsincombination with the art of the last few decadesaretoformauniquesymbiosishere,onthePersianGulf.

Five world-renowned architects design Five museums By 2008 the billion-dollar plans for theSaadiyatCulturalDistrictoffAbu

CULTURE AND ARCHITECTURE IN A NEW DIMENSION

Dhabi were already lying completed inthedrawersoftherespectivearchitects.However,itwasnotuntilJanuary 2013thatgroundwasbrokenonthe ambitious construction project. Five museumsaresettoberealisedinthe nextfewyears.TheLouvreAbuDhabi isduetobecompletedbyDecember 2015, the first of the museums to delight visitors with an interest in culture. Jean Nouvel aims to make history with his impressive project, which will not merely be a boring copy of the Parisian original. The French architect is not building a centralbuilding,butratheramicrocity with structures of various sizes, togetherweighingaround7,000tonnes. An artistically-perforated dome will lendthestructurethenecessaryradiance,withthelightcreatingarange of effects. A further highlight that

PritzkerPrize-winnerNouvelhascome up with is picturesque waterways permeatingthebuilding.Acharming symbol, reminiscent of the irrigation systemsofArabfarmers.2016should see the completion of the Zayed National Museum, planned by Sir Norman Foster. And one year later Frank Gehry will open the GuggenheimMuseum,plannedasastructure of funnel-shaped towers and cubes. An important aspect of this: the museum will interact with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Established in 1937, the foundation will exercise a kind of controlling function, carefully examining the art worksthataretobeexhibitedatthe Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The aim is to display art that has been created in the period from the 1960s to the present day. It is not yet clear when

ZayedNationalMuseumwillhonourthelate SheikhZayedbinSultanAlNahyan.

acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid will rectandopenherCenterofPerfore mingArts,norwhenthego-aheadwill be given for the Maritime Museum, thelastofthefivegiantprojects.

one museum will Form the cultural heart oF abu dhabi The centre of the Saadiyat Cultural istrict will be the Zayed National D Museum. This will primarily recount the life story of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who died in 2004, afterhavinginitiatedthefoundingof the UAE and moulding the destiny oftheregionlikescarcelyanyother. Gardensliketheonesthesheikhloved arebeinglaidout,withplantsthathe treasured.Keymomentsinthelifeof the sheikh will consequently receive

an artistic interpretation. The first nationalmuseumoftheUnitedArab Emirateswillnotonlybededicatedto the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan AlNahyan,butalsotothehistoryof the nation and the Gulf region as a whole.Asaresult,theZayedNational Museum will also tower above all other structures on the island. Star architect Norman Foster has decided on a majestic roof construction in honourofthesheikh.Thisisintended to evoke the favourite bird of the ruler: the falcon. With outspread wings, it will present a truly royal image. Text:UlfJacks,Images:TCAAbuDhabi

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LouvreAbuDhabi,designedbyJeanNouvel,willbespectacular.

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Christo in his studio with a preparatory drawing for The Mastaba, 2012

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ver 400,000 coloured oil barrels piled up to form a monumental work of art, surrounded only by desert sand. Around 160 kilometres away from Abu Dhabi city is the planned location for the exceptional ‘The Mastaba’ project. A challenge even for Christo. The ingenious American’s past projects have included artistically wrapping up the Florida Keys and Berlin’s Reichstag in spectacular fashion. This time, however, nothing is being wrapped up and then unwrapped again. This piece of desert art is not going to be transient. The intention is that it will defy wind, weather, sand and time − and remain in existence for eternity.

BIGGER THAN THE PYRAMID OF GIZA The dimensions: gigantic.

‘Bench’, that’s the simple translation of the Arabic word ‘mastaba’. In early

dynastic Egypt (3100 – 2686 BC) the mastaba, which in its shape is reminiscent of a footstool, was a structure for the burial of kings and emperors. Over the course of the subsequent dynasties, the mastabas were superseded as tombs by the pyramids. Christo’s ‘Mastaba’ will also be a prism with trapezoid sides, albeit of quite different dimensions: with a footprint of 225 x 300 metres and a height of 150 metres, the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ will be bigger than the Pyramid of Giza. The project is not new. Along with his wife Jeanne-Claude, who died in 2009, Christo first had the vision of ‘The Mastaba’ way back in 1977. Sketches bear testimony to the exceptional sculpture’s long process of gestation. However, the fact is that to date not one artistically draped oil barrel is yet standing in the desert. But: the planning and collaboration with the Abu Dhabi royal family has been taking firm shape over the last couple of years in particular. This gigan-

tic work of art is due to be constructed in the near future with the support of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al-Nayhan, the brother of the crown prince.

THE VISION TAKES SHAPE Christo has been reticent about publishing any details. However, since the appearance in 2012 of an illustrated book entitled ‘The Mastaba, Project for Abu Dhabi’ and an interview that Christo gave to the English Observer newspaper, we are somewhat the wiser. We now know, for instance, that the plan is to create the gigantic work of art near to the Liwa oasis. Inside the sculpture will be hollow and the top section will be accessible on foot. When you look at Christo’s plans, there are (at least) two pressing questions: how is the 150metre high work of art supposed to last forever, if it is repeatedly subjected to extreme sand storms? And: how can

corroding barrels be replaced without damaging the sculpture? These are questions that the artist and his wife JeanneClaude were probably asking themselves in 2007, when they commissioned no less than four research institutes with finding solutions for potential technical problems and difficulties. Currently the Mastaba research is in the hands of Professor Mike Schlaich and his team. Schlaich teaches ‘Solid Structure Design’ at Berlin Technical University. Very much as a side-line he is now also developing a load-bearing spatial framework structure for The Mastaba.

TOURIST ATTRACTION IN THE DESERT Construction of the desert work of art is expected to take around 30 months. The cost will probably be just as gigantic as the sculpture. The artist is estimating about $350 million. In order

to retain his independence, he wants to finance the project himself. However, even Christo cannot pay such an immense sum out of petty cash. According to the business plan, the funding model is already in place: visitors will have to pay to view the mega structure, which will be fenced off around a wide area. A nearby hotel and restaurant, which are yet to be built, are intended to accommodate tourists with an interest in art and provide additional income. The plan is not that such measures will make a profit, but merely ensure the creation and preservation of the artwork. For the artist, who was awarded the Theodor Heuss Prize in 2014, it’s not about the filthy lucre. “We only do works of joy and beauty,“ enthuses Christo passionately. One gladly believes him. Text: Petra Dietz Photos: Wolfgang Volz, © Christo

The vision: revolutionary. Nothing about this project is trivial. Plans are afoot to create a work of art for eternity in the desert of Abu Dhabi. With his mega sculpture ‘The Mastaba’, wrapping artist Christo aims to create nothing less than the Christo and Jeanne-Claude looking for a possible site for The Mastaba, February 1982

eighth wonder of the world.

‘The eighth wonder of the world’ The proposed site for The Mastaba

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The Mastaba of Abu Dhabi, Scale model, 1979

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How did somebody from Cologne come up with the idea of making chocolate from camel’s milk in Dubai?

Interview with

artin van Almsick General Manager at Al Nassma Chocolate LLC

Martin van Almsick: Having worked for many years at the Cologne Chocolate Museum, I had always been a declared lover of chocolate. Making chocolate from camel’s milk was a new challenge that we happily set ourselves there with a team of chocolate experts. It was actually always said that camel’s milk was too low in fat for chocolate production. That made the task even more enticing. Looking back, the process of development from the original idea to the finished chocolate always sounds very quick and easy, but in fact from the first brain wave to launching the product on the market took four years. What initial difficulties did you have to overcome? Martin van Almsick: Our greatest challenge was overcoming the mental barrier in the minds of our large potential retail partners. Camel’s milk is not an everyday product and many of them simply couldn’t imagine a premium chocolate made of it. Interestingly, consumers had far fewer inhibitions and out in the marketplace our product was received with open arms. We had the major advantage that the government of Dubai already had a vision for the commercial utilisation of camel’s milk. Efforts were already being made in Dubai to bring camel’s milk onto the market in all sorts of different ways and there was also already a farm project being

commercially run that was able to supply us with camel’s milk of the quality required for premium chocolate. So we were in the right place at the right time.

– not too sweet, creamy, with a hint of caramel and honey and a slightly salty final note. It melts on the tongue and leaves a pleasant softness.

How many years have you now been in the Gulf and what have you already ticked off on your to-do list?

Camel’s milk is also said to be healthy...

Martin van Almsick: Al nassma is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year and we are very proud of what we have built up with relatively modest means. We started out with two employees – me and my wife – and our team has now grown to 20 members of staff. We are seeing rapid growth in sales, too. As a company it is and was our goal to offer a unique, high-quality product from Dubai all over the world. We now have strong representation throughout the Arab region and have also taken the first step towards Asia, Europe and the USA. What do you still want to achieve? Martin van Almsick: Our early years were very successful, but there is, of course, always room for growth and further development. Going forward, I see many opportunities to develop the Al nassma brand further with new products and new markets. What does camel’s milk actually taste like? Martin van Almsick: Camel’s milk is a touch saltier than cow’s milk. That gives our chocolate its characteristic trademark taste

Martin van Almsick: It’s exceptionally healthy and has several advantages compared to cow’s milk. It contains up to 50 per cent less fat and three to five times as much vitamin C. The fatty acids that it contains are unsaturated, which makes the milk highly compatible with the human digestive system. There are no known allergies to camel’s milk, which naturally makes it interesting for people who have an allergy to cow’s milk. All in all, camel’s milk is a very healthy alternative to cow’s milk, including due to the fact that to date there is no hormone treatment in its production. It is a very natural and pure product. You have not only Arab clients, I understand. Your product is also being exported, isn’t it? Martin van Almsick: Yes, we started exporting from a very early stage. Shortly after our launch in 2008, we began a collaboration with UPS in 2009 in order to be able to supply customers outside of the UAE as well. Since then our export operation has been constantly growing and we continue to enter new markets. Our chocolate is being very well received, as it is not only an exclusive product, but is impressive in terms of its quality as well. Our chocolate

fter more than a decade working

as Head of Marketing & Public Relations at the Cologne-based Imhoff Stollwerck chocolate museum, Martin van Almsick now runs a successful start-up company, Al Nassma Chocolate LLC – the world’s first camel milk chocolate company based in Dubai.

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is now very popular especially as a gift or souvenir both in the Arab region and elsewhere. What does chocolate made of camel’s milk cost and who are the main customers? Martin van Almsick: Our bars sell for a price in the region of €6. The greatest sales of our chocolate currently come from the duty-free shops in the Arab region. Duty free offers us the unique opportunity to expand on a global scale, while in turn offering the large travel retail companies an original, largely exclusive product, which has a positive influence on the sector’s range of confectionery and over the long-term makes it more exciting. We recently took a major step in this direction with our partnership with Gebr. Heinemann, one of the largest travel retail companies operating on a global basis. Through this cooperation we gain access to some of the world’s largest duty-free shops. We are thus now also available at the international airports of Vienna and Istanbul. We are also constantly broadening our availability outside of airports as well. We are, for example, now represented in Europe both at ‘Julius Meinl am Graben’ in Vienna and Prague and at Selfridges in London. What does your working day look like? Martin van Almsick: The main feature of my working day is that I don’t actually have one. At least not a regular one. There is always a lot to do. It requires a lot of spontaneity. You have a wife and three children – has your family settled in the Arab world? Martin van Almsick: We settled in here in Dubai very quickly. It has to be said, too, that we’ve always been a very flexible, adventurous family, so we

found the change from Cologne to Dubai very easy. On top of that comes the fact that, for Rhineland folk in particular, Dubai feels a lot like home. The mentality here certainly has a lot in common with the way of life in Cologne. This ‘what will be, will be’ and ‘somehow things will turn out fine’ attitude is certainly a common mindset in Dubai as well. However, I must say that the early days on the work front were very demanding. What was key there was long working hours and lots of dedication. 14-hour days were not rare back then and still aren’t now. Everyone back home always thinks we’re out here in Dubai having a holiday! What do you especially like and value about the Emirates? Martin van Almsick: As I said, adjusting from Cologne to Dubai was not as difficult as expected and as a family we immediately felt at home here. What I very much appreciate here are the interpersonal contacts. Lots of things here are based on face-to-face conversations and family is given a high priority. That creates a pleasant living and working environment. The Emirates are a peaceful, stable, dynamic and multi-ethnic country. Everything is always on the go, which makes it very exciting to live here. Everyone talks about globalisation and needing to be flexible. In Dubai that’s part and parcel of the feel for life. Do you miss Cologne? Martin van Almsick: Cologne is and remains my home. Coming from there, you always have a little bit of a yearning for the city. It’s actually life’s little things that I sometimes miss. Carnival, for example. And I’d also like one day to go to an FC Cologne home game again or to enjoy one of those lovely long summer evenings in Cologne’s old town. What are your plans for the future – professionally and personally? Martin van Almsick: Things continue to be exciting, actually, and as a company we’ve still got lots of plans. First of all, of course, we’ve got Expo 2020 coming up. As a local company with an original UAE premium product, we fit perfectly into the concept. Beyond that, it is also still our goal to further develop the Al nassma brand and to get it firmly established globally as well. Interview: Ulf Jacks

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is Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum made the sport of kings socially acceptable in the United Arab Emirates. in 1996 the enthusiastic equestrian founded UAEHorseRiding, a polo school that has now achieved worldwide recognition. However, this was not enough for the ambitious Emir of Dubai, Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE. in 2010 the city on the Persian Gulf acquired its own prestigious tournament. The patron of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup is currently the son of the sheikh and deputy ruler of the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The polo event, now the fourth most important in the world, is held every spring and since 2013 women have also had their own top tournament in Dubai, at the Desert Palm Polo Club.

THE CRADlE OF POlO

Dubai

POLO

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The origins of this equestrian sport can be found in around 600 BC in the Persian empire. People loved this game, the popularity of which grew continuously, even becoming the national sport in the 16th century. Under the stern gaze of the shahs, who watched the polo matches from the balcony of the Ali Qapu palace, the riders contested games on the central square of the then-capital isfahan. Accounts from this time indicate that polo was equally popular with men and women, and that they even played it together. The sport found its way to india and Arabia as a result of the islamic expansion. Great Britain is the motherland of polo as it is played today. British officers stationed on the indian subcontinent used polo as a form of training and the game made its way to Britain, where the first polo club was founded in 1859. in the 1920s Great Britain had to relinquish its position as polo superpower to Argentina. Today, the best players in the world mostly come from South America. No other country has as many +10-handicap players contesting coveted trophies around the world as Argentina.

DUBAi POlO TOURNAMENT CElEBRATES FiFTH BiRTHDAy The rise of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup in the last five years has been as breathtaking and meteoric as that of the emirate itself. The tournament has left many venerable events that have been contested far longer in its wake as far as international significance is concerned. The tourna-

ment now occupies fourth place in the worldwide polo rankings. Only the tournaments in Argentina, the USA and Great Britain have a higher standing than the annual polo highlight in the Persian Gulf. For the fifth edition in 2014 the patron, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, presented a record field of competitors, comprising ten first-class teams. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series has rapidly established itself on the world stage of equestrian sport and is now the highest handicap tournament (+16) in the Middle East. This year the polo matches, the organisation of the event and the hospitality of the city should be an advertisement for the Expo 2020 in Dubai. This is not just of great importance to the ruling family.

DECEMBER PREMiERE FOR lADiES’ POlO The first ladies’ polo tournament in the United Arab Emirates took place from 10 – 13 December 2013 at the Desert Palm Polo Club in Dubai. The host team and two teams from Europe and one team from the USA contested the first official ladies’ polo title in the Persian Gulf. Patron and participant with her Arab team was Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of the Emir of Dubai. One of the best German female polo players was also present in the orient (team Europa 1), Anna Oettingen-Wallerstein: “i immediately accepted when they invited me. There is no way i wanted to miss out on playing at this unique event in Ali Albwardy’s wonderful Desert Palm venue. This is a historic moment, joining forces with HH Sheikha Maitha and promoting ladies’ polo in the process.“ in the final the two polo players faced each other as opponents. The German quickly realised that the hosts were there to win it, which they did, with a welldeserved 6:1.5 victory. After the award ceremony Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum thanked the main sponsor: “The Ralph lauren international ladies’ Polo Tournament is of great significance to the United Arab Emirates and for women throughout the region. it was a great honour for me to take part in this pioneering event. i firmly believe that more and more women will now take an interest in polo.“ Text: Ulf Jacks

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The new Four Seasons Resort Dubai

OPENING NOVEMBER 2014

Scheduled to open on November 1, 2014. Now confirming arrivals from December 1.

at Jumeirah Beach – a green oasis perfectly located just minutes from all the pleasures and key business

Booking via: Landmark GmbH Aachener Straße 382 50933 Cologne, Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 221 170 007 990 Fax: +49 (0) 221 170 007 977 E-mail: info@landmark-fine-travel.de www.landmark-fine-travel.de

hubs of this open, modern city by the Arabian Gulf. Everything is right here – warm and elegant service, an astonishing array of dining temptations, a truly luxe pool and beach experience, beautiful spaces to do business or celebrate special occasions, an indulgent spa that is a destination unto itself, and the quiet retreat of light, airy guest rooms and suites.

weeping into the palm-lined drive after a remarkably brief ride from Dubai International Airport, the first thing guests will notice are eight ancient olive trees, evoking a Mediterranean vibe and perhaps hinting at the pleasures of the palate to come. Entering the palatial lobby with its dazzling view of the sea here in one of the world’s most exciting cities, the moment all but says aloud, you have arrived.

our Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

At five stories, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is comparatively low rise amid the city’s soaring towers, in keeping with the surrounding coastal community. The prestigious Jumeirah neighbourhood – sometimes compared to Beverly Hills with its mansions and celebrity hotspots – is mostly residential, with cafés, shops and galleries within strolling distance. Flanked by Dubai’s longest stretch of natural beachfront, it’s also just ten minutes from the commercial district on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai International Finance Centre, and well as Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – and the tourist attractions of Downtown Dubai.

CASUAL ELEGANCE AND MODERN STYLE Envisioned as a welcoming enclave by world-renowned architects WATG, the Resort’s fresh, sophisticated contemporary style is by San Francisco-based interior designers BAMO. Arabic accents highlight Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, with colours and textures influenced by the seaside lifestyle of this Resort. Balconies off each of the 237 guests’ rooms and suites offer panoramic sea views or the

city’s glittering skyline, punctuated by the Burj Khalifa. Inside, extra high three metre ceilings are accentuated by full height leather headboards in an almost loft-like environment. Lavish details include marble flooring in the foyer, bath and dressing room, which includes a wood-paneled walk-in closet. The baths include ceilings leafed in silver to reflect a flattering hue from the Murano glass light fixture, while a mosaic tile wall is the backdrop for a free-standing tub.

MEET ME AT FOUR SEASONS Already the choice of top meeting planners, galas hosts and wedding couples internationally, the impeccable service and attention to detail for which Four Seasons is known is now coming to Dubai. A total of 1,199 square metres of event space is designed to smoothly shift from high tech meetings to society galas and beachfront weddings at the whim of each host and planner. Specializing in outdoor events on the ballroom terrace and beachfront lawns with sophisticated urban style, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach features the Dana Ballroom for up to 360 seated guests, as well as four smaller rooms accommodating 12 to 100.

RELAXED AND ENERGIZED “Our Spa has been designed as a Four Seasons showpiece on a global scale,” says Spa Director Hayley Bluett. “A full menu of traditional healing rituals and cutting-edge therapies will be highlighted by a deluxe aqua-thermal experience that includes rain tunnel, scrub bar, chill zone, steam and whirlpool. Each of our treatment rooms opens to a discreet outdoor space and has its own foot ritual bath. The Royal Spa Suite includes wet and dry suites within, along with a secluded outdoor terrace, relaxation lounge and bathtub for two. We’ll also offer rasul mud treatments for couples in this very private, exclusive space.” On the beach or by the pool, on a pulsing dance floor or settled into a cozy club chair, out in the garden or up on the roof, there will be many options to dine, drink and meet with colleagues or friends (or like-minded strangers) at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach. Choices include five restaurants and lounges managed by Four Seasons, and an additional five independent, on-site venues. Perfect places to relax and energize. www.fourseasons.com/dubaijb Photos: Paul Thuysbaert, Four Seasons

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t is the first beach hotel of the Kempinski Hotels in Dubai. A residence for the discerning connoisseurs from all over the world has been created off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Sophisticated travellers will find first-class luxury, personal service and absolute privacy in this peaceful hide-away. Stylish relaxation in a tranquil location, perfect for escaping the turmoil of the world’s metropolises and yet which is so central that all highlights of the city can be reached quickly.

One gets the impression that the architects of this stately mansion were inspired by an imperial Roman residence. Everything in this extraordinary Kempinski hotel radiates worldly elegance and stylish European luxury. Impressive dimensions reveal the 244

exquisite suites, penthouses and villas measuring 112 to 894 square meters. Light cream and royal blue shades, marble and gold create a glamorous opulence. Each accommodation has between one and five bedrooms, lavish

AN EXCLUSIVE WORLD OF LUXURY bathrooms, a palatial living-room and a kitchen with the latest equipment. Private terraces, some with a private out-door swimming pool or Jacuzzi, are an exclusive retreat for relaxing and enjoying the view of the Palm Jumeirah, the expanse of the Persian Gulf or the skyline of Dubai. The excellent, personal five-star service provided by

multilingual employees with a personal butler, cook and the so-called “palace ceremony“, an individual dinner experience in the suite, make a stay a unique indulging experience. Guests at the Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah can relax on the hotel’s own sandy, 500 meter-long private beach or the enchanting gardens with a 1,200 square meter, elegantly swung swimming pool. Water lovers can use a choice of different water sports activities like canoeing, diving courses or pedal-boat rides. Younger guests can relax in the shady children’s area at the pool, at the playground and the Kids’ Club. Those wanting to go shopping or look for some entertainment can use the free shuttle bus service to get to the sister hotel Kempinski Mall of the Emirates

in just 15 minutes or they can go window-shopping in the hotel’s own shopping arcade. But guests should be back for a sundowner since the luxury resort is situated on the so-called “half-moon“ that surrounds the Palm Jumeirah. The perfect spot to relax when the red-gold sun sinks into the sea offering a wonderful spectacle. The hotel’s elegant Cinq Mondes spa pampers body and soul with a wide range of different massages and beauty treatments. A modern, very well-equipped fitness center gets users back into shape and, if desired, a personal trainer will accompany the work-out. Exquisite cuisine for sophisticated tastes – in a magnificent atmosphere surrounded by elegant pillars, finest fabrics and precious marble, contem-

porary Italian delicacies and the finest wines are served in the Restaurant Brunello. In addition, there is a free transfer to and from 28 restaurants and bars on the Palm. The tasteful K-West Bar & Lounge is the ideal location for finishing off the evening with an excellent cigar, a fine cognac or a refreshing cocktail – the perfect end to a perfect day in the Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah. www.kempinski.com/en/palmjumeirah

Booking via: Landmark GmbH Aachener Straße 382 50933 Cologne, Germany Tel.: +49 (0) 221 170 007 990 Fax: +49 (0) 221 170 007 977 E-mail: info@landmark-fine-travel.de www.landmark-fine-travel.de

empinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah

Shimmering domes rise up grandiosely into the brilliant blue skies. An imposing residence that is reminiscent of an ancient Roman palace. The Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah opened its magnificent doors in summer 2011. This 5-star retreat reveals an exclusive world of luxury to its guests on Dubai’s well-known Palm Jumeirah.

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Mauritius: spectacular island world

Bella Roma

Vienna special

First class in Frankfurt

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort more than lives up to the beauty of this island nation.

The Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina is a luxury hotel experience of the very best kind.

The casually-luxurious Sans Souci Wien, the exclusive Meliá Vienna, the cultural world of the aristocratic Esterházy family – Vienna is a traveller's dream.

The Grandhotel Hessischer Hof is a delight for conference guests and city travellers in equal measure.

THE FINEST

Travel worldwide

Tamarina Golf Estate, Mauritius ©Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Bamba

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Mauritius auritius – the perfect setting for a dream holiday: palmstrewn beaches lead on to turquoise water, on the horizon waves break over a protecting coral reef. The picturesque volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, 800 kilometres east of Madagascar, is by no means merely a destination for the

ACTIVE HOLIDAY IN PARADISE classic beach holiday, however. Sports enthusiasts are as much at home here as sun lovers in search of relaxation. Whether it is diving, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing or kiting in and on the water or hiking, mountain biking, riding and golf on land – holidaymakers in search of action and adventure are spoiled for choice on Mauritius. Whilst the high temperatures from November to February are more conducive to cocktails by the pool, this year-round destination is particularly suited to sporting activities between May and October. With the temperatures in the low-rain period of the year between 17 and 24 degrees there is nothing to stand in the way of an active holiday in paradise.

LODGING Luxury resort, private villa, apartment or lodge – a wide variety of accommodation is available on the dream island Mauritius. The exclusive residences are among the best in the world, but numerous familyfriendly options can also be found in the smaller, more reasonably-priced segment.

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From breathtaking luxury hotels with highest standards of service and exclusive golf resorts with various Michelin-starred restaurants to friendly mid-range hotels and perfect accommodation for sports lovers and on to comfortable bungalows or apartments – there is something for every holiday requirement on Mauritius. Mauritius, a fascinating island named after the Dutch Prince Maurice van Nassau, unites all attributes for unforgettable holiday experiences. www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Fremdenverkehrsamt Mauritius: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) Tel. +49 (0)89- 55 25 33- 825 Mauritius.Germany@aviareps.com www.tourism-mauritius.mu

Photos: © Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Bamba

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“Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius“ (Mark Twain)

he St. Regis Mauritius Resort INDIAN OCEAN

t is over a century since the fascinating island State in the Indian Ocean impressed the writer and globetrotter Mark Twain and to this day, Mauritius has lost none of its magic. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort that opened in 2012 boasts all the extraordinary beauty of the island world. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the famous Le Morne Brabant Mountain, in the South West of Mauritius, this first-class resort welcomes some of the most discerning guests from all over the world. What awaits you is nothing less than a wonderful break from everyday life, excellent service, some exclusive pampering and a chance to just chill out and let the world go by.

STyLISh In EvERy dETaIL The charming colonial style of this five-star residence with handmade furniture and traditional works of art is a tribute to the island’s history. There is luxury wherever you look; it is never obtrusive, but pleasantly sophisticated. The 172 spacious rooms and suites are exclusive oases of retreat with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. Every detail has been covered, right down to the St. Regis Butler who is available to guests around-theclock.

an ExquISITE gEM: ThE ST. REgIS MauRITIuS vILLa

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort Le Morne, Mauritius Fon: +230 403 9000 E-Mail: stregismauritius@stregis.com www.stregismauritius.com

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an experience of luxury in a new dimension; this is the exclusive pleasure that the St. Regis Mauritius villa promises. The private residence was specially created to experience total relaxation in absolute privacy and it is so easy when you are surrounded by so much beauty. Indoors, the visitor can revel in refined elegance and contemporary design and a perfectly thought-out interior concept. Floor to ceiling windows blur the boundaries between inside and outside, providing views of enchanting tropical scenery and the ocean. Private butlers and attentive staff are at the guests’ beck and call. guests reside in four gorgeous suites that feature a spacious living area and comfortable luxury. Each room enchants the eye with spectacular views of the sea, which is only a stone’s throw from the room’s sun deck. Three of the suites have a private swimming pool where you can go and just cool off.

From the spacious living room of the villa – with lounges, dining areas and office – you have direct access to the 143-metre long beach front. Outdoors, amidst exotic plants, you can enjoy the sweet pleasure of just doing nothing. a large, heated infinity pool and a steam room stylishly round off the relaxing portfolio and yet if you fancy a work-out, you can use the private fitness room. Enjoy some exclusive, exquisite culinary delights. a professionally equipped kitchen and a top chef are on hand to look after guests at the villa seven days a week around the clock. The large dining room covering over 42-square metres seats up to 12 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. guests can of course also avail of the culinary offerings of the St. Regis Mauritius Resort. The hotel features six restaurants, all under the supervision of the renowned Executive Chefs Sébastien Legall. here, interpretations of local cuisine, classic French compositions, asian specialties and freshly caught seafood will delight even the most demanding palate.

RELaxaTIOn FOR BOdy, MInd and SOuL guests at the villa and resort of St. Regis can experience heavenly relaxation in the Iridium Spa. Exquisite treatments take visitors to a different level, sending body, mind and soul on an inspiring journey. It is not only the wellness experiences that promise total recreation; no matter how magical the retreat may be, it does no harm to leave it now and again and explore the beautiful island. The unESCO World heritage site of Le Morne Brabant, extensive sugar cane plantations, beautiful sandy beaches, fascinating coral reefs and the friendliness of the inhabitants will enchant visitors to Mauritius. The attractive environment can be explored on foot, bike or horseback. World class courses are available for golfers and water sports enthusiasts can choose from a range of offerings including deep-sea fishing, diving and snorkelling, windsurfing and kite-surfing. The St. Regis Mauritius resort sets new standards in luxury and service – for unforgettable moments in the Indian Ocean. Text: Petra dietz

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The Grand Meliá is the only hotel in the historic centre of Rome to boast such a fabulous pool and garden area. Incomparable: the view of the Vatican walls.

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from the 1st and 2nd centuries Ad. In the course of the excavation they also discovered the former refuge of Agrippina, better known as the mother of emperor Nero. In her honour a marble statue was erected in the stylish foyer. What I particularly like is that the Gran Meliá Rome succeeds in taking account of the listed building location without foregoing highly modern comfort. Bravissimo!

Wallow. Savour. Guests of the exclusive Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina can consider themselves fortunate. They experience not only of the world’s most beautiful cities, but also the luxury hotel trade at its best.

A ReSIdeNCe WITH GRANdezzA It is not only visitors such as I, traditional city tourists, who find at the Gran Meliá Rome everything that the discerning traveller’s heart could desire. Business travellers, too, are pampered with 5-star luxury. Its conference area and business centre are geared up to running events and functions of every kind. The bedrooms and roof-terrace suites of this urban resort hotel are fitted out with elegant mahogany furniture and stylishly covered walls. depending on category, you can look forward to sensational views of St. Peter’s Basillica or the Castel Sant’Angelo, enjoy a private garden, an exclusive library, a whirlpool on the terrace or a personal fitness area.

dolCe VITA

ran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina ITALY

otally relaxed, I swim a length or two of the sparkling pool in the Gran Meliá Rome, surrounded by a green paradise with blossoming orange trees. After a both tiring and wonderful day of sightseeing in the eternal City, this small corner of the earth is a heavenly oasis. My view is probably unique: I’m looking out at the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basillica. Both are just a few minutes’ walk away, as are many other attractions, such as the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, the picturesque Tiber embankment, the charming

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Trastevere quarter and the baroque Piazza Navona.

CoMfoRT deluxe It was only in April 2012 that the Spanish Meliá Hotels International chain opened this flagship of its luxury Gran Meliá brand. everything about this five-star establishment is excellent. The 10,000m² outdoor complex with pool and botanical garden in the heart of central Rome is in itself unique. More a resort than a hotel, the

Gran Meliá Rome enchants its guests with ultimate luxury in the 116 bedrooms, including a number of spectacular suites with 360-degree views over Rome. Here you feel wholly at ease in an unburdened, luxurious way – I’m very impressed. What, quite apart from the hotel’s location and design, really has me in raptures is, however, the excellent service, which has a genuine ‘wow factor’. With a friendly smile and always ready to help, the hotel team knows the answers to questions before you’ve even asked them. That’s a

way in which I’m happy to be pampered. Guests who have booked a category with Red level service, also get to enjoy having their own butler, a private check-in and their own lounge.

A loCATIoN STeePed IN HISToRY The transformation of the former 17th century convent into a luxury hotel took ten years. during the renovation, workers came across archaeological treasures

Sightseeing in Rome. That’s a lifelong task. It is simply impossible to discover all that bella Roma has to offer inside a couple of days. Indeed, I pay due respect to the awesome beauty of this city on the Tiber by not rushing from one tourist sight to the next. I savour and wallow. That’s how I act in the city – and in the hotel. The Gran Meliá Rome is as if created for a sensual experience. In the 350m² YHI-Spa with fitness zone you can stylishly unwind and relax with treatments, in the vitality pool, in the steam bath, in the sauna or in the hydro-massage tub. As savouring and wallowing are for me inextricably linked with excellent food, my path leads me at the end of an eventful day to the Viva Voce. Run by Michelin-star chef Alfonso laccarino, the restaurant totally fulfils my expectations. The meal is exquisite and the service, unsurprisingly, excellent. I take my afterdinner drink next to the pool, looking at the illuminated backdrop of the Vatican. My last day in the eternal City and the enchanting Gran Meliá Rome. Sadly. And yet there is still so much to explore and enjoy. A dilemma? Not at all, I’ll simply come again... Text: Petra dietz Photos: © meliá hotels international

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The reception area is adorned by a marble statue of Agrippina, after whom the hotel is named.

Gran Meliรก Rome Villa Agrippina Via del Gianicolo, 3, 00165, Rome, Italy Phone: +39 06 925901 e-mail: gran.melia.rome@melia.com www.melia.com

Select accommodation with a breathtaking view: the Eternal City Suite

Lobby Library

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Thelocation:perfect.Thedesign:

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breathtaking.TheSansSouci Viennaexclusivelycombinescasual luxuryandextraordinaryglamour.

The“Vienneseinterpretationof aninternationalboutiquehotel“ welcomesitsguestsintheBurg-

ans Souci Wien

gasse,attheheartoftheAustrian

VIENNA / AUSTRIA

metropolis.Wheremuseums, theatres,restaurantsandhipbars embodylifestyleandcultureatits best.Vienna’slargestandmost exclusiveshoppingdistrictisjust astone’sthrowaway,asistheart andculturedistrictofSpittelberg andthemuseumquarter.

Special services for Arab guests: ★ nativespeakers ★ Prayermatandcompassin theroom ★ ArabTVchannels ★ ArabnewspapersoniPad ★ Roomswithconnectingdoors ★ Pork-freedishes ★ dates(breakfastbuffet) ★ SpaClub:ladies’spa,separate therapyrooms,maleandfemale therapists Sans Souci Wien Burggasse 2, 1070 Vienna, Austria Fon: +43 1 522 25 20 E-mail: hotel@sanssouci-wien.com www.sanssouci-wien.com

ART,deSIgn AndgoodTASTe The Sans Souci is located in a building c onstructed in 1872 and now carefully renovated.Aperfectretreatattheheartof Vienna, which knows how to delight. “Charismatic luxury is probably the best way to describe the secret of the Sans Souci Vienna,“ explains norbert Winkelmayer,CeooftheSansSoucigroup.“Itis the particular combination of art, design and good taste that characterises the incomparableSansSoucicharm.notflashy butcasuallyreserved,alifestyle.“Thereare manyluxurydomiciles,butfewmanageto deliver as much individuality and personality as the Sans Souci. Alongside the

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outstanding service and ideal location, the hotel, which opened at the end of 2012, also offers eye-catching design. The project incorporates both a deluxe boutique hotel and hotel-serviced residencesontheupperfloor,itwasrealised in collaboration with the congenial design partner yoo. World-famous designerPhilippeStarckandvisionaryproperty developer John Hitchcox are the individualsbehindtheorganisation.Thecharismaticyoodesignapproachpermeatesthe entirebuilding,fromthebrightly-litlobby tothe63individually-appointed,spaciously laid-out rooms and suites. The bright, stylish rooms are equipped with parquet flooring,mirrorscreensanddesignclassics. In the 70-m² Master suites antiques,

designerfurnitureandVi-Springbedsare joined by a marble bathroom with freestandingtub.Artloverswillbedelighted withthegoldenwallpaintingsandphotographsbyHubertusHohenloheaswellas originalworksbyRoyLichtenstein.

BodyAndSouL An oasis of tranquillity and relaxation in the centre of Vienna: the elegant Sans Souci Spa Club delivers benevolent recuperationforbodyandsoulonaspace of450m².Twotreatmentrooms,agym, three saunas, a steam bath, a sun bed and a 20-metre pool ensure benevolent regeneration.Traditionalandexotictreatments are carried out with the Austrian

natural cosmetics range Vinoble. The sensorial recuperation is crowned with excellentcuisine.AttheSansSouciVienna gourmetsarepamperedattheLaVéranda restaurant with great attentiveness and aneyefordetail.ChefdeCuisineSimone Jäger and her team create authentic, creative à la carte dishes every day. organic, regional and seasonal produce is primarily used for the dishes. After diningguestsmeetinLeBar.Perhapsfor a glass of champagne? That would be anexquisiteconclusiontoadayinVienna, in a hotel that envelopes its visitors in charismaticluxury. Photos:©HotelSansSouciManagementgmbH, Photographer:gregorTitze

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Awaiting visitors less than an hour by car from Vienna are enchanting palaces, spectacular castles and awe-inspiring monuments of nature – unique cultural realms of the Esterházy noble family. For centuries the charismatic Esterházy

princes played a part in shaping European history. They gained importance as landed

STERHÁZY AUSTRIA

gentry, diplomats and military men – and being passionate collectors left behind

Burg Forchtenstein Originating from the 13th century and since the 17th century in the possession of the Esterházy family, Forchtenstein Castle remains today a mighty structure and fortress. It was here that Esterházy weapons and munitions were stored and here that Prince Paul I established his unique cabinet of treasures and curiosities. In the Esterházy ancestral portrait gallery, one of the largest baroque family gallery in Central Europe, real and imaginary ancestors are impressively gathered together. The highpoint: the Silver Furniture Room. On show here are globally rare one-off pieces. Photo: © Tibor Csepregi

legendary artistic treasures.

F abulous Treasures

Photo: © Roland Wimmer

Schloss Esterházy

Photo: © Andreas Hafenscher

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Located in Eisenstadt, the capital of the state of Burgenland, Schloss Esterházy rates as one of Austria’s most beautiful baroque palaces. Today, it is a museum, cultural events venue and research centre, as well as home to the House of Esterházy’s unique private collection. Exhibitions bring the aristocratic past and life at the Esterházy court back to life. Around the palace there are numerous inviting culinary and cultural delights on offer. The Café Maskaron surprises visitors with modern interior architecture and promises wonderfully tasty pastries – including the world-famous Esterházy slices. The gourmet restaurant Henrici also spoils the palate with delicious dishes from Pannonian cuisine and the ambience in the former stable mews is incomparable.

Steinbruch St. Margarethen An inspiring meeting point for international lovers of opera and the biggest natural stage in Europe: the former Roman quarry of St. Margarethen. With its acoustics and impressive atmosphere, this natural, 7,000-square-metre ‘open-air concert hall’ promises a unique experience. In 2015 it will be the venue for Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece ‘Tosca’. An opulent dramatisation of love, betrayal, lust and murder. It’s sure to be a sensational event.

Photo: © Thomas Ludwig

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he Spanish hotel group opened the extraordinary luxury hotel in February and it enthrals visitors with innovative design, ultramodern technical refinements and first-class service. Behind a spectacular glass facade lie 253 elegant bedrooms, including 27 designer suites and the 200-square-metre presidential suite with 180-degree panoramic view. The rooms impress with calm, conservative colours, fine materials and a purist ambience. An alluring interior concept that is repeated as a guiding motif throughout the hotel. Floor-to-ceiling window fronts with integrated glass elements catch the eye in all the accommodation. The designer hotel extends over 18 of the total of 58 floors of the DC Tower. Designed by Parisian architect Dominique Perrault, the tower has a height of 250 metres (including a 30-metre antenna) and is currently Austria’s tallest skyscraper.

eliá Vienna AUSTRIA

Exclusive design wherever you look! The charming suspended staircase in the lobby not only draws attention to the excellent Flow restaurant, it also leads as the entrée into the large Golden Wave ballroom on the first floor. The ballroom forms part of total function facilities of over 1,000 m².

Awaiting guests from the two top floors of the tower in the 57 Restaurant & Lounge are not just culinary delights, but a spectacular 360-degree view as well. Here head chef Siegfried Kröpfl beguiles demanding palates with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and Austrian specialities made

DELIGHTFUL HIGHLIGHTS from regional produce. Unique cocktail creations, modern tapas and alternating DJ events at the weekend attract both international visitors and local revellers to the country’s highest bar – and onto the highest rooftop terrace. Above the roofs of the magical city on the Danube the Meliá Vienna sets new standards in international lifestyle and gives its guests an awe-inspiring stay. Meliá Vienna Donau-City-Straße 7, 1220 Vienna, Austria Fon: +43 1 90104 Email: melia.vienna@melia.com www.melia.com

On top, in every respect. In the newly built DC Tower the Meliá Vienna welcomes its guests in an awe-inspiring location.

High Class Lifestyle 74

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Living Room Presidential Suite

randhotel Hessischer Hof GERMANY

he location amidst the pulsating metropolis on the River Main could not be better: just a stone’s throw from the Frankfurt Exhibition Grounds, the Festhalle, the Skyline Plaza shopping centre and the new Congress Center Kap Europa. The airport and main railway station can be reached in just a few minutes. The Grandhotel Hessischer Hof is a delight for discerning conference guests – and not only due to its top location. It is a blend of select ambience and first-class service that characterises this elegant city residence. Since 1952 the luxurious 5-star superior hotel – the only privately-run Grand Hotel in Frankfurt – has been owned by the family

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foundation of the landgraves and princes of Hesse. Following a four-year conversion and development phase the Grandhotel Hessischer Hof presented itself this year with a restored facade and two completely new floors, with exclusive MEDICAL-Fitness. However, the ultimate highlight is undoubtedly the new Presidential Suite: In this elegant, 180-square-

Live like a prince at the heart of Frankfurt metre luxury suite with two bedrooms, living room, kitchenette, boardroom and private rooftop terrace guests can enjoy select comfort and equipment. Murano chandeliers and Carrara marble join with light-coloured carpets to create an elegant living experience. The furnishing fabrics with gold leaf are a true eye opener, designed by the London interior designer Nina Campbell in close collaboration with Floria, Landgrave of Hesse. The walls bear paintings by the Tischbein

FINEST – Dr. Johannes M. Peil

family which – like all of the antiques in the hotel – originate with the Hessian foundation. Revitalisation with all of the senses: the new FINEST Medical, Fitness & Health with sauna, steam bath, two treatment rooms and rooftop terrace on the seventh floor deliver tranquillity and relaxation after a hard day. Active guests can release their energy in the gym on state-ofthe-art equipment or on the climbing wall. The “Medical I Fitness I Health“ concept is unique of its kind in Frankfurt and the region. Alongside fitness and relaxation the Grandhotel Hessischer Hof also has a partnership with the acclaimed Bad Nauheim sports clinic. Physiotherapists and a doctor from the clinic are regularly available for guests and members. Modernity and tradition are attractively combined at the Grandhotel Hessischer Hof. General Manager Eduard M. Singer puts the philosophy of the hotel succinctly: “In spite of the renovation, we have remained true to our classic, exclusive and tradition-conscious approach – as is expected of a Grand Hotel.“

Grandhotel Hessischer Hof Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 40 60325 Frankfurt, Germany Fon: +49 (0) 69 75 40 0 info@hessischer-hof.de www.hessischer-hof.de

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THE FINEST

Lifestyle

www.doettling.com

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Grandeur on four wheels. For 100 years, one of the oldest surviving sports car manufacturers has been exciting lovers of classy horsepower with superb driving pleasure. While the first models of the Italian luxury brand with the trident in the logo were not particularly glamorous, they were as swift as an arrow. On the race track at home, the highly motorised speedsters broke one speed record after another. Today the goal is to create the perfect blend of luxury and sportiness and Maserati has managed to do so with flying colours.

MASERATI 100 Years of elegant Power

Maserati Quattroporte

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he curves of this sleek Italian sports car are irresistible. It features exquisite materials, not to mention top class innovative technology – proving that nothing but the best finds its way into a Maserati. Beyond comparison: driving a customised Maserati that has been hand-crafted right down to the last detail. Putting your own personal stamp on your luxury vehicle, this enhances the driving pleasure immensely. The Maserati model range now consists of four series. On the very day of the 100th anniversary of the brand, the company expanded its portfolio with an important series: with the Ghibli, Maserati is now in the premium business saloon segment for the first time. A racy GT sports car, luxury sports saloon, or fascinating convertible, whichever model you choose, you are guaranteed incomparable HP pleasure.

From the track to the road The Maserati brothers certainly didn’t have to worry about fuel prices when they started their company Società Officine Alfieri Maserati in Bologna 1914. And back then, the 25-year old Alfieri Maserati could not have imagined that he would create a legendary car brand along with his brothers, Bindo, Ettore, Ernesto and Mario. Alfieri could turn his hand to anything; he was an excellent racer and a top-class designer with vision. It was certainly a major event for everyone when the first complete Maserati, the Tipo 26, was produced in 1926; a successful sports car that featured the trident logo on the grille for the first time. The distinctive trademark was designed by Mario Maserati, taking his inspiration from Neptune’s fountain in Bologna's Piazza del Nettuno. Rather untypically, the artist

of the family wasn’t particularly interested in cars, but he was into design. It was the start of a long success story with two wins at the Indianapolis 500, nine Formula 1 triumphs and victory at the Formula 1 World Championship in 1957. In 1947, Maserati, now relocated to Modena, produced the first road car, the A6 GranTurismo. With the Quattroporte launched in 1963, the brand established a new vehicle segment: the sports saloon, to which the company has remained faithful even today.

Italian elegance: GranTurismo The epitome of the large travel sports car: the Maserati GranTurismo. The coupé is a real feast for the eyes with its lines designed by top designer Pininfarina. Italian elegance and consistent sports appeal par excellence. A large V8 vacuum engine delivers the distinctive Maserati sound and the sports car is not only sleek and beautiful but also spacious, an absolute rarity in GT vehicles.

The new generation of vehicles by Maserati feature the highest industrial quality standards and a wealth of new technologies. Driving a Maserati has become even more dynamic, more comfortable and economical, due to a large extent to twin-turbo engines, diesel engines, and Q4 all-wheel drive technology.

A beautiful convertible: GranCabrio

Quattroporte versions: S Q4 – 3.0-l-V6-twin-turbo engine, 301 kW/410 HP. GT S – 3.8-l-V8-twin-turbo engine, 390 kW/530 HP, Diesel – 3.0-l-V6-Diesel engine, 202 kW/275 HP.

Expressive: Ghibli The expressive design of the Maserati Ghibli is a pleasant contrast to the host of competitors, with all the drive options clearly showing that Maserati has its roots in motorsport. The optional Q4 fourwheel drive system with its tailored steering plus the diesel alternative available for the first time from Maserati, guarantee road capability and cost-effectiveness that you wouldn’t have expected from Maserati until a few years ago.

Luxurious sports appeal: Quattroporte The Maserati Quattroporte has been a byword for the successful blend of luxury and sportiness for 50 years and the chic flagship has landed over 50 international awards since its launch. And the sixth Quattroporte generation is also causing a stir. The representative 5.26 metre long sports saloon is also available on request with highly efficient diesel drive or with intelligent four-wheel drive technology.

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The Maserati GranCabrio promises sheer driving pleasure. The brand’s first fourseater convertible has a fully automatic, multi-layer fabric roof and is an absolute beauty whether the top is up or down. Here too the elegant design is down to Pininfarina. However, the GranCabrio is not just chic, with its powerful V8 vacuum engine, this dream convertible with at least 450 horsepower, can certainly eat up the road. One hundred years of history is something Maserati can be proud of and not only proud of what was, but what is and what is yet to come. With an all-time high sales record and huge worldwide demand, the company is now in a better position than ever before. The exceptional growth is mainly down to the two sports saloons Ghibli and Quattroporte and the new diesel engines and the intelligent allwheel drive system Q4 seem to be boosting the sales figures. You don’t need to look into a crystal ball to see that the future will probably be rosy as well. The new models from the House of Maserati are more than promising. 2015 will see the premiere of the first Maserati SUV, the Levante, followed in 2016 by the stunning sports coupé Alfieri and with a drop-top version following in 2017 to delight lovers of elegant sports vehicles. The Maserati myth lives on and here’s to the next 100 years of elegant power. www.maserati.com Text: Petra Dietz, Photos: © Maserati

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Interior Ghibli

Maserati Ghibli Versions Ghibli: Ghibli – 3.0-l-V6-twin-turbo engine, 243 kW/330 HP. Ghibli S and Ghibli S Q4 – 3.0-l-V6-twin-turbo engine, 301 kW/410 HP. Ghibli Diesel – 3.0-l-V6-Diesel engine, 202 kW/ 275 HP.

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Glittering highlight: BALANCE by Windfall chandelier, made with clear Swarovski elements. Price on request, www.windfall-gmbh.com.

FINEST SELECTION

Sparkling enjoyment: Van Perckens® Nr. 8, stylish champagne cooler. Made from 20-karat gold approx. € 550,000, gold plated approx. € 85,000.

Radiant beauty: 18-karat red gold ring from René Sim, decorated with green sapphire and 40 light brown brilliant-cut diamonds. Approx. € 1,290, www.renesim.com.

Oriental seduction: Amouage – Epic, luxury scented candle and candlestick. From www.ausliebezumduft.de, 195 g., approx. € 165.

Luxurious service: Lungolinea, glass ping pong table from the Calma e Gesso Collection. Price on request, www.calmaegesso.com.

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Brilliant Bluetooth: the handmade, individual luxury item with 192 brilliantcut diamonds ensures glamorous communication. Price on request, www.casagi.com.

Luxurious bracelet: numerous diamonds sparkle on this elegant white gold bracelet. From Louis Vuitton, approx. € 100,000.

Earrings: 118 diamonds sparkle on these chic headphones. Design of your choice. Price on request, www.casagi.com.

Photo: © Lobmeyr/Klaus Fritsch

Hand craftsmanship: THE BEL AIR high security luxury safe is individually made. From Döttling. Price on request, www.doettling.com.

Descend in style with The Super Yacht Sub 3. This mini submarine for yacht owners is available from September 2015. From U-Boat Worx, from approx. € 1,750,000.

Fascinating light: Lobmeyr Ripple Lamps. Price on request, available at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi.

Electro buggy: the road-legal Garia Monaco golf cart achieves 40 km/h. Available as roadster, two or four-seater. From Garia, from approx. € 16,799.

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Time…

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Life without a watch? Unimaginable. Timepieces accompany us every day − whether they are on our wrist, computer or mobile phone. The desire to know what the time is has driven mankind for millennia. And to achieve this man used whatever was available – sun, fire, water.

stick, pushed vertically into the ground – and your ancient clock is finished. The stick casts a shadow, which moves with the path of the sun. Using numerals grouped around the stick it is possible to tell the time. No high-tech, no bells and whistles. These were also absent 3,000 years ago, when the Babylonians told the time with the aid of a sundial. But what if the sun is not shining? The Babylonians also had an answer to this: the water clock. Here the time taken for water to pass from one vessel to another, taking account of the changing amount of pressure, was used to display the time. The water clock technique was adopted by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans, but in a considerably more refined form.

exactly when the first of these clocks came into use, but it is assumed that it was in the 13th century. Wheel clocks were initially only used in churches and town halls. They were large and expensive, only rich parishes could afford them. They were definitely not suitable for private household use. This changed in the mid 15th century, when the first wheel clocks were fitted with springs. Clocks consequently became smaller and smaller. There were table clocks and even pocket watches, which soon became a fashion essential for high society.

AT THE NEXT STROKE THE TIME WILL BE …

In the centuries that followed the clock was modified in many respects. In the 16th and 17th centuries events developed at breakneck pace as far as watch inventions were concerned: the pendulum clock was developed, with a mechanical pendulum providing the stroke. Clocks with overcoil balance spring and balance wheel, a type of regulator, were also invented in the mid 17th century. These were followed in the 1720s by the Harrison clock, equipped with an overcoil balance spring and even winding, which lost just one second per month. 1929 saw the arrival of the quartz clock and, in 1967, the most accurate clock to date: the atomic clock. The first wristwatch was invented at the beginning of the 19th century – but that is a tale to tell another time.

In the Middle Ages another element emerged to compete with the sun and water clocks: fire. The flame of a candle, to be precise. A candle clock brought independence from sunlight to every household – and it was affordable. A candle, depending on its diameter, burns at the same speed all the time, making it ideal as a form of time measurement. At the beginning of the 14th century the sand-filled hourglass made an appearance. Time measurement was then revolutionised by the invention of the mechanical clock, the wheel clock. Cogs, powered by weights, set the pace. It is not known

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MORE ACCURATE AS EACH CENTURY PASSED

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“Time is the pure form of inner intuition,“ enthused Immanuel Kant over 200 years ago. And he is right! When the hours pass and the minutes elapse that is no reason for sadness. Especially not if you are keeping the time using a choice example of Haute Horlogerie. A ticking work of art and an exclusive piece of jewellery in one.

Jaquet Droz – Paillonné Enamel Collection (The Pocket Watch Paillonnée, Grande Seconde Paillonnée & Petite Heure Minute Paillonnée) © Jaquet Droz

HORLOGERIE HISTORY Today, wristwatches for men are often the only piece of jewellery that they wear and of which they approve. That was not always the case. In their early days, wristwatches were purely a ladies’ domain. When in 1812 Abraham Louis Breguet made the first example it was intended for a woman. Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples and Napoleon’s youngest sister with the chosen lady. Gentlemen showed little interest. To them it was after all too dainty to wear a watch on a wristband. They remained loyal to the pocket watch until the start of the 20th century. Only when people realised that in certain situations pocket watches were impractical did opinions change. The first wristwatch wearers were thus members of the German Navy, who were already being supplied with the practical timepieces in 1880. In 1904, Louis Cartier designed the Cartier Santos, a watch for pilots. It was the first with a leather strap. Ultimately, the use of wristwatches became increasingly widespread, not just in the military. They became an everyday companion, chic and practical at the same time.

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Haute

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mechanical movement is equipped with further extras, these are termed complications. The best-known of these are alarms, calendars, moon dials, time zones and chronograph (stopwatch) functions. But there are some much more sought-after complications, such as a tourbillon. It counteracts the influences of gravity and thus ensures great accuracy. A rattrapante is an additional second hand on a chronograph. A repeater is a mechanical chiming mechanism that strikes the hour, quarter-hour or even minute with an audible sound. If a watch combines a particularly large number of complications, this is called a Grande Complication. All of these intricacies require extraordinary skill – and patience. It can takes weeks to assemble the minute components of a mechanical movement perfectly. Demanding both technically and in terms of craftsmanship, such creations command a high price. Especially choice and complicated examples, above all if they are refined with precious materials, can correspond to the value of a luxury car or a house.

CORUM Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Tides

A TICKING INVESTMENT? The trade in Haute Horlogerie is booming. Annual turnover is in the tens of billions. Many industries can only dream of such levels. Swiss watch brands above all are doing well with enviable export figures and matching profits. Anyone wanting to get an insight into the world of Haute Horlogerie should pay a visit to Switzerland for the annual Baselworld, the world’s largest trade fair for watches and jewellery. Here you quickly learn that a high-quality watch does more than just tell the time. It is at once luxury on your wrist, a status symbol and a piece of jewellery. The idea of utilising such an exclusive item as an investment seems obvious and definitely can make sense. Certainly when three factors come together: you acquire a watch at an attractive price. You have a good nose for a model that will remain in fashion or even that will one day come into fashion. And: you don’t fall for a fake. The range of

prices for luxury watches is considerable. Dealers frequently offer hefty discounts, with the Internet putting pressure on prices as well. However, even a small fortune is a wasted fortune, if you back the wrong horse. Acquiring a slow seller is a not so sensible investment. It is therefore all the more important when buying a costly timepiece to seek the advice of an expert. Nevertheless, watches are not necessarily the highest yielding of investments, and only about 20 percent of watch models are actually suitable as an investment. Then, ten percent appreciation per year is possible. It is a different story if you’re lucky enough to have a sought-after mechanical classic by a luxury Swiss manufacturer, like a rare Patek Philippe or Rolex. A 1969 Rolex Daytona Ref 6263 – the model once worn by Paul Newman – was auctioned in 2013 for $1.1 million. You could have bought the watch for less than 1500 dollars at the end of the 1980s. This is the sort of increase in value that every collector dreams of. Text: Petra Dietz

Patek Philippe 5270G Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

MECHANICAL VERSUS QUARTZ Haute Horlogerie is in fact a countermovement to the so-called ‘Quartz Crisis’. Up until the end of the 1970s, quartz watches were the hot seller. They were not only very accurate, but also inexpensive and easy to produce. And precisely that was the crux of the matter. They were quickly copied in the Far East, with cheap models fervently being made and flooding the market. The existence of many Swiss watchmakers was at risk. Surprisingly this low was followed by an incredible high that endures to this day. The mechanical watch celebrated its renaissance and traditional Swiss watch-

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makers in particular registered an extraordinary level of demand. First Blancpain and Chronoswiss conquered the market with new models, followed by Cartier and other major watch brands.

HANDMADE QUALITY Traditional watchmakers do not simply make the parts of movements, but instead master time and perfect its measurement. When in the 1980s people became weary of industrial, soulless mass production of watches, handmade, top quality was again in demand. Haute Horlogerie – the high art of watchmaking – would not exist without traditional watchmakers. The combi-

nation of craftsmanship and exciting ideas, without ever betraying established traditions, is what sets exclusive watchmakers apart. Not just to be a manufacturer, but also to have the status of expert maker, brings prestige and profit. The objective is to develop unique mechanical movements that incorporate finesse and intricate skill. The crowning glory of handmade watches is their extraordinary complications. It is here that true masters are able to prove themselves.

CHERISHED COMPLICATIONS

Christiaan Van Der Klaauw Planetarium CKPT3304 steel aventurine

A watch that shows hours, minutes and seconds is the norm. However, if a

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ebel Classic Wave

Christophe Claret margot

Patek Philippe Gondolo ref. 7042

Breguet secret De La reine

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FINEST GERMAN HANDCRAFT SINCE 1919

www.doettling.com

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MOTORING JOY TO GO!

BMW Welt

BMW Welt has become one of − the primary landmarks of Munich and Bavaria. Since its opening in 2007, ‘BMW World’ has clocked up around 15 million visitors. Near to Munich’s Olympiapark, visitors are able to learn about the BMW Group’s different brands in dedicated, themed zones. One absolute highlight is the perfectly staged handover of new vehicles. A very

Foto: © BMW AG

emotional moment, not just for future BMW owners.

SPECTACULAR PREMIERE: PICKING UP YOUR NEW CAR Recently voted onto the list of the world’s 15 most stunning company buildings and the winner of the ‘Best Design Location’ in the 2013 Location Awards, the BMW Welt features an amazing range of different experiences. One that leaves a particularly lasting impression is the experience enjoyed by visitors who take possession here of their new car. A thrilling moment that is duly celebrated. BMW Welt’s architecture has been designed to make the first encounter with the vehicle unforgettable: the future owner comes down via the gallery staircase and thus immediately gets a fantastic view of the whole BMW Welt. Then their glance falls for the first time

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onto the new vehicle. It appears there in the spotlight, rotating around its own axis on one of the 20 platforms. Behind this perfectly coordinated stage management lies an elaborate logistics operation. A day before it is released to the customer the vehicle is brought into BMW Welt. Specialists take care there of the final technical and visual preparations for the handover. In a fully automated underground highrack storage facility the car then awaits its new owner. Following the spectacular show, the proud vehicle owner is then met in the exclusive environment of the Premium Lounge by their personal customer advisor and is able to take possession of their new BMW. The open layout of the handover area, known as the Premiere, enables tourists too to take part in this special moment. In 2013, over 21,500 vehicles

passed through this area. Up to 160 can be handed over per day. The middle of the year saw the first BMW i8 vehicles being presented to their owners at the BMW Welt. The customers picking them up come from all over the world. BMW Welt Am Olympiapark 1 80809 Munich, Germany Opening hours: Mon-Sat from 07:30 to 24:00; Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 24:00. free admission Tel.: 0049 (0) 89 1250 160 01 www.bmw-welt.com

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FOUR SEASONS JET

“THE SKY’S THE LIMIT!“

At Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts that is something that is soon to be taken literally. With the launch of the industry’s first fully branded private jet, the hotel group is setting new standards in the luxury hotel business. The exclusive Four Seasons Jet will be taking off in February 2015. The wording on the fuselage and the logo on the tail make the completely refitted Boeing 757 unmistakably Four Seasons. What can the maximum of 52 passengers expect? A chic interior and exterior and hand-picked in-flight personnel. An onboard concierge will coordinate guests’ personal wishes and preferences with colleagues at the destination hotels. Nothing here is being left to chance. This really is a holiday experience from the outset. “Taking our legendary service to new heights and now into the sky as well

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is a systematic extension of our strategy that we have been pursuing for over fifty years now,“ says Susan Helstab, Executive Vice President Marketing at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The Four Seasons Jet celebrates the incomparable moments and people at Four Seasons that make our company so special. It also reflects both our pioneering spirit and the expectations of today’s luxury travellers.“

with the Arts in April 2015 takes lovers of culture in six days to six major art cities and to inspiring events. The Around the World Tour in August 2015 showcases nine unforgettable destinations with stops in the Serengeti, Beijing, Marrakesh, Tokyo and the Maldive Islands. The 24-day trip ends in New York. Naturally, on all trips the passengers will always rest their weary heads in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Dreaming of the skies Next year, travellers will be able to dream of unforgettable travel experiences with the Four Seasons Jet: the Around the World adventure starts in February 2015 in Los Angeles and ends with a gala dinner in London. On the 24-day trip participants will experience nine fascinating destinations, encompassing the globe. Backstage

Those who like things more intimate can also charter the Four Seasons Jet privately, complete with personnel and crew. That’s jet-setting par excellence! www.fourseasons.com/jet

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THE FINEST

Look

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Jimmy Choo

110 THE fINEsT EMIRATEs 03/2014 Lalique

RoBERTo CAVALLI www.unger-fashion.com

ALAIA www.unger-fashion.com

CHANEL

Donna karan www.unger-fashion.com

Juwelier Wagner

Yves saint Laurent

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NINA RICCI www.unger-fashion.com

Moncler

PATEk PHILIPPE

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www.rene-lezard.com salvatore ferragamo

ElfCraft

salvatore ferragamo

RenĂŠ Lezard

JAQUET DRoZ

Moncler

Christiaan van der klaauw

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THE FINEST

Beauty

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The ultimate in skin rejuvenation: La Prairie Cellular Eye Essence Platinum Rare. 15ml, approx. 312€.

As if reborn: the intensive 21-day treatment The Essence™ activates the natural self-healing energy of the skin. From La Mer, approx. €2,155

Mr. Taylor After Shave Lotion cools, refreshes and tightens the skin, and also features pure, natural ingredients. From Taylor of Old Bond Street, 100ml, approx. 29.95€.

F or her

A cool, wooden fragrance, attractively masculine: Invictus Eau de Toilette Spray. From Paco Rabanne, 100ml, approx. 78.00€.

Anti-Age Serum: extreme concentration against all signs of ageing. Fights wrinkles, dark pigment spots and gives a radiant appearance. From WonderSkin, 2x15ml, approx. 85€.

Le Lift Sérum with resveratrol12 prevents skin ageing and reinforces tissue tone. For well-defined facial contours and skin that is taut, as if padded from the inside. From CHANEL, 30ml, approx. 119€.

F or him BLEU DE CHANEL Eau de Parfum 2014 will inspire you with its irresistible sensuousness. From CHANEL, 100ml, approx. 98 €.

Cleanses the hair and stimulates the scalp with hand-picked, pure boar bristles: Extra Bristle Small Pure Bristle 14-row. From Mason Pearson, from approx. € 96.

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Represents a new era in hair styling with its innovative technologies: ghd aura hair dryer. Approx. 189€.

Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold nourishes the skin luxuriously with impressive results. From La Prairie, 30 ml, approx. €542

SKINN Daily Moisture: After shave care with integrated sun shield, provides intensive moisturising. 50ml, approx. 39€.

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omentum Spa, Düsseldorf GERMANY

Momentum Spa Am Bonneshof 30a 40474 Düsseldorf, Germany Fon: +49 (0) 211 51 80 870 E-mail: kontakt@momentum-spa.de www.momentum-spa.de

Stress and daily life are forgotten. The here and now is what counts – and the moments of wellbeing: in the ambience of the Premium Day Spa Momentum in Düsseldorf guests experience a new

looded with natural light, the oasis radiates beauty and warmth in equal parts. Gentle earth hues and shimmering mosaics from Sicis set elegant accents. Light snacks, freshlysqueezed juices and international tea and water specialities are on offer in the lounge, with its illuminated bar and inviting Cassina armchairs.

world of beauty, relaxation and health.

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At the Momentum Spa experienced cosmeticians and trained masseurs pamper body and soul beneficial massages and revitalising treatments from the Sensai range of luxury cosmetics from Kanebo and the select Pevonia spa care products. The four saunas of the spa reveal exclusive relaxation – and unusual design. For example, the herbal sauna boasts

a golden dome, the mystical steam bath a starry ceiling of Swarovski crystals. Crushed ice is on hand for cooling in a mother-of-pearl tower. Centrepiece of the Day Spa is the saltwater swimming pool, in the waters of which guests are almost weightless. Niches set into a natural stone wall are ideal for resting a while. The view over the glittering water and the candles at the edge of the pool are a treat for eyes and soul. A visit to the Momentum Spa is far more than mere relaxation. It is a new level of wellbeing Text: Petra Dietz

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Smart FactS

1 million crystals… sparkle in the chandelier of the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Beneath a 70-metrehigh dome glitter white, green and red Swarovski crystal droplets. The largest chandelier in the world is a true eye-opener, weighing eight tonnes and with a height of 15 metres.

Smart Facts

Youthful flag designer… Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah was just 19 years old when he designed the flag of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The winner of a design contest, he faced strong competition, with 1,030 designs submitted. The talented Emirati was inspired by an Arabian poem by Safi Al Deen Al Hill, in which the colours green, white, black and red are used to describe the noble character of the Arabs. Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah is now the UAE ambassador to Chile.

1st place for 5-stars… According to the New York Times,

no other city in the world has as many 5-star hotels as Dubai. In addition to the classic luxury hotel chains, the trend is also towards designer hotels such as the stylish Armani in the Burj Khalifa. First-class hotels from the Roberto Cavalli and Versace brands are also set to add their glamour to the hotel portfolio of the desert metropolis.

Superlative gold ring… With a weight of 64 kilograms and a diameter of 2.20 metres, the Star of Taiba (Najmat Taiba) is the largest gold ring in the world. The glittering mega gem is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records and can be admired at the Deira Gold Souk in Dubai, where the 21-karat gold ring is displayed in the window of the jeweller Taiba, who also created it.

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The Finest Emirates WINTERS EDITION appears on the 29th of November, 2014

ImprInt

The FinesT eMiRATes City-tops Verlag Gmbh · the media Consulting Company mandrystrasse 4 · 74074 heilbronn · Germany www.the-finest-emirates.com

A N D L U X U RY L I F E WO R L DW I D E

publIsher: mark Valentini (V.i.s.d.p.) edItor-In-ChIeF: sarah schmitt edItorIal manaGer: petra dietz edItors: maja berthold, stephanie schmitz, ursula schneider, ulf Jacks, mark Valentini arabIC translatIon: rolène Fayad dIreCtor sales & marketInG: andreas radtke sales & marketInG manaGer: bettina köhne dIreCtor sales & marketInG uae: stephanie schmitz dIGItal manaGer: marina krasnitskaya, martin Glanert edItorIal representatIVes: uae: stephanie schmitz, mark Valentini art dIreCtIon: saskia Jansen edItInG: katja rosenbohm, www.die-orthograefin.de photoGraphers: ralph Jansen, Félix sinpraseuth, Gregor titze, paul thuysbaert, roland Wimmer, andreas hafenscher, thomas ludwig, tibor Csepregi, Wolfgang Volz CoVer photo: © maserati

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Gold key media Germany Gmbh mannheimer straße 1 · 69115 heidelberg · Germany

Online as well, exclusively – and just one touch away: with the new app of the new magazine ‘The Finest Emirates’ you will always get the latest information about hot spots and lifestyle in the UAE.You can get our app for free from the Apple Store. The finest in every way is to be found at: www.the-finest-emirates.com

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THE FINEST MOMENTS

The finest Emirates Âˇ EDITION 03/2014 Âˇ AUTUMN

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