WORLD
TRAVEL MAGAZINE
Staying in Architecture & Design Marvels
Unexpected
Jaipur
Revisiting the Pink City
Riding
The Rocky
Mountaineer
Singapore S$8 Malaysia RM 20 Thailand THB 200 Indonesia IDR 75,000 All Others US$6 August/September 2017
MCI (P) 023/10/2016 KDN PPS 1858/2/2015(025588)
Soak in
Asia’sMagic
Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Koh Samui, Phuket & Hong Kong
Contents
August/September 2017
Features 68 - 101
Asian Hotspots Asia is sizzling hot with dozens of cities in close proximity to each other, all diverse in setting and flavours. We cover a select few and highlight the very best of Asia’s hotspots.
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Mumbai Magic Cool bars, ‘glocal’ restaurants, and a vibrant cultural scene - here’s why Mumbai is India’s most happening city right now.
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Best of Bangkok With regular openings
of stylish hotels, Michelin-worthy dining experiences, hideaway mixology bars, and never ending haute couture shopping, you’re guaranteed to be pampered in Bangkok.
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Singapore An Island Abuzz The party never ends in Singapore as its hotel, dining and entertainment scene buzzes with exciting new openings.
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Koh Samui: Fantasy Island We explore
how the boutique Thai island of Samui provides everything the heart could desire.
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Phuket’s Sexy & New Serving Thai hospitality on a silver platter, Phuket impresses us all with its very best of eat-drink-do-stay-shop.
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Hong Kong: Always Evolving, Always Interesting The hidden, the progressive and the beautiful
- ever changing Hong Kong rounds up our coverage of Asian hotspots. It’s not just the new and fabulous but the traditional and elegance that has travellers flocking here for ages.
102 Pink City: Luxury Steeped in Tradition A refreshing way to experience Jaipur and its surrounding countryside while still staying in the lap of luxury.
110 Montalcino, A Fortress Town in Tuscany Montalcino is one of Italy’s most visited regions with the hill town making a great base for those who love Brunello di Montalcino wines.
Aman Bagh, Jaipur Garden Haveli Suite
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Photograph by Thomas Dekiere/Shutterstock
VISA FACILITY AVAILABLE ONLINE: To get your e-Tourist Visa, simply visit http://indianvisaonline.gov. in/visa/tvoa.html. To know more, visit www.incredibleindia.org or contact India Tourism Singapore, Tel: +65-62353800, E-mail: info@indiatourism.com.sg
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Contents
August/September 2017
Departments 6 Editor’s Note 12 Just In
Lagoon living - volcano style, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland set to open this winter; Ravages to Raves in Saigon, Reverie Saigon’s ‘Pearls of Saigon’ showcases art & history; Paris to Istanbul in New Grand Suites, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; Luxury indulgences above Lake Lucerne in Buergenstock Hotel; Tradition and romance at Bumi Duadari, Ubud; Jetset around the world in 3 weeks on Four Season’s Private Jet; Italian landmark reborn, artist jeweller Giampiero Bodino renovates Milan’s Villa Mozart; Experience Cambodia’s Khmer heritage with Phum Baitang and Shinta Mani Angkor; Culture Capital Beijing gets easier to explore with Four Seasons Beijing’s Family First programs; Garden to Plate, Ubud Style, Locavore Bali gives the complicated, a simple makeover; Savoir’s Faire & Savoir’s Vivre, celebrating 200 years of champagne
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heritage; New home in Hong Kong for Urban Nomads, Pentahotels makes checkins seamless; Jimbaran’s new sensation, enjoying sundowners in style Kubu Beach Club in Bali; A slice of heaven in Ibiza, Nobu brings in the sex appeal to Ibiza Bay.
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Inspire Me
Luxury properties and unique experiences go hand in hand when creating perfect family moments. We cover 10 such destinations and properties that match your style.
60 Wellness & Travel Casa Fryzer’s Stealth Wealth Health, ultraluxury experiential travel, meets the rich and famous at the crossroads of wellness and freedom.
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Design & Architecture
First Impressions Are Everything. An exotic adventure of whimsy and world-class design with Bill Bensley, The King of Exotic Luxury Travel.
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Short Breaks
At Leisure
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Architecture & Design Marvels, Marvels of architecture in hospitality that define luxury travel, inspire and wow at every turn.
Where to Stay
Stylish shopping in Seoul Seoul is a complex megapolis offering a wide range of options for every budget and taste, from cutting edge to reinvented traditions with a twist.
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Style File
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This season’s top 40 must have luxury fashion & style brands paired with uberluxe properties to the likes of Four Season’s Gresham Palace Budapest, The London Edition, Amangiri & W Al Habtoor City Dubai.
Exploring Western Canada by luxury train, The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada’s answer to luxury train travel, covering four scenic routes through western Canada’s dramatic landscapes.
C R E AT E M AGICAL M O M E N T S FOR YOUR FAMI L Y H O LID AY Tropical sunshine, azure blue waters, a white sandy beach and entertained children – the perfect choice for families. From the moment families arrive, they are seamlessly looked after. We create memories for your family holiday. For more information or to make a reservations, please call Tel. +66 (0) 7742 9104 icsamui.rsvn@ihg.com or visit samui.intercontinental.com
Live the InterContinental life.
BORA BORA DANANG HUA HIN PATTAYA PHUKET MALDIVES BALI FIJI TAHITI KOH SAMUI MAURITIUS
JUST IN
JETSET AROUND THEWORLD IN 3 WEEKS
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een there, done that? A luxurious private tour around the world on a private Four Seasons Private Jet is just the ticket with bucket-list destinations including Seattle, Kyoto, Bali, Seychelles, Rwanda, Marrakech, Bogotá, Galapagos Islands and Orlando. As far as unique experience go, this three-week excursion, if it can be called that, is firmly set amongst the top few of any worthwhile travel list. Hone your Samurai sword-fighting skills among the renown bamboo jungles of Kyoto and enjoy local delicacies in an ancient Zen temple. Fly to Bali where you’ll luxuriate at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Walk among the Jatiluwih rice terraces and raft on the Ayung River. Soothe your spiritual side with a Sacred Nap where Ibu Fera, a former Buddhist Nun and wellness mentor, rocks you to sleep suspended in the jungle, or simply leads you in meditation or a Life Talk. On to the pristine beaches of Seychelles, then observe mountain gorillas with a naturalist guide in Rwanda. On your way out of Africa, visit the Berbers in the Atlas Mountains outside Marrakech. Feel the thrill of ultra-extravagant shopping, world-class art, and the bandeja paisa of Bogotá––a feast not for the faint-hearted. An elegant, once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Galapagos will have you swimming with manta rays and sea lions before landing in Orlando. The adventure takes off October 19 to November 11, 2018. LAURA ELLIOTT
Clockwise from top, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan aerial view; Balinese Rice Farmer Experience; Four Seasons Private Jet’s staff welcoming guests onboard
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Clockwise from top left, Fireplace room; Giampiero Bodino’s studio; Living Room’s geometricpatterned marble fireplace, all at the Villa Mozart
Italian Landmark Reborn
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stunning art deco landmark from the 1930s has been brought back to life by artist jeweller Giampiero Bodino – and travellers can take in this one-of-akind lifestyle experience with a personal visit. Hidden behind a curtain of ivy along a quiet street in Milan, Villa Mozart has been lovingly restored to its original opulence after spending decades housing bland corporate offices. Renovations in 2013 uncovered delicate murals, traditional Italian marble and stucco, and, with the restoration and installation of two of the villa’s original chandeliers, Villa Mozart now reflects the modern glamour of old Milan. The impressive surroundings are second only to Bodino’s spectacular jewellery. While the collections share cohesive elements inspired by Italy’s romantic architecture and history, each item is a one-of-a-kind piece that takes Bodino more than a year to create. These beautifully-crafted artworks are lovingly displayed in the villa’s original vitrines that, at one time, showcased silverware. Bodino receives clients at the Villa by appointment only – making visitors feel right at home in this charming palazzo just a few blocks away from the extravagant fashion quarter. CHRISTINE LEE
World Travel 17
JUST IN
Experience Cambodia’s
KHMER HERITAGE
This Page, Phum Baitang - Terrace Villa Opposite from top, Phum Baitang surroundings; Shinta Mani Angkor interior
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ith architectural and design elements highlighting Cambodia’s Khmer and colonial heritage mixed with the contemporary amenities of a luxury resort, Phum Baitang and Shinta Mani Angkor provide a unique opportunity for savvy travellers to find exactly what they’re looking for. “Phum Baitang means ‘green village’ in Khmer and this is the exact aesthetic that has been created here at the resort,” said Geraldine Dohogne, Concept & Interior Designer with Zannier Hotels, Phum Baitang. “You don’t just stay at Phum Baitang, you partake of a visceral experience that embodies all the local cultural senses and transports you back to a true Cambodian village atmosphere.” This atmosphere is enhanced by the use of locally sourced materials, thatched roofs, a natural colour palette, and plenty of rattan, bamboo, and carved stone for most of the resort’s architectural design. Phum Baitang pulls the aesthetic together with local artefacts and antiques that reflect the country’s colonial history, creating not just a resort, Dohogne said, but an experience. According to Indra Budiman, General Manager with Shinta Mani Hotels, the property in Angkor was designed by Bill Bensley with inspiration from local temples – giving guests the opportunity to embrace the Shinta Mani philosophy of “open doors, open hearts.” “The colonnade, prang (a tall tower-like spire), and enclosures (the spaces between walls, with passage through the walls by way of gopuras) are common structures in temples which are incorporated into the hotel design,” Budiman said. The resorts have not only incorporated Khmer tradition into the aesthetic, they make a significant contribution to the local economy – employing Khmer people, providing healthcare services, supporting Cambodian hospitality training schools, and promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices among local businesses and producers. Shinta Mani’s farming development centre, a collaboration with the United States government’s Feed and Future Initiative in coordination with the World Vegetable Centre and USAID, aims to “research the best varietals of vegetables to be grown in Cambodia’s harsh climate,” Budiman said, “and then use that information to teach local villagers to grow their own healthy veggies in their own home gardens.” He added that guests at Shinta Mani’s Angkor resort have helped the community even further through a sponsorship program, providing hundreds of Khmer villagers with homes, school supplies, piglets, and more than 1,400 clean water wells. Still, these properties haven’t skimped on luxury. Traditional cultural influences are blended with modern simplicity to provide an exotic and sophisticated travel experience in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. With beautiful villas, Michelinstar dining, custom amenities, Phum Baitang’s rejuvenating Spa Temple, and gracious hospitality, guests can enjoy the height of elegance – even while immersed in tradition. “The key is to be passionate about what you are trying to achieve,” Dohogne said. “A one-of-a-kind lifestyle experience that brings together provocative innovative design, simplicity, tradition, luxury and intuitive service, all while pursuing excellence as the driving ethos.” zannierhotels.com/phumbaitang/ & shintamani.com/angkor CHRISTINE LEE World Travel 19
WHERE TO STAY ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN MARVELS
Architecture & Design Marvels Elegant architectural gems that inspire
You can choose any backdrop to live your life, and you choose the best. In addition to defining the utmost in luxury travel, these hotels are marvels of architecture. But, they don’t stop there. Many connect you with your passions and desires too. Feel what it is like to walk into the music room of Marie Antoinette or witness the Northern Lights unobstructed in your bed. Open your heart to the vastness of what can be accomplished as each one of our featured properties have seemingly done the impossible in one way or another. We have a marvel for whatever atmosphere or mood you crave. You are looking for more than a mere getaway. Enjoy picking the best environment for your next trip and welcome the surprises you’ll find there. By Laura Elliot
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WHERE TO STAY ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN MARVELS
Hotel MarquEs de Riscal Elciego, Spain Gehry’s Spanish wonder in Rioja Gehry had a love affair with Spain after designing the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao and just couldn’t help himself in Eltciego, also in the Basque country. Again, pulling off the unthinkable, he designed a modern take on castles of old in a country chock full of medieval, breathtaking beauties-turnedluxury digs. Few hotels will take your breath away quite like Hotel Marqués de Riscal, named after the vineyard it graces. Yes, we said wine. Set in a world-class wine region, a stone’s throw from Rioja, you’ll also be wrapped, slathered and bathed in the elixir at their decadent Caudalie Vinotherapie spa. Just try to choose your favourite from luxurious barrel baths, crushed Cabernet scrubs, and wine and honey wraps. A marvel from a marvel––winner of the Pritzker Prize, architecture’s highest honour; the Japanese Premium Imperiale; and the AIA Gold Medal, the top tribute of the American Institute of Architects––at last you have a Gehry to call home at the 43-room retreat into art and design. Enjoy stunning views of the gorgeous Basque landscape at ceiling-to-floor windows. The Gehry Suite offers views of the medieval city including its church and sweeping vistas of Elciego village. hotel-marquesderiscal.com
From top, Lobby of Hotel Marqués de Riscal, named after the vineyard it graces; gorgeous exterior of the hotel Opposite clockwise from top left, spectacular lobby of Royal Mansour; the hotel’s larger-than-life entrance; sophisticated and refined restaurant La Grande Table Marocaine
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This Season’s
Top 40 Must Have Luxury Style Brands BY A N N A B E L K E R M A N The beginning of a new season is always a time of revival: a time to consider refreshing our wardrobes (and other areas of our lives) in keeping with the latest trends. But what about the brands that we should be considering? The current trend for slow fashion (as opposed to fast; disposable) translates as one that is built on longevity. A conscious loyalty to quality brands and their development over decades or even centuries is the definition of longevity. Whether it’s due to their iconic status, their current style standing, exceptional quality, or all three of these elements, the brands we include in our ‘Top 40’ all have something that resonates with us here at World Travel. These aren’t all fashion, some technology brands feature, and of course, hotel groups that we consider ‘uber’ in one way or another all have quality as their focus, in addition to style. We’ve picked out key pieces from the fall collections of each brand, and aligned them with four trends that are set to be big news for the season for both men and women. These items range from blow out one of a kind diamond jewellery and watches to relatively pocket money-esque pieces. But in keeping with their brand, all deserve the luxury tag. So take note of the products, and equally as important the brands that you should consider this season. They’re worth it. World Travel 51
STYLE FILE
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TREND INSPIRATION
FOLK
VALENTINO Dress $112,500
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TORY BURCH Sylvia Jacket $2170
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ashion’s current love is to pull from tradition and heritage, and there was a wealth of global influence to be seen on the season’s catwalks, carrying a strong underlying message of cultural inclusion. Russian and Folk inspiration was a recurring theme in monochrome and bold colour combinations. For women consider tassels, fringing, embroidery (Valentino’s artisanal embroidery ticks all boxes) and quirky detailing as with Dolce & Gabbana’s jewelled sunglasses or Louboutin’s Venetian slipper.
MOOD: FOUR SEASONS GRESHAM PALACE BUDAPEST Acknowledged as one of the top luxury brands in the world, The Four Seasons is also heavily involved with sustainability and building communities. The Gresham Palace on Szechenyi Square in Budapest is a unique art nouveau landmark, combining vintage historical elegance with ultra modern luxury and is credited as the most celebrated hotel in Hungary. A restored palace built in 1906 and set amongst museums and the Budapest opera house, the building has been painstakingly restored featuring elaborate medieval inspired mosaics, stained glass and
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marble, and given a modern twist with showcases of the city’s current artists. Stay in one of 179 guest rooms, including 19 extravagant vaulted suites, and dine the Kollázs brasserie and bar, for a modern approach to Hungarian fare. Or take a break from exploring the beauty of Budapest at the statement indoor infinity lap pool and wellness centre. fourseasons.com/budapest
MUMBAI MAGIC
INDIA’S PULSATING FINANCIAL CAPITAL IS CONSTANTLY REINVENTING ITSELF BY PRACHI JOSHI
World Travel 69
FEATURE JAIPUR
PINK CITY’S
LUXURY STEEPED IN TRADITION BY GILLIAN RHYS
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