The Joy of Living

Steve Dunlop Steve THE JOY OF LIVING TTG ASIA TTG for buyers of premium travel and luxury meetings of premium travel for buyers GASP! Stick to your principles, says Design Hotels CEO Macau and Genting for non-gambling VVIPs LONGHAUL First-hand insights into Iran LUXURY MARKETS LUXURY China, India, Japan DESTINATIONS

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017

editor’s note

e picked the cover picture now opened seven days a week. of this issue as it illustrates Today, travel & tourism’s greatest the joy of living and relates concern is the divide between the toW France, where a new president, ‘globalists’ and the ‘nationalists’. Emmanuel Macron, has just been There’s even ‘anti-tourism’ sentiments elected as the magazine goes to bed. in cities such as Barcelona. How did The occasion was the christening we ever get to ‘close’ from ‘open’? of Uniworld’s Joie de Vivre by actress If protectionism and anti-tourism Joan Collins (see Gasp! page 40) who is were to triumph, without doubt the known to love Paris. Who does not? free movement of trade and travel But Paris lost 1.5 million visitors & tourism will be thwarted. If the last year due to terror attacks, Francois industry itself isn’t mindful of the need Navarro, managing director of Paris to send the message that it won’t be Region Tourist Board, who was in cowed by terror, or by narrow-minded Singapore in May, told me. It’s not fearful people, then it has lost a battle. that people don’t love it anymore; in I’m glad Uniworld went ahead with fact, Paris hasn’t lost its charm and the christening despite earlier concerns has lots more to offer these days: the whether it was the right time and thing Seine riverbanks have been newly- to do. The joy of living must go on. redesigned; there’s new spectacular architecture, for example the Louis Vuitton Foundation by Frank Gehry; famous department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are Raini Hamdi, Senior Editor Horizonal_Ad_outline.pdf 1 11/5/2017 6:43 PM

CMY

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 1 21 Time to accept Macau as a luxury destination

06 Holiday like never before

JUNE 2017 03 luxury events pictorial 16 Up where 04 luxury market report overviewoverview we belong 06 luxury market report china 08 luxury market report japan 10 luxury market report india 12 destination japan 16 destination malaysia 21 destination macau 25 heritage haven penang 32 Gasp! 28 longhaul iran 32 gasp! the audacity of luxury

25 The pull of Penang luxury events pictorial

BEST PARTY BY CHAIRMAN KWEK JW Marriott Singapore South Beach ofﬁcially opened its doors on March 27 with the party of the year attended by over 800 invited guests. They are still talking about that mermaid (see right), forest of lights in the Grand Ballroom, live jazz and classical music and, of course, the F&B at Akira Back, Beach Road Kitchen, Court Martial Bar and NCO Club.

t From left, Marriott International’s Craig Smith, Hong Leong Group/ City Developments Limited’s Kwek Leng Beng, Singapore’s senior minister of state for national development and trade & industry Koh Poh Koon, IOI Group’s chairman Lee Shin Cheng and JW Marriott Singapore South Beach’s Derek Flint

HOW TO CHRISTEN A SHIP: UNIWORLD How to christen a ship? Get Dame Joan Collins to do it, as Uniworld did for its latest super ship Joie De Vivre. Guests, including luxury planners from around the world, witnessed the occasion in style, with vivre, fun and laughter ﬂowing as easily as the ﬁne champagne.

t Left, Dame Joan Collins, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s

Steve Dunlop Steve Beatrice Tollman and Uniworld’s Ellen Bettridge

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 3 luxury travel market MJTH/Shutterstock.com

Luxury travellers are looking for the reassurance of the old and the excitement of the unique and Still bouncy the new. European destinations will be relieved to hear that the perennial favourites of London, Paris and other cities across the continent on the whole popular with the international Buyers interviewed at ILTM Japan shows that the jetset are back in vogue after a difficult year in 2016. Not everyone steered clear of Europe out luxury travel market on the whole remains resilient of concern at a series of terrorist outrages last year, but sufficient despite uncertainties such as the new policies numbers did so that their absence was felt by the industry. of Donald Trump, Brexit and elections in several Simultaneously, a degree of competition may be emerging Eurozone countries this year. By Julian Ryall among well-heeled travellers seeking an experience so far off the

4 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Maridav/Shutterstock.com

getting a lot more enquiries about “They are also becoming in- outdoor and nature experiences,” terested in Japan, partly because Chiang told TTG Asia Luxury. it is so different to anywhere else “They are looking for an adven- they may already have visited We have in the world, but also because ture, but they do not want it to seen steady be too rough and they want to be growth for of the consistently high levels of able to go back to their comforts the past service, the quality of the food at the end of the day.” few years, and accommodation, but also the Sri Lanka has recently cap- but I think shopping opportunities.” tured their attention, thanks to this year Kathie Callum, agent sales MJTH/Shutterstock.com some impressive national parks, feels a little manager for Oku Japan KK, UNESCO-recognised heritage different. We agreed that Japan is rising in sites, wildlife, beach towns and, have already popularity with high-end travel- appealingly, a culture of drinking had a lot of lers. requests and tea. The end of the civil war has “These are affluent profession- reservations, also enabled major hotel opera- als, typically from their mid-40 to so I think their 70s, who want to dig deeper tors to return. it’s safe to Other new destinations say that it’s into Japan instead of simply include Morocco, Jordan and going to be following the ‘Golden Route’ Dubai. a good year. from Tokyo through Kyoto,” she “They are looking for some- said. “They may have been here thing that is exotic and very Evelyn Chiang, before, but they certainly don’t different from their day-to-day brand manager, want to see the country through Travel In Style, lives,” Chiang said, adding that Taiwan the windows of a bus; they want there has also been an upsurge in to get off, explore and see new enquiries into the possibility of things for themselves.” travelling to Iran. This group of travellers is be- Similarly, Middle East trav- ing encouraged to try Japan, she ellers are looking to impress said, thanks in part to the sharp their friends with their far-flung increase in five-star hotels across experiences, said the operations the country – the Four Season manager for an exclusive Dubai- Kyoto opened recently and is just based travel operator. one example – while there also “The younger ones, in par- seems to be a broader commit- beaten track that their friends have ticular, like to use social media to ment in Japan to develop much hardly even heard of the destina- show their friends where they are of the travel sector for the luxury tion, much less sampled it. and what they are doing, which end of the market. “We have seen steady growth can very quickly turn that place More traditional Japanese for the past few years, but I think into the must-visit destination for hotels, however, appear to be this year feels a little different. We the year,” said the official, who struggling to take full advan- have already had a lot of requests declined to be named because tage of the boom in the nation’s and reservations, so I think it’s safe his company handles the travel popularity, with several operators to say that it’s going to be a good requirements of several Middle admitting that they need to learn year,” said Evelyn Chiang, brand Eastern royal families. how to best market their proper- manager for Taipei-based Travel In That trend resulted in the ties and unique offerings in what Style. “ influx of Middle Eastern travel- has suddenly become a crowded Wealthy Taiwanese travellers lers to some of the more exclusive market. These hotels may have have to look to Europe for their va- islands in the Philippines last been happy to get by on a largely cations – attracted by the shopping, year, he said, while Hong Kong is domestic clientele in years gone fine dining and cultural events “on their radar” this year, along by, but they realise they need – and while there are still some with touring vacations in Indone- to do far more to promote their security concerns, they are return- sia, safaris in southern Africa, the brand – and particularly through ing this year. resorts of the Maldives and Sey- new media – if they are to bring “I’ve also noticed that we are chelles and even South America. in foreign guests.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 5 luxury market report china Switzerland Tourism Switzerland

There’s little mystery behind the massive travel volume that China – a rising economic superpower and the Holiday like world’s most populous country – has generated in recent years. But with its growth, new traveller profiles and be- haviours are emerging, which some never before luxury travel suppliers are beginning to latch on to. Group tours to Europe remain an obvious holiday In 2016, the number of overseas destinations visited by Chinese travellers grew to 151 and outbound choice in China’s growing luxury outbound travellers increased 4.3 per cent from 2015 to 122 million, according to a market, but its richest and most experienced report by Ctrip and China Tourism Academy. travellers want more. By Prudence Lui According to the report, the 10 destinations that saw the highest per

6 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 traveller spend are Argentina, Chile, outbound, a surge of 43 per cent Facing Chinese ski Madagascar, Ethiopia, French Poly- over 2015.” The instructor nesia, Tahiti, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya But with the addition of interna- with guest in Chinese and Reunion Island – with the tional connections and visa process- Grindelwald, upmarket single-person price tag on a South ing offices beyond main Chinese Switzerland America route exceeding 50,000 centres such as Shanghai, growth of traveller… yuan (US$7,252.60). outbound travel from second- and Europe is notably missing from third-tier cities is looking set to out- the list, hinting at possible shifts in pace that from first-tier cities. is beginning to travel appetites in China’s upper In a secondary city, Jadon Yang, echelons, and its negative image marketing director of Shenzhen develop a taste from last year’s terror attacks. Xinyoutianxi Travel Service, like- for small group or Indeed, Derek Yang, CEO of wise observed that Europe contin- tailormade tours Key&Fork, a new bespoke luxury ues to be more attractive than South is a seasoned player in Shanghai, observed: America. traveller craving “People are no longer satisfied with “Priority is given to easy acces- group tours as many already have sibility, so Europe is (a popular for more exotic rich travel experiences. They are choice) given there are so many travel experiences more into exotic destinations like direct flights there. So far, South still has a Africa and South America for a America is still not on the list owing weakness for more adventurous travel experience. to the long flight time and tough These clients are well experienced travel experience involved,” he Europe and its with travel; how to surprise them explained. designer labels along their trip would be a big chal- Moreover, many luxury travel- lenge.” lers continue to view shopping as According to Yang, such bespoke a must-do activity. Europe, being brand of travel is still quite new in home to many designer brands, sat- China despite many luxury agencies isfies this desire. “The money they entering the space. save from buying designer hand- Century Holiday International bags in Europe can offset the price Travel Group (Shanghai) vice gener- of their tour. Australia, a new luxury People are al manager, Frank Gao, said: “Group travel destination, hardly competes no longer tours remain the preferred mode for as it hasn’t developed its luxury satisﬁed with luxury travel and account for 65-70 shopping so far.” group tours per cent of our business (as) individ- Meanwhile at GZT International as many ual travel requires a lot of planning Travel Service general manager for already have and there’s the problem of language Australia and New Zealand, out- rich travel barrier.” bound tour centre, Vicher Yu, said: experiences. Gao added that demand for “2016 wasn’t a good year for out- They are luxury accommodation and inbound travel due to the uncertain more into depth tours has burgeoned for the international business environment exotic 30-40 years age group, who also and global economy.” destinations show preference for European des- While his clients like out-of-the- like Africa and South tinations like France, the UK, Italy, ordinary holidays, accessibility America Switzerland and Germany. But with remains a key consideration. for a more the Chinese sensitive to politically “In Australia, our clients look for adventurous instability and terrorist threats, something other than Melbourne travel “Aurora light and expeditions to and Sydney. Tasmania is a new experience. Antarctica are becoming hot picks”. option but its airports lack interna- “Shanghainese like to visit cul- tional access. To offset this, we plan Derek Yang, CEO, tural destinations in Europe with a to send charter flights from South Key&Fork, rich history but sometimes choose China to Hobart Airport when it Shanghai to go back to nature at destinations completes its expansion next like Kenya,” Gao said. “Last year year and can handle wide-bodied 5.65 million Shanghainese travelled jetliners.”

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 7 luxury market report japan MJTH/Shutterstock.com Young and fearless Europe is back on the radar of Japanese luxury travellers and one reason is the rise of a new generation of pleasure-seekers, reports Julian Ryall

The year 2016 may go down in Bali and Kuala Lumpur were also exotic and undiscovered. They history as one of unprecedented attractive to our clients,” he said. don’t want to visit a place their turmoil and uncertainty – terrorist “But so far this year, it is clear that friends have been before. And that attacks in Europe and the Middle demand for Europe is recovering.” This is an means that they plan their jour- East, economic worries associated Tsutomu Hattori, founder of the opportunity neys very carefully. with Brexit and the rise to power Small Journey agency, said his busi- for us to “We are looking at a new of Donald Trump in the US – but ness to Europe held up well last promote...the generation of Japanese consumer high-end Japanese travellers ap- year but demand for luxury stays concept of pear to be shaking off a reputation in European cities is rising again. the sharing for being skittish over a destination “We have a lot of repeat clients economy long after an issue has blown over. who are big fans of European des- (to Japan They are, of course, still being tinations and we are very positive buyers) careful in the cities and resorts that about the outlook for the coming Amr Younes, they do select, but their determina- year,” he said. vice president tion not to permit fear derail their And while there are plenty of of revenue optimisation, desire to travel is perhaps best die-hard Europhiles in the upper Luxury Retreats, underlined by their willingness to echelons of Japan’s travelling pub- Montreal return to European cities such as lic, there is also a growing number Paris, London and Rome. who are seeking something new. “People were afraid last year “There is a change in the em- and instead of going to Europe, phasis of high-end travellers here they chose to travel closer to now,” said Ikuyo Kawabata, tour- home,” said Ryoichi Hashimoto, ism and commercial officer at the CEO and president of Kobe-based Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in travel agency Bloom & Grow, inter- Tokyo, who was also attending the viewed at the International Luxury ILTM event in Tokyo. Travel Market (ILTM) Japan in late “What people want is expand- February. ing the opportunities for the luxury “We were surprised at the popu- market,” she said. “They want larity of Taiwan last year, while something that is different, that is

8 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 The Japanese upmarket traveller…

may be part of a growing new generation who is less fearful and want to spend, not save is returning to Europe after shying away last year prefers destinations that can be reached by direct ﬂights

with a different lifestyle. People are Mexico is another country that is on Above Europe’s “We have had Japanese agents back: A Japanese willing to spend on an experience the radar for many Japanese, helped tourist having a visit us and they have all said how instead of saving. immeasurably by the introduction selﬁe moment surprised they are at our island “They want one-off honeymoons, of direct flights by All Nippon Air- while in London and resort so we are hoping they they want to do something memo- ways in February. will pass that message on to their rable on an anniversary trip, or they A number of other companies high-end clients; that for something are older people with money who and destinations with unusual of completely new they need to go want to enjoy life,” she added. off-the-beaten path offerings were beyond Bali.” Daisuke Nakano, Japan sales attending the fifth ILTM Japan with Luxury Retreats was also taking manager for The One & Only Re- the ambition of convincing local part in the Tokyo ILTM for the sorts, was in complete agreement, buyers that they could be the next first time and hoping to convince pointing out that his sales were up hot-spot for Japanese travellers. buyers to consider a “new way” of 28 per cent last year and he is fore- “We are a new market and we’re travelling, said Amr Younes, vice casting another 20 per cent increase not so well known, so it is important president of revenue optimisation for 2017. for us to meet buyers in Japan and for the Montreal-based company, “Europe was not great for us last see the potential of this market for which handpicks high-end villas year but it is recovering this year,” us,” said Lily Dahmayanti, director around the world and presently he said. of sales for the Nihiwatu resort on has more than 3,700 properties to “We found that people who the Indonesian island of Sumba. offer. would have gone to Europe last “We want to emphasise that we “There are a lot of very afflu- year instead spent their honey- are an island resort set in a beauti- ent travellers in Japan and many moons in the Maldives or Mauritius, ful landscape that is still pristine – a of the people in that segment, we they went sightseeing and shopping forgotten paradise, if you like,” she feel, would fit very well with our in Dubai and turned to Australia for said. product,” Younes said. its beaches.” “Lots of Japanese have been “This is an opportunity for us to Australia is a growth destina- to Bali, but Sumba is completely build brand awareness and to pro- tion because of Japanese travellers’ unspoiled and different, but we are mote understanding of the concept unmistakable preference for direct also just a short flight away from among the travel trade here of the flights and the fact that it is very Bali and there are now flights sharing economy and how they can close in terms of the time difference. every day. be a part of that,” he said.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 9 luxury market report india

2011 to over 1.2 million by 2030, according to Praveen Chugh, chairman, Business Travel, India, Travelling adding “this segment is catalyst to the growth at the luxury end of the travel market”. An economy that remains buoyant, along with exposure to ambitiously the Internet and to world travel trends, will help grow this market Issues such as Luxury travel players in India in times to come as well, pointed are brushing off issues such as the out another luxury player, Via.com demonetisation of recent demonetisation of India’s head of holiday products, Godfrey currency as factors that may Pereira. India’s currency have not dampen the mood of their clients to Last year’s demonetisation has enjoy themselves. failed to deter the positive outlook dampened the appetite For most, the market is not only of the trade. On November 8, the here to stay, it will be much bigger. Indian government declared all An increase in the number of currency in denominations of Rs500 to travel among the rich, high net worth individuals (HN- and Rs1,000 illegal tender in the WI’s) in India, for one, will be the hopes of curbing the flow of black reports Rohit Kaul backbone of a growth in the luxury money in the Indian economy. market size. The figure is expected But, noted Chugh: “The Indian to expand from around 200,000 in outbound luxury market kept

10 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 growing even after demonetisation. is not deterred by local issues such Travellers from the segment are The as India’s demonetisation continuing to explore destinations Indian and products that are unique in upmarket is expected to continue to grow in appeal. traveller… numbers this year “The outlook for 2017 is very positive.” is a changing breed, seeking unique Karan Anand, Cox & Kings and customised experiences head - relationships, said the outbound luxury market from India is growing at a rate 10 per cent per gramme that has multiple courses Facing An Indian such travellers high-end cruises and traveller cruising annum, and as the Indian market to educate its travel agents about experiences like whale-watching, on the Red Sea, matures and experiences luxury in the various products offered by the Israel diving with sharks and sky diving the domestic market, the customer company for India’s luxury travel- have become popular. will aspire to engage with luxury lers. “For us, new sought-after des- products and services overseas. Cox & Kings’ Anand experiences tinations include Scandinavia and “This creates its own demand similar trends. “Luxury travellers Bora Bora. The travel seekers are and the Indian consumer is be- are looking at exclusive signature- also looking to indulge in experi- coming as discerning as consum- style accommodation options and ences like a igloo stay.” ers from across the world,” said varied experiences. National tourism bodies are Anand. “This market is a resilient mar- devising their strategies to tap the Indeed, John Boulding, CEO of ket. Even during a downturn, we changing outbound luxury market Geneva-based Insight Vacations have observed that this segment in India. who was recently in New Delhi to of traveller is not affected. They “There are a number of luxurious launch the company’s 2017 luxury are the discerning types and do properties coming up in Fiji. We will gold portfolio, said that there has not compromise on their luxuries soon include a module in our train- been a real change in the mindset as most of them are self-made ing programme for Indian travel of Indian high-end travellers in the individuals with a style quotient of agents where we will educate them past three to four years. their own,” he said. about the high-end offerings of our “Indian food was preferred in Among destinations that are see- destination,” said Matthew Stoeckel, the past. However, today luxury ing an uptake for Cox & Kings are CEO, Tourism Fiji. travellers from the country want to the Seychelles, Maldives, Scotland, try epicurean dining. Ireland and Australia. “They are opting for luxuri- Added Anand: “In terms of ous escorted journeys that offer experiences, it can range from a engaging local experiences,” said luxury rail holiday in Switzer- Boulding. land where you travel on those Boulding expects a 30 per cent iconic trains that take you across increase from the Indian market the scenic locations in the region. this year. Then there are cruise products in We are “We are targeting this to be our South-east Asia where customers targeting best ever year in India. The reasons book suites for the entire extended this to be include a growing demand and in- family for a complete vacation. our best ever year in India. troducing a right product at a right “Luxury destinations such as The reasons time,” he said. Champagne and Chamonix in include a France, and Gstaad in Switzer- “We see more and more Indians growing travelling on our country roads land, are among the well-known demand and programme where one stays in the destinations for the Indian luxury introducing a smaller towns, experiencing real traveller. Many of them travel to right product local life in places like Rome. Italy to drive the world-famous at a right “We also see a good demand Ferrari cars, which can be rented time. for destinations like Iceland and out. These are the sort of experi- John Boulding, Scandinavia in 2017.” ences that the luxury traveller is CEO, Insight Recently, Insight Vacations seeking.” Vacations, launched a new e-learning pro- Via.com’s Pereira agreed. “For Geneva

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 11 destination japan Mie soul of Japan cowardlion/Shutterstock.com

Mie Prefecture is the next hot t may be a slight detour off have raised their game to meet Japan’s traditional Golden demand from growing numbers of spot for luxury travellers and Route, which links Tokyo, luxury travellers. Kyoto and Osaka, but more The region received another Julian Ryall details some of and more travellers are boost to is profile last year when it discovering that Mie Prefecture’s was selected to host the two-day its luscious offerings reputationI for being “the soul of G-7 Ise-Shima Summit. Japan” is well-earned. The region “Officially, we were given about is, after all, home to the most sacred six months’ notice that our hotel shrine in the Shinto religion, as would be the venue for the talks well as herds that produce one of and the leaders while they were in the world’s most expensive cuts of Japan – although there had been beef. The island where pearls were hints much earlier and we had first cultured, where countless ex- already embarked on a thorough amples of Japanese traditions and renovation of the hotel,” said Yas heritage are evident. Yamamura, manager of corporate And, with the recent upsurge in sales for Kintetsu Miyako Hotels interest in Japan as a destination, International, which operates the hotels and attractions across Mie Shima Kanko Hotel.

12 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Those upgrades included a Ago Bay and are furnished differ- Left Ise Grand for its inspiration. Spiny lobster Shrine Above redesign of the sixth floor of the ently. Oharai-machi, an and local abalone are, in particu- facility’s Classic Building, which Some of the rooms have stone 800m road that lar, considered delicacies. was taken over in its entirety by the baths filled with water from natural leads to Ise Jingu The region is also famed for its inner shrine US delegation. Several rooms were springs far below the surface, while Matsuzaka beef, one of Japan’s connected to create light and airy a luxurious outdoor onsen can legendary wagyu brands, with suites, with bathtubs having the be reserved by the hour. Utterly only cattle bred and raised in a most of the impressive view across secluded, it has magnificent views recognised district given the des- Ago Bay. and traditional oiled-paper umbrel- ignation. Each cattle is raised for The suite that was occupied by las for anyone who wants to bathe 900 days – 10 months longer than then-President Barack Obama now in the rain. most beef – and famously fed beer has a large presidential seal on Limited edition works by Yayoi to stimulate their appetites. the door and is much in demand Kusama line the reception and The description “melt in your among visitors. lounge; treatments at the Thalasso mouth” has arguably become de- In July 2016, Hiramatsu Hotels Spa are designed to promote bal- valued by its overuse, but the low & Resorts opened its first exclusive ance of mind body and spirit; each melting point of Matsuzaka beef property on the nearby island of table in the dining room is discrete- and the high ratio of unsaturated Kashkojima. The hotel only has ly partitioned for cuisine that relies fatty acids means that the product eight rooms, all of which overlook heavily on the surrounding waters of these cattle genuinely dissolves

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 13 destination japan

on the tongue. Another natural wonder rooted in Mie Prefecture – albeit again encouraged by human hands – is found on Mikimoto Pearl Island, where Kokichi Mikimoto succeed- ed in culturing the very first pearl oyster in 1893. In the early years of pearl culturing, no outsiders were allowed on the island. That changed in 1951 and the 48 million visitors since have included queens, princ- es, heads of states and captains of industry, all attracted by these beautiful translucent spheres. There are some 100,000 different variety of oysters, although only six are suitable for culturing pearls. The pearlers of Mie gener- ally use Akoya oysters, with the blacklipped oysters of Tahiti pro- ducing the black pearl and larger white-lipped oysters creating the large South Sea pearl. Visitors are shown the process of culturing a pearl, with a wedge inserted into the mouth of the shell and a mantle of clear membrane placed alongside the round nuclei, made of polished mussel shell, that will eventually be coated in mother-of-pearl. Elsewhere in the prefecture, pany can meet arrivals at any of travellers can sit down to a meal Five the major international gateway prepared by ama, women who luxe airports and transfer passengers to free-dive off the coast for the fruits their accommodation. Tokyo has of the sea. Or, they can enjoy a tea products two heliports – including one on ceremony or train to become a the top of the ARK Hills complex ninja in the city of Iga, the home of in the heart of the city – while more the legendary warriors. purpose-built helicopter facili- But no visit to this part of Japan ties are being constructed in other would be complete without a visi- popular destinations, including the tor paying respects at Ise Grand Stylish transfers mountain resort of Hakone. Alter- Shrine, the collective name for by Airos natively, Tezuka said, his company 125 Shinto shrines that serve as Tokyo-based Airos operates a is able to negotiate with hotels to the spiritual home of the Japanese fleet of 15 helicopters, ranging provide a temporary landing space people. from three-seat Robinson R44s to in their grounds. Some of the most important seven-berth BK117s, for both short building are off-limits to everyone sightseeing trips over Tokyo and Ryokan adds Hiramatsu except the Emperor of Japan, but longer-term charters for wealthy Atami to portfolio an impressive museum provides customers looking for an alterna- Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Atami explanations of the history, rites tive to trains and scheduled flights is the latest addition to the port- and significance of the entire to get around Japan. According to folio of The Ryokan Collection. complex. CEO Kiwamu Tezuka, the com- The property opened in October

14 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 2016 and has a focus on dining seats and screens in the headrest and art. The concept is an exclu- of the seat in front, providing sive, high-end French auberge, details of the journey or allowing following in the footsteps of other the passenger to watch televi- Hiramatsu hotels. In the rooms, all sion or a DVD. The bus is fitted the furniture looks out to the sea with Wi-Fi, provides drinks to take maximum advantage of the and snacks and has a sumptu- ryokan’s location and spectacular ously appointed restroom, with a views. Luxury accents include large mirror and full selection of Bvlgari amenities, Imabari towels amenities. and fine furniture by Otsuka Kagu. The hotel has just 13 rooms, each Norwegian Joy with their own rotemburo bath, ter- docks in Kobe race overlooking bamboo groves Norwegian Joy, the latest launch and ocean and floor-to-ceiling by Norwegian Cruise Line, has windows. commenced operations from China this summer, taking in Probably the best the Japanese port of Kobe. The sightseeing bus 3,900-passenger vessel is aimed While most coaches are fitted with at the Chinese market but is part seats for as many as 45 passengers, of a larger expansion of the cruise Isetan Mitsukoshi has turned the operator’s business in the region. concept of bus sightseeing tours on The vessel will have world-class its head by creating a luxury 10- entertainment, fine international seat coach. The vehicle has larger dining, unrivalled duty-free lux- windows than a standard coach, no ury shopping at sea and a new overhead luggage racks to add to range of first-at-sea on-board the sense of spaciousness, leather activities, the company said. upholstered seats in pairs that can be partitioned off from the other Japan’s most luxurious sleeper train The Twilight Express Mizukaze, Japan’s most luxurious sleeper train, will commence its maiden voyage on June 17. The train is operating two- or three-day trips departing from either Kyoto or Osaka to Shimonoseki through either the Sanyo region on the Pacific coast of Japan, or the Sanin region on the Sea of Japan. Tickets went on sale in Decem- ber and, in spite of the price, the initial allocation was quickly snapped up. The cheapest berths go for Y250,000 (US$2,235) and a suite that takes up an entire carriage costs Y1.25 million. De- mand is expected to remain high, although tickets should become more readily available over time.

Top Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Left Mitsukoshi Premium Cruiser

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 15 destination malaysia Up where we belong

A 10-year Genting esorts World Gent- would be built, while shopping ing in Malaysia has oulets, dining establishments and Integrated Transformation long been attracting entertainment offerings would also Asian tourists from be added – all in a bid to attract Plan is nearing fruition the region thanks more guests. to its cool climate, family-friendly Luxury planners are pinning and may at last see the attractionsR and shopping. hopes on one of the highlights of In mid December 2013, Lim Kok the 10-year project, construction of Thay, chairman and chief executive the world’s first Twentieth Century Malaysian resort gain its fair of Resorts World Genting, an- Fox World, to help prick the inter- nounced the company’s 10-year est of their clients to visit Resorts share of luxury travellers, Genting Integrated Transforma- World Genting. The 10ha family- tion Plan. This plan would see on friendly attraction is set to open reports S Puvaneswary the integrated resort on Ulu Kali in the second half of this year and mountain undergo a decade of will feature attractions that revolve redevelopment and refurbishment. around movies such as Ice Age, Rio, Hotels would be expanded and Night at the Museum, Planet of the Above Resorts World Genting refurbished, a new cable car system Apes and Aliens vs Predator.

16 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Jaggat Rashidi/Shutterstock.com the resort unique. by Birdlife International.” In the past, Resorts World Gent- While Europe is still a largely ing appealed less to Europeans untapped market for Resorts World as there were no products strong For Genting, inbound planners have Up where we belong enough to garner their attention, Europeans, no doubt that the integrated resort said high-end travel planners. it is an will appeal to high-end Asians once But that may soon change. opportunity the theme park, along with Gent- With the soon-to-open Twentieth to visit ing Highland Premium Outlets and Century Fox World theme park, in- Malaysia’s SkyAvenue mall, is operating fully. bound planners handling European highlands, The integrated resort has a where the markets are keen to put it to test. hospitality desk at Kuala Lumpur weather is Diethelm Travel Malaysia man- International Airport, making it cooler and aging director, Manfred Kurz, said: convenient and accessible for Asian there is a lot “The branding (of the new theme of greenery luxury travellers who fly into Kuala park) itself will definitely create at- around. Lumpur to be transferred to Gent- tention among Europeans who are ing. As well, Resorts World Genting planning their holidays to Malay- Manfred Kurz, owns a fleet of high-end luxury cars managing director, sia. There are also new high-end Diethelm Travel including the Mercedes Benz S300 products such as five-star hotels Malaysia which it uses to ferry guests. The and fine-dining restaurants. For journey from the airport to Resorts Europeans, it is an opportunity to World Genting takes approximately visit Malaysia’s highlands, where less than an hour. the weather is cooler and there is a The drive up the mountain from lot of greenery around.” Kuala Lumpur is a picturesque The other cool-weather Malay- one, winding its way through sian resort, Cameron Highlands, is 130-million-year old rainforests. The “not such a great product because transfer is luxurious and smooth as of logging and there usually is a the road leading up the mountain queue if travellers want to visit the has been well-maintained by Re- tea plantation on weekends”, Kurz sorts World Genting. There are two pointed out. security checkpoints, also managed Arokia Das, senior manager at by the resort, before reaching the Luxury Tours Malaysia, concurred destination. that the new theme park at Genting Arokia said: “I forecast a 15 to 20 may be a draw for Europeans. per cent year-on-year growth from He said: “We experimented by the Indian luxury segment. For promoting the destination at ITB Indians, Resorts World Genting is Lim’s vision was timely, as Re- Berlin about five years ago, but more well-known than the nation’s sorts World Genting had to compete there was no interest from Euro- capital, Kuala Lumpur.” with other resorts in the region such pean agents then, as there was Adam Kamal, CEO, Olympik as Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, nothing to draw their attention. Holidays, concurred: “Resort World launched in 2010. At the time, other There were five-star, luxury proper- Genting’s marketing efforts to at- existing integrated resorts were also ties such as Maxims and Genting tract the luxury segment through investing heavily in new cutting- Grand, as well as good restaurants, new products and services, all edge products. City of Dreams but there was little else that inter- within walking distance, will help Macau, for example, premiered the ested the Europeans. They are not cement Malaysia’s appeal to high- spectacular show The House of Danc- interested in the casinos. end tourists and will go a long way ing Water in September 2010 in a bid “I predict that it will be very dif- towards branding Malaysia as a to create new buzz for itself. ferent once the theme park opens. destination for high-yield tourists.” On a recent visit, the transfor- There are also new nature-based Adam lamented that while mation of the old Genting to the products there, such as nature Malaysia does have luxury prod- envisioned one is apparent, and walks, and a nursery with pitcher ucts, “the country has always been fortunately, development is taking plants. The resort has also become marketed as a value-for money place without disturbing much of a birdwatcher’s haven, and is rec- destination in order to attract mass the natural environment that makes ognised as an Important Bird Area tourists”.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 17 destination malaysia

gondolas as each comes equipped Five with two USB ports. luxe products A new avenue for gourmands, shopaholics The recently opened SkyAvenue shopping mall which spans more than 130,000m2 offers five floors of shops, six cinema halls, entertain- Show some ment areas, and a multitude of classy LTITUDE restaurants to choose from. The LTITUDE Restaurant, One of its concourses is home to Bar & Lounge, located within Gent- one of Malaysia’s biggest and most ing Club, personifies country cot- spectacular LED shows – similar to tage elegance. Its ambience exudes the one in New York Time Square – comfort, class and heritage – think spread over three floors in height. plush leather sofas, stone, glass and Within the mall is a floor dedicat- wood. ed exclusively to luxury brands, and The place is ideal for chilling out this shopaholic heaven is scheduled and enjoying handcrafted cocktails to open in stages from 2H2017. concocted by world-class mixologists. If mixed drinks are not your Retail therapy client’s thing, the bar offers more at bargain prices than 400 bottles of premium wines, For more shopping choices, the Gen- liquor and spirits. For a bite, the ting Highlands Premium Outlets is fine-dining restaurant sports an set to tempt your clients with over open-kitchen concept and serves up 150 designer brands at discounted plates of Mediterranean, Japanese prices. Above Awana SkyWay Bottom LTITUDE and Chinese cuisine. Malaysia’s second premium outlet centre is located next to the Scan the highlands Awana Transportation Hub just op- with Awana Skyway posite the Awana Hotel. The Awana Skyway, which opened in December last year, is a 2.8km- Commune with nature long cable car system that takes Nestled within Genting Highlands guests from the Awana station to is a lush 130-million-year-old rain- the SkyAvenue station located at the forest with rich biodiversity. The newly-opened SkyAvenue shopping area is recognised as an Important mall. It also makes a stop at the Chin Bird Area by Birdlife International. Swee Temple Station. Activities are available for guests The entire journey is a com- to soak in the rainforest. These fortable 11-minute ride in a well include Fashion Forest, a full-day ventilated and spacious gondola. guided nature walk programme that For a more thrilling ride, guests can offers free Internet connectivity for opt for any of the 10 glass-bottomed participants to scan the QR Codes gondolas. on the trees and learn more about Regardless of the 99 gondolas their species. There is also herping, one chooses, the ride is a scenic a programme conducted at night one offering passengers a bird’s to look for creepy crawlies such as eye view of Chin Swee Temple, the snakes, insects and frogs. If that future Twentieth Century Fox World sounds bizarre for your high-end Malaysia theme park, and the ver- clients, there’s always the more gen- dant treetops. Mobile phone users teel bird watching during the day at can also charge their phones in the Awana Genting.

18 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Silver Spoon Burger & Lobster

By S Puvaneswary cheese, and lettuce? The meat here is 100 per cent Australian beef. Since its debut in Asia last December Personally, I highly recommend the at SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting, chilli lobster as it was a dish created by London chain Burger & Lobster has this restaurant for Asian palates. Coinci- been warmly received in this region, dentally, the recipe has been shared with judging by the popularity of this chic other Burger & Lobster restaurants. casual place. My plate of chilli lobster also comes with slices of brioche for me to soak AMBIENCE up every bit of the thick, spicy gravy. The first thing that greets me is a three- The lobster rolls are another must try. tier, nine-tank display of live lobsters Steamed lobsters are mixed with sauces – some of which hold the ‘Big Boys’ that before being stuffed into a toasted bri- can weigh up to 4kg – air-flown weekly oche bun. to Malaysia from Nova Scotia, Canada. The dessert selection includes a The decor comprises traditional unique durian tempura, as well as other lobster crates which are replicas of the regular offerings such as crème brulee ones used in Nova Scotia, while old oak and banana mousse. and aged vitreous ceramic Portuguese tiles at the well-stocked bar area near the SERVICE semi-open kitchen adds to the illusion of Excellent. The waitress who served us a European tavern. was friendly and helped me with my Seating is a mix of dining banquettes food selection. I didn’t have to wait long and booths. Soft incandescent lighting for the food either. over each table adds to the general cosi- ness. Piped-in popular Western music VERDICT helped me to relax while waiting for the I will definitely go back, again and food. again. Everything was perfect.

The menu is simple. There are two cook- Location Level 1, SkyAvenue, ing styles of lobster, steamed or grilled Resorts World Genting with clarified butter. Opening hours 11.00 to 23.00 daily How’d you want your beef burger? Contact details: Tel: (60) 3 6101 1118 Email: [email protected] Topped with lobster or served in the www.rwgenting.com more conventional way with beef bacon,

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 19 destination malaysia

Check-in Maxims

FACILITIES The exclusive restaurant on the 18th floor, named e18hteen, is a new addition after renovations were carried out last year. The restaurant, complete with cocktail bar and poolside dining, has on offer an eclectic menu offering Chinese, Japanese, Western and fusion fare. Other restaurants in the building include the Imperial Rama Restau- rant which serves Chinese and Thai cuisine; and Ming Ren, a Chinese restaurant that specialises in lamb dishes. Since all the properties Above e18hteen within Resorts World Genting are linked, hotel guests have a choice By S Puvaneswary located within Maxims’ executive- of more than 100 F&B outlets level themed Garden In The Sky. available in and around the resort LOCATION The Garden In The Sky concept serving a variety of cuisines. Maxims is one of six Resorts World runs through the executive floor For guests residing on the execu- Genting hotels, located on the levels (16th to 18th floor), where tive floors, a 24/7 butler service peak of Ulu Kali Mountain, 1,865m entire ceilings are covered in green- also provides services on request. above sea level. Due to its high el- ery. Note that while there is no spa at evation, the resort of- Even my bathroom had a verti- Maxims, guests can have a private Name Maxims fers year-round cool cal green garden across one side of treatment in their room or walk No. of rooms 753 rooms and temperatures averag- the wall. across to the M Spa at Genting 92 suites th ing 15°C to 24°C . On the 18 floor are three suites, Grand. Address 2 2 Genting Highlands Resort, Maxims is ad- ranging from 75m to 240m . My 69000 Genting Highlands, joining the Genting room was 96m2, and comprised a SERVICE Pahang, Malaysia Grand and, from the bedroom and lounge area. Everyone I encountered – from the Contact Tel: (60) 3 6105 2081 hotel, one can see the The smart TV set in the lounge personal butler to the restaurant Email: customercare@ world’s largest hotel, was equipped with USB ports, al- staff – provided excellent service. rwgenting.com First World Hotel, lo- lowing me to watch a documentary It is also commendable that the Website: www.rwgenting.com cated within walking I had brought along with me. waiters and waitresses at e18hteen distance. What’s special about my suite were so knowledgeable about food It is also located was the Vichy shower, Maxims be- preparation and ingredients used near attractions such as the new ing the first hotel in South-east Asia in the dishes. SkyAvenue mall, Arena of Stars to feature one. It is an interesting – where international artistes experience having a body mas- VERDICT perform – and the soon-to-open sage treatment in which guests can I was so well taken care that I Twentieth Century Fox World control the pressure and intensity would definitely recommend a stay Theme Park. of the water with the press of a here. I was refreshed by the cool button. weather and priceless views of a ROOM The room amenities are top rate, 130-million-year old rainforest be- I very much enjoyed the exclusive from Bulgari-branded toiletries to low. I’m so glad that this heavenly VIP suite room on the 18th floor, Frette bath linens and bathrobes. place is in Malaysia.

20 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 destination macau

FIRST Lay to rest whispers that when Macau mentions the PERSON word ‘VIP’, it refers mainly to high rollers at casinos. During my visit in April, I wasn’t anywhere near the Time to gambling tables, let alone a high roller, yet I felt I was a VIP. The reason for this may sound so basic. Every- where I went, service levels were way above my accept expectations. Whether they were locals from Macau, staff from other Chinese cities, Filipinos, Portuguese Raini or another foreign nationality – listen to this everyone: Overall, Macau’s service is excellent. Macau as Hamdi For me, this is the heart of why Macau is ready revisits for luxury leisure travellers. When there is a service Macau after culture, a place is no longer ‘dead’ or bereft of life, a decade boring, fake, which Cotai was to me when I visited it a luxury and at last 10 years ago when The Venetian opened. It’s not just because more luxury hotels have since opened on believes it is this reclaimed land that joins the islands of Coloane a destination destination and Taipa, giving its name Cotai, but because the for leisure people who are working there are helping to shape a lovers certain service identity that is needed to complement the stark hardware. As to what that identity is, think happy and hungry workers, the two H’s that, when combine, can shoot service to the moon. By now too the hardware has also developed nice- ly. Luxury brands be they plush hotels, top fashion labels, watch and jewellery houses, etc, are all there, which also accounts for the fine service as these players naturally come with their SOPs and training on Top SW in Wynn genteel performance. But if Cotai were just one mas- Palace and St Regis Bar; Right sive emporium, then I agree luxury planners could St Regis shines forget it. In reality, Macau can be fun even without the with exceptional luxury shopping. It amuses me how each concession service. The hotel is now in in Cotai tries to outdo each other, which is healthy Virtuoso’s network, competition. Sheldon Adelson who owns seven hotels the ﬁrst in Macau including the Parisian, Venetian, Four Seasons, St

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 21 destination macau

Regis, Sheraton Grand, Conrad and Holiday Inn – you can walk through all of them without stepping out- doors – builds a half-scale Eiffel Tower which, in addition to observation decks, features a Love Lock Bridge following in the famous Parisian tradition originating from the Pont des Arts bridge. There’s a dazzling daily light show with music every 15 minutes from 18.15 to midnight. In another plot, Steve Wynn brings to light his per- fectionist character with no detail left unturned at the Wynn Palace (see review on page 24) where he builds a lake with jets that sprout water to the skies, mesmerising people with the colour and the synchronisation with music. This can be marvelled from the waterside or from the air via a Swiss-made cable car network that brings visitors into the resort. There, the huge lobby is virtually covered with floral creations by designer Preston Bailey, made from thousands of fresh flowers appearing every season. Opposite Wynn Palace, Melco-Crown’s City of Dreams, which houses Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt and Hard Rock, has its own feather-in-the-cap, The House of Dancing Water show. Even after some years, this still is a must see world-class act, performed in a purpose-built theatre that includes a pool that holds a record-breaking 3.7 million gallons of water, equivalent to five Olympic-sized swimming pools. This enables the most awe-inspiring dives and other acrobatics including a bike performance. Over at Galaxy Macau, which has six hotels including JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Banyan Tree, Okura, Top Tiki Pool at and out popped a short one-of-a-kind visual anima- Sheraton Grand, Galaxy and Broadway, there’s the world’s longest tion that made dining there even more delightful. And complete with sky-top adventure river ride at 575m, also the world’s day view of not everything is just expensive fine dining. Bene, an largest sky-top wave pool along with pristine white Parisian’s Eiffel Italian trattoria at Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel Cotai sand beach. Tower Central, did it for me with its crisp golden pizzas and Bottom Viola And on and on it goes. Frey Amphora, even steaks, served by a team of motivated staff led by Clients yearning for the old Macao will not be one of the many a captain named Rich. disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed my revisit to the art pieces at Virtuoso has just signed on its first ever Macau Wynn Palace UNESCO-inscribed old town. It was a sunny day and hotel, St Regis (see review on page 28). “They must see the ruined facade of St Paul’s church on the hill towers Macau as a growth market, so we’re really pleased,” handsomely over the narrow cobblestone streets below Janet McNab, managing director of both the St Regis lined with stores selling Portuguese cookies, Chinese and Sheraton Grand, told me. pharmacies and homegrown fashion brands. I had Not all is great of course about Macau. Blue sky dinner at a Portuguese restaurant called A Petisqueira days are few and far between (none during my stay). in the Old Taipa area which was packed and had to There are few direct flights and while the first class on turn away guests without a reservation. A taste of Cotai Jet ferry to/from Hong Kong was comfortable, it Macau couldn’t be more authentic or real than at this was a pain having to drag luggage over a long distance restaurant. While in Taipa, head also to Taipa Houses to get a transfer to/from hotel. A new bridge between Museum, a series of colonial houses built in 1921 which Hong Kong and Macau is still in the works. have been turned into museums. But there is enough appeal now to put aside these The number of good restaurants has also expanded inconveniences and educate well-heeled clients – fami- along with all opening of the branded hotels in Cotai. A lies, gourmands, spa-lovers, fun-seekers, luxury hotel memorable one for me was SW at Wynn Palace which lovers, avid shoppers – that Macau can please them for serves steak and seafood, but during dinner the light a few nights. It’s time to accept Macau as a luxury, not darkened, the music faded and an aperture opened, just gambling, destination.

22 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Check-in St. Regis Macao Cotai Central

A Metropolitan Suite (left) and the foyer of St. Regis Macao

By Raini Hamdi fooling every family member and the restaurant feels intimate as it is friends that I’m in Paris. divided into three different set- LOCATION Throwing myself into the St. Regis tings, an indoor garden, a dining Right in the heart of the Cotai strip, king-size bed in the next room, an room and a wine gallery, and two giving convenient access to new argument ensues with self: Why can’t private dining spaces. The import- attractions such as the Parisian, and I just stay here and watch movies all day ed prime cut meats and seafood are upcoming ones such as MGM Cotai. on the super-sized screen, then luxuri- cooked to perfection. ate myself in that inviting tub in the Completing the evening is a AMBIENCE bathroom??? drink at the stunning St. Regis Bar. Unlike many luxury hotels in Cotai with large, decorated lobbies, many FACILITIES SERVICE Name St. Regis Macao Cotai Luckily, there is a push A huge factor why the hotel feels of them jaw-dropping, I arrive into Central what looks like a small atrium of an No. of rooms 400 factor: the Iridium Spa at storied and gracious stems from elegant home, with a curved stair- Address Estrada Do Istmo, the hotel. If you have not the service of its staff. Somehow, it case and a beautiful light installa- S/N, Cotai, Macao SAR, PRC heard, it uses products manages to appoint people of the Contact tion on the ceiling. Although this is Tel: (853) 2882 8890 Email: rich in minerals from same DNA – warm, friendly, polite, the world’s largest St. Regis, with [email protected] gemstones. It can use genteel, speak polished English, 400 rooms, a common thread that Website: stregismacao.com plain cereal for all I care, eager to please and to interact with runs through the hotel, which I soon the fact is I’m having a you if you wish, very intuitive. discovered, is a real attempt to create gem of a massage by a young, caring I’ll never forget the good man- intimacy and elegance, whether in Chinese lady therapist. ners of Raymond Wong, assistant rooms, F&B or other areas. The St. Regis Athletic Club with concierge, or breakfast service staff more Cotai views, TechnoGym ma- Anna Wu who remembers I like a ROOMS chines and yoga, pilates and aerobics second cup of espresso. My St. Regis Suite, at 106sqm, is classes beckons, but I’m feeling too large but is designed such that it feels well from the spa besides it’s time to VERDICT homely and comely, fit out with real get ready for dinner. Perhaps tomor- My first ever stay at a St. Regis has quality. Floor-to-ceiling windows in row, after some serious lazy time by left an indelible impression of the the living room give superb views the hotel’s poolside. brand on me. I never believed that of the The Parisian and its half-sized Dinner tonight will be at hotel’s large can be personalised, gracious Eiffel Tower. I can’t resist a photo, restaurant, The Manor. Once again, and intimate. Now I do.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 23 destination macau

Check-in Wynn Palace Cotai

By Raini Hamdi

LOCATION Located in the Cotai strip, this handsome hotel which opened in August last year is said to be “the culmination of Steve Wynn’s more than 45 years in hospitality, setting a new standard for luxury”. It’s all true.

AMBIENCE The ooh’s and aah’s start right on arrival at the entrance hall, where tourists are clicking their cameras away and no wonder. Before them is an 8.6 metric ton flower display in the shape of a carousel, made of, listen to this, 83,000 roses, peonies Kraf Barbara Above Wynn Palace Fountain Salon Suite and other species. It seals the ambience of Wynn Palace as magnificent, gloriously lavish and quite unique. living room. The only facility that fails to The suite’s only imperfection is match all this impressiveness is the ROOMS there’s only one toilet for such a gym which, though lined with the Name Wynn Palace Cotai No. of rooms 1,706 My room, a Fountain huge room. best machines, has no view, feels Address Avenida Da Nave Suite, dazzles in its yel- cramped and is without a touch of Desportiva, Cotai, Macao low/golden hues. Its FACILITIES luxury – see how quickly one gets SAR, PRC spoilt? Contact brightness and richness I love great decor and am amazed Tel: (853) 8889 8890 Email: makes me feel energet- at the resort’s beautifully-crafted [email protected] ic. Mirrors make what 4,497sqm spa and array of restau- SERVICE Website: wynnpalace.com already is a large room rants, particularly the fine-dining Dinner service at SW and breakfast (107sqm) larger. The ones. The most beautiful of them service at Cafe Fontana are superb, design is sleek and uncluttered. all to me is Andrea’s, alas, I’m not with friendly and attentive staff, My mind digests the perfection as so much into regional Chinese however, at reception and casino, I the eyes scan top quality modern which it serves. SW, which serves encounter some language difficul- furnitures, luxurious furnishings succulent steaks and seafood, is so ties. But overall, service is excellent. (bed is covered in fine Egyptian good that I return the second night cotton linen of 507 threadcount, ap- for more. VERDICT parently the highest in Macau) and Other facilities include 9,555sqm This is a work of love. There is vi- high-technology (Bang & Olufsen of gleaming retail space, 30,019sqm sion and insistence on quality and Bluetooth audio system, touch- of casino space, a collection of art, perfection. It makes me see a good screen control for lights, drapes, including Jeff Koons’Tulips, and a side to casino operation, as surely TV and temperature, etc). There’s Swiss-made cable car system that this revenue is what enables the even a private spa room with audio features 34 gondolas and are also amazing decors, artworks, seas of experience. The best seats to view great seats to watch the Perfor- flowers, shows, ultra-luxurious ac- the Performance Lake are in my mance Lake and the Cotai area. commodations and so on.

24 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 heritage haven penang KeongDaGreat/Shutterstock.com

Kek Lok Si Temple lights up with a ﬁreworks show in Georgetown, Penang

When Georgetown in Penang Penang is a “haven for those who was granted World Heritage status appreciate rich cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2008, it boosted The pull of and world-renowned cuisine, on the profile of the whole Malaysian top of it being a beautiful tropical island globally, as well as attracted destination”. the attention of luxury travellers. Complementing the UNESCO The UNESCO branding has status for Georgetown is the fact helped a lot in promoting the des- Penang Penang keeps evolving in a way tination to overseas markets, said that appeals to luxury travellers. Manfred Kurz, managing direc- Lafuente said: “Penang un- tor of Diethelm Travel Malaysia. Georgetown’s place in UNESCO’s derwent a major transformation “The recognition is important as recently, and could now offer more travellers trust an internationally World Heritage list and Penang’s environmentally-orientated activi- recognised brand more than they ties.” would a tour operator and it also other attractions such as its food Hotels like Shangri-La’s Rasa makes it easier for us to promote Sayang Resort & Spa join in this the destination,” he said. and more upmarket offerings push by creating tours that allow According to Albert Lafuente, guests to absorb the history and director of sales & marketing at are winning a few nods among heritage of the city fully. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort Shangri-La’s tour includes & Spa and Golden Sands Resort, luxury guests. By S Puvaneswary stops for street food that Penang

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 25 heritage haven penang grass-lifeisgood/Shutterstock.com is known for. It also visits one of Asia’s tallest observation decks and takes visitors on a hike on Penang Hill. The tour ends at the Habitat, which gives them a 360-degree view of the island’s verdant canopy and beyond. Other activities that luxury travellers can enjoy at the hotel include Ermakov/Shutterstock.com Evgeny private cocktails and dinner in the balcony of one of its grand suites, fishing expeditions, island-hopping cruises and even helicopter tours of the island. Diethelm also focuses on F&B and sailing. Said Kurz: “Penang is La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, has Street food at provided for them at the Rasa famous for its food, so it is one of reduced its room inventory from Kimberly Street Wing.” food night market the attractions we want to show more than 500 to just over 300 to in Penang Inbound operators are also see- visitors. Options include taking create the Rasa Wing. ing an increase in higher-spending them to dine in fine establishments The Rasa Wing embodies a guests to Penang. around the island, going to differ- resort within a resort concept. “The Discovery Overland Holidays ent restaurants every day.” whole wing is a club wing and is said it experienced a 15 per cent Other activities that can be perfect for the well-heeled, discern- year-on-year growth in the market enjoyed by Diethelm’s upmarket ing guests that we welcome to the last year due to its participation in guests include sailing on a yacht resort regularly. Guests have access International Luxury Travel Market around the island or to Langkawi to the Club Lounge and a private Asia and Americas in the past three as a day trip, or spending a night pool,” said Lafuente. years. onboard the yacht. “There are The property also offers World Avenues Travel & Tours, secluded beaches where breakfast Shangri-La’s luxury wellness vil- which has been rebranding Malay- and lunch can be arranged for lage, Chi, The Spa. sia as an upmarket destination in private groups,” said Kurz. Apart from the physical aspects, its bid to capture more quality tour- Penang’s high-quality accom- customised services are provided ists, recorded a six per cent growth modations are an additional pull for luxury guests. in the number of these visitors in factor, especially for repeat visitors. Lafuente said: “If a guest arrives 2016 over 2015, according to execu- Kingston Khoo, senior product in a private plane, we can easily In 2016, the tive director, Ally Bhoonee. development/contracting manager arrange for a parking bay for the Rasa Wing at Discovery Overland Holidays, whole duration of the guest stay. occupancy said: “Those who are familiar with Similarly, we can make arrange- grew by seven Penang like to return and stay ments for those who arrive via percentage at the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang private yachts to dock in a nearby points versus Resort & Spa or the Eastern & Ori- marina.” the previous year...To ental (E&O) Hotel.” Their respective strategies have us it is an Andy Teh, E&O Hotel’s group resulted in positive outcomes for indication director of sales & marketing, said the hotels. E&O Hotel has had that people the hotel’s location in the core herit- an average of 8.3 per cent growth are willing age area, along with its 132-year- year-on-year in the past three years, to pay old history, makes it the place to according to Teh. As for Shangri-La, more for the stay. Lafuente said: “In 2016, the Rasa exclusivity... “Luxury guests have high ex- Wing occupancy grew by seven Albert Lafuente, pectations and we deliver them by percentage points versus the previ- director of sales training our frontliners to provide ous year. In fact, the whole resort’s & marketing, a high level of personalised service, occupancy grew at similar levels. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & To us it is an indication that people engaging the guests from the mo- Spa and Golden ment they arrive,” said Teh. are willing to pay more for the Sands Resort, The other upscale hotel, Shangri- exclusivity and the extra touches Penang

26 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Check-in The Edison George Town, Penang

From left The elegantly conserved entrance of The Edison; chic outoor seating with The Lounge at the back

By Karen Yue wooden floorboards in guestrooms. where all-day refreshments and Even the main entrance, where occassional hot snacks are offered LOCATION I arrived into in a taxi, looks like it free to hotel guests in The Lounge. Superb location within UNESCO never left the early 20th-century. An Built to resemble a homely kitchen World Heritage Site Georgetown, ornate fountain with miniature Chi- with a 10-seat high dining table with the storied streets of Jalan nese arched bridges and figurines in and cosy couches at the sides, I Muntri (where wealthy Chinese ancient dress stands in the middle of found The Lounge to be a soothing merchants and colo- the driveway, with the stately white- space for reading and writing, and Name The Edison George nial officers once lived), washed mansion in the background. for striking up conversations with Town, Penang Leith Street (also known The interior takes a chic turn with fellow guests about the best eats in No. of rooms 35 as the Hakka Million- two brightly painted chairs in the the vicinity. Address 15 Lebuh Leith, George Town, Pulau Pinang, aire’s Row) and Love reception area and a courtyard with At the time of my stay in De- Malaysia Lane (where mistresses modern rattan lounges. cember, The Edison was awaiting Contact of aforementioned approval for a lap pool for guests. Tel: (604) 262 2990 Email: wecare-gt@ tycoons were conveni- ROOMS 2 theedisonhotels.com ently put up) making My 36m Deluxe Premium Room on SERVICE Website: theedisonhotels.com up its surroundings. To- the second floor bears little sign of The Edison is staffed by few smiley day, these streets house The Edison’s heritage, adopting a staff who are always at the front quirky art galleries, chic wine bars modern décor instead. It isn’t opulent desk no matter the hour of the day. and popular street eats. but feels like how a five-star hotel room ought to be – fresh-smelling, VERDICT AMBIENCE furnished with a firm bed covered in By traditional definition, The At the peak of its lifetime, the con- smooth sheets, a large work desk and Edison does not qualify as a luxury served mansion that is the The Edi- a couch, and with sufficient space hotel since rooms are delightfully son today was home to a wealthy between furniture. Wi-Fi comes free. affordable, particularly now when tycoon and his offsprings across The colonial-style bathroom comes the Malaysian ringgit is weak three generations. Its glory days with gleaming white tiles and a dark- against most major currencies. are brought back to life with careful wood framed vanity and wardrobe. However, it surely satisfies the conservation of its doors, marble comfort and elegance part of the floors, printed floor tiles, main FACILITIES definition, and I’d be glad to return stairs between the two storeys and The Edison is an all-inclusive hotel to her embrace.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 27 longhaul iran Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock.com Matyas

International sanctions against Iran were lifted in 2016, Open for and change is afoot for the tourism sector. In one of the first moves by an international hotel operator, French group AccorHotels swiftly took over two hotels in the country in prepara- business tion for a tourism boom in Iran. This is in contrast to the 1979 The Middle Eastern nation is seeing tourism Islamic Revolution, where signs of Western decadence such as resorts growth thanks to new air links and international were expunged from the country. Since then, the country has been hotels. But to get to the heart of luxury travellers, bereft of international hotels until recently. it still needs to convince them that it is safe. In yet another sign that Iran is opening up to international visitors By Paige Lee Pei Qi and businesses, Iranian businessman Ahad Azim Zadeh signed a contract

28 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 has also pledged support for the general do not have much appetite flourishing sector to cope with the for Iran and we have not observed tourist influx. any change with the lifting of sanc- According to Rodney Yew, The image of tions.” managing director of Discovery Iran around Jess Yap, general manager at Holidays Singapore, this wave of the world is Country Holidays in Singapore, development displays a “vote of changing. Its agreed, saying that her company confidence” by the international many tourist sees Iran as a destination that ap- attractions, hotels which in turn would inspire peals more to travellers who are historic, luxury travellers to visit Iran. keen to learn about the history of religious and Yew, who has been selling Iran Persia rather than luxe travellers. spectacular, for the past two decades, said: are once “Although there are all the mod- “Visitors would be more assured of again being ern comforts (in terms of) hotels the service standards and quality of emphasised. and good food, one does not expect their stay with branded hotels, and to be pampered on a trip to Iran. this will give them the impression Olivier Jager, Moreover, I think the safety aspect CEO, ForwardKeys that the destination is ready for will make people think twice before them.” visiting Iran,” Yap added. Moreover, new upper upscale Yew concurred that the notion and luxury hotels also bring with of a luxury holiday is not typically them more facilities such as spas, associated with Iran yet due to restaurants, bars and pools, which lingering concerns that the country would inject value into the des- is still an unsafe destination. tination while improving service “Iran is really interesting espe- standards at the same time. cially when it is so rich in culture The presence of new air links to and history, but one would not Iran is also helping tremendously think of it as a place for indulgent in boosting interest in the Middle holidays,” he pointed out. Eastern destination. Nevertheless, according to Yew pointed out that the lack figures released by travel intelli- of air connectivity, which deterred gence analyst ForwardKeys, Iran is potential travellers previously, is currently experiencing a growth in “no longer an issue” now. total international arrivals, which Last October, Thai Airways went up 18.4 per cent last year. International launched four-times Olivier Jager, CEO of Forward- with Spanish hospitality chain Me- weekly flights from Bangkok to Keys, said: “Our findings support lia Hotels International to open the Tehran. Earlier in June, AirAsia X the conclusion that political change country’s first five-star foreign-run also launched thrice-weekly flights in Iran is making the country more hotel. Scheduled to open late this from both Kuala Lumpur and approachable – an attractive place year, the Gran Meliá Ghoo resort is Bangkok to Tehran. to visit and potentially do business. located by the Caspian Sea in the “When you have new air links “The image of Iran around the city of Salman Shahr. to Iran, it is definitely a good sign world is changing. Its many tourist Meanwhile, Dubai-based Jumei- (which tells) potential travellers attractions, historic, religious and rah Hotel Group is also planning that tourism there is on the rise,” spectacular, are once again being to open hotels in Iran in the near Yew added. emphasised. future. However, given that the tourism “I expect visitor numbers to in- These quality developments are industry is still in its infancy, and crease, so long as Iran’s airport can helping to propel Iran’s position the overall infrastructure and ser- keep pace,” he said. forward as an upmarket destina- vices in many parts of the country However, current visitor num- tion. have not been developed, Iran may bers from Asia are still low. The In the meantime, up to 125 ho- not necessarily be seen as a luxury main source regions for air travel tels operated by foreign and local destination at this point. to Iran are North America, Eu- Top left firms have opened in the past year Vivian Yeo, director, content Interior of rope and the Middle East, which – more than the total number built marketing at Quotient TravelPlan- Golestan palace together make up 83.7 per cent of in the last century. The government ner Singapore, said: “Our clients in in Tehran international arrivals in 2016.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 29 longhaul iran

FIRST PERSON Debunking

Paige Lee Pei Qi a myth jumps at “Is Iran safe?” the chance That was the unanimous thought echoed by to experience many when I shared that I was heading there Iran first- last November. Admittedly, I had my own reservations, given that Iran is relatively unknown hand, despite as a tourist destination. It also didn’t help that the country’s the news surrounding Iran had been largely shattered negative, charged by topics like the Islamic image Revolution in 1979 and the resulting hostage crisis; the violent crackdown on protests in 2009; and accusations of its nuclear weapon-building capabilities. However, having visited the destination over five days, I realise that the stigma of Iran being a dangerous place was a far cry from the truth. Instead, I wish I had more time to spend in Iran. To begin with, this nation lays claim to 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most visited of which is Persepolis. Located near Shiraz in south-western Iran, Persepolis is home to an incredible array of artefacts and ruins that date back more than 2,500 years. Another UNESCO site I visited was the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan. Hailed as one the masterpieces of Safavid Iranian architecture, I stood there captivated by the mosque’s grandeur and its kaleidoscopic mosaic design. Given that tourism in Iran is still in its early days, it was an absolute luxury to have ample space to move about without having to jostle with a crowd. It also meant that getting tickets to these tourist sites was done pronto. While I did encounter a handful of other tourist groups, the ratio of locals far outnumbered foreigners. It was also quite an unorthodox experience to have excited groups of locals clamouring around me for a wefie. Soon it was time to make my way into the bustling capital city of Tehran, where I was eager to visit the Niavaran Palace in Shemiran. It was the last residence of the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and the imperial family, until the Iran Revolution. The complex showcased a con-

30 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Given that tourism in Iran is still in its early days, it was an absolute luxury to have ample space to move about without having to jostle with a crowd. It also meant that getting tickets to these tourist sites was done pronto.

siderable amount of European influence, and the private residence offered a peek into the opulent lifestyle of the Shah and his family. The magnitude of opulence reached a cre- scendo when I set foot into the Treasury of National Jewels. Housed within the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the heart of the capital, the treasury is home to a dazzling collection of Iranian royal jewels and gemstones. Every piece of this extravagant collection, which included elaborate crowns, tiaras, bejewelled swords and shields, is a reflec- tion of the tumultuous history of the nation and spoke volumes of the Iranians’ storied culture. But all is not gold or silver. To fully experience the vibrant and stimulating city, a visit to the Grand Bazaar is a must. Historic, expansive and dizzying, the bazaar seemed to sell almost anything and everything from spices to glassware, and jewellery to carpets. The frenetic atmosphere may not be to everyone’s liking, but it was integral to experiencing the local culture. Do not fret though, as there are many charming teahouses dot- ting the fringes of the bazaar for one to catch a breather. I felt almost embarrassed to admit how limited my knowledge was about this nation before my trip there. I had encountered the warm hospitality of the Iranians first-hand, and was left fascinated by their long, storied history. That is why I am strongly urging you to experience the country for yourself, and when you do, remember to leave all

All Photos by Paige Lee stereotypes behind.

Clockwise from top left Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan; Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan; Isfahan Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the country; spices for sale in a shop in Tehran; Persian mosaic boxes for sale in the bazaar

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 31 gasp! the audacity of luxury

What’s this little Rascal been up to now? Rascal set sail in Indonesia early this year, making a grand promise that no two journeys will ever be the same onboard the Hamptons-meet-tropical luxe-styled Phinisi superyacht. Living up to its moniker, the for-charter-only Rascal wants to bring “casual, barefoot freedom and fun” to your clients through its custom itineraries. Expect off-radar island destinations, menus by Bali’s famous Watercress restaurant, bespoke cocktails by Proof & Company mixologists, marine-life immersions and stargaz- ing on the 118.9m2 infinity deck, which can also function as a Q FOR QATAR AND sunbathing platform or an al fresco moonlit cinema, according to a press statement. Rascal is also the first superyacht in Indonesia that has ‘QUADRANT’ THINKING all cabins above water, with each of the five spacious cabins The first-ever quadrant-thinking Business ness Class. boasting high ceilings, ocean views, en-suite bathrooms, a Class where two seats can transform into “On Qatar Airways, you choose when private terrace and audio-visual systems. a double bed for a couple, or four into you dine, and the menu options are a private cabin for a family or group of varied, with something for everyone. friends travelling together, has arrived. You choose when you rest, and when Two years in the making, Qatar you want entertainment, we offer more Monti jazzes up Airways’ QSuite features the industry’s choices than any other airline. It only first-ever double bed in Business Class, makes sense to give you the choice to Singapore waterfront with privacy panels that stow away, al- make your own cabin-within-a-cabin, cre- lowing passengers in adjoining seats to ating double QSuites or quadrants.” Have clients who love jazz travelling to Singapore? Have create their own private cabin. Adjust- The QSuite concept will be retrofit- them check out Monti, a new jazz lounge occupying able panels and movable TV monitors in ted onto the existing Qatar Airways fleet prime position on the Fullerton Waterfront in its own the centre of four seats also allow people starting this month, at an estimated rate building with an open-air rooftop terrace looking out to travelling together to transform the of one aircraft a month. the Marina Bay Sands and the surrounding bay. space into a private suite. As well, Business Class travellers Seasoned industry veterans who are familiar faces in Qatar group CEO Akbar Al Baker can sleep in exclusively-designed cotton the local lounge circuit play live jazz music every night, said at the launch of the airline’s new sleeper suits produced by The White mixing classic jazz with blues, soul, and even more Business Class at ITB Berlin in March: Company. Amenity kits feature Castello esoteric styles such as skunk jive. “Today I am proud to unveil the future Monte Vibiano Vecchio products in a bag Leading the rat pack is Jeremy Monteiro, who cu- of premium travel with our new QSuite created by luggage brand Bric’s. rates Monti’s music programme and performs as often Business Class. Our unique and patented In addition to the existing ‘dine on as he can. The team also invites international, regional design is a world first in many ways and demand’ service, a new Business Class and new local acts that take the stage on a regular challenges industry norms by offering menu offers a selection of snack sharing basis. passengers more privacy, more choice dishes available throughout the flight. The main indoor space houses the stage and lounge and more personalisation. With these The airline is launching a next- seating. Those who prefer to take in the mesmerising innovations, Qatar Airways has revolu- generation user interface of Oryx One, night views of the city’s skyline and surrounding bay tionised the way we serve our Business its entertainment platform, that makes it area can wander up to Monti’s open-air rooftop terrace Class travellers enabling our passengers easier to surf content and choose from that boasts a separate bar and cocktail seating. to enjoy a First Class experience in Busi- up to 3,000 entertainment options.

32 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 See Mont-Blanc like a head of state does it A new Amazing Monaco VIP experience offers your clients a Mont-Blanc helicopter tour operated by Monacair, a company that serves visiting heads of states and the Monaco royal family. From the comfort of a seven-seat H130 aircraft, guests are taken on a tour around the otherwise inaccessible peaks of Mont- Blanc. The mountain is the highest peak in the Alps and the 11th tallest on earth at 4,808m above sea level. The tour, which runs from 10.30 to 16.00, includes lunch at Refuge of Tornieux, an alpine chalet built in 1892. From its ter- with the chef’s personal interpretation and race restaurant facing out to Mont-Blanc, RECH BY contemporary cuisine. guests can enjoy a meal of traditional The menu is an invitation to dive into the bougnettes, raclette and other classic big blue, from the freshest oysters from France French dishes. A VIP transfer from any of ALAIN DUCASSE to the signature pan-seared line-caught sole the Principality’s hotels is also included. with new potatoes. The restaurant’s aged Cam- Price is a royal 8,000 euros (US$8,481) MAKES ASIAN embert, followed by desserts like XL éclair, va- per trip. nilla or chocolate – made with chocolate from DEBUT Ducasse’s manufacture in Paris – complete the experience. One of the most famous seafood restaurants Most of the fish and shellfish at Rech in Paris, Rech, has opened its first interna- comes from Europe, sourced in France tional outpost at the InterContinental Hong (especially Brittany) from small, independent Kong, in a newly-renovated space of the fishermen, strongly involved in the protection former Spoon restaurant by Alain Ducasse in of natural resources. the hotel. Chef Stéphane Gortina, who has worked Rech, which was founded in 1925 by with Ducasse for over 11 years at his global Adrien Rech and reborn by Ducasse in 2007, restaurants and previously headed the Spoon showcases the finest seasonal fish and oysters kitchen, continues to lead the kitchen.

Bigger, better Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong airport The Plaza Premium Lounge (PPF) with different en- (East Hall) at Hong Kong trances, according to Plaza International Airport will be Premium Group’s general upgraded and expanded manager James Yap.It will into a 16,000m2 venue that reopen in Q3 and Q4 can accommodate 410 respectively. guests. Yap said: “Today, tech- Over the past seven nology plays a pivotal role years, the 203-seat lounge for airport lounges so four services such as a live coffee brand whose baristas service. There will also be has enjoyed a prime loca- self check-in kiosks will be cooking station with chefs would showcase their talents an exclusive bar featuring tion with easy access from installed which will enable preparing tailormade dishes on-site. premium brand whiskey immigration. The makeo- guests to process registra- per guests’ preferences. Yap In addition, a relaxation and champagne which are ver will see it emerge as tion simply by swiping also hopes to collaborate zone will feature six rooms usually supplied to ﬁve-star a Plaza Premium Lounge their credit card.” with branded companies, for offering a 50-minute neck hotels and Michelin-star and Plaza Premium First PPF guests can enjoy example, with a premium and shoulder massage outlets, Yap added.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 33 gasp! the audacity of luxury

replacements (for Alila). We’re going for what DESIGN really matches our design principles. It also New luxury gives us the chance to look at hotel operators who are pushing the bar and are ready to do villa on Phuket’s STICKS TO things differently.” Currently, the company has 35 properties in millionaire’s mile PRINCIPLES 10 countries across Asia-Pacific. When asked about the company’s growth We didn’t know Phuket has a millionaire’s AS INDUSTRY target for Asia-Pacific this year, Sendlinger said: mile of its own. According to the PR of Aquila, “We want to grow this year, but with the right that’s Kamala, where the new seven-bedroom ones. The hotels I’ve seen which I would like villa is located. With the trend of rich families SEES CHANGES (to add to Design Hotel’s portfolio) would be or groups of friends or people with similar around 10. If we grow by 10 hotels in Asia, I’d interests travelling together, Aquila taunts the be more than happy, as there are not so many limits of luxury with 1.01 hectares of landscape good products in the region.” and million-dollar views from its cliff-top ocean Asia has “a very different hotel scene” com- frontage. pared to Europe, which is more dominated by The 1,100m2 Main Pavilion, its three-storey non-branded hotels, he said. centrepiece, stretches out along the cliff-face, “In Asia, real estate is expensive, especially housing a movie theatre, a bar within a larger in the cities, and it is owned by the big con- recreation room, a reception, a gymnasium glomerates. As such, these real estate owners and a living room and dining area for up to 16 tend to look for branded properties more than guests. independent ones. From the living room, guests can step right out to a 30m-long infinity private pool, flanked by Twin Thai Salas offering shaded dining and We’re not looking for lounging spaces. The Aquila also allows them destination replacements to dip directly into the Andaman waters via a (for Alila). We’re going for secluded cove on the property. what really matches our The seven bedrooms on the estate include a large suite with living area and an adjacent design principles. bunk bedroom, and in a separate pavilion, six self-contained guestrooms (two master, two “Another thing I see as a European is that a double bedrooms and two twin-rooms). lot of development in Asia caters to the mass At your clients’ service are an English- demand coming from India and China. I think speaking manager, a full-time chef, 24-hour it’s a big mistake as the Indians and Chinese security and free Wi-Fi. Special opening rates will eventually grow out of these commodity, range from US$2,750 to US$7,500 per night. entertainment properties.” Nevertheless, there are some properties from Asia that makes the cut, he said, pointing to The Warehouse Hotel in Singapore, Glad Live in Seoul, South Korea and Satoyama Jujo Founder and CEO of Design Hotels, Claus in Niigata, Japan as examples. He looks at the Sendlinger (above), expects a much slower consistency of concept, design, architecture, pace of growth for the portfolio in Asia-Pacific branding, local integration and the hotel’s ap- compared to Europe this year. Yet he isn’t too proach to sustainability. concerned as he’d rather stick to principles “The latest hotel in the region that became than grow indiscriminately, he said. a member is The Warehouse Hotel. I love it and The consolidation in the industry has al- feel that the owners have hit it spot on. More ready impacted Design Hotels, which lost Alila Asian hotels should follow that model, where its as a result of the group going under Two Roads owners come from true hospitality business,” Hospitality together with two other brands, said Sendlinger. Destination Hotels and Commune Hotels & He added the strongest and most sustain- Resorts. That’s no small loss to Design Hotels able businesses created were usually with as Alila was its largest client in Asia with a total owners coming from hospitality sectors such as of eight properties. F&B, not necessarily hotels. That Marriott International, which acquired Sendlinger also believed new hospitality Starwood Hotels & Resorts, also now has a models would emerge, particularly the com- stake in Design Hotels factored into the breaka- bination of a co-working space with a private way with Alila. Sendlinger said: “They felt that members’ club and rooms. they were competing with some of the brands “More and more people are living a nomadic operated by Starwood and Marriott, hence they lifestyle. For them, the classical hotel model will decided to leave.” not work. This will be the next group of people He remains cool. “It gives us a fresh look to target when it comes to living spaces,” he at the region. We’re not looking for destination said. – Rachel AJ Lee

34 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Antipodean Luxury Travel launches in Singapore

PRESERVATION AT THE HEART Alexandra OF GHM HOTEL IN SHARJAH Stewart

Al Bait Sharjah, the new luxury resort to be and suites, hotel facilities and amenities will A growing demand in Asia for more luxurious managed by General Hotel Management coexist harmoniously with the several heritage and interactive experiences in destinations fur- (GHM), aims to add vibrancy to the historic buildings in the district. ther afield has spurred New Zealander Alexan- inner-city precinct in which it is situated when Said GHM president Hans R. Jenni: “The dra Stewart to launch Antipodean Luxury Travel it opens at the end of this year. introduction of Al Bait Sharjah in the UAE will in Singapore. The company aims to specialise Developed in partnership with Shurooq, the do what sister resort, The Chedi Muscat, has solely on luxury travel experiences spanning Sharjah Investment and Development Author- achieved for the Sultanate of Oman – redefine both North and South Islands. ity, Al Bait is part of the emirate’s largest and luxury resort accommodation, increase travel- Among its exclusive experiences are ex- most ambitious historical preservation and lers’ aspiration to explore the destination, and clusive helicopter rights and private access to restoration project known as Heart of Sharjah. ultimately raise the profile for the resort and UNESCO sites, wilderness fisheries and coastal The heritage project, planned over a 15-year destination.” coves. Clients can customise their own wine period and targeted for completion by 2025, The architecture and design of Al Bait from a single vintage at Hawkes Bay winery seeks to revitalise the district and introduce Sharjah is undertaken by the UK architecture under the direction of Steve Smith M.V, one of travellers to its storied past. firm, GAJ. New Zealand’s best winemakers. Al Bait is a distinctly unique development Conservation highlights that guests can “We cater to families, couples and solo as its new structures, following traditional look forward to while staying at Al Bait include travellers and our knowledge of the country, Sharjah architecture, are built from the re- a direct connectivity and access to Souk Al personal network and exclusive in-country stored foundations of old houses that once Arsah, a traditional bazaar and marketplace – partnerships enable us to deliver on that. With belonged to important families. The name Al in fact, the oldest in the UAE – from the hotel, increased flight connectivity between Asia and Bait means The House. and even the incorporation of handcrafted New Zealand, and outbound tourism on the Covering a 10,000m2 area in the centre of thatched roofs and distinct motifs into the rise, now is an ideal time for us to connect with the Heart of Sharjah, its 53 luxury guestrooms ceilings of the hotel’s buildings. our target market,” said Stewart.

Portier service at your ﬁngertips Adventura Travel Now, your clients can stay connected debuts in Vietnam through Portier mobile phones with 4G and unlimited data roaming as well as free local Luxury Travel Vietnam has lifted the covers off minutes. its newest brand, Adventura Travel, after seeing And with Concierge Connect, guests can a rapid increase in demand for adventure holi- contact their Siam Butler at any time of day, days among clients, especially the young ones and arrangements made by the hotel will be chasing unique experiences. uploaded to the My Stay itinerary planner. Adventura aims to provide fully-customised The Portier City Guide provides content private tours, including soft adventure (biking, by renowned travel writers, while daily hiking, kayaking), family holidays, and special Going beyond its existing allocation of two Radar bulletin introduces guests to cultural interest trips such as culinary and photography staff members per guest (and a personal activities they can be a part of. tours. butler per suite), Bangkok’s The Siam Content is available in four languages: For universities, associations and philan- has launched the Portier Technology English, Japanese, Simpliﬁed Chinese thropic groups, Adventura can also arrange concierge tool. and Arabic. charity challenges and educational and volun- teer travel programmes.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 35 gasp! the audacity of luxury

GET ACCESS TO PRIVATE RESIDENCES Launched recently as Asia’s members-only luxury destination club, Afini promises access to private residences located in top resorts. It kicked off with 25 properties at 12 “highly enjoyable” destinations. CEO John Blanco said of the concept: “It’s a collection of beautiful homes and properties sourced by our team. We lease them for three to five years for consistency from owners who use their premises little and want somebody to manage them. We even put money into upgrades at each property. Unlike timeshare, which has a much higher price point and restricted conditions, there is no limit of days to book, and nightly rates are 15 to 45 per cent below market rates.” Afini aims to tap 1,000 members from markets like Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore. Properties cover short and longhaul destinations like Niseko, Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, Singapore, London, Beverly Hills and New York. Additions to come will include Tus- cany, Provence, Shanghai, Switzerland, Dubai, Greece and Rome. It also works with Amanresorts for remote locations Villa Levi, Bali such as Bhutan, according to Blanco.

Sashay on the clouds Kenneth Barrett If your clients are requesting an exceptional city accommodation in Seoul, a hotel in the world’s fifth tallest building might do the trick. Occupying the 76 to 101 floors in the Lotte World Tower, Signiel Seoul offers 235 keys across three broad room categories – Deluxe (44-53m2), Premier (57- 61m2) and Suite (66-353m2). Apart from its own facilities including a spa, gym and pool, guests can also be taken 550m off the ground to the world’s tallest observation deck on the 117th storey. We hear that the Sky Walk and Sky Café on the outdoor deck give an experience of walking on clouds. Your clients can soothe the exhilaration with some retail therapy in the same building. Let’s hope they enjoy Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and the like. Bangkok walks that involve little walking Based on his best-selling travel book 22 Walks in Bangkok, Kenneth Barrett will adapt a collection of walking tours that, believe it or not, involve “little actual walking”. Created exclusively for Abercrombie & Kent Thailand, the tours are designed with the luxury traveller in mind. “As the guests are unlikely to be ardent walkers in the Bangkok heat, boats and a minivan are used to shuttle them around when necessary,” Barrett explained. Barrett’s journeys around the city introduce hidden gems, historical treasures and forgotten neighbourhoods through a mix of historical expertise and geographical proficiency that – according to Abercrombie & Kent – even few locals appreciate. And if Barrett happens to be in Bangkok, tour participants could even score a coffee session with the man himself at the end of their tour.

36 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 THE FACE SUITES The Face Suites gets it – crummy and cramped rooms just don’t cut it for luxury clients. That’s why it is eager to pam- per, with its lead-in category already featuring a generous 83m2 of real estate. Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Jalan Sultan Ismail, the 200-suite serviced residences offers one- and two-bedroom suites across four categories. Grand premier suites, the most luxurious category, also includes a small room with a single bed which can used for your client’s guest or helper (or even some of her newly- shopped handbags). Face’s generosity with space is carried throughout the property, from the tastefully done-up lobby to the Sky Deck on the 51st floor, which is where the fully equipped gym and heated infinity pool is located. There are two dining options, Café IL VISO on the lobby is a coffee and juice bar for on-the-go guests, while Tan- gerine, a semi-fine dining restaurant on the rooftop offers western fusion with 360-degree views of the city. Deepblue Bar, also on the rooftop, is set to open this month. Located in the heart of the commercial business district, The Face Suites is also within walking distance to the mono- rail station which links guests to main shopping districts in the city, such as Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Ampang. Attractions nearby include Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC, KL Tower and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Sawasdee, Capella Capella Bangkok will open in summer 2018, as part of a luxury residential and hotel development known as The Chao Phraya Estate, developed by Bangkok- based Country Group Development. The hotel, one of two international hospitality anchors within the project, will comprise 101 suites and river villas. F&B includes a bar, two restaurants and a riverfront ballroom and function rooms. Occupying 5.7 hectares on the east bank of the River of Kings, The Chao Phraya Estate is Country Group Development’s largest project to date, valued at 32 billion baht (US$918 million). Capella Bangkok will join Capella Shanghai and Capella Ubud (Bali) which are opening later this year. ShellSea opens on the sea shore of Krabi Picturesque Krabi, Thailand, has a new luxury addition, The ShellSea, which opened in April with a rate from 5,000 baht (US$144) for a Garden Room. The beachfront resort offers 72 spacious rooms 12 luxurious villas and a grand villa, with 180-degree views of the Andaman Sea. Facilities include a lap pool, family pool, spa, restaurants, beachside bar and a dream ﬁtness centre with wall-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the ocean. The ShellSea is owned and managed by Aonang Ville, which also owns and operates Aonang Villa Resort, one of the longest established resorts at Krabi’s Aonang Beach. The resort is set directly on a 300m-long white-sand beach that links directly with the famous shell fossil plate, thereby offering guests classic beachfront resort relaxation along with the opportunity to explore one of Krabi’s prime attractions.

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MCI (P) 108/06/2014 events into reality Penang in strong standing TTG services, as he opined the car- Indonesia eyes US meetscarrier as with good ban air con- rieris had inlifted the past abruptly and marketing efforts as well A rose garden for Philippine SUBSCRIBE NOW nections worldwide would plugged services on routes that

Garuda Indonesia. (022844) PPS1140/09/2012 KDN www.ttgasia.com/subscribe.php as support to dedicated loyal definitely “help in promoting did not return quick yields. MICE stakeholders By Mimi Hudoyo Benny said the current plan suppliers such as ourselves, I a country” on the global MICE “Marketing and preparing The lifting of the ban on Indo- was to operate a wide-body 5/4/16 12:15 AM believe that (Garuda’s planned stage, and comes especially vi- for MICE (groups) takes time, nesia carriers by the US Federal Boeing 777-300ER aircraft via US flight) will do well and gain tal at a time when security and and we want to make sure that Asia-Pacific’s intelligent business events resource Aviation Administration (FAA) Tokyo Narita for the US service, a solid share of the business, accessibility are “top considera- by the time the group travels has Garuda Indonesia eager to leveraging the fifth freedom especially on the Los tions” in securing bids. the service is still there,” Iqbal 12 restart services to the US, and rights enjoyed by In- Angeles-Denpasar Mumbai Garuda’s prospective service said, urging the national carrier the MICE trade expects this to donesian carriers with route. Bali would be GUIDE TO April-September 2016 to the US next year is also op- to do a thorough assessment of 10 rekindle interest in Indonesia Japan. the primary destina- PAGE portune, added Susilowani, as the market before initiating the Meeting hotels Untitled-1 1 as an incentive destination. Based on its tion. Indonesia will host the World service. Following FAA’s upgrade of “We are using other

Malaysia projection of 400,000 Bank Conference in Bali in Meanwhile, Scozia expects

the country’s aviation status to passengers a year for airlines now with con- 20 Building connections 2018 with 15,000 participants Indonesia to start building DESTINATIONS associations 7 Category One on August 16, a the US sector, Garuda nections but losing the associations PAGE awareness of the country. Macau, Malaysia and

PPS 619/02/2013(022926) PPS “Open a tourism office even if it is staffed by one person, the Philippines each has also not gone well with (rather than) a representation the industry. Jayant Nadkarni, president, company,” he remarked. Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra. Business Aircraft Operators As- Other ways Indonesia could com, said: “The increase of tax sociation, said: “We already have step up promotion includes on ATF would result in higher many airports without much hosting workshops and inviting Asia-Pacific’s top MICE four per cent on higher-engine airfares and dampen air pas- connectivity. For operations to incentives planners and their capacity vehicles and SUVs – will senger growth which could have commence, we need clarity on Tourism’s main corporate clients to expe- cities are always evolving, with Trade in dismayfurther mountover pressure on tour Budget 2016funding, taxation, duties, and in- rience Garuda’s services. operators who provide tourist No. 1738/Septembercentives. 2016 for the tourism sector...However, “These are yet to come togeth- new and refreshed infrastructure Accompanying tax hikesthere for isnew nothing Union in the budgetBudget likelyvehicles.” to offset hefty government spending planned for tourism that can help the inbound tour- “India continues to be an expen- er for the small aircraft sector in business aviation and in sched- Masakata By Rohit Kaul The Union Budg- ism. Growth momentum which th to give events a new flavour and for uled commuter flights to remote NEW DELHI was visible in terms of interna- sive destination when compared areas,” he added. celebrates ASEAN’s 50 et of India 2016-17 earmarked tional tourist arrivals in January with our neighbouring countries IATO’s Goyal concluded: “In- Go-getters delegates, a more fascinating experience OVERVIEW Rs1,590 crore (US$239.6 mil- 2016 will lose the momentum.” Subhash Goyal Luxury travel in less ebullient times Calls for a GST to replace dia continues to be an expensive Ogawa lion) for tourism infrastructure, in the wake of heavy taxes.” destination when compared with anniversary with special publication promotion and publicity – a 70 multiple layers of taxes like VAT, Cruises ride the MICE wave our neighbouring countries in per cent hike from the previous Service Tax and Luxury Tax were President, Indian Association of Tour Operators gapore and South-east Asia. ASEAN member nations’ singular and collective pursuit of the the wake of heavy taxes, so even if Agile travel and hospitality players are capitalising on the global Disappointed by the lack year – but this has not found fa- ignored, and instead the gov- business events market may have started later than their quest DESTINATIONS the government increases its out- By Dannon Har But it differs from market to vour with industry players, who ernment proposed to increase for holidaymakers, but it is catching up fast. Seeds of luxury on Bintan island lay for infrastructure and public- Cruising is increasingly account- market as sailings out of Singa- of interest in science across the board anticipate that service tax from 14.5 per cent to been a catalyst for economic Pokémon Go craze in their marketing. Have they reaped tangible In this region today are several integrated resorts with MICE ity it won’t serve the purpose of ing for a greater proportion of pore sees MICE account for a price competitiveness would suf- 15 per cent. Hotels in India levy growth.” capabilities as well as a good mix of business hotels under that he encountered in Even the announcement by increasing tourist arrivals.” global MICE revenue as cruise fer even more with the tax hikes. taxes in the range of 20 per cent, benefits from the game and will this hit app transform travel?more modest five to 10 per cent international and homegrown brands. Notable tourism and civil As well, tour operators’ expec- The Union Budget also pro- the Indian Finance Minister to a Japanese high school, compared with two to five per takes a closerlines look continually upgrade their of bookings, he added. infrastructure investments are being made in every member GASP! tations for tax relief based on their cent across the globe. posed to increase excise duty on develop 160 non-functional air- TTG Asia offerings to cater to the diverse Better telecommunications is The US$125,848 package Masakata Ogawa has Rajeev Kohli, joint managing ports at a cost of Rs50-100 crore country. foreign exchange earnings and jet fuel from the current eight per needs of groups big and small. director of Creative Travel and cent to 14 per cent. Aviation Tur- one essential enhancement that Young individuals are also stepping up to lead and revolu- spent most of his career the introduction of multiple Diana Bloss, director of takes a entry on e-Tourist Visas in this vice president of IATO, combine Fuel (ATF) is considered to is propping up MICE demand tionise the way business is done. seeking a change to that year’s budget have also gone un- mented: “Infrastructure cess be the biggest cost of airlines. Sri Lanka’s first Shangri-La operations at Worldwide Cruise for cruises, Bloss pointed TTGmice ASEAN’s 50th Anniversary Special Issue met. – one per cent on small petrol, Associates, a specialist in out, especially as Norwegian look at these achievements and more, and hears from trade and the creation of the Subhash Goyal, president of LPG, CNG cars, 2.5 per cent on debuts in Hambantota organising cruise products for Cruise Lines, Carnival experts how South-east Asia can benefit from being positioned East-Asian Association Indian Association of Tour Op- diesel cars of certain capacity and incentive buyers and Cruises, Costa Cruises as a single destination and whatTTGmice more andneeds would to be like done. a copy erators (IATO), said: “We had If you are not subscribed to meeting planners, said and Royal Caribbean for Science Education is looked forward to this year’s of this special issue, access the ebook at http://bit.ly/2d2sYO7 budget with lot of expectations youth, observed Neelu Singh, di- the segment is “very had this year rolled out rector and CEO of Ezeego1.com. upgraded Wi-Fi facili- However, not all travel con- definitely” taking up his solution a larger portion of the ties powerful enough bound travel will take a hit this sultants are predicting a fall in season, with European destina- outbound travel. MICE pie. for Skype teleconfer- Rupee slide hitstions feelingIndian the heat most. holiday Singh budget added: “We have not She has seen ences. South-east Asia Said Rajan Sehgal, director, seen any decline since packages “Our MICE groups By Rohit Kaul healthy year-on- Treacy: calm seas TCEB bids you to meet in style in Thailand Arrival Air Services: “The prices for the summer holiday season & Electronics. It said this is in NEW DELHI year sales growth of ahead for MICE really appreciated it is likely to rule the demand for of outbound packages have gone are usually booked in advance. diner Bojun Hala, hawker-style line with the government’s 4.0 “A weak global economic cli- eateries Sera and oceanfront “approximately five when we introduced our super outbound travel this season be- up by 20 per cent from last year. Come June 1, economic model which aims to European holidays will suffer mate offers a lot of opportunities Beach Grill restaurant. per cent, keeping in mind it high-speed internet, called ginning April, as Indian travel- Shangri-La’s signature CHI develop Thailand into a value- most (with perhaps) a eight-10 to budget travellers. Hotel stays, HONG KONG is a contested election year in Xcelerate, across our entire lers seek better value amid the per cent drop in de- based economy. rupee depreciation and domestic mand.” sightseeing, shopping and food Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort Spa, a gym, dive centre, 30m lap the US, which always has an fleet,” remarked Vogt. View from the top pool, freeform pool, tennis court Additionally, its Convene in economy under stress. Indian travellers are will become cheaper, thereby & Spa will be the first interna- effect”. Another major draw for The rupee, which stood at also opting for pack- bringingThatcher the total travel costBrown, tionally-branded president luxury of resort in and retail offerings are facilities campaign, introduced down by 15 to 20 per cent de- Hambantota, along the southern available. Affirming Bloss’ observation, MICE groups is the all-inclusive Rs61 to one US dol- ages to cheaper Euro- Hambantota Resort & Spa is for the 2016/17 fiscal year, pro- lar in January 2015 has pendingGenting on the destination,” Hong she Kong’scoastline Dreamof Sri Lanka. Celebrity Cruises associate vice nature and flexibility of cruise pean destinations and Spanning 18 howhectares, the 300- vides subsidies for conventions now depreciated to Rs68 compromising on level explained. Raini Hamdi the first of two Shangri-La hotels president, corporate incen- products, explained Vogt, who AnilCruises, Kalsi, managing tells partner, with at least 1,000 international at press time, making of accommodation to key beachfront resort, inclusive under development in Sri Lanka tives & charter sales, Lisa Vogt, sees uptake from across various

outbound travel more Ambe World Travels, agreed: of 26 suites, features lush tropical – the Colombo property is slated delegates, conventions in the 085/05/2014 (P) MCI

suit their budget. “In- he’s making Asia’s first luxury said: “MICE has been picking sectors including pharmaceuti- 2016 JULY expensive than last year. “Interestingly airfares to Europe gardens, an 18-hole golf course, to open in 2017 – and the group’s five focus industries with at dian leisure tourists are up momentum in recent years cal, insurance, franchises and “This year the Indian Sahni: interest looking to travel to des- and Americacruise are line at an all-timea dream an come artisan villagetrue and a multi- third resort in the Indian Ocean. gic plan to promote the conven- least 500 international del- low and great deals spur de- purpose events2. space spanning and is continually gaining more direct selling companies. “It is economy is not looking turns to SE Asia tions sector. It will emphasise egates, and offshore meetings buoyant and real es- tinations like Spain and Greece mand. This, coupled with value over 2,525m share of our overall business growing as a popular choice for F&B outlets include all-day more on major conferences of international professional tate and stock markets this year,” said Sahni. -for-money cruise options in Eu- year-over-year.” incentive travel and corporate As well, European desina- rope, helps (keep) the European and conventions in five focus associations with at least 200 are reeling under pres- MICE business is also a meetings and events,” she said. sure, so I expect some longhaul tions like Vienna, Prague, Ice- holiday within budget, offsetting industries, namely, Health international delegates, where + growth area for Royal Carib- Bloss concurred: “Our sales travellers will shift to shorthaul land, Romania, the Netherlands the rupee slide.” & Wellness; Energy; Food & 80 per cent of the delegates are bean Cruises, taking up roughly are pretty equal between whole destinations like Malaysia and and Scandinavia are new holi- Agribusiness; Infrastructure from the same country. day destinations that are gaining 30 to 40 per cent of total sales Singapore,” commented Guldeep ship charters and groups..It & Logistics; and Automotive Singh Sahni, president, Out- traction especially among Indian Airport experience in markets like Thailand and depends on (cruises ships’) bound Tour Operators Associa- Indonesia, according to Sean availability and location.” tion of India (OTOAI). Some agents believe out- of the future Treacy, managing director Sin- Tourism at World Heritage Sites A new Bintan takes shape

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LUXURY CRUISES SEABOURN GETS CLOSE TO NATURE WONDERS

Your clients can see the vast icy wonder Seabourn Sojourn’s 2017 cruise of the hidden Glacier Bay up close on schedule offering access to Glacier Bay select 11-day sailings aboard the ultra- includes June 26-July 7; July 21-August luxurious Seabourn Sojourn which has 1; and August 15-26. started its 2017 Alaska season. Whatever the itinerary, Seabourn “Taking them to see the wonders of guests have new optional shore Glacier Bay is a fitting way to return to excursions and Ventures by Seabourn- Alaska for the first time in a decade- guided kayak and Zodiac tours led and-a-half,” said Richard Meadows, by teams of scientists, scholars and president of Seabourn. naturalists that bring the awe-inspiring A US National Park and Preserve that beauty of Alaska and British Columbia is part of a UNESCO World Heritage alive. The up-close explorations will be site, Glacier Bay is located along the In- featured on Seabourn Sojourn’s full side Passage on the south-eastern coast series of 11-14 day itineraries sailing of Alaska. With no roads leading into the from Vancouver, British Columbia, and park, air and water are the only ways to Anchorage (Seward), Alaska. explore Glacier Bay. Meanwhile, Seabourn continues its The park encompasses 5,130m2 of exclusive partnership with UNESCO, wilderness, dotted with vast waterways, which began in 2014, with new UN- dynamic glaciers, emerald rainforests, ESCO Partner Tours at World Herit- striking coastlines, deep sheltered age sites across Europe starting this fjords, and snow-capped peaks. summer. A vibrant ecosystem made up of ter- An example of how exclusive this restrial and marine species, the abun- is, in one of the tours, Stonehenge, dant wildlife includes grizzly and black your clients enjoy the rare privilege of It’s edgy, like a celebrity bears, mountain goats, numerous bird slipping past ropes that keep tourists species, sea lions, harbour porpoises, at bay and walking among the towering Designed completely in 3-D, and featuring the work of A-list orcas and humpback whales. Glaciers stones of Stonehenge on the Salisbury global architects and designers, the 2,918-guest Celeb- are geared for dramatic displays of ice Plain of England. They will have a full rity Edge aims to “establish a new baseline for ships from here and iceberg formation, including calving hour to explore, snap photos and take on out”, said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Carib- of icebergs into the bay – a wonder of in the majesty of the standing stones. bean Cruises. sight, sound, and splash that is not to Available on the port call at Portland Celebrity Cruises’ first new ship class in 10 years, a key be missed. for Seabourn Quest on August 20. highlight is the Magic Carpet – although it is not for riding. Cantilevered from the side of the ship, it makes Celebrity Edge’s distinctive profile recognisable from miles away. The size of a tennis court, this engineering feat scales the 16-deck ship through the day and evening, positioning at four of the ship’s decks, transforming into a new experience at each. At the summit of the ship on Deck 16, the Magic Carpet becomes a speciality restaurant offering a special Dinner on the Edge for 90 guests. Alongside Deck 14, Magic Carpet becomes an open-air expansion of the main pool area. On Deck 5, Magic Carpet extends one of the ship’s speciality restaurants into al fresco seating, and at its lowest position on Deck 2, Magic Carpet is an embarkation station where guests will be whisked away aboard Edge Launches. The new Edge stateroom turns guest quarters into a seam- less space, from the room’s door all the way to the water’s edge. The simple touch of a button gives guests open-air access to the sea, bringing the outside in and the inside out. With the touch of another button, guests can take complete control of their stateroom and personalise everything from lighting, shades, temperature and service – even choosing a setting to tuck them in or gently wake them. Celebrity Edge will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, making her first sailing December 16, 2018. Bookings are now open.

TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 39 gasp! the audacity of luxury

LUXURY CRUISES

How to spend US$50,000 at sea Spend 10 nights on the world’s largest and most opulent suite Rainer Witzgall at sea for just over HK$388,000 (US$50,000) per person. The 412sqm Regent Suite aboard the new US$450 million PARISIAN JOY OF LIVING GOES ON Regent Seven Seas Explorer includes unlimited fine dining, wines and champagnes and unlimited treatments in the Uniworld’s S.S. Joie de Vivre, the first of its kind to cruise the Seine River, was suite’s private spa. The ship started a new season of European launched with added support from actress Joan Collins, whose known love affair voyages in April. with Paris continued as she christened the ship as godmother on March 27. Here’s a peek at how opulent The Regent Suite is: The Travel Corporation (Uniworld’s parent company) had contemplated whether – It features a spacious master bedroom with separate to proceed with plans following the events that hit Paris in November 2015, but in a living area, guest bedroom and a custom-made Steinway gesture of support for the city, went ahead and birthed the ship this year. grand piano. Now docked in Paris for its Paris-Normandy sail, the ship celebrates French flair – The in-suite spa is in the master bathroom and includes throughout – from its fabrics, antiques, art and gilded and wrought-iron accents, to a full sauna, ceramic heated loungers and a multi-jet shower. its farm-to-table cuisine and local wine selection. – US$150,000 was spent on the opulent Savoir No. 1 bed The 128-passenger vessel features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites and 54 in the master bedroom. staterooms. All rooms will have made-to-order Savoir of England beds and marble- – The suite also has a private solarium and 2.5 bathrooms lined bathrooms. with lavish marble and stone detailing.

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40 TTG Asia luxury | June 2017 Cast Your Vote Now! You Determine Who Clinches The Top Honour In The Industry

TTG Travel Awards, Asia-Paciﬁc travel trade’s most celebrated event, is back for its 28th year to honor the industry’s crème de la crème. Tell us which company has made exemplary achievements and contributions that have raised the bar of excellence and taken the industry to greater heights.

Vote now and help your favorite travel suppliers and agencies bring home the title of being the best in the travel industry.

www.ttgasia.com/ttg-awards Closing Date: 7 July 2017

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TTG Travel Trade Publishing is a business group of TTG Asia Media ILTM JAPAN TOKYO 26 - 28 FEBRUARY 2018

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ILTM Japan is a specialist invitation-only event, where Japan’s most spectacular travel experiences meet the world’s best agents and advisors. If you are a luxury travel supplier or buyer, please register your interest in attending one of the world’s leading luxury travel events at www.iltm.com