Abu Dhabi Spend It

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Singapore’s art hotels art Singapore’s scents talks Taittinger Brigitte Mandarin Oriental New York New Oriental Mandarin

CONNOISSEUR INTERVIEW SUITE DREAMS SUITE

Angkor Wat’s ancient temples deserve intimate exploration intimate deserve temples ancient Wat’s Angkor Cambodia

Private

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Big plans for little Leukerbad little for plans Big

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Peru’s new gastro capital gastro new Peru’s

GOURMET LIMA GOURMET March 2012 March

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Sectiony title MarchContents 2012

On the cover 38 Gourme t Lima Peru’s capital has earned a reputation as the gastro hub of Latin America. Jon Stibbs whets his appetite

46 Secr et Switzerland The once glamorous resort town of Leukerbad is preparing for a major revival, says Caitlin Cheadle

52 P rivate Cambodia Exploring the temples of Angkor Wat in private is a sublime experience, says Caroline Eden

58 Abu Dhabi: 24 Hours Joe Mortimer spends a weekend getting to know Abu Dhabi’s hottest new lifestyle destinations 58 Island-hopping Park Hyatt’s new Saadiyat Island resort is just one reason to visit Abu Dhabi this spring

10 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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Ads.indd 8 28/02/2012 20:35 ContentsMarch 2012

In the news 18 Retrospective Raining style at London Fashion Week

20 Europe London and Paris hotels lure wealthy investors

22 Middle East & Africa Swimmers return to Seychelles beaches

26 Asia & Oceania Are resort owners behind Maldives uprising?

30 Americas Inside Las Vegas’ brand new Mob Museum

34 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts 34 36 Interview Annick Goutal president Brigitte Taittinger’s luxurious life 36

70 Insider 60 Diary Out and about this month? Don’t miss these events

62 Spend it Once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experiences

68 Suite dreams Mandarin Oriental New York’s Central Park View Suite

70 On the road Sometimes we’d rather keep our feet on the ground

72 Trends New travel and tourism concepts making headlines

76 Connoisseur Mary Gostelow embraces art in Singapore

78 Family luxe Kids get the royal treatment with Royal Caribbean

80 Album Cruciani CEO Luca Caprai’s favourite Italian escapes

82 Final Word Beulah London co-founder Natasha Rufus Isaacs

dotwnews.com March 2012 13

10-13 ContentsFIN.indd 13 27/02/2012 19:59 Letter from the Editor

There are so many wonderful places Deputy editor Caitlin Cheadle has been waiting nine months to in the world that, as distant lands have become tell the world about what’s happening in the Swiss resort town increasingly accessible, have lost some of their charm of leukerbad, where a new luxury residential property, thermal due to overcrowding. Most of them are impressive spa and five-star hotel are expected to breathe new life into natural wonders, historic buildings or ancient sites, the sleepy mountaintop village. Developer sdG is promising where the local economies have thrived thanks to the big things from 51˚Spa Residences, which will feature a direct coach-loads of tourists that visit year-round. source of thermal spring water into each of its residential suites, But it’s often a sore topic among those who pay to which boast Jacuzzis, wrap-around balconies and glorious enjoy the finer things in life: they invest substantially Alpine views. Oh, and there’s a burlesque star in a giant martini in first class air tickets and superior hotel accom- glass. Read more on page 46. modation, undoubtedly with comfortable limousine This issue is also loaded with the latest travel news and our transfers and perhaps even a private helicopter or usual collection of once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, includ- jet transfer within the country, but there is little they ing the chance to rent out an entire hotel in st. moritz (perfect can do to escape the hundreds if not thousands of for a big celebration or glamorous wedding we reckon), a guide to other visitors that flock to the same main attractions what to do with 24 hours in abu dhabi (spoiler alert: it involves they’ve come to experience. an Aston Martin GT4) and a review of the Premier Central Park While you may not be able to escape the crowds, View Suite at mandarin oriental new york. So without further there are ways to mitigate the discomfort. In this ado, I hope you enjoy the issue. Happy travels. issue, Caroline Eden returned to cambodia’s angkor wat for her third visit, but this time she was determined to enjoy a more intimate experience and come away having learned more about the mythical ruins than in previous encounters. She found that using a reputable company with a team of profes- Joe Mortimer sional private guides gave her the time and Editor flexibility to negotiate the ruins at her own pace, [email protected] while also avoiding the masses of tourist groups, which, combined with first class accommodation at one of the handful of impressive resorts nearby, gave her the private experience she was looking for. Read about her journey on page 52. On the other side of the pacific, Jon Stibbs was busy familiarising himself with the peruvian capital’s gastronomic scene – one that has sprung up out of nowhere to be counted among the most innovative in the world. From Toshiro Konishi’s Mesa 18 to the legendary Astrid & Gaston, lima is home to a smorgasbord of culinary styles and influences that are gaining ground among locals and visitors, and it now ranks among the top dining destinations in the Americas. Most of the action is taking place

in upmarket miraflores, home to much of the city’s angkor wat elite, but pockets of culinary creativity are appearing The centuries-old all over the city in hole-in-the-wall huariques and temple complex is menuless front-room style restaurants. Read more in best enjoyed when you don’t have to our ‘Gourmet guide to Lima’ on page 38. share it with crowds

14 March 2012 dotwnews.com

14 Editors Lettercc.indd 14 27/02/2012 19:59 opening march 2012

Classic elegance in historic Kyiv

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts offers our guests an extraordinary collection of iconic luxury properties around the world, including The Plaza in New York, The Savoy in London and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai. This tradition of unrivalled hospitality continues with our first property in Eastern Europe: Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv, Ukraine, opening in 2012. Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv is located in the heart of the capital city’s historic Podil district—a vibrant hub of industry, science, education and culture that offers a compelling blend of old and new. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, guests will be treated to magnificent amenities, exquisite cuisine and indulgent spa treatments—all adding up to a supremely comfortable stay that will not soon be forgotten. For more information, visit fairmont.com/kyiv

00 Cover.indd 20 31/01/2012 15:05 Contributors

March 2012, Issue 69

Publisher Anna Zhukov [email protected] Jon Stibbs Editor Joe Mortimer Jon Stibbs is a Londoner who currently lives in [email protected] Bogotá, Colombia. Having previously worked as a Deputy Editor Caitlin Cheadle chef, a cleaner, a model (briefly) and a removals [email protected] man, he is now a happy, itchy-footed journal- Online Editor Nicci Perides ist who enjoys nothing more than travelling the [email protected] Editor-at-Large Andy Round world exploring new destinations. His work has [email protected] appeared in The Observer, Real Travel magazine Sales Manager Karla Toledo and The Sunday Telegraph, among others. This [email protected] month we sent him to Lima to find out why the Assistant Sales Manager Andrea Tsiachtsiri world’s top food critics are all talking about Latin [email protected] America’s new gourmet destination (page 38). Art Director Kris Karacinski [email protected] Advertising Art Director Fami Bakkar [email protected] Caroline Eden Multimedia Executive Vandita Gaurang Caroline Eden is a features writer specialising in [email protected] Asia, spas, luxury hotels and adventure travel. She United Kingdom Sales Representative David Hammond contributes to several international titles including [email protected] The National, ELLE, Geographical and Asian Art Circulation department Newspaper, and is currently writing a book about [email protected] Mumbai. A fan of long dusty roads, mountains, Cover image good wine and Asia’s bustling cities, she finds Angkor Wat – Eric Wessman refuge in bookshops, spas and chic pit-stops. Last month she visited Cambodia to rediscover Angkor Wat with a private guide, who promised a unique experience without the crowds (page 52). Caitlin Cheadle Deputy editor Caitlin Cheadle packed her things and left her native Canada three years ago after International Commercial Representations catching the travel bug while backpacking Destinations of the World News’ network of international advertising sales and editorial representatives are based in through Europe. Now she prefers her baggage the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, to be carried by someone else, but that’s what a Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, year spent writing about luxury travel will do to United Kingdom, United States of America. Destinations of the World News is published monthly by WNN Limited and you. When she found herself in a room of specta- distributed globally to the world’s premier airport lounges, our subscriber network and a select number of five-star hotels tors watching burlesque star Dita Von Teese splash in the UAE. The title Destinations of the World News is a registered trademark and the publisher reserves all rights. around in a giant martini glass in Leukerbad last All material in Destinations of the World News is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and articles reflect the June, she knew something special was happening personal opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the publisher. Destinations of the World News is not responsible in the Swiss resort town (page 46). for omissions or errors that result from misrepresentation of information to the publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for their advertising content. All rights of the owner and the producer of this conceptual development and artwork design are reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of Joe Mortimer it may be imitated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, Editor Joe Mortimer has been addicted to travel or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without since he got lost on the top of a volcano at the age prior permission of WNN Limited. of six. He didn’t know it at the time, but those few Principal Offices WNN Limited, Reuters Building 1, Office 106, Dubai Media City, PO Box 500661, Dubai, UAE solitary minutes spent wandering around the cra- Tel +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 4 3910688 WNN limited, 31 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, PO Box 51234, ter were to ignite a fiery fondness for travel that zip 3503, Limassol, Cyprus has plagued him ever since. Joe’s travels have To subscribe to Destinations of the World News at an annual rate of $99 visit the website at taken him far and wide, but this month he stuck www.dotwnews.com and hit SUBSCRIBE. Images used in Destinations of the World News are provided close to home in the UAE and checked out the by Gallo Images/Getty Images/Corbis/iStockphoto/ Photolibrary unless stated otherwise. hottest places to see and be seen at Abu Dhabi’s DOTW News is printed by J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, new luxury lifestyle destinations – Saadiyat Island Nicosia, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Dubai, UAE and Yas Island (page 58). Published by

16 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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Contributors

March 2012, Issue 69

16 March 2012 dotwnews.com

16 ContributorsJSM.indd 16 28/02/2012 12:18 Retrospective retro spec tive

odels carry umbrellas to Two London Fashion Weeks take over fend off plastic ‘rain’ at the the British capital each year – one in finale of the Burberry Pror- September and one in February. sum Autumn/Winter 2012 Main shows from established labels take catwalkM show during London Fashion Week place in central London’s Somerset House, on February 20. with smaller presentations from up-and- Arguably one of the most important of the coming talents being shown at independ- fashion weeks worldwide, London Fashion ent venues throughout the city. Week is a chance for Britain’s creative fash- In 2010, London Fashion Week became ion talents to showcase their latest offerings the first Fashion Week to offer live digitally to an elite crowd of buyers, journalists, streamed shows, which fans can watch at celebrities and wealthy VIPs. www.londonfashionweeklive.co.uk.

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18-19 RetrospectiveFINAL.indd 19 27/02/2012 19:58 03.12 News Photo: Royal Monceau Raffles Paris Raffles Monceau Royal Photo: european hotels lure hungry investors

Luxury hotels in France and the Paris and London are particularly In London, Middle Eastern investors UK continue to attract the attention attractive locations for potential spent around $500 million on three of Middle Eastern investors, who buyers. In January, Qatar National hotels late last year: The Sanderson, have been snapping up prime hospi- Hotels Company (QNH) bought Le St. Martins Lane and the W Hotel. tality assets at bargain prices, as Euro- Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, which QNH has also invested heavily in pean lenders look to liquefy assets. re-opened in 2010 after a three-year other London companies including A series of recent acquisitions – restoration overseen by designer department store Harrods, Barclays most recently that of the Carlton Philippe Starck, for an undisclosed and the London Stock Exchange. Hotel in Cannes, which was bought sum, as well as Raffles Hotel Sin- According to hotel industry ana- by Qatar-based investor Ghanim Bin gapore. Just over a year ago, a lyst Jones Lang LaSalle, global hotel Saad Al Saad for EUR 450 million – member of the Saudi royal family transactions are expected to exceed is set to continue for the foreseeable bought Paris’ Hotel de Crillon for $30 billion in 2012, roughly the same future, according to industry experts. US$328 million. as 2011 figures. “Europe’s worsening debt crisis will tempt investors from oil-exporting Gulf states, flush with petrodollars, to broaden their search for potential bargains, as Europe’s capital markets dry up. Credit conditions are extremely tight, banks are struggling to raise enough cash to cover their own liabilities let alone lending to others,” said Richard Thompson, editor of Dubai-based business magazine MEED. “This is naturally leading to an increase of distressed real estate assets in Europe and in the case of hotels, many offer yields that out- perform other property investments and are coming to market well below their peak market values, as prices

remain subdued.” Paris Raffles Monceau Royal Photo:

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Mary says... The latest in luxury travel The sound of music

one of Amsterdam’s city’s best classical perform- are exposed wooden beams most iconic buildings has ers and visiting groups. and other elements that In Chicago, POSH sells plates, cups emerged from a major ren- The building’s owner pay tribute to the building’s and saucers and other usable tabletop ovation that has converted Georgi Akirov employed musical past, such as classi- china from such famous hotels as Hotel the city’s former music con- award-winning designer cal music in the public spaces Plaza-Athenée, Paris. No, they weren’t servatorium into an ultra- Piero Lissoni to oversee the and a Steinway Baby Grand stolen, but bought when the properties modern hotel. transformation to its new Piano in the Concerto Suite. in question re-did their dining set-ups. The building was born incarnation – the Conserva- The 129-room boutique Located in the Arts and Crafts Move- in the early 19th century, torium Hotel Amsterdam. hotel, a member of Design ment Complex studios, built in 1894 in when Dutch architect The designer hotel has Hotels, is in good company the River North area of Chicago, POSH Daniel Knuttel originally retained much of its previ- in the cultural centre of the is run by former American Airlines flight designed it as a bank. After ous character, with the origi- Museumplein, surrounded attendant Karl Sorensen. 77 years housing Amster- nal high ceilings preserved by neighbours including the www.poshchicago.com dam’s money, it became the in many rooms, which have Van Gogh Museum, and not city’s leading music conserv- been converted into duplex far from the shopping district How about not only a bespoke-tailored ancy from 1983-2003, when suites with oversized win- of P.C. Hooftstraat and the suit, but fabric that has been woven it was home to some of the dows. Throughout the hotel Vondelpark. specially for you? The idea of Paris- based banker Michael Alden, The Cloth Club, which has 4,000 members, offers an online forum for selecting the fabric of your choice. www.thelondonlounge.net

Girls in Tokyo head for Burberry Blue at 8-8-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Get the latest designs at great discounts. www.burberrybluelabel.wordpress.com

If both Hong Kong and Macau are in your schedule, finish in Macau before flying out. Take a Turbojet ferry direct to Hong Kong International Airport HKIA. Before boarding the boat, there is a dedicated Premium lounge, with computers, warm snacks and eight different types of tea. On board the 45-minute Turbojet ride, the upstairs Premium cabin is spacious, with a bar – and a plated snack meal is served. At HKIA you disembark right into a dedicated terminal and are given a HK$120 cash refund on what would have been the departure tax. Follow clear signs to a train and on to your departure terminal. One hour after leaving Macau Renowned glass mosaic design company Bisazza will open the doors to the new Bisazza Foundation for you can be in the Cathay Pacific first Design and Architecture in June, in the Italian town of Montecchio Maggiore – a new space dedicated to design and contemporary architecture. Pictured is one of the permanent exhibits that will fill the 4,000 class Wave lounge. square metre space, Poltrona di Proust Monumentale (2005), by artist Alessandro Mendini Poltrona. Hand- www.turbojet.com.hk brushed strokes of polychrome colours have been applied to the oversized baroque armchair using a technique called divisionism. Bisazza Foundation will be open to the public from June 8. Mary Gostelow

dotwnews.com March 2012 21

20-21 Euro News.indd 21 27/02/2012 19:56 News Middle East & Africa

Seychelles beaches safe for swimmers

BeAcheS around the Seychelles’ Authorities consulted experts from rather take every step to make sure picturesque Praslin Island have reo- South Africa’s ZwaZulu Natal prov- that safe swimming continues to be a pened after the implementation of ince, as well as Australia; destinations characteristic of a Seychelles holiday,” new safety measures in the wake of with proven experience in swimming said Seychelles Tourism Board CEO last year’s shark attacks. safety and marine security. Alain St. Ange. The serene image of the exclusive destination was tarnished last year “A new set of safety guidelines have been drawn when two tourists were killed in separate shark attacks off Praslin Island’s up for swimmers, snorkellers, scuba divers Anse Lazio. British honeymooner Ian and fishermen, and signs have been placed on Redmond, 30, and French holiday- maker Nicolas Virolle, 36, were killed beaches to warn bathers of the dangers” last summer while swimming in the waters near Praslin. A new set of safety guidelines have Last year’s attacks were uncharacter- In the immediate aftermath of the been drawn up for swimmers, snorkel- istic in the Seychelles – the shallow unusual attacks, beaches on Praslin lers, scuba divers and fishermen, and waters around the archipelago’s palm- were closed to the public while the signs have been placed on beaches to fringed islands have historically been government reviewed the country’s warn people of the dangers. free from sharks and other dangerous emergency response plans and sought “In our modern world of climate animals. Experts believe loss of habi- outside help to mitigate the risks of change and associated phenomena, tat and prey is driving sharks further further shark attacks. we must not rest on our laurels but afield to find food.

the month in numbers 27 05.55AM US$73 million Number of new hotels expected to open in Dubai in The time of landing for a British Airways flight at Amount of cash Qatar has set aside for its bid to host 2012, increasing the city’s hotel portfolio by almost 10 Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, despite the 2020 Olympic Games. The Gulf state has pro- percent. Twelve additional hotels will open in the city in all the airport and runway lights failing, forcing the pilot posed that the Games take place in October to avoid 2013, and at least one is planned for 2014. STR Global to land in pitch darkness. Minister of Agriculture, Dr the summer heat, much to the chagrin of Olympic says there are currently 312 hotels in Dubai. Akinwunmi Adesina was onboard the flight. Games purists.

22 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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Seychelles uncovered If the 2012 Sports Illus- trated Swimsuit Issue magazine looks too pretty to be real, that’s because the 18 models that appear in its glossy pages were photographed frolicking in the unspoiled beaches, grassy dunes and azure waters of Desroches Island in the Seychelles. The shoot took place last August over a 15-day period, much to the delight of male guests staying at the resort at that time, we imagine.

Mercedes limos Emirates has introduced a World number one golfer Luke Donald faces challenging conditions in the world’s largest bunker in Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Desert, new fleet of 46 Mercedes on the edge of the Empty Quarter. Donald was among 129 golfers to compete in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship in E200 limousines to escort January. “When you spend the vast majority of your time on the course, it’s easy to forget that Abu Dhabi is surrounded by such an enchanting desert landscape. Truly, I was awestruck at the gigantic enormity of it all,” said Donald after the pre-tournament its first class passengers publicity event. Despite being the first player in history to top both the PGA and European PGA money lists, he placed a to and from Dubai Interna- disappointing 48th in the Abu Dhabi Championship, which was won by British golfer Robert Rock. tional Airport. The com - plimentary chauffeur service can be booked up to 12 hours before departure. The airline’s existing fleet Natural beauty in Tunisia of Volvo cars will continue to be used for business Boutique hotel owners usually have class passengers. to offset the risks of “going it alone” without the support of a major international brand name by opening in Bahrain F1: unified major cities or other well-established Bahrain International tourism destinations where existing Circuit (BIC), home of demand is such that filling rooms the Bahrain Grand Prix, should not be a problem. has unveiled an action- Hats off then to Patrick Elouarghi, Philippe Chapelet and designer packed programme of Matali Crasset, whose new Dar HI events under the slo- eco resort in Nefta, Tunisia, is well gan – ‘UniF1ed – One off the beaten track, and in a country Legend reborn The hotel has stood on the Nation In Celebration’ that only a year ago was busy toppling banks of the Nile since 1899 – to drum up interest in its own government. the event, which takes Dar HI is made up of a collection place from April 20 to of elevated houses surrounded by an 22, 2012. The For - outer wall, giving it the feel of a small village. Though the structures blend mula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain into the surrounding environment, Grand Prix was can- the contemporary exteriors and large “I have conceived an architecture contemporary materials with local celled last year due to glass windows betray the comfortable that is towards the indoor when out- architecture and design elements. civil unrest in the Bah- modern interiors, which comprise 17 side and towards the outdoor when Known for its folk and date festivals raini capital Manama, guest rooms, a swimming pool, res- you’re inside, exploding the codes,” and as the spiritual home of Sufism, but authorities and taurant and spa. explains Matali, the designer behind Nefta is a historical town in southwest Formula 1 supremo The rooms are divided into four this and the trio’s first project – HI Tunisia, close to the Algerian border. Bernie Ecclestone say categories: air houses, troglodytes, Hotel in Nice. Dar HI occupies an elevated spot with dunes and the traditional house, each The idea behind the design was a panorama over the town and its date it’s business as usual creating a different environment and to create a resort that was naturally groves, and the Chott-El-Djerid (old for the 2012 event. guest experience. integrated into the town, combining salted lake) in the distance.

24 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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Holidaymakers urged to boycott ‘pro-coup’ resorts

It seems there is more to the recent unrest in the Maldives than was originally thought after Friends of Maldives, a pro-democracy group based in Britain, urged holidaymakers to avoid several resorts that are owned by individuals who they claim financed the recent ousting of President Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed, the country’s first dem- ocratically elected leader, resigned on February 7, shortly after he issued an arrest warrant for one of the Maldives’ most senior judges. The former president has since claimed his resignation was forced out of him at gunpoint, and ear- lier said that the coup was “largely financed by resort owners”. Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, an MP and spokesman for the Maldivian Demo- cratic Party, corroborated Nasheed’s statement, saying, “A resort owner has now been appointed vice-president, which is very telling.” A former advisor to Nasheed, who spoke to the UK’s Telegraph but asked to remain anonymous, described the resort owners as “the godfathers of Maldivian politics”. “They are a corrupt nexus of rich businessman. Until Nasheed arrived they were not taxed or scrutinised. He was attempting to introduce income tax for the first time – and that would have meant resort owners having to file tax returns,” he said. A senior government tourism official told the Telegraph that he and his family had been threatened by the new government following Nasheed’s resignation. Clashes between police and the former president’s supporters have continued in Male since the coup. Tourists have been warned not to It has been alleged that a group of travel to Male, however most of resort owners are behind the coup that the resorts occupy the uninhabited forced Mohamed Nasheed from power islands surrounding the capital.

the month in numbers 2014 6 US$11.5 million The scheduled opening of the first One&Only resort The total number of hotels at Singapore’s Resorts The cost of Opera Australia’s “floating opera” produc- in China, which will be situated on 40 acres of private World Sentosa, thanks to the addition last month of tion of La Traviata, which will take place on a 25-metre coastline in Tufu Bay, Sanya, Hainan, overlooking the two new properties, the nature-themed Equarius Hotel stage in front of Sydney Opera House for three weeks South China Sea. and the nautical-themed Beach Villas. beginning March 24.

26 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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Ads.indd 4 28/12/2011 17:08 SectionyNews Asia title & Oceania

Dine with Rick Stein British celebrity chef Rick Stein will be visiting the five-star Datai Langkawi in Malaysia for three nights from April 13 -15, preparing a five-course dinner for guests each night while regaling them with tales of his travels. Guests can also partake in cooking dem- onstrations, as he shows them how to prepare his favourite Malaysian seafood specialities.

Sea of change Hong-Kong based Shangri- La Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of its Sustainable Seafood Policy, which includes the com - mitment to cease serving shark fin, and the phasing If you build it… out of Bluefin tuna and Chil- The renderings for the groundbreaking new Shanxi Opera House in Taiyuan, in the province of Shanxi in northeast ean sea bass in its operated China. Designed by award-winning architecture firm Arte Charpentier Associés, the opera house is an integral part restaurants within the year. of the new Changfeng centre in the city of Taiyuan. The structure was designed as a “theatre” opening onto the Shangri-La has 32 hotels in central city, and through the arrangement of windows in the heart of the building, it will become an ‘open stage’ for China – the world’s largest performances taking place outdoors. market for shark fin.

All business for Love is in the air HK-LDN Starting this month Say you sparked up a conversation with a Hong Kong Airlines will cute blonde on a flight from Boston to London begin daily all-business Heathrow last month but for whatever reason, class flights between you forgot to get her business card. You parted Hong Kong and London, ways in baggage claim but you haven’t been able for which it will use to stop thinking about her since. Could it have three new Airbus been something more? And what are the odds A330-200s. www. you’ll ever see her again? hongkongairlines.com Destinations of the World News is a big softie at heart, so we couldn’t resist sharing the website wemetonaplane.com, where you can post Eat Stay Love details about that special mid-air love connec- Between August and Sep- tion underneath the flight number, destina- tember, Aman Resorts’ tion and date of flight. If you read a story that Amankora Paro in Bhutan matches your scenario, you can post a reply and will be offering specially they will be able to email you directly. prepared dishes featuring The site was founded in January by Will the matsutake mushroom, a Scully-Power, a 31-year-old Australian entrepre- delicacy once reserved for neur who met his current girlfriend in 2011 on nobility which is believed to a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney. aid fertility and good fortune. “4,400 people search for ‘met on a plane’ Bhutan’s national carrier, in Google globally every month,” said Scully- Druk Air, has meanwhile Power. “This was enough data to for me to been adding new flights to realise that I am not alone and there was no its itinerary and will begin way until now for anyone to connect with direct flights from Singapore someone they met on a plane without know- to Paro in May. ing their name.”

28 March 2012 dotwnews.com

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They wouldn’t let me get on the plane because I’m female. Jennifer Winning of Littleton, Colo- rado, USA was forced to drive six hours from Sweetwater, Wyoming after being told the reason she couldn’t board a flight was because there were no female agents to pat her down. Mob city Just as our quality of worklife at A US$42 million Mob Museum [American Air- opened in Las Vegas on Valen- tine’s Day, on the 83rd anniver- lines] has taken sary of the legendary St Valen- one hit after tine’s Day Massacre in Chicago, in which seven of George ‘Bugs’ another...so has the Moran’s gang were gunned product we have down by Al Capone’s gang. been expected Officially called the National Museum of Organized Crime to deliver to our and Law Enforcement, the passengers. It has 17,000 sq ft museum spans the history of organised crime in been very demor- America, from the desert casi- alising and I know nos of Las Vegas to the streets of it does not have to Chicago and New York. A series of exhibitions take be this way. visitors through the romance Gailen David, an American Airlines and the horror of gangster life, flight attendant who has come from the birth of the nation all under fire after producing and the way up to the present day, posting a number of short videos showcasing artefacts, photos, mocking the corporate executives imagery, scene recreations and of American Airlines. short films to give them a sense of the underground world of organised crime in America. [I] would like to... Visitors are treated as a inform you that mobster under suspicion upon with your new out- arrival, a theme used to guide them through the exhibits, rageous charges which blend horrific details on your pet policy, of murder, deceit and betrayal with the romanticism of glam- having two dogs our and intrigue that surround and being sta- the history of organised crime. tioned in Okinawa, Exhibits include photos of celebrities visiting mob-con- Japan, I will never trolled casinos and an account again ride United. of the assassination of US president John F Kennedy, which A US Marine Corps the museum links to mob officer vents in an open letter to United Airlines, involvement in the attempted which now charges pets assassination of Cuban as cargo rather than as revolutionary Fidel Castro. excess baggage. www.themobmuseum.org.

30 March 2012 dotwnews.com

30-32 Amercias Newscc.indd 30 27/02/2012 19:53

News Americas

Garden of Eden Award-winning luxury hotel Cobblers Cove in Barbados is oering guests a unique gardening experience, grant- ing them exclusive access to private gardens not normally open to the public. The ten- night Garden Tour will run throughout June 2012, and gives guests the opportunity each day to visit a selected private garden; there will also be daily guided tours through some of the island’s most renowned gardens including the 200-year-old Welchman Hall Gully, with a nutmeg walk, and the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, planted by renowned horticulturalist Iiris Bannochie. www.cob- blerscove.com

Best in the West Emirates has opened its first airport lounge in West Coast USA, at San Francisco International Timeless beauty An image from the BB Forever - Brigitte Bardot, the Legend exhibit, which will run throughout Airport. First and busi- 2012 at four Sofitel hotel locations throughout the USA, in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington. The exclusive collection of 30 photos are being presented for the first time in America, in an exhibit that was conceived ness class passengers in collaboration with journalist and writer Henri-Jean Servant. The images, some of them never-before-seen, will enjoy complimen- attempt to trace the life of the legendary French actress. tary chaueur drive to and from the airport, the largest dining area of any lounge in the airport, two 60-inch LED TVs, Costa lawsuit moves to the US leather armchairs, show- DESPITE Costa Cruise Line’s tick- A total of 32 people are believed ering facilities, a business ets stating that any legal action to have perished in the disaster, centre and a prayer room. against the company should be although 15 bodies have not yet taken in Italy, 39 passengers been recovered. At time of press who survived the Costa Con- Captain Schettino was still under Stealing time cordia shipwreck o the Italian house arrest. A man who was caught on island of Giglio in January have CCTV stealing a woman’s filed a class-action lawsuit worth Rolex watch from a secu- US$528 million in Florida. “39 passengers... rity bin at Fort Lauderdale- The plaintis include passen- have filed a Hollywood airport was gers from Italy, the US, Germany, class-action arrested last month after Canada, South Korea and China. police visited his home Lewis Shelton, a lawyer working lawsuit worth and he answered the door of behalf of the passengers, said, US$528 million wearing the watch. Igor “Florida is proper because Carni- in Florida” Adrian Ramos, 37, thought val and Costa are essentially the no one was looking when same entity with oces here”. he swiped Gloria de Regala- The Costa Concordia had 4,229 Costa Cruise Lines has oered do’s US$6,500 gold Rolex people on board when it ran to pay passengers more than on Jan 18, and by the time aground and sank near the island US$14,000 each in compensa- de Regalado noticed it was of Giglio o the coast of Tuscany tion, but an increasing number are on January 13. Captain Francesco choosing to join the class-action missing, Ramos had already Schettino now faces charges of suit, which was originally filed by Lost at sea fled the scene and boarded At least 32 passengers died manslaughter and abandoning ship six passengers for a sum of US$460 his flight. when Costa Condordia sank before passengers were evacuated. million compensation.

32 March 2012 dotwnews.com

30-32 Amercias Newscc.indd 32 27/02/2012 19:53 @DOTW advert full page (Seychelles).pdf 1 12/28/11 6:04 PM

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Viceroy Cassa Hotel New York, USA Conveniently located in New York’s central business district, the Cassa Hotel will be a part of Viceroy’s upscale portfolio, Urban Retreat Col- lection. The 165 luxury rooms and suites include studios, deluxe rooms, junior and executive suites designed in a bold, modern style with limestone finishings, abstract artwork on walls and luxurious Frette linens. A striking, modern lobby leads to a catwalk suspended over the restaurant below. Innovative new American Brasserie BLT by chef Laurent Tourondel will launch at the Cassa Hotel, featuring classic American fare in a trendy, sophisticated environment.

Jumeirah Grosvenor House Apartments Jumeirah Grosvenor House Apartments London, UK Jumeirah continues to expand its international service, plus private butler service with the prom- presence with the opening of the Grosvenor ise of a response within five minutes of a call, 24 House exclusive hotel residences, located hours a day. Guests staying on the seventh and in Park Lane in the iconic 1920s Lutyens eighth floors will have a team of on-call butlers building. The 133 apartments can be reserved ready to assist with packing and unpacking, as for short or long stays, and feature private well as daily needs like grocery shopping. Stylish lifts, separate kitchens, glamorous dining and interiors combine classic British design with dark sitting rooms and private balconies with views oak timber flooring and contemporary touches like over Mayfair. Guests can relax in a home away oversized stone bathrooms and state of the art Viceroy Cassa Hotel from home with 24-hour concierge and maid modern technology like iPads in every suite.

34-35 Debut.indd 34 27/02/2012 19:52 Hot hotels | chic boutiques | exclusive resorts

Palazzo Victoria Verona, Italy Built on Medieval and Roman ruins that have been carefully preserved, Palazzo Victoria effort- lessly blends rich heritage with seamless service, state of the art technology and bespoke amenities. The 71 rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated in rich textures and colours to reflect Verona’s heritage. An internal garden with columns and courtyard are the perfect place to enjoy cocktails or a meal prepared by Palazzo Victoria’s Michelin-star chef Carmine Calo. Nearby are the vineyards of Valpolicella, Lake Garda and the Dolomites, making this the perfect spot to base your holiday no matter what the season.

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InterContinental Doha The City Doha, Qatar Marking InterContinental’s first foray into resi- enjoy a private entrance, lobby and reception dential suites, this month the InterContinental area, housekeeping, 24-hour room service Residence Suites Doha The City opens alongside and security. All residences feature fully- the much-anticipated new InterContinental Doha equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi internet The City hotel. The 176 one- to four-bedroom access and access to the hotel’s eight fully-furnished suites are located between floors restaurants and lounges, open-air swimming four to 26 and offer spectacular views of the sea, pool, health and fitness club, whirlpool, sauna the city and Doha’s grand mosque. Residents will and steam rooms.

InterContinental Doha The City Swissotel Dresden Am Schloss Dresden, Germany Situated opposite the Residence Castle and a short walk away from the Semper Opera and Zwinger Palace, the modern-style 235-room hotel creates a relaxing and convenient place for guests to recharge after a long day out. All rooms feature cutting-edge technology and free internet access, and Purovel Spa & Sport offers massages inspired by the Swiss Alps with essential oils from Alpine herbs and meadow flowers. Enjoy contemporary Swiss cuisine based on original seasonal products, or get your evening started at Schloss- bar in the hotel’s vibrant hub. A rooftop garden looks out over the gabled rooftops of Neumarkt and provides a peaceful place to relax.

dotwnews.com March 2012 35

34-35 Debut.indd 35 27/02/2012 19:52 interview brigitte taittinger Making scents of the world Brigitte Taittinger, jet-setting president of luxury fragrance house Annick Goutal Parfums, knows a thing or two about the finer things in life

Interview: Caitlin Cheadle

aiting to speak with Brigitte Taittinger is somewhat unnerv- ing. This is a woman who has stepped out from the privi- Wleges of her famous lineage (her grandfather, Pierre-Charles Taittinger, is the founder of the Taittinger champagne house) to ascend to the upper echelons of the business world, where she sits today as president of luxury fragrance house Annick Goutal Parfums, brainchild of the late French model Annick Goutal. She also happens to be married to high-profile French politician Jean-Pierre Jouyet, so I am expecting a formal scenario when I go to meet her during a recent visit to Dubai. But Brigitte proves me wrong as soon as we sit down and she flashes a genuine smile that is the introduction to a fascinating conversation; she is open, warm and unbelievably charming. Here she gives us a glimpse into her luxurious life, as well as a new perspective on the world, explored through the sense of smell.

What are your leading fragrance markets by region? We are a French house of perfume, so our strongest market is the French market. Our second is America, then Europe. Interestingly, the Asian market is more and more important, most surprisingly Japan. The Japanese don’t like perfumes; they love luxury, skincare and makeup, but perfume wasn’t a part of the culture. They love fresh water; they love smelling like nothing. Fortunately, we can produce the fresh water scent for them, or the very strong scent for our other markets.

36-37 InterviewJSMFIN.indd 36 27/02/2012 19:51 brigitte taittinger

Do you tailor-make fragrances for specific parts of the world? No. But what I can say is that some smells are very successful in certain markets. I have a best- seller, Gardenia Passion, which is only a best- seller in the United States. American women love the gardenia, which is a common flower there. Another example is the rose. When you go to Japan, they love the beauty of the rose, but they don’t like heavy fragrances. We have two rose scents. One is Rose Splendide, and our leading market for this scent is Hong Kong, because Hong Kong is very humid and they Annick Goutal Boutique Avenue Victor Hugo, Paris love a very fresh and light rose. But in France and Paris, they love our Rose Absolue. It’s a mix of six roses – roses of Turkey, Damascus. It’s a strong rose fragrance. Your grandfather Pierre-Charles What obstacles have you come up Taittinger founded Taittinger cham- against as a female business leader? Have you experimented with Middle pagne. Can you draw any parallels In France there is no problem for women in the Eastern scents like oud? between champagne and perfume? beauty industry. It is better than say Korea or I am going to. Everyone is saying oud is an Yes. It’s the same story. With champagne you Japan. There it is terrible still – it’s a big prob- extraordinary scent that is very popular in the are building a juice, just like perfume. Every lem for a team of businessmen to speak with a Middle East. I have to go to Paris and bring a year my father would mix the juice. Annick woman. Just before the meeting my colleague will sample fragrance to my team. I want them to Goutal was very close to my father. Every Mon- gently remind me that I should try not to ask too interpret this new ingredient, but not just to day morning, my father and his team would many questions. But after five minutes I forget copy what others are doing. It’s not interesting taste the champagnes. You need the nose for and I start asking questions. to copy. For the consumer it is interesting to let both. You have to close your eyes. I remember them discover it for themselves. one summer seeing Annick and my father What advice would you give to tasting champagne. They closed their eyes and young entrepreneurs? Why do people associate perfumes tasted, then they would compare the notes. There is always an option for people who are with luxury – is this a practice that creative. Even if you are not creative, you you see everywhere in the world? You studied political science in can build a concept with creative partners. I think that when you launch a fragrance it has university, and your husband is in Secondly, don’t be a copy. You always have to to have universal appeal. That said, it doesn’t politics. Do you see yourself going create something unique. always work that way. The most difficult situ- into politics at some point? ation is when you arrive in a market and they I love politics and my husband is in politics. How much do you rely on your don’t wear perfume. In lots of places in Europe He is the best friend of Francois Hollande, instincts in business? they don’t use perfume. Luxury is a product, who is in the running for president of France. I have always trusted my instincts. Before I but also a service. A woman has to take time My uncle was in politics, and my grandfather. arrived, Annick Goutal was very frustrated with to come back home and try the scent for her I don’t think I would go into politics myself, the owners, and she left in 1988. When I came husband or her boyfriend. It is the tradition of firstly because my husband does it, and it takes on board in 1991, I saw that the success of the the ritual and it takes time. a lot of time. In the evening I am at home, as company depended on Annick Goutal being a well as on weekends, but with politics it is part of it, and I convinced her to come back. The Does a scent’s exclusivity also make work all the time. I have six children. owners said this would be a disaster, but I said it luxurious? no, I am going to go with her. And it may be the You go to Champs Elysees in Paris and everybody How do you fit your career around most important thing I did in my career. smells the same, but if you have a lot of personal- your family – do you have certain ity you don’t want to smell the same as everyone rules? Do you associate any of your scents else. Our first customers were journalists and My one rule is that we have Sunday lunch at with memories? stars, because stars for instance want something home with the whole family every week. We have a candle, called Noel. Everybody says different. That is something very special. The it reminds them of when they were young definition of luxury for me is product first, then Would you call yourself a workaholic? and of being at their grandmother’s place for service, and then distribution and the quality of No, because when I come back home my Christmas. Annick always created through the distribution. It’s difficult to be luxury and family comes first. My 13-year-old doesn’t memories. One of the last perfumes by Annick to be distributed everywhere. Our bottle is very care about politics or Annick Goutal. She has was for her husband, and it was the smell of his expensive and is made by hand. This is costly, but problems she wants to talk about. It’s all about boat. It was the smell of the sea, and the petrol, it shows the quality of the brand. finding the right balance. and the cabin. It brings back that memory. n

dotwnews.com March 2012 37

36-37 InterviewJSMFIN.indd 37 27/02/2012 19:51 Gourmet GUIDE TO LIMA Food lovers visiting Lima will ﬁnd a bubbling cauldron of internationally acclaimed chefs drawing inspiration from one of the most diverse countries on earth, earning it a reputation as the gastronomic capital of Latin America WORDS: Jon Stibbs

38 March 2012 dotwnews.com

38-44 Lima.indd 38 27/02/2012 19:49 Upper crust Mesa 18 in Orient-Express’ Miraflores Park Hotel has been shaken up by celebrated chef Toshiro Konishi

38-44 Lima.indd 39 27/02/2012 19:49 he world has a new It all began with marinated fish. To Pacific delights Cordon Bleu Paris training and time foodie destination: Lima. quote esteemed food critic Ignacio Conchas a la parilla in London to create his own fusion (grilled scallops with Quickly and quietly, Medina: “The quintessential dish of honey butter) at cuisine, which has earned a dedicated Peru has developed Peru is undeniably ceviche.” Rafael Osterling’s El following among well-heeled Limeños Ta global reputation for culinary This delicious mix of seafood Mercado cevicheria (residents of Lima). excellence. Lima’s brilliance lies in the marinated in lime juice, chilli and Rafael’s long-term success means spectacular diversity of its ingredients coriander is now available in every it’s wise to book in advance to secure and the remarkable cuisines that have major city in the world, but for a table in the intimate restaurant at developed here. ceviche aficionados, a trip to Lima popular times, otherwise you may find It is simple enough to imagine the is a must, as the dish makes an yourself eating at in the fashionable pillars of Old World gastronomy: appearance in some form or other bar, which is fine if you are happy France’s buttery sauces, Spain’s throughout the city in a myriad of with a more informal meal. garlicky tapas and Italy’s delicate tantalising varieties. The emphasis is on the quality over pastas. Peruvian food, however, is not Famed cevicherias include those quantity, so select liberally from the so readily defined. set up by the heroes of Peruvian morsels of palate-pleasing delight Lima lies on the coast and has ready cuisine Gaston Acurio and his wife on the extensive menu. The conchas access to the Pacific’s abundance of Astrid Gutsche, with their outlet La a la parilla (grilled scallops with seafood riches, but its pantry draws on Mar in upmarket Miraflores. For an honey butter, lemon and crisp garlic) the highly evolved specialties of the introduction into the art of ceviche, deserve a special mention, as does Andes to the east, and the Amazon, try the five-dish degustacion. the grilled octopus. with its abundance of newly discovered Also in restaurant-rich Miraflores, Like Osterling, Pedro Miguel edible delights, to the north. Rafael Osterling’s reliably excellent Schiaffino also trained in Europe – Added to this vast larder, Lima cevicheria, El Mercado, leads off and the US – before returning to Peru. has benefited from wave after wave its eponymous dish Mercado – a However, since then he has focused of immigrants from all over the delectable combination of the fish of on his homeland and been feted for world, as Spaniards, Chinese and the day with crisp calamari and leche his use of Amazonian ingredients at Japanese have all arrived and brought de tigre (tiger’s milk, as the ceviche’s his San Isidro restaurant, Malabar. a taste of home. Add an unrivalled tangy, citrus marinade is romantically Such is Schiaffino’s innovation range of indigenous ingredients and known) with yellow garlic. with the exotic products of the fertile a generous helping of inventive, Prior to establishing El Mercado, region that Medina describes Malabar internationally trained chefs and you Osterling was famed for the as “an open door to the kitchen of have food alchemy. Now, it seems, the European-inspired flavours of his the future”; it has also earned a place world has caught on and is coming Rafael restaurant in Miraflores. in Restaurant magazine’s top 100 here in droves. The experimental chef has used his restaurants in the world.

40 March 2012 dotwnews.com

38-44 Lima.indd 40 27/02/2012 19:48 banana ad.pdf 1 7/28/2011 12:53:24 PM

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A popular stalwart on the menu is Prime location (top) reputation among foodies as a great In Italy, Pesaque says he discovered the paiche (a giant Amazonian fish Mayta restaurant in place to eat and tuck into an extensive “a world of perfectionism, love of that can grow to 2.5 metres long) upmarket Miraflores cocktail menu. ingredients and passion for the is regarded as one of with puree of aguaje palm tree (called Lima’s finest Bravo is a polymath – DJ, graphic kitchen”. He thanks Italy for his the curvy fruit because it is thought designer and chef – who has turned love of rice, which plays an integral to explain the shape of Amazonian Glass act (bottom) his talents to developing a menu using part in the menu. Notwithstanding women) and chorizo salsa. Modern design the best of the “air, sea and earth”. the inspiration he found in Europe, meets Italian- Also in San Isidro, thirsty visitors inspired cuisine He defines the Bravo experience as Pesaque says there’s a touch of in search of a party should head to at Mayta “comfortable gourmet”, and the amuse Peru in even his most Italian dish – Bravo Restobar. Christian Bravo’s bouches or piqueos are much loved by white truffle carnaroli risotto, with trendy destination has carved out a his media-type clientele. mushrooms and crunchy artichoke. The cocktail menu includes a fine Medina believes Pesaque’s passion example of Peru’s national drink, the for his “evolving cuisine”, as the chef pisco sour. For the uninitiated, grape- describes it, could make Mayta one based pisco can be fiery – and rather of the very best restaurants in the unpleasant – when drunk on its own. capital. The light, elegant space does However, blended with lime, egg not as yet have as famous a name white and syrup, pisco is enlivened as some of its rivals, but Pesaque into a frothy and dangerously moreish promises great things. aperitif. Additionally, Bravo is worth celebrating for his novel twist on ORIENTAL INFLUENCE Peru’s classic sour: the delectable For a taste of what a famous chef can cubacho is a mojito topped with pisco do when he shakes up an established sour foam. restaurant, head over to Orient- Jaime Pesaque offers a spectacular Express’ Miraflores Park Hotel, where range of variations on the classic pisco Toshiro Konishi has taken over at the at his magnificent Mayta restaurant primary restaurant, Mesa 18. in – unsurprisingly – Miraflores. The Toshiro has been at the forefront of dozens of chilcanos (pisco cocktails Peru’s ‘nikkei’ movement, blending made with ginger ale) come in a Japanese and Peruvian cuisines, for 35 dizzying range of flavours, including years, since he was first lured to Lima coca leaf, fig and rose. from Japan by his colleague Nobuyuki Beyond the fine array of drinks, Matsuhisa. While his friend then Mayta is better known for the food, left and took on the world with Nobu which stands out among the latest restaurants, Toshiro stayed to become restaurants to crop up in Lima. one of Peru’s most famous chefs. Pesaque is an infectiously enthusiastic Toshiro is one of the pioneers of young chef, who studied at the Italian tiraditos, which marks the point where Culinary Institute for Foreigners and Japanese chefs met Peru’s ceviche. trained at Michelin-starred Agli Amici. Toshi-style tiraditos are impossibly

42 March 2012 dotwnews.com

38-44 Lima.indd 42 27/02/2012 19:48 “Toshiro has been at the forefront of Peru’s ‘nikkei’ movement, blending Japanese and Peruvian cuisines for 35 years, since he was first lured to Lima from Japan by his colleague Nobuyuki Matsuhisa”

38-44 Lima.indd 43 27/02/2012 19:48 Indulge Lima Photo: Mayta Photo:

fine cuts of sole, which is prepared at Attention to detail The focus is entirely on the food and concludes it has “a brilliant below zero degrees centigrage, with Delicate ceviche in this purists’ paradise in the San cuisine, which overflows with the comes in many only a gentle touch of marinade. The forms and flavours Isidro district. Meals start with a qualities of Peruvian food”. It’s a scallops are also inspirational. This dish of unrivalled ceviche – his winning formula that has found novel dish comes served in the shell flounder and octopus ceviche success in seven capitals around with grated “maca” (an Andean root), with fresh ground pepper excels – Latin America and has made an flying fish roe and cubed avocado with followed by a main course, which excursion to Spain. leche de tigre. appears from the kitchen at the back New restaurants keep opening Chinese arrivals to Lima have also of the bare-brick room. and the established ones insist on developed their own rival to nikkei, Despite the lack of frills, visitors innovating. Here on the Pacific coast, called chifa, which is available all count themselves lucky to secure a Lima’s restaurants are on a wave. over the city. The pervasive influence table here. If you can’t get a table at Right now, there’s probably nowhere of China can be seen in Peruvian Wong’s, a visit to Lima should not more exciting to eat on earth. n kitchens, where wok-like frying pans be without one of the city’s other are commonplace among the soy huariques. Medina recommends El sauce and ginger. The merging of Villano in Barranco and Pedro Solar the two cultures has even produced in Balconcillo as among the best in chifa classics, such as lomo saltado this understated genre. He relishes – marinated steak with red onions, taking a kind of tasting safari tomatoes and yellow chillies mixed between the many huariques, Astrid & Gaston with thick French fries. savouring a drink and a plate in www.astridygaston.com Chifa has become so integrated each over two days in “a fantastic into the diets of Limeños that the and almost magical trip into the La Mar same dish can be interpreted as a very roots of popular cooking”. www.lamarcebicheria.com cheap way to fill up, or refined by Visitors looking for an overview of celebrated chefs and found in top-end Lima’s cuisine but lacking Medina’s El Mercado restaurants. There is a particularly enviable knowledge should go where www.rafaelosterling.com fine traditionallomo saltado with recognition of the city’s food began: “exploding” egg at Astrid & Gaston. Astrid & Gaston. Malabar Chef Wong offers a Chinese Back in the 1990s, Gaston Acurio www.malabar.com.pe flavour to the saltado or stir-fry and his wife Astrid Gutsche were main dishes at his huarique (hole- among the instigators of the Nuevo Bravo Restobar in-the-wall restaurant), which is Andino culinary movement, which www.bravorestobar.com commonly referred to as simply marked Peru’s equivalent of France’s ‘Wong’s’ but is properly called Nouveau Cuisine movement of the Mayta Sankuay. The distinction in name is 1970s. Medina still rates Astrid www.maytarestaurante.com fairly unimportant since there’s no & Gaston as the finest food in the sign to mark the entrance to his tiny, city. He heaps praise on the service, Mesa 18 menuless restaurant. lighting, wine list and ambiance, www.mesa18restaurant.com

44 March 2012 dotwnews.com

38-44 Lima.indd 44 27/02/2012 19:48 STDpassenger_cruise_ADV_143_235x335.indd 1 25/05/11 19:27 Luxe Leukerbad

Mountain high ambition The pretty resort town of Leukerbad is tucked away high in the Swiss Alps

46 March 2012 dotwnews.com

46-51 SwissKK.indd 46 27/02/2012 19:47 Leukerbad Luxe

SWISS MAKEOVER High in the Swiss Alps, the little resort town of Leukerbad is preparing for a major facelift to recapture the glory days of its glamorous past WORDS: Caitlin Cheadle

dotwnews.com March 2012 47

46-51 SwissKK.indd 47 27/02/2012 19:47 Luxe Leukerbad

ack in June 2011, I found myself Despite its current under-the-radar ethos, Charlie Chaplin and Pablo Picasso were also standing at the front of a crowd Leukerbad has a well-established reputation as drawn to Leukerbad’s alpine healing waters of well-dressed spectators, mostly a haven of healing and recuperation. Historical and visited often. But today, its glory days long men in expensive suits, all of us records show that Leukerbad was part of the behind it, the town appears to be stuck in the Bwatching as the ‘queen of burlesque’ Dita Von Roman Trail, with evidence indicating it was 1970s – evidently the decade most of its mainly Teese splashed about inside a giant martini a human settlement by the 2nd century AD at three-star properties were built. Now that’s glass, flicking soap suds at her audience to the latest. Its thermal baths are mentioned in about to change. uproarious response. written records dating to 1229, and thermal SDG, or Swiss Development Group, has only It was a scene one might have expected bathing tourism began here in the early 1500s, been in operation since 2007, but a strategic to witness at an exclusive club in New York, when Roman Catholic cardinal Matthaus business plan has allowed the company to move London or Paris – not the sleepy mountaintop Schiner bought the rights to the thermal to the forefront of luxury property development village of Leukerbad, in Switzerland’s Valais springs, invested in the infrastructure and in Switzerland. SDG acquires, develops, region. Never heard of Leukerbad? Neither began promoting it as a spa and health retreat. manages and sells premium residential, had I – all the more reason for luxury More recently, Leukerbad was a playground hospitality and mixed-use properties. property developers SDG to bring a group of for some of the world’s greatest thinkers and According to CEO Nicolas Garnier, “The international media and VIPs up to the alpine artists. German writer and philosopher Johann kind of creation that we want to achieve is to resort town. Wolfgang von Goethe first visited the town in provide, not buildings but carefully carved, The invitation-only party, for which Ms Von 1779; the quaint wooden house where he stayed unique objects – sophisticated, carved jewels – Teese was flown in by private helicopter, was still bears his name above its door. In the 1870s, and at the same time owners will benefit from the official launch of 51° Spa Residences, a French writers Guy de Maupassant and Jules the kind of service we provide.” super luxury residential development which Verne would seek inspiration from Leukerbad’s A major part of SDG’s mission to create a will breathe new life into the once-glamorous thermal springs and fresh mountain air. Mark total luxury experience is finding the right mountain village of Leukerbad, home to the Twain also visited and wrote in his work, A Tramp locations, and Garnier is fully confident in their largest source of natural thermal spring Abroad, that the bathers in Leukerbad “remain selection of Leukerbad for the 51° project. “I water in Europe and surrounded by an in the great tanks hours at a time… and amuse think we are going to wake the sleeping beauty,” Alpine ski resort. themselves with rompings and various games.” says Garnier.

46-51 SwissKK.indd 48 27/02/2012 19:47 Leukerbad Luxe

Water of life Suites at 51˚ Spa Residences come with a direct supply of healing thermal water

“When we rediscovered Leukerbad, people were telling us not to tell anyone about it, and that’s one of the themes of the project – it’s one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets”

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of 51° SDG Projects though is that it is one of the first major luxury Swiss developments to come on the market since 51° Spa Residences: world-class ther- the abolition of the country’s Lex Koller law, mal spa hotel & residences with in-room which until 2011 restricted non-Swiss nationals thermal spas, thermal water ‘Moon Pools’ from owning property in Switzerland. The first and wrap-around terraces. Alpine chic phase of the project offers freehold ownership for www.51degrees.ch The project promises purchase by all non-Swiss nationals. The second luxurious chalets with every phase offers no freehold ownership, and owners Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences: conceivable need provided will be required to let out their property into the located at a UNESCO World Heritage ‘hotel pool’ for a period of eight months per year. site in Le Mont-Pelerin, Chardonne in the “This is not Zermatt or Verbier. When we Residence ownership includes hotel canton of Vaud (opening this year). rediscovered Leukerbad, people were telling us concierge services such as housekeeping and www.kempinski-residences.com not to tell anyone about it, and that’s one of the laundry, valet parking and private car, boat and themes of the project – it’s one of Switzerland’s plane arrangements, a kid’s club, ski valet, and Pinacle: three chalets in Switzerland’s best-kept secrets.” exclusive access to the property’s private wine Mischabel mountain range in the 51° Spa Residences will open in stages, with cave and lounge, high-end restaurants and pedestrian-only Saas-Fee village. the first set of buildings (nine one-, three- and retail outlets. Owners will also have access to www.pinacle-saasfee.ch four-bedroom apartments) released for sale the Rockefeller Living club, allowing them to last summer, to be completed in mid-2013. The make use of luxury lifestyle services across all of Nº 10 Geneva: a four-storey historic second phase, featuring 21 fully serviced luxury SDG’s properties, including a helicopter service building in the heart of Geneva redevel- apartments, will open at the end of 2014. The and a boat on Lake Geneva. oped into luxury residences. final stage of the property’s completion will be a “We are not in the real estate business, but www.sdg.ch/project/72 luxury hotel managed by Kempinski, which will in the business of lifestyle,” Garnier explains. open its doors in 2015. The hotel will feature And if anything, Garnier is skilled in the art Swiss Luxury Village: a 30,000 square a private concierge, high-end restaurants and of lifestyle. In the final moments of the 51° metre ski resort village that will include a upscale retail outlets, and a 900 square metre launch party, he took to the stage alongside five-star hotel, a six-star boutique hotel, thermal and wellness centre which includes a Miss Switzerland 2011 and thanked the crowd 120 fully-serviced apartments and pent- Banya (Russian steam bath), plus crystal steam for attending as a magnum of champagne was houses and 20 private Alpine chalets. bath, ice fountain and outdoor pool. opened and gold confetti rained down. www.sdg.ch/project/73 The standout feature is that each resident can I looked around the venue: the chilled oysters enjoy an unlimited supply of thermal water via were long gone, Ms. Von Teese was probably Ma Plage: a yet-to-be-submitted project individual in-room thermal spas. Bathtubs and back in Geneva already and word of an after that will offer a boutique hotel, spa and signature Sun Showers emit mineral water, and party at Leukerbad’s nightclub, Courage, was wellness and fitness facilities on the each residence contains a stone fireplace, wrap- beginning to circulate. The launch party was banks of Lake Geneva. around terrace overlooking the village, and a coming to an end, but it was just the beginning www.sdg.ch/project/71 thermal water ‘Moon Pool’ on the balcony. of what’s in store for Leukerbad. n

dotwnews.com March 2012 49

46-51 SwissKK.indd 49 27/02/2012 19:46

Angkor without the crowds

Golden opportunity The temple complex at Angkor Wat is one of the most photogenic in the world, especially at sunset

52 March 2012 dotwnews.com

52-56 CambodiaFIN_JSM.indd 52 27/02/2012 19:44 Cambodia Explore

Luxury seekers, temple explorers and historians are all turning their attention once again to Cambodia, and for good reason

WORDS: Caroline Eden

ast year marked the 150th anniversary of the death of French explorer Henri Mouhot, the man who popularised Cambodia’s ancient temple complex Lof Angkor Wat in the West. It’s thanks to him that the 12th century Khmer ruin is one of the most photographed and well-known cultural sites in Southeast Asia – one that has attracted thousands of visitors for decades. The recent unveiling of the 11th-century, three-tiered Baphuon temple at the Angkor Archaeological Park – which, spread over 400 square kilometres, is the world’s largest temple complex – was perhaps the most exciting new development in Cambodia last year; the culmination of years of painstaking work. The reconstruction project began in the 1960s but was interrupted by Cambodia’s civil war, then restarted in the mid-1990s. The 250-strong team who put the pieces of the dismantled temple back together – some 300,000 sandstone blocks – meticulously measured each block and then used archive photos and drawings to carefully rebuild it. Understandably, everyone is now keen to get a glimpse of what is perhaps the world’s longest renovation project. Last year also saw the opening of Cambodia’s first private island resort, Song Saa, in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as the complete renovation of some of the country’s most celebrated resorts. The result of all this is that those already familiar with Cambodia and the temples of Angkor now have good reason for a return visit. But the popularity of the destination, like that of so many other great tourists sites around the world, has contributed to a demise in the quality of visiting, as bus-loads of tourists flood the site every day, making intimate moments at the spiritual centre a rare occurrence.

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52-56 CambodiaFIN_JSM.indd 53 27/02/2012 19:44 Explore Cambodia

“Today, with well over a million visitors a year to the province, it takes special strategic planning to view the Angkor Archaeological Park without thronging crowds”

DO NOT DISTURB On the way to Ta Prohm – one of the most At lunchtime, I retreated to the cool of my When Henri Mouhot explored the wild photographed temples at Angkor – in the cool hotel, La Residence d’Angkor – an Orient- interiors of Siam, Cambodia and Laos in 1860, of our air-conditioned car, we passed elderly Express resort – a 10-minute drive from the he would have been more or less alone, and local people and children, all going about their Angkor site. Earning a perfect design score with dwarfed by the giant temples. Today, with well morning business. Villagers still live around its teakwood floors, high ceilings and water over a million visitors a year to the province, Angkor, and can be seen on the roadside moving features, the hotel is blissfully cool and quiet. it takes special strategic planning to view between wooden houses, often wearing chromas Inside, guestrooms come with a balcony, local the Angkor Archaeological Park without the – the checked scarves which are a symbol of and colonial design touches, mosquito nets, and thronging crowds. friendship in rural Cambodia. an enormous bathroom – making it the perfect That’s why I decided that on this, my third At Ta Prohm, the trees, rather than the refuge to return to. visit to Angkor Wat, I would do it in style, with temples, are the main attraction. Globular, thick After a cool two hours, we dashed back to the a private guide and a place to stay that matched and otherworldly, they reach heavenwards while temples – this time to Bantrey Srei (‘the citadel the standards of the ancient kings and queens consuming the immense temples – their roots of women’), which was built 1,000 years ago and of the Khmer empires that once ruled over this distorting and destroying them. is one of the further reaching temple complexes. lush green land. The restorers who work tirelessly to preserve Kanya pointed out the many apsaras (celestial At daybreak, we paced through the misty the temples under the enormous weight of the nymphs), educated me on nagas (mythical jungle to approach Angkor Wat from the trees refer to their work as ‘managing change.’ serpents) and explained the role of kalas (temple eastern side – the opposite direction to the The trees have turned the ancient temples into gateway guardians). Unbothered by crowds, and main approach that most tourists use. We living, shifting monuments. We moved around with time to ask questions, I left the temple positioned ourselves at the far right of Angkor slowly in the rising heat. While Kanya, my guide, with a clear understanding of what I had seen. Wat, and watched as the sun came up, while positioned me in the best spots to take photos, he With sunset on the horizon and a rattan huge crowds of visitors gathered to the left, all kept a close eye on his watch, aware of the exact picnic basket in hand, Kanya led me to a ‘secret vying to take photographs of the vast temple. time crowds would arrive and depart. picnic’ spot. As the sun dipped, in perfect

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Home from home Orient-Express’ La Résidence d’Angkor provides a cool respite from the midday heat

Regal retreat (Above) Amansara was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk

Time for reflection (Left) Bask in the still tropical twilight at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

solitude we clinked fizzy glasses of Bombay Sapphire and reminisced about the day. The pace, careful planning, lunchtime sojourn to the hotel and the unique finish to the tour all helped to make this visit to Angkor so much more memorable than my previous visits, when I had ventured here independently. With a tourist draw as sizeable as Angkor, it is no surprise that Siem Reap has the highest concentration of luxury hotels in Cambodia. The best hotels in town all offer interesting additions to typical temple tours. La Résidence d’Angkor is launching it’s ‘Khmer Countryside Experiences’ this year, which will include private picnics, dinners or sunset cocktails in different countryside locations around the town. Also on the road that leads to Angkor is the 24-suite Amansara resort, which was once the guest villa of King Norodom Sihanouk. This ultra-luxury hideaway now offers tailor-made, off-the-beaten-path excursions, as well as recently introduced horseback excursions that take guests through the otherwise unreachable countryside to visit rice fields, villages and less

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52-56 CambodiaFIN_JSM.indd 55 27/02/2012 19:44 Explore Cambodia

Stone faced The benign face of buddha gazes out from the temple walls

La Résidence d’Angkor +855 63 963 390 www.residencedangkor.com Nightly rates from US$365 based on two sharing a Deluxe Riverside Room, with breakfast. Nature vs. man Giant roots suocate the Amansara ancient stones at Ta Prohm +855 63 760 333 www.amanresorts.com From US$850 per room per night. Includes breakfast and “At Ta Prohm, the trees, rather than the temples, lunch or dinner daily, house are the main attraction. Globular, thick and beverages, twice daily private guided tours of the Temples of otherworldly, they reach heavenwards while Angkor in an Amansara remork with English speaking guide consuming the immense temples – their roots and round trip airport transfers. distorting and destroying them” Raes Grand Hotel d’Angkor explored temples. Each suite comes with a “are served Billecart-Salmon champagne and +855 63 963 888 custom-fitted remork (moped-powered trishaw) a four-course Khmer or Western menu.” www.raes.com and driver too, which is ideal for trips in and “Many guests tailor their own package, adding Nightly rates from US$275 around the town. a string quartet, pre-dinner cocktails and canapés per room, based on two shar- Raes Grand Hotel d’Angkor, along with its or requesting a photographer at a certain stage of ing a State Room. Includes sister property in the country’s capital Phnom the evening. This is absolutely a unique experience, daily champagne breakfast. Penh, are the only luxury hotels in Cambodia there are very few ancient sites like this in the world Excluding taxes. that pre-date the civil war and the Khmer Rouge where you can have this experience – it’s like dining era. Both are beginning exciting new chapters as in the Coliseum or the Taj Mahal,” he adds. Hotel de la Paix extensive refurbishments are now complete. The eagerly anticipated Song Saa Resort – the +855 63 966 000 State rooms now come with new wooden first truly opulent beach resort in the country www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com floors made from dark, sustainable local woods, – opened at the end of last year; while both the smart Jim Thompson fabrics and local Raes properties in Cambodia – one in the capital, ABOUTAsia Cambodian silks, while the two sizable private Phnom Penh, and the other in Siem Reap – have +855 63 760 190 villas in the gardens – complete with wine both undergone major renovations. www.aboutasiatravel.com cellar, drawing room and private terrace – Only a tour with a guide as intuitive and savvy as One-day tour with guide, have both been completely upgraded and Kanya, combined with a truly special stay at one of including coee at the tem- refurbished. these unique luxury hotels can do justice to a visit ples and sunset drinks, from Raes Grand Hotel d’Angkor regularly holds to the marvellous temples of Angkor, which Henri US$65 based on two people private dinners and spectacular gala events Mouhot, so many years ago, described perfectly sharing. Excludes within the Angkor temples. General manger as “a rival to that of Solomon … erected by some park entrance tickets. Christian Sack says guests at private dinners ancient Michelangelo.” ■

56 March 2012 dotwnews.com

52-56 CambodiaFIN_JSM.indd 56 27/02/2012 19:44 WWW.PAULSMITH.CO.UK

Optimistic_Ad_143_235x335_DotWNews.indd 1 27/06/11 12:34 NIGHT & DAY

If you have a day to kill in Abu Dhabi, get out of the city and spend some time in the emirate’s hottest new lifestyle destinations Words: Joe Mortimer

09.00 Arrive at Abu Dhabi International contemporary, cubic exterior rises from 12.30 Head over to Yas Island (www.yasis- Airport on an overnight flight with Etihad the landscape like a piece of modern land.ae) for a leisurely lunch at Yas Viceroy Airways (www.etihadairways.com). Check art; its cool eggshell exterior is offset by Abu Dhabi (www.viceroyhotelsandresorts. out the airport’s interactive website (www. Moorish accents. com) – the iconic hotel in the centre of the abudhabiairport.ae) for info on arrivals and island overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit, visa procedures or to arrange meet and assist 10.30 Spend the morning at the uber- home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reserve services. Book the Etihad Chaueur service stylish Monte-Carlo Beach Club Saadi- a table at Nautilus (+971 2 656 0600) (first and business class passengers only) yat (www.montecarlobeachclub.ae; day- with views of Yas Marina, and enjoy award- to deliver you in comfort to Saadiyat Island entry from US$150) and relax in a poolside winning seafood including Gulf shrimp and (www.saadiyat.ae) – Abu Dhabi’s latest lux- cabana that appears to float at the edge of Omani lobster while you admire the luxury ury lifestyle destination, just a 15-minute the 650 square metre pool. If you prefer to yachts in the 143-berth marina opposite. drive from the airport. gaze out at the exquisitely blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and bury your toes in the 14.00 Once your lunch has had time to set- 09.45 Check in at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi natural white sand beach, sink into a lounger tle, we’d recommend one of two activities, Hotel + Villas (www.abudhabi.park.hyatt. or hire a beach bungalow. Keep your eyes depending on your mood. If relaxation is top com), one of the first resorts to open on the peeled for bottlenose dolphins surfing in the on your priority list, retire to the tranquil sur-

ABU DHABI 27 square kilometre island. The resort’s shallow waters. roundings of Viceroy’s ESPA (Espa.spa@

58-59 24 Hours.indd 58 27/02/2012 19:42 Abu Dhabi 24 Hours

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Monte-Carlo Beach Club

STAY

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel + Villas +971 2 407 1234 www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi +971 2 498 8888 www.stregissaadiyatisland.com Yas Marina

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com or +971 2 656 At the end, your coach will give you a full Viceroy, which is illuminated at night with 0862) and enjoy the signature two-hour debrief and a detailed report showing your lights that turn the outer shell into a colour- ‘Tension Soother’ treatment. It begins with performance (from US$409). ful canvas. a consultation and a relaxing foot ritual, followed by skin-brushing, exfoliation and an 18.00 Whether you are now buzzing 23.00 Join Abu Dhabi’s beautiful people – ESPA facial cleanse, before the real work with adrenaline or deeply relaxed, you can yacht owners, racing drivers and other well- gets underway – a full-body massage using reflect on the afternoon’s experience with heeled travellers – for a night at Allure by a blend of oils and hot volcanic stones, fin- sundowners back at the Park Hyatt on the Cipriani (www.nightcluballure.com), a short ished with a soothing head massage (from rooftop lounge at the Beach House. Try the walk upstairs from the restaurant. Fitted $229). If, however, you’d prefer to spend the signature strawberry mojito as the sun dips into out in stylish interiors typical of Cipriani, the afternoon tearing around Yas Marina Circuit the Arabian Sea, and the reflections of palm trendy supper club has VIP tables on the out- (www.yasmarinacircuit.com, +971 2 659 trees ripple calmly in the hotel’s four pools. door Terrace area, which promises one of the 9800) in one of the world’s most exclusive most fashionable al fresco party experiences sports cars, then we’ve got just the thing. Sit 20.30 Take one of the hotel’s limos back in the Middle East. down with your racing coach for a technical to Yas Marina for a stylish dinner at elegant briefing before he unleashes you in anAston Cipriani (www.cipriani.com) – American- 02.00 Return to the hotel and either catch Martin GT4. After a few turns around the Italian restaurant mogul Giuseppe Cipriani’s some sleep before your flight in the morning, circuit, you’ll return to the pit to review your first Middle East venture. The restaurant or cancel your flight and book in for another performance and get some guidance, then occupies an enviable spot in the first class night – there’s plenty more to see on Saadi- head out again to put theory into practice. marina, with stunning views back over Yas yat and Yas Island. n

dotwnews.com March 2012 59

58-59 24 Hours.indd 59 27/02/2012 19:42 Diary 03.12

Art Dubai March 21-24, Dubai, UAE Now in its sixth year, Art Dubai has grown to become the leading art fair in the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia), welcoming over 20,000 visitors last year including 60 international museum groups and hosting over 70 galleries from across 30 countries. This year Art Dubai will be held at the Madinat Jumeirah and will feature an impressive 75 galleries from 31 countries, plus commissioned projects, performative tours, workshops and the critically acclaimed Global Art Forum. www.artdubai.ae

St. Patrick’s Day March 16-19, Dublin, Ireland St. Patrick’s Day celebrations now take place in most parts of the world, but for the biggest and best, head to the city of Dublin for the three-day St. Patrick’s Festival. There is a huge itinerary on offer, with everything from family-orientated events like parades and a scavenger hunts, to art shows, historic walking tours and musical performances, plus lots of Guinness-tasting. Beats green beer at the local pub, we say. www.stpatricksfestival.ie

Dubai Boat Show March 13-17, Dubai, UAE This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show, which attracts an impressive list of exhibitors and buyers from all over the world. Held at the Dubai International Marina Club in Mina Seyahi, come and ogle the magnificent superyachts, powerboats and houseboats from exhibitors like Gulf Craft and Sun Seeker, plus a healthy display of luxury sports cars. www.boatshowdubai.com

60 March 2012 dotwnews.com

60-61 Diary.indd 60 27/02/2012 19:41 March What’s on

Ice Festival March 1-3, Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia If you love the great outdoors and don’t mind -30°C temperatures, the Ice Festival could be right up your street. Mongolia’s scenic Lake Khuvsgul is the setting for this annual celebration of winter that involves ice-skating, horse sleigh races over the frozen lake, ice ﬁshing and reindeer herding. The surrounding Taiga forest is home to elk, brown bears, lynxes, beavers, wolves and moose. Several companies provide Ice Festival tours; most involve train routes through the countryside with stops at towns and villages along the way. www.tourmongolia.com

British Polo Day/ Dubai World Cup March 30/31, Dubai, UAE The social scene doesn’t get much better than this equine-ﬁlled weekend. At British Polo Day, you’ll enjoy some of the ﬁnest polo of the season, followed by a fashion show and afterparty. The next day, grab your frock and fascinator or your best suit and head to the Dubai World Cup horse races, which attracts celebrities and jet-setters for a day of mingling and concerts. www.britishpoloday.com www.dubaiworldcup.com Photo: Dubai Racing Club, Sam D’Agostino Club, Racing Dubai Photo:

dotwnews.com March 2012 63

60-61 Diary.indd 61 27/02/2012 19:41 Itineraries Spend it Spend it Itineraries

Escape in Chianti Tuscan hotels don’t come much more romantic than Hotel Le Fontanelle, a 13th-century farmhouse in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, surrounded by rolling countryside and rows of vineyards. The picturesque building was completely restored in 2011, and now features 25 rooms and suites, all designed to feel open and spacious, with exposed wooden beams and shuttered windows looking out over the fields beyond. Book a two-night stay from April to October and you’ll be welcomed with fresh flowers and the invitation to use a 125cc Vespa scooter for a day, so you can explore the breathtaking landscape at your own pace in true Italian style. You will also be invited to visit a nearby castle, where you can tour the cellars and enjoy a tasting of the local wines. When you’re done touring the countryside, you can explore the flavours of Tuscany paired with local wines in The Restaurant of Belvedere Terrace, with enchanting views. Guests can also use the hotel’s mountain bikes and facilities, includ- Spend it ing indoor and outdoor swimming pool, SPA with sauna, steambath and whirlpool, A farmhouse in Chianti, an entire hotel for rent and access to the hotel’s botanical garden. Cost: from EUR 2,189 (US$2,950) for two in St. Moritz and a private suite on a polo field – nights in a suite, based on two people sharing. From: April 1 to October 31. you’re spoilt for choice this spring Book: [email protected] www.hotelfontanelle.com *All prices are subject to change. Please contact the listed companies for further information.

Desert dreaming Luxury under canvas On top of the world Are you being served? Private polo show Room with a view Polo Suites are just metres Tucked away in a protected nature reserve Experience the magic of the The very name St. Mortiz conjures up images You’ll be lord of the manor if you For most people, a day at the polo means a chance rent out the entire Carlton Hotel away from the polo fields in the rolling dunes of Ras al Khaimah in the desert at Banyan Tree al Wadi of designer label-clad skiers carving steep turns to dress up, dust o your favourite hat and spend a north of the UAE, Banyan Tree al Wadi is an in fresh powder, and beautiful blondes sipping morning mingling with the members of the upper exquisite resort offering two very different martinis by the fire at the most exclusive après crust. But if you prefer to watch the sport of kings experiences for guests. The resort is spread ski hangouts. But for the more reclusive skier, in slightly more private surroundings, you couldn’t over two areas: the first an encampment of or anyone travelling with the extended family do much better than a stay in one of the brand new sumptuous tented villas in the middle of the in tow, you might want to consider this option polo suites at Per Aquum’s Desert Palm, situated on dunes, the other a collection of brand new from Carlton Hotel St. Moritz. For the first time a private polo estate in Dubai. Located just metres luxurious beachfront villas on the northern this year, you can rent out the entire five-star away from the resort’s championship polo fields, UAE’s majestic coast, a short drive from the hotel on a weekly basis, giving you full access to the five new suites feature floor to ceiling windows main resort. Book two nights in either before all l60 suites, two bars and a 186 square metre and outdoor terrace areas with uninterrupted the end of this month and you’ll be invited to sun terrace. As well as the breathtaking views views of the fields, so you don’t even have to leave spend a third night for free, and to enjoy daily over St. Moritz, the frozen lake below and the your suite to view a match. The open-plan suites breakfast for two and a 60-minute rainforest stunning mountain scenery, guests will have are bathed in natural light, with light interiors in experience in the Banyan Tree Spa, home of access to all the hotel’s features, including a neutral earthen tones, and each comes with fully- the Middle East’s largest hydrotherapy centre. 1,200 square metre spa, babysitting services, loaded iPod, flat-screen TV, Bose sound systems That’s an extra night to savour a romantic meal party planners and access to the Carlton Bob – and Nespresso co ee machine. When you’ve had under the starry Arabian skies, a horseback the world’s oldest bob run and the last remain- enough of polo, there are two gourmet restaurants ride through the dunes, or learn about the ing natural ice run. to choose from, a riding school and a LIME Spa UAE’s rich history of birds of prey at the Cost: AED 320,585 ($87,000) per week, including for some post-ride muscle soothing. Falconry Deck. breakfast, use of the Carlton Kids & Teens Club, Cost: Polo Suites start from US$390 per night Cost: book two nights and get a third free chauffeur service in St. Moritz and minibar. based on two people sharing. From: until March 30. From: until April 9. From: unlimited. Book: [email protected] Book: [email protected] Book: [email protected] www.banyantree.com www.carlton-stmoritz.ch www.desertpalm.ae

62 March 2012 dotwnews.com

62-65 Spend It.indd 62 27/02/2012 19:40 62-65 Spend It.indd 63 27/02/2012 19:40 Itineraries Spend it

Escape in Chianti Tuscan hotels don’t come much more romantic than Hotel Le Fontanelle, a 13th-century farmhouse in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, surrounded by rolling countryside and rows of vineyards. The picturesque building was completely restored in 2011, and now features 25 rooms and suites, all designed to feel open and spacious, with exposed wooden beams and shuttered windows looking out over the fields beyond. Book a two-night stay from April to October and you’ll be welcomed with fresh flowers and the invitation to use a 125cc Vespa scooter for a day, so you can explore the breathtaking landscape at your own pace in true Italian style. You will also be invited to visit a nearby castle, where you can tour the cellars and enjoy a tasting of the local wines. When you’re done touring the countryside, you can explore the flavours of Tuscany paired with local wines in The Restaurant of Belvedere Terrace, with enchanting views. Guests can also use the hotel’s mountain bikes and facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pool, SPA with sauna, steambath and whirlpool, and access to the hotel’s botanical garden. Cost: from EUR 2,189 (US$2,950) for two nights in a suite, based on two people sharing. From: April 1 to October 31. Book: [email protected] www.hotelfontanelle.com *All prices are subject to change. Please contact the listed companies for further information.

Are you being served? Private polo show Room with a view You’ll be lord of the manor if you For most people, a day at the polo means a chance Polo Suites are just metres rent out the entire Carlton Hotel to dress up, dust o your favourite hat and spend a away from the polo fields morning mingling with the members of the upper crust. But if you prefer to watch the sport of kings in slightly more private surroundings, you couldn’t do much better than a stay in one of the brand new polo suites at Per Aquum’s Desert Palm, situated on a private polo estate in Dubai. Located just metres away from the resort’s championship polo fields, the five new suites feature floor to ceiling windows and outdoor terrace areas with uninterrupted views of the fields, so you don’t even have to leave your suite to view a match. The open-plan suites are bathed in natural light, with light interiors in neutral earthen tones, and each comes with fully- loaded iPod, flat-screen TV, Bose sound systems and Nespresso co ee machine. When you’ve had enough of polo, there are two gourmet restaurants to choose from, a riding school and a LIME Spa for some post-ride muscle soothing. Cost: Polo Suites start from US$390 per night based on two people sharing. From: unlimited. Book: [email protected] www.desertpalm.ae

62-65 Spend It.indd 63 27/02/2012 19:40

title Sectiony

Thank you Mr. Branson We love a good ski lodge at Destinations of the World News, and they don’t come much more impressive than Sir Richard Branson’s The Lodge, in Verbier. The Lodge is usually rented out as a standalone chalet for up to 18 guests, but for a limited period in March and April, Virgin Limited Edition is renting out individual rooms ‘hotel style’, so even smaller groups and couples can enjoy the ridiculously extravagant lodge. Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner, plus all beverages from the bar and wine cellar (including premium branded spirits and champagne) and 24-hour driver service in Verbier. There’s indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis as well as an indoor heated swimming pool, a mini ice-rink and a team of chefs on call to prepare whatever you fancy for dinner. Sounds almost too good to be true. Cost: from US$4,430 per room for three nights, based on two people sharing. Or book the entire lodge from GBP25,290 $40,135 for three nights. From: March 11-18 then April 1-8, 8-15 and 15-22. Book: [email protected] www.thelodge.virgin.com

Paradise found Occupying a prime spot on the Seychelles’ Silhouette Island, a protected natural reserve since 1987, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is the luxury escape of choice for beach connoisseurs. The refined resort features a collection of hillside and beachfront villas overlooking the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean, with thick forests sloping down from the national park in the mountains behind. Enjoy lazy days on the white sand beaches or explore the nearby village of Le Passe and the former home of the Dauban family – early settlers of Silhouette Island. If you prefer pampering to exploration, be sure to visit the Silhouette Spa, with six couples’ treatment rooms perched on stilts between the natural rocks of the hillside and the dense jungle. When night falls, the resort’s four dining options come to life, offering a range of sumptuous cuisine from classic Creole in Grann Kaz and Italian at Portobello, to Japanese dishes at Teppanyaki. Cost: from EUR255 (US$345) per night. From: unlimited. Book: [email protected] www.seychelleslabriz.hilton.com

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62-65 Spend It.indd 65 27/02/2012 19:40 DOTW dps advert (MALDIVES)-Nov11.pdf 1 2/26/12 5:51 PM

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Baros, Maldives Banyan Tree Madivaru Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Island, Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa Huvafen Fushi, Maldives North Malé Atoll

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* FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS ONLY. View from the top

Room with a view Gaze out over Manhattan from your king-size bed

A stay at Mandarin alking into Mandarin Oriental’s The concierge greets me by name and checks discreet entrance at the ground me in, before I’m escorted onto another lift Oriental New York’s level of the Time Warner Center and whisked up to the 40th floor, where I’m at Manhattan’s Columbus shown to room 4000, the Premier Central Park Premier Central Park WCircle, I’m initially somewhat underwhelmed. View Suite. Walking into the living room is a I soon discover it’s because I’m not actually in pinch-me moment. The view of Central Park with View Suite is a master the hotel yet – all part of the MO NYC’s flawless Manhattan’s iconic skyscrapers towering over the execution of a low-profile luxury experience. trees extends all the way across an entire wall of class in understated One bellboy takes my luggage as another the living room, and continues into the bedroom, escorts me to the lift and presses the button for giving uninterrupted views from the king-size luxury, discovers the 35th floor. The doors slide open to reveal a bed. In the bathroom, there is a sizeable window circular, dark marble lobby, illuminated by the to gaze out of from the bathtub, as well as a stand- Caitlin Cheadle floor-to-ceiling windows of the adjacent MO Bar, alone rain shower, and a 15-inch LCD TV next to which showcases a panoramic view over Central the mirror. Park, 280 feet above the ground. It’s 11am, and There are also 42-inch LCD TVs in the bedroom there is a crowd of suited types finishing up and the living room, complete with surround- breakfast meetings at linen-draped tables. sound systems and iPod docking stations. A dining

68 March 2012 dotwnews.com

68-69 Suite Dreams.indd 68 27/02/2012 19:39 Mandarin Oriental New York Suite dreams

View from the top

Park life Mandarin Oriental occupies a prime spot between Central Park and the Hudson River

table stands next to the windows, making room anti-ageing Opulent Rejuvenescence facial. The service or a takeaway meal from the Whole Foods two-hour treatment flies by, and my skin is radiant market at the ground-level Columbus Circle afterwards – the perfect start to an evening out. shopping centre a tempting option. After pre-dinner drinks at MO Bar, I step Walking around the Hirsch Bedner-designed back onto street level, where the doormen are hotel, it’s clear this is a popular choice for quick to flag down a taxi for me. The hotel’s Warm welcome executives and society types, but this is not where Midtown location is convenient whether you’re The 35th-floor lobby is backed by panoramic views of the city they come to show o. It’s where they come to planning a night out in the West Village or a day relax and escape from the maddening crowds. of sightseeing – Central Park is literally steps from They frequent the MO Bar and the serene your door, and Fifth Avenue, the MoMA and 36th-floor health club, with its art deco-inspired Times Square are a short walk away. 75-foot indoor swimming pool surrounded by After a day of exploring, unwind in your suite’s The important bit full-length windows that look out over central bathtub or sitting area – even the best restaurants Manhattan towards the Hudson River. in NYC can’t match the view from here. New York Where: 80 Columbus Circle at West This is the same view that greets me in the may be the city that never sleeps, but it’s nice to 60th Street, New York, New York 10023 35th-floor MO Spa’s relaxation room, where I know that when the time comes, the Mandarin Cost: US$2,995 per night sit in my robe with a cup of herbal tea before my Oriental is waiting. ■ www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork

68-69 Suite Dreams.indd 69 27/02/2012 19:39 ON THE ROAD

BMW 650i BMW’s new 6 Series Gran Gran Coupe Coupe range, topped o by Engine: Twin turbo the 650i Gran Coupe, blends charged V8 athleticism and power with BHP: 450 technology and grace to create Torque: 650 Nm a four-door coupe guaranteed to 0-100kph: 4.6 secs turn heads. A longer wheelbase Top speed: 250kph and slightly lower proﬁle give Origin: Germany it a sleek, elegant look, and Cost: to be announced at the TwinPower Turbo engine the Geneva Motor Show delivers a smooth but powerful this month driving experience.

70-71 MotoringJSM.indd 70 27/02/2012 19:38 Motoring

DRIVE ME CRAZY

THE airport transfer is a curious phenomenon, one tainted by our ever-increasing demand for choice. There was a time when you would clear customs at, say, JFK to be greeted by a gentleman in a well- pressed uniform and a hat, who would escort you to a limousine with comfortable leather seats and a bottle of water in the armrest for the 30-minute drive downtown. Surely that’s all you need after a trans-Atlantic night flight? Nowadays it’s not so simple. My last pre-dawn arrival experience was a positively challenging aair from the moment I closed the door of the leather-scented BMW 750. What happened next was more like sitting down to dinner in a restaurant than a short transfer. It started with the newspapers – would I like one? Even though MINI John Cooper Britain’s favourite compact car brand just got even more stylish, it’s still very early and I’m tired, Works Roadster with this new open-top MINI Roadster. The sporty two-seater saying no will reveal that I am a Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-litre may look like a go-kart, but this John Cooper Works model philistine and don’t care about the BHP: 211 launches from 0-100kph in just 6.5 seconds. Double go-faster country I have just arrived in. Yes 0-100kph: 6.5 secs stripes down the front and rear give it a super sporty look when please. Which one would I like? Top speed: 237kph the top is down, and optional extras like sports seats make it Which ones do you have? Options. Origin: UK the ultimate weekend run-around – perfect for fun in the sun Yes, customers value choice, Cost: US$39,475 or city adventures. but they also value companies that anticipate their needs. My hotel reservation says I’m British, so chances are, a copy of the International Herald Tribune or The Times or even the local English- language daily will suce. Just pop it in the seat back in front of me and I’ll read it if I want to. Next I’m handed a thick leather- bound folder. Inside are the names of artists and albums – compos- ers, pop-stars and unknown country singers. More options. Again it’s like being in a restaurant. To start with I’ll have the Burt Baccarat, followed a bit of Beethoven – yes, Harley If you like your bikes Chrysler 300C The stylish new Chrysler 300C the 5th I think. If we have time Davidson lean and mean, Luxury Series Luxury Series promises to be after I’ll try some Beach Boys. Softail Slim this one’s for you. Engine: 5.7-litre Chrysler’s most luxurious sedan yet. Finally, I thought, time to sit Engine: 1690 cc Stripped down of HEMI® V8 Dressed in high grade Italian Poltrona back and relax. No. How is the Twin Cam 103B™ excess weight, the BHP: 363 Frau leather and finished with hand temperature sir? Fine. Hot towel Torque: 132Nm black and chrome 0-100kph: 6.1 secs sanded wood, the interior is lightyears sir? Oh, go on then. Would you like Origin: USA engine is the focal Origin: US ahead of other cars in its price to adjust the seat? I’ve already Cost: $15,499 point of the Slim, Cost: from $42,895 category in the style stakes. Paddle sussed that one thanks. It went on. which recalls the shifting eight-speed transmission So please, dear chaueur, just old-school charm of and powerful V8 engine make it get me to the hotel, where I can custom-built 1950s impressive under the hood, and the have a shower and become human bikes, with bare platinum-chrome finished grille and once more. Only then will I be ready fender struts and 19-inch aluminum wheels give the for such serious decision-making. Hollywood handlebar. exterior a five-star appearance. JOE MORTIMER

dotwnews.com March 2012 71

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Blue sky thinking goes green Acropolis now Hat tip indeed to the eco-initiatives being Poor old Greece. Hugely in debt and hugely in introduced by Southwest Airlines. The company need of cash. But necessity is the mother of has been testing a few of its innovations in a ‘beta’ invention, and the Greek Ministry of Culture has green plane, but now it’s ready to go company- announced it will be renting out the country’s wide by spending US$60 million refitting 372 most famous sites to ad agencies and other B737-700s. The airline says the new interior’s ‘commercial organisations’ (whatever these materials will reduce aircraft weight by hundreds are) to generate much needed revenue. You of kilos per plane, saving money and fuel. can actually rent some of the sites for just EUR Leather has been replaced with lighter, reusable 1,600 (US$2,120) per day. In the past there ‘E-leather’ covers; recyclable carpet is being laid have been incredibly strict guidelines for such in squares rather than rolls to save on total carpet use, but now cash is king, much to the irritation replacement; lighter life vest pouches are replacing of archaeology experts everywhere. Actually the ‘under-seat floatation device’ and seats we’re thinking the Destination of the World News have been slimmed down. Total annual savings Acropolis has a nice ring to it… expected? US$250 million. The re-fit of the fleet is set to be complete by the end of next year.

Home from home (almost) At Destinations of the World News we are massive fans of that most livable of cities, Helsinki. Yes, it gets a bit cold sometimes, but there’s always a warm welcome at the newest lounge of its international airport. The Almost@ home Lounge is decorated to resemble a Finnish home, complete with original art, handicrafts, furniture, cushions and household items by Finland’s ﬁnest. There’s a kitchen where you can make your own snacks, a children’s area, a library where you can borrow a book and loads of Fatboy sofas. There’re even comfortable woolen socks available from reception.

Red carpet for Chinese travellers Lotus blossoms at airport We recently reported that Hilton was rolling out customised San Francisco Airport is claiming it is the services and booking options in Mandarin across 30 of its hotels. first in the world to oer a yoga room. “It’s Suddenly we were inundated with other companies boasting another leap forward in providing our travellers about how they too were chasing the dragon. London’s Harrods with the opportunity and space to relax and has employed herds of Mandarin-speaking sta, as has Paris’ decompress on their own terms,” quoth the Printemps; Starwood hotels is introducing its Chinese focused airport’s John L Martin. It’s all about low ‘Personalised Travel Program’ featuring Mandarin speakers, lights, soothing blue colours, floating walls special foods and Chinese language collateral; and airports such and large rocks made from felt. Could this be as Copenhagen and Helsinki have signs in Mandarin. The World a trend coming to an airport near you? Who Tourism Organisation estimates that the number of outbound knows? We don’t know our Downward Facing tourists from China will reach 100 million by 2020. That’s a lot Dog from its Reverse Warrior, but it’s got to be of yen to be enjoyed by countries struggling with recession. good to have a stretch before a 12-hour flight.

dotwnews.com March 2012 73

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www.arabiantravelmarket.com/registernowom/ egi Hotel hotlist You know what it’s like. You wait ages for one really great hotel innovation to come along and then 10 arrive at the same time. There are so many IN quirky concepts that we’ve been forced to create our own mini Top of the Hotel Pops. Live and let die Our outdoor adventure award of In first place, because it’s our chart and IKEA hotel anyone? Apparently these titans the month goes to the wonderful 1. 5. US$67 ‘Zombie First Responder our rules, is the very wonderfully named of Swedish design are building a micro-city in Camp’. Yes, learn how to fight o ‘Do Knit Disturb’ room in Hotel Pelirocco, in London close to the Olympics featuring 1,200 zombies and survive. the UK seaside town of Brighton. Featuring homes and a 350-person hotel featuring all www.trackerspdx.com a funky room with a knitted telephone, their favourite furniture. Let’s hope you don’t curtains, tooth-brush, bedspread, lamp and have to assemble it from a flatpack yourself. Capital idea for Tube even a knitted eggs and sausage breakfast, London’s Underground network is soon expected to welcome high the room has everything a wool lover could 6. Lego, hotels and family fun some of our speed WiFi on the Tube network dream of. favourite things, so we are wholly behind the as the UK capital gallops towards Junior Concierge Competition hosted by the the Olympics this summer. 2. Starwood’s loyalty programme has UK’s LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel this just got better. Twenty-four hours better. month. Each of the six winners will enjoy a Pet lockers in Norway Cardholders of the company’s Preferred free weekend at the resort with their families, Travelling with Fido to Norway? Guests programme who spend more than where they will be expected to show visiting And don’t want to lose him? Well, springing up all over the country 75 nights at one of their hotels can enjoy children around and obviously have loads of are pet lockers where you can pop 24-hour check-in any time they like without Lego to play with. your canine pal while shopping. having to pay any extra fees. And those mega travellers who have stayed 250 7. Want something more creative? Book a Going for a song nights in total and maintained their gold room at London’s Savoy and you can record Forget Google maps. When you’re or platinum status for at least five years at Abbey Road studios, the former musical travelling you need The Song Map by Dorothy. Featuring wonder- get a lifetime of gold status. Then there base of The Beatles. Fairmont, which owns ful locations such as Strawberry are those mega-mega travellers racking The Savoy, is heading up renovations at the Fields, Penny Lane, Highway to up a staggering 500 nights and keeping legendary studios. Hell and the Hotel California, it’s their platinum status for 10 years, who get lyrical inspiration. a lifetime of platinum status. “We want to 8. In eighth place is the Hotel Novotel make our programme wildly aspirational to Vaugirard Montparnesse in Paris, which frequent travellers,” said Starwood’s has just opened an interactive gaming suite OUT Mark Vondrasek. featuring a titanic TV, Xbox with Kinect and roll out beds for your mates. Licence to chill 3. Roomkey.com is the result of a Haikko Spa in Finland oers a collaboration between InterContinental 9. Budget accommodation is big business, so super-cold room that can plunge Hotels, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice and you can see why the conversion of London’s the temperature down to a Wyndham. Forget those third-party booking Trocadero to oer 600 identical rooms in cryogenic -110C. Apparently it can only be experienced for three sites with their pesky commissions, these the heart of the West End is so attractive. The minutes. Or you die. guys are doing it for themselves. And hotel is due to open in 2014 but none of the making loads of money in the process. 10-metre-square rooms will have windows. Time for reflection Wonder which hotel companies will follow Cheap as chips, but a hard sell surely? Annoying trend of the month: in their business-minded footsteps? Not according to Criterion Capital, which bathroom mirrors at Chicago- manages the site. “Once you take windows out O’Hare Airport that sense where 4. Hotels can be pretty spooky places, you can just pack them in,” said spokesman you are and bombard you with adverts. especially if Jack Nicholson is checking Michael Hughes. Tactfully. you in with a little help from Stephen Pasta joke King. But we were pretty creeped out by 10. Languishing in 10th place is the Lastel Hotel Our Parisian correspondent an installation by artist Jessica Wohl in where the guests are all dead and the room reports a new flavour of crisp (or Arkansas’ Mountainaire Hotel. She has rate is US$156 a day. As crematorium capacity ‘chips’ if you must) in the French carpeted the hotel’s staircase with hair. And in Japan has been stretched to its limit, there capital… spaghetti bolognese. Mmmmmmmm. Not so much. not in a cute Rapunzel way or anything. Just are huge waiting lists, so families are forced loads of shaggy steps that you’d be terrified to find temporary homes for their deceased Sour note to trip over. loved ones. Apparently this concept is so Virgin Atlantic says it is charging successful that a second Lastel is now planned. musicians to stow instruments The business brains behind the concept is in the hold as they are extra Yokohama’s Hisayoshi Teramura, who says baggage. Other airlines do this as families can visit their relatives whenever they well, says VA. like and for as long as they like. Nice.

dotwnews.com March 2012 75

72-74 Trendsv.2.indd 75 27/02/2012 19:36 Connoisseur An insider’s guide to the most

luxurious hotels in the world Li Chen Sculpture St. Regis, Singapore

hree hotels in Singapore touch, stroke and push your head through for photographs. The hotel is trialling Four stand out for their art Seasons’ forthcoming Couples Suites – book anything on the 11th floor and you get collections, and they also a kids-free, ultra-romantic experience, with day-long canapés, 101 suggestions for happen to o er great Chinese getting to know your partner better, an extended bath menu and recommendations Tdining. The biggest ‘gallery’ is at The for cocktails with breakfast in bed. Your room keys come in a holder with a full- Ritz-Carlton Millenia, downtown colour image of one of the hotel’s wall paintings – Luminosity 1 by Malaysian artist by Marina Bay, where owner Pontiac Fauzan Haji Omar. All-day dining in the hotel’s one restaurant is complemented by Land Group displays over US$8 million being able to walk through the above-mentioned retail corridor to Singapore’s hottest worth of art. Enter the soaring lobby home-grown haute cuisine, Iggy’s by Ignatius Chan. Hotel GM is Lebanese-Canadian Mary of the 608-room hotel and you have a Antoine Chahwan. www.fourseasons.com/singapore Gostelow giant Frank Stella mobile overhead, and St Regis, Singapore, five minutes further up Orchard Road, is the flagship of a pair of his multi-colour paintings on yet another art-loving owner, Kwek Leng Beng. He and his wife Cecilia personally Lifestyle the level below. Unique glass artist Dale sourced and hung the amazing art pieces in the 299-room hotel. Most are Chinese, and luxury Chihuly is represented by two six-metre- but the outer lobby has a 20-inch Frank Gehry glass sculpture, and among the bigger commentator tall wall installations, one green and one sculptures are two by Colombian Fernando Botero. Best known is probably the yellow, at distant ends of the main floor, lifesize piece by the outdoor, second-floor pool – a black human figure prostrate on o the lobby. Favourite rooms here are a silver pillow on a stone (by Li Chen). The pool, incidentally, has 16 loungers set in any in the -26 series: look out through eight centimetres of water around the main lap-swimming area. Elevators, which the octagonal windows in the bathroom have velvet stools, and all bathrooms sparkle with multi-coloured French marble. to the Singapore Flyer and the bay Choose one of the three Specialty Suites that come with such benefits as VIP airport beyond. As you leave, you notice a pair welcome and Bentley transport, as well as hour-long Remède spa treatments daily. of leaning men outside the main door, Dine Italian poolside, or modern French in Les Saveurs. Hotel GM is Sri Lankan- Xian sculptures in Mao-type garb by born Ananda Arawwawela. www.stregis.com/singapore Beijing artist Zhu Wei. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia o ers all-day Greenhouse Frank Stella installation dining, or walk across the street to Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore the many restaurants (including CUT by Wolfgang Puck) in the Marina Bay Sands complex. Hotel GM is Vancouver- born Peter Mainguy. www.ritzcarlton. com/Singapore Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, owned by BS Ong and his family – who also own COMO Hotels and Resorts and Armani concessions for this part of the world – is discreetly set uptown, o Orchard Boulevard, but you can walk through an Ong-owned ultra retail corridor to Orchard Road, which is five minutes away. At the 254-room hotel, you are immediately struck by the amazing gold leaf ceiling dome with 16 arches over the main lobby, and the gold-leafed columns around it, which are all by Marcus Walkley. Sculptures

SINGAPORE in the public areas encourage you to

76 March 2012 dotwnews.com

76 Connoisseur.indd 76 27/02/2012 19:36 cornucopia ilan_ocak2012.indd 1 1/18/12 4:58 PM Family luxe: cruising Mediterranean cruising proves plain sailing for parents with Royal Caribbean, says Gemma Greenwood

hen word got out that and I hit the deck, or should I say one of many decks, where facilities ranged from my husband and I were a climbing wall, mini golf course and surf simulator to restaurants, bars, a spa, gym taking our 14-month- and a shopping promenade. By night, the nursery was open too, allowing adults time old on a week-long to dine or take in a show or movie together. MediterraneanW cruise, friends and But for those parents who, like us, like to spend as much quality time with their family told us we were crazy. babe as possible, there were plenty of group family activities on offer.Liberty of the Why would we want to subject Seas’ H2O zone is a must-mention – a kids-only water play area with shallow pools ourselves to seven days at sea on a and colourful fountains complete with a babies-only pool. The Cloud Nine playroom ship that was bound to be packed with for tots allows children to let off steam, while the nursery operates a free-of-charge pensioners, was the typical response, toy-lending service. such is the ignorant view shared by those who are yet to experience the “We soon realised that should we be so inclined, modern-day cruise. As a mother, the average age of our our little girl could spend her days ‘at sea’ safely fellow cruisers did not concern me, ensconced in the Royal Babies and Tots nursery, particularly as I knew Royal Caribbean International’s Liberty of the Seas was a playing, eating and sleeping happily” family-focused ship that, in all honesty, appealed more to the under-18s category But it was really the child-friendly staff that made sure our Mediterranean cruise than any other age group. My only was plain sailing. Our little girl was treated like a princess every night as she feasted worries regarded dining and sleeping on a three-course meal from the dedicated kids menu, with treats ranging from conditions for our fussy little madam – spaghetti bolognese to chicken fingers and fries, and home-made cookies for dessert. and of course, safety. After filling her belly in true ‘grab-all-you-can-eat’ cruise style, our tot would All fears were allayed as soon as we return to her cabin to find a treat from our room assistant, who worked wonders stepped on board the ship and were with fresh towels and face cloths, weaving them into the shapes of all sorts of greeted by the kids’ care and activity animals, from dogs to bears. My personal favourite was the gorilla swinging from the team. We soon realised that should ceiling on a coat hanger wearing my husband’s sunglasses. we be so inclined, our little girl could If this all sounds too good to be true, I will concede that taking land spend her days ‘at sea’ safely ensconced excursions with toddlers in tow can prove testing at times, and while our voyage in the Royal Babies and Tots nursery, at sea was smooth and tranquil, dragging a buggy occupied by a hot and tired playing, eating and sleeping happily infant across the ancient streets of Pompeii ensured we had the bumpy ride the with qualified staff while my husband cruise cynics had predicted. n

78 March 2012 dotwnews.com

78 Guest column.indd 78 27/02/2012 19:34 MarryMe_ADV_143_235x335_DotWNews.indd 1 25/05/11 18:14 LUCA CAPRAI CEO of Cruciani fashion house

uca Caprai founded his successful fashion brand, Cruciani, in 2001 after a lifetime witnessing his family’s passion for making authentic Italian Lgoods. His father, Arnaldo Caprai, was already producing hand-made cashmere knits when Luca decided to build his own brand around a specific ultra-thin knit that he describes as “impossible to make by hand”. The luxury knitwear proved an immediate success and the brand is now expanding rapidly in Italy and abroad. Luca has also attracted the attention of celebrities such as Dita Von Teese, Angelica Russo, Andrea Osvart and Douglas Kirkland, who have been wearing his latest venture, Quadrifoglio bracelets. According to Luca, “In my family we’re all specialists: I only make sweaters, my brother only makes wine, my father only makes lace now.” With his expertise in luxury goods, fashion and all things Italian-made, who better to ask where to visit while staying in Italy than him? Here Luca shares his favourite escapes with Destinations of The World News.

Amalfi Coast For me, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Italy. The stunning coastline combines with the backdrop of green mountains for the ultimate landscape, something that was made official when the Amalfi Coast was listed as a UNESCO World Her- itage site. Hotel Caruso Belvedere in Ravello is luxury for me. It effort- lessly combines beautiful architecture, service and style to provide an unforgettable experience.

Naples Umbria “The stunning This is a great city that combines The village of Trevi is my home- art, music, architecture and food. town, and it will always have a very coastline combines For me it is the food and the peo- special place in my heart. Umbria ple that make Naples something has such beautiful countryside and with the backdrop that is truly special. When visiting Trevi is a hilltop village looking I like to have pizza, and there is no down over a wide, grassy plain. The of green mountains better place than L’Antica Pizzeria town is very small but renowned for for the ultimate Da Michele. The family that owns it its production of olive oil, which have been making pizza since 1870. is something my family is very landscape” Nothing beats it. involved in.

80-81 The AlbumJSMcc.indd 80 27/02/2012 19:33 Album

Picture perfect Hotel Caruso Belvedere’s infinity pool overlooks the breathtaking vistas of the Amalfi Coast

Hotel Principe di Savoia Milan Hong Kong I have to make a special mention Via Montenapoleone and Quadrilat- I know this is not in Italy but if I were of Hotel Principe di Savoia on ero della Moda are two of the most to live in another part of the world it Piazza della Repubblica – arguably important streets in the Milan fash- would be Hong Kong. The Peninsula the best hotel in Milan, if not the ion district, and for me personally hotel is great; the service is second to whole of Italy. It is the number-one they are a great place to see what none and its views of the skyline are place I would recommend when the other fashion houses are doing. some of the best in the world. I also visiting Milan, especially during The streets boast some of the biggest love the fact that in Hong Kong you Fashion Week. The hotel’s stunning fashion brands in the world, all with can eat amazing food for US$4 and Principe Bar is the place to be and the backdrop of a quintessential Ital- just around the corner you can have be seen after the fashion shows. ian cobbled street. an exquisite meal for up to $400.

dotwnews.com March 2012 81

80-81 The AlbumJSMcc.indd 81 27/02/2012 19:33 Sectiony title

Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan Founders of Beulah London www.beulahlondon.com

The label with a conscience

eulah London has gained What led you to start the label? Binternational recognition After volunteering in an aftercare for its elegant gowns and dresses, home, we decided to set it up. but look closer and you’ll discover We both had a love for fashion, this is a label with heart and soul. so decided to combine it with a Founders Natasha Rufus Isaacs and charitable cause. Lavinia Brennan launched their debut collection to rave reviews in What obstacles have you over- 2011, catching the eyes of Demi come as a young business owner? Moore and the Duchess of Cam- Not getting a regular paycheck bridge (pictured) in the process. has been a big obstacle – in fact I But it is their dedication to haven’t seen one for two years. You human rights that caught the have to sacrifice a lot. But I wake attention of the United Nations, up every morning and love what I which honoured the duo with a do, and believe in what I work for, special commendation for their so it’s all worth it. work to stop human trafficking. Destinations of the World News How do you juggle all your caught up with Natasha to find commitments? out why compassion is all in a It is tricky. We spend a lot of day’s work. evenings working, but I try to prioritise friends and family. Beula London is a high-end label but it’s also described as “ethical”. What are some of the most memo- Why is that? rable moments of your career? Our brand has a humanitarian Being given a special commenda- aspect, rather than ethical. We are tion by the United Nations in a luxury British brand with a con- Luxor, for Beula’s dedication to science. Our vision is to employ combating human trafficking. women who have been victims of sex trafficking in the production, Why is India so close to your heart? thus giving them an alternative My great-great grandfather was

WORD livelihood. Our silks come from Viceroy of India from 1921 to 1926. a project in Delhi, which employs I travelled there eight years ago and women who have been trafficked loved it, especially the people. in the past. All our other manu- facturing is done in Britain and Where do you travel to unwind? we monitor every step to ensure I love going to Cornwall with my all the workers are paid fairly family. We go for the long walks on and that there is no slave the cliffs and go surfing – when

Final labour involved. I can brave it! n

82 Final WordCC.indd 82 27/02/2012 19:33 Enjoy the privacy of your waterfront villa Listen to the sounds of gently lapping waves Experience the beauty of your own island sanctuary

Enjoy your beachfront sanctuary within the comfort of Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s private villas on Saadiyat Island. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the two and three bedroom villas range from 200 to 355 square metres and feature large terraces with open-air plunge pools, outdoor massage and sun beds, all overlooking a breathtaking nine-kilometre stretch of natural white sand beach.

Reservations +971 2 407 1234 or abudhabi.park.hyatt.com [email protected]

16 ContributorsJSM.indd 18 28/02/2012 12:28 (R) J02523 ic doha launch dowtc 33.5x23.5 eng.ai 1 2/21/12 2:51 PM