FOCUS ON FIJI SUMMER 2018
WATERWORLD CHALLENGE - Fiji spearheads world fight
Airline & hotel reviews - we test and report ‘I thought I knew Chinese food’ - then came a visit to Taiwan
Summer road warriors - fast & fabulous cars & bikes
THE LUXURY CORPORATE TRAVEL MAGAZINE COLENSO0486
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www.fiji.travel A PLACE TO www.raiwasa.com TRULY RELAX
RECONNECT WITH YOUR LOVED ONES,
BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE,
INDULGE IN HUMAN PLEASURES,
BE IN THE MOMENT.
WITH HAPPINESS ALL AROUND
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TOKYO ruSh Hour LOS ANGELES HONG KONG That’s a little more Fiji HONOLULU
TARAWA KIRITIMATI SINGAPORE FUNAFUTI HONIARA APIA
PORT VILA NADI SUVA VAVA’U NUKU’ALOFA BRISBANE
SYDNEY ADELAIDE AUCKLAND MELBOURNE WELLINGTON CHRISTCHURCH
AUSTRALIAN CODESHARE FIJI DESTINATIONS
DARWIN ROTUMA LABASA CAIRNS TOWNSVILLE SAVUSAVU ROUTE KEY ROCKHAMPTON TAVEUNI BRISBANE VANUABALAVU Fiji Airways Routes KORO NADI PERTH SUVA CICIA SYDNEY Codeshare Routes ADELAIDE CANBERRA LAKEBA Interline Routes KADAVU HOBART Fiji Link Routes
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CONTENTS Corporate Traveller, Summer 2018
NEWS 14. News Roundup What’s new in the business of travel 24. Hotel News Spotlight on the new and unique COVER STORY 26. Hotel Reports Report on Pullman and Novotel Fiji spearheads world fight 42 against climate change 34. Airline News What’s new on our flightpath 36. Flight Report We fly & report on Virgin in Australia
COVER STORY 42. Fiji spearheads world fight against climate change 52. On safari in Fiji - travel for business & pleasure
LUXURY ESCAPES 58. Raiwasa’s magic menu for recapturing our mojo 58 64. InterContinental – a beckon LUXURY ESCAPES for business and pleasure Raiwasa’s magic menu 70. Volivoli inspires action for recapturing our mojo - from diving to cocktails 76. Grand Pacific Hotel - icon of the South Pacific
WORLD FOCUS 82. Niue - tall & alone in the Pacific an enigma waiting to be explored 88. An art collector’s haven Rowena Bahl at Hotel Tugu
Advertising Contact
Trudy Parsons-Smith [email protected] +64 21 688 820
Editorial Contact
70 Bruce Laybourn [email protected] LUXURY ESCAPES + 64 21 950 288 Volivoli inspires action - from diving to cocktails corporatetravellermagazine.com
8 CORPORATE TRAVELLER AUTUMN 2017 CONTENTS Corporate Traveller, Summer 2018
WINE 92. The summer threesome – rosé prosecco and big bottles
MOTORING MOTORING 96. News – Aston DB11 declared Porsche’s Panamera 4S most beautiful car 2017 98 a 911 with four doors 98. Porsche’s Panamera 4S - a 911 with four doors 100. The artwork called Arteon - VW’s golden egg 102. Katana-like Lexus - at the cutting edge
MOTORCYCLING 104. The Ducati Panigale V4 - when a bullet is too slow 106. KTM’s 1290GT re-ignites sports/touring debate 108. Yamaha YZF-R1M - superbike unleashed 106 110. BMW’s new G310GS - the legend continues MOTORCYCLING KTM’s 1290GT re-ignites 112. The Indian Bobber sports/touring debate - stripped down for action 114. Vespa’s origins honoured - but with extra muscle
GOLF 116. Global golf tourism now worth $32 billion
CRUISING 120. Virgin building first ship - to board adults-only 122. Cruising PNG & Solomons aboard the Pacific Eden
CUISINE 124. ‘I thought I knew Chinese food 122 - then came a visit to Taiwan’ CRUISING Cruising PNG & Solomons aboard the Pacific Eden
10 CORPORATE TRAVELLER AUTUMN 2017 F C S N FI I S ER OUR WORD PUBLISHER Bruce Laybourn Fiji the perfect barometer [email protected] for world climate change BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Trudy Parsons-Smith [email protected] EDITOR AT LARGE Rob Prince [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Tijen Kizildere – NOK Design
MOTORING EDITOR Andrew Beacham [email protected] As the new president of the United Nation’s Climate GOLFING EDITOR Change Conference, Fiji is surely the perfect barometer for Kelsen Butler [email protected] the damage earth’s inhabitants are inflicting on their planet. Even before assuming the UN role in November, Fiji had CUISINE EDITOR Quintin Quider begun making room for its Kiribati neighbours, displaced by [email protected] rising oceans. Fiji is also counting the human and economic cost of increasingly extreme weather events. WINE EDITOR Liz Wheadon In February, 2016, Cyclone Winston claimed 44 lives and [email protected] cost Fiji the equivalent of one third of its GDP. PHOTOGRAPHY “We certainly place great importance on highlighting the Rob Trathen impacts of climate change on all vulnerable nations, and [email protected] especially those of us in the Pacific, where in some instances, PROOFING we face a threat to our very existence,” said Fiji Prime Minister, Ilana Kizildere Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in an interview with Corporate Traveller. CORRESPONDENTS Antonella Kann (South America) He hopes for a “change of heart” by United States’ president, Gerard Hindmarsh (Asia-Pacific) Donald Trump, who initiated an American withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the international accord intended to DISTRIBUTION combat greenhouse gas emissions. International Magzter/Newspaper Direct/isubscribe “Unless we tackle the root cause of these events - global warming - we all face an unpredictable and terrifying future, New Zealand and Australia Premium airline lounges, New Zealand’s top 500 CEOs, not only in the vulnerable nations but in every part of the Australia’s leading convention centres and event world.” planners, airlines as well as hospitality executives, hotels, On a brighter note, this “Focus on Fiji” edition throws the cafes, corporate headquarters, Corporate Cabs, Premier spotlight onto the country’s burgeoning hospitality industry, Jet Charters and executive car purchasers. with highlights for both business and leisure travellers. CORPORATE TRAVELLER MAGAZINE LTD From our correspondents from around the world we Corporate Traveller publishes four times each year. The serve up a healthy summer read. Liz Wheadon discusses contents are copyright and cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the Publisher. Most articles are the big summer wine trends – prosecco, big bottles and the commissioned, but quality contributions may be considered. continuing reign of rosé. Corporate Traveller’s acceptance of all contributed material Graham Simmons takes us on a tour of Taiwanese cuisine - words, images and illustrations - is on the basis that these while Rob Prince takes us cruising aboard the Pacific Eden. will be used internationally in all forms of the magazine’s distribution and marketing, be that print, digital or social Meanwhile Andy Beacham introduces us to more motoring networking. All articles, images and illustrations submitted exotica. will remain open for reading, reference or retrieval without time limit through all forms of distribution. Bruce Laybourn All material is accepted on this basis only. Publisher
COVER: Islands of the South Pacific are the perfect barometer for rising sea levels corporatetravellermagazine.com Cover Photo: Rorro Gomez Bolbaran
12 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 NEWS
VEGAS DEALT VERY BAD HAND BY MASS MURDERER
typically promote restaurants, markets to measure the shooting’s concerts, a topless pool and potential impact. The report said other entertainment were instead not all markets are alike, but the showing a dedicated phone line effects on tourism of events such for victims and their families, along as the Orlando, Florida, nightclub with words of appreciation for first attack have gradually become less responders and casino employees. pronounced and shorter. #VegasStrong is the message Las In the days after the shooting, Vegas marketing officials used to get visitors found marked police SUVs tourists flowing to the city after the parked outside their hotels along attack. the Strip. Security employees of the It’s hard to quantify the effect Wynn Las Vegas and Encore casino- of the shooting. Aeroplanes still resorts used hand-held metal carry tourists to the desert oasis, detectors to check bags. Guards convention-goers fill large halls to asked some visitors to pop their Tourism in Las Vegas is gambling. discuss the latest industry trends, trunks. The travel and tourism industry here and slot machines ring in the But those measures have since is in currently playing a downswing casinos. been scaled back. No apparent hand, but tourism in Sin City is But stock prices of the main Las new security measures other than everyone’s business. Analysts who Vegas casino companies all took a guards checking room keys at closely track the finances of the city’s minor tumble after the shooting. Mandalay Bay. casino companies say Las Vegas will Analysts with investment bank Mandalay Bay’s parent company, see a dip in visitors in response to Morgan Stanley forecasted the MGM Resorts International, owns the shooting. shooting would decrease demand more than a dozen properties, Casinos and police may have to for the Las Vegas market for about including casinos, convention space, impose new security measures after six months and have a 4-6 percent and arenas on the Las Vegas Strip. gunman Stephen Paddock brought economic effect. Last week, the National Business more than 20 rifles into his hotel The analysts looked into the Aviation Association convention room and drove a car filled with effect of terrorist attacks on drew around 27,000 people to explosives into the parking garage. “revenue per available room,” a Las Vegas. IMEX America, an expo Electronic billboards that key gauge of a lodging company’s for incentive travel, meetings and performance, across different events, brought 12,000 attendees. TIME TO LOCK UP PHONES FOR REAL MEALTIME CONVERSATIONS
Nothing ruins lunchtime According to a survey of 302 conversations more than a parents conducted by McDonald’s in smartphone - and McDonald’s thinks Singapore, most (98 percent) say they it has a way to combat this modern use their mobile device whenever addiction. they’re with family and more than The fast food chain recently two-thirds of them admitted using introduced mobile phone lockers smartphones during meals. Most in one of its branches in Singapore, parents also said their kids use their encouraging diners to take a break phone during family time. from the virtual world and have real “This ‘Phone Off, Fun On’ initiative conversations over meals. is part of our efforts to advocate family Named the “Phone off. Fun On” togetherness and encourage families and customer care. campaign, the first 100 transparent to spend quality time together,” said Although the campaign primarily lockers were installed in the Linda Ming, director of McDonald’s targets families, the service is free for McDonald’s Marine Cove outlet. Singapore’s brand communications anyone to use.
14 15 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 NEWS NEWS
ARTIST NAILS SCROTUM TO RED SQUARE - THEN SETS BANK OF FRANCE ABLAZE
Pyotr Pavlensky, an artist from St Petersburg who gained worldwide notoriety after nailing his scrotum to the cobblestones of Moscow’s Red Square, has set the entrance to the Bank of France in Paris on fire. Pictures showing Pavlensky in front of the Bank of France door in the Place de la Bastille with flames raging in the barred windows quickly appeared on social media. Police arrested the radical artist, according to photographer Capucine Henry, who shared a photo on her Twitter feed. revolutionary France will trigger the assault allegations. The “performance” caused the global fire of revolutions.” Setting things on fire is not bank to shut down on Monday, “The bankers have taken the something new for Pyotr Pavlensky, according to a note attached to the place of the monarchs,” another who set fire to the doors of the door. quote reads. Russian Federal Security Service It is not clear what Pavlensky’s Pavlensky received political (FSB) headquarters in Moscow. The message was, but a Femen asylum in France earlier this year protest-performance cost the man activist apparently quoted the after he fled Russia with his partner seven months in jail and a fine of artist as saying that “the revival of and their children following sexual $7800. PATTAYA ROBBER NEEDED FUNDS FOR SEX CHANGE OPERATION
nabbed at her room in central Pattaya bathroom, the pair took 4000 baht a day after police obtained a warrant cash and a gold necklace. The total for her arrest from the Pattaya court. value of the theft was about 150,000 The suspect said she and a baht, according to Pol Col Apichai transgender friend, who is still at Krobpetch of Pattaya municipal police large, took the valuables from the station in Chon Buri province. tourist, who was not identified, after “Nong Noey” recounted that she going back to his hotel room on and her friend then said good-bye October 10, 2017. to the tourist and left. The drunken She said she and the friend Russian man went straight to bed approached the tourist who was and was not aware of the missing drinking at an entertainment venue valuables until he woke up the next on Walking Street. Police say they morning. came up with a plan to swindle Police said they tracked Ms Sakda A transgender woman has been the tourist and, after ingratiating to her room using security camera arrested in the Thai resort city of themselves with him, Nong Noey footage and gathered evidence Pattaya on charges of theft after she and her accomplice volunteered to needed to seek the arrest warrant. and a friend allegedly stole a gold accompany the tourist back to his According to her testimony, she necklace and cash worth 150,000 hotel room on Pattaya Sai 3 Road. said she needed to steal money baht from a Russian tourist. After arriving at his room, they saw because she was saving money for a Sakda Nuchwong, 26, known as an open safe containing valuables, sex change operation. p: 09 420 7515 “Nong Noey of Walking Street,” was and when the tourist went to the www.trueformspas.co.nz
16 17 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 NEWS
BOOK FAIR BRAWL IN GERMANY - & ‘MEIN KAMPF’ A BESTSELLER
Scuffles and fistfights were reported between left and right wing activists at the Frankfurt Book Fair, after protesters interrupted an event held by a member of the AfD party and a conservative publishing house. The standoff first began at an event organised by right wing publishing house Antaios, during a reading held by politician Bjoern Hoecke of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) party. Activists shouting “Nazis out” a presentation by two authors Boos, condemned violence as a disrupted the session and holding from the Identity Movement, also means of fighting ideas. He also up signs, one of which read “Still affiliated with Antaios, was met with defended the presence of right- loving books, still not loving hate.” loud boos and whistles, causing it wing publishers at the event, citing The confrontation between the to finish early. Several people were freedom of expression. two groups escalated to pushing detained. The Frankfurt Book Fair is one and shoving, while some of Hoecke’s During the commotion, Nico of the largest literary events of its supporters tried to rip up the signs. Wehnemann of Frankfurt City kind in the world, hosting around a Around 400 people were involved in Council claims he was struck thousand authors and over 280,000 the ruckus before police arrived to down by a private security officer, visitors. There had already been separate the two sides. whom he described as a “Nazi.” a tense atmosphere in the days Hitler’s “Mein Kampf’ became a Wehnemann also said that some of leading up to the brawl, as several bestseller in Germany, with 85,000 the guests had shouted “Sieg Heil” stalls run by right wing authors copies sold in 2016. during a previous meeting. and publishers were damaged or Things then seemed to calm In a statement, the director of vandalised. down until early evening, when the Frankfurt Book Fair, Juergen ‘RUMOURS OF THE DEATH OF OIL ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED’
some forecasts say otherwise. the share of more environmentally “I can assure you the rumors of the friendly energy sources, including death of oil are greatly exaggerated. gas generation and nuclear energy,” Oil will remain the foundation of Sechin added. world fuel and energy for the future However, oil prices are unlikely to 20-30 years, and more to come,” return to the 2014 highs. Sechin said at the X Eurasian Forum “The balance is still fragile and in Verona, Italy. unstable, shale mining in the United According to the Rosneft chief, any States, that has accumulated large RUN0984 fall in oil consumption will be replaced reserves of drilled but incomplete by gas. wells, can, given an appropriate “Some decrease in the share of price level, give a significant increase oil in the overall balance of energy in production in 2018, and again The CEO of Russia’s largest oil resources will be almost entirely be destabilise the market. Therefore, I company Rosneft, Igor Sechin, has offset by an increase in the share think we should not expect a spike in You don’t find tourists in Niue. You find other travellers. People who want said that oil will remain the principal of gas. A decrease in the share of oil prices in the near future.” to explore the world’s largest uplifted coral atoll, snorkel in the crystal clear fuel for many years to come - although coal will be offset by an increase in waters or bathe where kings once did. You meet real people – just like you. Start discovering Niue today, www.niueisland.com
18 19 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 NEWS NEWS
SHELTERING SENSITIVE SOULS NEW SPA POOL BREAKS THE SOUND BARRIER UPSET BY SHAKESPEARE
academic freedom. inevitably curtail academic freedom. Assuming both innocence and If the academic staff are concerned lack of knowledge of the bard’s they might say something students most famous works, lecturers find uncomfortable they will avoid at Cambridge University have doing it.” introduced the warnings for Critics have called the warnings “potentially distressing topics.” “fundamentally dishonest.” English literature “We have to encourage students undergraduates were apparently to be able to face that, even cautioned before a lecture on Titus when they find they’re awkward Andronicus and The Comedy of and difficult for all kinds of good Errors. According to insiders at the reasons,” said Mary Beard, a university, warnings were posted Professor of Classics at Cambridge. Students at one of Britain’s in the English Faculty’s “Notes on Cambridge University denied most prestigious universities are Lectures’ document. having a trigger warning policy. Music while being massaged in as water, electronics and chemicals sitting inside our own speaker box reportedly being sheltered from Not everyone is impressed by “Some lecturers indicate that spa pool once involved pointing a were not considered a good with 4 X 50w full range transducer sexual and violent scenes in the the move. some sensitive material will be speaker in the direction of the hot combination. speakers and a 150W subwoofer. plays of William Shakespeare. “If a student of English literature covered in a lecture by informing tub. However now with the SV In addition to bluetooth, auxillary Advocates of the “trigger doesn’t know that Titus Andronicus the English faculty admin staff,” said From those primitive days, Smartstream we have a high audio input devices are provided to warnings” - alerting readers to contains scenes of violence, they a spokesman. the homegrown New Zealand spa definition sound system for our spa enable connection to TV/DVD/iPod potentially distressing material - shouldn’t be on the course,” said “This is entirely at the lecturer’s manufacturer, Trueform, launches - with bluetooth connectivity - that dock/MP3 player if desired. say they protect people from the David Crilly, artistic director at the own discretion and is in no way us into an exciting new space – and also includes a wifi remote access Our test drive confirms without possibility of being upset, while Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. indicative of a faculty-wide policy.” breaks the sound barrier in the control. question that there’s no better critics argue that they curtail “This degree of sensitivity will process. With our device away from the way to relax than being blissfully In the course of duty, the team spa we can still use our touchpad comfortable in hot water, being OPOID DEATHS DROP 6 PERCENT AFTER at Corporate Traveller has had to to skip tracks, play, pause, adjust massaged while listening to our endure the excitement of testing volume and mute. While the favourite music. MARIJUANA LEGALISATION superbikes, exotic automobiles and operation is simple and intuitive we Trueform reports that many exquisite wines. have complete control from inside users are enjoying this new “sound A new study finds the legalisation that the reductions in opioid-related of medical cannabis legalization on So taking the new Trueform for a your spa - including fader, treble, barrier” technology. These include a of cannabis in the United States’ deaths were related to “a reversal of opioid-related deaths.” test drive is a perfect fit – high tech, mid-range, bass, subwoofer and sub Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot, a state of Colorado was associated the upward trend in opioid-related Researchers isolated the effects sexy and disturbingly pleasurable. frequency. farmer – oh and those who signed with “a statistically significant deaths.” However, they stressed that of legalised recreational cannabis by At the core of the new experience This unit is sealed under the spa, on for the Corporate Traveller test reduction” in opioid-related deaths. the results were only preliminary, comparing data from Colorado and is Trueform’s achievement in adding so no waterproofing difficulties, no flight. Twenty-nine states and the given that they only studied data Nevada, since both states legalised a powerful sound system to their problematic pop up speakers or District of Columbia have laws from the two years after recreational medical marijuana in the same spas, something previously avoided cabinet speakers. We are literally legalising marijuana in some form. marijuana was legalised in 2014. year, but Nevada did not legalise California has legalised weed for From 2000 to the end of 2013, the recreational weed use until 2017. recreational use, with markets study says Colorado saw a steady Opioids killed more than 33,000 PENTAGON FEARS HACKERS COULD CRASH THE opening in January, 2018. increase in the number of opioid- people in 2015, half of those “After Colorado’s legalisation of related deaths. The study says that involving a prescription opioid. STOCK MARKET recreational cannabis sale and use, trend was “reversed” in 2014, when In their study, the researchers opioid-related deaths decreased Colorado legalised recreational warned that even though they found The United States Department of Agency (DARPA), is consulting with a range of financial companies in more than 6 percent in the following marijuana. health benefits from reducing the Defence is concerned hackers could dozens of traders and quantitative what has been described as an early- two years,” said the team of This is the first study to number of opioid-related deaths, take down the US financial system hedge fund managers to understand stage pilot project to identity market investigators from the University of look at the correlation between they noted “expanded legalised and is working with Wall Street the extent of the damage hackers vulnerabilities. North Texas School of Public Health, recreational marijuana and opioid cannabis use is also associated with traders to figure out a way to protect could cause to the US financial system, The project is unclassified and the University of Florida, and Emory deaths. The study states that their significant potential harms.” it against the threat. the Wall Street Journal reports. DARPA confirmed its details to the University concluded. research “extends” on prior studies The Pentagon’s research arm, the DARPA has spent the last year and WSJ. It’s called the Financial Markets The authors of the study said “on the potential protective effect Defence Advanced Research Projects a half consulting with executives from Vulnerabilities Project.
20 21 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 NEWS NEWS
OASIS, LAUNCHPAD OR PITSTOP ‘NAZI GRANDMA,’ 88 JAILED FOR DENYING THE ‘THE GARAGE’ BECKONS BIKERS HOLOCAUST
Detmold, where she is appealing the eight-month jail sentence the court handed to her in September 2016. The charges revolving around her letter to Detmold’s mayor in which she insisted that Auschwitz was a plain labour camp. That letter arrived as the trial of a former SS guard at the Auschwitz death camp, Reinhold Hanning, was being heard in Detmold. The court eventually sentenced Hanning to five years behind bars “for accessory to murder in 170,000 A German court has found Haverbeck who pleaded not cases.” Ursula Haverbeck, also known as guilty, alleged that she was citing In August, Haverbeck lost an “Nazi Grandma,” guilty of inciting from a book when speaking at the appeal in the district court of Verden hatred by saying the Holocaust event. However, upon studying the in Lower Saxony, which increased is fiction and there were no half-a-minute footage, the court her jail term from 10 months to two gas chambers in the Auschwitz determined that it “was her own years without parole. concentration camp. speech” and found her guilty. Her Under German law, incitement The octogenarian was handed a lawyer’s argument that prosecuting of hatred constitutes not only six-month jail sentence. her violates Haverbeck’s right to encouraging hatred or violence Haverbeck, a notoriously fervent free speech, failed to score any to a particular group of people, denier of the mass killings of Jews points with the judge. Moreover, but also approving of, denying or during the Holocaust, received yet while on trial, the accused repeated downplaying Nazi crimes. Those another conviction, this time for the statement. found guilty by the court face up claiming at an event in Berlin in An author for neo-Nazi to five years in prison. However, January last year that the Holocaust magazines, Haverbeck has never Haverbeck is yet to serve any jail did not happen and nobody was minced words in expressing her time, as the decisions in her cases gassed in the infamous death camp controversial beliefs no matter the are still pending. in Auschwitz, that claimed lives of consequences. Haverbeck has also received two It’s an oasis with ambiance, The huge wall art grabs our “The Garage” is already proving 1.1 million people between 1940 She was already awaiting trial fines and a suspended sentence for it’s a launchpad to adventure and attention. There’s Barry Sheene at a massively popular launchpad and 1945, mostly Jews. on similar charges in the town of sedition. it’s a pitstop for hungry bikers. It’s work. There are classic and custom for weekend riders and it is likely “The Garage,” and it’s open now on motorcycles to further stimulate the to end up on the tour itinerary of GANG ARRESTED FOR FORCING MEN Auckland’s avenue of motorcycles, senses. touring bikers. The car park outside Barry’s Point Road. These bikes include a Katana is dedicated to motorcycles only on TO WORK AS MASSAGE GIRLS With so many corporates 1100 final edition, 1973 CR250 Saturdays. rediscovering their sanity on two Elsinore, 1973 CR125 Elsinore, The café opens 6am until 3pm Security authorities in Kuwait agencies to launch an operation to wheels, it’s unsurprising that “The CB1100 custom Big boy’s Toys build- Monday to Friday and from 7am arrested four people for forcing check the claim. Garage” also has a business meeting off winner, Indian Chief Dark Horse to 3pm on Saturday. It seats 20-30 26 Asian men to work in massage The investigation revealed that room that can be catered from the custom and a CBR1000RR Red Bull in a funky, chilled ambiance with a parlours, wear women’s clothes and a Kuwaiti national, a stateless man in-house café, Grind On. superbike. range of superb café-style foods to provide “special services.” and two Asians had kept 26 Asians Stepping into “The Garage” In this Aladdin’s Cave of accompany the coffee. The incident that shocked the and forced them into sex trade in is a head-swivelling experience. motorsport there is also Greg During the week the café is used nation is being treated as a human massage parlours in the Mahboula trafficking case. and Abu Halifa areas, being coerced The distractions – both visual and Murphy’s helmet from his 2011 by locals, for business meetings, The four were arrested after the into the trade under threats and the beatings, sexual assault and being olfactory – are irresistible. The faint Bathurst victory, along with a signed yoga groups along with the growing police received information that a use of violence against them. forced to work without rest, provide smell of leather and oil is fleeting. helmet from Moto GP riders, Mark number of bikers. gang was abusing some expatriates “The workers gave detailed sexual services to clients, put on Then comes the delicious aroma of Marquez, Casey Stoner and Jorge by involving them in immoral information about what had makeup and wear women’s clothing,” coffee. Lorenzo. practices, prompting the security happened to them, including explained a security source.
22 23 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 OUR WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND NEWS SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | ADELAIDE | CAIRNS | PORT DOUGLAS
PASSPORTS FOR PURCHASE – WEALTH BUYS CITIZENSHIP AROUND THE WORLD
Money doesn’t just buy a For those holding a less coveted glamorous vacation in the Caribbean passport, CIPs offer an alternative. or a killer suite in New York - it can The legal framework enables buy residency too. foreigners to acquire door- While British citizens are rushing opening passports by making large to claim Irish passports post-Brexit financial contributions, usually vote, the world’s most wealthy in infrastructure development or travellers don’t bother standing in government bonds. line at immigration counters. The concept began in 1984, when Instead, they enlist in citizenship St Kitts and Nevis - a two-island by investment programmes (CIPs), nation in the Caribbean - introduced where investing in a country’s the original CIP. The practice became economy can grant easy access to more popular in 2009, when the more powerful passports. country began heavily marketing its “Generally CIPs draw individuals opportunities. people each year acquire citizenship from countries whose passports “The St Kitts and Nevis abroad through CIPs. offer very limited abilities to travel, programme is the oldest in Katz himself is one of them. such as China, Russia, and Middle existence, so it is considered to be Originally an American citizen, the Eastern countries,” said Nuri Katz, the platinum standard.” entrepreneur acquired citizenships founder of international financial “There are lots of CIPs in the in Israel and Canada where he lived advisory firm Apex Capital Partners. Caribbean because they simply need for long periods. Later, he obtained “Most of the individuals making the money and don’t have many St Kitts and Nevis citizenship through these types of investments are other resources that they can use to a real estate investment. high net-worth entrepreneurs with attract foreign direct investment.” Antigua and Barbuda offer fortunes of $2-15 million.” Over the years, such citizenship in exchange for a London-based Henley & Partners programmes have become more $200,000 donation to the National EXPLORE THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES citizenship planning consultancy standard in developed countries as Transformation Fund or a real estate AROUND AUSTRALIA, JUST REVEALED named Germany the most desirable well - the United States, Canada and purchase of $400,000 plus. passport in the world in its 2017 Visa the United Kingdom offer versions, CIPs range from $100,000 in the Restrictions Index thanks to its visa- as do a few countries in Europe. island of Dominica to a minimum of EXPLOREPULLMAN.COM.AU free entry to 177 countries. Katz estimates that roughly 5000 $2.4 million in Cyprus.
Donaldson’s remaining lifespan. FAT MAN ARGUES FOR SHORTER Donaldson’s partner in crime, SENTENCE Duane Crithfield, 70, received the same sentence but hasn’t filed a A Florida man convicted for similar motion. The two men are his part in an offshore tax shelter appealing and are still free. scheme has protested the length of The pair created a fraudulent his sentence on the grounds that, as offshore tax plan and marketed it an obese man, his life expectancy is to doctors and others. shorter than average. Clients would pay a “business Stephen Donaldson Snr’s protection plan” premium, claiming attorney, Curtis Fallgatter, filed a it as a business expense, and would motion claiming it isn’t right for the later be able to get back about 86 124 kg man to serve six years and percent, allowing them to avoid four months because the 72-year- paying a higher rate of tax on that old has a shorter life expectancy money. than average. The attorney said the The scheme set the United sentence could equal 61 percent of States IRS back $10 million.
24 25 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 HOTEL NEWS HOTEL NEWS
MANTRA MACARTHUR HOTEL OPENS IN ELITE ATHLETE CENTRE AND HOTEL FOR UK CANBERRA UNIVERSITY
dedicated accessible bedrooms, a designated wheelchair accessible nutrition lounge, café and athletes’ rooms, all of the EAC’s 36 other relaxation area and seminar space bedrooms can be converted to for 30, the inspirational facility is a accessible rooms. European first. • The nutritional lounge and café Packages will include access to will provide hospitality services with the UK’s leading coaches, sports health, wellbeing and training in scientists and support staff. It boasts mind. the country’s largest concentration • Quiet zones and passive zones The United Kingdom’s of high quality sports training will provide areas to relax or take Loughborough University is creating facilities, an inspiring backdrop for part in activities such as yoga and a dedicated four-star Elite Athlete businesses and individuals wanting pilates, whilst the active zone will Centre and Hotel (EAC) comprised to improve their performance. include a climbing and bouldering of 44 bedrooms. “The Elite Athlete Centre wall. The facility will be run by Imago is an outstanding addition to • The flexible and scalable Venues, Loughborough University’s Loughborough’s already excellent seminar space for up to 30 athletes dedicated hotel, conference and sporting heritage and combines can be expanded into the nutritional events provider. with existing facilities to provide lounge, providing opportunities for It will provide a unique sports a truly world class venue for high larger events. hotel that promotes rest, relaxation, performance athletes and teams,” The EAC will open in the and the pursuit of excellence. Set said the university’s executive northern autumn, 2018. Bookings in the heart of Loughborough director of sport, John Steele. and enquiries opened in November, University’s renowned sports • The altitude rooms allow 2017. facilities, this high performance Canberra’s new Mantra to Canberra, attracting first- recognisable and, while the main athletes to “live high whilst training Some £1million of the EAC’s build environment offers aspirational MacArthur Hotel opened on time and returning domestic and precast facade elements of the low.” This prepares their bodies cost was funded by UK Sport as space for athletes, businesses and for competition by improving their part of their £200m master plan to October 16, 2017 to meet the international travellers,” said East. original office building were fitness enthusiasts to be the best oxygen carrying ability as well as host a decade of the finest sporting growing demand for hotel capacity “We’re thrilled to partner with retained, the remainder was they can be. maximum oxygen take-up. events in the international calendar, in the nation’s capital. local developer HTI Group on stripped back to a bare shell to With 20 altitude rooms, eight • In additional to the eight starting in 2020. Formerly an office tower, the this project, which is a win for the allow us to create a modern hotel.” building has been transformed into economic growth of Canberra from Mantra MacArthur Hotel anchors a 176-room hotel as part of the city’s both a tourism and jobs creation Canberra’s new mixed-use Midtown WYNDHAM TO BUILD NEW RAMADA urban renewal programme. Mantra perspective.” precinct, which will also include IN THE HEART OF RIYADH MacArthur Hotel was the only new The opening of Mantra residential units, office space and a hotel to open in Canberra in 2017. MacArthur Hotel now sees Mantra range of cafes and restaurants. The Wyndham Hotel Group, with 2016 Ramada was named the fastest- entire Middle East region.” The hotel is operated by Mantra Group operating just under In the year to June 2017, a global presence of more than 8100 growing hotel brand in Europe by Ramada Riyadh King Fahd Road is Group, the leading Australian-based 500 rooms across four hotels in Canberra saw 2.8 million domestic hotels in 79 countries, says Riyada PKF hotel experts, an internationally expected to open in 2020, and will be hotel and resort operator with 129 Canberra. and international visitors and International Hotels and Resorts, recognised leader in the field of located in close proximity to a number properties across Australia, New HTI Group Director Adam recorded a spend of over $2 billion, along with Concept Towers Real hotel, tourism and leisure consulting. of leading banks, commercial offices, Zealand, Indonesia and Hawaii, and Howarth said feedback on the $19 according to Tourism Research Estate Limited, will develop a new “Ramada is one of the most recognised trading companies and wholesale is owned by Canberra developer million retrofit has been positive. Australia. Ramada hotel in Riyadh. hotel brands in the world, and is a entities, that will serve growing HTI Group. “Northbourne Avenue’s Designed by AMC Architecture, The 189-room Ramada Riyadh preferred choice for both business demand from business travellers to Mantra Group CEO Bob East regeneration has been largely the hotel boasts a modern King Fahd Road will become the 11th and leisure travellers globally,” said Riyadh. said the property provides a much- the product of major knockdown- industrial design and features 136 Ramada in the country, and the 18th Ignace Bauwens, Wyndham’s regional needed new hotel offering to rebuild projects but, instead of hotel rooms and 40 suites, as well hotel under Wyndham Hotel Group’s vice president Middle East and Africa. support the growth of international sending the 10-storey building to as the new Podilato restaurant portfolio of brands, that includes 12 “Continuing to grow the Ramada and domestic tourism in Canberra. landfill or concrete recyclers, we’ve and bar serving Mediterranean- operational hotels and a further six brand in Saudi Arabia, together in “New hotels in key precincts play transformed it into a full-service style cuisine, a fully equipped gym, currently under development within partnership with Concept Towers a critical role in promoting a vibrant hotel in what looks like a brand new conference and meeting spaces, car the Kingdom. Real Estate Limited and Riyada visitor economy while meeting the building,” said Howarth. parking, an internet lounge and 24- The Ramada brand has a portfolio International Hotels & Resorts, will needs of growing visitor numbers “The former building is barely hour reception. of more than 850 hotels in 64 further enhance our reach in this fast- countries across all six continents. In growing market, as well as across the
26 27 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 HOTEL NEWS HOTEL NEWS
PULLMAN REEF HOTEL ENJOYING A SHOW OF OPULENCE IN CAIRNS
Bar 36 is Cairns’ newest live music venue with entertainment six nights a week.
by Rob Prince
RATING RESTAURANTS
5-star We only visit the Tamarind restaurant LOCATION for breakfast, but if the food served up at breakfast is anything to go by the evening The Pullman Reef Hotel is located at 35- dining is likely to be amazing. It is worth 41 Wharf Street, Cairns, opposite the cruise visiting the Tamarind restaurant for breakfast terminal. From our room we enjoy wide just to try the baked eggs. There are three harbour views. other restaurants at the Reef Pullman. The ROOMS Cafe China serves up superb Chinese fare. The Pullman Reef has 127 hotel rooms The other options are the Flinders Bar and and 28 suites. We occupy a junior suite and at Grill and the Merchant Artisan food and 55 sq m it can only be described as huge. This coffee shop. corner suite features a spa bath, separate SERVICE shower, balcony and Nespresso machine. The service at the Pullman Reef is CONFERENCE FACILITIES excellent. The concierge is not only helpful There are 12 meeting rooms, catering but is a mine of information on Cairns and for between eight and 800 delegates. All the the tours to take around the city. I thoroughly latest audio-visual equipment is on hand - recommend the crab and fishing tour for a along with experienced staff to help with the great day out. But, please don’t forget to take organisation of any event. a good insect repellent. ROOM SERVICE SUMMARY
On arriving late on our first night at the The room we stayed in at the Pullman Pullman Reef we use room service. The menu Reef Casino Hotel is one of the best rooms I is comprehensive and the meal arrives hot have occupied. The view, the decor and the and in a reasonable time frame. general layout of the room create a sense of AMENITIES opulence. Included in the daily rate is breakfast at The room comes with the usual amenities the Tamarind restaurant, self-parking, wifi, such as shower gel, shampoo, conditioner free national calls, and a daily drink at the and hand cream. These are C.O. Bigelow hotel’s new Bar 36. As well, selected mini bar branded, produced for Pullman Hotels. Bath items are free and replaced daily. salts and vanity essentials are also supplied. Bar 36 is Cairns’ newest live music venue CHECK IN with entertainment six nights a week. Both our check-in and check-out are The centrepiece of the bar is a unique hassle free. experience of an LED and interactive floor. It is like walking over the Barrier Reef with all the fish swimming below.
28 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 HOTEL NEWS HOTEL NEWS
NOVOTEL AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL THIS TRANSIT HOTEL TICKS ALL BOXES
Stayovers beat Auckland traffic every time
by Rob Prince
RATING AMENITIES
4-star In the room we find the usual range LOCATION of shampoos, conditioners, bath gels and hand creams. These are made especially for On Ray emery Drive, Mangere, the Novotel using fair trade ingredients such as Novotel could not be any closer to Auckland cane sugar shampoo from Ghana and shea International Airport, it is a two-minute walk nut conditioner from Paraguay from the doors of the Novotel to the check-in CHECK IN counters at the international terminal. DECOR The Novotel has a very efficient check-in system - and an even better self check-out. The rooms are decorated in a modern We simply fill out the card and put it in the style in pastel tones giving a relaxing and box. A great way to check-out without having comforting atmosphere. to stand in line. ROOMS RESTAURANT The Novotel has 263 rooms with two The restaurant boasts an impressively dedicated premium floors. All rooms are varied menu. I have the salmon that is cooked double-glazed and have flat screen TVs to perfection. The other dish ordered for the with radio and satellite channels, individual table is a steak with mushrooms sauce cooked air conditioning and high-speed internet medium rear, reported to be “very succulent.” connection. Tea, coffee and mini bar facilities SERVICE are available. CONFERENCE FACILITIES The moment we pull up at the door our cases are promptly taken and looked after The Novotel has 12 multi-purpose as we check in and are then delivered to our meeting rooms seating up to 315 delegates room. Service at the restaurant also shows and boardrooms for as few as 12. As well as the same friendly efficiency. Staff at the the meeting facilities there is a well-equipped Novotel seem to have a pride in the hotel and business centre to ensure the business this shows in their willingness to go that little traveller is well catered for. bit further. ROOM SERVICE SUMMARY While, on this occasion, we did not use I have taken to staying at the Novotel room service we have in the past. There is a Auckland Airport if I have an early morning good variety of food available on the room flight. The convenience of being able to walk service menu. I can recommend the pizza. across the road and check in, compared with From phoning in our order to delivery to our fighting the Auckland traffic, wins every time. room was under half an hour. Not at all bad for a large busy hotel
30 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 HOTEL NEWS HOTEL NEWS
PULLMAN BRISBANE AIRPORT AN IMPRESSIVE NEWCOMER
As a transit hotel The Pullman Brisbane Airport is an impressive newcomer
by Rob Prince
LOCATION SERVICE
The Pullman Brisbane Airport is located at The standard is very high. From Ian, 2B Dryandra Road, within the airport precinct, the concierge, through to the staff running enjoying views over Moreton Bay and beyond. the Executive Club Lounge the service is ROOM consistently excellent. We are offered the Liberty Suite on the BUSINESS EVENTS tenth floor. This a good size room with all Sitting adjacent to the Pullman is the the extra little touches. All the usual Pullman state-of-the-art Brisbane Airport Conference amenities are on offer - along with an extensive mini bar. Centre. Catering for up to 600 at any one time and covering 1735 sq m, the centre includes DECOR a 300 seat pillar-less ballroom, eight medium The Liberty Suite is a modern room with to large conference rooms and four executive plenty of opaque glass in the bathroom. boardrooms. Between the living area and the bedroom the SUMMARY wall has two of the largest TVs I have seen in any hotel room - one for the lounge area and Being only open for 14 days at the time one for the bedroom. of our visit, we might have expected a few hiccups with the service, but it all ran very ROOM OPTIONS well. The hotel comprises 132 rooms - including There is a shuttle service running two presidential suites, six junior suites and approximately every 40 minutes between 45 executive rooms. the domestic and international terminals. CHECK-IN The domestic transfer is free but there is a $5 Both check-in and check-out are seamless charge for the international transfer. with very attentive staff. Although we did not use room service or RESTAURANT the Apron Restaurant, the room service menu looked quite extensive with starters such as The Apron is the restaurant situated Moreton Bay oysters through to Thai green on the ground floor and is overseen by curry and aged ribeye on the bone for mains. the Pullman group’s executive chef, Justin The menu consists of seven mains and seven Zammit. The Apron is a a la carte restaurant starters. seating 90. Although we did not dine in the We did venture to the Executive Club Apron Restaurant for an evening meal we did Lounge where between 5-7 pm drinks and have breakfast here. Breakfast was superb snacks are provided.This is a quiet haven but I do regret not having the Moreton Bay situated on the tenth floor with extensive Bug, Oyster Sauce and Chive Omelette. views. As a transit hotel The Pullman Brisbane Airport is an impressive newcomer.
32 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 HOTEL NEWS HOTEL NEWS
PULLMAN PALM COVE GATEWAY TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
The Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa provides the perfect environment for conferences, meetings, seminars and incentive events
by Rob Prince
LOCATION Of Tastes Restaurant as it seems to be a bit of a legend around Palm Cove. This five star property is located at Triton Street, Palm Cove, 25 minutes north of Cairns SERVICE and 35 minutes south of Port Douglas. It is at The service is as we’d expect from any the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Pullman Hotel, with a little laid-back resort World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. setting. ROOM BUSINESS EVENTS
Our is not a typical hotel room - but more The Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort of a two bedroom apartment with full cooking and Spa provides the perfect environment facilities, washing machine and dryer. Both for conferences, meetings, seminars and bedrooms have an ensuite and there is a incentive events. Catering from small groups large balcony overlooking the pool area. All up to parties of 150, there is a choice of four the usual Pullman amenities were available. variable space meeting areas. A wide range of DÉCOR pre and post meeting activities for delegates and partners can also be arranged. The The apartment style with its Garden Pavilion caters for 80 with up to 150 louvre shutters gave the room a colonial feel. theatre-style in the Temple Rooms. With quality fittings and a large furnished terrace overlooking the pool complex it isn't SUMMARY hard to sit back and relax. The Pullman Palm Cove seems to be very SERVICE popular with families at the weekend. Despite there being three pools - one kids pool, Although we don’t order a meal from one main pool and a lap pool - all three are room service we do order ice and are quite dominated by children. Perhaps the lap pool surprised to find that it incurs a $5 room should be dedicated for adults only. service delivery fee. For entertainment we only have to go CHECK-IN down to the Poolside Lagoon bar and watch Ours is a very smooth check in. As we Isaac the barman prepare cocktails with a are six hours early for check-in our room is flourish and listen to his banter with the not ready. However they keep in touch with patrons. us and manage to get us into our room two Being so close to Cairns and in a resort hours early. setting, the Pullman Palm Cove is an ideal RESTAURANT location for a conference or simply to get
Unfortunately we don’t dine in the Temple away for a much needed break.
34 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 AIRLINE NEWS AIRLINE NEWS
EMIRATES' NEW CAMPAIGN FEATURES QUEEN JAPAN’S NARITA AIRPORT DEPLOYS SOUNDTRACK STATE-OF-THE-ART SECURITY
while ensuring that passengers Emirates has launched a new ad move quickly and seamlessly campaign promoting the airline and through them. By implementing our Dubai – to the sound of legendary solutions, Narita Airport will be able British rock band, Queen. to use more precise scan results, as The US$15 million global well as faster operational processes campaign, “A World of Good Times,” compared to using metal detectors aims to inspire travel and promote alone.” the Emirates network, and features “Several other Japanese airports the iconic soundtrack “Don’t stop have shown interest in deploying me now.” eqo,” Manzi added. “eqo is EU-ECAC The hit single, released in 1978, Standard 2 approved and already is regarded as the most uplifting meets the requirements for aviation or “feel-good” tune on the United installations from 2019 and beyond, Kingdom charts in the past 50 years. invests to bring new attractions to travel and experience the world Smiths Detection has been detection capability with a minimal so customers can be assured that The ad features Emirate’s key and supporting infrastructure for for themselves. They want to be chosen to supply innovative footprint. It is a product that it is a future-proof investment and destinations and onboard features, international visitors,” said Boutros inspired, to discover, and to have solutions for people screening and allows checkpoints to evolve delivers significant improvement becoming a visual story tale that Boutros, Emirates’ divisional fun. search functions in Tokyo’s Narita from mechanical scanning to in security, productivity and the shows “a picture within a picture” of senior vice president, corporate “That is why we chose to use the International Airport. electronically steered technology. passenger experience.” the airline’s connection to Dubai. communications, marketing and Queen soundtrack, and a creative Following a national directive As a result, it offers better image By implementing eqo, airports “Dubai offers a great experience brand. approach that was uplifting and from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau quality and system reliability. In turn, have a rapid means of detecting at our world-class airport, and “At Emirates we believe energetic, to remind people of the (JCAB) to upgrade checkpoint this reliable and easily serviceable concealed objects using the system’s the city has become a top global that people, regardless of their excitement of travel.” security to comply with the latest system helps reduce the burden of real-time automated detection destination because it continually background, have a strong desire international standards, Narita security screening in airports. interface. He said eqo’s multi- neighbouring Hebei province, though Airport, along with several regional “More than 20 million visitors material detection abilities help to BEIJING UNVEILS MEGA-AIRPORT it will eventually constitute its own hub airports, held a formal entered Japan last year and this reveal any concealed objects, such DUE TO OPEN IN 2019 development zone. evaluation of potential solutions number is expected to increase as metals, liquids and narcotics, It will relieve pressure on Beijing’s and chose to install13 eqo portals due to the Tokyo Olympic and that can compromise the safety of China’s capital has unveiled the the ruling Communist Party was set to existing international airport, to the from Smiths Detection. Paralympic games in 2020,” said aircraft. Due to its small footprint The new equipment has been Nathan Manzi, vice president of dimensions, eqo can be easily “shining example” of its 80-billion- open its 19th congress later in 2017, northeast of Beijing and currently the operational since March, 2017. Asia-Pacific at Smiths Detection. integrated into existing checkpoints yuan (US$12.14billion) new airport, a twice-a-decade leadershipevent world’s second largest by passenger Using unique, flat-panel “As such, there is increasing without requiring major alterations tipped to become one of the world’s where Xi was expected to consolidate volume, which opened a new terminal millimetre-wave technology, eqo pressure on Japan’s international to standard layouts and operations. largest when it opens in October, power and emphasise successful worth $3.6 billion in 2008 ahead of offers state-of-the-art people airports to strengthen security 2019 amid a massive infrastructure projects and policy from his first five the Beijing Summer Olympics. drive overseen by President Xi Jinping. years. The existing airport will continue The unveiling revealed the The project, which broke ground to operate major international flights, SUNBATHING SEAL BLOCKS ALASKA RUNWAY sprawling skeleton, made up of 1.6 in 2014, is one of the region’s largest though a third smaller domestic million cubic metres of concrete, infrastructure investments under Xi’s airport in the city’s south will close in A bizarre flight hazard turned up little wintertime sunbathing” on the 52,000 tonnes of steel and covering 47 rule, which has been plagued by fears coming years. on an Alaskan runway - in the form of icy runway. square kilometres, including runways. of slowing economic growth, offset Two of China’s three major a bearded seal. The seal was eventually escorted It is expected to serve an initial slightly by a construction spree. airlines, China Eastern and China The 200 kg animal was spotted safely from harm’s way and air traffic 45 million passengers a year, with China has sought to boost its Southern, will relocate to the airport on the tarmac of the Wiley Post-Will was then able to resume. an eventual capacity of 100 million, profile as both an aviation hub and on completion, accounting for roughly Rogers Memorial Airport in Utqiagvi, Meadow Bailey, a spokesperson putting it on par with Hartsfield- a manufacturer in recent years. The 80 percent of the new airport’s total potentially posing a dangerous speed for the Alaska Department of Jackson Atlanta International Airport. country’s first home-grown passenger traffic. bump for incoming aircraft. Transportation, said birds and caribou “Lined up together there’s roughly jet, the C919, lifted off on its maiden The airport will be connected to The airstrip is the furthest north in have caused issues near the airport 5 kilometres of gates,” said project flight in May, 2017 edging into a Beijing by a high-speed train with a the United States territories, less than before. However, this is the first time was actually on the runway,” she said. spokesman Zhu Wenxin. multi-billion-dollar market currently top speed of 350 kilometres an hour, a kilometre from the Chukchi Sea. anyone remembers a seal invasion on “They loaded the seal onto a sled “It’s a shining example of China’s dominated by Boeing and Airbus. as well as an inter-city train and a Alaska’s Transport Department the runway. and pulled it off the runway with a national production capacity.” Situated 67 kilometres south of major expressway. said the large animal, often prey for “Our staff went to check it out and snowmobile.” Updates on the airport came as Beijing, the airport technically falls in polar bears, decided to engage in “a were surprised to discover that a seal
36 37 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 AIRLINE NEWS AIRLINE NEWS
NEW YORK’S RETRO TWA LOUNGE TO TAKE US BACK TO THE 60S
walls and red accents, deliberately evokes Saarinen’s original building and dashing style. It’s light and airy, with spectacular views across Manhattan towards JFK. Design fans will be thrilled to see There’s more to do the lounge’s vintage Saarinen tulip chairs, with original 1962 Knoll fabric seats and Saarinen executive side chairs. in Vanuatu The lounge also showcases some of TWA’s quintessential air hostess uniforms. One of the outfits on display is the The 1960s were the height of hued dream space - a fantastic Howard Greer-designed “The Cutout” aviation’s Jet Age - a glamorous era flashback to the 1960s world of - so named for its jacket, which has characterised by faster travel, stylish aviation. flaps that could be unbuttoned to uniforms, streamlined design and TWA operated from 1930 to 2001 hide the TWA logo when a steward cocktails aplenty. and was once owned by aviation wanted to smoke or have a cocktail In these days of crammed tycoon, Howard Hughes (played by off-duty. airports and economy seats, it’s fun Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2004 movie Howard Greer was behind the to daydream about aviation’s former “The Aviator”). ingenious “cutout” design. life. The airline was the epitome of The lounge also showcases But that daydream could soon mid-century elegance, thanks to its TWA’s Pierre Balmain 1965 uniform become a reality once more. signature colour Chili - Pepper Red - design - notable for being the first New York‘s JFK International and elegant air hostess uniforms. collaboration between an American Airport is restoring its celebrated Its headquarters were no less airline and a celebrated fashion Kirkland Photos © 2017 TWA centre - with developer MCR alluring - the TWA flight centre designer. transforming the famous building was the brainchild of neo-futurist The space is complemented by into a cool retro hotel. designer Eero Saarinen and opened other vintage touches including a This newly designed hotel won’t to acclaim in 1962. rotary phone, ashtray and martini open its doors until 2019 - but in The TWA Centre closed its doors glasses. The walls are adorned with the meantime, the TWA lounge, on in 2001, but the new renovation a rotating collection of original David the 86th floor of the centre, offers a looks set to transport guests back to Klein Jet Age prints, commissioned by sneak preview of what’s to come. TWA’s 1962 heyday. Hughes. The lounge is a stunning, red- The TWA lounge, with its curved HAWAII’S SECOND LARGEST In just three hours, you could be exploring AIRLINE FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY an underwater cave, scuba diving, fishing, and witnessing a live volcano. Due to threats of legal action flyer programme, Island Miles, Or indulging yourself with amazing cuisine, ING AN that might ground aircraft and that includes Kupuna and Keiki IN D sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear water. D strand hundreds of passengers, Saver Fare, along with its Island Biz VOLC VE A G I N Island Air has filed for Chapter 11 corporate travel programme, as HIN AN L O IS D DON’T WAIT, BOOK NOW! F bankruptcy. This will allow the airline well as military and group travel.
to maintain its interisland flights as Additionally, the airline anticipates
it reorganises. maintaining its regular routes. R E O M N C A The airline has not turned a The airline embarked on a T D Island Air, is the Aloha state’s A N generated at BeQRious.com S N A C G N A IS L profit for more than five years. strategy to expand this year, and second-largest airline after Hawaiian U N B A I V I Island Air said there will not purchased a new fleet of larger Airlines, followed by Mokulele www.airvanuatu.com D be any changes to its frequent aircraft to meet that goal. Airlines as the third carrier. PH: 09 373 3435 | [email protected] Like us on Facebook: /airvanuatu REDRET018
38 39 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 FLIGHT REPORT FLIGHT REPORT
VA82 CAIRNS TO BRISBANE EMBRAER 90 A RARE TREAT
Flying on the Embraer 90 is a treat. With just 98 seats it’s almost like being aboard our own private jet.
by Rob Prince
Flight: VA82 put in a holding pattern over Brisbane and Route: Cairns to Brisbane this time is lost The overall flight time is two hours, 15 Flight time: Two hours 15 minutes. minutes CABIN SERVICE
Aircraft: Embraer 190 The flight looks fairly full with all six seats Seat: 2D Business Class in Business Class being occupied. The service is excellent. This is not a long flight, but in that time we are given entertainment, a full meal The Embraer has six Business Class seats service, a good range of beverages followed with 38 inch pitch and 20 inch width. Seating by tea or coffee – all served with a smile. in economy is in a two plus two configuration LOUNGE while in business it is one plus two. After checking in we go to the Virgin ENTERTAINMENT Australia Business Class lounge. Although We are given a tablet for entertainment. we booked through Air New Zealand the As the flight is a short hop there is just time airlines have a reciprocal lounge agreement. to watch a movie, the selection catering for Virgin’s lounge in Cairns is upstairs and has most tastes. Perhaps the only drawback are an excellent view of the runway. The lounge the earphones, not being noise cancelling this its self is light and bright – with full length makes the sound track a bit hard to hear. windows. Having time to spare with the BEVERAGES flight being delayed we investigate the buffet A good range of beverages, both alcoholic selection. There is a good selection of “make and non alcoholic, is offered with a sparkling your own” toasted sandwiches, filled rolls, wine or orange juice before takeoff. pancakes and salads. We enjoy a real taste MEAL sensation courtesy a Virgin Mary, prepared by the barman. At the time of day we are flying a SUMMARY lunch menu is on offer. The meal I receive comprises beef pieces with gravy on a bed of This is an enjoyable flight with a great crew gnocchi with cheese and crackers to follow. who really make us feel welcome. Flying on The dessert is a rather tasty orange muffin. In the Embraer 90 is a treat. With just 98 seats Economy there is a good range of snacks and it’s almost like being aboard our own private beverages to purchase at reasonable prices. jet. Sadly, we learn that Virgin are deposing PUNCTUALITY of their fleet of Embraer 90 aircraft within the next six months – such a shame as they are a The flight is delayed by 25 minutes and delightful aircraft to fly in. lands 25 minutes late. The captain advises us he will make up time on the flight, but we are
40 41 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 COVER STORY COVER STORY
FIJI SPEARHEADS WORLD FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
‘There is no doubt that climate change poses the greatest threat to humanity in the entire sweep of human history. And we owe it to ourselves and to future generations to confront this challenge head on as a matter of extreme urgency.’
by Bruce Laybourn Fiji Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
iji’s assuming the presidency of the Morocco’s term in November and hands the United Nation’s Climate Change baton to Poland at the end of it's term in Conference in November, 2016 November, 2018. Fprovides the island nation the opportunity “Fiji is the first Pacific small island to highlight to the world the growing developing state to be given the task of threat of extreme weather events, presiding over the on-going UN climate rising seas and changes to agriculture. negotiations and the implementation of the “We certainly place great importance on Paris Agreement of 2015. It is a great honour highlighting the impacts of climate change on and a great responsibility and I am taking my all vulnerable nations, and especially those of role as president extremely seriously. us in the Pacific, where in some instances, we "It is critical for all 7.5 billion people on face a threat to our very existence,” said Fiji earth that we address the root cause of the Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama in rising seas, extreme weather events and an interview with Corporate Traveller. changes to agriculture caused by climate He hopes for a “change of heart” by change." United States’ president, Donald Trump, The Paris Agreement obliges the global who initiated an American withdrawal from community to keep the average global the Paris Agreement, the international temperature well below two degrees over accord intended to combat greenhouse gas that of the industrial age and pursue efforts emissions. to limit it to 1.5 degrees. “Unless we tackle the root cause of these “The message I took to Bonn in November events - global warming - we all face an on behalf of the vulnerable nations is that unpredictable and terrifying future, not only we must achieve the 1.5 degree target as in the vulnerable nations but in every part of quickly as possible, however difficult this may the world.” be. There is no time to waste because the Fiji became president at the expiry of signs are all around us that climate change is
43 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 COVER STORY COVER STORY
happening at an even faster rate than we envisaged two Pacific, where in some instances, we face a threat to our degree above the industrial age, we are seeing all sorts terrible destruction in the Caribbean and the southern years ago. very existence. of negative impacts – including the destruction of our United States. For small nations, these extreme weather "Unfortunately, we are witnessing a challenge to the “Of course, I am hoping that the spotlight falls not coral reefs and all that means for our economies and events can be catastrophic. Every cyclone season, I multilateral consensus for decisive global action. I am only on Fiji but the entire Pacific. We see this as very our food security. In common with other Pacific nations wonder how as a nation we would cope with being hit hoping for a change of heart on the part of United States’ much as Pacific presidency and I am looking to the other and other low-lying areas of the world, we are already by yet another event that wipes out another third of our president, Donald Trump, and those around him. island leaders to stand beside me in Bonn to highlight having to move entire communities out of the path of GDP. "But we must not allow this to undermine our the threat we are all facing. the rising seas. "What would happen if a cyclone struck us directly in collective objective. Because there is no doubt that “I have no doubt that our presidency will give Fiji more “So this isn’t some distant prospect. It is already Fiji instead of sparing most of our tourism areas, which climate change poses the greatest threat to humanity prominence on the global stage and that may well mean happening now. The same applies to the impacts on is what happened last year? So in the short term, we can in the entire sweep of human history. And we owe it more trade, investment and visitor numbers. Certainly agriculture, and especially the increased salinity that is build walls to hold back the seas in some places. to ourselves and to future generations to confront this Investment Fiji and Tourism Fiji – our two principal already affecting our farmland and our ability to feed "We can try to persuade the international community challenge head on as a matter of extreme urgency." marketing arms – will have a presence in Bonn. But Fiji ourselves. But in the short term, the most serious threat to help us adapt to these events, to strengthen our didn’t accept this role to promote ourselves. We intend, comes from the extreme weather events – and especially infrastructure and provide us with access to more CT: What is the term of the presidency and what will to the best of our ability, to fulfil the trust and confidence the cyclones – that are becoming stronger and more affordable insurance to enable us to recover more it mean for Fiji? the world has placed in us to move the climate action frequent because of climate change. rapidly. agenda decisively forward. That is the job we have been “In 2016, we lost 44 of our loved ones and suffered "But unless we tackle the root cause of these events “Our specific task is to develop the implementation given and that is what we are totally focused on doing.” losses equal to one third of our GDP destroyed when Fiji - global warming - we all face an unpredictable and guidelines of the Paris Agreement and prepare for more was struck by the biggest cyclone ever to make landfall terrifying future, not only in the vulnerable nations but ambitious climate action moving forward. As president, in the southern hemisphere. also in every part of the world. And my message as we are obliged to be impartial in the negotiations CT: Is there a message that Fiji can give the world, “Our close neighbour, Vanuatu, was hit by a similar president is that a decisive response cannot be delayed themselves. But we certainly place great importance bearing in mind that Island nations are most likely disaster in 2015. Of course, we share this threat with any longer. We must act now if we are to save our planet on highlighting the impacts of climate change on all to be impacted by global warming? many other parts of the world and we have just witnessed and save ourselves.” vulnerable nations, and especially those of us in the “Even at the current rate of global warming of one
44 45 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 COVER STORY COVER STORY FIJI’S FJ $2.2 BILLION BUSINESS PLAN CORPORATE EVENTS A KEY DRIVER
by Bruce Laybourn credit Minister for Tourism Hon. Faiyaz Koya and Tourism Fiji CEO Mattew Stoeckel
Business Events are proving an “exciting the Coral Coast towards Suva. development” that are expanding Fiji’s “We are also improving our connectivity international reputation for leisure travellers with the rest of the world by developing direct into the business arena – and helping the flights and new routes for our national airline nation toward it’s goal of a FJ$2.2 billion Fiji Airways. As well as our longstanding links tourism industry by 2020. with Australia, New Zealand, the United States “We have made a deliberate effort to and Hong Kong, we have recently opened attract increased local and international new routes to Singapore, San Francisco and investment in the MICE (meetings, incentives, Adelaide. conference and expos) sector,” Tourism “When visitors arrive in Fiji, we have four Minister Faiya Koya tells Corporate Traveller. well established destination management “Where, in the past, many organisations companies to cater for the MICE market and companies weren’t able to stage – Rosie DMC, Tour Managers Fiji, Pacific major events in Fiji because of a lack of Destinations and ATS Pacific. So for any accommodation and facilities, all that is organisation, company or individual wanting changing: to stage a large-scale event in Fiji, the time • In May, 2019, up to 4000 delegates will has never been better to do so. Our capacity come to Nadi for the annual meeting of the to host such events is improving all the time. Asian Development Bank. And we are achieving standards of excellence • In February, 2018, representatives from that we are determined to take to the next 53 countries are in Fiji for a conference of level in the years ahead.” Commonwealth education ministers. • In 2017 new facilities specifically designed CT: What is unique that Fiji can offer in for the MICE sector have opened at the new Fiji Marriot Resort at Momi Bay and the Hilton these areas? Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Denarau. “Quality venues, an abdundance “This is in addition to the existing facilities of activities, good food, world class at such prestige properties as the Sofitel, telecommunications and general connectivity Radisson, Westin and Sheraton resorts – all plus the one thing that really makes Fiji on Denarau Island – and the Intercontinental, unique – the Fijian people. Shangri-La Fijian and Warwick further down “I always say that you can find a nice
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beach and a cold drink in lots of places around the world arriving back in Fiji is the modernisation and upgrading of - but only in Fiji will you find the unique ‘Bula spirit’ of our our nation’s gateway - Nadi International Airport. With an people – welcoming, friendly, unpretentious and totally investment of around $80 million, it has transformed the focussed on putting our visitors at ease and making the ease and comfort of arriving and departing passengers. Fijian experience one they will never forget. So coupled with the upgrading of the Fiji Airways fleet, “We pride ourselves on the level of repeat business the visitor experience has never been better. in our tourism industry, in which it is common for our “Nadi Airport is just one of a number of key initiatives visitors to return to the same resort year after year. It to improve Fiji’s infrastructure that also includes a isn’t so much to avail themselves of the great facilities comprehensive programme to upgrade our roads, make but to re-establish contact with the ordinary Fijians that our ports more efficient and generally raise the level of have made their visit so special. economic activity. We have enjoyed an unprecedented “People from all over the world return to Fiji time eight years of consecutive economic growth and there and again, not only because of the beauty of our islands is no doubt that boosting our general infrastructure has but because of that connection with our people. It is an been a major component of that expansion. inbeatable experience. Fiji isn’t so much a place but a “For 2017-18, our government has allocated FJ$1320 way of life.” million for capital projects that will have a direct or indirect impact on the tourism industry. This includes an allocation of FJ$500 million to the Fiji Roads Authority, CT: What are the challenges geographically - and FJ$217 million to the Water Authority of Fiji, FJ$33 million how are these being addressed? for Tourism Fiji and FJ$18 million in marketing support “We have always been blessed with easy access to for Fiji Airways, to name but a few. our major tourism markets in Australia, New Zealand “We believe it is critical that the direct benefits of and the United States. But of course, for many other tourism be spread equally throughout Fiji. So we are people in the world, visiting Fiji involves considerable making a special effort to encourage investment in rural time and expense. areas with significant potential for tourism away from “We have done a great deal in recent years to open our traditional centres, including the creation of tax free up new markets such as China, Europe and India. In zones and the provision of generous incentives.” these places further afield, we have adopted a targetted approach, marketing Fiji as an aspirational destination CT: Any new projects we are likely to hear about for high-end travellers and concentrating more on yield than on volume. Above all, we are adopting a much soon? more co-ordinated response in which Tourism Fiji, Fiji “One interesting development is the expansion of Airways and all of our industry stakeholders work closely high end and premium accommodation. We estimate together to identify opportunities and exploit them. that approximately 2000 to 2150 rooms of this standard “We see great potential to develop additional markets are either in the advanced stages of planning or in south-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Gulf and undergoing construction and are likely to be completed beyond. Which is why my government has partnered with by 2021. Fiji Airways to develop its direct flight to Singapore, with “New projects include investments by Pullman immediate connections to other destinations beyond. Hotels, Wyndham, Sixth Senses and a new Holiday Inn Our codeshare agreement with India’s Jet Airways is part outside Denarau Island.” of this strategy and is already paying dividends. “We have worked hard in recent years to transform CT: What do you see as Fiji’s strengths in attracting the traveller experience on Fiji Airways, which is majority owned by the Fijian Government, and has developed investors? into a highly successful and profitable boutique carrier. “An educated, English-speaking work force, world- As well as our modern fleet of wide-bodied Airbus A330s, class telecommunications and general connectivity, a we are also investing in the latest Boeing 737 MAX government that is pro-business and pro-investment aircraft. And with our new ATR 42s and 72s on regional and some of the most attractive corporate and personal and domestic routes, Fiji Airways now has one of the tax rates in the Asia-Pacific region. We also have a range most modern fleets in the Asia-Pacific region and the of attractive investment incentives and dedicated tax world.” free zones in certain parts of the country to encourage development. “I encourage any potential investor to make contact CT: Clearly there has been significant investment with our advisors at Investment Fiji - the government’s into the tourism infrastructure. Can you quantify investment arm - who are there to facilitate the this? investment process. This includes a ‘one-stop shop’ to “The biggest change our repeat visitors will notice obtain the necessary clearances and permits. The recent
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launch of an online single window clearance system is the Pacific basin, was also a prime motivation in Fiji co- “backpackers,” have higher disposable incomes and “Some of the great chefs of the Asia-Pacific region making that process easier than ever. hosting, with Sweden, the UN Ocean Conference in New are seeking a higher standard of accommodation either visit us or, like Lance Seeto, have now made their “Our position as hub of the Pacific ideally placed York in June, 2017. and activities than their younger counterparts. These home in Fiji. And Pacific personalities such as Robert in relation to the great markets of North America, “On the issue of culture, our cultural traditions in “flashpackers” are frequent visitors to some of our outer Oliver, who grew up in Fiji and has a New Zealand Australasia and Asia ensures efficient and relatively rapid Fiji are especially strong. But we are nonetheless in islands like the Yasawas, where a number of resorts television food programme seen throughout the region, transport links. And our increasingly educated work force the process of developing a National Cultural Policy to have upgraded their facilities to cater for this more are putting Fijian cuisine on the map. based on the free schooling and easier access to higher enhance the preservation of our culture in all its forms.” discriminating clientele. “We also have a great many sporting events in Fiji that education that my government is providing makes us an “And we have an increasing number of people coming can be combined with a ‘sea, sun and sand’ holiday plus ideal location for all sorts of new businesses, including to make films in Fiji or to attend our fashion, wine or food a great deal of adventure. So I appeal to the world to look CT: Tourism often stimulates related niche indus- call centres and IT enterprises.” festivals. The list of activities is increasing every year.” at Fiji with fresh eyes. Because on top of the unparalleled tries. Can you give examples? welcome you will receive from the friendliest people in “Fiji’s key niche markets include the MICE industry, the world, there is an extraordinary amount to do and CT: How is Fiji striking a balance between tourism CT: What are the main misconceptions people have weddings, diving, marine, adventure, sports and cultural we are reflecting this in our overall branding.“ expansion and ecological and cultural values? holidays. about Fiji - and what is being done to counter this? “The preservation of our natural surroundings must “In the sporting arena, we are also doing a great “We are very much aware that Fiji is seen as a “sea, CT: Going forward 10 years - where do you see Fiji? be our No 1 priority. No development in Fiji under my amount to promote such events as the Fiji International sun and sand” destination and, of course, for some government will ever take place at the expense of the Golf Competition, Super Rugby matches, the World Cup people, that’s just what they are seeking in a holiday. Will tourism still be the dominant player or do you environment. Challenge, the Oceania Championships, the Musket “We are actively trying to portray ourselves in the anticipate other emerging opportunities? “We have, in fact, chosen to forgo valuable sources of Cove Regatta, the World Surfing League or Fiji Pro and international marketplace as much more than that, with “I don’t think it’s realistic – given the dominance of revenue because we haven’t been satisfied that certain the Stand Up Paddle Board competition. a special emphasis on some of the activites mentioned tourism today as a proportion of our economy – to expect projects meet the high standards we require. And we “Among other things, we have school leavers from earlier and especially adventure tourism – white-water any great change over the next decade. If anything, I make no apologies for it. We owe it not only to ourselves our bigger neighbours - 'schoolies' - coming to celebrate rafting, shark diving, sky diving, whale and dolphin think it will become even more important as we exploit and future generations of Fijians but to the world to the end of their final exams. And of course there are the watching, trekking holidays in our highlands, cultural the potential we know is there to expand our markets, preserve the beauty of our islands.” backpackers who we have hosted in Fiji for a very long holidays and the like. find new ones and attract more visitors to enjoy the “Our entire image as a nation in the eyes of the rest time but who have changed over the past five years or We’ve also made great strides in our resorts in Fijian experience. We have set our sights on creating a of the world depends on maintaining the pristine nature so. improving the quality of the food, which was once FJ$2.2 billion industry by the end of 2020 and with the of our surroundings. The threat to our ocean posed by “Increasingly, we see what are called “flashpackers,” compared unfavourably to other destinations, especially right policy settings, I am confident that ambition will be pollution, mostly emanating from the nations around people who are slightly older than traditional in Asia. realised.”
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CORPORATE TRAVELLER ON SAFARI HARD AT WORK IN FIJI
by Bruce Laybourn
while mum and dad slope off for cocktails. resort will run on solar power, energy stored in banks of The Fiji Airways flight is smooth, comfortable and Tesla batteries. The resort’s garden is well underway to relaxing. But with two flights arriving in Nadi at once - supply fresh produce. There will be hens for fresh eggs one from Auckland and one from Brisbane - the queue and goats to dispose of waste. The themes are light- to clear customs seems to take as long as the two hour, hearted with goats and hens having comical titles. The 45 minute flight. But once through things are quieter idea is for guests to be involved, visiting gardens and than expected. The main family season is over - not so animals with staff to collect ingredients and prepare the Fijian hospitality. healthy meals. At the Sofitel we change quickly from sub 15-degree Six Senses will comprise a combination of villas and garb to tropical kit and head to the waterfront for dinner residences, all with a clever architectural blend around at the Denarau Yacht Club restaurant, Rhum Ba. the white sand beach. Hell we are in the islands and a first meal without As we head eastward from Malolo Island we’re seafood would be a sin. So with an entrée of prawns drawn to a gold orb on the horizon. This is the island and at whole reef fish (snapper) selected as the evening of Malamala, where South Sea Cruises have just opened Corporate Traveller produced its first “Focus on Fiji” September 18 repast, the first night in Fiji hits all its KPIs. the Malamala Beach Club. The first of its kind in Fiji, this edition in 2015 – to date the largest edition produced. two-hectare islet has no accommodation – the intention FJ410 is delayed an hour in Auckland so time is spent So, naturally, we require little prompting when invited September 19 is that it’s for day revellers. Rock speakers pound out the reading about the places to be visited. back for an a second “Focus on Fiji.” Dockside at Denarau we board the powerboat Tai beat as we make our way from jetty to poolside, setting Fortunately Fiji Airways has not been affected The journey to collate information for this edition Maikeli for a blast out to Malolo Island to check on the mood for party animal day-trippers. Highlights are by the failure of the fuel pipeline from the Marsden proves – as always in Fiji – a wonderful adventure. We progress since we last visited the ambitious development the infinity pool, fabulous menu, bubbly staff – and the Point refinery to Auckland, an embarrassing event for don’t bother attempting to persuade folk we are “working at Vunabaka. The sun is hot, the sea flat as we carve our cocktails, the clear favourite being “The Naked Lady.” New Zealand with an excavation digger damaging the in Fiji” as its statement that gets what it deserves – way across to Malolo. At the Vunabaka Marina we’re For those who wish for solitude or privacy there are pipeline, leading to its eventual failure, with some 17,000 laughter and derision. met by Jason Kruse, general manager for a tour of the private cabanas around the island, all with their own litres of av gas spilling out into a Ruakaka swamp. So let’s call it a working holiday. As all South Pacific Six Senses Resort that is being prepared for its grand beachfront and butler service. Amongst the restless passengers in the gate lounge visitors know, it is delightfully easy to slip into “island opening. Over lunch with general manager Rob Maivusaroka is a sizeable complement of kids - confirming we are time.” Days, events and memories can slide away into a Kruse drives us on a tour of the development, we learn how the day-visit concept was a natural headed for New Zealand’s favourite family destination – confused muddle. providing a fun commentary along the way. He progression for South Sea Cruises as the company’s fleet where the children are cared for in inimitable Fijian style So we decide to keep a diary: emphasises Six Senses self-sufficiency mantra. The carries hundreds of visitors right passed the island every
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day. the ubiquitous roosters, the distant drone of an outboard the default sound track comprises waves brushing the September 20 beach and wind finding its way through our tree house After a light breakfast with friends at the Waitui Club at jungle. the Sofitel in Denarau, it’s time for a little indulgence at the A few hundred metres along from the resort pearl Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre. farmer Claude Michel Prevost is working on a programme This clever complex, which includes massage and to breed giant clams. Just as we arrive he enjoys a eureka treatment rooms, a gym, lounges and sleeping rooms, and moment as the eggs and sperm from these hermaphrodite a retail store of health and fashion products. creatures are successfully paired. Success ultimately Being so close to Nadi International Airport, the means a restocking of the clams to coastal waters. concept is that travellers with time to kill are likely to prefer From here we travel by open dory to the perfect relaxing or being pampered to sitting around in the airport castaway setting of Horseshoe Bay. Such is the setting we departures lounges. half expect Robin Crusoe or perhaps Ben Gunn to emerge The centre has a laboratory out back producing its own from behind the picket fence clad in coconut leaves. line of beauty products – and also features a massage In the afternoon we take the dory to Togo village on academy upstairs and a café downstairs. Qamea. Curious pre-school kids and village dogs head Now its time to head to the domestic terminal for a down to greet us. At the school we are in time to hear the flight to Taveuni, an island we haven’t previously visited. kids recite the Lord's Prayer before heading off in single file At Nadi domestic we join a half dozen other travellers to their after-school fun. We see some in the sea playing in aboard Fiji Link’s Twin Otter for the 90-minute flight to the rocks, others carving out wooden toys with machetes – Taveuni. The soporific drone of the twin prop engines sends with not an electronic gaming device in sight. us into a pleasant doze as we cross villages, farmlands and The evening brings a visit to the resort spa for a Vichy then the sea, with coral reef patterns painting a cheerful treatment in the new over-beach spa – a most splendid mosaic below. relaxing end to a busy day. At the Matei we travel by Hilux down a dirt road for about 20 minutes before encountering an alloy boat September 22 resting in a small inlet. After leaping aboard, joined by two Another superb tropical morning, launched with lazy large bins of freshly-baked bread, we witness a spectacular enthusiasm by the island roosters. “Fiji Time” is a phrase feeding of the pirhana-like Napoleon fish before setting we’re now very familiar with. The watch has been banished out for Matangi Private Island Resort. So accustomed to to the brief case in respect to stress-free new time keeping their snack are these ferocious feeders that they follow system. the Matangi boat into the inlet whenever it visits – and can “After breakfast” or “when you’re ready” are even distinguish and ignore other boats. appointments we’re now so comfortable with. Oh how it’s The welcome strands of guitar and harmonising vocals going to be hard going back to deadlines dictated by the carries over the water as we reverse onto the golden beach. cold calculations of a dial or digital readout. Quickly Sirelli, who’s been at the resort for 10 years, Today our “after breakfast” appointment to hike to the takes command, providing an informative and entertaining top of the island to the Horseshoe Bay Lookout stretches commentary as we’ve shown around the resort. The grand to “mid morning.” Sirelli leads the way up the jungle trail, finale of the tour is being introduced to to our home for the a jet black cow scampering away into deeper bush as we night – the first tree house built at the resort. disturb its morning graze. Vantage points for photography also serve as ideal places to catch our breath. September 21 Initially our views are to the Matangi Island coastline Waking to the sound of waves on the beach we soak up with longer panoramas out to Qamea and Taveuni. At the the blissful surroundings from the privileged elevation of lookout, the view is down into the perfect pirate cove known the tree house. as Horseshoe Bay. From our Robinson Crusoe viewpoint What a contrast to Denarau and Malamala – one a we can see a boat, tiny amongst coral, and imagine the haven for families and excited kids and the other with its castaway’s dilemma – friend or foe? upbeat party theme. Here at Matangi, we experience utter Back at the resort it is time for sad farewells. The tranquillity for the first time since arriving in Fiji. Aside from haunting strands of Isa Lei carry a surprisingly long way out
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into the bay as our boat makes the voyage to Tavenui. affectionately know “GPH” is evident as he shares historic Another shock to the senses awaits just a few hundred documents marking grand occasions – invitations to metres from Matei Airport. What good fortune that we receptions, royal balls, menus to high teas or special ran short of time to conduct any homework on Raiwasa dinners. Grand Villa – for being unprepared only intensifies the He regards the GPH as the central focal point of impact of this extraordinary property. a new era of fascination with the Fijian capital that With a rare promontory location boasting both includes new waterfront walks and explorations of the exceptional sunrises and sunsets, Raiwasa perfectly fits city’s underground tunnels, built as bunkers by the New its billing as one of the world’s most exclusive hideaways. Zealand military in case of a Japanese invasion during This is a sanctuary that will be treasured by corporates the Second World War. needing to recapture their mojo or families reconnecting in a most luxurious and splendid location. September 24 General manager Richie Sing leads a team superbly Sunday launches with a rainy ride northward from skilled in the art of hospitality at an elevated level – Suva to Pacific Harbour. The sun is out as we arrive at without ever losing their natural Fijian flair and sense of Terra Trek where we meet a guide/comedian and learn fun. about the hot little four-wheel drive dune buggies that The main villa, its wide decks, beautifully manicured we will be driving to get to twin waterfalls in the interior. grounds, infinity pool and range of dining locations The little buggies bounce and leap over the potholed exudes a thoroughly relaxing colonial charm. The high- dirt roads until we reach the foot trail down to the falls.
ceiling accommodations are grand and clearly designed Here we dive into the surprisingly cold water and wash first to ensure all is ok – thus improving our chances 2017. This five star resort also boasts superb conference for entertaining. Such are the generous spaces there are off some of the mud we wore during the buggy ride. of survival. It looks impressive as we watch his aerial facilities with a choice of beach and over-water bures. plenty of places to congregate – or seek solitude. Our guide invites us to his “house,” a shelter he passage through the trees. Tarzan would surely be We enjoy dinner at the superb Fish Bar, the resort’s We pound kava and enjoy a formal kava ceremony reckons took two days instead of one day to build envious, or maybe the G-forces would have the jungle signature seafood restaurant. The location as much as on the deck as the sun goes down. Then we wander to because of kava overindulgence. Here we enjoy lunch, man regurgitating his roast crocodile feast. the cuisine remains as a enduring memory of Fiji. the far garden dining sanctuary for a candle-lit lobster check out photos and admire the umbrella shaped web I reckon my 20kg “advantage” over the test pilot dinner. Kaiwasa, for us, means sheer, unadulterated that an enormous black spider has crafted nearby. provides a direct challenge to the forces of gravity. September 26 indulgence. Returning from this adventure, we drive to The Pearl Perhaps it is my imagination but I’m fair whistling Today we embark on a three-hour drive to Volivoli where we shower and toast the day with cold Fiji Bitter. September 23 through the branches, my wide trajectory through Beach Resort that is situated right at the northern tip of September 25 the turns taking me perilously close to the tree trunks Viti Levu. The journey is slow due to sugar cane trucks After breakfast on the deck we bid farewell to our new forming a flight path guard of honour. lumbering slowly with their very wide loads making friends at Raiwasa and make the very short commute to We hit the road after breakfast for the Kula Eco Nick assures me the near misses are more fiction overtaking a trifle precarious. Matei Airport. Park, a remarkable private nature reserve – with a few than fact. He says they regularly run a braked version of Volivoli Beach Resort is owned by the Darling family As the little Twin Otter climbs out toward Suva, we adventure surprises thrown in for spectacular good our carriage pulley down the track and stop strategically from New Zealand. Originally from Twizel, the family realise the affection we’ve developed for these northern measure. to deliberately swing wide to ensure there is no chance operated a number of hotels and resorts in New Zealand Fijian islands. The flight path takes us directly over I’m relieved to be under the 120 kg limit for the zip of a rider to trunk encounter. before establishing Volivoli. Raiwasa, which allows a perfect understanding of the line, one of those Tarzan devices that, in my youth, we After a couple of runs Nick takes me through the Nick Darling explains that when they arrived there scope and magnificence of this expansive two-hectare called a flying fox. I’ve no idea where and why the zip line fully-automated aquarium where nature’s conditions are was nothing on site. Having their own building company property. tag came from – but if that’s the current parlance then I’ll faithfully recreated to ensure the fish, corals and plants meant they were able to plan, build and run their own At Suva’s Nausori Airport we join a Saturday traffic grudgingly run with it. can live and grow in five star luxury. resort. It was badly cyclone damaged but repairs ensure jam into the city, mostly comprising weekend shoppers But this is no traditional flying fox. There’s no charging Next we drive to the Intercontinental Fiji Beach Resort visitors today see almost no remaining scars. As we and those heading to sporting events. Our destination in a straight line down a wire. This is a clever extruded & Spa where we enjoy lunch near the beach. We have arrive, work is under way to build three new villas with is the wonderful old lady of Fiji’s capital city – the Grand aluminium track that allows us to descend in loops and stayed here previously and were impressed by both excavation work on the hill behind preparing for the Pacific Hotel. exhilarating drops through the jungle - not unlike a roller the business and pleasure aspects of the resort. What family’s own private residences. We’ve stayed here before so well know the story coaster. a location for a major business conference or corporate Volivoli has the feel of an adventure resort – with of this 103-year-old hotel’s fall from grace to become Marketing manager Nick Felstead explains that there escape, especially with the Natadola Bay Championship diving the main theme. With a fleet of fast dive boats derelict before becoming Suva’s phoenix – and rising are just two other flying foxes in the world using this new Golf Course right on the doorstep. even the farthest dive side is less than 30 minutes from again to reclaim its rightful status as the flagship of the patented system – and both those are in a straight line. Our day ends with our arrival at the Fiji Marriott the resort. Fijian capital. The Fijian fellows running the ride beat up the ante Resort Momi Bay, a new resort only opened in April, General manager Peter Gee’s enthusiasm for the by explaining they need to send one of their team down
57 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 LUXURY ESCAPES LUXURY ESCAPES RAIWASA PRIVATE RESORT A MAGIC MENU FOR RECAPTURING OUR MOJO
‘A lot of people cry when they leave. The human touch of Fijians is amazing. Raiwasa is a mirror. When people come here they get to be themselves and be what they want to be.’
by Bruce Laybourn
aiwasa Private Resort takes me by the art of anticipation is finely honed, tuning surprise. Already utterly relaxed in to guests’ desires with dining or activity after a week in Fiji, my state of chill suggestions – or simply to leave them in Rdrops clean off the scale as we cruise through peaceful bliss. the gates. First impressions are of utter As I lie by the pool, any remnants of worry serenity, lush gardens and calm, gracious roll away into the South Pacific, I find it hard staff. Then, there is our home, high on a to recall many destinations where anticipated promontory, full of exquisite luxury. expectations have been so spectacularly Wide verandas create a classical colonial exceeded. indoor-outdoor living style. The villa’s indoors I would like to experience a formal kava are immediately inviting. There is a real sense ceremony on the veranda at sunset so of space with high ceilings, generous areas I’m invited to pound my own kava roots. to either get together or retreat for personal This involves wielding a heavy iron rod in a solitude. Sundowners on the deck would traditional ironwood trunk. seem obligatory, whether the weather be fine With a busy itinerary I’ve not had time for or raining here on the northern tip of Taveuni, my usual pre-visit homework before arriving Fiji’s “Garden Island.” at Raiwasa – so I’m totally unprepared, at What a contrast to being stuck in an air once ambushed and embraced by the rush conditioned hotel room, isolated from any of relaxation this private resort so stealthily real access to the tropical world we’ve come delivers. to embrace. It is easy to identify with reviews for From this elevated haven at Raiwasa I Raiwasa, a typical response being “how did watch both fiery sunsets and awakening you know I needed this?” sunrises, relax by the private pool and dine at The two primary markets for Raiwasa are the outdoor private clifftop “overlook deck.” honeymoons and corporate. We struggle Complementing this elevated experience to imagine a more romantic location for a is manager Richie Singh’s team. With intuitive wedding and/or honeymoon. timing they materialise when needed. Here In fact this is where owner Patrick Janin
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end up living so we spent two months in New Zealand, The family planned to live six months in Fiji and six two months in Australia, Asia and then in Africa. months in the United States. But with the kids in school “My wife is from Sweden while I’m originally from they settled all year in Colorado. Fiji became a place for France but sound American because I was educated in family holidays. the United States. Being quintessentially European, we In 2016 they ran Raiwasa as “invitation only” getaway never got around to getting married. So we decided for CEO acquaintances and high-end executives. to elope and marry in Fiji. We ended up marrying and “We wanted to follow my dream of creating something honeymooning on the island of Taveuni. very unique. We found husband and wife Richie and “When we got there we found something very unique Rosie Singh, Richie now being Raiwasa’s manager and compared to some of the other Fiji islands, which are both being chefs. much more commercialised. We knew this was a special “For food you have to have a passion. You have to put place. When we moved on to France, where we were love into your food – and they have that. They are very living on the French Riviera, we kept thinking “Fiji, Fiji, well trained. They previously worked under a French Fiji.” and a New Zealand chef, which provided a wonderful Janin and his wife ended up buying the house on foundation. Being French, I come from a cooking culture. Taveuni in 2010, and did a complete renovation. We send recipes. We do a kind of French/Fijian fusion.” “We added the infinity pool, bures, outdoor It is obvious Janin has a real love for Raiwasa and bathrooms and the expansive decks. We really wanted Taveuni, an island he feels is unknown to many travellers. the house to have an inside-outside feel, very open, like “Most people have heard about the Mamanucas, the stern of a boat with no obstructed views. Yasawas, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu but not Taveuni. Yet and his wife honeymooned and became convinced that Our security team keeps a watch for them, and when “We realised that it does rain in Fiji so to avoid the feel it’s Fiji’s third biggest island, known as the “Garden Island” this was a unique location that could serve a special they come back there’ll be someone with a cool towel of being stuck in a hotel room with air con – which most because of its lush vegetation. It is also a 20-minute boat purpose. Despite this, Janin sees the pendulum swinging and water. It’s a step beyond personalised attention.” do when they go to five-star luxury resorts – we wanted ride to the world famous Rainbow Reef, often referred to more toward the corporate market. A self-confessed tech geek, Janin uses the analogy of our guests to be able sit there with a book or on their as the soft coral capital of the world. “What is closest to my heart is the CEO market. hardware versus software in the luxury retreat business. iPad, even with the rain, and really enjoy themselves.” “Less than five percent of visitors to Fiji make their Executives under pressure want to get away, to “When I look at some of our high-end competitors Eventually the Janins decided to live in Colorado in way to Taveuni, which explains much of what creates disconnect from work but reconnect with families. I know we don’t compare on the hardware as we don’t the United States for the proximity if offered to outdoor Raiwasa unique backdrop. This relatively large but mostly Raiwasa fulfills these objectives. have an 18-hole golf course or a private island. But we activities such as hunting, fishing and horseback riding. hidden treasure is home to Raiwasa Private Resort.” “As an overworked CEO myself, I know the pressures can compete with the software – our interaction is about of the job. When I take a break from the daily grind I want human connection. to be with my family and, invariably, when I do think of “We measure everything. We have a pre-stay survey work, I want to focus on the bigger picture and where the and a post-stay survey. We know 99 percent of people business is heading, not waste time fighting over which who stay at our property value it as in the Top Ten table has a view, scheduling spa treatments and waking experiences in their life, 93 percent will high recommend up early to get the best pool lounger.” it to their friends, family and acquaintances. Janin reckons one of the greatest marketing “It’s been a lot fun but a real challenge to put the challenges is to have travel agents and clients understand human connection back into luxury travel without it that Raiwasa is not a hotel. being fake or superficial. I believe that what we’ve created “We’re not selling a bed. We’re selling an experience. is the future of transformational experiential travel. Sadly, the more you tell people about it the more you “A lot of people get very emotional when they leave take away the wonder of it. I want to break the barrier and some even cry. They tell us this in their reviews. between what Raiwasa has to offer and reaching that The human touch of Fijians is amazing. Raiwasa is a very busy CEO market. Sometimes it’s their PAs doing kind of mirror. When people come here they get to be the booking, sometimes their wives. This can make it themselves and be what they want to be. It’s brings the very challenging to market the experience correctly. best out in people. Happiness is contagious. Word of mouth is very important.” The Raiwasa story starts off with Janin being an Reviews from previous guests agree with our overworked CEO with a medical company. He and his experience of having staff intuitively appearing out wife took a year off, took the kids out of school fora of nowhere. For Janin, the approach of Raiwsa’s staff world trip, the goal being to figure out where they were exemplifies this human connection. going to live. “Maybe someone will take a walk, say down to Matei. “We wanted to spend a lot of time in places we might
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RAIWASA WINS AUSTRALASIAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL AWARD
Raiwasa, a relative newcomer, was only “Those who’ve felt special when someone nominated to the World Boutique Hotel in a hotel remembers their name, will enjoy Awards in 2017 – yet won the Australasian Raiwasa where everyone knows their name, category, as announced on November 9. everyone knows if they take ice in their water, Raiwasa is set on 1.5 hectares of luxuriously and much more. The attention to detail is manicured gardens. Owner Patrick Janin omnipresent and it seems that the staff have declares it “a step above boutique.” an uncanny ability to see the future and “With a very high guest to staff ratio of anticipate client’s needs. one to 10 this not only makes for a premium “Guests at Raiwasa have their own service it also creates a personalised dedicated chauffeur - driven air-conditioned experience and an attention to detail that is 4x4. The driver is also guests’ cultural attaché unrivalled.” who is intimately connected to the island’s Raiwasa, located at the northern tip of culture and activities. Taveuni, overlooking the Somosomo Strait, “The amount of interaction and visibility has one of the best views in Fiji. of our staff is entirely in our guests’ hands. “The private resort is set on cliff where Raiwasa has an ingenious means of ensuring guests can access a private beach and the privacy. By hanging a red or the green palm ocean via a series of steps. Like the Goldilocks seed at the end of the coral walkway, guests story, the distance to the ocean is just right are telling the staff, in case of the red seed – it’s close enough to see a pod of dolphins don’t disturb us under any circumstances. swimming north to feed every morning while The green palm seed tells the staff that they enjoying a custom-prepared breakfast, but can check-in on you when its appropriate far enough to not be overwhelmed by the such as to come in to set the table for dinner, sound of the ocean crashing on the shore of course they never walk in unannounced. or fear a large wave making its way into the There will always be a friendly and loud “Bula.” master bedroom.
63 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 LUXURY ESCAPES LUXURY ESCAPES INTERCONTINENTAL’S HOME AT NATADOLA BAY A BEACON FOR BUSINESS & PLEASURE
he InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort “A common denominator to both is the and Spa enjoys an idyllic location on need for immaculate suites and villas, a the white sandy fringes of Natadola variety of internationally inspired cuisine, a Bay.T – yet the multi award winning resort is collection of land and ocean centric activities, a 45-minute drive or a 10-minute helicopter award winning spa, engaging staff and ride from the Nadi International Airport. amazing service.”
Natadola Beach – featuring in the Top In 2017, the resort won the award for 100 world beaches - is iconic to Fiji, widely Australasia’s Leading Resort by World Travel regarded as the most beautiful beach on the Awards, Fiji’s Best Beach Resort by Haute Fijian mainland. Visitors are instantly drawn Grandeur Hotel Awards and Best Luxury to the blue-green aquamarine waters and Resort Spa by The World Luxury Spa Awards. white powdery sand. The 266 rooms and suites are spread The resort opened in 2009 with 216 across 12 categories. There is a central resort luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. In facility offering 216 rooms with a combination 2010, the resort welcomed the iconic Club of garden, pool, lagoon and beachfront views. InterContinental, a resort within a resort and Entry-level rooms are described as the largest a first for Fiji. The Club InterContinental offers in Fiji for any branded resort – ranging from a collection of 50 one and two bedroom 63sq m to 85sq m. luxury suites. Club interContinental, the “resort within “The resort markets itself as a destination a resort” featuring 50 one and two bedroom for leisure and corporate guests seeking a suites is perched on the hills overlooking quality experience,” explains Hudson Mitchell, Natadola Bay. The Club level accommodation director of leisure sales and marketing. is exclusive and private with its own facilities
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and staffing. Club InterContinental offers a semi inclusive flavours, tastes and cooking styles. The restaurant offers experience inclusive of butler services, daily replenished wide views of Navo Island, a free flowing lagoon and the mini bar, high tea, sunset cocktails and canapés and Pacific Ocean. This adults-only restaurant is open for more. Club level rooms range from 115 sq m to 218 sq breakfast and dinner only. It caters for 86 people and m. features a private air-conditioned dining room that can “Businesses that have opted to make the cater for 20. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa the host venue As well as these restaurants, the resort offers for a meeting, incentive group, buy out or event have a number of outside dining venue - such as the always been delighted with the level of accommodation Natadola Beachfront, fourth hole at the Natadola Bay and the overall experience,” Mitchell explains. Championship Golf Course or one of the manicured “The execution of events is no different to lawns around the resort. the experience that one would expect from an When it comes to Business Events, Mitchell explains InterContinental in Sydney, Wellington, London and that the InterContinental has all bases covered. beyond. The experience is heightened by the genuine “Our experienced team understands the demands on warmth and friendliness of its staff. The people of Fiji time for a busy event planner and is focused on making have been for a long been known as the happiest people sure that the process run seamlessly at every stage. on earth and the staff at this resort are no exception.” Whatever the event, the InterContinental Fiji conference Guests have at their fingertips a concierge department, and events team is here to not only make the event a day spa, dive centre, kids’ club, fitness centre, and a great one, but one that delegates will never forget. selection of three restaurants, championship golf course “Offering local insight born of over 60 years’ - and more. experience, InterContinental meetings are designed The cuisine at the InterContinental is a fusion of to capture a genuine sense of place that will inspire tastes, flavours and spices. There are three restaurants delegates and get results. We offer a Fiji meeting venue offering different dining experiences. Leisure and MICE that will allow authentic and enriching experiences for guests are both spoilt for choices. delegates as well as fulfil the goals of the event. “The staff are highly trained and experienced. They “The process starts with our proposal tailored complement the dining experience at the resorts. Guests to requirements. Designed to inspire delegates and can expect staff who are engaged in the experience, planners alike, our meetings food and beverage can explain the menu in detail, recommend wines and experiences bring a unique combination of local flavour beverages - and are willing to go over and beyond.” and global favourites to any event.” Sanasana Restaurant, able to seat 246, is the resort’s Since its inception, the InterContinental Fiji Golf main restaurant, offering buffet breakfasts and dinners. Resort and Spa has hosted conferences and event from The dinner theme changes daily and ranges from all over the world. Groups have ranged from an intimate seafood to Asian to barbecue - and more. There is an 30 person incentive group to an international conference a la carte menu that is used for lunch and inspired by for 600 people. the flavours of the Orient. Guests can expect a mixture The InterContinental Water Court is home to of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai and Indian food to conference and events at Natadola Bay. The Water Court choose from when dining from the a la carte menu. derives its name from the water feature that is positioned Toba Restaurant, able to host 135, provides superb in the middle of surrounding meeting and conference al fresco dining. Open for lunch and dinner only, this spaces and breakout rooms. The Water Court can offer a restaurant has a commanding view of the adults’ infinity selection of 10 meeting rooms or a grand ballroom with pool and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Guests can choose breakout rooms. between salads, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, grilled food “Memorable meetings and events with authentic local and the famous Toba burge. flavour is the inspiration behind the InterContinental Navo is the resort’s signature restaurant and offers Insider Collection. It is a range of services planners a fusion of Fiji’s delicacies combined with international can choose to add to any meeting, incentive, event or
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conference. These experiences are carefully designed to knowledge and cultural ties to Fiji, delegates discover ensure each event is firmly rooted in its location and has unique insights that make their events one to remember. a tangible sense of place. The options are limitless, but Speakers include Igelese Ete and George Gregan. Ete is what is constant is the provision of rich local knowledge, the choir director of Pasifika Voices Choir which provided professional service and the reassurance of an enriching music for the Disney animated movie, Moana. Gregan and rewarding delegate experience. is a former Wallabies captain and, internationally, the “Immersing in a community is the most intimate most capped player. way to understand and appreciate a destination. “Team-building experiences help delegates connect InterContinental Fiji has long established local with each other and the unique character, heritage or relationships that enable us to recommend community geography of Natadola Bay. Each experience, whether projects. These emotional experiences engage delegates based on or off site, offers an original way to engage beyond the obligation of community service and inspire delegates and motivate them to build effective working memorable bonds while benefiting the local community. relationships. Local Kokoda master classes and sevusevu “With our Insider Collection even tea breaks are (kava ceremony) are among the favourites. fulfilling experiences. From serving up a delicious lunch “As locals, we hold the key to a side of Fiji tourists of traditional dishes to creating insider breaks with our never see. What we know gives our guests an exclusive local chefs, we help delegates connect with each other mix of authentic venues and experiences to play with. and elements of the local culture. We deliver a selection We suggest venues to suit any type of meeting or event. of innovatively prepared tea breaks such as Mango Lassi Our favourite locations include the stunning fourth hole and Kokoda Shots. at the Natadola Bay Golf Course, Kama beachfront and “By sourcing inspirational speakers with local Fire-Pit, and the more adventurous Navo Island.”
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by Bruce Laybourn
e feel the energy at Volivoli tuned to “island time.” We’ve learned to Beach Resort as soon as we savour the moment. arrive. There are builders Volivoli has the feel of an adventure completingW work on new luxury villas, dive resort - with diving a core theme. We learn boats coming and going – and a skilful that with its fleet of fast dive boats even the farthest dive side is less than 30 minutes bloke kite surfing across the lagoon. From from the resort. Such is the demand for dive our elevated viewpoint we find ourselves adventures that Volivoli has a new dive boat swivelling to absorb all the stimulating action. arriving for the summer of 2018. The resort has a vibe that inspires activity Meanwhile work is well advanced on four at all levels – but simply relaxing remains luxury, two-bedroom villas. Featuring two firmly on the menu. Some may be here for bathrooms, a large living area and a private a serious dive charter – or they may wish swimming pool, these villas were expected to to simply swim across the pool for one of be open and available from July 1, 2018. Isaac’s legendary cocktails. Whichever, this It all began 12 years ago 12 years ago is a magical retreat to from which to watch when the Darling family purchased Ra the sun set while yarning about the day’s Divers and then bought seven hectares of adventures. headland known as Volivoli Point. This was The journey from Nadi to Volivoli, located the beginning of what has evolved into this at the northern tip of Viti Levu, comes after premium destination and boutique resort. an enjoyable three-hour drive. Normally a The Darling family comprise Steve Senior two-and-a-half hour drive, for us the journey (“Big Steve”), Gail, and their sons, Steve and is slowed by lumbering sugar cane trucks. But Nick. They came to Fiji in 1993 when Steve there’s no desire for indecent haste. We’ve Senior was employed on a project to finish the been in Fiji a week and are now definitely
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construction of the Kings Road. The boys, Steve and Nick, continually providing a quality product to our clients and attended school in the local village of Rakiraki, where a commitment as a family to the Fiji that is truly part of they developed a lifelong love for Fiji, its culture and our history and our hearts. So, come to Volivoli and dive people. Over the past 20 years the Darling family have into the heart of Fiji – this is our home,” says Nick. become respected members of the local community. Set on a headland amongst lush gardens and a marine The family holds Fijian passports and are proud to call playground at the doorstep, Volivoli is a modern, relaxed themselves Fijians. family owned and operated resort. Just a 10 minutes’ In 2003 the family purchased the reputable dive drive from the town of Rakiraki or a two hour and a operation, Ra Divers, and this cemented the family’s half to three-hour scenic drive from Nadi International commitment to future businesses in the Ra province. The Airport with beautiful views over the coast, jungle, and whole family is actively involved in the daily operation to remote Fijian villages along the way. ensure everyone who visits receives the same personal Volivoli has a reputation for some of Fiji’s most service and gets the opportunity to share in their love of affordable beachside accommodation without the Fiji culture. Both sons have their family homes at the compromising on quality. An ideal getaway for friends resort and their young children attend local preschool or a family holiday, the Ocean View Rooms and and are learning the Fijian language. Deluxe Ocean View Rooms are finished in sustainable In February, 2016, the resort was hit by a major hardwoods and feature a writing desk, wifi, deck chairs, cyclone and sustained considerable damage. The ceiling fans, air-conditioning, large en suite bathrooms, Darling family saw this as an opportunity to rebuild and as well as tea and coffee facilities. redevelop the resort to a higher standard than before. The Premium Ocean View Studio Bures are stand- In November, 2016, the resort reopened to welcome alone villas with uninterrupted ocean views, perfect for guests back to what is now the premium boutique resort couples enjoying a romantic tropical escape. Each bure on the Suncoast. is air-conditioned, fully screened with a queen-sized bed, A member of the Darling family is always onsite at two sofa beds, an en suite bathroom, kitchen, washing the resort. machine, wifi and large private balcony. “Our tagline ‘in the heart of Fiji’ reflects our belief in In the main complex overlooking the swimming pool
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and nearby Bligh Waters, Nuku Bar and Restaurant offers and relax on the white sand beach. a tropical selection prepared daily from the freshest For a well-deserved dose of self-indulgence, Volivoli produce hand selected daily from the local markets. has a spa operating from a private retreat on the Arguably one of the best locations in Fiji for a diving promontory. We can testify that a spa treatment at vacation, Volivoli Beach is home to Ra Divers, a fully sunset is a wonderfully relaxing experience. certified PADI and SSI Dive Resort, one of Fiji’s longest As well there is a new adventure - a visit to the established diving operations. Ra Divers offers a variety spectaular Nabalasere waterfall. While there guests can of dive packages for beginners to advance, with staff explore the snake caves of Wailatua where they will find renowned for their local knowledge and expertise. ancient wall paintings. The reefs in the surrounding Bligh Waters are some For those who prefer to be out on the water, the resort of the healthiest in the world, with very little pollution runs sunset cruises with canapés and bubbles as well as and few boats, so guests will be able to see sunken private candle-lit dinners on the beach. As well there is wrecks and an array of marine life including anemone the option to escape for a day picnic on a secluded beach fish, turtles, colourful soft coral and reef sharks. - or perhaps go fishing for wahoo and mahimahi with As well, there are ample other activities available dolphin watching another popular option.. – either at Volivoli or in the greater Rakiraki area. Volivoli is part of the Mangroves for Fiji project – the These include beautiful sunbathing spots, as well as resort’s commitment to try and offset its carbon foot nightly entertainment and culture. Guests can sample print. Volivoli has several nurseries and propagating traditional Fiji at a dance performance, enjoy a kava mangroves to assist with the repopulation around ceremony or make a boat trip to a traditional local coastal villages - part of the Darling family’s commitment village. Alternatively, there’s the option to simply lie back to assisting in sustaining village life.
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pened in 1914 by the Union into the huge vaulted lobby with its interior Steamship Company of New gantry balcony and balustrades modelled on Zealand, Grand Pacific Hotel has the first class lounges of passenger liners of Obeen setting benchmark standards of service, the era. comfort and first class facilities ever since, Guestrooms in the new wing are designed hosting a who’s who of royalty, world leaders, to optimise views of the harbour and all captains of industry and celebrities for more have balconies. The furnishings, fittings and than a century. amenities - with complimentary wifi - are all
Totally rebuilt in 2014, the Grand Pacific that’s expected of a five star hotel. Located Hotel reopened in May of that year, swiftly directly opposite the recently redeveloped regaining its place as the ”grand old lady” of Albert Park and the Government Buildings, the Pacific, the only hotel in Suva to offer a five the hotel is only minutes from Suva’s retail star experience, blending fascinating colonial and commercial areas and the adjacent architecture and history with trademark Fijian botanical gardens and Fiji Museum. hospitality and friendliness. “As we enter our fourth year of operation With water frontage and commanding since re-opening, the quality of our services views over Suva Harbour and its encircling and facilities have already been recognised mountain ranges, the hotel offers 113 and acknowledged,” explains general guestrooms and suites. A number of these are manager Peter Gee. in the original heritage building which features “We are currently the Trip Advisor top wide verandahs, a neo-classical façade and an rated hotel in Suva and in February we were impressive arched entry portico that opens awarded the coveted Trip Advisors Travellers’
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Choice Awards which also placed us in the Top 10 hotels With a choice of seven function rooms, the hotel can of Fiji. Luxury Travel Guide named us ‘elegant luxury accommodate up to 600 people, combining historic hotel of the year, Fiji’ and we have just been advised that grandeur with exquisite service, creating the setting we won a World Luxury Hotel Award.” for international congresses, conferences, meetings, Referred to affectionately as “GPH,” the hotel has product launches, events, weddings and celebrations. a range of dining options. Na Toba pool bar is popular The hotel has a host of features that are distinctive, if for its sunset harbour views, while Levuka restaurant not unique, not only in Suva but also within the broader offers a range of local and international cuisines for Pacific region. Foremost amongst these is the Heritage breakfast, lunch and dinner, all of which can be enjoyed Building. Its distinctive architecture and rich history make al fresco on the broad terrace patio. The Prince Albert the GPH one of a very few hotels, certainly in the southern restaurant, located within the Heritage Building, is a hemisphere, where guests and the local community can popular alternate dinner venue to celebrate that special enjoy a very special experience. The history of the hotel occasion with a recently introduced “Taste of the South is prominently promoted pictorially in the photographic Pacific” menu. display that is a feature of the Heritage Building. It is “The Steamship Bar opens late every night while also detailed in the hotel’s specially commissioned the Victoria Lounge is the venue for complimentary memorabilia cabinet, on its website and in a dedicated breakfast and sundowner cocktails for guests staying in commemorative book. the heritage building and the Club Rooms. Every Sunday, “We are committed to increase our usage of local the lounge and balcony is the venue for the very popular food produce, thus reducing the carbon footprint of Grand High Tea, which has become a delightful Suva importing produce from abroad, whilst at the same time institution.” benefiting the local community,” said Gee. As well as 24-hour room service, the GPH boasts a “This is not the easiest road to travel and progress spa, gymnasium, lap pool, business centre and tour desk. can be slow, but we are determined to succeed and over The Grand Pacific Hotel has become renowned as the last 18 months we participated in a pilot programme, one of the major conference venues in the South Pacific. ‘Inspiring Fijian Cuisines in Hotels and Resorts’ that was
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conducted by Market Development Facility, a multi- with Suva and its people for over a century, but indeed country private sector development programme funded reflects the history of the city from its earliest days as by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and few other business do and we are very mindful of the Trade. custodian role that we play in this.” “We have also been actively working with emerging Gee believes the GPH is the only hotel in the world to local food co-operatives such as the Koronivia Participant feature on a national bank note. Guarantee System and the World Wildlife Fund Fiji’s moment of rugby euphoria celebrated at GPH sustainable fishing project and currently approximately When the Fiji 7s team won the country’s first gold 70 percent of the fresh produce that we use is locally medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the team travelled produced, with this figure well up on last year and straight from Nausori Airport to the GPH where they steadily increasing.” celebrated from the same rooftop balcony where Queen Gee said the hotel values its relationship with the Elizabeth waved to cheering Fijians in 1953. community and so respects all aspects of Fijian culture. The queen visited three times, the first being in 1953 “This is reflected in many small ways, including the when Fijians paddled traditional canoes (camakau) into coconut water that we offer guests on arrival (‘the fruit Suva Harbour to meet the royal yacht, Britannia. of our culture and the essence of our life’), to our sunset The Queen Elizabeth Suite, named to commemorate ceremony as we light the torches to the beat of the Lali her visit, faces Victoria Parade, with a massive, private drum. balcony that juts out over the entrance – perfect for a “We are committed to researching, preserving and beautiful, young queen and a victorious rugby team to telling the story of the hotel as this not only connects wave to their rapturous audiences.
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NIUE STANDING TALL & ALONE AN ENIGMA WAITING TO BE EXPLORED
by Annie Gray
iue stands out from its Pacific remote tropical island. neighbours - which isn’t difficult It permeates every sense, every fibre of considering it towers 30 metres our being from the moment we step onto the aboveN sea level and, at 261 square kilometres, tarmac, until we regretfully wave goodbye - dwarfs many other islands. But physical already planning our return trip. stature aside, Niue really is different. It’s the understated simplicity of a
From the sea, there is little to suggest life unsullied by mass consumerism, the much has changed on the island since the first calmness of a daily pace directed by nature, Polynesian explorers arrived more than 1000 the pride that comes from working in the hot years ago. Development has been small scale tropical sun to provide for the family. and largely confined to the capital Alofi. The Niueans have managed to blend modern closest Niue gets to skyscrapers is a handful conveniences with traditional customs in a of two-storey buildings. way that is practical yet charming. Handmade Beauty is more than skin deep on Niue. It’s canoes (vaka) still launch alongside the faster more than the alluring reef pools, romantic tinnies, both vying for the treasured catch of sandy coves and lush rainforests. It goes wahoo or tuna and both equally likely to be beyond the jagged limestone pinnacles successful in their ventures. standing in stark contrast to the purest of Despite having a population of less than blue seas. 2000, sprinkled around 13 coastal villages, Unquestionably, Niue has natural beauty Niue boasts an international airport that in abundance - but its real attraction can only hosts two flights a week from Auckland. be experienced by spending time on this Crime is virtually unheard of. The
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unfenced jail stands alongside the popular nine-hole golf lights are not needed, horns are used only as a greeting course. On the odd occasion when there are occupants, and keys are left in ignitions so we never have to wonder they are expected to fish for their meal and grow their where we put them. And apart from the occasional free- own produce. range chicken, livestock does not wander the paved, Unemployment is rarely an issue - the government signposted streets. employs 80 percent of the workforce, the remainder It’s the South Pacific without the chaos, without finding positions in private businesses or make their extreme poverty and without selling its soul for the income through fishing or farming. tourist dollar. Visitors are still a scarce commodity on Supplies arrive every month by ship from New Niue, reaching peak numbers mid-year when the viewing Zealand, but the local market is still the hub of social of humpback whales and tropical winter temperatures activity on Friday mornings and what it lacks in substance beckon. But even then, we’d be lucky to find more than it makes up for in character. 200 guests on the island at any one time. Houses may be basic by Australian and New Zealand Outside the Pacific, few know it exists, and those standards, but they are solid, kept meticulously clean that do, want to keep it a secret – scared that things that and have carefully tended gardens that may well have make it special will disappear if tourist numbers increase the grave of a loved one on prominent display. dramatically. Sale of land is prohibited on Niue, potentially saving They love the friendliness of the island - receiving the island from losing its identity to an influx of foreign an invitation to a coming of age ceremony such as buyers. Leasehold is possible but under strict conditions a haircutting or ear piercing - just from striking up a and reliant on the agreement of multiple family members conversation in a shop. Being gifted a fresh chunk of fish - no easy task in a country where the land court is by far after chatting to a local at the boat ramp. Eating at all the the most sought after of legal processes. popular cafes, enjoyed equally by Niueans and visitors. Everything has a relaxed order on this island. Traffic This is an authentic modern Polynesian holiday.
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There is something comfortable about visiting Niue. better than Niue. Catching up at the end of the day It’s a little familiar with its use of New Zealand currency is bound to include stories of the one that got away, and brands in store. English is spoken by just about unexpected encounters with uga (coconut crabs) the size everyone, although attempts at Niuean language are of small children - and soaking away stresses where the encouraged and create great mirth amongst the locals Kings of Niue used to bathe. who know their mother tongue is quite unique and Dining out on Niue is just as impressive, and a difficult to pronounce. dramatic improvement from a decade ago. Gone are There is a decent selection of small motels and the days of deep-fried everything, replaced by eclectic guesthouses from the friendly but basic - with built menus bursting with local flavour. Seafood features in rooster wake up calls - to the decadent bathtub prominently but vegetarians are well catered for and with sea vista. The flagship property is undeniably the anyone with a sweet tooth will be spoilt for choice. Scenic Matavai Resort. Its grandstand position, ideal for Things don’t always run smoothly on Niue, which viewing the visiting whales and resident dolphins, has is part of its charm. Food supplies can be inconsistent, always made it a popular choice, and a recent change tours don’t always leave on time, business opening of ownership has given it an impressive makeover and hours can be more of a suggestion than a definite – but expansion. Niueans are skilled at making the best out of what they The focal point of the resort is the restaurant with its have and learning to go with the flow. A certain amount of large deck and wide view of the ocean. Up until now this flexibility will make a trip to Niue all the more enjoyable. has been purely the domain of holidaymakers but a new Niue isn’t for everyone - thank goodness. Shopaholics convention centre on site is opening up the market to will need to be dedicated to the cause to track down a business groups as well. local memento of their visit. While weaving is an intricate Up to 250 delegates can be catered for in this purpose- skill shared amongst the Niuean women, very few of built facility. But a word of advice for organisers - allow their prized pieces are destined for visitors. Most of their plenty of downtime for attendees. Even a presentation work is used around home or given as gifts to family on the most dazzling of sales figures cannot compete members living overseas. with the lure of the clearest of Pacific waters. Niue is a small player on the South Pacific tourism We wouldn’t be surprised if delegates’ distraction scene but it holds its own. It embraces the tag that extends to gazing longingly at the dive boat heading off to there is “Nowhere Like Us,” although this falls far short explore the caves in the honeycomb underbelly of Niue. of capturing the true essence of the island. There is a And who would hold it against them if the temptation to quality to Niue that is hard to define but impossible to swim alongside the pod of spinner dolphins wins over forget. It’s worth taking the time to delve beyond its the session to plan the next five years of workloads? stunning exterior to find the true beauty of this island. When it comes team building, it doesn’t get much
87 CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 WORLD FOCUS WORLD FOCUS AN ART COLLECTOR’S HAVEN HOTEL TUGU, BALI
by Rowena Bahl
t’s difficult to believe that a poor And so, to hold true to the saying “one man's medical student in Java would one day trash is another man's treasure,” Setjadibrata dream up a luxury hotel collection that began adding pieces of Indonesia’s past to his Ihouses some of the most priceless art pieces trove. in Indonesia. Fast-forward 17 years, with a new career - this time in law - under his belt, and an However, that’s exactly the achievement overflowing trove of treasure, Setjadibrata of Anhar Setjadibrata, owner of boutique decided he could no longer keep to himself hotel chain Tugu Hotels - and Indonesia’s the antiquities and vast knowledge he had largest art collection. Known by many as acquired through his life journey. Instead, he “Renaissance Man,” Setjadibrata’s passion for wanted to share his treasures with the world, art ignited in 1972, at the age of 25. so that locals and visitors could learn about Unable to complete the final exam for his Indonesia’s ancestry. medical career due to the political turmoil in In 1989 he built Tugu Malang, Indonesia’s Indonesia, he was hired by a pharmaceutical first boutique museum hotel, in East Java. The company as a consultant. He was sent to historical masterpiece was well embraced and various locations across Indonesia to visit celebrated by the country, winning a national doctors and nurses in small villages. award in architectural excellence. Since then, While exploring Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, three more hotels have been built - one more West Timor, Kalimantan and Borneo, in East Java, one in Bali and one in Lombok. Setjadibrata gained a thirst for bygone Hotel Tugu Bali, Setjadibrata’s third hotel, times. He became enthralled by his country’s located in Canggu, Bali’s surfer haven, is a colourful history and began collecting living, breathing museum. It invites us to artifacts from the villages he visited. He found tread further than peering lustfully at an people of the villages were naively disposing artifact enclosed in a glass box. Sure, we can of ancient relics in favour of modern objects.
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still choose to do just that, with relics from the 12th breezy alfresco vibes to do the talking and presenting a being the Magic Potion Power Breakfast Bowl. Made up can add drama to these flavours on Thursday evening century and beyond on display in every corner, but the 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean. of raw cocoa, banana, strawberries, mango, granola and when the platform at Wantilan Agung comes to life with real magic happens when the heirlooms that surround If we are after something a little more theatrical, chia seeds, it’s a fresh start to the day and a celebration Balinese dancers that mesmerise us with highly precise us interplay with the cuisine, live performances, decor we can head over to the dimly lit, rouge-hued and of local produce. Palates longing for a more traditional and stylised angular movement of eyes, fingers and and service on offer, asking us to participate fully in an romantically-charged Wantilan Agung (Grand Ceremonial flavour can take delight in the best Nasi Goreng on the necks. old world of rajas and ratus (kings and queens). House). Here, the ceiling, high like the heavens, rises island. Served alongside bean sprouts, spinach, green Meanwhile, a more casual form of cuisine awaits at The property is designed like a village, with individual above us, supported by giant wooden columns, while bean, rempeyek (homemade Javanese rice crackers), Ji restaurant. The menu arrives on a Japanese fan and buildings that connect via a network of pathways. It pays a raised central platform sits below it. A 4.5m Garuda and peanut sauce, it’s a tongue-tantalising affair. is a modern translation of Japanese and Asian dishes. homage to traditional Bali with thatch roofing, use of statue, carved from a 120-year-old tree trunk sits on the Seafood enthusiasts who’d like to indulge in the Try the grilled salmon with eggplant, sticky asian chicken bamboo, wood and intricate ornaments. However, it also platform, watching over all who pass through the airy best local catch can partake in the Full Moon Barbecue. and rice or tiger prawns with rice noodles. Finish off with has eclectic notes. Meandering the property, a diverse pavilion. The space is finished with sheer red and white The fishermen of Canggu go on night trips in the Indian a melted chocolate ball that the staff literally melt at the set of styles can be found within the various spaces, yet drapery that wavers in the sea breeze. Ocean and bring back a bountiful selection of lobsters, table to reveal a hidden dessert, or be subtly delighted these differences flow seamlessly between one another. For sensory relief, wander north from the pavilion, fish, king prawns, crabs and squid. A lunchtime event on by a young coconut crème brûlée that surprises with Japan meets China at Ji at at restaurant Ji at Bale past an azure pool surrounded by tropical vegetation. the lawn is a good way to enjoy the ocean's harvest. textures of coconut flesh within it. Sutra. Here, a red-walled room houses the ruins of a Here, there’s a lawn of perfect green with a freestanding In between lunch and dinner, peckish explorers will At Tugu Bali, it’s all about choice. No matter where 300-year-old temple that was rescued by Setjadibrata in deck on stilts that overlooks Canggu beach. It’s simple, be glad to hear about the complimentary sunset high or what we order, we are encouraged to enjoy it in a Java and brought to Bali to be reconstructed. fuss-free and the best place for beachside cocktails and tea that’s served up daily. Balinese delicacies like cakes setting of our choosing - on a luxurious picnic bed on the The temple exhibits the 2000-year-old relationship afternoon tea. It’s also the place where sunset dreams wrapped in banana leafs, dumplings and fried bananas lawn, beach or terrace surrounded by candles, sitting at between the two cultures and takes us back in time come true. are beautifully presented. These are complemented by a dining table made of marble from the 19th century in through carvings of mythological creatures, artifacts and When the day winds down, retire to one of 21 villas, rich coffee from Sumatra, Sulawesi and Java and tea the hotel’s private Balinese museum, or by a romantic portraits of Balinese monarchs. perhaps choose one with a private plunge pool, a sunken grown at various altitudes across the country. lotus pond, surrounded by nature’s sounds and scents. If it’s history we have come for, then here, we bath, a private spa or a dining pavilion. No matter what For dinner, there’s an ample selection of emperor- Suffice to say if we’d like to experience traditional can quite literally sit in a piece of it. This time-stalled we select, there is a story to be found within each feather style fare, the menu from Wantilan Agung being an serenity within Bali’s multi-sensory bustle, we can environment changes colours when we head upstairs. Ji palm thatched dwelling. From the love story of a famous expression of authenticity and love. It caters to those certainly escape to Hotel Tugu Bali, a place that stitches Terrace by the sea is rustic with a vibrant new-age punch. Belgian artist to the Javanese art deco movement of the who have an appetite for dining like the monarchs who enchanting stories of Bali’s rich history with a world- Contemporary tropical Asian characteristics are at play 20th century, the past whispers in our ears seductively. once ruled Indonesia. Dishes like bebek betutu (roast class luxury experience. The hotel is a reflection of the here, with modern mosaics, lush plants and brightly Expect dining experiences that take taste buds on an duck in banana) that is cooked for 12-plus hours, guling cultural evolution of Indonesia itself, where cultures painted kitsch-like statues of gods hanging on the walls. unexpected journey. In the mornings, enjoy a modern celeng (tender roasted suckling pig) and sate udung have married over the centuries in harmony with one The third floor is a little more subtle, allowing its easy- selection of power bowls from Ji restaurant, a favourite sereh (grilled prawn on lemongrass) are worth a try. We another.
90 91 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 LIFESTYLE - WINE LIFESTYLE WINE THE BIG SUMMER THREESOME ROSÉ, PROSECCO AND BIG BOTTLES
by Liz Wheadon
osé is one of the fastest growing the rosé depends on how long the skins and categories in the wine world - yet juice have been in contact. This method of one that still manages to create producing rosé usually results in wines with confusion.R There are many different styles tannin and a reasonable amount of colour. of rosé and the array of colours can leave us The second method, Saignée (or bleeding), wondering what it is that we’ll be drinking. is a technique whereby rosé is made as a
Why is there such diversity? Some of these secondary product to red wine production. stylistic differences come from the way the This method of production involves removing rosé is made, some from the g rape varieties some of the pink juices from the initial used and some from the part of the world in crushing of the red grapes. This juice is then which they are made. fermented and a rosé produced. By doing this There are three main ways to produce the red wine being produced has more tannin rosé. The first is most commonly used when and colour. This style of production results in the aim from the start to the finish is to make very light fruity rosé. rosé. Red skinned grapes are picked and The third method, blending. This is where then crushed, with the skin and the juice left red and white wines are blended to produce together for a short period of time. After this a rosé wine. This method is not as common as the skins are pressed and then discarded prior the first two and is in fact banned in Europe, to the fermentation. In red wine production, except in Champagne, where some rosé the skins would remain with the juice until champagne is made this way, predominantly after fermentation. The resulting colour of with chardonnay and a little pinot noir added.
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One of the most popular styles of rosé right now bottles available from Indian Summer in Hawke’s Bay are the delicate light ones, fashioned in the style that and Château Léoube from Côte de Provence. are produced in France’s southern region of Côtes de Prosecco Provence. Another super fast-growing category in the wine Côtes de Provence is a very large area and one that, industry is prosecco. Sales have never been so high, not until recently, has only produced a smattering of top just here in New Zealand but around the world. So, what’s quality wines. Whilst there are exceptional wines here, the attraction and what in fact is prosecco? Prosecco is not all are excellent in quality - so be very wary of cheap a sparkling wine from Italy made from the Glera grape Côtes de Provence. variety. The production varies from that in Champagne The revolution in Provence came around eight years in that the fermentation is done in a closed tank to retain ago when many foreign winemakers starting to come to the bubbles. The production method is thus shorter the region and brought with them modern techniques. and without the bank breaking investment required, This saw a wave of excellent Côtes de Provence rosé ala Champagne or New World Méthode Traditionelle and set the stage for the top-level rosé that we see from production. The resulting wine has a refreshing crisp Provence today. The very best have a gorgeous fragrance, pear and apple character to it, is lively and zesty and a delicate hue and wonderful texture. A number of top without a high level of complexity. Côtes de Provence are now imported into New Zealand It’s that rather straight forward approach that has and are well worth seeking out - notably, Château made prosecco so popular. There are a few things to Léoube, Château Riotor and Château Mascaronne and note with prosecco though. The DOC level labelled “dry” their label Mira Luna. are not, in fact, technically dry. What appears in English Why does size matter? to mean dry, in fact, in Italian, is not. These wines have Large bottles are making a real comeback, not just around 16g/l present, which makes them a lot sweeter in champagne, but in all wine styles. So why the interest technically than a standard champagne. The cool, fresh in large format bottles and why does size matter? There growing conditions and acidity then make the style are two aspects to this discussion. Let’s first start with appear not too sweet. To try a drier style with more the fine wine, cellaring angle. The larger the bottle, the complexity, we’ll need to be looking for a DOCG prosecco, slower the wine ages. Now, in the case of Bordeaux from the Santa Margherita a particularly good example. a vintage such as the 2009 or 2010 vintage, this in fact So, does all prosecco come from Italy? Well you would would not be a good thing. These are two years where think it should do. However, it appears that in Australia the ageing potential for top wines is expected to be 50- (and New Zealand) it’s possible to make and label 60 years, which, for most of us, won’t be at all relevant. prosecco from Glera - a technical hitch in the protection However, something like champagne, where a bottle of the name. It’ll be interesting to watch this space in with 5-8 years ageing is quite gorgeous, it is even better the future. There are parts of Australia that Glera has in a magnum aged for 7-10 years. The ageing is slower become very fond of and is growing well, producing and we get a lovely champagne with developed, mature some lovely prosecco, particularly the King Valley. Do character and a level of freshness remaining. look out for the De Bortoli King Valley Prosecco. The other aspect to large bottles is quite simply, why So, there it is, the three things we must have this not? Why not purchase a magnum of rosé rather than summer - rosé, large format bottles and prosecco. Or, two bottles - the whole table can enjoy one large bottle a mix of all three - a three litre of rosé, a magnum of and it’s so much fun. Large bottles do seem to create a prosecco or even sparkling rosé. With hopefully a warm sense of excitement and add just a bit more flair than and dry summer ahead of us, these three trends in wine two bottles. are likely to hit the spot this summer. There’s a great range of large bottles now available in New Zealand from prosecco through to champagne and rosé through to pinot noir. Do look out for the magnums and three litres of rosé. There are stunning
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Aston’s DB11 – declared Mercedes-AMG 2017’s most beautiful car Project One
Hollywood has its Golden Globe Award and Europe has its Golden Steering Wheel award. Both bestow upon Mercedes-AMG turned 50 in 2017 and, just like all its nominees recognition for certain achievements. birthdays, the temptation to treat oneself is far from The Aston Martin DB11 has been voted the Most rare. The Mercedes-AMG Project One celebrated its Beautiful Car of 2017, being awarded the coveted world première at the International Motor Show in Golden Steering Wheel Award. An esteemed panel of Frankfurt for the first time. designers, engineers, racers, celebrities and journalists The two-seater supersports show car brings the from across Europe selected the DB11 from a choice of very latest and efficient, fully-fledged Formula 1 hybrid 20 cars that came to market in 2017. technology from the race track to the road almost Aston Martin president and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, par for par to represent the highlight of AMG's 50th received the award and noted in his acceptance anniversary. This high-performance hybrid is said to speech: "To receive the award for 'Most Beautiful Car' produce more than 1000 hp and reach top speeds is testament to the skill and dedication of the designers beyond 350 km/h – all from a micro-sized 1.6 litre V6 and employees of Aston Martin who work tirelessly to engine. Although initially designed to steal the spotlight combine exceptional design with the latest technology.” in Frankfurt, there's a team quietly working away to Aston Martin's trophy cabinet is not short of bring this vision to the road. accolades - expect this one to be shelved top and centre.
BMW M3 CS Honda Civic Type R
BMW have taken the sports sedan a step further Honda has revealed the all-new Civic Type R, with the introduction of new lightweight special launching to New Zealand in winter, 2017. Engineered edition. The CS is more than just a moniker added on from the ground up, the all new Type R promises to vie to the M3 name. The car incorporates generous use of for the top spot in the hot hatch segment. carbon fibre reinforced plastic, low kerb weight, sports The 2.0-litre VTEC turbo engine of the multi-award- suspension set-up, increased power and torque and a winning previous generation Type R has been optimised unique interior style. and refined and now produces 320 PS with peak torque For good reason, the top speed is limited to 280kph. of 400 Nm. Throttle response and driveability have The M3 CS adds 10hp over the standard M3. We get the improved thanks to optimised engine control settings. feeling that materials speak louder than power here. The new hatch already boasts the lap record at the Unlike CS's of the past, the M3 retains necessary Nurgburgring for the fastest front wheel drive. We've comforts like air conditioning, premium sound and joined the crew to drive one in order to report back in electric seats. There's been no confirmation of sale for our next edition. New Zealand, but we hold our breath for some special orders for this beauty.
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PORSCHE PANAMERA 4S A 911 WITH FOUR DOORS
The Panamera 4S featured is the top tier model with the super efficient and powerful V6 turbo engine.
by Andrew Beacham / Photography by Al Peychers
It is fair to say that car manufacturing has the name to realise just how well engineered ramped up in the last five years. The surge of the chassis is. At the first corner, turning in new models could be easily mistaken for an and accelerating followed by a quick glance and commands “the world's fastest diesel saloon” title, arms race, but the news is not all bad. over the shoulder is the only reminder but that's a story for another day. A V8 is on offer, while The model volume race could be robbing needed that we’re driving a four door sedan the V6 is a newly developed powertrain that doesn't manufacturers of their founding identity, with luggage space and all wheel drive. Throw overload or unbalance the car. however it is amazing to witness what some in cooled seats, trending technology, piano Finding the middle ground in what is a relatively old fashioned innovation is yielding. black panel surfaces and we have a luxury young model for Porsche is a rewarding experience. When brands like Porsche were in their sedan that will leave us torn between driving It's not hard to understand why the Panamera was infancy it would have been sabotage to try or being driven. Exploring the back seat is introduced. They’ve built a model for all to enjoy because and build a four door sedan or an SUV. Their far from brief as occupants are greeted with not everyone wants an impractical two door sports car. foundations were well advanced building a 7-inch panel that controls air conditioning An added bonus is that punters aren’t just buying the “flyline” sports cars. At the time, no one could and the entertainment system. The rear seats Panamera for its badge. For generations to come, the have predicted that the sports car maker are mounted low for maximum headroom Panamera will wear the 911’s clothes without bursting would turn to SUVs and luxury four door and are the perfect cocoon for a long trip. the seams. sedans - and one day have a presence in All this added fruit hasn't slowed the almost every class of vehicle. Panamera down. It recently completed a Porsche have used all their knowledge, lap of the Nurburgring in seven minutes, 38 experience and engineering expertise to seconds - a new lap record for a four door car. 2017 Porsche Panamera 4S maximum advantage and created the four Its multi-personality chassis switches Engine: 2.9 litre door saloon that has made it to a second instantaneously between comfort to V6 twin-turbo generation. At this point, it is safe to conclude enhanced performance at the turn of the Power: 324kW that the new Panamera 4S is a 911 four door. steering wheel. The Panamera 4S featured is Torque: 550Nm They have given the Panamera its own the top tier model with the super efficient and 0-100kph: 4.4 seconds name for a good reason. It doesn't need 911 in powerful V6 turbo engine. Diesel is an option The price: $275,300
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VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON VW'S GOLDEN EGG
Put up an obstacle in front or behind the Arteon and its pioneering assistance systems will act with lightning fast reflexes.
by Andrew Beacham / Photography by Al Peychers
Artwork has a time and place. The craft enters at a time where engines are getting itself requires a special set of skills, either smaller yet powerful and motorists still gifted and rarely acquired. Some may argue demand the practicality of four doors without - the reverse camera showing the rear bumper just that anyone can call themselves an artist by compromising power. centimetres from the wall. Put up an obstacle in front or tossing some paint over a canvas and leaving VW have put their creative hats on and behind the Arteon and its pioneering assistance systems it to find itself. Many have found success designed the Arteon as the art piece of their will act with lightning fast reflexes. We'd expect all of doing so. model lineup. The rear is as you'd expect it these features to come at a cost, but what we have is a I have always been a firm believer that to look - a pair of LED tail lamps and a badge spacious sedan with the same engine and price tag as commissioning a piece of art is like any project. stamped in the middle. It's the front where the top of the range VW Golf. Normally rear leg room is It requires careful planning, inspiration and the emphasis on design goes to town as the reserved for those cars with big engines and expensive imagination to realise the creation. Buying a headlamps and grille come together as one badges. No matter how hard front seat occupants try, car is much like commissioning a piece of art, so that this Arteon can never make anything they will not be able to encroach on the spacious rear except the outline has already been drawn. else other than a grand entrance. seating. We get to fill in the gaps or customise by This sporty R-Line is fully loaded with a VW has successfully expanded the ranks and choosing our colours, trim level, technology raft of extras that certainly do not reflect in produced a car that is more than half a class above. and engine to finish what has already been its price tag. Digital instrumentation, Nappa It's better looking and cheaper than an A5 and when it started. It's appropriate that Volkswagen has leather, eight-inch touchscreen, bluetooth comes to making a business statement, the Arteon is the introduced a new contemporary sedan that audio and smartphone connectivity keep most prolific yet. derives its name from the word "art" and the Arteon up to play with the technological places the suffix "eon" on the end to become times. 2017 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion established as a class apart from other The assistance systems are the most fun Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged models. to put to the test. Picture this - I find myself 4-cylinder Volkswagen may be only best known reversing into a parking space approaching Power: 206kW Torque: 350Nm for its hugely popular Golf GTI, but they a wall with perhaps too much speed for 0-100kph: 5.6 seconds can proudly boast a ute, van, hot hatch and the Arteon’s liking. All of a sudden, the The price: $74,990 now a five-door fastback sedan. The Arteon brakes jammed on with the ABS engaging
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LEXUS LC 500 PARALLELING THE EXCELLENCE OF KATANA A katana – a samurai sword - was designed to exceed all expectations. It's not hard to spot the obvious parallels Lexus have drawn when including the katana in their design brief.
by Andrew Beacham / Photography by Al Peychers Ronald Liew of Auckland Laido Club performs alongside our LC500
and space for two more in the back. The interior is distractingly beautiful. All the lines of interior where arm rests and panels meet flow continually throughout the cabin creating a never ending space covered in leather and alcantara. A katana – a samurai sword - was designed to exceed all expectations. It's not hard to spot the obvious parallels Lexus have drawn when including the katana in their design brief. Like the sword, there is a particular emphasis on curvature of the body and precision Concept cars have never really sat the task of bringing an automobile to engineering in the drive train. The LC500 is fitted with a well with me. At each major motor show production. Research, planning, design, cutting-edge rear axle that has linear steering essentially on the calendar, manufacturers turn up analysis, reviews, tooling design, marketing micro adjusting the rear wheels to help turn the rear of with their most outlandish and eccentric and important signatures are required the car. This feature came into its own when threading contraptions in an effort to create as much considerations throughout the journey to the corners of Highlands Motorsport park. The LC500 is attention as possible. The main objective is production. It took Lexus six months to a cutting weapon that won't fray the senses. On the open for manufacturers to flex their muscles to perfect the design of their signature “spindle road the 10-speed transmission tones down the car to a demonstrate how good they are on paper. grille,” ensuring the LC500 has the same level that is quiet as the whisper of a sword. For all their Other than an attention seeking exercise, I level of shock therapy as the rest of the hard work the customer is equally rewarded, with an don't understand the point of going to all the model range. Closer inspection of the grille initial run of only 10 exclusive cars to New Zealand in the expense only for us to hold our breath that on a sub zero Queenstown morning clears first year of production. the concept will make it to production. Nine Lexus of any deviation. The LC500 presents Reluctantly taking the LC500 out of Queenstown, we times out of 10 they never do. a feeling that Lexus skipped all of the above discover it is even better to live with as a daily runner. However holding our breath when Lexus considerations and got it right the first time Instead of reinventing, they have refined the crucial came on the scene with the LF-LC concept when they unveiled the concept car. They elements that go into making a car driveable and easy was worthwhile when they announced the knew something we didn’t. Lexus have visibly to live with. Lexus didn't just dip their toe in the water concept would enter the production fray overcome some engineering impossibilities when they created the LFA supercar, they created a as the LC500. We should have have known to create a car that looks like it belongs on the splash which rippled through to demonstrate extreme better than to question their vision when moon. capability to build the world's most drastically rewarding history has proven that Lexus doesn’t shy The low cut roof and extreme slanted automobiles. away from turning their dreams into reality. windscreen lead down to a long bonnet across The introduction was a guaranteed highlight wheel fairings to give the LC500 its sleek first 2017 Lexus LC500 when Lexus introduced the LC500 via New impression. No compromise was made when Engine: 5.0 litre Zealand's alpine retreat, Queenstown, in the it came to concept interior versus production V8 Power: 351 kW winter of 2017. interior either. Many would think that the low Torque: 540 Nm We, admittedly, have no intimate roof line would make the cabin cramped, but 0-100kph: 4.7 seconds knowledge of the steps taken to accomplish the deep floor allows for ample headroom The price: $215,000
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THE DUCATI PANIGALE V4 WHEN A SPEEDING BULLET IS NOT ENOUGH
A counter-rotating crankshaft produces inertia-linked torque in the opposite direction, lowering the front of the bike, limiting the bike’s desire to wheelie
by Dan McGrane
Ducati superbikes have long been defined This is the first mass-produced Ducati by their resolute gun-sticking V-twin format, bike to have a four cylinder engine, and it’s with the pursuit of chassis perfection and derived directly from the MotoGP bike’s lightweight over multi-cylinder peak power. Desmosedici V4, but with a displacement of But this bike, the new Panigale V4 – changes 1103cc. Developed in very close collaboration everything. Or does it? with Ducati Corse technicians and riders, it It still looks rather familiar. The name steals directly from the race bike in terms of is the same, as is the red paint, single sided design and architecture, but still manages to swing arm, and instantly recognisable Italian deliver impressive service intervals of 12,000 lines. kilometres, with the valve check only required But don’t be fooled by the book’s cover. every 24,000 kilometres. The 90-degree V4 This is a pivotal moment for Ducati – 211 uses the same 81mm bore as the GP bike, bhp, 195 kg and a quantum leap in electronic but with a longer stroke for improved low-to- during hard braking/deceleration the crankshaft itself fixing bushings and in the body, making them 70g lighter control. It could be the bike to beat in 2018. mid rev torque, and boasts a counter-rotating also decelerates, producing an inertial torque that works each, without compromising on rigidity. And if that’s not enough, the standard crank and twin-pulse ignition. to help reduce rear wheel lift. The Panigale V4 introduces controlled drift during Desmosedici Stradale configuration can On almost all road bikes, the crankshaft To minimise the inevitable weight gain from the extra braking, ABS cornering on the front wheel only thanks be boosted well beyond 220bhp with the turns in the same direction as the wheels. bank of cylinders, Ducati developed an all-new frame, to a setup specially designed for track riding, and a optional titanium Akrapovic race exhaust. But as with MotoGP bikes, the new Panigale called the “Front Frame.” It's more compact and lighter bi-directional shifter that even takes lean angles into The new family comprises the base V4 gets a counter-rotating crankshaft. Its than a perimeter frame and uses the engine as a stressed account. Panigale V4 ($33,990), the Panigale V4 S benefits are in gyroscopic effect and inertia, chassis element - keeping the kerb weight of the S and All these controls - developed on the track ($43,990) with Öhlins semi-active suspension, improving handling and directional agility. Speciale versions down to 195 kg - 2.5 kg lighter than the together with official Ducati riders and test riders - are forged aluminium wheels and a lithium ion A counter-rotating crankshaft produces new 959 Corse. incorporated in the three new riding modes (Race, battery, and a Panigale V4 Speciale ($69,990) inertia-linked torque in the opposite direction, Also the new Panigale V4 range debuts Brembo’s new Sport and Street) and can be adjusted via the advanced which is a numbered, limited edition (of 1500) lowering the front of the bike, limiting the Stylema monobloc calipers - the latest evolution of the second-generation TFT dash. bike with a dedicated livery, titanium exhaust bike’s desire to wheelie, and therefore already high-performance M50. Machined from a single So, ever wondered what it’s like to be the first? and a host of carbon and billet upgrades. boosting acceleration performance. Similarly, piece of alloy, they feature lighter-weight areas in the Literally.
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KTM’S 1290GT REDEFINING THE SPORTS BIKE
Leaned over braking or accelerating on wet pavement or dry pavement are managed alike for maximum safety and performance.
by Dan McGrane
Tell me what a sports bike is again? standards, while at the same time helping There is a certain segment of the the bike maintain huge horsepower numbers motorcycle marketplace that wants to have and a wider torque curve. its cake - and eat it. Instead of a hyper- Power output is 173 hp at 9500 rpm and focused high-speed machine, a rider of this 106.2 pound feet of torque at 6750 rpm. This is applied with a pull of the front brake lever, and the or until the machine moves forward, whichever comes sort wants a fast bike, great handling, and to is a for-real high-performance engine, not an rear wheel, like the front wheel, will not lock. The C-ABS first. There’s also a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System carry everything, including the kitchen sink. oversized luggage lump. is selectable and can be shut off or put in Supermoto (TPMS) for instant knowledge of a change in tyre We are, of course, referring to the sports The throttle is ride-by-wire and the mode for ABS up front and a lockable rear wheel. pressure, and the turn signals cancel (ATIR) after 150 touring motorcycle, where versatility and the engine management has revised mapping. Master of the MTC and C-ABS is the Bosch Motorcycle metres of travel. Electronic cruise control is standard, ability to munch the highway miles in comfort For smooth downshifts the 1290 Super Stability Control (MSC) module that reads and too. are the prime criteria. Aside from the Starship Duke GT has a slipper clutch plus Motor Slip communicates the motorcycle’s lean angle so that these Suspension in the past has been thought of as a Enterprise - which can carry the kitchen sink Regulation (MSR), a system that monitors the systems can perform properly from straight up to full black art - like alchemy - so most riders just left it alone at warp speeds - the KTM 1290GT comes in a drag torque of the engine and slightly opens lean. In other words, leaned over braking or accelerating and rode around the inefficiencies of the suspension close second. the throttle to quickly match engine speed to on wet pavement or dry pavement are managed alike settings, putting it down to “character” like your puppy So what is it? wheel speed and avoid tyre hop or drifting at for maximum safety and performance. Just remember, pooping on your favourite shirt and giving you the “I The KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is a corner entry. the system doesn’t actually sense rain. The rider must didn’t know” look. slightly updated 1290 Super Duke R with Accompanying the riding modes (Sport, voluntarily select between modes. With the 1290GT, adjusting the semi-active WP changes to the fairings and engine, the latter Street and Rain) of the 1290 Super Duke GT is If that isn’t enough, a quick-shifter is also standard. suspension is done with a flick of a switch on the left having a new head design with intake port Traction Control (MTC) that varies depending With it, upshifts are accomplished without the need for handlebar. There are five presets, which, coupled with slit further upstream from the valves and on which riding mode is in use. Obviously, the clutching or rolling off the throttle. All we do is hold fast the three ride modes, allow for some mix-and-match modified combustion chambers for improved modes are for providing maximum comfort and flick our toes. action. Adjustment can be done on the go and, “hey combustion. New mapping, plain bearings, and confidence so the MTC is most intrusive Additional electronic options include a Hill Hold presto,” we have just become a Moto GP technician - but and timing for the 75-degree V-twin engine in Rain, and least intrusive in Sport. It can also Control (HHC) system, that keeps the Brembo M50 without the jetlag. go a step further and are intended to reduce be shut off. monoblock brake calipers engaged for five seconds after So the question arises again - what is a sports bike? vibration and engine noise, thus allowing KTM Braking is with combined-ABS (C-ABS), the front brake is released (when the system is activated), to meet ever-restricting vehicle emissions which means that a measure of rear braking
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YAMAHA’S YZF-R1M SUPERBIKE SENSATION
The refined Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) with improved damping control delivers ultimate handling.
by Dan McGrane
The YZF-R1M is Yamaha's most advanced shock and the M has Ohlins Electronic Racing production bike, and its sophisticated Suspension (ERS), which works together with technology enables every racer and track the Yamaha’s clever internal, six-axis Inertial rider to discover their true potential. Measurement Unit (IMU) gyro. Spring rates Its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) offers are up on the standard R1 to cope with hard precise control over traction, slides, front track use. wheel lift, braking and launches, while the Using data gathered from the IMU, the Communication Control Unit let’s us analyse R1 knows whether it’s leaning, accelerating, running data on tablet or smartphone. The stopping, spinning, adding traction control or refined Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) making a cup of tea. For the R1M this data is with improved damping control delivers used to continually adjust the rebound and ultimate handling. compression damping inside the rear shock With its 200hp cross plane engine, and forks, as well as controlling the linked upgraded QSS with upshift and downshift brakes, traction and slide control. – as well as a new ECU and restyled carbon We can run the ERS in a number of set bodywork – the YZF-R1M brings YZR-M1 modes, fine-tune the damping ourselves, or as it softens over the bumps and stiffens under hard short-stroke, high compression cross plane motor hits MotoGP factory-bike technology to private turn the whole system off, so we’re left with braking and acceleration. And we’re talking Ohlins forks hard, but it’s lost some of the previous R1’s low down owners. normal manually-adjustable suspension. and shock here, so the ride quality is second to none and grunt and linear power delivery. The main difference between the R1 and The system gives us the perfect plusher than the standard bike. Swathes of carbon fibre, electronic Ohlins, a polished R1M is the suspension. The standard bike suspension setup every step of the way, giving Engine spec is identical to the standard model and swing arm and a lacquered ali tank make the R1M one comes with fully-adjustable KYB forks and us maximum grip, stability and confidence wails like the factory YZR-M1 at full pelt. Producing of the most desirable Japanese superbikes ever made. 197bhp and crammed with lightweight internals, the
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THE NEW BMW G310GS THE LEGEND CONTINUES
The bike’s handling is light and obedient, offering crystal clear feedback and a high tolerance for correction, even mid-corner.
by Dan McGrane
These days simplicity is a rare commodity. New Zealand’s narrow and winding roads How often do we get to jump on a street and tracks. The bike’s handling is light and bike and blast around without needing to obedient, offering crystal clear feedback and constantly manage power? How many dual- a high tolerance for correction, even mid- sport bikes feel this light and easy to ride? The corner. Truly, you can muscle it down right at G310GS is simple. It’s not about power - it’s the apex or stand it up on its toes at the entry about play and practicality. and slingshot all the way through. The GS’s leggy upside-down fork and rear The bike doesn’t have the fancy traction spring strut make a great job soaking up the control elements BMW is widely known for, rocks and ruts, while the bike’s light steering but you won’t miss it because the GS is so and compact size made short work of the light and easy to manage, even under hard countless turnarounds sometimes needed braking. when off the beaten track. Dirt mounds But it’s not only anxious ADV riders who intended for water disbursement becomes consider bikes like the G310GS manna small launch pads, the suspension doesn’t from heaven. They’re also perfect in size bottom out and the Metzeler Tourance dual- and character for new riders and virtually sport tyres bite just as nicely at the gravel as anyone else who wants a fun, well-mannered, they do on the street. adventure-ready motorcycle for an affordable The G310GS, with its compact wheelbase price - under $9,500 in the case of the G310GS and lightweight, is perfectly suited for - and with ABS as standard equipment.
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INDIAN BOBBER THAT’S COOL BUT WHAT’S A BOBBER?
The Indian Bobber comes with a standard solo seat - but there's a whole range of accessories available, including a premium leather passenger seat
by Dan McGrane
So what is a Bobber? Well, when the 100 bhp and 97.7 Nm of torque. The motor airmen returned from the Second World War is smooth with plenty of grunt for overtaking they were looking for excitement and speed. or getting you to the fish n chip shop first. The With skills they had gained from their service transmission is the same six-speed unit of the in the forces they stripped down any excess Indian Scout and brakes are also the same. weight from their bikes - and the Bobber was The riding position of the Indian Bobber born. is different from the Indian Scout, thanks With fat tyres and a stripped down look, to the new tracker-style handlebar and re- Bobbers have a unique style of their own - so positioned foot pegs. This makes a tighter lets see what the Indian Bobber is all about. and more streamlined riding position. The Indian Bobber is essentially a cosmetic The rear suspension, with a dual shock update on the standard Indian Scout, with setup, has also been dropped by more than chopped fenders, and a stripped down and 25.4 mm, but seat height has increased to 650 blacked out look. mm. The front suspension is also new and The headlight gets a little shroud, the features a cartridge type fork with 119 mm of '”Indian” badge on the fuel tank gets bold travel. block letters and there's a new tracker-style The Indian Bobber comes with a standard handlebar and new engine covers. solo seat - but there's a whole range of The Bobber is built on the same chassis as accessories available, including a premium the Indian Scout. Wheels are same size, made leather passenger seat with sissy bar, slip-on of aluminium and get the all-black treatment. exhausts, saddlebags, mid-rise handlebars, The Bobber rides on fat, Kenda K761 tyres and even low rise windshields. with deep treads. All that’s needed is the desire to be free - The Indian Bobber shares the same engine and to get to the fish n chip shop first. with the standard Indian Scout. The 1133cc
V-twin engine makes maximum power of The photos show the Bobber in United States specifications.
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VESPA’S ORIGINS REBORN THE LEGEND ADDS MUSCLE
Characterised by the large body made strictly in steel, perfect for moving about elegantly in the city but always ready for travel and adventure
by Dan McGrane
The technology and touring vocation edition, was held in Varese. so typical of the Vespa GTS family meet the The 10 Vespas at the start were welcomed history and most genuine sport tradition of with overall scepticism. What could they Vespa. possibly hope to achieve against real And so the Vespa Sei Giorni is born, motorbikes designed for competitions? But a special version, produced in numbered Vespa, with the model created specifically edition, heir to the original Vespa Sport “Sei for that race starting with the Sport version, Giorni.” The Sei Giorni was the legendary dominated to take no less than nine individual machine, built specifically for the taxing “Sei gold medals. It was a crushing supremacy Giorni Internazionale di Varese” regularity achieved on impervious off-road routes and competition of 1951, where it was the with a pure speed trial on the Monza circuit undisputed protagonist, earning nine gold that also earned Piaggio the Industry Gold medals. Medal as the only Italian team to win the trial. The year was 1951 and the Piaggio Squadra Characterised by the large body made Corse astonished the racing world, triumphing strictly in steel, perfect for moving about over real off-road motorbikes in one of the elegantly in the city but always ready for travel rpm and maximum torque of 22 Nm at just 5000 rpm. Vespa, enhanced by the comfort of the large body. The hardest and most prestigious competitions. In and adventure, Vespa GTS is the technical These are values that ensure extremely quick response seating is natural and allows total control over the vehicle the post-war period, regularity competitions base for the new Vespa Sei Giorni that uses in acceleration and extremely brilliant performance all and absolute comfort even for long distances. were in their heyday. These were taxing the most powerful engine in the history of the around. The USB port is a standard feature, located inside the trials on extremely hard routes, hundreds of most famous and beloved scooter in the world. Vespa Sei Giorni makes these values, typical of the compartment of the leg shield, while the front turn lights kilometres long - an extraordinary test bench It is a modern and technological 300 Euro 4, a Vespa GTS range - style, comfort and safety - its own. house a series of LED that act as day running lights. for man and machine. single cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, liquid Like all the large body Vespa versions, Vespa Sei Giorni On the safety front, the ABS antilock braking system is The most prestigious competition was cooled, electronic injection engine capable boasts a spacious helmet compartment and a large and standard equipment. the Sei Giorni Internazionale which, in its 26th of putting out 15.6 kW of power at 7750 comfortable seating area. The ergonomics are perfect
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The Corporate Traveller team travelled to Vietnam and caught up with Peter Walton
The burgeoning international golf tourism this is where they decide what they’re going sector is now worth an estimated NZD$32 to sell for the next season. billion annually. To plan the management CT: Why did you select Da Nang as host of this global phenomenon, golf tourism for this year’s event? operators, tourism boards, golf resorts and Eight years ago Da Nang’s “golf coast” courses gathered at the Asia Golf Tourism was voted by golf travel writers as the Convention in Da Nang, Vietnam. “undiscovered golf destination of the year“ The Corporate Traveller team travelled to and then last year our tour operators voted Vietnam and caught up with Peter Walton, it the “established golf destination” for the event organiser and CEO and founder of Asia-Pacific. So, in under a decade, it’s really the International Association of Golf Tour progressed a long way. Operators (IAGTO) and discovered some What we have here in Da Nang is a cluster insights about the sector - including inspiring of four courses. About two years ago there news about New Zealand. were only two. Now it’s doubled and there are CT: You’ve managed to attract large two more being built in the next two years. numbers again this year. You must be But right now, a cluster of four is just superb pleased? - what we would call in the trade “export It’s our sixth Asia Golf Tourism Convention ready but tourism-friendly” golf courses. They and the biggest one so far – more than 600 were created by big name designers - Faldo, delegates from 36 countries - 220 golf tour Norman, Montgomerie and Luke Donald. operators all coming here to meet the golf Each course is different, which is exactly resorts and the hotels to work out what what the golf traveller is looking for. Then they’re going to sell and where they’re going we’ve got Da Nang itself - it’s a city but it’s also to send golfers - whether they’re coming from a resort. Thailand, United States, South Africa, Europe, In Asia every big city is full of traffic - but all over the world, Australia, New Zealand, Da Nang has virtually no traffic. Maybe it will
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be different in 10 years - but right now it’s a joy to be I went there in 2003 when they had four courses. here. They wanted to build 14 more because they were losing CT: IAGTO celebrates a significant milestone this their sugar cane subsidy from Europe. year. How proud are you of what’s been achieved? We said, “No, no, you can’t build 14, it won’t be sustainable.” Economically and environmentally, golf That’s right, I started at IAGTO more than 20 years ago tourism and golf has to be sustainable. and probably one of the most satisfying things is how We suggested Mauritius build three more in areas we’ve been able to reposition entire golf destinations by close to the resorts, and then when all of those seven informing the tourist boards about the value of the golf are 75 percent full, they could build another two. They Each week Holden Golf World has exclusive interviews traveller compared to the general leisure tourist. followed this to the letter and every year since 2003, golf It’s all about high revenue, low impact. So, on with Ryan, Lydia and other stars of the game, tourism has grown - through financial crises, pandemic average, a golf traveller will spend 120 percent more in health crises, volcanic ash crises and so on. And that’s great golf adventures from around New Zealand the destination than the general leisure tourist. So, for very rewarding to me. We just went back last year to each visitor they get, they’re getting more revenue in the and the best destinations in the golfing world! renew the next 10 years of the strategy. country and that’s why it’s an influential and a powerful CT: It’s been an exciting first 20 years for IAGTO. niche market for tourist boards. THURSDAY: 12 NOON Where to from here? CT: Are there any specific example you can give of successful golf tourism strategies? IAGTO strives to provide information and create 11:00PM THEN ON DEMAND opportunities that help its 2500-plus members (golf tour Let’s talk about New Zealand. In 2016, the inbound operators, golf resorts and courses, hotels, airlines and golf tourism went up more than 50 percent on the year SATURDAY: 4:30PM THEN ON DEMAND tourism boards) develop their business faster and more before. There’s been strong marketing with Tourism New efficiently. In addition to organising famil trips, press Zealand over the last three years - so that’s tremendous trips, workshops, destination conventions and events, for New Zealand. our staff are constantly developing new services for our There are a lot of fantastic courses, but perhaps members to take advantage of. previously to Tourism New Zealand’s dedicated golf Our growth has also seen us provide consultation strategy people didn’t know how to go from one course services to tourism boards around the globe. IAGTO to the other because of the geographical spread of the has produced golf tourism strategies for more than 30 courses. Now there are established golf trails that have countries and regions. We are proud to be at the heart proved to be a great marketing initiative. of the golf tourism industry. Mauritius is another very interesting example.
118 119 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 CRUISE - NEWS CRUISE NEWS
CELEBRITY OFFERS SAME-SEX MARRIAGES AT SEA VIRGIN VOYAGES BUILDING FIRST SHIP - TAKING Celebrity Cruises CEO and DEPOSITS FOR ADULTS-ONLY President Lisa Lutoff-Perlo named the cruise line as headline Virgin Voyages has a message sponsor of the 2018 Australian for parents thinking of booking one LGBTI Awards, at the same time of its first sailings - leave the kids at announcing Celebrity as the first home. cruise line to offer legalised same- The first ship in development sex marriage at sea. for the start-up cruise line will be Lutoff-Perlo, while ion Sydney, adults-only, president and CEO said partnering with the 2018 Tom McAlpin explained during an Australian LGBTI Awards was a event at the shipyard in Italy that is natural fit for the cruise line that is building it. committed to diversity and inclusion Appearing alongside Virgin throughout its operations. Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, “At Celebrity Cruises we’re at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, committed to opening up the world ceremonies in international waters ceremonies, officiated by the Italy, McAlpin said the minimum age to everyone, and championing under Maltese law, just in time for captain, just in time for the new to sail on the 2860-passenger vessel diversity in all its forms. Celebrity Solstice’s first Australian season.” will be 18 - a cut-off he said was “This partnership further sailing when she returned for her The move follows a influenced by feedback from the ceremonial coins into the keel. was inspired by figureheads on cements our commitment to the sixth local season down under on transformative vote in Malta, where public and travel sellers. Virgin Voyages is a venture historic vessels and was designed by LGBTI community in Australia, and October 20, 2017. a majority of the Celebrity fleet is McAlpin said 86 percent of between Virgin Group and Bain London-based artist Toby Tinsley, I’m thrilled to support awards that “Australia is significant for registered, which passed in the the cabins on the ship will have Capital. who also designed the feminine recognise the incredible efforts of Celebrity Cruises, ranking as country’s parliament 66-1. balconies, which he's calling “sea “This is a very big day for Virgin motif for Branson's Virgin Galactic Australians working tirelessly to the third largest source market The long-awaited referendum terraces.” Voyages, as an exciting new holiday spaceflight company. protect and promote LGBTI rights.” worldwide. opens the door for Celebrity Virgin's first vessel is scheduled option for travellers starts to get ship The three Virgin vessels will be Lutoff-Perlo also announced “More than 50,000 Australians to legally recognise same-sex to debut in 2020 with two more shape," Branson said at the event. known as the “Lady Ships,” a play that the Celebrity Solstice - along cruise with us each year - both marriages performed onboard, and arriving in 2021 and 2022. "She will be the most recognisable on the term “your ladyship” and a with the rest of the line’s 12-strong in Australia and overseas - and have the fleet’s captains officiate The shipyard event was an ship sailing the seven seas.” nod to Virgin’s British heritage, the international fleet - will offer we’re thrilled to be the first line to the ceremonies. official keel laying ceremony for McAlpin and Branson unveiled company added. legalised same-sex marriage offer legalised same-sex marriage the first Virgin vessel, which has yet an artist's drawing of the first Virgin Virgin announced it was now to be named. With typical Branson ship's exterior. It showed a vessel taking $500 refundable deposits for flair, both he and McAlpin arrived for with a silvery-grey hull, smoked glass access to an exclusive pre-sale WOMAN TRIES TO JUMP FROM SHIP TO RESCUE the ceremony via a 70m crane drop. and distinctive touches of Virgin red. booking period for the first ship. HER PHONE They were joined by Fincantieri’s Also unveiled was a mermaid Virgin has said its first ship will Alberto Maestrini and Bain Capital design that will be at the bow of the sail out of Miami but has yet to important documents on it, hence chairman Stephen Pagliuca to weld ship. The company said the mermaid release itineraries. her desperation to retrieve it from the water. CRYSTAL ANNOUNCES EXPANDED SAILINGS But officials refused to let her throw herself off the edge of the ship FOR 2018 for the sake of her phone, as they cruised across the lake in Dali City, Crystal Cruises has unveiled 17 days in length, providing busy worldwide journeys. south-western China. an expanded selection of Crystal travellers options for luxury vacations "Guests can discover the glamour A spokesperson for the local Getaways - abbreviated voyages with reduced investment of time and of the United Arab Emirates and the tourism office said the ship was sailing derived from longer existing funds. wilds of the African savannah, the near the lake’s Nanzhao Amorous itineraries - for 2018. “Crystal “Getaways” are perfectly bustling marketplaces and sacred Island when the woman dropped her New to the roster of “Getaways” suited to modern luxury travellers, temples of Vietnam and the famous device while taking photos. are eight shortened segments of whose calendars are packed but giant pandas of Chengdu, as well as After she made a distressed plea Crystal Serenity’s 2018 World Cruise who relish opportunities to discover the crystalline waters of Fiji, waterside to find her phone, officials sent out voyages, exploring south-east Asia, new cultures and adventures,” said jungles of Phuket and the biological another vessel to search for it. the South Pacific, South America, Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice wonders of the Galapagos Islands Video footage has been released of allowed to jump overboard into Lake As expected, the search did not the Pacific Northwest and British president of marketing and sales. and colorful culture of Chile." a woman being restrained, screaming Erhai in China. recover her phone. Columbia, and the Caribbean. The The newly added 2018 itineraries and crying, as she demands to be The woman said her phone had global voyages range from four to round out a total of 15 abbreviated
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PACIFIC EDEN CRUISING PNG AND THE SOLOMON ISLANDS The Pacific Eden was built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line in 1994 and was transferred to P & O Australia in 2015. At 55,820 tonnes, she is classed as a medium sized cruise liner, and has a guest capacity of 1500 over nine decks.
by Rob Prince
Dragon Lady, both require reservations. There is an extra cost for these activities. The Salt Grill by Luke Mangan, the signature This voyage aboard the Pacific Eden has been a great restaurant, incurs a surcharge and is open for lunch, experience. Having sailed on all of P & O Cruises’ ships, high tea and dinner. the product just keeps on improving. The Grill, open 11.30am until late, serves fare that I believe the Pacific Eden punches well above its 3.5- includes burgers and pies while the Chef's Table is a new star rating. dining experience I have not previously encountered – If sailing on the Pacific Eden it pays to keep tabs on a seven-course gourmet degustation dinner with wine expenditure, as they do not issue receipts at the bar pairings, hosted by the executive chef, the cost per unless requested. The only other mild criticism is the person being $99. lack of information on upcoming port destinations. Entertainment is paramount - with the main It would help if they were to give port lectures on the production shows being performed in the Marque tours available. This would expand on the printed tour Theatre. Other venues to look out for are the Blue Room, information - and also what to expect ashore - such as the Mix Bar and Ocean Bar, all featuring live music. The to the distance from the ship to town, transport, shops We board the Pacific Eden at the Cairns passenger and coffee making facilities. The private deck is equally Dome, a lounge with magnificent views during the day, that may be open. terminal, the boarding process going as smoothly as impressive, with two loungers, a table and four chairs - becomes a nightclub after dark. Perhaps, because these ports of call are relatively we’d expect when 1500 passengers are all anxious to get with still room for more. Children are also well catered for on board. The kids’ new, this information is still being gathered. on board. On meeting our steward and stewardess (Clive and clubs are age specific. The Turtle Club (2-6 years), the This aside, the cruise turns out to be a very enjoyable This cruise interested us on two counts, the first being Bea) we can tell immediately that we are in good hands, Shark Shack (7-10 years), HQ (11-14 years) and HQ Plus experience - with a lot of interesting ports visited. the ports visited. Our first port of call is Alotau in Papua and this proves correct. They look after our every need (15-17 years). A baby-sitting service is also available at an Unfortunately we were not able to go ashore at Gizo as New Guinea. We then carry on to Madang, Wewak, Viti for the 14-day cruise and are always there when needed. extra cost. we were to be tendered ashore and this was called off Islands and Rabaul. Then it's on to Gizo and Honiara in Food is never a problem when on a cruise. Around As with all cruising there are a lot of activities we can due to two-metre waves and 25-knot winds. the Solomon Islands before returning to Cairns. every corner we find an eatery of some kind, and on the enjoy during the day. l counted 64 in the “Good Times” I found Rabaul the most interesting port visited. The The second reason is the Pacific Eden. I have always Pacific Eden we are spoilt for choice, daily programme distributed every evening. Of course Second World War has always been of interest to me - admired the Holland America ships and it would be The main buffet restaurant is the Pantry, open for none are mandatory. It’s fine to relax and chill out. and here we encounter an amazing assortment of relics. interesting to see how the Ryndam has been converted breakfast, lunch and dinner. This has serving stations The Pacific Eden has a lot going for it. We have wifi in Particularly fascinating are the fortified Japanese tunnels, to the P&O Australia family. specialising in Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisines. As our cabin, there is a dedicated movie theatre while and part of kilometres of underground pathways designed to We have booked a suite, which is ready for us when well there’s a carvery, fish n chip bar as well as salad and The Edge is great for all the adrenaline junkies. conceal munitions, stores and hospitals. we board, complete with a bottle of sparkling wine. dessert bars. The Edge, on Deck 14, hosts abseiling, a flying fox, As well, Rabaul has 14 active and 23 dormant The suite comprises a bar area, a walk-in wardrobe The a la carte restaurant, Waterfront, is also open rock climbing, a Segway obstacle course and laser tag. volcanoes, the last major eruption being in 1994. and dressing room, spa bath, king size bed and tea the same hours. The specialty restaurants, Angelo’s and
122 123 CORPORATE TRAVELLER CORPORATE TRAVELLER SUMMER 2018 SUMMER 2018 LIFESTYLE - CUISINE LIFESTYLE CUISINE ‘I THOUGHT I KNEW CHINESE FOOD’ THEN CAME A VISIT TO TAIWAN
by Graham Simmons
thought I knew Chinese food fairly well. freshly prepared treats from adjacent stalls. From the bland saltiness of Cantonese Taipei’s main grazing street is “Snake cuisine to the fiery, “burn a hole Alley,” near Longshan Temple. But my first throughI the roof of your mouth” dishes of immersion in night market dining was the Hunan province. Taoyuan Night Market, in Taoyuan City (not But then, I hadn’t visited Taiwan. far from the country’s main international This little island, just offshore from the airport). Arriving around 11 at night, I’m Chinese mainland, has absorbed culinary worried we may have missed the best of the influences from every province of China, as offerings – but I need not have feared. well as from its former colonial master, Japan. “Don’t worry,” said local culinary expert There is even an Aboriginal cuisine, featuring Susie Shu. “The busiest time at the market is such delicacies as wild mountain boar. around 2am.” And one of the world’s top restaurants, the Offerings from the many stalls at Taoyuan’s original Din Tai Fung dumpling restaurant, Night Market include such artistic creations as can be found in downtown Taipei. oyster omelettes, baby tomatoes stuffed with The visitor’s first introduction to the cuisine prunes and green mango, chilli pipis, chicken of Taiwan will very likely be at one of the legs and so forth – all accompanied by much country’s many night markets. Diners graze good-natured banter, laughter and mutual at will, drifting from one stand to another, to enjoyment. Visitors get to dine at communal feast on finger food that won’t cost an arm tables, rubbing shoulders with a hundred and a leg. The Taiwanese have raised the art other diners or the nearest tree or lamp-post. of snacking to an art form, and a whole meal Taipei has a huge array of restaurants can be made from a random selection of offering dishes from all provinces of China –
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particular Sichuan (Szechuan) cuisine, with its famously around rail stations. spicy offerings. Then there is the “nouveau Taiwanese” The east coast of Taiwan is the stronghold of Taiwan’s cuisine of Chef Show Time by master chef Ah Zheng aboriginal people, who provide a different take on (former owner of Ah Zheng’s Kitchen), which blends Taiwanese cuisine. Near Buluowan (which means “echo” traditional techniques with an eclectic range of foreign in the Taroko language, and is closely related to Maori), culinary influences. the Taroko people have established a very comfortable But maybe the summit of the Chinese culinary lodge, the Leader Hotel Taroko. This provides low-key mountain is attained at the China Pa Bar/Restaurant, accommodation in wooden huts spread around a grassy where great jazz bands complement the food offerings. courtyard. The main lodge building incorporates an The huge menu includes such dishes as poached salmon excellent restaurant, a souvenir shop and a performance with truffle sauce, grilled pork chop with fermented red space for aboriginal cultural shows. rice and boneless pig knuckles – real “fusion” food. But The lunch and dinner menus at the Leader Hotel the “Imperial Food” menu is quite extraordinary. Try the Taroko feature such local delicacies as betel nut soup with Great Wall (glazed pork ribs, Beijing-style) or Chungiu pork, wild boar, mountain chicken with ginger, sticky rice and Warring States (fried crab with garlic and onion), cooked in bamboo tubes and greens in sesame oil with washed down with the speciality of the house - Six mashed wild potato, all washed down with home-made Kingdoms United, a heady mixture of gin, vodka, rum, millet wine. The flavours are rich, earthy and satisfying. tequila, brandy, curaçao, orange juice, pineapple juice, Just as I’m hoping there’s a tailor on the premises lemon juice and grenadine. who can do quick alterations, we adjourn for a night walk Even the most inexpensive Taiwanese “fast-food” along the Buluowan Trail. comes prepared with an aesthetic flair. For around “Watch out for big monkeys,” says our Taroko guide. $US4, a “thali”-style meal of glazed chicken pieces served “This place is home to the Formosan Macaque.” with rice, condiments, soup and three different types Sadly, there are no monkeys to be seen – but we do of vegetables is both tasty and filling. Outlets selling get to spot giant snails that, I’m told, feature occasionally this style of food can be found everywhere, especially on local menus.
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In the south of Taiwan, the city of Kaohsiung is I’m tempted to say that the Din Tai Fung restaurant renowned for its seafood. On the city’s Cijin Island, a gives a preview of the flavours of heaven. But heaven stop at the Kaohsiung Wen-Chin Seafood Restaurant is is not generally renowned for its cuisine, the common de rigueur, as testified by the crowds who throng to its belief being that you have to leave your knife and fork or tables. chopsticks at the pearly gates on your way in. Maybe I’ll They reckon we haven’t eaten seafood until we’ve settle for a more humble table - and there could be no eaten at the Wen-Chin. Items on the menu include better choice then just about any eating place in Taiwan. butterfly fish, prawns, fried whitefish, ostrich meat, pigs’ intestines, green chilli with pork, taro with bamboo shoots and so on and so on, in a constant stream of dishes that threatens to totally deplete the larder. And if FACT FILE you can’t get a table, don’t worry – there are three more seafood restaurants next door, and three more directly opposite, on the other side of the main thoroughfare, Getting there Miao-chien Road. China Airlines flies regularly to Taipei. Back in Taipei, I discover an even higher peak on the culinary landscape – the original Din Tai Fung dumpling The Restaurants restaurant, which has since spawned a whole galaxy of Chef Show Time: clones, worldwide. Super-thin pastry encloses morsels of No. 8, Ln. 20, Sec. 2, Anhe Rd., Daan Dist, Taipei 106, Taiwan beef, pork, prawns, fish or vegetables, which are steamed China Pa Bar: in such a manner as to retain all the concentrated juices 11F, Living Mall, No. 138, Sec. 4, Bade Rd., Songshan Dist Buluowan Village: of the ingredients. The result is a flavour-burst without Leader Hotel Taroko, via the city of Hualien peer. www.leaderhotel.com The original Din Tai Fung was once nominated by the Wen-Chin Seafood Restaurant: New York Times as one of the world’s top 10 restaurants 28 Miao-chien Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City – and while it has now numerous other branches, none Din Tai Fung: of these branches has managed to emulate the quality 194, Section 2, Xinyi Road, Taipei of the original establishment.
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