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Ads.indd 2 28/11/2011 13:36 Ads.indd 3 28/11/2011 13:36 STDpassenger_cruise_ADV_143_235x335.indd 1 25/05/11 19:27 Sectiony title ContentsJanuary 2012

On the cover 40 Int o Amazonia The world’s mightiest river is best enjoyed from the comfort of a luxury cruiser, says Dorothy Waldman

48 Maldives Jason Leavy finds that between the surfing and other activities, there’s no longer time to sit on the beach

56 Hua Hin The King’s Cup Elephant Polo is the height of the social calendar for Thailand’s jet set, says Caitlin Cheadle

62 Cannes: 24 Hours Joe Mortimer sets out to find the hottest new hotels, bars and restaurants in Cannes

48 The honeymoon is over A holiday in the Maldives is no longer just for newlyweds - make your next visit an active one

dotwnews.com January 2012 11

11-13 Contents.indd 11 28/12/2011 10:38 banana ad.pdf 1 7/28/2011 12:53:24 PM

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In the news 20 Retrospective Rankin captures the spirit of Rolls-Royce 36

22 Europe ‘The World in 2012’ sets the scene for the next 12 months

24 Middle East & Africa LUX* Resorts resurfaces in Mauritius

28 Asia & Oceania Hong Kong showered in stars by Michelin

32 Americas The sky’s the limit for New York’s rooftop bar scene 36 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts 38 38 Interview Hideaways Club founder Mike Balfour on his new venture

66 Insider 64 Diary Out and about this month? Don’t miss these events

66 Spend it Once-in-a-lifetime luxury travel experiences for 2012

70 Suite dreams Life is natural at Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver

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

74 Trends New travel and tourism concepts making headlines

78 Connoisseur Mary Gostelow rests her head in Seattle

80 Album Marena y Sol founder Miriam Rahali shares her travel secrets

82 Final Word L.K. Bennett chairman Robert Bensoussan on brands

dotwnews.com January 2012 13

11-13 Contents.indd 13 28/12/2011 10:38 Letter from the Editor

So thiS iS it, 2012, the year the MayanS One place immune to the looming 2012 apocalypse was Decem- said would mark the end of the world as we know it. ber’s international Luxury travel Market in Cannes, where The Mayan prophets predicted that civilisation would major players in the premium travel business came together to come to an end on December 21, 2012, which still take the pulse of the travel landscape. Stars of the luxury scene leaves us a full year to make the most of all that this including Four Seasons founder isadore Sharp, Sir rocco wonderful world has to offer. We thought we’d start Forte and Fairmont president Jennifer Fox spoke at the ILTM the year with a story about the mighty amazon, a UltraTravel Forum, where they discussed the trends that would set destination that has captured the imagination of the tone for what is shaping up to be a great year for luxury travel. writers and poets for centuries, and these days claims As well as discovering some inspiring new companies with many hours of office time as execs dream of its murky some great ideas for 2012, I took the chance to check out some waters and steamy jungles. of Cannes’ hottest venues, including the latest incarnation of There’s really only one way to explore the Amazon, legendary Cannes restaurant Felix and the brand new ultra-chic and that’s by boat. Our wandering Texan Dorothy Five hotel and Spa, as well as some old favourites. There’s more Waldman set off on a seven-day voyage down the on page 62. world’s largest natural basin from the Peruvian town So whatever your outlook on 2012, there’s plenty of inspiration of iquitos, spending her days exploring the river’s in the following pages to make what could be your last 12 months narrower tributaries on skiffs and enjoying picnics in on earth the best yet. Or if you’re not taken in by the Mayan’s the wilderness with monkeys and sloths as company. doomsday prediction, the start of a new year is a perfect excuse Our deputy editor Caitlin Cheadle joined a who’s who to celebrate the finer things in life, and what better way to start of Southeast Asian society – from royal dignitaries than planning your next trip. Bon voyage. to international VIPs – at the King’s Cup elephant Polo in hua hin last year, the highlight of the sporting and social calendar for many in Thailand. As well as watching competitive pachyderms battle it out for the King’s Cup, the tournament involved a glamorous gala at the anantara hua hin resort and Spa, many an Joe Mortimer evening rendezvous in the Player’s Lounge and regular Editor excursions to the town’s growing number of attrac- [email protected] tions. Hua Hin, it seems, is Thailand’s little secret – a town unscathed by mass tourism and home to golf courses, a floating market and vineyards that are gain- ing international recognition. Read more on page 56. Choice is something that every traveller craves, and yet resents when they have it, which is why the Maldives is still one of the world’s hottest destina- tions for once-in-a-lifetime holidays, but at the same time one of the most frustrating. The sheer volume of resorts scattered across the archipelago is overwhelming, and they all seem to be going the extra mile to offer something unique to their guests. In this issue, we sent Jason Leavy on a mission to try out Four Seasons’ two resorts in the Maldives. Sounds like an easy job. The catch? He wasn’t allowed

to spend a minute lazing by the beach or pool. Instead Mayan legacy he found himself learning to surf in the most unlikely The South American place in the world, and spending time with a group of people believed the people committed to protecting the Maldives’ fragile world would come to an end on December coral reefs. His story is on page 48. 21, 2012.

14 January 2012 dotwnews.com

14 Editors Letter.indd 14 12/29/11 9:18 AM

28/12/2011 10:37 Cover image Cover Published by Published David Hammond David Editor Joe Mortimer Editor [email protected] [email protected] zip 3503, Limassol, Cyprus Limassol, zip 3503, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Publisher Anna Zhukov Publisher [email protected] Circulation departmentCirculation [email protected] January 2012, Issue 67 January 2012, [email protected] [email protected] Senior Editor Andy Round Senior Editor prior permission of WNN Limited. prior permission of WNN Limited. Nicci Perides Nicci Online Editor Art Director Kris Karacinski Art Director Karla Toledo Sales Manager Karla Photolibrary unless stated otherwise. unless stated Photolibrary Caitlin Cheadle Deputy Editor Roberto A Sanchez - iStockphoto A Sanchez Roberto an annual rate of $99 visit the website at of $99 visit the website an annual rate International Commercial Representations Commercial International www.dotwnews.com and hit SUBSCRIBE. and hit SUBSCRIBE. www.dotwnews.com Fami Bakkar Fami Art Director Advertising United Kingdom Sales Representative United Vandita Gaurang Vandita Multimedia Executive Nicosia, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Dubai, UAE Dubai, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Nicosia, by Gallo Images/Getty Images/Corbis/iStockphoto/ Gallo Images/Getty by To subscribe to Destinations of the World News at News of the World Destinations subscribe to To 106, Dubai Media City, PO Box 500661, Dubai, UAE Dubai, 500661, PO Box Media City, Dubai 106, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Kuwait, Jordan, Italy, India, Greece, Germany, France, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electronic, means, any or by form in any or transmitted DOTW News is printed by J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, by is printed News DOTW for their advertising content. All rights of the owner and All rights of the owner content. their advertising for 31 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, PO Box 51234, 51234, PO Box 3036, Street, Kyprianou 31 Archbishop Andrea Tsiachtsiri Sales Manager Andrea Assistant in the UAE. The title Destinations of the World News is a News The title Destinations of the World in the UAE. Destinations of the World News’ network of international network News’ Destinations of the World registered trademark and the publisher reserves all rights. and the publisher reserves trademark registered Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, Principal O–ces WNN Limited, Reuters Building 1, O–ce Building 1, Reuters WNN Limited, O–ces Principal the producer of this conceptual development and artwork development of this conceptual the producer All material in Destinations of the World News is compiled News in Destinations of the World All material the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Egypt, Belgium, Austria, Australia, countries: the following from sources believed to be reliable and articles reflect the and articles reflect be reliable to believed sources from subscriber network and a select number of five-star hotels hotels number of five-star and a select subscriber network mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without or otherwise, recording photocopying, mechanical, advertising sales and editorial representatives are based in are representatives sales and editorial advertising design are reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of nor any Neither this publication reserved. design are it may be imitated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, system, in a retrieval stored reproduced, be imitated, it may information to the publisher. Advertisers assume all liability Advertisers the publisher. to information Tel +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 4 3910688 WNN limited, 4 3910688 WNN limited, +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 Tel Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Emirates, Arab United Turkey, Thailand, Sweden, Sri Lanka, the World News is published monthly by WNN Limited and WNN Limited is published monthly by News the World United Kingdom, United States of America. Destinations of of America. States United Kingdom, United for omissions or errors that result from misrepresentation of misrepresentation from that result omissions or errors for publisher. Destinations of the World News is not responsible is not News Destinations of the World publisher. Images used in Destinations of the World News are provided provided are News Images used in Destinations of the World personal opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the necessarily opinion of the author and not personal distributed globally to the world’s premier airport lounges, our airport lounges, premier the world’s globally to distributed Contributors

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ can have a look on page 74. have can

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Round Andy ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Mortimer Joe ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Cheadle Caitlin

▲Waldman Dorothy ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ answer to the French Riviera on page 56. Riviera the French to answer luxury and a penchant for pre-noon bubbly. pre-noon luxury and a penchant for years ago after catching the travel bug while the travel catching ago after years ences on the world’s largest river on page 40. river largest on the world’s ences

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ He publications. a number of international for temptation any longer. Read about her experi- Read longer. any temptation around the world. Minus her Stetson, she now Minus her Stetson, the world. around man has enjoyed most of the oceans and seas oceans most of the man has enjoyed leagues at the beginning of each month – you tional Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, where he where in Cannes, Market Travel tional Luxury Caitlin Cheadle left her native Vancouver three Vancouver Caitlin Cheadle left her native didn’t know it at the time, but those few solitary those few but it at the time, didn’t know backpacking through Europe. Among the other Europe. backpacking through that usually demand to be read out loud to col- out loud to be read that usually demand to has an eye for spotting the kind of travel trends the kind of travel spotting for has an eye 24 hours: Cannes on hours: new hangouts (see 24 chicest dotwnews.com swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Dorothy Wald- Dorothy in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming him ever since. Having just attended the Interna- just attended Having since. him ever Read what she thought about Southeast Asia’s about Southeast Asia’s what she thought Read cruising the Amazon, Dorothy couldn’t resist the resist couldn’t Dorothy cruising the Amazon, ignite a fiery fondness for travel that has followed that has followed travel for a fiery fondness ignite three beautiful young children as well as writing as well children beautiful young three Malta, run a portfolio of magazines in Dubai and run a portfolio Malta, has worked as the editor of a daily newspaper in of a daily newspaper as the editor has worked the country that has escaped the radar of the of the radar that has escaped the country Thailand, where she discovered a quiet corner of a quiet corner she discovered where Thailand, got lost looking for gorillas in Rwanda. Andy also gorillas in Rwanda. lost looking for got

Joe Mortimer has been addicted to travel since he since travel to Joe Mortimer has been addicted in Istanbul, where she loves life on the crossroads life she loves where in Istanbul, Europe and somehow finds the time to look after finds the time to and somehow Europe Andy Round works between the Middle East and the Middle East between works Andy Round the backpacking crowd and remains the destina- and remains the backpacking crowd of Asia and Europe. After years of dreaming about of dreaming years After of Asia and Europe. tecture, lifestyle and business from her new home from and business lifestyle tecture, travels and writes about exotic ports of call, archi- ports of call, about exotic and writes travels

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ high-society events that filledhigh-society events her 2011 diary was got lost on the top of a volcano at the age of six. He at the age of six. of a volcano lost on the top got As a native Texan who spent summers fishing and fishing summers who spent Texan As a native minutes spent wandering around the crater were to were the crater around spent wandering minutes tion of choice for the Thai elite and foreign expats. expats. and foreign the Thai elite for tion of choice managed to find time to explore some of the town’s some of the town’s explore find time to managed to page 62), Joe has developed a passion for all things a passion for Joe has developed page 62), ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ in Hua Hin, Cup Elephant Polo King’s September’s ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ January 2012

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 16 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 16 Contributors.indd 16 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 25/05/11 12:15 MontBlancLegend_ADV_143_235x335.indd 1 28/12/2011 10:37 Cover image Cover Published by Published David Hammond David Editor Joe Mortimer Editor [email protected] [email protected] zip 3503, Limassol, Cyprus Limassol, zip 3503, [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Publisher Anna Zhukov Publisher [email protected] Circulation departmentCirculation [email protected] January 2012, Issue 67 January 2012, [email protected] [email protected] Senior Editor Andy Round Senior Editor prior permission of WNN Limited. prior permission of WNN Limited. Nicci Perides Nicci Online Editor Art Director Kris Karacinski Art Director Karla Toledo Sales Manager Karla Photolibrary unless stated otherwise. unless stated Photolibrary Caitlin Cheadle Deputy Editor Roberto A Sanchez - iStockphoto A Sanchez Roberto an annual rate of $99 visit the website at of $99 visit the website an annual rate International Commercial Representations Commercial International www.dotwnews.com and hit SUBSCRIBE. and hit SUBSCRIBE. www.dotwnews.com Fami Bakkar Fami Art Director Advertising United Kingdom Sales Representative United Vandita Gaurang Vandita Multimedia Executive Nicosia, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Dubai, UAE Dubai, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Nicosia, by Gallo Images/Getty Images/Corbis/iStockphoto/ Gallo Images/Getty by To subscribe to Destinations of the World News at News of the World Destinations subscribe to To 106, Dubai Media City, PO Box 500661, Dubai, UAE Dubai, 500661, PO Box Media City, Dubai 106, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Kuwait, Jordan, Italy, India, Greece, Germany, France, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electronic, means, any or by form in any or transmitted DOTW News is printed by J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd, by is printed News DOTW for their advertising content. All rights of the owner and All rights of the owner content. their advertising for 31 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, PO Box 51234, 51234, PO Box 3036, Street, Kyprianou 31 Archbishop Andrea Tsiachtsiri Sales Manager Andrea Assistant in the UAE. The title Destinations of the World News is a News The title Destinations of the World in the UAE. Destinations of the World News’ network of international network News’ Destinations of the World registered trademark and the publisher reserves all rights. and the publisher reserves trademark registered Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, Principal O–ces WNN Limited, Reuters Building 1, O–ce Building 1, Reuters WNN Limited, O–ces Principal the producer of this conceptual development and artwork development of this conceptual the producer All material in Destinations of the World News is compiled News in Destinations of the World All material the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt, Egypt, Belgium, Austria, Australia, countries: the following from sources believed to be reliable and articles reflect the and articles reflect be reliable to believed sources from subscriber network and a select number of five-star hotels hotels number of five-star and a select subscriber network mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without or otherwise, recording photocopying, mechanical, advertising sales and editorial representatives are based in are representatives sales and editorial advertising design are reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of nor any Neither this publication reserved. design are it may be imitated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, system, in a retrieval stored reproduced, be imitated, it may information to the publisher. Advertisers assume all liability Advertisers the publisher. to information Tel +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 4 3910688 WNN limited, 4 3910688 WNN limited, +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 Tel Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Emirates, Arab United Turkey, Thailand, Sweden, Sri Lanka, the World News is published monthly by WNN Limited and WNN Limited is published monthly by News the World United Kingdom, United States of America. Destinations of of America. States United Kingdom, United for omissions or errors that result from misrepresentation of misrepresentation from that result omissions or errors for publisher. Destinations of the World News is not responsible is not News Destinations of the World publisher. Images used in Destinations of the World News are provided provided are News Images used in Destinations of the World personal opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the necessarily opinion of the author and not personal distributed globally to the world’s premier airport lounges, our airport lounges, premier the world’s globally to distributed Contributors

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ can have a look on page 74. have can

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Round Andy ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Mortimer Joe ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Cheadle Caitlin

▲Waldman Dorothy ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ answer to the French Riviera on page 56. Riviera the French to answer luxury and a penchant for pre-noon bubbly. pre-noon luxury and a penchant for years ago after catching the travel bug while the travel catching ago after years ences on the world’s largest river on page 40. river largest on the world’s ences

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ He publications. a number of international for temptation any longer. Read about her experi- Read longer. any temptation around the world. Minus her Stetson, she now Minus her Stetson, the world. around man has enjoyed most of the oceans and seas oceans most of the man has enjoyed leagues at the beginning of each month – you tional Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, where he where in Cannes, Market Travel tional Luxury Caitlin Cheadle left her native Vancouver three Vancouver Caitlin Cheadle left her native didn’t know it at the time, but those few solitary those few but it at the time, didn’t know backpacking through Europe. Among the other Europe. backpacking through that usually demand to be read out loud to col- out loud to be read that usually demand to has an eye for spotting the kind of travel trends the kind of travel spotting for has an eye 24 hours: Cannes on hours: new hangouts (see 24 chicest dotwnews.com swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Dorothy Wald- Dorothy in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming him ever since. Having just attended the Interna- just attended Having since. him ever Read what she thought about Southeast Asia’s about Southeast Asia’s what she thought Read cruising the Amazon, Dorothy couldn’t resist the resist couldn’t Dorothy cruising the Amazon, ignite a fiery fondness for travel that has followed that has followed travel for a fiery fondness ignite three beautiful young children as well as writing as well children beautiful young three Malta, run a portfolio of magazines in Dubai and run a portfolio Malta, has worked as the editor of a daily newspaper in of a daily newspaper as the editor has worked the country that has escaped the radar of the of the radar that has escaped the country Thailand, where she discovered a quiet corner of a quiet corner she discovered where Thailand, got lost looking for gorillas in Rwanda. Andy also gorillas in Rwanda. lost looking for got

Joe Mortimer has been addicted to travel since he since travel to Joe Mortimer has been addicted in Istanbul, where she loves life on the crossroads life she loves where in Istanbul, Europe and somehow finds the time to look after finds the time to and somehow Europe Andy Round works between the Middle East and the Middle East between works Andy Round the backpacking crowd and remains the destina- and remains the backpacking crowd of Asia and Europe. After years of dreaming about of dreaming years After of Asia and Europe. tecture, lifestyle and business from her new home from and business lifestyle tecture, travels and writes about exotic ports of call, archi- ports of call, about exotic and writes travels

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ high-society events that filledhigh-society events her 2011 diary was got lost on the top of a volcano at the age of six. He at the age of six. of a volcano lost on the top got As a native Texan who spent summers fishing and fishing summers who spent Texan As a native minutes spent wandering around the crater were to were the crater around spent wandering minutes tion of choice for the Thai elite and foreign expats. expats. and foreign the Thai elite for tion of choice managed to find time to explore some of the town’s some of the town’s explore find time to managed to page 62), Joe has developed a passion for all things a passion for Joe has developed page 62), ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ in Hua Hin, Cup Elephant Polo King’s September’s ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ January 2012

▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 16 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ 16 Contributors.indd 16 ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Burberry Body Advertising Alternative DPS2.pdf 1 10/27/2011 6:34:42 PM Burberry Body Advertising Alternative DPS2.pdf 1 10/27/2011 6:34:42 PM Retrospective

his is one of the final three images to be unveiled in a year-long collaboration between Rolls- Royce Motor Cars and renowned Tphotographer Rankin. The commission of 100 photographs is inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy, the icon that graces the hood of each Rolls-Royce vehicle and has for years, ever since Lord Montagu, founder of The Car Illustrated, commissioned artist Charles Sykes to sculpt a mascot for his 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. For the collection of photographs, Rankin explored a number of different themes, using women from a range of cultures and chosen for their representation of grace, feminin- ity and mystery. The images were displayed throughout November in the Rankin Gallery in Los Angeles, California.

dotwnews.com January 2012 21

20-21 Retrospective.indd 20 28/12/2011 10:34 20-21 Retrospective.indd 21 28/12/2011 10:34 dotwnews.com January 2012 21

20-21 Retrospective.indd 21 28/12/2011 10:34 01.12 News

The end of the world as we know it?

This is the big one – the year that “Our number-crunching experts One significant eventuality that will see new world leaders come reckon that spending on travel the economist team didn’t predict into power; the year when the will grow by more than six percent was the death of North Korean eurozone and the US balance pre- for leisure travellers and more leader Kim Jong Il, who died from cariously on the edge of another than five percent for business a heart attack last month. recession; and a year that an ancient travellers. Their explanation, and World leaders seem to be keeping civilisation prophesied would mark I quote, is that: ‘Although travel- their jitters at bay while the suc- the end of the world as we know it. lers may cut trips short, wander- cession plays out, but the outcome Welcome to 2012. lust will prove immune to patchy could play a major role in shaping Always one step ahead of the rest economic conditions.’ Fingers world politics this year. of us, the good folks at The Econo- crossed,” said Andrews, speaking at But when all is said and done, mist have just published The World the UltraTravel Forum at the Inter- from the arts to science, business in 2012, the latest instalment of its national Luxury Travel Market in to the environment, and culture annual publication that paints the Cannes last month. to sports, expectations and hopes big picture for the next 12 months “Moreover, thanks to smart use of could amount to nothing if the and spells out the implications of social media, there could be a growth Mayan prediction that the world major social and political changes in travel by private jet, and not just will come to an end on December set to make their mark on the world. for the zillionaires among us.” 21, 2012 holds true. On the political front, the Ameri- can, Russian, Chinese, French and Mexican elections will deal out a new lineup of world leaders who will decide the fate of nations in the next 12 months, while the ongoing Arab Spring is still paving the way for democracy in parts of the world that have never known it. These changes, says John Andrews, deputy editor of The World in 2012, will affect everything from the cost of oil to consumer and confidence, and will play a crucial role in the evo- lution of the luxury travel business.

22 January 2012 dotwnews.com

22-23 Euro News.indd 22 28/12/2011 10:33 Europe News

Photo: Marcel Jolibois Marcel Photo: mAry sAys... Five for ‘the Five’ in Cannes The latest in After a summer 2011 The fifth-floor restau- Jacuzzi and views of the luxury travel debut, the Five Hotel & Spa rant SeaSens, created by Cathédrale de Notre-Dame in Cannes has already earned Michelin-starred chefs de Bon Voyages. its five-star rating, the most Jacques and Laurent Pour- Coming soon are a pastry prestigious award in France’s cel, evokes the viewing gal- boutique by award-winning Hotel Amigo, Brussels (a Rocco hotel ranking system. lery of the Eiffel Tower, with chef Jerome de Oliveira and Forte Hotel) has a Tintin suite, and ‘The Five’, as it has quickly views of the Suquet district. a Spa by Cinq Mondes. two separate Tintin-themed bed- become known, occupies The ultra-modern roof As well as being within a rooms. These fantasy rooms were timed Cannes’ original post office terrace was made with the stone’s throw of the Palais for the launch of Steven Spielberg’s The on the Rue Bivouac Napo- Cannes Film Festival set des Festivals – home of the Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the leon, where Napoleon and in mind, with an infinity glamorous Cannes Film Unicorn, based on Tintin stories by his troops rested in the early pool, bar lounge and day Festival – it is also just a Belgian writer Hergé, (Georges Prosper 19th century. beds that make it resemble few steps from the Rue Remi 1907-1983). The hotel is entirely con- a Miami condo more than a d’Antibes, Cannes’ pedes- www.roccofortehotels.com temporary, but architects typical Riviera rooftop. trian artery. have preserved some of the The hotel’s 45 rooms and The Five also has its own Chanel’s twist-top perfume sprays – Victorian expressionist style suites include a 125 sq m luxury yacht for summer Chanel No. 5 and Coco Mademoiselle of the original building, both Presidential Suite and ter- daytime cruises and even- (pictured) - are ideal gifts for travelling on the façade and within. race with stainless steel ing cocktail parties. women. Sold with two easy-switch refills, they evoke memories of the glam- orous lifestyle of Coco Chanel. www.chanel.com

Much appreciated by car-lovers is a trip with Turin-based Red Travel, owned by Andrea Levy (see his Red Travel: Toscana in Ferrari). You buy driving time, say a Ferrari 458 Italia, along a pre-planned route, perhaps including idyllic Castel Monastero near Siena (www.monas- tero.fortevillageresort.com). A support car carries suitcases and other clutter.. www.red-travel.com

Want a personal shopper in Paris? Former stockbroker (he specialised in the Japan market) turned art historian Riad Kneife can take you searching for art, antiques or simply collectibles. He speaks fluent English.. www.kneife.com

The hottest restaurant in Reykjavik, Ice- land, is, literally, Grillmarkaourinn. Chefs Hrefna Rósa Saetran and Gudlaugur Frimannsson cook on clay ovens that soar, apparently, to a staggering 1,200 Poles apart Last month marked the 100-year anniversary of the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and degrees Celsius (2,200F). his team’s discovery of the South Pole in December 1911. In this vintage image, Amunsden’s teammate Adolf Wisting poses next to the Norwegian flag. This month, a group of intrepid adventurers will embark on the www.grillmarkaourinn.is South Pole Race as they attempt to walk 704km from the edge of Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole, arriving 100 years after Captain Robert Scott became the first Brit to reach the Pole on January 17, 1912. mAry gostelow

22-23 Euro News.indd 23 29/12/2011 11:38 News Middle East & Africa

lUX* – let the show begin

there’s nothing like a fresh start, Chief execitive Paul Jones took both for people and companies. over the company in 2010 and That’s the thinking behind LUX* immediately recognised the need to Island Resorts, the latest incarna- redefine the luxury experience and tion of Naïade Resorts Ltd, which do away with the standard trappings operates luxury properties in some of a top-end resort. of the world’s top island getaways. “I have spent 35 years designing, The new brand was launched in building, operating and manag- December, promising a new take on ing resorts in exotic destinations luxury that offered something “sim- around the world,” said Jones, who pler, fresher and more individual”. was part of the team behind the LUX* starts out with five pre- launch of the One&Only brand. mium resorts: three in Mauritius, “We are doing more than simply one in the Maldives and one on Ile changing the name of the company de La Reunion, all of which occupy or putting a new brand on our stunning beachfront locations. hotels. Island Light is the sum- The LUX* identity is based around mation of many different ingre- the concept of ‘Island Light’, and dients, which when experienced pledges to deliver a “lighter, brighter as a whole, are a very powerful “Island Light is and less complicated holiday expe- alternative to the usual island the summation rience” that offers its guests some- resort holiday.” thing extraordinary at every turn. The brand was launched at a of many different LUX* seems to mean what it three-day celebration at LUX* ingredients, which says, from the very cool iPhone Le Morne in Mauritius, which Polaroid style photos on its web- featured international perform- when experienced site to the freshly-roasted organic ers and guests flown in from all as a whole, are coffee, retro ice-cream parlours, over the world. Over the next 12 films on the beach and pop-up res- months, award-winning designer [an] alternative to taurants at its resorts, plus an inte- Kelly Hoppen will redesign all the the usual island grated wellness programme called rooms, suites and villas at the five LUX* Me, which helps guests with existing resorts to better reflect the holiday” fitness and nutritional programmes identity of each property’s location. during their stay. www.luxislandresorts.com

GLOBAL GOURMET L’ITaLIen Par Don aLfonso - La MaMounia, Marrakech

The ‘caprese’ at L’Italien Par Don Alfonso at as are water glasses (on champagne table Hotel La Mamounia, Marrakech is unique. You linens). Soft music floats through from the live get a large white Bernardaud plate bearing a 1930s-style band in the adjacent bar. white bowl in a silver cloche, a small white jug Sorrento-based restaurateur Alfonso Iacca- and a big green piece of crisp bread. The white rino has two Italian chefs cooking here. You start bowl holds your stacked buffalo mozzarella souf- by dipping homemade focaccia bites in his dark flé, which the server skilfully cuts open with a green olive oil. You might choose his signature spoon. The jug holds fresh tomato sauce, which spaghetti, with fresh tomatoes. You might finish the said server deftly pours into the soufflé. Hey with his limoncello, made with an astounding presto, red, white and green, in a wow presenta- 27 lemons per litre of water (industry standard tion offering maximum taste. is only five lemons). You leave feeling good, and Taste is also apparent in the ambience, cre- understand why such diverse guests as Hillary ated by legendary designer Jacques Garcia. Clinton and Sarah Jessica Parker have enjoyed Overhead are octagonal champagne-coloured dining here. www.mamounia.com silk lampshades. Banquettes are aubergine, Mary Gostelow

24 January 2012 dotwnews.com

24-26 ME & Africa News.indd 24 28/12/2011 10:28 Ads.indd 4 28/12/2011 16:23 News Middle East & Africa

Virgin in Kenya Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive hotel collection, Virgin Limited, has plans to open a new safari lodge in Kenya. The Kenya Safari Lodge will be home to 12 luxury safari tents that will sleep up to 24 guests at a time when it opens at the end of 2012/beginning of 2013. The camp will be sit- uated within the Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, 240km due west of Nairobi.

Your bags, sir Emirates Airline contin - ues to take the hassle out of travel for its customers © ADACH Codrai Ronald Photo: with the introduction of a Two Humber Super Snipes crossing the Maqtaa in 1951 before the causeway connecting Abu Dhabi island to the mainland baggage delivery service was built in 1952, opening for the first vehicle to cross on January 5, 1953. The image is part of the Roots of the Union exhibition for passengers arriving in featuring vintage images by British expatriate Ronald Codrai (1924-2000), which was organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority Dubai. Emirates staff will for Culture and Heritage to celebrate the 40th National Day of the UAE. The collection was on display at the UAE Pavillion on collect and deliver up to Saadiyat Island, but has now been relocated to its permanent home in Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. www.adach.ae four pieces of luggage to any address in Dubai, Ajman or Sharjah for just AED 200 (US$54.50), or anywhere in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras al Italian design meets island escape Khaimah or Al Ain for AED 250 ($68). Missoni is bringing its colourful designs to the Indian Ocean in the form of the Hotel Missoni Mauritius, Mission: Dubai the third collaboration between the The release last month Italian designer and Rezidor. of Mission Impossible: The resort promises 80 luxury Ghost Protocol, was suites spread out along a 650-metre a marketing coup for beach, all kitted out in signature Mis- soni colours, each with a covered out- Dubai, where the film door ‘Varangue’, or living area. premiered. The fourth Signature touches from Missoni movie in the Mis- hotels in Edinburgh and Kuwait, sion Impossible series including Cucina Italian restaurant Legend reborn The hotel has stood on the features hair-raising and Choco Café coffee lounge, will be banks of the Nile since 1899 scenes filmed in and joined by a new lounge/bar concept, outside the Burj Khal- pool bar and all-day dining restaurant. ifa – the world’s tall- The resort is set to open near the village of Baie du Cap, 40 minutes est tower – with star from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Tom Cruise dangling International Airport and 50 minutes from the outside of the from Port Louis, in 2014. iconic building. The film Tourism is playing an increasingly also features scenes important role in Mauritius, where filmed in Jumeirah the tourism board was expecting to Zabeel Saray on The top the one million visitors per year Palm Jumeirah, Dubai mark in 2011 (they are still count- ing) and the government is currently International Financial investing in a new terminal at the Centre, and the historic airport to increase capacity for inter- Bastakiya district. national airlines.

26 January 2012 dotwnews.com

24-26 ME & Africa News.indd 26 28/12/2011 10:28 WHo sAid you CAn’t mix business WitH pleAsuRe?

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ABGC_2012MembershipAd_DOTW_335x235mm.indd 1 10/3/11 6:59 PM News Asia & Oceania

Virtual reality Last month Singaporean company 3rd Planet was unveiled, an interactive vir- Gourmet tual travel experience incor- porating 3D CGI scenes with genuine sounds to Hong Kong replicate each destina- tion’s environment. The first THe latest edition of the Michelin 3RD Planet destination to Guide Hong Kong Macau 2012 is launch will be The Journey awash with stars and sumptuously gar- to Everest, a collaboration nished with new restaurants from pre- with Nepal Tourism Board viously unlisted districts of both cities. that allows users to fly over The ever-increasing number of res- Mount Everest, exploring taurants in the guide is testament to the land and the culture L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Hong Kong’s growing prominence as along the way. one of Asia’s top gourmet destinations. The 2012 guide has awarded three Michelin stars, indicating ‘exceptional China growing cuisine, worth a special journey’ to five As China’s population contin- establishments: one in Macau and four ues to grow – now approach- in Hong Kong. ing 10 million – we seem to French contemporary restaurant be hearing about a new city L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Italian 8½ every week. This month it’s Otto e Mezzo by Umberto Bombana in Foshan in China’s Guang- Hong Kong have been upgraded from two dong Province, where Sofi- to three stars, joining Vincent Thierry’s tel has just revealed plans Caprice and Chan Yan Tak’s Lung King to manage a hotel in what Heen as the highest ranked restaurants in will soon be the city’s tallest the city. Robuchon a Galera remains the building. The French luxury only three-starred restaurant in Macau. hotel group will manage a Two stars, indicating ‘excellent cook- 325-room hotel and So SPA ing, worth a detour’ have been awarded in the 236-metre tall Foshan to 13 establishments – 10 in Hong Kong Louvre International Furni- and three in Macau – six of which were ture Exhibition Center, the upgraded from one star. largest furniture exhibition But the biggest changes come in the mall in China, when it opens one-star category, which now features in 2014. 51 restaurants, 48 in Hong Kong and just three in Macau, with six restaurants mak- Caprice ing their first appearance in the guide. Masters of yoga Michelin’s inspectors included new A year ago it was enough parts of each city that have never been fea- to offer guests sunrise tured, such as Kennedy Town and Sai Ying yoga classes on the Pun in Hong Kong, and two new cuisine beach, but in the last 12 categories: Singaporean and Xinjiang. months, competition has As well as the famous starred restau- forced hotels to up their rants, the guide also features 59 ‘sim- game. Sitting pretty ple shop restaurants’, a category that at the top in Malaysia is V Integrated Well- includes basic noodle shops, congee ness at The Andaman eateries and Vietnamese food stalls. in Langkawi, which has “Some of them have even been welcomed yoga mas- awarded stars, making them the most ter Ekraj Gajurel to the affordable starred restaurants in the island. Gajurel mastered world,” said Michelin. his art at the Prakash The 64 ‘Bib Gourmand’ restau- Yog-sewa Ashram in rants listed are defined as afford- Rishikesh, India, the yoga able with top quality cuisine, where a capital of the world. For- three-course meal (excluding drinks) mer pupils include Sting, costs less than HK$300 (US$38.55). the Prince of Jodhpur The Michelin Guide Hong Kong and former Miss Uni- Macau 2012 is available from US$24. Lung King Heen verse Sushmita Sen. www.michelin.com

28 January 2012 dotwnews.com

28-30 Asia News.indd 28 28/12/2011 10:26 @Banyan tree bali.pdf 1 12/28/11 4:59 PM

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

Taming the wilderness Future guests at upcoming Cicada Lodge in Australia’s Northern Territory will be among the first visitors to the oldest known indigenous rock art site in the world. The site, which developers say was being used by the Jawoyn people 40,000 years before the pyramids were being built, is only accessible by air and will be open exclusively to guests at the lodge. The 18-room wilderness lodge is a joint venture between the local Jawoyn people and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), promising “an authentic Indigenous cultural and natural Australian wilderness experience of a lifetime” when it opens in late 2012. Cicade Lodge is located 300km south of Darwin on the banks of the Katherine River, perched on the escarpment overlooking the Nitmiluk Gorge. www.cicadalodge.com.au Japan: down but not out

Japan took a battering this year Features will include private New hotels including Ritz-Carl- after the March 11 earthquake and arrival desks, a helicopter shuttle ton properties in Kyoto (Feb 2014) tsunami put the country’s tourism service that will whisk passengers to and Okinawa (May 2012), a Four industry into a downward spiral that central Tokyo in 20 minutes, and a Seasons in Kyoto (Feb 2014) and an continues today, but Japan’s Minis- web portal where visitors can book Aman resort in Tokyo (2014) are set try of Economy, Trade and Indus- jet departure or arrival slots online. to open over the next two years. try is determined to put the island nation back on the map as a pre- mium destination for luxury travel. “Authorities hope to reposition Japan Starting with a new business jet as a must-visit destination for top-end terminal at Narita International Airport, authorities hope to reposi- travellers, focusing on four destinations: tion Japan as a must-visit destina- Kyoto, Okinawa, Kanazawa and Naoshima” tion for top-end travellers, focusing on four unique destinations: Kyoto, Okinawa, Kanazawa and Naoshima. In addition, Kansai International The development of an environ- The new business jet terminal Airport in Osaka and Chubu Inter- ment for luxury travel would “pro- will provide a dedicated space for national Airport in Nagoya are now vide a chance for new employment private jet travellers to go through equipped to receive private jets 365 and activities for mid-size businesses arrival formalities, with its own days a year, 24 hours a day, making and young designers and creators,” departure slot and parking apron, Japan even more accessible for visi- said Gota Otaka, director, Commerce when it opens this spring. tors arriving in their own aircraft. and Information Policy Bureau. Gansen Ji Temple, Kyoto

the month in numbers 108 9 tonnes 21/12/11 The number of cottages in the newly-opened sea- The reduction in carbon emissions Etihad Airways has The date of Thai Airways International’s first commer- side Surin Phuket (formerly The Chedi Phuket). The achieved in two Australia — Abu Dhabi routes, a goal cial passenger flight powered by biofuels, which flew property has undergone extensive renovations by the reached by using routes that allowed the Airbus A340s from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Flight revenues went original architect, Paris-based Ed Tuttle. to take advantage of prevailing jet streams. toward developing renewable energy in Thailand.

30 January 2012 dotwnews.com

28-30 Asia News.indd 30 28/12/2011 10:25 01_DXBSM_235_335_DWN.pdf 1 11. 12. 16 오후 1:40

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Plane attire If you’re looking for a unique ON TOP OF gift, or you’re just a huge THE WORLD IN fan or airplanes, check out MotoArt, which makes light- ing fixtures, beds, desks and lamps out of recycled com- mercial and vintage airplane parts. Another option is NYC Tierra Ideas, which turns air- craft seat-back covers and curtains from Delta Air Lines into business card holders, wallets, laptop covers and travel bags. THERE is a trend that’s sweeping Manhattan’s luxury hotels, and we Bellagio’s chorus couldn’t be happier about it. Just a For the first time in nearly few years ago you’d be hard-pressed six years, the dancing to find more than a handful of roof- Bellagio Fountains at top bars in Manhattan, but they’ve Las Vegas’ 5-star Bel- now begun to pop up all over town, lagio Hotel will have new o
ering thirsty (and trendy) visi- songs added to their tors and residents a unique and playlist, including Billie exclusive place to mingle and take Jean by Michael Jack- in the views. son, Lucy in the Sky With New Manhattan hotels that fea- Diamonds by the Beatles ture swanky rooftop bars include and the Glenn Miller hit, In the Yotel (opened June 2011), the the Mood. Mondrian SoHo (opened March 2011), Gansevoort Park (opened late 2010), the James (opened early 2011) and the Dream Downtown Rooftop at The Gansevoort Little (opened June 2011). Some of these globetrotters rooftop venues even have outdoor Lonely Planet has just pools, such as SoHo House, whose released the “Not for Par- pool was immortalised several years ents” series of guidebooks ago in an episode of HBO’s Sex and for children, designed to the City. Since then, the trend has introduce young travellers taken o
, and the result has been to iconic cities of the world soaring profits for those who’ve including New York, Lon- chosen to invest in a rooftop venue. don, Paris and Rome. The According to research recently guides include entertain- conducted by real estate firm Jones ing stories, such as a tour Lange LaSalle, there are currently 35 through New York told from Manhattan hotels with rooftop bars. the perspective of alligators While it might seem a risky ven- ture considering the fact that most in the sewers. have to close during the winter, the research highlights that rooftop bars Jimmy at The James are a lucrative investment, with rev- Bag tag enue for these spaces reaching up to Quick Pass Luggage Tags FOUR at Yotel US$120 per square foot per month (US$14.50) are the same in peak season, and profits of up to size as a regular luggage 50 percent. tag, but open out to reveal The brand-new Dream Down- a foldable zippered pouch, town’s rooftop bar, PH-D, has been perfect for storing the keys, such a cash cow that they’ve now watches, jewellery and cash covered its roof to keep it open in that you fear leaving behind the winter. No wonder, since their while going through strict minimum spend on a Saturday night airport security. in summer is US$2,000 per table.

32 January 2012 dotwnews.com

32-34 Amercias News.indd 32 12/29/11 9:18 AM

News Americas

#theresalwaysu- nited Last flight w American. Where retired Catho- lic school gym teachers from the 1950’s find jobs as flight attendants. 30 Rock actor Alec Baldwin posts his less-than-flattering opinion of American Airlines’ flight attendants on Twitter after being kicked o a flight for refusing to switch o his mobile phone.

We are… very happy to be alive and very grateful to our rescuers. Timeless beauty Christie’s International auction house employees take bids on the telephone while spectators marvel at Rowers Tom Fancett and Tom the treasures being displayed during the 78-lot auction of Elizabeth Taylor’s personal belongings in New York City. The Sauer, both 23, who were plucked collection, which included some of the late actress’ most stunning pieces of jewellery, most of which were gifts from out of the sea by luxury cruise liner her former husbands, also included her clothing, art works and even her Academy Award. The event was billed as the Crystal Serenity about 500 miles ‘world’s most expensive jewellery auction’; examples include a 50.6 carat pearl given to her by former husband Richard southwest of the Canary Islands Burton, which sold for a record-breaking US$11.8 million. after their boat capsized on a journey to Barbados. Pop-up luxe: temporary eco chic A UNIQUE concept has emerged KaterHolzig Restaurant & Bar, a Checking in [via from innovative hotel group branch of Berlin’s very popular Design Hotels, to appeal to the Bar 25, will serve fresh, inventive Facebook and younger generation of luxury trav- cuisine prepared in a custom-built Twitter] is a self- eller that has come of age in the clay oven, while the Beach Shack social network era of instantane- by KaterHolzig will serve drinks serving sort of ous and temporary gratification. and snacks on the beach. The activity and LA Papaya Playa is a temporary Papaya Recording Studio will play is a hotbed of hotel project that opened last host to performances by Kater- month on a 900 m stretch of beach Holzig’s international network of self-centredness. in Tulum, on the Caribbean coast DJs and performing artists, and a Celebrities and of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. The natural amphitheatre on the beach people like that luxury hotel project will remain will be the venue for outdoor par- open only until May 5, 2012. The ties – guests can even book it out are all about 99 cabanas are all ecologically for private functions. broadcasting sound and built with local mate- Pop-up hotels follow the rials, ranging from ‘crash pads’, recent phenomenon of pop-up about their which are basic wooden structures restaurants that has emerged in awesome lives. set within the jungle with sand high-density cities with hefty real or wooden flooring, to the Casa estate prices. Cities like New York, Nick O’Neill, founder of Holler.com, a location-based mobile planning Kater, a private house with five London and Paris have been play- and search app, comments on LAX bedrooms, an outdoor living room ing host to pop-up restaurants for topping the charts for the and a private bathroom with an years, with operations serving fine- “most airport check-ins” outdoor shower. dine cuisines in trendy temporary on social media. And if you think temporary settings literally ‘popping up’ in Pop-up luxe accommodation means less-than- some very unique addresses in Design Hotels’ Papaya Playa is open until May, 2012 appealing amenities, think again. recent years.

34 January 2012 dotwnews.com

32-34 Amercias News.indd 34 28/12/2011 10:24 @DOTW advert full page (Seychelles).pdf 1 12/28/11 6:04 PM

Raes Praslin, Seychelles Sainte Anne Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort, Seychelles A Beachcomber Hotel, Seychelles

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Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa

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Ads.indd 4 28/12/2011 19:07 DEBUT

Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago, USA Situated within the Aqua Tower development near Lake Michigan and overlooking the Chicago River, the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago’s rooms have been designed in two contemporary styles: Mansion House, with strong lines and timber and chrome finishes, and Naturally Cool, with contem- porary flashes of colour among whites and wood finishings. Outside the rooms there are indoor and outdoor pools, steam room, indoor basketball court, and contemporary Italian restaurant Filini. Two floors of the hotel are dedicated to Business Class travellers, featuring a hospitality lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

Luxe above Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel sits in the Aqua Tower

City chic Toronto welcomes a glamorous addition to its financial district

Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto, Canada stunning city views and an exclusive wine selec- Trump Hotel Collection expands its inter- tion. The 261 guestrooms and suites are done national presence with its first foray into up in a colour palette inspired by champagne and Canada, the Trump Hotel & Tower Toronto, caviar, with flat-screen LCD TVs, WiFi and touch- which sits in a prime location, soaring 900 panel lighting. Five expansive Trump Executive feet above the city’s financial and entertain- Suites occupy the 30th floor, and the Presidential ment districts. Guests will dine at new heights Suite features two full bedrooms, soundproof at STOCK restaurant on the 31st floor, with media room and a private dining room.

36 January 2012 dotwnews.com

36-37 DebutJSM.indd 36 28/12/2011 10:23 Hot hotels | chic boutiques | exclusive resorts

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Koh Phangan, Thailand Located among towering coconut palms at the base of a mountain and bordering the white sands of Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, Anantara Rasananda resort’s 44 private pool suites and villas face the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The nature-inspired décor, with wood and stone used throughout, is complemented by modern ameni- ties like 32-inch flat screen TVs and WiFi. Guests will be able to enjoy Thai cuisine at Bistro@the Beach, and The Lounge bar features an extensive wine and cocktail list and fine cigars. Anantara spa’s open-air teak wood treatment suites and salas are the perfect place to enjoy a signature Anantara massage.

Jumeirah Vittaveli Private pool suites are close to the beach

Jumeirah Grand Hotel via Veneto, Rome Rome, Italy Located on the exclusive via Veneto in the heart of lithographs by Picasso, Miro, and Dali. Large Rome with 122 rooms and suites featuring sleek marble bathtubs are accompanied by Bulgari wood furnishings, Murano glass chandeliers, black amenities, and flatscreen TVs further brighten granite floors and travertine stairways, the public guestroom interiors. The Aqva City Spa, roof- areas of the hotel are accented by an impres- top solarium, two fine-dining restaurants and sive art collection featuring oil paintings and an award-winning bar round out the property.

Roman empire Jumeirah Vittaveli Jumeirah Grand Maldives Hotel via Veneto Located a short 20-minute speedboat ride away from Male International Airport, the property features 91 villa-suites, each with its own private pool and ranging in size from 184 sq m to 800 sq m. Jumeirah Hotels’ signature spa, Talise, will offer special treatment programmes for families, and three restaurants serving cuisines such as Mediterranean and Asian will provide an elegant setting for dining, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a family breakfast by the sea. The Sinbad Kids’ Club will keep the kids busy while the adults soak away their stresses on the beaches, and there are plenty of watersports on hand for family activities.

dotwnews.com January 2012 37

36-37 DebutJSM.indd 37 28/12/2011 10:22 interview mike balfour Hideaway in the city itting in a luxurious two-bedroom Many of the destination clubs at the time apartment in the world’s tallest build- were remnants of the old time-share industry, ing, it’s easy to be optimistic about where members paid a lot of money and they things: life, wealth, the view. That is got usage but they got no security and no share Scertainly a stance shared by at least 70 individu- in the upside. I personally wouldn’t join this. So als who have bought shares in a new property we devised a new model whereby the members fund created by Hideaways Club owner Mike would actually own the real estate, and we Balfour, who has a history of making substan- would operate it on their behalf. tial returns from smart investments. In 1992, Balfour bought a small squash club in Bourne- Aren’t people looking for investments mouth, which soon gave birth to the world’s that offer a high rate of return and largest chain of health clubs, Fitness First. low risk – a hardcore financial invest- Twenty years later, it seems he’s on to another ment rather than something that has winner. The Hideaways club started in 2006 as this element of personal indulgence? a private investment fund that gave its members If you find one let me know! Also a lot of invest- the opportunity to own joint equity in a global ments can be rather dull and boring, but this property portfolio of 120 luxury villa properties is a family lifestyle investment that guarantees in some of the most sought-after locations in you savings every year, as well as use of the the world. In July 2011 he launched the City product. People can’t get the returns on many Collection, which took the same model and investments and the risks are often very high, dropped it into the urban environment. The so they are looking for ways to improve their fund currently comprises 16 properties from lifestyle as cost-effectively as possible. New York to Bangkok, but it will expand to 120 If you think about it, our apartment in New city-based two- and three-bedroom apartments York is a penthouse in Times Square that cost in prime locations in the next five years. us $2.9m. So the investor could either go and The model is simple – members can buy spend $2.9m buying one apartment in NYC on Premium or Associate membership in the fund, his own, or for $200,000, you buy an investment which gives them joint equity in the entire in the Hideaways Club, and you get to use and Interview: Joe Mortimer portfolio. Then for an annual fee of GBP 5,300 own a $2.9m apartment in New York, as well as (US$8,313) or GBP 2,760 (US$4,329) for Asso- 119 others around the world. You are getting the ciates, which is used to fund the operational investment but you are also able to use all these costs of the venture, members are entitled to wonderful apartments, with none of the hassle spend 23 nights in any of the properties in the that goes with ownership. fund (12 for Associate members). Membership The Hideaways is capped at 1,200 members, and the value of Is this increasingly what both elite each share is recalculated each year according travellers and second-home investors Club founder Mike to the appreciation of the portfolio. If a member are looking for? wants to leave, a new incoming member effec- I think so. From a personal point of view, I get tively buys him out for the current share value. tired of the hotel offerings. In the apartment, Balfour says his City As membership grows, so does the portfolio. It you have access to your own personal concierge sounds almost too good to be true. to make arrangements, book theatre tickets, Collection is a no- bring all the food and wines you want, and it Where did the idea come from? really creates a higher service than you would brainer for investors The inspiration was twofold. Eight years ago get in a five-star hotel. I bought a villa in Cape Town and I shared it And of course you have space. Even these with a friend. That arrangement has worked days the suites aren’t that large in many hotels with an eye for the extremely well to this day. All my costs are half and here you have oversized apartments. This of what they would be if I owned it myself. Also one is 160 square metres and many are even finer things in life I have a villa in Spain and all around me are larger. In Kuala Lumpur it’s 250 square metres. villas that are closed for most of the year. When- I went to a five-star hotel two weekends ago. ever people come to use their villa for the sum- When I got there, not only did I have to ask for INTERVIEW: Joe Mortimer mer, it’s the same story: the boilers don’t work, a DVD player to be brought to my room, it was the maid has disappeared, and the pool has plugged into a TV that was probably as old as gone green. They spend the whole holiday fix- the hotel. I thought, ‘Why am I paying to watch ing the things that have gone wrong and leave a TV of a lesser quality than the one I have at with a bigger to-do list than when they arrived. home or in a Hideaways Villa?’ That is the I thought: there has got to be a better way. problem I have with five-star hotels these days.

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So it’s appealing both in terms Any plans to branch out into jets, What happens if a member wants of travel and investment? boats or any other kinds of asset? to sell their share? Yes, and I think it’s an opportunity that’s very No. The private jet market is very much a If you want to leave the club at any time it’s very risk-averse. If your investment is GBP 120,000 business travel market and it really goes up and flexible. You simply tell us you want to leave ($186,000) and we will eventually have 120 down with the economy enormously. As for and we take the next incoming member, and apartments, your investment in every apart- boats – they lose money. We like the idea of a we use those new membership funds to buy you ment is GBP 1,000 ($1,572). If something fell rock-solid asset that is probably going to grow in out. You know exactly, to the penny, what you out of the Bangkok market, you only have a value. We are very happy to stay in properties, will get when you sell your share. But as I said, small stake in that apartment. It’s an incredibly but what we can do is take this model and do it only three people have left the Villa Fund since risk-averse way of owning a property portfolio. for all sorts of different prices. What we won’t we started and that’s a sign that members are You have to take your own view on the do is one that competes with this one. Each one happy with the product and consider it to be capital growth, but personally I think city will be unique. an asset they would like to keep in the family. apartments will grow strongly and there will be strong capital growth. Prime apartments in cities seem to hold their value extremely well, “You have to take your own view on the so it’s a nice property portfolio investment for capital growth, but personally I think city the member to own. apartments will grow strongly” Describe a typical member. They are what I would call busy, time-short, successful people. They don’t want the hassle It sounds almost too good to be true – How is 2012 shaping up? of owning property. You sit in Dubai and try to what’s the catch? We are very fortunate that we are in a buyer’s refurbish your apartment in London – that’s a I bought a share in both of the funds and I market and that has enabled us to buy proper- big hassle. They want someone looking after use it. It is too good to be true. People say why ties at very good prices on behalf of our mem- them and they want a concierge service that did no one else think about it before, and the bers. Because we are cash buyers we can effec- makes their business so much more successful. answer is – I don’t know. The business model is tively afford to wait until the right price comes Many of our members really do truly look at it incredibly transparent – it’s the easiest thing in along. It is a buyer’s market in most places in the as a family asset; an asset that they can share the world to work out what we do and how the world, and we are very well positioned to add with their children, their adult children or their whole thing works. great properties for the members. I don’t see parents, brothers and sisters and friends. I think that changing in the next 12 months either. the whole concept of Hideaways Club is a new There must be some risks? way that people can actually own and enjoy There are no financial risks because there is a overseas property assets at a far smaller cost lot of good governance in the whole scheme; than owning just one villa. it’s a recognised, experienced investor fund MEMBERSHIP These days I think if there is any asset that regulated under the FSC in Gibraltar. The only you are going to use infrequently then frankly so-called negative is that only one person can Premium (full): GBP 120,000 ($186,000) you are better off sharing it. All we are doing play with the same toy at the same time, so you Associate (half): GBP 65,000 ($100,000) is what I did eight years ago with my friend in might not get exactly what you want, when you Annual fee: GBP 5,300 ($8,214) for Premium South Africa – buying something together and want it all the time. Generally you do and that members. GBP 2,760 ($4,280) for Associates sharing the costs and enjoying it, but now there is why all the members stay with us and why Usage: 23 nights per year for Premium is a professional group that is managing and hardly anyone has left since we started the members or 12 nights for Associate members sorting it all out for you. Villa Collection.

dotwnews.com January 2012 39

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Into Amazonia Exploring the Amazon River and rainforest by riverboat is a voyage through millennia of natural history WORDS: Dorothy Waldman

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hether it is an Agatha Christie novel featuring a murder weapon laced with the serum from a Wpoison dart frog or the Sean Connery movie Medicine Man, in which the protagonist is searching for a cure for cancer, literature and lore have long shrouded the Amazon River and the rainforest in an aura of mystery. Spanning two fifths of the South American continent, the Amazon sustains the largest ecosystem on earth. Recently named one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature’, it is home to multitudinous varieties of plants, birds, animals and insects, many of which have yet to be discovered by man. Although much of the rain forest has been compromised by deforestation, cattle farming and mineral exploration, we wanted to explore and experience the wonders of this unspoiled world in total comfort, but without harming it in any way. Although it is frequently associated with Brazil, only about 35 percent of the rainforest in that country remains intact. Peru on the other hand has Water world preserved much of its forests and has The Amazon Basin “The pattern of floods, erosion and drains an area of been getting international support almost seven million for its preservation for the past 40 square kilometres newly-formed land is part of the years. With the goal of only leaving an impression on the people we met natural cycle of the Amazon Basin” and taking with us only an increased knowledge and appreciation of one of the last true wildernesses, we joined The pace of our river journey was to Uprooted trees lay sprawled along an International Expeditions riverboat be slow and sedate: we devoured the the shore where the force of the rapidly cruise on the Peruvian Amazon. first of our nightly buets of freshly- moving water during the wet season The first decision you have to make prepared dishes and local specialities had felled them. Fresh grasses and lily is when to go – during the wet season on the first evening of the cruise, pads deceptively hid the shore that (November to May) or the dry season before setting o on a voyage into the the same powerful forces had eroded. (June to October). Since it rains for mightiest river on the planet. Looking up, I saw the high watermark approximately 250 days a year, we knew On the second morning, we woke from the last season’s flooding. it would be wet any time we visited, the before dawn and boarded two shallow- Holes gaped in the exposed sand, dierence being that during the wet draft skis that took us around a bend resembling miniature cave dwellings, season, rain and melting snow from in the river into a narrow tributary. when in fact they were nests for catfish the Andes cause the water level of the As the sun rose, bathing the sky in a eggs. The day before we had passed river to rise up to 40 feet above the dry spectacular show of pinks, gold and some local river people who were season level. When the water is high, it finally vibrant blue, we heard the floating a cache of 10,000 catfish to is possible to travel by boat to areas that sounds of the forest welcoming a new market, where the delicacy would are unreachable during the dry season, day. Propelled only by the movement provide a good portion of their meagre but during the dry season it is easier to of the water, we drifted silently as we yearly income. trek through the forests that are flooded watched a blue kingfisher dip into the Deep into the river’s tributary, our at other times. We opted for the latter. water and catch his prey only three expert local guides secured the small We joined 13 other members of the metres away. Monkeys playfully swung boats to the water’s edge and distributed group in Iquitos – the biggest city in from branch to branch in trees that ice cold cloths and hot tea and coee, the Peruvian Amazon. From there we towered 100 feet above, while a sloth along with a picnic breakfast (all our were driven to the small port town just hung there, not moving at all. waste was carefully collected so as not of Nauta, where we boarded the La While the ornithologists in the group to harm the environment). Then we Amatista – a purpose-built Amazon were mesmerised by the flying herons, had our first up-close-and-personal cruiser with accommodation for up yellow-beak hawks, graceful storks and experience with the intriguing Amazon to 28 guests – from where we would dozens of other species of birds, I was rainforest as we set o for a hike into depart a week later. fascinated by the river’s edge. the verdant forest.

42 January 2012 dotwnews.com

40-46 Amazon.indd 42 28/12/2011 10:20 TRULY INSPIRING 7 – 11 March 2012 · itb-berlin.com

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00 Toronto covers.indd 1 22/11/2011 18:07 DestinationOfTheWorldNews_VAE_ITB_241x341_en.indd 1 21.11.2011 15:12:24 Explore Amazon

The darkness beneath the dense canopy 200 feet above prevents most new growth on the forest floor, leaving the ground slippery from decaying foliage and residual moisture. Curtains of Tarzan vines drip downwards as skinny saplings strive to reach the light they need to survive. Brilliantly Star burst coloured bromeliads grow in great The pattern of floods, erosion and Brilliantly coloured bunches far above, providing splashes AmAzoN by NumberS newly-formed land is part of the natural bromeliads add of colour against the greens and browns cycle of the Amazon Basin that has contrast to the that enveloped us. This is an old forest greens of the forest 2/3 - amount of unfrozen existed for millennia and continues in – one that has withstood the ravages of fresh water on earth found spite of man’s impact. Nature’s song the yearly floods. within the Amazon Basin Even in the so-called dry season (above right) Other areas do not fare as well, as we had rain showers almost daily, but Majestic Macaws the rushing waters not only knock provide the 40 feet – fluctuation only one true torrential downpour. soundtrack to life down trees, but also wash away great in annual water level The reward for getting soaked through in the jungle quantities of the soil, only to deposit our rain ponchos was the phenomenal it further down the river, changing its 1,100 – tributaries double rainbow that appeared. course, sometimes even blocking the Each day we went on different flow completely, thus creating lakes. 17 – tributaries more than expeditions in the skiffs to areas the The sandbars and islands that form as 1,000 miles long riverboat could not navigate. We saw the silt is deposited soon sprout with turtle nurseries where the eggs of new vegetation; either agricultural Jungle king 25,000 – identified plant endangered species were protected Kingfishers are just crops such as rice or peas, which are species until they hatched and could be one of the 3,000 planted by the local river dwellers, returned to their native habitat. bird species in the or natural grasses and later trees that There were also plenty of Amazon 20% - of the Earth’s oxygen eventually grow into forests. comes from the Amazon opportunities to meet with the local communities. We went to a river village 6,000 – islands where the chief had a generator that provided electricity for a television that 12 miles – widest point the village gathered around to watch for of the river in Peru a few hours each day. We also visited a school where the children received 300 miles – width at free education until the age of 13. There the mouth in Brazil we met Daisy, the beautiful 15-month- old daughter of an equally beautiful 1 hour – to fly across the 15-year-old mother and her 19-year-old mouth of the river husband. The community was in the process of building a thatch-roofed 3,000 species of birds house for them, elevated on stilts to protect it when the waters rose. Because the oxygen in the water decreases during the dry season, fish come to the surface and are easy to catch. Armed with simple stick poles,

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“Brilliantly coloured bromeliads grow in great bunches far above, providing splashes of colour against the greens and browns that enveloped us”

we caught a plethora of piranhas, Amazon explorer Back on La Amatista, life was laid- which took the bait almost as soon as Aqua Expeditions’ M/V back and relaxed. Daily excursions were we dipped our hooks into the water. Aria is a purpose-built scheduled to avoid the hottest part of The small red fish did not look like the luxury Amazon cruiser the day, providing downtime for an The following companies provide vicious meat-eaters they are, until we afternoon siesta. Some relaxed on the Room with a view luxury accommodation and saw the two rows of sharp teeth inside upper deck, spotting birds and waving (bottom) superior guides for exploring the their mouths. That night for dinner, Enjoy the scenery at the river people we passed who were Amazon flowing through Peru. La Amatista’s onboard chef served our from the comfort of fishing, washing clothes and going catch and, much to my surprise, it was your beds with Aqua about their normal activities, while Expeditions Aqua Expeditions rather good. Perhaps this is the law of others snoozed in the cabins. Upon M/V Aqua (24 guests): the jungle – eat or be eaten. We ate our return from the day’s activities, our 7 nights from $5,950 every last bite. laundry would be neatly folded on our M/V Aria (32 guests): Towards the end of the journey we king-sized bed, next to fresh towels. 7 nights from $6,300 visited a medicine man, or shaman, Although the boat had a radio, the who performed a cleansing ritual. I sat scattered telephone towers meant that International Expeditions silently as he chanted and brushed my we were cut off from the rest of the La Amatista (28 guests): head and shoulders with branches from world much of the time, increasing 7 days from $3,898 a special tree, while blowing a type of the feeling of isolation and remoteness tobacco smoke on my face and head. that makes this area feel so unspoiled National Geographic Tours I felt an aura of peace envelop me, in and fascinating today. Even though we Delfini (28 guests): spite of my concern over inhaling his spent seven days on the river, we only 10 days from $5,590 second-hand smoke. Whether it was discovered a fraction of the secrets from being on vacation or from the it hides. It would take a lifetime to All prices are per person, based on cleansing, I did feel good afterwards, uncover them all, but if you want to see double occupancy, including meals, although I was not transformed into a for yourself what has inspired centuries guides and cruise activities. believer in his healing powers as the of writers and poets, hop on board and villagers and many city dwellers are. prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

46 January 2012 dotwnews.com

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The myth of the Maldives Forget the old stereotype of a tropical paradise where there’s nothing to do but sunbathe and snorkel. Whether it’s surfing or experiencing a cutting-edge spa, the Maldives is ensuring guests are spoilt for choice. WORDS: Jason Leavy

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48-55 Maldives.indd 48 28/12/2011 14:49 Maldives Luxe

The myth of the Maldives

Surf’s up – Maldives style Ditch the beach towel and learn to surf at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

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“Lying on your board at the end of a lesson, with the marine life swimming below you and the sun blazing above, you suddenly understand those surfing addicts who talk about feeling at one with nature”

he explosion in popularity of the A conversation with Tropicsurf instructor As well as those guests who travel to the Maldives has brought with it a wealth Chris Prewitt soon enlightens me. Chris is resort specifically to surf, Chris and his team of superlatives attempting to capture originally from Florida but after a couple of also offer introductory sessions for novices in the allure of this Indian Ocean years chasing big waves on the North Shore of Kuda’s beautiful lagoon, and I can testify based Tarchipelago. ‘Dream destination’; ‘heaven on Oahu he moved to Australia, where he joined on personal experience that it’s a captivating earth’; ‘paradise found’ – we’ve heard them all. Tropicsurf, which has twice been voted Surf thrill regardless of skill level. Lying on your And yet even this stunning holiday destination School of the Year. Tropicsurf set up its operation board at the end of a lesson, with the marine has its detractors. This significant minority at Kuda Huraa in 2002 and has been catering to life swimming below you in the clear water and have often claimed t