FRANcOIS GRAFF - Destinations of the World News

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february 2014

ON THE ROADThe latest supercars

SPEND ITVoyages of a lifetime

SuITE DREAmSChalet N, Austria

Making waves in the world's luxury capitalmonaco and the sea

a DELHI TaLEThree unforgettable hotels

AMERICAN BEAUTY 24 hours in Boston

los anGelesA UNICEF fundraiser in LA

CAPPADOCIA The land of towers and chimneys

FRANcOIS GRAFFOn diamonds and travel

sMall worldJetsetting in the 21st century

EURo VISIon An insider’s guide to Oslo

into naMibiaExplore the wilderness in style

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dotwnews.com December 20XX 19

title Sectiony

76Into the wild Namibia’s quiver trees cast a surreal silhouette in the setting sun

Contents February 2014

56 Monaco and the sea Water has shaped the character of the world’s luxury capital 66 Cappadocia’s caves Rustic chic in the 21st century cave hotels of Central Anatolia 76 Taming the wilderness Exploring Namibia’s great outdoors doesn’t have to mean roughing it 86 The digital jet set Five minutes with ASMALLWORLD chairman, Patrick Liotard-Vogt

On the cover90 One day in Boston 24 hours in the birthplace of modern American history 92 My city... Oslo An insider’s guide to one of Europe’s hottest cultural destinations 94 New Delhi darlingsLuxury travel guru Mary Gostelow samples three Gurgaon hotels

19-21 Contents.indd 19 29/01/2014 19:58

28-29 Retrospective.indd 28 27/08/2013 08:51

46

50

ContentsFebruary 2014

30 Europe Experience Berlinale in style; new

suites in Milan; lifestyle in Barcelona

32 Middle East & Africa Africa’s Great Migration; an art hotel

in Dubai; Quintessentially Lifestyle

36 Asia & Oceania Chinese New Year; new cruises in

Myanmar; Six Senses in Almaty

40 Americas Three reasons to visit Florida; where

to stay during Rio’s Carnival

44 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

46 Diary The top cultural and sporting events around the world this month

48 VIP Behind the scenes at UNICEF’s fundraiser ball in Los Angeles

50 Interview Francois Graff is on a journey in pursuit of the world’s rarest stones

98 PassportHave a ball in Vienna, tour the world,

or island-hop in Mozambique

102 On the road Something old and something new from two top European carmakers

106 Ignition Americana reimagined in the

2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport

110 Set sail AB Yachts’ latest creation is the sports car of luxury yachts

112 Suite dreams Skiing for the modern jet set at Chalet N in Oberlech, Austria

114 Asian flavours Toko Dubai brings a Sydney success story to the Middle East

In the news

dotwnews.com February 2014 21

30

112

Spend it

19-21 Contents.indd 21 29/01/2014 19:58

22 February 2014 dotwnews.com

Letter

from t

he Edi

tor

The Chinese new Year always brings hope for positive change, and this one promises to deliver. The year of the wooden horse indicates 12 months of fast victories, unexpected adventure and surprising romance, which is great news for discerning travellers. This issue of the magazine will certainly help you with the unexpected adventures, but you’ll have to pursue the other two yourself. To help you on your way, we’ve put together an issue packed with unforgettable travel experiences and unique destinations that will make discovering the world top of your things-to-do list.

We start off in Monaco, a city closely associated with ocean exploration and discovery, but better known as the cradle of luxury travel. From the lofty heights of the Rock of Monaco, the young ‘Navigator Prince’, Albert I, looked out over the Mediterranean before setting off on 28 ocean expeditions, which resulted in some of the greatest oceanic discoveries of his age. It’s easy to overlook these achievements when living the high life in one of the city’s legendary hotels, but Monaco’s relationship with the sea runs deep. We explore it further in ‘Monaco’s oldest muse’ on page 56.

In another corner of the world, the epic landscapes of namibia make for an exhilarating travel experience and, with a growing number of luxury lodges and camps around the country, you can enjoy its beauty without sacrificing creature comforts. The country’s unspoilt landscape is home to deserts and mountains, as well as unique fauna including the rare desert lion, which is endemic to the region. To whet your appetite for adventure, read ‘Namibia: land of endless horizons’ on page 76.

There are plenty of unexpected adventures to be had in Cappadocia, where the sublime landscape itself is full of surprises. Nestled into the mountain side, hundreds of cave dwellings carved out the rock face have offered shelter and protection to Central Anatolia’s residents for centuries. Now, a new generation of hoteliers are converting some of the underground habitations into stylish boutique hotels, complete with designer interiors and majestic views of the surrounding countryside. As if that weren’t enough reason to visit, the area is also home to many of Turkey’s vineyards, where proud vintners are growing grape varieties unique to the region. Read ‘The new troglodytes’ on page 66.

There are plenty more destinations waiting to be discovered inside the issue, including an insider’s guide to Oslo (page 92), a 24-hour journey through American history in Boston (page 90) and a close look at three stylish hotels in Gurgaon, new Delhi (page 94). We also talk to diamond merchant Francois Graff about his travels in pursuit of the world’s most precious stones (page 50), and uncover the future of digital jetsetting with ASMALLWORLD chairman Patrick Liotard-Vogt (page 86). There so much to discover this year and only 12 months to do it, so, with the wooden horse as your guide, pack your bags and book that flight.

Joe Mortimer Senior Editor

[email protected]

For the latest feeds from dotwnews.com on Android and iOS devices, scan the QR to subscribe, or visit: www.dotwnews.com/newsstand

22 Editors Letter.indd 22 30/01/2014 10:00

©2011–2012 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, � e Luxury Collection and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its a� liates. For full terms & conditions visit theluxurycollection.com/ajmansaray

Nestled along the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, where white sandy beaches sparkle in the sun, the 205-room Ajman Saray is the � rst

beachfront Luxury Collection Resort in the Middle East.

AJMAN’S ENCHANTING COASTAL SANCTUARYtheluxurycollection.com/ajmansaray


Caitlin CheadleSimon Harrington Deputy online editor Simon

Harrington believes that embracing culture and asking questions is

the best way to gain perspective on the world, so for this issue,

we sent him to Namibia, where he discovered that exploring the

country’s epic landscapes doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. From the capital Windhoek to the isolated settlement of Solitaire, surrounded

by empty plains and sublime landscapes, he discovered a land

bursting with stories waiting to be told. Read his on page 76.

@sharrington89

Oliver Robinson After spending several years editing

magazines in cities including Beijing, Jakarta and Dubai, Oliver

has returned to the UK to complain about the weather and write about

travel. He occasionally escapes the windswept landscapes of his native North Yorkshire to embark

on adventures, from driving across Africa to exploring the ski slopes of Europe. For this issue, he travelled

to Oberlech, Austria, where he discovered a luxurious mountain

hideaway fit for rock-and-roll royalty. Read his review on page 112.

@ojlrobinson

Contributors

Jessica LeeJessica Lee is a Middle East-based travel writer whose work has been published by BBC Travel, National Geographic, The Independent and The Telegraph. She is co-author of Lonely Planet’s Turkey and Egypt guidebooks as well as the author of the Footprint guides to Lebanon, Jordan and Beirut. Her first trip to Turkey’s Cappadocia region led to her falling in love with the surreal swirling rock landscape of the area and she has been a regular visitor ever since. For this issue she explores how Cappadocia’s ancient cave dwellings are being remodelled into luxurious boutique hotels, where travellers can enjoy the caveman vibe in comfort. Read her story on page 66. @jessofarabia

February 2014, Issue 92

Publisher Anna [email protected]

Senior Editor Joe [email protected]

Deputy Editor Rebecca [email protected]

Deputy Online Editor Simon [email protected]

News Editor Steven [email protected]

Contributing Editors Mary Gostelow, Andy Round

International Sales Director Jesse Vora [email protected]

Sales Executive Lee [email protected]

Account Executive James [email protected]

Art Director Kris [email protected]

Multimedia Manager Vandita [email protected]

Multimedia Graphics Manager Haitham El [email protected]

Circulation department [email protected]

Finance department [email protected]

International Commercial RepresentationsDestinations of the World News’ network of international

advertising sales and editorial representatives are based in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Egypt,

France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,

Sri Lanka, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America. Destinations of the World News is published monthly by WNN Limited and

distributed globally to the world’s premier airport lounges, our subscriber network and a select number of five-star hotels in the UAE. The title Destinations of the World News is a registered trademark and the publisher reserves all rights. All material in Destinations of the World News is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and articles reflect the

personal opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the publisher. Destinations of the World News is not responsible for omissions or errors that result from misrepresentation of information to the publisher. Advertisers assume all liability

for their advertising content. All rights of the owner and the producer of this conceptual development and artwork

design are reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be imitated, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without

prior permission of WNN Limited.

Principal Offices WNN Limited, Reuters Building 1, Office 106, Dubai Media City, PO Box 500661, Dubai, UAE

Tel +971 4 3910680 Fax +971 4 3910688 WNN limited, 31 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, PO Box 51234,

zip 3503, Limassol, Cyprus

To subscribe to Destinations of the World News at an annual rate of $99 visit the website at www.dotwnews.com and hit SUBSCRIBE.

Images used in Destinations of the World News are provided by Gallo Images/Getty Images/Corbis/iStockphoto/

Photolibrary unless stated otherwise.DOTW News is printed by J G Cassoulides & Sons Ltd,

Nicosia, Cyprus and Al Nisr Publishing, Dubai, UAE

Published by

DOTWNewsmagazine

@DOTW_News

Cover imageFontvieille Port, MonacoPatrice Coppee/Getty Images

Contributing editor Caitlin is no stranger to exploring the world, a

passion that started five years ago with a backpacking trip around

Europe. Her travels have taken a more luxurious turn in recent years, with

assignments for Destinations of the World News including exploring

the beaches of the Seychelles and the coast of Langkawi. Since leaving Dubai, her travels have taken her back to North America, where she recently

spent 24 hours discovering the highlights of Boston. Flick to page 90 for her guide to the historic city.

@caitlincheadle

24 Contributors.indd 24 29/01/2014 20:51

MONTBLANC LEGEND INTENSE-FP.pdf 1 12/24/2013 5:46:27 PM

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30Europe

32Middle East & Africa

36Asia & Oceania

40Americas

02.14 News The latest news from the world of luxury travel

32

44This month’s round-up

of hot new hotels

46February festivals

and events

48Behind the scenes of the UNICEF Ball

50Francois Gra�, CEO of Gra� Diamonds

Best suite in the houseBook now for front-row seats at the greatest show on earth

— Africa’s Great Migration

29 News Opener.indd 29 29/01/2014 17:44

As IF the German capital didn’t already provide a strong enough dose of culture, the 64th Berlin International Film Festival returns this month. Typically known as the Berlinale, the event is estimated to be the largest publicly attended film festival worldwide, with 400 films screened to 500,000 attendees.

Even if you’re not nominated to win a coveted Golden Bear, the festival is the perfect place to take in a plethora of premieres, along with a host of other special events, exhibitions and star-studded parties.

Germany’s largest city is brimming with five-star options, ideal for

a winter getaway. First opened in 1913, Marriott’s Hotel am Steinplatz, part of the company’s trendy Autograph Collection, re-opened its doors in January following an extensive restoration project. With its distinctive olive-green façade, the August Endell-designed boutique hotel has 87 individually designed guestrooms including a variety of Junior and Spa Suites designed in a ‘Roaring Twenties’ style.

The Hotel Adlon Kempinski’s Royal Suite has been described as the crown jewel of Berlin’s hotel offerings, with classic décor and

city views. Its Presidential Suite, Brandenburg Gate, offers a personal butler and a 24-hour limousine service, to whisk you to the red carpet on time, from EUR 15,000 (US $20,300) per night.

The late 19th-century Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome was remodelled in 2006. Built in 1889, the old Dresdner Bank headquarters on the Bebelplatz sits in the heart of Berlin, neighbouring the Opera House. The largest of the suites, Bebel, covers 120 square metres and is lined with a 10-metre balcony. Prices during the Berlinale start from around EUR 10,500 ($14,300) per night.

Tickets for screenings sell out quickly, so buy yours three or four days beforehand to avoid disappointment, and avoid the crowds with morning or early afternoon showings on weekdays.

For a gourmet twist, let your taste buds leads you to the Culinary Cinema, which combines film and fine dining, with special menus created by visiting chefs served to accompany films and documentaries about the world of food. www.berlinale.de

02.14 News

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30-31 Euro News.indd 30 29/01/2014 18:04


W remixes Barcelona lounge Barcelona’s beachfront is as vibrant as it is hip, a rather apt setting for the brand new W Lounge at W Barcelona. The energetic lounge bar is the beating heart of the design hotel, offering global jetsetters and local trendsetters a place to mix both music and cocktails. London-based studio United Design Partnership has infused the colours of Catalonia with Barcelona’s energy and style. Spinning until the early hours, the resident DJ provides the sounds from the back of the VIP cabana, which adjoins the public and private halves of the lounge. The VIP area is emblazoned with the eye-catching graphic works of Italian-based artistic team Carnovsky. Each piece transforms depending on the light in the area, creating unexpected layers of colour and surfaces that evolve and interact according to the stimuli. www.w-barcelona.com

In Rome, an exhibition in honour of architect Santiago Calatrava , a cultural counsellor for Vatican City, is on display in the Braccio di Carlo Magno (part of Musei Vaticani) in St. Peter’s Square until February 20. Although he is currently being sued in Spain for the crumbling opera house in Valencia, Calatrava is best known for more than 40 spectacular bridges in cities as far afield as Buenos Aires and Venice, and such designs-to-come as the Greek orthodox church of St. Nicholas, which will open in 2016 on the grounds of the World Trade Center in New York.mv.vatican.va If fashionistas are after some rooftop entertainment in Paris they head for Le Perchoir, in the 11th arrondissement. Owned by former real estate agent Adrien Boissaye and his business partners Emmanuel Collignon and Christophe Talon, the 110-person bar and restaurant with outdoor fireplace has 360-degree views. Downstairs in the 40-seat restaurant, fashion writers and models nibble on chef Benoît Dumas’ pumpkin-seared foie gras soup with chive oil, or roast chicken with roast heirloom tomatoes. The all-time favourite is seared tuna chips with spicy mayonnaise. www.leperchoir.fr

Fans of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy should plan a visit to Stockholm. The Millennium Tour is one of the best guides to the beautiful Swedish capital, visiting the places featured in scenes from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels. Visit Lisbeth Salander’s home at Fiskargatan, 9 – in The Girl Who Played with Fire, she moves into the top floor of the luxurious 1910 building, which has spectacular views over Djurgården island and the Bay of Saltsjön. www.themillenniumtour.com

Mary GoSTeLoW

For those feeling regal or simply en vogue, Four Seasons Hotel Milano offers a duo of decadent new suites.

Refurbished in collaboration with designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Fashion and Royal Suites dominate the hotel’s ‘casa ringhiera’ wing, named after the rustic-style open balconies that overlook the glazed atrium below.

The prestigious Royal Suite rules over the entire fifth floor, marrying a library with furniture in a playful variety of styles. A stay commands the princely sum of EUR 12,500 ($17,000) per night.

The more contemporary Fashion Suite (above) guarantees it will be Milan Fashion Week 24/7. A study in striking design and colour,

Suite 444, channels the 50s and 60s with pieces by Saarinen, which boast strong lines and an intense colours. Guests can take the trip back in time for EUR 4,700 ($6,400) per night.

Both the Royal Suite and the Fashion Suite were restyled as part of the hotel’s ongoing room refurbishment project. www.fourseasons.com

Follow fashion 24/7 in Milano

Europe

The latest in luxury travel

Mary SayS...

30-31 Euro News.indd 31 29/01/2014 18:04


Untamed luxury in the wild Serengeti

Middle East & Africa

Once a year, the sound of eight million hooves comes thundering across the plains of East Africa — February is one of the best times of year to observe the massive movement. Almost two million wildebeest, zebra, topi and antelope make the trek from the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the undulating greener pastures of Kenya’s Masai Mara each year, in an odyssey called the Great Migration.

The 2,897-kilometre sojourn is an arduous affair for the ungulates, but there are many comfortable watering holes for voyeuristic humans en route. While it’s not definite which twists and turns the migrating mammals will take, there’s certainly a host of chic options for those who prefer to rest along the way.

Africa Rose Travel provides luxurious camping options in Kenya and Tanzania, complete with expert guides and full park access. The mobile tents follow the migration, so guests are guaranteed a front-row seat.

If you follow the route into the Masai Mara, be sure to get a taste of the local delicacies — with a refined twist. Karen Blixen Camp, a luxury eco-friendly getaway, has started a culinary school for the local Kenyan Maasai who live along the Tanzanian border – young apprentices from the area’s indigenous warrior tribe. The luxury camp, named after the Out of Africa author, also has a range of wellness facilities alongside all the trappings of a traditional lodging house.

At Sir Richard Branson’s new Mahali Mzuri camp in Kenya’s Motorogi Conservancy, the bulk of the migration traffic arrives later in the year, but animals can be spotted all year round.

If the idea of a luxury campsite still seems too rustic, then there’s always the Presidential Villa at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. There, you can glimpse the herd from the private infinity pool, which overlooks a popular watering hole.

Wilderness views from Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

Luxury lodges at Mahali Mzuri Camping with a twist at Four Seasons

“The 2,897-km sojourn is an

arduous affair for the ungulates,

but there are many comfortable

watering holes for voyeuristic

humans en route”

32-34 ME & Africa News JSM.indd 32 29/01/2014 18:05


Middle East & Africa

In the 10 years that luxury concierge firm Quintessentially

Lifestyle has been doing business in the Middle East, the company has had to deal with more than a few bizarre, lavish and seemingly impossible requests. The private

club caters to the whims of its VIP members, regardless of the

scope or scale of the request, and endeavours to deliver the goods

whatever the circumstances. “We pride ourselves on being

the key to opening doors and the creator of unique opportunities and experiences,” said Caroline

Hargreaves, managing director of the company.

A decade of decadence

After thousands of residents and visitors attended the inaugural Street Art Night in Dubai’s creative Al Quoz industrial district last month, it’s evident there’s a burgeoning appetite for the arts.

Art-inspired boutique hotels are also augmenting the emerging scene in the city, with new openings and installments being drawn to the emirate.

The Noon Art Boutique Hotel Apartments, located in Al Barsha, will be the city’s first completely art-inspired hotel and gallery when it opens on February 10.

Three Arabic artists brought the hotel to life and each of the 45 rooms feature the work of the visionaries. The boutique hotel

Stay creative in Dubaiis also home to a gallery committed to supporting art and culture in the UAE.

Noon is the latest Dubai hotel that pays tribute to the arts: Jumeirah Creekside Hotel has a collection of 482 creations from 51 artists on display throughout its rooms and public areas while further downtown, The Ritz-Carlton DIFC showcases more than 100 works of art, many being sculptures on loan from international art boutique, Opera Gallery.

For full artistic immersion, Dubai’s XVA gallery has an adjoining art hotel in the heritage area of Bastakiya. XVA Art Hotel is the former home of the UAE’s Seddiqi family. www.noonhotel.com

10 memorable Quintessentially Lifestyle requests

01 Finding a long-lost father for a member02 Arranging for a member to watch the NYE fireworks on top of Sydney Harbour Bridge 03 Flying 200 Ladurée macaroons overnight from Dubai to Slovenia to reach a beloved wife04 Organising an instant wedding by flying a minister to a restaurant in Cannes via helicopter05 Helping to rescue a member with a punctured tire in the middle of the desert at 1.30 am06 Buying two tons of gold blocks07 Getting Enrique Iglesias to call and sing ‘Happy Birthday’08 Delivering 15 Mercedes-Benz to a small island in Thailand09 Finding out how to acquire a pet gorilla10 Sending 1,000 sandbags to a holiday villa in Thailand after a flood warning

Billed as a ‘lifestyle gastronomic extravaganza’, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, will bring a cast of Michelin Star chefs, VIPs and culinary master classes to the UAE capital. The sixth annual foodie festival takes place February 4 to 19 in the form of a variety of demonstrations and dinners at a host of delicious destinations throughout the city.

But clearly one fortnight a year isn’t quite enough to satisfy the palates of Abu Dhabi’s residents, evidenced by a spate of epicurean openings across the emirate. The city is serving up a brace of branded eateries within The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Emporio Armani Caffè is the latest in a series of Milanese-style openings from Giorgio Armani – reflecting the designer’s favoured taste.

The French inspired Bentley Bistro & Bar serves meals throughout the day to the sounds of its resident DJ, while the coveted cuisine of contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma will open imminently.

And Abu Dhabi certainly isn’t coy about contemporary far-eastern food, since Koi has officially opened at The Collection within the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The spacious 700-square-metre venue will be the American brand’s flagship branch in the region.

A tour de force for Abu Dhabi foodies

32-34 ME & Africa News JSM.indd 34 29/01/2014 18:05


News Asia & OceaniaNews Asia & Oceania

“The Year of the Horse promises to

be a season of fast victories, unexpected adventure

and surprising romance”

Break in the Year of the HorseWhile 2013 was ruled by the slow energy of the snake, the Year of the Horse promises to be a season of fast victories, unexpected adventure and surprising romance. The Chinese New Year began on the last day of January, ushering in the Spring Festival — 15 days of colour and celebration in Hong Kong.

The horse is said to be one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese zodiac, but you shouldn’t need too much luck finding a hotel room. The recently opened Mira Moon in Wanchai arrives just in time for the frenzied flux. This is one for those with a keen sense of creativity with interiors by ‘the Lady Gaga of the design world’, Marcel Wanders. The 91-room hotel doesn’t skimp on culture and tradition, even in its 1,247 sq ft penthouse on the 36th floor.

The longer established Peninsula Hong Kong is a suitable option to be in the thick of the action — guests can check into the Grand Deluxe Harbour View Suite for HKD 24,200 ($3,200) per night. The hotel’s foremost option provides views of Victoria Harbour from an elegant contemporary suite.

With similar views, W Hong Kong is home to the pertinently named “Extreme Wow” suite, a 2,153 sq ft space on the top floor, which comes complete with its own bathing pool and panoramic harbour views, as well as a small aquarium.

February is a stellar month for the former British territory with a stunning line-up of events across the city. The West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre, complete with bamboo stage, runs until February 9 while the Hong Kong Arts Festival commences February 18.

Capping off the festivities is Hong Kong’s Spring Lantern Festival. This year’s edition will have a rather romantic skew; held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the festival handily coincides with St. Valentine’s Day, when couples can enjoy spectacular lantern displays, traditional stage arts and more at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.

Asia & Oceania

Mira MoonThe Peninsula Hong Kong

36-38 Asia News.indd 36 29/01/2014 18:06

CONTEMPORARY, INDIGENOUS, UNSCRIPTED

JUST LIKE SHANGHAI

When it opened two years ago, ANDAZ SHANGHAI, a Hyatt hotel, brought something unique to the city – a breath

of fresh air that captured the personality of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

In keeping with its location on the edge of the French Concession, ANDAZ SHANGHAI juxtaposes old and new,

overlooking Xintiandi, where restored shikumen houses are now home to galleries, cafes and boutiques.

The soul of ANDAZ SHANGHAI – the fi rst Andaz property in Asia – is in its guests: discerning, affl uent individuals

who appreciate the freedom of choice that staying in one of the hotel’s 307 modern rooms affords.

As well as contemporary décor, mood lighting and generously sized bathrooms, guests enjoy special privileges and

complimentary amenities to make their stay at ANDAZ SHANGHAI unforgettable, including Lorenzo Villoresi bath

amenities, free WiFi, unlimited local phone calls and complimentary non-alcoholic mini bar beverages and snacks.

ANDAZ SHANGHAI, 88 Songshan Road, Shanghai 200021, People’s Republic of China

Tel: +86 21 2310 1234, Fax: +86 21 2310 1235

E-mail: [email protected], andazshanghai.com


Asia

Go where very few have gone before in Myanmar with a new collection of ultra-shallow river cruise ships from Pandaw River Expeditions. The new RY Kalay and RV Kindat Pandaw boats have a hull of just 80 cm, allowing the vessels to venture where no other luxury boats can, and guests can sail further up the tricky shallow stretches of the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers all year round. The RY Kalay Pandaw has just five cabins, so space is limited, but the twin-decked RV Kindat Pandaw will boast 20 deluxe staterooms and a choice of indoor or outdoor bistro-style dining. The vessel will begin navigating the Upper Irrawaddy this July. As Myanmar river cruises soar in popularity, the Kindat’s sister ship, RV Kalaw Pandaw, will offer similar journeys along the Pagan to Mandalay route. www.pandaw.com

Cruise in Myanmar

To some, the idea of wearing hotel apparel consists of modelling the plush bathrobe in your wardrobe. But

One&Only resorts has pertinently lived up to its name with a new and exclusive range of bespoke designer

goods for discerning guests. To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the hotel company has launched ‘10 for 10’ — a

collection of 10 unique garments and accessories, each created by a top international fashion designer.

Signature items include high-heel sandals by Charlotte Olympia (US $1,095), a kimono by Talitha ($840), a

Melissa Odabash hat ($135) and tailored shorts designed by Orlebar Brown ($275). British designer Matthew

Williamson has drawn inspiration from the colours of the Maldives; his kaftan is radiant with the bright

colours of One&Only Reethi Rah. For more everyday wear, Thom Sweeney has created a series of seven

shirts in breezy, playful colours and patterns. These new bespoke items will be available to purchase at select

One&Only boutiques as of this month.

www.oneandonlyresorts.com

Kazakhstan’s top financial and cultural destination welcomes the first Six Senses spa in Central Asia this month. Six Senses Spa Almaty is a 1,500-square-metre space on the 20th floor of the Esentai Tower, adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, as well an extensive retail complex. All five treatment rooms capture the city’s urban views and nearby snow-capped mountains. The spa offers both energising and relaxing experiences, including a range of Nannic face and body treatments (said to deliver immediate firming and lifting results), relaxation pods bathed in mood lighting as well as hammams, saunas and steam showers.www.sixsenses.com

Haute couture from the sea shore

Open your senses to Kazakhstan

36-38 Asia News.indd 38 29/01/2014 18:06 00 Cover JSM MONACO.indd 14 29/01/2014 20:26


Famed for its theme parks and golf resorts, Florida provides an overabundance of high-end accommodation and activities. Thanks to its warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches, it is a haven for 60 million visitors every year, but the state is now providing more compelling reasons for five-star travellers.

If you need to blend lavish comfort with family fun, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World has arrived right on time. The hotel is minutes from the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and just a mouse’s whisker from numerous other attractions. Among the 444 rooms and suites is the 16th-floor Royal Suite, which can be configured with up to three separate living rooms and nine bedrooms.

If reality TV is your vice, then why not follow in the footsteps of the Kardashians at the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach? The Presidential Suite was home to sisters Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian during the first season of their Miami-based reality show, but has since been revamped with a private rooftop pool, jacuzzi, deck area and two private terraces.

If you feel driven to stick around indefinitely, Porsche Design is opening a residential tower in Miami this spring. The super-deluxe building solves the arduous commute to the garage by elevating your sports car into your apartment. The so-called “sky garages” are adjoined to each of the Porsche Design Tower Miami’s 132 residences over 60 floors, meaning there’s no reason to step out of your car until you are truly at home. Residences will range between 395 to 1,571 sq m and will cost up to $32.5 million for the extraordinary four-level penthouse. The average-sized luxury apartments are expected to go for $5.3 million.

These car elevators are the latest in Miami Beach’s fixation on designer garages and more trendy parking spots are in the works from London architect Zaha Hadid, Mexico’s Enrique Norten and Miami’s own Arquitectonica. Swiss architects Herzog and de Meuron started the trend when they opened 1111 Lincoln Road in 2009. More recently, the creative duo opened the Pérez Art Museum Miami in December 2013 — a large glass, concrete and wooden structure that breaks away from Miami’s typical Art Deco style, filled with 3,000 sq m of gallery space.

The rise of the Sunshine State

Americas

Stylish interiors at Porsche design Tower Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt disney World

Ocean views from Hilton’sPenthouse Suite

40-42 America News.indd 40 29/01/2014 18:07

SUITES AT ATLANTISLive the luxury. Love the value

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Americas


Bespoke experiences in Buenos AiresSome say it’s all about the road less travelled, but why not carve your own path entirely? In the chic Recoleta area of Buenos Aires, HUB Porteño has mustered a myriad of city-based experiences with the help of a team of expert locals.

Orchestrated by the hotel’s owner, Gonzalo Robredo, the program sees involvement from local talent from the worlds of art, design, sport, music, dance and more. After an initial consultation to determine interests, guests take part in experiences guided by a dedicated team and an English-speaking driver familiar with the city’s top eateries. www.hubporteno.com

In 2012 Rio de Janeiro was named the most expensive hotel city in the

world and successfully held that spot last year, outplacing New York City, Geneva and Oslo. But, with its

wealth of events and experiences, Rio is proving its worth.

Hotel rooms in the city will be highly coveted this year during the World Cup in June and the annual Carnaval at the end of this month.

To meet the immediate influx of visitors, pop-up boutique hotels are

proving to be a practical concept. Maria Santa Teresa, part of

Design Hotels, opened in January and will remain open until the end of the year. The chic colonial-style

property features just six rooms and overlooks the city from high up

in trendy Santa Teresa. The Hotel Santa Teresa is

another of Rio’s concept hotels; a historic coffee plantation mansion

converted into 40 rooms and suites, including an award-winning

Loft Suite with breathtaking 180 degree views over Guanabara Bay.

To complete the VIP experience, consider a Penthouse Suite at Orient-Express’ Copacabana

Palace, which comes equipped with a 24-hour butler service.

Rio revs up for Carnival

40-42 America News.indd 42 29/01/2014 20:55

For the movers and shakers and rainmakers. For the ones who make it happen on the go and on the ground. Who accomplish great things without losing sight of the important things.

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Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

Harbin, ChinaUntil February 28

Celebrate the last days of the winter season in northeast

China by wandering around a frozen city of skyscrapers,

sculptures and castles, all made entirely of ice and snow. Be sure to visit at

night, when the ice city is illuminated by brilliantly

coloured lights. www.cnto.org

XXII Olympic Winter Games Sochi, RussiaFebruary 7–23The small Russian resort town of Sochi steals the sporting spotlight this month as the world’s best Winter Olympic athletes arrive for two weeks of competition across disciplines including skiing, skating, bobsledding and ice hockey. www.sochi2014.com

Carnevale di Venezia Venice, Italy

February 15 to March 4This annual celebration, a

tradition said to date back to the 15th century, transforms

Venice into a baroque riot of colourful costumes and masks. Festivities include

parades, street performances and the festival highlight, the

Grand Masked Ball. www.carnevale.venezia.it


Diary

46-47 Diary.indd 46 29/01/2014 18:10

dotwnews.com April 2012 63

Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014

Dubai, UAEFebruary 1 to March 14

The who’s who of Dubai society, and some of the

world’s top polo teams, will take to the Dubai Polo and

Equestrian Club this month for this elite international polo

tournament. Competition opens with the Silver

Cup, while the Gold Cup commences on February 24.

www.dubaipologoldcup.com

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The Sunflowers The National Gallery, London, UKUntil April 27For a rare art experience this month, head to room 46 of The National Gallery in London, where two works from Vincent van Gogh’s widely known series, Sunflowers, are reunited for the first time in 65 years. The exhibition o�ers visitors a clearer insight into the way the artist painted these works and how they relate to one another. www.nationalgallery.org.uk

46-47 Diary.indd 47 29/01/2014 18:10

Phot

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UNICEF Ball, los aNgElEs

Ball honoree and UNICEF’s Southern California board chair, Ghada Irani, takes

us behind the scenes of this year’s event

EVENTEvery other year, the Los Angeles

philanthropic community helps make the UNICEF Ball a success. In its fifth

biennial year, the event, held on January 14 at the Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills (a Four Seasons Hotel), raised more than $2

million to aid the US Fund for UNICEF and support the organisation’s work to help

children by providing things like drinking water, vaccinations, education opportunities

and disaster relief. The event helps raise valuable funds and awareness among key

philanthropists, industrial leaders and celebrities in the Southern California region.

VIP

The Beverly Wilshire provided a lavish setting for the event

Michael Douglas and Matt DamonGhada Irani Phot

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48-49 VIP.indd 48 29/01/2014 18:11


AMBIENCE This year’s event began with a red carpet entrance and cocktail reception before a gala dinner for more than 700 guests and presentations for this year’s honorees. I was the recipient of the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Leadership Award and actor Michael Douglas received the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Peace Award. Actor Matt Damon and film producer Jerry Weintraub emceed the event, which included a performance by Kristin Chenoweth, a moving video on the impact of UNICEF’s work in 190 countries and a live auction.

RUB SHOULDERS WITHGuests were a mix of celebrities, business and industry leaders, and high-profile philanthropists. VIPs included the president and CEO of the US Fund for UNICEF, Caryl M. Stern, celebrity UNICEF Ambassadors Téa Leoni and Alyssa Milano, and UNICEF Supporter Nasir ‘Nas’ Jones. Other celebrity attendees included honoree Michael Douglas, Anna Kendrick, James Marsden, Sidney Poitier, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis.

AFTER DARKWith the Golden Globe awards just a few nights before and a full workday following, many of our guests — myself included — were too exhausted for an afterparty.

STAY The Beverly Wilshire hotel hosted the event and is well known in Los Angeles and around the world. It has hosted presidents, dignitaries, celebrities and has even been a prime film location.

DINESpago on North Canon Drive and Cut at the Beverly Wilshire are some of my favourite restaurants in Los Angeles, primarily because the food is wonderful and they are run by my great friend, Wolfgang Puck.

MUST DOWhile there are so many well-known places to visit in Los Angeles, one of my favourites is brand new. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts just opened its doors in October 2013, but is already a favourite to see some unforgettable performances. Another spot I always recommend to visitors is LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). It’s large, so allot a good amount of time to explore it all.

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Phot

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Phot

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Michael Sheen and Toni TrucksDanny DeVito and Don Cheadle

48-49 VIP.indd 49 29/01/2014 18:11

Interview

For Graff Diamonds CEO, Francois Graff, work and travel go hand in hand

Mixing work and family is often seen as a catastrophic move in business – luckily Francois Graff and family

are an exception. As chief executive officer of the Graff Diamonds empire, his passion for the precious stone sparkled at a very early age. When Laurence Graff founded Graff Diamonds in 1960, Francois quickly developed a keen interest in the family trade, learning to analyse the stones his father would bring home from work. After supplementing his informal learning with some formal qualifications, Francois joined the business in 1986, working his way up from manufacturing and retail operations to CEO in 2004.

As the brand goes from strength to strength, Francois finds himself on the road ever more frequently, scouting new locations for store expansion (most recently with the arrival of the first Abu Dhabi branch and an upcoming flagship in Riyadh), and fulfilling his other role as a trustee of the Graff Foundation and FACET Foundation (For Africa’s Children Every Time), a charity that brings support to

countries where Graff diamonds are sourced. Luckily, Graff is a keen traveller, so he doesn’t mind a bit. Here, he chats to us about life heading up the House of Graff and his favourite travel destinations and experiences.

How did you get involved in the family business? When I was a young boy, my father, Laurence Graff, was in the process of establishing Graff Diamonds. The oil boom was in full swing and there was an influx of Middle Eastern clients in London, who, as is customary to their culture, conducted all of their business in the evenings.

When my father returned home at night, his case of jewels came with him and I would look inside and ask him questions about the stones and the people who bought them. He told me many wonderful stories about these precious gems and it captured my imagination to go forward and to be a part of the business. To further my technical knowledge, I studied at the Gemological Institute of America, joining Graff Diamonds in 1986.

What was the initial reason for expanding into the Middle East? When Graff Diamonds was first established, my father travelled extensively across the Middle East. Our first shop in Knightsbridge, London, was particularly popular with Middle Eastern clients who were drawn to Graff from seeing our jewellery at international exhibitions and from our advertising campaigns. In response to demand from our clients in the region, our first store in Dubai opened at the Dubai Mall in February 2009.

What other parts of the world have a strong appetite for diamonds? In 2000, we chose the Hôtel de Paris [in Monte-Carlo] as the location for our very first store outside the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in our company’s history. Since opening the store in Monaco, our global expansion has gone from strength to strength and we now have more than 40 stores around the world, with additional openings planned during 2014.

Interview: Rebecca Haddad

DiamonDs are

Today there are more than 40 Graff boutiques around the world


50-52 Interview.indd 50 29/01/2014 18:13

Interview


DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

50-52 Interview.indd 51 29/01/2014 18:12


What is the most expensive diamond you have ever seen? It has been said that more rare and historical diamonds have passed through the House of Graff than any other diamantaire, including the Wittelsbach-Graff, the Idol’s Eye, the Imperial Blue, the Blue Ice, the Magnificence, the Graff Pink, the Delaire Sunrise, the Graff Constellation, the Flame and the Graff Sweethearts. As a result, I am privileged to have handled a number of important diamonds over the course of my career.

Your father is well known for being an avid art collector — is that an interest you share with him? Certainly art interests me, not only because of my father’s collection by also because my brother, Stephane Graff, is a successful artist. Personally, I have a passion for classic cars, particularly Ferraris.

How does Graff give back to the community? The FACET Foundation was established [by Laurence Graff] in 2008 to support the education, health and wellbeing of the people of Sub-Saharan Africa. The Foundation currently works with local charities across

Lesotho, Mochudi and the Winelands to implement sustainable programmes that help to support the education and development of children, teenagers and adults. We often receive letters from those who have been helped by these programmes, which is extremely humbling. Giving back, to help people help themselves, is the most precious gift, particularly in those regions from where Graff sources many of its beautiful stones.

How often do you travel? I travel frequently, visiting our operations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the United States. This month I have trips to 11 different cities around the world scheduled.

What is your favourite destination? There are many wonderful destinations all over the world, which makes it difficult to pick just one. Certainly the Middle East is an exciting entity, combining innovative architecture, striking coastline and culture. It really is a destination that excites all of the senses.

What is your favourite city? As the location of Graff Diamonds’ headquarters and our first store (which

opened in 1962), London is without question my favourite city in the world. Vibrant, diverse and progressive, it’s an exciting place to live and work.

Best hotel you’ve ever stayed in? I’ve had the opportunity to stay in many of the best hotels all over the world, so it’s difficult to choose just one, however, the beautiful view stretching over the valley towards the majestic Table Mountain at Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa is something very special.

Where was your best dining experience and what was the meal? As I travel so frequently, the best dining experience for me is a home-cooked meal, enjoyed around the dinner table with my family at home.

What is one item you never travel without? For me an iPad is essential, enabling me to keep in touch wherever I am in the world.

Finally, name one destination on your travel bucket list? I would love to visit Tibet. n

The diamond boutique at Delaire Graff Estate

The magnificent Owner’s Lodge at Delaire Graff Estate

50-52 Interview.indd 52 29/01/2014 18:12

NOW AVAILABLEon Google Currents and Newsstand for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Or visitdotwnews.com/newsstand

56Monaco – the ultimate luxury

travel destination

66Discover

Cappadocia’s ancient cave city

76Tame the wild with a stylish

safari in Namibia

86Patrick Liotard-

Vogt, chairman of ASMALLWORLD

90Spend 24 hours in

historic Boston

92An insider’s

guide to Oslo’s cultural gems

94Three hotels in Gurgaon, New Delhi

Destinations The world’s most desirable locations

56Monaco’s muse

The ‘Rock of Monaco’ commands spectacular

views of the Mediterranean

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MONACO’S OLDEST MUSE

Long before it became the world’s luxury capital, Monaco forged a relationship with

the sea that would inform the character of this extravagant city-state forever

Words: Joe Mortimer

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Monte-Carlo

Water of life(clockwise from top) The Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo; the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco; sun terrace at the Thermes

French touch(opposite) Gustav Eiffel’s cuppola above Pierre-Yves Rochon furniture at Hôtel Hermitage’s Winter Garden

On a terrace high above Monaco’s Port Hercule, men and women dressed in fluffy white bathrobes and designer sunglasses chatter over plates of raw vegetables and homemade

soup. Below, superyachts worth billions of Euros bob in the harbour, their rigging clanging against tall masts as seagulls swoop overhead. On the adjacent balcony, Nicolas Sarkozy and his singer-songwriter wife Carla Bruni are relaxing on loungers, basking in the warm Riviera sunshine. It’s a typical Saturday afternoon in Monaco, the epicentre of all things luxury.

It was back in 1856 that Prince Charles III had a vision to turn the small Principality into the entertainment capital of Europe. His aim was to develop a portion of land on the Plateau des Spélugues overlooking what is now Port Hercule into an entertainment district like no other, with hotels, gaming houses, restaurants and other distractions for the affluent citizens of Europe.

In 1863, on completion of the original gaming house (today the Casino de Monte-Carlo) the Prince created the

Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and tasked the organisation with the management and development of the principality’s entertainment empire. Under the leadership of François Blanc, who commissioned Europe’s finest architects and designers to create a hotel to rival the best in Paris and London, SBM turned the Prince’s vision into a reality. When the Hôtel de Paris opened in 1866, the surrounding area was officially renamed Monte-Carlo, in honour of Charles III, and today the resplendent Hôtel de Paris and Café de Paris flank the Belle Époque-style casino, forming the golden triangle of Monte-Carlo; a magnet for the world’s elite and powerful.

In the 150 years since its foundation, the SBM empire has grown vast. The company now owns four hotels, five casinos, 33 restaurants and bars, and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, a spa complex built into the cliff side overlooking the marina. ‘The Thermes’, as they are known among locals, have legendary healing powers, and people come from all over the world for treatments, from preventative health care and rehabilitation to marine treatments such as algae baths and salt scrubs.

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Monte-Carlo

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Monte-Carlo

The terrace of the Thermes’ L’Hirondelle gastronomic restaurant, where we are currently ensconced, with its sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the Rock of Monaco on the other side of the port, is a popular haunt among well-to-do locals, who like to enjoy casual (and healthy) lunches that can go on for hours. This is Monaco after all, a city built on the principles of indulgence, hospitality and distraction.

But, beyond the glitz and the glamour, there is another element to this vastly wealthy city-state, one that is evident wherever you turn, and yet often overlooked: its relationship with the water. From its role as a means of transportation and exploration, to its healing properties, not to mention the fact that it is a fundamental ingredient in the libations that flow freely all over town, water is a fundamental part of the history and character of the principality.

Before he became head of the Grimaldi family in 1889, Prince Albert I, also known as the ‘Navigator Prince’, had a passion for exploration and scientific research. In 1885, construction was completed on the 32-metre sailing schooner L’Hirondelle (after which the restaurant is named), the first of several research vessels that would carry the Prince on 28 scientific expeditions from 1885 to 1915.

For many, the lasting legacy of Prince Albert I is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, a rare and extraordinary faculty built into the face of the Rock of Monaco, facing the Mediterranean. This palatial museum was built in 1910 on the orders of the Prince as a space dedicated to research and sharing the findings of his intrepid expeditions with the world. For anyone whose sense of wanderlust is peaked when talk turns to the Age of Exploration, the Oceanographic Museum is the adult equivalent of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

Marine discoveries (above) The marvellous ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ greets visitors on arrival at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

legendarydesignMonaco has had many famous residents, including Chanel’s creative director Karl Lagerfeld, who lived in a six-bedroom villa overlooking Monte-Carlo Beach from the late 80s until the turn of the millennium.

The designer recently partnered with Monte-Carlo landmark Hôtel Métropole to re-imagine the hotel’s pool area, which was relaunched last year as a fantastical indoor/outdoor space called Odyssey (left).

Twenty glass panels depicting scenes from Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey surround a pool filled with LED lights. Next to the pool, the Lagerfeld touch continues at Joël Robuchon’s third Métropole restaurant, Odyssey.

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Inside, visitors are greeted by the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, curated in 2011 by US artist Mark Dion, who has reorganised some of the most fascinating curios from the museum’s archive into a huge display cabinet that contains divers’ bells, maps, charts and a polar bear from Greenland.

“During my career as a navigator, the ocean revealed to me the laws of its role among the forces of the world, or those that govern the proliferation of life in its deepest waters,” wrote the Prince in his autobiographical La Carrière d’un Navigateur in 1902. The findings of his 28 voyages were recorded in 110 volumes of scientific notes published between 1889 and 1950 and the legacy lives on through the museum’s collection.

One long exhibition hall displays some of the tools and apparatus used on the expeditions, and another is filled with specimens including preserved sea creatures, skeletons and a terrifying collection of shark jaws.

Infographics and video displays stress the importance of marine protection and species preservation, which became the driving forces behind Prince Albert’s expeditions and remain fundamental aspects of Monaco’s growth today.

A BACCHANALIAN FEASTThe principality’s relationship with water isn’t only scientific; H2O is also the main ingredient in some of Monte-Carlo’s favourite libations. Deep under the elegant hallways of the Hôtel de Paris, some 400,000 bottles of wine are stored in the ‘Cave Centrale’, SBM’s legendary wine cellar. Built in 1874, the cellar was extended over the decades, and is now home to more than a kilometre of wine racks that criss-cross beneath the Hôtel de Paris and the neighbouring Hôtel Hermitage. The atmosphere is kept at a carefully controlled 13 to 14 degrees centigrade, with humidity levels hovering at a constant 80 percent.

Heart of luxury(above) Place du Casino is the vibrant centre of Monte-Carlo

Show and tell (opposite page) From supercars parked outside the Hôtel de Paris (top)to Alain Ducasse’s Belle Époque-style Louis XV restaurant (bottom), opulence is everywhere you look

“For many, the lasting legacy of Prince Albert I is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, a rare and extraordinary faculty built into the face of the Rock of Monaco”

Monaco

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I’m shown around the historic cellar by Patrice Frank, one of the world’s most knowledgeable wine connoisseurs. As head sommelier at the Hôtel de Paris for 14 years, the 48-year-old can describe the character of every wine he stocks, and suggest the right bottle for any occasion.

We walk past alleyways stacked floor-to-ceiling with wine, each gloomy corridor labelled with signs indicating the region they come from. Some 98 percent of the wine is from France, with a few select bottles from other parts of the world. The collection includes such rare treats as a Châteaux Pétrus 1945, which discerning guests can purchase for a handsome EUR 25,000 ($33,900), and a 1929 Châteaux Margaux for a modest EUR 9,000 ($12,200), both of which are served in the hotel’s three Michelin-starred Louis XV restaurant, run by Alain Ducasse. “But its not a question of money — the historical value is something you can’t put a price on,” says Patrice.

Wine isn’t the only beverage served to SBM’s well-heeled guests; the cellar is also home to a collection of port, sherry, and barrels of the hotel’s vintage cognac, the Vielles Reserves de Paris. These beverages, like the wines, tend to spend several years in the cellar, unlike the company’s stash of champagne, which has its own cellar in another location. “We get through it too quickly to store down here,” Patrice explains. “We have the largest champagne collection in Monaco, but we serve up to 165,000 bottles per year, so it doesn’t stay for long, with the exception of a few vintage champagnes.”

Walking around Casino Square that night, I can see why; it seems that there is a celebration every night in Monte-Carlo. Outside the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, an endless stream of Bentleys, Maseratis, vintage Ferraris and Rolls-Royces roll past, as couples dressed in tuxedos and furs busily exchange handshakes and kisses at every turn.

outtoseaIn a city where space is in short supply, the sea could offer an alternative to the current strategy of building upwards. In May last year, the Ministry of State called for tenders on a new project that would extend the Principality’s territory by creating a floating city built on reclaimed land offshore.

The proposed six-hectare site will be an extension of l’Anse du Portier — the stretch of coastline directly outside the Grimaldi Forum and the Jardin Japonais.

The plans outline a mixture of residential and hospitality projects with outside spaces and private gardens, which would set new standards in sustainability and environmental protection. The estimated cost of the project is around EUR 1 billion (US $1.36 billion). More news on the project is expected after July 2014.

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Monte-Carlo

City by the seaThe Norman Foster-designed Yacht Club de Monaco (top) and an aerial view of Port Hercules (bottom)

Hôtel De Paris Monte-CarloTel: +377 98 06 30 00www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com

Hôtel HermitageTel: +377 98 06 40 00www.hotelhermitagemontecarlo.com

Hôtel MetropoleTel: +377 93 15 1515www.metropole.com

Thermes Marins Monte-CarloTel: +377 98 06 69 00www.thermesmarinsmontecarlo.com

Opéra de Monte-CarloTel: +377 98 06 28 00www.opera.mc

Thegoldenbook

THE LEGACY CONTINUESThe next morning, I head down to the Port and walk past countless superyachts, many registered in George Town, CI (Cayman Islands) or Kingstown, SVG (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), where taxation on superyachts is more sympathetic than in Europe. At the eastern end of the port on Quai Louis II, at the mouth of the famous tunnel of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, construction is nearing completion on the Norman Foster-designed Yacht Club de Monaco clubhouse, due to open in June.

Built in the shape of a vast yacht, the new, ultra-environmentally friendly club will include function space and guest cabins for visitors, as well as restaurants, lounges, a swimming pool and observation decks, which will no doubt be popular during the Monaco Yacht Show and the F1. The project is being built to extremely high environmental standards, using seawater cooling systems, and photovoltaic cells and solar panels to power the facility, maintaining Monaco’s position as a global leader in marine preservation.

It’s strange to think that once upon a time, the only way to access Monaco was by boat, or by a long and arduous journey over the mountains from France. From a terrace outside the magnificent Salle Blanche at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, it’s possible, you can see land belonging to both France and Italy in the distance – a reminder of both the small size of Monaco and the importance of the sea as a link to the outside world. Its isolated position has defined Monaco both geographically and politically, maintaining its independence from the European Union and preserving its tax-free status. But its isolated location has done nothing to keep people away, as billionaires and sports stars from Europe choose to call the small city-state home, and visitors from all over the world come to sample it’s legendary hospitality and world-class events.

The principality might well be something of a semi-landlocked island, but like all islands, it is the influence of the waters around it that provide much of its character and indeed its legacy. n

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Turkey

WORDS: Jess Lee

Below its sublime landscape of towering chimneys and rocky crags, Cappadocia is home to a hidden world of opulent cave hotels and underground hospitality

T H E N E W T R O G L O D Y T E S

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Turkey


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The ancient Hittites were the first to put the soft volcanic tuff stone of Cappadocia to good use, realising the possibility of carving shelter

out of the countryside itself. Then, during the Byzantine era, this region’s sinuous valleys became home to early Christian communities who burrowed into the rock, creating church complexes and monasteries, and digging out cavernous tunnel-ridden underground towns to hide from attack. The people who have lived in this part of central Turkey have

always sculpted their homes out of the land; today this region’s traditional architecture has found a new lease of life with a clutch of luxe boutique hotels offering accommodation with a troglodyte twist.

The farmland surrounding the village of Ortahisar is studded with curious thin metal flues thrusting out of the ground. These ventilation pipes are part of this small settlement’s major industry, leading to vast underground cave warehouses used to store the abundance of citrus fruit from Turkey’s

Mediterranean coast. Hezen Cave Hotel sits hewn into the cliff face amid the oldest part of the village, surrounded by a meander of narrow roads still ruled by old tractors and skittering chickens. “It’s not a typical location for a luxury hotel,” owner Hakan Güzelgöz says as we sit on the terrace. “But, when I saw the view I knew it would work.”

Presiding over the panorama is the honeycombed crag of Ortahisar’s ancient castle. In the Roman period, local inhabitants relocated to this rock-pinnacle fortress when

Views of Ortahisar Castle from Hezen Cave Hotel

Rustic luxury at Hezen Cave Hotel

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Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa, Göreme Cd, Uçhisar, Turkey

Tel: +90 384 219 31 94 - Fax: +90 384 219 32 3, [email protected], www.ccr-hotels.com

Live the legendMyth becomes reality at Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa,

a decadent haven in the heart of a fantastical land.

Steeped in tradition but thoroughly modern, Cappadocia Cave Resort and Spa commands unrivalled views over the sublime landscape of Cappadocia.

Unwind in one of our signature suites, where history and luxury combine, or soak up the atmosphere from the terrace of Terrace Cafe & Bar.

Surrender yourself to the hands of our expert therapists in the world’s first cave spa, with cave therapy suites and

an underground swimming pool.

Persian or Arab armies invaded. A tumble of crumbling stone houses cling to the crinkled furrows of the slope below, but their stone façades cannot begin to hint at what hides behind the village’s thick wooden doors. Like nearly all of Cappadocia’s villages, homes here boast a sunken world of cave rooms chipped out of the hillside itself.

“We incorporated the same local architecture into the hotel, but that’s where the similarities stop; Hezen isn’t like a normal Cappadocian cave hotel,” Hakan explains. Spilling out onto a cascade of courtyards, the 14 rooms here are the essence

of casual glamour. Turkish interior decorator Halide Didem eschewed the cosy and traditional Cappadocian aesthetic to stamp her quirky style across the rock-cut rooms, updating caveman living for the 21st century. Sweeps of bold colour and silvery accents lend a chic, bohemian edge to the decoration. Clever lighting highlights the ripple texture of the rock walls, making the cave-cut rooms themselves the real focal point.

Surfacing from the cave rooms, you can’t help but be drawn to the view. Even after dark, the castle still dominates. Lit up, the buttery yellow glow cast across its

pockmarked exterior deepens the craggy silhouette of the rock, dwarfing the needle minaret of the village mosque. Cappadocia’s surreal natural and manmade vistas have drawn visitors for years. For a long time though, this was backpacking territory, serviced by simple accommodation and known for adventurous pursuits. It’s one of those adventure sports that led to the region being firmly stamped on the luxury travel map and experiencing it means a very early morning wake-up call.

Just after dawn an aerial traffic jam of hot air balloons hovers over the crimped

Hot air balloons float over the landscape

Splashes of colour in Hezen’s contemporary lobby

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Cappadocia

and folded arteries of canyons, floating downwards to skim near the tops of whimsically shaped rock crags (nicknamed fairy chimneys) which stud the valleys. From high above, the countryside reveals its curvaceous secrets, spooling out towards the horizon. Shaped by multiple layers of solidified volcanic ash (called tuff), the land has been slowly sculpted by millennia of wind and water erosion to create a storybook backdrop of diving and dipping formations.

Viewed from this aerial perspective, the checkerboard squares of Cappadocia’s agricultural core secreted within the

plunging valleys can easily be seen. Before tourism came to the region, many families survived on subsistence farming and locals still tend their fields and orchards harvesting the produce. Long rows of grapevines stretch out across the land. The Cappadocian wine industry may be little known outside of Turkey, but viticulture here has a long and illustrious history.

Kocabag Winery in the village of Uçhisar looks over a billowing cliff face pitted by abandoned pigeon cotes. Once central to the success of local farming, pigeon guano was harvested to help fertilise the region’s

dry volcanic soil. It’s this dry soil coupled with Cappadocia’s steppe climate that allows grapevines to flourish.

Memduh Erdoan’s family produced their first bottle of wine under the Kocaba label in 1986. Anatolia though, he tells me, was the first place in the world to ever produce wine. Winemaking here dates right back to the early Bronze Age when wine was used in religious ceremonies by the people of Anatolia. When waves of conquering Greeks (and afterwards, Romans) swept through the land, they were introduced to this local drink and took vines back west with them,

“Just after dawn an aerial traffic jam of hot

air balloons hovers over the crimped

and folded arteries of canyons, floating

downwards to skim near the tops of

whimsically shaped rock crags”

Volcanic eruptions created Cappadocia’s unique landscape


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Turkey

introducing the grape to Europe. Determined to preserve the integrity of this region’s viticulture history, all the 13 wines Kocaba produces are made using endemic grapes. “These varieties are some of the most ancient in the world,” Memduh says. “We don’t want to grow chardonnay or shiraz, which people can get anywhere. We want to concentrate on our local grape varieties.”

The indigenous emir and narince grapes are used in Kocabas white wines, while öküzgözü and boğazkere are two of the varieties used for the reds. “These are the grapes that have been lost from the world wine scene and we

want to bring them back,” Memduh explains. At their main wine production centre in Gülšehir, surrounded by their expansive vineyards, they have also put the traditional architecture of the region to good use. Kocaba’s wine is stored and aged in a cave cellar they converted from an old pigeon house, keeping the wine at a continuous eight to 10 degrees Centigrade all year round.

The Erdoan family aren’t the first to have cleverly realised the advantages of the region’s natural cave cellars. Winemaking prospered here during the Byzantine era when the monastic communities utilised

the cool, stable climate of the caves for the produce of their own grape harvest. One of the largest of these original wine cellars can be seen by guests at Uçhisar’s Argos in Cappadocia hotel.

Designed by renowned Turkish architect Turgut Cansever, Argos has retained all of the boutique charm of the region’s small hotels, but on a larger scale. Created by restoring a neighbourhood of decaying village houses, including an ancient monastery, the honey-stone mansions cascade down the hillside with a restaurant that overlooks a rolling sweep of caramel-tinged rock valley.

Argos is nestled in the village of Uçhisar

Suites at Argos preserve the original architectureThe wine cellar at Argos

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Turkey

The cave rooms blend contemporary and traditional, festooned with colourful Turkish textiles, minimalist furnishings and just a scattering of antiques, while the suites contain their own indoor pools.

It’s Argos’ subterranean world though that charms guests. A winding staircase leads down to the cavernous wine cellar. Where monks once hoarded their seasonal efforts from the grape harvest, visitors can now sip and sample a plethora of local and international wine.

These fascinating cave complexes weren’t just about wine though. Back in the Byzantine period, when the religious communities and villagers here whittled out these vast bunkers under the land, there were far more important uses for them than just storage.

Caught at a crossroads of competing empires, much of Cappadocia’s human history has been turbulent for the people who chose to live here, subjected to frequent raids and bloody invasions. Just as the craggy rock castle of Ortahisar provided some refuge from attack, so did tunnelling underground.

Of the many underground cities that hide below Cappadocia’s surface, Derinkuyu is one of the most famous. This labyrinthine cave hideout, connected by narrow tunnels and rock-cut stairs, is seven levels deep, plunging to 60 metres below the surface with a chapel, kitchen, stables and living areas. It’s thought it could shelter up to 20,000 people in times of strife.

Visiting is an experience best left to the non-claustrophobic. The daylight slowly recedes behind me as I shimmy through a

sequence of increasingly narrow tunnels deeper into the ground. Despite the sunshine outside, the cave is cold and its cloying musty fragrance makes me shiver as I traverse the skinny staircases between the connecting rooms. This ancient refuge is a stifling yet compelling experience that gives some inkling of the calamities above that made people retreat underground.

Back in Hezen Hotel’s courtyard, watching the sunset as it rolls over the village and shades the landscape in soft pastel hues, I reflect on caves old and new. The soft tuff rock once provided a place of sanctuary amid the empirical turmoil of the Anatolian plains. It now provides a wondrous and rather whimsical playground for grown-ups looking for a unique escape. Underground living has never looked so inviting. n

ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA HOTEL Tel: +90 384 219 31 30 www.argosincappadocia.com

HEZEN HOTEL Tel: +90 384 343 3005 www.hezenhotel.com

Thegoldenbook

Fairy chimneys dominate the skyline

Spectacular views from the restaurant at Argos

“Like nearly all of Cappadocia’s villages, homes here boast a sunken world of cave rooms chipped out of the hillside itself”

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Standing proudly on the banks of one of the world’s greatest waterways, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is a fitting metaphor for the world’s most dynamic city.

Bringing first class hospitality to a restored 19th century Ottoman palace the 170-room hotel captures the best of both worlds, combining contemporary elegance with traditional design, all packaged in a spectacular waterfront setting on the European side of the Bosphorus, a short distance from the city centre and high-end shopping.

For a truly authentic experience, arrive at the hotel’s private jetty at night and be greeted by flaming torches in the landscaped gardens and the impressive façade of the Atik Pasha, the original palace. Behind, two new wings recall the style of old Istanbul, with wooden windows and copper roofing with stone and stucco finishes, all surrounding a spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.

Inside, shades of aqua, silver and taupe reflect the shimmering hues of the Bosphorus, and the grandeur and glamour of the Ottoman period is revealed through the 18th century engravings of artist, architect and voyager, Antoine Ignace Melling.

The hotel’s 25 spacious suites offer a choice of views, facing the Bosphorus, the gardens or the city itself, with a skyline punctuated by countless minarets. Each bright and airy suite features a blend of Ottoman design and contemporary furnishings, with fabrics embroidered with geometric shapes and Ottoman art on the walls, as well as freestanding bathtubs and large glass lanterns.

The spacious spa is home to a traditional Turkish hammam, but also offers more indulgent modern treatments including jetlag therapy and the luxurious Samadara facial.

A bridge between two worlds

Advertorial

Four seasons Hotel istanbul at the bosphorusÇırağan Cad. no. 28, 34349, istanbul, beşiktaş, turkey n tel: +90 212 381 4000 n www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus

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Namibia

From free-roaming desert lions to dramatic mountainous vistas, Namibia’s natural diversity will be the highlight of your African adventure

Words: Simon Harrington

NAmibiAl A N d o F e N d l e s s h o r i z o N s

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Namibia


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It is little more than a shadow in the corner of my eye — a fleeting movement that doesn’t quite fit the knuckled, arid landscape

of the sprawling Tsaris Mountains. Silhouetted against a sky of deepening orange, the gentle scuff of a hoof and a sharp, horse-like snort reveals what we have been searching for all day. In the maturing dusk stand five wild zebras — two adults, three foals.

Our mid-afternoon trek begins as an excursion to explore the thriving flora rooted in the harsh plains of southern Namibia, but quickly changes focus when the expert eyes of our guide, sharpened by years in the field, spots a small herd of zebras on the horizon. As the group scrambles for binoculars,

squinting into the setting sun, we change route with renewed energy, spurred by grand ambitions of an up-close equine encounter.

Descending the winding mountain path, we navigate coarse, thorned bushels, rock-strewn walkways and past exulting quiver trees plucked straight from a Dr. Seuss novel. Beyond our immediate trail, brown plains and ridged peaks stretch as far as the eye can see, scarred by clumsy, man-made dirt roads. If there is one thing that truly inspires when visiting Namibia, it is this diverse natural landscape.

Neighbours South Africa, Botswana and Zambia might attract the lion’s share of attention when it comes to safari holidays, but the Kunene

region of northern Namibia is the only location in the world that is home to native desert lions — the barren Skeleton Coast is where these predators prowl, and marks the point where rolling plains become ocean-meeting desert. In Namibia, an off-road adventure will see you travelling from sub-tropical woodland to mountainous escarpments and towering sand dunes in a matter of hours.

As the sun ebbs, the zebras continue to distance themselves from us. We reluctantly heed the advice of our weathered guide and make our way back to the Zebra River Lodge. Sitting at the base of the valley, the lodge is quaint, intimate and dramatic. At full capacity it accommodates just 36

Wild thingsQuiver trees (top) dot a landscape inhabited by desert lions and other fauna (bottom)


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guests, all housed in traditional flat stone lodges. It is not often that a lack of TV and phone reception is welcome, but in this case, it is a blessing. In the fading light, nothing but the slow, rhythmic clink of the farm’s water pump can be heard.

Dinner is served on the veranda as our South African host and lodge-owner, Louis Fourie, recounts tales of lost bearings and leopard encounters in a the calm tone of someone who is used to living in the wilderness. The worst incident, he says, was one in which a badly broken ankle required his trekking party to be airlifted from a steep mountainside. I suggest that maybe a change of career is in order. “This is Africa,” he replies. “Once you’re bitten by the bug, there’s no going back.”

As I ponder whether he means this literally, my eyes are drawn to the lodge’s nearby watering hole. No more than five metres away stand the elusive zebras. The adults cautiously survey

the area and dip their heads to drink and the foals clumsily follow suit. The futile hours spent tracking these elegant creatures may have offered dramatic views, but nothing rivals seeing them eye to eye. As more animals emerge from the darkness to feed their thirst, a heaving oasis comes into focus.

Early the next morning we leave the lodge for a bumpy two-hour journey to Solitaire, a small settlement on the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. This former farm ranch has a post office, bakery and petrol pump, making it the only public service station between the dunes of Sossusvlei in the southern Namib desert and the coastal city of Walvis Bay in the north. Aside from the occasional isolated farm, this is the only link to civilisation on a six-hour, 400-kilometre route.

The vast remoteness of Solitaire is palpable. Distant mountains shimmer in the heat and dry, yellowing plains stretch indefinitely. In many ways, this

amplified nothingness is the country’s main attraction. For a landmass the size of France and Germany combined, Namibia boasts a minute population of just over 2.2 million. It’s capital, Windhoek, accounts for less than 15 percent of this total. Leave the cities and you’re more likely to bump into a galloping springbok than another human being, and that’s exactly why people come here.

Luckily, we are not in Solitaire to see people. We are here to see cheetahs. Adjacent to the settlement’s bakery sits the high-end Solitaire Guest Farm Desert Ranch, home to the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre and its six semi-wild, ambassador cheetahs. I take a seat in one of the ranch’s rugged open-top off-roaders and absorb our guide’s advice. “You are not looking for the predators themselves,” she says. “You are looking for tiny movements that don’t fit the landscape, that’s what gives them away.”

Life in technicolour(above) At sunset, distant mountains are illuminated in a riot of red and orange

"Distant mountains shimmer in the heat and dry, yellowing plains stretch indefinitely. In many ways, this amplified nothingness is the country’s main attraction”

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Belleville Neighbourhood

Our full jeep shudders into the conservation area and its passengers erupt into muffled mutterings and excited gestures. Unsurprisingly, our novice observations fail to pinpoint a single animal. We turn, instead, to the much more reliable radio-collar tracking. Each of the six resident cheetahs in the Carnivore Conservation Centre has been fitted with a collar to help track their movements to educate rangers and visitors about cheetah behaviour. We soon find the animals sheltering from the relentless midday sun in the shade of a stubby bushel, lethargic and well-fed. In this condition, it is easy to forget the raw power and natural conditioning of these predators.

There are times, however, when feline reflexes twitch. In an instant, the cheetahs move from sedentary to alert, and with penetrating eyes fixed on the jeep, they carve a fluid path through the tall grass with slinking shoulder blades

and bared teeth. In these moments, the true nature of African wilderness is revealed. We may be observing two males in a (semi-) controlled environment, but their instincts remain intact: kill or be killed. Namibia is home to the largest population of cheetahs in the world, with some 5,000 in the wild, a number it is working hard to stabilise and increase. But Namibia’s relationship with conservation is complex.

Today, communal conservancies, national parks and tourism concessions combine to protect over 40 percent of the country’s landmass, allowing visitors to safely observe everything from rare black rhinos to leopards and elephants. But this has been notoriously difficult to achieve.

Namibia, formerly South West Africa, was a German colony until 1918, when South Africa was mandated by the League of Nations to administer the territory on its own terms. South

Africa applied the apartheid principle to the country, stripping indigenous people of their land and redistributing it among settler farmers forcing native Namibians to lead their livestock to the barren Kunene region, where competition for grazing with domestic wildlife was fierce.

When drought hit southern Africa in the 1980s, animal numbers started dropping. Rural Namibians were hunting to survive, and the South African National Defence Force continued hunting for profit, creating a wildlife crisis. After Namibian independence in 1990, the LIFE (Living in a Finite Environment) programme was introduced, bringing donor support from USAID and WWF. This created a system of community-based natural resource management, stabilising and even increasing the population of wild animals in Namibia.

This turbulent history generates mixed feelings as I arrive at my final

Solitary refinement(top) The terrace at Kalakwa Aru Game Lodge is an ieal spot for sundowners

The eyes have it(bottom) One of six resident cheetahs at the Carnivore Conservation Centre

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Namibia

Sea of sand(above) In northern Namibia, the endless desert rolls from the interior to the coast

destination: Kalakwa Aru Game Lodge. This trophy hunting property is in the Khomas region, just 90 minutes from Windhoek, and covers a combined area of over 56,000 hectares with its sister lodge, Veronica. I am greeted at the entrance by a glass of fresh fruit juice and a handshake from my host, Stephan Joubert. On the bumpy 10-kilometre drive from the gate to the farmhouse, he explains how hunting has become an integral part of wildlife maintenance in Namibia. Trophy hunting, he says, has boosted tourism while generating vital funds for conservation efforts.

I ponder the irony of Namibia’s situation as we pull into the lodge. A cluster of six detached, wood-clad chlaets are set among arching trees, shrubs and sculpted gardens, enveloped by the mountainscape. My large double cabin has the welcoming aroma of fresh-cut wood, with views over the pool and outdoor barbecue area. Small touches, such as the complimentary wine and fresh thyme on the pillow, complete the homely feel. Kalakwa and

Veronica are only ever occupied by one group at a time, so bonds quickly form between guest and host.

After an early evening game drive, I settle down to dinner with the lodge owners and a visiting German family. We enjoy tender Kudu steaks, freshly baked bread and aubergine tagine, prepared using vegetables grown in the property’s garden. I am not surprised to learn that the meat came fresh from the morning’s hunt; it is one of the best prime cuts I have ever tasted.

But there is more to this lodge than just hunting. Kalakwa’s private spa offers weary travellers a variety of stress-relieving treatments using luxurious Kalahari products. Those with adventurous spirits can head into the wilderness on horseback or quad bike, taking trails to valley floors and mountain peaks with stellar views.

I leave for the airport at sunrise the next morning, a time when animals are at their most active. In the early light, the eyes of fearless baboons reflect headlights, brawny wildebeest prance

“Leave the cities and you’re more likely to bump into a galloping springbok than another human being,

and that’s exactly why people come here”

Zebra River LodgeTel: +264 63 693 265www.zebra-river-lodge.com

Solitaire Guest Farm Desert RanchTel: +264 61 305 173www.solitaireguestfarm.com

Kalakwa Aru Game LodgeTel: +264 62 560 049www.arugamelodge.com

Thegoldenbook

across the dirt road and a flamboyance of flamingos perch by a watering hole. On take-off, they all disappear into the arid landscape. As the aircraft gains height, I find myself wondering what else is out there, and how soon I can come back to see it. n

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Namibia


Wild diningSoak in the landscape with dinner

under the stars at andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

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Namibia

Mowani Mountain CampNestled between ancient granite

boulders and the historical site of Twyfelfontein, an area decorated with the rare rock engravings of Stone Age hunter-gatherers, sit the thatched roofs of the luxurious Mowani Mountain Camp. Top-of-the-range lodging here is the Mountain Suite, which comes with luxuries including a dedicated on-call butler, satellite television and private dining/bar facilities. For those who want to really embrace nature, the Mountain Suite has its own outdoor bush bath and shower.Price: Mountain Suite starts from $412 per person per night (included dinner and breakfast and a guided nature walk).Tel: +264 61 232 009www.mowani.com

Serra CafemaSurrounded by rushing rapids and

shaded by expansive albida trees, Serra Cafema is a luxury desert retreat located in a remote corner of Namibia’s isolated Kunene region. On-site accommodation consists of eight elevated riverside villas, each with a private deck, ensuite bathroom and breathtaking views of the towering Cafema mountain range. With the region housing a large population of Nile crocodiles and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, nature excursions are a must, as is the obligatory sundowner. Price: from US $694 per person per night. Tel: +27 11 807 1800www.wilderness-safaris.com

01

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Cradled by ancient mountains within the 180,000-hectare NamibRand Nature Reserve, there is no better place to enjoy the placid tranquillity of Africa’s wilderness than at &Beyond's Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. On arrival, you can choose from one of 10 air-conditioned villas, each boasting a split-level bedroom and occupying its own space on the curve of a sweeping escarpment. As one of the only lodges with a fully equipped observatory, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge will make it hard for stargazers to get an early night's sleep — well worth it, we say. Price: from $464 per person per night. Tel: +27 11 809 4300www.andbeyond.com

Little KulalaIf you fancy a night beneath the stars

in the expansive Namib Desert, Little Kulala could be the retreat for you. Situated at the heart of the 37,000-hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a stone’s throw from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, this lodge comprises 11 climate-controlled, thatched ‘kulalas’, each with a private plunge pool and rooftop ‘skybed’/dining area; perfect for a romantic sunset meal or a late night stargaze. Price: from $668 per person per night (includes all meals, local drinks and twice-daily camp activities). Tel: +27 11 807 1800 www.wilderness-safaris.com

06Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge sits in Namibia’s Purros Conservancy just 55 kilometres from the Skeleton Coast, home of desert-dwelling lions, elephants and black rhino. Accessible only by 4x4 or light aircraft, this remote lodge offers the ultimate secluded getaway, complete with turquoise infinity pool, private gazebos and open-air library. With organised activities ranging from night safaris to local Himba village visits, you won’t be short of things to do at this isolated gem.Price: from $432 per person per night (all-inclusive). The Presidential Suite starts from $1,736 per night based on two people sharing. Tel: +264 6568 5018 www.okahirongolodge.com

Wolwedans Dunes LodgeThe dramatic surroundings

of Wolwedans Dunes Lodge makes it an unforgettable place to stay. The lodge's locale atop a dune plateau means panoramic vistas can be enjoyed from every direction. Here, guests have a choice to stay in one of nine spacious chalets. For an unrivalled luxury safari experience, spend a couple of nights in the Mountain View Suite, a 200-square-metre space set a short distance away from the main lodge complete with private lounge and sundeck. Price: from $310 per night. Mountain View Suite from $1,052 per person for two nights. Tel: +264 61 230 616www.wolwedans.com

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KIHAAD MALDIVES, Kihaadhufaru Island – Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives

Tel: (960) 6600024, Fax: (960)6600026, Email: [email protected], www.kihaadmaldives.com

Nestled on its own 600 meters long and coconut-shaped Island in Baa Atoll in Maldives – is a friendly Resort with lush green vegetation, long sand white beaches and an adjacent surrounding coral reef.

all designed around where sun, blue sky and turquoise ocean melt together

Interview

The earth is getting smaller, thanks in part to Patrick Liotard-Vogt, chairman of jet-setting social network, ASMALLWORLD

Patrick Liotard-Vogt, chairman of jet-setting social-networking website ASMALLWORLD is a bright-eyed, energetic character whose shock of

orange hair and matching beard make him stand out in any room. It helps that he is often photographed with gorgeous women and celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles, Carey Mulligan, Xenia Tchoumitcheva and designer Waris Ahluwalia. He is tie-less when we meet in the lobby of Armani Hotel Dubai – top shirt button undone, dressed in a tailor-made suit and looking every bit the international playboy. The beaded bracelet on his wrist hints that he spends as much time on far-flung beaches or the deck of a yacht as he does in the boardroom, but Liotard-Vogt is a serial entrepreneur who has bought and sold more companies in the last five years than many will in a lifetime.

This is the man who, legend has it, acquired ASMALLWORLD from Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein after walking up to him at a party and telling him he wanted to buy his shares in the company. When Weinstein said he couldn’t afford it, the then 25-year-old laughed and told the studio executive that he had 10 times more money than he did. Soon after, the company was his.

As well as being chairman of ASW, Liotard-Vogt is also a member of the board of Diners Club AG and Sallfort Privatbank AG, a Swiss investment bank, and scion of the Nestlé family. Not content with all that, six months ago, he bought a resort on St. Kitts in the Caribbean and hopes to put the small island on the world’s social calendar when it opens later this year. Here, he talks about the world’s most exclusive social media site and the modern-day jet set.

For anyone who hasn’t heard of it, what is ASMALLWORLD?In 2004, ASMALLWORLD (ASW) was founded by a Swedish count called Erik Wachtmeister. It was one of the first social media networks out there. There was a fight about who was first, Friendster or ASW, but let’s just agree that we were one of the first. The special thing about it was that membership was by invitation only. The founder was very well connected in the jet set at the time and his idea was to reconnect people from the St. Moritz, New York, London and St. Tropez crowds and put them together on the social platform.

The first 100,000 members included everyone from Paul Allen to Naomi Campbell and Paris Hilton. Everyone was on there and it was very, very exclusive. Later on he brought in Harvey Weinstein as an investor.

It’s a small world

Interview: Joe Mortimer

86-88 Interview.indd 86 29/01/2014 15:07

Interview


What were the perks of joining ASW?It was all user-generated content, so you would search for a city and find out where to stay, where to eat and where the parties were. You’d see on the forum: “I’m going to be there next week, come and see me on my yacht… by the way I’m taking my jet, why don’t you jump in?”

When I joined ASW [as a member] in 2004, I was on it 50 times a day to talk to people about where we were going and so on. It was the only tool available to me at that time. At the peak of the business, from 2004 until 2007/8, you could buy an invitation on eBay for $1,000. At that time they had 450,000 members all over the world. Unfortunately there was no clear strategy as to what to do with this membership. Facebook came along and quickly took over the ‘reconnect’ aspect of social networking, so ASW was left a little bit lost in the social media world.

How did you get involved?I bought out Harvey Weinstein in 2009. The real asset that made me very interested in acquiring it was the trust among the people. The invitation-only process made it a tightly knit community where you have a connection with everyone by a matter of degrees. That led to some great stories. Remember the Iceland volcano eruption in 2010 and the ash cloud over the Atlantic? No one could fly out of Europe, so I had six people staying in my apartment who I didn’t really know. There was a genuine aspect of people trying to help each other out in difficult times.

You recently relaunched ASW. What has changed?We brought Sabine Heller in as CEO in 2010 — she has been doing a fantastic job of leading since then. During that time we did

workshops and surveys with members and really worked closely with them. We decided to relaunch and make the site all about people, so [in early May, 2013], we closed the site down and everyone was out.

We relaunched on May 16. We slowly started re-inviting our best members and we had a lot of parameters for that. We looked at the date of joining, size of network, activity, education, location, age, where they travel and so on.

The new site is freshened up and focused on meeting people. Our goal is to be a global family so wherever you go, we suggest people who might be interesting to you. You can turn your ‘meet up’ status on or off so you can have privacy if you want it, or people can reach out to you. We also enhanced our city guides.

The newest part is the ‘Privilege’ section. From our former advertising partners we

“I always say that for a good party you need a bit of everything; you need crazy artists, marketing guys, doctors, lawyers, millionaires, billionaires, models… you need everything”

Liotard-Vogt owns half of luxury eco-resort Kittitian Hill on the

Caribbean island of St. Kitts

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jetsetterperksAs well as joining the world’s most affluent travelling community online, ASW membership grants a number of benefits to discerning globetrotters, including the following:

n Invitations to exclusive ASW-hosted events in cities around the world

n Automatic upgrade to Etihad Guest Silver membership

n Thirty percent off membership fee of private jet charter company, JetSmarter and US $1,500 off flights of more than three hours

n Complimentary upgrade, special rates, unique excursions and VIP treatment at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas

n One-year membership to The World’s Finest Clubs, which grants free entry, queue-jumping and priority service at more than 120 clubs around the world

had an amazing network in the luxury space. Instead of sending us money for advertising, we asked them to give our members special access and privileges.

Who are ASW’s members today?I’d say it’s for the open-minded, culturally interested traveller with a certain income. But it’s not really about the money. I always say that for a good party you need a bit of everything; you need crazy artists, marketing guys, doctors, lawyers, millionaires, billionaires, models... you need everything. What we all have in common is that we like to share the good life and I mean actively share, like, “Hey, I went there, you should try it out. Where have you been?” More than money, it’s a mindset.

And outside of ASW, you recently bought a resort in the Caribbean?Yes, about five months ago I bought a resort in the Caribbean called Kittitian Hill. We bought out the St. Kitts Sugar Industry Diversification Fund and I now co-own the development with the founder, Val Kempadoo.

My goal is to put St. Kitts on the map and on the social agenda. It is a fantastic island and so much fun. It’s not a model and a bottle concept, which is overrated and something we have all seen before. There is this strip on the beach with 12 bars that play Caribbean music. You go out and spend $100 on a night out for three people. You still drink Grey Goose, but you have a fantastic time. It’s laid-back; you’re in shorts and you go swimming at night on the beach and you meet people. Everyone is open.

How do you see the world of luxury travel evolving?I believe that high-end travel is changing. Luxury is changing. It’s hard to put it in a global context, but generally, it’s more about active participation and experience — you want to come home and have a story to tell.

That individual aspect and exploring and being part of something gives much more in return. You don’t want to come home and say, “yeah I was upgraded to a suite.” We’ve done that; we’ve heard it all before. Now everyone is getting more sophisticated. n

For the first time, ASMALLWORLD is now accepting invitations for membership. To apply, visit www.asmallworld.com

Liotard-Vogt with AsW CeO, sabine Heller

Interview

86-88 Interview.indd 88 29/01/2014 15:07

Business Beyond Imagination

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Event features include: Spotlight on Luxury, Seminars, Travel Agents Programme, Workshops, exclusive networking events & more…

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22 Editors Letter.indd 24 27/01/2014 08:40

Bost

on

07.00Arrive at Boston’s Logan International Airport (www.massport.com). Boston is relatively small as far as American cities go, so taking a taxi into the downtown area is an easy option.

08.00 Check into the Taj Boston (15 Arlington St), located among the brownstones of the ritzy Back Bay district (or “Richie-Rich Boulevard” as our street-wise cabbie calls it), where Boston’s wealthy locals and celebrities reside. Opened as a Ritz-Carlton hotel in 1927, the property was bought by Taj Hotels in 2006, retaining its white marble lobby, grand staircases and impressive collection of oil paintings.

09.00 After a quick breakfast at The Café, get acquainted with the Taj’s concierge team, who will happily hand over a city map, a necessity in this very walkable city. Make sure you pick up a Freedom Trail guide, too.

09.15Across from the hotel is the Boston Public Garden, a 9.7-hectare grassy knoll full of

gorgeous bronze statues commemorating Boston’s illustrious past. Stop to read the plaques for a history lesson. When you get to Charles Street you will enter Boston Common, a 20-hectare public park dating from 1634, making it the oldest city park in the USA. Walk past the Frog Pond, a public swimming pool (it’s converted into a skating rink in the winter), and look for the gold domed roof of the Massachusetts State House, your first stop on the Freedom Trail (www.thefreedomtrail.org).

09.30Using the map and following the red pathway, stop at historical sites along America’s march toward independence including the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was first read in 1776, and Faneuil Hall, site of the first protests against the British-imposed taxes that lead to the Boston Tea Party. Follow the marked pathway and wander into Faneuil Hall Marketplace (1 Faneuil Hall Square; +1 617 523 1300; www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com), a tidy collection of knick-knack shops, jewellery stores and snack stalls selling everything from lobster tails to clam chowder and Wicked Good Cupcakes.

11.00From Faneuil Hall Marketplace walk up to Hanover Street in Boston’s North End, also known as its Little Italy, where you will find a few more memorable points on the Freedom Trail such as the Paul Revere House (he was the chap who warned American patriots of the advancing British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord). Stroll along Hanover Street’s authentic Italian cafés, bakeries and restaurants until you get to Mike’s Pastry (300 Hanover St; +1 617 742 3050; www.mikespastry.com), which often has a queue snaking outside onto the street. Mike’s is most famous for its cannolis; choose from a wide variety of flavours including Amaretto, pistachio, or the subtly sweet chocolate ricotta.

12.00Hop in a taxi or take Boston’s subway (there is a stop at the foot of Hanover) and head to the top of Charles Street, where it intersects with Cambridge Street (another subway stop). Walk south down Charles Street, dubbed “Antique Row” for its dozens of quaint antique shops, most of which cater to tourists and are thus on

A perfectly preserved tribute to American history, the city of Boston begs you to grab a map and get lost among its cobbled streets and statues. Here’s how to do just that in 24 hours

Night & dAyWords: Caitlin Cheadle

The Esplanade

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Taj BostonTel: +1 617 536 5700www.tajhotels.com

STAYthe expensive side. You’ll find everything from old maps and stamps to furniture, but Charles Street is worth a stroll just to admire the beautiful brick buildings and soak up the small-town America feel.

13.00Walk back through the Public Garden toward the hotel and onto Back Bay’s swanky Newbury Street , where the designer boutiques and art galleries make for delightful shopping. Stop at Stephanie’s on Newbury (190 Newbury St; +1 617 236-0990; www.stephaniesonnewbury.com), an American bistro popular with tourists and locals. Since you’re in Boston, you should probably order a bowl of clam chowder. Most restaurants will give you a packet of biscuits to crumble on top of the broth, but here you can expect a serving of crunchy orbs suspended in the thick, creamy soup.

14.00 Get back on your feet and turn onto Exeter Street, walking toward the water until you reach the Esplanade, a scenic waterfront pathway that follows the Charles River. Walk west until you get to Harvard Bridge, named for the city’s most famous institution.

Boutiques of Back Bay

15.00Walk or take a taxi over Harvard Bridge into Cambridge, and continue north past the MIT campus until you get to Harvard Square. Look out for guides wearing shirts that read “Hahvahd”. These are the ‘Hahvahd Tour’ guides; current Harvard students who will take you for a theatrical guided tour around the famous university campus. Tours take about one hour and cost US $10 per person (www.harvardtour.com). There are plenty of bars in the area too, so stop for a locally brewed Sam Adams afterwards.

18.00Head back to the Taj and grab a seat at The Bar, on the lobby level. With its dark wood panelling and fireplaces, it feels like an elegant gentleman’s study.

19.00For dinner, you can head somewhere trendy, or opt for one of the city’s many oyster bars. Filed under the former is Mistral, (223 Columbus Ave; +1 617 867 9300; www.mistralbistro.com) one of Boston’s most popular fine-dine restaurants, serving upscale Mediterranean fare in a setting that pays tribute to Provence, with potted trees

The Bar at the Taj Boston

separating the bar from the white tablecloths of the main dining area. Try the braised lamb osso bucco with goat cheese polenta and oven cured tomatoes.

21.00Since you’re in Boston, you might as well embrace its Irish heritage and visit one of the many Irish bars the city has to offer. J.J. Foley’s Café in South End (117 E Berkeley St; +1 617 728 9101; www.jjfoleyscafe.com) is a favourite among Bostonians who prefer a non-seedy variety of pub, but if you want to go where everybody knows your name, the original Cheers bar (84 Beacon St; +1 617 227 9605; www.cheersboston.com), site of the famous sitcom, is a five-minute walk from your hotel.

23.30Return to the hotel for some shut-eye before your flight home the next morning.

The Esplanade

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Osl

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Tom Remlov, general director of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, shares his top Oslo haunts as we move into spring season at the Opera House

THE OPERA HOUSEThe prime place to visit for visitors as well as for the city’s own inhabitants, this magnificent building on the original waterfront of medieval Oslo will captivate you. You can walk across the roof or enter for a show or guided tour, or just sit down outside for a bite to eat. Whichever way, you’ll want to linger. Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1; +47 21 42 21 00www.operaen.no

THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUMCombining perfected function with striking beauty, Viking ships really represent the essence of Scandinavian design. This gem of a museum houses two complete ships recovered from burial mounds together with historical objects and artefacts.Huk Aveny 35; +47 22 85 19 00www.khm.uio.no/english

HOLMENKOLLEN SKI JUMPHolmenkollen has been the cradle of ski jumping since the first competition in 1892. Making your way to the top might afford you an insight into the minds of Norwegians, as well as spectacular views of Oslo, practically all the way to the open ocean.Kongeveien 5; +47 91 67 19 47www.holmenkollen.com

EMANUEL VIGELAND MUSEUMEmanuel was the brother of the much more famous Gustav Vigeland, who peopled Frogner Park with 212 bronze and granite statues. This very esoteric museum contains an 800 sq m fresco entitled Vita, depicting human life from conception to death. Some people call it Oslo’s best-kept secret.Grimelundsveien 8; +47 22 14 57 88www.emanuelvigeland.museum.no

AKERSELVA RIVER Weather and season permitting, you should try a walk up the Akerselva River, the historical divide between east and west Oslo. A network of paths stretches from the harbour by the Opera House to the Maridalsvannet reservoir.

NATRAJ TANDOORI RESTAURANTThis is my local curry haunt, which I keep returning to even though I’ve moved to another part of town. It’s very friendly, very good and neither pricy nor flashy. In other words, truly sophisticated.Bygdøy Allé 80262; +47 22 44 75 33www.natraj.no

DAGLIGSTUEN A place to see and be seen — if you’re that way inclined — that’s also comfortable and well located. It has that easy feel of a bar that may have altered over time, but never really changed. My father escaped from here during the war, while the arresting German officer was asking the barkeeper to use the phone. Hotel Continental, Stortingsgaten 24/26; +47 22 82 40 00 www.hotelcontinental.no

SOGNSVANN A lovely lake at the end of one of the tube lines, where you might bump into our Prime Minister meandering along and chatting with a cabinet colleague or foreign dignitary. In the nearby woods you will find Svartkulp (The Black Pond), one of three nudist beaches in Oslo, which marks the geographical centre of the city.www.visitoslo.com

HALVORSENS CONDITORIThe only rea l sur v iv ing condi tor i (confectionary shop) in Oslo, positioned right across the street from Parliament, this place has an atmosphere reminiscent of the era of 19th-century playwright Henrik Ibsen. Try the hot chocolate and whipped cream. Prinsens Gate 26; +47 22 41 55 45www.halvorsensconditori.no

RESTAURANT HAVSMAKThis was one of the first real seafood restaurants in Oslo and it has held its ground against all later arrivals. For a truly gourmet night out with friends or visiting guests, this place has never failed me.Henrik Ibsens Gate 4; +47 24 13 38 00www.havsmak.no

MyCity

Restaurant Havsmak

Oslo Opera House


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Holmenkollen ski jumpEmanuel Vigeland Museum

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The Leela Ambience Gurgaon


Gurgaon, 32 kilometres southwest of New Delhi and easily accessible from Indira Gandhi

International Airport, is the most prosperous city in India (based on ownership of consumer durables). If you’re visiting for work, put these three business hotels on your agenda.

Oberoi Hotels already had the Delhi area’s most sleek and calm hotel, the Trident, but in 2011 it opened The Oberoi, Gurgaon next door. Architects RSP and the in-house design team — overseen by CEO Prithvi Raj Singh “Biki” Oberoi — have produced a masterpiece. Its entrance is flanked by five-metre fire torches, one of which was designed by Gucci. Beyond is a football field-sized decorative pool embraced by a croissant-shaped forest that winds up from ground level to the hotel’s fifth-floor lobby. The inner face of the croissant’s right side is a 1,000 sq m living wall covered with greenery. The 202 rooms and suites, starting from 58 sq m, have four-metre ceilings. The best rooms are the two 115 sq m Deluxe Suites with 20-metre private pools cantilevered high above the ground. If you’ve got some downtime, there’s plenty to entertain. There’s a 55-metre pool, a gym and spa (both open 24 hours), a bay-to-plate seafood restaurant, an air-conditioned cigar lounge and and all-day restaurant, with five cooking stations, which protrudes on boardwalks into the decorative pool. If you need additional excitement, in-house shopping includes Cartier, Jimmy Choo, and Ermenegildo Zegna, and there is an art gallery, too.

You can also walk a few yards to The Trident for a change of scenery, or perhaps some Italian food. The Oberoi’s general manager is David Mathews.www.oberoihotels.com

On the fringe of the Gurgaon CBD you’ll find The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences. This 322-room hotel, run by Michel Koopman, has many regular guests, including those who prefer its 90 short-let serviced apartments. These aficionados like the friendly service, a big spa, gym and pool, and the well thought-out meeting facilities. Some also appreciate having mega-mall Ambience a few yards away. If you prefer to conduct your meetings out of the boardroom, sixth-floor Italian restaurant Zanotta allows you to do Brunello tasting while watching the tra�c along South Asia’s widest tollgate, the 32-lane Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. If your meeting has gone well, treat three colleagues to Zanotta’s four-person, 36-course tasting menu — the set price includes wine pairings. For all-day dining, visit the Spin-designed Spectra, o£ering Austrian and Asian cuisines, and there is also an Indian restaurant, Diya, located on the lobby level. www.theleela.com

Vivanta by Taj — Gurgaon NCR is the baby of this trio. It opened last March, next to the big Fortis Memorial Research Institute. The 208 rooms start from 31 sq m; favourites are Premium Indulgence rooms, which face out over the outdoor pool on the second-floor terrace. The ground-floor lobby is a cocktail of glass and chrome, and sometimes live music — as general manager Ajit Pavithran says, there is deliberate lifestyle at all times. This is a hotel for the 35- to 45-year-old corporates who do not want a simple room and board, but rather a Bee’s Knees cocktail in Tease bar, street food in Latitude, a 24/7 gym and — a rarity in India — ergonomic desk chairs.www.vivantabytaj.com

Mary Gostelow

Luxury travel connoisseur

GU

RGA

ON

Connoisseur An insider’s guide to the most luxurious hotels in the world

Vivanta by Taj — Gurgaon NCR

94 Connoisseur.indd 94 29/01/2014 15:00

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61_DBXSM_235_335_DOTWN.pdf 1 13. 10. 22 오후 1:58

Spend it The latest luxury products and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences

98Luxury travel itineraries to

inspire

102The latest from

Porsche and Lamborghini

106Cadillac’s new

2014 XTS Vsport

110Set sail in AB Yachts’ new

Ecrider

112Ultra-luxe

at Chalet N in Austria

114Toko comes

to Downtown Dubai

112Snowed in

Chalet N is the ultimate jetsetter’s winter escape

in Oberlech, Austria

97 Spend It Opener.indd 97 29/01/2014 14:50

Spend it Itineraries

Island life in MozambiqueThe isles off the coast of Mozambique are perhaps the country’s best-kept secret: beautiful, largely unspoilt and a twist on a typical island break. This itinerary, arranged by The Travel Attaché, takes in the pristine Ponta Mamoli, the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Quirimbas Archipelago on a 10-day trip. Flying into Johannesburg, you’ll be escorted to a connecting flight to Swaziland then transferred to White Pearl Resorts, Ponta Mamoli, an exclusive coastal resort located in southern Mozambique. After three days of beachside relaxation, you’ll head to Azura Benguerra, on Benguerra Island, where your next three days can be spent on the water, on the beach or in the comfort of your traditional villa. The final leg of your journey saves the best for last: three days on Azura Quilalea private island for one final castaway experience before heading back to reality. Available: nowPrice: from AED 45,600 ($12,415) per person, twin share (excludes flights)Book: [email protected]

Endless blue in Mozambique

Attend a Viennese ball in style, go truffle hunting in France, or tour the world by private jet. There’s plenty to inspire this month

Passport


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Be a bounty hunter Food and France are inextricably linked, and there’s no more decadent time for a foodie to visit than during black truffle season. Hotel Crillon le Brave, just north of Avignon, is giving sophisticated palates the opportunity to spend a long weekend searching for and sampling this prized (albeit unattractive) tuber. Book in for a ‘truffier extrodinaire’ experience and you’ll have the chance to accompany an expert truffle hunter around the surrounding landscape of southern France to hunt for ‘black diamonds’. Your bounty will be prepared by the hotel’s chef in a truffle cooking demonstration, before the main event — a sumptuous tasting and dinner. You’ll need to sleep off all that food and Hotel Crillion le Brave, a complex of seven old village houses, is the ideal place to rest your head. Your gastronomic weekend concludes with a visit to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue for a browse of the farmers’ market and antique stalls. Available: February 27 to March 16Price: EUR 1,185 ($1,620) per couple for three nights (includes breakfast, dinner and activities)Book: [email protected]

*All prices are subject to change. Please contact the listed companies for further information.

On the ball Vienna is undoubtedly the ball capital of the world. With some 450 events taking place around the Austrian capital this year, there are many opportunities to dress up and take a turn at feeling thoroughly regal. But, if you’ve two left feet and have never attended a ball, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna will come to the rescue, with a new package to get you prepped for your event. Channelling Vienna’s 2014 motto, “the art of enjoyment”, the package includes a two-night stay (minimum) in a room or suite, airport transfers in a BMW limousine, champagne on arrival, dancing lessons at the famous Elmayer Dance School and a 30-minute massage to soothe your muscles afterwards. Then, of course, they’ll throw in ball-night preparations, which includes hair and make-up styling, shoe polishing, limousine transfers to and from the ball venue, and a late-night snack upon your return, as the hunger pangs are sure to kick in after all that dancing. Available: until April 1, 2014Price: from EUR 1,650 (US $2,248) per couple, (excludes ball tickets)Book: [email protected]/vienna

Hotel Crillon le Brave, France

98-100 Spend It.indd 99 29/01/2014 14:55

Passport

VIP globetrottingFrom the ancient traditions of Japan to the exotic atmosphere of India and the

sophistication of Paris, there is so much of the world to explore and so little time. Or so would be the case, if you weren’t taking

a 14-day trip across the globe by private jet. Abercrombie & Kent’s ‘Passport to the World’

takes a keen traveller and seven guests around the world on a chartered Challenger 605

jet. A dedicated flight crew are present the entire time to cater to your every whim, as you traverse the planet from Japan to Paris

via China, Hong Kong, India and Turkey. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a range of VIP activities including a traditional Japanese

kaiseki banquet in Kyoto, a tour of two halls of China’s Forbidden City normally closed to tourists, a viewing of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

before it opens to the public and a visit to the Louvre after hours in Paris.

Available: nowPrice: accommodation from $750,000,

flight arrangements from $750,000Book: [email protected]

www.abercrombiekent.com

Love is in the airWith Valentine’s Day looming, finding the perfect way to express your feelings usually results in gourmet chocolates and oversized bunches of flowers. Capella Washington D.C, is raising the stakes significantly higher — particularly if you’re a gentleman keen to pop the question — with its new ‘Capital Engagement’ package. Sure, you get to stay two nights in the Presidential Suite, and enjoy a couple’s massage, manicure and pedicure in the villa. There’s also champagne breakfast in bed as well as a five-course meal accompanied by a string quartet. But Capella will also throw in a private tour of Mount Vernon, a $5,000 shopping spree with a Saks Fifth Avenue Resident Stylist, and a horse and carriage ride along the Georgetown waterfront. The highlight? A white cushion cut diamond ring set on a pink diamond pave shank (5.39 carat diamond in total) by Graff Diamonds and an engagement party with 20 guests on Capella’s rooftop. You’ll all be able to enjoy a brunch the next day before boarding a private jet back home to continue your celebrations.Available: February 10–16, 2014Price: $777,777Book: +1 202 617 2400www.capellahotels.com


Exotic India is one stop on your round-the-world trip

Enjoy a romantic stay at Capella Washington D.C

98-100 Spend It.indd 100 29/01/2014 14:55 22 Editors Letter.indd 24 27/01/2014 11:28

Engine: 5.2-litre V10Power: 610 bhp

Torque: 560 Nm0–100 kph: 3.2 secs0–200 kph: 9.9 secs

Top speed: > 325 kphFuel consumption::

12.5 l/100 kmCO2 emissions: 290 g/km

Origin: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

Cost: approx US $249,000 (unofficial)

Supercar-makers like Lamborghini don’t roll out new models very often, so when they do, you know it’s going to be special. The new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 looks very special indeed. The design is more curvy than any Lamborghini that has come before it, but a sharp and angular rear end gives the impression of speed, much like it’s aggressive brother, the Veneno.

LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN LP610-4

ON THE ROADPositioned as the next evolutionary step from the Gallardo, the Huracán promises the comfort of a luxury sports car with the performance of a supercar, with a re-engineered, 5.2-litre V10 engine that threatens a top speed of more than 325 kph. The official price has not yet been released, but unofficial sources suggest the Huracán will start at a quarter of a million dollars.

102-104 Motoring.indd 102 29/01/2014 14:48

“Positioned as the next evolutionary step from the Gallardo, the Huracán promises the comfort of a luxury sports car

with the performance of a supercar”


102-104 Motoring.indd 103 29/01/2014 14:47

United Arab Emirates | Dubai | PO Box 2431 | +97143991111

©2014 Hilton Worldwide

LIFE’S SHORT.TAKE A LONG WEEKEND.

Get away from the every day this coming holiday withHilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort & Residences.

Book in advance and save, with rates starting from:AED 1190 per night for Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort

AED 1100 per night for Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences

For room reservations please visit hilton.com/dubai or call:

Bahrain 8000 4058 │ Kuwait 222 56 200 │Oman 800 78 788Qatar 800 20 222 │ Saudi Arabia 800 82000 10 │UAE 8000 20000 11

Untitled - Page: 1 2014-01-23 13:09:19 +0000


title SectionyOn the road

Engine: 3.8-litre flat fourPower: 400 bhp

0–100 kph: 4.2 secondsTop speed: 294.5 kph

Fuel consumption: 9.2–10 l/100 km CO2 emissions: 214–237 g/km

Origin: Stuttgart, GermanyCost: from US $126,755 (in the UAE)

These days, it’s all about embracing all things vintage, giving Porsche the perfect excuse to revamp its much-loved classic, the 1965 Porsche 911 Targa. The Targa 4S is a unique incarnation of the classic 911, with the addition of a distinct silver beam across the top and a removable roof section above the driver and

PORSCHE 911 TARGA 4S passenger seats. Unlike other convertibles, there’s a wrap-around rear window, so the driver is encased in a topless glass bubble that looks like the cockpit of a jet. This nod to the past comes with 21st-century performance, based on the Carrera 4 Cabriolet, including a 3.8-litre flat engine that reaches a top speed of almost 300 kph.


102-104 Motoring.indd 105 29/01/2014 18:17

Engine: 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6Power: 410 bhpTorque: 500 Nm0-100kph: TBCTop speed: TBCOrigin: Detroit, USACost: from AED 285,000 (US $77,600) in the UAE

tech engineering. From the front, the car looks chunky, with a wide hood and striking grille featuring the signature Cadillac badge, but from the side it is evident how the Cadillac design aesthetic has evolved. The 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 engine has been condensed into a small space, leaving the remainder of the car’s 5.13 metres for the spacious interiors and a vast boot that could easily hold four sets of golf clubs.

Inside, the car’s luxury credentials are immediately on show, with comfortable leather seats and a futuristic instrument cluster that looks like something out of the Transformers series. The upholstery is a busy but stylish combination of designs and materials. The instrument cluster springs to life when you hit the start/stop button, as esoteric

CADILLAC is one of the most iconic car brands in the world; a household name that is known around the globe. The car has appeared in more American movies than the most prolific Hollywood stars; from Driving Miss Daisy to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the Cadillac has been synonymous with two things — luxury and the great American road trip.

But the current generation of vehicles from the American carmaker are a far cry from the enormous cars of the 1960s and 70s; smaller, with a characteristic, angular design that reflects the modern approach to both engineering and technology that the company has taken.

The 2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport is the flagship of the range, an executive saloon that combines luxurious interior design with high-

NUTS & BOLTS

AMERICAN DREAMSlights dance across the LED display and digital dials appear on the screen.

It looks very pretty, with an eight-inch touchscreen that provides haptic feedback in the form of vibrations when your finger selects an option. But the menu structure and navigation is quite complicated, with some essential functions buried deep in sub-menus. The controls on the central console below the screen are based on the same touch technology, but require even more getting used to. After driving the car for three days I still couldn’t open the glove box, change the air conditioning settings or turn down the volume without several frustrating attempts.

Fortunately, the driving experience is memorable for all the right reasons. The twin-turbos make the relatively small engine incredibly powerful, with astounding torque available even at cruising speeds, which is superb for overtaking. The company has not yet released o�cial performance figures, but the 0–100 kph time definitely falls into the “quick” category. The drive is extremely quiet and

The new Cadillac XTS Vsport takes the classic road-tripper into a new era, says Joe Mortimer


“The XTS Vsport still has some way to go before it can compete with its European counterparts,

but it’s on the right track”

Ignition

predominantly smooth, with smooth cornering and a strong grip on the road, but there is still a certain amount of bounce on bumpy surfaces, which reminds you of the fact that the XTS is a large executive vehicle.

With a price range that would put it next to the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the XTS Vsport still has some way to go before it can compete with its European counterparts, but it’s on the right track. It feels like a work in progress, a Beta model whose developers are still trying to find the right balance of functionality, performance and design. But, with just a few tweaks, Cadillac’s flagship could capture the spirit of the new American Dream and become the vehicle of choice for a new generation of movie-makers. ■

106 Motoring Review.indd 106 29/01/2014 14:47

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DunHill FP-final Dec13.pdf 1 11/26/2013 1:20:31 PM

When you have 1,192 islands and almost one thousand kilometres of turquoise ocean to explore, why constrict yourself to one place?

A lavish cruise through the myriad islands of the Maldives is the must-have holiday for the discerning visitor. With one of Sultans of the Seas’ fleet of world-class charter yachts – the first of its kind in the Maldives – you can have the best of both worlds, with all the creature comforts of a five-star resort and the freedom of the open ocean on your doorstep.

With no set itinerary, you are free to cruise across the seas and collect some of the most memorable images of your life, among the hundreds of awe inspiring deserted islands, sand banks, lagoons and coral gardens.

Set your course each morning and plan your day with the help of a discrete team including captain, private chef and dive instructor. Spend the morning diving in the crystal clear water among some of the world’s most spectacular marine life, then drop anchor and have lunch on a deserted island or sand bar with no one for miles around. Spend the afternoon fishing or lounging on deck, before enjoying a romantic dinner under the stars with gourmet food and fine wines.

The vessels that make up our fleet, ‘the Sultans way’, are built to the highest standards by the Italian manufacturer Azimut, and feature sleek contemporary styling, state-of-the-art engineering and the latest safety features, finished to offer the ultimate onboard luxury. Whether you’re planning a romantic break for two, a family holiday or a fun escape for a group of friends, we have the right yacht to suit your needs and be your home away from home on this once-in-a-lifetime cruise away.

With our private and personalised options, stunning range of yachts, incredible Maldivian setting and professional world-class staff, we know together we can create an experience that will remain with you forever.

Maldives Office: 1st Floor, Fasmeeru Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, 20077, Malé, Maldives

Tel: +960 3320330

Singapore Office: 77 Duxton Road 089536, Singapore

Tel:+ 65 62247058

Email: [email protected], www.sultansoftheseas.com

Maldives. Do it your way

Built: 2013Length: 36.20 metres

Beam: 7.5 metresDraught: 1.5 metres

Maximum speed: 50 knotsCruising speed: 44 knots

Cost: POA www.fipagroup.com

Italian-based Fipa Group sure knows a thing or two about fine aquatic engineering. The company’s AB Yachts division has just welcomed the latest model in a range of cruisers, an AB 116 named Ecrider. This vessel is something of a sports car of water vessels, starting with the sleek, grey silhouette that cuts through the water at a top speed of 55 knots (or a cruising speed of 44 knots). The interior design epitomises Italian sophistication, with an airy and minimalist floor plan that accommodates up to 16 people comfortably — the master cabin lives up to its name with its separate lounge, bathroom and sleeping areas. Ecrider is all about keeping you entertained: if the weather outside is a little overcast you can always unwind in the downstairs saloon, which doubles as a private cinema. But, for those days when there is nothing but sun and sky, head to the impressive aft deck, which incorporates al fresco dining (just adjust the sliding ceiling) with a vast swimming deck. If you can be tempted to leave the comforts of your sophisticated surroundings, the yacht also has a tender and jetski at the ready.

ECRIDER AB YACHTS (FIPA GROUP)

Sail away

110-111 Yachts.indd 110 29/01/2014 14:43


“This vessel is something of a sports car of water

vessels, starting with the sleek, grey sihouette that cuts through the water at

a top speed of 55 knots”

ON THE WATER THIS MONTHGOTHENbuRG bOAT SHOWGothenburg, SwedenFebruary 1–9www.batmassan.se/in-english

bElGiAN bOAT SHOWGhent, Belgium February 8–10 and 14–16www.belgianboatshow.be

MiAMi iNTERNATiONAl bOAT SHOWMiami, USAFebruary 13–17www.miamiboatshow.com


110-111 Yachts.indd 111 29/01/2014 14:46


Suite dreams

It’s funny how the smallest of details can leave the biggest impression. During my brief morning tour of Chalet N, in the exclusive resort town of Oberlech

in Austria, it’s not the 184 sq m master suite, the 23 live-in staff, the Hermès bathroom products, or the bulletproof windows that bespeak the chalet’s supreme luxury, but the rug I’m standing on. Or, rather, not standing on. I daren’t, because its fabric is imbued with Swarovski crystals. Who in their right mind tramples Swarovski? Anyone who can afford to pay EUR 278,000 for a week’s stay in Chalet N, I suppose.

But, as Sebastian Zenker, the chalet’s interior designer explains, Chalet N’s opulence

is conveyed in more subtle turns than one might expect from a six-star property. From the occasional sprinkling of Swarovski crystals (they can also be found jazzing up the shower curtains in the spa) to travertine and granite walls with chrome and hints of black steel, the huge but otherwise traditional oaken interior is given a unique 21st-century edge by its opulent finishing. It is, as Sebastian puts it, the painstaking attention to detail that warrants Chalet N’s weekly rate, and attracts guests such as Tina Turner and Rihanna.

The price tag (which makes Chalet N one of the most expensive chalets in the world) might also have something to do with the property’s

The ultimate chaletAt more than a quarter of a million Euros per week, Chalet N in Oberlech, Austria, is one of the most expensive in the world. Oliver Robinson finds out exactly why

11 suites, wine cellar, cinema, exceptional spa facilities, all-inclusive gourmet food and drink, and complimentary ski passes.

The focal point of the master suite’s living area is a solid stone fireplace, serviced by an industrial copper chimney. The fireplace, in turn, is surrounded by an expansive three-sided sofa adorned with large shaggy cushions and furs. I sink into the sofa and gaze beyond the geometric grace of the cuboid fireplace toward the rugged majesty of the Arlberg massif — the chalet has been perfectly positioned to drink in the best of Oberlech’s views.

With the open fire, abundance of furs and panoramic vistas, the room looks as if it’s been

Chalet N’s expansive wine cellar The rugged majesty of the Arlberg massif

Suite dreams

112-113 Suite Dreams.indd 112 29/01/2014 14:40


What: Master Suite, Chalet NWhere: Oberlech, AustriaPrice: from EUR 278,000 (US $392,000) per weekTel: +43 5583 37 9 00 www.chalet-n.com

The important bit

taken straight out of the latest Bond movie. I later find out that my observations weren’t too far off the mark — Signa Luxury Collection, the property group that manages the chalet on behalf of Austrian magnate René Benko, are frequently turning down requests from film and television companies to shoot at Chalet N. The most recent refusal, apparently, was to a prominent rapper and his reality TV fiancée.

I’m sat in just one of the master suite’s many rooms. Around the corner, there’s the kids’ suite, with four (double) bunk beds, more toys than Santa’s workshop and the requisite giant flatscreen TV through which young (and young-at-heart) guests can live out Xbox adventures.

In keeping with the attention to detail that permeates the chalet’s design motifs, the master suite’s bedroom — adjacent to the living area — features a clean, metallic bed frame that echoes the cuboid angles of the living area’s fireplace. And, as with the living area’s huge sofa, the similarly enormous bed looks out across the stunning resort. Again, it’s the little touches that make Chalet N so special — the pillows embossed with guest’s initials and the complimentary bottle of bubbly on ice being two of my favourites.

As all good tours should, ours ends in the bar. Much is made of Chalet N’s price, but, to paraphrase a famous advertising slogan, it is

reassuringly expensive. As Sebastian notes: “When you see silver, it’s real silver. When you see gold, you can be sure it’s gold.” And let’s not forget the rugs: when they sparkle, they sparkle Swarovski. n

Bespoke fine dining The vast underground spa and pool area

112-113 Suite Dreams.indd 113 29/01/2014 14:39


Review

When a restaurant becomes a household name in one city, it’s always risky expanding the brand to another part of the

world. The idea has been successful for a select few, such as Nobu and Cut by Wolfgang Puck; now Toko joins the list with its first restaurant outside Sydney, in Dubai’s Downtown district.

Opening last December, the sta of Toko Dubai didn’t give themselves much time to fine-tune details before the onslaught of new-year visitors. Their secret? Sending the award-winning design and culinary teams behind Toko Sydney across the seas to re-create their success story in Dubai.

Consequently, there are several parallels between this new branch and Toko Sydney, which is located in the trendy Surry Hills neighbourhood. The choice of location for Dubai’s outlet is the equally hip Vida hotel in Downtown. We arrive on a Wednesday night just after 8pm and the restaurant has a crowd. The accents wafting up from surrounding table conversation suggests there are many like-minded Aussies testing the water here, too.

Toko Sydney’s head designer, Matthew Darwon has applied his same award-winning aesthetic here: dark, sophisticated, Oriental chic. The space is divided into an indoor restaurant and lounge area, and an outside area decorated by waterwalls and traditional oil-paper umbrellas.

There seems to be far more sta than guests, so my companion and I waste no time in keeping them busy, ordering two of Toko’s signature cocktails, some spicy edamame beans and white miso to start before pe rusing the depths of the extensive menu, which specialises in “izakaya” dining (share plates).

Carbon copyToko Dubai is the first international branch of a Sydney institution. It brings all the elements of Asian sophistication with it, writes Rebecca Haddad

What: Toko DubaiWhere: Vida Hotel Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, DubaiOpen: Sun–Wed from 6pm to 12am, Thurs–Sat from 6pm to 1amBook: +971 4 442 8383www.toko-dubai.com

The important bitOur enthusiastic waitress is more than happy

to help us navigate the menu, and we start with an heirloom salad with soy poached chicken, wagyu beef gyoza and salmon tartae. The salad comes out first, a tower of noodles and thinly sliced chicken, bursting with citrus flavours. It is refreshingly light and cool after the warmth of the creamy miso. The gyoza is crispy outside with a melt-in-the-mouth interior, though I would have preferred a little more flavour in the filling. We finish this round with the sweet salmon tartae, presented on a bed of ice and accompanied by thin, sweet potato crisps.

Delighted by the small serving sizes, we move onto heavier dishes, selecting tempura prawns, crispy rice tuna roll with tru�e and — at the insistence of our waitress — Toko’s signature scampi sushi, followed by braised wagyu beef short rib with wasabi crème fraîche and smoked miso salmon with house pickled ginger as mains.

As the second round begins, we feel like participants in a culinary symphony, with our waitress conducting by o ering instructions on how to eat each of the dishes. The tempura prawns arrive first, coated in a light batter and accompanied by a mushroom broth that adds just enough flavour. The crispy rice tuna roll topped with tru�e and the signature scampi come out next; our waitress instructs us to eat these immediately and without the accompanying wasabi and ginger. She certainly knows her stu — both are flavoursome on their own, the mellow tru�e and crispy rice being a particularly interesting twist on an inside-out tuna roll.

When the wagyu and smoked salmon come out, I am once again thankful we heeded our waitress’ advice — both are so tender they

fall apart with minimal pressure from our chopsticks. The wagyu has a beautiful smoky flavour and I appreciate it more without the accompanying crème fraiche, which is rich and could easily overpower the meat flavour if you have too much.

Almost full to bursting, but in need of something sweet, we finish with two desserts: a coconut panna cotta with coconut foam and a rhubarb crumble. The richness of the panna cotta is perfectly balanced with the cloud of coconut foam; pleasantly, the expected heaviness of the rhubarb crumble is countered by a topping of vanilla custard, macadamia nuts and watery apple sorbet, which give the dish some interesting textures.

Overall, it is an impressive dining experience, indeed a very sensory one with the mixture of hot and cold dishes, some of which should be eaten immediately and other dishes you can linger over. By the time we leave, the restaurant is packed; it seems Toko is already a success. If you’ve found a formula that works, why mess with it? ■

Fine dining

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