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Lifestyle is a bi-annual magazine from Mulpha International Bhd., published with the primary objective of
keeping all Mulpha privileged guests abreast with the latest Lifestyle issues and the Group’s upcoming
developments. Copies of Lifestyle can be obtained from the Mulpha International Bhd. office. For enquiries,
please call (603) 7957 2233 or (603) 7955 1344 or contact Santi Octavia at [email protected]
CHAIRMANLee Seng Huang
CEOChung Tze Hien
EDITORFaridah Hanim
EDITORIAL BOARDSanti OctaviaMulpha, Malaysia
Koh Boon TengMulpha Land, Malaysia
Sally MorganMulpha, Australia & Hayman
Sue ThomsonSanctuary Cove, Australia
Karen EvansBimbadgen Estate, Australia
Karen EdwardsNorwest Land, Australia
Peter LewisThe Hotel School Sydney, Australia
Erin MillarHyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Australia
Fred MattiInterContinental Sydney, Australia
CONTACTSMulpha International Bhd.Faridah Hanim(603) 7957 2233
Leisure Farm Resort (Sales & Marketing)Tan Po Reen (Johor)(607) 556 3003
Mulpha Sanctuary Cove (Development) Pty. Ltd.Sue Thomson(617) 5577 6500
Hayman Great Barrier ReefShane Green(612) 8272 7005
RESERVATIONS & GENERAL ENQUIRIESHayman Great Barrier Reef (617) 5577 6500
InterContinental Sydney (612) 9253 9000
Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove (617) 5530 1234
Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley (612) 4998 4600
Indochine Park Tower (848) 930 4009
PRINTINGLabel Plus Sdn. Bhd.
DISTRIBUTIONMulpha’s Lifestyle magazine is a free publication showcasing the quality of life with a controlled circulation of 2,000 copies, offered to an exclusive database through selected distribution channels.• MulphaGroupofhotels -InterContinental Sydney -Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove -Hayman Great Barrier Reef• ResidentsofLeisureFarmResort& Residences, Johor• Lifestyle brand owners• Professionals
Mulpha International Bhd. is a diversified conglomerate and a component stock of the Bursa Malaysia Composite Index since 1983 and listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Its shareholder’s fund is in excess of RM 2.7 billion. The Group’s focus is on property development and investment, infrastructure and civil construction with operations and investment in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. Over the years, Mulpha has leveraged on its expertise abroad to become Malaysia’s largest real estate investor and developer in Australia, owning world-class assets that include Sanctuary Cove and Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove in Queensland, InterContinental Sydney, Norwest Business Park Sydney, The Hotel School Sydney, Bimbadgen Estate in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley and the world-renowned and award-winning Hayman Great Barrier Reef.
Mulpha Australia LimitedSally Morgan(612) 9268 5000
Peter Lim (Singapore)(602) 6254 8280
Contentslifestyle with a difference
volume one 2012
sojourn 02 Top Tastes
05 Waterfront Living
10 The Record Speaks for Itself
12 Reaching New Heights with New Look
16 Vino Tete-a-Tete
high life 20 Our New Style is Just the Beginning
21 Welcome to Luxury that is Exclusively Yours
22 The Hotel School Sydney
23 A Slice of Paradise Around Every Corner
24 S.E.E.D.S Eco Homes at Bayou Creek
after hours 26 Red Hot Chilli Pepper
30 Battle Cry
34 Bags to Brag
38 Market Made
Ensconced between iconic heritage
buildings, and is in itself a historic building,
InterContinental Sydney has long had
a reputation as one of the city’s most
established properties. Just moments from the
Sydney Opera House and surrounded by the
elegance of waterside living, InterContinental
Sydney undoubtedly encourages artistic
engagement and participation while enhancing
the hotel’s reputation as a place with a lively
spirit.
It is towards this end that the hotel’s much
acclaimed restaurant, Café Opera, was
reinvented. A bold redesign, a new French-
inspired menu and a theatrical buffet concept
mark its transformation, unveiled recently as
the fresh face of hotel dining in Australia’s
largest city.
Amid an ambience dressed in creams and
blues, Café Opera takes pride of place on the
first floor of InterContinental Sydney. Alfresco
tables in the hotel’s sandstone arcades allow
guests to enjoy live music echoing from the
ground floor. It is here that the flair and fervour
of Sydney’s cuisine takes place.
Most apparent in Café Opera’s new design is
in the way InterContinental Sydney’s executive
head chef Tamas Pamer and executive sous
chef Julien Pouteau, the creative forces
behind the new restaurant, have brought
the kitchen to the dining room. Live cooking
stations, tastings and other interactions offer
diners more than just a taste of Sydney’s best
produce, providing a spirited and engaging
experience diners will not soon easily forget.
Diners can watch chefs work around food
stations preparing meals while a large, central
buffet constantly impresses with seasonal
freshness. The buffet’s daily changing menu
features cuisines from France, Italy, Spain
and Asia throughout the week. On weekend
evenings, guests can tuck into a dazzling
array of fresh seafood. Expect an overflow of
oysters, crayfish, crab, prawns, sashimi, sushi
and even hot seafood dishes such as paella.
Clearly, this spread will leave guests with very
little to be desired.
Indeed, the restaurant’s ever-popular buffet
has been recreated to reflect Sydney’s
growing market culture. It takes advantage
of the diversity of fresh produce immediately
available within Greater Sydney, as well as
providing access to extraordinary foods
sourced from around the world.
life
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Top TastesInterContinental Sydney’s original restaurant has been reinvented as the fresh face of hotel dining.
It’s not hard to imagine why Sydney’s food scene is one of the most recognisable. With a dramatic harbour at its doorstep and a spirit of joie de vivre that practically hangs in the air, it’s hard not to get inspired or creatively engaged. For one property, Sydney’s unique atmosphere has become an inspiration for creative works to engage the palate, sight and the olfactory senses.
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sojournTop Tastes
In redeveloping Café Opera, InterContinental
Sydney’s team also worked with local designer
Thomas Bucich. Bucich was instrumental
in creating the open kitchen concept and
its interactive atmosphere. The result also
provides Café Opera a series of rich, colourful,
bold and exciting spaces, with careful
consideration given to both à la carte and
buffet dining experiences. The tableau of
design elements – from the overscaled five-
metre-long camelback sofa, antique mirrors
and European pâtisserie down to the market-
style chalkboard buffet labels – immediately
communicate a departure from traditional
hotel dining.
“With the new Café Opera, we’ve created
something we hope will attract visitors in its
own right. The spaces and menus are exciting,
and the interactive concept really points back
to Sydney’s love of food and appreciation of
great produce and creative flair in the kitchen,”
Tamas said.
Pamer and Pouteau’s experience in Michelin
Star restaurants across Europe is also
apparent in both the French-inspired à la carte
menu, and the creative and interactive dining
space. Entrées include goat’s cheese tart with
caramelised hazelnuts, a witlof and radish
salad while mains feature robust dishes such
as chargrilled lamb loin, celeriac purée, broad
beans and orange gremolata.
For all the drama and colour, Café Opera
still provides an intimate dining experience.
Spaces include the main dining floor, two
private dining rooms and an alfresco dining
court within InterContinental Sydney’s historic
1851 sandstone arcades.
For more information,
visit www.sydney.intercontinental.com
“With the new Café Opera, we’ve created something we hope will attract visitors in its own right. The spaces and menus are exciting, and the interactive concept really points back to Sydney’s love of food and appreciation of great produce and creative flair in the kitchen.” lif
est
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Tristania reveals one of Sanctuary Cove’s most prestigious residential enclaves to date.
WATERFRONT LIVING
0504
sojournWaterfront Living
Afternoons can be spent fishing or out on a
boat while evenings can be enjoyed with a
barbeque as you watch twilight settles in over
the water. And by the time the moon rises and
the stars appear over the lake, you will find
yourself ready to melt into a peaceful slumber
rocked by the lullaby of the crickets.
Now with that kind of an environment, who’d
want to pass up living by the waters?
Without a doubt, a waterfront community
offers a great opportunity to infuse your life
with both. And if it’s a property with gated
facilities and resort-like ambience you’re after,
then look no further than to Sanctuary Cove.
This celebrated Queensland gated community
recently launched its modern House & Land
packages, adding a sumptuous choice to its
already diverse residential collection. Tristania
is one of Sanctuary Cove’s most prestigious
residential enclaves. You will love the privacy
and security that comes with living in the
stunning Tristania precinct at Sanctuary Cove;
just a few minutes’ drive or boat cruise from
exceptional recreational facilities and fine
dining options.
Investors have a choice of two design homes: Edgecliff and Delmar, both of which are equally stunning in providing exceptional lakefront living. Although each is distinctively different, Edgecliff and Delmar combines luxurious fittings, custom design and correct product selection to provide homes with an atmosphere designed for today’s living.
When it comes to serenity, having a waterfront property can give you
a world of endless offerings. The quiet of the morning might find
you with a cup of coffee or tea at hand, comfortably nestled in a chair
lakeside, listening to the birds and the calming hum of nature while the
sun rises over the water.
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sojournWaterfront Living
The views from within the home draw you to the pool which enjoys year-
round sunrise. Measuring 370 sqm, Edgecliff also boasts other premium
features such as three ensuited bedrooms, a master suite overlooking
the breathtaking waters, a media room, and two outdoor areas to enjoy
balmy evenings. The custom detailing within this home also extends
into the large kitchen with tailor-made cabinetry for all the necessary
equipment and distinctive European appliances including a Smeg oven,
dishwasher and microwave, and clothes dryer by Fisher & Paykel.
Delmar, also designed by Jared Poole, are single level homes produced
to specifications which take full advantage of its natural surroundings. Its
open plan design captures the cool breezes of the water during summer.
In the winter, a strategically placed courtyard
welcomes the warmth of the winter sunrise,
perfect for those who love breakfast alfresco,
and ready to entertain. The open design of
the living areas allows them to flow through
to outside spaces seamlessly and create
a sense of relaxation. Measuring 320 sqm,
Delmar homes also consist of three ensuited
bedrooms, a media room, two outdoor areas
to enjoy the ultimate in lakeside living, and a
kitchen outfitted with European appliances
by Smeg and Fisher & Paykel. Natural stones
complement the level of finish expressed
within the home.
Since its launch, Tristania has been described
as the ultimate in Sanctuary Cove living. Its
unique north-east aspect over the Schotia
Island precinct offers spectacular vistas
over the wide waterways with a distinctive
sense of privacy and tranquility. In fact, the
best way to describe the property is that it’s
like a five-star resort, as residents can enjoy
Sanctuary Cove’s premium facilities including
two championship golf courses, four harbours,
15 restaurants and harbourside cafes, fashion
boutiques and specialties overlooking a
tranquil 293-berth marina. So, whether you
have a penchant for golfing, boating, dining,
shopping, fitness, therapies or just relaxing –
Sanctuary Cove, and indeed Tristania, is made
for days like these.
Edgecliff presents architecturally designed homes by renowned Gold Coast designer Jared Poole. This two-storey level home is the epitome of how location and nature can work together to enhance the residents’ lifestyle. Inside, residents can look forward to living rooms and bedrooms that are strategically placed to work with the rising and setting of the sun.
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sojournWaterfront Living
11
For over a decade, one single large-scale
property development in the Malaysian state
of Johor, known as Leisure Farm Resort
Residences, has garnered six awards from the
International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI),
including three country-specific ones from the
Malaysia Property Awards.
This development, owned by Mulpha
International Berhad, covers a vast open
1,765 acres of green rolling hills, and within
it is a 36-hole golf course over 360 acres, a
50-acre Equestrian Club and miles of canal
garden waterways.
The latest success in Mulpha’s array of
accolades is the RM132 million Bayou Water
Village which bagged the Malaysia Property
Award 2011 in the residential low-rise
category.
This award-winning project inside the
development, in the heart of Johor’s Iskandar
Malaysia economic corridor and only 15
minutes’ drive away from Singapore, is now
home to a vibrant international community of
36 nationalities. It is a close-knit community
that values the environment and appreciates
one another living with each other within an
idyllic sanctuary where nature is preserved and
relationships are fostered.
Because of the uniqueness of the project,
Mulpha had enjoyed brisk sales even during its
initial launch in 2006 despite it being situated
within a green field location in Johor without
direct highway access.
“Mulpha will continue to build on our brand
momentum in the local property industry as
we apply our experiences gained from other
world class, award-winning developments
from abroad. The latest Fiabci Malaysia
Award for Bayou Water Village reaffirms the
quality and reputation that Leisure Farm has
achieved,” says its executive chairman, Mr.
Lee Seng Huang.
Lee heads a diversified conglomerate
that involves property development
and investment, infrastructure and civil
construction with operations and investments
in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong
and Australia.
Bayou Water Village’s most distinctive feature
is the innovative way the developer has
transformed a storm drain into a community
asset and marketing feature, and creating a
unique waterfront canal living lifestyle. Double
gated and guarded, Bayou Water Village has
213 units, of which five are water chalets,
46 semi-detached water villas, 162 water
front and hill-view courtyards homes, with 20
pocket parks and a community clubhouse
island pool.
It has established itself as a resort retreat
along a natural canal waterway garden
environment with a great degree of
community attachment and care. Pioneering
in lifestyle waterfront community, Mulpha has
successfully transformed the unsightly into a
sight to behold; storm drain easements of the
initial master plan were successfully converted
into scenic and sustainable canal garden
waterways.
Choosing a low density rating of only 10 units
per acre instead of the approved allowable
density of 22 units per acre, Bayou Water
Village has allotted more space for greenery.
Another award-winning project in Leisure
Farm Resort is the Pinggiran Bayou Village
Homes. It bagged the FIABCI Malaysia
MPA 2007 award in the best residential
(low rise) category. A year later, the same
project succeeded to win the FIABCI Prix d’
Excellence 2008 award in the best residential
category at the annual competition of world
best projects.
Leisure Farm Resort’s master plan for its
development concept of Mind, Body and Soul
was judged the winner of the FIABCI MPA
2005 in the master plan category. In 2006, it
was a finalist at the international FIABCI Prix
d’Excellence 2006.
The sixth award was in 2005 when Leisure
Farm’s Bale Equestrian & Country Club was
awarded the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in the
Special Project category.
The design of Bayou Water Village takes
after the Marang Resort and Safari, an
environmental sustainable resort village
development comprising 100 detached
wooden chalets including restaurant,
conference hall and other ancillary facilities
situated on 65 acres of mangrove swamp in
the state of Terengganu.
Getting it right on the outset requires
much research on design, architecture and
marketing strategy. Independent marketing
research was conducted during the concept
initiation process to identify the demographic,
target market group and product types.
Leisure Farm Resort has undertaken the
approach to focus on a niche eco-chic
business model that differentiates itself
from other competitors within its neighbour,
Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore.
Bayou Water Village is a safe and secure
environment for children and families with
modern supporting conveniences, an eco-
chic lifestyle oriented product and a getaway
weekend retreat.
Bayou Water Village has raised the benchmark
as a sustainable development for regional
developers to follow and adopt. It was used
as a case study by local university students
from two local universities. It has created an
eco-balanced sustainable environment with
cultivated bio-diversity that both residents
and local community appreciate, cherish and
value.
Residents have developed a strong sense
of environmental stewardship and in several
instances even taken initiatives to help
manage and enforce Bayou Water Village’s
maintenance house rules to protect their eco-
balanced habitat.
By KY Pung (Asian Wall Street Journal)
THE RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
1110
sojournThe Record Speaks for Itself
The popular Bimbadgen unveils a new look branding across all its working areas. What does this spell? Why – a brighter future for the winery and vineyard, of course, and more exciting things for its customers! We take a look at what’s new with Bimbadgen.
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Reaching New Heights with New Look
When it comes to Australia’s finest in wine,
the Hunter Valley never misses a mention.
Not surprising why, what with its role as the
country’s premier wine growing district and
home to many award-winning wineries and
vineyards.
On top of a hill at the heart of the Hunter
Valley lies one of its most striking residents,
Bimbadgen. Formerly known as Bimbadgen
Estate, the winery has recently undergone a
new look, giving customers and visitors so
much to look forward to. With its business
being so multi-faceted, think of this exercise
as a way to introduce Bimbadgen as an
overall brand, whereby the promise of quality
and excellence spans across all its working
areas. Says General Manager of Bimbadgen,
Rebecca Poynter, of the new look: “We felt
that ‘Estate’ no longer accurately represented
a growing business with very diverse interests.
We also wanted to create a ‘hero’ image that
would be more representative of the greater
Bimbadgen business that communicated the
1312
sojournReaching New Heights with New Look
brand’s credibility and authenticity. Thus, we
incorporated the tower, which is highly visible
from several parts of the Hunter Valley and is
associated with the property by many people.”
What Poynter is referring to is the bell tower at
Bimbadgen, which is somewhat of a landmark
in the Hunter Valley region. Through its new
logo, this bell tower is used as a unifying
symbol for Bimbadgen. And why not, as one
look at the image and Bimbadgen springs to
mind.
But it is not just a new look that Bimbadgen
is sporting; it’s a new philosophy the winery
has undertaken as well. Under this new
direction, Bimbadgen is taking a strong stance
on environmental sustainability, doing its
part to help with environmental sustainability.
An interesting Bimbadgen initiative? Using
a new glass bottle that is 28 percent lighter
than previous bottles, saving up to 140g
per bottle. While it may not seem like a lot
at first mention, this actually equates to
approximately 42,000kg of glass saved per
annum!
And what’s the point of a new look if new
things aren’t introduced, right? Which is why
Bimbadgen – with its recently appointed
Senior Winemaker Sarah Crowe – has come
up with new additions to the Bimbadgen wine
range. With Crowe’s impressive experience
(the winemaker was named the Hunter
Valley’s Rising Star of the Year in 2009), you
can certainly expect only great things from
Bimbadgen.
Such as its two new ranges – the Bimbadgen
Sparkling range and the Bimbadgen Regions
range. The former consists of the popular
Sparkling Semillon and the new release
Sparkling Rose, which is a fun twist on the
classic varieties and styles. Meanwhile, the
Bimbadgen Regions range of wine features a
diverse selection chosen from regions known
or identified for their superior quality and
expression of flavour. Customers will certainly
have more to look forward to when they visit
Bimbadgen next.
And let’s not forget the winery’s award-winning
restaurant, Esca Bimbadgen. Dedicated to
the art of food and wine-matching, Esca
Bimbadgen presents modern Australian
cuisine, carefully prepared with fresh local
and homegrown produce. To coincide with
this new look for Bimbadgen, Esca has
just released its Spring menu, which will
feature incredible gastronomic delights. And
of course, paired with the best of not only
Bimbadgen’s wines but also from around
the region. What a dining experience! Our
recommendation? Esca’s Tasting Plates, which
is available in Red and White wine options.
Offering three tastes from the Esca Menu,
these tasting plates are presented with a taste
of the matching Bimbadgen wine. Perfect as
an introduction to the food and wine-matching
process.
To complete the new experience is, of course,
the exciting line-up at this year’s ‘A Day on
the Green’ concert series. Bimbadgen plays
host to this renowned concert series each
year from October to March, whereby its large
outdoor amphitheatre is the perfect location
for it. In store for music lovers is American
rock legend Meatloaf on October 8th, 2011,
and jazz rock legends Steely Dan and Steve
Winwood on October 22nd, 2011.
With its new look, Bimbadgen is definitely taking its business to amazing heights. “This is not only about its
presentation, but about offering a genuinely consistent and premium experience that is delivered by people who live and breathe the brand values,” says Poynter.Well, here’s a toast to you then, Bimbadgen!
sojournReaching New Heights with New Look
1514
So what is a typical day in the life of a winemaker?
It depends on the time of year. If it’s harvest time, it will start either
unloading fruit for processing or in the vineyard sampling to decide when
to harvest. Once the grapes arrive we try to begin processing as soon
as possible. I personally like to control the process by driving the forklift
and tipping the bins of fruit myself. They are generally long days and the
more efficient we are in the morning, the easier it is to get home after
only working 12 hours. There is lots of tasting of the juice as it flows out
of the grape press to decide how much “free-run” to take before cutting
to another “pressings” tank. At the same time all of the other juice in
the winery is fermenting away, we check it twice daily and I taste each
and every tank at least once a day. Analysis needs to be checked and
additions need to be made to the tanks. Lastly, there is a lot to clean
up before heading home to get some well deserved rest before doing it
again the next day. It is the most exciting time of the year in the winery
with lots of action and anticipation of what the wines will be like.
Share your most unforgettable experience(s) as a winemaker.
Travelling to the Rhone Valley in France to work harvest for a month in
2008. Hunter Valley Shiraz has long been likened to Rhone Valley Shiraz.
I have spent many hours pouring over world wine books in an attempt
to understand the Rhone Valley and its vineyards. I spent much time
sampling the grapes for testing. I would claw my way up the vineyard’s
steep hills collecting my 200 berry sample before falling back down the
hill trying not to lose the precious berries. It finally all clicked into place,
as well as the fun of trying to communicate with the old cellar staff who
spoke little English to match my poor French.
Since when did you start becoming a winemaker? Where were you before joining Bimbadgen? How long have you been with Bimbadgen?
I first arrived in the Hunter Valley in 2001 to prune grape vines at
Brokenwood Wines. I wandered into the winery for a few months to
help out and became obsessed. Starting University via correspondence
in 2002, I knew I didn’t want to do anything else with my life. I became
their Assistant Winemaker in 2004 until leaving in 2009. I left to build a
300 tonne winery for a young company also in the Hunter Valley before
starting at Bimbadgen in September 2010.
How would you describe the market for Bimbadgen’s wines?
We have a very strong and loyal wine club that has been steadily
increasing over the years. We cater to a broad range of consumers
by targeting different quality and price pointed wines. Beginning with
the entry level Bimbadgen Ridge range of wines – a blend of classic
varieties to produce an easy drinking wine range, next tier is the Hunter
Valley Bimbadgen Estate range and the Bimbadgen Regions range that
recognises varieties not suited to the Hunter Valley, and then our Icon
series of Bimbadgen Signature wines – high quality wines of Hunter Valley
classic varieties.
sojournVino Tete-a-Tete
1716
What is your winemaking philosophy? That is, what are you trying to achieve with your wines?
I always try to make the best wine possible with what I have to work with
and use all of the tools available to me to do it. I believe I owe that to the
consumer who often is buying a wine on good faith.
The focus is always the vineyard for me. If we can get that right, the
winemaking is easy. Mostly, I am trying to understand the terrior and get
an expression of the vineyard site in the glass. It will be a combination of
the location, soil, climate, vineyard management, variety and clone.
What is the most difficult aspect of making wine? Can you tell us a little bit about the winemaking process and its technique?
Trying to predict the weather, especially around harvest time. Don’t get
me started on the process, we could be here a while... In its most basic
form, it is a very natural process. Sugars present in the grape berry are
fermented by yeast into alcohol. It is the technique of each winemaker
that is different and which can create interest and impart quality.
How do you come in acquiring/figuring new flavours for wine? Any specific techniques used?
There are a few winemaking tools that can manipulate the flavours
already present. It can start from the choice of harvest time, leaving fruit
longer in the vineyard will change the flavour profile and final alcohol
content. The choice of harvest technique can be important if you hand
harvest or machine harvest. For example, hand harvesting Chardonnay
can allow you to whole bunch press, thus attaining finer juice quality.
With red wine you can add whole bunches to the ferment to encourage
high fruit aromatics and structure from the stalk tannins. The choice of
yeast strain or use of indigenous yeast can influence the aromatics in
the wine and the speed of fermentation. If you are using oak barrels, the
choice of cooperage, forest, toasting levels are all important in imparting
structure and flavour. Leaving a wine on its yeast lees will encourage a
creamy mouth-feel. Even the temperature you store your wine at during
maturation will have an impact. So, there are a few tricks!
What do you consider as one of Bimbadgen’s best vintages and why? What about your personal varietal preference and why?
Of the wines I’ve been able to taste, I’d have to say 2006. This was a
classic Hunter Valley vintage where both whites and reds are great wines.
Unfortunately, we have just sold out of the 2006 Palmers Lane Shiraz
which was delicious.
My favourite wines to make are the two prominent varieties in the Hunter
Valley. The Semillon is a unique wine style not produced anywhere else in
the world. The key is to get good flavours in the vineyard. It is considered
a neutral grape variety and the purity of the fruit is what makes it great.
There is very little winemaking intervention with Hunter Valley Semillon.
The Shiraz produced here is also iconic. Perfumed and elegant, a
medium bodied wine with a fine tannin structure. It is the perfect food
wine, versatile and enjoyable with so many dishes.
What do you like best about your job? What is the one aspect of your job that might surprise people?
The best thing is the dynamic nature of it. No two vintages will ever be
identical and you are constantly being challenged. Each growing season
is different and you are always trying new things to improve the quality.
Once you bottle a wine, it continues to evolve and mature and change.
Some wines once poured evolve amazingly in the glass in front of you.
The reality is that hygiene is very important in a winery to ensure quality.
We spend an amazing amount of time cleaning and preparing to do an
operation that takes comparatively very little time, and then we clean up
again. You could say a winemaker is a glorified cleaner!
What are the biggest challenges you have ever encountered as a winemaker in Bimbadgen?
The most recent harvest was a very challenging growing season. We had
record rainfall in November and disease pressure early. I had to choose
between spraying a fungicide or potentially losing the whole crop. I chose
to spray. The weather cleared up, the disease went away early and the
wines look fantastic.
What are the immediate challenges to the winemaking and vineyard industry and how will Bimbadgen continue to address it successfully?
There is an over-supply of Australian wine, making tough competition
both domestically and internationally. We have divested our vineyard
holdings and are managing our production size on a vintage-by-vintage
basis so that we are moving through stock and keeping it fresh for our
consumers. We will continue to manage this closely for the foreseeable
future.
For people who want to know more about winemaking, what do you recommend?
Taste, taste and taste! If you can find a book which clicks with you then
you can learn a huge amount or utilise the internet when tasting a wine
for more information – tasting notes for each Bimbadgen wine is available
on our website www.bimbadgen.com.au. Enrolling in a wine appreciation
class is also a great idea.
sojournVino Tete-a-Tete
1918
WELCOME TOLUXURY THAT ISEXCLUSIVELY YOURS.
Welcome to a world of personal luxury at Club InterContinental, InterContinental Sydney’s exclusive lounge boasting the best panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Enjoy twilight drinks and canapés whilst relaxing within or watching the sunset from our outdoor wrap around terrace.
With high speed internet access, dining options and personalised concierge services, the lounge offers a private retreat for conducting business or simply relaxing.
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After less than a year in the market, the A1
has already won numerous awards, including
the ‘Auto Trophy’ from Auto Zeitung, the
‘Golden Steering Wheel’ from Auto Bild and
Bild am Sonntag and the ‘Car of the Year
Award’ from What Car?. It was also voted
as one of the ‘Best Cars of 2011’ by the
readers of Auto Motor Und Sport. The A1 also
received the top five-star rating in the Euro
NCAP crash test.
The design with the encircling shoulder line
is cutting-edge and integrates the Audi A1
into the large model family. The front-end with
the dominating single-frame grille, the side
line with the distinctive roof arch, the coupe-
like C-pillars and the large wheel arches are
among its defining style elements while the
hood and the rear hatch wrap around the
body. Audi offers the xenon plus headlights
with LED daytime running light strips and LED
tail lights. The tail lights are already three-
dimensionally styled in the base model and are
unmistakable, day or night.
High- and ultra high-strength steels comprise
two-thirds of the compact model’s body.
The strongest of these are the hot-shaped
steels, which draw their extremely high tensile
strength from a dramatic temperature increase
during the shaping process. Hot-shaped
steels are used primarily within the passenger
cell. They provide the basis for the precise,
sporty handling, the good comfort, the quiet
interior, the excellent passive safety and the
low base weight.
The interior of the Audi A1 is spacious, bright
and airy. The instrument panel bears hints of
an airplane wing; its four round air vents are
reminiscent of jet engines. The clean, clear
controls are every bit a classic Audi design
of superior workmanship with many lovingly
designed details underscoring the premium
character of the A1.
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Red Hot Chilli PepperA small car built with big car technology.
Audi has successfully entered a new vehicle class. The compact A1 unites all of the strengths of the brand – a progressive design, uncompromising quality and groundbreaking efficiency – in a space measuring 3.95 metres in length.
after hoursRed Hot Chilli Pepper
The instrument panel bears hints of an airplane wing; its four round air vents are reminiscent of jet engines.
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after hoursRed Hot Chilli Pepper
The Audi A1 1.4 TFSI engine with 90kW
(122 hp), offered in Brunei, is available with the
seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The dual-clutch transmission shifts extremely
quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible
interruption to the flow of power. It can be
operated as an automatic or manual, with
paddles on the steering wheel available as an
option. Thanks to its high efficiency and the
intelligent control system, the S tronic also
helps to reduce fuel consumption.
Whether in the city, on an interurban road or
on the expressway – the small compact is
always great fun to drive thanks to its sporty
setup, the favourable weight distribution and
the direct-ratio steering. The vehicle sprints
from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and
features a particularly sporty setup. The ESP
stabilisation programme with electronic limited
slip differential, which comes standard on
all models, makes the handling even more
precise while also enhancing driving safety. It
minimises under steer at the cornering limit by
means of slight braking, which also improves
traction.
Innovative materials and modern colours
emphasise the youthful character of the
Audi A1. Whether colour-coordinated air
vents, LED interior lights or seat covers in
expressive colours – customisation is the key.
The equipment programme offers countless
opportunities for matching the A1 to the
driver’s own personal style. There are even a
variety of paint finishes from which to choose
for the roof arch. Customers can also order
many features after the initial sale to follow a
trend or a whim.
Six packages will be available: Audi exclusive
line, Media style package, Lifestyle kit union
square, S line sports package, Competition
kit and even a Wasabi green package. The
available infotainment and multimedia systems
for the Audi A1 come directly from the full-size
class. The top of the line is MMI navigation
plus, a media centre that sets new standards
in the compact segment. It borrows closely
from the system used in Audi’s A8 flagship,
including the monitor that folds out from the
instrument panel and the control unit, which
uses MMI logic.
The connectivity package, which is based
on the concert radio, includes a navigation
preparation kit that allows the customer to
later install a map-based navigation system –
that, too, is a new idea. The optional
465 watt Bose surround sound system with
14 speakers is just one example of the
additional high-end complementary features
available. Convenient Bluetooth and wired
interfaces are available for cellular phones and
external players such as the iPod.
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The vehicle sprints from zero to 100 km/h
in 8.9 seconds and features a particularly
sporty setup.
The dual-clutch transmission shifts extremely quickly, comfortably and with no perceptible interruption to the flow of power.
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For those still in the dark about fitness bootcamp, how best would you describe it?
ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is a military inspired outdoor group personal training programme that utilises discipline as its primary source of motivation. It has been scientifically designed to achieve serious results seriously fast no matter what your current fitness level, in a positive and social environment.
You mentioned the first ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ on military base was a result of enquiries from army spouse who wanted a similar military-style training to keep fit. Would you say this was the turning point for you to begin a fitness bootcamp for the public?
Up until then, I hadn’t really thought too much about training civvies (civilians). When I started training the army spouses, I simply trained them the same way I trained my fellow soldiers. I used the same exercises, activities and discipline, and they loved it. That was when I realised that there was a real market for military inspired training.
Have you ever wondered why no one ever thought of the bootcamp idea earlier?
I knew of a few bootcamps in the US run by former Special Forces soldiers, but it seemed as though very few soldiers at the time had the background in fitness training to combine their military experience with the science of strength and conditioning.
Your signature call is ‘Hooyah’. What does that mean really?
‘Hooyah’ is a battle cry used by the US Navy SEALs to build solidarity and strength. It is also used as an answer in the affirmative, meaning Heard, Understood & Acknowledged. I adopted the cry for ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ after training with friends in the Navy SEALs. The loved the energy it created.
It has been scientifically designed to achieve serious results seriously fast no matter what your current fitness level, in a positive and social environment.
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after hoursBattle Cry
He began a fitness revolution in
Australia that is now ranked globally as
one of the year’s hottest fitness trends. Known simply as Chief
Brabon, the founder and global master
trainer of ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ speaks on the
world’s longest running and most successful military
inspired outdoor fitness programme.
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What’s the biggest misconception people have about bootcamps in general?
That the instructors yell, scream and belittle the Recruits. ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is all about empowering individuals, not breaking them down. Our goal is to push Recruits beyond the excuses to achieve the goals that up until now have been just beyond their grasp.
How different are you from other bootcamps?
Unlike the majority of programmes out there calling themselves ‘bootcamp’, ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is based on cutting-edge strength and conditioning concepts used by the world’s most elite Special Forces, Special Operations and SWAT teams. All programming is created by leading military fitness specialists, not just civilians who have watched a lot of movies like GI Jane. As a result, no other programme can match the level of results our Recruits achieve.
Passing mandatory fitness tests aside, what values do you look for in your bootcamp instructors?
We look for positive, energetic and inspiring individuals who believe in leading by example. All of our Instructors must hold recognised qualifications in strength and conditioning, sports science or fitness instruction. They must then undergo the intensive Military Fitness Instructor Certification.
What do you hope your ‘recruits’ take with them from every session? What should they take away from it?
I personally design each session to not only provide the best workout possible, but also to help Recruits to connect, support and motivate each other. When Recruits finish each session they should feel a real
sense of accomplishment and self-belief.
It’s easy to feel depressed when you realise you’re not as fit as you think you are. But are the fitness challenges designed in such a way that you cannot beat the system?
No matter what your fitness or motivation level, ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is going to be a challenge. Ultimately, if your training was easy, then you will plateau. This programme has been designed to keep you guessing, physically and mentally, so that you continue to improve.
What do you say to people who have never left the couch and struggling to include a fitness regimen into their routine?
There is no excuse not to take care of yourself. Ultimately, all you
need is 2m x 2m space and a minimum of 20 minutes of high intensity training three days a week to improve.
Are bootcamps for everyone? If so, what are the things to look for when ‘shopping’ for a progamme?
There are two main types of ‘Bootcamps’: Military Inspired Training and General Outdoor Training. Obviously ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is a military inspired programme. This sort of programme focuses on high intensity training, but that doesn’t mean you need to already be fit to attend. The programme was designed to start off at a lower intensity and gradually build.
When looking for a military inspired bootcamp, you should ensure that the programme’s designers or master trainers have real military experience to ensure that the programme focuses on results, rather than just ‘playing soldier’.
A recent USA survey described bootcamp as the top 2011 fitness trend. Why do you think this has so much appeal?
I think bootcamps appeal to people for a number of reasons:
Discipline. Be honest, if we were disciplined enough ourselves, we’d all already be fit.
Camaraderie. Sharing the experience and the achievements with a group of fellow Recruits provides you with a lot of support and encouragement.
Results. Ultimately, bootcamps should make you work hard. Anything worth having should take a little hard work.
What aspect of bootcamp do you most love?
I love seeing just how surprised people are at what they can achieve.
This week, I got a big hug from one of my Recruits who lost over 18kgs in just 8 weeks. He is now the lightest he’s been in almost 20 years.
ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ is the largest fitness bootcamp in Australia, and you’ve already got a Malaysian (known as CHIEF’s ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP) and US franchise. Where else are you looking to expand?
We currently have License applications from a number of countries in Asia including Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Thailand. We also have applications from Egypt, the UK, the US, Canada, Chile and South Africa. Over the next 12 months, we plan to expand into at least to half a dozen new countries, if not more.
Looking back, what would you say surprised you most about ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™’s success?
When I first started bootcamp, most people said that it wouldn’t work because people just don’t like being told what to do. What I have now found is the opposite is true. People want to be told how to achieve their goals. They want to be pushed beyond the point that they would normally quit, and they want to simply put their trust in you and simply do what they are told.
You’ve helped so many people transform. What do you want to see change in your life?
My goal over the next six months is to find more time for me and my family by trusting in the fantastic team I have around me to keep ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP™ at the top of its game.
after hoursBattle Cry
All programming is created by leading military fitness specialists, not just civilians who have watched a lot of movies like GI Jane.
3332
Unbeknownst to many, the world of fashion
is run almost like a covert CIA operation in
Afghanistan. Full of propaganda and subliminal
messages, fashion has perfected the idea of
subjugation to a ‘T’ where the US Government
has failed. So it came as no surprise – unless
you’ve been hibernating in the far corners of
the Arctic – when Bottega Venetta’s creative
director, Tomas Maier, debunked the entire
idea of the coveted bag in an interview with
The New Yorker.
“You make a bag, you put all the components
in it that you think could work, you send it
out to a couple of celebrities, you get the
paparazzi to shoot just when they walk out
of their house,” Maier was quoted as saying.
“You sell that to the cheap tabloids, and you
say in a magazine that there’s a waiting list.
And you run an ad campaign at the same
time. I don’t believe that’s how you make
something that’s lasting – that becomes iconic
as a design.”
The birth of the It Bag really, is nothing more
than an exercise in product placement, clever
marketing and celebrity endorsement. The Sex
and the City television series may have made
Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo household
names, but it also benefited Louis Vuitton,
Gucci, Christian Louboutin and an endless list
of other handbag brands that have appeared
on the arms of either Carrie, Charlotte,
Samantha or Miranda as objects of desire.
In one episode where art clearly imitates life,
Samantha was shown desperately wanting
an Hermes Birkin bag who’s wait list – both
on the show and in real life – can be up to
two years and costs well over US$5,000.
Her backhanded scheme backfired, but for
the women around the world (unless you’re
Victoria Beckham, who owns almost every
style ever made – a reported 100 pieces!), it
only drove home the hard reality of the dream
designer bag.
Whether it’s the Birkin, the Fendi Spy, YSL
Muse, Louis Vuitton Speedy, Chanel 2.55 bag,
Prada Gauffre or Alexander McQueen Novak,
women will never be short of choice when
it comes to bags – considered the ultimate
accessory. You can be dressed in your oldest
pair of sweats and torn jeans, but with the
right handbag in arm, you look like a million
dollars. The question is – which bag?
The ‘It’, the ‘Must Have’ – you’ve desired after them all but, are they really worth breaking the bank?
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Product placement and celebrity endorsement
aside, many fashion houses play the emotive
card when it comes to marketing what’s
desirable. During the financial meltdown of
2008, when luxury brands were equally hard
hit, many luxury brands turned to the ideals of
craftsmanship and exclusivity in maintaining
business resilience; the same notion that
propels them to market a bag as desirable.
Hermes lets known that every of its Birkin bag
is hand sewn with alligator skin farmed from
its own alligator breeding farms in Australia.
Louis Vuitton focused on its history and
heritage, simultaneously launching a series of
captivating advertising campaigns that sold on
aspirations. The house of Goyard, established
in 1853, a full year before Louis Vuitton, is
perhaps the best example of an unknown
brand (except to the discerning few who has
their ears practically super-glued to the fashion
floor) that came back from the leftfield. It has
only one fully-owned boutique in Paris, refuses
to roll out any seasonal collection – “we do
not have specifically Spring/Summer collection
because our collection are timeless” – and
spends nothing on advertising. But in 2006,
based on public records, the company had
one of the highest operating margins among
luxury-goods brands at 29 percent. Goyard
refuses to disclose its financial earnings.
The bags themselves could easily be
described as simple: Chevron stripes hand-
drawn over waterproof cotton/linen/hemp
material with resin finish. What makes the
bag sought after is its personalised option –
customers can ask for totes, trunks, travel
accessories, initials and whatever else they
want; for a fee. Stripes cost US$155 a pop;
monograms US$95.
For all the moolah spent on a designer bag,
some do make good investments. Leading
the pack yet again is the Hermes Birkin and
Crocodile Kelly. Because of its timeless style,
exclusivity – such as the diamonds-encrusted
Himalaya Birkin – and the all-too-familiar
waiting list, the two iconic Hermes handbags
will remain forever relevant.
Certainly limited edition styles and vintage
designs also are invaluable investments. The
1996 Louis Vuitton Centenaire Monogramme,
the 2003 Louis Vuitton limited and numbered
production of Takashi Murakami and Marc
Jacobs multicolour Eye Love You bag, and
any Louis Vuitton produced between 2001 to
2004 will have its value appreciated due to
their rarity. One auction house even went on
to declare that some of the pieces have not
even seen its full value yet. Chanel is another
brand to watch out for its vintage handbags
while Gucci fans should know that the Italian
luxury brand recently teamed up with Christie’s
auction house to appraise vintage Gucci
luggage and handbags to give the brand a
lead on its competitors.
Then there is the question of the other bags:
the Coaches and the Furlas – are these too,
investment-worthy designer bags? One
fashion observer succinctly wrote how Coach
and Furla are Asia’s It Bags. For Furla, its
huge following perhaps is a spillover from the
recent financial crisis. The Bologna-based
company benefited much from customers
that traded down from higher-end brands to
Furla’s considerably-affordable range of bags.
Coach on the other hand began its debut
into fashion as ‘entry-level’ luxury. It costs
half of a Louis Vuitton or a Gucci, and with
the company’s recent move to the budget
handbag sector, such as with the introduction
of the Budget Poppy Collection, the bags
are embraced with renewed fervour. It also
lowered the company’s average handbag price
by 10 percent during the economic downturn.
Coach’s business is so strong in Asia that
the company will have direct control of its
Singapore and Malaysia retail business from
July 2011 onwards.
Like the law of physics, the argument on the
It Bag has also given rise to the birth of the
anti-It Bag. The paradox of the anti-It Bag
trend is that by creating one, it also makes
mainstream the trend for anti-fervour. Bottega
Venetta’s Maier gets credit for embracing
discretion when the world is still hyped on
multiple logos and visible brands. His Cabat
bag is non-descript: There are no logos,
no hardware and no adornments. On the
runaways, the Cabat makes an appearance
unchanged every year, except for a tweak in
leather treatment or change of colour. But, it
carries a US$6,000 price tag; US$80,000 for
a special-order croc model produced in limited
quantities. Only 500 are made a year, and only
one person works on a bag as no two persons
could provide the same leather tension on
the weave. And of course, that creates the
all-too-familiar waiting list. Tom Ford perhaps
summed it best when he says, “By not doing
the It Bag, you do the It Bag”. Open debates,
anyone?
Many luxury brands turned to the ideals of craftsmanship and exclusivity in maintaining business resilience.
after hoursBags to Brag
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after hoursMarket Made
3938
The scope and diversity of Melbourne’s markets is a testament to the shopper-friendly weather and the city’s innate refinement for fine taste. No other place can one discover the colour and creativity Melburnians display with pride than with an exploration of the city’s markets. In fact, Melbourne’s markets are an integral mix that has helped to define the city’s unique character. Come the weekends, you will find locals and visitors alike trawling their way through one of the myriad of markets and soaking up the atmosphere.
When in Melbourne, sometimes the best shopping is outside the malls.
Market Made The most well known of these markets is the Queen Victoria Market that’s been running since 1878. In fact, if you have time only to visit one market, make this the one. Spread across seven hectares, the market is home to around 1,000 traders. Queen Vic, as it’s affectionately known locally, is also aptly named, not just because it’s the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, but
for what it represents. At this market, you’ll find flavours and produce of the world, sold by people from all walks of life, background and nationalities that have made Melbourne their home.
The Queen Victoria Market is best headed early on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for fresh meat, seafood, produce and gourmet goods
that make up the heart of the market. The other part of the market is dedicated to stalls selling a variety of specialty goods including clothing, leather goods, handicrafts, jewellery and fabrics. Sundays are the most popular day for this latter type of shopping. You’ll also get a different vibe to the market when you visit on a Sunday. The hustle and bustle of the weekday is replaced with a more relaxed and leisurely atmosphere, perfect for a family outing. The Queen Street side of the market turns into a pedestrian mall with tables and chairs arranged into an outdoor cafe. There are also children’s rides and other activities to while the time away.
Almost as old as Queen Victoria Market and equally popular with the locals is the South Melbourne Market. Opened in 1867, the market has grown in size and reputation and is regarded today as
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Many of the works on display are high quality originals, and with more than 400 contributing artists and designers taking part throughout the year.
after hoursMarket Made
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one of Melbourne’s best fresh produce markets. Some of the stallholders are third generation marketers, adding a friendly atmosphere to the market with their broad knowledge in goods and camaraderie with the locals.
The South Melbourne Market is essentially divided into three sections: Fresh foods, non-consumables (clothes, kitchen supplies, etc) and eateries. The fruits and vegetables here are better quality and cheaper than the supermarkets, and there’s even organic produce if you’re interested in that. Rita’s Coffee & Nuts is a great stop for dried fruits and other delectables such as Turkish Delight and gourmet coffee. The deli is a bountiful of pleasures with a range of cheeses to choose from. They
even have bagels where you can make your own sandwich.
The Esplanade Market in St Kilda, happening every Sunday at 10am, is great to browse for original gifts, handmade crafts or just for treating yourself to beautiful finds. The market is a gem of a showcase of art and crafts by local artisans. There are handmade jewellery, prints, paintings, bags, brooches, fashion accessories, wood crafts and souvenirs. What makes the visit interesting is that the market looks out over Port Phillip Bay and is just a short stroll away from many great cafes and eateries on Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, making this a great weekend outing.
Art lovers will find the bohemian and eclectic Rose Street Artists Market more up their alley. It opens every Saturday and is inspired by similar markets in New York and London that provides emerging artists and designers a platform to reach out to a wider audience. Buyers benefit by buying from the artists direct, avoiding hefty commissions, while the artists can sell their creations directly to the public. Each week, up to 70 artists and designers set up stalls at a former junkyard on the backstreets of Fitzroy, an easy walking distance from Melbourne’s CBD.
On offer are the best in Melbourne designs and ideas, with crafts ranging from the quirky to the inventive. Many of the works on display are high quality originals, and with more than 400 contributing artists and designers taking part throughout the year, it’s a great excuse to return for future visits just to check on what’s new. Notable finds include funky one-offs such as homeware made from fabrics printed in Melbourne, wallets made from recycled car upholstery, and old dominoes and Scrabble pieces reborn as necklaces or cufflinks. The market also has live entertainment and a gourmet cafe for
you to take a breather from shopping and browsing.
For many Melburnians, going to the markets is part of life. And there are a staggering number of markets in the city to choose from. With each one interesting, unique and different, they nevertheless reflect the excitement of Melbourne life and culture. You’ll never find a better place to pass the time and soak the local culture than at the markets. Just make sure you bring an extra suitcase.
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