VVIP Magazine

Hospitality Heaven Your guide to the world’s hottest sporting events

ISSUE 01

magazine

2

IndIan Grand PrIx

3

IndIan Grand PrIx28 OctOber 2012

LowdownBernie Ecclestone’s dream of getting Formula 1 to India came to fruition last year when the emerging superpower successfully hosted its inaugural Grand Prix. In stark contrast to the Commonwealth Games 12 months before, the race was heralded as a major organisational success, and has greatly bolstered the emerging nation’s status as a sporting hub.

The Indian Grand Prix 2012 will again take place at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, which lies just outside New Delhi.

The track is a classic, with cars clocking up an average speed of 210 kmph and on the back straight they can hit 320 kmph, making it one of the fastest in the world.

Overtaking opportunities are plentiful, with impressive undulations in and three corners where the width has been doubled to encourage overtaking.

The circuit is a part of 2,500 acres of Jaypee Sports City Development which includes a residential and commercial complex.

VVIP

4

Luxury lodgingIndia may be tipped as Asia’s new economic wunderkind but its finest hospitality export dates back to the days of the British Raj. The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, has crafted a loyal following of luxury travellers by operating iconic hotels in iconic locations.

The group’s new addition – The Oberoi, Gurgaon – serves as an ideal base to enjoy the Grand Prix. You can live like a Maharajah by staying in one of the three suites, each featuring a 22-metre cantilevered private swimming pool. The sumptuous hospitality includes the services of a round-the-clock butler and a Rolls Royce airport transfer.

link

The Oberoi, Gurgaon

World’s Leading Luxury Hotel

Travel in styleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, operates daily flights to New Delhi.

link

5

VVIP

6

EtIhad aIrways abu dhabI Grand PrIx

4 NOvember 2012

7

EtIhad aIrways abu dhabI Grand PrIx

VVIP

8

LowdownThe Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix became an overnight success when it first burst on to the Formula One scene in 2009, boasting a TV audi-ence of more than 500,000 million and being the first ever F1 race to be held at night.

As the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix enters its 4th year the party just gets bigger and better.

On-track excitement builds this year with the grit and grind of the Austra-lian V8 Supercar championship kicking off the racing. The grandstands will be electric when the F1 drivers take on one of the world’s most technologi-cally advanced circuits.

Off track, the buzz continues with a full programme of entertainment, fabu-lous food and beverages, and the ever popular driver autograph signings and Pit Lane walks.

As day turns to night during the race, the multi-coloured lights from the amazing Yas Viceroy hotel, which is encased in a mesh of diamond-shaped LED panels, light up Yas Island’s man-made marina.

All F1 ticket holders have access to the three After Race concerts when top musicians rock the Yas Arena. Previous acts include Prince, Beyonce, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Aerosmith and Kings of Leon.

Race goers can pop next door to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s only Ferrari theme park. The rides includes the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which emulates the feel of a Formula One ride, travelling at speeds of up to 240 kmph (about 150 mph) in less than five seconds.

Ferrari World and the GP circuit are just two of a dazzling array of features on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, which was voted “Middle East’s Leading Tour-ism Development Project” at the 2012 World Travel Awards.

VIP AccessEtihad Airways offers a series of VIP packages, including flights, accommo-dation, entry to the race and after-show concerts. You can choose to stay at hotels such as Jumeirah Etihad Towers, St Regis, Armani Hotel Dubai or Yas Viceroy. Click HERE for bookings

Travel in StyleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and currently serves 87 destinations in 55 countries.

link

9

VVIP

10

Luxury LodgingYas VicerOYThe flagship project of the $36 billion Yas Island development, the Yas Viceroy hotel is a breathtaking fusion of architecture, design and technology, set half on land and half on water. It is also the first hotel in the world built directly over a Formula One race track.

link link

Jumeirah aT eTihad TOwersIf you were to define the epitome of contemporary architecture it would come pretty close to Etihad Towers, a mixed-use development of five skyscrapers that collectively form a breathtaking addition to Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

One of the skyscrapers is home to Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the first Abu Dhabi property from the brand behind Dubai’s Burj al Arab.

The hotel is a 280-metre, 66-floor building featuring a gigantic lobby with a vast frameless glass curtain wall providing unrestricted views of the Arabian Gulf.

For the full Jumeirah experience check into the Royal Etihad Suite, located on the 60th floor and occupying an amazing 980 square metres.

link

sT. reGis saadiYaT island resOrTAbu Dhabi’s status as a leisure and cultural hotspot was strengthened last autumn with the opening of The St. Regis Saadiyat Resort & Residences. The landmark resort is one of a mouth-watering range of developments planned to open on Saadiyat Island, including a branch of the Louvre, a Guggenheim by Frank Gehry, and a national museum by Norman Foster.

The St. Regis is set on the pristine white natural beach of Saadiyat and framed by the Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, an entertainment complex, as well as an athletic club, all just ten minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.

link

11

F1 Race

VVIP

12

13

ToP ATTrAcTIonsEternal sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular desertscapes and a thriving cultural scene have transformed Abu Dhabi into one of the hottest destinations on earth, as well as a blueprint for 21st century capital living.

This island capital is characterised by its signature Corniche, which fronts the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can stroll, cycle, roller-blade or drive the along the waterfront. At the tip, on a tranquil stretch of beach, sits the majestic Emirates Palace – one of the world’s most opulent hotels.

The Yas Island development is the hub of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment and recreation, including Ferrari World.

Another of Abu Dhabi’s new destinations is Saadiyat Island, a natu-ral island 500 metres off the mainland coast. The island will soon be home to the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural in-stitutions, including a branch of the Louvre designed by Jean Nouvel, a Guggenheim by Frank Gehry, and a national museum by Norman Foster, all of which are set to open over the next couple of years.

The fabulous Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – designed by the legendary Gary Player – can be found of Saadiyat and is the region’s only ‘ocean’ course with several beach front holes.

Another essential place to visit is the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest.

Fine dining abounds, as do opportunities for more affordable fare in numerous city centre outlets. Shopping is as diverse as the emirate – there’s everything from marble-clad malls with haute couture brands to a textile souk tucked away behind the main Hamdan Centre and a carpet souk at the Mina Port.

www.etihadtowers.com

VVIP

14

Yas Hotel Corridor

Virtual Tours

--------------------------------Yas VicerOY F1 Track

link

--------------------------------PresidenTial suiTe lOunGe

link

--------------------------------recePTiOn

link

--------------------------------

Videos

--------------------------------OVerView

link

--------------------------------

Ferrari roller coaster

15

Capital Gate

Abu Dhabi Corniche at night

VVIP

16

LowdownThe richest horse race in the Southern Hemisphere, the Emirates Melbourne Cup is where the great and good Down Under congregate for a weekend of champagne, fashion and adrenaline-fuelled action.

The first Melbourne Cup was held in 1861 and the jockeys competed for the prize of a gold watch. These days the purse at the “race that stops a nation” has swelled to over AU$6 million, making it one of the most sought after titles in the world.

This year’s guestlist is expected to include Prince Charles who will be touring Aus-tralasia as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

VIP AccessGain access to the famed Birdcage in your own private marquee, along with access to the trackside enclosure and the winning post enclosure.www.melbournecup.com

EmIratEs mElbournE CuP

Luxury Lodging

The Lyall Hotel and Spa is Melbourne’s slickest boutique retreat and a great favourite of the fashionable people.

link

Travel in Style

Etihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, flies daily to Melbourne

link

6 NOvember 2012

17

Myer FOTF Entrants for the Design Award on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day 2011 - sdpmedia.com.au

Entrance to the Lyall Hotel

VVIP

18

brazIlIan Grand PrIx IntErlaGos, são Paulo

19

brazIlIan Grand PrIx IntErlaGos, são Paulo

25 NOvember 2012

LowdownInterlagos, the home of the Brazilian Grand Prix, has created some of the most exciting and memorable races in Formula One history. It is also regarded as one of the most challenging and exciting circuits on the F1 calendar, made even tougher by São Paulo’s notoriously wet weather.

The first Brazilian Grand Prix took place at In-terlagos in 1972 as a non-championship event, and the following year was awarded official F1 status.

The race’s scheduling as the penultimate event in the F1 calendar often makes it a champion-ship decider. Recent classics include Kimi Raik-konen snatching the championship from Lewis Hamilton in 2007, Hamilton’s final push in 2008, and Jenson Button and his Brawn team clinching victory in 2009.

VIP AccessThe finest seats at Interlagos are found at the Pre-mium Paddock Club, and includes daily visits to the Formula One pit complex, a spectacular buf-fet lunch provided by one of São Paulo’s leading restaurants, as well as the Chandon Champag-ner bar.

www.formula1.com/tickets_and_travel

desTInATIon LowdownSão Paulo and its rival, Rio de Janeiro, are of-ten compared to New York and Los Angeles re-spectively. If Rio has gained fame for its striking natural setting, São Paulo’s attraction lies in its people and its vibrant cultures.

Brazil’s business capital, São Paulo is the biggest city in the country and the third largest in the world. Located in the south-east of Brazil, it is nicknamed Terra da Garoa (Land of the Driz-zle) after its copious rainfall.

São Paulo is a high-profile cultural centre that displays a wide range of options, from various top-flight concerts and exhibitions to a thriving gastronomy scene of more than 12,000 restau-rants. Sampa is also bursting with tourist attrac-tions that go way beyond its staggering skyline, such as the Japanese district of Liberdade, the Ibirapuera Park, the several high-profile shop-ping malls and a charming city centre.

VVIP

20

Luxury LodgingGrand Hyatt São Paulo is a stylish luxury hotel ideally located on Avenida das Nações Unidas, in the heart of the city’s financial district. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted skyline and views of the city’s new landmark, Estaiada Bridge over the Pinheiros river.

link

Grand hyatt são Paulo Brazil’s Leading Business

Hotel World’s Leading Airline to

South America

Arrive in styleTAP Portugal operates regular flights from Europe to São Paulo

link

TaP Portugal

World’s Leading Airline to South America

21

VVIP

22

14-27 JaNuary 2013thE australIan oPEn

23

Tourism Australia Copyright

LowdownFirst held in 1905, the Austra-lian Open is the first of the four Grand Slams and is second only to the US Open in terms of at-tendance figures, and ahead of Wimbledon and Roland Gar-ros.

It seems like the entire world descends on Melbourne Park, where spectators will get to see the greats of the game battle it out in the southern hemi-sphere’s finest fortnight of elite sporting action.

The 2012 championship was a classic, with Novak Djokovic defeating Rafael Nadal in the longest Grand Slam final in the Open era. With Roger Federer and Andy Murray also on top form, next year could make for an equally nail-biting finish.

VIP AccessMake the most of your Austra-lian Open experience by secur-ing the best premium seating in the stadium.

www.australianopen.com

VVIP

24

Travel in StyleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, flies daily to Melbourne

link

etihad airways

World’s Leading Airline

Luxury LodgingThe Lyall Hotel and Spa is Melbourne’s leading boutique retreat and a great favourite of the fashionable crowd.

link

The lyall hotel and spa

Australia’s Leading Spa Resort

25

Tourism Australia Copyright

VVIP

26

4-17 February 2013

FIs alPInE world skI ChamPIonshIPs 2013, sChladmInG, austrIa

27

Tourism Australia Copyright

LowdownSchladming – located in Styria, in the heart of Austria – will be host-ing FIS Alpine Ski World Championships for the second time in its history (the first time was in 1982) by fending off rival bids from St. Moritz, Beaver Creek/Vail and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The ski-fest, which is held every two years, attracts the world’s elite racers from 70 nations who will compete in five men’s and five wom-en’s individual races, including downhill and slalom, along with a na-tional team slalom event.

The two-week festival makes for a great spectator festival. Fans can watch all the action on the slopes and enjoy the buzz of the tourna-ment. Also most of the other slopes are open so spectators can also participate in all the world-class winter sport opportunities available in Schladming, with 85 percent of ski slopes remaining open for un-restricted use by the general public.

Schladming’s four-mountain ski area offers a total of 244 hectares of ski slopes, the equivalent of about 400 soccer pitches.

www.schladming2013.at

VIP AccessSchladming-Dachstein organise a full variety of VIP packages for fans, including top seating at the events and luxury accommodation.

www.schladming-dachstein.at

VVIP

28

29

VVIP

30

31

14-17 march 2013

australIan Grand PrIx, mElbournE

Australian Grand Prix Corporation

LowdownThe first race in the Formula 1 calendar is the Qantas Australian Grand Prix, when the world’s fastest cars, hottest celebrities and latest technology converge on Mel-bourne for four sizzling days of action.

The 2012 race featured six world champi-ons on the grid for the first time in F1 his-tory and a host of young guns competing. Jenson Button got his season off to a flyer by finishing first ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

The race was complimented by a host of support categories including V8 Super-cars, the Porsche Carrera Cup, the Formu-la Fords, the Red Bull Race Off, Ultimate Speed Comparison, Formula SAE cars and Ferraris.

The track at Albert Park, within easy reach of the Melbourne central business district, is renowned as being a smooth and high-speed test for F1 teams and drivers.

The off-track action is equally high octane with Australian Defence Force taking to the skies above Melbourne with Roulettes and F/A-18s displays.

VVIP

32

Australian Grand Prix Corporation

33

VIP AccessIn Australia no other event that comes close to the intensity or entertainment on offer at the Grand Prix. A range of stunning state-of-the-art facilities are promised for 2013. Hospitality packages include the Paddock Club, situated directly above the team garages, where you can soak up all the energy and excitement of the on track action whilst experiencing first-class service. This is the place to be seen as you mingle with other guests and celebrities.

link

Travel in StyleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, flies daily to Melbourne

link

etihad airways

World’s Leading Airline

VVIP

34

dubaI world CuP

35

dubaI world CuP31 march 2013

VVIP

36

Dubai World Cup

37

Abu Dhabi Formula One

LowdownThe 18th Dubai World Cup, the richest horse race, is scheduled to take place on 31st March 2013 at the stunning Meydan Racecourse.

The who’s who of fashion, business and sport fly in from all over the globe to be part of this spectacular sporting festival at the Meydan, which is Dubai’s new sporting and business hub.

The race for thoroughbreds is run over 2,000 metres, with the winner pick-ing up $10 million. A total of $27 million in prize money is on offer for the whole meeting.

Created in 1996, the race is the brainchild of the Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who owns Darley Stud and Godolphin Racing, one of the world’s leading thoroughbred breeding and racing opera-tions.

Off the track, the festivities include a dazzling fireworks display and a music concert that has previously featured the likes of Jessie J.

“Meydan” is translated from an Arabic word meaning “a meeting place”. In keeping with this philosophy, the development features an interconnected cityscape of four distinct districts where the worlds of business, sport and cosmopolitan-living merge and complement one another.

At the heart of Meydan City lies an architectural masterpiece – the iconic Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse. With a capacity of 60,000, this land-mark stadium houses the world’s first luxury five-star trackside hotel, The Meydan. It also houses the Meydan Museum and Gallery, an IMAX The-atre, the Dubai Racing Club and Emirates Racing Authority offices.

www.dubaiworldcup.com

VIP AccessThe Meydan Grandstand is the ideal location for entertaining guests – spec-tacular views, racing excitement and fine food. Hospitality suites measuring between 50 square meters to 415 square metres and can cater up to 500 peo-ple. The top levels have their own private balcony area, allowing guests to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Meydan Racecourse and horserac-ing action.

VVIP

38

Dubai delightsAs well as attending the Dubai World Cup, the emirate has a host of other top attractions:

1. BurJ al araBParis has the Eiffel Tower, Sydney its opera house, and Dubai the Burj Al Arab. The world’s only seven-star hotel is in many respects the symbol of Dubai – an inspiring feat of architecture rising out of the sand, and a sight that should be seen (and stayed in) to be believed. Though no longer the tallest hotel in the world, it is one of the most expensive. The cost of staying in the Royal Suite will set you back $50,000 per night.

link

2. VisiT BurJ khaliFaAn essential part of any trip to Dubai is a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by a considerable margin. You can sip a cocktail in At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant, while gazing in awe at the views across Dubai’s futuristic landscape.

link

3. ski duBaiSki Dubai is the first indoor ski dome in the Middle East and boasts real snow covering an area the size of three football pitches. Don’t worry if you haven’t packed your winter woolies as there’s a full range of ski clothing and equipment for hire. Despite being situated in the middle of a sun-baked desert, the feel is distinctly alpine – chocolate-box chalets, fir trees, chairlifts and ski runs graded from green to black.

link

4. GOlFDespite the climate, Dubai’s courses are as green and as immaculate as you’ll find anywhere in the world. The nine-hole, par 36 Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa hosts the world’s best players as part of the official curtain raiser to the European PGA Tour event, the Dubai Desert Classic. Each hole is uniquely landscaped with exotic trees, shrubs and original desert flora.

link

5. Jumeirah mOsqueIn an emirate of fine mosques, the largest and possibly the most beautiful is Jumeirah Mosque. The seashell-like finish and colouring fit perfectly with the mosque’s position opposite the white sands of Jumeirah Beach. Its beauty is even more incredible at night, subtle lighting against clear desert sky make for a striking contrast.

39

Downtown Dubai

VVIP

40

Jumeirah Mosque

41

JAGRS Challenge Match Final Hole

The Burj

VVIP

42

kEntuCky dErby

LowdownKnown as the “most exciting two minutes in sport”, the Kentucky Derby is Amer-ica’s most prestigious horse race – a two kilometre sprint for three-year-old thor-oughbreds which pulls in crowds of over 165,000.

The Kentucky Derby, coupled with the Kentucky Oaks held the day before, is all about fun, excitement, tradition, fancy dress, hats, drinks, food and an atmo-sphere without equal. The race itself rep-resents the culmination of a series of doz-ens of events that occur around the city of Louisville in the month prior.

Launched in 1872 as America’s answer to the Epsom Derby, the race has always had a special appeal to the celebrity set, includ-ing the infamous outlaw Jesse James dur-ing the early days.

Nowadays there’s a special Derby Red Carpet entrance for VIP attendees, which is televised by NBC and provides fans around the globe a chance to see the rich and famous make their way into the leg-endary racetrack. Last year’s attendees spanned from Kim Kardashian to Jerry Bruckheimer, and VIP receptions and after-hours parties take place across Lou-isville.

Although most of the rich and famous who attend are guests of prominent ticket hold-ers, the Derby has also attracted an im-pressive roster of celebrity horse owners. This group of famous owners has grown to include musician Hammer, composer Burt Bacharach and Steven Speilberg.

www.kentuckyderby.com

43

kEntuCky dErby3-4 may 2013

VVIP

44

VIP AccessThe best seats are reserved for packages, seat license owners, horse owners, and season ticket holders, and is a much better way to experience the race than just buying a seat.

Every package includes both a ticketed seat and access to one of the track’s private hospitality venues, which include the ultra-swank with gourmet food.

Packages are available from Derby Experience, a joint venture between the course owners and sport travel provider, Quint Events.

link

Luxury lodgingThe Galt House is the official hotel of the Derby, and also stages a couple of the major post Kentucky Oaks balls.

link

Getting thereAmerican Airlines runs a full domestic and international schedule to Louisville International Airport

link

american airlines

North America’s Leading Airlines

45

VVIP

46

monaCo Grand PrIx23 may 2013

47

monaCo Grand PrIx

VVIP

48

49

LowdownThe Monaco Grand Prix is one of Eu-rope’s premier social highlights of the year, providing an unrivalled weekend of glamour, high-living and star-spotting.

Visually, there is no other event like it, with the spectacular backdrop of the har-bour filled with mega-yachts and lined with luxury apartment buildings, hotels, the casino and the palace.

The streets of Monte Carlo make up ar-guably the most intimidating track in Formula One. The circuit has changed little from the original Grand Prix that took place here in 1929. The elevation changes, twisting roads and tight corners continue to catch F1’s finest.

“Even though Monaco has the slowest average speed of all the circuits we visit in a season, it always feels incredibly quick,” said Lewis Hamilton, who won the race driving for McLaren-Mercedes in 2008. “That’s because the acceleration is so rapid and the walls so close: There really is no room for error.”

VIP AccessBeing a spectator from a private yacht allows for unique comfort and ultimate luxury whilst at the same time being part of the excitement. Alternatively you can also buy VIP passes which gets you track side.

www.formula1monaco.com

VVIP

50

51

Arrive in styleThe nearest international airport is in Nice, so driving to the Principality on Grand Prix weekend involves heavy traffic jams. You can bypass all this by taking a helicopter transfer with Heli Air Monaco, which operates 30 flights daily.

link

Luxury lodgingFairmOnT mOnTe carlOYou’ll need to book up well in advance to secure the best rooms in town. The spectacular Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel has recently undergone a €45 million facelift and is located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo.

link

Fairmont monte carlo

Monaco’s Leading Hotel 2011

The hôTel de ParisThe Hôtel de Paris, situated on the Place du Casino and adjacent to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo, is the most famous hotel in town. A traditional grand hotel, it exudes an atmosphere of a bygone era. the opulent public and private areas boast panoramic Mediterranean views, whilst luxuriously appointed accommodations and impeccable service make it the perfect base to enjoy the Grand Prix.

link

VVIP

52

2013 uEFa ChamPIons lEaGuE FInal, wEmblEy stadIum

25 may 2013

LowdownWill Chelsea F.C. make it back on to the winner’s podium for a second successive year? Or will one of the heavyweights from the continent overcome the home-soil advantage. All will be revealed at Wembley Stadium on 25 May 2013 when the European football season comes to its climax at 2013 UEFA Champions League Final.

Having hosted the 2011 Final (widely recognised as one of the very best in Champions League history), Wembley will make history for being the first stadium in the tournament’s history to host the event twice in three years. The stadium is also riding high on the back of hosting the London 2012 Olympics Football finals.

www.uefa.com

VIP AccessCall the Club Wembley team with hospitality enquiries on 0844 980 0038 or visit wembleystadium.com

53

VVIP

54

55

Luxury lodgingThe grand dame of London’s luxury hospitality scene, The Lanesborough exudes classic Regency elegance in a prestigious Knightsbridge setting, overlooking Hyde Park Corner, and for a home-from-home whilst enjoying the UEFA Champions League Final they don’t come much better.

Check into the largest and most luxurious suite in the capital, The Lanesborough Suite. Designed by Alberto Pinto, the 380 square-metre suite reflects a perfect blend of 19th century elegance and contemporary sophistication.

Guests of The Lanesborough Suite also benefit from a complimentary chauffeur driven Rolls Royce Phantom and 24-hour butler service, so there’s no excuse not to arrive at Wembley in the ultimate style.

link

The lanesborough. london England’s Leading Hotel 2011

VVIP

56

26 may – 9 JuNe 2013

roland Garros FrEnCh oPEn

57

© FFT

VVIP

58

LowdownIn June 2012 Rafael Nadal won his seventh Ro-land Garros title by defeating Novak Djokovic, and in the process become the most-crowned man in Open Era history at the French Open.

Other greats of the men’s game to have con-quered the clay courts of Stade Roland Garros include Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Andre Agassi.

Next year’s tournament promises to be as mouth-watering as ever in what many would agree is the most exciting era in the men’s game.

The two-week tournament is named after the famous French aviator Roland Garros. It repre-sents the pinnacle of the clay court season, and vies with Wimbledon for the title of the world’s most prestigious and widely watched tennis tournament.

Because of the slow playing surface and the five-set men’s singles matches without a tiebreak in the final set, the event is widely considered to be the most physically-demanding tennis tour-nament in the world.

www.rolandgarros.com

VIP AccessMATCH Hospitality is the official agent for all international sales and runs a full range of hospitality packages to one of the world’s most widely watched sporting spectacles.

For the full VIP treatment look at La Terrasse, which affords glass-fronted suite overlooking Centre Court, and direct access from the box to your seats, and is a sensational setting in which to entertain guests and enjoy the French Open.

www.rolandgarros.match-hospitality.com

59

© FFT

VVIP

60

Four Seasons George V

Travel in StyleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, flies daily to Paris.

link

Luxury lodgingLondon may be basking in Olympic glory but it’s Paris, the 2012 host runner-up, which can stake its claim to opening the most hotly-anticipated suite this year. The brand new Penthouse Suite at the landmark George V offers 160 square metres of unadulterated luxury, with six terraces and 360-degree views of the City of Love.

The airy interior was designed by interior architect and Four Seasons doyen, Pierre-Yves Rochon. Surprises include a winter garden, which overlooks Les Invalides and La Tour Eiffel.

link

© FFT

61

Nadal Sports Award

© FFT

VVIP

62

15-30 JuNe 2013

ConFEdEratIons CuP 2013, brazIl

LowdownThe next four years promise to be huge in Brazilian sporting history. The 2013 FIFA Con-federations Cup is the first of the major sporting events and will serve as a crucial bench test for the nation ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Eight teams will participate in the tournament, including Brazil who take their place as hosts, and Spain as 2010 World Cup winners.

Six cities have been approved as host cities – Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. The final decision of how many host cities (four to six) to use will be decided based on the actual situation in mid-November 2012.

The Confed Cup began life in 1992 as the King Fahd Cup, the brainchild of the late Saudi Prince Faisal ibn Fahd. From 2005, FIFA has held the cup every four years, one year before each finals tournament in the host country of the forthcoming World Cup.

Next year’s Confed Cup, as it did for South Africa in 2009 and Germany in 2005, will give Brazil the perfect opportunity to fine-tune its hosting skills ahead of putting on one of sport’s greatest events.

The state of their stadia, transport links and ticketing will all come under scrutiny with the aim of ironing out any faults.

www.fifa.com/confederationscup

63

VVIP

64

Travel in StyleTAP Portugal operates regular flights to all the host cities of the Confed Cup

link

TaP Portugal

World’s Leading Airline to South America

Visit Brazil

65

TAP is the Portuguese flag-carrier

Pele Soccer CPH

VVIP

66

Administrative City

Pampulha Church

Liberty Square

Station Square

67

hOst city

BeLo HorIzonTeBelo Horizonte – or “Beautiful Hori-zon” – is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, and renowned for the intense rivalry between its two largest football teams, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro.

Belo Horizonte’s positioning in the centre of Brazil makes it economically influential. Many multinationals such as Google, Fiat and Toshiba are head-quartered in Belo Horizonte due to its positioning in the centre of Brazil.

The big question when someone meet-ing someone from Belo Horizonte is whether they support Atlético Mineiro or Cruzeiro. The city is in love with football and lives under a constant at-mosphere of rivalry between two of the top teams in Brazilian football.

Check out belohorizonte.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

VVIP

68

hOst city

BrAsILIAThe construction of this ultra-modern city, situated in the centre of Brazil, be-gan in 1956, with the aim of replacing Rio de Janeiro as the country’s capital. As a result, the bulk of Brazil’s federal administration and political power are centred here.

One of the city’s striking features is its wide avenues, which surround both its public buildings and its two districts, one to the north and the other to the south.

Brasilia is the only city in the world constructed in the 20th century to have been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasilia and the Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge are the most iconic structures, and designed by Oscar Nie-meyer.

Few Brazilian cities can match the capi-tal Brasilia when it comes to architec-ture, and the imposing Estadio Nacio-nal is a reflection of that, an arena with seating for 70,042 spectators, making it the second largest of the stadiums host-ing matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Due for completion towards the end of 2012, the Estadio Nacional will host the Opening Match at the FIFA Con-federations Cup Brazil 2013 and seven games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

Check out brasilia.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

Juscelino Kubitschek Bridge

The Three Powers Square

69

The Paranoá Lake

Cathedral

VVIP

70

Beach Park

Iracema Beach

71

hOst city

ForTAzeLAFeaturing mile-upon-mile of wonder-ful beaches, Fortaleza has been one of the main tourist destinations in the north-east of Brazil for several years. It has also developed into an important economic centre.

Two of the most popular clubs from the north-east of Brazil come from Fortale-za: Ceara Sporting Club and Fortaleza Esporte Clube.

The city of Fortaleza offers two main stadiums for the matches involving Ceara, Fortaleza and Ferroviário Es-porte Clube: the 58,000-seater, state-owned Plácido Castelo, also known as the Castelão, and the city-owned Presi-dente Vargas. The Castelão is currently being revamped and expanded to host up to 67,000 fans at Brazil 2014.

Check out fortaleza.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture

José de Alencar Theater

VVIP

72

hOst city

recIFeRecife is the capital of the state of Per-nambuco, in the north-east of Brazil, and the centre of the country’s fourth-largest metropolitan area.

Some of the most impressive beaches around the state’s capital are Boa Via-gem, one of the most famous urban beaches of the region, and Porto de Galinhas, which stands among the top tourist destinations in the country, lo-cated some 70km away from Recife.

There is no better time to check the traditions of Recife and Olinda closely than carnival, when the rhythms of fre-vo and maracatu completely take the cities over.

You will hardly find another city in Brazil as football-mad as Recife. It is a tough task to determine which of the three top clubs of the state of Pernam-buco relies on a more passionate fan base; Sport Club do Recife, Santa Cruz Futebol Clube or Clube Nautico Capi-baribe.

The new Arena Pernambuco will be lo-cated in Sao Lourenco da Mata in Re-cife’s metropolitan zone. The project is seen as an economic catalyst for the continued expansion of Grande Recife, within an area which is considered to be economically deprived.

Check out recife.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

Boa Viagem Beach

City

Francisco Brennand’s Headquarters

Frevo

73

The Apipucos Dam

The Rio Branco Square

VVIP

74

Sugar Loaf

Maracanã Stadium

Lapa Arches

75

hOst city

rIo de JAneIro The jewel in Brazil’s crown, Rio de Ja-neiro is the very depiction of football passion with all forms of kick abouts taking on its streets, parks and vast beaches. It comes as no surprise, then, that the city is the birthplace of such world-renowned footballers as Jairz-inho, Zico, Ronaldo and Romario, to name but a few.

Four of Brazil’s biggest and most popu-lar clubs are based in the Cidade Mara-vilhosa: Botafogo, Fluminense, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo, the club with the country’s biggest fan base, of over 30 million aficionados.

Football is like a religion for the cario-cas, and its temple is undoubtedly the mythical state-owned Maracana, argu-ably the most famous and once the larg-est stadium in the world. The Maracana is being completely renewed for the FIFA World Cup, in order to offer abso-lute comfort while still being the larg-est stadium in Brazil as a 75,117-seater.

Check out rio.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

Modern Art Museum

Ipanema Beach

VVIP

76

hOst city

sALVAdorThe first capital city in Brazil’s history, Salvador will welcome the Confed Cup at a new, purpose-built stadium with a capacity of 56,000. The new arena will host six games during the World Cup.

The Arena Fonte Nova will be covered by a lightweight, metal roof and form part of a complex that will house a pan-oramic restaurant, museum of football, car parks, shops, hotels and a concert hall.

Check out salvador.mobi using your smartphone for everything you need to know about the city

Santa Maria Fort

Pelourinho

77

Capoeira

Lacerda Elevator

VVIP

78

28-30 JuNe 2013

ruGby world sEvEns, mosCow

LowdownWith sevens rugby joining the programme for the 2016 Rio Olympics, global interest in the sport has never been so high, with China and the USA among the many emerging nations tak-ing an interest.

The sport’s premier tournament is the Rugby World Cup Sev-ens. The inaugural tournament was held in 1993 in Scotland, the birthplace of Rugby Sevens, and the 2013 edition will be the sixth in the tournament’s history and take place in Moscow.

Wales is the current men’s World Champion having won the tournament in Dubai in 2009 with Australia having taken the in-augural women’s title. Fiji has won the men’s tournament twice with New Zealand and England also taking the trophy. The men’s winner is awarded the Melrose Cup, named after the Scottish town where Rugby Sevens was first played.

One of the nations to benefit from the addition of rugby to the Olympic family is Russia. Its government has pledged support to the sport and the tournament as the host seeks to build a team of world-beaters in time for next year’s tournament and with an eye on Rio 2016.Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 will see the finest men’s and wom-en’s teams battle for a prize that will set the scene ahead of Rugby Sevens’ Olympic Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai set record attendance and broadcast figures. The historic event, which was the first to incorporate a 16-team women’s competition running alongside a 24-team men’s competition, was broadcast to 760 million people in 141 countries through 29 international broadcasters in 19 lan-guages.

www.rwcsevens.com

79

VVIP

80

Travel in StyleEtihad Airways, the world’s leading airline, flies daily to Melbourne

link

Destination MoscowDespite cold winter temperatures, Moscow’s summer climate is perfect for sevens rugby, with average late June temperatures of 17-19°C and the possibility of significantly warmer days.

Moscow is renowned as an international scientific, cultural, business and financial centre boasting a world-class transport and hotel infrastructure. The city is visited by more than four million tourists every year, who come for attractions including more than 60 museums, including the Kremlin Museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum.

The city is served by three international airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo. The largest of these, Sheremetyevo, lies just nine kilometres from the Moscow Ring Road, while Domodedevo is 22 kilometres away and Vnukovo 10.

The city is also a heralded global sporting centre and has hosted such major international tournaments as the 1980 Summer Olympics and the 2008 UEFA Champions League final. And the final of the 2018 Fifa World Cup will be held in Moscow.

link

Luxury lodgingThe Ritz-Carlton Moscow

link

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow

Russia’s Leading Hotel

81

VVIP

82

wImblEdon

83

wImblEdon24 JuNe – 7 July 2013

©AELTCTom Lovelock

VVIP

84

LowdownThe Championships, Wimbledon, or simply Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and widely con-sidered to be the most prestigious of the four Grand Slams.

Wimbledon is the only major still played on grass, the game’s original surface, which gave the game its original name of “lawn tennis”.

The tournament’s overwhelming popularity attracts a world-wide audience of millions but only a tiny percentage of ten-nis fans are privileged enough to actually be there. The All England Lawn Tennis Club runs a public ballot in the build up to each tournament but this is always substantially over-subscribed.

HosPITALITyThe AELTC has appointed two official tour operators, Sportsworld and Keith Prowse, who provide hospitality packages, including tickets and hotel accommodation. They both offer a range of packages to suit different budgets. The pinnacle is the VIP Tour package, which includes Centre Court ticket to both the women’s and men’s finals, three nights accommodation at The Savoy and the finest hospital-ity at The Gatsby Club, including a menu designed by Mi-chelin star chef Albert Roux.

wimbledon-experience.co.uk

85

©AELTCTom Lovelock

VVIP

86

Private marqueesYou can also entertain guests in one of AELTC’s private marquees located to the south of the All England Club grounds. Marquees accommodate a minimum of 34 people and the hospitality package includes 24 Centre and 10 No.1 Court tickets, a three-course buffet lunch and afternoon tea, plus programmes and parking.

Luxury lodgingWimbledon’s location in South West London make it easily accessible from the centre of town, however to soak up the magic and charm stay locally. Situated in the heart of Wimbledon Village, the historic Cannizaro House is perfect for experiencing a feeling of country grandeur and the number one choice for the discerning tennis fan. Cannizaro House is part of the Mantis Collection, which specializes in exquisite boutique retreats and luxury game reserves.

link

Extended stayFor your very own home-from-home during Wimbledon fortnight, Jumeirah Living has just opened a development of new serviced residences. The Jumeirah Living Grosvenor House Apartments offer a luxurious and sophisticated lifestyle at an exclusive address on Park Lane, Knightsbridge. A total of 133 contemporary residences overlook Hyde Park and the rooftops of Mayfair, each just a few moment walk from the boutiques of this desirable district. They range from studios through to a stunning five-bedroom penthouse.

link

Getting thereThe best way to travel to the Championships is by rail or tube to Wimbledon or Southfields stations and then take the Championship shuttle buses to the ground. The buses that go straight to All England Tennis Club are very well-organised and frequent throughout the day.

87

Grosvenor House Apartments by Jumeirah Living

VVIP

88

LowdownNext summer, the beautiful city of Barcelona will be host to the 15th FINA World Swimming Championships. Fans can watch the full range of aquatic competitions, with 67 events in disciplines from diving and water polo to open-water swimming and synchronized swimming. The championships, which is held every two years, attracts over 2,500 athletes, and is expected to attract the biggest stars from Lon-don 2012.

Events will be hosted in the facilities built when Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olym-pic Games and the 10th FINA World Championships of 2003, during which a re-cord 14 world records were set.

VIP AccessFINA has set up a dedicated website for the championship with a full range of tick-eting and VIP hospitality available.www.bcn2013.com

FIna world swImmInG ChamPIonshIPs, barCElona

DestinationBarcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine – with incredible design and culture.

Its patchwork of architectural styles juxtaposes Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas, and a day spent admiring them can be topped off with relaxing on one of the city’s seven beaches before dinner at any number of gastronomic restaurants of family-run tapas bars.

All images: Giorgio Scala

19 July - 4 august 2013

89

VVIP

90

Luxury lodgingSteal away to one of the premier Barcelona waterfront hotels, Hotel Arts Barcelona, and discover a luxurious oasis on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, overlooking miles of pristine beaches and the grand vista of Port Olimpic,

link

hotel arts Barcelona

Spain’s Leading Business Hotel

91

All images: Giorgio Scala

VVIP

92

93

LowdownMoscow is gearing up to become the next sporting superpower, culminating in its hosting of the 2018 Fifa World Cup. The next stage in the Russian capital’s journey takes place next summer when it steps up to stage the 14th IAAF Athletics World Championships.

Expect a turn-out of the world’s finest athletes such as Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay. The eight-day cham-pionships will be the largest sporting event in 2013, in terms of the number of nations and athletes competing, and spectators and TV audience viewing.

Events will take place at the Luzhniki Stadium, which staged the track and field events of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, and will also host the final of 2018 FIFA World Cup. The 75,000 seater stadium’s main track and the warm-up track are being renewed in preparation for the championships.

www.iaaf.org

14th IaaF athlEtICs world ChamPIonshIPs, mosCow

10-18 august 2013

VVIP

94

95

Luxury lodgingReopened after a large-scale renovation, the Radisson Royal Hotel incarnates the luxury of the new Moscow, combining the latest innovations in design, exquisite facilities, genuine comfort and world-class service. The hotel commands an unrivalled position on the banks of the Moskva River, and allows guests to soak up old-world opulence in the heart of the capital.

The Radisson Royal Hotel is housed in one of the landmark Seven Sisters buildings commissioned after the end of World War II by Josef Stalin. Rising to an impressive 206 metres high, the 34-storey hotel was the largest in Europe when it was built. Today, its proximity to the city centre affords guests easy access to Moscow’s top cultural and historical attractions, including Red Square and the Kremlin.

link

The radisson royal hotel

Europe’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel

VVIP