(Singapore, March 31, 2009) – GHM, a market leader in conceptualising, developing and operating an exclusive group of uber stylish luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, has announced the promotion of Mr. Jamie Case to Senior Vice President for Operations.
He was formerly General Manager of GHM’s multi-award winning The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia and has been with the company for 15 years.
As Senior Vice President of Operations, he is now responsible for all operational areas of GHM overseeing a team of regional Vice Presidents and the General Managers of the group’s 14 properties.
Hans Jenni, Director and President of GHM said, “Jamie's appointment is part of our plans to strengthen our corporate structure as we move ahead with global expansion of the GHM brand. He has played an invaluable role in the development of our product and reputation at the helm of our most renowned resort The Datai Langkawi, and now has an important role to play in the future growth of the company.”
Commenting on his new corporate role, Jamie Case said, “I am very proud of what GHM has achieved in recent years with its impressive portfolio of groundbreaking and stylish properties. As Senior Vice President of Operations I am looking forward to working closely with the hotel teams to continue the success for the existing properties as well as upcoming projects. It is very refreshing to work in a company that is at the cutting edge of hotel design and operation.”
Canadian born, Jamie graduated in 1983 from Ryerson University, Toronto in Tourism Management. He subsequently joined the Hilton Toronto where he assumed a series of management positions until 1989 when he moved to the Hilton Hong Kong as Food and Beverage Manager and was eventually promoted to Executive Assistant Manager. In 1991 he moved to Indonesia to take up a similar role before joining Singapore-based GHM.
In 1993 he was appointed General Manger for the ground-breaking The Datai Langkawi and achieved great success for the resort during his tenure including numerous awards and accolades from many of the most respected reader surveys in the world including Conde Traveller, Tatler Travel Guide, The Sunday Times and the Gallivanter’s Guide.
The Datai first appeared in Conde Nast Traveler’s annual ‘World’s Top 100 Hotels’ in 1998 and has featured virtually every year since then reaching the No. 1 in 2001 and never lower than 20. The Spa at The Datai garnered similar accolades.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Nam Hai Launches Heavenly Honeymoon Package
(Hoi An, Vietnam, March 30, 2009) – The Nam Hai, Vietnam’s most luxurious and exclusive all villa resort, has introduced a honeymoon package for couples indulgence including spa treatments, private dining and wedding gifts.
The Honeymoon Package, priced at US$1,930++ per couple, includes three nights accommodation in a one bedroom hotel villa with direct access to the beach and views across the South China Sea with fresh flowers on arrival, daily set breakfast served in the villa, a private BBQ dinner on the beach including a bottle of Dom Perignon and a honeymoon cake, round trip private chauffer driven airport transfers and spa treatments in the double treatment pavilion at the award winning spa. The package also includes a shopping butler to accompany the couple on trips to local Hoi An. The accommodation can be upgraded to one bedroom pool villa at a rate of US$2,920++.
For couples booking the Honeymoon Package at The Nam Hai, some pampering time at the spa is essential for relaxation and renewal of mind, body and spirit. With this in mind, the package includes a Vietnamese Massage using ancient techniques combining massage and pressure point work to balance the flow of the ‘chi’ and a Love Bath Ceremony where guests can relax and in a luxurious bath strewn with rose petals and love potion bath oil to enjoy chilled Champagne and fresh canapés.
The Nam Hai is ideally located for once in a lifetime sightseeing opportunities and cultural experiences. The resort is just 10km from UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An, a colourful and well preserved traditional Asian trading port with a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and French cultures dating from the 15th century. It is also close to numerous historic attractions, including World Heritage-listed My Son, site of the ancient Cham civilization and Hue, the former Imperial capital.
The resort also offers four floodlit tennis courts, badminton courts, basketball court, a state of the art health club and access to the recently opened 9-hole golf course, The Montgomerie Links.
To make the honeymoon as unique and memorable as possible, the resort offers bespoke local cultural, historical, shopping and sightseeing tours at guests requests.
The Honeymoon Package is only available for residents of Greater China and Singapore.
The resort is connected to the world via Danang’s international airport, just 30 minutes from the resort, offering direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Bangkok.
Since opening, The Nam Hai has won a number of prestigious awards including:
• Conde Nast Traveler HOT LIST 2007 UK and USA: One of the Top New Hotels and Spas in the World
• Australia’s Gourmet Traveler 2007: one of the “Best of the Best” new hotels
• Travel + Leisure USA 2007: “The It List”
• TTG Travel Awards 2007: “Best New Beach Resort”
• Cigar Aficionado USA 2007: “The World’s Best New Beach Resorts”
• Travel + Leisure USA 2008: “The World’s Best Designed Resort”
• Arrivals + Departures Australia 2008: “Arrival + Departure’s Asian Resort of the Year 2008”
• Frommers Review 2008: “simply put, the Nam Hai is the best resort in Vietnam”
• TTG Travel Awards 2008: “Best Beach Resort”
• Asia Spa & Wellness Festival Gold Awards 2009: Best Destination Spa
The five-star resort is a member of the prestigious The Leading Small Hotels of the World and Virtuoso.
For more information on The Nam Hai and for reservations, visit: www.ghmhotels.com.
The Honeymoon Package, priced at US$1,930++ per couple, includes three nights accommodation in a one bedroom hotel villa with direct access to the beach and views across the South China Sea with fresh flowers on arrival, daily set breakfast served in the villa, a private BBQ dinner on the beach including a bottle of Dom Perignon and a honeymoon cake, round trip private chauffer driven airport transfers and spa treatments in the double treatment pavilion at the award winning spa. The package also includes a shopping butler to accompany the couple on trips to local Hoi An. The accommodation can be upgraded to one bedroom pool villa at a rate of US$2,920++.
For couples booking the Honeymoon Package at The Nam Hai, some pampering time at the spa is essential for relaxation and renewal of mind, body and spirit. With this in mind, the package includes a Vietnamese Massage using ancient techniques combining massage and pressure point work to balance the flow of the ‘chi’ and a Love Bath Ceremony where guests can relax and in a luxurious bath strewn with rose petals and love potion bath oil to enjoy chilled Champagne and fresh canapés.
The Nam Hai is ideally located for once in a lifetime sightseeing opportunities and cultural experiences. The resort is just 10km from UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An, a colourful and well preserved traditional Asian trading port with a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese and French cultures dating from the 15th century. It is also close to numerous historic attractions, including World Heritage-listed My Son, site of the ancient Cham civilization and Hue, the former Imperial capital.
The resort also offers four floodlit tennis courts, badminton courts, basketball court, a state of the art health club and access to the recently opened 9-hole golf course, The Montgomerie Links.
To make the honeymoon as unique and memorable as possible, the resort offers bespoke local cultural, historical, shopping and sightseeing tours at guests requests.
The Honeymoon Package is only available for residents of Greater China and Singapore.
The resort is connected to the world via Danang’s international airport, just 30 minutes from the resort, offering direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Bangkok.
Since opening, The Nam Hai has won a number of prestigious awards including:
• Conde Nast Traveler HOT LIST 2007 UK and USA: One of the Top New Hotels and Spas in the World
• Australia’s Gourmet Traveler 2007: one of the “Best of the Best” new hotels
• Travel + Leisure USA 2007: “The It List”
• TTG Travel Awards 2007: “Best New Beach Resort”
• Cigar Aficionado USA 2007: “The World’s Best New Beach Resorts”
• Travel + Leisure USA 2008: “The World’s Best Designed Resort”
• Arrivals + Departures Australia 2008: “Arrival + Departure’s Asian Resort of the Year 2008”
• Frommers Review 2008: “simply put, the Nam Hai is the best resort in Vietnam”
• TTG Travel Awards 2008: “Best Beach Resort”
• Asia Spa & Wellness Festival Gold Awards 2009: Best Destination Spa
The five-star resort is a member of the prestigious The Leading Small Hotels of the World and Virtuoso.
For more information on The Nam Hai and for reservations, visit: www.ghmhotels.com.
Friday, March 27, 2009
One&Only Cape Town Makes Strong Commitment to Support Contemporary South African Art
(Hong Kong, March 26, 2009) - The opening of One&Only Cape Town on 3 April 2009 will mark the beginning of a new synergy between art and hospitality in South Africa. Drawing on his own passion for collecting art, Sol Kerzner, world renowned interior designer Adam D. Tihany, Liza Essers of the Goodman Gallery and leading South African art historian Michael Stevenson, commissioned several prominent South African artists to create works for the resort and personally sought out thought-provoking pieces to form a unique environment of creativity and individuality.
By tapping into the country’s cultural landscape, spaces within One&Only Cape Town will be given over to eye-catching installations and cutting-edge canvasses, while the mezzanine level of the resort will launch a new branch of the contemporary art gallery, Goodman Gallery.
In the gallery space, works on display will range from photographs and sculptures to oils and prints by known and emerging artists and will rotate at least six times per year. The experience of art at One&Only Cape Town is meant to immerse and inspire guests to appreciate and perhaps dabble in collecting exciting South African artwork.
Upon entering the lobby at One&Only Cape Town, eyes will be immediately drawn to three impressive bronze sculptures by painter, sculptor and printmaker Deborah Bell. Standing proud as guardians of place and heritage, ‘Sentinel’, ‘Staff’ and ‘Memory of Wood’ symbolise fortitude, constancy and eternal stability, showcasing Bell’s passion for distilling magic and ancient mythology into the everyday.
On either side of the reception area, Norman Catherine’s ‘Day’ and ‘Night’ screens – inspired both by African mythologies and decorative traditions – welcome visitors as they enter whilst further down the area, two striking paintings by Walter Oltmann ‘ Larva Suit II and III’ and ‘Imago’ depict his obsessive explorations of the natural world, resulting in bleach and ink drawings that reference local craft traditions and suggest cultural manifestations.
Both evocative and sensuously aesthetic, Berni Searle’s piece, “Offering” is the showcase piece in Gordon Ramsay’s maze restaurant. Cape Town- born and bred Searle is known for defying the boundaries of painting and photography, and this piece, at 15 metres long, presents a series of printed panels with the artist’s signature motifs of food and spices. The 14 panels depict abstracted red and ochre crepe paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. The piece draws on the particularities of Searle’s Cape Malay heritage, invoking the rituals and traditions that persist through generations.
Nobu at One&Only Cape Town will house another special commission from major South African sculptor and printmaker Brett Murray. Murray collaborated with Freciano Ndala, one of several Xhun and Khwe San artists. The five and a half by two meter lino cut piece in wood and finished in gold against a claret background, delivers an interesting marriage of South African and Eastern iconography.
One&Only Spa will showcase the ‘Home & Away’ photograph from Berni Searle’s Seeking Refuge series. Portraying a moment in a powerfully lyrical manner, Searle highlights the journey of refugees landing in the volcanic and barren landscape of the Canary Islands. As beautiful as it is dramatic, this image –suited to its ethereal surroundings – reveals the protagonist of this work letting go of her past and looking ahead to the future.
Also complementing the spa location will be Paul Edmunds’ fan-shaped sculpture ‘Fan’. This abstract work was painstakingly woven from a bundle of 4,096 insulated wire strands, held together by copper. This obsessive and meditative process of construction took around six weeks to finish.
Both the Presidential and Imperial Suite at the resort will house original works from iconic South African artists Conrad Botes, Willem Boshoff, Andrew Putter, Guy Tillim, Jeremy Wafer, David Goldblatt, Peter Clarke, Walter Oltmann and Paul Edmunds.
Taking inspiration from debased Christian iconography and proving his status as the ‘torchbearer of the Post-Pop movement in South Africa’, Botes’ six roundels painted on the reverse side of glass in the dining area of the Presidential Suite depict people in transit. The works draw on comic traditions and mock the conventional notions of individualism and humanism while intertwining a certain sentimentality to give his work a bittersweet edge.
A panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, who for this commission produced an image inspired by brass plaques from Benin and centred on a form of a crocodile, is also featured in the Presidential dining area.
On display in the Presidential Suite’s study is a large colour photograph of a coastline by veteran South African photographer David Goldblatt alongside ‘The Queen of Sheba’ and ‘Tutu’, two paper works with prose by Peter Clarke, famous in the Cape for his collage combined with quirky poems in his handwriting beneath.
The entrance to the Imperial Suite is dominated by a hanging sculpture from Paul Edmunds named ‘Same but Different I’I. Based on a linocut the artist made in 2000, created as one long continuous line, this three-dimensional execution was fashioned out of PVC-insulated wire.
The entrance area also features ‘Post Mistress’ and ‘Miles Davis’, two collages and prose from Peter Clarke’s Fanfare series as well photographer Guy Tillim’s ‘Lumbumbashi City Hall, DR Congo, 2007’ and ‘Maputo, Mozambique, 2007’ from his recent series Avenue Patrick Lumumba which reflects on modernist architecture in Africa.
The focal point of the salon in the Imperial Suite is a wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist. ‘Walking Stick Jig’ -constructed from 13 walking sticks made in distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood – shows the pieces of wood turned into jewel-like bits that flitter about, similar to musical notes on sheet music.
The central living space also features a large wirework panel woven by Walter Oltmann, inspired by the complex geometric patterns of the Congo Kuba Cloths. Jeremy Wafer in turn sought his inspiration for his two large disc sculptures ‘Red Disk’ and ‘Ochre Disk’ cast in resin and covered with clay and ash from the landscape of South Africa, in particular in the Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices and rites of passage.
Finally, in the master bedroom is a pair of photographic prints of flowers from the series ‘Flora Capensis’ by Andrew Putter, who looks at Cape history with imagination and humour. Putter invokes the 17th century Dutch style of exquisite flower paintings and at the same time recalls the Khoekhoe - who once lived where Cape Town now stands – through the materials from which the still life works are composed.
By tapping into the country’s cultural landscape, spaces within One&Only Cape Town will be given over to eye-catching installations and cutting-edge canvasses, while the mezzanine level of the resort will launch a new branch of the contemporary art gallery, Goodman Gallery.
In the gallery space, works on display will range from photographs and sculptures to oils and prints by known and emerging artists and will rotate at least six times per year. The experience of art at One&Only Cape Town is meant to immerse and inspire guests to appreciate and perhaps dabble in collecting exciting South African artwork.
Upon entering the lobby at One&Only Cape Town, eyes will be immediately drawn to three impressive bronze sculptures by painter, sculptor and printmaker Deborah Bell. Standing proud as guardians of place and heritage, ‘Sentinel’, ‘Staff’ and ‘Memory of Wood’ symbolise fortitude, constancy and eternal stability, showcasing Bell’s passion for distilling magic and ancient mythology into the everyday.
On either side of the reception area, Norman Catherine’s ‘Day’ and ‘Night’ screens – inspired both by African mythologies and decorative traditions – welcome visitors as they enter whilst further down the area, two striking paintings by Walter Oltmann ‘ Larva Suit II and III’ and ‘Imago’ depict his obsessive explorations of the natural world, resulting in bleach and ink drawings that reference local craft traditions and suggest cultural manifestations.
Both evocative and sensuously aesthetic, Berni Searle’s piece, “Offering” is the showcase piece in Gordon Ramsay’s maze restaurant. Cape Town- born and bred Searle is known for defying the boundaries of painting and photography, and this piece, at 15 metres long, presents a series of printed panels with the artist’s signature motifs of food and spices. The 14 panels depict abstracted red and ochre crepe paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. The piece draws on the particularities of Searle’s Cape Malay heritage, invoking the rituals and traditions that persist through generations.
Nobu at One&Only Cape Town will house another special commission from major South African sculptor and printmaker Brett Murray. Murray collaborated with Freciano Ndala, one of several Xhun and Khwe San artists. The five and a half by two meter lino cut piece in wood and finished in gold against a claret background, delivers an interesting marriage of South African and Eastern iconography.
One&Only Spa will showcase the ‘Home & Away’ photograph from Berni Searle’s Seeking Refuge series. Portraying a moment in a powerfully lyrical manner, Searle highlights the journey of refugees landing in the volcanic and barren landscape of the Canary Islands. As beautiful as it is dramatic, this image –suited to its ethereal surroundings – reveals the protagonist of this work letting go of her past and looking ahead to the future.
Also complementing the spa location will be Paul Edmunds’ fan-shaped sculpture ‘Fan’. This abstract work was painstakingly woven from a bundle of 4,096 insulated wire strands, held together by copper. This obsessive and meditative process of construction took around six weeks to finish.
Both the Presidential and Imperial Suite at the resort will house original works from iconic South African artists Conrad Botes, Willem Boshoff, Andrew Putter, Guy Tillim, Jeremy Wafer, David Goldblatt, Peter Clarke, Walter Oltmann and Paul Edmunds.
Taking inspiration from debased Christian iconography and proving his status as the ‘torchbearer of the Post-Pop movement in South Africa’, Botes’ six roundels painted on the reverse side of glass in the dining area of the Presidential Suite depict people in transit. The works draw on comic traditions and mock the conventional notions of individualism and humanism while intertwining a certain sentimentality to give his work a bittersweet edge.
A panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, who for this commission produced an image inspired by brass plaques from Benin and centred on a form of a crocodile, is also featured in the Presidential dining area.
On display in the Presidential Suite’s study is a large colour photograph of a coastline by veteran South African photographer David Goldblatt alongside ‘The Queen of Sheba’ and ‘Tutu’, two paper works with prose by Peter Clarke, famous in the Cape for his collage combined with quirky poems in his handwriting beneath.
The entrance to the Imperial Suite is dominated by a hanging sculpture from Paul Edmunds named ‘Same but Different I’I. Based on a linocut the artist made in 2000, created as one long continuous line, this three-dimensional execution was fashioned out of PVC-insulated wire.
The entrance area also features ‘Post Mistress’ and ‘Miles Davis’, two collages and prose from Peter Clarke’s Fanfare series as well photographer Guy Tillim’s ‘Lumbumbashi City Hall, DR Congo, 2007’ and ‘Maputo, Mozambique, 2007’ from his recent series Avenue Patrick Lumumba which reflects on modernist architecture in Africa.
The focal point of the salon in the Imperial Suite is a wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist. ‘Walking Stick Jig’ -constructed from 13 walking sticks made in distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood – shows the pieces of wood turned into jewel-like bits that flitter about, similar to musical notes on sheet music.
The central living space also features a large wirework panel woven by Walter Oltmann, inspired by the complex geometric patterns of the Congo Kuba Cloths. Jeremy Wafer in turn sought his inspiration for his two large disc sculptures ‘Red Disk’ and ‘Ochre Disk’ cast in resin and covered with clay and ash from the landscape of South Africa, in particular in the Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices and rites of passage.
Finally, in the master bedroom is a pair of photographic prints of flowers from the series ‘Flora Capensis’ by Andrew Putter, who looks at Cape history with imagination and humour. Putter invokes the 17th century Dutch style of exquisite flower paintings and at the same time recalls the Khoekhoe - who once lived where Cape Town now stands – through the materials from which the still life works are composed.
Gusto! A Culinary Tour of Italian Regions at JIA Shanghai's Issimo
(Shanghai, March 26, 2009) - In keeping with its acclaimed reputation of serving truly authentic Italian cuisine, Issimo restaurant at JIA Shanghai will take diners on a culinary tour of Italy with ‘Gusto!’ a series of food promotions featuring guest chefs who specialize in the cuisines of the four of the most important gastronomic regions of the country – Campania, Sicily, Lombardia and Piemonte.
Gusto! means ‘taste’ in Italian and the week-long promotions, stretched over through the year, will each be hosted by William di Nardo, Executive Chef of Issimo, in collaboration with Enzo Carbone, Executive Corporate Chef Asia Pacific of Y’s Table, and featuring guest chefs who are native to the region, with the last one being a grand finale in which all four chefs will participate. There will be a charity gala dinner with each promotion, with Chefs William and Enzo in a fun, interactive evening with diners, to explain the cuisines of each region.
Gusto! starts with the cuisine of Campania presented from April 22-28, 2009 by Chef Enzo Carbone, who hails from a family of trattoria owners in Naples, the capital city of Campania.
This fertile region, famed for the Amalfi Coast, Mount Vesuvius and the isle of Capri, is also known for fresh seafood, distinctive durum wheat pasta, prized buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and the unbeatable traditional Neapolitan pizzas.
Enzo has created an extensive menu of Campania specialties including: Parmigiana di melanzane (Traditional eggplant lasagna filled with parmesan cheese and tomato sauce); Antipasto misto napoletano (Neapolitan mixed appetizers); Saute di vongole e cozze con crostini all’aglio (Clams and black mussel sauté with garlic bruschetta); Schiaffoni al ragu napoletano (Schiaffoni pasta tossed with traditional tomato pork ragu); Lasagne di carnevale (Napoli style lasagna filled with eggs, ricotta cheese, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan and meat ball); Baccala in casseruola (Atlantic black cod fish in casserole); Branzino all’acqua pazza (Whole Sea bass cooked with cherry tomato, garlic, parsley and little chilli peppers). Also featured on the menu is a selection of delicious Neapolitan pizzas and, for dessert, Pastiera (Ricotta cheese cake with grain seed) and Baba al rhum con gelato alla latte e panna soffice (Traditional Napoli rhum baba with milk ice-cream and whipping cream).
Over the course of 2009, Issimo, in this collaboration with Y’s Table, will take you on a culinary tour of Sicily with Chef Salvatore Boscarello; Lombardia with Chef Giorgio Pappalardo and Issimo Executive Chef William di Nardo who also represents this region; and ultimately this winter, in a grand finale, all four chefs will return to serve an exceptional menu from Piemonte, the region at the foot of the Alps which is celebrated for risotto, delicate truffles, game dishes stewed in rich red wines and the hallmark of the region's cuisine, antipasto.
The special Gusto! menus by each chef will replace Issimo's regular a la carte menu during the promotional weeks, although certain signature dishes will be included so that diners can still enjoy some of Issimo’s signature favourites if they wish – particularly the restaurant's wood-fired oven baked pizzas for which founder chef Salvatore Cuomo has won Napoli’s Pizzafest, the ‘world cup’ for pizza-makers, for three years in a row.
Chalet-inspired Issimo is on the second floor of boutique residence JIA Shanghai, both owned by young Singaporean entrepreneur Yenn Wong, in the heart of Shanghai’s business, shopping and entertainment area at 931 West Nanjing Road. The rustic 96-seat restaurant and bar has become known as the home of authentic, home-style Italian dining in Shanghai and was recently voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by Timeout and Modern Weekly magazines.
"At Issimo, our two key ingredients are the authenticity of our Italian cuisine and the passion with which we cook," said Executive Chef William Di Nardo “and this culinary tour will take our diners to experience the true tastes of these regional cuisines."
Gusto! means ‘taste’ in Italian and the week-long promotions, stretched over through the year, will each be hosted by William di Nardo, Executive Chef of Issimo, in collaboration with Enzo Carbone, Executive Corporate Chef Asia Pacific of Y’s Table, and featuring guest chefs who are native to the region, with the last one being a grand finale in which all four chefs will participate. There will be a charity gala dinner with each promotion, with Chefs William and Enzo in a fun, interactive evening with diners, to explain the cuisines of each region.
Gusto! starts with the cuisine of Campania presented from April 22-28, 2009 by Chef Enzo Carbone, who hails from a family of trattoria owners in Naples, the capital city of Campania.
This fertile region, famed for the Amalfi Coast, Mount Vesuvius and the isle of Capri, is also known for fresh seafood, distinctive durum wheat pasta, prized buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes and the unbeatable traditional Neapolitan pizzas.
Enzo has created an extensive menu of Campania specialties including: Parmigiana di melanzane (Traditional eggplant lasagna filled with parmesan cheese and tomato sauce); Antipasto misto napoletano (Neapolitan mixed appetizers); Saute di vongole e cozze con crostini all’aglio (Clams and black mussel sauté with garlic bruschetta); Schiaffoni al ragu napoletano (Schiaffoni pasta tossed with traditional tomato pork ragu); Lasagne di carnevale (Napoli style lasagna filled with eggs, ricotta cheese, buffalo mozzarella, parmesan and meat ball); Baccala in casseruola (Atlantic black cod fish in casserole); Branzino all’acqua pazza (Whole Sea bass cooked with cherry tomato, garlic, parsley and little chilli peppers). Also featured on the menu is a selection of delicious Neapolitan pizzas and, for dessert, Pastiera (Ricotta cheese cake with grain seed) and Baba al rhum con gelato alla latte e panna soffice (Traditional Napoli rhum baba with milk ice-cream and whipping cream).
Over the course of 2009, Issimo, in this collaboration with Y’s Table, will take you on a culinary tour of Sicily with Chef Salvatore Boscarello; Lombardia with Chef Giorgio Pappalardo and Issimo Executive Chef William di Nardo who also represents this region; and ultimately this winter, in a grand finale, all four chefs will return to serve an exceptional menu from Piemonte, the region at the foot of the Alps which is celebrated for risotto, delicate truffles, game dishes stewed in rich red wines and the hallmark of the region's cuisine, antipasto.
The special Gusto! menus by each chef will replace Issimo's regular a la carte menu during the promotional weeks, although certain signature dishes will be included so that diners can still enjoy some of Issimo’s signature favourites if they wish – particularly the restaurant's wood-fired oven baked pizzas for which founder chef Salvatore Cuomo has won Napoli’s Pizzafest, the ‘world cup’ for pizza-makers, for three years in a row.
Chalet-inspired Issimo is on the second floor of boutique residence JIA Shanghai, both owned by young Singaporean entrepreneur Yenn Wong, in the heart of Shanghai’s business, shopping and entertainment area at 931 West Nanjing Road. The rustic 96-seat restaurant and bar has become known as the home of authentic, home-style Italian dining in Shanghai and was recently voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by Timeout and Modern Weekly magazines.
"At Issimo, our two key ingredients are the authenticity of our Italian cuisine and the passion with which we cook," said Executive Chef William Di Nardo “and this culinary tour will take our diners to experience the true tastes of these regional cuisines."
"GHM's Chic Vietnam Resort The Nam Hai Scoops Asia Spa Award for 'Best Destination Spa'
(Hoi An, Vietnam, March 27, 2009) – GHM’s (General Hotels Management) stylish resort The Nam Hai again confirmed its position as a leading sanctuary for relaxation and renewal of body, mind and spirit when it was awarded ‘Best Destination Spa’ at the annual Asia Spa & Wellness Festival Gold Awards held in Bangkok this week.
The annual awards which are judged by a panel of spa experts, recognises outstanding design and services offered by spas, wellness centres and resorts across the Asian region. (www.asiaspafestival.com)
Since opening in 2006, The Spa at The Nam Hai, located on Vietnam's famous China Beach, has been recognised in a number of coveted awards for its outstanding design, signature collection of wellness rituals and exclusive products, including ‘Top New Spas’ worldwide by Conde Nast Traveler US, and ‘World’s Top 75 Spas’ by Conde Nast Traveller UK.
Set around a serene lotus-filled lake, The Spa at The Nam Hai features eight individual spa villas, each with two spaciously designed pavilions including a relaxation area, steam showers and private changing room.
Asian-inspired spa treatments which embrace healing traditions from Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, India and Tibet, range from Indian ayurvedic rituals with warmed therapeutic oils to Balinese palming, stretching and pressure point techniques, Himalayan 'hot stone' massage, Thai-style foot reflexology and traditional Vietnamese massage to balance the flow of “chi”.
“Our holistic spa approach, that beauty is more than skin deep, determines our choice of products, treatments and applications,“ says GHM Corporate Director of Spa, Brenda Ramen, “The Spa at The Nam Hai combines a luxurious environment with superior quality botanical-based products and highly trained therapists.”
The Nam Hai is Vietnam’s leading 5-star, oceanfront resort, offering luxury private villa-style living overlooking one of Asia’s finest beaches. Other highlights include an exceptional variety of international dining and recreation from water sports and golf, to tours of no less than three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other cultural attractions in Central Vietnam.
The resort is just 10 minutes from picturesque Hoi An, an ancient ‘Silk Route’ trading port with a rich multi-cultural history and nostalgic streetscapes. Just 30 minutes from the resort is Danang’s international airport, with flight links to Singapore and Bangkok, and future plans for direct flights to Hong Kong and other major Asian cities.
For more information on The Nam Hai Resort and for reservations, visit: www.ghmhotels.com.
The Luxe Manor - Aspasia welcomes a new a la carte menu and Easter treats
Hong Kong, 27 March, 2009 – The fine cuisine of Aspasia, The Luxe Manor’s Italian dining sensation, introduces it’s fully made over A la Carte Menu alongside a delectable and Easter Lunch Menu to Hong Kong’s most discerning diners. Despite its apt artistically surreal surroundings, Aspasia’s cuisine is realistically divine.
The introduction of Aspasia’s A la Carte menu is overflowing with a delicious and daring combination of flavours and favorites. Freshly imported straight from Italy, all the ingredients add to the authentic dining experience found at Aspasia. The John Dory, glazed with seafood juice and topped with fresh tomato, herbs, olive oil, potato and rucola makes for a tantalizing entrée, while the Wagyu short rib, braised in red wine with taqueria pumpkin polenta lends diners a delightful dash of fresh delight.
Easter Lunch menu will be offered during the period of 10 to 13 April 2009. Whet your appetite with a beef carpaccio served with crispy parmesan, rucola and a divine mustard sauce. Following such a delicious introduction is a wealth of choices, prime among them is the veal ravioli with porcini mushroom sauce, or the black ink risotto with pan-seared Japanese scallops. Infinitely fresh dishes primed for summer dining make Aspasia the ideal selection for families celebrating Easter and the start of spring and summer.
For a bout of a delectable and unexpected dining experience, Aspasia offers a host of delicious options with their new A la Carte and Easter Lunch Menus.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
HOTEL LE BLEU UNVEILS THE SPRING REJUVENATION SPA PACKAGE FEATURING TREATMENTS AT BODY BY BROOKLYLN SPA AND LOUNGE
BROOKLYN, NY – The 48-room hotel le bleu, located in the trendy Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is offering The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package designed to reinvigorate and energize the body and mind just in time for spring. The package features accommodations, signature spa treatments at Body by Brooklyn Spa and Lounge, transportation to and from treatments, complimentary welcome amenities including an aromatherapy candle, Body by Brooklyn Spa and Lounge gift bag and more!
Starting at $399 per person, per night, The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package allows guests to chill out in one of New York City’s coolest neighborhoods and to indulge in a selection of authentic spa treatments and therapies. Ideal for those looking to escape the hectic pace of life and gear-up for spring, The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package offers travelers a 17% cost savings and is the perfect way to indulge, relax and restore the body and mind.
The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package starts at $399.00 per person, per night exclusive of taxes available through April 30, 2009. This package if purchased separately is valued at: $478.00
• Accommodations for one night
• Body by Brooklyn Spa and Lounge’s Waverly Spa Treatment including: a 30-minute salt scrub, 30-minute facial and 30-minute massage
• Private car service to and from spa
• Late check-out
• In-room aromatherapy candle
• Body by Brooklyn gift bag containing a Barbor travel kit, an Herbal Extract Cleanser, Hydrophilic cleansing oil and Vita Balance day and night cream
• Shopping gift back from trendy Brooklyn boutique, Zoe, containing a Voluspa travel candle, 10% off gift certificate and a personal shopper invitation
Located on Fourth Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, within close proximity of the historic Brooklyn Bridge and offering easy access to Manhattan and major thoroughfares, hotel le bleu is the first luxury boutique hotel to open in Brooklyn. The neighborhood’s ideal location offers spectacular views of the island of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Park Slope has become a favorite haunt among chefs and gourmands alike due to the opening of world-class restaurants and bars featuring cuisine from around the world.
Hotel le bleu, which means the Blue Hotel in French, is a sleek chic architectural structure designed by the award-winning architect Andres Escobar. The well-appointed guestrooms are decorated to maximize space and provide the ultimate experience in comfort.
Luxury items such as Egyptian cotton bedding, orthopedic mattresses and high-end in-room amenities offer the ultimate in relaxation. In 2009, hotel le bleu will welcome a signature restaurant Vue that will feature continental cuisine. hotel le bleu offers luxury, comfort and service comparable to Manhattan hotels but at significantly lower rates.
* * * *
For information and reservations contact hotel le bleu at (866)427-6073 or info@globiwest.com. Rates are subject to change, based upon space availability and exclude tax and gratuities. Rates cannot be combined with any other offer.
Starting at $399 per person, per night, The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package allows guests to chill out in one of New York City’s coolest neighborhoods and to indulge in a selection of authentic spa treatments and therapies. Ideal for those looking to escape the hectic pace of life and gear-up for spring, The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package offers travelers a 17% cost savings and is the perfect way to indulge, relax and restore the body and mind.
The Spring Rejuvenation Spa Package starts at $399.00 per person, per night exclusive of taxes available through April 30, 2009. This package if purchased separately is valued at: $478.00
• Accommodations for one night
• Body by Brooklyn Spa and Lounge’s Waverly Spa Treatment including: a 30-minute salt scrub, 30-minute facial and 30-minute massage
• Private car service to and from spa
• Late check-out
• In-room aromatherapy candle
• Body by Brooklyn gift bag containing a Barbor travel kit, an Herbal Extract Cleanser, Hydrophilic cleansing oil and Vita Balance day and night cream
• Shopping gift back from trendy Brooklyn boutique, Zoe, containing a Voluspa travel candle, 10% off gift certificate and a personal shopper invitation
Located on Fourth Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, within close proximity of the historic Brooklyn Bridge and offering easy access to Manhattan and major thoroughfares, hotel le bleu is the first luxury boutique hotel to open in Brooklyn. The neighborhood’s ideal location offers spectacular views of the island of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Park Slope has become a favorite haunt among chefs and gourmands alike due to the opening of world-class restaurants and bars featuring cuisine from around the world.
Hotel le bleu, which means the Blue Hotel in French, is a sleek chic architectural structure designed by the award-winning architect Andres Escobar. The well-appointed guestrooms are decorated to maximize space and provide the ultimate experience in comfort.
Luxury items such as Egyptian cotton bedding, orthopedic mattresses and high-end in-room amenities offer the ultimate in relaxation. In 2009, hotel le bleu will welcome a signature restaurant Vue that will feature continental cuisine. hotel le bleu offers luxury, comfort and service comparable to Manhattan hotels but at significantly lower rates.
* * * *
For information and reservations contact hotel le bleu at (866)427-6073 or info@globiwest.com. Rates are subject to change, based upon space availability and exclude tax and gratuities. Rates cannot be combined with any other offer.
Leading Australia Yoga Teacher Judy Krupp Returns to Bhutan to Lead a Six-Night Nurturing Asanas and Meditation Retreat
(HONG KONG, 25 March 2009) – Uma Paro in Bhutan continues to secure its reputation as one of the most unique Yoga locations in the world. With dedicated Yoga facilities, in addition to a full-service holistic spa and healthful, sophisticated cuisine, this is a wellness opportunity that stands apart from the crowd.
From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and fresh air, to lead what is likely be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.
Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.
All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan's oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).
Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.
Prices start at US$4,092++, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).
Please note that Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.
From 12th to 18th July 2009, Uma Paro will be welcoming Judy Krupp, a well known Sydney-based teacher whose likeable humour and nurturing style has inspired and made devotees of many, from beginners to the experienced. This will be the third time she has worked at Uma Paro, drawn by the mountains and fresh air, to lead what is likely be another sell-out COMO Shambhala Yoga Retreat.
Judy has over 20 years experience as a teacher and is founder of The Yoga Room based on Sydney’s North Shore. Her teaching reflects her original training in the Iyengar system and work as a myotherapy body therapist to help strengthen habit-prone bodies and increase flexibility. This is excellent for people who are new to Yoga.
In addition, Judy helps focus the mind for meditation. She does this both through her artful teaching, and also by asking each guest to make the most of the privileged environment which is Uma Paro. Bhutan offers a memorable opportunity to escape the daily grind, high up in the mountains where few ever tread.
All Retreat guests are therefore invited to explore the countryside and culture more deeply, with an English-speaking Uma Paro guide provided for this purpose. The program includes walks through local scenery, to monasteries and valleys. There will be a visit to Bhutan's oldest temple from the 8th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most sacred site known as Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest), a lunch at a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and a picnic at a ruined fortress at the end of Paro Valley with clear-day views of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jomolhari (7,314 m).
Throughout their stay guests are free to enjoy Uma Paro’s menus of healthful, locally sourced cuisine. Retreat guests can also make the most of Uma Paro’s holistic COMO Shambhala Retreat where they can experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath followed by a COMO Shambhala massage. Others will enjoy making the most of Uma Paros’ extensive Ayurvedic treatments.
Prices start at US$4,092++, which includes 21 hours of Yoga and meditation instruction between 12th and 18th July 2009, accommodation, return airport transfers, four cultural excursions, a Hot Stone Bath and massage (90 minutes), daily breakfast, lunch and two dinners (beverages not included).
Please note that Uma Paro can provide extensive travel assistance, including advice on visas and Drukair flights into Bhutan.
Frequent Flyers Earn Double Miles at WORLDHOTELS’ Affiliate Stamford Hotels and Resorts
Frequent flyers of WORLDHOTELS’ international airline partners can earn double miles at Stamford Hotels and Resorts from April 1 to August 31, 2009 with bookings guaranteed at best available room rate.
Stamford Hotels and Resorts operates Australia's largest collection of luxury hotels and the bonus for 20 of the world’s leading international airlines’ frequent flyer programme members extends to bookings at the award-winning brand's hotels in Sydney (CBD, Airport, North Ryde and Double Bay), Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Auckland in New Zealand.
Following a global partnership expansion, 20 of the world’s leading international airlines including Lufthansa Miles & More, United Airlines Mileage Plus, Air China Companion, and the latest Asia Miles are now affiliated to WORLDHOTELS' fast-growing portfolio of frequent flyer partnerships.
The promotion with Australia's leading luxury hotel brand is a "prime example of proactively responding to challenging economic times", said Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia-Pacific of WORLDHOTELS, the leading global hotel group for independent hotels and regional brands.
"It is more or less impossible for independent hotels to offer travellers incentives through frequent flyer programme partnerships, but WORLDHOTELS through its collective size and distribution capabilities is able to address that for them, making them competitive with the global hotel chains," added Mr. Jegge.
Stamford Hotels and Resorts began operations in 1996 and is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles. The group acquired Australia and New Zealand’s finest and most innovative hotels to create the formidable brand.
The brand's Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport hotel was voted ‘Australia’s Leading Airport Hotel’ in the 2008 World Travel Awards.
Stamford Hotels and Resorts operates Australia's largest collection of luxury hotels and the bonus for 20 of the world’s leading international airlines’ frequent flyer programme members extends to bookings at the award-winning brand's hotels in Sydney (CBD, Airport, North Ryde and Double Bay), Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Auckland in New Zealand.
Following a global partnership expansion, 20 of the world’s leading international airlines including Lufthansa Miles & More, United Airlines Mileage Plus, Air China Companion, and the latest Asia Miles are now affiliated to WORLDHOTELS' fast-growing portfolio of frequent flyer partnerships.
The promotion with Australia's leading luxury hotel brand is a "prime example of proactively responding to challenging economic times", said Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia-Pacific of WORLDHOTELS, the leading global hotel group for independent hotels and regional brands.
"It is more or less impossible for independent hotels to offer travellers incentives through frequent flyer programme partnerships, but WORLDHOTELS through its collective size and distribution capabilities is able to address that for them, making them competitive with the global hotel chains," added Mr. Jegge.
Stamford Hotels and Resorts began operations in 1996 and is named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles. The group acquired Australia and New Zealand’s finest and most innovative hotels to create the formidable brand.
The brand's Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport hotel was voted ‘Australia’s Leading Airport Hotel’ in the 2008 World Travel Awards.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
One Plus Partnership Extends to Newly - Designed Love Nest
(Hong Kong, 24 March, 2009) -- AWARD-winning Hong Kong interior designers Ajax Law and Virginia Lung are ensuring they keep connected in every corner of their own personal love-nest.
The married directors of hip, young firm One Plus Partnership have stripped away virtually every wall of their over 1,000 sq.ft. apartment at Pacific Palisades, North Point and connect every section of the new home in a subtle way.
Everywhere except the master bedroom is open-floor plan, so the busy designers can see each other and communicate from anywhere at home.
"We want to keep it simple, natural and plain but chic. Our overall theme is staying connected, in every corner, with each other and with the natural environment. We love to spend time at home. This is our comfort zone and where we can find our true selves." says Ajax. "Space is at such a premium in Hong Kong, so our prime concern was making the wisest use of it.”
A colour scheme of predominantly white offset with striking black and fashionable silver is meanwhile unconditionally modern to-the-minute. The furniture and décor are simple and most importantly, sustainable. The designers, on the other hand, play with different textures in their designer furniture, including the use of various animal skin patterns and leathers.
"Views and light are also at a premium, so we opened those up as much as possible, front and back to maximize the space we can use."
A giant sofa, three metres long and just over a metre wide allows them plenty of "R&R" space to lounge together and relax while watching TV and listening to music.
Neither is left out of the loop at mealtimes -- with a dining table integrated into the kitchen, so they can chat when one is cooking or washing-up dishes.
Twin-showers additionally provide the ultimate sharing experience in the life of the young couple, who have been inseparable since they met at their former interior design company.
Basking the apartment in light throughout the day are expanded windows on both sides – one overlooking Victoria Harbor and the other onto the lush garden and hillside backdrop of Hong Kong Island.
With due respect to the aesthetics of fellow designers, stylish furniture collected from different countries abounds alongside their very own designs.
Silver stools and dining chairs are by Philippe Starck. The floor lamp ‘Cone Light’ is by Tom Dixon. The dining-kitchen area features a top-of-the range Gaggenau oven and stove, set into a formica stone counter top and wash basin they custom-designed themselves. The bathroom is predominantly Globo, and in the study is a 'Prince' chair by Louise Campbell, with floor lamp ‘Signal Floor’ by Jean-Louid Domecq.
But the most personal and intimate designs are their own -- from the sprawling sofa, coffee tables, TV cabinet and even a chic woolen rug imitating the texture and pattern of crocodile skin, to the languid bedroom, including wardrobe, side table and lighting.
Founded in 2004, One Plus Partnership recently won INTERIOR DESIGN magazine’s prestigious “Best of the Year Awards 2008” in the Public Space category for their theme-inspired Gemdale Mellon Town, with its distinctive bamboo lobby, in Shenzhen.
"That was definitely our most successful project to date," says Virginia.
They also have a growing reputation for cutting edge interiors in show flats, club houses and public space design in Hong Kong, commissioned for luxury complexes including Cite 33, Manhattan Hill, The Pacifica Belle Mer, The Apex and Harbourfront Landmark. Current and future projects also include retail stores, penthouses, clubhouses, public spaces and offices, both locally and internationally.
The married directors of hip, young firm One Plus Partnership have stripped away virtually every wall of their over 1,000 sq.ft. apartment at Pacific Palisades, North Point and connect every section of the new home in a subtle way.
Everywhere except the master bedroom is open-floor plan, so the busy designers can see each other and communicate from anywhere at home.
"We want to keep it simple, natural and plain but chic. Our overall theme is staying connected, in every corner, with each other and with the natural environment. We love to spend time at home. This is our comfort zone and where we can find our true selves." says Ajax. "Space is at such a premium in Hong Kong, so our prime concern was making the wisest use of it.”
A colour scheme of predominantly white offset with striking black and fashionable silver is meanwhile unconditionally modern to-the-minute. The furniture and décor are simple and most importantly, sustainable. The designers, on the other hand, play with different textures in their designer furniture, including the use of various animal skin patterns and leathers.
"Views and light are also at a premium, so we opened those up as much as possible, front and back to maximize the space we can use."
A giant sofa, three metres long and just over a metre wide allows them plenty of "R&R" space to lounge together and relax while watching TV and listening to music.
Neither is left out of the loop at mealtimes -- with a dining table integrated into the kitchen, so they can chat when one is cooking or washing-up dishes.
Twin-showers additionally provide the ultimate sharing experience in the life of the young couple, who have been inseparable since they met at their former interior design company.
Basking the apartment in light throughout the day are expanded windows on both sides – one overlooking Victoria Harbor and the other onto the lush garden and hillside backdrop of Hong Kong Island.
With due respect to the aesthetics of fellow designers, stylish furniture collected from different countries abounds alongside their very own designs.
Silver stools and dining chairs are by Philippe Starck. The floor lamp ‘Cone Light’ is by Tom Dixon. The dining-kitchen area features a top-of-the range Gaggenau oven and stove, set into a formica stone counter top and wash basin they custom-designed themselves. The bathroom is predominantly Globo, and in the study is a 'Prince' chair by Louise Campbell, with floor lamp ‘Signal Floor’ by Jean-Louid Domecq.
But the most personal and intimate designs are their own -- from the sprawling sofa, coffee tables, TV cabinet and even a chic woolen rug imitating the texture and pattern of crocodile skin, to the languid bedroom, including wardrobe, side table and lighting.
Founded in 2004, One Plus Partnership recently won INTERIOR DESIGN magazine’s prestigious “Best of the Year Awards 2008” in the Public Space category for their theme-inspired Gemdale Mellon Town, with its distinctive bamboo lobby, in Shenzhen.
"That was definitely our most successful project to date," says Virginia.
They also have a growing reputation for cutting edge interiors in show flats, club houses and public space design in Hong Kong, commissioned for luxury complexes including Cite 33, Manhattan Hill, The Pacifica Belle Mer, The Apex and Harbourfront Landmark. Current and future projects also include retail stores, penthouses, clubhouses, public spaces and offices, both locally and internationally.
Easter Promotion at Award-Winning Urban Lifestyle Hotel The Fleming Hong Kong
(Hong Kong, March 24, 2009) -- Hong Kong’s chic ‘urban lifestyle hotel’, The Fleming, is offering an Easter overnight package including breakfast and tapas at its signature restaurant Cubix from HK$1,488.
Valid from April 4-13, the special rate is for deluxe room accommodation at the award-winning boutique hotel in Wan Chai, or HK$1,788 for an executive room.
Guests can enjoy complimentary special tapas combo at Cubix, selections include Sardinas a la Plancha (Grilled Sardines), Bunuelos de Chorizo (Spanish Sausage), Albondigas Con Salsa de Alm emdrasy Azafran (Meat Ball served with Saffron Almond Sauce), Pan Con Tomate Ajo y Jamon (Oven toasted baguette with Tomato, Garlic & Jamon Serrano), Calamares Fritos (Deep Fried Squid Ring), Gambas al Ajillo (Prawns served with Toasted Garlic) and Black & Green Olives.
Bonuses also include an Easter gift, complimentary mini-bar, welcome fruit and late check-out till 3pm, subject to availability. Among standard additional extras are complimentary entry to nearby California Fitness gym, free local calls, daily newspaper, DVD library and wired and wireless broadband internet access.
About The Fleming
The Fleming is in a quiet side-street in the heart of the Wan Chai business and entertainment district, just a stroll from the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
It was ranked on Condé Nast Traveller’s “Hot List 2007” as one of the world’s best new hotels, and as a finalist of SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar Style Awards Best Boutique Hotel of the Year 2007.
With 66 rooms, the boutique hotel targets international executives and frequent business travelers with affordable accommodation, up-to-date technology, contemporary facilities and a stylish address. Its key philosophy is exceptionally friendly and attentive personalised service.
It is a member of Sterling Hotels™, a collection of hotels with sterling personality from Preferred Hotel Group™.
To book the Easter package, please contact the Reservation Department at (852) 3607 2225. Rates are subject to 10% service charge.
The Fleming
41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3607 2288
Fax: (852) 3607 2299
Email: sales@thefleming.com
www.thefleming.com.hk
Valid from April 4-13, the special rate is for deluxe room accommodation at the award-winning boutique hotel in Wan Chai, or HK$1,788 for an executive room.
Guests can enjoy complimentary special tapas combo at Cubix, selections include Sardinas a la Plancha (Grilled Sardines), Bunuelos de Chorizo (Spanish Sausage), Albondigas Con Salsa de Alm emdrasy Azafran (Meat Ball served with Saffron Almond Sauce), Pan Con Tomate Ajo y Jamon (Oven toasted baguette with Tomato, Garlic & Jamon Serrano), Calamares Fritos (Deep Fried Squid Ring), Gambas al Ajillo (Prawns served with Toasted Garlic) and Black & Green Olives.
Bonuses also include an Easter gift, complimentary mini-bar, welcome fruit and late check-out till 3pm, subject to availability. Among standard additional extras are complimentary entry to nearby California Fitness gym, free local calls, daily newspaper, DVD library and wired and wireless broadband internet access.
About The Fleming
The Fleming is in a quiet side-street in the heart of the Wan Chai business and entertainment district, just a stroll from the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
It was ranked on Condé Nast Traveller’s “Hot List 2007” as one of the world’s best new hotels, and as a finalist of SCMP/Harper’s Bazaar Style Awards Best Boutique Hotel of the Year 2007.
With 66 rooms, the boutique hotel targets international executives and frequent business travelers with affordable accommodation, up-to-date technology, contemporary facilities and a stylish address. Its key philosophy is exceptionally friendly and attentive personalised service.
It is a member of Sterling Hotels™, a collection of hotels with sterling personality from Preferred Hotel Group™.
To book the Easter package, please contact the Reservation Department at (852) 3607 2225. Rates are subject to 10% service charge.
The Fleming
41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3607 2288
Fax: (852) 3607 2299
Email: sales@thefleming.com
www.thefleming.com.hk
The Pawn Celebrates First Anniversary with “Pawn for Charity” Donation Programme
(Hong Kong, March 24, 2009) – Modern British restaurant and bar -- The Pawn is celebrating its first anniversary with a charity programme in which patrons can exchange 'pawned' donations for complimentary drinks.
Any 70 – 80% new clothes, books or toys can be donated. All donations will be given to The Salvation Army Hong Kong. The initiative pays homage to The Pawn's location on the site of the historic Woo Cheong Pawnshop after which the venue is named.
A dedicated reception resembling a pawnshop façade in the venue's 'Living Room' will be accepting 'pawned' items from 5pm onwards daily during the month-long campaign.
"There are no limitations on pawned items as our aim is to encourage patrons to donate for a good cause," said The Pawn co-proprietor Alan Lo.
The whiskey bar in the ‘Living Room’ is also offering a complimentary round of three whiskeys worth HK$188.8 to patrons guessing them all correctly in commemoration of the year this heritage building was built.
About The Pawn
Incorporating a roof garden in a 14,000 square foot venue over 3 storeys, The Pawn was styled by Hong Kong artist and film director Stanley Wong (better known as 'Anothermountainman') as an "adult playground integrating eat, drink and play".
It specializes in modern British fare plus specially selected wines, a fine selection of whiskies and bespoke cocktails.
A simple and informal Dining Room serves modern British fare by London chef David Tamlyn and the Living Room lounge and bar features bespoke drinks created by mixologists and a carefully curated selection of draft beers, ales, ciders, wines and single-malt whiskies.
The Roof Garden overlooking bustling Wanchai and Admiralty serves custom-made cocktails and is also available for private parties.
The Pawn occupies four former tenement houses dating back to the 1880s, which included the famous Woo Cheong Pawnshop, and is one of the few remaining Chinese heritage buildings in Hong Kong.
Any 70 – 80% new clothes, books or toys can be donated. All donations will be given to The Salvation Army Hong Kong. The initiative pays homage to The Pawn's location on the site of the historic Woo Cheong Pawnshop after which the venue is named.
A dedicated reception resembling a pawnshop façade in the venue's 'Living Room' will be accepting 'pawned' items from 5pm onwards daily during the month-long campaign.
"There are no limitations on pawned items as our aim is to encourage patrons to donate for a good cause," said The Pawn co-proprietor Alan Lo.
The whiskey bar in the ‘Living Room’ is also offering a complimentary round of three whiskeys worth HK$188.8 to patrons guessing them all correctly in commemoration of the year this heritage building was built.
About The Pawn
Incorporating a roof garden in a 14,000 square foot venue over 3 storeys, The Pawn was styled by Hong Kong artist and film director Stanley Wong (better known as 'Anothermountainman') as an "adult playground integrating eat, drink and play".
It specializes in modern British fare plus specially selected wines, a fine selection of whiskies and bespoke cocktails.
A simple and informal Dining Room serves modern British fare by London chef David Tamlyn and the Living Room lounge and bar features bespoke drinks created by mixologists and a carefully curated selection of draft beers, ales, ciders, wines and single-malt whiskies.
The Roof Garden overlooking bustling Wanchai and Admiralty serves custom-made cocktails and is also available for private parties.
The Pawn occupies four former tenement houses dating back to the 1880s, which included the famous Woo Cheong Pawnshop, and is one of the few remaining Chinese heritage buildings in Hong Kong.
Monday, March 23, 2009
‘Golfing Adventure' at Home of Terracotta Warriors with Grand Park Xian
(Hong Kong, March 24, 2009) -- Grand Park Xian is promoting a 'Golfing Adventure’ at China's ancient capital famed for the 'Terracotta Warriors', priced at RMB 2,998 nett.
The package is highlighted by a round of golf at the renowned Xian Ya Jian International Golf Club -- including caddy, lunch and return transportation.
Valid from April 1 to October 31, it also incorporates two nights accommodation in a Single Deluxe room with daily breakfast buffet at Grand Park Xian, plus airport transfers.
The prestigious Xian Ya Jian course is set amid breathtaking scenery with lakes at the foot of Mount Zhongnan.
It is the venue for world-class golf championships including the National Amateur Golf Championship, Sheraton Trophy, BMW International Golf Tournament and VOLVO Golf Championship.
Grand Park Xian General Manager, Mr Ip Hon Ming, said: "We are committed to tailoring the best packages and services for our guests, and believe golf in Xian will be a unique experience for international travelers and golfers. For golfers, discovering new courses is an integral part of their holiday experience."
With easy access to the city’s many unique cultural attractions, Grand Park Xian is renowned for luxurious accommodation and its authentic ancient-style Chinese cuisine, served at its famous 'Empress Banquet'.
Day-trips to the Museum of Terracotta Warriors are its most popular 'must see' excursions.
About Grand Park Xian
Recently acquired by Park Hotel Group, the former Grand Castle Hotel has been renamed Grand Park Xian. The spectacular hotel in China’s ancient capital Xian, evokes the grandeur of an ancient palace and uniquely designed in the historic architectural style of the adjacent ancient City Wall.
Boasting the tallest atrium lobby in the city famed for the World Heritage-listed 'Terracotta Warriors, the luxurious 5-star hotel originally opened in 1993 and underwent extensive renovations in 2008.
Facing the south gate of the ancient City Wall in the heart of Xian’s city centre, Grand Park Xian is an ideal base for business, leisure and sightseeing – surrounded by major shopping malls and offices and within walking distance of nearby historic sites and famous scenic spots.
The decor of the 338 guestrooms, including 40 suites, is sophisticated yet traditional – with Chinese-style furniture and folkloric art featured alongside modern facilities. The rooms come with Broadband Internet access and 32” LCD televisions, with environmentally-friendly recyclable amenities.
The towering 10-storey hotel features two restaurants – the signature Park Palace restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and local cuisine, and the all-day Verandah Café serving international and Asian cuisine.
Six versatile banquet rooms, including a 440 square metre pillar-free ballroom, cater for weddings, social gatherings and medium-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events. The hotel also features a Lobby Lounge, business centre, hotel shop and an executive lounge exclusively for Executive Floor guests.
Managed by Park Hotel Group, Grand Park Xian is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™. Park Hotel Group currently owns and manages 8 hotels in Asia, while Summit Hotels & Resorts™ has 135 luxurious member hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and cities.
For more information please visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com or email: rsvn.gpxa@parkhotelgroup.com.
For reservations and information, please call +86-29-87608888 ext 1009.
The package is highlighted by a round of golf at the renowned Xian Ya Jian International Golf Club -- including caddy, lunch and return transportation.
Valid from April 1 to October 31, it also incorporates two nights accommodation in a Single Deluxe room with daily breakfast buffet at Grand Park Xian, plus airport transfers.
The prestigious Xian Ya Jian course is set amid breathtaking scenery with lakes at the foot of Mount Zhongnan.
It is the venue for world-class golf championships including the National Amateur Golf Championship, Sheraton Trophy, BMW International Golf Tournament and VOLVO Golf Championship.
Grand Park Xian General Manager, Mr Ip Hon Ming, said: "We are committed to tailoring the best packages and services for our guests, and believe golf in Xian will be a unique experience for international travelers and golfers. For golfers, discovering new courses is an integral part of their holiday experience."
With easy access to the city’s many unique cultural attractions, Grand Park Xian is renowned for luxurious accommodation and its authentic ancient-style Chinese cuisine, served at its famous 'Empress Banquet'.
Day-trips to the Museum of Terracotta Warriors are its most popular 'must see' excursions.
About Grand Park Xian
Recently acquired by Park Hotel Group, the former Grand Castle Hotel has been renamed Grand Park Xian. The spectacular hotel in China’s ancient capital Xian, evokes the grandeur of an ancient palace and uniquely designed in the historic architectural style of the adjacent ancient City Wall.
Boasting the tallest atrium lobby in the city famed for the World Heritage-listed 'Terracotta Warriors, the luxurious 5-star hotel originally opened in 1993 and underwent extensive renovations in 2008.
Facing the south gate of the ancient City Wall in the heart of Xian’s city centre, Grand Park Xian is an ideal base for business, leisure and sightseeing – surrounded by major shopping malls and offices and within walking distance of nearby historic sites and famous scenic spots.
The decor of the 338 guestrooms, including 40 suites, is sophisticated yet traditional – with Chinese-style furniture and folkloric art featured alongside modern facilities. The rooms come with Broadband Internet access and 32” LCD televisions, with environmentally-friendly recyclable amenities.
The towering 10-storey hotel features two restaurants – the signature Park Palace restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and local cuisine, and the all-day Verandah Café serving international and Asian cuisine.
Six versatile banquet rooms, including a 440 square metre pillar-free ballroom, cater for weddings, social gatherings and medium-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events. The hotel also features a Lobby Lounge, business centre, hotel shop and an executive lounge exclusively for Executive Floor guests.
Managed by Park Hotel Group, Grand Park Xian is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™. Park Hotel Group currently owns and manages 8 hotels in Asia, while Summit Hotels & Resorts™ has 135 luxurious member hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and cities.
For more information please visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com or email: rsvn.gpxa@parkhotelgroup.com.
For reservations and information, please call +86-29-87608888 ext 1009.
Hongkong Land Welcomes boutique boulevard: SO CHIC, SO CENTRAL
Hong Kong, 23 March 2009 – Subtle hints of spring and summer are already in the air, signalling that it’s prime time to kick away the winter blues and embrace a high end and stylish celebration of the luxe life. With Hongkong Land’s inaugural event, boutique boulevard: SO CHIC, SO CENTRAL, Hong Kong is invited to come together to experience an occasion that revels in the art de vivre.
From 15-24 May, 2009, aficionados and sophisticates will be invited to stroll through top luxury brands from CENTRAL’s retail portfolio including Alexandra House, Chater House, The Landmark and Prince’s Building, and selected brands from Galleria, Mandarin Oriental and St. George’s Building, in an event that shares in the luxury experience.
In each building, a host of unique festivities will engage the Hong Kong public in illustrious novelties and animations presented within boutiques, in workshops and in visual tableaux representative of the luxury lifestyle that CENTRAL’s brands represent. boutique boulevard will begin on 15 of May with an invitation-only VIP event, and will be followed by two weekends of activities on 16-17 and 23-24 May with a week of celebration in between.
To be held in Hong Kong for the very first time, boutique boulevard will feature a wealth of innovative lifestyle workshops hosted by leading experts that will be open to the public on a first come, first served basis during the 16-17 May and 23-24 May. Inviting guests to take away industry secrets and tips on how to recreate sophisticated style and class, the workshops held by both private boutiques and in common areas will delight in the often overlooked details of craftsmanship that truly define elegant living.
Highlights will include a ‘Scent and Senses Perfume Master Class’ taught by a leading ‘nose’ from the high-fashion fragrance world, while the principal of an etiquette school will host a workshop on etiquette for children. An afternoon of English tea culture followed by a poetry reading will be held by a published writer and poet, as premiere wine sommeliers share insights to the secrets of their high culinary art, to be followed by a tasting. Hong Kong’s foremost authority on all matters beauty, spa and well-being will offer advice on men’s grooming and personal shopping, and the delectably indulgent stylings of a leading pastry chef will lead chocolate lovers in a chocolate creation demonstration and sampling, a delightful soiree certain to be a crowd-pleaser.
In addition, high profile local stylists have been commissioned to design a series of intriguing tableaux – a collection of innovative art installations - to be set up throughout the participating CENTRAL locations. Featured visions will include a professional tango duo performing a sensual dance within the confines of a bathroom scene, a beautiful woman being outfitted in a wardrobe fantasy, a satin boudoir vision reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, a delectable dining display, and a garden scene that does not grow from the ground, but from the sky.
From 15-24 May, 2009, aficionados and sophisticates will be invited to stroll through top luxury brands from CENTRAL’s retail portfolio including Alexandra House, Chater House, The Landmark and Prince’s Building, and selected brands from Galleria, Mandarin Oriental and St. George’s Building, in an event that shares in the luxury experience.
In each building, a host of unique festivities will engage the Hong Kong public in illustrious novelties and animations presented within boutiques, in workshops and in visual tableaux representative of the luxury lifestyle that CENTRAL’s brands represent. boutique boulevard will begin on 15 of May with an invitation-only VIP event, and will be followed by two weekends of activities on 16-17 and 23-24 May with a week of celebration in between.
To be held in Hong Kong for the very first time, boutique boulevard will feature a wealth of innovative lifestyle workshops hosted by leading experts that will be open to the public on a first come, first served basis during the 16-17 May and 23-24 May. Inviting guests to take away industry secrets and tips on how to recreate sophisticated style and class, the workshops held by both private boutiques and in common areas will delight in the often overlooked details of craftsmanship that truly define elegant living.
Highlights will include a ‘Scent and Senses Perfume Master Class’ taught by a leading ‘nose’ from the high-fashion fragrance world, while the principal of an etiquette school will host a workshop on etiquette for children. An afternoon of English tea culture followed by a poetry reading will be held by a published writer and poet, as premiere wine sommeliers share insights to the secrets of their high culinary art, to be followed by a tasting. Hong Kong’s foremost authority on all matters beauty, spa and well-being will offer advice on men’s grooming and personal shopping, and the delectably indulgent stylings of a leading pastry chef will lead chocolate lovers in a chocolate creation demonstration and sampling, a delightful soiree certain to be a crowd-pleaser.
In addition, high profile local stylists have been commissioned to design a series of intriguing tableaux – a collection of innovative art installations - to be set up throughout the participating CENTRAL locations. Featured visions will include a professional tango duo performing a sensual dance within the confines of a bathroom scene, a beautiful woman being outfitted in a wardrobe fantasy, a satin boudoir vision reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, a delectable dining display, and a garden scene that does not grow from the ground, but from the sky.
WELCOME TO THE FAIRMONT FAMILY
HONG KONG – 24th March, 2009 -Fairmont Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its brand presence globally, with a number of exciting hotel and mixed-use projects in its development pipeline. Located throughout the world, these properties will be introduced over the course of the next few years and include hotels in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver, Zimbali and Shanghai.
2009
Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, Kunshan will be located on the shores of the scenic Yang Cheng Lake in the Jiangsu Province of China, 50 miles west of Shanghai and 15 minutes from the Kunshan city center. The resort will feature 210 rooms and suites with lakeside views, 30,000 square feet of function space, a spa and health club, dining outlets and a business center.
Fairmont Abu Dhabi Creek, an urban beachfront resort, will feature 369 rooms and suites, a Fairmont Gold floor, a 30,400 square foot Willow Stream Spa, a variety of restaurants, and over 29,000 square feet of meeting space. The striking, contemporary property will be positioned at the mainland gateway to the city, and will join a second Fairmont hotel being developed at Abu Dhabi’s Marina City Development, scheduled to open in 2011.
Overlooking Egypt’s Nile River, Fairmont Nile City, Cairo will be just 30 minutes from the Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza. The 574-room hotel will house four restaurants, four bars and lounges, a business center and meeting space. The rooftop, overlooking the Nile and the Pyramids, will feature one of the restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub and outdoor function space.
Following an extensive $200 million refurbishment, London’s legendary Savoy is set to reopen in fall 2009. Paying homage to the original Edwardian and Art Deco details, the renovation touches all 263 guestrooms and suites, the lobby and public areas and the Savoy Court entrance area. The plans also include the introduction of a luxurious new Royal Suite as well as the relaunch of the renowned River Restaurant.
Located in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal near the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, Fairmont Zimbali will feature a 157-room luxury resort hotel, championship golf course, full-service spa and vacation ownership products, including Fairmont Heritage Place.
The 25-story Fairmont Beijing will feature 222 spacious guestrooms, restaurants and bars including a library lounge, function space together with a multi-purpose theatre, a business center and a 10,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa offering fitness facilities and a swimming pool. Enjoying a premier downtown location, the hotel will be nearby well-known landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square.
Fairmont Pittsburgh will feature 185 guest rooms, approximately 12,000 square feet of meeting space including a 6,000 square foot divisible ballroom, a lobby lounge and bar, an 8,000 square foot spa and fitness center and a three-meal restaurant. The hotel will be housed in Three PNC Plaza, a 780,000 square foot mixed-use “green” building now under construction in the heart of downtown, adjacent to the Cultural District. The hotel will be built according to sustainable design and construction guidelines, complementing Fairmont’s philosophy of operational sustainability and responsible tourism.
2010
Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, will be the focal point of the iconic Abraj Al Bait Complex, which includes seven towers and is adjacent to the Masjid al Haram, the holiest site in Islam. The 1005-room hotel will offer Fairmont Gold, numerous dining outlets and conference facilities. The 76-storey hotel tower, at 577 meters (1893 ft.) high, will be among the world’s tallest and its features include a 40-meter (131- ft.) clock, more than five times larger than Big Ben in London, which will announce daily prayers to the Muslim world, as well as a Lunar Observation Center and an Islamic Museum.
Located across from the Vancouver convention center, the Fairmont Pacific Rim will include a 415-room luxury hotel and 175 residential condos. The hotel will have an unrivalled location adjacent to the Vancouver Conference Center expansion and will provide spectacular views of Stanley Park, the Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the city of Vancouver.
On Dubai’s The Palm, Jumeirah, Fairmont Palm Hotel & Resort and the Fairmont Palm Residences, The Palm Jumeirah will comprise a 377-room luxury resort with 588 vacation ownership residences. The residences will open in 2009, followed by the hotel in 2010, which will include extensive meeting space, outdoor leisure facilities including a beach club and beach restaurant, a pool complex and children's activity center, as well as a variety of dining facilities featuring sea, garden or pool views and a Willow Stream spa.
Located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates with sweeping views of the Gulf of Oman, and lauded for its natural beauty set against the backdrop of the historic Hajar Mountains, a Fairmont flag will fly at Fairmont Fujairah. The project will consist of a 137-room hotel with dedicated meeting facilities, a Willow Stream spa and a marina.
The Peace Hotel, a Shanghai landmark for over a century, is being renovated and will reopen as the Fairmont Peace Hotel. The hotel has hosted distinguished guests from all over the world, including politicians, artists and celebrities such as General Marshall, Charlie Chaplin, Bernard Shaw and Noel Coward, who wrote Private Lives while in residence. Situated on the Bund, the 12-story property enjoys a premier downtown location, facing the Pudong area over the Hangpu River.
Fairmont Makati, Philippines will offer 300 rooms and suites, a wide range of meeting and function space, a large, outdoor pool, a spa and fitness facilities as well as Fairmont Gold. The hotel will be conveniently located near the Philippine Stock Exchange, many offices and headquarters of global companies in addition to some of the city’s most prominent luxury shopping.
Two new Fairmont Residence developments will be opening near Breckenridge, Colorado; Fairmont Residences, Shock Hill and Fairmont Residences, On the River. The Fairmont Residences, Shock Hill offers a total of 87 one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums and penthouse residences and is located in a pristine location within the Ten Mile Mountain Range, the White River National Forest, and neighboring Town of Breckenridge. Two miles away, Fairmont Residences, On the River includes 60 residences and 60 condominium homes on the Blue River. Nearby are some of North America’s premier ski resorts and five championship golf courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed, 27-hole Breckenridge Golf Club.
Fairmont Hyderabad, India will feature 350 rooms and suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, a Willow Stream Spa and pool, and a wide range of meeting and function space. The hotel is conveniently located near the growing business development area of the city, dubbed the Silicon Valley of the East, a modern information technology and biotechnology hub.
A second property in India, the Fairmont Jaipur, will offer 248-room guestrooms, a variety of restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar, a 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa, a 5,000 square foot health club and a 48,500 square foot Convention Center. The city, located in the northwest of India, offers a rich cultural heritage and is gaining prominence as a commercial and meetings destination.
Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv will be located on the Dnipro River in the historic section of the Ukraine capital. The classically designed hotel will offer 257 rooms, including 35 suites and Fairmont Gold, and over 13,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 5,000 square foot ballroom. Recreational features include a pool, a 6,900 square foot spa and fitness facilities.
Fairmont Residences, Zamalek Island, Cairo will offer twenty-one luxurious two and three bedroom residences, each with a terrace and elegant finishes throughout. The development is in the highly sought-after Zamalek District, located on the banks of the Nile River on Gezira Island, between modern downtown Cairo and Giza.
2011
A Fairmont hotel at the Marina City Development overlooking the famed Abu Dhabi Corniche will feature 24 high rise residential towers connected by a four-level podium of commercial office space, food and beverage outlets and retail space, all with underground parking. The hotel will offer 546 guestrooms and suites plus 198 residential apartments, a Willow Stream spa, banquet space, and food and beverage outlets.
Fairmont will welcome a new resort in Vail, Colorado, one of the world’s most renowned ski destinations. Fairmont Vail will offer 128 luxurious rooms, and also feature 73 Fairmont Residences as well as Fairmont Heritage Place. The resort will also offer dining outlets, a 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa and 9,500 square feet of function space, including a 3,000 square foot ballroom.
Located in Oman’s leading tourism and residential development is Fairmont The Wave, Muscat, on the picturesque coast of the Gulf of Oman. Positioned next to a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship golf course, the resort will offer more than 300 guestrooms and suites, gourmet restaurants, meeting and leisure facilities, a Willow Stream Spa as well as Fairmont branded residences and Fairmont Heritage Place.
Fairmont Haitang Bay Resort will open in Sanya, on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, China, which is fast emerging as a premier tropical resort destination. The beachfront resort will offer 702 spacious guestrooms and suites including Fairmont Gold, 50 one- and two-bedroom villa suites, meeting and function space including an 8,600 square foot grand ballroom, a Willow Stream Spa, outdoor and indoor swimming pools and access to a nearby golf course.
Fairmont Marrakech, Morocco will offer a mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, and unique amenities and details to provide a true experience of this dynamic city. The 190-room resort will feature five food and beverage outlets, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, Fairmont Gold, a 14,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa, 32 new Fairmont-branded residential villas and access to nearby golf courses.
2012-2013
Fairmont Anguilla will offer 140 rooms and suites, meeting facilities and a Willow Stream Spa. The property has also been selected as the site for a Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, one of 25 worldwide destinations.
Fairmont Avanterra, Palm Desert will be situated adjacent to the Classic Club golf course, site of the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in Palm Desert, California and feature 300 rooms and 125 Fairmont Residences, Fairmont Gold concierge rooms and lounge, a variety of dining outlets, 26,000 square feet of indoor function space as well as outdoor event areas, and a 45,000 square foot Willow Stream Spa in its initial phase. In phase two the development will also feature Fairmont Heritage Place and additional Fairmont Residences.
Fairmont Roco Ki, located in the Roco Ki luxury development in the Domincan Republic’s Punta Cana region, will include a 255-room hotel, Fairmont Residences -a collection of condominiums, villas and estate homes - and Fairmont Heritage Place, a private residence club. The resort will also feature restaurants and bars, 17,500 square feet of meeting space, a 15,000-square-foot Willow Stream Spa and fitness area and pool and beach facilities and guests will have access to a Nick Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course.
Fairmont Cotai Strip, Macao is currently being developed on the Cotai Strip in Macao, China. The 1,300- room property is part of a complex that will also feature a spa, meeting space, entertainment and casino gaming facilities as well as prime retail space.
Fairmont Corfu Resort & Spa will be located on the eastern coast of the Greek island of Corfu, north of the old city of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 240-room resort will feature six food and beverage outlets, 1,800 square meters of banquet and meeting space and a 1,500 square-meter Willow Stream Spa and health club featuring 17 treatment rooms. The complex will also include 10 Fairmont-branded residential villas, a beach club, Tennis Academy and a marina.
Fairmont will manage the Fairmont Seaside Resort, Monterey Bay, a new luxury mixed-use development in Northern California. The hotel will feature 330 rooms and suites, 160 of which will be situated in secluded bungalows, 24,000 square feet of meeting space, a 14,000 square-foot Willow Stream spa, several dining outlets and an outdoor pool. Fairmont will also assume management of the existing 36-hole championship Bayonet and Black Horse golf course facility. In addition, a residential component is planned with 170 condominiums and 125 single-family lots.
Fairmont Kingdom of Sheba, located on the outer crescent of The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, will feature 550 hotel rooms, 50 Fairmont Heritage Place homes, 100 vacation ownership residences and 300 freehold ownership residences, as well as extensive conference facilities, outdoor leisure amenities including a private beach and pool complex, a sports club, children’s activity centre and a Willow Stream Spa.
A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi and London’s The Savoy, reopening in 2009. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travellers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont's portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 25 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Morocco and Anguilla.
Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com.
FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN INDIA
TORONTO, February 18, 2009 – Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced its second project in India, Fairmont Jaipur. Scheduled to open in 2010, the hotel, located in Rajasthan in the northwest of India, joins Fairmont Hyderabad as the luxury hotel brand’s first forays into the Indian market. The property is being developed by Capricorn Hospitality Investments India, Limited and its local partner.
The 248-room hotel will offer guests a variety of restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar, a 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa, and a 5,000 square foot health club. To accommodate the area’s growing meetings market, there will also be a 48,500 square foot Convention Center as well as gardens that can host over 1000 guests; perfect for business functions or weddings. The building’s design will reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and the Fairmont Jaipur will be located not far from the Amber Fort, one of the area’s major landmarks.
Jaipur is a popular tourist and meetings destination, considered part of the “Golden Triangle” travel circuit, along with Delhi and Agra. Its history dates back almost three hundred years, and it was the first planned city in India, resulting in broad avenues and plentiful gardens. Known as the “Pink City”, as many buildings were painted pink to mark the arrival of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in 1876, Jaipur offers charm along with striking architecture, on display in its many temples, palaces and heritage buildings. Attractions include the Amber and Jaigarh Forts, which reflect the medieval architecture of India, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. The city is also gaining prominence as a commercial destination, with established industries in handicrafts, gems, garments and textiles and future investment from international companies in the information technology and biotechnology fields.
“We're proud to be affiliated with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and look forward to building on the brand's growing presence in India,” stated Hitesh Bhayani, Executive Finance Director, Capricorn Hospitality. “We're confident that with a global reputation for hospitality excellence, and a commitment to reflecting the best of a community in its hotels, Fairmont Jaipur will embody the rich history and culture of this city.”
The Fairmont Jaipur joins another property opening in 2010, the Fairmont Hyderabad, in the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The hotel, conveniently located near the growing business development area of the city will feature 350 rooms and suites, meeting and function space and varied recreational facilities.
“This second development in India highlights our commitment to global brand expansion, particularly in Asia, where Fairmont Jaipur will join a growing collection of hotels in South Asia and South East Asia including Singapore and Manila,” said Thomas W. Storey, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “India is a new and exciting market for us, with great future potential, and represents another destination to showcase to our discerning guests.”
Fairmont Jaipur joins the growing number of new Fairmont developments across Asia, including the Fairmont Beijing, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, Kunshan and Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai.
The 248-room hotel will offer guests a variety of restaurants and bars, including a poolside bar, a 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa, and a 5,000 square foot health club. To accommodate the area’s growing meetings market, there will also be a 48,500 square foot Convention Center as well as gardens that can host over 1000 guests; perfect for business functions or weddings. The building’s design will reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and the Fairmont Jaipur will be located not far from the Amber Fort, one of the area’s major landmarks.
Jaipur is a popular tourist and meetings destination, considered part of the “Golden Triangle” travel circuit, along with Delhi and Agra. Its history dates back almost three hundred years, and it was the first planned city in India, resulting in broad avenues and plentiful gardens. Known as the “Pink City”, as many buildings were painted pink to mark the arrival of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in 1876, Jaipur offers charm along with striking architecture, on display in its many temples, palaces and heritage buildings. Attractions include the Amber and Jaigarh Forts, which reflect the medieval architecture of India, and the Jantar Mantar observatory. The city is also gaining prominence as a commercial destination, with established industries in handicrafts, gems, garments and textiles and future investment from international companies in the information technology and biotechnology fields.
“We're proud to be affiliated with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and look forward to building on the brand's growing presence in India,” stated Hitesh Bhayani, Executive Finance Director, Capricorn Hospitality. “We're confident that with a global reputation for hospitality excellence, and a commitment to reflecting the best of a community in its hotels, Fairmont Jaipur will embody the rich history and culture of this city.”
The Fairmont Jaipur joins another property opening in 2010, the Fairmont Hyderabad, in the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The hotel, conveniently located near the growing business development area of the city will feature 350 rooms and suites, meeting and function space and varied recreational facilities.
“This second development in India highlights our commitment to global brand expansion, particularly in Asia, where Fairmont Jaipur will join a growing collection of hotels in South Asia and South East Asia including Singapore and Manila,” said Thomas W. Storey, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “India is a new and exciting market for us, with great future potential, and represents another destination to showcase to our discerning guests.”
Fairmont Jaipur joins the growing number of new Fairmont developments across Asia, including the Fairmont Beijing, Fairmont Yangcheng Lake, Kunshan and Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai.
zuma ushers in Spring with “zuma Haru Cocktails”
(Hong Kong, March 23, 2009) Fashionable Japanese lounge zuma at The Landmark is serving a new range of refreshing vodka-sake 'Haru Cocktails' to celebrate the start of Spring.
Central’s best kept secret, zuma Lounge, features cosy sofas and a trendy popular bar with a drink menu that highlights some of the best cocktails in town. Guests at zuma Lounge can experience some of Hong Kong’s hottest DJs three nights a week, in addition – zuma Lounge now has five unique new cocktail blends on the menu, priced at HK$95.
The new signature cocktails were concocted by the team at zuma Lounge and use fresh ingredients giving the cocktails their special edge. The new “zuma Haru Cocktails”, meaning Spring in Japanese, promise to tempt all sorts of cocktail aficionados.
For fruity cocktails with a kick, the Izumi Citrus is created with 42 Below vodka, premium dry sake, fresh passion fruit and blood orange muddled with orange peel and ginger; whilst the Kaki Martini blends muddled persimmon and strawberry with 42 Below vodka, premium dry sake, blood orange and lemon juice.
The Kyuuri Cooler is a more refreshing cocktail mixing Bombay Sapphire Gin, cucumber, pear and apple juice with tonic; the Anzu Martini combines Bison Grass vodka, plum sake, Dom Benedictine with apricot, lime juice and dill essence into a delicious martini cocktail; and the Haru Punch introduces a fusion of Ketel One Citrus vodka, yuzu shochu, fresh passion fruit and guava with muddle persimmon and yuzu for a cocktail with a twist.
“The bar team worked together to create 5 sensational new cocktails that are perfect for Spring,” said Christian Talpo, General Manager. “The Haru cocktails are a fresh and exotic cocktail experience – uniquely zuma - that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”
zuma Lounge also features a semi private room for up to 25 guests, where friends can host private gatherings and enjoy the cocktails and snacks zuma Lounge has to offer. Guests can also enjoy cocktails on zuma’s outdoor terrace, allowing guests to feel the buzz of the city.
zuma was opened by award winning chef and co-founder Rainer Becker as a sophisticated new twist on the Japanese izakaya concept of informal eating and drinking, zuma features a restaurant on level 5 and lounge on level 6 of The Landmark that has become a fashionable venue for after work, pre-dinner and after dinner gatherings.
The original zuma opened in 2002 in the hip Knightsbridge district of London, and is one of the capital's most fashionable restaurants.
Address: Level 6, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
For reservations: (852) 3657 6388
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Uber-Irresistible Thai Lunch Buffet at The Box
(Hong Kong, March 18, 2009) Ever popular dining destination, The Box, continues to be one of the city’s most popular lunchtime venues with the introduction of a new Thai Lunch Buffet commencing 23 March 2009.
Overlooking spectacular Victoria Harbour at ifc in Central, The Box 5-course Thai Lunch Buffet features antipasto, appetisers, salads, hot dishes and dessert selections, as well as hot stations featuring mouth-watering soup and noodle options.
Part of a chic three-venue concept including H one and G Bar, The Box has rapidly established a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting dining destinations, as well as being noted for hosting numerous A-list events.
Priced at just $88 per person, Thai Chef Pun has created The Box Thai Lunch Buffet offering an unrivalled selection of ever-popular Thai taste sensations together with new dishes especially created for the new lunch menu.
A renowned Thai chef, Chef Pun trained under noted Thai culinary experts, including a master chef who cooked for His Majesty The King of Thailand, prior to his arrival in Hong Kong in 1989.
“Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world,” says Chef Pun. “Here at The Box we have included a wide selection of delectable Thai dishes into our new daily buffet for the enjoyment of Hong Kong diners.”
Antipasto selections include Organic Hand-picked Garden Greens Salad featuring a variety of traditional Thai Salads, Spiced Mixed Mushrooms Salad and Spicy Cockle Clams Salad with Lemon Glass, the perfect start to any Thai meal.
Hot station offerings change weekly and feature ever-popular Thai delicacies including Tom Yam Goong, Giant Prawns in Yellow Curry and Egg Sauce, Thai noodles, and Light Prawn Soup with Seafood.
Salads options include Spicy Grilled Eggplant Salad with Shrimp and Egg, Grilled Spicy Beef Salad, Spicy Green Mango Salad, Deep fried Fish Cake Salad, and Spicy Fresh Squid with Lemon Grass Salad.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat. The Box Thai Lunch Buffet dessert sensations will prove hard to resist and includes Warm Black Sticky Rice with Coconut and Taro, Tropical Fresh Fruit Platter, Smooth Coconut Custard in Pumpkin, and Warm Sweet Potato with Organic Sugar and Ginger.
With unrivalled views across Victoria’s Harbour, The Box Thai Lunch Buffet is the ideal Central lunch venue when dining with friends and colleagues.
The address is at Shop 4010, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.
For reservations or enquiries, please feel free to call +852 2234-7738.
Overlooking spectacular Victoria Harbour at ifc in Central, The Box 5-course Thai Lunch Buffet features antipasto, appetisers, salads, hot dishes and dessert selections, as well as hot stations featuring mouth-watering soup and noodle options.
Part of a chic three-venue concept including H one and G Bar, The Box has rapidly established a reputation as one of the city’s most exciting dining destinations, as well as being noted for hosting numerous A-list events.
Priced at just $88 per person, Thai Chef Pun has created The Box Thai Lunch Buffet offering an unrivalled selection of ever-popular Thai taste sensations together with new dishes especially created for the new lunch menu.
A renowned Thai chef, Chef Pun trained under noted Thai culinary experts, including a master chef who cooked for His Majesty The King of Thailand, prior to his arrival in Hong Kong in 1989.
“Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world,” says Chef Pun. “Here at The Box we have included a wide selection of delectable Thai dishes into our new daily buffet for the enjoyment of Hong Kong diners.”
Antipasto selections include Organic Hand-picked Garden Greens Salad featuring a variety of traditional Thai Salads, Spiced Mixed Mushrooms Salad and Spicy Cockle Clams Salad with Lemon Glass, the perfect start to any Thai meal.
Hot station offerings change weekly and feature ever-popular Thai delicacies including Tom Yam Goong, Giant Prawns in Yellow Curry and Egg Sauce, Thai noodles, and Light Prawn Soup with Seafood.
Salads options include Spicy Grilled Eggplant Salad with Shrimp and Egg, Grilled Spicy Beef Salad, Spicy Green Mango Salad, Deep fried Fish Cake Salad, and Spicy Fresh Squid with Lemon Grass Salad.
No meal is complete without a sweet treat. The Box Thai Lunch Buffet dessert sensations will prove hard to resist and includes Warm Black Sticky Rice with Coconut and Taro, Tropical Fresh Fruit Platter, Smooth Coconut Custard in Pumpkin, and Warm Sweet Potato with Organic Sugar and Ginger.
With unrivalled views across Victoria’s Harbour, The Box Thai Lunch Buffet is the ideal Central lunch venue when dining with friends and colleagues.
The address is at Shop 4010, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.
For reservations or enquiries, please feel free to call +852 2234-7738.
Three Nights for Price of Two at The Opposite House, a Luxurious Contemporary Hotel
(Beijing, March 18, 2009) – Visitors to Beijing can stay three consecutive nights for the price of two at the luxurious contemporary hotel, The Opposite House until May 31, 2009.
Room rates start from RMB 2,300 and include daily breakfast for two and a guided cultural walking tour of the Chinese capital on Saturdays, along with complimentary mini-bar and internet access.
The Opposite House offers easy access to most of the world-class attractions in Beijing alongside fascinating street markets, sensational dining and cosmopolitan nightlife.
Director of Sales & Marketing Marcos Pires said “The promotion is specifically designed for sophisticated short-haul visitors who seek individuality and style to discover both our innovative new hotel concept and the iconic attractions of Beijing."
The hotel’s 99 guest studios include 10 spacious suites, all strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle Chinese décor, are amongst the largest in Beijing.
Leisure facilities include gym featuring Technogym® equipment and a sleek 22-metre stainless steel indoor swimming pool.
Bookings can be made directly by phone at +8610 6417 6688 or via the hotel’s website at www.theoppositehouse.com or through www.preferredhotels.com.
Room rates start from RMB 2,300 and include daily breakfast for two and a guided cultural walking tour of the Chinese capital on Saturdays, along with complimentary mini-bar and internet access.
The Opposite House offers easy access to most of the world-class attractions in Beijing alongside fascinating street markets, sensational dining and cosmopolitan nightlife.
Director of Sales & Marketing Marcos Pires said “The promotion is specifically designed for sophisticated short-haul visitors who seek individuality and style to discover both our innovative new hotel concept and the iconic attractions of Beijing."
The hotel’s 99 guest studios include 10 spacious suites, all strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle Chinese décor, are amongst the largest in Beijing.
Leisure facilities include gym featuring Technogym® equipment and a sleek 22-metre stainless steel indoor swimming pool.
Bookings can be made directly by phone at +8610 6417 6688 or via the hotel’s website at www.theoppositehouse.com or through www.preferredhotels.com.
Indigo Pearl Unveils World-Class Recreation Program
(Hong Kong, March 18, 2009) – Award-winning Indigo Pearl, a distinctive luxury resort inspired by the tin mining history of Phuket, is now offering holiday activities catering to a wide range of interests. From sports activities such as Muay Thai boxing, Tai Chi and forest trekking to creative pursuits such as cooking classes, floral art classes and even an opportunity to learn to be a DJ, Indigo Pearl has something to suit any interest.
Sports coach and karate instructor Sensei Darren Brinkman has been appointed Recreation Manager to oversee this programme at Indigo Pearl. He is supported by a team of professional instructors.
“I want our guests to have the time of their lives at Indigo Pearl. We have prepared an extensive range of classes and activities that will definitely help to restore balance of body, mind and spirit,” said Darren.
The sport activities such as tennis, boxing and karate are perfect for those looking for a little competition whilst the fitness classes such as FitBall®, Tai Chi and Yoga are catered to those in search of overall fitness wellbeing. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy the outdoor activities, for example, the nature trail and forest trekking and if you’re looking to exercise your artistic vision, the creative workshops which include floral art classes and the cooking classes are ideal.
With its range of sports and cultural activities, Indigo Pearl further boosts its reputation as the ideal choice for a memorable and enlightening getaway.
There are a variety of recreational packages on offer starting from THB300 to THB3,000. For more information on Indigo Pearl or the various activities please visit www.indigo-pearl.com.
Sports coach and karate instructor Sensei Darren Brinkman has been appointed Recreation Manager to oversee this programme at Indigo Pearl. He is supported by a team of professional instructors.
“I want our guests to have the time of their lives at Indigo Pearl. We have prepared an extensive range of classes and activities that will definitely help to restore balance of body, mind and spirit,” said Darren.
The sport activities such as tennis, boxing and karate are perfect for those looking for a little competition whilst the fitness classes such as FitBall®, Tai Chi and Yoga are catered to those in search of overall fitness wellbeing. Nature lovers will definitely enjoy the outdoor activities, for example, the nature trail and forest trekking and if you’re looking to exercise your artistic vision, the creative workshops which include floral art classes and the cooking classes are ideal.
With its range of sports and cultural activities, Indigo Pearl further boosts its reputation as the ideal choice for a memorable and enlightening getaway.
There are a variety of recreational packages on offer starting from THB300 to THB3,000. For more information on Indigo Pearl or the various activities please visit www.indigo-pearl.com.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Innovative Dining, Retail and Creative Concept for 1933 - Shanghai’s Own Design, Lifestyle and Learning Hub
Shanghai, March 18th 2009) – The newest arrival to Shanghai’s burgeoning 1933 lifestyle destination, Factory is a unique ‘creative-F&B-retail’ concept masterminded by the digital advertising and marketing services group Profero, and some of the most highly regarded creative minds in Shanghai.
April 1st is the targeted opening date for this cutting-edge creative lifestyle venue that will occupy the entire ground floor of the ‘Glass Box’ building at 1933, and feature six inter-connected components: a contemporary, casual restaurant; a members’ bar; pop-up retail; gallery and exhibition space; creative pods including a music recording studio, and finally a website linking and engaging Factory with the world.
“We looked at many areas around Shanghai but were most excited by 1933 and Hongkou, which we feel represents the future“ said Sean Dinsmore, Creative Director of Factory. “There’s a groundswell of people in the creative industries moving to the city’s up-and-coming Northern Bund area around 1933, and this represents the ‘emerging present’, which is a perfect fit for Factory.”
Factory will kick off with a two-week (April 1st to 14th) residency by Madrid-based illustrator Gary Fernandez. The internationally acclaimed graphic designer and Creative Head of T-shirt label Velvet Banana will conduct four projects at Factory, including a mural collaboration with young Chinese artists and an exclusive Factory T-shirt design. “Being a design, lifestyle and learning hub, 1933 is crawling with interested students and young creatives - so we have included a free interactive workshop and an evening talk to Gary’s schedule” added Dinsmore.
Factory - a Free-flowing Dynamic Space
Factory’s 3,000 square metre space features soaring ceilings, organic parquet floors and original industrial detailing. An airy restaurant at one end showcases the inspired cuisine of uber-chef Sean Jorgensen. The native Californian, who won a loyal Shanghai following at Finestre on the Bund, has developed a contemporary culinary concept that is inspired by a healthy and creative lifestyle. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, using seasonal organic ingredients, will be constantly evolving depending on what looks great at the market that day and the chef’s creative whim.
The restaurant flows seamlessly into a cosy lounge where industry members can work on their laptops, participate in interactive presentations, watch ‘art house’ films or simply relax and socialise with a drink. The lounge will also host monthly Industry Nights, Film Forums and special sessions by local and international creatives in the fields of fashion, design, art, styling, video, film, dance and architecture.
Just a few steps away, Factory’s pop-up retail gallery will feature a constantly changing showcase of fashions and accessories by emerging designers. An open view music studio will mix fresh sounds and invite new talents to record demos and albums. In true Profero style, the entire venue will be fully wired from an all-glass digital design Pod, so all the exciting collaborations will be captured on video.
A global agency featuring a roster of high-profile clients, Profero has taken over the entire ‘Glass Box’ and will have its Shanghai business on the second floor above Factory - further enhancing the creative energy that runs through 1933.
Factory is envisioned as a social business platform, where everything is a work in progress and constantly evolving, supporting an ever-evolving and diversified mix of emerging creative talent to collaborate and create experiences, content and products that can be marketed to, procured and potentially realised by the leaders in the global creative community.
“These decision makers will be able to directly engage with the next generation of creative talent and ‘touch’ the work in Factory’s creative pods and via the Web - in a unique dining, lounging, club and retail environment. It’s this combination of social, business and creative energy that we think will provide a new platform for inspiring ‘big ideas’” said Dinsmore of Factory’s artistic salon environment.
“All the elements in Factory which this inspired team have put together fit perfectly into 1933’s own core vision. We are honored to have them with us,” said Paul Liu, CEO of Axons Concepts, developer and visionary behind 1933.
About 1933
1933 is one of Shanghai’s most ambitious urban renewal projects to date, occupying a former 1930’s abattoir, art deco power plant, and related factory buildings, it has transformed these striking examples of early 20th century industrial architecture in historic Hongkou district, into a creative hub focused on three core elements: design, lifestyle and learning.
The unique complex houses a cosmopolitan collection of cutting-edge design and creative offices, retail flagships, restaurants, bars and clubs, artists’ guilds, galleries, learning spaces and educational institutions within a myriad of unique and stunning architectural spaces.
1933 is part of a 1.2 sq km urban development plan by the Hongkou District Government to revitalise the historic district. Hongkou’s heritage as a cultural and intellectual epicenter, home to writers and revolutionaries such as Lu Xun and Qu Qiubai as well as expatriates and Jewish refugees, will be resurrected as the area becomes a vibrant, creative neighbourhood for the 21st century.
1933 is located near the major thoroughfares of Sichuan North Rd and Haining Rd, on the banks of the Suzhou Creek canal network. Directly adjacent to the Northern Bund, it is a mere ten minutes from several prominent landmarks on The Bund including the new Hyatt on the Bund hotel and the new Shanghai Cruise Terminal, as well as just minutes from a No. 4 line subway station.
For more information about 1933, visit: www.1933-shanghai.com
April 1st is the targeted opening date for this cutting-edge creative lifestyle venue that will occupy the entire ground floor of the ‘Glass Box’ building at 1933, and feature six inter-connected components: a contemporary, casual restaurant; a members’ bar; pop-up retail; gallery and exhibition space; creative pods including a music recording studio, and finally a website linking and engaging Factory with the world.
“We looked at many areas around Shanghai but were most excited by 1933 and Hongkou, which we feel represents the future“ said Sean Dinsmore, Creative Director of Factory. “There’s a groundswell of people in the creative industries moving to the city’s up-and-coming Northern Bund area around 1933, and this represents the ‘emerging present’, which is a perfect fit for Factory.”
Factory will kick off with a two-week (April 1st to 14th) residency by Madrid-based illustrator Gary Fernandez. The internationally acclaimed graphic designer and Creative Head of T-shirt label Velvet Banana will conduct four projects at Factory, including a mural collaboration with young Chinese artists and an exclusive Factory T-shirt design. “Being a design, lifestyle and learning hub, 1933 is crawling with interested students and young creatives - so we have included a free interactive workshop and an evening talk to Gary’s schedule” added Dinsmore.
Factory - a Free-flowing Dynamic Space
Factory’s 3,000 square metre space features soaring ceilings, organic parquet floors and original industrial detailing. An airy restaurant at one end showcases the inspired cuisine of uber-chef Sean Jorgensen. The native Californian, who won a loyal Shanghai following at Finestre on the Bund, has developed a contemporary culinary concept that is inspired by a healthy and creative lifestyle. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, using seasonal organic ingredients, will be constantly evolving depending on what looks great at the market that day and the chef’s creative whim.
The restaurant flows seamlessly into a cosy lounge where industry members can work on their laptops, participate in interactive presentations, watch ‘art house’ films or simply relax and socialise with a drink. The lounge will also host monthly Industry Nights, Film Forums and special sessions by local and international creatives in the fields of fashion, design, art, styling, video, film, dance and architecture.
Just a few steps away, Factory’s pop-up retail gallery will feature a constantly changing showcase of fashions and accessories by emerging designers. An open view music studio will mix fresh sounds and invite new talents to record demos and albums. In true Profero style, the entire venue will be fully wired from an all-glass digital design Pod, so all the exciting collaborations will be captured on video.
A global agency featuring a roster of high-profile clients, Profero has taken over the entire ‘Glass Box’ and will have its Shanghai business on the second floor above Factory - further enhancing the creative energy that runs through 1933.
Factory is envisioned as a social business platform, where everything is a work in progress and constantly evolving, supporting an ever-evolving and diversified mix of emerging creative talent to collaborate and create experiences, content and products that can be marketed to, procured and potentially realised by the leaders in the global creative community.
“These decision makers will be able to directly engage with the next generation of creative talent and ‘touch’ the work in Factory’s creative pods and via the Web - in a unique dining, lounging, club and retail environment. It’s this combination of social, business and creative energy that we think will provide a new platform for inspiring ‘big ideas’” said Dinsmore of Factory’s artistic salon environment.
“All the elements in Factory which this inspired team have put together fit perfectly into 1933’s own core vision. We are honored to have them with us,” said Paul Liu, CEO of Axons Concepts, developer and visionary behind 1933.
About 1933
1933 is one of Shanghai’s most ambitious urban renewal projects to date, occupying a former 1930’s abattoir, art deco power plant, and related factory buildings, it has transformed these striking examples of early 20th century industrial architecture in historic Hongkou district, into a creative hub focused on three core elements: design, lifestyle and learning.
The unique complex houses a cosmopolitan collection of cutting-edge design and creative offices, retail flagships, restaurants, bars and clubs, artists’ guilds, galleries, learning spaces and educational institutions within a myriad of unique and stunning architectural spaces.
1933 is part of a 1.2 sq km urban development plan by the Hongkou District Government to revitalise the historic district. Hongkou’s heritage as a cultural and intellectual epicenter, home to writers and revolutionaries such as Lu Xun and Qu Qiubai as well as expatriates and Jewish refugees, will be resurrected as the area becomes a vibrant, creative neighbourhood for the 21st century.
1933 is located near the major thoroughfares of Sichuan North Rd and Haining Rd, on the banks of the Suzhou Creek canal network. Directly adjacent to the Northern Bund, it is a mere ten minutes from several prominent landmarks on The Bund including the new Hyatt on the Bund hotel and the new Shanghai Cruise Terminal, as well as just minutes from a No. 4 line subway station.
For more information about 1933, visit: www.1933-shanghai.com
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tempting Business Lunches and more to 'Wow' diners at ROKA Hong Kong
(Hong Kong, 11 March, 2009) – Japanese robata grill ROKA in Pacific Place has introduced two exciting new set lunch options suitable for any purpose: from a quick lunch visit to entertain clients, to a laid back lunch with friends. The new delicious tasting Business Lunch is available at HK$288 whilst the tempting seven-course Roka Lunch is available at HK$428.
ROKA’s Business Lunch menu (HK$288) at the casual and social venue is perfect for those who want a taster of ROKA’s raved about signature dishes.
The seven course lunch offering starts with a selection of three sashimis and raw salmon with avocado, asparagus and wasabi tobiko maki zushi. A traditional white or red miso soup is then followed by a crispy tempura selection of prawn, edamame and sweet potatoes.
The highlight of the menu is a simply divine main course of black cod skewer, with gingered saikyo miso served alongside grilled tomatoes, bean sprouts and wafu dressing. To finish off - a dessert of sake poached pear with vanilla baked cream is a hit amongst guests.
ROKA’s Lunch set menu (HK$428) showcases the restaurant's premier Japanese specialties and more in a delicious seven course menu.
Starting with a selection of fresh premium sushi and sashimi, the menu also features prime Wagyu beef tempura maki roll. White or red miso soup then leads into the prized negitoro donburi with semi fatty tuna and quail egg, followed by grilled mushrooms with garlic soy and ponzu.
Diners have a choice of three main courses – all equally tempting - grilled pork chop with ume miso glaze; lamb cutlets with hot pepper spices; or grilled sea bass. The finalé presents itself as ROKA’s signature strawberry jasmine sundae with yuzu granite – a dessert that is hard not to love.
ROKA’s menu is constantly evolving for those who thrive on trying something new. ROKA’s a la carte menu boasts exotic seafood and vegetarian dishes adding allure to the already scrumptious menu of ROKA’s famed charcoal-grilled meats and skewers complemented by ROKA’s homemade sauces. Dishes are highlighted by ROKA’s freshly made non-alcoholic cleansers - the perfect addition to any meal.
Desserts are also a popular choice at ROKA featuring tasty treats such as sake poached pear with vanilla baked cream and valrhona chocolate, espresso and hazelnut with banana ice cream. ROKA’s afternoon tea set (HK$88) also features delicious sweet treats.
ABOUT ROKA Hong Kong
ROKA is named after the Japanese words for a gathering place where people meet to socialize (RO) and a welcoming, burning fire (KA).
Located at the basement level of Pacific Place, the venue's signature dishes are quick to spot on the menu and are indicated with ROKA’s logo. Dishes not to be missed include delicious meats from the Robata charcoal grill such as Kochijan fuumi no kohitsuji - Lamb cutlets with hot pepper spices and Gindara saikyo-zuke no kushiyaki – Black cod skewers with gingered saikyo miso. Robata skewers are also served fresh from the grill.
In addition to the Robata items, the menu includes market-fresh sashimi and maki sushi rolls along with a selection of unique ROKA snacks, salads, rice and noodles, as well as specialties such gyoza dishes.
The bar features a wine cellar housing over 500 bottles of wines, including 25 wines by the glass, plus non-alcoholic cleansers, unique cocktails and a wide selection of sake and traditional well-being tonics.
ROKA is minimally styled using materials and design elements symbolic of the Japanese Charcoal Robata grill combining natural organic materials such as wood, soil, rice paper, rock and rusted iron.
The concept is authentic but not traditional, with the restaurant emphasizing ingredients and flavour, simple and appealing presentation using ethnic Japanese crockery and a menu designed for sharing.
“At ROKA Hong Kong we’ve created a casual, informal and sociable dining experience with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere” said Rainer Becker, the award-winning chef, who co-founded the concept with the Waney family.
ROKA Hong Kong is open daily from 11.30am – 10.30pm.
Address: Pacific Place, Level LG1, Shop 002, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 3960 5988
Fax: (852) 3960 5999
Email: info@rokarestaurant.com.hk
ROKA’s Business Lunch menu (HK$288) at the casual and social venue is perfect for those who want a taster of ROKA’s raved about signature dishes.
The seven course lunch offering starts with a selection of three sashimis and raw salmon with avocado, asparagus and wasabi tobiko maki zushi. A traditional white or red miso soup is then followed by a crispy tempura selection of prawn, edamame and sweet potatoes.
The highlight of the menu is a simply divine main course of black cod skewer, with gingered saikyo miso served alongside grilled tomatoes, bean sprouts and wafu dressing. To finish off - a dessert of sake poached pear with vanilla baked cream is a hit amongst guests.
ROKA’s Lunch set menu (HK$428) showcases the restaurant's premier Japanese specialties and more in a delicious seven course menu.
Starting with a selection of fresh premium sushi and sashimi, the menu also features prime Wagyu beef tempura maki roll. White or red miso soup then leads into the prized negitoro donburi with semi fatty tuna and quail egg, followed by grilled mushrooms with garlic soy and ponzu.
Diners have a choice of three main courses – all equally tempting - grilled pork chop with ume miso glaze; lamb cutlets with hot pepper spices; or grilled sea bass. The finalé presents itself as ROKA’s signature strawberry jasmine sundae with yuzu granite – a dessert that is hard not to love.
ROKA’s menu is constantly evolving for those who thrive on trying something new. ROKA’s a la carte menu boasts exotic seafood and vegetarian dishes adding allure to the already scrumptious menu of ROKA’s famed charcoal-grilled meats and skewers complemented by ROKA’s homemade sauces. Dishes are highlighted by ROKA’s freshly made non-alcoholic cleansers - the perfect addition to any meal.
Desserts are also a popular choice at ROKA featuring tasty treats such as sake poached pear with vanilla baked cream and valrhona chocolate, espresso and hazelnut with banana ice cream. ROKA’s afternoon tea set (HK$88) also features delicious sweet treats.
ABOUT ROKA Hong Kong
ROKA is named after the Japanese words for a gathering place where people meet to socialize (RO) and a welcoming, burning fire (KA).
Located at the basement level of Pacific Place, the venue's signature dishes are quick to spot on the menu and are indicated with ROKA’s logo. Dishes not to be missed include delicious meats from the Robata charcoal grill such as Kochijan fuumi no kohitsuji - Lamb cutlets with hot pepper spices and Gindara saikyo-zuke no kushiyaki – Black cod skewers with gingered saikyo miso. Robata skewers are also served fresh from the grill.
In addition to the Robata items, the menu includes market-fresh sashimi and maki sushi rolls along with a selection of unique ROKA snacks, salads, rice and noodles, as well as specialties such gyoza dishes.
The bar features a wine cellar housing over 500 bottles of wines, including 25 wines by the glass, plus non-alcoholic cleansers, unique cocktails and a wide selection of sake and traditional well-being tonics.
ROKA is minimally styled using materials and design elements symbolic of the Japanese Charcoal Robata grill combining natural organic materials such as wood, soil, rice paper, rock and rusted iron.
The concept is authentic but not traditional, with the restaurant emphasizing ingredients and flavour, simple and appealing presentation using ethnic Japanese crockery and a menu designed for sharing.
“At ROKA Hong Kong we’ve created a casual, informal and sociable dining experience with a vibrant and energetic atmosphere” said Rainer Becker, the award-winning chef, who co-founded the concept with the Waney family.
ROKA Hong Kong is open daily from 11.30am – 10.30pm.
Address: Pacific Place, Level LG1, Shop 002, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Telephone: (852) 3960 5988
Fax: (852) 3960 5999
Email: info@rokarestaurant.com.hk
Contemporary Design Redefines the South African Experience At One&Only Cape Town
(Hong Kong, March 11, 2009) – Located in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, internationally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany collaborated with local architects Ruben Reddy and Dennis Fabian & Berman to redefine the traditional South African experience at One&Only Cape Town. Through the use of contemporary architecture and artwork, Tihany and his team capture a new and progressive energy within this historic destination.
To celebrate Sol Kerzner’s triumphant homecoming to South Africa since the opening of The Palace of The Lost City at Pilanesberg in 1992, designers and architects used only local materials in the development of One&Only Cape Town. Opening on April 3, the 131-key resort is the first urban property in the One&Only Collection with designs and artwork that showcase emerging artistic talent from the South Africa region.
“I wanted the resort’s feel to be contemporary whilst still drawing heavily on the rich African culture and heritage that has so greatly influenced my life,” says Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. “Much of the resort is inspired by my own love of Cape Town. I felt confident that Adam D. Tihany would be able to capture the true spirit of a modern South Africa whilst remaining faithful to the traditional culture. His approach to design runs parallel to One&Only’s core philosophy of providing distinctive experiences that celebrate the authentic flavour and colour of their respective locations.”
Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is designed to encourage guest interaction with the local Capetonian population whilst still providing exclusive island escapes accessible by walking bridge and private water taxi.
“In the four years we worked on this project, we lived the site, breathed the air, met the people, and absorbed the richness and variety that Cape Town has to offer – from nature to art to food and wine,” says Tihany who recently completed the design of Market by Jean-Georges at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. “I was honoured to be the one chosen to conceive and execute the meaningful design of Sol Kerzner’s return to his home country. We wanted our design to embody the local sensibility, and the multi-layered contemporary and traditional cultures that make up Cape Town style. As always, we strived to create a luxurious, bespoke, and site-specific experience.”
The Arrival
Designed to frame the spectacular views of Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town’s Lobby boasts expansive windows enhanced by calming cream tones and sandstone floors. A combination of contemporary and indigenous artwork decorates the space including a metal and mesh egg-shaped sculpture, wooden totem-like sculptures and contemporary paintings by leading South African fine artists and sculptors such as, Deborah Bell, Walter Oltmann and Norman Catherine. African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lobby from an elegant lower Lounge adorned with dark brown carpeting and African-inspired rugs. Over-scale floor lamps balance the high ceilings, and a custom chandelier with moulded crystals floats above the center bar. Again African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lounge from a glowing bar composed of frosted glass topped with dark brown oak.
maze by Gordon Ramsay
To the left of the Lobby and Lounge is the three-story tri-level wine loft and maze by Gordon Ramsay. Guests enter under the functional wine wall, housing more than 5,000 bottles of wine glowing from within, into the restaurant space consisting of a dining room, patisserie and terrace. In the maze dining room, columns clad in intricately textured chocolate brown African walnut complement a suspended grid lighting feature, which also acts as a backdrop for a custom commissioned 50-foot photographic panel entitled Offering by South African artist Berni Searle. The artist’s signature motifs of food and spices are abstracted into red and ochre crepe-paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. An open fire grill creates a warm inviting atmosphere, a signature for maze restaurants worldwide. Tactile materials in earth tones such as forest green and burgundy cover the furniture. Abstract African-inspired carpets in natural tones decorate the floor whilst cream and copper blush silk drapery frame panoramic views of Table Mountain. Bookcases situated between the windows are flanked with vertical light boxes. Upon exiting maze, patrons are encouraged to stop in the patisserie to choose from a variety of desserts displayed in a glass box or enjoy wine on the terrace consisting of a communal wood table surrounded by bar stools and lit by pendant lamps.
Nobu
Across the Lobby and Lounge, Nobu serves as the fine dining concept at One&Only Cape Town. The most notable feature is the textured, translucent origami light fixture that crawls along the ceiling throughout the space. A three-dimensional metal mural sculpture by Brett Murray and Freciano Ndala covers the wall behind the maître d’ stand. Enormous ebony wooden rings between columns separate the bar and dining areas creating distinct spaces. Rich brown carpeting ascends down the metal fan-like staircase into the dining room complementing the hunter green of velvety banquettes. Translucent silk roman shades cover windows and contemporary Japanese lanterns provide a warm amber glow. A sushi counter is located at the back wall of the dining room decorated with vertical light boxes to create a warm glow.
Accommodation
Local Architect Dennis Fabian maximized the proximity and panoramic views of Table Mountain in his designs, specifically with the Marina Rise’s 91 rooms and suites that face the majestic mountain. In addition to the Marina Rise, One&Only Cape Town boasts 40 island suites and an expansive spa located on their own secluded and lushly landscaped islands surrounded by waterway and accessed only by bridge or private water taxi. These exclusive villa enclaves provide an alternative to the distinctly urban feel of the Marina Rise and feature private balconies and waterway views.
Marina Rise
Marina Rise houses the Presidential and Imperial Suite, both spanning more than 2,730 square feet. These luxurious suites boast a master bedroom with his and her bathrooms, an exercise room and a private terrace, foyer, powder room, full kitchen, dining area, salon, study and a second bedroom with full bath and private terrace. Warm, neutral fabric imparts a residential feeling and sumptuous pillows provide splashes of colour throughout. Other notable design details include an oversized African weave-inspired feature wall which separates the salon from the dining room.
In the Presidential Suite, the central dining area is visually anchored with a series of six glass roundels by Conrad Botes. This well-known South African artist finds inspiration in comics and uses a technique of painting on the reverse side of glass to achieve luminous and profound images. Also in the dining area, guests can enjoy a panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, another widely acclaimed and exhibited South African artist. For this commission, he has produced an image inspired by brass plaques from the Western African nation, Benin, in the form of a crocodile. In the neighbouring study, guests can admire a coastline photograph by David Goldblatt. This colour image is one in a limited edition of ten produced by the veteran South African photographer.
Guests walking into the Imperial Suite can admire a custom commissioned wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist, entitled Walking the Stick Jig. The piece is constructed from 13 walking sticks made of distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood. The main living space features more Walter Oltmann work. For this suite, the artist created a large woven panel inspired by complex geometric patters of Congo Kuba cloths. The space also features artwork by acclaimed artist Jeremy Wager. The two large disc sculptures have been cast in resin and covered with clay and ash used in Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices. According to the artist, use of these materials comes from his interest in indigenous healing, transformation rituals and rites of passage.
All Marina Rise décor features warm earthy shades of red, brown and terracotta, complemented by touches of tropical green. Doors, windows and baseboards are outfitted in natural African oak wood, while the bathroom details and furniture are stained a dark coffee. Love seats decorate the foot of each bed and are paired with an armchair and coffee table for in-room dining. Wood screens with African detail create a separate but open feel throughout the space. Ivory travertine stone covers the bathroom floors and walls complemented with silk screened frosted glass doors. Custom art pieces – from prints to sculptures and accessories – are placed throughout the rooms and bathrooms to capture a true Capetonian energy. The two Marina Junior Suites are an extension of the design concept of the typical Marina Room but with touches of green. They also offer a residential-looking salon, sitting and dining areas. All Marina Rise rooms feature balconies overlooking Table Mountain.
Villa Island
A series of bridges link Marina Rise with two separate, exclusive islands boasting 40 additional villa suites, a private infinity pool and expansive spa. In addition to the Island Junior Suites, the expansive King and Double Villas are decorated in natural sand, brown and earthy green shades. Parquet floors in African caramel coloured Kiatt wood lead to a luxurious dressing area and bathroom embellished with an oversized bathtub engulfed in a frosted glass box that glows at night. King and Double Villas are outfitted with a grand fireplace and salon. In keeping with the Marina Rise theme, custom artwork from regional artists is displayed throughout all of the villas.
One&Only Spa Island
Neighbouring Villa Island, the One&Only Spa is a serene haven located on its own private island and is decorated with the same calming, neutral tones found throughout the resort including dark brown finished woods and cream marbles. The Spa features more artwork by Berni Searle from her Home and Away series. The collection of six photographs features the artist floating in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and the coast of Africa. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet, the Spa includes: a Salon, Relaxation room, Treatment rooms, Special Pedicure Treatments, Wet areas, Vitality pools, Steam rooms and Saunas. The atmosphere is energized with highlights of natural greens, watery blues, and earthy shades of copper and orange details. Sheer white linen frames the windows in the Treatment rooms boasting spectacular landscape views. Changing room floors and walls are coated in cream marble whilst red copper leather inserts inside locker doors offer a subtle burst of colour. Geometric wooden screens featuring a hint of African motif mingle with African art and accessories.
NEO, The Boutique at One&Only Cape Town
The resort’s sophisticated and original boutique design matches its unique product offering of one-of-a-kind fashions for men and women as well as custom jewelry, locally designed accessories and objects for the home. Tihany used a three-dimensional polished black feature wall and polished black floors to complement a gold leaf display containing accessories, small sculptures, and artwork. Two gold leaf columns housing couture garments frame a wall of mirrors also featuring designer apparel. Directly in front of the columns, two vitrine tables displaying fine jewelry are flanked by contemporary zebra-print chairs, where guests can relax and sip cocktails from the champagne bar. An iPod stand is also available for patrons to listen to a selection of South African music.
Meeting and Banqueting Rooms
State of the art function and banquet rooms are located on the upper level of the lobby and maze providing a chic and private alternative for larger groups. Function room walls are clad in padded cream leather panels. Sandstone floors with bands of brown marble dominate whilst graphic wooden screens layered over mirrors make a bold statement over large wood doors. Refined patterns of striped cream fabric and dark African oak contrast an intricate carpet and indigenous art in the Banquet Room. This beautifully appointed room, measuring 2,314 square feet with 648 square feet of outdoor space, is available for private events and meetings and can accommodate 112 guests for a sit down dinner or 200 for cocktails. The space can also be divided into two separate rooms for a more intimate setting. The adjacent boardroom seats 20 people, whilst a second boardroom in the business centre seats 12.
For further information visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com
To celebrate Sol Kerzner’s triumphant homecoming to South Africa since the opening of The Palace of The Lost City at Pilanesberg in 1992, designers and architects used only local materials in the development of One&Only Cape Town. Opening on April 3, the 131-key resort is the first urban property in the One&Only Collection with designs and artwork that showcase emerging artistic talent from the South Africa region.
“I wanted the resort’s feel to be contemporary whilst still drawing heavily on the rich African culture and heritage that has so greatly influenced my life,” says Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. “Much of the resort is inspired by my own love of Cape Town. I felt confident that Adam D. Tihany would be able to capture the true spirit of a modern South Africa whilst remaining faithful to the traditional culture. His approach to design runs parallel to One&Only’s core philosophy of providing distinctive experiences that celebrate the authentic flavour and colour of their respective locations.”
Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is designed to encourage guest interaction with the local Capetonian population whilst still providing exclusive island escapes accessible by walking bridge and private water taxi.
“In the four years we worked on this project, we lived the site, breathed the air, met the people, and absorbed the richness and variety that Cape Town has to offer – from nature to art to food and wine,” says Tihany who recently completed the design of Market by Jean-Georges at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. “I was honoured to be the one chosen to conceive and execute the meaningful design of Sol Kerzner’s return to his home country. We wanted our design to embody the local sensibility, and the multi-layered contemporary and traditional cultures that make up Cape Town style. As always, we strived to create a luxurious, bespoke, and site-specific experience.”
The Arrival
Designed to frame the spectacular views of Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town’s Lobby boasts expansive windows enhanced by calming cream tones and sandstone floors. A combination of contemporary and indigenous artwork decorates the space including a metal and mesh egg-shaped sculpture, wooden totem-like sculptures and contemporary paintings by leading South African fine artists and sculptors such as, Deborah Bell, Walter Oltmann and Norman Catherine. African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lobby from an elegant lower Lounge adorned with dark brown carpeting and African-inspired rugs. Over-scale floor lamps balance the high ceilings, and a custom chandelier with moulded crystals floats above the center bar. Again African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lounge from a glowing bar composed of frosted glass topped with dark brown oak.
maze by Gordon Ramsay
To the left of the Lobby and Lounge is the three-story tri-level wine loft and maze by Gordon Ramsay. Guests enter under the functional wine wall, housing more than 5,000 bottles of wine glowing from within, into the restaurant space consisting of a dining room, patisserie and terrace. In the maze dining room, columns clad in intricately textured chocolate brown African walnut complement a suspended grid lighting feature, which also acts as a backdrop for a custom commissioned 50-foot photographic panel entitled Offering by South African artist Berni Searle. The artist’s signature motifs of food and spices are abstracted into red and ochre crepe-paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. An open fire grill creates a warm inviting atmosphere, a signature for maze restaurants worldwide. Tactile materials in earth tones such as forest green and burgundy cover the furniture. Abstract African-inspired carpets in natural tones decorate the floor whilst cream and copper blush silk drapery frame panoramic views of Table Mountain. Bookcases situated between the windows are flanked with vertical light boxes. Upon exiting maze, patrons are encouraged to stop in the patisserie to choose from a variety of desserts displayed in a glass box or enjoy wine on the terrace consisting of a communal wood table surrounded by bar stools and lit by pendant lamps.
Nobu
Across the Lobby and Lounge, Nobu serves as the fine dining concept at One&Only Cape Town. The most notable feature is the textured, translucent origami light fixture that crawls along the ceiling throughout the space. A three-dimensional metal mural sculpture by Brett Murray and Freciano Ndala covers the wall behind the maître d’ stand. Enormous ebony wooden rings between columns separate the bar and dining areas creating distinct spaces. Rich brown carpeting ascends down the metal fan-like staircase into the dining room complementing the hunter green of velvety banquettes. Translucent silk roman shades cover windows and contemporary Japanese lanterns provide a warm amber glow. A sushi counter is located at the back wall of the dining room decorated with vertical light boxes to create a warm glow.
Accommodation
Local Architect Dennis Fabian maximized the proximity and panoramic views of Table Mountain in his designs, specifically with the Marina Rise’s 91 rooms and suites that face the majestic mountain. In addition to the Marina Rise, One&Only Cape Town boasts 40 island suites and an expansive spa located on their own secluded and lushly landscaped islands surrounded by waterway and accessed only by bridge or private water taxi. These exclusive villa enclaves provide an alternative to the distinctly urban feel of the Marina Rise and feature private balconies and waterway views.
Marina Rise
Marina Rise houses the Presidential and Imperial Suite, both spanning more than 2,730 square feet. These luxurious suites boast a master bedroom with his and her bathrooms, an exercise room and a private terrace, foyer, powder room, full kitchen, dining area, salon, study and a second bedroom with full bath and private terrace. Warm, neutral fabric imparts a residential feeling and sumptuous pillows provide splashes of colour throughout. Other notable design details include an oversized African weave-inspired feature wall which separates the salon from the dining room.
In the Presidential Suite, the central dining area is visually anchored with a series of six glass roundels by Conrad Botes. This well-known South African artist finds inspiration in comics and uses a technique of painting on the reverse side of glass to achieve luminous and profound images. Also in the dining area, guests can enjoy a panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, another widely acclaimed and exhibited South African artist. For this commission, he has produced an image inspired by brass plaques from the Western African nation, Benin, in the form of a crocodile. In the neighbouring study, guests can admire a coastline photograph by David Goldblatt. This colour image is one in a limited edition of ten produced by the veteran South African photographer.
Guests walking into the Imperial Suite can admire a custom commissioned wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist, entitled Walking the Stick Jig. The piece is constructed from 13 walking sticks made of distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood. The main living space features more Walter Oltmann work. For this suite, the artist created a large woven panel inspired by complex geometric patters of Congo Kuba cloths. The space also features artwork by acclaimed artist Jeremy Wager. The two large disc sculptures have been cast in resin and covered with clay and ash used in Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices. According to the artist, use of these materials comes from his interest in indigenous healing, transformation rituals and rites of passage.
All Marina Rise décor features warm earthy shades of red, brown and terracotta, complemented by touches of tropical green. Doors, windows and baseboards are outfitted in natural African oak wood, while the bathroom details and furniture are stained a dark coffee. Love seats decorate the foot of each bed and are paired with an armchair and coffee table for in-room dining. Wood screens with African detail create a separate but open feel throughout the space. Ivory travertine stone covers the bathroom floors and walls complemented with silk screened frosted glass doors. Custom art pieces – from prints to sculptures and accessories – are placed throughout the rooms and bathrooms to capture a true Capetonian energy. The two Marina Junior Suites are an extension of the design concept of the typical Marina Room but with touches of green. They also offer a residential-looking salon, sitting and dining areas. All Marina Rise rooms feature balconies overlooking Table Mountain.
Villa Island
A series of bridges link Marina Rise with two separate, exclusive islands boasting 40 additional villa suites, a private infinity pool and expansive spa. In addition to the Island Junior Suites, the expansive King and Double Villas are decorated in natural sand, brown and earthy green shades. Parquet floors in African caramel coloured Kiatt wood lead to a luxurious dressing area and bathroom embellished with an oversized bathtub engulfed in a frosted glass box that glows at night. King and Double Villas are outfitted with a grand fireplace and salon. In keeping with the Marina Rise theme, custom artwork from regional artists is displayed throughout all of the villas.
One&Only Spa Island
Neighbouring Villa Island, the One&Only Spa is a serene haven located on its own private island and is decorated with the same calming, neutral tones found throughout the resort including dark brown finished woods and cream marbles. The Spa features more artwork by Berni Searle from her Home and Away series. The collection of six photographs features the artist floating in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and the coast of Africa. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet, the Spa includes: a Salon, Relaxation room, Treatment rooms, Special Pedicure Treatments, Wet areas, Vitality pools, Steam rooms and Saunas. The atmosphere is energized with highlights of natural greens, watery blues, and earthy shades of copper and orange details. Sheer white linen frames the windows in the Treatment rooms boasting spectacular landscape views. Changing room floors and walls are coated in cream marble whilst red copper leather inserts inside locker doors offer a subtle burst of colour. Geometric wooden screens featuring a hint of African motif mingle with African art and accessories.
NEO, The Boutique at One&Only Cape Town
The resort’s sophisticated and original boutique design matches its unique product offering of one-of-a-kind fashions for men and women as well as custom jewelry, locally designed accessories and objects for the home. Tihany used a three-dimensional polished black feature wall and polished black floors to complement a gold leaf display containing accessories, small sculptures, and artwork. Two gold leaf columns housing couture garments frame a wall of mirrors also featuring designer apparel. Directly in front of the columns, two vitrine tables displaying fine jewelry are flanked by contemporary zebra-print chairs, where guests can relax and sip cocktails from the champagne bar. An iPod stand is also available for patrons to listen to a selection of South African music.
Meeting and Banqueting Rooms
State of the art function and banquet rooms are located on the upper level of the lobby and maze providing a chic and private alternative for larger groups. Function room walls are clad in padded cream leather panels. Sandstone floors with bands of brown marble dominate whilst graphic wooden screens layered over mirrors make a bold statement over large wood doors. Refined patterns of striped cream fabric and dark African oak contrast an intricate carpet and indigenous art in the Banquet Room. This beautifully appointed room, measuring 2,314 square feet with 648 square feet of outdoor space, is available for private events and meetings and can accommodate 112 guests for a sit down dinner or 200 for cocktails. The space can also be divided into two separate rooms for a more intimate setting. The adjacent boardroom seats 20 people, whilst a second boardroom in the business centre seats 12.
For further information visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Senior Management Appointments at Shanghai’s New Zendai Hotel Yin & Zendai Art Hotel
Two senior management appointments have been announced at new twin luxury hotels under development in Shanghai, the ‘city retreat’ Zendai Hotel Yin and 5-star Zendai Art Hotel.
They are part of the spectacular new RMB 2.4 billion Himalayas Center, being acclaimed as an ‘Archisculptural Masterpiece for 21st century China’.
The two executives join a management team led by British national Graham Kiy, General Manager of both hotels, which will open in Pudong in 2010 in time for the Shanghai World Expo.
Beijing native David Guo has been appointed as Director Sales & Marketing for both hotels.
Stella Huang has been appointed as Director of Zendai Hotel Yin.
David Guo, 39, is a sales and marketing veteran of top international hotels in China. He was previously Director of Sales & Marketing at the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya.
He was involved in the pre-opening of Kempinski Hotel, and previously Director of Sales at The Peninsula Palace Hotel, one of the leading hotels in Beijing. He also helped reposition the Hilton Beijing as a deluxe 5 star hotel, also as Director of Sales.
Stella Huang Huei-Feng has over a decade of experience in the hotel industry in her native Taiwan, including assisting in the opening and managing the exclusive hot spring resort Villa 32.
Villa 32 was subsequently voted on Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Hot List of the world's top new hotels. It was the only Taiwan hotel not managed by an international chain to be ranked
A graduate of The National Taiwan University and Switzerland's prestigious Hotel Management School 'Les Roches', she began her hospitality career as an apprentice with Movenpick in Geneva and Lausanne.
On returning to Taiwan, she worked for seven years at the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei, rising from banquet sales executive to director of catering.
Outside the hotel industry, she also worked as director of programmes for the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and Taiwan brand manager of high-end New York cosmetic company, Chantecaille.
The Himalayas Center
Designed by world renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, it is being developed by the Zendai Group.
It also incorporates the Zendai Museum of Art, DaGuan Theatre with multi-functional auditorium seating for 1,650, Himalayas Mall and Himalayas Creative Complex / Museum Zone.
Zendai Hotel Yin
Occupying the top four floors of the hotel tower, Zendai Hotel Yin is being designed by celebrated interior designer Khuan Chew of KCA International, who designed the luxury 7 star hotel, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
Highly trained butlers will offer unrivalled levels of service in China.
A novel spa concept incorporating private suites will offer an outstanding range of Chinese and Asian health and beauty treatments and therapies, some using traditional Chinese medicines, and others originating in the Himalayas.
A highlight of the hotel will be a modern interpretation of a traditional Chinese tea house serving a wide range of high quality teas and New China Tea Cuisine, and featuring daily performances of Chinese and Asian music.
The 24-hour library will offer a wide range of Chinese history, culture, art and music related books and information.
According to the developer, the Zendai Hotel Yin’s cultural offerings will be a “veritable feast for the senses”.
Zendai Art Hotel
The 5-star Zendai Art Hotel occupying the first 14 floors of the hotel tower is also designed by Khuan Chew, with over 300 rooms and suites in contemporary Chinese style, and high-tech communications and services.
The business-style hotel will also feature exceptional dining concepts offering authentic Chinese and International cuisines, including the Shanghai Art Restaurant for fine Shanghainese dining.
Zendai Art Hotel will provide a lobby theater concept that will become a social center of Pudong New district with elegant and artistic Chinese entertainment.
Along with a state of the art gym and indoor pool will be unique “rejuvenation pods” with sensory treatments such as oxygen, light, vibration and sound therapy.
For meetings and events, the hotel features a spectacular, cone-shaped 864 square metre ballroom with a 9-metre height ceiling, six private rooms and an impressive 5,300 square metre roof garden.
Both hotels will be “a showcase for modern China, a fusion of Chinese art and culture with modern hospitality at the very highest level”, said Graham Kiy.
The Himalayas Center is located opposite to Shanghai’s New International Expo Center and just 15 minutes from the city’s main financial district in Pudong. Metro line no. 7 is accessed directly from the basement of the Himalayas Center and the high speed maglev train, for 7-minute transfers and from Pudong airport, is just 10 minutes away.
For further information, visit: www.zendaihimalayas.com
Pre-opening office Tel: 86-21-5033-3333 Pre-opening office Fax: 86-21-5033-8711
They are part of the spectacular new RMB 2.4 billion Himalayas Center, being acclaimed as an ‘Archisculptural Masterpiece for 21st century China’.
The two executives join a management team led by British national Graham Kiy, General Manager of both hotels, which will open in Pudong in 2010 in time for the Shanghai World Expo.
Beijing native David Guo has been appointed as Director Sales & Marketing for both hotels.
Stella Huang has been appointed as Director of Zendai Hotel Yin.
David Guo, 39, is a sales and marketing veteran of top international hotels in China. He was previously Director of Sales & Marketing at the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya.
He was involved in the pre-opening of Kempinski Hotel, and previously Director of Sales at The Peninsula Palace Hotel, one of the leading hotels in Beijing. He also helped reposition the Hilton Beijing as a deluxe 5 star hotel, also as Director of Sales.
Stella Huang Huei-Feng has over a decade of experience in the hotel industry in her native Taiwan, including assisting in the opening and managing the exclusive hot spring resort Villa 32.
Villa 32 was subsequently voted on Conde Nast Traveler's 2006 Hot List of the world's top new hotels. It was the only Taiwan hotel not managed by an international chain to be ranked
A graduate of The National Taiwan University and Switzerland's prestigious Hotel Management School 'Les Roches', she began her hospitality career as an apprentice with Movenpick in Geneva and Lausanne.
On returning to Taiwan, she worked for seven years at the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei, rising from banquet sales executive to director of catering.
Outside the hotel industry, she also worked as director of programmes for the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and Taiwan brand manager of high-end New York cosmetic company, Chantecaille.
The Himalayas Center
Designed by world renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki, it is being developed by the Zendai Group.
It also incorporates the Zendai Museum of Art, DaGuan Theatre with multi-functional auditorium seating for 1,650, Himalayas Mall and Himalayas Creative Complex / Museum Zone.
Zendai Hotel Yin
Occupying the top four floors of the hotel tower, Zendai Hotel Yin is being designed by celebrated interior designer Khuan Chew of KCA International, who designed the luxury 7 star hotel, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
Highly trained butlers will offer unrivalled levels of service in China.
A novel spa concept incorporating private suites will offer an outstanding range of Chinese and Asian health and beauty treatments and therapies, some using traditional Chinese medicines, and others originating in the Himalayas.
A highlight of the hotel will be a modern interpretation of a traditional Chinese tea house serving a wide range of high quality teas and New China Tea Cuisine, and featuring daily performances of Chinese and Asian music.
The 24-hour library will offer a wide range of Chinese history, culture, art and music related books and information.
According to the developer, the Zendai Hotel Yin’s cultural offerings will be a “veritable feast for the senses”.
Zendai Art Hotel
The 5-star Zendai Art Hotel occupying the first 14 floors of the hotel tower is also designed by Khuan Chew, with over 300 rooms and suites in contemporary Chinese style, and high-tech communications and services.
The business-style hotel will also feature exceptional dining concepts offering authentic Chinese and International cuisines, including the Shanghai Art Restaurant for fine Shanghainese dining.
Zendai Art Hotel will provide a lobby theater concept that will become a social center of Pudong New district with elegant and artistic Chinese entertainment.
Along with a state of the art gym and indoor pool will be unique “rejuvenation pods” with sensory treatments such as oxygen, light, vibration and sound therapy.
For meetings and events, the hotel features a spectacular, cone-shaped 864 square metre ballroom with a 9-metre height ceiling, six private rooms and an impressive 5,300 square metre roof garden.
Both hotels will be “a showcase for modern China, a fusion of Chinese art and culture with modern hospitality at the very highest level”, said Graham Kiy.
The Himalayas Center is located opposite to Shanghai’s New International Expo Center and just 15 minutes from the city’s main financial district in Pudong. Metro line no. 7 is accessed directly from the basement of the Himalayas Center and the high speed maglev train, for 7-minute transfers and from Pudong airport, is just 10 minutes away.
For further information, visit: www.zendaihimalayas.com
Pre-opening office Tel: 86-21-5033-3333 Pre-opening office Fax: 86-21-5033-8711
Teppanyaki Restaurant 'Kuromastsu' Celebrates 'Cherry Blossom' at Boutique Hotel IVY Shanghai
Boutique hotel IVY Shanghai's teppanyaki restaurant Kuromastsu is celebrating Japan's 'cherry blossom' season with a special set-menu dedicated to the annual festival.
Served from March 15-May 15, the celebratory menu is priced at RMB168 and features delicacies traditionally shared by Japanese families and friends at picnics under sakura trees.
It starts with traditional sakura perilla cold noodles, spicy tuna and sashimis of salmon, yellow-tail and Hokki clam, complemented by a sweet and sour sakura cocktail of sake, watermelon and fresh lemon.
Completing the festive menu is grilled cod, deep-fried tempura, miso soup, Japanese pickles, rice and fruit.
The 'Hanami' cherry blossom festival is a popular and important event on Japan's social calendar for outdoor picnics and parties celebrating the end of winter.
IVY Shanghai's signature restaurant is becoming renowned for high-end classic Japanese teppanyaki cuisine at the chic new boutique hotel in fashionable Jing’an, a short stroll the shopping and business hub of Nanjing West Road.
A range of teppanyaki menus feature American and Japanese Wagyu beef, abalone, crab, sea urchin and black cod, complemented by a sophisticated wine list, premium sakes and creative cocktails.
Heading the kitchen is chef Kevin Lee, formerly of Hong Kong’s premier teppanyaki restaurant, Matsubishi.
IVY Shanghai is in a converted 1950s cinema, styled with flamboyant China-pop design by celebrated American-French designer Dillon Garris.
The 46-room boutique hotel is the mainland China flagship of CHI - International, a luxury Hong Kong-headquartered hotel management group with resorts and serviced apartments in Hong Kong and Fiji.
Served from March 15-May 15, the celebratory menu is priced at RMB168 and features delicacies traditionally shared by Japanese families and friends at picnics under sakura trees.
It starts with traditional sakura perilla cold noodles, spicy tuna and sashimis of salmon, yellow-tail and Hokki clam, complemented by a sweet and sour sakura cocktail of sake, watermelon and fresh lemon.
Completing the festive menu is grilled cod, deep-fried tempura, miso soup, Japanese pickles, rice and fruit.
The 'Hanami' cherry blossom festival is a popular and important event on Japan's social calendar for outdoor picnics and parties celebrating the end of winter.
IVY Shanghai's signature restaurant is becoming renowned for high-end classic Japanese teppanyaki cuisine at the chic new boutique hotel in fashionable Jing’an, a short stroll the shopping and business hub of Nanjing West Road.
A range of teppanyaki menus feature American and Japanese Wagyu beef, abalone, crab, sea urchin and black cod, complemented by a sophisticated wine list, premium sakes and creative cocktails.
Heading the kitchen is chef Kevin Lee, formerly of Hong Kong’s premier teppanyaki restaurant, Matsubishi.
IVY Shanghai is in a converted 1950s cinema, styled with flamboyant China-pop design by celebrated American-French designer Dillon Garris.
The 46-room boutique hotel is the mainland China flagship of CHI - International, a luxury Hong Kong-headquartered hotel management group with resorts and serviced apartments in Hong Kong and Fiji.
DEFENDING CHAMPION GRAEME MCDOWELL ADDS UNIQUE FLAVOUR TO 2009 BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP BLEND
Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, is celebrating a milestone event in the brand’s 180 year history following the creation of the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship Blend.
Created by Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s fifth Master Blender and Graeme McDowell, the winner of the inaugural Ballantine’s Championship last year, the unique 35 Year Old Scotch represents the first time in history that anyone outside the company’s expert team has collaborated with a Master Blender.
Only 15 limited-edition bottles will be made due to the scarcity of the whiskies contained in the priceless blend with one precious bottle being presented to the winner of the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship.
Continuing the long-term relationship Ballantine’s Scotch is developing with the world of golf, the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship Blend brings together the shared passion, expertise and flair of two globally respected professions and will commemorate the second Ballantine’s Championship taking place in Korea in April.
“This is a first not only for Ballantine’s but across the entire Chivas Brothers portfolio,” said Hyslop. “It is one of the rarest blends I’ve ever created and contains some of the oldest samples from our inventory of over six million casks of ageing whisky. For example, we included two very old grain whiskies from Strathclyde and Dumbarton, the latter distillery no longer in production. Although the age stated on the bottle is 35 years, there are older whiskies contained in the blend.”
Following a private master class, Hyslop drew on his expertise and cherished stocks to select the finest and rarest whiskies for McDowell to sample. McDowell then created a unique blend under Sandy’s guidance that reflected his individual taste and strong preferences for sweet, lighter flavours.
“Graeme did a fantastic job. He knew exactly what he liked and the result is an exceptional blend that fits perfectly in the Ballantine’s range. While Ballantine’s fingerprint malts Glenburgie and Miltonduff maintain the soft, fruity and smooth characteristics of the Ballantine’s portfolio, a little sherry-matured Longmorn was one of Graeme’s favourites and it adds an appealing sweet edge,” commented Hyslop.
“I feel privileged to be part of Ballantine’s history,” said McDowell, who also won the Scottish Open in 2008, an additional European Tour event supported by Ballantine’s. “Sandy was an excellent teacher and really helped me understand the nose of each sample so that I could create a ‘top dressing’ to his carefully crafted Ballantine’s base.”
The brand’s first ever 35 Year Old blend was created at the heart of Ballantine’s production site in Dumbarton, Scotland. Of the limited edition 15 bottles made one will be presented to the winner of the 2009 Ballantine’s Championship, one will be presented to Graeme and one will be auctioned at the tournament’s Opening Ceremony.
McDowell added, “I think the result is a really beautiful whisky and I’m looking forward to sampling it should I defend my title in Korea in April – hopefully Ballantine’s will bring me a little luck as it seems when they’re involved with a tournament I generally do pretty well!”
Following his blending experience, McDowell shared some of the secrets of his trade with Sandy at local golf club The Carrick by the shores of Loch Lomond.
“I don’t think I’ll be swapping the blending suite for the golf course anytime soon!” commented Sandy, who will prepare each individual bottle of the Championship Blend by hand.
2009 Ballantine’s Championship Blend Tasting Notes
Nose: Wonderful flavours of sweet ripe dessert pears, beautifully balanced and round, bursting with juicy sweet fondant orange. Intermingled with this are flavours of sweet moist sultanas.
Body: Satin smooth and mouth watering.
Palate: This whisky excels on the palate with powerful sweet fruity flavours at first then followed by tangy marmalade with ginger and liquorice.
Finish: Incredibly long and smooth
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chic Manila Bay Hotel H2O joins WORLDHOTELS as the first affiliate hotel in Philippines
WORLDHOTELS proudly announces further expansion in South-East Asia by welcoming chic Manila resort H2O as the first affiliate hotel in the Philippines.
The stylish urban resort overlooking Manila Bay will be Manila’s newest upscale hotel when opening in May and has joined WORLDHOTELS as part of the Deluxe Collection.
"Welcoming Hotel H2O as our first affiliate hotel in the Philippines marks a major milestone in our further expansion in South-East Asia," said Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS Vice President Asia Pacific.
The 147-room urban resort in Luneta is renowned for its unique aquarium-themed rooms and suites with stunning panoramic views over Manila Bay. Interiors have been described as "fabulous, modern, chic, inviting and decadent". It is located just 5 km away from the brandnew Manila SMX Convention Centre.
Appealing to discerning business and leisure travellers, it is also distinguished by hi-tech in-room facilities, ultra-comfortable furniture and stylish design. Hotel facilities include a health club and spa, club floor, bar, cocktail lounge, library, hotel shop and business center. Hotel H2O also offers spacious conference rooms equipped with modern facilities, making it an ideal choice for business meetings. In addition, Hotel H2O includes a membership club catering for the business and social needs of its guests and members.
The hotel provides its guests access to 11 bars and restaurants within the mall complex, each offering a wide and unique dining experience while staying in Manila.
Hotel H2O President Lim Chee Yong said "WORLDHOTELS' wide range of global sales, marketing, distribution and related services is an effective means for a new brand such as ours to extend our sales and marketing internationally. This fresh addition to the ever-expanding hotel community around the Manila bay area will immerse WORLDHOTELS well-travelled guests into a new dimension of discovery, as well as offer a pleasurable experience unlike any other."
WORLDHOTELS is the largest and most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction.
The stylish urban resort overlooking Manila Bay will be Manila’s newest upscale hotel when opening in May and has joined WORLDHOTELS as part of the Deluxe Collection.
"Welcoming Hotel H2O as our first affiliate hotel in the Philippines marks a major milestone in our further expansion in South-East Asia," said Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS Vice President Asia Pacific.
The 147-room urban resort in Luneta is renowned for its unique aquarium-themed rooms and suites with stunning panoramic views over Manila Bay. Interiors have been described as "fabulous, modern, chic, inviting and decadent". It is located just 5 km away from the brandnew Manila SMX Convention Centre.
Appealing to discerning business and leisure travellers, it is also distinguished by hi-tech in-room facilities, ultra-comfortable furniture and stylish design. Hotel facilities include a health club and spa, club floor, bar, cocktail lounge, library, hotel shop and business center. Hotel H2O also offers spacious conference rooms equipped with modern facilities, making it an ideal choice for business meetings. In addition, Hotel H2O includes a membership club catering for the business and social needs of its guests and members.
The hotel provides its guests access to 11 bars and restaurants within the mall complex, each offering a wide and unique dining experience while staying in Manila.
Hotel H2O President Lim Chee Yong said "WORLDHOTELS' wide range of global sales, marketing, distribution and related services is an effective means for a new brand such as ours to extend our sales and marketing internationally. This fresh addition to the ever-expanding hotel community around the Manila bay area will immerse WORLDHOTELS well-travelled guests into a new dimension of discovery, as well as offer a pleasurable experience unlike any other."
WORLDHOTELS is the largest and most established Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on properties with character and distinction.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Chic New Rooftop Restaurant “ZENSE” Wows all the Senses Above Bangkok
Chic new restaurant ZENSE Gourmet Deck & Lounge Panorama has opened in Bangkok, featuring a giant outdoor terrace overlooking downtown Bangkok and an army of chefs serving four international cuisines from major name restaurants in the city.
Designed to literally 'wow' all senses, the all-in-one 5-star dining destination is on the 17th floor of new entertainment and lifestyle mecca, ZEN World.
With spectacular panoramic views of Bangkok, ZENSE serves the best of the world's favourite four cuisines: Thai, Italian, Japanese and Indian. Also on the menu are scrumptious desserts and pastries, plus a vast selection of premium wines and creative cocktails.
Complimenting the ultimate dining experience are DJs spinning chill-out house music.
The enormous restaurant occupies a total of 4,000 square metres -- half for al afresco dining beneath the stars on Bangkok's sultry tropical evenings. It seats 400 with standing area capacity for more than another 300.
The unique dining concept combines the cuisines of four top Bangkok restaurants: Thai by White Café; Italian by Gianni Ristorante; Japanese by The Kikusui; and Indian by Red.
Design is by one of Thailand’s leading architects, Amata Lhupaiboon, who won the prestigious Siam Architectural Society Award for his masterpiece resort, Sila Evason Hideaway, on Koh Samui.
The 130-million baht concept was developed by the Central Retail Corporation.
ZENSE is the flagship first phase of four levels of rooftop restaurants and bars atop Zen World.
The entire F&B project is called Destiny, inspired by the four elements of earth, water, air and fire.
Zen President, Allan Namchaisiri, said: "ZENSE offers the ultimate 5-star dining and bar experience with a 'wow factor' exciting all senses."
ZENSE operating hours are from 5:30pm to midnight for dinners and drinks.
Designed to literally 'wow' all senses, the all-in-one 5-star dining destination is on the 17th floor of new entertainment and lifestyle mecca, ZEN World.
With spectacular panoramic views of Bangkok, ZENSE serves the best of the world's favourite four cuisines: Thai, Italian, Japanese and Indian. Also on the menu are scrumptious desserts and pastries, plus a vast selection of premium wines and creative cocktails.
Complimenting the ultimate dining experience are DJs spinning chill-out house music.
The enormous restaurant occupies a total of 4,000 square metres -- half for al afresco dining beneath the stars on Bangkok's sultry tropical evenings. It seats 400 with standing area capacity for more than another 300.
The unique dining concept combines the cuisines of four top Bangkok restaurants: Thai by White Café; Italian by Gianni Ristorante; Japanese by The Kikusui; and Indian by Red.
Design is by one of Thailand’s leading architects, Amata Lhupaiboon, who won the prestigious Siam Architectural Society Award for his masterpiece resort, Sila Evason Hideaway, on Koh Samui.
The 130-million baht concept was developed by the Central Retail Corporation.
ZENSE is the flagship first phase of four levels of rooftop restaurants and bars atop Zen World.
The entire F&B project is called Destiny, inspired by the four elements of earth, water, air and fire.
Zen President, Allan Namchaisiri, said: "ZENSE offers the ultimate 5-star dining and bar experience with a 'wow factor' exciting all senses."
ZENSE operating hours are from 5:30pm to midnight for dinners and drinks.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Luxury Maldives Resort One&Only Reethi Rah Presents Post-Easter Promotion
Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean the One&Only Reethi Rah is a sheltered hideaway set on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll.
The secluded resort offers breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and provides the perfect retreat for discerning travelers seeking exclusive accommodations, unrivalled style, bespoke services, luxury amenities and extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime.
Between April 19 and May 12, guests reserving a stay at the One&Only Reethi Rah will enjoy a complimentary yacht transfer valued at US$660 per couple.
The scenic 35-kilometre voyages aboard a 55-foot luxury yacht on arrival and departure between Male International Airport and the resort’s spectacular private island are normally charged at US$330 per person.
Designed by world famous architect Jean Michel Gathy, the One&Only Reethi Rah consist of 12 idyllic beaches that stretches across six kilometers of private shoreline. The resort features 130 exquisite villas, including serene one and two-bedroom ‘Water Villas’ on stilts perched over lagoons. The resort’s 130 villas are among the largest of any resorts in the world, offering unprecedented privacy in discreet locations along the sweeping bays of the island.
Three acclaimed restaurants cater for every taste and occasion delivering distinctive cuisine accentuating exceptional flavors, unique produce and innovative menus. For wine enthusiasts the resort’s extensive wine cellar houses more than 700 premium labels and 18,000 bottles.
Inspired by the Ayurvedic traditions of the Indian Sub continent the spa nestled between lush gardens offers a tranquil setting and provides a wide range of holistic therapies, wellness rituals, massage therapies, body treatments and facials influenced by ancient cultures from around the world designed to rebalance the body, enhance circulation and energy flow.
Recreational facilities include scuba diving and excursions aboard the resort’s sleek yachts as well as tennis, football, volleyball and water sports.
Guests wishing to participate in eco-activities can also join the National Geographic Aquatic Discovery Dive program, the resort’s environmental initiative to conserve the coral reef surrounding the resort.
Rates during the promotional period, which include full buffet breakfast, start at US$860++ for Beach Villas and US$1,360++ for Water Villas. Magnificent one bedroom Grand Beach Villas start at US$1,320++*.
For further information, please email reservations@oneandonlyresorts.com.mv or phone +960 664 88 00.
The secluded resort offers breathtaking views of the neighboring islands and provides the perfect retreat for discerning travelers seeking exclusive accommodations, unrivalled style, bespoke services, luxury amenities and extraordinary memories that will last a lifetime.
Between April 19 and May 12, guests reserving a stay at the One&Only Reethi Rah will enjoy a complimentary yacht transfer valued at US$660 per couple.
The scenic 35-kilometre voyages aboard a 55-foot luxury yacht on arrival and departure between Male International Airport and the resort’s spectacular private island are normally charged at US$330 per person.
Designed by world famous architect Jean Michel Gathy, the One&Only Reethi Rah consist of 12 idyllic beaches that stretches across six kilometers of private shoreline. The resort features 130 exquisite villas, including serene one and two-bedroom ‘Water Villas’ on stilts perched over lagoons. The resort’s 130 villas are among the largest of any resorts in the world, offering unprecedented privacy in discreet locations along the sweeping bays of the island.
Three acclaimed restaurants cater for every taste and occasion delivering distinctive cuisine accentuating exceptional flavors, unique produce and innovative menus. For wine enthusiasts the resort’s extensive wine cellar houses more than 700 premium labels and 18,000 bottles.
Inspired by the Ayurvedic traditions of the Indian Sub continent the spa nestled between lush gardens offers a tranquil setting and provides a wide range of holistic therapies, wellness rituals, massage therapies, body treatments and facials influenced by ancient cultures from around the world designed to rebalance the body, enhance circulation and energy flow.
Recreational facilities include scuba diving and excursions aboard the resort’s sleek yachts as well as tennis, football, volleyball and water sports.
Guests wishing to participate in eco-activities can also join the National Geographic Aquatic Discovery Dive program, the resort’s environmental initiative to conserve the coral reef surrounding the resort.
Rates during the promotional period, which include full buffet breakfast, start at US$860++ for Beach Villas and US$1,360++ for Water Villas. Magnificent one bedroom Grand Beach Villas start at US$1,320++*.
For further information, please email reservations@oneandonlyresorts.com.mv or phone +960 664 88 00.
Park Hotel Group’s Grand Park Xian presents “Spring Bliss” Weekend Getaway
Situated between the Qinling Mountains to the South and the Weihe River to the north, the ancient city of Xian is in a favorable geographical location surrounded by water and hills. It has a mildly humid monsoon climate and there is a clear distinction between the four seasons.
The best way to embrace the mystique of the eternal city of Xian, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sites that dates back 4,000 years and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Park Hotel Group’s Grand Park Xian.
Just in time for the arrival of warmer temperatures, Grand Park Xian has created an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime “Spring Bliss” weekend package, where the stunning scenery of the eternal city of Xian meets the gracious hospitality and personalized service of the Grand Park Xian.
The “Spring Bliss” weekend getaway package is available between 1st March to 30th June 2009 and starts at the attractive price of RMB 1,740 per person net (minimum two persons) the package includes:
3-days/2-nights accommodations
Welcome drink upon arrival
Complimentary airport transfers
Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
A luxurious “Empress Dinner”
A visit to Emperor Qin's Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century.
A green tour at the Tang inspired Miniascape Garden which includes a tea tasting ceremony followed by a traditional Chinese music performance.
“While traveling, our guests want to take home captivating moments to be cherished forever. In our commitment to constantly deliver unforgettable experiences, we have created this once-in-a-lifetime Spring Bliss weekend getaway package to perfectly blend the need for relaxation with the desire to unearth the various wonders of the ancient Chinese world” said General Manager, Mr Ip Hon Ming.
About Grand Park Xian
The spectacular Grand Park Xian, recently renamed from the Grand Castle Hotel Xian, evokes the grandeur of an ancient palace, uniquely designed in the historic architectural style of the adjacent ancient City Wall.
The luxurious 5-star hotel was rebranded following an extensive renovation in 2008.
Facing the south gate of the ancient City Wall in the heart of Xian’s city centre, Grand Park Xian is an ideal base for business, leisure and sightseeing – surrounded by major shopping malls and offices and within walking distance of nearby historic sites and famous scenic spots.
The decor of the 330 guestrooms, including 41suites, is sophisticated yet traditional – with Chinese-style furniture and folkloric art featured alongside modern facilities which include broadband internet access and 32” LCD televisions, with environmentally-friendly recyclable amenities.
The towering 10-storey hotel features two restaurants – the signature Park Palace restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and local cuisine, and the all-day Verandah Café serving international and Asian cuisine.
Six versatile banquet rooms, including a 440 square metre pillar-free ballroom, cater for weddings, social gatherings and medium-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) events. The hotel also features a Lobby Lounge, business centre, hotel shop and executive lounge exclusively for Executive Floor guests.
Managed by Park Hotel Group, Grand Park Xian is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™. Park Hotel Group currently owns and manages 8 hotels in Asia, while Summit Hotels & Resorts™ has 135 luxurious member hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and cities.
For more information please visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com or email: rsvn.gpxa@parkhotelgroup.com.
For reservations and information, please call +86-29-87608888 ext 1009.
About Xian
China’s ancient capital is world-renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors located in The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, located 40 kilometres to the east and 1500m from the east side of Qin Imperial Tomb. With more than 3,100 years of history, Xian is today an important cultural, industrial and educational centre in the country’s central-northwest and is also home to facilities for research and development, national security and China’s space programme.
Among numerous tourist attractions, at the western debut section of the Silk Road and the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, are the best-preserved City Wall, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Muslim quarter shopping district, Great Mosque, and two spectacular towers each over 1,000 years old, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The 5,000-year-old Banpo Neolithic village, discovered in 1954, is just outside the city. Xian also boasts the world’s largest Internet café with more than 3,000 computers. Natural attractions range from Mount Hua, one of China’s most visited mountains, to Mount Zhongnan, Mount Taibai and Lishan. Xian’s international airport is the largest in northwest China with direct flights to Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Nagoya and Bangkok.
The best way to embrace the mystique of the eternal city of Xian, with its bewitching natural beauty, historical sites that dates back 4,000 years and the inherent grace and hospitality of its people, is from Park Hotel Group’s Grand Park Xian.
Just in time for the arrival of warmer temperatures, Grand Park Xian has created an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime “Spring Bliss” weekend package, where the stunning scenery of the eternal city of Xian meets the gracious hospitality and personalized service of the Grand Park Xian.
The “Spring Bliss” weekend getaway package is available between 1st March to 30th June 2009 and starts at the attractive price of RMB 1,740 per person net (minimum two persons) the package includes:
3-days/2-nights accommodations
Welcome drink upon arrival
Complimentary airport transfers
Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel
A luxurious “Empress Dinner”
A visit to Emperor Qin's Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century.
A green tour at the Tang inspired Miniascape Garden which includes a tea tasting ceremony followed by a traditional Chinese music performance.
“While traveling, our guests want to take home captivating moments to be cherished forever. In our commitment to constantly deliver unforgettable experiences, we have created this once-in-a-lifetime Spring Bliss weekend getaway package to perfectly blend the need for relaxation with the desire to unearth the various wonders of the ancient Chinese world” said General Manager, Mr Ip Hon Ming.
About Grand Park Xian
The spectacular Grand Park Xian, recently renamed from the Grand Castle Hotel Xian, evokes the grandeur of an ancient palace, uniquely designed in the historic architectural style of the adjacent ancient City Wall.
The luxurious 5-star hotel was rebranded following an extensive renovation in 2008.
Facing the south gate of the ancient City Wall in the heart of Xian’s city centre, Grand Park Xian is an ideal base for business, leisure and sightseeing – surrounded by major shopping malls and offices and within walking distance of nearby historic sites and famous scenic spots.
The decor of the 330 guestrooms, including 41suites, is sophisticated yet traditional – with Chinese-style furniture and folkloric art featured alongside modern facilities which include broadband internet access and 32” LCD televisions, with environmentally-friendly recyclable amenities.
The towering 10-storey hotel features two restaurants – the signature Park Palace restaurant serving authentic Cantonese and local cuisine, and the all-day Verandah Café serving international and Asian cuisine.
Six versatile banquet rooms, including a 440 square metre pillar-free ballroom, cater for weddings, social gatherings and medium-sized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) events. The hotel also features a Lobby Lounge, business centre, hotel shop and executive lounge exclusively for Executive Floor guests.
Managed by Park Hotel Group, Grand Park Xian is a member of Summit Hotels & Resorts™. Park Hotel Group currently owns and manages 8 hotels in Asia, while Summit Hotels & Resorts™ has 135 luxurious member hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and cities.
For more information please visit: www.parkhotelgroup.com or email: rsvn.gpxa@parkhotelgroup.com.
For reservations and information, please call +86-29-87608888 ext 1009.
About Xian
China’s ancient capital is world-renowned for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors located in The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, located 40 kilometres to the east and 1500m from the east side of Qin Imperial Tomb. With more than 3,100 years of history, Xian is today an important cultural, industrial and educational centre in the country’s central-northwest and is also home to facilities for research and development, national security and China’s space programme.
Among numerous tourist attractions, at the western debut section of the Silk Road and the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, are the best-preserved City Wall, Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Muslim quarter shopping district, Great Mosque, and two spectacular towers each over 1,000 years old, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The 5,000-year-old Banpo Neolithic village, discovered in 1954, is just outside the city. Xian also boasts the world’s largest Internet café with more than 3,000 computers. Natural attractions range from Mount Hua, one of China’s most visited mountains, to Mount Zhongnan, Mount Taibai and Lishan. Xian’s international airport is the largest in northwest China with direct flights to Hong Kong, Taipei, Tokyo, Nagoya and Bangkok.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Contemporary Design Redefines The South African Experience at One&Only Cape Town
(Hong Kong, March 3, 2009) Located in the heart of Cape Town’s working harbour, internationally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany collaborated with local architects Ruben Reddy and Dennis Fabian & Berman to redefine the traditional South African experience at One&Only Cape Town. Through the use of contemporary architecture and artwork, Tihany and his team capture a new and progressive energy within this historic destination.
To celebrate Sol Kerzner’s triumphant homecoming to South Africa since the opening of The Palace of The Lost City at Pilanesberg in 1992, designers and architects used only local materials in the development of One&Only Cape Town. Opening on April 3, 2009, the 131-key resort is the first urban property in the One&Only Collection with designs and artwork that showcase emerging artistic talent from the South Africa region.
“I wanted the resort’s feel to be contemporary whilst still drawing heavily on the rich African culture and heritage that has so greatly influenced my life,” says Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. “Much of the resort is inspired by my own love of Cape Town. I felt confident that Adam D. Tihany would be able to capture the true spirit of a modern South Africa whilst remaining faithful to the traditional culture. His approach to design runs parallel to One&Only’s core philosophy of providing distinctive experiences that celebrate the authentic flavour and colour of their respective locations.”
Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is designed to encourage guest interaction with the local Capetonian population whilst still providing exclusive island escapes accessible by walking bridge and private water taxi.
“In the four years we worked on this project, we lived the site, breathed the air, met the people, and absorbed the richness and variety that Cape Town has to offer – from nature to art to food and wine,” says Tihany who recently completed the design of Market by Jean-Georges at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. “I was honoured to be the one chosen to conceive and execute the meaningful design of Sol Kerzner’s return to his home country. We wanted our design to embody the local sensibility, and the multi-layered contemporary and traditional cultures that make up Cape Town style. As always, we strived to create a luxurious, bespoke, and site-specific experience.”
The Arrival
Designed to frame the spectacular views of Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town’s Lobby boasts expansive windows enhanced by calming cream tones and sandstone floors. A combination of contemporary and indigenous artwork decorates the space including a metal and mesh egg-shaped sculpture, wooden totem-like sculptures and contemporary paintings by leading South African fine artists and sculptors such as, Deborah Bell, Walter Oltmann and Norman Catherine. African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lobby from an elegant lower Lounge adorned with dark brown carpeting and African-inspired rugs. Over-scale floor lamps balance the high ceilings, and a custom chandelier with moulded crystals floats above the center bar. Again African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lounge from a glowing bar composed of frosted glass topped with dark brown oak.
maze by Gordon Ramsay
To the left of the Lobby and Lounge is the three-story tri-level wine loft and maze by Gordon Ramsay. Guests enter under the functional wine wall, housing more than 5,000 bottles of wine glowing from within, into the restaurant space consisting of a dining room, patisserie and terrace. In the maze dining room, columns clad in intricately textured chocolate brown African walnut complement a suspended grid lighting feature, which also acts as a backdrop for a custom commissioned 50-foot photographic panel entitled Offering by South African artist Berni Searle. The artist’s signature motifs of food and spices are abstracted into red and ochre crepe-paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. An open fire grill creates a warm inviting atmosphere, a signature for maze restaurants worldwide. Tactile materials in earth tones such as forest green and burgundy cover the furniture. Abstract African-inspired carpets in natural tones decorate the floor whilst cream and copper blush silk drapery frame panoramic views of Table Mountain. Bookcases situated between the windows are flanked with vertical light boxes. Upon exiting maze, patrons are encouraged to stop in the patisserie to choose from a variety of desserts displayed in a glass box or enjoy wine on the terrace consisting of a communal wood table surrounded by bar stools and lit by pendant lamps.
Nobu
Across the Lobby and Lounge, Nobu serves as the fine dining concept at One&Only Cape Town. The most notable feature is the textured, translucent origami light fixture that crawls along the ceiling throughout the space. A three-dimensional metal mural sculpture by Brett Murray and Freciano Ndala covers the wall behind the maître d’ stand. Enormous ebony wooden rings between columns separate the bar and dining areas creating distinct spaces. Rich brown carpeting ascends down the metal fan-like staircase into the dining room complementing the hunter green of velvety banquettes. Translucent silk roman shades cover windows and contemporary Japanese lanterns provide a warm amber glow. A sushi counter is located at the back wall of the dining room decorated with vertical light boxes to create a warm glow.
Accommodation
Local Architect Dennis Fabian maximized the proximity and panoramic views of Table Mountain in his designs, specifically with the Marina Rise’s 91 rooms and suites that face the majestic mountain. In addition to the Marina Rise, One&Only Cape Town boasts 40 island suites and an expansive spa located on their own secluded and lushly landscaped islands surrounded by waterway and accessed only by bridge or private water taxi. These exclusive villa enclaves provide an alternative to the distinctly urban feel of the Marina Rise and feature private balconies and waterway views.
Marina Rise
Marina Rise houses the Presidential and Imperial Suite, both spanning more than 2,730 square feet. These luxurious suites boast a master bedroom with his and her bathrooms, an exercise room and a private terrace, foyer, powder room, full kitchen, dining area, salon, study and a second bedroom with full bath and private terrace. Warm, neutral fabric imparts a residential feeling and sumptuous pillows provide splashes of colour throughout. Other notable design details include an oversized African weave-inspired feature wall which separates the salon from the dining room.
In the Presidential Suite, the central dining area is visually anchored with a series of six glass roundels by Conrad Botes. This well-known South African artist finds inspiration in comics and uses a technique of painting on the reverse side of glass to achieve luminous and profound images. Also in the dining area, guests can enjoy a panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, another widely acclaimed and exhibited South African artist. For this commission, he has produced an image inspired by brass plaques from the Western African nation, Benin, in the form of a crocodile. In the neighbouring study, guests can admire a coastline photograph by David Goldblatt. This colour image is one in a limited edition of ten produced by the veteran South African photographer.
Guests walking into the Imperial Suite can admire a custom commissioned wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist, entitled Walking the Stick Jig. The piece is constructed from 13 walking sticks made of distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood. The main living space features more Walter Oltmann work. For this suite, the artist created a large woven panel inspired by complex geometric patters of Congo Kuba cloths. The space also features artwork by acclaimed artist Jeremy Wager. The two large disc sculptures have been cast in resin and covered with clay and ash used in Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices. According to the artist, use of these materials comes from his interest in indigenous healing, transformation rituals and rites of passage.
All Marina Rise décor features warm earthy shades of red, brown and terracotta, complemented by touches of tropical green. Doors, windows and baseboards are outfitted in natural African oak wood, while the bathroom details and furniture are stained a dark coffee. Love seats decorate the foot of each bed and are paired with an armchair and coffee table for in-room dining. Wood screens with African detail create a separate but open feel throughout the space. Ivory travertine stone covers the bathroom floors and walls complemented with silk screened frosted glass doors. Custom art pieces – from prints to sculptures and accessories – are placed throughout the rooms and bathrooms to capture a true Capetonian energy. The two Marina Junior Suites are an extension of the design concept of the typical Marina Room but with touches of green. They also offer a residential-looking salon, sitting and dining areas. All Marina Rise rooms feature balconies overlooking Table Mountain.
Villa Island
A series of bridges link Marina Rise with two separate, exclusive islands boasting 40 additional villa suites, a private infinity pool and expansive spa. In addition to the Island Junior Suites, the expansive King and Double Villas are decorated in natural sand, brown and earthy green shades. Parquet floors in African caramel coloured Kiatt wood lead to a luxurious dressing area and bathroom embellished with an oversized bathtub engulfed in a frosted glass box that glows at night. King and Double Villas are outfitted with a grand fireplace and salon. In keeping with the Marina Rise theme, custom artwork from regional artists is displayed throughout all of the villas.
One&Only Spa Island
Neighbouring Villa Island, the One&Only Spa is a serene haven located on its own private island and is decorated with the same calming, neutral tones found throughout the resort including dark brown finished woods and cream marbles. The Spa features more artwork by Berni Searle from her Home and Away series. The collection of six photographs features the artist floating in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and the coast of Africa. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet, the Spa includes: a Salon, Relaxation room, Treatment rooms, Special Pedicure Treatments, Wet areas, Vitality pools, Steam rooms and Saunas. The atmosphere is energized with highlights of natural greens, watery blues, and earthy shades of copper and orange details. Sheer white linen frames the windows in the Treatment rooms boasting spectacular landscape views. Changing room floors and walls are coated in cream marble whilst red copper leather inserts inside locker doors offer a subtle burst of colour. Geometric wooden screens featuring a hint of African motif mingle with African art and accessories.
NEO, The Boutique at One&Only Cape Town
The resort’s sophisticated and original boutique design matches its unique product offering of one-of-a-kind fashions for men and women as well as custom jewelry, locally designed accessories and objects for the home. Tihany used a three-dimensional polished black feature wall and polished black floors to complement a gold leaf display containing accessories, small sculptures, and artwork. Two gold leaf columns housing couture garments frame a wall of mirrors also featuring designer apparel. Directly in front of the columns, two vitrine tables displaying fine jewelry are flanked by contemporary zebra-print chairs, where guests can relax and sip cocktails from the champagne bar. An iPod stand is also available for patrons to listen to a selection of South African music.
Meeting and Banqueting Rooms
State of the art function and banquet rooms are located on the upper level of the lobby and maze providing a chic and private alternative for larger groups. Function room walls are clad in padded cream leather panels. Sandstone floors with bands of brown marble dominate whilst graphic wooden screens layered over mirrors make a bold statement over large wood doors. Refined patterns of striped cream fabric and dark African oak contrast an intricate carpet and indigenous art in the Banquet Room. This beautifully appointed room, measuring 2,314 square feet with 648 square feet of outdoor space, is available for private events and meetings and can accommodate 112 guests for a sit down dinner or 200 for cocktails. The space can also be divided into two separate rooms for a more intimate setting. The adjacent boardroom seats 20 people, whilst a second boardroom in the business centre seats 12.
For further information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
To celebrate Sol Kerzner’s triumphant homecoming to South Africa since the opening of The Palace of The Lost City at Pilanesberg in 1992, designers and architects used only local materials in the development of One&Only Cape Town. Opening on April 3, 2009, the 131-key resort is the first urban property in the One&Only Collection with designs and artwork that showcase emerging artistic talent from the South Africa region.
“I wanted the resort’s feel to be contemporary whilst still drawing heavily on the rich African culture and heritage that has so greatly influenced my life,” says Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International. “Much of the resort is inspired by my own love of Cape Town. I felt confident that Adam D. Tihany would be able to capture the true spirit of a modern South Africa whilst remaining faithful to the traditional culture. His approach to design runs parallel to One&Only’s core philosophy of providing distinctive experiences that celebrate the authentic flavour and colour of their respective locations.”
Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel is designed to encourage guest interaction with the local Capetonian population whilst still providing exclusive island escapes accessible by walking bridge and private water taxi.
“In the four years we worked on this project, we lived the site, breathed the air, met the people, and absorbed the richness and variety that Cape Town has to offer – from nature to art to food and wine,” says Tihany who recently completed the design of Market by Jean-Georges at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. “I was honoured to be the one chosen to conceive and execute the meaningful design of Sol Kerzner’s return to his home country. We wanted our design to embody the local sensibility, and the multi-layered contemporary and traditional cultures that make up Cape Town style. As always, we strived to create a luxurious, bespoke, and site-specific experience.”
The Arrival
Designed to frame the spectacular views of Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town’s Lobby boasts expansive windows enhanced by calming cream tones and sandstone floors. A combination of contemporary and indigenous artwork decorates the space including a metal and mesh egg-shaped sculpture, wooden totem-like sculptures and contemporary paintings by leading South African fine artists and sculptors such as, Deborah Bell, Walter Oltmann and Norman Catherine. African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lobby from an elegant lower Lounge adorned with dark brown carpeting and African-inspired rugs. Over-scale floor lamps balance the high ceilings, and a custom chandelier with moulded crystals floats above the center bar. Again African-inspired metal balustrades separate the Lounge from a glowing bar composed of frosted glass topped with dark brown oak.
maze by Gordon Ramsay
To the left of the Lobby and Lounge is the three-story tri-level wine loft and maze by Gordon Ramsay. Guests enter under the functional wine wall, housing more than 5,000 bottles of wine glowing from within, into the restaurant space consisting of a dining room, patisserie and terrace. In the maze dining room, columns clad in intricately textured chocolate brown African walnut complement a suspended grid lighting feature, which also acts as a backdrop for a custom commissioned 50-foot photographic panel entitled Offering by South African artist Berni Searle. The artist’s signature motifs of food and spices are abstracted into red and ochre crepe-paper forms that bleed vibrant, swirling colour into water. An open fire grill creates a warm inviting atmosphere, a signature for maze restaurants worldwide. Tactile materials in earth tones such as forest green and burgundy cover the furniture. Abstract African-inspired carpets in natural tones decorate the floor whilst cream and copper blush silk drapery frame panoramic views of Table Mountain. Bookcases situated between the windows are flanked with vertical light boxes. Upon exiting maze, patrons are encouraged to stop in the patisserie to choose from a variety of desserts displayed in a glass box or enjoy wine on the terrace consisting of a communal wood table surrounded by bar stools and lit by pendant lamps.
Nobu
Across the Lobby and Lounge, Nobu serves as the fine dining concept at One&Only Cape Town. The most notable feature is the textured, translucent origami light fixture that crawls along the ceiling throughout the space. A three-dimensional metal mural sculpture by Brett Murray and Freciano Ndala covers the wall behind the maître d’ stand. Enormous ebony wooden rings between columns separate the bar and dining areas creating distinct spaces. Rich brown carpeting ascends down the metal fan-like staircase into the dining room complementing the hunter green of velvety banquettes. Translucent silk roman shades cover windows and contemporary Japanese lanterns provide a warm amber glow. A sushi counter is located at the back wall of the dining room decorated with vertical light boxes to create a warm glow.
Accommodation
Local Architect Dennis Fabian maximized the proximity and panoramic views of Table Mountain in his designs, specifically with the Marina Rise’s 91 rooms and suites that face the majestic mountain. In addition to the Marina Rise, One&Only Cape Town boasts 40 island suites and an expansive spa located on their own secluded and lushly landscaped islands surrounded by waterway and accessed only by bridge or private water taxi. These exclusive villa enclaves provide an alternative to the distinctly urban feel of the Marina Rise and feature private balconies and waterway views.
Marina Rise
Marina Rise houses the Presidential and Imperial Suite, both spanning more than 2,730 square feet. These luxurious suites boast a master bedroom with his and her bathrooms, an exercise room and a private terrace, foyer, powder room, full kitchen, dining area, salon, study and a second bedroom with full bath and private terrace. Warm, neutral fabric imparts a residential feeling and sumptuous pillows provide splashes of colour throughout. Other notable design details include an oversized African weave-inspired feature wall which separates the salon from the dining room.
In the Presidential Suite, the central dining area is visually anchored with a series of six glass roundels by Conrad Botes. This well-known South African artist finds inspiration in comics and uses a technique of painting on the reverse side of glass to achieve luminous and profound images. Also in the dining area, guests can enjoy a panel of detailed wirework woven by Walter Oltmann, another widely acclaimed and exhibited South African artist. For this commission, he has produced an image inspired by brass plaques from the Western African nation, Benin, in the form of a crocodile. In the neighbouring study, guests can admire a coastline photograph by David Goldblatt. This colour image is one in a limited edition of ten produced by the veteran South African photographer.
Guests walking into the Imperial Suite can admire a custom commissioned wall sculpture by Willem Boshoff, arguably South Africa’s best-known sculptor and conceptual artist, entitled Walking the Stick Jig. The piece is constructed from 13 walking sticks made of distinctive dark and light coloured Zebrawood. The main living space features more Walter Oltmann work. For this suite, the artist created a large woven panel inspired by complex geometric patters of Congo Kuba cloths. The space also features artwork by acclaimed artist Jeremy Wager. The two large disc sculptures have been cast in resin and covered with clay and ash used in Zulu and Xhosa ritual practices. According to the artist, use of these materials comes from his interest in indigenous healing, transformation rituals and rites of passage.
All Marina Rise décor features warm earthy shades of red, brown and terracotta, complemented by touches of tropical green. Doors, windows and baseboards are outfitted in natural African oak wood, while the bathroom details and furniture are stained a dark coffee. Love seats decorate the foot of each bed and are paired with an armchair and coffee table for in-room dining. Wood screens with African detail create a separate but open feel throughout the space. Ivory travertine stone covers the bathroom floors and walls complemented with silk screened frosted glass doors. Custom art pieces – from prints to sculptures and accessories – are placed throughout the rooms and bathrooms to capture a true Capetonian energy. The two Marina Junior Suites are an extension of the design concept of the typical Marina Room but with touches of green. They also offer a residential-looking salon, sitting and dining areas. All Marina Rise rooms feature balconies overlooking Table Mountain.
Villa Island
A series of bridges link Marina Rise with two separate, exclusive islands boasting 40 additional villa suites, a private infinity pool and expansive spa. In addition to the Island Junior Suites, the expansive King and Double Villas are decorated in natural sand, brown and earthy green shades. Parquet floors in African caramel coloured Kiatt wood lead to a luxurious dressing area and bathroom embellished with an oversized bathtub engulfed in a frosted glass box that glows at night. King and Double Villas are outfitted with a grand fireplace and salon. In keeping with the Marina Rise theme, custom artwork from regional artists is displayed throughout all of the villas.
One&Only Spa Island
Neighbouring Villa Island, the One&Only Spa is a serene haven located on its own private island and is decorated with the same calming, neutral tones found throughout the resort including dark brown finished woods and cream marbles. The Spa features more artwork by Berni Searle from her Home and Away series. The collection of six photographs features the artist floating in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and the coast of Africa. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet, the Spa includes: a Salon, Relaxation room, Treatment rooms, Special Pedicure Treatments, Wet areas, Vitality pools, Steam rooms and Saunas. The atmosphere is energized with highlights of natural greens, watery blues, and earthy shades of copper and orange details. Sheer white linen frames the windows in the Treatment rooms boasting spectacular landscape views. Changing room floors and walls are coated in cream marble whilst red copper leather inserts inside locker doors offer a subtle burst of colour. Geometric wooden screens featuring a hint of African motif mingle with African art and accessories.
NEO, The Boutique at One&Only Cape Town
The resort’s sophisticated and original boutique design matches its unique product offering of one-of-a-kind fashions for men and women as well as custom jewelry, locally designed accessories and objects for the home. Tihany used a three-dimensional polished black feature wall and polished black floors to complement a gold leaf display containing accessories, small sculptures, and artwork. Two gold leaf columns housing couture garments frame a wall of mirrors also featuring designer apparel. Directly in front of the columns, two vitrine tables displaying fine jewelry are flanked by contemporary zebra-print chairs, where guests can relax and sip cocktails from the champagne bar. An iPod stand is also available for patrons to listen to a selection of South African music.
Meeting and Banqueting Rooms
State of the art function and banquet rooms are located on the upper level of the lobby and maze providing a chic and private alternative for larger groups. Function room walls are clad in padded cream leather panels. Sandstone floors with bands of brown marble dominate whilst graphic wooden screens layered over mirrors make a bold statement over large wood doors. Refined patterns of striped cream fabric and dark African oak contrast an intricate carpet and indigenous art in the Banquet Room. This beautifully appointed room, measuring 2,314 square feet with 648 square feet of outdoor space, is available for private events and meetings and can accommodate 112 guests for a sit down dinner or 200 for cocktails. The space can also be divided into two separate rooms for a more intimate setting. The adjacent boardroom seats 20 people, whilst a second boardroom in the business centre seats 12.
For further information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
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