(Hong Kong, August 27, 2009) – The Restaurant at The Legian has been awarded a 2009 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine for its selection of 185 fine international wines, with a particular focus on the vineyards of Australia and France. This is the second consecutive year that The Restaurant has won this award.
The Restaurant at The Legian is a spacious bistro with an expansive terrace overlooking the hotel pool towards the ocean, and serves contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences.
The Legian first received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2008 for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. Other GHM properties that have been recognised with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in previous years include The Setai in Miami and The Datai in Langkawi.
“GHM’s hotels and resorts are well known primarily for their sleek contemporary Asian-influenced design and architecture, but fine food and wine are just as important a focus for us,” said GHM’s Director and President, Hans R Jenni. “We are delighted that this has been recognized with the Wine Spectator Award.”
Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists present interesting collections that are appropriate to their style of cuisine, while also appealing to a wide range of wine lovers.
There are three levels of awards, which are given to restaurants that meet various criteria. The Award of Excellence honors restaurants with wine lists that offer a well chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Furthermore, they must have at least one hundred choices on their wine list.
‘We are extremely proud that The Restaurant at The Legian has received an Award of Excellence yet again from Wine Spectator. It is a testament to GHM’s commitment to the guest experience,” said Carla Petzold-Beck, General Manager, The Legian.
In recent years, The Legian has been presented with a number of prestigious awards and accolades including TripAdvisor’s Traveller Choice Award in 2009 for Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia, SmartTraveler 2008 award for one of best boutique hotels in the world and The Ultimate Spa Guide Award 2006 as one of the top spas in the Asia.
GHM prides itself on providing guests with a distinctive and unrivalled lifestyle experience. The unique collection of GHM properties across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, America, Bali and Oman represents a great choice in dining experiences.
For more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Platinum Selling Pop Artist Katy Perry to Perform at the Grand Opening of Chic New Lifestyle Hotel 'The Mira Hong Kong' - September 17
(Hong Kong, August 26, 2009) – The Mira Hong Kong, a chic new lifestyle hotel in the heart of Tsimshatsui, is celebrating its official “Grand Opening” on September 17 with a live performance by award-winning American pop icon Katy Perry.
The Grand Opening Party, which promises to be one of the events of the year in the busy Hong Kong social calendar, has been conceptualised by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, who is famed for extravaganzas from Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Oscar party to the star-studded launch of Sol Kerzner’s Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. Cowie also oversaw much of the design concept for the hotel’s über chic contemporary interiors and is the mastermind behind Weddings at The Mira Hong Kong.
Dirk Dalichau, General Manager of The Mira Hong Kong, said: “At The Mira Hong Kong, we are excited about introducing a fresh, upscale hospitality concept designed for those who appreciate tasteful and stylish interiors, personalised intuitive service and who are design-driven and technology savvy.”
The Mira Hong Kong will be unveiling all of its fabulous new restaurants, as well as revealing its stunning state of the art penthouse ballroom and 3/F function rooms.
The hotel will be showcasing the best in upscale European dining by award-winning Chef Justin Quek at his new restaurant WHISK as well as modern Cantonese at Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, the second branch of the celebrated contemporary Chinese restaurant, which has become one of the most successful eateries in Hong Kong’s landmark International Finance Centre (ifc).
Joining the restaurants will be a stunning fifth floor rooftop garden lounge. A quintessential al fresco venue, it is perfect for unwinding in style and exclusivity, complete with visiting DJs to accompany the chic environs.
These new outlets compliment The Mira Hong Kong’s Japanese-infused international all day buffet restaurant Yamm, coffee and chocolate lounge COCO and lobby lounge bar Room One.
In line with its positioning as an upscale business-cum-lifestyle hotel, The Mira Hong Kong will also boast a 14,000 square-feet (1,318 square-metre) events space, including eight flexible function rooms and a spectacular ballroom featuring 25,000 lighting combination LED lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and unique table settings designed by Colin Cowie.
The new 492-room address on Nathan Road is styled for “today’s fast-living urban travellers.” Featuring cutting-edge contemporary design it is heralded as one of Hong Kong’s most “upscale and technologically advanced” hotels.
The Mira Hong Kong’s stylish guest rooms offer a choice of red, green or silver colour schemes. All the rooms are stylishly furnished with handpicked designer fabrics and include an “Egg Chair” by Arne Jacobsen to match each colour scheme, and a rain shower which comes as standard in every deluxe marble bathroom.
The Mira Hong Kong Suites reflect the hotel’s passion for style and pared-down luxe, with The Grand Mira Suite, The Platinum Suite and six other specialty suites, plus the signature Mira Suite 70, 80 and 100, comprising 56 suites in total. The hotel’s uniquely themed guestrooms will appeal to travellers seeking customised, bespoke accommodation with a personalised service touch.
The latest in–room technology, used throughout the hotel, incorporates 40-inch LCD TVs, 500GB Sony PC/Entertainment Centres, Bose in-room soundscapes, complimentary high-speed WiFi and wired internet, and a unique “My Mobile” Nokia phone service, which allows guests to be contacted, and to stay in touch, wherever they go in the city. As an extension of this, the “My Mira” service allows for personalised concierge services at the touch of a button.
The Mira Hong Kong will also be opening The Mira Club, which provides premium and exclusive accommodation to guests in the stylish purple themed Club rooms and suites. Members of The Mira Club will also have access to the Club lounge which offers the perfect place for business meetings and guests can enjoy concierge services, private check-in, complimentary breakfast, all day and night nibbles and drinks plus much more.
The hotel’s stunning design was a collaborative effort by an international team including world-renowned lifestyle guru Colin Cowie who has designed Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball and John Travolta’s 50th birthday celebration to name a few, as well as Miami-based Charles Allem of CAD International, Inc. who’s work has included cutting-edge hotels and residences in Bel Air, Palm Beach and Las Vegas.
Colin and Charles worked alongside Hong Kong architects Edmond Wong of designcorp (world renowned for their state-of-the-art expertise on outdoor centres, town planning and entertainment areas), Andrew Choy of Atelier C+ (specialists in stylish store and residential interiors) and British landscape architect Adrian Norman of Adrian L. Norman Ltd (specialists in al fresco urban planning at chic global locations).
About The Mira Hong Kong
“Mira” signifies a giant, red star in the constellation of Cetus. It means “foresight” in Spanish and “perfection, peaceful and prosperous” in Latin. With such a directional name, it is anticipated that The Mira Hong Kong will soar, prosper and shine.
Centrally located on Nathan Road in Tsimshatsui, The Mira Hong Kong is situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s commercial, shopping, dining and entertainment district. Located close to the local Mass Transit Railway (MTR), railway stations and the Star Ferry, the hotel connects easily to all parts of Hong Kong. Adjacent to The Mira Hong Kong are a retail promenade of branded boutiques, large-scale shopping malls, bargain outlets and upscale eateries.
The MiraSpa, to be opened in November, will be a 21st century new spa concept managed by the hotel. Complemented by the indoor infinity-edge pool and fitness centre, the spa will encompass 18,000 square-feet of total fitness, beauty and wellness.
www.themirahotel.com
The Grand Opening Party, which promises to be one of the events of the year in the busy Hong Kong social calendar, has been conceptualised by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, who is famed for extravaganzas from Elton John’s AIDS Foundation Oscar party to the star-studded launch of Sol Kerzner’s Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. Cowie also oversaw much of the design concept for the hotel’s über chic contemporary interiors and is the mastermind behind Weddings at The Mira Hong Kong.
Dirk Dalichau, General Manager of The Mira Hong Kong, said: “At The Mira Hong Kong, we are excited about introducing a fresh, upscale hospitality concept designed for those who appreciate tasteful and stylish interiors, personalised intuitive service and who are design-driven and technology savvy.”
The Mira Hong Kong will be unveiling all of its fabulous new restaurants, as well as revealing its stunning state of the art penthouse ballroom and 3/F function rooms.
The hotel will be showcasing the best in upscale European dining by award-winning Chef Justin Quek at his new restaurant WHISK as well as modern Cantonese at Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, the second branch of the celebrated contemporary Chinese restaurant, which has become one of the most successful eateries in Hong Kong’s landmark International Finance Centre (ifc).
Joining the restaurants will be a stunning fifth floor rooftop garden lounge. A quintessential al fresco venue, it is perfect for unwinding in style and exclusivity, complete with visiting DJs to accompany the chic environs.
These new outlets compliment The Mira Hong Kong’s Japanese-infused international all day buffet restaurant Yamm, coffee and chocolate lounge COCO and lobby lounge bar Room One.
In line with its positioning as an upscale business-cum-lifestyle hotel, The Mira Hong Kong will also boast a 14,000 square-feet (1,318 square-metre) events space, including eight flexible function rooms and a spectacular ballroom featuring 25,000 lighting combination LED lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and unique table settings designed by Colin Cowie.
The new 492-room address on Nathan Road is styled for “today’s fast-living urban travellers.” Featuring cutting-edge contemporary design it is heralded as one of Hong Kong’s most “upscale and technologically advanced” hotels.
The Mira Hong Kong’s stylish guest rooms offer a choice of red, green or silver colour schemes. All the rooms are stylishly furnished with handpicked designer fabrics and include an “Egg Chair” by Arne Jacobsen to match each colour scheme, and a rain shower which comes as standard in every deluxe marble bathroom.
The Mira Hong Kong Suites reflect the hotel’s passion for style and pared-down luxe, with The Grand Mira Suite, The Platinum Suite and six other specialty suites, plus the signature Mira Suite 70, 80 and 100, comprising 56 suites in total. The hotel’s uniquely themed guestrooms will appeal to travellers seeking customised, bespoke accommodation with a personalised service touch.
The latest in–room technology, used throughout the hotel, incorporates 40-inch LCD TVs, 500GB Sony PC/Entertainment Centres, Bose in-room soundscapes, complimentary high-speed WiFi and wired internet, and a unique “My Mobile” Nokia phone service, which allows guests to be contacted, and to stay in touch, wherever they go in the city. As an extension of this, the “My Mira” service allows for personalised concierge services at the touch of a button.
The Mira Hong Kong will also be opening The Mira Club, which provides premium and exclusive accommodation to guests in the stylish purple themed Club rooms and suites. Members of The Mira Club will also have access to the Club lounge which offers the perfect place for business meetings and guests can enjoy concierge services, private check-in, complimentary breakfast, all day and night nibbles and drinks plus much more.
The hotel’s stunning design was a collaborative effort by an international team including world-renowned lifestyle guru Colin Cowie who has designed Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball and John Travolta’s 50th birthday celebration to name a few, as well as Miami-based Charles Allem of CAD International, Inc. who’s work has included cutting-edge hotels and residences in Bel Air, Palm Beach and Las Vegas.
Colin and Charles worked alongside Hong Kong architects Edmond Wong of designcorp (world renowned for their state-of-the-art expertise on outdoor centres, town planning and entertainment areas), Andrew Choy of Atelier C+ (specialists in stylish store and residential interiors) and British landscape architect Adrian Norman of Adrian L. Norman Ltd (specialists in al fresco urban planning at chic global locations).
About The Mira Hong Kong
“Mira” signifies a giant, red star in the constellation of Cetus. It means “foresight” in Spanish and “perfection, peaceful and prosperous” in Latin. With such a directional name, it is anticipated that The Mira Hong Kong will soar, prosper and shine.
Centrally located on Nathan Road in Tsimshatsui, The Mira Hong Kong is situated in the heart of Hong Kong’s commercial, shopping, dining and entertainment district. Located close to the local Mass Transit Railway (MTR), railway stations and the Star Ferry, the hotel connects easily to all parts of Hong Kong. Adjacent to The Mira Hong Kong are a retail promenade of branded boutiques, large-scale shopping malls, bargain outlets and upscale eateries.
The MiraSpa, to be opened in November, will be a 21st century new spa concept managed by the hotel. Complemented by the indoor infinity-edge pool and fitness centre, the spa will encompass 18,000 square-feet of total fitness, beauty and wellness.
www.themirahotel.com
Legendary Bali Resort, The Legian, wins Wine Spectator 2009 Award of Excellence
(Hong Kong, August 27, 2009) – The Restaurant at The Legian has been awarded a 2009 Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine for its selection of 185 fine international wines, with a particular focus on the vineyards of Australia and France. This is the second consecutive year that The Restaurant has won this award.
The Restaurant at The Legian is a spacious bistro with an expansive terrace overlooking the hotel pool towards the ocean, and serves contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences.
The Legian first received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2008 for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. Other GHM properties that have been recognised with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in previous years include The Setai in Miami and The Datai in Langkawi.
“GHM’s hotels and resorts are well known primarily for their sleek contemporary Asian-influenced design and architecture, but fine food and wine are just as important a focus for us,” said GHM’s Director and President, Hans R Jenni. “We are delighted that this has been recognized with the Wine Spectator Award.”
Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists present interesting collections that are appropriate to their style of cuisine, while also appealing to a wide range of wine lovers.
There are three levels of awards, which are given to restaurants that meet various criteria. The Award of Excellence honors restaurants with wine lists that offer a well chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Furthermore, they must have at least one hundred choices on their wine list.
‘We are extremely proud that The Restaurant at The Legian has received an Award of Excellence yet again from Wine Spectator. It is a testament to GHM’s commitment to the guest experience,” said Carla Petzold-Beck, General Manager, The Legian.
In recent years, The Legian has been presented with a number of prestigious awards and accolades including TripAdvisor’s Traveller Choice Award in 2009 for Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia, SmartTraveler 2008 award for one of best boutique hotels in the world and The Ultimate Spa Guide Award 2006 as one of the top spas in the Asia.
GHM prides itself on providing guests with a distinctive and unrivalled lifestyle experience. The unique collection of GHM properties across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, America, Bali and Oman represents a great choice in dining experiences.
For more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com
The Restaurant at The Legian is a spacious bistro with an expansive terrace overlooking the hotel pool towards the ocean, and serves contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences.
The Legian first received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2008 for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world. Other GHM properties that have been recognised with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in previous years include The Setai in Miami and The Datai in Langkawi.
“GHM’s hotels and resorts are well known primarily for their sleek contemporary Asian-influenced design and architecture, but fine food and wine are just as important a focus for us,” said GHM’s Director and President, Hans R Jenni. “We are delighted that this has been recognized with the Wine Spectator Award.”
Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards recognize restaurants whose wine lists present interesting collections that are appropriate to their style of cuisine, while also appealing to a wide range of wine lovers.
There are three levels of awards, which are given to restaurants that meet various criteria. The Award of Excellence honors restaurants with wine lists that offer a well chosen selection of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Furthermore, they must have at least one hundred choices on their wine list.
‘We are extremely proud that The Restaurant at The Legian has received an Award of Excellence yet again from Wine Spectator. It is a testament to GHM’s commitment to the guest experience,” said Carla Petzold-Beck, General Manager, The Legian.
In recent years, The Legian has been presented with a number of prestigious awards and accolades including TripAdvisor’s Traveller Choice Award in 2009 for Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia, SmartTraveler 2008 award for one of best boutique hotels in the world and The Ultimate Spa Guide Award 2006 as one of the top spas in the Asia.
GHM prides itself on providing guests with a distinctive and unrivalled lifestyle experience. The unique collection of GHM properties across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, America, Bali and Oman represents a great choice in dining experiences.
For more information please visit www.ghmhotels.com
WORLDHOTELS Affiliate The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei Celebrates 25th Anniversary
(Hong Kong, August 27, 2009) – WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection affiliate The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei has celebrated its 25th anniversary as one of Taiwan's premier 5-star hotels.
The milestone event, attended by over 300 guests, marks the founding of the acclaimed Howard Hotels, Resorts & Suites brand. The group's Chairman Emeritus, Liao Hsiu Chong, and Chairman, Paul Liao hosted the event at the Howard Plaza Hotel welcoming guest of honor David Hsieh, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Deputy Director.
Located in the city’s prosperous financial and government district, the 5-star Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei features 606 elegant rooms, 18 meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, fully-equipped meeting rooms, a business centre with comprehensive services and eight restaurants.
Rosewood offers French favourites; Le Louvre, Champs Elysee and Atrium introduce all-day sumptuous western and continental cuisine; Yangtse River is renowned traditional Shanghainese restaurant, where the chefs create a memorable dining experience. Pearl River brings a taste of Canton province to Taipei, showcasing an impressive choice of Cantonese dishes. Miyama presents an inviting selection of Japanese dishes. Formosa features Taiwanese cuisine, all freshly prepared by expert chefs.
Underlining its ongoing commitment to service and quality, The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei is also the first Taiwanese hotel brand to achieve both ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) accreditations.
ISO 22000 is the world’s foremost food safety management system certification. The international awards recognise Howard Plaza Hotel’s stringent commitment to monitoring their guests’ food safety.
Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific for WORLDHOTELS, said "The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei can be proud not only of its prime location in the heart of Taipei, but also of its commitment to 5-star service and quality standards that our discerning guests have appreciated for many years."
With over 500 outstanding hotels in 300 destinations across 70 countries, WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading marketing and distribution network for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on hotels with character and distinction.
The milestone event, attended by over 300 guests, marks the founding of the acclaimed Howard Hotels, Resorts & Suites brand. The group's Chairman Emeritus, Liao Hsiu Chong, and Chairman, Paul Liao hosted the event at the Howard Plaza Hotel welcoming guest of honor David Hsieh, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Deputy Director.
Located in the city’s prosperous financial and government district, the 5-star Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei features 606 elegant rooms, 18 meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, fully-equipped meeting rooms, a business centre with comprehensive services and eight restaurants.
Rosewood offers French favourites; Le Louvre, Champs Elysee and Atrium introduce all-day sumptuous western and continental cuisine; Yangtse River is renowned traditional Shanghainese restaurant, where the chefs create a memorable dining experience. Pearl River brings a taste of Canton province to Taipei, showcasing an impressive choice of Cantonese dishes. Miyama presents an inviting selection of Japanese dishes. Formosa features Taiwanese cuisine, all freshly prepared by expert chefs.
Underlining its ongoing commitment to service and quality, The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei is also the first Taiwanese hotel brand to achieve both ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management Systems) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) accreditations.
ISO 22000 is the world’s foremost food safety management system certification. The international awards recognise Howard Plaza Hotel’s stringent commitment to monitoring their guests’ food safety.
Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific for WORLDHOTELS, said "The Howard Plaza Hotel Taipei can be proud not only of its prime location in the heart of Taipei, but also of its commitment to 5-star service and quality standards that our discerning guests have appreciated for many years."
With over 500 outstanding hotels in 300 destinations across 70 countries, WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading marketing and distribution network for independent hotels and regional hotel brands, with a strong emphasis on hotels with character and distinction.
Swire Hotels Announces Opening Offer for 'The Upper House' in Hong Kong
(Hong Kong, 27 August, 2009) –The Upper House, Swire Hotels’ first property in Hong Kong, will officially open on October 2nd 2009. In celebration of the opening, the new intimate hotel located within Pacific Place has launched an exclusive ‘two nights-for-one’ offer for the first 90 days with rates starting from HK$3,388 for a 730sq ft Island View Studio 70.
The Upper House has been designed by renowned Hong Kong architect Andre Fu of AFSO with the use of natural materials, distinctive sculptures and original artwork throughout to create the feel of a sophisticated and modern residence.
The 117 spacious rooms, including 21 suites and 2 penthouses, are the largest in Hong Kong – starting at 730sq ft – and feature panoramic harbour or islands views. The bathrooms alone are all over 300 sq ft, with panoramic views and including walk-in rain showers, free-standing limestone clad baths, double vanities and separate dressing areas.
The hotel incorporates the latest in-room technology: interactive hotel information, music and games via iPod Touch®, complimentary wired and wireless high speed internet, LCD TVs with 2.1 surround sound, and simple connectivity for PCs, camcorders and MP3s. Guestroom amenities also include complimentary refreshments from the in-room Maxi-Bar and espresso machine.
‘Café Gray Deluxe’ is a highlight of The Upper House and is located on Level 49 overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. Accessed by a spectacular ‘Sky Bridge’ over a 40-metre high atrium, the 21st Century ‘grand café’, serving Modern European Classics, marks the return of celebrated Chef Gray Kunz to Hong Kong from New York where he earned widespread acclaim.
“This highly individualised small hotel with a dynamic restaurant will help showcase the recent revitalisation of Pacific Place and provide a welcome retreat for both business and leisure guests,” said Dean Winter, General Manager, The Upper House.
For reservations and enquiries, please contact The Upper House on Tel: +852 2918 1838, E-Mail: info@upperhouse.com or www.upperhouse.com
The Two Nights for One offer is valid from 2nd Oct until 31st December 2009.
The Upper House has been designed by renowned Hong Kong architect Andre Fu of AFSO with the use of natural materials, distinctive sculptures and original artwork throughout to create the feel of a sophisticated and modern residence.
The 117 spacious rooms, including 21 suites and 2 penthouses, are the largest in Hong Kong – starting at 730sq ft – and feature panoramic harbour or islands views. The bathrooms alone are all over 300 sq ft, with panoramic views and including walk-in rain showers, free-standing limestone clad baths, double vanities and separate dressing areas.
The hotel incorporates the latest in-room technology: interactive hotel information, music and games via iPod Touch®, complimentary wired and wireless high speed internet, LCD TVs with 2.1 surround sound, and simple connectivity for PCs, camcorders and MP3s. Guestroom amenities also include complimentary refreshments from the in-room Maxi-Bar and espresso machine.
‘Café Gray Deluxe’ is a highlight of The Upper House and is located on Level 49 overlooking Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour. Accessed by a spectacular ‘Sky Bridge’ over a 40-metre high atrium, the 21st Century ‘grand café’, serving Modern European Classics, marks the return of celebrated Chef Gray Kunz to Hong Kong from New York where he earned widespread acclaim.
“This highly individualised small hotel with a dynamic restaurant will help showcase the recent revitalisation of Pacific Place and provide a welcome retreat for both business and leisure guests,” said Dean Winter, General Manager, The Upper House.
For reservations and enquiries, please contact The Upper House on Tel: +852 2918 1838, E-Mail: info@upperhouse.com or www.upperhouse.com
The Two Nights for One offer is valid from 2nd Oct until 31st December 2009.
The Nam Hai Hosts Celebrity Chef Cooking Classes in Central Vietnam
(Hoi An, Vietnam, August 28, 2009) – Australian-Malaysian celebrity chef Tony Tan is conducting cooking classes at Vietnam’s most exclusive lifestyle resort, The Nam Hai, from September 15-17 as part of an 11 days Gourmet Tour of Vietnam.
The full 11 days tour begins in Hanoi and heads south to Ho Chi Minh City from 11th – 21st September 2009.
At the award-winning 5-star resort on fabled China Beach, Tony Tan will be sharing secrets of Central Vietnam's distinctive cooking influenced by the Imperial cuisine of the nearby World Heritage-listed port of Hoi An.
Tony heads Carlton's acclaimed restaurant Shakahir, runs his own cooking school, and presents master cooking classes across Australia and as far afield as Singapore, Shanghai, Madrid and Auckland.
As presenter of the TV series The Food Lovers' Guide to Australia, Tony Tan is one of the Australia’s best-known chefs and last year won the Australia Travel & Tourism Award for his personal guided gourmet tours.
At The Nam Hai, Tan will be conducting "inspirational classes" with the resort's Executive Chef, Ashish Deva and his team of Vietnamese chefs. Individual cooking classes are priced at US$28++ per person and can be booked directly with the resort.
Instruction will embrace the general philosophy of Vietnamese cuisine, with its layering of fresh, delicate herbs, and specific classic dishes including braised fish with turmeric in clay pot, Hue style prawn and chicken pancakes.
The Nam Hai is just 30 minutes from Danang’s international airport, with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Bangkok and features 40 private pool villas and 60 hotel villas, all with ocean views.
The Nam Hai has attracted worldwide acclaim since opening in 2007 and in 2008 the influential travel guide Frommers Review wrote: “Simply put, The Nam Hai is the best resort in Vietnam.”
The resort's luxury experiences include gourmet dining and pampering at a world renowned spa, along with recreation for all the family ranging from guided tours to World Heritage sites to sunrise fishing with locals, beach BBQs, cocktail parties and movie nights.
The full 11 day Gourmet tour with Tony Tan costs ASD $5,750 including economy class domestic flights, twin share accommodation, all tours and cooking demonstrations, daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 6 dinners.
The complete Gourmet Tour of Vietnam can be booked through Harvey World Travel Melbourne Tel: +61 3 9696 7979 or e-mail: jferguson@harveyworld.com.au
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 full 11 days tour begins in Hanoi and heads south to Ho Chi Minh City from 11th – 21st September 2009.
At the award-winning 5-star resort on fabled China Beach, Tony Tan will be sharing secrets of Central Vietnam's distinctive cooking influenced by the Imperial cuisine of the nearby World Heritage-listed port of Hoi An.
Tony heads Carlton's acclaimed restaurant Shakahir, runs his own cooking school, and presents master cooking classes across Australia and as far afield as Singapore, Shanghai, Madrid and Auckland.
As presenter of the TV series The Food Lovers' Guide to Australia, Tony Tan is one of the Australia’s best-known chefs and last year won the Australia Travel & Tourism Award for his personal guided gourmet tours.
At The Nam Hai, Tan will be conducting "inspirational classes" with the resort's Executive Chef, Ashish Deva and his team of Vietnamese chefs. Individual cooking classes are priced at US$28++ per person and can be booked directly with the resort.
Instruction will embrace the general philosophy of Vietnamese cuisine, with its layering of fresh, delicate herbs, and specific classic dishes including braised fish with turmeric in clay pot, Hue style prawn and chicken pancakes.
The Nam Hai is just 30 minutes from Danang’s international airport, with direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Bangkok and features 40 private pool villas and 60 hotel villas, all with ocean views.
The Nam Hai has attracted worldwide acclaim since opening in 2007 and in 2008 the influential travel guide Frommers Review wrote: “Simply put, The Nam Hai is the best resort in Vietnam.”
The resort's luxury experiences include gourmet dining and pampering at a world renowned spa, along with recreation for all the family ranging from guided tours to World Heritage sites to sunrise fishing with locals, beach BBQs, cocktail parties and movie nights.
The full 11 day Gourmet tour with Tony Tan costs ASD $5,750 including economy class domestic flights, twin share accommodation, all tours and cooking demonstrations, daily breakfast, 8 lunches and 6 dinners.
The complete Gourmet Tour of Vietnam can be booked through Harvey World Travel Melbourne Tel: +61 3 9696 7979 or e-mail: jferguson@harveyworld.com.au
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"One Glass or Two" Wine Promotion Launches at Sky Lounge, Hotel Jen
(Hong Kong, August 19, 2009) – Hotel Jen's sublime penthouse, Sky Lounge, will next month introduce a new wine tasting concept allowing people to enjoy a range of wines from around the world at just HK$38 per glass and HK$220 per bottle.
“One Glass or Two?” will launch in mid-September and be available daily from 8pm–1am. It gives people to luxury of ordering wines by the glass that are typically sold by the bottle in other bar venues.
On the white wine menu is a fresh and fruity Villalta soave and Veneto Pinot Grigio from Italy; a crisp dry Argentinean Trapiche Sauvignon Blanc, a Casa La Joya Chardonnay from Chile with a pear and vanilla finish and an Australian Semillon Chardonnay by Bushman’s Gully and Charlotte Street.
Red wines featuring in the great value promotion include Villalta Valpolicella, Trapiche Malbec from Argentina and a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon by Casa La Joya.
Also included is a B&V Calvet Vallon Bleu Merlot from France, a Talus Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Dona Paula Cabernet Sauvignon from South America – recently listed by Wine Spectator as one of the top wines in the world for under US$25 - and two Australian reds, a Bushman’s Gully Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and Charlotte Street Shiraz.
Located 28 floors above dazzling Hong Kong city, Sky Lounge is a discreet and intimate cosy penthouse haven at Hotel Jen in Queen’s Road West, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Central.
The chic lounge combines comfy armchairs and lounging sofas with a dramatic 5-metre tile-stacked fireplace perfect for relaxed after work drinks, girlfriend get-togethers or an alternative chilled Friday night.
The latest wine promotion complements Sky Lounge’s already available 'Moët & Chandon Champagne Evenings'. Also available from 8pm–1am, the Champagne deal includes two glasses of Moët & Chandon and a selection of canapés for just HK$168 per set.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge,
Hotel Jen: 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District, Hong Kong.
For reservations or more information, please call (852) 2213 6673 or info@hoteljen.com, or go to www.hoteljen.com.
Hotel Jen opens from 8pm daily to public guests.
“One Glass or Two?” will launch in mid-September and be available daily from 8pm–1am. It gives people to luxury of ordering wines by the glass that are typically sold by the bottle in other bar venues.
On the white wine menu is a fresh and fruity Villalta soave and Veneto Pinot Grigio from Italy; a crisp dry Argentinean Trapiche Sauvignon Blanc, a Casa La Joya Chardonnay from Chile with a pear and vanilla finish and an Australian Semillon Chardonnay by Bushman’s Gully and Charlotte Street.
Red wines featuring in the great value promotion include Villalta Valpolicella, Trapiche Malbec from Argentina and a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon by Casa La Joya.
Also included is a B&V Calvet Vallon Bleu Merlot from France, a Talus Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Dona Paula Cabernet Sauvignon from South America – recently listed by Wine Spectator as one of the top wines in the world for under US$25 - and two Australian reds, a Bushman’s Gully Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and Charlotte Street Shiraz.
Located 28 floors above dazzling Hong Kong city, Sky Lounge is a discreet and intimate cosy penthouse haven at Hotel Jen in Queen’s Road West, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Central.
The chic lounge combines comfy armchairs and lounging sofas with a dramatic 5-metre tile-stacked fireplace perfect for relaxed after work drinks, girlfriend get-togethers or an alternative chilled Friday night.
The latest wine promotion complements Sky Lounge’s already available 'Moët & Chandon Champagne Evenings'. Also available from 8pm–1am, the Champagne deal includes two glasses of Moët & Chandon and a selection of canapés for just HK$168 per set.
All prices are subject to 10% service charge,
Hotel Jen: 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District, Hong Kong.
For reservations or more information, please call (852) 2213 6673 or info@hoteljen.com, or go to www.hoteljen.com.
Hotel Jen opens from 8pm daily to public guests.
Culinary Stars Shine at The Leading Hotels of the World
(Hong Kong, August 20 2009) – Travellers in search of five-star cuisine around the region are in for a treat this autumn as ultra-luxury travel company, The Leading Hotels of the World announces a series of outstanding gourmet events at its Member Hotels in the coming months.
In Bangkok, the celebrated contemporary Thai-style boutique hotel The Sukhothai will host top Swedish Chef Jonas Lundgren from September 3 to 5. Renowned as a culinary whiz at just 30 years old, the native of Stockholm won the much-coveted silver medal at the Bocuse D’Or 2009, a prestigious competition held annually in Lyon, France which is known as “The World Championship of Gourmet Cooking”.
Cooking for three-nights only, Jonas’s art inspired menu will include his awarded delicacies from the Bocuse D’Or 2009 competition and will be served at the uber glamorous La Scala restaurant. The sumptuous 6-course menu of Swedish ingredients will priced at USD 140++per person for food only and USD 185++ per person for food with wine pairing. For table bookings, contact : 66 (0) 2 344 8888 or Promotions@sukhothai.com.
At Taipei’s exclusive The Sherwood, Tokyo’s legendary 3-Star Michelin Chef Hiroyuki Kanda takes on the guest chef role from September 20 to 26.
The European-style 5-star hotel has long been regarded as a showcase for gourmet dining having hosted Taiwan’s very first 3-star Michelin experience a decade ago with the acclaimed Alain Ducasse and twin brothers Jacques & Laurent Pourcel. The Sherwood is now seeking to revive this gastronomic tradition by presenting the celebrated cuisine of Chef Kanda whose Tokyo restaurant 'Kanda' has been awarded the coveted Michelin three stars on two occasions.
His 'Taiwan Exclusive Menu' promises an extraordinary gastronomic experience, matching Champagne, fine wine and premium sake with cuisine using top quality produce from the local farms.
On previous visits to Taiwan, Chef Kanda has been so impressed by top quality ingredients such as green bamboo, abalone mushroom, San-Xing green onion, General pear and Roselle that he is incorporating them on his next promotional menu.
His Taiwan Exclusive is priced at around USD 400 per person already 315 spaces have sold out.
New Zealand’s famous Huka Lodge in Taupo will also host a “Mt Difficulty Winemakers Dinner” on Saturday 5 September for wine aficionados where a five-course meal will be paired with Mt Difficulty wines – wines that have been strictly sourced from vineyards situated in a very specific area of Bannockburn, south of the Kawarau River - an area with very special qualities for growing grapes. This will be hosted by Matt Dicey, Winemaker and General Manager of Mt Difficulty and priced from NZ$730.00 + gst per person, this is inclusive of accommodation for the night (on a double occupancy basis) and country breakfast the following morning. For bookings, call: +64 7 378 5791
This will be followed by a 'Champagne Bollinger Dinner' on 19 September. A gala event and a celebration of the new partnership between Champagne Bollinger and Huka Lodge, five exquisite courses will be accompanied by and expertly matched to, the finest Champagne Bollinger.
Superb locally sourced ingredients will be expertly put together by Executive Chef David Griffiths and team, and to guide guests through the fabulous vintages that accompany each course is Clive Weston, Managing Director of Negociants New Zealand, the importers of Bollinger Champagne for some 25 years.
The gourmet Champagne Bollinger extravaganza is priced from NZ$730.00 + gst per person, this is inclusive of accommodation for the night (on a double occupancy basis) and country breakfast the following morning. For bookings, call: +64 7 378 5791
What’s cooking? Culinary Classes at The Leading Hotels of the World
In a world where more and more people are fascinated by the food they eat and experience on their travels, many Member Hotels of The Leading Hotels of the World host cooking classes, market tours and related excursions. Conducted by their highly skilled chefs, classes may focus on how to prepare refined interpretations of simple classics to extraordinarily innovative dishes found only on the menus of their restaurants.
Asian highlights include Banyan Tree Phuket where guests can earn the secrets of Thai cuisine year round in twice-weekly classes. They begin their culinary experience with a trip to local markets with the chef to gather ingredients, among them: fruits, vegetables, coconut milk, meats, condiments and curry paste.
A typical class menu includes yam nua (Thai beef salad), gaen phed goong (red curry prawn), pla raad prik (friedfish with sweet chili sauce) and kao niew mamuang (sticky rice withmango) and steamed rice.
Elsewhere in Asia, The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam and The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia both offer modestly priced year-round introductory classes to local cuisine. In addition to enjoying the results of their efforts in the kitchen, participants at both resorts are presented with the recipes they have prepared -- including notes on the ingredients, a chef’s hat and an apron, as well as a certificate of participation and a photograph of their experience to take home. Prices start from USD58 per person at The Datai and USD28 at the Nam Hai.
For a tour of the cooking classes available throughout The Leading Hotels of the World, visit http://www.lhw.com/download_s/253.pdf
In Bangkok, the celebrated contemporary Thai-style boutique hotel The Sukhothai will host top Swedish Chef Jonas Lundgren from September 3 to 5. Renowned as a culinary whiz at just 30 years old, the native of Stockholm won the much-coveted silver medal at the Bocuse D’Or 2009, a prestigious competition held annually in Lyon, France which is known as “The World Championship of Gourmet Cooking”.
Cooking for three-nights only, Jonas’s art inspired menu will include his awarded delicacies from the Bocuse D’Or 2009 competition and will be served at the uber glamorous La Scala restaurant. The sumptuous 6-course menu of Swedish ingredients will priced at USD 140++per person for food only and USD 185++ per person for food with wine pairing. For table bookings, contact : 66 (0) 2 344 8888 or Promotions@sukhothai.com.
At Taipei’s exclusive The Sherwood, Tokyo’s legendary 3-Star Michelin Chef Hiroyuki Kanda takes on the guest chef role from September 20 to 26.
The European-style 5-star hotel has long been regarded as a showcase for gourmet dining having hosted Taiwan’s very first 3-star Michelin experience a decade ago with the acclaimed Alain Ducasse and twin brothers Jacques & Laurent Pourcel. The Sherwood is now seeking to revive this gastronomic tradition by presenting the celebrated cuisine of Chef Kanda whose Tokyo restaurant 'Kanda' has been awarded the coveted Michelin three stars on two occasions.
His 'Taiwan Exclusive Menu' promises an extraordinary gastronomic experience, matching Champagne, fine wine and premium sake with cuisine using top quality produce from the local farms.
On previous visits to Taiwan, Chef Kanda has been so impressed by top quality ingredients such as green bamboo, abalone mushroom, San-Xing green onion, General pear and Roselle that he is incorporating them on his next promotional menu.
His Taiwan Exclusive is priced at around USD 400 per person already 315 spaces have sold out.
New Zealand’s famous Huka Lodge in Taupo will also host a “Mt Difficulty Winemakers Dinner” on Saturday 5 September for wine aficionados where a five-course meal will be paired with Mt Difficulty wines – wines that have been strictly sourced from vineyards situated in a very specific area of Bannockburn, south of the Kawarau River - an area with very special qualities for growing grapes. This will be hosted by Matt Dicey, Winemaker and General Manager of Mt Difficulty and priced from NZ$730.00 + gst per person, this is inclusive of accommodation for the night (on a double occupancy basis) and country breakfast the following morning. For bookings, call: +64 7 378 5791
This will be followed by a 'Champagne Bollinger Dinner' on 19 September. A gala event and a celebration of the new partnership between Champagne Bollinger and Huka Lodge, five exquisite courses will be accompanied by and expertly matched to, the finest Champagne Bollinger.
Superb locally sourced ingredients will be expertly put together by Executive Chef David Griffiths and team, and to guide guests through the fabulous vintages that accompany each course is Clive Weston, Managing Director of Negociants New Zealand, the importers of Bollinger Champagne for some 25 years.
The gourmet Champagne Bollinger extravaganza is priced from NZ$730.00 + gst per person, this is inclusive of accommodation for the night (on a double occupancy basis) and country breakfast the following morning. For bookings, call: +64 7 378 5791
What’s cooking? Culinary Classes at The Leading Hotels of the World
In a world where more and more people are fascinated by the food they eat and experience on their travels, many Member Hotels of The Leading Hotels of the World host cooking classes, market tours and related excursions. Conducted by their highly skilled chefs, classes may focus on how to prepare refined interpretations of simple classics to extraordinarily innovative dishes found only on the menus of their restaurants.
Asian highlights include Banyan Tree Phuket where guests can earn the secrets of Thai cuisine year round in twice-weekly classes. They begin their culinary experience with a trip to local markets with the chef to gather ingredients, among them: fruits, vegetables, coconut milk, meats, condiments and curry paste.
A typical class menu includes yam nua (Thai beef salad), gaen phed goong (red curry prawn), pla raad prik (friedfish with sweet chili sauce) and kao niew mamuang (sticky rice withmango) and steamed rice.
Elsewhere in Asia, The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam and The Datai in Langkawi, Malaysia both offer modestly priced year-round introductory classes to local cuisine. In addition to enjoying the results of their efforts in the kitchen, participants at both resorts are presented with the recipes they have prepared -- including notes on the ingredients, a chef’s hat and an apron, as well as a certificate of participation and a photograph of their experience to take home. Prices start from USD58 per person at The Datai and USD28 at the Nam Hai.
For a tour of the cooking classes available throughout The Leading Hotels of the World, visit http://www.lhw.com/download_s/253.pdf
Asia’s First Luxury Private Destination Club Launched
(Hong Kong, August 20, 2009) – Villa Partners International™ has announced the launch of Asia’s first, true luxury Private Destination Club under the name LUXLife™.
LUXLife is the first of its kind, an Asset-backed and NAV (Net Asset Value) Synchronized™ lifestyle investment which gives its invitation-only members exclusive use of and access to a glittering portfolio of some of the finest private luxury villas and bespoke leisure services in the most desirable locations throughout Asia and the world.
LUXLife is pioneered by Villa Partners International™ (VPI), founded by seasoned investment management and luxury real estate industry specialist Gary A. Ferraro.
“Not only does this provide an unrivalled luxury leisure experience, it is also a revolutionary lifestyle investment for members,” he said.
Members of LUXLife, gain VIP access to the 'best of the best' including luxury residences such as its oceanfront villa at The St Regis Residences in Bali, Indonesia; Andara Luxury Villas in Phuket, Thailand and Ocean Front at Sentosa, Singapore as well as private yachts and jets, concierge services, private islands, boutique resorts, spas and private member city and country clubs in Asia and the world’s most desirable locations. The portfolio has been devised to be of special appeal to primary residents of Hong Kong and Singapore.
To join LUXLife, initial membership fees range from HK$1.4 to HK$4 million, depending on the type of membership and benefits selected.
The two membership options on offer are Villa and Leisure. Villa Membership is the ultimate, and includes direct participation in the VPI villa investment portfolio, as well as access to a host of amenities, services and leisure pursuits offered by LUXLife. Limited to just 399 members, it represents an “enduring, safe, prudent investment, a lifetime of luxury lifestyle fulfillment and family memories”, said Mr. Ferraro.
Villa Membership also holds great potential for significant return-on-investment and appreciation of the membership value. The membership value is synchronized with the increasing value of the real estate portfolio of some 50-60 signature villas and luxury real estate properties which will be owned by the club.
“The asset-backed and Net Asset Value (NAV) Synchronized™ model is revolutionary in the Destination Club sector, is proprietary to VPI and is the first of its kind. A true Private Destination Club (PDC) in Asia,” said Mr. Ferraro.
The Leisure Membership provides members with access to 5-star amenities, services and leisure pursuits of the club including a select number of days-per-year access to the luxury villa portfolio – but without the investment benefits in the villa portfolio.
Both membership categories are subdivided into individual, family or corporate memberships.
Like no other club in the world, LUXLife is presently limited to members only in the Hong Kong and Singapore markets.
Private Destination Clubs (PDCs) are a new option in Asia derived from the ‘second home’ fractional real estate investment markets, which has boomed in recent years. Traditionally, members share access to beach, mountain, golf, marina, resort and city residences on a reservation basis, paying a refundable upfront deposit and annual dues.
In general, destination clubs traditionally have been mostly “non-equity” business models that sell memberships rather than investment opportunities in the real estate holdings.
LUXLife distinctively incorporates new hybrid “equity” model attributes, along with a more extensive range of luxury lifestyle experiences, but without the “liabilities” of full ownership.
The LUXLife lifestyle investment is being marketed under the slogans: “HAVE IT ALL!” and “Why Buy Just One When You Can HAVE THEM ALL”. “For the price of a 10 percent deposit on one villa, a LUXLife member truly does live the dream luxury lifestyle and does indeed get it all” says Mr. Ferraro.
ABOUT Villa Partners International™ (VPI)
Villa Partners International (VPI) is the creator of Asia’s first true luxury lifestyle and private destination club. VPI was founded in Hong Kong by President and CEO Gary A. Ferraro. He also heads the Guardian Trust Company, Wealth Management Institute and Kredit Privee’ Group of companies.
Contact: Tel. (852) 2251-8252; e-mail: info@Villa-Partners-International.com
Website: www.LUXLIFE.com.hk
Address: Villa Partners International (Asia) Ltd, Bank of China Tower, 30th Floor, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
LUXLife is the first of its kind, an Asset-backed and NAV (Net Asset Value) Synchronized™ lifestyle investment which gives its invitation-only members exclusive use of and access to a glittering portfolio of some of the finest private luxury villas and bespoke leisure services in the most desirable locations throughout Asia and the world.
LUXLife is pioneered by Villa Partners International™ (VPI), founded by seasoned investment management and luxury real estate industry specialist Gary A. Ferraro.
“Not only does this provide an unrivalled luxury leisure experience, it is also a revolutionary lifestyle investment for members,” he said.
Members of LUXLife, gain VIP access to the 'best of the best' including luxury residences such as its oceanfront villa at The St Regis Residences in Bali, Indonesia; Andara Luxury Villas in Phuket, Thailand and Ocean Front at Sentosa, Singapore as well as private yachts and jets, concierge services, private islands, boutique resorts, spas and private member city and country clubs in Asia and the world’s most desirable locations. The portfolio has been devised to be of special appeal to primary residents of Hong Kong and Singapore.
To join LUXLife, initial membership fees range from HK$1.4 to HK$4 million, depending on the type of membership and benefits selected.
The two membership options on offer are Villa and Leisure. Villa Membership is the ultimate, and includes direct participation in the VPI villa investment portfolio, as well as access to a host of amenities, services and leisure pursuits offered by LUXLife. Limited to just 399 members, it represents an “enduring, safe, prudent investment, a lifetime of luxury lifestyle fulfillment and family memories”, said Mr. Ferraro.
Villa Membership also holds great potential for significant return-on-investment and appreciation of the membership value. The membership value is synchronized with the increasing value of the real estate portfolio of some 50-60 signature villas and luxury real estate properties which will be owned by the club.
“The asset-backed and Net Asset Value (NAV) Synchronized™ model is revolutionary in the Destination Club sector, is proprietary to VPI and is the first of its kind. A true Private Destination Club (PDC) in Asia,” said Mr. Ferraro.
The Leisure Membership provides members with access to 5-star amenities, services and leisure pursuits of the club including a select number of days-per-year access to the luxury villa portfolio – but without the investment benefits in the villa portfolio.
Both membership categories are subdivided into individual, family or corporate memberships.
Like no other club in the world, LUXLife is presently limited to members only in the Hong Kong and Singapore markets.
Private Destination Clubs (PDCs) are a new option in Asia derived from the ‘second home’ fractional real estate investment markets, which has boomed in recent years. Traditionally, members share access to beach, mountain, golf, marina, resort and city residences on a reservation basis, paying a refundable upfront deposit and annual dues.
In general, destination clubs traditionally have been mostly “non-equity” business models that sell memberships rather than investment opportunities in the real estate holdings.
LUXLife distinctively incorporates new hybrid “equity” model attributes, along with a more extensive range of luxury lifestyle experiences, but without the “liabilities” of full ownership.
The LUXLife lifestyle investment is being marketed under the slogans: “HAVE IT ALL!” and “Why Buy Just One When You Can HAVE THEM ALL”. “For the price of a 10 percent deposit on one villa, a LUXLife member truly does live the dream luxury lifestyle and does indeed get it all” says Mr. Ferraro.
ABOUT Villa Partners International™ (VPI)
Villa Partners International (VPI) is the creator of Asia’s first true luxury lifestyle and private destination club. VPI was founded in Hong Kong by President and CEO Gary A. Ferraro. He also heads the Guardian Trust Company, Wealth Management Institute and Kredit Privee’ Group of companies.
Contact: Tel. (852) 2251-8252; e-mail: info@Villa-Partners-International.com
Website: www.LUXLIFE.com.hk
Address: Villa Partners International (Asia) Ltd, Bank of China Tower, 30th Floor, 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
H one Celebrates Prime Season for Italian Seafood
(Hong Kong, August 20, 2009) — Culinary sensation H one will be celebrating the prime season for Italian seafood at ifc Mall, Central.
H one is offering their first ‘Italian Seafood Extravaganza’ from now until September 30, featuring unique delicacies netted at their most succulent ahead of winter.
In celebration of the season, a five-course tasting menu has been created, introducing diners to the best of the Italian seafood season, complimented by a special selection of wines, offered at a 50% discount, including Pinot Grigio, San Angelo, Banfi, Toscana 2007 priced at HK$400 (originally HK$800).
This extensive menu, priced at HK$580 begins with complimentary fresh-jet oysters, followed by a traditional Salted Cod Mousse “Like They Do In Venice” served with Garlic Bruschetta and Herring Caviar. Salted cod is a traditional Venetian dish typically served on bread and is also sometimes known by ‘baccala mantecato’.
This is complemented by Hand-crafted Linguine served with Calamari Spillo, Napoli Tomatoes and Fresh Basil followed by a choice of main course, Charcoal Grilled Ricciola Fish, with Fennel Salad and Olive Tapenade, or a Mixed Grilled Seafood Platter. A ‘Dessert Surprise’ completes this decadent menu.
The a la carte menu features a delicate selection of dishes, which includes Blue Lobster Carpaccio served with Frisee Lettuce and Yellow Peach Salsa (HK$340). Blue lobster are said to be ‘one in a million’ as they possess a genetic defect which causes the lobster to produce an excessive amount of protein, which wraps around a small, red carotenoid molecule resulting in the blue colour.
Hand-crafted Angel Hair served with Razor Clams, Garlic, Chilli and Parsley (HK$320), and Home-Made Tagliolini with Sea Urchin and Shaved Bottarga Di Muggine Cheese (HK$340), are also featured.
Main courses offered include Charcoal Grilled Sardinian Eel with Polenta and Aged Balsamic Vinegar (HK$340), Charcoal Grilled Ricciola with Fennel Salad and Olive Tapenade (HK$340); and Pan-Roasted Rock Fish with Summer Root Vegetables and Shellfish Reduction (HK$360).
Ricciola is the Italian name for Amberjack (Yellow Tail), a long and slender fish found in the high seas of Italy’s southern coastal waters, delicately flavoured, with firm, white flesh and very few bones, whereas rock fish meat is lean and medium-firm with a delicate, nutty flavour.
"Now is the season for seafood in Italy because they spawn in the summer and are netted when fattening up for winter, creating more intense flavours," said Mr Eric Ting, Managing Director, JC Group.
* All prices are subject to 10% service charge.
About H one
H one has recently been recommended by the following:
1. Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2009
2. Mobil Travel Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2008/2009
3. Hong Kong’s Best Restaurants Guide 2008 / 2009
Boasting Hong Kong’s most dramatic harbour-side views, H one is part of a chic three-venue concept which also features New York-style lounge bar G Bar and The Box, featuring a lunch time Thai Buffet and available for private events.
H one focuses on fashionable dining ranging from oysters, signature grills and rotisseries to authentic Italian and modern European cuisine.
The wine cellar is arguably the most superb of any privately owned restaurant group in the city.
Advanced reservations are recommended, please call (852) 2805-0638.
H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.
H one is offering their first ‘Italian Seafood Extravaganza’ from now until September 30, featuring unique delicacies netted at their most succulent ahead of winter.
In celebration of the season, a five-course tasting menu has been created, introducing diners to the best of the Italian seafood season, complimented by a special selection of wines, offered at a 50% discount, including Pinot Grigio, San Angelo, Banfi, Toscana 2007 priced at HK$400 (originally HK$800).
This extensive menu, priced at HK$580 begins with complimentary fresh-jet oysters, followed by a traditional Salted Cod Mousse “Like They Do In Venice” served with Garlic Bruschetta and Herring Caviar. Salted cod is a traditional Venetian dish typically served on bread and is also sometimes known by ‘baccala mantecato’.
This is complemented by Hand-crafted Linguine served with Calamari Spillo, Napoli Tomatoes and Fresh Basil followed by a choice of main course, Charcoal Grilled Ricciola Fish, with Fennel Salad and Olive Tapenade, or a Mixed Grilled Seafood Platter. A ‘Dessert Surprise’ completes this decadent menu.
The a la carte menu features a delicate selection of dishes, which includes Blue Lobster Carpaccio served with Frisee Lettuce and Yellow Peach Salsa (HK$340). Blue lobster are said to be ‘one in a million’ as they possess a genetic defect which causes the lobster to produce an excessive amount of protein, which wraps around a small, red carotenoid molecule resulting in the blue colour.
Hand-crafted Angel Hair served with Razor Clams, Garlic, Chilli and Parsley (HK$320), and Home-Made Tagliolini with Sea Urchin and Shaved Bottarga Di Muggine Cheese (HK$340), are also featured.
Main courses offered include Charcoal Grilled Sardinian Eel with Polenta and Aged Balsamic Vinegar (HK$340), Charcoal Grilled Ricciola with Fennel Salad and Olive Tapenade (HK$340); and Pan-Roasted Rock Fish with Summer Root Vegetables and Shellfish Reduction (HK$360).
Ricciola is the Italian name for Amberjack (Yellow Tail), a long and slender fish found in the high seas of Italy’s southern coastal waters, delicately flavoured, with firm, white flesh and very few bones, whereas rock fish meat is lean and medium-firm with a delicate, nutty flavour.
"Now is the season for seafood in Italy because they spawn in the summer and are netted when fattening up for winter, creating more intense flavours," said Mr Eric Ting, Managing Director, JC Group.
* All prices are subject to 10% service charge.
About H one
H one has recently been recommended by the following:
1. Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2009
2. Mobil Travel Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2008/2009
3. Hong Kong’s Best Restaurants Guide 2008 / 2009
Boasting Hong Kong’s most dramatic harbour-side views, H one is part of a chic three-venue concept which also features New York-style lounge bar G Bar and The Box, featuring a lunch time Thai Buffet and available for private events.
H one focuses on fashionable dining ranging from oysters, signature grills and rotisseries to authentic Italian and modern European cuisine.
The wine cellar is arguably the most superb of any privately owned restaurant group in the city.
Advanced reservations are recommended, please call (852) 2805-0638.
H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
HBA Wows Japan with the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
August 18, 2009 – Hirsch Bedner Associates – the world’s leading hospitality design consultancy – has collaborated with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to create Japan’s very first Shangri-La hotel.
Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo stands out from its traditionally minimalist hotel neighbors with a design that celebrates Shangri-La’s trademark Asian elegance and luxury. The result: the most glamorous hotel destination that Japan has ever seen.
Located right next to Tokyo Station, the 202-room Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-storey Marunouchi Trust Tower main building. Within this bustling central Tokyo locale, the hotel offers guests an elegant urban oasis above the city, with stunning views over the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city.
“The HBA design has infused the hotel with the rich and luxurious DNA of the Shangri-La hotel brand,” says Tokyo-born, LA-based HBA designer Naoko Horii. “This is attractive to both international guests as well as local visitors who rarely see this style of opulence in Japan.”
In creating a warm and elegant ambience, HBA collaborated with an esteemed art consultant to make strong use of customized artworks, luxurious materials and a deep color palette. Starting from the moment guests pull up to the porte cochere, a crystal-strung roof and water feature mark the dramatic entrance experience. Meanwhile, guests arriving via the pedestrian entry are greeted by an art piece that is over 10 metres wide hanging above the glass door façade.
The elevator ride from street level to the 28th floor lobby is designed to immediately welcome guests into the gracious world of Shangri-La and raise anticipation prior to check-in. Behind artist-designed metal doors, the 3.5-metre high elevator cabin is trimmed with rich Movingi wood paneling, a bronze mirror and a chandelier. A hand-tufted carpet and handrails filled with Swarovski crystals complete the luxurious ride.
The lift doors open to a dramatic lobby with a grand winding staircase connecting the three public levels. Cascading down the centre of the staircase is a custom designed Czech crystal hand-blown glass chandelier, one of the many examples of bespoke lighting effects used throughout the hotel to add glamour and sparkle.
Behind the Portoro stone front desk hangs a gold-plated lacquered relief by contemporary artist Shen Jin Li fashioned after the 12th-century scroll masterpiece, Along the River During the Qingming Festival. A striking onyx bar and rich velveteen sofas invite lounging, while 180-degree views of the Tokyo skyline framed with dramatic drapery provides a stunning backdrop to the lobby.
As well as the public areas, HBA designed the 202 guestrooms, with the exception of the Presidential Suite and Shangri-La Suite. Stretching from the 31st-37th floors, they are carefully detailed and richly adorned in Anigre wood paneling, lavish marble, luxurious fabrics in burgundy tones and silver leaf accents.
The bathroom is unique in both size and style for Tokyo: the ultra spacious bathing area includes a Japanese style washing area with an oversized rain shower and bathtub situated by a picture window. The rooms also feature a custom sofa by window, a large work desk and 42-inch diagonal wall mount TV with DVD and CD players with subwoofer.
Other highlights of the hotel include a CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La’s signature spa brand adorned with Himalayan accents. There is also a magnificent pool area overlooking the Imperial Palace with a feature wave motif hand-painted in silver and gold leaf across the coffered roof and reflected in the tiled mosaic of the pool.
About HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates
As global leaders in hospitality interior design, HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates is credited with revolutionizing the hotel design industry. After 45 years in business, the company consistently sets new creative trends, pushes boundaries and injects fresh visual ideas into some of the world’s best-known addresses.
HBA has successfully completed over 1000 projects in 80 countries. It has gained an unrivalled knowledge of the cultural, financial, geographical and programmatic requirements involved in all manner of design projects – from world-class hotels and resorts, to boutique hotels, spas, casinos, cruise ships and private residences.
HBA employs over 425 design professionals in 13 offices worldwide: Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai, and Manila. Its achievements are attributed to HBA’s fundamental values of research and sensitivity to the needs of its markets.
For more information, please visit the HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates website at www.hbadesign.com.
Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo stands out from its traditionally minimalist hotel neighbors with a design that celebrates Shangri-La’s trademark Asian elegance and luxury. The result: the most glamorous hotel destination that Japan has ever seen.
Located right next to Tokyo Station, the 202-room Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-storey Marunouchi Trust Tower main building. Within this bustling central Tokyo locale, the hotel offers guests an elegant urban oasis above the city, with stunning views over the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city.
“The HBA design has infused the hotel with the rich and luxurious DNA of the Shangri-La hotel brand,” says Tokyo-born, LA-based HBA designer Naoko Horii. “This is attractive to both international guests as well as local visitors who rarely see this style of opulence in Japan.”
In creating a warm and elegant ambience, HBA collaborated with an esteemed art consultant to make strong use of customized artworks, luxurious materials and a deep color palette. Starting from the moment guests pull up to the porte cochere, a crystal-strung roof and water feature mark the dramatic entrance experience. Meanwhile, guests arriving via the pedestrian entry are greeted by an art piece that is over 10 metres wide hanging above the glass door façade.
The elevator ride from street level to the 28th floor lobby is designed to immediately welcome guests into the gracious world of Shangri-La and raise anticipation prior to check-in. Behind artist-designed metal doors, the 3.5-metre high elevator cabin is trimmed with rich Movingi wood paneling, a bronze mirror and a chandelier. A hand-tufted carpet and handrails filled with Swarovski crystals complete the luxurious ride.
The lift doors open to a dramatic lobby with a grand winding staircase connecting the three public levels. Cascading down the centre of the staircase is a custom designed Czech crystal hand-blown glass chandelier, one of the many examples of bespoke lighting effects used throughout the hotel to add glamour and sparkle.
Behind the Portoro stone front desk hangs a gold-plated lacquered relief by contemporary artist Shen Jin Li fashioned after the 12th-century scroll masterpiece, Along the River During the Qingming Festival. A striking onyx bar and rich velveteen sofas invite lounging, while 180-degree views of the Tokyo skyline framed with dramatic drapery provides a stunning backdrop to the lobby.
As well as the public areas, HBA designed the 202 guestrooms, with the exception of the Presidential Suite and Shangri-La Suite. Stretching from the 31st-37th floors, they are carefully detailed and richly adorned in Anigre wood paneling, lavish marble, luxurious fabrics in burgundy tones and silver leaf accents.
The bathroom is unique in both size and style for Tokyo: the ultra spacious bathing area includes a Japanese style washing area with an oversized rain shower and bathtub situated by a picture window. The rooms also feature a custom sofa by window, a large work desk and 42-inch diagonal wall mount TV with DVD and CD players with subwoofer.
Other highlights of the hotel include a CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, Shangri-La’s signature spa brand adorned with Himalayan accents. There is also a magnificent pool area overlooking the Imperial Palace with a feature wave motif hand-painted in silver and gold leaf across the coffered roof and reflected in the tiled mosaic of the pool.
About HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates
As global leaders in hospitality interior design, HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates is credited with revolutionizing the hotel design industry. After 45 years in business, the company consistently sets new creative trends, pushes boundaries and injects fresh visual ideas into some of the world’s best-known addresses.
HBA has successfully completed over 1000 projects in 80 countries. It has gained an unrivalled knowledge of the cultural, financial, geographical and programmatic requirements involved in all manner of design projects – from world-class hotels and resorts, to boutique hotels, spas, casinos, cruise ships and private residences.
HBA employs over 425 design professionals in 13 offices worldwide: Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, New Delhi, Dubai, and Manila. Its achievements are attributed to HBA’s fundamental values of research and sensitivity to the needs of its markets.
For more information, please visit the HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates website at www.hbadesign.com.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Belvedere Launches Black Raspberry Vodka
(Hong Kong, August 17, 2009) Maceration is the artisinal process Belvedere uses to create the world’s best super premium flavoured vodka. The process uses only natural ingredients, delicately drawing out the vibrant flavours from fruit peels, flesh and flowers, combined with the finest super premium vodka and technical expertise.
To further introduce this fine technique of creating flavoured vodka, Belvedere is delighted to launch Belvedere Black Raspberry – an exciting new flavour to complement the existing Belvedere Citrus and Belvedere Orange macerations.
Belvedere Black Raspberry uses only the finest hand-harvested, plump and flavourful raspberries from the Podlasie area of northeast Poland. The berries are then blended with rich French black currants and French rose water, creating the most delicious and entirely natural perfect Belvedere Black Raspberry flavour.
Unlike other flavoured vodkas, Belvedere uses only natural fruit and flowers in creating flavours, macerating the fruit in Belvedere’s luxury vodka for a minimum of one month to create the most premium flavour experience in the marketplace.
Unlike artificially flavoured vodkas, sugar, glycerine and other hidden enhancements are not added to Belvedere’s macerations, ensuring a fresh and naturally distinctive drinking experience.
Charles Gibb, President, Millennium - The Vodka and Rum Division of Moet Hennessy, says, “With the introduction of Belvedere Black Raspberry, we have created the perfect maceration of selected fruits combined with the world’s premium luxury vodka. Belvedere Black Raspberry forms the ideal center-piece for luxury cocktails the world over, with its refined and delicate palate”.
“This is the most exciting new flavour launch within the super premium vodka market in many years. Belvedere Black Raspberry is an all-natural flourish of real flavour that completes the trinity of Macerations within the Belvedere family. This vodka is best served chilled, over ice or with soda for guilt-free enjoyment”, says Belvedere's Head of Spirit Creation and Mixology, Claire Smith.
It’s this time-intensive process of using only real citrus fruit, flowers and berries that creates the Belvedere macerations – vodkas with luscious mouthfeel, authentic tastes, and gorgeous aromas, ensuring Belvedere Black Raspberry will be the most expressive, delicious and exciting flavoured vodka made to date.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Graham Stephenson, ExecuJet's Group FBO Manager, retires after 51 years in aviation
Graham Stephenson, ExecuJet Aviation Group’s Head of Fixed Base Operations, is retiring on 31 August 2009 after an aviation career spanning more than half a century – 21 years in commercial and 23 years in business aviation.
Niall Olver, ExecuJet CEO, spoke about Graham’s work in leading ExecuJet’s FBO activity over the past three years, including his role at the company’s flagship FBO in Zurich. “Graham has been a truly valuable member of the team at ExecuJet and we are sad to see him go. We wish him all the very best for the future and trust that he takes away some wonderful memories of his time with ExecuJet”. Nicole Gut, who has worked with Graham for the past three years and is currently FBO Manager at Zurich Airport, has taken over part of Graham’s role as Director European FBOs, effective 01 August.
Graham’s career started in 1958 with a three-year commercial apprenticeship with British European Airways before working in various station manager roles with BEA, BOAC and British Airways for a total of 21 years. Graham was working as traffic manager USSR when he met his future wife Ludmila, one of the airline’s airport staff, whom he married in 1978. After a short spell as director development at Luton Airport, Graham moved to the business aviation industry as Vice President and COO of Jet Aviation Saudi Arabia before becoming Project Manager at the Jet Centre at London City Airport. Darren Grover, Ramp Services Director at London City Airport comments: “I have the utmost respect for Graham – a true professional. It was a pleasure to have worked with him and our industry will miss him. He is simply one of the best.”
In 2006 Graham relocated to Switzerland to become Zurich FBO Manager for the ExecuJet Aviation Group. His role within the company quickly grew and Graham was soon appointed Group FBO Director to formulate a united FBO network worldwide. During the next 3 years Graham oversaw the development and redesign of ExecuJet Europe’s Berlin FBO and launched ExecuJet’s new FBO in Kuala Lumpur in joint venture with Hawker Pacific.
Graham can look back over many highlights during his career and comments, “I have many fond memories of my time in Aviation and especially with ExecuJet, I understand this is the next progressive step in my life but I will truly miss the job and all the people surrounding it.”
The ExecuJet Aviation Group
The ExecuJet Aviation Group is a leading global business aviation organisation offering a diverse range of services including pre-owned and new aircraft sales, aircraft management for private and commercial registered aircraft, aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance, aircraft completions management and fixed base operations. Headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, ExecuJet has operations in five regions – Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and South Africa, embracing a workforce of over 800 experienced staff.
The ExecuJet Aviation Group manages 150 business jets worldwide under the most stringent safety standards. Its commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of eight regional civil aviation issued air operating certificates (AOCs). ExecuJet has many authorised maintenance facilities throughout four regions, certified to work on most Business Jets. The ExecuJet Aviation Group operates six stunning FBO facilities in Berlin, Zurich, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.
The ExecuJet Aviation Group offers considerable experience in new and pre-owned aircraft sales worldwide and has a large inventory of business aircraft to suit all budgets with an international team of sales directors offering local knowledge and expertise. ExecuJet is the exclusive sales agent outside North America for the eight to 12-passenger Aerion Supersonic Business
www.execujet.net
Hondajet, Oxford Aviation Academy, Oriens Advisers among new speakers in VLJ Europe line up
Some 100 plus industry delegates are set to gather at Oxford Airport, UK for the third annual VLJ-Europe 2009 event, organised by MIU Events.
Honda Aircraft, manufacturer of the large VLJ Hondajet, now progressing well in to its certification, will participate on the second day with an introduction to the aircraft and its mission for Europe. Embraer will also be speaking and will be using the event to fly in their new Phenom 100. Pilot training for VLJ pilots, a popular topic at the last year’s conference, will be addressed by Anthony Petteford, Managing Director of Oxford Aviation Academy. A new international organisation Oriens Advisers, headed by Edwin Brenninkmeyer, created to advise and invest in the VLJ sector will be making their debut at the event. Another confirmed speaker is newly established UK-based ConnectJets which is bringing a new approach to air charter broking. Founder and Managing Director Gabriella Somerville, ex SkyJet International, will review the entry level jet market from the brokers’ viewpoint. Eurocontrol and the Air Taxi Association will also provide views on how the light jet sector is progressing.
The afternoon of Day One will feature an operators’ session with contributions from JetbBird’s Stefan Vilner, the new Salzburg-based operator, as they prepare to make their revenue debut this autumn with the first of 50-plus Phenom 100 jets. Stefan will be joined by Blink’s Peter Leiman, who will provide an insight into how their first year of operations has developed. New operator, Ambeo Plc and established operator, London Executive Aviation, who have added VLJs/ELJs to their existing fleet, complete the UK representation, whilst Grossmann Jet Service from Prague and experienced US operator CFM from Nashville, complement the line-up.
The two-day programme will address the challenges facing operators who wish to establish themselves in the marketplace during what is an unprecedented downturn in the business aviation sector. Where are their customers going to come from; how will they fit in the overall business aviation market and how do the charter brokers view their business model? Additionally, the whole process of funding, owning, operating and understanding the legal implications of flying paying customers will come under the microscope as financiers, lawyers, tax consultants and regulatory compliance specialists provide a detailed analysis of the realities of ownership in the EU.
The third annual VLJ-Europe conference will be the essential meeting place for any operator, government agency, manufacturer, regional airport and planning authority, regulatory body, industry association, aviation lawyer, funding agency, FBO organisation, support and service organisation, pilot, consultant or any company with an interest or awareness of the potential for this market.
The delegate fee for the event is Euros 590. You can register online at the link below or contact the organisers on the number below: Special accommodation rates have been secured at a number of hotels all within a short range of the airport, including top of the range The Malmaison Oxford; the Holiday Inn, five minutes’ from the airport by car and The Feathers, a traditional country inn near the airport in Woodstock.
With thanks to sponsors Honda Aircraft, CFM (Corporate Flight Management) of Tennessee, USA and Flight Support, the Billund-Denmark based European flight planning specialist.
The delegate fee includes entry to all sessions including the evening reception at the end of Day one and the optional workshop on Friday afternoon, 25 September.
For the full conference progamme see: http://www.miuevents.com/vlj-e09.
Or contact Alan Perry, MIU Events. T: +44 208 332 2211.
Honda Aircraft, manufacturer of the large VLJ Hondajet, now progressing well in to its certification, will participate on the second day with an introduction to the aircraft and its mission for Europe. Embraer will also be speaking and will be using the event to fly in their new Phenom 100. Pilot training for VLJ pilots, a popular topic at the last year’s conference, will be addressed by Anthony Petteford, Managing Director of Oxford Aviation Academy. A new international organisation Oriens Advisers, headed by Edwin Brenninkmeyer, created to advise and invest in the VLJ sector will be making their debut at the event. Another confirmed speaker is newly established UK-based ConnectJets which is bringing a new approach to air charter broking. Founder and Managing Director Gabriella Somerville, ex SkyJet International, will review the entry level jet market from the brokers’ viewpoint. Eurocontrol and the Air Taxi Association will also provide views on how the light jet sector is progressing.
The afternoon of Day One will feature an operators’ session with contributions from JetbBird’s Stefan Vilner, the new Salzburg-based operator, as they prepare to make their revenue debut this autumn with the first of 50-plus Phenom 100 jets. Stefan will be joined by Blink’s Peter Leiman, who will provide an insight into how their first year of operations has developed. New operator, Ambeo Plc and established operator, London Executive Aviation, who have added VLJs/ELJs to their existing fleet, complete the UK representation, whilst Grossmann Jet Service from Prague and experienced US operator CFM from Nashville, complement the line-up.
The two-day programme will address the challenges facing operators who wish to establish themselves in the marketplace during what is an unprecedented downturn in the business aviation sector. Where are their customers going to come from; how will they fit in the overall business aviation market and how do the charter brokers view their business model? Additionally, the whole process of funding, owning, operating and understanding the legal implications of flying paying customers will come under the microscope as financiers, lawyers, tax consultants and regulatory compliance specialists provide a detailed analysis of the realities of ownership in the EU.
The third annual VLJ-Europe conference will be the essential meeting place for any operator, government agency, manufacturer, regional airport and planning authority, regulatory body, industry association, aviation lawyer, funding agency, FBO organisation, support and service organisation, pilot, consultant or any company with an interest or awareness of the potential for this market.
The delegate fee for the event is Euros 590. You can register online at the link below or contact the organisers on the number below: Special accommodation rates have been secured at a number of hotels all within a short range of the airport, including top of the range The Malmaison Oxford; the Holiday Inn, five minutes’ from the airport by car and The Feathers, a traditional country inn near the airport in Woodstock.
With thanks to sponsors Honda Aircraft, CFM (Corporate Flight Management) of Tennessee, USA and Flight Support, the Billund-Denmark based European flight planning specialist.
The delegate fee includes entry to all sessions including the evening reception at the end of Day one and the optional workshop on Friday afternoon, 25 September.
For the full conference progamme see: http://www.miuevents.com/vlj-e09.
Or contact Alan Perry, MIU Events. T: +44 208 332 2211.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Announcing New Members of The Leading Hotels of the World Family
HONG KONG (August 12, 2009) - The Leading Hotels of the World® is pleased to announce that it has accepted the following new member hotels since April 2009:
Situated in Madrid’s sophisticated neighborhood of Salamanca, between Paseo De La Castellana and Serrano Street, Hotel Villa Magna is within walking distance of the Prado. Completely renovated in 2008, the 150-room hotel offers guests refined accommodations and the latest technological amenities. Basque cuisine is served in Villa Magna by Eneko Atxa restaurant, while Tse Yang specializes in Cantonese fare. For cocktails and socializing, The Lounge and Magnum Bar are welcoming venues. Guests are invited to relax in the El Club fitness area. A variety of meeting facilities can accommodate groups of up to 450 people.
Launched in July, the Elysian is located in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, close to the legendary shopping meccas of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Designed by Lucien Legrange, the hotel has 39 rooms and 149 suites, richly appointed with fireplaces, furnished outdoor terraces and urban kitchens. The elite culinary team of Mindy Segal and Jason McLeod create exceptional American cuisine, in both the signature and all-day casual restaurants, while Bernard’s Bar offers premium cocktails and light fare. In addition to a 14,000-square-foot spa and health club, the hotel has 4,500 square feet of function space. Guests enjoy the added convenience of flexible 24-hour check-in/check-out upon request.
A New York City icon since the late 1920s, The Mark – located on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side – will soon open its doors to welcome guests of the 21st century. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and redesign, overseen by legendary designer Jacques Grange, and now features 100 rooms and 50 suites, fitted with state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line amenities. Equally outstanding dining facilities will include Mark’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark’s Bar. Guests will also have the added convenience of an on-site fitness center and the services of the Frederic Fekkai Salon at The Mark.
The Tivoli Sao Paulo – Mofarrej is located at the heart of the Jardins district, one of the most important business areas of the city. A sleek, contemporary property, it has 185 rooms and 35 suites, each handsomely appointed and providing today’s requisite levels of sophisticated in-room technology. International fare is served in Vintetres Restaurant and Lounge, with more relaxed meals available in Bistro Tivoli. The trendy and stylish Nara Bar offers lively music to accompany its creative cocktails. Relaxation options include a fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool and an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree. Meetings and conferences of up to 600 people are easily accommodated.
Opening in late 2009, Royal Spa Kitzbühel is located in an elegant ski resort in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The hotel’s 123 rooms and 32 suites are designed in light Tyrolean style and feature private terraces, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. The main à la carte restaurant is divided into five different areas, each with its own character. The cigar lounge and the chimney bar serve as ideal meeting venues. For relaxation there are indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a 2,000-square-meter spa and a golf academy. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 400 participants.
Rocco Forte The Augustine is located in the picturesque Mala Strana district of Prague, close to the Charles Bridge, the Wallenstein Garden and Prague Castle. Incorporating seven historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century, the stunning hotel features 101 rooms and suites. Affording views overlooking the city, the monastery courtyard or Prague Castle, each room features a writing desk, in-room bar, snack basket, flat-screen television, high-speed Internet access, and marble bathroom with heated floors. In the Monastery restaurant, guests can enjoy a varied European brasserie menu. The Brewery Bar serves Czech-style tapas and specialty microbrews, while Tom's Bar offers tea service, cocktails, and live music. The hotel also has a health fitness center, meeting rooms for up to 130 people, and a wedding chapel
.
The recently opened One&Only Cape Town, comprises 91 rooms and suites in a crescent-shaped tower and an additional 40 on two private islands at the center of the waterfront. Guest accommodations feature multimedia entertainment systems, Nespresso machines, MP3 docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Dining options include Gordon Ramsay’s maze and internationally acclaimed Nobu, while the lobby lounge and bar provide amazing views of Table Mountain. In addition to a free-form, infinity-edge pool, there is a fully equipped fitness center and a spa with treatment rooms for single and couple therapies, sauna, steam room, and two vitality pools. The KidsOnly program welcomes children aged four to 11 years.
Due to open in November 2009 is the Kameha Grand Bonn. Conceived as one of the largest geothermal facilities in Europe, its state-of-the-art technology makes the hotel largely emission-free. It is located on the banks of the Rhine near the city center with a picturesque view of the Siebengebirge mountain range. All 190 guest rooms and 59 suites feel open and generous, and are appointed with luxurious furnishings and modern fixtures with interiors designed by Marcel Wanders. Hotel dining options include the Brasserie Next Level and the Sushi Bar of the Elysion Lounge; in addition to four distinct bars serving fine wines by the glass. For relaxation, the Kameha Spa and Power House Fitness with heated roof-top infinity pool, sauna, steam bath, offers massages and beauty treatments.
Set across 230 hectares of olive groves and countryside, the new Rocco Forte Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is situated on the coast of Sicily, close to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Spacious guestrooms enjoy sea views and private balconies or terraces, while suites boast outdoor courtyard spaces and large terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. A 4,000-square-meter Verdura Spa offers 11 treatment rooms, a terrace for outdoor treatments, relaxation area, spacious fully equipped gym, covered swimming pool, thalassotherapy pools, hammam, experience showers and sauna. There is also a dedicated kids club for 4-12 year olds.
The Leading Small Hotels of the World™ has added the following properties to its roster:
Opened in July, Le Gray is situated in the historic center of Beirut, within walking distance of major museums, cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The ultra-modern edifice, with 12 rooms and 75 suites, affords its guests impressive views of the Mediterranean and the hills of Mount Lebanon. Guest accommodations, designed by owner Gordon Campbell Gray and Mary Fox Linton have a cool, contemporary aesthetic, and state-of-the-art technological amenities. The hotel offers diverse and sophisticated restaurant options, including Gordon’s Café for all-day dining, Indigo on the Roof, Bar 360 with live music and DJs, and Le Cigare, the cigar lounge serving cocktails and wines by the glass. For relaxation there is Le Gray Spa with six treatment rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a gymnasium. The hotel also has a small boardroom for up to 12.
Opened in mid-May, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and Monaco, at the tip of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, facing the Mediterranean. Set in a private 17-acre estate with pine trees and flowers, the hotel has been entirely renovated and redecorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon and offers 49 rooms and 24 suites, eight of which have private plunge pools. Restaurants include the gastronomic Le Cap, with one Michelin Star; the Club-Dauphin; and the Veranda, for all-day dining. There is also an 8,500-square-foot spa with indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and spa gardens, as well as a supervised kids’ club.
With just 39 rooms and suites, La Résidence de la Pinède is located on the seafront in St. Tropez. This stylish, intimate hotel, surrounded by magnificent maritime pine trees, offers a serene, discreet retreat on the bustling Côte d’Azur. Guests enjoy award-winning cuisine in the restaurant, which serves classic recipes with Mediterranean accents. Boasting its own private beach, the hotel also features an infinity-edge swimming pool and a private dock. For added convenience, there is a shuttle to and from the village of St. Tropez.
The recently opened, Hotel et Ryads Naoura Barrière is situated in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech, Morocco. Just steps from Jemaa Al Fna Square, the hotel is surrounded by a five-acre walled garden, offering seclusion and serenity. Each of the 85 suites has a private terrace overlooking the pool. Dining options include Fouquet’s Marrakech, for French cuisine; and Wardya, for gourmet fare at poolside. Both are complemented by Nuphar, the hotel’s bar and lounge. For recreation, there is a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool and a kids’ club. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 80 people.
Situated in Madrid’s sophisticated neighborhood of Salamanca, between Paseo De La Castellana and Serrano Street, Hotel Villa Magna is within walking distance of the Prado. Completely renovated in 2008, the 150-room hotel offers guests refined accommodations and the latest technological amenities. Basque cuisine is served in Villa Magna by Eneko Atxa restaurant, while Tse Yang specializes in Cantonese fare. For cocktails and socializing, The Lounge and Magnum Bar are welcoming venues. Guests are invited to relax in the El Club fitness area. A variety of meeting facilities can accommodate groups of up to 450 people.
Launched in July, the Elysian is located in Chicago’s prestigious Gold Coast neighborhood, close to the legendary shopping meccas of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Designed by Lucien Legrange, the hotel has 39 rooms and 149 suites, richly appointed with fireplaces, furnished outdoor terraces and urban kitchens. The elite culinary team of Mindy Segal and Jason McLeod create exceptional American cuisine, in both the signature and all-day casual restaurants, while Bernard’s Bar offers premium cocktails and light fare. In addition to a 14,000-square-foot spa and health club, the hotel has 4,500 square feet of function space. Guests enjoy the added convenience of flexible 24-hour check-in/check-out upon request.
A New York City icon since the late 1920s, The Mark – located on Manhattan’s tony Upper East Side – will soon open its doors to welcome guests of the 21st century. The hotel has undergone a complete renovation and redesign, overseen by legendary designer Jacques Grange, and now features 100 rooms and 50 suites, fitted with state-of-the-art technology and top-of-the-line amenities. Equally outstanding dining facilities will include Mark’s Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Mark’s Bar. Guests will also have the added convenience of an on-site fitness center and the services of the Frederic Fekkai Salon at The Mark.
The Tivoli Sao Paulo – Mofarrej is located at the heart of the Jardins district, one of the most important business areas of the city. A sleek, contemporary property, it has 185 rooms and 35 suites, each handsomely appointed and providing today’s requisite levels of sophisticated in-room technology. International fare is served in Vintetres Restaurant and Lounge, with more relaxed meals available in Bistro Tivoli. The trendy and stylish Nara Bar offers lively music to accompany its creative cocktails. Relaxation options include a fitness center, heated outdoor swimming pool and an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree. Meetings and conferences of up to 600 people are easily accommodated.
Opening in late 2009, Royal Spa Kitzbühel is located in an elegant ski resort in one of Austria’s most beautiful regions, famous for its breathtaking natural beauty. The hotel’s 123 rooms and 32 suites are designed in light Tyrolean style and feature private terraces, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms with heated floors. The main à la carte restaurant is divided into five different areas, each with its own character. The cigar lounge and the chimney bar serve as ideal meeting venues. For relaxation there are indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a 2,000-square-meter spa and a golf academy. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 400 participants.
Rocco Forte The Augustine is located in the picturesque Mala Strana district of Prague, close to the Charles Bridge, the Wallenstein Garden and Prague Castle. Incorporating seven historic buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century, the stunning hotel features 101 rooms and suites. Affording views overlooking the city, the monastery courtyard or Prague Castle, each room features a writing desk, in-room bar, snack basket, flat-screen television, high-speed Internet access, and marble bathroom with heated floors. In the Monastery restaurant, guests can enjoy a varied European brasserie menu. The Brewery Bar serves Czech-style tapas and specialty microbrews, while Tom's Bar offers tea service, cocktails, and live music. The hotel also has a health fitness center, meeting rooms for up to 130 people, and a wedding chapel
.
The recently opened One&Only Cape Town, comprises 91 rooms and suites in a crescent-shaped tower and an additional 40 on two private islands at the center of the waterfront. Guest accommodations feature multimedia entertainment systems, Nespresso machines, MP3 docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Dining options include Gordon Ramsay’s maze and internationally acclaimed Nobu, while the lobby lounge and bar provide amazing views of Table Mountain. In addition to a free-form, infinity-edge pool, there is a fully equipped fitness center and a spa with treatment rooms for single and couple therapies, sauna, steam room, and two vitality pools. The KidsOnly program welcomes children aged four to 11 years.
Due to open in November 2009 is the Kameha Grand Bonn. Conceived as one of the largest geothermal facilities in Europe, its state-of-the-art technology makes the hotel largely emission-free. It is located on the banks of the Rhine near the city center with a picturesque view of the Siebengebirge mountain range. All 190 guest rooms and 59 suites feel open and generous, and are appointed with luxurious furnishings and modern fixtures with interiors designed by Marcel Wanders. Hotel dining options include the Brasserie Next Level and the Sushi Bar of the Elysion Lounge; in addition to four distinct bars serving fine wines by the glass. For relaxation, the Kameha Spa and Power House Fitness with heated roof-top infinity pool, sauna, steam bath, offers massages and beauty treatments.
Set across 230 hectares of olive groves and countryside, the new Rocco Forte Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is situated on the coast of Sicily, close to Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. Spacious guestrooms enjoy sea views and private balconies or terraces, while suites boast outdoor courtyard spaces and large terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. A 4,000-square-meter Verdura Spa offers 11 treatment rooms, a terrace for outdoor treatments, relaxation area, spacious fully equipped gym, covered swimming pool, thalassotherapy pools, hammam, experience showers and sauna. There is also a dedicated kids club for 4-12 year olds.
The Leading Small Hotels of the World™ has added the following properties to its roster:
Opened in July, Le Gray is situated in the historic center of Beirut, within walking distance of major museums, cultural attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The ultra-modern edifice, with 12 rooms and 75 suites, affords its guests impressive views of the Mediterranean and the hills of Mount Lebanon. Guest accommodations, designed by owner Gordon Campbell Gray and Mary Fox Linton have a cool, contemporary aesthetic, and state-of-the-art technological amenities. The hotel offers diverse and sophisticated restaurant options, including Gordon’s Café for all-day dining, Indigo on the Roof, Bar 360 with live music and DJs, and Le Cigare, the cigar lounge serving cocktails and wines by the glass. For relaxation there is Le Gray Spa with six treatment rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a gymnasium. The hotel also has a small boardroom for up to 12.
Opened in mid-May, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat is located between Nice and Monaco, at the tip of the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, facing the Mediterranean. Set in a private 17-acre estate with pine trees and flowers, the hotel has been entirely renovated and redecorated by Pierre-Yves Rochon and offers 49 rooms and 24 suites, eight of which have private plunge pools. Restaurants include the gastronomic Le Cap, with one Michelin Star; the Club-Dauphin; and the Veranda, for all-day dining. There is also an 8,500-square-foot spa with indoor swimming pool, fitness center, Jacuzzi, saunas, steam rooms and spa gardens, as well as a supervised kids’ club.
With just 39 rooms and suites, La Résidence de la Pinède is located on the seafront in St. Tropez. This stylish, intimate hotel, surrounded by magnificent maritime pine trees, offers a serene, discreet retreat on the bustling Côte d’Azur. Guests enjoy award-winning cuisine in the restaurant, which serves classic recipes with Mediterranean accents. Boasting its own private beach, the hotel also features an infinity-edge swimming pool and a private dock. For added convenience, there is a shuttle to and from the village of St. Tropez.
The recently opened, Hotel et Ryads Naoura Barrière is situated in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech, Morocco. Just steps from Jemaa Al Fna Square, the hotel is surrounded by a five-acre walled garden, offering seclusion and serenity. Each of the 85 suites has a private terrace overlooking the pool. Dining options include Fouquet’s Marrakech, for French cuisine; and Wardya, for gourmet fare at poolside. Both are complemented by Nuphar, the hotel’s bar and lounge. For recreation, there is a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool and a kids’ club. Meeting facilities can accommodate up to 80 people.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Explore the Philippines in Style with Global Nomad's 'Palawan Ultimate Weekender'
(Hong Kong, August 11, 2009) – Bespoke Philippines travel specialists Global Nomad is offering a luxury long weekend getaway to the tropical island and un-touched beauty of Palawan.
Complete with luxury accommodation in water cottages at a leading 5-star resort, gourmet cuisine and a private charter flight from Manila, with VIP 'fast track' through airports, the 'Palawan Ultimate Weekender' is priced at US$1,588 per person, based on double occupancy, until October 31.
Guests are greeted in VIP style at Manila and whisked aboard a private flight on a thrilling scenic ride over lush green islands dotted among crystal blue seas.
The acclaimed island haven is a wonderland of karst cliffs, turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and lush forests in a marine conservation area on the northwestern tip of Palawan.
For scuba divers and snorkellers, it is home to hundreds of species of coral, numerous rare birds, marine turtles and thousands of seashells, including the rare Philippine giant clam, the world’s largest bivalve.
From the quaint El Nido airport, transfers are arranged by luxury catamaran or a fully kitted outrigger, past soaring limestone cliffs and majestic islands, making it one of the most spectacular regions in Asia.
The final destination, El Nido Resorts' Lagen Island, is one of the Philippines' leading 5-star resorts, acclaimed by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for its commitment to responsible ecotourism.
Accommodation for three nights is in either water cottages on stilts or a beachfront cottage. Guests are greeted on arrival with an exclusive private dinner under the stars on a sandbar beach, served by a private chef and butler.
Global Nomad escapes are customised for those travellers seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences and with two idyllic days and a wide choice of outdoor activities and natural delights to explore, at any pace, anything is possible.
Guests can kayak and snorkel in the serene lagoons, or laze around private white sand beaches, or get more active and try scuba diving, windsurfing or rock climbing.
Meals including freshly-caught local seafood are at the resort’s buffet restaurant or two private beach club grills.
About Global Nomad
Global Nomad specialises in small, bespoke luxury tours around the Philippines, allowing guests to explore destinations undiscovered by mass tourism, experience unique cultural insights, whilst enjoying stylish comfort and exceptional cuisine.
Luxurious island villas or majestic mountain getaways can also be arranged for weddings, family reunions, and other special events, with event coordinators organizing photographers, film crews, musicians, dancers, personal butlers, nannies or any other “one-of-a-kind” experiences.
Global Nomad was founded by philanthropist Angelica Berrie. Angelica travels for inspiration and her desire to share the best her country has to offer led to the founding of Global Nomad.
Global Nomad works in close partnership with local communities to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. In all remote destinations, they provide equipment and expert guidance to help farmers and fishermen set up organic farms, providing enhanced livelihood options and more nourishing food for both locals and guests.
In coastal areas, Global Nomad supports educational programs to promote reef conservation and works with national organizations developing community tourism projects. The brand also takes all necessary steps to ensure that donations directly benefit their intended recipients, and maintains regular contact with donors to let them know how their gifts are being received.
Address: Global Nomad, 20th Floor, Central Tower, 28 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: +852 21599133
Fax: +852 21599688
Email: info@global-nomad.com
Web Site: www.global-nomad.com
Complete with luxury accommodation in water cottages at a leading 5-star resort, gourmet cuisine and a private charter flight from Manila, with VIP 'fast track' through airports, the 'Palawan Ultimate Weekender' is priced at US$1,588 per person, based on double occupancy, until October 31.
Guests are greeted in VIP style at Manila and whisked aboard a private flight on a thrilling scenic ride over lush green islands dotted among crystal blue seas.
The acclaimed island haven is a wonderland of karst cliffs, turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches and lush forests in a marine conservation area on the northwestern tip of Palawan.
For scuba divers and snorkellers, it is home to hundreds of species of coral, numerous rare birds, marine turtles and thousands of seashells, including the rare Philippine giant clam, the world’s largest bivalve.
From the quaint El Nido airport, transfers are arranged by luxury catamaran or a fully kitted outrigger, past soaring limestone cliffs and majestic islands, making it one of the most spectacular regions in Asia.
The final destination, El Nido Resorts' Lagen Island, is one of the Philippines' leading 5-star resorts, acclaimed by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for its commitment to responsible ecotourism.
Accommodation for three nights is in either water cottages on stilts or a beachfront cottage. Guests are greeted on arrival with an exclusive private dinner under the stars on a sandbar beach, served by a private chef and butler.
Global Nomad escapes are customised for those travellers seeking off-the-beaten-track experiences and with two idyllic days and a wide choice of outdoor activities and natural delights to explore, at any pace, anything is possible.
Guests can kayak and snorkel in the serene lagoons, or laze around private white sand beaches, or get more active and try scuba diving, windsurfing or rock climbing.
Meals including freshly-caught local seafood are at the resort’s buffet restaurant or two private beach club grills.
About Global Nomad
Global Nomad specialises in small, bespoke luxury tours around the Philippines, allowing guests to explore destinations undiscovered by mass tourism, experience unique cultural insights, whilst enjoying stylish comfort and exceptional cuisine.
Luxurious island villas or majestic mountain getaways can also be arranged for weddings, family reunions, and other special events, with event coordinators organizing photographers, film crews, musicians, dancers, personal butlers, nannies or any other “one-of-a-kind” experiences.
Global Nomad was founded by philanthropist Angelica Berrie. Angelica travels for inspiration and her desire to share the best her country has to offer led to the founding of Global Nomad.
Global Nomad works in close partnership with local communities to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development. In all remote destinations, they provide equipment and expert guidance to help farmers and fishermen set up organic farms, providing enhanced livelihood options and more nourishing food for both locals and guests.
In coastal areas, Global Nomad supports educational programs to promote reef conservation and works with national organizations developing community tourism projects. The brand also takes all necessary steps to ensure that donations directly benefit their intended recipients, and maintains regular contact with donors to let them know how their gifts are being received.
Address: Global Nomad, 20th Floor, Central Tower, 28 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: +852 21599133
Fax: +852 21599688
Email: info@global-nomad.com
Web Site: www.global-nomad.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Shilla Seoul – A Showcase for Contemporary Art
(Seoul, August 6, 2009) – South Korea’s leading luxury hotel The Shilla Seoul is continuing to build on its reputation as a showcase for contemporary oriental and international art, alongside its five star, state-of-the-art guest facilities and service.
Set in its own 23-acre private park right in the heart of downtown Seoul, The Shilla is already known for its impressive outdoor 'Sculpture Garden' the first of its kind in Korea and which features 70 large stone sculptures by 40 leading Korean artists which line the leafy walking and jogging paths that weave their way through wooded parkland and landscaped gardens.
Now the Shilla’s "gallery" is extending indoors, housing a vast collection of around 2,000 paintings, drawings, pottery and sculptures complementing its upgrade as a 'lifestyle destination'.
Guests are intrigued from the moment they arrive in the lobby, to be greeted by an eye-catching sculpture of thousands of clear acryl beads in the shape of an elongated diamond hanging fluidly from the ceiling.
Entitled ‘An Aggregate’, it was created by the renowned Korean artist Sun Ghi Bahk, and won the prestigious Jong Yong Kim Sculpture Award in 2006. Bahk says the beaded sculpture, reminiscent of Christmas decorations in a calm mist, "symbolises space and life".
The lobby also showcases pieces by the famous kinetic artist Rafael Soto, Tony Delap, famed for his ‘Museum of Modern Arts’ work now on exhibit at The New York Modern Art Museum, and Chang Sup Jung.
The "gallery" extends to The Shilla's newly upgraded restaurants. International all-day dining venue The Parkview features eight works by the famous American pop artists Tom Wesselmann and Bill Thompson, complementing new interior design by Peter Remedios, renowned for his styling of Four Seasons, New York and Grand Hyatt, Tokyo.
Multi award-winning Chinese restaurant Palsun features a specifically commissioned collection of complementary western and eastern art, including works by celebrated Korean artist Sae Ok Seo, the potter Young Sook Park, and famous Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
The VIP room and Library bar on the 1st floor showcase renowned abstract artists including Picasso.
On the 23rd floor, complementing majestic views over the city, are works by the French artist Armand, while the expansive Banquet Hall and Conference Centre, the largest in the city, exhibit prestigious works by Salvador Dali, Picasso, Antonia Pierre and the Korean artist Ki Chang Kim.
No surprise, perhaps, that this thought-provoking collection of eclectic art has earned The Shilla an appropriate new nickname in artistic circles -- commonly known as ‘The Gallery Hotel’.
The Shilla Jeju, sister hotel to The Shilla Seoul and similarly a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World, also houses an outstanding collection of world class contemporary art by artists such as Salvador Dali – his original ‘Space Venus’ is on display in the hotel’s striking white marble lobby. Other noteworthy works are housed throughout the hotel’s public areas and within its presidential suites, which have over the years welcomed many of the world’s leading dignitaries including Bill Clinton etc,.
The Shilla Hotels are part of the Korean electronics giant the Samsung Group which also owns and operates the renowned Leeum gallery in Seoul.
Set in its own 23-acre private park right in the heart of downtown Seoul, The Shilla is already known for its impressive outdoor 'Sculpture Garden' the first of its kind in Korea and which features 70 large stone sculptures by 40 leading Korean artists which line the leafy walking and jogging paths that weave their way through wooded parkland and landscaped gardens.
Now the Shilla’s "gallery" is extending indoors, housing a vast collection of around 2,000 paintings, drawings, pottery and sculptures complementing its upgrade as a 'lifestyle destination'.
Guests are intrigued from the moment they arrive in the lobby, to be greeted by an eye-catching sculpture of thousands of clear acryl beads in the shape of an elongated diamond hanging fluidly from the ceiling.
Entitled ‘An Aggregate’, it was created by the renowned Korean artist Sun Ghi Bahk, and won the prestigious Jong Yong Kim Sculpture Award in 2006. Bahk says the beaded sculpture, reminiscent of Christmas decorations in a calm mist, "symbolises space and life".
The lobby also showcases pieces by the famous kinetic artist Rafael Soto, Tony Delap, famed for his ‘Museum of Modern Arts’ work now on exhibit at The New York Modern Art Museum, and Chang Sup Jung.
The "gallery" extends to The Shilla's newly upgraded restaurants. International all-day dining venue The Parkview features eight works by the famous American pop artists Tom Wesselmann and Bill Thompson, complementing new interior design by Peter Remedios, renowned for his styling of Four Seasons, New York and Grand Hyatt, Tokyo.
Multi award-winning Chinese restaurant Palsun features a specifically commissioned collection of complementary western and eastern art, including works by celebrated Korean artist Sae Ok Seo, the potter Young Sook Park, and famous Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
The VIP room and Library bar on the 1st floor showcase renowned abstract artists including Picasso.
On the 23rd floor, complementing majestic views over the city, are works by the French artist Armand, while the expansive Banquet Hall and Conference Centre, the largest in the city, exhibit prestigious works by Salvador Dali, Picasso, Antonia Pierre and the Korean artist Ki Chang Kim.
No surprise, perhaps, that this thought-provoking collection of eclectic art has earned The Shilla an appropriate new nickname in artistic circles -- commonly known as ‘The Gallery Hotel’.
The Shilla Jeju, sister hotel to The Shilla Seoul and similarly a member of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World, also houses an outstanding collection of world class contemporary art by artists such as Salvador Dali – his original ‘Space Venus’ is on display in the hotel’s striking white marble lobby. Other noteworthy works are housed throughout the hotel’s public areas and within its presidential suites, which have over the years welcomed many of the world’s leading dignitaries including Bill Clinton etc,.
The Shilla Hotels are part of the Korean electronics giant the Samsung Group which also owns and operates the renowned Leeum gallery in Seoul.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The UK Hotel Brand ‘City Inn’ Selects WORLDHOTELS
(Hong Kong, July 30, 2009) － City Inn, the award winning contemporary UK hotel brand, selects WORLDHOTELS as its strategic partner for global marketing, sales and distribution. WORLDHOTELS is one of the leading groups for independent hotels and regional brands worldwide with a portfolio of almost 500 unique hotels. The new partnership with City Inn emphasises the importance of the UK market for WORLDHOTELS and its ambitions to further strategically expand its UK portfolio.
City Inn was founded in 1995 by Sandy Orr OBE (Executive Chairman), his son David Orr (Chief Executive and Co-Founder) and Donald MacDonald CBE (Vice Chairman), in a joint venture with the Bank of Scotland. Extensive research into the requirements of business travellers led to the creation of City Inn as a new brand of modern, stylish, city centre hotels.
All of the hotels are new builds with state of the art facilities, including 'fresh' air conditioning, floor to ceiling 'openable' windows which maximise natural sunlight, award winning iMac multimedia entertainment systems giving customers access to a computer with internet access and Sky and Terrestrial TV channels. Another highlight is the critically acclaimed City Café, a destination restaurant with outdoor terraces for al fresco dining, vibrant lounge bars and flexible meetings and events spaces. City Inn now boasts five upmarket hotels in Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
A new City Inn Hotel is scheduled to open in Leeds on July 20, 2009. Part of the new Leeds Granary Wharf regeneration project, it is located adjacent to Leeds train station. A unique feature is the Sky Lounge with meeting rooms on the 13th floor offering 360 degree panoramic views over Leeds City. In line with its strategy of developing hotels in prime UK and International city centres, City Inn is planning further openings in London, right next to the famous Tower of London, and Amsterdam in 2011.
“With its uncompromising approach to quality, a commitment to innovation and putting customers first, City Inn is the perfect partner for WORLDHOTELS”, said Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS’ Vice President Asia Pacific. “It offers a modern alternative to the traditional large hotel and provides added-value accommodation in thriving city centre locations. By welcoming City Inn Hotels, WORLDHOTELS is now present in all major high demand business destinations in the UK.”
Huw O’Connor, Managing Director of City Inn said, “We have a strong awareness within the UK but as a relatively new and small business we face a more significant challenge internationally. Having thoroughly researched the options and potential partners, we believe that WORLDHOTELS with its brand strength, global sales network and technology is the best partner to help spread the multi-award winning City Inn message to a much broader international audience."
WORLDHOTELS now has 11 hotels in the UK. “Both the Asian and the Australian markets have strong demand for destination UK and we are delighted to offer these new additions to our growing European portfolio of hotels,” said Roland Jegge.
City Inn was founded in 1995 by Sandy Orr OBE (Executive Chairman), his son David Orr (Chief Executive and Co-Founder) and Donald MacDonald CBE (Vice Chairman), in a joint venture with the Bank of Scotland. Extensive research into the requirements of business travellers led to the creation of City Inn as a new brand of modern, stylish, city centre hotels.
All of the hotels are new builds with state of the art facilities, including 'fresh' air conditioning, floor to ceiling 'openable' windows which maximise natural sunlight, award winning iMac multimedia entertainment systems giving customers access to a computer with internet access and Sky and Terrestrial TV channels. Another highlight is the critically acclaimed City Café, a destination restaurant with outdoor terraces for al fresco dining, vibrant lounge bars and flexible meetings and events spaces. City Inn now boasts five upmarket hotels in Bristol, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London.
A new City Inn Hotel is scheduled to open in Leeds on July 20, 2009. Part of the new Leeds Granary Wharf regeneration project, it is located adjacent to Leeds train station. A unique feature is the Sky Lounge with meeting rooms on the 13th floor offering 360 degree panoramic views over Leeds City. In line with its strategy of developing hotels in prime UK and International city centres, City Inn is planning further openings in London, right next to the famous Tower of London, and Amsterdam in 2011.
“With its uncompromising approach to quality, a commitment to innovation and putting customers first, City Inn is the perfect partner for WORLDHOTELS”, said Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS’ Vice President Asia Pacific. “It offers a modern alternative to the traditional large hotel and provides added-value accommodation in thriving city centre locations. By welcoming City Inn Hotels, WORLDHOTELS is now present in all major high demand business destinations in the UK.”
Huw O’Connor, Managing Director of City Inn said, “We have a strong awareness within the UK but as a relatively new and small business we face a more significant challenge internationally. Having thoroughly researched the options and potential partners, we believe that WORLDHOTELS with its brand strength, global sales network and technology is the best partner to help spread the multi-award winning City Inn message to a much broader international audience."
WORLDHOTELS now has 11 hotels in the UK. “Both the Asian and the Australian markets have strong demand for destination UK and we are delighted to offer these new additions to our growing European portfolio of hotels,” said Roland Jegge.
Relais & Châteaux “Journey of the Soul” around Asia
(Hong Kong, July 30, 2009) — With a fast-expanding network in Asia, Relais & Châteaux is now promoting a unique ‘Journey of the Soul’ for well-being through the region’s different massages and traditional medicines.
Traditional massage and healing is the oldest and simplest form of medical care, dating back to ancient times in Asia.
The ‘roadmap’ to balancing body, mind and soul extends from India, China and Thailand to Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Among the best-known, the Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Phaen Boran, draws significantly from India's ancient Ayurvedic traditions. Therapists use their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many say Thai massage is like doing yoga without doing any work!
Benefits include relief from stress, deep relaxation, warmed and stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater flexibility, increased and focused energy levels, prevention of injury, relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of confidence and well-being.
To experience a truly authentic Thai massage, Relais & Châteaux recommends:
The Rachamankha in Chiang Mai, a haven of peace in the centre of the ancient walled city; The Eugenia, a late 19th century colonial-style haven in the heart of Bangkok; and Phuket Pavilions in Phuket, the island’s most seductive all pool villa resort.
India’s Ayurvedic Kalari Massage is the ‘mother of all healing’. Much more than a wellness programme, it offers rejuvenation, better flexibility, reduction of fat tissues and treatments for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, headache and stress related disorders.
Kalari Massage is naturally practiced at Malabar House, a Relais & Châteaux property in Fort Cochin, in the heart of Kerala – the birthplace of Ayurveda.
Tui Na, Chinese Acupressure is a fundamental part of Chinese medicine, not only at spas and massage centers but also medical clinics and hospitals. It emphasizes pressing and kneading of the energy points and channels.
Complementing Tui Na is foot reflexology, which treats the foot as a microcosmic map for the whole body. For example, the heel is connected to organs in the lower abdomen, while the toes correspond to eyes and other regions of the face. Thus, a Chinese foot massage not only relieves foot fatigue, but revitalizes the entire body.
In Guilin, HOMA’s therapists are trained extensively in these ancient techniques.
Indonesia is the archipelago of massage techniques Urut, Pijat and Boreh.
For Urut, therapists use fingers, palms and sometimes the whole body to manipulate muscles and energy pathways, improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. This technique is quite intense and can be uncomfortable at first.
Pijat massage is far gentler, with repetitive squeezing and kneading to relax tense muscles and calm the body. Boreh incorporates a traditional Balinese spice body mask to warm the body, improve blood circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains, chills and headaches.
To experience these treatments in Bali, visit Matahari Beach Resort & Spa or Bali Pavilions.
Traditional Malay Massage uses touch, tone and aromatherapy for a memorable and sensory experience. Massage starts with long kneading, pushing and stroking to ease muscle and joint pain, targeting pressure points.
Treatment uses oil made from herbs blended to invigorate circulation. Treatment concludes with an ancient aromatherapy remedy of local herbal roots and flower buds mixed in an earthen pot.
Japamala Resort in the small island of Tioman offers a wide selection of massages in the Samadhi Spa, overlooking the South China Sea.
Cambodia’s Traditional Khmer Massage combines acupressure points, pushing, pressing and light stretching movements. It helps to recover a smooth energy flow and increases flexibility.
Tradition Khmer massages are the specialty of Bodia Spa at the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap.
There is something for everyone at Relais & Châteaux.
ABOUT RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.
From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.
Information and reservations:
Shanghai + 86 21 5212 2067
Hong Kong + 852 3121 3616
Australia, New Zealand + 61 2 9299 2280
South East Asia coming soon
Website: www.relaischateaux.com
Traditional massage and healing is the oldest and simplest form of medical care, dating back to ancient times in Asia.
The ‘roadmap’ to balancing body, mind and soul extends from India, China and Thailand to Indonesia, Cambodia and Malaysia.
Among the best-known, the Traditional Thai Massage, or Nuad Phaen Boran, draws significantly from India's ancient Ayurvedic traditions. Therapists use their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many say Thai massage is like doing yoga without doing any work!
Benefits include relief from stress, deep relaxation, warmed and stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater flexibility, increased and focused energy levels, prevention of injury, relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of confidence and well-being.
To experience a truly authentic Thai massage, Relais & Châteaux recommends:
The Rachamankha in Chiang Mai, a haven of peace in the centre of the ancient walled city; The Eugenia, a late 19th century colonial-style haven in the heart of Bangkok; and Phuket Pavilions in Phuket, the island’s most seductive all pool villa resort.
India’s Ayurvedic Kalari Massage is the ‘mother of all healing’. Much more than a wellness programme, it offers rejuvenation, better flexibility, reduction of fat tissues and treatments for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, headache and stress related disorders.
Kalari Massage is naturally practiced at Malabar House, a Relais & Châteaux property in Fort Cochin, in the heart of Kerala – the birthplace of Ayurveda.
Tui Na, Chinese Acupressure is a fundamental part of Chinese medicine, not only at spas and massage centers but also medical clinics and hospitals. It emphasizes pressing and kneading of the energy points and channels.
Complementing Tui Na is foot reflexology, which treats the foot as a microcosmic map for the whole body. For example, the heel is connected to organs in the lower abdomen, while the toes correspond to eyes and other regions of the face. Thus, a Chinese foot massage not only relieves foot fatigue, but revitalizes the entire body.
In Guilin, HOMA’s therapists are trained extensively in these ancient techniques.
Indonesia is the archipelago of massage techniques Urut, Pijat and Boreh.
For Urut, therapists use fingers, palms and sometimes the whole body to manipulate muscles and energy pathways, improving blood circulation and eliminating toxins. This technique is quite intense and can be uncomfortable at first.
Pijat massage is far gentler, with repetitive squeezing and kneading to relax tense muscles and calm the body. Boreh incorporates a traditional Balinese spice body mask to warm the body, improve blood circulation and relieve muscular aches and pains, chills and headaches.
To experience these treatments in Bali, visit Matahari Beach Resort & Spa or Bali Pavilions.
Traditional Malay Massage uses touch, tone and aromatherapy for a memorable and sensory experience. Massage starts with long kneading, pushing and stroking to ease muscle and joint pain, targeting pressure points.
Treatment uses oil made from herbs blended to invigorate circulation. Treatment concludes with an ancient aromatherapy remedy of local herbal roots and flower buds mixed in an earthen pot.
Japamala Resort in the small island of Tioman offers a wide selection of massages in the Samadhi Spa, overlooking the South China Sea.
Cambodia’s Traditional Khmer Massage combines acupressure points, pushing, pressing and light stretching movements. It helps to recover a smooth energy flow and increases flexibility.
Tradition Khmer massages are the specialty of Bodia Spa at the Heritage Suites Hotel in Siem Reap.
There is something for everyone at Relais & Châteaux.
ABOUT RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.
From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.
Information and reservations:
Shanghai + 86 21 5212 2067
Hong Kong + 852 3121 3616
Australia, New Zealand + 61 2 9299 2280
South East Asia coming soon
Website: www.relaischateaux.com
T+L Readers Vote The Leading Hotels of the World as Leaders of the Pack
HONG KONG (July 31, 2009) - The readers of Travel + Leisure have spoken once again, and the results of the 14th annual poll are in. Leading Hotels’ legacy holds strong, with an impressive number of hotels from the collection landing among the winning set.
Making headlines this year:
Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, took the #1 spot in the category of Resorts in the Continental U.S. and Canada (40 Rooms or More).
Grand Hotel Baglioni in Bologna, Italy, also boasts a #1 ranking in a distinct category, Europe’s Large City Hotels.
Both Leading Hotels in Hawaii made the Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii list: Halekulani at #1 and Kahala Hotel & Resort at #9
While the five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, in Cape Town, South Africa, was voted #1 City Hotel in Africa and the Middle East,
The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, was named #1 among the Top 15 City Hotels in the region of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Among the Top 100 Hotels Overall, a total of 12 Leading Hotels made the cut, with Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, and Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, South Africa, named among the Top 15, #14 and #15 respectively.
Additional inclusions from this prestigious, all-encompassing Top 100 list include: Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico (#23); Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg, South Africa (#29); Grand Hotel Baglioni, Bologna, Italy (#31); Halekulani, Oahu, Hawaii (#41); Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona (#51); Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa; Taj Lake Palace, Jaipur, India (#78); Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India (#87); Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina (#98); Hotel Le Royal, Luxembourg (#100).
Following are additional noteworthy Leading Hotel mentions from around the world:
US and Canada
Seven Leading Hotels were named in the Top 50 Resorts, including:
Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina, #1
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona, #3
Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California, #18
White Face Lodge, Lake Placid, New York, #22
Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, Vail, Colorado, #28
The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, Pasadena, California, #33
Tide Inn, Irvington, Virginia, #35
Among the Top 50 Large City Hotels, with 100 or more rooms, six Leading Hotels made the cut:
Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, New York, #17
The Hay-Adams, Washington, DC, #24
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, New York, New York, #30
The Setai, Miami, Florida, #37
Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica, California, #39
Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada, #49
The two Leading Hotels that made the Top 10 Small City Hotels list were the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, Palm Beach, Florida, #7, and Hotel Le St. James, Montreal, Canada, #9.
Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas
Among the Top 25 Resorts there were four Leading Hotels:
Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, #6
Cap Juluca, Maunday’s Bay, Anguilla, #10
Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, #12
One&Only Ocean Club, Nassau, The Bahamas, #15
Europe
The three Leading Hotels among the Top 10 Resorts, were
Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy, #7
Grand Hotel Park, Gstaad, Switzerland, #9
Suvretta House, St. Moritz, Switzerland, #10
Five Leading Hotels claimed spots among the Top 15 Large City Hotels:
Grand Hotel Baglioni, Bologna, Italy, #1
Hotel Le Royal, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, #7
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinksi, Munich, Germany, #8
Ritz Paris, Paris, France, #11
Hotel Sacher Wien, Vienna, Austria, #13
The Milestone Hotel, London, England, came in at #10 among the Top 10 Small City Hotels.
Central and South America
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa in Bariloche, Argentina, placed #9 among the Top 10 Resorts, while three Leading Hotels were among the Top 10 City Hotels:
Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina, #2
Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil, Ecuador #7
Bristol, Panama City, Panama, #10
Mexico
Among the Top 15 Resorts were:
Esperanza, Los Cabos, #2
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, #8
Las Brisas, Acapulco, #14
The Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, #15
Camino Real Club & Suites placed #4 among the Top 5 City Hotels.
Africa and the Middle East
Three Leading Hotels made the Top 5 City Hotels:
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa, #1
Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa, #2
Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa, #4
Asia
Among the Top 15 Resorts, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur India, ranked #11, and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, came in at #14.
Among the Top 25 City Hotels, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, India ranked #16.
Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
Among the Top 15 Resorts were Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, Australia at #4, and Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand, at #8. The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, was named #1 among the Top 20 City Hotels in the region.
And making the magazine’s It List: 45 Best New Hotels of 2009, were: The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland; Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand; Encantado – An Auberge Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, California.
Methodology:
A questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure- in association with Harris Interactive, an independent research firm, was made available to Travel + Leisure readers at tlworldsbest.com from January 15, 2009, to March 29, 2009. In the February and March 2009 issues of Travel + Leisure, readers were invited to participate. A select group of readers also received invitations via e-mail. Respondents were permitted to complete the survey only once. To protect the integrity of the data, after March 29, 2009, respondents were screened by Travel + Leisure and responses from any identified travel-industry professionals who completed the survey were eliminated from the final tally by Harris Interactive. Only candidates that received a required minimum number of responses were eligible for inclusion.
Making headlines this year:
Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, took the #1 spot in the category of Resorts in the Continental U.S. and Canada (40 Rooms or More).
Grand Hotel Baglioni in Bologna, Italy, also boasts a #1 ranking in a distinct category, Europe’s Large City Hotels.
Both Leading Hotels in Hawaii made the Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii list: Halekulani at #1 and Kahala Hotel & Resort at #9
While the five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, in Cape Town, South Africa, was voted #1 City Hotel in Africa and the Middle East,
The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, was named #1 among the Top 15 City Hotels in the region of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Among the Top 100 Hotels Overall, a total of 12 Leading Hotels made the cut, with Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, and Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, South Africa, named among the Top 15, #14 and #15 respectively.
Additional inclusions from this prestigious, all-encompassing Top 100 list include: Esperanza Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico (#23); Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa in Johannesburg, South Africa (#29); Grand Hotel Baglioni, Bologna, Italy (#31); Halekulani, Oahu, Hawaii (#41); Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona (#51); Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa; Taj Lake Palace, Jaipur, India (#78); Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India (#87); Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina (#98); Hotel Le Royal, Luxembourg (#100).
Following are additional noteworthy Leading Hotel mentions from around the world:
US and Canada
Seven Leading Hotels were named in the Top 50 Resorts, including:
Inn at Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina, #1
Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona, #3
Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, California, #18
White Face Lodge, Lake Placid, New York, #22
Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, Vail, Colorado, #28
The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa, Pasadena, California, #33
Tide Inn, Irvington, Virginia, #35
Among the Top 50 Large City Hotels, with 100 or more rooms, six Leading Hotels made the cut:
Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, New York, #17
The Hay-Adams, Washington, DC, #24
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, New York, New York, #30
The Setai, Miami, Florida, #37
Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica, California, #39
Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada, #49
The two Leading Hotels that made the Top 10 Small City Hotels list were the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club, Palm Beach, Florida, #7, and Hotel Le St. James, Montreal, Canada, #9.
Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas
Among the Top 25 Resorts there were four Leading Hotels:
Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, #6
Cap Juluca, Maunday’s Bay, Anguilla, #10
Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, #12
One&Only Ocean Club, Nassau, The Bahamas, #15
Europe
The three Leading Hotels among the Top 10 Resorts, were
Hotel Caruso, Ravello, Italy, #7
Grand Hotel Park, Gstaad, Switzerland, #9
Suvretta House, St. Moritz, Switzerland, #10
Five Leading Hotels claimed spots among the Top 15 Large City Hotels:
Grand Hotel Baglioni, Bologna, Italy, #1
Hotel Le Royal, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, #7
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinksi, Munich, Germany, #8
Ritz Paris, Paris, France, #11
Hotel Sacher Wien, Vienna, Austria, #13
The Milestone Hotel, London, England, came in at #10 among the Top 10 Small City Hotels.
Central and South America
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa in Bariloche, Argentina, placed #9 among the Top 10 Resorts, while three Leading Hotels were among the Top 10 City Hotels:
Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina, #2
Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil, Ecuador #7
Bristol, Panama City, Panama, #10
Mexico
Among the Top 15 Resorts were:
Esperanza, Los Cabos, #2
One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, #8
Las Brisas, Acapulco, #14
The Royal Hideaway Playacar, Riviera Maya, #15
Camino Real Club & Suites placed #4 among the Top 5 City Hotels.
Africa and the Middle East
Three Leading Hotels made the Top 5 City Hotels:
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa, #1
Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa, #2
Cape Grace, Cape Town, South Africa, #4
Asia
Among the Top 15 Resorts, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur India, ranked #11, and Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, came in at #14.
Among the Top 25 City Hotels, The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, India ranked #16.
Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
Among the Top 15 Resorts were Hayman, Great Barrier Reef, Australia at #4, and Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand, at #8. The Langham Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, was named #1 among the Top 20 City Hotels in the region.
And making the magazine’s It List: 45 Best New Hotels of 2009, were: The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland; Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, Phuket, Thailand; Encantado – An Auberge Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, California.
Methodology:
A questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure- in association with Harris Interactive, an independent research firm, was made available to Travel + Leisure readers at tlworldsbest.com from January 15, 2009, to March 29, 2009. In the February and March 2009 issues of Travel + Leisure, readers were invited to participate. A select group of readers also received invitations via e-mail. Respondents were permitted to complete the survey only once. To protect the integrity of the data, after March 29, 2009, respondents were screened by Travel + Leisure and responses from any identified travel-industry professionals who completed the survey were eliminated from the final tally by Harris Interactive. Only candidates that received a required minimum number of responses were eligible for inclusion.
Steak Your Claim at ROKA
(Hong Kong, July 31, 2009) – Prized organic Australian beef is a sensation on the menu at Pacific Place mall’s popular robata grill, ROKA.
ROKA, known for its delicious Robata dishes, has become a hit with meat lovers with new prime cuts grilled over one of the very few charcoal grills in town. Diners are swarming after the succulent grain-fed beef sourced from Japanese-owned Rangers Valley in the northern tablelands of New South Wales.
From the cool, stress-free pastures a thousand metres above sea-level, signature main cuts perfectly grilled over the restaurant's Robata grill include sirloin (8oz, HK$235), ribeye (10oz, HK$295), tenderloin (8oz, HK$360) and the much sought after Porter House (35oz, HK$1,200).
Also new on the grill is prized Wagyu, served with fresh wasabi (HK$580), along with koushi-style veal chop (HK$360) and buta niku grilled pork chop (HK$265).
The new organic range of grilled beef and meat is served with a choice of six must-try sauces -- spicy, ume miso, barley miso, shiso béarnaise, teriyaki and wafu - adding a perfect Japanese twist to the delicious steak options.
ROKA’s menu also serves up a selection of delicious grilled vegetables to go perfectly with their tasty meats. Vegetables dishes such as Eggplant in mirin, ginger and soy; grilled sweet potato; grilled sweetcorn; grilled courgettes and more are a match made in heaven.
Another Japanese summer specialty complementing ROKA’s renowned robata grill menu is refreshingly chilled handmade noodles, served with dipping sauces.
The tradition of thin soba noodles made from buckwheat, and thick udon noodles made from wheat, dates back to Japan's 'shogun' Tokugawa era, from 1603 to 1868 -- when inexpensive noodle shops were like today’s 'fast food' cafes.
In addition to organic beef and traditional noodles, ROKA’s menu features premium sashimi and sushi, miso soups, tempuras, rice hot pots, signature dishes such as spicy beef and pickled cabbage dumplings, and unique desserts.
Premium sake is also recommended, including refreshing 'jumai' sake with hints of green apples and ripe pears priced at HK$280, and 'daiginjo' flavoured with banana and chestnut at HK$480.
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
Website: www.rokarestaurant.com
ROKA, known for its delicious Robata dishes, has become a hit with meat lovers with new prime cuts grilled over one of the very few charcoal grills in town. Diners are swarming after the succulent grain-fed beef sourced from Japanese-owned Rangers Valley in the northern tablelands of New South Wales.
From the cool, stress-free pastures a thousand metres above sea-level, signature main cuts perfectly grilled over the restaurant's Robata grill include sirloin (8oz, HK$235), ribeye (10oz, HK$295), tenderloin (8oz, HK$360) and the much sought after Porter House (35oz, HK$1,200).
Also new on the grill is prized Wagyu, served with fresh wasabi (HK$580), along with koushi-style veal chop (HK$360) and buta niku grilled pork chop (HK$265).
The new organic range of grilled beef and meat is served with a choice of six must-try sauces -- spicy, ume miso, barley miso, shiso béarnaise, teriyaki and wafu - adding a perfect Japanese twist to the delicious steak options.
ROKA’s menu also serves up a selection of delicious grilled vegetables to go perfectly with their tasty meats. Vegetables dishes such as Eggplant in mirin, ginger and soy; grilled sweet potato; grilled sweetcorn; grilled courgettes and more are a match made in heaven.
Another Japanese summer specialty complementing ROKA’s renowned robata grill menu is refreshingly chilled handmade noodles, served with dipping sauces.
The tradition of thin soba noodles made from buckwheat, and thick udon noodles made from wheat, dates back to Japan's 'shogun' Tokugawa era, from 1603 to 1868 -- when inexpensive noodle shops were like today’s 'fast food' cafes.
In addition to organic beef and traditional noodles, ROKA’s menu features premium sashimi and sushi, miso soups, tempuras, rice hot pots, signature dishes such as spicy beef and pickled cabbage dumplings, and unique desserts.
Premium sake is also recommended, including refreshing 'jumai' sake with hints of green apples and ripe pears priced at HK$280, and 'daiginjo' flavoured with banana and chestnut at HK$480.
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
Website: www.rokarestaurant.com
Hong Kong’s Secret Indulgence at zuma
(Hong Kong, August 3, 2009) – Internationally acclaimed Japanese restaurant and nightspot zuma at The Landmark has Hong Kong’s best kept secret – an indulgence menu of unique signature desserts and one of the town’s most creative pastry chefs.
New on the menu at the venue, voted No 51 in the 'S.Pellegrino’s World’s Best Restaurants Awards 2009', are two delectable desserts: Amedei chocolate, sansho gelee, hazelnut crumble and sansho mint ice cream (HK$138) and layered rhubarb, vanilla and raspberry snowball, with crispy rice cracker and sobacha ice cream (HK$90).
The latest 'must try' creations compliment one of Hong Kong's most celebrated dessert menus, designed by Head Pastry Chef Eddy Lee, who has trained under celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White, Alain Ducasse and Alan Yau.
Among dessert aficionados, zuma is renowned for its most popular all-time favourite, green tea banana cake with coconut ice cream and peanut toffee sauce (HK$85). Another crowd pleaser, zuma’s “Special Chocolate Cake” (which is not listed on the menu) is a dessert not to be missed. Aptly named the “Special Chocolate Cake” this dessert is truly to die for.
"Once it was on the menu, it was a hit. I felt it was unfair on my other desserts so I took it off the menu," said Lee. "But even then, customers who knew about it continued to order. So it became a special word-of-mouth secret treat."
Styled especially for Hong Kong is the tasty coffee & lemon cream with espresso granite, hazelnut ‘crunch’ and Hokkaido milk ice (HK$95). "It's layered a bit like English trifle because people in Hong Kong prefer puddings eaten with spoons to cakes and pies," said Chef Lee.
His personal favourite is poached peach with jasmine and wild strawberries with buckwheat biscuit (HK$95). "It's perfectly balanced and very Japanese in style -- simple, elegant, light and delicious with bright, fresh flavours and varied textures," he explained.
Other iconic favourites on the menu include tropical fruit ‘chawan mushi’ and crispy sesame cookie (HK$75), almond milk tofu on yoghurt biscuit with Morellocherries, cherry sorbet and cherry wafer (HK$80) and tropical fruit platter with yuzu sorbet (HK$95).
Chef Lee, who joined the original zuma when it opened in London and is now based permanently in Hong Kong, adopts a simple, 'no nonsense' approach to his specialty.
"We just try to find flavors that are fresh and clean, not too complicated," he said. "Simplicity is the key. We don’t use 'out of place' chocolate as garnishes. I prefer incorporating thin crispy biscuits."
But he considers desserts an essential element of dining: "Dessert completes the experience, and zuma desserts help to define our style."
zuma's celebrated dessert menu is complimented by unique dessert wines and sakes, ranging from affordable Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora Milawa, 2008 at HK$75 a glass and Peach Sake Yamagata at HK$120 to Chateau d’ Yquem Bordeaux, 2002 at HK$5,020 a bottle.
Alternatively, they can be enjoyed with a choice of Japanese green, Oolong and black teas, and Illy coffees.
Address: Level 5 and 6, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
For reservations: (852) 3657 6388
New on the menu at the venue, voted No 51 in the 'S.Pellegrino’s World’s Best Restaurants Awards 2009', are two delectable desserts: Amedei chocolate, sansho gelee, hazelnut crumble and sansho mint ice cream (HK$138) and layered rhubarb, vanilla and raspberry snowball, with crispy rice cracker and sobacha ice cream (HK$90).
The latest 'must try' creations compliment one of Hong Kong's most celebrated dessert menus, designed by Head Pastry Chef Eddy Lee, who has trained under celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White, Alain Ducasse and Alan Yau.
Among dessert aficionados, zuma is renowned for its most popular all-time favourite, green tea banana cake with coconut ice cream and peanut toffee sauce (HK$85). Another crowd pleaser, zuma’s “Special Chocolate Cake” (which is not listed on the menu) is a dessert not to be missed. Aptly named the “Special Chocolate Cake” this dessert is truly to die for.
"Once it was on the menu, it was a hit. I felt it was unfair on my other desserts so I took it off the menu," said Lee. "But even then, customers who knew about it continued to order. So it became a special word-of-mouth secret treat."
Styled especially for Hong Kong is the tasty coffee & lemon cream with espresso granite, hazelnut ‘crunch’ and Hokkaido milk ice (HK$95). "It's layered a bit like English trifle because people in Hong Kong prefer puddings eaten with spoons to cakes and pies," said Chef Lee.
His personal favourite is poached peach with jasmine and wild strawberries with buckwheat biscuit (HK$95). "It's perfectly balanced and very Japanese in style -- simple, elegant, light and delicious with bright, fresh flavours and varied textures," he explained.
Other iconic favourites on the menu include tropical fruit ‘chawan mushi’ and crispy sesame cookie (HK$75), almond milk tofu on yoghurt biscuit with Morellocherries, cherry sorbet and cherry wafer (HK$80) and tropical fruit platter with yuzu sorbet (HK$95).
Chef Lee, who joined the original zuma when it opened in London and is now based permanently in Hong Kong, adopts a simple, 'no nonsense' approach to his specialty.
"We just try to find flavors that are fresh and clean, not too complicated," he said. "Simplicity is the key. We don’t use 'out of place' chocolate as garnishes. I prefer incorporating thin crispy biscuits."
But he considers desserts an essential element of dining: "Dessert completes the experience, and zuma desserts help to define our style."
zuma's celebrated dessert menu is complimented by unique dessert wines and sakes, ranging from affordable Brown Brothers Orange Muscat & Flora Milawa, 2008 at HK$75 a glass and Peach Sake Yamagata at HK$120 to Chateau d’ Yquem Bordeaux, 2002 at HK$5,020 a bottle.
Alternatively, they can be enjoyed with a choice of Japanese green, Oolong and black teas, and Illy coffees.
Address: Level 5 and 6, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
For reservations: (852) 3657 6388
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Grand Lapa Hotel is Unveiled in Macau and Mandarin Oriental,
Hong Kong, 31 July 2009 – The former Mandarin Oriental hotel in Macau will be re-named the Grand Lapa Hotel, effective 1 August 2009. This follows the recent sale by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group of its 50% interest in the property to Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau S. A. (“STDM”), which was completed in June 2009.
The Group’s partner in the hotel, Shun Tak Holdings Limited, has also sold its 50% equity interest in the property to STDM. The Group will continue to manage and market the hotel for a period of up to two years.
The Grand Lapa Hotel will provide elegant hospitality in traditional Macanese style. The hotel features 416 well-appointed guestrooms and suites as well as comprehensive resort and wellness facilities.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide guests with a variety of cuisines from traditional Cantonese to authentic Macanese.
“We look forward to working with STDM on establishing the new identity of this well known Macau landmark,” said Michael Ziemer, General Manager.
The Group’s partner in the hotel, Shun Tak Holdings Limited, has also sold its 50% equity interest in the property to STDM. The Group will continue to manage and market the hotel for a period of up to two years.
The Grand Lapa Hotel will provide elegant hospitality in traditional Macanese style. The hotel features 416 well-appointed guestrooms and suites as well as comprehensive resort and wellness facilities.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars provide guests with a variety of cuisines from traditional Cantonese to authentic Macanese.
“We look forward to working with STDM on establishing the new identity of this well known Macau landmark,” said Michael Ziemer, General Manager.
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