dotwnews march 2015 issue

March 2015

@DOTWNEWS FEB Option 2 l5.indd 11/26/09 9:11:31 AM

Quintessential foodie experiences in the city that never sleeps

Call of the wild in Kenya Sir Bani Yas IslandLuxe safari camps

SWISS MADEA table at La Vetta

ON SAFARI

24 HOURS INMACAU

MALDIVESFinding inspiration in paradise

A CHEF'S TOUR OF

SANTIAGO

NEW-SEASON WATCHES DAZZLING JEWELS SUPERYACHTS LUXURY CARS

CAPITAL DINING IN BEIJING

Gourmet New York

SAO PAULOAn insider's guide

Cover Select2.indd 1 26/02/2015 17:35

30 Month 20XX dotwnews.com

Sectiony title

Let us plan the wedding of the year for you.

Let us look after the little details while you have the time of your life.

Let us create a sparkling atmosphere at the top of the world.

Let us offer a toast to your health, wealth and happiness together.

Terms and conditions apply. ©2015 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,

®

Your biggest day should be just as you dreamt it, which is why our wedding specialist

will be there at every step to ensure that everything is as perfect as your wish.

For more information, call The Ritz-Carlton, Doha at +974 4484 8000

or visit us at ritzcarlton.com/doha.

DOTWNews wedding ad .indd 1 2/22/2015 10:54:54 AM28 Eds Letter.indd 30 23/02/2015 15:06

dotwnews.com December 20XX 23

title SectionyContentsMarch 2015

62 Island revival One writer reignites their creative spark in the Maldives

70 Desert safariSir Bani Yas Island is the UAE’s best-kept secret

80 Wild thingsAfrica’s most luxe lodges for migration season

90 Macau in 24 hoursSee all this tiny region has to o�er in a stopover

94 São Paulo soulAn insider’s guide to the hottest spots in this Brazilian city

104 Bite into the Big AppleThe ultimate gourmet guide to New York City

On the cover

62Island vibes

With swaying palms and still waters, it’s hard not to relax on

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

23-27 Contents.indd 23 26/02/2015 16:03

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Destination_of_the_News_ad_2014_January_Issue.pdf 1 22/12/2014 14:04

title Sectiony

dotwnews.com March 2015 25

36

36 Europe See the Northern Lights in style, plus a new spa for Venice

38 Middle East & Africa Track the Great Migration through your phone; Ernie Els’ new venture 40 Asia & OceaniaAll eyes on Baku; Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong celebrates Art Basel 44 Americas Cruising the Caribbean; the latest on Virgin Galactic’s space flights

48 Debut Hot hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive new resorts

52 Diary This month’s pick of sporting, cultural and artistic events

54 VIP Polo and parties abound at the Julius Baer Gold Cup in Dubai

57 InterviewRoyal Jet’s CEO Captain Patrick Gordon on life in the pilot’s seat

126 EscapeThe best one-of-a-kind travel experiences money can buy 130 EssentialsThis month’s pick of accessories to stay stylish on your travels

134 In the airCathay Pacific’s Business Class

136 Ignition Maserari’s Quattroporte S leads a double life

138 On the road Meet the next-gen Lexus and Mustang

142 Set sailMalcolm Forbes’ Highlander is ready for a new charter season, plus Eramotive’s new Iris concept

146 Suite dreams Get up close to Africa’s exotic wildlife with a stay at the Satao Elerai Camp in Kenya

In the news

140

Spend it

ContentsMarch 2015

57

126

23-27 Contents.indd 25 26/02/2015 16:04


98

118

104

ContentsMarch 2015

Gourmet98 Taste of... BeijingThere’s never been a better time to dine in China’s capital 102 Restaurant news Finnair launches new menus; another food fest for the UAE

104 New York foodieA gourmand’s guide to the city that never sleeps

116 Gourmet journey A chef’s guide to the best foodie experiences in Santiago

118 Chef’s table Matthias Diether talks food and travel

120 Spirit of travel Turkey’s national spirit, Raki, is best enjoyed with friends

122 Reservation A table at Michelin-starred La Vetta, Switzerland

23-27 Contents.indd 27 26/02/2015 16:04


Sectiony title

28 Eds Letter.indd 30 24/02/2015 09:53

36 Luxury travel news from around the world48 This month’s best new hotels52 A guide to March’s top events54 VIP at Dubai’s Julius Baer Gold Cup56 In the air with Royal Jet CEO, Patrick Gordon

48OLD MEETS NEWJW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the latest luxe offering in Italy’s canal city

hOT EvENTS, NEW hOTELS aND gLObaL jETSETTErS

NewsMarch 2015

35 News Opener.indd 35 24/02/2015 11:50

40 March 2015 dotwnews.com

Asia & Oceania

Baku to the future

AD

There’s a select group of transcontinental countries that typify the ever-familiar East-meets-West maxim, but Azerbaijan is no such place. Baku marches to the beat of its own drum — and at quite a pace, considering the rapid development of luxury real estate in the largest city on the Caspian Sea.

After the Soviets receded just a few short decades ago, the city was restructured on an unprecedented scale, as thousands of buildings were levelled to make way for green belts, parks and gardens. That sense of grand ambition has seemingly returned in recent years with the addition of new luxury properties and with thanks to a few handfuls of petrodollars.

Some of the best-known international hospitality brands have set up shop on the Azerbaijani capital, including Jumeirah, JW Marriott, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Kempinski, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton, Ramada and Rixos. If that’s not enough for luxury lovers, Baku will welcome the ultra-luxury Trump International Hotel & Tower when it opens this summer.

The Eurasian destination has been heating up for Middle East travellers who are increasingly embracing the new freedom of visa-on-arrival, now available for most passports. There are also new routes springing up through Azerbaijan Airlines, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways. Etihad will be the next carrier to join the pack from this summer,

connecting the UAE capital to a new cultural city break that’s just two-and-a-half hours away.

Baku blends a diverse heritage, which is unsurprising considering centuries of houseguests that number the Russians, Turks and Persians. All that and more is documented in both the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan and the Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Center, which includes its own museum alongside a gallery space and concert hall. In addition, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is a surprising attraction, resembling a giant half rolled-up carpet on its side. There’s also the 12th-century Maiden Tower located in the Old City, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Azerbaijan is not without pursuits for adventurers. Visitors can trek from Baku to Balakan, Batabat and back again to discover even more ancient monuments, natural attractions, wildlife and ecological sites. The Greater and Lesser Caucasus, and the Talish Mountains span more than half of the country, providing travellers with varied landscapes to match the high-end hotels. Perhaps the best rural destination is Gabala, said to be the Switzerland of Azerbaijan, which holds the remnants of a 1,800-year-old ancient town. But you’ll know when you’re back in Baku, thanks to the spectacle of the multi-use skyscraper trio, Flame Towers, which twinkles each night thanks to 10,000 high-powered LEDs.

Asia & Oceania

40-42 Asia News.indd 40 22/02/2015 16:40

Untitled-2 1 11/24/14 1:17 PM


ADAustralia’s national airline has joined forces with Samsung to o�er virtual reality (VR) headsets to First Class flyers. Last month, Qantas said it would adopt the technology to provide 3D and 360-degree interactive experiences while passengers are in the air, o�ering a glimpse of the network of destinations on o�er. An initial trial will see a number of Samsung Gear VR headsets distributed at Qantas’ Sydney and Melbourne International First Lounges from the middle of this month, as well as in First Class cabins on some of the A380 aircraft that service Los Angeles. Qantas is working with production company Jaunt to develop and produce the live-action content, including destination footage, which will help develop the platform as a resource for promoting tourism across the network.

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is once again the o�cial hotel of Art Basel in Hong Kong. To celebrate the third consecutive year of the partnership with this premier global art event, which will run from March 15–17 at the nearby Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the hotel is o�ering guests a series of bespoke services. The so-called Art Stay package includes access for two to Art Basel, including unlimited entrance to the fair, an invitation to the VIP Vernissage, access to the Collectors Lounge and invitations to a series of fair events, as well as a welcome bottle of ‘R’ de Ruinart Champagne thrown in. After a busy day immersed in the world of art, guests can revive tired feet back at the hotel with a range of specialised treatments available at The Mandarin Spa, while foodies will enjoy the art-inspired menu in both the Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar and Pierre.

Art Basel’s artistic treats

Qantas keeps it unreal

40-42 Asia News.indd 42 22/02/2015 16:40

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amas

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star

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on N

assa

u’s p

ictu

re

perfe

ct C

able

Bea

ch is

just

one

of s

ever

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new

pro

perti

es th

at c

ompr

ise th

e Ba

ha

Mar

meg

ares

ort.

Style

d as

a B

ritish

col

onia

l en

clav

e, th

e ho

tel h

as fi

ve b

each

front

villa

s as

wel

l as a

furth

er 18

5 be

ach-

view

room

s an

d su

ites,

all d

ue to

ope

n M

arch

27.

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f lei

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act

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s, th

e ho

tel

offer

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g su

n af

ter t

wo

year

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ork f

rom

a

team

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ome

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nstru

ctio

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orke

rs.

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the

hear

t of Y

anqi

Lak

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nrise

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mpi

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l is lo

cate

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the

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han

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ntai

ns, n

ot fa

r fro

m th

e th

e M

utia

nyu

Grea

t Wal

l, Hon

gluo

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ple

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long

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ge. A

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ty

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tura

l sur

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ds, t

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uch

to

dist

ract

gue

sts w

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n ar

ray o

f act

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wat

er sp

orts

, gol

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ack

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ven

skiin

g. T

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uild

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sign,

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33_DXBSM_235_335_DODWN.pdf 1 14. 08. 27 오전 10:23

62 Finding creative inspiration in the Maldives70 Into the wild on Sir Bani Yas Island80 Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges90 24 hours in Macau94 An insider’s guide to São Paulo

80at o n e w i t h n at u r eHoanib Skeleton Coast camp puts travellers in the heart of Namibia’s beautiful landscape

Destinations

the world’s most desirable locations

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/Dan

a Alle

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61 Features Opener.indd 61 26/02/2015 10:49

Swaying palmS, freSh ocean breezeS and indulgent experienceS to be found in the maldiveS are all

Farheen Khan needed to reignite her creative Spark

IslandInspiration

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Maldives


T here’s something to be said about islands providing inspiration for writers. Islands are often the backdrops for James Bond’s adventures in Ian

Fleming’s novels. Mark Twain even spent several months on a journey of discovery in the Hawaiian Islands. Islands have long proven to be a cure for writer’s block (that is, when an author loses their inability to produce work).

I can’t say this is precisely what I experienced prior to booking my trip to the Maldives, but it is fair to say that I was certainly lacking inspiration. At the time I happened to be working an exhausting day job, running a host of projects, producing a play I’d co-written and working on my debut novel. That didn’t leave much head space for an indulgence such as creativity. What better excuse to visit this archipelago of jewels in the Indian Ocean than to find some solace and author inspiration?

My adventure indeed starts like a James Bond novel, boarding a seaplane bound for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. I delight in the possibility of weaving the experience into my story (could I sneak it into an action scene?); I was yet to arrive on the island and already my writer’s soul was awakening from its slumber. Flying over what looked like a photoshopped view of the Indian Ocean — a collage of aquamarines dotted with emerald green and sandy islands — I soon find myself

joining my fellow passengers in their extended gasps and camera clicks.

What seems like a short time later, we arrive at the island paradise, where we’re promptly greeted by a line of smiling staff and a fresh coconut juice before being handed over to the care of our personal hosts. I could feel my stress wash away with the gentle tide of the serene ocean before me. One is clearly left with no choice but to relax and enjoy the blissful rhythm of Maldivian island life.

I open the door to my Beach Suite, home for the next five days, where the open-plan space, a chilled bottle of champagne and fruit basket all create a warm welcome. With views of the serene ocean, the private terrace is the ideal place to sit back, soak up the sun and seek inspiration. The sounds of the ocean crashing against the natural reef, the majestic views of the evening sun hitting the islands and the taste of the salty sea air has already supplied me with a vigour I never anticipated. I feed this into my writing and sit for hours perched on my sun lounger penning words until the sun sinks into the ocean.

It only takes a day or two before I feel settled into island life. Reconnecting with my writing is one objective during my stay, but rejuvenating is the other. My mornings are spent doing laps in the main infinity pool; snorkelling alongside manta-rays, reef sharks and a host of tropical fish; and embarking on the resort’s organised dolphin cruises, which

Maldives

Island vibes Relaxed living awaits in a Beach Suite (above) on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (previous page)

62-68 Maldives.indd 64 22/02/2015 12:51

FOR WORLDWIDE HOTEL RESERVATIONS REGISTER AT

WWW.DOTW.COMReal-time online booking confi rmations for more than 120,000 ground services in over 10,000 destinations.Net wholesale rates for hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions worldwide.

FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS ONLY

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Maldives W Retreat & Spa - Maldives One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, MaldivesNiyama, A Per Aquum Resort, MaldivesThe Residence, Maldives

Kanuhura Maldives

Maldives_FP.indd 1 2/25/15 6:12 PM

Maldives


also give me a chance to meet some of the island’s other temporary inhabitants. There is no better stimulation than good conversation and the backdrop of natural beauty at its finest.

Despite the Maldives being long considered a couples and families hideaway, solitary travellers are certainly not forgotten in paradise. A favourite spot of mine on the island is The Quiet Zone, an adult-only beach lounge where chill-out beats mingle with the sound of the ocean lapping against the island’s surrounding coral reef. Many of my afternoons are spent sunk into a lounge, pen and journal in hand, trying to remember the words of American contemporary spiritual teacher, Ram Dass: “The quieter you become, the more you hear.”

Of course, it isn’t all serene views in paradise. Whether you’re penning words or taking to the water, you’re going to work up an appetite. Luckily, there is a wide selection of restaurants spread across the resort’s two islands. I enjoy casual lunches and reading sessions by the pool at the Rangali Bar. For dinner, there is no more memorable

experience than a meal in Ithaa, which sits five metres below the surface and offers 180-degree views of the island’s coral gardens and marine life.

The restaurant was designed in New Zealand, assembled in Singapore a n d s h i p p e d t o t h e

Maldives more than a decade ago, where it now serves up European cuisine via set menus featuring the likes of caviar, lobster carpaccio and short loin of lamb. Ithaa can even be booked exclusively for special celebrations.

“A FAVOURITE SPOT OF MINE IS THE QUIET ZONE, A BEACH LOUNGE WHERE CHILL-OUT BEATS MINGLE WITH THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE OCEAN”

Maldives

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Maldives


also give me a chance to meet some of the island’s other temporary inhabitants. There is no better stimulation than good conversation and the backdrop of natural beauty at its finest.

Despite the Maldives being long considered a couples and families hideaway, solitary travellers are certainly not forgotten in paradise. A favourite spot of mine on the island is The Quiet Zone, an adult-only beach lounge where chill-out beats mingle with the sound of the ocean lapping against the island’s surrounding coral reef. Many of my afternoons are spent sunk into a lounge, pen and journal in hand, trying to remember the words of American contemporary spiritual teacher, Ram Dass: “The quieter you become, the more you hear.”

Of course, it isn’t all serene views in paradise. Whether you’re penning words or taking to the water, you’re going to work up an appetite. Luckily, there is a wide selection of restaurants spread across the resort’s two islands. I enjoy casual lunches and reading sessions by the pool at the Rangali Bar. For dinner, there is no more memorable

experience than a meal in Ithaa, which sits five metres below the surface and offers 180-degree views of the island’s coral gardens and marine life.

The restaurant was designed in New Zealand, assembled in Singapore a n d s h i p p e d t o t h e

Maldives more than a decade ago, where it now serves up European cuisine via set menus featuring the likes of caviar, lobster carpaccio and short loin of lamb. Ithaa can even be booked exclusively for special celebrations.

“A FAVOURITE SPOT OF MINE IS THE QUIET ZONE, A BEACH LOUNGE WHERE CHILL-OUT BEATS MINGLE WITH THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE OCEAN”

Maldives

62-68 Maldives.indd 66 24/02/2015 11:48

Maldives


Unwind and dine When dusk turns the resort’s infinity pool a subdued shade of purple (above), head underwater for dinner at Ithaa (below)

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OUT OF AFRICA

A luxury safari meets the wilds of Arabia on Sir Bani Yas Island, the UAE’s best-kept secretWords and photos: Rebecca Haddad

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There they are.” Slowing the Sahara Jeep to a stop, safari guide Ted quietly addresses our group piled in the back — collectively holding our breath and with cameras at the ready — and points down to a spot

in the foreground. Quickly whipping out his walkie-talkie, Ted alerts the other Jeep drivers pulling up behind us. “I’ve found the brothers.” For a few moments, the sound of furious camera clicking fills the air. Against the still, silent landscape, the noise is deafening, but the two cheetahs sitting in front of us don’t seem to mind.

Each cat is sprawled lazily on the savannah floor not ten minutes from our convoy, barely looking up to acknowledge our presence, preferring instead to bask with closed eyes in the warm glow of sunrise. I don’t blame them — the gently undulating hills and soft grasslands are a postcard-perfect image of the wilds of Africa. The sight is extraordinary, not least for the

fact that we are actually some 7,000 kilometres from the Serengeti.

Sir Bani Yas Island sits 170 kilometres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, a sandy sanctuary of 87 square kilometres named for the original Bani Yas tribe who first inhabited Abu Dhabi some 250 years ago. For years it existed as the private island of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nayan, president and founder of the UAE, who began to develop the site in the seventies as a wildlife reserve, working to protect and ensure the survival of local and endangered flora and fauna.

For decades, various species flourished from near extinction and indigenous flora naturally spread across the island. In the 1990s, Sir Bani Yas Island was finally opened to weekend visitors. Fast-forward another twenty years and here we are, ambling around on a dawn safari drive after making just a 30-minute private jet flight from Abu Dhabi airport rather than a several-hour journey to Africa. You need only gaze in wonder

Wild things The incredible

landscape of Sir Bani Yas is home to

thriving herds of axis deer (above) and East

African oryx (right)

(previous page) Glamping meets

resort luxury at Anantara’s Al Sahel

Villa Resort, set within the Arabian

Wildlife Park

Sir Bani Yas

dotwnews.com February 2015 73

at the herds of shy Arabian gazelle and oryx, and flocks of exotic birds (all well out of the cheetahs’ sights) to appreciate Zayed’s legacy — and its continued success. Indeed, just last month it was announced that the total wildlife population is now over 13,000 species, with the oryx officially relieved of its endangered species label.

While the bustling coastal cities of the UAE seem a world away, Sir Bani Yas isn’t without its own icons. Driving back to our base at Al Sahel Villa Resort, we pass five of the island’s own “Burj Khalifas”: a group of towering giraffe eyeing us up as they munch on the topmost branches of acacia trees. Our own stomachs rumbling, we pull up at the drive to the resort (one of the three Anantara properties on the island) and take our breakfast out on the lush lobby lawn, where a few gazelle eye us carefully as they snack on the lush grass in front (there’s clearly no need for lawn mowers here).

Of all the properties on Sir Bani Yas, Al Sahel is the only one situated within the fenced parameters of the Arabian Wildlife Park. As such, wildlife is never far away. This sight of gazelles galloping past your villa is nothing out of the ordinary, and, provided loud guinea fowl aren’t causing a ruckus on your private balcony, they may come right up to the door. The safari feel extends to the ‘glamping’ ambience of the villa, with canvas shading the verandah, natural woods inside and out, and plenty of tribal art adorning the suite.


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Island luxe (above and below) Beachside living awaits at Al Yamm Villa Resort, with open villas and plenty of spots on the sand to claim as your own

It feels refreshingly remote, but my personal butler is on hand to ensure any further creature comforts I need are never far away.

Of course, Sir Bani Yas was inhabited by humans long before discerning travellers started arriving by boats and private jets. Some 36 archaeological sites have been found on the islands, including a sixth-century Christian monastery that was abandoned in 750 AD when Islam was introduced to the area. It’s perched on a hill towards the eastern side of the island, so we make a stop on the road below to begin the short hike uphill. The iron-rich soil flecked with quartz, limestone and salt sparkles underfoot as we ascend the small hill to the protected site, where archaeological digs are still underway. Even if history isn’t your cup of tea, the panoramic views are breathtaking.

Preservation of indigenous wildlife is just one tier of Shiekh Zayed’s conservation project. The other is an objective to ‘green’ the desert — something that becomes steadily more noticeable as we pass frankincense and acacia trees en route east to Al Yamm Villa Resort. The only thing that could possibly upstage the inviting sun loungers and 30 luxe villas lining the beautiful golden beach is the sparkling water of

Sir Bani Yas

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macau

The former Portuguese trading outpost of Macau offers cultural sights and sounds to contrast the neon-lit Cotai Strip; here’s how

to see the fun-size Las Vegas of the East in 24 hoursWords: Steven Bond

9.00For an arrival in true VIP style, fly into Hong Kong and arrive at the city’s TurboJet terminal, passport in hand, ahead of your rapid traverse of Dadong Bay. It’s time to test your sea legs for 55 minutes, but take comfort in the fact you’re travelling in the Premier Jetfoil’s VIP Cabin. The cosy four-seater space will set you back HK $2,151 (US $277), but that’s sufficient time to enjoy a cold beverage with the view.

10.00You’ve reached terra firma on China’s lesser-known, semi-autonomous region, but it may take a minute to gather your bearings. Judging from the harbour area, Macau is somewhat of a composite. While you rub shoulders with waves of mainlanders, your initial surrounds mimic a British seaside resort, but you’ll soon notice a swathe of hotel-emblazoned coaches ready to whisk you to your five-star accommodation. Hop into your waiting chariot for the short journey to the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central.

10.30It’s not until you begin descending the Cotai Strip that you feel the semblance of Las Vegas. The wide avenue is packed with looming grand hotels, though there is more of a sense of calm in this incarnation — and seemingly far fewer exhibitionists. Check-in and see your luggage up to your Executive Suite, where you have a chance to freshen up for a big day ahead. Make use of the complimentary

pressing service ahead of your evening jaunts and tap into the free Wi-Fi to quickly touch base with home, then off you go for some hard-earned retail therapy.

12.00First up is the The Shoppes (www.sandscotaicentral.com) within the Sands Cotai Central complex, which is home to a superabundance of luxury shopping boutiques as well as 55 dining venues. If you skip over to T Galleria Macau (www.dfs.com), the labyrinthine shopping area is replete with the foremost watchmakers, such as Rolex, Blancpain, Vacheron, Cartier and Bulgari.

13.00Arms undoubtedly laden with shopping bags, you’ll surely need some sustenance. By 1pm, brunch at Belcanção (Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip; +853 2881 8888; www.fourseasons.com) will be in full swing, where the open kitchen reveals chefs grappling with fresh regional ingredients to satiate the appetites of fervent shoppers as they feast upon the decadent international buffet, or order à la carte. If you’ve arrived on a weekend, the Signature Weekend Brunch includes dim sum specialities from the hotel’s two Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen.

14.30With a belly full of sumptuous morsels, you may decide to keep the weight of your feet with a serene

NIGHT & DAY

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Strategically located in the heart of Kowloon, alongside the world famous Victoria Harbour. Extensive transportation options making business or city expedition effortless for you.

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20 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Terms & conditions: Offer is valid for stays booked by 30 June 2015. Minimum 2-night stay is required. Offer subject to 10% service charge. Advance reservations are required. Reservations cannot be changed, are pre-paid and non-refundable; if cancellation takes place, guests forfeit total room charge plus service charge. Offer subject to 10% service charge. Other terms and conditions apply. Hotel reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.

(852) 2369 1111 [email protected]

for more information and reservations, please call +852 2369 1111 or email to [email protected]

scan & visit our website for more great offers

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gondola ride through The Venetian (Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca; +853 2882 8888; venetianmacao.com) Take in the sights and sounds of faux Venice as you cruise past more boutiques, cafés and duck under footbridges. You’ve got until 10pm to squeeze in your cruise, which costs just MOP 128 (US $16) and souvenir photographs are provided to ensure the memorable experience becomes timeless.

15.30After perusing a few more designer garments, go treat yourself with an exceptional spa experience. The Venetian’s fifth-level Taivexmalo Spa is an integrated wellness centre, where you can experience treatments in one of the seven VIP suites. It’s a busy day, so opt for the Chinese Wellness Massage, which involves applying essential oils to your body’s pressure points to stimulate blood flow and relieve stress. If meditation is more up your alley, book into one of the four hydrotherapy suites and let your mind wander in a seemingly weightless environment.

17.00Make sure to de-oil yourself before venturing out for a dose of cultural indulgence. Even a mere 24 hours in Macau would be remiss without taking in the delightful A-Ma Temple, which tradition says gives Macau its name. When Portuguese sailors arrived at the south-west tip of the peninsula and saw the temple, erected in 1488, the locals called the area “A-Ma-Gau” (bay of the goddess A-Ma). Lose yourself for a moment among the rising wafts of incense, but try to stay Zen as waves of other tourists filter through the temple’s six main sections.

18.00Hail a cab and make a quick stop at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a 16th-century site that includes what’s left of St. Paul’s College and the Cathedral of St. Paul. Both A-Ma Temple and this lofty façade were listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning site is an opportune moment to take some snaps before you stroll down the huge steps into the old town. Navigate tight alleys full of food and leather goods, alongside Western sports brands and high-tech gadgets, before emerging into the spacious Largo do Senado (Senado Square), hemmed in by pastel-coloured Neoclassical buildings, making the historic centre seem like a magical trip to the Med.

18.30Return across the causeway for dinner at Beijing Kitchen, part of the Grand Hyatt Macau, (+853 8868 1930; macau.grand.hyatt.com) which is connected to the City of Dreams Macau resort. The traditional decor makes for a dramatic setting for a Northern Chinese dining experience. A total of four kitchens dish up delicacies such as Peking duck from wood-fired ovens, as well as an array of flavoursome noodle dishes.

20.00Wrap up your night back across the street at the Venetian with drinks at the Bellini Lounge, where you can kick back with some cocktails and live music in one of the region’s grandest hotels. Pick a table near the stage and make sure there’s an ice bucket for your chosen beverage — then cool off ahead of another day in retail heaven. n

Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central+853 2880 2000www.sheratonmacao.com

STAY

A-Ma Temple

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98 Capital cuisine in Beijing102 Gourmet news from around the world104 New York: a gourmand’s guide116 Santiago’s best dining spots revealed118 Five minutes with chef Matthias Diether120 Celebrating rakı, Turkey’s national spirit122 Michelin-starred Swiss fare at La Vetta

98E AST M E E TS W ESTShort rib and beef tenderloin at Beijing’s Opera Bombana restaurant

Gourmet

Your ulTiMATE guidE To finE dining

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Words: Caitlin Cheadle

A culinAry explorAtion of new york city will tAke you bAck in time, underground, to brooklyn And beyond

The gourmand’s

T he city that never sleeps is also the city that loves to eat. As one of the great foodie capitals, New York is where

culinary trends are born and bred, tested on one of the world’s most discerning — and fickle — populations. In recent years, NYC has spawned the return of the speakeasy, the farm-to-table craze, and the gourmet reinvention of burgers, hot dogs and ramen. But getting a taste of the real New York City — the places you just won’t find anywhere else in the world — often means veering off the tourist track, getting out of Times Square, and sometimes fleeing Manhattan altogether. With rents in New York at an all-time high, some of the freshest new culinary talent is to be found in parts ungentrified.

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Steak back in time (clockwise from bottom left) Double lamb chops from Keens Steakhouse; the restuarant’s main dining room; classic interiors at the legendary Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn

New York

The CLASSiC steakhouseSimply put, you can’t go wrong with Keens Steakhouse (72 West 36th St; +1 212 947 3636; www.keens.com), the oldest steakhouse in New York. The carnivore’s paradise is enjoying a renaissance, perhaps since foodie hero Anthony Bourdain featured it on an episode of No Reservations in 2009. But Keens has long been beloved by New Yorkers for its old-school charm, simple yet expertly done steaks and signature mutton chops. Occupying a prime spot near Herald Square in New York’s old theatre district, Keens Steakhouse was once a hangout for writers, actors and theatre-goers, who flocked to its private Pipe Room to imbibe during intermissions. Today, the maze-like dining room is spread across several floors, with wood-panelled rooms named after famous patrons past, and the old-fashioned smoking pipes of yesteryear adorning ceilings, lending it the ambience of a private gentleman’s club circa 1885

— the year Keens first opened its doors. For a place to rest your head after a sizeable meal, the elegant Langham Place hotel is just a stone’s throw away, while a short five-minute walk towards Times Square will take you to the Knickerbocker, the newest hotel on the scene with 31 suites and a 700-square-metre rooftop bar from which to take in Midtown’s skyline.

An honourable mention goes to Peter Luger Steakhouse (178 Broadway, Brooklyn; +1 718 387 7400; peterluger.com). This New York institution comes complete with a hefty, months-long reservation waiting list, and shows no sign of losing its Michelin star any time soon. Opened in 1887 by German immigrant Carl Luger and later re-named after Carl’s son and heir, Peter Luger’s serves just one cut of beef — USDA Prime Porterhouse, prepared to your liking and sliced up for you to share with your dining companions.

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New York

For platters of the finest fruits de mer (enjoyed with a glass of champagne, naturally) follow the city’s effortlessly cool crowd to SoHo and NoLita. Feast on freshly shucked varieties within the refined elegance of Aquagrill (210 Spring St; +1 212 274 0505; www.aquagrill.com) or, if you’re a low-key sea-foodie, brave the rowdy crowds of hipsters at Ed’s Lobster Bar (222 Lafayette St;+1 212 343 3236; www.lobsterbarnyc.com), an unpretentious NoLita joint that whispers of a rustic-chic Hamptons beach house and serves chilled oysters and whole steamed lobster to ’90s hip-hop beats. Whichever your choice, both eateries are a short way from Sixty Soho (formerly 60 Thompson), an understated but no less luxurious hotel on Thompson Street with interior designs from Briton, Tara Bernerd.

OYSTER BARS

“for platters of the finest fruits de mer (enjoyed with a glass of champagne, naturally) follow the city’s effortless cool crowd to soho and nolita”

Marine morselsthe star dish at ed’s lobster Bar (left) and the refined elegance of aquagrill oyster bar (below)

104-114 New Yorkv2.indd 108 22/02/2015 12:13

FOR WORLDWIDE HOTEL RESERVATIONS REGISTER AT

WWW.DOTW.COMReal-time online booking confi rmations for more than 120,000 ground services in over 10,000 destinations.Net wholesale rates for hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, transfers, sightseeing tours and excursions worldwide.

FOR TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS ONLY

Waldorf Astoria New York The Plaza

The St. Regis New York The Peninsula New YorkThe Chatwal

Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue

New York

newyork.indd 1 2/26/15 3:52 PM

Gourmet journey


City bites: SantiagoCarolina Bazán of Ambrosía restaurant gives us a culinary tour of Chile’s capital

LUNCH HoUrI love going to Pastamore, a small Italian spot with freshly made pasta. I usually go for the dish of the day (which is often pasta) or the guanccialle, which is thinly sliced raw bacon.Las Tranqueras 1352; +56 2 886 2236; www.pastamore.cl

SNACKWe’re in a transitional season in Chile, so there are two snacks you could go for. When the weather is cold, go for sopaipillas (buns) with chancaca (sweet sauce); in hot weather, opt for a glass of mote con huesillo, which is a refreshing drink made of wheat and peaches. You can get both of these at Liguria, a great little bar and restaurant.Avenida Pedro de Valdivia; +56 2 235 1943; liguria.cl

DINNEr99 is a small restaurant owned by young chefs, who serve up tasting menus at dinner. The dishes showcase a lot of techniques and make good use of local ingredients. The menus change daily according to what is available at the market.Andrés de Fuenzalida 99, Providencia; +56 2 2335 3327; 99restaurante.com

CoCKtAIL HoUr For drinks, I recommend visiting Sarita Colonia. It’s a fairly new bar and restaurant located in the bohemian area of Santiago. It has quickly become one of the coolest spots in the city for a drink, and boasts a very diverse atmosphere. Loreto 40-46; +56 2 2881 3937

BrEAKFAStI like to start my morning with breakfast at NoSo at the W Santiago in Las Condes. Chef Cristian Schwuger and his team put on a great brunch on Sundays — I love their eggs Benedict.W Santiago, Isidora Goyenechea 3000; +56 2 2770 0000; www.starwoodhotels.com

CoFFEE BrEAKFor a great caffeine stop, it’s just a short walk from W Santiago to FIX Café. They have the best quality beans, which they use in a great variety of coffees. Apoquindo 3411, local 4; +56 2 2244 8151

NoSo at W Santiago

99 restaurant

Liguria bar and restaurant

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Santiago’s skyline

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126 Itineraries to inspire your next adventure130 Elegant essentials for stylish travellers134 In the air: Cathay Pacific’s Business Class136 Road-testing Maserati’s Quattroporte S138 The next-gen Lexus and Mustang 142 Forbes’ Highlander and the new Iris concept146 Safari meets luxury at Kenya’s Satao Elerai Camp

142st y l e at s e aMalcolm Forbes’ Highlander superyacht has had a makeover in time for the summer season

Spend It

unique experiences and stylish essentials

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Escape This month, we take a romantic tour of the world, go on a helicopter safari across Namibia and explore Australia’s majestic outback by luxury rail

Take your love around the worldVeryFirstTo has curated a month-long amorous adventure that whisks you and your partner around some of the world’s most romantic destinations, including Paris, Rome, Saint Lucia, Santorini and Koh Samui. Each of the ten dreamy destinations has been selected on the basis of a survey conducted among VeryFirstTo’s global network of members. Love is most definitely on the agenda, with scenic gondola rides in Venice, beachside relaxation on white sands in the Maldives, and exploring the seductive charms of Paris, with its iconic architecture and sublime cuisine. Of course, you and your significant other will be staying at some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and dining in impeccable style, flying business class and journeying by first-class rail along the way. n Available: now n Price: US $103,400 n Book: [email protected] n www.veryfirstto.com

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Sugar-coated stay in the CaribbeanA refreshing alternative to the Caribbean’s usual sun-and-sand cliché, Belle Mont Farm is nestled among lush rainforest on a former sugar plantation in the north-west of St. Kitts. The surroundings might be rural, but the accommodation is far from rustic, with guesthouses and four-bedroom farmhouses designed by award-winning architect, Bill Bensley, spread across 162 hectares of working farmland. Each boasts stunning farm and sea views — particularly from the outdoor bathtub. But what really sets Belle Mont apart is its farm-table dining experience. Venture out with the resident chef to forage for the evening’s dinner, and eat your way across the ‘edible’ golf course, where fruit trees are marked with ‘Pick me’ signs à la Alice in Wonderland. n Available: now n Price: from $2,460 per night n Book: [email protected] n www.bellemontfarm.com

A bird’s-eye safariExperience Namibia’s extraordinary natural beauty from above, with boutique African travel specialists Journeys By Design’s ten-night helicopter safari. This bespoke trip begins on the Angolan border, tracking along the Kunene River as far as the Atlantic, taking in Sossusvlei’s giant red dunes, the bleak but beautiful Skeleton Coast and Kaokaland, one of the world’s last great wildernesses. When not flying high above the vast desert, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Namibia’s cultural traditions with visits to local communes to meet the Himba people, see elephants and zebras and the magnificent Epupa Falls during ground-level guided tours. Each night, you’ll retire to a deluxe villa at some of the best safari camps in the region.n Available: now n Price: from $40,000 per person n Book: info@journeysbydesign n www.journeysbydesign.com

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Escape


Outback Oz by railWidely regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, the Ghan has just extended its southbound Darwin-to-Adelaide route. The 76-hour adventure will have you ticking off a bucket list of outback icons in just four days. Spend more time in the rugged beauty of Alice Springs, take an intimate scenic flight over Uluru and visit the mining town of Coober Pedy, where half the residents live underground. Your Platinum Service is all-inclusive, with dining experiences both on-board (in the exclusive Platinum dining carriage) and al fresco at one of the many stops along the journey. The cabin itself is configured as a private lounge during the day, converting to a bedroom in the evening, so you’re well rested for the next day’s exploring. n Available: May to August, 2015 n Price: from $4,469 per person n Book: +61 8 8213 4401www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

Milan exposed In May, Artisans of Leisure is launching an oh-so-exclusive experience for travellers planning to attend the World Expo, hosted by the Italian capital city. The tour will take guests on a privately guided visit to Expo Milan 2015, in combination with stops at other regions of Italy, such as Tuscany, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Based on the theme ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’, Expo Milan 2015 is perfect for foodies and culture vultures, who will be treated to the best of the Fair’s international cuisines, incredible architecture and cutting-edge technology. The ‘Essence of Italy — Expo Milan 2015’ tour, tailored to individual travellers, can be customised and even extended to include other tours, should you want to linger in the country a little longer. With summer in the air and incredible food abound, we don’t blame you. n Available: May 1 to October 31, 2015 n Price: from $24,230 per person n Book: [email protected] n www.artisansofleisure.com

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D O U B L E L I F EClassy commuter or nighttime joyride; Masterati’s Quattroporte S can be both, as Steven Bond discovers

Ignition

BRUCE WAYNE. Tony Stark. Oliver Queen. There’s something rather captivating about an alter ego. Take, for example, Maserati’s Quattroporte S. By day it’s a corporate workhorse, meeting the needs of a heavy-hitting exec, constantly on the go. By night, however, the saloon can swiftly transform into a sporty thrill machine at the push of a button, putting the three-litre V6 to work and throwing the 20-inch alloys around corners – almost as if it’s on its own mission. And just like any superhero worth his or her salt, Maserati’s latest S model comes with a full backstory. The Quattroporte (Italian for ‘four doors’) was first launched in 1963 after Gino Rancati, a Cremona-born journalist, proposed the notion of creating the world’s fastest sedan. The Pietro Frua-designed 4.2-litre V8 soon became the most rapid four-door on wheels, clocking in a top speed of 220 km/h.

This sixth-generation incarnation has evidently more emphasis on style over raw speed and power, transitioning from a classic E-Type-esque design to become this slick, sporty saloon, which stands on the shoulders of the giants that came before it. And, just like a billionaire superhero, this elegant auto boasts a pile of charisma even before it’s punched into Sport mode — and that’s mainly due to the tastefully refined interior.

What you get is distinguished design, packed with top tech and sporty flourishes. All three elements are neatly balanced in the spacious vehicle — 194.8 cm wide, without side mirrors — thanks to the low-profile leather seating, analogue clock, wooden dash, immaculate upholstery and a capacious 530-litre boot space. Despite a few quirks, such as a hard-to-

reach ignition and flappy, oversized shifting paddles, the ergonomics are flawless.

A sports car that’s as appealing to ride in the back seats as it is the front seems laughable but, thanks to the four-zone climate control system and an ocean of legroom for each passenger, the experience exudes comfort. Even the engine noise, typically only enjoyed by the person privileged enough to press the pedals, is subdued thanks to the double-laminated acoustic glass used for the windscreen and rear window.

As per all Maseratis, the Quattroporte’s interior swirls around a driver interface that puts emphasis onto intuitive controls. The instruments are grouped tidily across the steering wheel and a large tachometer that flanks the seven-inch TFT display in the central console — suitably sized for the navigation map and Bluetooth/CD/USB music mixing. Other on-board settings can be tweaked by the driver via the Maserati Touch Control (MTC) located in the centre of the dashboard.

In short, what you get with the Maserati Quattroporte S is a practical car, with a dose of sporty fun. The next Batmobile it is not, but this caped crusader delivers an understated luxury driving experience that doesn’t compromise on class or comfort. ■

Engine: 3-litre V6 Power: 410 bhp Torque: 550 Nm 0-100 kph: 5.1 secs Top speed: 285 km/hPrice: from AED 435,000 (US $118,433)

NUTS & BOLTS

“By night, the saloon can swiftly transform into a sporty thrill machine at the push of a button”

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