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Destination Luxury

T r av e l i n ST y l e

Destination Luxury 1

From the surface to delving into the deep —an exploration of a destination and the surprising encounters

Before embarking on a trip, you should always ask: when, where and how do I make the most of my experience?

At Dubai’s Al Badia Golf Club, you can watch the most alluring sunset illuminating the dusky sky; to feel the true spirit of Parisienne style, the city is best explored on foot; there are more than 150 museums in Berlin to fill your artistic journey; and in Switzerland, its three major ski resorts are picturesque and unique at the same time.

This book offers a fantastic journey to four mesmerising destinations. You will see magnificent Dubai and its combination of raw desert scenery and modernity; you will encounter the true Paris and take stylish steps in this capital; you will forget the austerity of Germany and bask in the bohemian culture of Berlin; and you will experience Switzerland in its glorious four seasons. Narrated by travel writer Cynthia Rosenfeld, you can find new surprises in these popular places for travellers.

We hope this book will be more than just a city guide of highlights, but that it will ensure each journey is an enriching experience that makes the most of precious time, and everything you bring back, be it a memory or a purchase, will be a sublime and personal experience.

Executive Editor

2 Destination Luxury

Executive Editor: Xie Ke, Senior reporter: Chen Shuzhe, Contributing reporters: Wei Ping/ Xu Yang, Artistic Director: PP Feng, Senior Art Editor: Janet Sui, Training Art Editor: Mai Xinxin, Photo Editor: Guan Keke

contents

Dubaiexotic siGHtsanD DecaDent exPeriences

SwitzerlandtHe uLtiMate aLPine Luxe

Pariscity of cHic, city of LiGHts

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BerlinHiP anD cuLtureD


Cynthia RosenfeldTravel writer, graduate of Yale University and contributor to The New York Times, Robb Report, Financial Times and CNN.com.

t ravel has the power to take us beyond our actual destination, with its museums and monuments, and

to offer us a priceless ticket to worlds entirely unlike everything we know. Returning from that journey, with our memories and material souvenirs, we notice we are not quite the same, as each trip is also a personal transformation.


Paris is a city that lends itself to le flâneur, the name for someone who leisurely saunters along its snaking streets, allowing one’s eyes to linger on the timeless style of Parisians

K nown as the City of Lights, Paris is not only France’s political capital; it is also the world’s fashion capital,

where talented designers from around the world launch their couture creations, as well as other unexpected ventures. Paris is a city that lends itself to le flâneur, the name for someone who leisurely saunters along its snaking streets, allowing one’s eyes to linger on the timeless style of Parisians.

A stroll through Paris’ historic and iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank reveals streets lined with intimate boutiques and quaint antique shops, a respite from the overwhelming large department stores. Fall in love with speciality and artisanal shops, enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés lining the streets, relax and soak up the city’s sophistication. One name that embodies the city’s fashion status is Karl Lagerfeld.

Pariscity of LiGHts

city of cHic


His personally curated bookshop, 7L on the historic rue de Lille, features books on art, architecture, photography, design and of course, fashion.

Combining historical charm with modern chic is Collette, a concept store that is located on the fashionable Rue Saint Honore, very near to the Musee du Louvre. Immerse yourself in the trendy atmosphere here, as the store is famous for its collaborations with famous designers. From fashion by Azzedine Alaia and Kenzo to Maharajah inspired jewellery and an exotic collection of bottled water, be dazzled by the stylish merchandise on display.

Meander over to Le Marais for a glimpse

of street fashion’s future, where vintage stores mingle with shops and studios owned by emerging designers and artists. Fashion is never far from art, and Marais is also home to many art galleries. An afternoon

roaming the cobblestoned streets of Marais is sure to inspire. One need only wander into the Place des Vosges to find inspiration from one of France’s literary greats. Built in 1605, Paris’ oldest and arguably most beautiful square, now home to restaurants and cafés, was also the home of Victor Hugo for 16 years. His presence is immortalised by the nearby Maison de Victor Hugo museum, showing many of his manuscripts, drawings and prints including his ever-popular Les Misérables.

A stroll through paris’ historic and iconic saint-germain-des-prés on the left bank reveals streets lined with intimate boutiques and quaint antique

shops, a respite from the overwhelming large department stores.


STAYLocation is not everything at Mandarin Oriental Paris – but its inner-city location provides ready access to Place Vendôme, The Louvre museum and Opéra de Paris Garnier. You can also choose to experience the unparalleled luxury and service at The Peninsula Paris, which is scheduled to open later this year.

SIPDespite the attitude at Hôtel Costes, sexy Napoléon III interiors and celebrity regulars make this a must.

ListThe SAvourWhite-on-white Sur Mesur, by two Michelin-starred Thierry Marx, reinvents French classics like wild duck with quince and beetroot confit.

SHoPThe oldest Parisian department store, Le Bon Marché and its halls exude historic allure, making it one of France’s most popular film locations. The department store is filled with the most coveted luxury brands, attracting an exclusive set of global shoppers. Across the street, La Grand Epicerie offers another sort of sensory experience to tickle the taste buds with the world’s most delicious and refined foods and ingredients.

SPAKnown for its amazing facials and personalised spa services, L’Institut de Guerlain has been the fashionable Parisian lady’s address since it opened in 1939.

The Peninsula Paris


sexy HeeLs

No shopping expedition is complete without the perfect pair of stilettos. Make a statement with Giuseppe Zanotti Design’s desirable heels.

LeoParD HanDbaG

Stand out as you roam Champs-Elysées with Jimmy Choo’s leopard tote on your arm.

a LeGenDary PerfuMe

Chanel’s lighter, fresher, more subtle version of its iconic scent CHANEL N°5 EAU PREMIERE is a seductive must-have.

A trip to Paris is an opportunity to soak up the latest styles and trends. People watch from the comfort of sidewalk cafés for inspiration on how to live the elegant and chic Parisian life. Wander bookstores, boutiques, speciality stores and pick up a few of these must-haves along the way.

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DiaMonD earrinGs

Add a little sparkle. Piaget’s Pink Tourmaline and Diamond earrings will add that certain je ne sais quoi to your look.

styLisH suit

A classic, light-coloured Salvatore Ferragamo suit.

The above-mentioned brands all have stores in Hong Kong’s ELEMENTS. Product information is for reference only. Scan to find out more about Elements!


a city rich in history, Berlin is attracting travellers with its ultra-dynamic

contemporary art scene. Over the last decade, the German city has matured into a gallery-filled arts

mecca with a stellar schedule of festivals, biennales and an impressive inventory of renowned museums. Many would say that the once divided city is itself an evolving art project.

Having experienced rebirth and renewal in recent decades, Berlin itself is like an ever-evolving work of art, constantly revealing new dimensions

Berlin andHiPcuLtureD


Counting more than 150 museums within its perimeter, Berlin presents serious time

management challenges to culture seeking visitors.

It’s not difficult to stumble across great cultural treasures and works of art in Berlin. Counting more than 150 museums within its perimeter, Berlin presents serious time management challenges to culture seeking visitors.

Start at Berliner Museumsinsel, Berlin’s Museum Island with five, world-class museums in the Spree River. Conceived by King Friedrich Wilhelm III in the early 1800s, built between 1824-1930 and designated a World Heritage Site in 1999, this extraordinary art destination houses Greek and Babylonian treasures like the Tor von Ishtar and the Pergamon Altar at the Pergamon Museum. Continue on to the positively jaw-dropping Egyptian collection including the legendary bust of Nefertiti inside the Neues Museum. Serious museum goers should consider buying the single ticket that also covers entry to the equally impressive collections at the Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and the Bode Museum.

Moving on to the modern arts, Berlin’s contemporary art galleries are too numerous to count. When planning an art safari, keep in mind that most Berlin galleries close on Sundays and Mondays. Standouts

on this ever-changing scene include Sammlung Hoffmann, housed over two floors in a former factory and the Boros Collection in an abandoned bomb shelter. If you want to understand how Berlin nurtures its future art stars, head to the gallery-filled neighbourhood of Auguststrasse. KW Institute of Contemporary Art combines exhibitions, performance art and events over four levels in what was once a margarine factory. Also worth perusing is the nearby c/o Berlin, a royal post office turned Communist-era gymnasium turned contemporary gallery focusing on photography.

Art in Berlin is not limited to what can be shown on the wall, its performing arts and films are also world class. The city’s opera house and concert halls play host to the world’s best orchestras and choirs. Among them, the Richard-Wagner Festspielhaus, is considered one of the best in the world. Tickets for operas that play in this venue are extremely difficult to get, so ask for advance booking and pre-purchase tickets. Berlin also has a thriving film scene. Its International Film Festival is on par with the other major film festivals in Venice and Cannes. With more than 130 cinemas, it’s easy to catch the film bug in Berlin.


STAY Berlin’s most historic property, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is found in the Mitte area and is very close to some of Berlin’s most iconic places. The hotel often hosts visiting dignitaries in its grand European style suites that offer a view of the Brandenburg Gate. It’s also just a 10 minute walk from Gendanmenmarkt, Berlin’s main commercial area.

SIP The Newton Bar is of the best places to visit in Gendanmenmarkt. The walls are adorned with life size Helmut Newton photographs of nudes. This bar also boasts comfortable sofa seating, a slick glass-screen wall, funky music and has a very stylish feel.

SAvour Borchardt, also found in the Mitte area, is a Franco-German bistro dating to the mid-1800s with a glamorous clientele and is famous for its Wiener schnitzel.

ListThe SHoP The largest department store in continental Europe, Kaufhaus Des Westens, also known as KaDaWe is a true fashion city. This is not only the biggest department store in Berlin, but the second biggest in Europe, beaten only by Harrods in London. If you like to stay stylish, most people in Berlin would recommend you go to Andreas Murkudis, found on Potsdamer Strasse. This is a well-edited emporium of men’s and women’s apparel and home items with a simple white and clean décor offering a spacious, well-illuminated shopping haven which makes this spot feel like an art gallery. When it comes to the clothes, Andreas Murkudis has in-house designer labels for men and women, and they also sell books and accessories.

SPA A perk of staying at the Adlon is the marble clad Adlon Spa by Resense offering hydrotherapy and organic treatments. The spa is open to non-guests, as is the Cowshed at Soho House, an off-shoot of the legendary London wellness retreat.

Soho House


rooMy HanDbaG

This Loewe tote has plenty of room for all your day trip needs.

cHic LeatHer JacKet

a sPorty WatcH

Givenchy’s Seventeen collection of Swiss watches combines bold styling with a soft touch thanks to its pink strap.

rooMy HanDbaG

This Loewe tote has plenty of room for all your day trip needs.

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coLourfuLLiP GLoss

Silky and luxurious, Dior lip gloss will make all your holiday snap shots outstanding.

A MOSCHINO leather biker jacket is the perfect urban outfit for cityslickers.

The alluring charm of Berlin is more than its rich history and cultural heritage, the city’s lively, bohemian spirit and architecture are also top draws. Romantic and forward, Berlin is always cutting edge. Winters are harsh in Berlin so the best time to visit is between May and September.



t he most liberal of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai was a pearl fishing village

and gold smugglers’ outpost when locals struck oil, literally, in the desert sand. After a stratospheric makeover into a modern nation-state, Dubai’s relatively progressive leadership has spent the last dozen years or so, aggressively expanding this economy beyond oil to construction, shipping, and of course, tourism, which includes an array of luxuries and adventures.

Sandwiched between desert and crystal clear blue waters is a golf course, seemingly a mirage on the horizons of a desert city. This is the luxury that only a city like Dubai can afford.

Beyond the ubiquitous shopping malls and the sky-piercing office towers, for those who prefer their landscapes green and manicured, the Robert Trent Jones II-designed Albadia Golf Club at the Intercontinental Dubai Festival

DecaDent exPeriences

Dubaiexotic siGHts and

Dubai is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers the best of a sleek, ultramodern city, as well as the mystique and charm of traditional Arabian culture


City offers dramatic panoramas of the Dubai skyline and 11 lakes for added challenge.

While many of Dubai’s shopping luxuries are nestled inside its 40-plus malls, Dubai is also known for its specialty gold and jewellery markets. Gold & Diamond Park is a mall-version of such markets, which can even provide for those who wish to customise their bling.

Beyond the ultramodern, shiny Dubai, there is an endless expanse of sand dunes, ideal for a day’s desert safari. Cruise around this undulating, exotic terrain in a four-wheel drive vehicle, try sand boarding and even

take a camel ride. All this activity leads up to cocktail hour, timed around the rosy Arabian sunset, followed by a traditional feast of meze and grilled dishes, plus belly-dancing in an Arabian tent filled with Persian rugs and cushions.

Continuing the adventures of a more indigenous nature, you can float along Dubai’s trading lifeblood, the Dubai Creek. Hire a small water taxi, known as an abra, for a scenic albeit diesel-scented cruise. Then disembark on the opposite bank, the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek, and stroll into the ambrosial Spice Souk. The colourful stalls here overflow with culinary and medicinal concoctions. Nearby in the Bastakiya area, meander back in time through the restored historic part of town. This quaint neighbourhood now houses art galleries, small boutiques and cafés worth exploring in the cooler, after- dark hours.

Head out for a day’s desert safari, cruise around this undulating, exotic terrain in a four-wheel drive vehicle, try sand-boarding and even take a camel ride for the quintessential Arabian experience.


SAvour Kitsch but delicious, Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant located in Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa offers traditional Arabic dining with cushions in the sand and belly dancers galore.

SHoP In this tax-free shopping haven, Mall of the Emirates, is where you will find all the top designer brands in the world. Decorated in an Arabic theme, with an elegantly crafted fence, beautiful circular arch and magnificent domed ceiling, it is a destination in itself.

SPA Most of Dubai’s top hotels offer spas and guests of the One&Only Royal Mirage have access to the Givenchy Spa, which uses Givenchy skin care products and Oriental Hammam, with its aromatic steam and attentive ‘tayeb’ masseuses. This highly indulgent massage features two therapists.

STAY Inside the seven-star Burj Al Arab all 202 suites are the ultimate in comfort, with two of these suites offering even more luxury with art pieces from around the globe adorning the walls. At this hotel, white Rolls-Royce and BMWs serve as the hotels taxis and there is a helicopter pad on the roof along with private lifts and butler service.

SIP Venues in Dubai are not allowed to serve alcohol unless they are located a hotel with at least a four-star rating, like The Rooftop Terrace & Sports Lounge and The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage, where cocktails come with stunning views.

ListThe

Oriental Hammam of The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage


A city among the sprawling desert, Dubai’s weather calls for summer dressing all year long. During winter months, expect chilly evenings that may require a light jacket. The sun shines brightly in Dubai so don’t forget essentials such as sunglasses, hats and a good sun screen. As a Muslim country, dress appropriately when walking the streets of Dubai.

tortoise sHeLL sunGLasses

Puyi Optical offers London’s most revered optical brand, Cutler and Gross.

fLoWy DressThis light airy dress from Juicy Couture is stylish and feminine.

fasHionabLe WeDGesMade of soft leather, HERMES’ comfortable wedges are exquisitely crafted.

Luxe JacKetThis versatile and elegant jacket from ANTEPRIMA will take you through all occasions.

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Whether it’s winter wonderlands for snow sports enthusiasts or sun-drenched summers hiking amidst flowers in full bloom, Switzerland has it all

SwitzerlandThe uLtiMate aLPine Luxe

K nown for its towering peaks, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls and pristine mountain lakes, Andermatt

nestles in the natural alpine landscape of the Urseren Valley. Those unfamiliar with this idyllic region may recognise it as the breathtaking backdrop in the James Bond film Goldfinger.

Perched throughout the Swiss Alps are more than 200 ski resorts, a veritable paradise for ski bunnies and powder hounds. Whether it’s well-known destinations such as St. Moritz and Gstaad or up-and-coming Andermatt, these are the perfect places for a ski holiday.


Certainly some of the most fashionable skiing will be found in southeastern Switzerland’s St. Moritz. Known as the birthplace of winter sports, St. Moritz has the distinction of being one of only three places that have hosted the Winter Olympics twice. Expect to swoosh down Corvigilia/Piz Nair. Cross-country skiing here is equally spectacular, around the lake at Engadin Snow Park. Serious adrenaline junkies may want to try the Cresta, a one-man luge, on which competitors travel three-quarters of a mile face first down a frozen bobsled run at speeds of up to 90 mph.

Gstaad, meanwhile, may have seen its star descend since the 1970s when Princess Grace of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were regular fixtures, no doubt drawn to this picturesque ski village with its stylish hunting-themed ski lodges. While Gstaad lacks in ultra-challenging ski runs, its swanky hotels, boutiques, bars and spas can offer a taste of Swiss’ flamboyant lifestyle.

Andermatt, a quintessential Swiss village, feels refreshingly remote, yet is in fact located just two hours from Milan and 90 minutes from Zurich. Magnificent summers in Andermatt offer alpine walks, golf, fishing and mountain biking. Daredevils will enjoy the thrill of feeling their heart beating faster as they navigate Via Ferrata Diavolo, a scenic and very secure fixed rope route high above the Schöllenen Valley.

Zermatt is known for its winter thrills around one of Europe’s highest peaks, and for being one of the world’s most

famous car-free destinations. For a most unforgettable way to take in the stunning scenery, go on the 15-minute drive to Gorner, where you can attach a harness and glide over steel cables across Gorner Gorge. Or just trek along over miles of well-marked trails to explore the area at a more relaxing pace.

In the 1970s Princess Grace of Monaco, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were regular fixtures, no doubt drawn to this

picturesque ski village with its stylish hunting-themed ski lodges.


STAYAccommodation in St. Moritz is particularly indulgent, especially Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, which has over 100 years of history. What makes this hotel iconic is its red windows and green rooftop. The century-old hotel resembles a beautiful castle, perched on the mountain, with a magnificent view of Lake St Moritz and the Alps greeting you.

SIPOpened only in winter, a high point of St. Moritz’s nightlife is the legendary King’s Club, which has the longest history and is the most iconic of all nightspots in St. Moritz. Featuring a professional in-house DJ, this legendary nightclub stays open throughout the night.

SAvourSt. Moritz’s best eatery is El Paradiso Hütte, a restaurant that sits 2,181 metres above sea-level. Regarded as being ‘close to heaven’. At El Paradiso, you can enjoy your food while taking in the stunning views of the Alps.

SHoPGstaad, located in the Southwest of Switzerland, is a picturesque town frequented by many Hollywood celebrities. Downtown Gstaad is a pedestrian shopping zone with lots of cute boutiques. Look out for Early-beck, a renowned chocolate shop since 1910, for some sweet and decadent treats, which are beautiful to look at and great to taste.

SPALocated more than 3,000 meters above the sea level, the spa at Berghaus Diavolezza in St. Moritz may have the highest Jacuzzi in the world.

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Badrutt’s Palace Hotel


With a reputation of being the world’s most beautiful park, Switzerland is all alpine lakes beauty and majestic mountains. Due to its high altitude, weather can be varied so you need to pack for all conditions.

coMfortabLe sneaKers

HOGAN’s fashionable sporty shoes allow you to have an active lifestyle without loosing your sense of stylish taste.

eLeGant WatcH

IWC’s limited edition perpetual calendar watch, which displays time in hours, minutes and seconds, has a 68-hour power reserve. It is elegant, sporty and has a palatable sense of individualism.

siLKy scarf

This sharp and beautifully designed scarf by BVLGARI is versatile and stunning.

HyDratinG beauty

Originating from the Alps, La Prairie’s skin care line provides rich hydration to keep your skin looking youthful and in optimum condition.

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travel in style destination luxury - · pdf fileat dubai’s al badia golf club, you can...

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