Summit, The magazine of Summit™ Hotels & Resorts
Summit
The magazine of Summit hotels & resorts
Volume THIRTEEN
www.summithotels.com
Pure panama
Let this captivating Central American country sweep you off your feet
INSIDE
Gourmet salt
Urban retreats
Winter sports
Superb Singapore
Romantic destinations
volume Thirteen
Surprise. Delight.
Welcome to the world of I Prefer.
You are recognized on arrival at over 600 participating Preferred Hotel Group hotels and resorts worldwide.
You receive rewards on your very first stay, and again every time you stay.
Enroll or book online at IPrefer.com/XLM to receive exclusive member rewards and benefits.
up front
welcome
T
getty images
hree things make up the best parts of my life: family, travel and sports. Every
year I toy with the idea of combining all three into one remarkable day of
adventure, filled with surfing in the south swells, skiing down the slopes of
the local mountains and enjoying time with my family at the end of a day well
spent. Even though I live in Southern California – one of the few places where it
would be entirely possible for such an ambitious agenda to become reality – I have
yet to make this happen.
In this issue of Summit, though, there will be no holding back – we’re going to
lead you off around the world on a dizzying multicultural adventure, taking in
everything from virgin rainforest to urban jungle, teasing out lively itineraries
and revealing hidden secrets ready for your next journey.
For starters, you can enter the realm of adventure that is one of Central
America’s new hot spots. Panama magic (page 24) will take you to secluded hot
springs and volcanic peaks, treasured local hideouts and that man-made wonder,
the awe-inspiring Panama Canal.
You’ll also read about some of the most exotic cities in the world, which just
happen to have some of the most unforgettable places to stay. Our snapshot piece
on Beijing (page 23) lures you to the home of the Forbidden City, a land where
ancient and modern history merge, and where special memories can be made in
the most unexpected places. Or you could join us in a Singapore fling (page 44)
to get the latest on the renowned cuisine and shopping scene there, and find
the best places to admire the ever-changing skyline. And to cap off a great day’s
exploring with an equally great evening’s relaxing, we’ve rounded up some of the
best urban retreats, where you can enjoy a little Serenity in the city (page 58).
As promised, we’ve put together a great issue that just so happens to include
some of my favourite things. So bring your energy, bring your zeal – we’re going
to have a lot of fun globetrotting.
Warm regards,
Top: What can be more
romantic than a traditional
Venetian gondola ride?
Above: A colourful mural
adorns the wall of a
building in Panama City
Casey Ueberroth
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Preferred Hotel Group
Chairman and CEO: John A Ueberroth
Vice Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer: Gail Ueberroth
President: Lindsey Ueberroth
Senior Vice President, Marketing: Casey Ueberroth
Director, Creative Services and Publications: Amanda Haynosch
Writer/Editor, Communications: Angie VanderBurgh
Senior Coordinator, Communications: James Yu
Worldwide Headquarters: 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 1900,
Chicago, IL 60606, USA. Tel: +1 312 913 0400 Fax: +1 312 913 0444
www.PreferredHotelGroup.com
Please send all questions and comments to
summitmagazine@preferredhotelgroup.com
Published on behalf of Summit Hotels & Resorts by
Think, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road,
London W10 6BL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8962 3020
www.thinkpublishing.co.uk
To advertise in Summit, please contact Amanda Haynosch
at ahaynosch@preferredhotelgroup.com
Editor: Suzanne King
Managing Editor: Rica Dearman
Senior Designer: Shelley Varley
Designer: Nikki Ackerman
Assistant Editor: Farah Dib
Account Manager: Jackie Scully
Managing Director: Polly Arnold
For all editorial matters, queries and submissions, please
contact the Editor at summit@thinkpublishing.co.uk
Summit is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests
and the factory conforms to environmental management
system ISO 14001. The publisher cannot be held responsible
for loss or damage to unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.
Views of contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect
the policies of Preferred Hotel Group nor those of the publisher.
Printed by The Foundry USA, www.thefoundryco.com
Cover image: Bocas del Toro, Panama. Alamy
3
contents
Check-in
Features continued…
viewfinder
6
Serenity in the city
58
Thousands of colourful lanterns adorn
10
Cities are exciting places to explore,
the streets of Hong Kong during the
but you’ll always find a haven
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
in which to kick back and relax
summit news
Catch up on the latest happenings
Ski attractions
64
Whether you’re spectating or participating,
at Summit Hotels & Resorts
winter sports continue to draw crowds to
properties across the globe
the mountains, as Nicola Iseard discovers
Check-in
16
Ten unmissable calendar events,
tranquil hotel spas around the world,
our pick of gourmet food shops and
what to do in a day in Beijing
City Sights
Singapore fling
44
Annabel Mackie uncovers the highlights
of this lively island metropolis
Art of the city
48
Features
Norman Miller visits three inspirational
Panama magic
24
cities, where creativity thrives
Lose yourself in the rich diversity of
landscape, culture and wildlife of this Central
American gem, says Richard Arghiris
Salt of the earth
30
Andrew Purvis follows a global trail to
Portfolio
Five of the best... Cities for romance
76
Looking for a romantic break?
Laura Dixon reveals the best places to
discover how a once everyday condiment
sweep the love of your life off their feet
has now acquired gourmet status
Birth of the cool
36
The 1950s golden era of jazz is captured
Boarding class
78
The most recent additions to the
Summit Hotels & Resorts portfolio
in Bob Willoughby’s photographs and
recollections in Jazz: Body and Soul
A man of mystery
54
directory
80
Your guide to Summit Hotels & Resorts
properties around the world
Spanish actor Javier Bardem talks about
playing the bad guy and how he was
drawn to the new Bond villain role
A Turkish delight
82
Divan Ankara’s Front Office Supervisor tells
us why Turkey’s capital is a great place to visit
4
Nicola Iseard
Norman Miller
Having previously lived
in Edinburgh, Hong
Kong and London,
Annabel Mackie is now
based in Singapore,
where she works as a
freelance travel writer
and editor, contributing
to a range of in-flight
and lifestyle magazines.
Nicola Iseard spent six
months writing and
teaching skiing in
Zermatt, and now edits
Fall-Line Skiing &
Snowboarding
magazine. She also
contributes regularly
to leading newspapers
and magazines.
Award-winning writer
and photographer
Norman Miller grew up
in Hong Kong, Australia,
South Africa and Brazil.
With a passion for art, he
was the perfect person
to explore the cultural
offerings of Miami,
Florence and Brussels.
Richard Arghiris first
visited Central America
nearly a decade ago
and was instantly taken
with it. He moved to
Panama in 2010 and
is the author of the
brand-new Footprint
Costa Rica, Nicaragua
& Panama Handbook.
volume thirteen
Summit
getty Images, alamy, corbis, bob willoughby
Annabel Mackie
Richard Arghiris
Contributors
48
contents
36
30
64
44
volume thirteen
Summit
5
20
6
volume thirteen
Summit
viewfinder
One of the most colourful events in the
Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn
Festival, also known as the Moon Cake
Festival, commemorates a 14th-century
revolt against the Mongols. Back then,
the rebels sent secret messages to each
other on slips of paper hidden inside
cakes. Today, one of the highlights of the
celebrations is the displays of colourful
lanterns such as these. Families head for
high places to light their lanterns, watch
the full moon rise and eat moon cakes,
traditionally made from pastry filled with
lotus seed paste and egg yolks. One of the
best places to join the celebrations is Hong
Kong, where Harbour Grand Hong Kong
and Regal Hongkong Hotel both have
great central locations near Victoria Park.
Visit www.SummitHotels.com for details.
volume thirteen
Summit
CORBIS
Moon lights
21
7
check-in
Our pick of
what’s hot
around
the globe
10 SUMMIT NEWS A wild addition to an African resort, plus global cuisine, offers, awards and renovated hotels
16 Calendar Celebrations, festivals and shows abound over the next few months – here are 10 of the best
18 Take five Enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating experience that a Summit Hotels & Resorts spa can offer
21 Where in the world Give in to your taste buds with a visit to some exquisite food shops
23 ONE DAY IN Experience the fascinating culture and grandeur of Beijing, home of the famous Forbidden City
kate fox/Destination Salem
Halloween lasts for a
whole month in Salem,
Massachusetts, where the
town celebrates with all
manner of scary festivities
volume Thirteen q Summit
9
summit news
An overview of the latest updates from Summit Hotels & Resorts
GAME ON
There’s something undeniably endearing about giraffes,
so the staff at Gondwana Game Reserve in Mossel Bay,
South Africa, were understandably excited when a herd
was introduced to the reserve in May. After travelling a
short distance from the Eastern Cape to the awe-inspiring
Nauga Valley, the animals gracefully disembarked from
their truck and surveyed their new surroundings before
the young bull led his female companions off into the
distance, against a backdrop of the Langeberg Mountains.
The world’s tallest land mammal is just the latest animal
to join the 11,000ha reserve, which is already home
to desert black rhino, eland, kudu, lion, Cape
mountain zebra and cheetah, among others.
www.gondwanagr.co.za
10
volume thirteen
Summit
check-in
in
brief
Tour de force
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, a privately
owned AAA Four Diamond resort in Reno,
Nevada, has created a stunning new virtual
tour that’s almost as good as the real thing.
Photography and video footage shot by the
in-house team has been combined with
cutting-edge IT techniques to create the
eSite Inspection, which is already winning
over the group travel and meeting sector.
www.peppermillreno.com
Rooms at the top
Chinggis Khaan Hotel (pictured below)
in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is proud to
launch its new club floors, furnished in
an elegant, classical style, on the eighth
and ninth floors of the hotel. Guests can
also now book a Family Weekend Package,
including family movie (with pizza),
karaoke fun and sessions in the swimming
pool and sauna, as well as accommodation
and meals. www.chinggis-hotel.com
Get more from your trip away, with packages and offers
Thai life
A 25th anniversary is always a
cause for celebration, which is
why The Tongsai Bay (pictured
top) in Thailand is marking
its silver jubilee with a special
offer. The hotel, which opened
its doors on the beautiful island
of Ko Samui on 9 July 1987, has
introduced a 25th Anniversary
Package. Valid until 20 December
2012, and priced at THB25,000
(US$793), it includes two nights’
accommodation in a spectacular
seafront cottage, a complimentary
bottle of Chandon Rosé, a fourcourse dinner for two and other
goodies. www.tongsaibay.co.th
Perfect packages
Recognised by Sunset magazine
as one of the best hotels in the
San Francisco Bay Area, Hotel
Los Gatos and Spa (pictured
above left and right) in Los Gatos,
California, has introduced a few
new packages that will make it
even more attractive to anyone
wanting to explore this beautiful
wine-growing region. For people
with pooches in tow, Pet Perks is
perfect: open to dogs under 18kg,
it includes complimentary dog
treats, a water bowl and comfy
dog bed. Golfers can enjoy a new
Golf Package, which includes a
round at the exclusive Golf Club
at Boulder Ridge. And winelovers can take advantage of the
hotel’s partnership with nearby
Testarossa Winery to enjoy a Friday
tasting of the finest wines in the
region. www.hotellosgatos.com
volume thirteen
Summit
Power point
Cedar Rapids in eastern Iowa just got a
little bit greener, thanks to The Hotel at
Kirkwood Center. In a first-of-its-kind for
the state, the hotel has installed a level-two
electric vehicle charging station in one of
its parking stalls. ‘More of our guests are
now driving electric vehicles,’ says General
Manager Lee Belfield, ‘and we want to make
sure they have a full battery to get back
home after their stay with us.’ The facility
is also open to non-guests, who can rent the
stall to power-up their vehicles.
www.thehotelatkirkwood.com
11
Renovations and
expansions
Zone out
It’s only seven years since the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Jupiter, Florida,
underwent major renovations, with all its rooms being refurbished and a new spa
introduced. But that hasn’t stopped it undertaking even more improvements. This year
has seen a US$750,000 makeover to the resort’s pool and lounge area, with layered
natural stonework, new furnishings and LED lighting creating a sleek, streamlined look.
Add the Jacuzzi, hammocks and newly introduced firepit on the dune overlooking the
ocean, and you have the perfect place to chill out.
www.jupiterbeachresort.com
Tee
time
Planning a golfing holiday
in Italy? Then check out
Hotel Plaza Opéra in
Palermo, Sicily. The four-star
design hotel has recently joined
forces with Villa Ajroldi Golf
Club to give guests an unforgettable
golfing experience. The course’s nine
holes are located in an 18th-century park,
surrounded by ancient fountains and
monuments. Other facilities include a
driving range with 22 covered bays (floodlit
for evening play), putting green, pitching
green, chipping green, PGA-qualified coach,
swimming pool and clubhouse – not to
mention a lively social scene. Thanks to the
new agreement, guests can book and pay
their green fee from the hotel’s website
and front desk, and receive complimentary
golf club bag hire. I Prefer™ guests will also
enjoy a 10% discount on the green fee.
www.hotelplazaopera.com
12
Five star
For the first time in its 102-year
history, the Palace Hotel in
Copenhagen, Denmark, has revealed
its hitherto-closed fifth floor to the
world. After thorough renovations,
this ‘secret’ floor now has eight new
rooms (all luxuriously kitted out),
and is designed to offer the ultimate
in flexibility. Guests can rent a single
room or the entire floor, the latter
option making it the perfect choice for
delegations and VIPs, who can bring
their own cook, host private dinner
parties, hold meetings in the suites –
or just enjoy the view over the Danish
capital from the rooftop terrace.
www.palacehotelcopenhagen.com
New Seasons
As well as boasting its own elegant restaurant,
Flavours, The Devon Valley Hotel, in South
Africa’s Stellenbosch winelands, also manages
Seasons restaurant at the House of JC le Roux,
famous for its sparkling wines. Seasons is
currently undergoing a transformation, adding
new features such as built-in barbecue stations
– perfect for al fresco dining on balmy days.
www.devonvalleyhotel.com
Touch of spice
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa in South Africa is
paying tribute to its rich history with a brand-new look
for its Magnolia Restaurant. It will also be renamed
Seventeen07, to mark the founding of the original
homestead in 1707. The buffet-style restaurant is not
only having a stylish makeover of its décor, but also
spicing up the menu. In a nod back to the days when the
Cape was a key stopover point on the old spice route,
the new menu will see dishes from the Far East sitting
alongside African classics such as Moroccan tagines and
South African bobotie. www.erinvale.co.za
volume thirteen q Summit
check-in
Seventh heaven
Visitors to the Japanese capital will
find a new addition to the dining
scene, with the opening of Yamanami,
Mix it up
Weekends start in style at the Waikiki
Parc Hotel in Honolulu, Oahu, thanks
to the Friday wine mixer, where Hotel
Manager Julie Arigo treats guests to a
collection of wines and canapés. There is
some extra fun for the holiday season, with
themed events, including a Fall Season
mixer (16 November) and a Christmasthemed champagne and mistletoe mixer
(21 December). For Halloween, the event
swaps to a Wednesday (31 October), with
the results of a pumpkin-carving contest
on display. www.waikikiparc.com
a teppanyaki restaurant in the Keio
awards
news
Plaza Hotel Tokyo. Diners can watch the
dishes being prepared as the chefs grill
prized meat and seafood on the teppan,
or iron griddle. Set on the seventh floor,
the restaurant has city views and faces a
roof garden. Guests can also enjoy their
meal in private compartments.
www.keioplaza.com
Travellers’ choice
Summit Hotels & Resorts always make a good
showing in the TripAdvisor awards, and this year
was no exception. Hotel Blackhawk, in Davenport,
Iowa, Palace Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, and
Las Brisas Huatulco, in Bahías de Huatulco, Mexico,
were all declared winners of the 2012 TripAdvisor
Certificate of Excellence Award. This prestigious
award honours hospitality excellence and is given
only to establishments that consistently achieve
outstanding traveller reviews on the site (the
world’s largest travel site). To qualify, businesses
International cuisine
Discover some of the fabulous foods at
Summit Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide
must maintain an overall rating of at least four out
of a possible five. ‘Only 10% approximately of all
the hotels listed on TripAdvisor receive this award,’
said Christine Petersen, President of TripAdvisor for
Business. ‘In our opinion, being recognised with 4.0
by the TripAdvisor community is something to be
very proud of.’ www.hotelblackhawk.com
www.palacehotelcopenhagen.com
Claws for celebration
Following on from the success of its Friday
night Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet,
Saturday night Asian Buffet and Sunday
brunch, Makena Beach & Golf Resort on
Maui, Hawaii, has introduced a Lobster Fest
on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For US$39.95
per person, diners will enjoy a three-course
dinner, with a surf-and-turf-inspired main
www.brisashotelonline.com
dish featuring a
four-ounce Kona
lobster tail and
tender petite filet mignon. Plus, the
Pool Bar & Grill is now serving up
perfect pizzas, thanks to a kiawe
wood-burning oven in its recently
completed outdoor kitchen.
www.makenaresortmaui.com
Flying high
Being declared the world’s
best airport hotel and the
best airport hotel in Asia
is fantastic – but being
awarded both titles for the
second year running is even
better. So it’s congratulations
all round for the Regal Airport
Hotel Meeting & Conference Center
Takeaway taste
Take home a bottle of
Supreme Truffles XO
Sauce, created by Wong
Kam Ki, Head Chef of
Kwan Cheuk Heen, the
Chinese restaurant at the
Harbour Grand Hong
Kong. This condiment
is a refinement of the
traditional XO Sauce
(a Cantonese staple) and
includes conpoy (dried
scallops), black truffles
and white truffle oil.
www.harbourgrand.com
volume thirteen q Summit
in Hong Kong, which retained both titles in the
2012 Skytrax World Airport Awards, one of the most
highly recognised and reputable awards in the
industry. More than 927,000 airport hotel guests,
drawn from 87 different nationalities, participated
in the survey, nominating their favourite airport
hotels based on 16 key criteria, including comfort
and cleanliness of rooms, and hotel staff service
quality. www.regalhotel.com
Green star
Lancaster London takes its corporate social
responsibility very seriously: as well as installing
a honey bee colony (see page 19), it’s had a ‘green’
refurbishment of its banqueting spaces and
commercial kitchens, and achieved 0% landfill
waste. It’s no surprise, then, that it won Hotel
of the Year 2012 at the Considerate Hoteliers
Association Awards, and Director of Procurement
Clare Wright was declared Considerate Green
Champion of the Year 2012.
www.lancasterlondon.com
13
$100 flight credit
north by northwest
any flight. any destination. any time.
The Allison Inn & Spa
Newberg, Oregon
Brasada Ranch
Powell Butte, Oregon
The Heathman Hotel
Portland, Oregon
The Heathman Hotel Kirkland
Kirkland, Washington
Hotel 1000
Seattle, Washington
Hotel Bellwether
Bellingham, Washington
Hotel Captain Cook
Anchorage, Alaska
Hotel Grand Pacific
Victoria, British Columbia
The Hotel at Terminal City Club
Vancouver, British Columbia
Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
The River Rock Casino Resort
Richmond, British Columbia
Willows Lodge
Seattle/Woodinville, Washington
get a $100 flight credit
plus complimentary daily breakfast for two
from the best within the northwest
Book the North by Northwest offer from Preferred Hotel Group. It’s the insider’s way to experience the
Tulalip Resort Casino
Seattle/Tulalip, Washington
© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group
Pacific Northwest. Along with your luxury accommodations at the region’s finest hotels, you receive
complimentary daily breakfast for two and a $100 flight credit for your next trip – anywhere, anytime.
Choose your adventure today at PreferredHotelGroup.com/Northwest or contact your travel agent.
check-in
Natural
high
Healthy living meets blissful indulgence in the latest addition to
Elevation Hotel & Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado. The brandnew spa and fitness oasis, just steps from the mountain, has nine
treatment rooms, along with cardiovascular machines, strengthtraining equipment, pool, hot tub and sauna. You can lie back and
relax with your favourite massage (there’s everything from Swedish
and sports to altitude adjustment and prenatal to choose from),
pamper yourself with a range of nurturing facials, or indulge in a body
treatment such as a detoxifying thermal seaweed wrap or a red wine
hydrating body soufflé. And the extra good news is that all products
and practices are chosen with environmental wellbeing in mind.
www.skicb.com, www.elevationspa.com
Spa east
North by Northwest
There’s a serene beauty to the
Pacific Northwest, with its
lush forests, rugged coast and
panoramic views – and now’s
the time to enjoy it, thanks to
our North by Northwest Flight
Credit Promotion. For every
stay booked at one of the 12
participating luxury hotels and
resorts, you’ll receive a free
daily breakfast for two and a
US$100 flight credit for a future
trip. To find out more, and for
terms and conditions, visit
www.preferredhotelgroup.
com/northwest
I SPA, a leading operator of Thai-inspired spas in China, is now bringing its expertise to
Thailand with the opening of a new spa at The Landmark Bangkok. Set on the ninth
floor of the hotel, the spa features Thai-inspired architecture and design, and has 10
treatment rooms and four foot-therapy rooms, where guests will be pampered with
a range of ancient health and beauty therapies from China, India, Indonesia, Japan
and Thailand. www.landmarkbangkok.com
Join today…
Whatever kind of holiday you have in mind,
and whatever time of year you’re planning
to travel, membership of I Prefer™,
Preferred Hotel Group’s guest benefit
programme, will allow you to take advantage
of exclusive member discounts and benefits
all over the globe. From festive holiday offers
(www.IPrefer.com/Holiday) to romantic
Valentine’s Day retreats (www.IPrefer.com/
Romance), you’ll always find the
perfect place to celebrate. So if you’re
not already a member, now would
be the perfect time to sign up.
Join today and with every stay at
a participating property, you could
soon be enjoying rewards such as
complimentary internet, room upgrades
and more. Enrol at www.IPrefer.com/XLM
volume thirteen q Summit
15
10 things to do this season
heather rousseau, alamy, jared charney/Destination Salem
Aspen, Colorado, is the setting for Wintersköl – an annual four-day festival that includes ski races, a torchlight descent, a snow sculpting contest and a canine fashion show
16
1. Haunted Happenings: Salem, Massachusetts, USA; October. Not
content with limiting itself to just one night of trick or treating, the town of
Salem turns the whole of October into a month-long Halloween celebration.
There’s a grand parade to kick things off, a fireworks display to finish and, in
between, everything from pumpkin displays and costume parties to ghost
tours and ‘fright nights’. www.hauntedhappenings.org
2. Cartier: Madrid, Spain; 24 October TO 17 February 2013. For more
than a century, French jeweller Cartier has created beautiful pieces for royalty
and celebrities around the world. This collection of nearly 400 items, on display
at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, includes tiaras from the early 20th century,
Art Deco jewels and one-off commissions for the likes of Wallis Simpson, Grace
Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel. www.museothyssen.org
3. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Toronto, Canada;
2-11 November. The largest event of its kind, this celebration of all things
agricultural has been drawing thousands of visitors since it was first held in
1922. Expect horse shows, dog shows, giant vegetable displays and (a crowd
favourite) the Butter Sculpture Championships, when young artists working
in chilled containers create masterpieces from 25kg blocks of butter.
www.royalfair.org
4. Lord Mayor’s Show: London, UK; 10 November. Tradition decrees
that every year the Mayor of London travels from the City of London to
Westminster to pledge loyalty to the Crown. Over the past eight centuries,
that journey has turned into a huge public festival, with 6,000 participants
taking part in a three-mile-long procession, complete with marching bands,
dancers and military displays, and the day ends with a fireworks display over
the Thames. www.lordmayorshow.org
5. Diwali: Nationwide, India; 13 November. The Hindu festival of
lights traditionally celebrates the return of Rama after a 14-year exile, and
the victory of light over dark. Doorsteps are decorated with chalk and
sand symbols of welcome, lamps and candles are lit in tribute to Lakshmi,
goddess of wealth, and streets everywhere fill with the sound of firecrackers.
www.diwali2012.in
volume thirteen q Summit
check-in
4
7
5
1
10
9
Clockwise from top left: Just a handful of the 6,000 participants in the Lord Mayor’s Show, London; a young girl leads the crowds in the St Lucia Day celebrations in Sweden;
one of the performers at the Hong Kong Arts Festival; the de Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is the first to host a touring collection from the Netherlands; a month
of Halloween activities takes place during Haunted Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts; street lights welcome the return of Rama in the Hindu Festival of Lights – Diwali
6. Louvre Lens: Lens, France; 4 December. Europe gets a major new
cultural attraction this winter, with the opening of Louvre Lens, in the Pas de
Calais region of northern France, on 4 December. Built on the site of a former
mine yard, the low-level cluster of sleek glass and aluminium buildings
will exhibit works from every department of the original Louvre in Paris
(just over an hour away by train). www.louvre.fr
7. ST Lucia Day: MalmÖ (and nationwide), Sweden; 13 December.
For the celebration of St Lucia, crowds parade after dark through Malmö’s
city streets, led by a young girl (‘Lucia’) wearing a crown of candles, before
congregating in the main square to listen to a choir of children singing carols
on the balcony of the Residenset. Tradition also dictates the eating of saffron
rolls and gingerbread and the drinking of mulled wine. www.sweden.se
8. WinterskÖl: Aspen, Colorado, USA; 10-13 January 2013. Aspen’s
annual winter carnival brings four days of fun both on and off the mountain,
from ski races and a torchlight descent to a snow sculpting contest and skating
party. There’s live music and comedy, a soup-making contest to determine
which restaurant makes the best soup in the valley and even, for lovers
of four-legged fashion, a canine fashion show. www.aspenchamber.org
9. Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the
Mauritshuis: San Francisco, California, USA; 26 January TO 2 June
2013. While the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in the Netherlands is closed
for renovations, some of its masterpieces will be touring the United States
during 2013. First to host the collection, which includes Vermeer’s Girl with a
Pearl Earring, will be the de Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, after
which the tour moves on to Atlanta, and, finally, New York. deyoung.famsf.org
10. Hong Kong Arts Festival: Hong Kong; 21 February TO 22 March
2013. Launched almost 40 years ago, the Hong Kong Arts Festival has grown
into a major highlight of the territory’s cultural calendar, bringing together
local and international talents from the worlds of music, dance, theatre and
other artistic fields. Already lined up for the 2013 event are the American
Ballet Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and National Theatre of China.
www.hk.artsfestival.org
volume thirteen q Summit
17
Take five…
Hotel spas
One of the best ways to unwind is by indulging in a spot of pampering, and a hotel spa is the
perfect place for it. Here are five fabulous spas in Summit Hotels & Resorts around the world
Prana Spa at The Tongsai Bay, Ko Samui, Thailand
Treating yourself to regular massages is one of the highlights of any holiday in Thailand,
so it’s hardly surprising to find that Prana Spa specialises in massage treatments. Choose
between Western and Thai techniques – either way you’ll feel the stresses and strains of
daily life gently slipping away with every stroke. Another special feature of this peaceful
spot, hidden away among tropical trees above a private bay on Ko Samui, is the way it
incorporates local ingredients wherever possible. The Samui Dream treatment, for example,
combines an aromatherapy massage and facial with a body mask of coconut oil and local
herbs to help repair sunburned skin – bliss for those who’ve overdone it in the tropical sun.
1
2
T Spa at Tulalip Resort Casino &
Spa, near Seattle, Washington, USA
Tranquillity, serenity and a sense of
harmony – that’s the promise at the
1,300 sq m T Spa. Reverence for nature is
reflected in the native-inspired rituals and
therapies on the spa menu: Mission Beach
Hot Stone Massage uses hot river rocks with
juniper and sage oils to melt away aches
and pains, while Re-balance, a warm body
wrap designed to improve circulation and
eliminate toxins, incorporates true ocean
bath marine crystals. For the ultimate in
pampering, book a Canoe Puller – in one
heady five-hour package it combines a
re-energising ritual, mud bath, deep tissue
massage, vitamin infusion facial, native
stone ritual for feet, and lunch.
Makena Kai Day Spa at Makena
Beach & Golf Resort, Maui,
Hawaii, USA
As well as offering traditional treatment
rooms, Makena Kai Day Spa on Maui also
has thatched-roof, open-air cabanas right
on the beach, so you can enjoy a massage
just steps away from the soothing sound
and scent of the ocean waves. A speciality
of the spa is unique island-inspired
treatments, such as the Hawaiian Lomi
Lomi Massage, with its blend of long, gliding
strokes and gentle rhythmic motions. And
for active types taking advantage of Maui’s
many outdoor activities, a Sports Massage is
the one to go for: the therapist will tailor the
treatment to target different muscle groups,
depending on whether you’ve been golfing,
running, hiking, playing tennis or surfing.
18
3
volume thirteen q Summit
check-in
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Maya Spa at The Zuri White Sands
Goa Resort & Casino, Goa, India
4
Wellness centre at Hotel Francia
& Quirinale, Montecatini Terme,
Tuscany, Italy
The cultural riches of Florence, Lucca and
Pisa are all within easy day-tripping reach
of Montecatini Terme – but the really big
draw of this Tuscan resort is its mineral-rich
thermal springs. Their fame dates back to
Roman times and they’re reputed to possess
healing powers that can help with a range
of health problems. Hotel Francia &
Quirinale, just a short stroll from the town’s
baths, makes the perfect base for taking the
waters, after which you can retreat to the
hotel’s own wellness centre, where the
services on offer range from hot stone
massages to Ayurvedic treatments.
The ancient holistic discipline of Ayurveda,
designed to heal body, mind and soul, is
much in evidence at Maya Spa, where the
menu offers more than 50 health and beauty
treatments. Signature therapies include
Mukhalepam, a traditional Ayurvedic herbal
facial that cleanses, hydrates and refreshes
the skin, and Maya Cure, in which hot
bundles of herbs and a combination of
massage techniques relieve tense muscles.
All treatments start with a traditional
welcoming foot ritual, and afterwards you
can relax in the steam room, sauna or
Jacuzzi, or head straight for the beauty
parlour, where the services range from
eyebrow threading and leg waxing to hair
ironing and saree draping.
5
accessories
Quinton Leather Satchel
Tusting – Tusting takes the finest leathers and
converts them into desirable items, designed
to endure. Made from basket-weave-print
calf leather and trimmed with strong dark
tan bridle for contrast and strength, this
distinctive satchel is
petite enough
to be smart,
but roomy
enough to
take an A4
pad or glossy
magazines.
www.tusting.
co.uk
Jo Hemesley, Corporate Senior Sales
Manager at Lancaster London, talks about
the buzz she gets from being a member
of the hotel’s beekeeping team
We’ve had bees on the roof of Lancaster
London for three years now. We’d all
heard about bee populations being under
threat, and thought that introducing some
rooftop hives could have a positive effect
on our environment.
There are 10 hives, each containing around
50,000 bees. The bees can fly for up to
about three miles from home, but the hotel
is right on the doorstep of Hyde Park, so
that’s where they feed mostly. They forage
on whatever nectar is available, which
changes throughout the year, but a lot of
it comes from the pollen of the lime trees
in the park.
On average, each colony produces around
14kg of honey each summer. It’s a lovely
honey, very pale, clear and runny, with a real
citrusy zing to it. We don’t sell it, but we give
jars as gifts to some of our clients and use
the rest in our restaurants. The porridge on
the breakfast menu in Island Grill is served
with honey from the hotel hives.
There are four of us in the beekeeping
team, and we all do it in addition to our
other roles in the hotel. As well as myself,
there’s Darren Marshall (Island Head Chef),
Jeff Tonks (Engineer) and Jo Cope (Events
Sales Associate). The hives need to be
inspected once a week and we take it in
turns. Quite a lot of the guestrooms look
out over the bees and it’s funny to see the
surprise on people’s faces if they see us
there in our white boiler suits and veils!
travelling in style
P3 headphones
Bowers & Wilkins – These new headphones
are the ideal travel companion for anyone
who demands great sound on the go. Their
foldable design makes them compact
enough to carry easily, and the memory
foam cushion and ultra-light acoustic
fabric on the ear pad mean they deliver on
the comfort front, too. Available in black
or white, they also come with a choice of
cable leads, making them compatible with
iPhones®, all other mobile phones and MP3
players. www.bowers-wilkins.com
Hive talking
Eye mask
Holistic Silk – Put some style into your
in-flight snoozing, with one of the new
season’s eye masks from Holistic Silk. They
come in a range of patterns, including funky
animal prints and bright tropical flower
designs, all made from the finest, softest
cotton and velvet and filled with lavender
to soothe the spirits and scent the air.
Adjusting the ties for perfect comfort will
totally block out the cabin lights and allow
you to drift off to sleep until it’s time to land.
www.holisticsilk.com
volume thirteen q Summit
You’d be surprised how many rooftop
hives there are in London.
They’re on top of Fortnum
& Mason on Piccadilly,
Ted Baker’s head office
in Camden, the National
Magazine Company in
Soho, the Royal Festival
Hall, Mishcon de Reya
in the City and plenty
of other places.
Everyone in the hotel is really
enthusiastic about the bees.
We have a staff football team, whose
players wear a black-and-yellow striped
kit and are called the Lancaster Bees.
And last year we organised the first-ever
London Honey Show in the hotel, inviting
local beekeepers to enter their honeys
in various competition categories. It was
a great success, so we’re repeating it again
this year (8 October 2012), but scaling it
up to attract even more beekeepers
and visitors.
19
check-in
where in the world
Food shops
For gourmet travellers, visiting a city’s delicatessens, groceries and speciality stores is at least
as important as ticking off its must-see monuments and museums. So loosen the waistband
and treat your taste buds to a tour of foodie hot spots
Russ & Daughters, New York
Now run by the fourth generation of
the Russ family, this Lower East Side
institution (a favourite of Anthony
Bourdain) stocks all sorts of Eastern
European delicacies, but is particularly
famed for its smoked salmon, the
different varieties all beautifully
displayed and labelled behind the
glass counters. For a quintessential
New York snack, choose your fish and
watch the assistant expertly slice it
paper thin before piling it onto a fresh
bagel with a generous dollop of
whipped cream cheese.
www.russanddaughters.com
Spain’s famous jamón ibérico. It stocks only
the highest-quality ham from free-range,
acorn-fed animals reared by small-scale
producers in Salamanca, Extremadura
and Andalucia, and counts big-name chefs,
such as Alain Ducasse, Charlie Trotter and
Joël Robuchon, among its customers.
www.jamonisimo.com
Takashimaya Times Square, Tokyo
Not a place to go if you’re on a diet, this
vast subterranean food hall is filled with
gastronomic goodies from around the globe.
It’s a hugely popular spot with Tokyo locals,
who come to pick up anything from French
patisserie and German cold cuts to Chinese
teas and Japanese noodles, and thanks
to their love of new trends, there’s always
something different, with an ever-changing
roster of concessions.
www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku
La Fromagerie, London
Pierre Hermé, Paris
Jamie Oliver is a fan of this speciality
cheese shop, which has one branch in
Marylebone and another in Highbury.
Both source directly from artisan
producers, then mature the cheeses in
their own maturing rooms until they’re at
their peak. Sample the wares by ordering
one of the cheeseboards (with drink
recommendations to match) in the Tasting
Café, or ask the knowledgeable staff for
advice on which are the best buys to
take home. www.lafromagerie.co.uk
Peck, Milan
This gourmet institution in the heart of
Milan is a must-visit on any foodie tour
of Italy. Huge cuts of meat and wheels of
Parmesan in the windows set the tone;
step inside and you’ll find a treasure
trove of cured meats and Italian cheeses,
trays of fresh pasta in every shape and
size, and shelves of olive oils, vinegars
and conserves. And whatever you buy,
it will be handed to you beautifully
packaged with a gold ribbon flourish.
www.peck.it
There’s always a queue outside Pierre
Hermé’s tiny shop on rue Bonaparte in
the 6th arrondissement – and once you
make it inside you can understand why.
Dubbed the ‘Picasso of Pastry’ by French
Vogue, Hermé creates the most exquisite
cakes and chocolates, and is famous
for his macaroons, devising innovative
flavour combinations and creating
special collections that change with
the season. www.pierreherme.com
Jamonisimo, Barcelona
So far from the main tourist sights that
you’d never wander past it by accident,
Jamonisimo is worth a major detour for
anyone who wants to try the best of
Left to right: Macaroons are a speciality at Pierre Hermé, Paris; La Fromagerie has two specialist cheese shops in London; the finest Italian cuisine is sold in Peck, Milan
volume tHIRTEEN q Summit
21
PlayMore Golf
PlayMore packages include nightly accommodations and daily golf for two – or a
US$75 resort credit in lieu of one round of golf at over 85 world-class golf resorts.
For more information or to make reservations call +1 888 893 6697 or visit
www.PreferredGolf.com Book on GDS via Master Chain Code PV.
© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group
check-in
One day in...
Beijing
FIRST THING
Head to the Temple of Heaven park very
early in the morning to watch Beijingers
practising t’ai chi, enjoying ballroom
dancing or greeting the new day with
a spot of violin playing or opera singing.
whc.unesco.org
BRUNCH:
Maison Boulud
BRUNCH
Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud is the place
for a weekend brunch, with everything
from eggs Benedict and homemade pasta
to seafood platters and award-winning
burgers. www.danielnyc.com
VISIT
Top of everybody’s must-visit list, the vast
15th-century complex of the Forbidden
City lives up to the hype. Make sure to
hire a guide – they’ll point out all the
little details you’d otherwise miss, such
as the mosaic path designed to massage
the emperor’s feet. www.dpm.org.cn
CULTURE FIX
Witness Beijing’s buzzing contemporary
arts scene at 798 Art Zone, a vast former
munitions factory in the northeast of the
city, now filled with artists’ galleries and
studios, along with little cafés, boutiques
and bars. www.798district.com
LUNCH
Once reserved for the emperor and his
court, Peking duck – slices of crispy
skinned duck served with spring onions,
pancakes and a sweet, sticky sauce – is
now eagerly devoured by all. One of the
best places to try it is Da Dong Roast
Duck Restaurant (22 Dongsishitiao).
melissa Hom
SHOP
More characterful than the many
Western-style shopping malls
is the weekend market of
Panjiayuan. It’s filled with
thousands of stalls selling
everything from kitsch
Communist ceramics and
freshwater pearl bracelets
to scroll paintings and
wooden Buddha statues.
FIRST THING:
Temple of Heaven
BAR SCENE:
Club Suzie Wong
TAKE A STROLL
Head north of the Forbidden City to
explore the hutongs, traditional old alleys
lined with single-storey courtyard houses.
TAKE A STROLL:
Traditional courtyard
BAR SCENE
Trendy young Beijingers flock to hip
hutong bar Bed (17 Zhangwang Hutong)
or party at Club Suzie Wong, with its
opium den-style décor and laid-back
rooftop bar. www.clubsuziewong.com
DINNER:
Capital M
DINNER
The very chic Capital M serves up modern
European/Middle Eastern food in a great
location just south of Tiananmen Square.
www.m-restaurantgroup.com
SNACK
Feeling adventurous? At Donghuamen
Night Market you can crunch on roasted
crickets and fried scorpions or nibble on
a skewer of grilled beetles or centipedes.
VISIT:
The Forbidden City
STAY
Conveniently close to the 798 Art Zone,
the brand-new EAST, Beijing is designed
to create a relaxed haven for business
travellers. www.SummitHotels.com
volume thirteen
Summit
23
GETTY IMAGES
24
volume thirteen
Summit
travellers’ tales
Panama
magic
Widely tipped as travel’s next big thing, this tiny
Central American country casts a spell on visitors
with its rich diversity of landscapes, cultures and
wildlife. From dark volcanic peaks to clear Caribbean
seas, remote rainforest to cosmopolitan capital,
Richard Arghiris explores the appeal of Panama
volume thirteen
Summit
25
alamy, getty images, MAP: ROBERT LITTLEFORD
H
26
ead to the summit of Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak,
and on an exceptionally clear day you can glimpse the
Caribbean Sea in one direction, the Pacific Ocean in the
other, and breathe in one of the most expansive vistas anywhere.
This is a land of many frontiers, where you can travel from the
frenetic urban boulevards of the capital to the pristine wilds of the
rainforest in under an hour; hike mountains in the morning and
recline on beaches in the afternoon.
After living and travelling here for more than two years, I’ve
concluded that this is the key to the country’s special appeal – its
staggering diversity; its wealth of natural and cultural landscapes,
all squeezed into a tiny, sinuous landmass. It continues to surprise
me with every journey I make.
The capital, Panama City, has lately become a thriving symbol of
success – a formidable economic engine driving rapid development
across the country. Boom times have brought scores of glitzy
nightclubs, boutique shopping malls and fine international
restaurants to the city, and the newly affluent, immaculately
groomed and wearing fine designer clothes, make no apologies
for their displays of wealth.
Rising from the bay of Panama on an ambitious vertical trajectory,
its Miami-style Area Bancaria (banking district) has evolved into a
burgeoning hub of transnational enterprise, complete with gleaming
skyscrapers and luxury high-rise apartment buildings. For striking
views of the emergent skyline, take a stroll along the palm-fringed
walkways of the new Cinta Costera (coastal belt), a favourite of
strollers, joggers, cyclists and inline skaters – after dark is best,
when cool breezes roll in off the Pacific and the entire district is
fiercely illuminated against the evening sky.
Across the bay, Panama City’s historic quarter, Casco Viejo, is
undergoing major transformations, too. For decades, many of its
finest buildings were severely neglected and in shameful states of
disrepair, but today, thanks to intensive restoration efforts, it is
rapidly gentrifying. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997,
Casco boasts an intriguing blend of immaculately restored mansions
and visually compelling ruins. It’s a great district for idle strolling,
its cobblestone alleys and plazas lined with an array of architectural
styles from Baroque to Art Deco, neoclassical to French and Spanish
colonial. Don’t miss the Teatro Nacional with its operatic interior
and spiritually charged frescoes; the sumptuous Presidential Palace,
home to snow-white herons that wander between fountains and
courtyards; or the Paseo de las Bóvedas, an old defensive sea wall
with bright ocean views and blazing swathes of bougainvillea.
Bridging the gap
Dusk is an especially evocative time in Casco, when amber
street lamps cast mellow tones over the ancient stonework, plazas
come alive with thronging restaurants and bars, and the sounds
of live salsa and jazz pull in the crowds at popular haunts such as
Habana Panamá (a swinging glimpse of old Cuba) and Platea Bar.
Panama City owes its cosmopolitan flavour – and its eclectic
musical output – to its unique geographic position between two
vast continents and two equally vast oceans. When the pioneering
Spanish conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the first
European to take a short cut across the isthmus, Panama’s fate
as international crossroads was sealed. Today, 500 years of global
interchange has left Panama with a diverse ethnic tapestry:
European, North American, African, Chinese, Middle Eastern,
Asian and indigenous bloodlines are all represented. For an
Previous page: Views of the Anton Valley, Colon. Above: A cyclist rides past Patilla
Point and Balboa Avenue at rush hour in Panama City. Opposite: Kuna lady in
traditional dress on Playon Chico, San Blas Islands
volume thirteen
Summit
travellers’ tales
The most enduring symbol of Panama’s
internationalism is the Panama Canal. Most
locals will insist you visit it, with good reason
amateur street photographer, the chaotic hustling of different
cultures – best observed in the gritty working-class neighbourhoods
of Santa Ana and Calidonia – is a fascinating spectacle.
But the most enduring symbol of Panama’s internationalism is
the Panama Canal, constructed by the United States in a singular
act of bravado. Most locals will insist you visit it, with good reason.
Standing at its locks, watching the giant ocean-going vessels rise
and fall, few travellers fail to be impressed by the sheer scale of
its operations. For a really intimate encounter with this marvel of
engineering, you can jump on one of the regular boat trips from the
capital. Alternatively, the Panama Canal Railroad runs parallel to
the canal and supplies exciting views of the locks, passing cargo
ships and the vast freshwater sea of Lake Gatún. One of my favourite
train journeys, it takes you rushing past walls of tangled jungle
foliage, crossing from the Pacific to the Caribbean in just one hour.
Escape to the country
Panama’s social diversity is matched by its natural diversity. As a vital
land bridge, it represents the range limit for scores of species from
both American continents, and is one of the most biologically diverse
places on the planet. Encountering its exotic flora and fauna is as
easy as heading a short distance out of the capital: the Parque
Nacional Soberanía is less than 40 minutes away and boasts worldclass birding trails. I’ve spotted toucans, hummingbirds, hawks,
vultures, falcons, woodpeckers, cuckoos, tanagers and trogons –
not to mention scampering monkeys, sloths, agoutis and coatis –
all in a single visit. Go at dawn to be immersed in a lively orchestral
performance of whistling, tweeting and chirping bird songs, all
bursting from the branches as the sun’s first rays wake the rainforest.
Panama may be an international crossroads, but it boasts a strong
sense of its own identity, too. Heading west of the capital on the
Inter-America Highway takes you deep into the country’s interior,
skirting diminutive farming communities and slow-paced cowboy
towns that are a world away from the power-charged frenzy of
the city. The so-called central provinces are the geographic and
spiritual centre of the nation, the cradle of folklore and traditions,
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN PANAMA
Trees and trails – True adventurers
head to the virgin wilderness of Darién
province, but for the less intrepid,
there’s a corridor of easy-to-reach
protected rainforests skirting the canal
just outside Panama City, where you
can hike old trans-isthmian gold trails
and discover world-class birdwatching.
Sea life – There are plentiful diving
and snorkelling sites off both coasts,
many of them undiscovered. The waters
around Isla Coiba are the haunt of large
sea animals such as sharks and whales,
while Bocas del Toro has calm, sheltered
reefs that are good for beginners.
Surf’s up – The rambling and rugged
Pacific coast has fair surf at most
beaches, but for outstanding action
you should head to Santa Catalina
and the friendly town of Pedasí.
Going fishing – Panama means
‘abundance of fish’ and freshwater
angling is possible in many of the
country’s 480 rivers. Prize marlin, tuna,
dorado and other big game fish can
be snagged off the Pacific shore.
River thrills – Chiriquí province is a land
of rugged mountains and white-water
rapids, promising some of the most
exciting rafting in Central America.
a conservative heartland where many Panamanian presidents have
been born. Cigars, sugar and seco – a feisty tipple made from
distilled sugar cane juice – are all produced here.
The local culture, grounded in the rhythms of agriculture,
is known simply as típico. It’s at its purist form in the Azuero
Peninsula, a land of lost-in-time colonial villages, tiny white-washed
churches and terminally sleepy plazas. Come fiesta time, the region
explodes with fireworks, pageantry and troupes of spirited dancers,
including Panama’s most beautiful women, all adorned in stunning
polleras – the flowing and intricately embroidered national dress
of Panama.
Whenever I’m in need of rest and relaxation, I head to Chiriquí –
a friendly, laid-back and staunchly independent province of
rambling green valleys and flower-festooned villages, aromatic
coffee fincas and cheery highland homesteads. Where the landscape
volume thirteen
Summit
27
Preferred Hotel Group
presents a global collection
Travel with Pride.
Book today and receive select rates and VIP amenities.
of independent hotels and
resorts that understand your
unique travel needs.
Members of the Preferred Pride
collection are active supporters
of the LGBT community and
certified by ILGTA and TAG.
When you book a stay at a
Preferred Pride hotel or resort
in destinations including
Paris, Los Angeles, Mexico,
New York, Peru, Milan,
and London, you receive VIP
benefits and amenities tailored
to your distinctive tastes.
Book with confidence.
At Preferred Pride hotels
and resorts, you receive
the individual attention
that makes travel exceptional.
Visit PreferredPride.com/sm
to view the complete collection
and special offers, or call
your travel professional.
Preferred Hotel Group is proud
to be a member of IGLTA.
© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group
travellers’ tales
rises into the rugged Talamanca mountain range, you enter a
world of daunting volcanic peaks, white-water rivers, enchanted
waterfalls, abundant rainbows and primeval cloud forests, all
swathed in cooling mists, mosses, lichens and fiery bromeliads.
This is the land of the rare resplendent quetzal, an elusive bird
whose long, green tail feathers trail like the sweeping gown of some
royal dignitary. Spotting one is a high point in any birdwatcher’s
career and even non-birders find themselves caught up in the
search, determinedly scanning the trees in the hope of even a
fleeting glimpse. Breeding season, March to June, is the best time
to look – if you’re lucky, you might behold entire flocks fluttering
in the branches.
Most travellers to Chiriquí end up in the mountain town of
Boquete, the jumping-off point for many outdoor excursions, but
nearby, the hot springs of Caldera should not be missed. Surrounded
by verdant vegetation and rustic walls of volcanic stone, the piping
hot pools of mineral-rich spring water are the perfect relief for
travel-weary bones. When you need to cool off, simply amble down
to the refreshing waters of the River Caldera.
Bocas boasts historic contact with
explorers and swashbucklers, too,
including Christopher Columbus,
who scoured the pristine atolls of
the Bocas del Toro archipelago on
his fourth and final voyage in 1502.
Today, that archipelago – eight
major islands, 52 cays and some
200 tiny islets – is a major draw for
travellers, its setting so verdant and
ecologically rich that naturalists
have compared it with the Galapagos
Islands of Ecuador.
Hiking in the enclosure of the
island rainforests, you encounter
great canopies teeming with vines,
creepers and orchids, blue morpho
butterflies as big as birds, gentle
sloths and vociferous howler
monkeys. Search the foliage near
the dampened forest floor and you’ll
spot tiny neon-coloured poison dart
frogs – a dazzling red, gold, electric
blue or green – no bigger than a
thumbnail and a different hue for
every island. Offshore, the swirl
Children in a café in Colon
of multicoloured tropical fish and
kaleidoscopic coral reefs can leave
you high and heady for days.
The most densely populated of the islands is Isla Colón (Columbus
Island), and its main town, known simply as Bocas, is a jaunty hub of
commerce and hedonism, filled with colourful clapboard houses and
equally colourful characters. Crowded along the water’s edge are
bars and restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood seasoned
with coconut, soak up some lilting Calypso rhythms,
drink rum and watch the easy comings and goings of island life.
It’s easy to zip between islands and just 10 minutes away, Isla
Bastimentos is so laid-back it almost slumps into the water. Its
terminally idle population seems to consist of wily raconteurs
engaged in life’s finer pursuits – drinking, smoking and dominoes.
This is the place to sling a hammock, lie back and laze away the
hours – a pursuit I’d heartily recommend.
WHERE TO STAY
For further information and reservations, please visit www.SummitHotels.com
Island life
For adventure, I like to visit Panama’s ‘other side’ – specifically, the
secluded Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, divided from the
outside world by mountains, sea and impenetrable rainforests.
Paved road connections only arrived here in 1997 and it remains
a remote and poorly developed region, sparsely inhabited and
immersed in exuberant jungle foliage.
Typically Caribbean, Bocas plays host to an eclectic mix of
cultures. The Ngäbe, Naso and Bribri are all indigenous to the area,
but the region’s African descendants are the great-grandchildren
of workers enticed from Barbados and Jamaica in the early 20th
century. They continue to speak a unique form of honeyed Creole
English known as Guari Guari.
El PanamA Hotel
This is one of Panama City’s most
elegant landmark hotels, boasting
five-star service, luxury rooms and all
modern amenities, including a pool,
spa and restaurant. It’s located at the
heart of the action, with the thriving
restaurant scene of Vía Argentina
within easy walking distance.
volume thirteen
Summit
Playa Tortuga Hotel
& Beach Resort
A popular place to stay, overlooking
the Caribbean Sea. Situated in a
secluded enclave on Isla Colón, the
resort delivers friendly, professional
service and a wealth of convenient
amenities, including boat
transportation to other islands.
29
30
volume ELEVEN
Summit
global gourmet
Salt of
the Earth
Over the centuries, salt has
built fortunes, altered landscapes
and influenced the course of
history – and now the humble
condiment has gone gourmet,
as ANDREW PURVIS discovers
‘S
getty IMAGES
alt is the new olive oil,’ said Thomas Keller, legendary
chef at the three-Michelin-starred French Laundry in
Yountville, California, in 2004 – and the genie was out
of the bottle (or rather, out of the $90 Peugeot Sochaux
stainless-steel salt mill, engineered by the French car manufacturer
and prized by salt enthusiasts the world over). The lexicon of salt
may be different from that of oil – there are no virgin, extra virgin
or single estate salts just yet – but Keller was on to something. In the
next three years, sales of gourmet salt in the United States would
grow by 2,000%, rivalling the olive oil boom of the late 1990s.
For most people at that time, salt meant table salt: fine white
grains from a container labelled Morton or Saxa. Eight years on,
delicatessen shelves are groaning with coarse salts, finishing salts,
kosher salts and flake salts with provenances as diverse as Australia,
Bali, Cornwall, Cyprus, Essex, Sicily, Wales and the Himalayas. The
food-literate talk lovingly about fleur de sel (the champagne of salts,
from the Guérande region of France); moist, gritty sel gris from
Left: The salt flats of Death Valley's
Badwater Basin, California
volume thirteen
Summit
31
Brittany; pinkish-grey Kala Namak from India; and Hawaiian salts
and other rarities, ultimately challenging experts to a blind tasting
tinted red (using volcanic clay) or black (charcoal). Like wine, salt is
in Sicily. They included British chef Heston Blumenthal and the
affected by terroir.
American food science writer Harold McGee, yet only Steingarten
There are exotic salts flavoured with seaweed, lemon, vanilla,
had a palate refined enough to tell one salt from another.
lavender, mixed spices, saffron, bamboo, coconut and lime; homely
Mark Bitterman knows why. ‘Nobody eats salt by itself,’ he says.
salts smoked over alderwood, oak or cherrywood; and an Italian salt
‘What matters is the interaction of the salt and the food.’ Coarse,
dyed black with cuttlefish ink. One of the rarest is Oshima Island
minerally sel gris is best for finishing red meats (a finer salt would
Blue Label from Japan, at one time available ‘only to Japanese
dissolve too quickly in the juices) or rubbing into the cavity of a
members of the exclusive Salt Road Club’, but now on sale at three
chicken before roasting. Moist, creamy fleur de sel, with its delicate,
specialist stores in the US, costing $85 for a 340g jar.
clean flavour, is the ideal partner for mild dishes such as fish,
Order foie gras at the French Laundry and
steamed vegetables or caramels. ‘Snappy,
you will be offered five types of salt: a fleur de
bright flake salts are perfect with fresh
sel, two red clay salts, a rare sea salt from the The Virginia-based Salt
vegetables and green salads,’ Bitterman says,
Philippines and a Jurassic salt from Montana, Institute estimates that
‘or any dish where you want sparks of salt
mined from a rock seam that may be 200
to contrast vibrantly with the food.’ The
there are 14,000 known
million years old. Restaurants now have
huge black, pyramid-shaped flakes of
selmeliers (waiters well versed in pairing salt uses for salt, the latest
Black Diamond, from Cyprus, add drama.
with food), a term coined by Mark Bitterman, being data storage
Surprisingly, even with all this sprinkling
whose exquisite boutiques, called The
and finishing, food accounts for only 4% of
Meadow, in New York and Portland, Oregon,
salt consumption. Last year in the United
sell the widest range of gourmet salts in the
States, 40% of all salt harvested was used
world, including Oshima Island Blue Label (Corti Brothers
by the chemical industry, while 38% was used for highway de-icing.
in Sacramento, California, is the other stockist).
The Virginia-based Salt Institute estimates that there are 14,000
known uses for salt, the latest being data storage. Inside the hard
A pinch of salt
drive of a computer is a spinning magnetic platter covered in
The culinary uses of salt are changing, too. Black lava salt from
nanoscopic grains that store information. Last year, researchers
Hawaii is perfect ‘sprinkled on a mango salad’, according to one
found that adding a salt solution during manufacture shrinks the
British supplier (www.gourmetsalt.co.uk), while apricot-coloured
nanostructures and significantly increases memory.
salt from the Murray river, Australia, works well with ‘fresh summer
Bring out the flavour
fruits and moist cheeses’. Research has shown that salt doesn’t just
For the salt industry, more good news came with the announcement
make things saltier, but brings out the flavour of foods (savoury or
that Campbell’s had reversed its policy of reducing salt levels in its
sweet), while masking unwanted bitterness. Salt with chocolate is
Select Harvest soups, after complaints about the lack of taste. Public
a winning combination, as President Obama knows. His favourite
health officials were furious. For years, they have warned us about
chocolates, given to guests at the White House, are topped with
the dangers of eating too much salt, which raises blood pressure and
white flakes of Halen Môn sea salt from Anglesey in Wales.
increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Last spring, a local
Five years ago, an eons-old technique – salt-baking – became
legislator proposed that the use of salt be banned in New York
the foodie fad of the moment, revived by the likes of Jamie Oliver
restaurants, provoking an outcry from chefs.
in London and Michael Cimarusti at the two-Michelin-starred
‘Salt is what makes food taste good,’ argued Anthony Bourdain,
Providence in Los Angeles. After a traditional Italian wedding, it
author of Kitchen Confidential. ‘Traditional, intelligent and skilled
is customary to bring to the table a whole fish encased in a baked
use of salt has become confused in the minds of nanny-state nitwits
salt crust, which the bride and groom then tap with wooden mallets
with sneaking salt into processed convenience foods. Nothing
before sweeping the salt aside. Inside its capsule, the fish retains
encapsulates the mission of the food
its moisture and flavour and, oddly, tastes sweet rather than salty.
ideologues better than this
Oliver mixes 1.4kg of lemon sea salt with water, egg whites and
intrusion: they desire a
seasoning, then uses the paste to cover a black bream and a sea bass.
world without flavour.’
Baked for 40 minutes, the flesh falls off the bone and is moist and
As with many
delicate. Cimarusti serves Santa Barbara spot prawns salt-roasted
pleasures, the secret is
with rosemary, lemon and virgin olive oil – a dish so delicious that,
moderation. ‘My message
when Russ Parsons of the Los Angeles Times tasted it, the effect was
to people is eat less salt,
life-changing. ‘I took one bite and had to close my eyes,’ he wrote.
but better salt,’ says David
‘Many dishes are good; some are excellent. A very few are truly
Lea-Wilson of the Anglesey
profound, and this was one of them. It had the deepest, purest
Sea Salt Company, which
taste of shellfish I’ve ever experienced, like some distilled essence.’
supplies Heston Blumenthal’s
In 2001, it was journalist Jeffrey Steingarten, the food critic at
three-Michelin-starred restaurant,
American Vogue, who ignited the trend for gourmet salt with his
The Fat Duck. Bitterman urges mindfulness.
essay ‘Salt Chic’. In it, he went in search of Oshima Island Blue Label
32
volume thirteen
Summit
global gourmet
Workers carry baskets of salt at
the Hon Khoi salt factory in Vietnam.
Far left: Course salt in a grinder.
Left: Salted stockfish
Chefs worth their salt
Delia Smith English cook and
TV presenter
Favourite Maldon sea salt (England)
Use Coarsely crushed over jacket
potatoes or anything fried. ‘A fat,
chunky chip wrapped in a rocket leaf,
dipped in mayonnaise, then sea salt,
is a wickedly brilliant combination!’
Eric Ripert
New York chef
and host of PBS’ Avec Eric
Favourite Smoked Viking sea
salt (Denmark)
Use Smoked yellowfin tuna prosciutto.
‘The salt ties the flavour of the tuna
to the crispy kombu and Japanese
pickled vegetables that accompany it.’
Wolfgang Puck
Renowned Austrian
chef with more than 100 restaurants
Favourite Fleur de sel
(Guérande, France)
Use Bone-in New York strip steak.
‘The salt has a distinctive flavour that
accents grilled meat perfectly.’
Homaro Cantu US chef and
food futurologist
Favourite Terra Spice’s Hiwa Kai black
lava salt (Hawaii)
Use Edible, charcoal briquette, with
pork. ‘Cubes of bread dipped in squid
ink, deep-fried. The salt makes them
look more real and intensifies flavours.’
Alain Ducasse Recipient of 19
Michelin stars
Favourite Fleur de sel
(Guérande, France)
Use Fish baked in a salt crust. ‘It’s kept
incredibly moist and flavoursome.
There are two ingredients I can’t live
without: fleur de sel and olive oil.’
volume thirteen
Summit
Tom Aikens Michelin-starred
English chef and TV presenter
Favourite Fleur de sel
(Camargue, France)
Use Bread. ‘I sprinkle it on before
baking, for the texture and because
it doesn’t burn like others.’
Michael Symon
Chef, restaurateur
and Food Network Iron Chef
Favourite Cyprus Flake by Artisan
Use Braised short ribs. ‘It adds a nice
texture and helps cut through the
rich meat.’
CORBIS
Heston Blumenthal English
master of molecular gastronomy
Favourite Halen Môn sea salt (Wales)
Use Desserts. ‘In chocolate and
crumble toppings, it helps bring
out sweetness.’
33
global gourmet
34
volume thirteen
Summit
global gourmet
them, and encourages the build-up of lactic acid that helps cabbage
ferment into sauerkraut, for instance. Brined pork-in-the-barrel was
a precious source of meat and fat in winter; bacalao (dried salt cod)
was traded for centuries; and such delicacies as Parma ham and duck
confit would not exist without salt.
Such is its moreishness, even animals crave it. ‘When the first
Europeans came to North America, they did not find it trackless,’
writes Margaret Visser in Much Depends on Dinner. ‘Buffalo trails
had been worn for centuries to the salt-licks [outcrops of rock
salt licked for their mineral content] and it was along these
smoothed short-cuts through and around natural obstacles that
the first explorers began to move across the continent.’ Salt is etched
into our landscape and our psyches, a mysterious oxymoron, an
edible rock.
WHERE TO STAY/dine
For further information and reservations, visit www.SummitHotels.com
‘Make salting a deliberate act,’ he says, ‘seeing it as an opportunity
rather than a routine habit. Use only natural, unrefined salts.’
Historical links
True purists make their own, including British chef Steve Harris at
The Sportsman, a Michelin-starred gastropub in the tellingly named
village of Seasalter in Kent. In medieval times, the wild, windwhipped marshes nearby were a crucible of salt production, supplying
the kitchens of Canterbury Cathedral. In the pub’s basement, Harris
shows me buckets of seawater lugged from the shore, which will be
filtered and evaporated on the stove. ‘We use it to cure our air-dried
hams,’ he says, ‘and we churn our own [salted] butter as well.’
Across the English Channel in the Guérande region of northern
France, seawater is captured in reservoirs at high tide and directed
into a maze of channels ending in shallow pools. Along the way, it is
evaporated by the sun and wind. The fluffiest, whitest, flower-like
crystals (fleur de sel) appear at the rim of the ponds only when a dry
wind blows from the east, and are gathered into piles by the paludiers,
or salt marsh workers, using wooden rakes.
For at least 3,000 years, salt has been harvested from underground,
too, chiselled by hand from sedimentary layers or columns that rise
from deep within the Earth and billow near the surface to form
domes. Near Salzburg (‘Salt City’) in Austria, villagers have found the
bodies of Iron Age miners, the victims of mine accidents, perfectly
preserved in salt. Roman soldiers were paid in salt, the origin of the
word ‘salary’. Entire civilisations have been built on salt and wars
have been fought over it, such are its near-magical qualities.
Not only does it transform the taste of food, but it also preserves
it. By osmosis, salt draws out moisture from bacteria cells, killing
Hacienda del Sol Guest
Ranch Resort
Tucson, Arizona, United States
Diners at The Grill, the awardwinning restaurant at this Tucson
resort, can take their pick from Red
Alaea sea salt from Hawaii, smoked
sea salt from Mexico, and Maldon
sea salt from England to flavour the
unsalted butter on the table. In the
kitchen, meanwhile, they use these
unique salts to create spice rubs for
various meat and fish dishes. They
also salt brine their own pork belly
and beef brisket, and even create
their own special salts on occasion
– smoked balsamic sea salt, perhaps,
or ginger and lemon sea salt.
Parkyard Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai, China
There’s a non-culinary use for salt
in the spa at this Shanghai hotel,
where aromatherapy bathing salts
are used in the relaxing Parkyard
Foot Massage treatment. Guests
can choose from four different
scented salts: lavender (for tension
release), rose (for vitality), rosemary
(to boost the spirits) and grapefruit
(for relaxation).
EAST, Beijing
Beijing, China
Rob Cunningham, Executive Chef
at this new Beijing hotel, uses a
variety of salts throughout his
cooking, but a particular favourite
is Zigong salt from Sichuan in China:
volume thirteen
Summit
‘It’s an absolutely pure, mediumgrain salt, with a great mineral
flavour.’ He uses it to make a style
of gravlax, mixing the Zigong salt
with sugar, dill, coriander, coriander
seed and citrus rind, then packing
it onto salmon and leaving to cure
for 72 hours. After being washed
and further marinated in sherry,
the fish is then thinly sliced and
served with a mustard seed and lime
mascarpone and some fresh herbs.
Bogotá Plaza Summit Hotel
Bogotá, Colombia
One of the highlights of a visit to
this central Bogotá hotel is the
chance to take a day trip to the
extraordinary Catedral de Sal (Salt
Cathedral). Around 50km north of
the city, in Zipaquirá, this cultural
landmark is built deep underground
in an abandoned salt mine and
is considered one of the most
important engineering projects
in the country.
Hotel New Grand
Yokohama, Japan
The main salt used throughout
the various restaurants at
Yokohama’s Hotel New Grand is
Japanese Hakata salt, but in Le
Normandie, which specialises in
French cuisine, they use a coarsegrained variety from the Camargue,
in the south of France, to add that
authentic special touch to fish,
meat and other dishes.
Robert Harding, GETTY IMAGES
Freshly cleaned salt.
Left: A man collects salt in Salar
de Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia
35
36
photo story
Birth of
the Cool
In the 1950s, the west coast
of America was a playground
for live music, poetry and
art – and photographer Bob
Willoughby was on hand to
capture the action. Jazz: Body
and Soul is a collection of his
astonishing images of the
golden era of jazz and the
musicians who shaped it.
The book includes neverbefore-published shots
of some of the most
famous jazz artists of
the time, accompanied by
Willoughby’s recollections
Miles Davis listening backstage, Shrine
Auditorium, Los Angeles, 1950
‘There are few musicians touched with the
magic ability to communicate a feeling that is
so strong it can make the hairs on the back of
one’s neck rise up. And that... was exactly
what Miles Davis did to me’
37
ABOVE: Frank Sinatra, Judy
Garland Special
‘Sinatra was surely the best male
singer of popular music in any era.
His voice was a musical instrument
(...) And though Frank’s public
persona was relaxed, no one really
knew the concentrated effort he
put in to achieve that image’
left: Big Jay McNeely, Olympic
Auditorium, Los Angeles, 1951
‘As I walked in, the concert had
already begun, and the hall was
rocking on its foundations. (...) Big
Jay stood in the middle of what
normally would be the fight ring,
playing his heart out, and the
crowd was exploding around him.
I stopped in my tracks when I saw
this bass player, as he seemed to
be floating somewhere out in
space. Emotionless in the eye of
the hurricane that swirled around
him. What a night’
OPPOSITE: Gerry Mulligan,
recording session, Los Angeles, 1953
‘Mulligan’s resonating baritone sax
rumbled like rude words said in
Italian, something a little like his
own temperament’
38
38
36
volume thirteen
Summit
photo story
39
left: Chet Baker,
after a Fantasy recording
session, Los Angeles, 1953
‘The image of him sitting there
like a lost child seemed to sum
up my first impression about
this talented young man from
Oklahoma... alone with himself’
BOTTOM LEFT: Peggy Lee,
Lake Tahoe, Nevada, 1953
‘Peggy Lee was truly a special
singer... Her records were the
ones we were all dancing to
in Junior High’
Opposite: Louis Armstrong on
the set of High Society, MGM
Studios, Hollywood, 1956
‘In 1956 I caught up with Louis
Armstrong... he was the same
smiling gentleman I had first
met five years earlier’
JAZZ: BODY AND SOUL
is edited by Christopher
Willoughby & Robin
Morgan. Photos and
text by Bob Willoughby.
It’s published by Evan
Mitchell Books, at
£29.95 RRP. To order, visit
www.embooks.co.uk
Travel the world through jazz
There are plenty of iconic jazz festivals to visit around the world,
and for the true jazz lover, there is at least one to attend each
month of the year:
2012
October: Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, 5-6
November: Novi Sad Jazz Festival, 8-19; London Jazz Festival, 9-18
December: Havana Jazz Festival, 16-24
2013
January: Jamaica Jazz & Blues, 24-26
February: Dubai International Jazz Festival, 14-22
March: Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, 1-3
April: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 26 April to 5 May
May: St Lucia Jazz Festival, 4-8
June: Montreal International Jazz Festival, 28 June to 7 July
July: Montreux Jazz Festival, 29 June to 14 July; Copenhagen Jazz
Festival, date TBC
August: Yokohama Jazz Festival, date TBC
September: Monterey Jazz Festival, 20-22
40
40
36
volume thirteen
Summit
photo story
volume thirteen q Summit
41
nine centuries
E xplore
of historic treasures…
H I S T O R I C H O T E L SWO R L D W I D E . C O M
1212
1543
DROMOLAND
CASTLE
GRAND HOTEL
CONVENTO
DI AMALFI
COUNTY CLARE,
IRELAND
AMALFI COAST,
ITALY
Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including historic hotels, castles,
chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historical lodging properties.
Partial Hotel List:
Ananda in the Himalayas
Rishikesh, India • 1910
Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Singapore, Singapore • 1874
Hotel Napoleon Paris
Paris, France • 1928
Narutis Hotel
Vilnius, Lithuania • 1581
Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel
Cusco, Peru • 1560
Gran Melia Colon
Seville, Spain • 1929
Hotel New Grand
Yokohama, Japan • 1927
Palace Hotel
Copenhagen, Denmark • 1910
Castille Paris
Paris, France • 1719
Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi
Amalfi Coast, Italy • 1212
Hotel Regina
Paris, France • 1900
Royal Horseguards
London, England • 1894
Castlemartyr Resort
Castlemartyr, Ireland • 1210
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin
Amsterdam, Netherlands • 1885
Hotel Rialto
Warsaw, Poland • 1906
Sarova Stanley
Nairobi, Kenya • 1902
Chancery Court
London, England • 1914
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Lake Como, Italy • 1910
Hotel Schweizerhof
Luzern, Switzerland • 1845
Storchen Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland • 1357
Devi Garh
Udaipur, India • 1760
Grandhotel Pupp
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic • 1701
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain • 1918
Tivoli Palacio de Seteais
Sintra, Portugal • 1787
Dromoland Castle
County Clare, Ireland • 1543
Hotel Metropole
Brussels, Belgium • 1895
Metropole Hotel
Venice, Italy • 1500
Town House 8
Milan, Italy • 1893
P romoting C ult u ral & He r itage Travel to P restig iou s Hi sto r ic Trea su res
H i s t o r i c H o t e l s Wo r l d w i d e ® i s a r e gi s t e r e d t r a d em a r k o f P r e f e r r e d H o t e l G r o u p, I n c . © 2 0 12 P r e f e r r e d H o t e l G r o u p™.
city sights
Ideas for
great
weekend
getaways
44 Singapore A small island state with a big personality, this exciting destination is full of wonderful surprises
48 Miami Visitors to this fun-loving city can experience one of the biggest street art displays in the world
50 Brussels Explore Belgium’s many contrasts through graphic art and good beer in Tintin’s home city
52 Florence Celebrated for its Renaissance masters, this Tuscan city is perfect for a classical weekend break
The National Central Library of
Florence (Italy’s largest library)
and the Brunelleschi Dome, as
viewed across rooftops
volume thirteen
Summit
43
Singapore
fling
In recent years, the island state has metamorphosed into
one of Asia’s most exciting destinations, complete with
ever-changing skyline, vibrant nightlife, non-stop shopping
and plenty of surprises, says Annabel Mackie
corbis
O
44
n a world map, Singapore may
be just a tiny dot at the tip of
Peninsular Malaysia, but don’t
be deceived by its diminutive
stature: this island city state
packs a powerful punch. Once looked on
as little more than a stopover for those
journeying to and from Australia, it’s
reinvented itself over the past decade,
transforming its skyline and adding new
world-class attractions that have turned it
into one of Asia’s top entertainment hubs.
So banish all preconceptions you might
have that it’s bland and conservative.
Yes, Singapore’s main ethnic groupings –
Chinese, Malay and Indian – still uphold
strong family values and respect the social
hierarchy, but in recent years, there has
been a significant shift in attitudes as the
younger generation adopts more liberal
views and creative ideas. Singapore today
is a city where you can ride adrenalinpumping roller coasters at Universal
Studios, have breakfast with orang-utans
at Singapore Zoo, sip cocktails at sky-high
bars, take in the world’s only night-time
Grand Prix and let your hair down at New
York-style nightclubs.
Much of the new development is centred
on reclaimed land around Marina Bay.
This ever-evolving area is home to the
brand-new International Cruise Terminal
(capable of accommodating the world’s
biggest cruise liners), along with attractions
including the SGD1 billion Gardens by
the Bay, a 101ha green space in one of the
world’s most built-up cities.
Despite all the rapid development,
Singapore still retains a fascinating
traditional side, with well-preserved
neighbourhood enclaves, such as Little India
and Chinatown, to explore, and rapidly
vanishing remnants from the British
colonial era to discover. Add in endless
shopping opportunities, a vibrant culinary
scene, super-efficient public transport and
the cleanest and safest streets in the world,
and it’s clear visitors are in for a treat.
Culture
These days Singapore’s major museums
– among them the National Museum of
Singapore (www.nationalmuseum.sg) and
Asian Civilisations Museum (www.acm.org.
sg) – can attract blockbuster exhibitions
from around the globe, from Harry Potter
volume thirteen
Summit
insider’s guide
45
to the Terracotta Warriors. Don’t overlook,
however, the smaller, often one-theme
museums, such as the Peranakan Museum
(www.peranakanmuseum.sg), housed in
a classical-style former school, which
tells the story of the Straits Malay people
in Singapore; Changi Museum (www.
changimuseum.com), which documents
the harrowing war-time tales of British
soldiers, Allied Forces and civilian prisoners
of war; and the Chinatown Heritage Centre
(www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg), which
focuses on the first Chinese immigrants.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
(www.esplanade.com) is a major arts venue,
hosting both theatrical and musical shows.
For a more low-key, but equally rewarding
experience, try one of the Shakespeare in
the Park performances, held in the grounds
of Fort Canning Park. Take a picnic and
watch the Singapore Repertory Theatre
perform the likes of Twelfth Night and
Macbeth under an atmospheric night sky.
A walking tour is an excellent way to find
out more about the rich heritage of the local
communities. The Original Singapore
Walks® (www.singaporewalks.com) offers
tours that take in the sights, smells and
tastes of different neighbourhoods. On the
Chinatown walk, for example, you discover
the traditions of Chinese medicine and the
esoteric paper replicas burned as part of
the Chinese funeral ritual.
Architecture
At first glance, Singapore may appear just
a maze of soaring skyscrapers. However,
you’ll find charming architectural legacies
tucked away between these mighty
monoliths. Some magnificent remnants of
the British colonial era still exist, such as
the 1920s City Hall, 1930s Supreme Court,
and Neo-Gothic St Andrew’s Cathedral, all
overlooking the open green space of the
Padang, in the heart of the city. Close by
are the centuries-old streets of Chinatown,
Little India and Kampong Glam (the Arab
Quarter), where you’ll find ornate temples,
quaint shophouses and bustling markets.
In recent years, distinctive new
contemporary landmarks have been added
to the city skyline. The striking glass
and aluminium structure of Esplanade –
Theatres on the Bay was quickly nicknamed
‘The Durian’ by locals, thanks to its
resemblance to the pungent, spiky-skinned
tropical fruit. Other eye-catching
structures include the Helix Bridge
(a twisted version of London’s Millennium
Bridge), the lotus-shaped ArtScience
Museum (www.artsciencemuseum.com.sg)
and the dramatic new ‘Supertrees’. Part of
46
the first phase of the Gardens by the Bay
project, these futuristic concrete and steel
structures stand up to 50m tall and are
planted with hundreds of species of
bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical
flowering climbers.
Eating
Eating is a national passion in Singapore,
and the island’s cuisine is excitingly diverse,
from the banana leaf curries of Little India
to the dim sum of Chinatown. You’ll find
delicious street food at the many hawker
centres: try the popular Hainanese chicken
rice at the Maxwell Centre in Chinatown or
the roti prata at Lau Pa Sat Centre, with its
ornate Victorian cast-iron canopy.
In recent years, the dining scene has
become ever more sophisticated, with some
of the world’s top Michelin-starred chefs
helping to put Singapore on the global
culinary map – Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoy
and Daniel Boulud all have restaurants here
– and the home-grown talent becoming
increasingly confident and creative. One
such talent is Robuchon disciple André
Chiang, who serves up inspired creations
at Restaurant André (www.restaurantandre.
com), a stylish shophouse on Bukit Pasoh
Road. The imagination and artistic
wizardry of his eight-course French-Asian
fusion menu are displayed in dishes such
as sea urchin risotto and tartare of razor
clams, and Hokkaido scallops carpacciostyle served as ravioli in a savoury
consommé of exotic flowers.
Spanish-style tapas are currently all
the rage. At Jason Atherton’s upmarket
Esquina (www.esquina.com.sg), a slither
of a restaurant housed in a former
launderette, diners flock to eat signature
dishes including Iberico pork and foie gras
burger. Meanwhile, Singaporean chef
Daniel Sia serves up his personal version
of tapas – crispy lamb short ribs with chilli
and cumin, say – at The Disgruntled Chef
(www.disgruntledchef.com) on Dempsey
Hill, a former British army barracks turned
upscale restaurant and bar mecca.
Nightlife
Cocktails and mixologists are buzzwords
in Singapore now, so expect some exotic
and imaginative concoctions. At the rooftop
bar of Maison Ikkoku (www.maisonikkoku.net), a chic converted shophouse in
Kampong Glam, you can sip on a lemongrass
Previous page: The waterfront setting of Esplanade –
Theatres on the Bay. Top to bottom: the bright lights
of night-time Clarke Quay; Chinatown is popular for
shopping; the Helix Bridge spans 280m; MacRitchie
Reservoir Park offers a quieter side of Singapore
volume thirteen
Summit
insider’s guide
in Marina Bay. Don’t miss the St James
Power Station (www.stjamespowerstation.
com), a 6,500 sq m venue housing nine clubs
and lounge bars, offering a range of music
styles and live bands.
Shopping
daiquiri and admire the views of the Sultan
Mosque. A stone’s throw away on Haji Lane
is Bar Stories (www.athousandtales.com),
another funky café-bar-shop, where the
mixologist prefers to custom-make
cocktails. If you’re looking for something
fruity with a bit of zing, expect a raspberry
sake martini – just be careful how many you
consume, as the bar’s retro furniture is also
for sale! For a more traditional night, try
one of the riverside bars and clubs housed
in former godowns (trading warehouses)
along Clarke Quay or Boat Quay.
Despite its strait-laced reputation,
Singapore boasts a buzzing clubbing scene.
Zouk (www.zoukclub.com) and Attica (www.
attica.com.sg) are popular old-timers, but
hot new arrivals are Avalon (www.avalon.sg)
and Pangaea (www.pangaea.sg), both
housed in a glass-encased floating pavilion
Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong
once declared that for Singaporeans ‘life is
not complete without shopping’, and if you
want to shop till you drop 24/7, this is the
place to do it. Most first-time visitors head
straight for the city’s famous retail zone
of Orchard Road, where, connected by a
labyrinthine maze of underground tunnels,
walkways and MRT stations, you’ll find
20-odd malls stocking top-end fashion
labels. ION (www.ionorchard.com) and
Paragon (www.paragon.sg) are the
sparkliest of the malls, while upmarket
department stores Tangs (www.tangs.com.
sg) and Takashimaya (www.takashimayasin.com) have a loyal following, and the
Far East Plaza (www.fareast-plaza.com)
caters for the young, cool crowd.
One of the latest additions to the city’s
retail scene is the Louis Vuitton Island
Maison, set on its own little island in
Marina Bay, where clothing and accessories
from the French fashion house are
displayed alongside contemporary artwork.
For one-off designs, head to Club Street
and Ann Siang Hill in Chinatown, where you
can pick up hip designer dresses, bespoke
jewellery and edgier labels in tiny boutiques.
Similarly, Haji Lane offers hip labels and
vintage gear at shophouse boutiques.
Day trips
are protected as nature reserves, including
Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir
Park, famous for its 250m suspension
bridge. At weekends, the East Coast Park is
full of inline skaters and cyclists, while just
offshore, others kayak, windsurf and sail
amid the huge tankers.
Another favourite weekend haunt for
families is Sentosa Island (connected to the
mainland by monorail, cable car and bridge),
with its golf courses, spas, sandy beaches,
Universal Studios (the only one of its kind
in South East Asia) and assorted attractions.
Also perennially popular is Singapore
Zoo (www.zoo.com.sg), where you can
take a Night Safari or have breakfast with
orang-utans. In late 2012, the world’s first
River Safari (www.riversafari.com.sg) will
open, showcasing the aquatic life in some
of the world’s greatest rivers.
To view one of Singapore’s last remaining
fishing villages, or ‘kampongs’, take a
wooden ‘bumboat’ from Changi Village
Ferry Terminal across to Pulau Ubin.
Explore this tiny unspoiled island by bike,
then finish off with a simple seafood lunch
at one of the waterfront cafés.
WHERE TO STAY
For further information and reservations,
please visit www.SummitHotels.com
Royal Plaza on Scotts
If you’re new to Singapore, you may be
surprised to find the island is not one big
concrete and steel metropolis. In fact, large
swathes of land are carpeted with virgin
tropical rainforest, complete with monkeys,
exotic birds and reptiles, and some areas
This long-established hotel, set just off the
main shopping street of Orchard Road, attracts
both leisure and business travellers. Carousel
restaurant serves up a wide range of Asian and
Mediterranean dishes, and creative cocktails
are on offer in Heat, the hotel’s ultra lounge.
extend your stay
There’s no shortage of places where you can get a great aerial perspective of Singapore. Try these
for starters:
q For a bird’s-eye view of all the key landmarks around Marina Bay and the central business district,
take a ride on the Singapore Flyer (www.singaporeflyer.com), the world’s largest observation wheel.
You can even book a capsule for high tea, cocktails or dinner.
q 1-Altitude (www.1-altitude.com), a staggering 282m above sea level, claims to be the world’s
highest al fresco rooftop bar. You might need a stiff drink to recover from the glass-sided lift journey
to the top!
q At the top of ION, one of the glitziest malls on Orchard Road, you’ll find the gourmet restaurant
Salt Grill & Sky Bar (www.saltgrill.com) and an observation platform where you can admire the
twinkling lights of the city below.
q The Singapore Cable Car that connects Mount Faber, one of the highest hills on the island, to
HarbourFront, the gateway to Sentosa Island, takes you whizzing across the forest-clad hillside with
views of the tanker-lined docks and the island of Sentosa beyond.
q If you prefer terra firma (of a sort!), walk across Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian
bridge at 36m. The curvy steel and timber structure runs 274m from Mount Faber to Telok Blangah
Hill Park.
volume thirteen
Summit
For further information and reservations,
visit www.SummitServicedResidences.com
8 on Claymore Serviced Residences
Next door to Royal Plaza on Scotts, these
serviced apartments (with options for
short-term or extended stays) are perfect for
those who like to have maximum flexibility.
They come with contemporary décor, a wellequipped kitchen and dining and seating area.
corbis, Tupungato, joyfull/Shutterstock.com
SINGAPORE FROM ABOVE
47
of the city
A
rt
Art
Whether your
tastes tend towards
the classic, the
contemporary or
the quirky, Miami,
Brussels and
Florence all share
a passion for art,
which makes
them perfect
destinations for
culture-loving
travellers, says
Norman Miller
city breaks
Modern designs in Miami
You can tell a city has a major crush on contemporary art
when it fills its baseball arena with the stuff. Miami’s
Marlins stadium comes adorned with works by Joan Miró,
Roy Lichtenstein and Larry River among others, while an
eye-popping 23m-high sculpture by multimedia artist Red
Grooms lights up the left field with giant pink flamingos
and leaping fish every time the Marlins slug a homer.
Miami’s art affair was kick-started more than a decade
ago by the arrival of Art Basel Miami Beach, which now
brings a huge slice of the world’s most prestigious art fair
over from Switzerland each December – in the process
transforming Miami’s former image as a party town
focused on the Art Deco-decorated South Beach.
Wynwood is the latest hot spot, cramming more than 60
galleries into a former industrial district. The coolest way
to explore is the Second Saturdays Wynwood Art Walk each
month, when galleries and studios open their doors to the
warm evening air for ambling aesthetes, who refuel on the
go at gourmet food trucks gathered by the Wynwood Walls.
This permanent outdoor showcase of top street artists
augments new pieces all around, making this one
of the world’s major street art neighbourhoods.
Privately owned art hoards are a unique selling point of
Miami’s art scene. Staying in Wynwood, the Rubell Family
Collection explores the post-Warhol scene, and is
complemented by the world-class collection of modern
photography, video, installation and sculpture at the
Margulies Warehouse. Just to the south, Cisneros
Fontanals Art Foundation exhibits a fine collection by
philanthropist-turned-collector Ella Fontanals-Cisneros.
A few blocks north, the Design District is a one-time
ragtrade area turned luxe hangout. At its heart, the De La
Cruz Collection highlights cutting-edge work by the likes of
Gabriel Orozco and Ana Mendieta, amid couture boutiques
and chic interior dealers.
Art is moving in on the seafront, too. A dramatic new
Herzog & de Meuron-designed pavilion is rising on
Biscayne Bay, an expanded home for the Miami Art
Museum that’s due to open in 2013 – a dazzling new
art beacon by a cool, blue sea.
WHERE TO STAY
For further information and
reservations, please visit
www.SummitHotels.com
The mutiny hotel
This Coconut Grove hotel is
a 12-storey swathe of coral
colour, while British Colonial
motifs decorate the inside.
FOR FOODIES
VERSAILLES has provided great-value feasting for 40 years, with
plantains and Cuban-style rice partnering delicious meat and seafood.
3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135
Tel: +1 305 444 0240 www.versaillesrestaurant.com
JOE'S STONE CRAB features king crab claws as big as your arms,
but there are brilliant seafood alternatives and much more.
11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: +1 305 673 0365 www.joesstonecrab.com
AREA 31 Michael Reidt's 16th-floor restaurant's fantastic city
views complement innovative globally influenced cooking.
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131
Tel: +1 305 424 5234 www.area31restaurant.com
FOR SHOPAHOLICS
The Design District near Midtown has the big-ticket luxe names such as
Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Christian Dior. For one-of-a-kind boutiques
and trendy home design, head for Lincoln Road, where you’ll also find
cafés that stay open late for shoppers needing a caffeine recharge.
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
Clockwise from far left: The stunning skyline
of Miami along Biscayne Bay; a Roberto Behar
& Rosario Marquardt creation; Wynwood
Walls – a mecca for graffiti and street artists;
contemporary art at the Rubell Family Collection
49
Creative cartoons in Brussels
Brussels embodies Belgium’s contrasts: French versus
Flemish; staidness versus surrealism; the postmodernity
of the European Quarter set against the medieval majesty
of the Grand Place/Grote Markt and the Art Nouveau of
legendary Belgian architect Victor Horta (don’t miss the
Horta Museum).
Then there’s the art the city celebrates. Yes, there are
illustrious canvases galore at the Royal Museums of Fine
Arts of Belgium, but Brussels loves something more
graphic: cartoons. And here, they’re literally part of the
city’s fabric, courtesy of the Comic Book Route – a
wonderful wandering trail, with giant murals of treasured
Belgian characters, spread across the central Pentagon area
and into Laeken. Famous figures from Tintin mix with less
familiar names, such as the colourful 1940s Cori on Rue
des Fabriques or the sensual 1960s flower power couple
Olivier Rameau and Colombe Tiredaile on Rue du Chêne –
a striking contrast to the graceful gables and spires around.
Dig deeper at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, housed in
an old department store designed by Horta on Rue des
Sables. Across the road, the Marc Sleen Museum celebrates
one of the medium’s finest storytellers, while leading
cartoon publisher and film producer Raymond Leblanc
is honoured with a foundation near the central station.
To explore the work of an artist who gloried in graphic
depictions of a strange universe, head for the Magritte
Museum. Housed in a neoclassical landmark on Place
Royale, this superb collection of more than 200 images
suggests this master of surrealism shared much with the
world of cartoonists – even if his efforts are dubbed high
art and theirs just populist fun. Or visit the Plasticarium:
it boasts the world’s finest collection of plastic creations,
fusing Pop Art style with cool design in such dazzling
colours it feels like being inside a psychedelic cartoon.
After that, you’ve earned a beer, in a city renowned for
it. Choose from 100 brews at A La Morte Subite, or duck
down an alley near Grand Place to Á La Bécasse to try
a jeune lambic blanche, its famous white beer.
FOR FOODIES
COMME CHEZ SOI The Art Nouveau décor of Lionel Rigolet's
superlative restaurant is a great backdrop for classic cooking –
veal with fresh morels and celeriac ravioli, perhaps.
Place Rouppe 23, Brussels
Tel: +39 2 512 29 21 www.commechezsoi.be
DEN DYVER A restaurant celebrating the marriage of food and beer (as
both ingredient and accompaniment). Think hare, turnip and cranberry
ravioli cooked in Oude Gueuze, served with Petrus Winterbier.
Dijver 5, Brussels
Tel: +32 50 33 60 69 www.dyver.be
TAVERNE DU PASSAGE This venerable Art Deco brasserie in the
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is renowned for its waterzooi
(a Flemish broth-like stew), herring, shellfish and succulent roasts.
Galerie de la Reine 30, Brussels
Tel: +32 2 512 37 31 www.taverne-du-passage.be
FOR SHOPAHOLICS
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert provides a glass-roofed setting for top
brands such as chocolatiers Godiva and luxe leather sellers Delvaux.
Rue Antoine Dansaert is the area to trawl for one-off designer gems
at distinctive boutiques appealing to high-end shoppers.
50
city breaks
WHERE TO STAY
For further information and
reservations, please visit
www.SummitHotels.com
HOTEL METROPOLE
Set in the heart of the city's
historic centre, this superbly
renovated hotel is a shrine
to 19th-century opulence.
Clockwise from left: This giant Tintin mural on
Rue de l'Étuve is one of many cartoons on the
Comic Book Route in Brussels; a beer sign will
lead you to establishments offering the finest of
Belgian brews; the Horta Museum is dedicated
to the life and work of architect Victor Horta
volume ten
Summit
51
city breaks
WHERE TO STAY
For further information and reservations,
please visit www.SummitHotels.com
GRAND HOTEL BAGLIONI
High wooden ceilings, stone
staircases and original
lead-pane windows are
a hallmark of this four-star
beauty, blessed with a
lovely rooftop garden
and restaurant with
panoramic views.
GRAND HOTEL MINERVA
Set on a picturesque piazza
in the heart of the city, this
four-star retreat is just
minutes away from all the
key monuments and main
shopping areas, and has
fabulous views from its
rooftop pool.
HOTEL ALBANI FIRENZE
This refined stately hotel
is housed in an impeccably
restored early 20th-century
townhouse, with 102
handsome guestrooms,
all elegantly decorated in
classic Florentine style.
Based in a central location.
PLAZA HOTEL LUCCHESI
Acres of marble, lashings of
polished mahogany and
masses of fresh flowers
create an intimate, luxurious
feel at this palazzo-style
hideaway on the banks of
the River Arno. Guestrooms
overlook historic city sights.
Masterpieces in Florence
Stand in the narrow cortile (inner courtyard) dividing the
wings of the Uffizi Gallery, and you can appreciate the
brilliance of employing an architect who was also a great
painter – Giorgio Vasari’s mastery of perspective still draws
the entranced gaze along the sweep of Doric columns to
the River Arno as irresistibly as it did on the gallery’s
16th-century opening day.
But even a Renaissance achiever like Vasari is B-list
in a town where local boy Michelangelo has to battle for
attention with Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Titian,
Raphael and a host of other A-list old masters across
60-plus historic galleries. There may be contemporary art
showcases here, such as EX3, but making time for those is
like ordering lager in a champagne bar just because it’s also
got a bit of fizz.
There are Michelangelo masterpieces in several of
Florence’s galleries, but Galleria dell’Accademia has the
big-ticket item – the most famous David between the
Biblical one and Beckham. This once stood out in the Piazza
della Signoria (a replica now stands there instead), before
being brought indoors in the 1870s for safe preservation.
In a city so filled with medieval and Renaissance
wonders, it can be hard to focus. Pick a theme and create
a trail. You want frescoes? Kick off at the Ospedale degli
Innocenti gallery for 14th- to 18th-century beauties, then
go Gothic in the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella – also
a place of blessed cool in the summer heat.
Or marvel at the legacies of two English collectors who
came to live under the Tuscan sun. When Herbert Percy
Horne died in 1916, he bequeathed the city his palazzo on
Via de’ Benci, along with a collection of art, ceramics and
household items of the period. And Frederick Stibbert left
a brilliant museum showcasing 36,000 artefacts in a
stupendous villa on the street that bears his name. It’s
as beguiling as anything in the Uffizi Gallery.
FOR FOODIES
RESTAURANT ALLE MURATE Inside the Palace of the Art of Judges
and Notaries, Giovanna Iorio delivers powerful flavours combining
classical and ‘nouvelle’ in a frescoed dining room that is part
restaurant, part museum.
Via del Proconsolo 16, Florence
Tel: +39 055 240618 www.allemurate.it
CANTINA BARBAGIANNI This warmly painted spot is good for the
city’s signature Bistecca alla Fiorentina plus creative takes on other
Tuscan classics, and excellent prices.
Via Sant’Egidio 13, Florence
Tel: + 39 055 248 0508 www.cantinabarbagianni.it
alamy, Corbis
LA BOTTEGA DI ROSA Stylish ambience, friendly professional service
and inventive use of ingredients, such as smoked eel and goose.
Excellent wines, too.
Via del Campidoglio 8, Florence
Tel: +39 055 267 0423 www.labottegadirosa.it
FOR SHOPAHOLICS
Clockwise from left: The interior of Florence
Cathedral's Brunelleschi Dome, or Il Duomo;
the ornate church façade of 15th-century
Santa Maria Novella; alluring perfume is
available to buy from Officina ProfumoFarmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
volume THIRTEEN
Designer stores cluster on Via de’ Tornabuoni, but artisan workshops
offer more distinctive possibilities. For sweet memories, sniff out
historic perfumes and soaps at the 13th-century Officina ProfumoFarmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (Via della Scala 16, www.
santamarianovella.com.br) or perfumes and powders at Lorenzo
Villoresi’s 15th-century Atelier (Via de’ Bardi 14, www.lorenzovilloresi.it).
Summit
53
A man of mystery
He is an Oscar-winning actor and one-half of Spain’s most
famous film-star couple. But what does celebrity mean
to the enigmatic Javier Bardem? Summit finds out
J
avier Bardem has gone from starring in Spanish art house
productions, gathering a solid fan base in his native Spain,
to featuring in some of the most critically acclaimed films
of the past few years.
Currently, he is in London shooting the new James Bond film.
His role: Bond villain alongside Daniel Craig and new Bond girl
Bérénice Marlohe. This is a far cry from his break in 1992 as an
underwear model and ham deliveryman in the Spanish film Jamón,
Jamón, where he acted alongside Penélope Cruz in her screen debut.
The couple were reunited in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona
16 years later. On this second meeting, romance blossomed; they
married in 2010 and had a son in 2011.
It is hardly a surprise that interest in the couple has reached new
heights since their triumphs on the screen have been extended to
English-speaking productions. But Javier and Penélope’s wedding
was a private affair conducted on a Caribbean island with just a
few family members and close friends. Javier is adamant not to
let fame infiltrate their private life and has taken care not to let
the spotlight rest on their son.
He is quick to refute any mindless comments about his glamorous
life. ‘I do a job and am lucky enough to do a job that I love, but it is
a hard one. I’m not saying it is as hard as working in a coal mine,
but it is still difficult. Sometimes you go through strong emotional
54
journeys and then come back to yourself. And that can be tricky,’
he told The Independent in an interview earlier this year.
Javier is secretive about his current role as the Bond villain in
Skyfall, but fulfilling a childhood dream, the actor appears to have
needed little persuasion to take the role.
‘I was born watching James Bond movies and there are many
reasons to do this – the cast, the script, the story, the role and,
of course, [director] Sam Mendes,’ he said to journalist Sam
Cottee. He is quick to add: ‘Of course, it is also about the
material. I was very drawn to it. And the character is
complex. It’s something that you want to have fun doing,
but it’s a challenge.’ Sam Mendes’ direction was a reason
in itself not to decline an offer to be part of the 23rd
Bond film and the 50th anniversary celebration of the
Bond franchise. ‘Sam is a great director and he loves
performance. He has this instinct for smelling great
scenes. He’s not “this is what I think” – he’s the
opposite. He’s “bring on your ideas and let’s cook –
while we cook, we shoot”.’
And while playing a Bond villain might be a
challenge, Javier has ample experience from what
is a near-to-lifelong career in acting. He was born
volume thirteen
Summit
interview
Some Places You Never Want to Leave
When you find the spots where you’re most comfortable, make them last. Invite the kids. Settle in.
Exceptional vacations don’t need to be left to chance. Resort ownership is available through a distinguished
network of properties. Learn more about these new opportunities at PreferredResidences.com
interview
In 2007, he became the first Spanish
actor to be awarded an Academy Award for
Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe and
a Bafta for his performance as a sociopathic
killer in No Country for Old Men. This was
followed by a Best Actor award at the
Cannes Film Festival in 2010 for his role in
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film Biutiful,
an exposé of a father who is struggling
to reconcile fatherhood, spirituality, guilt
and love, when faced with his own mortality
in Barcelona. Javier’s brilliant performance
was also recognised by several Oscar
nominations, and his acting has often been
described as honest, realistic and strong,
centred on issues of identity, death and
his relationship with women. But how does
he feel about playing the next
bad guy in one of the most
hotly anticipated films of
the decade?
Javier had to revisit all
the old Bond villains to find
inspiration for his new role:
‘We have seen, heard
and listened to almost
Clockwise, from top left:
In Woody Allen’s Vicky
Cristina Barcelona; with
wife Penélope Cruz; and
as Julia Roberts’ co-star
in Eat Pray Love. Right:
Javier collects a Bafta
for his performance in
No Country for Old Men
everything that we can in this world. Only
talented people can bring a different
perspective on things. It’s not like I’m
trying to do that – I’m not one of those
people – but I’m trying to avoid bringing
something that has already been done. But
again, James Bond movies have their own
rules that you have to follow. That’s also
the fun part because it gives you a frame
big enough for you to have freedom to
express yourself.’
When asked about pre-shoot preparation,
Javier responds that he put extra work into
making himself understood in English for
this role. In previous interviews, Javier
claims that he learnt English by listening
to heavy metal, in particular AC/DC. But
although he’s starred in English-speaking
films, he still finds it a challenge to act in a
different language. ‘When they say “action”,
you’re not that relaxed. Although the
manuscript offers an indication on where
to take the character and Sam gave me his
notes, we’re still figuring it out. But I like
to prepare, so I enjoy playing characters that
need more work, otherwise I just feel that
I’m going out there and saying
some lines. That’s not the way
I respond to material. I see
something in this
character that has to
build. I don’t know what
it will look like, but I know
my intention is to create
something that will be
interesting to watch.’
Skyfall is set in London,
a place close to Javier’s heart.
‘London is an amazing city.
And when the good weather comes, it’s
perfect.’ He also emphasises the importance
of who you are working with: ‘It’s an
actor’s or protagonist’s energy that creates
atmosphere. Both [Daniel and Sam] are
great colleagues.’
He is unwilling to go into more details
about what his Bond role entails, and is
equally circumspect concerning his future
projects, but he will shortly be starring in
the new Terrence Malick film To the Wonder.
Perhaps his reserved manner reflects
his approach to maintaining a strong
distinction between his private life and his
screen life. But one thing is for sure, the
Spanish actor has taken a decisive step into
the Hollywood scene, and he is there to stay.
Filmography
To the Wonder (TBA)
Skyfall (2012) Biutiful (2010)
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)
Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)
No Country for Old Men (2006)
Goya’s Ghosts (2006)
The Sea Inside (2004)
Collateral (2004)
Mondays in the Sun (2002)
The Dancer Upstairs (2002)
Bendito Infierno (2001)
alamy, Corbis, getty images
in Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, the
youngest of three siblings, all actors. He has
often appeared alongside his mother, Pilar
Bardem, and siblings, Monica and Carlos
Bardem. ‘My parents divorced when I was
young, but I don’t remember it being
particularly bad,’ Javier recalls. He was
raised by his mother and after his father’s
death he depended on the women in his life.
‘I’m not intimidated by women,’ he says,
and his history on the screen seems to go
hand in hand with this statement. His
portrayals of macho characters have been
powerful and won him multiple awards,
but it is his passionate and destructive love
affairs on the screen that have dominated
critical evaluation of Javier as an actor.
57
mwp
Sugar bar at the top of EAST
overlooks the harbour and
busy metropolis of Hong Kong
58
volume thirteen
Summit
Serenity
in the
city
Need a break from the buzz of the big city? These
Summit Hotels & Resorts make the perfect
urban retreats. From rooftop bars and soothing
spas to beautiful gardens and mountain views,
each has something unique to help you relax
volume thirteen
Summit
59
LIVING ROOM
BATH 1
ENTRY
KITCHEN
MASTER BEDROOM
MASTER BATH
the world around YOU.
Discover a wide variety of conveniently located, impeccably furnished luxury serviced apartments
with attentive individual service and all the comforts of home. With Summit Serviced Residences,
business travelers on temporary assignments, relocating executives, and family travelers planning
longer trips enjoy the experience of staying, not just visiting. SummitServicedResidences.com/sm
© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group
escape
Cool pool
Fresh from a $26 million renovation, The Colonnade
Hotel, Boston is modelling a super-sleek look,
with cool, modern design in the rooms and all those
extra little touches (gourmet coffee machines,
high-thread-count linens and custom-made Sealy
mattresses) that make such a difference. The jewel
in the crown, though, is still RTP, the sparkling,
Hollywood-style rooftop pool, perched 11 storeys
up above the city streets. Put in a few laps, then chill
out on a poolside lounger, cocktail in hand, and soak
up the great views of the Boston skyline.
Tranquil Tokyo
The bright lights of downtown Tokyo
might be just a 15-minute train ride
away, but you wouldn’t know it once
you’re in the Grand Pacific LE
DAIBA. This luxurious hotel enjoys
a waterfront location on Daiba, once
a fortified island and now a popular
weekend haunt for locals and tourists
alike, who come to shop, visit
museums and relax in the parks.
Rooms are designed to induce
serenity, with European styling and a
soothing colour palette, and there are
impressive views over the waters of
This luxurious hotel
enjoys a waterfront
location on Daiba, once
a fortified island and
now a popular weekend
haunt for locals and
tourists alike
Tokyo Bay, especially from Hamayu,
the 30th-floor restaurant known for
its fine beef and fresh seafood.
Hong Kong high
The action never stops down on the streets of Hong Kong, but guests at EAST
who need to unwind have only to step into the lift and press the top button.
Walking out onto the 32nd floor they’ll find Sugar, a slinky bar and lounge with a
huge outdoor deck, furnished with banquettes and daybeds. With stunning views
over the harbour and skyline, it’s a popular haunt for the after-work crowd, who
come to indulge in cocktails and tapas – sometimes with a DJ on hand to supply
the soundtrack – while the sun goes down and the surrounding city lights up.
Lazing Arizona
Drive west from downtown Phoenix and
half-an-hour later, you can be ensconced at The
Wigwam, a 162ha Litchfield Park resort offering
dozens of ways to unwind. Water babes can zip
down the water slide, swim in four different
pools or soak in the Jacuzzi; tennis fans have the
choice of nine courts to play on; and golfers can
drive the stress away on the three championship
18-hole courses, two of which were designed by
Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Or opt for all-out laziness
at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, with
luxurious skincare and body treatments, such
as hot stone massages and seaweed wraps.
volume thirteen
Summit
61
First class staying.
First class driving.
(Sixt – the mobility partner of Preferred Hotel Group.
Take advantage of ultimate benefits and services)
www.sixt.com/phg
escape
Swiss bliss
Nothing soothes the soul like
being surrounded by beautiful
natural scenery – so expect to
feel the tension fading from your
shoulders the instant you arrive
at Hotel Angleterre and
Residence, five minutes from
the centre of Lausanne in
Switzerland. This luxurious
hotel, divided into six pavilions,
sits in a pretty flower-filled
garden on the shores of Lake
Geneva, with wonderful views
across the water to the snowy
peaks of the Alps on the other
side. Sit by the heated outdoor
pool, breathe in that clear
mountain air, and relax.
Capital choice
A peaceful retreat from the heat and hustle of Lima,
Delfines Hotel & Casino has a great location in
exclusive San Isidro, known for its tranquil parks and
gardens. The hotel is also situated directly opposite
the Lima Golf Club, making it perfect for anyone who
finds the best way to relax once business is done is to
take to the fairways.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to
Oceanus Restaurant, which serves up Peruvian
and international cuisine, or be spellbound by the
crystal-vaulted ceiling in Delphos Bistro. Then kick
back with a cocktail in the hotel’s Oceanus Lounge.
Delfines Hotel & Casino has a
great location in exclusive San
Isidro, known for its tranquil
parks and gardens
Park life
Think Milan and
the first thing that
comes to mind
probably isn’t palm
trees and green,
open spaces – but
that’s what you’ll find
at the Royal Garden
Hotel on the outskirts
of the city. This elegant
four-star property is surrounded
by a gorgeous park, complete with neatly mown
lawns, ponds and fountains, and huge terracotta
urns filled with plants – a real oasis in the
commercial centre of Italy.
There’s luxuriant planting indoors, too, in the
Blue Crab Restaurant, with tropical flowers and
ferns and a soaring glass ceiling that gives diners
the feeling of eating al fresco, even in winter.
Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular choice for parties
and weddings – the gardens provide the perfect
backdrop for photos – but it’s just as popular for
evening aperitivi at the end of a working day.
Spa star
Centre of the Indian IT industry, Bangalore
is booming – as is the subcontinent’s
spa scene. Combine the two with
a stay at Ista Bangalore, where
the in-house spa (inspired and
created by the famous Ananda
in the Himalayas) has a menu
of treatments tailor-made
for busy professionals.
The Ista Touch massage
uses a variety of
techniques on the scalp,
neck, shoulders and
back, to relieve tension
and stress, while the
salt scrubs infused with
essential oils will refresh both
the body and senses. Add to
that the ergonomically designed
beds and your preferred option
from the in-room pillow menu,
and a good night’s sleep is
practically guaranteed.
volume thirteen
Summit
63
64
volume thirteen
Summit
events
Ski
attractions
Combine high-adrenalin thrills and hard-tobeat mountain views with designer ski gear and
gourmet restaurants, and it’s hardly surprising
so many people are drawn to the slopes at the
first sign of snow, says Nicola Iseard
volume
thirteen
volume
ten Summit
Summit
65
N
othing gets more exhilarating
than standing on the sidelines of a downhill ski
race, the sound of cowbells ringing in the air,
as the world’s fastest man or woman on snow
screams past you at speeds of up to 145kph, their
skis schussing over the ice-glazed slope with such
precision that the slightest mistake and it’s all
over. They fly through the finish gate, whip their
helmet off and look up eagerly at the results board
– first place and their arms shoot up in the air, as
the crowd erupts.
Every sport has a crowning event, which is both
athletic championship and cultural spectacle fused
into one. Golf has the Masters, motor racing the
Formula One Grand Prix. For alpine skiing, it has
to be the Winter Olympics. For a couple of weeks
every four years, billions of people across the globe
sit transfixed to their TV screens, as the drama
of the Games unfolds. But to be there among the
action – close enough to smell the ski wax – takes
the drama to a whole new exhilarating level.
When the last Winter Olympics took place in
Vancouver in 2010, tens of thousands of spectators
descended upon the city and resort town of
Whistler, in British Columbia, to witness the thrills
and spills, from the ski jumping – where skiers
literally fly through the air, covering distances of
over 200m – to the long-distance cross-country ski
races – incredible feats of endurance. It’s one of the
special things about the event that brings people to
the slopes, and to resorts that they otherwise might
never have dreamed of visiting: the 2014 Winter
Olympic Games are being held in Sochi, Russia,
while in 2018 they will take place in South Korea,
in the city of Pyeongchang.
Hit the slopes
The best part though, is that, unlike being a
spectator at the Grand Prix, where most people
can only imagine what it feels like to be behind
the wheel of an 800bhp racing car, with alpine
skiing anyone can have a go. It’s not just about
the physical act of sliding around on two planks,
either. Few other sports offer the same sense of
adventure. Nothing beats pondering over the piste
map at breakfast (preferably with a freshly baked
pain au chocolat in hand) and planning your day’s
route. With resorts across the globe growing bigger
every year, there has never been so much terrain
to explore. The Three Valleys resort in France, the
largest in the world, has a colossal 600km of pistes.
You could ski all day every day for a week and not
ski the same piste twice.
66
Then there is the thrill factor. The excitement
of pulling open the curtains to discover that three
feet of snow has fallen overnight. The excitement
of knowing that if you’re quick and can beat the
crowds to the lift, you can make fresh tracks down
a virgin powder field. The adrenalin rush of letting
your skis run on an empty, perfectly manicured
piste. The toe-tingling feeling of skiing your first
black run…
The scenery, of course, is second to none, with
mountainscapes so dramatic you have to stop
mid-run to whip out your camera. In some resorts
you get to ski in the shadow of some of the world’s
most spectacular peaks, from the mighty
Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, to Mont
Blanc in Chamonix, France. In other resorts you
can lap up spectacular views of mountain lakes
from the slopes: head to the aptly named Heavenly
ski resort in California and you get sweeping views
of Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North
America, from almost every piste. It’s so flat and
so clear that some people say it’s possible to see a
25cm white dinner plate 23m below the surface.
The origin of skiing
Skiing hasn’t always been about the thrills and
scenery though. Once upon a time, it was a means
to get from A to B, while hunting the odd wild boar
en route. Rock paintings in Scandinavia and skis
preserved in bogs in Russia show that skiing was
a part of life for hunters around 3,000 BC. The
invention of modern skiing, as a recreational sport,
happened a few centuries later, in 1850, when a
Norwegian chap called Sondre Norheim invented
a birch binding that meant people could ski
without their skis constantly falling off.
In the early 1900s, ski lifts were introduced
and package holidays launched, and by the 1960s
the craze had spread worldwide and was all the
rage among the jet set. Aspen quickly emerged
as skiing’s chic headquarters. A coterie of the
rich and famous, including Jack Nicholson and
Hunter S Thompson, flocked to the Colorado
silver-mining town turned winter resort, lured
by the 3,417m Aspen mountain, charming lodges
and classy crowds. Anyone who was anyone was
Previous pages: A woman skiing on the
Bavarian mountain range of Allgäu.
Opposite page, clockwise from top left:
A cable car in Aspen, Colorado;
Switzerland’s Matterhorn mountain
towers majestically above Riffelsee lake;
St. Moritz is one of three cities to have
hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice
volume thirteen
Summit
SKI FACTS & FIGURES
1924: first Winter Olympics
They were held in Chamonix,
France, with Norway bagging the
most medals. Fast-forward a few
decades and the Norwegians are
still sweeping the board: they’ve
won 303 Winter Olympic medals
in total, more than any other
country (50 more than the USA,
in second place).
3,979m: highest ski lift
in the world
You’ll need a head for heights if
you ski in Gulmarg, India: it has
a gondola that whisks skiers up
to a dizzying 3,979m. The Express
Super Chair in Breckenridge,
Colorado, isn’t far behind,
reaching 3,914m.
251.4kph: fastest speed
ever recorded on skis
Yes, you read that right. Italian
speed skier Simone Origone is
currently the fastest skier on
Earth, holding the world record
of 251.4kph (156mph). If you’re
a casual skier and hitting 50kph,
you’re flying...
1965: snowboarding
is born
One Christmas Day in Michigan,
Sherman Poppen invented the
‘Snurfer’ as a toy for his daughter,
cross-bracing two skis together.
It was an instant hit, so he
patented it and licensed it to an
Illinois-based corporation, selling
more than a million boards over
the next 15 years.
$100,000: world’s most
expensive ski pass
How do you fancy unlimited
access to the world’s best
powder skiing in the heart of
British Columbia’s Purcell and
Selkirk mountain ranges? Great
Canadian Heli-Skiing offers
a ski pass for CAD $100,000,
guaranteeing the holder a
seat on one of GCH’s A-Star
B2 helicopters every day
throughout the season.
22km: longest ski run
in the world
The Vallée Blanche, an off-piste
route in Chamonix, is a
leg-burning 22km long.
events
events
Zermatt has been hailed the ‘mountain restaurant
capital of the Alps’, with more than 40 top-notch
establishments scattered across its peaks
It’s not just about skiing
The evolution of gourmet mountain dining has
meant that in many resorts throughout the world,
no-frills, self-service restaurants are a thing of the
past. Zermatt, around three-and-a-half hours’
drive from Zürich, has been hailed the ‘mountain
restaurant capital of the Alps’, with more than
40 top-notch establishments scattered across its
peaks. Take Zum See, housed in a converted
cowshed on the Klein Matterhorn sector. As well as
offering views of the Matterhorn from the terrace,
it serves up everything from oysters to calf’s liver
with rösti, alongside an immense wine list. No
wonder Sarah, Duchess of York, and Princesses
Beatrice and Eugenie are fans.
In Colorado, meanwhile, the Game Creek Bowl
– located atop Vail Mountain – makes for a whole
new culinary experience. You can only have lunch
here if you are a member, a privilege restricted to
395 people, and for which there is a waiting list.
However, the restaurant is open to the public for
dinner. Step off the gondola that docks at Eagle’s
Nest and you’re escorted by snowcat to the chalet.
Start with sushi, followed by truffle ravioli, and
pear sticky toffee pudding to finish. Divine.
Back in Switzerland, the glamorous resort of
St. Moritz – long the domain of the jet set and
royalty – takes
gastronomy to a whole
new level with an annual
Gourmet Festival (28 January to 1 February 2013),
where you can expect everything from champagnetasting sessions to chocolate-making workshops
with master chocolatiers. Feel free to indulge in
as many truffles as you like – you’ll burn it all off
tomorrow (a typical day’s skiing can burn up to
3,000 calories).
St. Moritz isn’t the only resort to be taken over
with festival fever every winter. Over the past few
years, all the big-name resorts have introduced
festivals to their winter calendar; it helps boost
traffic to the area and gives locals something to
buzz about. Whistler hosts the World Ski &
Snowboard Festival every April, with professional
freestyle ski and snowboard competitions, free
concerts and art installations. If comedy is more
your thing, head to the Altitude Festival in
Mayrhofen, Austria, where some of the biggest
names in comedy take over the vibrant resort.
Or, for a lavish end-of-season party, nothing beats
the Park City Winterfest in Utah, which takes
place every February and lays on live music,
fireworks, moonlight snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing tours.
Whether you’ve spent your day cheering on the
world’s fastest skiers, clocking up mileage in the
world’s biggest ski resort, lapping up the views over
a long lunch or simply posing by the piste in your
designer ski suit, there is just one thing for it as the
sun starts to set: to find a spot by the log fire, with
a piping glass of mulled wine, and relax. You
deserve it. It’s been a hard day on the hill. And
you’ll have to do it all over again tomorrow.
Where to stay
For further information and
reservations, please visit
www.SummitHotels.com
ASPEN
The Limelight Hotel
Just steps away from the
world-famous skiing on Aspen
Mountain, The Limelight Hotel
operates a complimentary
shuttle service to other leading
ski areas nearby. After a day on
the slopes, there are two hot
tubs to unwind in and an inviting
restaurant serving Italian cuisine.
CRESTED BUTTE
Elevation Hotel & Spa
This ski-in/ski-out resort has
spacious rooms, each with its
own kitchenette and most with
a balcony. It also offers lively
après-ski in 9380 Prime, a new
spa and fitness centre, and
family-friendly facilities.
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square
Accommodation here ranges
from studios to four-bedroom
suites, all handily situated for ski
lifts, shopping and restaurants. As
a Preferred Family Certified hotel,
it’s perfect for family groups, with
facilities such as high chairs and
babysitting services.
PARK CITy
The Chateaux at Silver Lake
A mid-mountain location gives
the hotel fabulous views and
easy access to the slopes of Deer
Valley. For unwinding after a
day’s exertions, there’s a bar and
restaurant, heated outdoor pool
and hot tub, spa and salon –
and a fireplace in every room.
ST. MORITZ
Hotel Monopol
One of the finest four-star hotels
in ritzy St. Moritz, Hotel Monopol
is in the heart of the pedestrian
area, with its designer shops and
boutiques, but only a short walk
from the cable car to the largest
ski area. A particular highlight is
the rooftop wellness area with
mountain views.
A skier descends the slopes of Mont
Blanc, in the heart of the French Alps.
Top: Zermatt sits at the bottom of
the Matterhorn – this ski area is the
highest in the Alps
VANCOUVER
The Hotel at Terminal City Club
This distinguished private club
is set in the heart of Vancouver’s
financial and shopping district,
but is just a 30-minute drive
from the ski slopes of Grouse
Mountain and Cypress Mountain.
It offers a choice of restaurants
and premier business facilities.
68
volume thirteen
Summit
alamy, getty images
seen on the slopes, not all necessarily skiing –
ladies in designer ski suits, fur hats and oversized
sunglasses would spend their days posing by the
pistes, sipping champagne and hobnobbing.
Fast-forward 50 years, and much of that glitz still
remains, from the upscale boutiques (Chanel, Dior,
Prada, Gucci… you name it, Aspen has it) to the
fine-dining restaurants.
D R E A M
V A C A T I O N S
A W A I T
The Membership And Exchange Program For Luxury Shared Ownership Resorts
Visit PreferredResidences.com for details.
Preferred Residences® is a hospitality-branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownership
resorts and private residence clubs. The purchase of an ownership interest in a Preferred Residences resort provides
access to outstanding vacation experiences. In addition to enjoying their home away from home, members can
exchange vacation time to visit other exceptional resorts in the Preferred Residences network, thereby maximizing
their leisure options. The program exceeds luxury hospitality expectations and delivers exceptional services.
In addition to resorts in the Preferred Residences network, supplemental exchange opportunities are made available
to members. Resorts are in popular destinations in the continental United States and Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe,
Mexico, and Canada.
M E M B E R S H I P
P R I V I L E G E S
Preferred Residences offers unique person-to-person service for exchange reservations and assistance with all lifestyle and leisure
membership benefits. Through our Member-Services Centers in Miami and in London, advisors are able to accommodate the needs of our
affluent members on a worldwide basis.
Global Exchange Opportunities
The opportunity to exchange enhances the appeal of shared
ownership. Preferred Residences members can use their exchange
privilege to visit extraordinary properties in the world’s most
desirable destinations.
• Owners of vacation time at a Preferred Residences resort can
deposit accommodations for future use or await exchange
confirmation before relinquishing their accommodations.
• Weekly accommodations at Preferred Residences resorts are
converted to points values based on unit configuration, the
season of the time relinquished, and the deposit lead time.
• Points allocated to weekly accommodations are available for
travel from one year prior to two years after the check-in date.
This provides a three-year travel window.
• The points-based exchange program offers the flexibility to
make the best use of members’ vacation time.
• Personalized concierge-style service — including a courtesy
call prior to finalizing exchange accommodations — ensures
acceptability.
Preferred Concierge Services
Sophisticated travelers have come to expect service that is efficient,
reliable, and skillfully delivered. Preferred Concierge services are
available 24 hours a day via phone and email to assist with:
• Restaurant recommendations and reservations
• Helpful tourist and city details
• Theater, movie, and sporting event tickets
• Golf course information and tee-time bookings
• Shopping and gift selection
• Spa treatment reservations
Priority Pass Membership
Preferred Residences members can reduce the stress of air travel
and enjoy a quiet, peaceful sanctuary while awaiting their flights,
with a complimentary prestige membership in the world’s largest
independent airport VIP lounge program. Among the benefits:*
• Access to more than 600 lounges in over 300 cities in more than
100 countries worldwide
Preferred Residences Hotel Benefits
Members enjoy preferential pricing for both leisure and business
stays in the Preferred Hotel GroupTM family of brands (at
participating hotels and resorts). These global collections of
distinctive hotel properties offer discounts of 20 to 50 percent off
published rates on rooms and suites.***
• Lounges with Internet and email access, and with work and
conference space
Members are automatically enrolled in the I Prefer ® program, and
can take advantage of the following benefits at participating hotels
and resorts in the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands:
• Exclusive offers and promotions throughout the year
• A variety of complimentary refreshments and snacks
Golf Program
Preferred Residences members receive a two-year complimentary
membership in Preferred Golf TM, a program that gives players
value-added access to the world’s most renowned courses, from
Dromoland Castle in Ireland to Wisconsin’s Whistling Straits
course. Preferred Golf benefits include:
• Complimentary rounds of golf at more than 100 courses around
the globe**
• The lowest publicly available room rates at Preferred Golf resorts
• Exclusive use of the Preferred Golf VIP Desk to book golf rounds
and resort stays
• Priority early check-in and late check-out
• Extra hotel amenities, unique to each hotel, when
accommodations are booked at IPrefer.com
• Room upgrades at check-in (based on availability)
• Complimentary Internet access
• Priority early check-in and late check-out
*Amenities may vary by location. All program benefits are subject to applicable terms and conditions of
participation and are subject to change.
**Based on a minimum two-night stay at the property associated with the course played.
***Reservations must be booked through PreferredResidences.com or a Preferred Residences advisor. Terms and
conditions apply. For a full list of participating properties and full terms and conditions, members sign in to
PreferredResidences.com.
R E S O R T
H I G H L I G H T
Kittitian Hill will be a phased, master-planned resort community set on a 400-acre (160 hectares)
mountain slope overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the West Indies. It will offer beautifully
designed villas and charming cottages ranging in size from studios to spacious four-bedroom
residences. The resort will provide a full range of amenities, including restaurants, swimming
pools, tennis, bicycle and hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course designed by Ian Woosnam, an
exercise room, a planned destination spa, and a Caribbean Village with duty-free shops. Sailing,
scuba diving, fishing, and boat rentals are available nearby. Kittitian Hill’s idyllic location will
allow sweeping views over water of the nearby islands of St. Barth, St. Maarten/St. Martin,
St. Eustatius, and Saba.
For more information, contact Kittitian Hill by telephone at +869.466.1712, or visit
kittitianhill.com.
All images are artist renderings.
PreferredResidences.com
R E S O R T
H I G H L I G H T
Club Seychelles in stunning Meads Bay, Anguilla, will provide all the comforts and conveniences
for a first-class vacation experience. The Mediterranean-style resort will include beautifully
appointed one-, two-, and four-bedroom residences ranging in size from 870 to 4,900 square feet,
each with its own swimming pool and dramatic beachfront terrace. An uncompromising focus on
excellence dictates upscale Italian cabinetry, granite and marble countertops, European linens,
Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, Bose entertainment systems, and 42-inch plasma televisions. The
resort will provide around-the-clock concierge and room service, security, and valet parking.
Anguilla’s spectacular beaches and year-round balmy climate invite visitors to swim, sail, snorkel,
and dive. Numerous daily flights connect this tranquil island paradise with hub cities, including
Miami, New York, Toronto, London, and Paris.
For more information, visit seychellesanguilla.com, contact Club Seychelles by telephone at
+721.587.3037, or email Seychelles@anguillanet.com.
All images are artist renderings.
PreferredResidences.com
portfol­ıo
A look inside
Summit Hotels
& Resorts
76 Five of the best Let love blossom in one of these romantic holiday destinations
78 Boarding class The latest additions to the Summit Hotels & Resorts portfolio
80 Directory A list of Summit Hotels & Resorts properties around the world
82 Concierge Turkey’s capital city of Ankara is an interesting mix of modern metropolis and historic wonders
corbis
Soldiers stand guard
at Anıtkabir, the
mausoleum of modern
Turkey’s founder
and first president,
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
volume thirteen
Summit
75
5
of the best...
cities for
romance
From grand,
sweeping vistas
to cosy, candlelit
dinners, these
inspiring cities
have all the
ingredients for
the perfect
romantic break
By LAURA DIXON
in a
nutshell
No explanation needed: ask people to name the
most romantic city in the world, and there’s every
chance most of them will say Paris, aka the City
of Love.
Baroque architecture, gold-tipped statues and
a castle overlooking it all – Prague is bathed in
history and romance from top to toe.
Classic
romance
A champagne river cruise along the Seine will
take you gently past all the major sights, including
Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf and
the Louvre.
Every fairy tale needs a castle, and Prague’s
UNESCO-listed version, overlooking the town,
is a must-see. Try to catch a classical music concert
in St George’s Basilica there.
Quirky
courtship
Wander round Père Lachaise cemetery, where
you’ll find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and
Jim Morrison – an offbeat, but strangely romantic
way to spend the afternoon.
Adrenalin is supposed to be an aphrodisiac,
so why not head out of town and try bungee
jumping from Zvikovské Bridge over the Vltava
valley? Guaranteed to get your heart racing...
The Jardin du Luxembourg (where Marius
and Cosette meet in Les Misérables) is full of
romantic symbolism, from the many statues
scattered around the gardens to the
Medici Fountain.
Housed in the Baroque Kaunický Palace, the
Mucha Museum celebrates the Art Nouveau
artist Alphonse Mucha and his romantic,
decorative images.
Beauty
spot
Cosy
cocktails
Swap the cocktails for a local beer:
the city’s many famous breweries
have superb beer halls and cellars
with well-chosen brews. Try the
cosy front room of U Vejvodu.
Flûte Paris Bar & Lounge, near
the Arc de Triomphe, stands out
for its scarlet velour seating,
jazz sessions and sensational
champagne cocktails.
Table
for two
For romance with a capital R, head
to Ciel de Paris. Located on the 56th
floor of the Montparnasse Tower, it offers
incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.
Movie
moment
Take inspiration from Woody Allen’s Midnight in
Paris and stroll the streets at night, soaking up
the atmosphere and imagining years gone by.
Find James Bond-style romantic thrills at
Prague’s Strahov Monastery – its historic library
provided one of the locations for Casino Royale,
starring Daniel Craig.
Hotel François 1er is set on a quiet side street near
the Champs-Élysées; the Hotel Napoleon Paris is
within easy reach of cultural attractions; in addition
to elegant guestrooms, the Hotel California
Paris Champs Elysées houses an impressive art
collection; and the Hotel Regina offers historic Art
Nouveau style close to the Louvre and the Tuileries.
A short tram ride from Wenceslas Square,
andel’s Hotel & Suites Prague is a sleekly modern
hotel with light, airy guestrooms, an atmospheric
bar/brasserie and a gym and wellness centre
offering relaxing beauty treatments.
Where
to stay
76
PRAGUE
PARIS
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
One of the city’s most exclusive
places to eat, Mlýnec (‘The Mill’) has
an award-winning menu and a river
terrace with views of the Charles Bridge.
hot spots
VENICE
BARCELONA
Whether you’re browsing the engagement rings
at Tiffany & Co or sighing over skyscraper views,
New York is undoubtedly one of the world’s most
romantic locations.
If you don’t feel amorous in Venice – with its
glorious architecture, winding canals and
secret squares – maybe you never will. It’s
a romantic’s dream.
Take a romantic stroll, hand in hand, over the
Brooklyn Bridge to enjoy views of Manhattan
from across the water. At night it is lit up with
fairy lights.
Cruise along the Grand Canal, lined
with beautiful palazzi, and under
the Rialto Bridge – ideally on one
of the vaporetti (water buses)
with outdoor seats at the front.
Murmur sweet nothings to each other at the
Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station. The
acoustics of the ceramic arches make even the
slightest sigh audible.
Indulge a shared love of gelato
by exploring the ice cream stalls of
the Dorsoduro district; this is where
you’ll find the best gianduja ice cream
in town.
Enjoy rural pleasures in the heart of the city: hire
a rowing boat, kayak or gondola from Central Park
Boathouse to explore the lake.
Take in an aerial view of the city, stretching as
far as the beaches of the Lido, from the top of
the San Giorgio tower; it’s a short vaporetto ride
from St Mark’s Square and less crowded than the
campanile there.
Gaudi’s famous Park Güell is a beautiful spot, with
undulating walls, mosaic lizards and fabulous
views of the city. Perfect for proposals.
Employees Only in the West Village is a small,
trendy cocktail bar, with a tarot reader beside
the door to tell you about your future together.
When it’s cold outside, head to Caffè Florian
(in St Mark’s Square) and snuggle up together
with liqueur coffees in one of the ornate
19th-century rooms.
Gimlet in the Gothic Quarter is a stylish cocktail
bar where you’re transported to the 1950s, with
smartly dressed waiters and bar staff who’ll whisk
up a personally designed concoction for you.
Darkly lit and quirkily styled, Macao Trading
Company in TriBeCa serves great cocktails
and Portuguese-Chinese fusion food, and
is a seductive spot for dinner.
Take a boat to Venissa, a wonderful restaurant
on the island of Mazzorbo, near Burano, for
exquisite pasta, soft-shelled crab from the
lagoon and local wine.
Tram-Tram in Sarria has a fairy light-draped garden
and several private dining rooms, all serving
high-end creative food, such as textured artichoke
dishes and red mullet.
Visit the Empire State Building at night – as Tom
Hanks and Meg Ryan did in Sleepless in Seattle.
It’s quiet, the queues are short and the city looks
movie-ready with all its twinkling lights.
Make like Helena Bonham Carter in The Wings
of the Dove (an all-time classic story of love and
deceit in Venice) and take to the water in a
gondola at sunset.
The Sagrada Familia, Fundació Joan Miró and
other famous landmarks shared the silver
screen with Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem
and Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen’s
Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
The Kitano New York offers a
tranquil refuge in the heart of
fast-paced Manhattan; The Alex
Hotel in Midtown is perfect for
business or leisure; and The
Helmsley Park Lane Hotel®
has great views of Central Park.
A Summit Hotels
& Resorts property will
provide you with the
perfect getaway. For more
information, please visit
www.SummitHotels.com
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
is housed in a former palace
overlooking the Grand Canal,
with Baroque details and
beautiful views.
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
The vibrant maverick spirit of Barcelona gives it
a unique romantic appeal. It’s a city full of colour
and creative freedom, where you feel anything
could happen.
In summer, take a picnic blanket,
basket and bottle of cava to
Montjuïc Castle for outdoor
cinema screenings preceded
by live music.
Have a drink at the Bosc de les
Fades café near the Wax Museum
– a unique fairy tale-themed
eatery complete with occasional
thunderstorms and a magical forest.
Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, Hotel
Fira Palace offers polished interiors and spacious
guestrooms (complete with luxurious massage
showers and Gilchrist & Soames amenities) in the
heart of the vibrant Montjuïc district.
alamy, corbis
NEW YORK
77
boarding class
Introducing the latest additions to the esteemed Summit Hotels & Resorts portfolio
north america north america north america north
Whether you’re looking to get away
for a round of golf, are searching for
a destination with a wealth of French
character or planning a lively city break,
the Summit Hotels & Resorts brand’s most
recent properties will fulfil all your needs.
To find out more about these and other
Summit Hotels & Resorts properties,
please visit www.SummitHotels.com
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
Florida, United States
Pacific Palms Resort
California, United States
If golf is your passion, then you’ve come to the
right place. Located in the City of Industry,
just half an hour’s drive from Los Angeles,
Pacific Palms Resort towers over its recently
renovated championship golf courses, Ike
and Babe. Positioned at the top of a hill in
an attractive 260ha, the resort looks out
towards the San Gabriel Mountains. The 292
guestrooms each have a balcony and floorto-ceiling windows from which to take in the
breathtaking views. After a round of golf, you
can relax in the aptly named Oasis swimming
pool or enjoy a luxurious treatment in The
Spa. All food tastes are also catered for, with
a range of options in the resort’s restaurants.
78
As its names suggests, this resort is made up of two main parts: the golf course and
the spa. On the doorstep of the main golf clubhouse, guestrooms and suites are
‘intimate villa-like lodges’, with plantation shutters and private balconies or terraces,
while 48 exclusive suites at the spa cater for those preferring a more rejuvenating
stay. Guests at this magnificent southern Florida resort will be spoilt for choice
when it comes to mealtimes, as there are seven eating establishments, including the
Mesazul Steakhouse, which uses a Latin spin on a traditional American steakhouse.
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
new hotels
Moulin de Madame
Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France
Royal Antibes
Antibes, France
This striking hotel sits on the Antibes seafront in southeast France,
and is only a short walk from the city centre. You can enjoy stunning
seaviews from guestroom and apartment balconies, as well as from
a large outdoor terrace. Boasting its own private beach complete
with sunbeds, Royal Antibes also has two restaurants dishing up
Mediterranean cuisine, plus a lounge bar.
Moulin de Madame is set in a renovated 18thcentury mill on the outskirts of Villeneuve-surLot, in southwest France. The new restaurant,
with a separate bar and lounge, offers outstanding
panoramic views of the River Lot and surrounding
countryside, and serves traditional French cuisine
and wine. The ancient bastide town of Villeneuvesur-Lot is a pleasant place to explore, with quaint
shops, local market days and a unique church that
has an elaborate tower. On days when you want to
stay on-site, you can relax in the hotel’s lavish spa.
africa asia pacific africa europe africa asia pacific afri
Oriental Riverside Hotel
Shanghai, China
Nestled on a bend of Shanghai’s River Huangpu, the Oriental
Riverside Hotel overlooks the famous waterfront area of
the Bund. Its central location, only 5km from downtown
Shanghai, means that it is close to the Oriental Pearl Radio
and TV Tower, the 88-storey Jinmao Tower observation deck
and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. The hotel has impressive
business facilities, including seven banquet and reception
rooms, making it the perfect venue for conferences, events
and weddings. In addition, an expert events team is on
hand to guarantee an experience of the highest standard.
Guestrooms and suites are stylish and modern and have
free internet access. The top-floor Moon River Bar with its
glass ceiling structure allows for stunning panoramic views
of the city, and the first-floor Asian Taste restaurant offers
traditional Shanghai, Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. There
is also an indoor swimming pool, spa and tennis court.
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
79
Directory
Soak up the ambience at
9 Muses Santorini Resort’s
outdoor swimming pool
on this idyllic Greek island
Asia & Pacific
Central & South America (continued)
Country
City
Hotel
Country
City
Hotel
Australia
Kununurra
Pinctada Kimberley Grande
Guatemala
La Antigua
Porta Hotel Antigua
Beijing
Chengdu
Guangzhou
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Shenzhen
EAST, Beijing
Regal Master Hotel
Dong Fang Hotel
EAST
Harbour Grand Hong Kong
Regal Airport Hotel Meeting
& Conference Center
Regal Hongkong Hotel
Oriental Riverside Hotel
Parkyard Hotel Shanghai
Regal International East Asia Hotel
The Panglin Hotel
Panama
Bocas del Toro
Panama City
Playa Tortuga Hotel &
Beach Resort
El Panama Hotel
Peru
Lima
Casa Andina Private Collection – Miraflores
Delfines Hotel & Casino
India
Bangalore
Goa
New Delhi
Ista Bangalore
The Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru
The Zuri White Sands Goa Resort & Casino
The Suryaa, New Delhi
China
Indonesia
Bali
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Japan
Tokyo
Yokohama
Grand Pacific LE DAIBA
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Royal Park Hotel
Hotel New Grand
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Mongolia
Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Ulaanbaatar
Papua New Guinea Port Moresby
Grand Papua Hotel
Singapore
Singapore
Royal Plaza on Scotts
South Korea
Seoul
Imperial Palace Hotel
Thailand
Bangkok
Ko Samui
Phuket
The Landmark Bangkok
The Tongsai Bay
La Flora Resort Patong
Caribbean
Country
City
Hotel
Puerto Rico
San Juan
Verdanza Hotel
Central & South America
80
Country
City
Hotel
Bolivia
La Paz
Hotel Europa
Brazil
Belo Horizonte
Ouro Minas Palace Hotel
Colombia
Bogotá
Bogotá Plaza Summit Hotel
Europe
Country
City
Hotel
Austria
Lochau
Seehotel Am Kaiserstrand
Belgium
Brussels
Hotel Metropole
Czech Republic
Karlovy Vary
Prague
Grandhotel Pupp
andel’s Hotel & Suites Prague
Denmark
Copenhagen
Palace Hotel
Estonia
Tallinn
Hotel St. Petersbourg
France
Antibes
Royal Antibes
Paris
Hotel California Paris
Champs Elysées
Hotel François 1er
Hotel Napoleon Paris
Hotel Regina
Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Moulin de Madame
Germany
Berlin
Hamburg
Marburg
Munich
andel’s Hotel Berlin
Pestana Berlin Tiergarten
Empire Riverside Hotel
Vila Vita Rosenpark
Hotel Excelsior
Greece
Santorini
9 Muses Santorini Resort
Ireland
Dublin
The Gibson Hotel
Italy
Como
Florence
Milan Milan Assago
Montecatini, Terme
Naples
Palermo
Parma
Positano
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
Grand Hotel di Como
Grand Hotel Baglioni
Grand Hotel Minerva
Hotel Albani Firenze
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi
Brunelleschi Hotel Milano
Hotel De La Ville
Royal Garden Hotel
Hotel Francia & Quirinale
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Hotel Plaza Opéra
Hotel Palace Maria Luigia
Covo dei Saraceni
For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.SummitHotels.com
Europe (continued)
North America – USA (continued)
Country
City
Hotel
state
Italy
Rome
Sorrento
Venice
Vietri Sul Mare
Hotel Bernini Bristol
Parco dei Principi
Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal
Hotel Raito
Spain
Barcelona
Estepona, Malaga
Madrid
Valencia
Hotel Fira Palace
Hotel Fuerte Estepona
Hotel Wellington
Ayre Hotel Astoria Palace
Georgia
Atlanta
Hawaii
Oahu/Honolulu
Wailea-Makena, Maui
Illinois
Chicago/Glenview
Indiana
French Lick
New Harmony
Iowa
Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Louisiana
New Orleans
Massachusetts Boston
Michigan
Detroit
Nevada
Reno
New Jersey
Summit
New York
New York
North Carolina
Chapel Hill
Ohio
Columbus
Utah
Park City
Washington
Bellingham
Seattle/Tulalip
Switzerland
Lausanne-Ouchy
Lugano
St. Moritz
Zürich
Turkey
Ankara
Antalya
Bursa
Hotel Angleterre and Residence
Grand Hotel Eden
Hotel Monopol
Hotel Ascot
Storchen Zürich
Divan Ankara
Divan Antalya
Divan Bursa
United Kingdom
Leeds
London
42 The Calls
Lancaster London
The Academy
The Colonnade, London
The Mandeville Hotel
City
Hotel
The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Waikiki Parc Hotel
Makena Beach & Golf Resort
The Glen Club
French Lick Springs Hotel
New Harmony Inn
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
Hotel Blackhawk
Bienville House
Seaport Boston
The Colonnade Hotel, Boston
Atheneum Suite Hotel
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino
The Grand Summit Hotel
The Alex Hotel
The Helmsley Park Lane HotelⓇ
The Kitano New York
The Siena Hotel
The Blackwell
The Chateaux at Silver Lake
Hotel Bellwether
Tulalip Resort Casino & Spa
Middle East & Africa
Country
City
Hotel
Kenya
Nairobi
Lake Naivasha Country Club
Sarova Stanley
Madagascar
Hotel Carlton
Antananarivo
Summit serviced residences
Asia & Pacific
Country
City
Hotel
Singapore
Singapore
8 on Claymore Serviced
Residences
Morocco
Marrakech
Es Saadi Hotel
Kenzi Menara Palace
South Africa
Cape Town,
Western Cape
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
The Devon Valley Hotel
The Peninsula All-Suite Hotel
Middle East & Africa
Country
City
Hotel
United Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi
Cristal Salam Hotel
South Africa
Mossel Bay
Gondwana Game Reserve
North America – USA
North America – Canada
STATE
City
Hotel
state
British Columbia
Richmond
Vancouver
River Rock Resort and Hotel
The Hotel at Terminal City Club
Ontario
Toronto
Metropolitan Hotel Toronto
District of Columbia Washington
New York
New York
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Virginia
Arlington
North America – Mexico
state
City
Hotel
Baja California Sur
Federal District
Guerrero
Oaxaca
Sinaloa
Zacatecas
Los Cabos
Mexico City
Acapulco
Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo
Bahías de Huatulco
Mazatlan
Zacatecas
Meliá Cabo Real
Meliá México Reforma
Emporio Acapulco
Emporio Ixtapa
Las Brisas Huatulco
Emporio Mazatlan
Emporio Zacatecas
North America – USA
state
City
Alabama
Birmingham
Arizona
Phoenix
Tucson
California
City of Industry
Lodi
Los Angeles
Los Gatos
Napa
Colorado
Aspen
Crested Butte
Florida
Jupiter
Miami
Hotel
The Wynfrey Hotel at Riverchase Galleria
The Wigwam
Hacienda del Sol Guest
Ranch Resort
Pacific Palms Resort
Wine & Roses Hotel
The Orlando
Hotel Los Gatos and Spa
The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Limelight Hotel
Elevation Hotel & Spa
The Lodge at Mountaineer Square
Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
The Mutiny Hotel
City
Hotel
AKA White House
AKA Central Park
AKA Sutton Place
AKA Times Square
AKA United Nations
AKA Rittenhouse Square
AKA Virginia Square
For further information
about our hotel
portfolio, please refer
to the latest directory
in your guestroom
RESERVATIONS | To make reservations at any of the hotels listed here, visit
www.SummitHotels.com. You may also contact your travel professional or call:
ASIA & PACIFIC
Australia
Hong Kong India
Japan
North China South China Singapore
(toll)
Taiwan
Thailand
1 800 134 271
800 96 3365
000800 650 1281
00531 650 526
0120 984450
10 800 650 0379
10 800 265 0387
1 800 227 3126
65 6248 3255
00801 65 1254
001 800 656587
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina
0800 555 0003
Brazil
0800 892 2221
Chile
1230 020 0712
Colombia
01 800 912 0995
volume THIRTEEN
Summit
EUROPE
Belgium
Finland
Luxembourg
Norway
Republic of Ireland
Rest of Europe
0800 13448
0800 113270
0800 22915
800 11417
1 800 553 225
00800 32375001
NORTH AMERICA
Canada/USA
1 800 457 4000
(toll)
1 817 567 9633
Mexico
001 800 514 0174
Please note that hotels listed are
subject to change without notice.
For a current list, please visit
www.SummitHotels.com
81
getty images
concierge
A Turkish delight
Eren Güven, Front Office Supervisor at Divan Ankara, shares some
of his top tips for discovering the hidden gems of the Turkish capital
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting so many interesting people. I always try
to serve our customers better and that leads me
to be more creative and dynamic.
What is the first thing anyone new in Ankara
should do? Visit Anıtkabir, the monument of the
leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As the founder of
the modern Turkish republic, he’s a world-known
leader, and here you can see the significant
impact he’s had on Turkey.
Tell us something surprising about Ankara.
There are so many museums, art performances
and live concerts here.
Which are your favourite museums? The
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is one of the
best museums in the world. Here, archaeological
artefacts are exhibited in chronological order
from the Palaeolithic Age to the present
day. There’s also Cer Modern, the perfect
combination of history and art. Formerly a repair
centre for trains and wagons, it is now the first
modern art centre in Ankara. It has held Salvador
Dali and MC Escher shows, and has a Van Gogh
exhibition opening in October 2012.
What’s your favourite spot in Ankara? I love the
parks and open spaces. Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) in
Tunalı Hilmi Street is the most popular in Ankara,
and takes its name from the swans sent by the
Chinese government as a gift. Seğmenler Park is
the symbol of the Kavaklıdere region and, besides
housing a huge botanical garden with 100-yearold trees, it also includes statues, pools, children’s
playgrounds and an amphitheatre.
What about nightspots? The luxurious
restaurants, nightclubs and pubs in Çankaya
and Tunalı are worth a visit. You can do anything
from visiting an English pub to singing in a
karaoke bar. There’s an array of choices and
they’re easy to find.
Any hidden gems people should know about?
Beypazarı is 98km from Ankara city centre and
has been the heart of many civilisations. You
can taste traditional foods, buy silver jewellery
and shop for other local products. Kızılcahamam
is famous for its natural thermal spring, believed
to have healing properties, and is best for
weekend holidays.
Where would you go for the best view of the
city? Ankara Castle – from there you have a
panoramic view of the cityscape.
What do the different seasons have to offer?
In summer, try a walk through Beynam Forest,
take a bike tour around Eymir Lake or have a
picnic by Mogan Lake. You can enjoy delicious
foods in the restaurants located along the shore.
In winter, Elmadağ is perfect for skiing. If you
Clockwise from
top left: Ceiling
of the Museum
of Anatolian
Civilisations;
Ankara Castle;
Eren Güven of
Divan Ankara;
Turkish delight
want to visit the historic sites and wander around
the city, spring is best as it is dry, warm and you
can witness the awakening of nature after the
cold winter.
Apart from the hotel restaurant, where can
you get the best Turkish food in your city?
Çengelhan Brasserie is a unique place with
delicious dishes and a cosy atmosphere. It is
located in Rahmi M Koç Museum and after
enjoying your meal, you can take a look around.
Where’s the best shopping in Ankara? Panora,
Ankamall, Kentpark, Cepa and Gordion are all
good shopping malls. The area around Ankara
Castle is perfect if you’re looking for traditional,
handmade and antique products.
What’s the best guestroom in your hotel and
why? Suite 601 is my favourite. It has a really
wide terrace where you can enjoy the charming
Ankara view while drinking a delicious cocktail
from the Divan Pub.
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever had
from a guest? One of our guests wished for
his wife to be showered with rose petals upon
entering the hotel.
What’s the best souvenir to take home? Turkish
delight is a famous Turkish confection that makes
a perfect gift for family and friends – or treat
yourself, to remind you of a great trip away.
Turkish delight is a famous Turkish confection that
makes a perfect gift for family and friends – or treat
yourself, to remind you of a great trip away
82
volume thirteen
Summit
She’s the World to You. Now Show Her What That Means.
Moments you spend away together are some of the most defining of your life. Make them magical.
Preferred Hotel Group has hand-selected the hotel experiences that go way beyond “family-friendly.”
Shouldn’t luxury be special for your whole family? Visit PreferredFamily.com/sm to see what’s possible.
© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group