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M A G ICELAND BECOME A NATIVE SWEDEN THE ICE HOTEL INSIDE STOCKHOLM BALI SPAS & SPLENDOR A Z I N E RUSSIA THE NORTH POLE NEW YORK CITY BE A NEW YORKER SWISS DRIVE TO ITALY ONE OF A KIND WINTER EDITION 2014 DREAMSCAPELUXURYTRAVEL.COM 1 2 3 CONTENTS 26 46 DREAM IN STOCKHOLM ICELAND HOT SPOTS Neil McMahon shares why Iceland is this Irishman’s adopted home. With an academic’s depth and the passion of an intrepid explorer we learn all about what there is to do in this wild place full of really, really friendly people. 18 ICEHOTEL MAGIC For a truly unique experience stay at a hotel redesigned every year since 1989. It also happens to be made out of solid ice which makes keeping the drinks cold in its world famous its ice bar relatively easy. 4 36 NORTH POLE Journey to the top of the world on a nuclear icebreaker while you still can. Polar bears, walruses and gourmet food mix with top end accommodations for a trip so exclusive it will be entirely unavailable in a year. Stockholm sets new standards for clean and green. We tapped our Stockholm experts to give us the inside scoop on where to eat, shop and how to ride a bike like a Stockholmer. BALI UNFORGETTABLE SPAS BE A NEW YORKER FOR A DAY Whether you have been to New York a dozen times or are planning your first trip this New Year’s Eve we have a fresh list of things to do and see that will make you an honorary New Yorker. Thanksgiving is a great time to see the city that never sleeps, and if it is during Thanksgiving, chances are the city is not sleeping because it is too busy eating. We take a close look at two to of the world’s best places to experience spa treatments. The Four Seasons Jimbaran launches a new type of facial that goes deep to give you an immediate effect and Amandari opens their doors to unforgettable experiences in Ubud. 64 AMANUSA A SWISS DRIVE TO ITALY We sample a couple’s fly-and-drive getaway from the romantic city of Zurich to the mountains between Switzerland and Italy to the City of Lights. Some amazing mountain roads in a Mercedes SLS and stops along the picturesque Cinque Terre await. 60 Amanusa provides a truly special type of ambience, environment and experience that draws discerning guests from around the world. One of Bali’s true hidden treasures, the staff provide a level of discreet service that allows you to seriously unwind, no matter who you are. 72 52 5 CONTENT MAP ICELAND SVALBARD (NORWAY) GREENLAND (DENMARK) ALASKA (USA) CANADA ICELAND SWEDEN FINLAND NORWAY FAROE ISLANDS ESTONIA LATVIA UNITED KINGDOM LITHUANIA DENNMARK BELA IRELAND POLAND NETHERLANDS STOCKHOLM GERMANY BELGIUM CZECH REPUBLIC LUXEMBOURG FRANCE SLOVAKIA AUSTRIA LIECHTENSTEIN HUNGARY SWITZERLAND ROMANIA SLOVENIA CROATIA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA SERBIA BULGAR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MONTENEGRO MACEDONIA ITALY SPAIN ALBANIA PORTUGAL AZORES (PORTUGAL) GREECE MALTA MADEIRA ISLAND (PORTUGAL) NEW YORK TUNISIA MOROCCO CANARY ISLANDS (SPAIN) ALGERIA LIBYA WESTERN SAHARA THE BAHAMAS MEXICO CUBA HAWAIIAN ISLAND (USA) HAITI MAURITIANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC PUERTO RICO (USA) JAMAICA MALI CAPE VERDE SAINT KITTES AND NEVIS NIGER BELIZE MONSERRAT GUATEMALA CHAD GUADELOUPE DOMINICA HONDURAS SENEGAL MARTINIQUE EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA THE GAMBIA BARBADOS SAINT VINCENT BURKINA FASO GUINEA BISSAU GUINEA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SAN JOSE VENEZUELA PANAMA BENIN LIBERIA GUYANA COLOMBIA FRENCH GUYANA SURINAME ICEHOTEL GALAPAGOS NIGERIA TOGO COTE D’IVOIRE SIERRA LEONE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC GHANA CAMEROON BIOKO (EQUATORIAL GUINEA) EQUATORIAL GUINEA SAO TOME GABON SAN JOSE CONGO DEMOCRATIC RE OD THE CO BRAZIL PERU CABINDA ANGOLA Z BOLIVIA NAMIBIA PARAGUAY BOTSWA CHILE SOUTH AFRIC URUGUAY ARGENTINO THE COVER Photography by Paulina Holmgreen 6 FALKLAND ISLANDS (UK) SOUTH GEORGIA (UK) NORTH POLE SVALBARD (NORWAY) EAST RUSSIA SWEDEN FINLAND RWAY WEST RUSSIA ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA DENNMARK BELARUS POLAND GERMANY CZECH REPUBLIC MBOURG UKRAINE MOLDOVA HUNGARY SWITZERLAND MONGOLIA KAZAKHSTAN SLOVAKIA AUSTRIA LIECHTENSTEIN ROMANIA SLOVENIA CROATIA BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA SERBIA NORTH KOREA UZBEKISTAN BULGARIA MONTENEGRO JAPAN MACEDONIA ITALY ARMENIA ALBANIA TURKMENISTAN TURKEY GREECE MALTA CHINA SIRYA CYPRUS SOUTH KOREA AZERBAIJAN SWITZERLAND IRAQ KASHMIR AFGHANISTAN IRAN LEBANON TUNISIA ISRAEL PAKISTAN JORDAN KUWAIT NEPAL BHUTAN LIBYA EGYPT QATAR SAUDI ARABIA BANGLADESH INDIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES MYANMAR (BURMA) OMAN LAOS NIGER CHAD THAILAND ERITREA SUDAN YEMEN VIETNAM ADAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS (INDIA) DJIBOUTI PHILIPPINES CAMBODIA GUAM NIGERIA ETHIOPIA CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC CAMEROON NUSA DUA SRI LANKA BRUNEI SOMALIA OKO AL GUINEA) UGANDA UATORIAL GUINEA GABON CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OD THE CONGO MALAYSIA KENYA RWANDA BURINDI INDONESIA SEYCHELLES CABINDA TANZANIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA JAKARTA SOLOMON ISLANDS DENPASAR BALI ANGOLA COMOROS MOZAMBIQUE MALAWI MAYOTTE (FRANCE) ZAMBIA ZIMBABWE NAMIBIA BOTSWANA MADAGASCAR VANUATU MAURITIUS REUNION FIJI JIMBARAN NEW CALEDONIA (FRANCE) AUSTRALIA SWAZILAND LESOTHO SOUTH AFRICA TASMANIA (AUTRALIA) KERGUELEN ISLAND (FRANCE) NEW ZEALAND HEARD ISLAND (AUSTRALIA) 7 fa Sky Dining A4.pdf 8 1 10/16/14 4:26 PM 9 10 Editor’s NOTE Travel is a key part of the luxury lifestyle experience. Traveling to exciting locations, celebrating holidays abroad and relaxing in style with friends and family are part of an important balance for people that like to enjoy the finer things in life. dREAMSCAPE Luxury Travel is a global publication with a focus on the aspirations of elite travelers. Our vision is to offer valuable new perspectives and insights on the very best the world has to offer in customized experiences, as well as investigate the ever changing landscape of exclusive venues, tours and events. Informed travelers are empowered to enjoy their time abroad to the fullest. This is why we combine original articles, reviews and breathtaking images from the most sought after places on the planet. We look forward to opening the door to discovery and escape for you. May your journey be exactly what you dreamed it would be. RYAN McCLURE Editor In Chief 11 M A G A Z EDITOR IN CHIEF Ryan McClure [email protected] I N E dREAMSCAPE TRAVEL NETWORK Founder / Director Fitri Backlund [email protected] PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Siska Amelia [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Risa Prominda CIRCULATION AND MARKETING MANAGER Irma Mantik SALES AND ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Astuti PHOTOGRAPHY Susy Mandang WEBSITE Haany Boyke IT Ronald Octavianus Menara Prima I, 16th floor, Jl. DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Blok 6.2, Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950 [email protected] w ww. drea ms capelux u rytrav el.com 12 WELCOME Please join us for a journey to remember. dREAMSCAPE Luxury Media is the first content in Indonesia especially designed for luxury and experiential travellers. Unforgettable travel awaits our readers in every corner of the world and every experience you come across here can easily be arranged by dREAMSCAPE Travel Network. Raise your children to be good global citizens by showing them remote and educational places like Sweden’s Icehotel. Experience the extraordinary once in a lifetime where you can circumnavigate the globe in zero time. Last chance to visit 90°North by the world’s only nuclear ice breaker. The first group travel is already sold out, leaving only limited space for the second group travel to be taken place from August 14-24, 2015. Party in style as the ball drop from Time Square to welcome the new year. Check out our “secret packages” where you can enjoy this celebration in full without the waiting and headaches mingling with the masses. Travel better with our pre-researched travel experiences designed with travel tips and inspired itineraries. It’s also more affordable booking through our advance preset packages and still provides the same end-quality as our private customization travel series. You will know quality travel when it sparks your imagination before, during and after the experience. Memories of excellent travel stay with us long after we return. That’s what My dREAMSCAPE is all about. We want to hear what your dREAMSCAPE is so write to us and if we feature the experience in our next edition you’ll enjoy some special added value benefits for your next getaway designed by our team. Best regards, FITRI BACKLUND Chief Travel Designer dREAMSCAPE Travel Network & Club Email : [email protected] 13 CONTRIBUTORS FITRI AND ULF BACKLUND& 22 NEIL MCMAHON DILLA MELNIK 16 PATRIK ESTRAND 14 40 31 52 38 42 15 16 17 iceHOTEL MAGIC by Fitri & Ulf Backlund Sweden’s Icehotel is located just 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in a village called Jukkasjärvi pronounced ‘you-kasyayr-vi’ (try saying that with a chewing food in your mouth) and is redesigned by world famous artists every year. It started in 1989 when they ran out of accommodation for students who came to the village to learn ice sculpture. Stoic students began to sleep inside the master class snow room with their sleeping bags. This was the origin of the modern ice hotel. The following year and every spring since then, tons of ice blocks are collected from the mighty Torne River where they will be preserved in cold storage until November when the hotel begins its first development. The builders will first cut these block of ice into sizeable pieces for the artists to start designing beautiful sculptures whilst the remainder of the ice is mixed with snow to build the hotel’s basic structure. Some may question the basic logic of sleeping in a cold room. However, the Icehotel is about much more than just temperature. The experience of just being inside is unlike any other one Earth. Visitors walk away with truly once-in-alifetime moments. Arriving in the arctic circle, many wonder with curiosity - how (or why) people live in these harsh weather conditions? Are they not unhappy being so isolated? After all, winter in the arctic circle means eighteen hours of night. It starts getting dark at 3 pm and light does not return until 10 am the next day. Surprisingly, the area is actually one of the wealthiest communities in Sweden thanks to the mining company nearby. Large supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, modern hospitals, and shopping are all within a twenty-minute radius from the Icehotel. 18 19 While checking in, guests are often assured that they do have a conventional hotel complex next door with warm, chalet-style bedrooms, shared showers and toilet, a lounge and sauna. Guests are often also caught by surprise at the sight of their room. The beauty of the individual designs is striking, as is the fact that there is almost nothing conventional about an Icehotel suite except the fire detectors. Not that one would ever worry about the possibility of a fire in a room made entirely of ice, but Scandinavian law demands any “buildings” have them installed. The Icebar is also a must-see experience, where you can drink vodka from a glass made of ice. There is also a beautiful ice chapel that marries quite a few couples every season. Each year the Icehotel is redesigned and each room is carved from ice by a different artist. The care and effort involved in redesigning and rebuilding a structure from frozen water every year is one thing, but to add absolutely amazing art to each room, knowing it will be gone forever at the end of the season, is bordering on madness. However, it is all part of the experience and lends a exclusivity to the stay that draws adventurous visitors from all parts of the globe. Special note: be sure to book your stay at the Icehotel up to three to six months in advance as rooms are limited and the hotel is regularly booked to capacity. Things to do: Dining with a local in a cabin over a reindeer soup Ice skiing photograph by Markus Alatalo Best time to go: December to March How long to stay: Minimum of two nights Maximum of three nights Things to taste: White fish roe and venison served on ice plates 20 21 22 Price starting from USD 720 per night Room type: Art Suite Room title: The Flower Designed by: Natsuki Saito & Shingo Saito Photographed by : Paulina Holmgren Price is USD 450 per night Room type: Ice Room Photographed by: Paulina Holmgreen Price starting from USD 610 per night Room type: Northern light ice room Photographed by: Martin Smedsén Room type: Art Suite Room title: Dragon Residence Designed by: Bazarsad Bayarsaikhan Photographed by: Paulina Holmgren Room type: Art Suite Room title: Bedtime story Designed by: Wilfred Stijger & Edith van der Wetering Photographed by: Paulina Holmgren Legend says that Aurora is a living thing. When we blow a whistle, they will come closer out of curiosity Photographed by: Martin Smedsén 23 WOLF B L ASS “T HE W OLF B LASS STYLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN DISTINCTIVE , WITH A FOCUS ON BLENDING ACROSS VARIETIES , REGIONS AND FROM THE WINERY WINEMAKING P HILOSOPHY Oak Fermentation and Maturation When he started making wines in Australia, Wolf Blass was very vocal about the need for red wines to both ferment and mature in oak barrels. He and fellow winemaker John Glaetzer pioneered the use of different types of oak and experimented with varying “toasting” levels of their barrels. Oak was to become a big part of the Wolf Blass winemaking style and Wolf, himself, is credited with the now industry-famous term - “No wood, no good!” Our traditional styles Black Label and Grey Label, are still DIFFERENT VINEYARDS ” made using the same philosophies today. (Our newer ranges, Platinum W OLFGANG B LASS AM to maturation in oak). and Gold Label are more fruit-focused, fermenting on skins until dry prior Blending Fundamental to the way Wolf Blass went about making his red wines The Wolf Blass wine style has always been a unique and highly distinctive one. Our strong focus on careful fruit sourcing, fermentation, maturation and blending delivers lifted vibrant fruit flavours, a soft, rounded palate and well integrated tannins that are the hallmarks of the total Wolf Blass range. In the 1960s and 70s, many of the Australian table wines lacked fruit flavour, were over-extracted and generally difficult to drink. Wolf saw this as a problem, especially if one wanted to convert new people to wine-drinking. He wanted his wines to be fuller in flavour, softer in the mouth and generally easier to drink. Core to the traditional Wolf Blass style is careful fruit sourcing, fermentation in small oak barrels, the blending of varieties and regions to create the perfect final wine, maturation in selected oak barrels and the careful handling of pressings, and thus tannin management. Fruit sourcing The Wolf Blass viticulture and winemaking teams spend much time together in the vineyards ensuring the final fruit selected for all the wines is of the highest quality. Fruit sourcing centres on temperate climate regions, where softer tannins are guaranteed, and the Wolf Blass winemakers have the luxury of both young and old vines to select from. Although predominantly sourcing grapes from South Australian wine regions, some material is also sourced from cooler Victorian regions to provide alternative style and structure to selected wines. 24 was the concept of blending, either different varieties and or grapes from different regions. Ultimately, he wanted to make the best possible wine he could and, for him, where the grapes came from or what the variety was mattered little. This was atypical of other Australian wines at the time, but of course Wolf had tasted some of the world’s best wines, such as those from Bordeaux, and knew that blending was the way to go. In his early years, Wolf Blass was criticised for making blended wines and for promoting as such. He was denigrated as not being a winemaker but only a ‘blender’. Critics argued that blended wines were inferior, but as Wolf Blass continued to dominate the wine shows and his wines were purchased off the shelf quicker than ever before, these criticisms soon faded. More importantly, others came out and promoted their wines as blends. Still today, at the heart of the Wolf Blass style, is blending, whether it is within a variety, across varieties, across regions, or across different vineyards. Blending only happens after the wine has expressed itself entirely through oak maturation, and this post-maturation blending is a unique way to best combine the many different components that make up the wines. “The sum of all parts should still be a better result than the quality of each individual part; otherwise, why blend at all?“ said Wolf Blass Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher. THE MOST ICONIC RED BLEND IN THE WOLF BLASS STABLE, WWW.YOURWEBSITE.COM A CLASSIC FROM ITS VERY FIRST VINTAGE. 25 DREAM IN iCELAND by Neil McMahon I recall as a young lad back in Ireland how I loved to study the tattered old family atlas that was years older than myself. I could happily spend hours seated at the dining-room table with that large red-covered book before me and totally lose myself in its seemingly dull contents. For me however that book was much more than a collection of maps depicting continents, oceans, countries and climatic conditions. Giving free reign to my childish imagination I would become an intrepid explorer traversing vast deserts and snowy wastes, sailing the oceans wide and climbing the highest peaks. And so my love of travel was born. 26 Iceland is my home, a country whose stark natural beauty I fell hopelessly in love with and whose hardy people and rich historical heritage I greatly admire. In 1986 I became an Icelandic citizen and today I´m a lecturer in the state guide school and a guide both in Iceland and its nearest neighbor, Greenland. One country that particularly fascinated me was Iceland, no doubt because the accompanying pictures showed active volcanoes and glaciers and whales in the surrounding seas. One day, I vowed, I´ll go there and maybe even find the entrance to the centre of the earth as Prof. Otto Lindenbrock did in Jules Verne´s novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. What I´d like to do is list some pretty convincing reasons why you should take a decision to visit this amazing country aptly known as the Land of Ice and Fire, just as I did as a young boy. Who knows, like me you may fall under its magic spell and throw away that return ticket! First off let´s get two widely-held misconceptions about Iceland out of the way, i.e. that it´s cold and remote. Thanks to the tempering effect of the Gulf Stream current the average winter temperature is around zero Celsius. Yes, we do get snow in wintertime, but the capital Reykjavik is not at all as cold as other cities on a similar latitude, e.g. Oslo or New York. Fast forward fourteen years to nineteen seventy-four. I´ve just graduated from university in Ireland with a degree in archaeology and history and uncertain as to what my next step in life should be. Then, as though ordained by fate, a formal letter arrives from the Dept. of Education in Dublin telling me I´ve been awarded a scholarship to study history in Iceland. Yes, Iceland, of all places! Forty years on and I´m still here. Granted, it never gets hot in summer, the average temperature being around 12 degrees Celsius; but hey that´s ideal weather for hiking and most visitors see the cool refreshing air as a welcome respite from the oppressive summer heat of big cities. And of course Iceland has those special seasonal attractions of being able to gaze skyward in winter and see the Northern Lights dance across the northern skies, or in June enjoy the wonder of the Midnight Sun. 27 Tradition has it that the country got its icy name from an early ninth-century Viking pioneer who failed to save sufficient hay to maintain his livestock over the long winter and after they died he had no option but to return to Norway. In a fit of pique he gave this newly discovered land the name Iceland. As to Iceland being far away, you´ll be pleasantly surprised to know it takes less than three hours to fly from London and just over five from New York. And there are daily connections to all major cities in Europe and the US with a number of international airlines. Surveys show that eighty percent of foreign visitors to Iceland come for the nature, and understandably so. When I first started to explore Iceland four decades ago I was immediately struck by its unrivalled beauty, the diversity of the landscape and the opportunity to get far away from the madding crowd and be one with nature. Bear in mind that this is a large country with a very small population; at 103,000 square kilometers it´s nearly the size of England but has a population of only 320,000. Sometimes we joke and say Iceland is a country inhabited by lots of volcanoes and a handful of people! 28 The contrast in scenery is amazing, each area having its own distinguishing features and allure. The south coast has endless stretches of black sandy beaches where the waves of the Atlantic thunder ashore. Looking northwards and inland, towering glaciers rise majestically and beneath the sleeping ice caps lurk active volcanoes such as the one with the unpronounceable name that brought world aviation to a standstill in 2010, Eyjafjallajökull. The west and east coasts have spectacular fjords walled in by sheer-faced cliffs where millions of seabirds nest. There´s the remote highland interior, Europe´s last great untamed wilderness and home to the ghosts of once notorious outlaws. There are vast lava fields, countless waterfalls thundering over cliff edges or on glacial rivers and geothermal areas with bubbling mud pots, steam vents and geysers. It´s an endless feast for the eye and the real beauty is you have it all to yourself. Iceland is one of the few places left where the traveller can still find that true solitude of the wilderness, a rare commodity in these times of mass tourism. 29 As you travel you´ll soon realize that the sheep and the horse are the most common domestic animals in Iceland. Interestingly, the only land mammal that´s native to Iceland is the Arctic fox, so the original settlers had to bring all their livestock with them from Norway: horses, sheep, cows, pigs, goats and dogs. Visitors frequently ask me if there´s anything especially interesting to do and see when in the Reykjavik area. I could easily come up with a long list, however three activities at once spring to mind as being totally different to anything you´ll experience elsewhere in the world. These are the Blue Lagoon spa, the journey down into the Thrihnukagigir volcano and snorkeling or diving in the Silfra fissure. The Blue Lagoon spa is spectacularly set in the middle of a moon-like lava landscape and has become world famous for the curative and regenerative powers of its mineral-rich geothermal seawater, pumped up from deep within the ground. Here´s an opportunity to bathe and relax in the most exquisite natural surroundings you´re likely to find anywhere. Full credit to this commercial venture for creating this experience in such an environmentally friendly and sophisticated fashion. 30 Second on the list is to go on a unique journey of discovery deep into the very heart of an empty magma chamber of a volcano, in the company of an expert guide of course! Now you get to discover what a volcano looks like from the inside. To say this is one of the most remarkable natural phenomena on the planet is no overstatement. Entering through the funnel-shaped opening you descend 120 meters by cable car into a cathedrallike vault of the dormant Thrihnukagigir (Three Peaks Crater) volcano. The chamber´s colossal size, vibrant colors and solemn grandeur are breathtaking. To put it in context, the chamber´s ground space is equivalent to three full-sized basketball courts, while its depth is such that the Statue of Liberty would easily fit inside. 31 The third choice is no less exhilarating and is also below ground, namely diving or snorkeling in the wonderful underwater world of the Silfra fissure in Lake Thingvellir. The Silfra fissure is a large ravine between the American and Eurasian plates and it´s the only place in the world where you can literally swim between two continental plates. Ranked as one of the best fresh-water dive sites in the world, the visibility is amazing because the water source is pristine spring water that over decades has filtered through the porous volcanic rock. Snorkeling is something anyone can do without prior experience and you don´t need a certificate. Of course no visit to Iceland would be complete without going to one of the many superb swimming pools throughout the country. For Icelanders going to the pool is not just a sporting activity, it´s also where people like to sit and relax in the hot tubs and socialize, chatting and discussing the events of the day. You could say that the swimming pool is to Iceland as the sauna is to Finland, the café to France and the pub to the British. So if you´d like to enjoy a swim, meet the locals and even air your opinions on what´s going on in the world then head for the nearest pool. Just how are Icelanders as a people? Well, after four decades of living amongst them I think I´ve earned the right to comment. Iceland has come a long way since the Second World War. Prior to that catastrophic event Iceland was one of the poorest, most isolated nations in Europe. But military occupation by the British and the Americans brought about a dramatic economic transformation and the country was catapulted into the modern age with the help of Marshall aid. Today Iceland is a thriving independent nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. But despite their modernity the Icelandic way of thinking is still very much grounded in the old fishing and farming traditions. They are a resourceful people, creative and innovative and fiercely proud of their literary heritage and language. The sagas are as alive today as they were eight hundred years ago. Their resilience borders on stubbornness; after all, what nation would continue to live on a rocky island in the middle of the Atlantic where there is a volcanic eruption on average every five years? They´re a friendly but reserved people; an Icelander will be slow to open a conversation, but if you engage them they´re friendly and eager to chat. So don´t hesitate to take the initiative. 32 33 Today, Icelandic creativity is reflected in the exciting developments in the fields of fashion, design, art and music. It´s as if the locals have the ability to tap into the powerful natural energy right beneath their feet. And when it comes to cuisine Iceland right now is a wonderful place to dine out. We like to say that long before there was organic there was Iceland! Taking the country´s purest ingredients of fish, lamb and dairy products, a generation of young and highly inventive chefs are wooing palates with their culinary creations. But now that you´ve come all the way to Iceland why not use the opportunity to visit its closest neighbor, Greenland. Here is the world´s largest island with a population of only 57,000 people. This hidden gem of nature is just a two-hour flight away and is a must see destination for adventure-minded travellers. Greenland is a country with huge wilderness areas and an incredibly fascinating cultural history. Here on the very edge of the inhabitable world you can enjoy the gentle pace of life in the small remote villages where the traditional hunting lifestyle and craftsmanship of the Inuit people is still very much alive. Hopeful the reasons I´ve listed will have convinced you that Iceland is a worthy destination to visit. There are of course endless other reasons why you should have it topping your bucket list. For example, it´s one of the safest countries in the world, it values gender equality, gay rights and freedom of expression. Education and health care are free and everybody speaks English. And an international survey showed that Icelanders are the happiest nation in the world. Now what more could you ask of a country and its people. 34 35 INSPIRING JOURNEY NORTH POLE by Dilla Melnik Be one of handful of people to ever stand on the North Pole before it’s too late. July 30, 2013 was just another day for most of us. For a special group of unique travelers their arrival at the top of the world marked only the 100th North Pole icebreaker navigation in history. The Russian government, which owns the chartered vessel, “50 Years of Victory” will continue to lease the ship for the foreseeable future and chartered trips will continue. Only a handful of people have made it to North Pole, and even fewer have made the journey aboard one of the most powerful ships in existence. Both are exceptional experiences in their own right. The North Pole is a destination without a time zone, or even a sense of time. It is a place with only one direction – south. Poseidon Expeditions keeps you comfortable in 5 star cabins with exceptional cuisine with access to helicopters, Zodiacs and expert guides. On the way to the North Pole and back, you will get a chance to explore this environment like very few have - outside of the National Geographic Channel. Helicopter rides give you a bird’s eye view of the icescape. Zodiac cruises offer a chance to see the Arctic from sea level. Lectures presented by polar experts deliver unique insight about one of the most remote regions of the planet. “50 Years of Victory” is the most powerful icebreaker ever built. The 75,000 horsepower machine crushes multi-year ice layers three meters thick. You feel the strength, sharing the power as she battles her way through the icecap of the Arctic Ocean. 36 37 POLAR PLUNGE A quick swim in cold water boosts your immune system, makes you feel “high” and gets your blood pumping. It also improves your sex life and burns twice as many calories as swimming in tepid water. 38 Once you get to the top of the world it will be party time - but getting there is half the fun. The ship sets sail on the Arctic Ocean from the port city of Murmansk, Russia. Along the way you’ll meet polar bears that venture very close to the ship and stare back at you with a captivating interest – like a zoo, but with you as the spectacle. The polar bears are best viewed from the safety of the ship’s deck with a cocktail in hand. Just out of reach, it seems, you’ll observe arctic birds and walruses, all animals that call this part of the world home and go unseen by the other 99.99% of humanity. Then a separate adventure all its own: you land and explore the most remote Russian High Arctic archipelago – Franz Josef Land. Once on top of the world, the statement “I’m on top of the world” takes on a whole other meaning and it is an excellent reason to have a party. There is no way to describe standing on 90° North and looking out at the whole world beneath your feet. In fact, 90° North changes every second as the North Pole floats “above” the world. There is no land here, only floating, ever-moving ice. Each traveler captures his or her own, unique experience on top of the world. When the ship’s GPS catches 90° North she stops and a piece of ice large enough is selected for landing. After that, barbecues, dances and polar plunges are the order of the day. The uninhabited islands of Franz Josef Land were closed to foreigners during the Cold War. Now “moon craters” and the breathtaking scenery of Franz Josef Land’s islands beckon adventurous travelers from all over the world. The islands are home to polar bears, walruses and beautiful arctic birds. 39 40 Another highlight is when everyone on the expedition contributes a note for the Time Capsule, made of the same special metal as the icebreaker’s nuclear reactor shield. Which is to say, it is made of pretty tough stuff. The notes are stashed inside and then the Time Capsule is cast into the ocean by the Expedition Leader as a symbolic gesture for God, fortune or perhaps future generations. Sealed and submerged these notes will remain long after the opportunity to travel to the North Pole aboard an icebreaker has passed forever. 41 42 43 maybe cuba is perfect destination Quatus veribusda aturendusam exceaque pella voluptatqui dolupta arcid que con eos aut ea sequatum invellant aligendam qui nonsequam, serunt remolor poreium cum ea quissit, consedias a comni 44 45 STOCKHOLM HOTSPOTS by Patrik Estrand Our experts on the ground provide priceless insight on what to do and where to eat in Europe’s greenest city. Stockholm is truly unique among the great cities of the world. Although it enjoys a lower global profile than Paris or London the benefit of being world-class but under-the-radar is that it is accessible, safe and clean. Stockholm is one of the cleanest capitals in the world. For example, the water in is so clean that residents can swim and fish in the centre of the city. It is so clean, in fact, that in 2010 the European Union presented the European Green Capital Award to Stockholm, naming it Europe’s first “Green Capital”. Stockholm is so green and clean that they actually teach their methods to delegates from other cities under the Professional Study Visits program. This takes “eco tourism” to a whole new level. With such an inviting setting it is no wonder that cultural events abound in Stockholm and people love to get out and about. 46 Annual Events The Stockholm Jazz Festival takes place in Skeppsholmen every July. The Stockholm Marathon takes place on a Saturday in early July every year. The Nobel Banquet takes place in Stockholm City Hall every year on December 10. 47 ICE SWIMMING Be a local and dare yourself to go for a winter swim. Start with a sauna and when you are warm enough, jump down into the hole in the ice. Getting local! 48 RESTAURANTS WITH AUTHENTIC SWEDISH FOOD There are over 1,000 restaurants in Stockholm. Here are the best. AG (Allmänna Galleriet) – Meat mecca for meat lovers from local ‘biodynamic beef-growers’ – the place to splurge. Simple Swedish wooden interior adds to the bio-dynamic feeling. Loud and crowded for all the right reasons. Address: AG Restaurang & Bar, Kronobergsgatan 37, Kungsholmen district, Stockholm, Sweden Food Court at Östermalmstorg: “Östermalmshallen” – Several top Swedish fish restaurants open until 19.00. Great for lunch and late afternoon gatherings. Take-away available for any traditional Swedish dishes including a variety of fish, meat and dessert delicacies. Address: Nybrogatan 31 or corner southwest corner of Östermalmstorg, Östermalm district, Stockholm, Sweden WHYRED – Male and female styles. Address: Mäster Samuelsgatan 5 (City / Norrmalm district) TIGER OF SWEDEN – Male and female styles. Address: Jakobsbergsgatan 8 HOPE – Male and female styles. Address: Norrlandsgatan 12 (City / Norrmalm district) WHERE DO SWEDES HANG OUT? Enjoy Fotografiska (Museum of photography) – Privately owned and newly opened, always updated, exhibitions of international photographers and their life’s work. Always interesting. Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 (Södermalm district) SWEDISH CULTURE COOLEST HANGOUTS The Swedish people are generally stoic about physical fitness and braving the elements. If visiting on icy-cold winter days, do not complain about the temperature. In fact, when walking the streets of Stockholm make sure you are “spotting” (looking carefully) for breaking ice stalactites and snow falling from city roofs. RICHE – Always open, even on major holidays, RICHE is a meeting point for the business crowd, celebrities and a healthy mix of sophisticated party people. Two separate bars cater to the younger crowd (20-35-year-olds) and more mature (35-year-olds and up) both bars have surprisingly good food. Reservations required, even on weekdays. Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 4 (Östermalm district) If weather allows, why not rent a bicycle? Stockholm City Bikes are available via online purchase through retailers. Cards allow user to rent bikes from any Stockholm City Bike stand spread across the city and return them to any stand. By all means break every traffic rule you can think of and you will fit right in among the citizens of Stockholm. Please note that there are laws regarding bicycles but very few police around to enforce them. NYTORGET 6 – Swedish style Brasserie. Excellent ambience. Address: Nytorget 6 (Södermalm district) BERNS / 2:35:1 - Grand late 19th century establishment with 2:35:1 being a major social attraction and soul / house music club. First and foremost an entertainment hall do not miss the BERNS grand dining room with great Asian fusion food. Address: Berzeeli Park (City / Norrmalm district) BRUNO GALLERIA – A smaller shopping mall slowly turning into a happening bar area around 19.00. Restaurant Ljunggren near the entrance has exceptional food and is always full of interesting people. Address: Götgatan 36 (Södermalm district) SWEDISH BRANDS NORRGAVEL – Furniture and interior design of a very Swedish style. Not for everybody but inspiring creations and interesting solutions. Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 27 (City / Norrmalm district) DESIGN HOUSE of Stockholm – Every kind of creative, and sometimes, hilarious designs related to all matters of everyday life. Address: Sublevel 1 of NK Department Store at Hamngatan 18-20 (City / Norrmalm district) EMERGING SWEDISH FASHION BRANDS ACNE – Male and female styles – quite extreme. Address: Southeast corner of Norrmalmstorg (City / Norrmalm district) WESC (WE are The Superlative Conspiracy) – Male and female as well as accessories. Address: Jakobsbergsgatan 6 (City /Norrmalm district) FILIPPA K – Male and female styles with exceptional value for money. Address: Biblioteksgatan 2 (City / Norrmalm district) 49 maybe cuba is perfect destination Quatus veribusda aturendusam exceaque pella voluptatqui dolupta arcid que con eos aut ea sequatum invellant aligendam qui nonsequam, serunt remolor poreium cum ea quissit, consedias a comni 50 51 new york NEW YEAR by John & Richard William New York - it’s like no other city in the world. N ew York is fun, vibrant, exciting and it never sleeps. It is entertaining, diverse, big, brassy, and made up of a multitude of interesting neighborhoods and special places that are always changing. New York is a city to experience over and over. First, some important dates: September: Fashion Week, US Tennis Open and the UN General Assembly October: Columbus Day weekend, Halloween parties and Indian summer November: Marathon Weekend, Macy’s Day Parade, “Black Friday” shopping December: Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Plaza, 5th Avenue, Shopper’s Week, and New Year’s Eve in Times Square 52 New York is overflowing with historical sites, world-class museums, 50 different neighborhoods and more world-class restaurants, clubs, parks and places to be seen than anyone could visit in five years. Madison and 5th Avenues, Soho, Central Park are all communities onto themselves. 53 HOW TO BE A NEW YORKER FOR A DAY 1. Have Sunday brunch at Jack’s Wife Freda restaurant and try their signature brunch cuisine. 2. Have a classic American burger at the Minetta Tavern. Burgers priced steep at $26 USD - but well worth the experience. 3. Try an American original John’s Brick Oven Pizza, the oldest pizza house in New York City. 4. Line up for gelatin ice cream in Little Italy. 5. Dine with a view at Gaonnuri NYC, a Korean BBQ with an amazing New York City skyline view. 6. Listen to NYC crème de la crème jazz at Village Vanguard. 7. Have a hot dog at a street stand. 8. Have a drink at the boat house in Central Park. 9. Have a Bloody Mary at St. Regis - the birth of the drink. 10. Must have an Irish Coffee at the Dead Rabbit Bar. 54 THANKSGIVING WEEK Why visit during Thanksgiving Week? The city is alive. Thanksgiving Day is an important holiday in the United States and the excitement builds up all over New York City. Attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and eating a special Thanksgiving dinner at a classic restaurant are staples of a trip to New York City this time of year. While turkey, stuffing and cranberries are traditional parts of the meal, the point of a Thanksgiving dinner is to be around friends, family and today many other types of food are offered in restaurants so those with preferences are accommodated. Thanksgivings Day Parade. Thousands of participants and a million spectators enjoy this massive parade every year. Giant balloons are held down by 15-20 strong people along with floats carrying famous actors and actresses; the Santa Claus float is a traditional favorite; floats depicting TV shows, places in the US and there are always some innovative new themes. The action starts near West 79th and Central Park West at 9 am then proceeds down Broadway and over to 6th Avenue before finishing up at 12 noon in front of Macy’s. Central Park West near Columbus Circle is the best place to be because of the wide streets and amazing restaurants along 6th Ave. New York is a shopper’s paradise. Bergdorf Goodman, Saks 5th Ave, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s are all famous department stores; then there are boutiques along Madison and 5th Avenues. Many luxury brands have flagship retail outlets throughout the city with unique seasonal products and shopping experiences to be found nowhere else on Earth. It is easy to get caught up in the energy of other people when shopping in New York and there are always amazing discounts to be found by those that venture out. 98% of stores are closed for Thanksgiving Day but they all open very early the next day, as early as 5 am in some cases, to welcome shoppers with some of the biggest discounts of the year. Time to eat. While a majority of restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day, the ones that are open serve a special Thanksgiving menu consisting of traditional turkey, and many, many side dish specialties alongside their regular menus. New Yorkers love Thanksgiving and the atmosphere is always jovial and friendly. People are known to overeat because the food is so delicious – and the portions are huge. Sightseeing and Tours – the Empire State Building, the UN, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty Sunday Brunch at Jack’s Wife Freda A must: Go shopping on 5th and Madison Avenues. Dinner at three classic New York restaurants: Make sure you hit 21 Club, any Italian restaurant and a New York City steak house is a must. Take a tour: 4 to 6 hour walking tours are available that offer guides that discuss landmarks and cultural icons. Lunch in a trendy Manhattan restaurant. WHAT TO DO DURING THANKSGIVING Go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Thanksgiving Day morning from 9 am to 12 noon. The best spot to view the parade is Central Park West at Columbus Circle near Radio City. Get there an hour early to secure the perfect viewing spot. See them blow up the giant balloons the night before: The night before Thanksgiving, Macy’s staff begin inflating all the giant balloons to be used in the parade the following day. It starts as early as 5 or 6 pm and goes on throughout the night. There are always big crowds and you must get there early to get a viewing location to watch them blow up 8 – 15 meter balloons with new characters added every year. 55 FOR FAMILIES Visit the Bronx Zoo for an afternoon. Check in right after Christmas for a 5-day stay Take a bicycle ride through Central Park and tour the Children’s Zoo. Visit the stores and see the decorations Insider’s private guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History. Take in a Broadway show or see an NBA Basketball game Take the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier tour. American Girl Luncheon: Anyone with a daughter, niece or granddaughter will be enthralled with this store as it is solely devoted to dolls from many different from all over the world. Lunch available only if the young girl is with you. The Ultimate Broadway Theatre Experience. Meeting and greeting a Broadway performer before or after the show can be arranged either on a one-on-one or small group basis. Prearrangements are a must. FOR ROMANTIC GETAWAYS Reservation at the River Café. Includes a private car to and from your hotel. Visit Central Park Plan a New Year’s Eve night out club-hopping Visit Times Square before the ball drops. VIP packages for viewing the ball drop are available and mostly within hotels; a popular option is a small group of 20 can share a hotel rooftop. If you plan to be street level know that crowds gather as early as noon but there are restrictions on movement once they enter certain locations. Street level is only recommended for those that enjoy the outdoors, crowds and cold to very cold air. Go to a New Year’s Eve party in a trendy spot. New Year’s Eve parties vary greatly from year to year but tend to focus on twenty-five to forty-year-olds who are looking to party until the very early morning - or later. Party themes and locations change every year and are only promoted 1 – 2 weeks prior but expect a lot of dancing and some outstanding DJs. Romantic carriage ride into Central Park. Private shopping at Tiffany’s. 3-course dinner on the New York Harbor with live music and dancing. NEWS YEAR’S EVE IN NEW YORK More excitement than at any other time of the year. Visitors from all over the world. Dozens of ways to celebrate the New Year. Giant crowds in Times Square – once in a lifetime event. Incredible shopping. A VERY BIG PARTY A large portion of the world’s television audience tunes in to live broadcasts of the New Year’s Eve events in Times Square every year, and has done so for over half a century. 56 57 Discover bALI SPA dREAMSCAPE Luxury Travel explores the world’s spas and picks authentic, high quality establishments to highlight and celebrate so you’ll know if they are worth visiting. For our first edition we start in our own backyard, Bali. Bali has become synonymous with the term “spa” in large part because the traditions and culture form an ideal foundation for a flourishing spa environment. Balinese Hindu philosophy is all about balancing spiritual and physical well being and is embodied by the spa and wellness professionals that work throughout Bali and the region. When you discuss spas in Bali with those who know, one name always comes up: Amandari. Nestled in the Amandari property just outside of Ubud, the team here has been doing it right for decades and continues to offer one of the best holistic experiences on the island, and perhaps the world. The Village Spa Journey treatment combines the Balinese Melukat purification ceremony with traditional treatments and products. It will leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed, and is often used to signify the beginning of a journey. Following a welcome blessing, using flowers and rice as offerings a full body exfoliation using black rice infused with the purifying properties of cinnamon to boost circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. A body wrap of mineral-rich volcanic clay then helps draw out toxins from the body. Whilst cocooned in the warmth of the banana leaf wrap, a therapeutic head massage completes the relaxation process, leaving you with a sense of lightness and clarity. This journey is then completed with the Melukat ritual using holy water. Hot Stone Massage uses a combination of warm stones and massage that penetrates deeply into the body to soothe and relax tender muscles. Hot basalt stones that are from the Ayung river are placed on, and under, the body to generate heat, drawing out tightness. The stones are an extension of the therapist’s hands as they glide over the body as part of this flowing massage technique, allowing the benefits to be felt at a deeper level. 58 59 UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA AMANDARI SPA Traditional Indonesian Treatments Mandi Lulur was used by Javanese royalty as part of wedding day preparations. The bride would take a Mandi Lulur to soften and cleanse the body to look and feel vibrant and radiate good health. Beginning with a massage, it is followed by a body mask and exfoliation of white turmeric and honey, blended with rice grains. It is then completed with a relaxing herbal bath. Mandi Rempah treatment is a journey of cleansing, rebalancing and deep relaxation. It begins with a body massage using essential oils of ginger and clove to ease tight muscles and reduce tension. It is then followed by a body exfoliation of black rice and cinnamon to stimulate the circulatory and lymphatic system. A body wrap of red clay and nutmeg, known for their nurturing properties is then followed by a bath with fresh coconut milk, yogurt and lavender to rebalance and leave you feeling deeply relaxed. Reiki means “Universal Life Force Energy”. Excellent for those who are open to learning about energy and bringing more awareness into their lives. Connect deeper with your own self during this subtle treatment performed with an open heart and a pure, healing intention. Reiki is known to alleviate stress, restore and renew energy while promoting health and wellness. It is recommended to wear loose clothing for this treatment. Please pre-request this treatment a day in advance to ensure booking. Amandari Massage is a healing fusion of Balinese techniques, acupressure and Swedish massage that can be tailored to be either light or firm in pressure and to focus on any specific areas of concern. Balinese Massage is a deep massage style that uses a combination of kneading and rolling to release muscular tension and to boost circulation. This treatment rebalances energy levels and leaves a feeling of deep relaxation. 60 East-West Massage is an energizing and therapeutic massage focusing on the back and legs. Incorporates a blend of pressure point, deep tissue and stretching techniques to manipulate sore areas and induce relaxation. Acupressure Stretch Massage is a pressure point massage working on the body’s meridians or ‘energy lines’ to restore balance and Qi (life force). Combined with gentle stretching and performed without the use of massage oil, this massage aims to rejuvenate and strengthen the body and mind, as it balances the nervous system. Any of these sessions is complemented well with an additional: 1. Foot Massage 2. Body exfoliation 3. Body Wrap With its unique spiritual energy, Amandari is the ideal location to experience the benefits of yoga and meditation. For those new to yoga and meditation, their teachers will introduce the techniques, poses and principles of these ancient “mind-body” systems of wellness. For experienced practitioners, their teachers will tailor sessions depending on level of ability. Their well-respected Balinese teachers come from villages around Ubud and offer both Hatha and Ashtanga yoga styles. Amandari has its own line of chemical-free products available to nurture the skin and enhance overall well-being. Made using the highest quality natural ingredients known for their antiageing and balancing qualities, Aman skincare products penetrate deep into the skin to nourish and rejuvenate. Plant essences and extracts have been carefully sourced from around the world for their purity, potency and therapeutic qualities. JIMBARAN BAY, BALI, INDONESIA FOUR SEASONS SPA A New Type of Technology Having a facial can be a life altering experience. After all, our own face is a fundamental tool for assessing how we feel, how we show up in front of other people and how healthy we are. When you wash your face your feel an immediate sense of absolution and refreshment. But what happens if you are seeking something deeper? Trans Dermal Application technology (TDA) can provide an immediately gratifying experience that is both inwardly rewarding and outwardly visible to everyone else. And, of course, if you are looking to find the perfect set and setting for such an experience, you would be hard pressed to do better than Jimbaran Bay, Bali. Thankfully, the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay has recently launched TDA as an offering so you can experience a transformative facial experience in a truly spiritually transformative environment. TDA was a big decision for Four Seasons Asia as they have always been high touch low tech. “We’ve been developing a new, elevated spa offering here at Jimbaran Bay – centered around the concept of healing the physical body to facilitate inner change, simultaneously paying homage to nature’s bounty.” Says Luisa Anderson, Regional Director of Spa, “The potent and high-performance PURETM TDA facials pair nature’s healing ingredients with skilled science to affect outer beauty and inner change, physically renewing the skin and emotionally boosting self-confidence.” While looking to innovate and stay cutting edge in the competitive spa market in Asia, The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran thought long and hard before investing in the new process and investigated many potential options. The framework they used was exacting: 1. A facial that would produce a visible result. TDA is a delivery system that penetrates the top layers of skin to deliver specially formulated PURE serums that address the full spectrum of dermatological conditions. The company that makes PURE serums for exclusive providers around the world happens to be right here in Bali. Among the unique features of their serums is it contains no artificial preservatives like parabens. TDA is the process of applying these four different types of serums: Mitocell: Used for more mature skins. It helps replace collagen in cells. Proderm: Specifically for people that have inflammation, redness, acne, and accelerates the healing ability of the skin and drastically reduces redness. Hyal N5: Great for maintaining moisture and keeping the skin supple and soft. This is an entry-level treatment for people that have young healthy skin. Hyal 10: The best product for fighting off dry skin. This is an exceptional product for people that travel extensively, wear a lot of makeup regularly or just have naturally dry skin. The machine itself was designed by German scientists to treat wounds that were stubbornly refusing to heal. When the machine was very successful at accelerating the healing process in these conditions the application for this technology in the cosmetic beauty industry was obvious. It is not invasive, uses natural ingredients, the experience is very pleasurable and the best part is you walk out with a visible result. While in Bali it is a genuine and exclusive transformative experience. 2. Easily within the reach, expertise and capability of their therapists. 3. Something that was not invasive or used harsh chemicals. 61 Quatus veribusda aturendusam exceaque pella voluptatqui dolupta arcid que con eos aut ea sequatum invellant aligendam qui nonsequam, serunt remolor poreium cum ea quissit, consedias a comni 62 63 CLIENT TESTIMONIAL JANUACA TJANDRA SWISS DRIVE TO ITALY For some getting there is half the fun. For others, the road less travelled is where all the fun is to be had. What happens when you take a passion for Europe and a passion for driving and add them to a romantic getaway for two? Mr. and Mrs. Tjandra show us how it is done. DAY 1 DAY 2 Hotel Seefeld, in the beautiful Seefeld district of Zurich, two minutes walk from the lake, ten minutes to Zurich’s old town. Hotel Seefeld, Explore Zurich City – Explore Zurich’s old town on either side of the beautiful Limmat river, taking in the bars, cafes, boutiques, galleries and churches all within this wonderfully preserved city. A private guided tour can also be organized on request. Private limo transfer directly from Zurich airport to the Hotel. After checking in take a walk along the world famous shopping thoroughfare that is Bahnhofstrasse, with its incredible array of watches, jewelry and designer stores. The road leads directly onto Lake Zurich where you can stroll along the lake side promenade and take a drink overlooking the lake. “After a fairly lengthy plane journey it’s always good to stretch your legs and decompress. After we checked in I made sure my e-mail was turned off, phone on Do Not Disturb and then relished showing my wife around Zurich. I had been to Zurich previously but it was my wife’s first time so there was a lot for her to take in and what better way than a short stroll by some world class shopping. We wanted to go totally local the first night so we had dinner at a small pub that specialized in heaps of sausages and beer.” 64 Drive Tutorial – This evening meet up with your Swiss Drive Concierge at the Widder Hotel for a complete a full walkthrough of your drives and itinerary for the next six days. “Zurich is a scenic place with a lot of history and the guided tour opened us up to a lot of that rich culture. We capped off the evening with a romantic dinner at a busy, popular spot that was great for people watching. The Driver Tutorial was very comprehensive and probably thorough enough for a driver new to super cars. If you are experienced the Drive Concierge is excellent at providing expert knowledge of the routes and tips on how to shave time off various legs while still getting to see the sights.” Super cars are not for everyone, but with a Swiss Drive Concierge anyone that can drive a car can be brought up to speed. Super cars are not for everyone, but with a Swiss Drive Concierge anyone that can drive a car can be brought up to speed. 65 Manarola village along the Cinque Terre is straight out of a Mediterranean fairy tale. AMENDIT UNT, QUI TEMPORU EAQUIBUS dolupta turempo reptatumque perrumque maio volupti dit doloribus dolut idem natur as earchit velique magnati ad quas maximil lorundiorro offic tem et rest Vernazza, along the Cinque Terre 66 Day 3 Day 4 Star Hotel Waldhaus, Sils near St. Moritz Hotel Waldhaus, Sils, near St. Moritz Drive 1 - Mercedes SLS super car delivered promptly to the Hotel at 7:30 am. Drive from the Widder, Zurich to St. Moritz. The drive takes you across two of the bigger passes of the central Swiss Alps, the Klausen and the Oberalp, followed by a run along the stunning Rhine Gorge Valley, tracing the path of the Glacier Express. The drive is completed by a run over the Albula Pass and down to the Engadine region of Switzerland. Take lunch en route in the heart of the Alps on your journey south. Railway Excursion – In the morning take the car ten minutes drive to the St. Moritz railway station and board the 9:34 am train to Tirano, Italy. The train takes you on a stunning run over the Bernini Pass, via several incredible viaducts before arriving in the town of Tirano where you will take lunch. Return to St. Moritz late afternoon, once again cross the Bernini Pass, more than 2,300 meters above sea level. Drive time: Five hours thirty minutes plus stops plus lunch. “Tirano was really a pretty, little town. Not a busy place, to say the least, but perfect for chilling out after a long day of driving. In Italy they have a much slower pace and in the countryside it goes even slower. Very relaxing. During the train ride back into Switzerland we got lucky as it started to snow. The view headed back to St. Moritz, which is actually a ski town, was amazing. Back at the hotel we enjoyed the amenities and pampered ourselves good and proper. Hotel Waldhaus really felt like a cozy European mansion.” “We crammed a lot of extra scenic stops and beautiful sites into this leg, taking our time and enjoying the experience. Because of this we didn’t get back until 5 or 6 pm but that was fine. We even took the car out again after dinner for a quick trip around St. Moritz.” 67 Day 5 Villa Aminta, Lake Maggiore, garden views and balcony Villa Aminta, Stresa Lake Maiggiore Drive 2 – Head south from Engadine to the Swiss / Italian Lakes of Como, Lugano and Maggiore. This run takes you south and over the beautiful Maloja Pass, before tracing a path along the shores of Lakes Como and Lugano, stopping in the lake side town of Lugano for lunch. Complete your journey to Stresa by taking the small car ferry across Lake Maggiore, and arrive in time for a late afternoon stroll around this beautiful lake side town. Drive time: Four hours, plus stops, plus lunch. Spend the day exploring the region around Stresa. Take a boat trip to one of the beautiful Borromean Islands. “Make sure you get to Stresa on Lake Maggiore before sunset because it is stunning. It is also worth noting that the restaurants close early in this sleepy little town so head out for a bite early if you are venturing out of the hotel. We missed most of the closing times but found a little “hole in the wall” that served up the most amazing “home cooked” Italian food you could imagine. We felt like we suddenly had an Italian grandmother.” 68 Day 6 “Another relaxing day with plenty of romantic scenery to go around. We toured some grand villas in the Borromean Islands and got to see how Dukes and Duchesses used to entertain their guests. Very relaxing and a great way to break up the driving.” Day 7 Hotel Domina Piccolo, Portofino, balcony and sea view Drive 3 – Head south from Stresa to the resort of Portofino in Liguria, on the Italian Riviera. There are two possible drives, a direct route, so you will arrive in Portofino around 2 hours 30, or a scenic route through the rolling hills of Liguria which takes around 4 hours. After checking in, take a walk down to the beautiful port, or stroll around some of the stunning lake side gardens and their beautiful flora. Drive time: Four hours, plus stops for sights and lunch. “This drive actually took a lot longer than four hours, on purpose. The original route was on the freeway but the Drive Concierge had given me some tips on which mountain roads to take and after double-checking them myself the night before I felt comfortable exploring. It was worth it as we got some stunning views along the way and the driving was much more invigorating.” Isola Bella, Borromean Islands Day 8 Day 9 Hotel Domino Piccolo, Portofino Drive 5 - Return to Milan for flight to Paris. Drive 4 - Today you will head across from Portofino to the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site that is Cinque Terre, with its five beautifully interconnected coastal villages. Head for the village of Manarola and spend the day walking the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail); a five-hour hiking trail that connects all five hamlets of the Cinque Terre OR for something a little less strenuous, just take in the coastal route connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola known as the Lovers Way. Drive time: One hour twenty minutes each way. After breakfast take the two-hour drive to Milan, arriving at our car station (in the city centre) at around noon. You are then free to leave baggage at the station and will be driven to the city centre where you can spend the afternoon shopping in Milan. At around 5:00 pm you would be collected from the city at a pre-arranged spot, and then transferred directly to Milan International airport for your flight to Paris. “Portofino is very interesting and I would like to go back and spend more time there. It was such a unique place with architecture like nowhere else as it is all built on the tops of cliffs overlooking the sea. On foot you do find yourself climbing a lot of stairs but the sites and sounds are captivating. Then there’s the Cinque Terre, which you could spend days exploring on its own, each town is like a work of art carved from the rugged coastline.” “Milan is fun but we really just on our way to Paris as my wife had never been. Once we got to Paris it was one full day of shopping (with a chauffeur driven car so I could relax) and one full day of site seeing: the Eifel Tower, the Louvre Museum, all the must-see spots. It was wonderful as although I had seen some of them before, experiencing them again with my wife and an expert guide was like seeing them for the first time all over again.” 69 M A R K E T I N G & C O M M U N I C A T I O N S RESEARCH STRATEGY PLANNING VIDEO DIGITAL INTEGRATED Every company needs a vision for the future. What’s yours? MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXPERTS WWW.TWOMC.COM Experience amanusa Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience that embodies peace? Look no further. In this turbulent world there are few places that truly transcend both time and space, that provide a traveller with a head full of memories and above all – the memory of being at peace. Amanusa in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, is easily one of the most elite of these rare spots. Staying at these properties back-to-back takes the Aman experience to another level altogether and can quickly become the bar with which to judge all future holidays. In fact, many just choose to come back and do it all over again every year. From the moment you arrive at the airport in Bali, Amanusa staff are there to make sure you avoid the frenetic crowds and whisk you away in a car equipped with cool towels, a solid Wi-Fi connection and a cooler of refreshments. By the time you arrive at the entrance to this truly impressive property you have already begun the journey to an elevated state of mind body and soul. Upon entering the main hall at Amanusa you begin to feel the impact of the ambience upon your soul. The threshold is quite grand and with good reason as it frames your first view of the pool below. The pool area is breathtaking and frames a view that stretches across acres of manicured gardens right down to the beach in the distance. The Bali National Golf Course provides additional insulation from the turbulent world outside and is sanctuary to an interesting array of bird life. As you receive your welcome drink at the bar, enjoy a relaxing sunset on The Terrace and then descend to the pool area below with its bougainvilleacovered trellis yet another level of decompression makes itself apparent. All of this before you even step foot in your room. The word “aman” literally means “peace” in more than one ancient language; Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit. However, it is one thing to read this in print or on a computer screen. It is another thing altogether to experience true peace as defined by Aman Resorts. Among Aman Resorts’ twenty-six locations spanning fifteen countries, Amanusa enjoys a special place alongside Amankila and Amandari, the other Bali properties. Amankila in Casi Dasa, Amandari in Ubud, and Amanusa in Nusa Dua – in succession – is the way it should be done for maximum peace. 72 73 The rooms at Amanusa are a formula for private luxurious relaxation honed and perfected over decades of experience. Inside, every detail, every element of the interior benefits from the experience in luxury properties around the world – and the unique warmth of Balinese culture. It almost goes without saying that the service is beyond excellent. But we wish to make a special point of this: on an island that has seen the tourism industry skyrocket over the last fifteen to twenty years many of Amanusa’s staff have been with the resort for just as long. This speaks volumes of the management’s skill and can be felt in the pride the staff have at meeting challenging requests. Once settled in your room, make sure to enjoy dinner in the Italian Restaurant and absorb the sheer elegance of this one-of-a-kind location and its décor. The design strives for a “timeless” appeal and succeeds in every sense of the word. As you dine outside looking over the pool at the setting sun of the Indian Ocean it could easily be 1914 or 2014. In either year you would feel right at home as the staff serve up carefully chosen Italian entrées with a world-class selection of wines. Once you have completely unwound and are looking for some stimulation ask the staff about cycling, island cruising or just ask to be taken shopping. Staff at Amanusa are well aware of the best places to visit outside of the property and happy to standby with transport while you explore on foot. Trips can be customized after careful consultation or decided upon while on the road. You are completely in control of your own adventure. THE ITALIAN RESTAURANT Open for dinner only. Perhaps one of the most romantic settings on Earth. 74 If you have a flair for cooking and wish to drill down into the art of Indonesian cuisine then classes are available in-house. For those interested, an early morning tour of the local vegetable and fish markets, with a detour through the Jenggala glass and ceramic factory, provide all the requirements for a lunch creation all your own. If the private beach area, with all its attendant luxury, becomes a bit too relaxing, there are always Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. These secluded islands, located about twenty kilometers offshore, are the perfect place for a full-day of snorkeling. Take a luxury sailing catamaran out to one of these small jewels and discover the Amanusa definition of the term “lunchtime barbecue”. You will not be disappointed. However grand the experience is at a world-class property there is always a time to say goodbye. And if the experience was a success, it is with a bit of a heavy heart that you gather your things for the journey back to the real world with all of its hustle and bustle. This is why we suggest making Amanusa the first stop on a tour that includes Amandari and Amankila. This way, you only have more peace to look forward to as you leave this truly special place. Amanusa regularly, however discreetly, accommodates celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. Rooms are available as part of the main villa complex or as entirely separate villas for guests with larger entourages or wedding parties. 75 111 SKIN Black Diamond Cream We found some anti-aging cream that just may be from out of this world. After age twenty-five we all start to lose glutathione, hyaluronic acid and collagen every year. These naturally occurring compounds are what keep our skin supple and soft with flexibility that defies wrinkles. Famed plastic surgeon, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, founded 111SKIN in collaboration with two space scientists who had previously worked on the Soviet Space Program. Once the program had been dissolved, the scientists kept hold of their patented formula, which they had supplied to astronauts to protect their skin while in orbit. This formula is known as NAC Y² (a combination of NAC, Vitamin C and Escin) which increases glutathione – the most vital antioxidant in our cells for maintaining youthful skin. The 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Cream is the latest launch from Dr. Alexandrides, who has been working to create this ‘super cream’ for the past few years. The cream uses an innovative delivery system of rare Black Diamond nanoparticles to transport potent, youth-restoring ingredients to the deeper layers of skin. Black Diamond nanoparticles deliver ingredients deeper into the dermis. The cream uses an innovative delivery system of rare diamond particles believed to have formed in space. The range is rapidly expanding due to customer demand and is available now at 111SKIN.com, Harrods in the UK, Barneys in the United States and a number of luxury retailers across the globe where it ranks as number one amongst similar skin care brands. 76 78 79 PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENTS By Jake Wallis President Director Imperium Capital Indonesia In three or four years’ time, anyone who stumbles upon this article may wonder why I bothered to write about such a well-known and commonplace investment instrument. But today, I am writing about something that is • Only occasionally thought of • Very rarely used • Hardly ever maximized The term is “Captive Insurance” and it is a hot topic in the financial industry right now. Many financial industry insiders expect captive insurance to the next ‘big thing’ and it is slated for discussion among industry leaders at the 2015 Asian Financial Forum. A captive insurance entity is a type of company – an insurance company – which is established with the specific objective of protecting the owner(s) and/ or investor(s). Put simply, it means that you can invest into businesses or projects – which could be your own, or entirely separate from you – and ensure that you don’t lose. In addition, you can often ensure that you get a sizeable return on investment, whatever happens. Whilst it’s not something often talked about, even by private bankers, those that are ‘ahead of the curve’ are already investing via captive insurance structures, and in some cases, establishing their own private insurance company as a vehicle for driving their family wealth in a quicker and safer way. 80 This structure itself isn’t new – insurance companies have been around for hundreds of years – but as the global financial landscape changes, the smartest wealthy investors are moving beyond the usual wealth planning (such as establishing family trusts) and engaging the use of all possible instruments to achieve the two universal investment objectives – minimise risk, and maximise returns. How is this different from any other insurance? Well firstly, normal insurances exclude things like • Force Majeure • Acts of God • War & Terrorism Captive insurance structures do not exclude these entirely realistic contingencies. Secondly, the world’s largest and safest A-rated insurance companies can directly underwrite the guarantees it provides. The real beauty of this structure is that you can then allocate more capital to investment areas which would normally be seen as higher risk – not just capital risk (the risk of losing money), but also things like liquidity risk (the risk of not being able to get your money back at the time you want to) or volatility risk (the risk of not getting back as much money as you expected, at the time you expected it) – because you are fully insured. Key benefits of Captive Insurance: • Eliminate risk • Access institutional-level global projects • Ensure investment returns are paid at the scheduled time • Invest into projects without revealing beneficial ownership • Legally transfer wealth if desired, in a confidential and tax-optimising way Of course, it is of paramount importance that the captive insurance entity is set up properly and professionally, as is the case with all project financing elements. Then, because you’re investing into areas which are traditionally seen as higher risk, you are then able to get the much higher returns which are available on these types of investments – typically between 15 – 30% per year, depending on the project being financed. Ultimately, your return will be lower when investing through a captive insurance structure than it would be if you invested into the same project or business directly – but why take risks when you’re achieving investment returns 15 – 30% per year, fully underwritten by one of the world’s largest and safest insurance companies? It’s a luxury which isn’t worth losing. So, apologies to the readers of 2018, by now captive insurance is something you have used already or has perhaps become much more commonplace. But for readers today who have not heard of captive insurance before it may be worth investing some time to learn more. Visit Jake’s blog at www.imperiumcapital.com/blog for more information on investing, wealth management and special financial products. 81 maybe cuba is perfect destination Your exclusive invitation to vacations that last a lifetime. Quatus veribusda aturendusam exceaque pella voluptatqui dolupta arcid que con eos aut ea sequatum invellant aligendam qui nonsequam, serunt remolor poreium cum ea quissit, consedias a comni Introducing Asri Vacation Club, an exclusive private As specialists in luxury real estate with over 20 Th club, where you’ll soon find a collection of the finest years experience and success in exotic properties 60 holiday resorts in Asia. throughout the region, we will launch Sapphire Bay b Resort, our flagship, in late 2015. w bespoke quality defined by landscape, culture and Located on GiliAsahan, a private island off Lombok., Th Asian heritage in private settings to a select group east of Bali, it can be reached in 10 minutes by ho of members. luxury speedboat from Lombok, or one hour by w One of Asri Vacation Club’s guiding aims is to offer helicopter from Bali. 82 ., For a lifetime of memories The integrated resort will feature a 5+ star hotel with As this will be the only property of its kind on the 60 over-the-water villas and private two and three island, both now and in the future, it is destined to bedroom beachfront villas designed by award become a much desired destination. winning architects. For information about ownership please log on to The project will be managed by a world class www.sapphirebayresort.com. hospitality team and constructed by a global leader whose portfolio includes The World, Dubai. 83 THE VISA CHALLENGE If you have a passion for travel than you’re no stranger to this situation: struggling to find time in your busy schedule to submit passports to an Embassy or consulate. Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you had a visa consultant who could look after all your visa renewals and provide you with long-term visas for tourism and business? Daniel Choat concluded a diplomatic posting with the British Embassy in Indonesia. With over ten years of experience working in the visa and Immigration industry, Dan saw a significant market niche that was not being addressed properly in Jakarta. With time being so precious in Jakarta and the demands and pressures of everyday life always increasing he developed a service that considers those factors and allowed clients to experience a hassle free and efficient visa service so they can travel at their own convenience. This was the impetus for Dan to become a Visa Specialist. TYPICAL SCENARIOS 1) Need to travel urgently to UK and Europe but checked you passport and both visas have expired; you also have a business trip to Singapore rapidly approaching that you just cannot delay. This is actually a relatively common situation and with intimate knowledge of the Embassy systems PT AGS may be able to allow you to keep your passport whilst your visa is under process or even process multiple visas at the same time. 2) Frustrated with only having visas issued that are only valid for 3 or 6 months. Hours spent preparing paper work for visas and hours spent in Jakarta traffic attending visa application centres is otherwise valuable time. Where possible, PT AGS prepares your application in such a way that you will be issued the longest duration visa possible meaning you have the flexibility of travelling to all your favourite destinations at a moment’s notice. 3) Interested in buying property in Europe or Australia. Why stop at just property? With the right type of visa you could find yourself buying a valuable property or investing in a profitable business overseas. 4) Seeking the best overseas education for children. The UK, Australia and the USA are home to some of the best schools in the world. Ease your son or daughter through the visa process and make sure you have the right visa yourself in order to visit them when you want. 84 CONTACT: dREAMSCAPE VIP VISA SOLUTIONS If you have any visa questions then please inquire with an email. The best question will be published in the next edition of dREAMSCAPE Luxury Travel and the lucky person will receive a 10% discount on our services.* T+Cs apply If any of the below are relevant then contact dREAMSCAPE VIP Visa Specialist for a free consultation: • Extensive travel history • Financially secure • High-ranking employee or business owner • Family or friends living overseas • Passionate about studying overseas Have a scholarship • • Confident with your English language abilities • Spotted that dream house or property • Looking to become an entrepreneur or buy a business overseas • Looking to relocate permanently to another country dREAMSCAPE VIP VISA SOLUTIONS T:+ 62 21 5794 8157 Visa Facts: Did you know these 5 countries are visa free for Indonesians? 1) Chile 2) Dominica 3) Morocco 4) Peru Daniel Choat VIP Visa Specialist for dREAMSCAPE 5) Colombia 85 More Than A Destination RUB SHOULDERS AT THE F1 MONTE CARLO DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR MEN Run shoulders with the world’s “ who is who” when you view F1 Monte Carlo held on-board from the luxury 30 meter tri-deck yacht owned by a former Ferrari F1 driver providing unrivalled trackside views in the heart of the action... you won’t get closer than this! Experience the Grand Prix in true Monte Carlo style with VIP’s, celebrities and the F1 fraternity. Join an exceptional hospitality, sublime culinary delights plus an all-day open bar. DESTINATION: Monte Carlo WHEN TO GO: May 21-25, 2015 PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starts from USD 3,895 per person (min.2 person) Luxury level starts from USD 9,800 per person (min. 2 person) IDEAL DURATION: 4 days / 3 nights FLIGHT TIME : 19 hours 30 minutes (including transit) WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Cars addict F1 fans Entertainment seeker The Ultimate Grand Prix race weekend is held on-board the luxury 30 meter tri-deck yacht owned by a former Ferrari F1 driver providing unrivalled trackside views in the heart of the action. you won’t get closer than this! Experience the Grand Prix in true Monte Carlo style with VIP’s, celebrities and the F1 fraternity. Join an exceptional hospitality, sublime culinary delights plus an all-day open bar. HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Attend F1 Driver Appearances, Exclusive Interviews & Autograph Signing All-Day Open Bar including unlimited Champagne VIP , Gourmet Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea Gift Bags With Official Team Merchandise VIP F1 After party on Sunday evening 3 nights overnight in the luxury hotel For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 86 Kellan Lutz was seen drinking Heineken with a group of pretty ladies on the lounge yacht in Monaco. Kellan was relaxing with friends including Formula One Star Eddie Irvine while on a break from filming ‘Hercules 3D’ in Bulgaria. Experience the Grand Prix from the team’s perspective. F1 Team Paddock Club guests meet the Team & Drivers, take a Pit Lane walkabout and receive a different F1 ‘Goodie Bag’ each day. Your VIP hospitality includes breakfast, gourmet lunch with fine wines and Champagne and an open bar all day. The View from the yacht. 87 More Than A Destination Born To Be Bond Switzerland Driving EXPERIENCE Enjoy a supremely luxurious and relaxing journey in Aston Martin driving through in the most magnificent fairy-tale location with the very best view, everything just as Bond would have planned it. DESTINATION: Switzerland: Zurich | Graubuenden | Lucerne | Interlaken | Furka Passis | St. Moritz Italy: Lombardy | Lake Como WHEN TO GO: Best weather: June Best value: September PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starting from USD 4,045 per person (with Aston Martin V8 Vantage S and min. 2 people) Luxury level starting from USD 5,295 per person (with Aston Martin V12 Virage and min. 2 people) IDEAL DURATION: 6 days / 5 nights FLIGHT TIME: Min. 14 hours (including transit) WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Culinary & wine lover Adventure Car lovers (Aston Martin V8 Vintage) Beautiful sightseeing HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Schilthorn ice station Piz Gloria (James Bond: On her majesty) Tunning loop of the “big 3” passes of central Switzerland (James Bond: Goldfinger) Find the Verzasca Dam (James Bond : Golden eyes) Visit Lake Como and Villa del Balbianello (James Bond: Casino Royal) Dine in the Alps of St Moritz (James Bond: For your eyes only) For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 88 More Than A Destination SEX N THE CITY DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN An exclusive program designed by New York professional fashion stylists together with professional entertainment specialists. Bring your BFF and party in New York unlike any other. A private journey with New York’s most sought after stylists who will accompany you throughout the experience and cultivate your very own ‘Sex and the City’ look to best suit your personality and lifestyle. DESTINATION: New York City WHEN TO GO: Available all year long PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starts from USD 2,785 per person (min. 4 people) Luxury level starts from USD 5,235 per person (min. 4 people) IDEAL DURATION: 4 days / 3 nights WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Girls time to celebrate your soon to be wedding, birthday, new job, new man or hey just girls time HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Restaurants seen in the show....some of which are almost impossible to get reservations... Fashion Shoot with a fashion photographer, a moment to feel as if in the pages of Vogue. An assigned stylist will work with you and the hair stylists and make-up artists to create your perfect look for a high fashion photo shoot Soho House Private Club - a rooftop pool party where you will enjoy a complimentary spa package called Pretty Party, including massage, manicure/pedicure, facial and much more... (original location) Exclusive Private cocktail Party at the Jimmy Choo Madison Avenue flagship store with a gift card toward a purchase... Meet a Red Carpet Designer. Access to a designer of your choice. We bring you an unrivalled level of private access, insider knowledge and styling know-how. A customized & perfect Saturday afternoon. Who are you most like? Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda, We customize the day around the character you most identify with. For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 89 More Than A Destination LA DOLCE VITA ITALY EXPERIENCE Imagine uncovering Italy’s perfect spots turning your romantic fantasies into reality. For those seeking once-in-a-lifetime extraordinary places and activities, let us direct you to the best places to eat, love and sleep of La Dolce Vita Italy. Swimming in an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean, or sitting down to a homemade feast at a family-run villa, relive the glamour of the Sixties. See Italy through the eyes of a local as you zip your Italian coffee. DESTINATION: Milan | Venice | Florence | Chianti | Montelpuciano | Val d’Orcia | Siena | Rome | Almafi Coast | Capri WHEN TO GO: Best weather: April – May Best value : October PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starting from USD 3,625 per person Luxury level starting from USD 5,085 per person IDEAL DURATION: 8 / 11 days FLIGHT TIME: Min. 17 hours (including transit) WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Culinary & wine lover History addict Scenery HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Fashion travel in Milan Leonardo da Vinci footsteps Learn to Venitian dance Cook with an Italian family See Tuscany from the top (hot air balloon) Self driving in your favorite car passing through beautiful old villages Wine tasting in charming medieval villages Island hopping in Positano, Almafi and Capri – Europe beautiful port villages For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 90 The Leaning Tower of Pisa 91 More Than A Destination The colors of LIGHT A multi colorful breathtaking experience showcasing combination of brilliant turquoise to bands of black and grey layered between the white ice shadowed by the orange of sunset. Naturally magic. DESTINATION: Iceland: Reykavik | Geysir | Hellnar | Dyrholaey France: Paris WHEN TO GO: Best winter weather: January – February Best winter value November, December & March Best summer weather: July-August Best summer value: June / September PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starting from USD 3,135 per person Luxury level starting from USD 7,495 per person IDEAL DURATION: 7 days / 6 nights FLIGHT TIME: Min. 23 hours (including transit) WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Sceneries Adventure Self driving or chauffeured HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Whale watching Snorkeling / diving in Silfra Snowmobile tour at Langjökull glacier Glacier walk on Sólheimajökull glacier TV / quad-biking tour on Reykjanes Peninsula In-water massage or skin treatments at Blue Lagoon Catch the Aurora (Northern lights) Free time in Paris For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 92 More Than A Destination Umroh Religious Travel in privatE Spritual journey should be done in comfortable with room for flexibility, privacy nd personalized service. For travellers, who are pressed for time and looking for a convenient means of travel for Umrah, Umroh in Private provides an ideal solution. DESTINATION: Medina | Macca WHEN TO GO: Available all year long PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starts from USD 3,240 per person Luxury level starts from 5,390 per person IDEAL DURATION: 8 days / 7 nights WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Religious and spiritual rekindling HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Prayer at Nabawi Mosque Visit to the cemetery of Prophet Muhammad SAW Visit to Medina, Quba Mosque, Kiblatain Mosque, Jabal Uhud and Dates Plantations Ihram bath Visit to Bier Ali, praying for the Ihram Prayer at Sacred Mosque (Masjidil Haram) Visit of Mecca, starts with Jabal Tsur, Jabal Nur, Jabal Rahmah (photo session), Mina, Muzdalifah, Ja’ronah Mosque Visit to Kiswah Museum, Camel Farm and Hudaibiyah Mosque For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 93 More Than A Destination The Lost Shangrila EXPERIENCE Experience traveling to search the lost paradise most known through James Hilton novel “Shangri-la”. A place to the Tibetians mean heaven on earth perched on plateau of 3,300 meters above sea level and in the midst of three rivers blessed with majestic mountain. Pass through the picturesque Tibetan villages and learn its unique customs and traditions. DESTINATION: Tibet WHEN TO GO: Best weather: April – May Best value: September-October PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starting from USD 3,335 per person Luxury level starting from USD 4,445 per person IDEAL DURATION: 7 days / 6 nights FLIGHT TIME: 6 hours WHY YOU SHOULD GO: History addict Soft adventure Beautiful sightseeing HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Driving through the finest scenery Visiting monasteries AWatch dawn break over Dali’s old town For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 94 More Than A Destination ON TOP OF THE WORLD WITH ICE BREAKER THE LAST EXPEDITION Journey to the top of the world aboard the most powerful icebreaker one last time. Encounter rookeries of Arctic birds, walruses and seals. Definitely a journey of a lifetime as polar bear approaches and examine in close, join the last expedition cruise to 90°N aboard nuclear powered icebreaker “50 years of Victory”. DESTINATION: Helsinki | Murmansk | North Pole | Franz Josef Land | Murmansk-Helsinki WHEN TO GO: Best weather: April – May Best value: September PRICE RANGE: Journey starting from USD 25,995 IDEAL DURATION: 14 days / 13 nights FLIGHT TIME: Min. 16 hours 20” (including transit) WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Adventure Bucket List “Once in a lifetime experience” Animal lovers Beautiful sightseeing HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Expedition cruise aboard the icebreaker Special expedition parks with professional lectures and adventure team Breathtaking helicopter rides Walk on ice pack For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 95 96 97 More Than A Destination New York’s New Year Ball Drop EXPERIENCE Be part of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve party in style without the long waiting, struggling with 1 million other people for space and still get a clear view to see the famous illuminated Waterford Crystal ball—which can display more than 16 million colors and billions of patterns—drops from a flagpole atop 1 Times Square. Zipping your drinks, dance to the famous musician playing atunes to the celebration to ring the new year. DESTINATION: New York WHEN TO GO: December 30-January 2 PRICE RANGE: Comfortable level starting from USD 2,485per person Luxury level starting from USD 3,640 per person **Both including hotel location in NY Ball IDEAL DURATION: Minimum 5 days/4 nights FLIGHT TIME: 21 hours WHY YOU SHOULD GO: More excitement than at any other time of the year Visitors from all over the world Dozens of ways to celebrate the New Year Giant crowds in Times Square – once in a lifetime event Great parties and events HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES: Check in right after Christmas – 5 day stay Visit the stores and see the decorations Take in Broadway shows or see a Basketball game Visit Central Park Plan a New Years Eve event and after parties Brunch and dining in trendy spots For Reservation contact: dREAMSCAPE Travel Network Tel: +62 21 5794 8157 Email: [email protected] 98 99 100 10 1 102 BOOK YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY WITH AND SAVE UP TO 15% More Than A Destination ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES BUSINESS/FIRST/SUITE CLASS THIS PROMOTION ALSO APPLIES FOR CLIENTS WITH SQ CORPORATE TIERS AND CAN BE ACCOUNTED. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE CONTACT A CONSULTANT AT [email protected] OR +62.21. 5794 8157 More Than A Destination 103 104
