Go Morocco

January 26, 2018 / by China Daily Lifestyle Premium

The northwestern African country of Morocco has inspired countless luminaries – Yves Saint Laurent in particular. The late fashion designer famously paid tribute to the region in 1983, saying, “I owe to this country, to its forceful harmonies, to its audacious combinations, to the fervour of its creativity” and that Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth-largest city, had “taught me colour.”

A romantic vacation spot and a fount of inspiration, Morocco attracts royalty, political families, luxury powerhouses and rock stars alike. Its distinctive “Moroccan aesthetics” – which refers to the intricate, mystic and enticing mix of colours, geometric patterns and aromas of spices – is a blend of Arab, Berber, French and Spanish cultures. Surprisingly under-explored, Marrakesh is ranked atop the “Go List for 2018” by travel guide book Fodor’s.

Marrakesh is a former imperial city in western Morocco, famous for its well-kept Islamic-style architecture, with elaborate symmetrical geometry and beautiful colours. The Bahia Palace (its name means “brilliance”) was built by the grand vizier of the sultan in the late 19th century. You’ll be amazed by the delicate work of the gibs (stucco plasterwork), zellij (mosaics) and carved cedar. 

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is another cultural landmark to visit; the largest Koranic school, it was built in the 14th century and completed in the 16th century. The recently opened Musée Yves Saint Laurent is also a top attraction for visitors to take a tour of the late, great designer’s house and his creative studio.

The likes of Jean-Paul Gaultier own a luxurious riad in Marrakesh, but the city is good for travellers at all budget levels. On about US$40 a day, you’ll be able to enjoy the essence of the country by staying in a cosy hotel or a small riad within the main neighbourhoods of the walled medina towns – though you’d be advised to keep a map at hand, as finding your way home through the maze-like streets and souks can be a bit tricky. For something luxe and less confusing, there are a number of palatial resorts surrounding Marrakesh that offer some indulgent retreats at a US$1,000 daily rate.

Spring is the ideal season to visit. In July and August, it can be glaringly hot, with the mercury reaching 40 degrees Celsius; November sees the highest rainfall through the year; and in the wintertime, if the great Sahara is on your itinerary, bear in mind that it can get extremely cold in the desert. From February to April, however, the lukewarm weather allows for some unmelted snow on the splendid Atlas mountains, which also makes for stunning views and photographs. 

Ninety-nine percent of Morocco’s population is Muslim. This year, the holy month of Ramadan will begin from sundown on May 15 to June 14. For 30 days, believers forgo any food or water from sunrise to sunset, intended as a time to contemplate the blessings of having food and to understand the suffering of those who don’t.

Haunted Town

September 29, 2017 / by China Daily Lifestyle Premium

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn has about 450,000 inhabitants today. With some 5,000 years since the earliest records of human settlement, it’s also known for having a whole lot of haunted tales. Many of them started in the gothic Old Town – situated in the northern centre of the city, it’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The post-Halloween period leads straight into winter, the time when Tallinn’s nights are longer and darker. In the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and medieval defensive walls, every house has a scary story to tell. 

Rataskaevu 16 (Devil’s Wedding)

This 15th-century house restores the town’s most famous ghost legend: the Devil’s Wedding. Long ago, a cloaked man rented the upstairs flat from a desperate landlord by offering a huge sum of money, with the only requirement being that he would get to enjoy total privacy. In the evening, thunderous noises came out of the flat, as if there were a party for 100 guests. The next day, the landlord’s servant, who had peeked through the keyhole, was found dying; on his deathbed, he claimed he had witnessed the devil having a wedding. 
 

Stable Tower (Tallitorn)

In the 16th and 17th centuries, this tower served as a prison for minor offences. According to town records, in 1626, a young man claimed to be afraid of ghosts that reputedly resided inside the tower, so he was permitted to be accompanied by a servant. However, both of them ended up being discovered in a state of extreme fear after being harassed by evil spirits and they were eventually relocated. 

Staycation or Vacation?

June 30, 2017 / by China Daily Lifestyle Premium

Island Life

February 3, 2017 / by China Daily

How’s everything going so far for the hotel in the Maldives? Who are the guests?

Everything is going very well. So far, the US has been our biggest market, but that’s not something that I expect in the full-year results; I still believe that China will be our number-one market by the end of 2017. One of the things that drives American business to Marriott Starwood properties is the SPG [Starwood Preferred Guest] loyalty programme. We get access to so many guests – more than 50 million people to whom we have direct access – and a lot of that is in the US. 

People went on their honeymoons in the Maldives ten years ago; now they want to come back with their children. Also, with the number of two- and three-bedroom villas we have, you can book one unit instead of having to book a few separate villas. 

Tell us about the unique design of this property.

It’s inspired by the marine life around the resort. The owner and the architect went to the Maldives and went exploring – this island was completely uninhabited and undeveloped; there was nothing there before. Visually, it blends in with the vegetation of the islands. 

In terms of service, what helps this Maldives property stand out when compared to other St Regis hotels?

The service in all the St Regis properties is at a very high level. The main difference here, for me, would be the butler service. Our butlers just do a lot more because of where the property is – I feel it’s very personalised and the guests get to know their butler well, because every day, they have the same person.

What are the current trends you see developing in luxury hospitality? 

One of the main trends is technology. Take the Maldives, say 20 years ago – if you told guests, in the middle of the ocean on a small island, that they could expect wi-fi at the same strength as a city like Hong Kong or New York, they’d say you were crazy. But actually, that’s the reality now. Wi-fi now is almost like water coming out of the shower. If you don’t have it, you might as well close the doors, because nobody is going to stay there.

At the same time, I hope that we don’t lose focus on what makes “luxury” luxury. Technology is a part, as is the furniture and other things. But I think the friendliness of the staff and the personalisation is what really makes a luxury property. You will still need that personal touch. 

One of my butlers recently had a guest who came on his own. He told the butler he came alone because his daughter had just had a baby, so his wife stayed back to help look after their new grandchild. On his departure, the butler left a soft towel with a little note saying “This is for your new grandchild when you go back.” You can’t train a robot to do that. These are personal touches that only human beings can appreciate. For me, that’s really important – that we keep our focus on that, with technology and other things to help us to move forward. 

Finding qualified local staff isn’t always easy. How have you tackled this issue to maintain the level of service for which St Regis is renowned?

One thing about the Maldives is that 80% of the gross national product is tourism. Eight out of ten graduates are probably going into the tourism industry – they already have a very solid hospitality mentality. So it’s not difficult to find the people with the right attitude to work in the hotel. As an international company, St Regis has a lot to offer the local population, too, because of the level of training and development as well as access to future opportunities.

As a general manager, how has your personality been stamped on the hotel? 

I think I have a good sense of humour – because I’m Irish! It’s important to have a sense of humour. I don’t see myself as somebody who walks around and thinks he’s the king of the island. I think my staff appreciate that I see myself as one of them. One of the things I do is I interview everybody, no matter what the position, because I want them to see that I am part of the process. Also, I want to be comfortable that the person we’re hiring can fit in with the overall culture of the property. 

You started your career in 1998, then worked for luxury resorts in numerous regions. What motivated you to get into this industry?

I guess I just like working with people and taking care of them. I used to be interested in cooking when I was younger – I wasn’t a great cook or anything, but I helped my mother make this big feast and discovered I enjoyed the experience of catering. That’s what got me interested. In the industry, I started in F&B [food and beverage] – as a general manager, you go into one of the main functions. I worked in a boutique-style hotel in my country; that was when I began to appreciate the level of detail and ensuring that the small things are looked after. 

Regal Repose

February 3, 2017

Just a short stroll from the tourist bustle of the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the illustrious Four Seasons Hotel George V features 244 rooms including 59 suites, boasts three-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cinq and, for wine lovers, offers a cellar with no fewer than 50,000 bottles. 

Opened in 1928, the hotel innovated by having a telephone in every room and by offering suites with two bathrooms, which allowed two people to take a bath at the same time so they would be ready to go down to dinner together. From the 1930s onwards, its elegant revolving front door saw the arrival of numerous Hollywood legends – Marlene Dietrich slept there, as did Greta Garbo. The Royal Suite even hosted Elizabeth Taylor on her honeymoon night with Conrad Hilton, the second of her eight husbands.

In 1964, Scottish photographer Harry Benson shot his iconic image of the Beatles having a pillow fight in their suite; John Lennon and Paul McCartney composed their early hit “I Feel Fine” on a piano they had installed for their stay. Two years later, Bob Dylan blew out the candles of a giant cake as he celebrated his 25th birthday at the hotel after a concert at the Olympia. 

The Call of the Wild

August 28, 2015 / by Blandine Leblanc

The Hurun Luxury Traveler Survey 2015 reported recently that Chinese tourists are becoming more interested in experiential travel, with Mild Adventure ranking third among their travel priorities. The annual report, which focuses on travel trends among Chinese high-net-worth individuals who spent US$30,000 or more on travel in the past year, also listed Africa among its top three travel destinations.

There are many types of safari adventures, from family-friendly whale watching to unique scuba-diving trips. For those wanting to step out of their comfort zone, though, Africa has so much to offer, from trekking gorilla encounters in the secret emerald world of rainforests to balloon flights over the seasonal great migration. Novel experiences and close proximity to the wilds of nature are driving a growing Sino-fari trend.

That makes the opening of Sanctuary Retreats’ Makanyane Safari Lodge particularly timely.

The exclusive boutique property, named after the African wild dog prevalent in the surrounding area, has an elegant but organic, less-is-more mantra. Designed for minimal environmental impact, its eight glass-fronted suites were constructed from local stone, wood and thatch, and safarists can gaze at the stars while they slumber.

Located in the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s best-regarded but lesser-known safari destinations, the mystical charm of the lodge’s strong regional features, coupled with its location overlooking a watering hole favoured by everything from cheetahs, giraffes and birds to elephants, rhinos and hyenas, are ideal for those in search of exploration and adventure.

Observe big game from the dining area’s spacious lounge deck surrounds, or channel your inner David Attenborough via morning and night game drives and guided walks. Bush dinners and sundowners provide perfect scenes for selfies. Ornithologists are in for a treat, too: there are more than 360 species of bird to observe, and Makanyane lays on bird-watching expeditions to discover them. At the lodge’s raised star-view sleep-out hide, guests can choose to sleep under the stars surrounded only by the African wilderness, the vast skies curving down to meet grasslands rolling to the horizon.

Guests who begin to feel the physical toll of their adventure can enjoy relaxing spa massages and aromatherapy treatments between dips in the swimming pool. Each air-conditioned suite comes with its own private sundeck and outside lounge, and bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers open onto the adjacent wild bush just steps away.

If altruism is an essential part of your holiday experience, Sanctuary Retreats caters to your conscience with its commitment to building long-lasting relationships with local rural communities. According to the Council on Foreign Affairs, rhino poaching hit unprecedented levels in 2015, 10,000% higher than in 2007 in South Africa; as part of continent-wide efforts to protect shrinking rhino populations, Sanctuary Retreats participates in a relocation project transporting black and white rhinos to Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve.

Once Upon a Now

July 10, 2015 / by Selena Li / Photo: Parker Zheng

Two new journeys aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express combine its classical past with a salubrious present, says general manager Nicolas Pillet.

Do you travel a lot?

Yes I do, mostly in Southeast Asia, less so in the north of Asia. I’ve been with Belmond for 20 years.  I was on the hotel side based in Indonesia, Bali, and Laos before working on the trains. Currently I travel regularly between Singapore and Bangkok. 

Tell us about your two new routes; Fables of the Peninsula and Ancient Temples of Lama. 

Yes, our classic Singapore – Bangkok – Singapore route is two-nights for the first leg; the return is three days and four nights. The Fables of the 

Peninsula route includes a night at the Raffles Hotel and takes five nights. They’re being introduced for different customers. Some existing clients want to take a five-night trip. Some who’ve been on the classic journey, wanted to return and stay longer for a different experience. Our trains in Europe are a totally different experience so it’s nice that each of our trains is completely different, particularly the interior design. We’re also trying to attract a younger audience than we’ve had before. 

What is most challenging for your travellers?

We try and encourage them to enjoy the experience; it is challenging selecting the products, as there’s no Internet or TV on board and we don’t want it because people who experience the train want to be disconnected.  They want some time cut off from the world, the rest of the world… and they love it. When they are actually on board they forget about it.  The time is for reconnecting with your partner, reuniting with family, and reading, relaxing and meeting other passengers.

Are there plans for a China route?

In Thailand the line only goes to Chiang Mai, there is no line on the Chinese side yet. But, we would definitely love to have a China route.  

What are the biggest misconceptions about rail travel?

Clients aren’t used to travelling by rail in Asia as they would in Europe. They aren’t used to thinking about the possibility of using shorter trains, or of rail travel as an experience. We try and show people what it’s all about, because if we present it to them in the right way, they can see how beautiful it is. We also invite people from the tourism industry to come and see for themselves and to understand the train.

What are the unique selling points of the onboard entertainment and amenities?

The price is literally all inclusive.  As soon as you pay your fare for the Fables of the Peninsula route, for example, everything from your night at the Raffles Hotel before departure, to any alcoholic drinks you require and everything else in between - is included in the price. Even the unexpected, everything is included. This is unique, and most people don’t expect it. In Europe, tickets include some things, but not everything. Passengers also find the food surprising. 

If you travel in Europe, between London and Venice for example, passengers may have excellent food. But on E&O, they are certain they’ll have excellent food. They really have no idea of the standard of food to expect on our train. We have a French chef onboard; breakfasts are delivered to cabins, each cabin has a butler. For lunch and dinner we have a set menu. We choose a mix of meals between French cuisine and Asian food, with a choice of main courses. The chef also includes local dishes, mostly Malaysian and Thai cuisine.  Considering the size of the cabins and the galley, the food we present to guests is amazing. 

How much has changed during the last 20 years at E&0? 

We launched the first route, between Singapore and Bangkok, in September 1993.  There has been a huge increase in the popularity of luxury trains in Southeast Asia, and we are looking to expand our routes. Our next stop will be Cambodia; we’re working on a possible connection between Thailand and Cambodia at the moment. There used to be 48km of missing track, which is a problem, but we really hope it will happen fairly soon, maybe the end of 2015 or during 2016.  I’d love to be able to take the train to Cambodia.

Luxury Family Vacation

May 29, 2015

Shutterbugs Take Note

May 29, 2015

above image: Hot-air ballooning over Florence and the Chianti Hills

What’s Knot to Love?

May 29, 2015