Innholdsfortegnelse for Traveller 9 i Tatler Traveller Philippines

"Of all the books in the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport." - Saber Ben Hassen The pursuit of new destinations is something I never tire of. Through travel, I feel as if I never stop learning. As I look back at a season of exceptional trips, I highlight several sentimental journeys that took me to the most amazing destinations far and wide. From magnificent Petra, one of the wonders of the world that I always considered a "reach" on my Bucket List (Rock of Ages, p. 156); to the fascinating Holy Land of Israel, the crossroads of civilisations and world religions (p. 112); and then on to colourful Cartagena, Colombia's enchanting walled city where you find poetry in the colours, sounds, and textures…

FULL BLOOM A vibrant display of Philippine orchids and ornamental plants added pops of colour to the spaces of Ayala Malls nationwide as it kicked off its Lov'Em Blooms campaign. Reflecting the Ayala Malls continuous efforts to green urban commercial spaces, the programme includes Green Walks, walking tours featuring different Philippine plants and trees; Blooms Market, a showcase of charming floral pieces styled by local florists in an indoor garden show; and Stories of the Sea, captivating marine life visuals and interactive games. www.ayalamalls.com.ph ISLAND LIVING A 250-hectare master planned private island community by the Sibuyan Sea, UGEN is set to reinvigorate the landscape of the Bicol region in 2017. A 90-minute seaplane ride away from Manila, it will provide access to a pristine marine sanctuary just 30 metres off…

LUXE AT LAX Delta Air Lines understands what moves Los Angeles, including its passengers' basic needs for a perfect trip. As Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) refurbishes its Terminal 5, Delta Air Lines brings its exclusive check-in lounge, Delta One at LAX. The premium lounge reflects the quality service Delta Air Lines has on-board: modern and luxe ambience, personalised luggage check-in, and a well-stocked refreshment bar. WWW.DELTA.COM AROUND THE GLOBE Awarded for the world's Best Business Class airline lounge by the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Turkish Airlines (TK) is known for its unparalleled list of routes, covering renowned destinations from East to West. Its expansion continues with the launch of Istanbul to Bogota and Bogota to Panama flights in May 2016. WWW.TURKISHAIRLINES.COM FLYING HIGH On June 15, Philippine Airlines (PAL)…

The pursuit of quintessential beauty is the quest of South Korea’s most luxurious skincare brand, Areum, an ancient name that means beauty. Areum is a line of skincare products that is unparalleled in combining modern science with traditional Korean healing and rejuvenation methods to bring health and radiance to one’s skin from the inside out. Areum founders David Kim, an expert in nanotechnology, and his wife Vicky conceptualised the brand to address the hazards wrought by pollution, hot climate, dust and stress on the health of the skin. The couple invested years of research with the professionals, as well as collaboration with scientists to harmonise natural healing and science. Thus, since its introduction, Areum has been the only brand in its class to offer a line of medical-grade skincare products.…

The new Okada Manila will feature integrated casino resorts, luxury hotels, Michelin-class restaurants and a premium retail promenade housing exclusive and premium retail outlets— all set amidst the picturesque Manila Bay which arguably has the world’s most beautiful sunset. The complex will boast of an iconic, Y-shape twin tower that glistens to bright gold during sunset set amidst a gigantic man-made lake that will house the second largest fountain in the world. Spanning 37,464 square meters, equivalent to 50 Olympicsize swimming pools, the whopping US$30-Million investment promises to be the grandest dancing water fountain and light show in the Philippines, at par with world’s most spectacular fountains found in Dubai or the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The magnificent centerpiece will also serve as the country’s newest and prime venue for…

It all began in Shanghai in 1940, when a young Ascot Chang first mastered the art of bespoke tailoring as an apprentice under a custom shirt maker. As Shanghai was the pinnacle of continental style culture, Chang was influenced by some of the world's best tailors, from Italy to Russia to Savile Row. Following his dream of creating his own company, he moved to Hong Kong at age 26 with the equivalent of $10 and a unique expertise. Since its inception, Ascot Chang has offered its customers personalised service and tailoring. Through his dedication, craftsmanship and constant pursuit of excellence he soon established a loyal following, allowing him to open the first Ascot Chang store on Kimberley Road in 1953. Internationally renowned for his exacting attention to workmanship, detail and…

As I dreamt of flying there, I heard Peter Pan say, “Second star to the right and straight on till morning”.... suddenly, awakened by a nudge, I found myself sitting in seat 3B on United Express to Aspen! I was leaving the city of the unstoppable Golden State's Warriors and heading to the land of skiing and culinary delights coupled by culture and the arts, all equating to a much delightful diversion. Flying over the East Bay and beyond Mt Diablo, we were going east where the green hills below soon turned white over the winter-washed contours of higher elevations. Landing in Aspen, which was drenched in three feet of fresh powder snow, put a smile on my face. Soon after, the twinkle in my eyes appeared after a few…

San Francisco always delights with its perfect sweater weather and sunny skies, to say nothing yet of its culinary treats. We made our list, with the three-starred Manresa in Los Gatos topping it along with San Francisco’s famous jaunts, Benu and Atelier Crenn. We didn’t snob starred Keiko à Nob Hill and Maruya for their Japanese food, which happens to be my daughter's favourite cuisine. It was a good thing we planned in advance, and the worthy chief concierge at the Fairmont San Francisco, Tom Wolfe, delivered. Our Filipino concierge, Junior, an institution there because of his many loyal years, even showed us the hotel’s historic spots and the presidential suite in its full-on splendour, most notably the library, the baby grand piano, and the billiard room coved in handcrafted…

Climates have been gradually warming since the 1900s—good news for France’s Champagne region, which has seen improved ripeness and vineyard conditions as of late. Of Dom Perignon’s series of five vintage champagnes, four were harvested at a stage of intense ripeness. Such frequency has not been reported in more than 300 years of champagne harvests. Characterising full ripeness is complex the levels and concentration of various components are key. In the last few weeks prior to and during the harvest, climate and water conditions act on the concentration of the grapes’ various components. In the end, the richness of extreme ripeness can express itself as either generous or solemn. The generosity of the 2006 is superlative, luminous, and glorious. The wine is juicy and succulent. Dom Pérignon 2006 goes a…

The beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket—check. The art, temples and elephant sanctuaries of Chiang Mai—check. The palaces, shopping and food of Bangkok—double-check! Thailand’s destinations are deservedly world-famous. Bangkok, along with London, regularly tops the MasterCard Global Destinations Cities Index. But when it comes to this Land of Smiles, there is at least one relatively undiscovered riverside city that should be in every regular visitor’s itinerary. Take a break from the been-there, done-that routine and make your way to the city of Phitsanulok! Pronounced “pit-sah-nu-lohk,” this historic city in the centre of Thailand is just a quick 50-minute flight from Bangkok. Founded more than 600 years ago near where the Nan and Khwae Noi rivers once came together, this city is now the capital of a province of the same…

How was your trip to Iraq… or was it Afghanistan?” a friend asked at a recent dinner party. Another pulled me aside to enquire if I’d needed a bodyguard. I had, in fact, been on a 10-day tour of Iran, journeying by luxury coach from the southern city of Shiraz to the capital, Tehran, with a group of 15 other adventurous souls. Their confusion was understandable. I’d probably have reacted the same way before experiencing firsthand the utterly beguiling yet much misunderstood country. After all, back in 2002 Iran was lumped, together with North Korea and Iraq, into US President George W Bush’s “axis of evil.” Since then, unrelenting media coverage of its controversial nuclear programme, placard-waving hate mobs and “Death to America” murals have done little to dispel this…

SAVING MOTHER EARTH Homegrown hospitality brand, The Bellevue Resort, received the ASEAN Green Hotel award at the recent ASEAN Green Hotel and Homestay Awards 2016 themed "One Community for Sustainability." Situated at the pristine shores of Panglao Island, the resort practices environment-friendly initiatives including energy and water efficiency, and air quality management. www.thebellevuebohol.com ONE WITH NATURE Tarsier Botanika is more than just a resort in the midst of a paradise—it is an escape from the city that allows you to create a special connection with nature. Before transforming into a resort, the 10-hectare natural landscape was a restoration project of the indeginous environment. With its extensive use of solar energy and seawater reverse osmosis, Tarsier Botanika offers luxurious amenities without sacrificing the beaut y of Mother Earth. www.tarsierbotanika.com EXOTIC EXPLORATIONS…

180 Equipped with the groundbreaking technology of an EcoBoost engine and a front 180 degree Camera, Ford Explorer Sport seamlessly combines form and function. A first in its segment and exclusive to its class, the wideangled front camera lenses now come with a built-in washer to eliminate the hassle of blurry screens when parking. www.ford.com.ph 125M Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, announces plans for an extensive $125 million fleet-wide refurbishment programme. It will include renovations of the public spaces and a complete redesign of several suites of the Seven Seas Navigator, Voyager, and Mariner. The two-year project is expected to be completed by spring of 2017. www.rssc.com 4.2 With its 550 PS, five-litre supercharged V8 engine that reaches zero to one hundred kilometres per hour…

The Bellevue Resort in Bohol is truly paradise found, where land meets the sky, sun and sea. It is quietly tucked away in a sliver of secluded beach at the southwestern tip of Bohol’s prized Panglao Island. Set amidst a pristine stretch of fine white sand beach, the scenic Doljo Beach is a lush island tropical landscape. The resort’s idyllic location and bespoke amenities are ideal for a family getaway- to rest, relax and bond together. “The Bellevue Resort’s special location makes it an ideal sanctuary for privacy and indulgence. We bring the same brand and level of five-star luxury that The Bellevue Hotel Manila in Alabang is famous for in a resort setting. We have always stood for dedicated service, uncompromised quality and a penchant for innovation. At The…

From summer’s staple footwear, flip-flops and sandals have gone way past the beaches. But what if these were re-imagined to bring timeless elegance to the most common of all footwear, worn by two-thirds of the world’s population? ENTER PHILIPPE STARCK Brazilian shoe brand Ipanema has partnered with the worldrenowned creator, designer and architect Philippe Starck to introduce a new collection of flats, flip flops, and sandals where simple, minimalist chic meets comfort, shape and function. The Ipanema with Starck collection comes in four distinct designs and is offered in a myriad of colors. Its palette is a blend of neutral and citrus tones, including white, black, smoke, acid yellow, orange, rose, transparent yellow and transparent orange. The simple and sleek silhouettes are infused with an imaginative quality illustrating each of…

The pursuit of perfection is at the heart of Lexus from the time of its inception over 50 years ago. From design, state-of-the-art production process, impeccable craftsmanship to personalized customer service, each Lexus vehicle is built, finished and marketed to unprecedented standards as set by the,takumi, Lexus’ formidable master craftsmen. Owning a Lexus means so much more than simply owning a car – it’s like being a member of an exclusive club. This is the feeling one gets at the showroom of Lexus Manila. It offers a place to rest or kill time, hold quick meetings or simply to chill. “Lexus combines elegance and luxury with Omotenashi, the spirit of hospitality and service. It is our privilege to entertain our customers wholeheartedly. We invite our customers to feel free to…

Whether you’re on a 45-day world cruise, a 20-day sojourn in Asia-Pacific or a Caribbean adventure, Regent Seven Seas Cruise (RSSC) offers an unforgettable journey to the world’s greatest destinations where everything is included, without exception and without compromise. Regent Seven Seas represents the very best in cruising, a luxurious experience for people who seek the finer things in life or simply want a brief holiday away from it all. Sailing to 350 destinations worldwide, RSSC’s vessels are among the most spacious afloat, with ocean-view suites and staterooms boasting private balconies. Each ship features elegant public areas with relaxed and comfortable ambience, a wide range of gourmet restaurants, and the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub. This summer, RSSC will add to its existing fleet – Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner,…

SkyJet Airlines is expanding and taking new direction, all for the good of its passengers. For starter, it has brought back the frills in flying. “We are differentiating SkyJet from other airlines by developing our own niche. We serve free drinks and snacks on board, give all passengers a ten-kilogram baggage allowance and more comfortable, spacious seats with more legroom wherever they want at no additional cost,” said Dino Reyes-Chua, president of SkyJet. The 35-year old Reyes-Chua took the helm of SkyJet in 2014. Since then, the Stanford-trained businessman has transformed the airline into the carrier preferred by young professionals and jet-setters to their Batanes adventure, beach-combing in Boracay or diving in the pristine waters of Northern Palawan. On top of the creature comforts, SkyJet Airlines offers the fastest flights…

It was barely sunrise as we set off from the capital city of Amman and motored south on the King's Highway, through the barren desert landscape, for the long drive to our destination—the town of Wadi Musa, gateway to the fabled Pink City of Jordan. While most everyone in our private coach was lulled to sleep, cocooned by the warmth of the heater in the still dark, early hours of day, I listened intently to our guide from Vision Tours Jordan, Jihann, a scholar of history and theology, as she shared anecdotes on the region’s rich history throughout the entire three-hour journey. I could barely contain my excitement as we approached the Visitor Centre, the official entrance to Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent…

O GALLERY Founded by Orkideh Daroodi in late 2014, O Gallery is one of the newer kids on Tehran’s cultural block, but has quickly earned itself a reputation for spotting and nurturing fresh artistic talent. The effervescent Daroodi, who is also the gallery manager, explains her philosophy as “accompanying artists on their adventures.” Check out abstract figurative work by Ashkan Sanei at the gallery this month. ogallery.net AARAN GALLERY Last summer, in response to a surge of interest in contemporary Iranian art, Aaran Gallery founder Nazila Noebashari opened a sister venue, Aaran Projects. This month, the charming new space hosts a major exhibition titled Fearless, The New Wave of Iranian Art, which runs from March 11 until April 4. The main gallery is taken over by the work of multimedia…

JUNE 24 - AUGUST 28, 2016 VERONA, ITALY Opera Verona The masters of mise-en-scene gather for the 94th Opera Festival at the Arena di Verona, the world's largest open-air theatre best known for its fantastic productions. This year's summer season presents 46 breathtaking evenings that will showcase the most soughtafter operas including Carmen by Georges Bizet, Aida by Giuseppe Verdi and Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. www.arena.it JUNE 16-19, 2016 BASEL, SWITZERLAND ART BASEL Exploring the global world of design, culture, and commerce, Art Basel's 47th edition will present 286 international galleries featuring astounding masterpieces from over 4,000 artists. Collections of paintings, sculptures, installations, photography and video, and editioned works from 33 countries will welcome an international crowd of gallerists, artists, and collectors. www.artbasel.com JULY 2016 TAGBILARAN CITY, PHILIPPINES SANDUGO FESTIVAL…

TRAVEL LIGHT Stepping forward into the game of craftmanship and cutting-edge innovation, Samsonite launched its latest OCTOLITE—a collection of suitcases designed to be the epitome of light travels. OCTOLITE luggage is engineered from ultra-light, super-durable polypropylene, thus paving way for its increased mobility, maximised volume and function, and minimised weight. A fusion of quality and style, Samsonite's state-of-the-art suitcases have crossed ribbons, zip-in dividers, and side pockets to make packing ultra efficient. www.samsonite.com FRENCH FLAIR Promod Boutique Française launched its versatile spring/summer 2016 collection, L'art Le Style, featuring inspired creations with timeless wardrobe essentials. Throw a fun look into your travel wardrobe with easy to mix prints and colours. Top it all off with a scarf, the perfect addition to any ensemble, French style. www.vogueconcepts.com PIT STOP Located at the…

Throughout time, eyewear has become a statement piece to express one’s mood, to accessorize an outfit or even to wear one’s identity like Jackie O with her oversized pieces and like Lennon with his choice of rounds. Still throughout time, nothing else apart from eyewear has been invented to directly protect our eyes from light. Gen. McArthur and the US Army of World War II couldn’t care less about their aviators as a statement piece. After all, the aviators were born from a laboratory as a commissioned device to ban the rays (hence Ray-Ban®) of the sun limiting pilots’ eyesight. Today, the eyewear market is bustling with choices that one can easily get lost among the options. Getting the best possible eyewear that complements one’s fashion and eye care demands…

Loved by generations of performance enthusiasts for its charm, looks, and engineering savvy, Jaguar once more impresses with F-TYPE Coupé—a true, two-seat sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. A product of sky’s-the-limit engineering and automotive innovation, the F-TYPE Coupé is the most dynamically capable, performance-focused sports car that Jaguar has ever made. The pinnacle luxury sports car is powered by a 550 PS, five-liter supercharged V8 engine that reaches zero to one hundred kilometers per hour in 4.2 seconds. Supercharged for exhilarating performance, the F-TYPE R Coupé is also super efficient, thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). Jaguar spared no expense in ensuring the best possible highspeed driving experience. The F-TYPE R Coupé is…

Nestled on the pristine Punta Bunga Cove in the northern tip of Boracay, the upscale Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay is designed to give its guests a luxurious island lifestyle. “Punta Bunga Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, is unspoiled and truly idyllic, attracting discerning travelers from all over the world from both the upscale leisure and corporate meetings segments,” said Andrew Langdon, Senior Vice President for Asia of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Offering faultless service and all the amenities of a world-class resort, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay boasts 312 well-appointed rooms— from the 27-square-meter superior rooms to bigger-sized family rooms—with spectacular ocean views. Scattered in 14 low-rise buildings clustered around the immense 3,300-squaremeter lagoon pool, all rooms are accoutered with individually controlled air-conditioning, ample seating…

Set along a stretch of private beach on Cebu’s Mactan Island, The Residences at The Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort promises an unparalleled world of luxury and comfort amidst a serene seascape. After its groundbreaking in November 2015, the resort is targeted for completion in 2019. Its premiere residential development, The Residences at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort, is scheduled to be completed the following year. Rated among Condé Nast Traveler’s 20 top islands in the world, Cebu provides a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living. It’s a quick drive from Cebu City, literally minutes away from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, and just an hour by plane from Manila. Being a coral island, Mactan offers some of the best diving, snorkeling and water sport spots in the…

For over 80 years, Turkish Airlines (TK) has been delighting travellers with the quality of its service. Upon check-in, passengers are greeted by helpful TK ground staff at the counter. Procedures are simplified to minimize waiting time and queues. Before takeoff, menus are handed out together with a piece of Turkish delight contained in a little paper cup with “welcome” written on the side. Complimentary drinks garnished with refreshing lemon and mint cordial are offered promptly after takeoff. Meals are distributed efficiently, with warm, crusty bread served separately. The seats are ergonomically comfortable with reasonable legroom and headrests. Pillows and blankets are assigned to each seat. And these are just in Turkish Airlines’ Economy Class. A leading exemplar of best practice in the airline industry, Turkish Airlines has just been…

The Philippines is surrounded by vast bodies of water teeming with rich marine life, making the country one of the world’s major producers and consumers of seafood. Thus, it is imperative that we take care of our seas. “Protecting the oceans is protecting our own survival. The oceans give us food, provide livelihood to our fisherfolk, and are venues for rest and recreation,” says Vince Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia Philippines. With the high demand for seafood exceeding the ocean’s ecological limits, overfishing now poses the biggest threat to marine ecosystems. “By staying within the fishing limits of our fish population and doing away with destructive fishing practices, we allow our seas to heal and we can ensure that marine life will continue to swim abundantly into the future,” Cinches…

Out on the balmy pristine turquoise Caribbean waters, the first thing the eye sees when closing in on the port city of Cartagena on the north coast of Colombia are the imposing sandstone structures surrounded on all sides by fortified walls looming in the distance. This famous landmark is the walled Old City of Cartagena de Indias (or Cartagena of the Indies). Its bulwarked ivory towers, which look down on a multi-ethnic population just shy of a million, bespeak 16th-century architecture rendering an old world colonial charm to the bold, candycoloured façades and abstract impressions of the city. A succession of European colonialists armed with ulterior motives, pirates and brokers of the Caribbean slave trade all possessed a twinkle in their eye for the treasures of the Indies, and dipped…

The water is warm in the Maldives. So warm, you can dive up to 30 metres in a rash guard and not break out into goosebumps. Like the rest of the island that lies above water, the seas surrounding this small nation of 26 coral atolls and countless sandbars (depending on the tide) seem like they were created for one thing: to give you pleasure and comfort. Resorting to hyperbole when talking about the Maldives can’t be helped, especially for a diver like me who have had the privilege to explore its marine life. The beaches are pristine, the water is clear, and the sky is an endless blue. From the plane, I could already see the coral formations underneath the crystalline waters. It was enough to soften even the…