FINE TUNES - Cathay Pacific

MAGAZINE OF THE MARCO POLO CLUB
3
QUARTER 2009
24 HOURS IN
MUMBAI
FINE TUNES
TAILOR-MADE
MUSIC

CONTENTS
4 THE CLUB
DEPARTMENTS
06 MESSAGE FROM
THE CLUB
08 EXPLORE
HONG KONG
Dim-sum dining,
ballet birthday,
and various vintners
12 EXPLORE
THE WORLD
Truffl e season, coral-free
jewellery and The Met’s
new American Wing
14 WHAT’S ON
Cartier in China,
golf tournaments
and The Proms
16 CHOICE
Some like coff ee,
some like tea. We
like all these things
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Grace Poon Mun Wong Ella Young Mandy Chau
The Club is published by Cathay Pacifi c Loyalty Programmes Ltd. (CPLP)
Cathay Pacifi c – The Marco Polo Club, PO Box 1024, Tsuen Wan Post
Offi ce, Hong Kong. Tel +852 2747 5500 Fax +852 2537 9900. No part
of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission
of CPLP Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright 2009 by CPLP Ltd. Opinions
in The Club are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CPLP Ltd.
Manuscripts, photographs, drawings and other materials will not be
returned unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed envelope
and appropriate international postal coupons. The Club cannot be held
responsible for unsolicited material.
38
30
FEATURES ON THE WING
18 BESPOKE
Be a patron and
commission some
original music
24 EXPERT ADVICE
Watch collectors have
a good time with their
obsession
30 24 HOURS
Modern Mumbai
– a blend of
new and old
38 TRAVEL
Ho Chi Minh City
adds a twist to
traditional silk
44 INSIDE CX
Safety is embedded in
Cathay Pacifi c’s culture
48 CX NEWS
The Marco Polo Golf
Classic and news
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12
Photos. Mumbai: Jon Arnold Images/ArgusPhoto. Cushions: Peter Stuckings

MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB
6 THE CLUB
New advances for members
Katie Rowen, Manager The Marco Polo Club
T
he worst of the economic
downturn, we hope, may be
behind us. Many of you are
now travelling a little more,
which is why I would like to share some
recent exciting developments with you.
Members who fly to Kuala Lumpur
regularly may have already visited the new
Cathay Pacific First and Business Class
Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International
Airport, which opened in June. This is the
12th lounge to be upgraded in a refurbishment
plan involving 14 lounges worldwide.
You can now enjoy the stylish and contemporary
lounge which echoes the design of
our flagship lounge in Hong Kong, The Pier.
Our new Kuala Lumpur lounge is almost
double the size of the previous one with a
new location closer to our departure gates.
Sample a seat at the signature Long Table
or perhaps enjoy one of seven Personal
Living Spaces with full broadband and
Wi-Fi access. A variety of Western and Asian
cuisine is available at the food and beverage
counter so you can relax while waiting
for your flight.
I hope many of you will have already
sampled onboard Cathay Pacific flights
the dishes created by members of the
National Culinary Team of the Hong Kong
Chefs’ Association. This extraordinary team
won gold and silver medals at the 22nd
IKA International Culinary Olympics in
Germany in October last year and was kind
enough to create 60 dishes for us to feature
on our First and Business Class menus.
A selection of Western appetizers,
entrees and desserts prepared by the
team is available on all flights departing
from Hong Kong – with the exception of
flights bound for Taipei and Manila. Please
look out for details on your menu card.
Dragonair will launch a new service to
Guangzhou, the provincial capital of
Guangdong and the biggest city in the
fast-growing Pearl River Delta region, on
14 September. The twice-daily service will
provide passengers travelling between
Hong Kong and Guangzhou with
improved connectivity via Hong Kong to
the rest of the world by further enhancing
connections between Hong Kong and the
Pearl River Delta. We hope you will enjoy
the convenience these flights offer.
Many thanks for your continued support
and we look forward to welcoming you
onboard again soon.

EXPLORE
HONG KONG
Traditional treat
The tradition of dim sum has
evolved with the changing
lifestyles of Cantonese people.
In post-war Hong Kong, it was
mostly breakfast. “Many people
worked in factories then and
they went to work early. The
steamed buns were a must
because they provided energy,”
says Wong Kam-sing, who for
the past three decades has
made dim sum for 83-yearold
Lin Heung Tea House in
Central. Dim sum is seen now
as a lunch food but it used to
be available all day.
Hong Kong Wine and
Dine Festival
30 October-1 November
www.discoverhongkong.com
Picture perfect
Hong Kong photographer,
author and publisher Edward
Stokes believes the best way
to advance conservation is to
show how beautiful things are.
His book, Hong Kong Nature
Landscapes, is a retrospective of
nature and landscape photographs
from 1993 to 2003, a
period of awakening interest in
local nature and ecology.
The Photographic Heritage
Foundation, which published the
book, aims to locate and identify
historical images of Asia in archives
and private collections, to revive
their context and meaning, and to
publish them with historical and
contemporary texts in books, on
websites and at exhibitions.
The foundation has already
produced Hong Kong As It Was,
an English edition of Stokes’
best-selling book Hedda
Morrison’s Hong Kong: Photographs
& Impressions 1946-47.
All aboard
Surrounded by water and with one of the world’s
great harbours, Hong Kong is ideal for sailing.
Even if you have never sailed, the Royal Hong
Kong Yacht Club offers sailing courses to
members and non-members, from beginners
to high performance and advanced
skills levels. Youth training courses are for
sailors aged six to nine and nine to 17.
www.rhkyc.org.hk
Edward Stokes shows
Hong Kong’s green side
The Way Alone
with Nobuo Fujino,
William Lin and
Wu Fei-fei
Sail away!

Photos. Green Hong Kong: Edward Stokes.
Sailing: Guy Nowell – Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
Classic poses
Little Italy
GVSTO means “savour” in Italian and the recently opened Italian
eatery combines patisserie, wine and coffee bars and smart casual
dining all under one roof. The emphasis is on fresh, natural
ingredients. The concept was created by two Italian pastry chefs
20 years ago and this is their first venture in Asia. Open for a
morning espresso and breakfast buffet through to lunch,
afternoon tea and gourmet dinner. Monday-Saturday, 8am-8pm.
GVSTO Pasticceria Ristorante, 2/F, Nexxus Building,
41 Connaught Road, Central, +852 2147 3768
Hong Kong Ballet celebrates its 30th anniversary
with major productions that demonstrate the
breadth of its repertoire.
In September, the company will perform Giselle
in Beijing, and Romeo and Juliet in Hong Kong the
following month. In November, Hong Kong will be
treated to the triple bill Symphony of Movements,
which includes The Way Alone, choreographed
by Stephen Baynes.
Apart from the classical repertoire, the company
performs many 20th-century and contemporary
works by choreographers such as George
Balanchine, William Forsythe and Stephen
Mills. The company has 43 dancers from
nine countries, including a strong core of
Chinese artists, and has toured extensively
since 1997.
+852 2105 9724, www.hkballet.com
Savour a taste of
Italy at GVSTO
High standards at
The Upper House
Upper class
Feel like a stroll on the lawns of
your hotel? Then take the lift to
the sixth fl oor.
Check out the sky lounge?
Head on up to the 49th fl oor.
Want to soak in a deep tub
with panoramic views? Check
into any of the rooms at
The Upper House, the 117-room
Swire hotel that opens in Pacifi c
Place, Admiralty, this autumn.
Hong Kong architect Andre Fu
of design studio AFSO has used
natural materials throughout and
the proliferation of sculpture and
artwork is reminiscent of the fi rst
Swire hotel, The Opposite House
in Beijing.
Celebrated chef Gray Kunz
has returned to Hong Kong to
oversee Café Gray Deluxe, a
21st-century “grand café” on
the 49th fl oor overlooking
Victoria Harbour.
www.upperhouse.com
THE CLUB
9

EXPLORE
10 THE CLUB
Passion’s fruit
When Swiss-born businessman
Bertrand Faure-Beaulieu met
sommelier Philippe Messy in
Marco Pierre White’s London
restaurant, it was the beginning
of a relationship that Hong Kong
wine lovers can now share.
Messy expanded Faure-
Beaulieu’s tastes and knowledge
of wine and, 10 years later, this
shared passion fl owered into
Sarment, a private sommelier
service that matches individual
members to sommeliers whose
personality and approach to
wine complements their own
tastes. The sommeliers advise
on all aspects of wine buying,
tasting, education, storage
and investment.
One of the sommeliers is
Sebastien Chevalier, who
created the wine cellar for
Sebastien Chevalier
Amber, the two-Michelin-starred
restaurant in The Landmark
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong.
www.sarmentwine.com
Top drop spots
Since import duties and taxes
on wine were abolished last
year, Hong Kong has established
itself as a top fi ne-winetrading
hub. Here’s where to
start your wine collection.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
Britain’s oldest wine and spirit
merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd
arrived in Hong Kong more
than a decade ago and opened
its shop in Lee Gardens in 2003.
The company’s traditional
strength is Old World wines.
www.bbr.com.hk
Farr Vintners
The largest trader of fi ne wine
in Britain and of Cru Classé red
Bordeaux, Farr has a wholesale
business in Hong Kong and
also services serious collectors
buying wines by the case.
Specialties include red Bordeaux
and wine from Burgundy, Rhone
and Champagne.
www.farrvintners.com
Ponti Wine Cellars
Established in 1988, Ponti
Wine Cellars now has four
shops in Hong Kong and one
in Singapore. The stores carry
vintages from all key wineproducing
countries, and
about 40 percent are directly
imported from wineries.
www.ponti-fwc.com
Berry Bros. & Rudd in
Hong Kong
Rare and Fine Wines
The company has more than
1,000 wines and specialises in
France, particularly Bordeaux
and Burgundy. Australia, New
Zealand, South Africa and California
are also well represented.
www.rarenfi newines.com.hk
Watson’s Wine Cellar
With 14 wine stores across
Hong Kong and online shopping,
Watson’s is the territory’s
most visible wine merchant. Its
list includes more than 2,000
wines, more than 400 of which
are exclusive. Each store has its
own fine-wine room with more
than 300 vintages, from the top
chateaux in Bordeaux to those
from the New World.
www.watsonswine.com
Photos. Berry Bros. & Rudd: Grischa Rueschendorf

EXPLORE
THE WORLD
12 THE CLUB
Buried treasure
Autumn is truffle season in Italy
and in October and November
truffle fairs show the trophies
sniffed out by trained dogs and
the local truffle hunters.
Almost every restaurant will
have truffles on the menu in
some form. Alba in Piedemonte
is famous for its white truffles.
The International White Truffle
Fair of Alba will be held from
3 October to 8 November.
The countryside around San
Miniato in Tuscany produces
about 25 percent of Italy’s
truffles. The San Miniato White
Truffle Fair is held in the last
three weeks of November.
Smaller towns nearby hold fairs
in October.
Other truffl e areas include the
Marche and Umbria regions.
www.fi eradeltartufo.org/en
www.san-miniato.com
Italy’s
white
gold
Tropical paradise
Imagine a candle-lit banquet
where the rainforest meets the
sea in the far north of Australia.
In a pocket of tropical rainforest
near Port Douglas, north
of Cairns, Flames of the Forest
combines fi ne food and wine,
aboriginal culture and a unique
natural setting.
Illuminated by hundreds of
candles and chandeliers as well
as theatrically lit forest, diners
are entertained by members of
local aboriginal tribes.
www.fl amesoftheforest.com.au
Handel’s
baroque suite
Aboriginal tales in
Flames of the Forest
Handel with care
George Frideric Handel was born in Germany but spent most of his
life in England. From 1723 until his death in 1759 he lived at 25 Brook
Street, Mayfair, London, in what is now Handel House, the museum
devoted to him and where he composed works such as Music for the
Royal Fireworks. This year is the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death.
www.handelhouse.org

Court in the act:
the Met’s new
American Wing
American
beauties
The new American Wing at
The Metropolitan Museum
of Art in New York City has
opened after two years of
renovation. The Charles
Engelhard Court is a massive
glassed pavilion that houses
American furniture and
architectural details as well as
jewellery and decorative arts
that span from the baroque
era of the 17th century to the
early 20th century.
The space is so enormous
that features such as a loggia
designed by Louis Comfort
Tiff any, monumental sculptures,
fountains and Frank
Lloyd Wright stained glass
windows can all be displayed.
The 20 period rooms demonstrate
domestic architecture
and interior design of every
era from the 17th to the 20th
century. Twelve of the rooms
have been renovated and
interactive computer screens
explain the details.
www.metmuseum.org
Photos. Truffle: Alessandro Garofalo – Reuters
Shining examples
Coral has long been a favourite
material of jewellers, but it’s not
a rock – it’s the external skeleton
of living organisms. It provides
food and shelter for fi sh and its
continued existence is vital to
healthy oceans.
Too Precious to Wear is a
campaign organised by nonprofi
t group SeaWeb which
works with infl uential fashion
and design leaders to raise
awareness about coral and
to encourage consumers to
keep it in the ocean. Tiff any &
Co. stopped using red coral in
jewellery some time ago as part
Coral-free brooch
by Paloma Picasso
of its commitment to obtaining
precious metals and stones in
environmentally and socially
responsible ways.
The Coral Reinterpreted collection
has examples of alternative
materials such as lacquered metal,
glass, resin and plastics.
tooprecioustowear.org
World at your feet
Enjoy the high life at new chic restaurant ZENSE Gourmet Deck &
Lounge Panorama in Bangkok. On the 17th fl oor of new entertainment
and lifestyle mecca ZEN World, it has a giant outdoor terrace with
spectacular panoramic views of downtown Bangkok.
www.zensebangkok.com
Point of view
THE CLUB
13

WHAT’S ON
AUTUMN
EVENTS
14 THE CLUB
Singalong:
Last Night
of the Proms
AUGUST
21-30 August
Melbourne Writers’
Festival
Melbourne
Hear Bernard Schlink,
author of The Reader,
novelist and Asia commentator
Ian Buruma,
historian Anthony
Beevor and hundreds
of other writers at
Melbourne’s biggest
literary event.
www.mwf.com.au
25-30 August
Yonex Open
Chinese Taipei 2009
Taipei
Highlight of the Taipei
badminton calendar.
www.international
badminton.org
SEPTEMBER
5 September-
7 February 2010
Silk and Bamboo:
Music and Art of China
Metropolitan Museum
of Art, New York City
Instruments and art
show the continuing
importance of music
in Chinese culture.
www.metmuseum.org
12 September
Last Night of the Proms
Royal Albert Hall,
London
Pomp and Circumstance
and other great tunes.
www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009
5 September-22 November
Cartier Treasures: King of
Jewellers, Jewellers to Kings
Beijing Palace Museum, Forbidden City, Beijing
Big jewels, lots of them: 346 individual pieces from
Cartier – jeweller to the rich and historically famous.
About a quarter of the show traces the Chinese
infl uence on design and choice of materials.
www.cartier.com/en
Tempting treasure:
Snake necklace,
1968, by Cartier
Photos. Maharaja: V & A Images. BBC Proms: Mark Allan – WireImage/Getty Images.
Sergio Garcia: Qilai Shen – epa/Corbis.

18 September-
4 January 2010
Titian, Tintoretto,
Veronese: Rivals in
Renaissance Venice
Musée du Louvre,
Paris
Masterpieces from old
master painters.
www.louvre.fr
18-22 September
Lakmé Fashion Week
Spring Summer 2010
Grand Hyatt,
Mumbai
Indian plumage on
display at the 10th-
anniversary parades.
www.lakmefashion
week. co.in
Procession of Raja Ram Singh II at the V&A’s
Maharaja exhibition
26 September-
3 January 2010
Edward Steichen:
In High Fashion, the
Condé Nast Years,
1923-1937
Art Gallery of Ontario,
Toronto
When glamour fashion
photography was black
and white.
www.ago.net
OCTOBER
8-16 October
Pusan International
Film Festival
South Korea
Asia’s most signifi cant
fi lm festival and launch
pad for many Asian
movie careers.
www.piff .org
10 October-
17 January 2010
Maharaja: The
Splendour of
India’s Royal Courts
Victoria and Albert
Museum, London
The dazzling treasures
of princely India from
the Mughal Empire’s
collapse in the early
18th century to 1947.
www.vam.ac.uk
GOLFING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
4-6 November
Hong Kong
International Wine
& Spirits Fair
Hong Kong Convention
and Exhibition Centre,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Asia’s wine hub on show.
http://hkwinefair.hktdc.com
9-15 November
Yonex-Sunrise
Hong Kong Open
Badminton Super
Series 2009
Queen Elizabeth Stadium,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Feathers fly at the year’s
big badminton event.
www.hkbadmintonassn.
org.hk/en
Sergio Garcia,
winner of the
2008 World Golf
Championships-
HSBC Champions
24-27 September: Qingdao Golf Open Qingdao Huashan Golf & Resort, Qingdao.
www.europeantour.com
23-25 October: China LPGA (venue to be announced). www.lpga.com
29 October-1 November: Barclays Singapore Open Sentosa Golf Club,
Sentosa, Singapore. www.barclayssingaporeopen.com
30 October-1 November: Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open Suzhou Taihu International Golf
Club, Shanghai. www.ladieseuropeantour.com
5-8 November: World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions Sheshan International
Golf Club, Shanghai. www.hsbcgolf.com
12-15 November: UBS Hong Kong Open Hong Kong Golf Club, Sheung Shui,
New Terrritories, Hong Kong. www.ubshongkongopen.com
6-8 November: The Marco Polo Club Golf Classic 2009. Please see page 48 for details.
THE CLUB
15

CHOICE
CREATIVE BLENDS
Tea and coffee have been so integrated into cultures around the world
that specific ceremonies evolved with implements created by artists
and craftsmen. Contemporary designers continue the long tradition.
16 THE CLUB
Transparent tea
The glass and stainless-steel
mono classic teapot and infuser
was created for mono in 1983 by
German homeware designer
Tassilo von Grolman.
www.mono.de
White with one, thanks
In pure white at room temperature, put the one tea
kettle on the stove (gas or electric) and see the blue
pattern emerge as the water heats up. Grasp by the
insulated neck, place on the magnetic trivet and
it’s ready to pour or set down on any surface.
www.vesselideation.com/one.html
Bark opus
Burnished bark of the cherry
tree is used in this Japanese
tea canister, which is so finely
made that it’s air-tight to
preserve the tea.
www.teavana.com/Tea-Products/
Tea-Storage-Tins/
Short black
Be a barista at home with the
Krups XP4020-Expert pump
espresso coffee-maker. This
domestic model scores well
on the quality of espresso
made and ease of use.
www.krups.co.uk
Photos: Yixing teapot: Phototime

Froth and bubble
Want to create the perfect
cappuccino froth at home? Try
the Bodum Mousse Electric Milk
Frother to add volume and panache
to your coffee-press cuppa.
www.bodumusa.com
The colour purple
The purple clay from Yixing in Jiangsu Province is made into unglazed
pots that are sought after by connoisseurs of fine Chinese tea.
www.teapot-collection.com
With a twist
WALO1 is a set of mirror
stainless-steel coffee spoons by
English architect and designer
William Alsop for Italian homeware
brand Officina Alessi.
www.alessi.com/en
Living legend
The Sultane is one of a range of hand-blown glass teapots from legendary
French tea merchant Mariage Frères, whose origins can be traced to the
17th century. The shop in the Marais district of Paris is a shrine for tea
lovers and embodies a museum. www.mariagefreres.com
THE CLUB
17

BESPOKE
18 THE CLUB
Commissioned work has
been the lifeblood of
The Hong Kong Chinese
Orchestra for decades
Fine tunes
B Y A N D R E A L I
Individuals are increasingly commissioning music to mark special occasions
ong Kong-born composer Lam
Fung, at the age of 27, was one of
the youngest Chinese composers
to be commissioned by the BBC. His
piece, Unlocking, took inspiration
from an exhibition of padlocks he
saw at London’s Victoria and Albert
Museum, and explored themes
of codes, secrets and locks. Lam
is one of the relatively few Asian
composers who have worked with
individuals who commission music.
“I personally always welcome talking to my commissioners
before I start working on the music as more often than not I fi nd
inspiration from them, be it the reasons behind the commission
or from their own interests or background,” Lam says.
Although Hong Kong has seen funding cuts to the arts,
private contribution to new music remains largely elusive.
Private commissions are very unusual, says Timothy Calnin,
the retiring Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Philharmonic
Orchestra (HKPO). “I can only think of two instances in the
past fi ve years. People just aren’t aware that this is something
they can do, but I think it will take off with time.” In 2009, the
HKPO launched a three-year commissioning programme to
attract funding from foundations and individuals.
Even the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), an active
underwriter of new works, says none of its commissions has
been funded by private individuals. “Private contributions are
usually made towards individual concerts or education and
research. It would be great if we had sponsorship specifi cally for
new works,” says Celina Chin, the orchestra’s Executive Director,
adding that commissioning has been the orchestra’s lifeblood
for several decades. Unlike Western classical music, Chinese
orchestral music only has a 50- to 60-year history. However, the
HKCO commissions more than 10 pieces of new music and
re-arranges more than 30 works each year.
“The philosophy of commissioning is very important,” says
the HKPO’s Calnin. “It is necessary in order to keep the art form
contemporary and relevant. Otherwise orchestras will just be
playing the music of dead white guys all the time.”
When she was relatively young and unknown, Hong
Kong-born composer Angel Lam began to work with New
York City’s famous Carnegie Hall. Clive Gillinson, Carnegie
Hall’s Executive and Artistic Director, says the hall has used

THE CLUB
19

BESPOKE
20 THE CLUB
commissioning to tap new and established talent. Lam’s
second commission for Carnegie Hall, Awakening from a
Disappearing Garden, will premier at its festival of Chinese
culture, Ancient Paths, Modern Voices, from 21 October to
10 November.
Individual commissions have gained growing popularity in
Europe, Australia and the United States over the past decade
as classical-music enthusiasts catch on to the concept.
When Australians Jenny Kena and her former partner
Colin Gray made money on several property deals, they
could have splashed out on any number of luxuries. But the
couple instead chose to commission Oma Kodu, an Estoniainspired
clarinet quintet.
“This was an opportunity to support a diff erent branch
of the arts and was something that would last forever,”
CARNEGIE HALL USED COMMISSIONING
TO TAP NEW AND ESTABLISHED TALENT
says Kena, whose father was Estonian. “To me, the experience
was value for money. I got so much back from it. It is a gratifying
feeling to know that this music wouldn’t be in existence if
it weren’t for me. Not only that, it can now be appreciated by
a wider group of people and can add to the body of work in
Australian music.”
It takes a special type of person to commission music, says
Richard Gill, the Music Director of Australia’s Victorian Opera.
“It is unlike anything else. The result is not tangible so it
requires people to think outside the box. A typical patron is well
educated, appreciates the artistic life and values the importance
of the arts to the life of the community. You are sponsoring
immortality. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
In growing numbers, individuals are commissioning music
for celebratory reasons – a wedding anniversary milestone,
Angel Lam
(left) was
commissioned
to write a piece
for Carnegie
Hall (above)

Lam Fung
(below) is
inspired by
those who
commission
him to write
a spouse’s 60th birthday, in memory of a beloved family
member and as a gesture of philanthropy.
Geoff Ainsworth, a professional investor in Sydney, who
has underwritten new music in Australia since 2001, says he
is driven by the excitement of contributing to the existing
repertoire. “The gratifi cation comes from knowing you have
done a good thing for music and society. We don’t know
who the next great composer is, but the only way to fi nd out
is to give composers the opportunity to compose.” In 2004,
Ainsworth and his wife Vicki commissioned String Quartet
No. 4, a 15-minute string quartet from Musica Viva Australia
in celebration of composer Carl Vine’s birthday, with support
from the Melbourne-based Ian Potter Foundation.
Private patronage is, of course, not new. Prior to the accessibility
of public funds, composers such as Mozart, Beethoven
and Bach depended on the generosity of the aristocracy.
Today, with tightened government budgets and a growing
stable of talent, private money is once again in the limelight,
becoming ever pivotal to the development of new music.
“My impression is that a great deal of commissioning
once done by the Australian government has diminished,”
says Vine, Artistic Director of Musica Viva, an organisation
that helps individuals with the commissioning process. “This
has resulted in the importance of private patrons.”
Similar instances are unfolding elsewhere. Ed Harsh is
the President of Meet the Composer, a New York-based
organisation that champions new music. He says half of all
its support for commissions in the past eight years has been
funded by individuals. Past patrons have included a venture
capitalist, a doctor and a university professor. Commissioning
clubs are also sprouting up throughout the US, galvanising
individuals to bankroll pieces of work, en masse, and
making patronage accessible and aff ordable. Meet the
Composer is now looking at the feasibility of taking the
commissioning club model online by establishing a website
of new projects (www.meetthecomposer.org) for anyone
to browse and sponsor.
Selecting a composer is only half the story. Australian
Andrew Ford says the composer and patron need to identify
the performers for the piece upfront otherwise the commission
will just remain musical notes on a page.
“Knowing who the performer is also helps me to write,” says
Ford, who composed Oma Kodu. “A private commission is a
lovely experience for the composer. The endeavour is more
personal and genuine. It’s nice to know the person paying for
your work is also a fan of your music.”
Or at least they should be. Identifying a composer can be
an exhaustive process. The search requires the patron to be
familiar with the work of the composer and to ensure some
level of compatibility with the individual. The framework of
“WHEN PEOPLE COMMISSION ME,
THEY TRUST MY ARTISTIC SENSE”
Photo. Andrew Ford and music sheet: Steve Baccon – Contacts Photography. Carnegie Hall (previous page): Jeff Goldberg-Esto

“IT’S NICE TO KNOW
THE PERSON PAYING
FOR YOUR WORK IS A
FAN OF YOUR MUSIC”
the piece, involving issues such as instrumentation, budget
and theme, is then worked out.
Commissioning fees are largely arbitrary and depend on
the composer’s reputation and the scale of work. The ballpark
range in Australia is somewhere between AUD2,000
(about HKD12,300) to AUD40,000 while costs in the US span
from USD1,700 to USD400,000 for a full-length opera.
“We tell patrons that they are never commissioning the
composer’s last piece, but always their next piece so there
is a certain element of risk involved,” says Harsh. “At the end
of the day it is the composer’s responsibility to fi nd their
own comfort level and make the decision to turn down the
project if they feel their style is being encroached upon.”
Instances of projects going awry are few and far between.
Patrons generally respect commissioning etiquette and have
a good grasp of what the composer can and cannot do.
Lam Fung says: “When people commission me, they
trust my artistic sense. They would not be requesting me
to compose something that sounds like someone else, but
rather they would prefer me to take inspiration from them
and supply them with something exciting and surprising.
What’s the fun if you know exactly what you’re going to get
when you’re commissioning an artist? Part of the excitement
about commissioning a new piece of music is the
fact that you don’t know what exactly you are getting.”
For Ainsworth, his personal opinion is not relevant. “It
doesn’t matter whether or not I like the piece,” he says. ‘‘I know
Making notes:
Australian
composer
Andrew Ford
writes scores
by hand
(above left)
I will still appreciate the music and it will still be something fresh
to my ear. Most important is the motivation behind my commission.
I am not funding the composer to write something I
like, but want to play a role in contributing to new music.”
Artistic directors who commission on a broader scale
agree. “The risk of commissioning is such that you have
no idea whether the work will be disappointing or utterly
exhilarating,” says Carnegie Hall’s Gillinson.
“But if you look at the music of any composer, the reality is,
even music that’s less good is almost always worth hearing.
Chances are you are still getting something important. It’s
just a question of how important.”
BESPOKE
THE CLUB
23

EXPERT ADVICE
IN

BY TARA JENKINS & KAREN PITTAR
GOOD TIME
Step by step:
Gordon Chung has
been collecting
watches for 18 years
The thrill is in the chase for passionate watch collectors who enjoy
spending quality time tracking down rare models
The pride of international marketer Andrew
McDonald’s sizeable watch collection is a
1963 Glycine Airman 24-hour watch. “It still
has its original box with a letter from its
owner inside, a United States Air Force pilot,
stating he wore it on 280 fl ight missions in
his F-4 in Vietnam. He was shot down over
the Gulf of Tonkin and safely ejected wearing this very watch.”
For countless watch fans the world over, fi nding a special
piece like McDonald’s has more to do with the thrill of the
chase and owning a rare piece than the monetary value of
the watch. It’s a passion, for some an obsession.
Hong Kong-based collector Gordon Chung says he
looks for unusual pieces, shapes and mechanics, rather
than buying particular brand names. “It’s my hobby. It’s
what I do at the weekend. Finding a special watch is like
winning a prize; it’s very satisfying. I like the complications, the
mechanics and, of course, the history. I like to read about the
era of the watch, how people were dressed at that time and
how they’d wear their watches. A lot of watches have engravings
on the back with people’s names and sometimes even
addresses. It’s like holding a piece of history in your hand.”
One of his favourite pieces is a 200-year-old double-cased
pocket watch he bought in London. The piece is silver and
opens up to reveal an intricately carved and decorative inner
gold mechanism. When Chung fi rst prised open the back of
the watch, a lock of golden hair fell into his hand. “The hair was
cradled by part of a newspaper from the 1800s. At that time it
was very common to put your relative’s hair inside your watch
for good luck.”
Chung’s zeal for watch collecting began 18 years ago when
he was working for an advertising agency which held the Gérald
Genta account. “One day I was asked to take a watch to be
photographed. As I put it in my inside jacket pocket I casually
asked how much it was worth. I was shocked to discover it
was the equivalent of my annual salary. I held my hand over
my jacket pocket for the entire taxi ride – I’m sure the driver
thought I was having a heart attack.”
Today Chung has a collection of more than 100 watches –
each meticulously maintained and lovingly stored in a suedelined
leather box – and he’s one of a growing band of watch
afi cionados in Asia. “There is huge growth in collecting,” says
Tim Bourne, International Co-Head of Christie’s watch department.
“Numbers have gone up in such a dramatic way from 1990
when watches were just starting to become a signifi cant global
collecting area. Now there are buyers participating in auctions
THE CLUB
25

EXPERT ADVICE
Gordon Chung
began his collection
with this pocket
watch featuring i
an inscription dated
Christmas Day, 1901
26 THE CLUB
“NAMES SSUCH
AS ROLEX,
CARTIER AND
PATEK PHILIPPE
RU RULE THE ROOST”
watch
pocket except Ltd., Images Christie's Photos.
on the phone, phone, “Some of the rarer ra and most fascinating pieces were
on the Internet customised, uniq unique models. For example, Patek Philippe
– it’s like a huge deal-
may have made four f or fi ve pieces for a very special client
ing room around the world.
who perhaps requested req something in steel, or a perpetual
Within Christie’s alone we were
calendar, somethin something that wasn’t part of the normal collection.”
probably seeing an annual turnover 10 years ago of It is these pieces that command some of the highest prices
USD10 million, but last year we saw annual sales of at auction.
USD80 million – an 800 percent increase. The past
McDonald has a list of classic watches he hopes to add
10 years have been very significant in Asia. It is almost
to his collection,
and regularly buys from auction houses,
becoming the most important venue for watch sales Internet sites and specialist watch sellers. “Each week I search
and Asian collectors themselves are not only buying in through through websites website and I look at new and pre-owned watch
Asia but are having a huge impact on international sales.”
shops shops wherever I travel. I bought my daughter a Jaeger-
Bourne says you don’t need to be wealthy to collect,
LeCoultre Reverso Revers for her 21st birthday but I still don’t have
although there are those who are intent on buying only the
one myself. I would wo also like a Patek Philippe 1940s Calatrava,
big names. “Names such as Rolex, Cartier C i and d Patek Philippe Rolex Explorer 1016, 10 IWC Ingenieur, Cartier Tank, Grand Seiko
really do rule the roost at the high end of the market. We manual wind with Dauphine hands and no date. In all
pretty regularly sell examples of Patek Philippe watches honesty, the list goes on and on.”
for more than USD1 million. Obviously when somebody is Hong Kong businessman Dickson Wong has about 30
paying a huge amount of money the rarity of a particular watches in his collection, including pieces by Patek Philippe,
piece is paramount – the model, a certain design, very Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex and Piaget. “My
unique pieces or a small production run is very desirable favourite is the Patek Philippe 5050 Perpetual Calendar which
to collectors.”
I bought some eight years ago for HKD300,000,” he says. “I like
Bourne explains that with modern watches the more watches with grand complications [more than three functions].
complicated and grander the watch, the higher the value, They are very difficult to make and the craftsmanship is
but with vintage it comes down to rarity and uniqueness. extremely detailed. A dealer told me it takes many man-hours
and photos previous page: Marcus Oleniuk

Christie’s
Tim Bourne
(right) has
seen dramatic
growth in the
watch market
to make a Patek Philippe, and the craftsmen’s wages increase
year after year, so the value of such a watch increases accordingly.
You will never lose your money on a rare watch. Patek
Philippe only makes a few models and discontinues them after
a few years, so the only place to buy them is at auction. As a
collector, it makes sense to go out and buy the watches you
think are going to be discontinued.”
Although Wong invests in high-end pieces, there is also
a sentimental side to his collecting because he grew up
surrounded by watches: his father was Hong Kong’s sole agent for
Longines for more than 20 years. “The fi rst watch I owned
was a Longines, given to me by my father 30 years ago
when I went to the US to study. Of course I still have
the watch. I bought my fi rst piece in Tallinn, Estonia.
I was on holiday and walked into an antique
shop and found an H. Moser & Cie with an enamel face and
gold cover. When it chimes it plays music; I guess it’s between
50 and 100 years old. Now I buy watches all over the world
including Hong Kong, London and Switzerland. Whenever I
travel I’m on the lookout for special pieces.”
Wong and Chung belong to Hong Kong collectors’ club
The Art of Time, run by the Federation of the Swiss Watch
Industry. Chung says the members are watch lovers who want
to share their passion and look at each other’s collections.
“We’re like a community,” he says.
Wong agrees: “We have meetings once every two months,
and a speaker – such as a watch producer from Europe – comes
and gives us a sneak preview, sometimes even before the watch
has come onto the market. It’s a great venue to be able to meet
and speak to other watch collectors.”
A rare 14K gold
chronograph
Rolex (left), sold
at Christie’s for
HKD787,500 in
2007. A white-gold
bracelet watch with
340 diamonds
(far left) by Patek
Philippe, sold for
HKD1,220,000 in
May this year
Vacheron
Constantin’s
Malte Tonneau
openwork
tourbillon,
changed
hands for
HKD884,000
in May

EXPERT ADVICE
28 THE CLUB
Oiseaux des
Blés gilded
brass table
clock sold for
HKD1,040,000
at Christie’s
in May, a
world auction
record for a
Patek Philippe
dome clock
FINE DETAILS
Serious collectors inevitably face expenses when it
comes to the storage, maintenance and insurance of
watches, especially with antique or old pieces.
“If people spend a huge amount of money on a
watch collection, they should defi nitely insure it,” says
Tim Bourne, International Co-Head of Christie’s watch
department. “It’s dramatic how much collectors will
actually spend on watches. I’ve met people who have
spent in excess of USD10 million on a watch. They
must be regarded as works of art and treated
as such. If you want to keep the value of
the watch intact, store it in its original
bag or box, although often people
are torn because they want to wear
it. But there are some collectors
who don’t even dare to open the
box, in case the piece loses value.”
Bourne says watches are not like
wine and can withstand fl uctuations
in temperature and humidity.
Watch afi cionado Dickson Wong
keeps the majority of his collection
in a safe-deposit box at a bank. “I
do keep some at home to wear
and I have them all serviced maybe
once every two years,” he says.
A pink gold automatic skeletonised
tourbillion by Cartier, one of a
limited edition of 25, sold for
HKD740,000 last year
When collector Gordon Chung buys an antique or
second-hand watch, he has it serviced immediately.
“If after a week it doesn’t work I take it back to where I
bought it. I like my watches to be clean and shiny. Some
people prefer their watches to look old, but I like mine to
look new. I take them to be gold-plated so I can restore
them to their original condition. When you buy a watch,
always try to buy it in its original case because it boosts
the value.”
To keep the cost of maintenance to a minimum,
Chung suggests thoroughly examining a watch before
handing over your money. “When you fi nd an antique
watch, check the time and lay it down on the shop
counter. Wait for half an hour, check to ensure the time
is correct and then turn it over. Again, wait half an hour
and see is it fast or slow. If it is slow on both sides, or
fast on both sides, it’s probably easy to fi x. If it’s slow,
for example, it means the lubricant has become old and
viscous, which slows down the watch. But if it’s slow on
one side and fast on the other, you’re in trouble – don’t
buy it!”
Chung suggests shopping for watches at antiques
markets and shops, rather than buying directly from a
dealer. His fi nal piece of advice is practical: “I always carry
a special Swiss Army knife with watch tools and I never go
anywhere without my magnifying glass.”
Photos. Christie's Images Ltd..

24 HOURS
7pm
THE HEART OF MUMBAI beats in
Colaba at its southernmost tip. The
city’s characteristic love for newness
has especially animated this neighbourhood,
which is packed with hotels
and restaurants, boutiques and curio
stores, nightclubs and bars.
Colaba’s Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
faces the historic Gateway of India,
Mumbai’s most famous landmark, and
is the last word in hotel luxury. Apart
from Trident, which is the Taj Mahal
Palace’s closest competitor, you could
opt for The Ambassador, the InterContinental
Marine Drive Mumbai or Hotel
Marine Plaza.
Colaba’s numerous restaurants serve
either Indian interpretations of Chinese
cuisine or continental and Southeast
Asian dishes. For a taste of what the locals
feast on, sample the vegetarian and
non-vegetarian Indian cuisine at Masala
BY JUGNU MALIK
24 HOURS
Mumbai
From the splendour of Colaba’s heritage to the all-night entertainment along
Marine Drive and traditional spa pampering, India’s west-coast city has it all
30 THE CLUB
Kraft at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.
The restaurant is located on the ground
fl oor of the hotel’s magnifi cent heritage
wing, which was built in 1903 and faces
the Gateway of India.
Wash down dinner with a drink or
three at one of the well-appointed
bars in Colaba and Marine Drive. At the
head of the list is the InterContinental’s
Dome. The rooftop bar has a panoramic
view of the city’s high-rises and actionpacked
streets – and the ocean.
Photo. AWL Images/ArgusPhoto

Gateway of India
from the Taj Mahal
Palace & Tower hotel

24 HOURS
32 THE CLUB
Watch the sun set
from Dome at the
InterContinental
Marine Drive
Mumbai
Later head to Busaba, which has
low-lit interiors and a low-key vibe, or
Henry Tham’s, a sleek lounge bar with
an inhouse DJ who knows just how to
set the mood.
Indigo Deli, across the street from
Henry Tham’s, is better known for its
salads and sandwiches, but it is worth
a visit for its cocktails, which mix the
liquor with ingredients typically used
in Indian meals, such as tamarind and
curry leaves.
Mumbai has more bars than dance
clubs (mainly because of prohibitive
real-estate rates) but if you want to
move like the Mumbaiites do, head to
Polly Esther’s, one of the last refuges of
disco. Polly Esther’s interiors are proud
to be described as groovy, from the polka-dotted
shirts the waiters wear to the
record sleeves tacked onto the walls.
Also in Colaba is the Red Light club,
where the city’s young and restless
bounce and bop to hip hop.
Midnight
MUMBAI SHUTS DOWN much earlier
than most other big cities in the
world, but there’s no time limit at the
Marine Drive promenade. If there’s
one image of Mumbai you want to
embed in your mind, it is the sight of
structures twinkling across the bay all
along the curve of the promenade,
earning the stretch its well-deserved
nickname, The Queen’s Necklace.
Photos. Museum: Alamy/ArgusPhoto.
Chowpatty Beach: Hemis/ArgusPhoto.
InterContinental: AWL Images/ArgusPhoto.

8am
WORK UP an appetite with a walk
along the Arabian Sea either at Colaba
or at Marine Drive. Facing the bobbing
boats in the waters off Colaba are
stately heritage buildings and low-rise
apartments. Across the sea at Marine
Drive are buildings constructed in the
Art Deco style, much like in Miami.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Vastu Sangrahalaya
museum is an
architectural delight
Eggs Florentine
at Indigo Deli,
a perfect start
to the day
Chowpatty
Beach
9am
INDIGO DELI offers local versions of
eggs Benedict and eggs Florentine
and couscous upma, which mixes a
local semolina-based dish with couscous
and nuts. Frangipani at Trident
offers a sake bento breakfast served
in red lacquered boxes imported
from Japan.
11am
MUMBAI HAS only two museums
worth the trouble. One of them is
in Colaba and goes by the ungainly
name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Vastu Sangrahalaya. The architectural
landmark has 30,000 artefacts,
a sliver of which can be accessed via
a 45-minute audio tour. Spare some
time for the gallery of exquisite Indian
miniature paintings.
Mumbai’s other museum of signifi -
cance lies some distance from Colaba,
in the south-central Byculla neighbourhood.
The city of Mumbai itself
is on display at the 152-year-old Dr
Bhaudaji Lad Mumbai City Museum.
The restored building and the quirky
selection of artefacts that showcase
Mumbai’s diverse communities and
occupations make it worth the trek.
If you would rather stay indoors and
relax, there are few better ways than a
traditional Indian spa treatment. The
Jiva Spa at the Taj Mahal Palace off ers
several enticements, including a traditional
head massage called “champi” (it
involves giving the scalp a very, very
rigourous scrub). At the Shanti Spa at
Trident, opt for the 90-minute massage
that uses herbal oil to aid relaxation.
To experience an authentic Kerala
spa, head to the no-frills Kerala
Ayurvedic Health Spa on Marine Drive.
THE CLUB
33

24 HOURS
34 THE CLUB
One of its best-known treatments is
the Shiro Dhara, which claims to open
your “Third Eye” and help you get closer
to self-awareness. The process involves
pouring warm oil on the forehead. It’s
much more soothing than it sounds.
1pm
Try the herbal-oil massage
at Shanti Spa
FOR LUNCH, try the Konkan Café
located inside the Taj President hotel.
The restaurant’s décor mirrors that of
homes along India’s west coast, and
the food is what you’d get served
there. Popular seafood dishes include
Mangalorean-style gassi (fi sh steamed
in a turmeric paste) and shrimp curry.
An Indian lunch unlike anything you
may have eaten before awaits you at
Soam, across the street from the beautiful
and ancient Babulnath temple.
Soam serves snacks and meals from
Gujarat, a state in western India famed
for its wide-ranging vegetarian cuisine.
Be sure to try the panki, made from
rice fl our and yoghurt and served in
steamed banana leaves.
2:30pm
FOR A GLIMPSE of Old World Mumbai,
pay your respects at the temple that
gives the city its name. At Mumbadevi
Temple in Kalbadevi, the goddess
Mumbadevi sits resplendent among
other deities in the pantheon.
Kalbadevi is one of Mumbai’s busiest
neighbourhoods and many temples
and buildings there are several hundred
years old – Mumbadevi Temple
was built in the late 18th century. The
congested yet colourful neighbourhood,
which is overfl owing with shops,
buildings, people and vehicles, off ers a
vivid snapshot of a city whose destiny
is density.
Just a short taxi ride away is the
city’s oldest pilgrimage spot at the
Banganga Tank and temple complex
in Walkeshwar. The water tank was
built between the ninth and 13th
centuries and is ringed by tiny houses
on all four sides.
5pm
WHEN IT comes to shopping, Colaba
strikes the perfect balance between
the old and the new. It has the best
of new Indian haute couture as well
as stores selling the creations of
traditional artisans.
The government-run Central Cottage
Industries Emporium showcases
all that India is famous for, from its
carpets and sandalwood items to
exotic teas and herbal cosmetics, from
brassware and silverware to handspun
cotton and silk.
Good Earth
is a hive of
hom e dé cor
Konkan Café
(right) serves
food that’s
popular among
locals on the
west coast Photos. Good Earth: Sebastian Zachariah. Temple: Hemis/ArgusPhoto

Ensemble showcases the stuff that
India is becoming famous for. It is a
one-stop shop for chic threads from
the country’s most famous couture
designers. Ensemble was set up by a
leading Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani,
and stocks the designs of experienced
fashion names such as Rohit Bal,
Bhairavi Jaikishan and Rajesh Pratap
Singh as well as red-hot talent such
as Surily Goel, Sabyasachi Mukherjee
and Anamika Khanna. More Indian
designers are housed at The Courtyard,
including Narendra Kumar and Rajesh
Pratap Singh.
At the capacious Ravissant, which
has stores at the Taj Mahal Palace and
Trident, you can fi nd exquisite silver
and home accessories.
Good Earth also has an extensive
collection of home décor products as
well as a multitude of sweet-smelling
spa accessories.
The Banganga
temple
complex at
Walkeshwar
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From 16 August to 15 November 2009, stay at selected
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consecutive nights at the Best Available Rate and you’ll
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• A complimentary upgrade to the next available
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Hotels participating in this offer include:
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For reservations, please quote rate code CJ8 and your
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Telephone: +800 968 328 (Hong Kong toll-free)
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Website: www.marriott.com
THE CLUB
35

24 HOURS
36 THE CLUB
DINE
Busaba
Mandlik Road, Colaba, +91 22 2204 3779
Dome
InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai
+91 22 3987 9999
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/
gb/locations/mumbai-marinedrive
Frangipani
Trident, Nariman Point, +91 22 6632 6310
www.tridenthotels.com/mumbai_nariman_
point/index.asp
Henry Tham’s
Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba
+91 22 2284 8214
Indigo Deli
Chattrapati Shivaji Maharishi Marg,
Colaba, +91 22 6655 1010
www.indigodeli.com
The Konkan Café
Taj President hotel, 90 Cuff e Parade
+91 22 6665 0808
www.tajhotels.com
Masala Kraft
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder,
Colaba, +91 22 6665 3366
www.tajhotels.com
Polly Esther’s
Gordon House, Battery Street, Colaba
+91 22 2287 1122
www.mars-world.com/restaurants/polly.html
Red Light
Khyber, MG Road, Kala Ghoda, Colaba
+91 22 6634 6249
Soam
Opposite Babulnath Temple, Chowpatty
+91 22 2369 8080
SHOP
Central Cottage Industries Emporium
Near Dhanraj Mahal, Colaba
+91 22 2202 6564
The Courtyard
Minoo Desai Road, Colaba
+91 22 6638 5468
Ensemble
Great Western Building, Shahid Bhagat
Singh Road, Colaba, +91 22 2284 5118
Good Earth
Reay House, Colaba, +91 22 2202 1030
www.goodearthindia.com
Ravissant
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder,
Colaba, +91 22 2281 5225
Trident, Nariman Point, +91 22 2284 2586
www.cest-ravissant.com
STAY
The Ambassador
Veer Nariman Road, +91 22 2204 0022
www.ambassadorindia.com/mumbai.asp
InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai
+91 22 3987 9999
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/
gb/locations/mumbai-marinedrive
Hotel Marine Plaza
29 Marine Drive, +91 22 2285 1212
www.hotelmarineplaza.com
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower
Apollo Bunder, Colaba, +91 22 6665 3366
www.tajhotels.com
Trident
Nariman Point, +91 22 6632 4343
www.tridenthotels.com/mumbai_nariman_
point/index.asp
VISIT
Banganga Temple
Banganga Tank, Walkeshwar
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu
Sangrahalaya
MG Road, Colaba +91 22 2284 4484
www.bombaymuseum.org
Dr Bhaudaji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Veermata Jijabai Bhonsale Udyan
(city zoo), Dr Ambedkar Road, Byculla
+91 22 2373 1234
www.bdlmuseum.org
Jiva Spa
Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Apollo Bunder,
Colaba, +91 22 6665 3366
www.tajhotels.com
Kerala Ayurvedic Health Spa
98 Marine Drive, +91 22 2288 3210
Mumbadevi Temple
Mumba Devi Marg, Kalbadevi district
Shanti Spa
Trident, Nariman Point, +91 22 6632 6522
www.tridenthotels.com/mumbai_nariman_
point/index.asp
Polly Esther’s: where disco survives

Rakesh Raicar, Cathay Pacific
Sales & Marketing Manager, India, Nepal & Bangladesh
Get up at the crack of dawn and go to Sassoon
Docks to see the indigenous Kolis people (the
fishing community of Mumbai) bringing in the
catch of the day. Spending a day trawling for
bargains on Mutton Street in Chor Bazaar is also
a fantastic experience.
My favourite café would have to be the Café
Britannia, which is also known as Britannia and Co.
(Wakefi eld House, 11 Sprott Road, 16 Ballard Estate,
Fort, Mumbai, +91 22 2261 5264). This local Iranian
institution has been around for 86 years and is still
run by the same family. Try their delicious berry
pulao and crème caramel.
One of the best restaurants in town is the
well known Trishna (Kala Ghoda, Fort, Colaba,
+ 91 22 2270 3213) at Birla Mansion, Sai Baba
Marg. You must order the amazing rawas
hyderabadi – fi sh marinated in black pepper and
turmeric – as well as the fantastic butter, pepper
and garlic crab.
The best street stall would have to be Bade
Miya’s (Tulloch Road, Apollo Bunder, behind Taj
Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, Colaba) – perfect
for a chicken reshmi roll at 3am, after a night out.
For unique souvenirs I suggest a box of masala
chai and an exquisite pashmina that you have
haggled hard to buy in Colaba.
The Bombay Store (www.bombaystore.com) is
a one-stop shop for all your handicrafts and gifts,
ranging from apparel, fashion accessories, personal
care, food and beverages, home accessories to soft
furnishings and stationery. For fabrics, Fabindia
(www.fabindia.com) off ers you a range of shirts,
trousers, kurtas and salwar kameez, all made from
gloriously colourful block-printed silk and cotton.
Curtains, linen, jewellery and other gift items are
also available.
For nightlife, most places rock until the wee
hours. Blue Frog (www.bluefrog.co.in) is a fantastic
venue for live music, Zenzi (183 Waterfi eld Road,
Bandra West, +91 22 6643 0670) showcases the
best DJs and Prive (41/44 Monrepos, Ground Floor,
Minoo Desai Road, Colaba, +91 22 2202 8700) is
perfect for mingling with the beautiful people.
If you really want to blend in with the locals,
wear a pair of kurta pajamas, get a cup of hot
masala chai, a copy of the Hindustan Times and sit
on the seafront at Marine Drive early in the morning.
Alternatively, you could drive a dilapidated
Fiat around like a maniac.
PARTNER OFFER
Explore India with Hertz
From 16 August to 15 November 2009, members of
The Marco Polo Club can discover the best of India
at their own pace with the following special offers
from Hertz:
• Self-drive Offer: Enjoy five complimentary rental
hours on top of the regular 10% discount and 250
Asia Miles. Valid on Affordable Rates and subject to
a minimum rental of two days.
• Chauffeur-drive Offer: Enjoy a complimentary
One Car Class Upgrade and 250 Asia Miles. Valid
on chauffeur-drive rates and for Economy to
Midsize vehicles, with a maximum upgrade to a
Full-size four-door. Subject to a minimum rental of
four hours or 40 kilometres.
Make your reservation at least 72 hours prior to
departure for chauffeur-drive rentals and 48 hours
for self-drive rentals. Please quote “Marco Polo Club
Special” and your membership number during
reservation, then present your Marco Polo Club
membership card at the rental counter.
Telephone: +91 11 4184 1212
Email: reserve@carzonrent.com
Terms and conditions
1. These offers are valid at participating Hertz
locations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,
Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune.
2. Standard Hertz terms and conditions apply.
THE CLUB
37

Thermo-processed silk
used for scarves at Khai
Silk boutique
BY SAMANTHA COOMBER
Sheen star
Silk threads through the history of Vietnam but
hip Ho Chi Minh City designers add a new twist
that updates the lustre of the traditional fabric
ifestyle and fashion label SONG retails its madein-Vietnam
clothes and homewares in some of
the world’s most up-market resorts and stores
such as Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. Founder
and Ho Chi Minh City resident Valerie Gregori
McKenzie insists on using handmade Vietnamese
silks. In her workshop the savvy French
designer enthuses about the variety of colours
and the texture. “The silk’s informal quality and
imperfect appearance is ideal
for our relaxed, resort-style
concept,” she says.
Home-grown label Mosaique also exports its homewares
and interiors worldwide and Vietnamese founder-designer
Alan Duong chooses Vietnamese silk for his hand-crafted
designs. “The artisanal quality gives our goods a traditional,
handmade look that is Mosaique’s defi ning trademark,”
Duong says.
Photo. Alamy/Argus Photo
Timeless beauty:
the traditional
ao dai dress
PHOTOS PETER STUCKINGS
Threading ancient skills through to the 21st century,
Vietnam’s traditional silk industry is undergoing an intriguing
metamorphosis. And in its typically progressive and edgy
attitude, cosmopolitan and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City in the
south leads the revolution. Vietnam’s shopping capital turns
tradition on its head with innovative designers and exciting
old-meets-new hybrids.
TRAVEL
THE CLUB
39

TRAVEL
VIETNAMESE SILKS HAVE
A LOOSE, FLOWING QUALITY
THAT DRAPES BEAUTIFULLY
Silk ties to suit
every taste
at Tuyet Lan
boutique
(below right)
Nguyen Quynh
An of [chle]
(below)
in one of her
silk dresses
Like most of Vietnam’s traditional crafts, silk evolved in the
country’s north, especially in the Red River Delta region. Fuelled
by the nation’s thriving economic development, Vietnam’s
most illustrious and popular craft is enjoying a renaissance and
surging demand in domestic and international markets. The
north may have enjoyed a lengthy monopoly but other areas
are now successful producers.
Vietnamese silk comprises many varieties and there are
distinct regional specialties. The celebrated glossy Ha Dong silk
is produced in the north while central Quang Nam Province is
renowned for its Danang taff eta, organza and damask silks. In
the south, the highland Lam Dong Province is reputed for its
quality silks and the Mekong Delta’s Tan Chau has recently kickstarted
its traditional Cham and Khmer silk weaves, including
the unusual ebony satin.
Developing faster than the traditional north, the south
boasts more sophisticated production methods, with modern
equipment and, increasingly, factory premises.
However, many home-based enterprises still use traditional
methods of thread spinning, dyeing and hand-weaving in
small workshops. With this sort of artisanal production
and inherent traditions, Vietnam’s silks vary from their
other Asian counterparts and generally are defi ned by
a looser, more fl owing quality that drapes beautifully.
Vietnamese artisanal silk weaves appear plainer, albeit
with a lustrous sheen, and tend to have a handmade,
slightly uneven quality, the result of varying thicknesses
of thread, a characteristic of hand-weaving that always
distinguishes it from sleek, machine-woven silks.
Apart from Gregori McKenzie and Duong, other

Minh Khoa (left) offers
wedding gowns,
ao dais and
evening dresses
Vietnam is without
a significant leather
industry. Silk footwear
(below) offers a
colourful alternative
resident international and local designers fi nd the unique
qualities of Vietnamese silks an inspiring – and competitively
priced – fabric to work with for their cutting-edge designs.
“We focus on materials unique to that country,” say
Vietnam-based Spaniards Diego Cortizas and Laura Fontán,
founders of Chula fashions. “For us, Vietnamese silk is one of
Vietnam’s treasures. European silk may look more extravagant,
but the variety of textures, colours and shapes arising from local
silks allow us greater design freedom.”
Local boutique [chle] exclusively uses pure Vietnamese
silk for its handmade fashions. “Domestic silks are
not only beautiful with bold colours,” reflects Nguyen
Quynh An, who created the brand. “But the silk’s floaty
quality allows us to execute the [chle] look perfectly –
feminine, sensual, yet with modern panache.”
Ho Viet Ly, the founder of upscale silk producer Toan Thinh
Silk, says the Vietnamese fabric is “an untapped resource”.
PARTNER OFFER
Treat yourself to a luxurious
weekend at Sheraton Saigon
Hotel & Towers
From 16 August to 15 November 2009, enjoy a stylish
weekend getaway in Ho Chi Minh City and stay in a
Premier Deluxe room at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel &
Towers at a special rate of just USD180 per night.
Plus, to further relax and unwind, you’ll receive
complimentary access to the recently renovated
Sheraton Fitness club and swimming pool.
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant
business and entertainment district, Sheraton Saigon
Hotel & Towers offers a haven of relaxation amidst the
hustle and bustle of the city.
Please quote promotion code “WEEKEND MARCO
POLO CLUB” when making your reservation.
Telephone: +84 8 3827 2828
Website: www.sheraton.com/saigon
Terms and conditions
1. Rate is valid for stays booked and used on Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays within the promotion
period.
2. Rate is subject to 5% service charge and 5.25%
government tax.
THE CLUB
41

TRAVEL
Foremost a highly-skilled weaver, Ly explores the technical
potential of Vietnam’s silk. Manufacturers are now expanding
their silk and garment repertoire with modern-style fi nishes,
such as the “crinkled” look, rayon and viscose mixes and new
techniques in dyeing and thermo-processing threads.
As the hub of Vietnam’s burgeoning fashion industry,
Ho Chi Minh City is home to an increasing band of homegrown,
pioneering designers creating fashionable Oriental-
East-meets-contemporary-West silk creations. The south’s
lighter, funkier and more avant-garde designs refl ect its
tropical climes and experimental mindset, contrasting with
Hanoi’s more traditional, formal and heavier varieties.
BEST BUYS
From hotel lobbies to Tan Son Nhat Airport,
someone, somewhere in Ho Chi Minh City
will be selling silk. Here are some of the best
places to buy. (Unless stated otherwise,
listings are all located in downtown
District One).
aa deco
Sumptuous interiors
and furniture
inspired by colonial
and Oriental classics include
Chinese-style ceiling lanterns –
stunningly hand-crafted from pure
silk – and silk brocade boudoir
cushions.
219 Nguyen Van
Thu Street
+84 8 3823 0940
www.aacorporation.com
Nguyen Freres
Eclectic mix of inexpensive silk goodies
including cushion covers, wallets, scarves, bags
and lanterns.
2 Dong Khoi Street, +84 8 3823 9459
[chle]
Floaty pure silk fashions at this local boutique
are original designs and feature pretty sun
dresses, skirts and sleeveless blouses in bold
colours. Raw silk jackets feature a Chanel twist.
9B Thai Van Lung Street
+84 8 3827 7550
Minh Khoa
Ho Chi Minh City designer Minh Khoa’s prêt-aporter
couture collections feature glamorous
wedding gowns, ao dais and evening dresses.
39 Dong Khoi Street
+84 8 3823 2302
www.minhkhoa-f.com/collection
Tuyet Lan
Some of the prettiest yet best value silk
fashions in the city can be found at this
low-key boutique.
84-86 Le Loi Street
+84 8 3829 9754
Mandarina
Sublime hand-crafted shoes include strappy
high heels in red satin silk and bright
brocade boots.
171 Le Thanh Ton Street
+84 8 3827 5267
VOV
Couture designer Vo Viet Chung’s boutique
showcases traditional, contemporary and
wedding ao dais.
403 Huynh Van Banh Street,
Phu Nhuan District, +84 8 3991 0299
www.vovietchung.com

Luxurious
interiors
at aa deco
Khai Silk
Traditional Oriental to contemporary fashions
are beautifully executed and use the fi nest silks.
Accessories include multicoloured scarves and
velvet and brocade shawls.
107 Dong Khoi Street
+84 8 3829 1146
www.khaisilkcorp.com
Chula @ Ipa-Nima
Ipa-Nima’s fl agship handbag store exclusively
carries Chula fashions. Handmade from pure
taff eta, these vividly coloured dresses fuse vibrant
Spanish designs with Vietnamese traditions.
77-79 Dong Khoi Street
+84 90 425 8960
www.chula.es
Kenly Silk
This family-run business off ers quality and
good value silk garments, traditional and
Ho Ch Minh City’s new generation of chic boutiques showcase
these modern off -the-rack designs. Epitomizing this
change is the evolution of the beloved national costume, the
silk ao dai, a long close-fi tting dress split to the sides and worn
over wide trousers.
Leading southern designer Vo Viet Chung has won awards
for daring, contemporary takes on the outfi t in his couture
collections. Its trademark fl owing, sensuous movement is
accentuated by the fl uidity of Vietnamese silks. Ho Chi Minh
City boutiques take this a step further with this traditional
design morphing as hip satin silk garments worn over jeans
or psychedelic chiff on numbers.
modern ao dais, fi tted taff eta jackets and
hand-painted robes.
132 Le Thanh Ton Street
+84 8 3829 3847
www.kenlysilk.com
Mosaique Decoration
Handmade silk homewares and accessories
feature embroidered cushions, hand-stitched
quilts and lotus-shaped lanterns.
98 Mac Thi Buoi Street
+84 8 3823 4634
www.mosaiquedecoration.com
SONG
The clothing, soft furnishings and accessories
feature limited-edition, exquisitely
embroidered silk scarves.
76D Le Thanh Ton Street
+84 8 3824 6986
www.asiasongdesign.com
PARTNER OFFER
Enjoy a half-day private tour
Members of The Marco Polo Club who book a
Standard or Deluxe Ho Chi Minh City Cathay Pacific
Holidays package and travel between 20 August and
30 November 2009 will enjoy a special offer – an
inspiring half-day private tour of this historic city.
Half-day tour includes:
• An English-speaking guide and private transfers
• Admission fees as specified in the itinerary
• Visits to historic attractions such as Reunification
Palace, War Remnants Museum, Emperor of Jade
Pagoda and Central Ben Thanh Market
Package price starts from HKD3,400 and includes:
• A round-trip Economy Class or Business Class flight
between Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City on
Cathay Pacific Airways
• Two consecutive nights’ accommodation at selected
hotels with daily breakfast
• Travel insurance
For reservations
Telephone: +852 2747 4388
Website: www.cxholidays.com
Terms and conditions
1. Price is quoted per person, based on two adults sharing one room,
checking in and travelling together throughout the entire journey.
2. This offer is only valid for packages booked and paid for between
16 August and 15 November 2009.
3. Cathay Holidays Limited terms and
conditions apply.
THE CLUB
43

INSIDE CX
44 THE CLUB
BY MATHEW SCOTT
Safety fi rst
From the top down, safety is the prime concern of the Cathay Pacifi c culture
ichard Howell reaches forward and with a
click of his mouse the computer screen on
his desk displays an animated version of
one of the Cathay Pacifi c fl ights that see
about a million passengers safely reach
their chosen destinations each month.
As Cathay Pacific’s Head of Corporate
Safety, it’s Howell’s job to make sure
they do just that. Every second of each
fl ight is recorded, he reveals, and then
gone over in minute detail.
“Aviation is the safest form of transport in the world,’’ Howell
explains. “And so we have all these systems in place to predict
where the next problem might come from, to fi nd something
that might otherwise catch us out.
“We record every single fl ight from engine start to engine
shut down, so we know what goes on and we scan every
single fl ight for any events. And if an event happens, we follow
that up.’’
Safety is at the very core of Cathay Pacifi c’s corporate policy,
a commitment to securing the very highest of standards that
goes right to the top. Responsibility may begin with each and
every member of staff , but ultimately it rests with the airline’s
Chief Executive, Tony Tyler.
“One of the most important things about safety is that it
comes from the top down,’’ says Howell. “In the company we
have a mission statement that says various things but paramount
is that safety comes fi rst. The idea is that we try to generate an
organizational culture which is a safe culture.’’
The very human face of Cathay Pacific’s safety culture
greets you as you board your fl ight. Intense training when staff
members fi rst join the airline and annual refresher courses mean
cabin crew know how to react to any situation: “There’s ongoing
training every year,” says Howell. “We go out there and actively
look for problems and we do a lot of publications on a regular
basis to educate our crews about safety issues that are going
on. It’s about constantly learning.’’
Flight Purser Mary Tam has been with Cathay Pacifi c for nineand-a-half
years and on a daily basis has to deal with what is the
McIntyre
G.
most common concern for passengers – air turbulence.
“Sometimes people are nervous – particularly fi rst-time David
travellers because they have no idea what happens on fl ights,’’ Photos:

Staff receive
ongoing safety
English caption training, xxxxxxx says
xxx Richard xxxx xxxx Howell
xxxx

INSIDE CX
46 THE CLUB
WHEN IT COMES TO PREPARING IN THE ACTUAL
COCKPIT ... NOTHING IS LEFT TO CHANCE
Tam says. “So we comfort them and tell them what to expect
during the turbulence. For example, in light turbulence our
in-fl ight service manager will address the PA and announce
the light turbulence. Then we will secure and check the cabin,
making sure everyone is in their seats and there is no one in
the toilets. If there is, then we will ask them to come out quickly.
Everything is done to ensure safety.’’
That includes tucking away anything that might cause harm.
Hence passengers are asked to store any loose, heavy items
under the seats – and why you’ll see those drinks trolleys quickly
taken away. “Well, we have to stop all the hot beverage services
pretty quickly,’’ says Tam.
Pilots change
course to avoid
cloud-based
turbulence,
says Captain
Henry Craig
“If, for example, the crew is doing tea services with the cart we
will hide the teapots inside the cart in case anything might spill
on a passenger. We lock them away and the purser will come
and grab the pots to make sure we don’t have to worry about
anything. We don’t leave anything to chance.’’
As Cathay Pacifi c’s General Manager Flying, Captain Henry
Craig keeps a close watch on what happens should there be
any in-fl ight problems. In keeping with Cathay Pacifi c’s safety
mantra, Craig says it is all about learning. And when it comes
to preparing in the actual cockpit, Craig stresses that nothing
is left to chance.
“When it comes to turbulence obviously the fi rst thing we
try to do is avoid it if we can,’’ Craig explains. “There are basically
two types of turbulence – ones that are associated with cloud
and ones that are not associated with cloud.
“If they are not associated with cloud they are called clear
air turbulence. And basically with clear air turbulence we can’t
anticipate it. If we start getting a bump or two we’ll immediately
put on the seat belt sign.’’
When air turbulence is a result of clouds or “convective buildup’’,
pilots are able to see it on their weather-radar screen. “We
do everything we can to avoid it,’’ says Craig.
Vigilance is the key, says Cathay Pacifi c’s General Manager
Infl ight Services, Charlie Stewart-Cox. Pre-fl ight briefi ngs prepare
staff for the fl ight, just as the pre-fl ight safety demonstrations
prepare passengers.
“It’s all about situation awareness both for the staff and the
passengers,’’ says Stewart-Cox. “Staff will look around the fl ight
as people board and form a general fl ight profi le, looking to

e aware of special needs, such as languages to use and what
families are on board and what help they might require.’’
That process is part of Cathay Pacific’s risk-based Safety
Management System (SMS), explains Howell. “What that means
is having certain things in place, and among those is generating
a safety culture,’’ he says. “The SMS is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each
one of them is not that eff ective but joined together it makes a
very, very good system.
“There are factors like a very good established safety reporting
system so that if something goes wrong the crews know
how to report something. Basically we know how to learn from
our mistakes and we all make mistakes. We just make sure they
don’t happen again.’’
As part of Cathay Pacifi c’s SMS, everything reported and
Vigilance
is the key,
says Charlie
Stewart-Cox
(above left)
Trainees learn
that hot drinks
are always
poured in the
aisle to avoid
spillage on
passengers
(above)
observed goes into a database to be followed up on so that
nothing escapes attention – and action.
“When something does go wrong it’s not really about fi nding
out who is guilty. It is about what went wrong in the system and
fi xing that problem,’’ he says.
From a passenger’s point of view, Howell says the important
thing to remember – always – is that Cathay Pacifi c’s staff are
there to help things run smoothly and safely.
“Primarily the cabin crew are there to keep the passengers
safe; they are safety executives,’’ he says. “People forget that in
the beginning, stewardesses were all qualifi ed nurses – safety
was the fi rst concern. You want to provide the best service and
the best safety – that is the main role. And if they ask you to do
something, there will always be a reason for it.’’
THE CLUB
47

CX NEWS
SWING INTO ACTION
Look forward to plenty of long
drives and perfect putts at
The Marco Polo Club Golf Classic
2009, our highly anticipated
annual event reserved for Gold
and above members.
Join us from 6 to 8 November,
2009, in Taipei for a spectacular
golfi ng experience. This year’s
tournament is being hosted at
the world-class championship
courses of the Miramar Golf
Country Club and Ta Shee Golf
& Country Club.
You get the chance to win the
championship trophy for Best
Gross, Best Gross 1st Runner-up,
Best Team 18-hole Scramble,
Longest Drive and Nearest-
To-The-Pin. There are fantastic
prizes to be won, including the
fi rst Hole-in-One award of One
Million Asia Miles!
The fi nale to our tournament
will be an unforgettable dining
Ta Shee Golf &
Country Club
experience featuring Taiwanese
cuisine prepared by celebrated
chef and author “Ar-Ji-Shi”.
Get into full swing at
two world-class golf
courses
Miramar Golf Country Club –
ranked as the top golf course in
Taiwan by U.S. Golf Digest in 1999
– off ers golfers a distinctive
playing environment throughout
the 36-hole course (Course
A & B) designed by golfi ng
legend Jack Nicklaus.
Ta Shee Golf & Country Club
was re-built in 1999 by Robert
Trent Jones Jr. and is the only
golf course in Taiwan recognised
by European, Australian and
Asian Circuit Games.
Stay in five-star luxury
You can choose to stay at an
exclusive rate at Shangri-La’s Far
Shangri-La’s Far Eastern
Plaza Hotel, Taipei
Miramar Golf
Country Club
Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, which
occupies an ideal location in the
heart of the city’s fl ourishing
business district on fashionable
Tun Hwa South Road. Taking
advantage of the unique curved
architecture and soaring height
of the signature building, all
rooms and suites have engaging
and varied views of Taipei.
Register now for a
great weekend of
competition
This event is open exclusively
to Gold and above members of
The Marco Polo Club and their
guests (maximum one guest
per member), but places are
limited and will be allocated on a
fi rst-come-fi rst-served basis. For
more details and to register, log in
to your Marco Polo Club account
at www.cathaypacifi c.com or call
The Marco Polo Club Golf Classic
Hotline on +852 2411 4179.
THE MARCO POLO CLUB
GOLF CLASSIC
TOURNAMENT
PACKAGE
You and your companion can
take part in this exciting event
for 72,000 Asia Miles per person,
which includes:
• Warm-up game on the fi rst day
• Green fees for two days of golf
• Golf caddy and buggy
• Driving range for warm-up
• Round-trip transfers between the
hotel and golf courses
• Organising, team pairing and
scoring
• A collection of golfi ng gifts and
accessories
• Trophy and prizes
• Welcome cocktails and daily
lunch
• Closing gala dinner

Dragonair launches new services to Guangzhou
Dragonair fl ies to Guangzhou
from 14 September. The
provincial capital of Guangdong,
Guangzhou is also the biggest
city in the fast-growing Pearl
River Delta region. The new
service aims to further enhance
Hong Kong’s status as one of the
world’s premier international
aviation hubs. The early morning
fl ights to and from Hong
Kong are designed to off er
you good connections into
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts • Park Hyatt Hotels •
Grand Hyatt Hotels • Hyatt Regency Hotels •
Hyatt Place • Hyatt Summerfield Suites
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marriott International Hotels
Marriott® Hotels & Resorts •
JW Marriott® Hotels & Resorts •
Renaissance® Hotels & Resorts
and out of the Hong Kong hub
from international destinations.
For fl ight schedules, please visit
www.dragonair.com
Guangzhou on
the Pearl River
A taste of Tuscany with Frescobaldi
For 700 years, the Frescobaldi family has created wine in
Tuscany. Marchesi de Frescobaldi has seven estates
producing wines that express the local terroir.
From September to November, passengers travelling in
Cathay Pacifi c First Class can taste the Mormoreto 2006 and
Montesodi 2006, and Business Class passengers can try the
Nipozzano Riserva 2005 and Tenuta di Castiglioni 2006.
The Frescobaldi wines are available by the glass on most
long-haul fl ights in and out of Hong Kong.
Brand new Cathay Pacific lounge in Kuala Lumpur
The newly opened Cathay Pacifi c First and Business Class lounge in
Kuala Lumpur International Airport will off er you an enhanced travel
experience. The 93-seat lounge covers more than 370 square metres.
Its design echoes the concept of The Pier lounge in Hong Kong,
with fi ne marble and wood fi nishes, and a touch of the signature
“Long Table” and “Bamboo Wall”.
There are seven “Personal Living Spaces” with full broadband and
Wi-Fi access for you to work or go online. A wide variety of Western
and Asian cuisine is on off er from a constantly updated menu.
New First and Business Class
lounge, Kuala Lumpur
CLUB PARTNERS : For exclusive Club partner offers, please visit the member’s area of www.cathaypacific.com
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts •
Traders Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts® • Four Points® by Sheraton •
St. Regis® Hotels & Resorts • The Luxury Collection® •
Le Méridien • W Hotels® • Westin Hotels & Resorts®
Swire Hotels
The Hilton Family • Hilton®• Conrad® Hotels &
Resorts • Doubletree® • Embassy Suites Hotels® •
Hilton Garden Inn® • Hilton Grand Vacations •
The Waldorf Astoria Collection
The Peninsula Hotels
Avis
Hertz
SIXT rent a car
For all partner offers, prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice. Peak season surcharges apply. Advance reservation is required. Rooms and offers are subject to availability.
Blackout dates apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or membership benefit.
THE CLUB
49

3
QUARTER 2009