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Summit, The magazine of Summit Hotels & ResoRTS Volume THIRTEEN www.summithotels.comSummitThe magazine of Summit hotels & resortsPure panamaLet this captivating Central American country sweep you off your feetINSIDEGourmet saltUrban retreatsWinter sportsSuperb SingaporeRomantic destinationsvolume Thirteen

Surprise. Delight.Welcome to the world of I Prefer.You are recognized on arrival at over 600 participating Preferred Hotel Group hotels and resorts worldwide.You receive rewards on your very first stay, and again every time you stay.Enroll or book online at IPrefer.com/XLM to receive exclusive member rewards and benefits.

up frontwelcomeThree things make up the best parts of my life: family, travel and sports. Everyyear I toy with the idea of combining all three into one remarkable day ofadventure, filled with surfing in the south swells, skiing down the slopes ofthe local mountains and enjoying time with my family at the end of a day wellspent. Even though I live in Southern California – one of the few places where itwould be entirely possible for such an ambitious agenda to become reality – I haveyet to make this happen.In this issue of Summit, though, there will be no holding back – we’re going tolead you off around the world on a dizzying multicultural adventure, taking ineverything from virgin rainforest to urban jungle, teasing out lively itinerariesand revealing hidden secrets ready for your next journey.For starters, you can enter the realm of adventure that is one of CentralAmerica’s new hot spots. Panama magic (page 24) will take you to secluded hotsprings and volcanic peaks, treasured local hideouts and that man-made wonder,the awe-inspiring Panama Canal.You’ll also read about some of the most exotic cities in the world, which justhappen to have some of the most unforgettable places to stay. Our snapshot pieceon Beijing (page 23) lures you to the home of the Forbidden City, a land whereancient and modern history merge, and where special memories can be made inthe most unexpected places. Or you could join us in a Singapore fling (page 44)to get the latest on the renowned cuisine and shopping scene there, and findthe best places to admire the ever-changing skyline. And to cap off a great day’sexploring with an equally great evening’s relaxing, we’ve rounded up some of thebest urban retreats, where you can enjoy a little Serenity in the city (page 58).As promised, we’ve put together a great issue that just so happens to includesome of my favourite things. So bring your energy, bring your zeal – we’re goingto have a lot of fun globetrotting.Warm regards,getty imagesCasey UeberrothSenior Vice President, MarketingPreferred Hotel GroupTop: What can be moreromantic than a traditionalVenetian gondola ride?Above: A colourful muraladorns the wall of abuilding in Panama CityChairman and CEO: John A UeberrothVice Chairman and Chief Marketing Officer: Gail UeberrothPresident: Lindsey UeberrothSenior Vice President, Marketing: Casey UeberrothDirector, Creative Services and Publications: Amanda HaynoschWriter/Editor, Communications: Angie VanderBurghSenior Coordinator, Communications: James YuWorldwide Headquarters: 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 1900,Chicago, IL 60606, USA. Tel: +1 312 913 0400 Fax: +1 312 913 0444www.PreferredHotelGroup.comPlease send all questions and comments tosummitmagazine@preferredhotelgroup.comPublished on behalf of Summit Hotels & Resorts byThink, The Pall Mall Deposit, 124-128 Barlby Road,London W10 6BL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8962 3020www.thinkpublishing.co.ukTo advertise in Summit, please contact Amanda Haynoschat ahaynosch@preferredhotelgroup.comEditor: Suzanne KingManaging Editor: Rica DearmanSenior Designer: Shelley VarleyDesigner: Nikki AckermanAssistant Editor: Farah DibAccount Manager: Jackie ScullyManaging Director: Polly ArnoldFor all editorial matters, queries and submissions, pleasecontact the Editor at summit@thinkpublishing.co.ukSummit is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forestsand the factory conforms to environmental managementsystem ISO 14001. The publisher cannot be held responsiblefor loss or damage to unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.Views of contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflectthe policies of Preferred Hotel Group nor those of the publisher.Printed by The Foundry USA, www.thefoundryco.comCover image: Bocas del Toro, Panama. Alamy3

contentsCheck-in6 viewfinderThousands of colourful lanterns adornthe streets of Hong Kong during theChinese Mid-Autumn Festival10 summit newsCatch up on the latest happeningsat Summit Hotels & Resortsproperties across the globe16 Check-inTen unmissable calendar events,tranquil hotel spas around the world,our pick of gourmet food shops andwhat to do in a day in BeijingFeatures24 Panama magicLose yourself in the rich diversity oflandscape, culture and wildlife of this CentralAmerican gem, says Richard Arghiris30 Salt of the earthAndrew Purvis follows a global trail todiscover how a once everyday condimenthas now acquired gourmet status36 Birth of the coolThe 1950s golden era of jazz is capturedin Bob Willoughby’s photographs andrecollections in Jazz: Body and Soul54 A man of mysterySpanish actor Javier Bardem talks aboutplaying the bad guy and how he wasdrawn to the new Bond villain roleFeatures continued…58 Serenity in the cityCities are exciting places to explore,but you’ll always find a havenin which to kick back and relax64 Ski attractionsWhether you’re spectating or participating,winter sports continue to draw crowds tothe mountains, as Nicola Iseard discoversCity Sights44 Singapore flingAnnabel Mackie uncovers the highlightsof this lively island metropolis48 Art of the cityNorman Miller visits three inspirationalcities, where creativity thrivesPortfolio76 Five of the best... Cities for romanceLooking for a romantic break?Laura Dixon reveals the best places tosweep the love of your life off their feet78 Boarding classThe most recent additions to theSummit Hotels & Resorts portfolio80 directoryYour guide to Summit Hotels & Resortsproperties around the world82 A Turkish delightDivan Ankara’s Front Office Supervisor tellsus why Turkey’s capital is a great place to visitContributorsAnnabel MackieHaving previously livedin Edinburgh, HongKong and London,Annabel Mackie is nowbased in Singapore,where she works as afreelance travel writerand editor, contributingto a range of in-flightand lifestyle magazines.Nicola IseardNicola Iseard spent sixmonths writing andteaching skiing inZermatt, and now editsFall-Line Skiing &Snowboardingmagazine. She alsocontributes regularlyto leading newspapersand magazines.Norman MillerAward-winning writerand photographerNorman Miller grew upin Hong Kong, Australia,South Africa and Brazil.With a passion for art, hewas the perfect personto explore the culturalofferings of Miami,Florence and Brussels.Richard ArghirisRichard Arghiris firstvisited Central Americanearly a decade agoand was instantly takenwith it. He moved toPanama in 2010 andis the author of thebrand-new FootprintCosta Rica, Nicaragua& Panama Handbook.getty Images, alamy, corbis, bob willoughby484volume thirteenSummit

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viewfinderMoon lightsOne of the most colourful events in theChinese calendar, the Mid-AutumnFestival, also known as the Moon CakeFestival, commemorates a 14th-centuryrevolt against the Mongols. Back then,the rebels sent secret messages to eachother on slips of paper hidden insidecakes. Today, one of the highlights of thecelebrations is the displays of colourfullanterns such as these. Families head forhigh places to light their lanterns, watchthe full moon rise and eat moon cakes,traditionally made from pastry filled withlotus seed paste and egg yolks. One of thebest places to join the celebrations is HongKong, where Harbour Grand Hong Kongand Regal Hongkong Hotel both havegreat central locations near Victoria Park.Visit www.SummitHotels.com for details.CORBISvolume thirteen Summit 21 7

check-inOur pick ofwhat’s hotaroundthe globe10 SUMMIT NEWS A wild addition to an African resort, plus global cuisine, offers, awards and renovated hotels16 Calendar Celebrations, festivals and shows abound over the next few months – here are 10 of the best18 Take five Enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating experience that a Summit Hotels & Resorts spa can offer21 Where in the world Give in to your taste buds with a visit to some exquisite food shops23 ONE DAY IN Experience the fascinating culture and grandeur of Beijing, home of the famous Forbidden CityHalloween lasts for awhole month in Salem,Massachusetts, where thetown celebrates with allmanner of scary festivitieskate fox/Destination Salemvolume Thirteen q Summit9

summit newsAn overview of the latest updates from Summit Hotels & ResortsGAME ONThere’s something undeniably endearing about giraffes,so the staff at Gondwana Game Reserve in Mossel Bay,South Africa, were understandably excited when a herdwas introduced to the reserve in May. After travelling ashort distance from the Eastern Cape to the awe-inspiringNauga Valley, the animals gracefully disembarked fromtheir truck and surveyed their new surroundings beforethe young bull led his female companions off into thedistance, against a backdrop of the Langeberg Mountains.The world’s tallest land mammal is just the latest animalto join the 11,000ha reserve, which is already hometo desert black rhino, eland, kudu, lion, Capemountain zebra and cheetah, among others.www.gondwanagr.co.za10volume thirteenSummit

check-ininbriefTour de forcePeppermill Resort Spa Casino, a privatelyowned AAA Four Diamond resort in Reno,Nevada, has created a stunning new virtualtour that’s almost as good as the real thing.Photography and video footage shot by thein-house team has been combined withcutting-edge IT techniques to create theeSite Inspection, which is already winningover the group travel and meeting sector.www.peppermillreno.comRooms at the topChinggis Khaan Hotel (pictured below)in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, is proud tolaunch its new club floors, furnished inan elegant, classical style, on the eighthand ninth floors of the hotel. Guests canalso now book a Family Weekend Package,including family movie (with pizza),karaoke fun and sessions in the swimmingpool and sauna, as well as accommodationand meals. www.chinggis-hotel.comGet more from your trip away, with packages and offersThai lifeA 25th anniversary is always acause for celebration, which iswhy The Tongsai Bay (picturedtop) in Thailand is markingits silver jubilee with a specialoffer. The hotel, which openedits doors on the beautiful islandof Ko Samui on 9 July 1987, hasintroduced a 25th AnniversaryPackage. Valid until 20 December2012, and priced at THB25,000(US$793), it includes two nights’accommodation in a spectacularseafront cottage, a complimentarybottle of Chandon Rosé, a fourcoursedinner for two and othergoodies. www.tongsaibay.co.thPerfect packagesRecognised by Sunset magazineas one of the best hotels in theSan Francisco Bay Area, HotelLos Gatos and Spa (picturedabove left and right) in Los Gatos,California, has introduced a fewnew packages that will make iteven more attractive to anyonewanting to explore this beautifulwine-growing region. For peoplewith pooches in tow, Pet Perks isperfect: open to dogs under 18kg,it includes complimentary dogtreats, a water bowl and comfydog bed. Golfers can enjoy a newGolf Package, which includes around at the exclusive Golf Clubat Boulder Ridge. And wineloverscan take advantage of thehotel’s partnership with nearbyTestarossa Winery to enjoy a Fridaytasting of the finest wines in theregion. www.hotellosgatos.comPower pointCedar Rapids in eastern Iowa just got alittle bit greener, thanks to The Hotel atKirkwood Center. In a first-of-its-kind forthe state, the hotel has installed a level-twoelectric vehicle charging station in one ofits parking stalls. ‘More of our guests arenow driving electric vehicles,’ says GeneralManager Lee Belfield, ‘and we want to makesure they have a full battery to get backhome after their stay with us.’ The facilityis also open to non-guests, who can rent thestall to power-up their vehicles.www.thehotelatkirkwood.comvolume thirteen Summit 11

Renovations andexpansionsZone outIt’s only seven years since the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Jupiter, Florida,underwent major renovations, with all its rooms being refurbished and a new spaintroduced. But that hasn’t stopped it undertaking even more improvements. This yearhas seen a US$750,000 makeover to the resort’s pool and lounge area, with layerednatural stonework, new furnishings and LED lighting creating a sleek, streamlined look.Add the Jacuzzi, hammocks and newly introduced firepit on the dune overlooking theocean, and you have the perfect place to chill out.www.jupiterbeachresort.comFive starFor the first time in its 102-yearhistory, the Palace Hotel inCopenhagen, Denmark, has revealedits hitherto-closed fifth floor to theworld. After thorough renovations,this ‘secret’ floor now has eight newrooms (all luxuriously kitted out),and is designed to offer the ultimatein flexibility. Guests can rent a singleroom or the entire floor, the latteroption making it the perfect choice fordelegations and VIPs, who can bringtheir own cook, host private dinnerparties, hold meetings in the suites –or just enjoy the view over the Danishcapital from the rooftop terrace.www.palacehotelcopenhagen.comTeetimePlanning a golfing holidayin Italy? Then check outHotel Plaza Opéra inPalermo, Sicily. The four-stardesign hotel has recently joinedforces with Villa Ajroldi GolfClub to give guests an unforgettablegolfing experience. The course’s nineholes are located in an 18th-century park,surrounded by ancient fountains andmonuments. Other facilities include adriving range with 22 covered bays (floodlitfor evening play), putting green, pitchinggreen, chipping green, PGA-qualified coach,swimming pool and clubhouse – not tomention a lively social scene. Thanks to thenew agreement, guests can book and paytheir green fee from the hotel’s websiteand front desk, and receive complimentarygolf club bag hire. I Prefer guests will alsoenjoy a 10% discount on the green fee.www.hotelplazaopera.comNew SeasonsAs well as boasting its own elegant restaurant,Flavours, The Devon Valley Hotel, in SouthAfrica’s Stellenbosch winelands, also managesSeasons restaurant at the House of JC le Roux,famous for its sparkling wines. Seasons iscurrently undergoing a transformation, addingnew features such as built-in barbecue stations– perfect for al fresco dining on balmy days.www.devonvalleyhotel.comTouch of spiceErinvale Estate Hotel & Spa in South Africa ispaying tribute to its rich history with a brand-new lookfor its Magnolia Restaurant. It will also be renamedSeventeen07, to mark the founding of the originalhomestead in 1707. The buffet-style restaurant is notonly having a stylish makeover of its décor, but alsospicing up the menu. In a nod back to the days when theCape was a key stopover point on the old spice route,the new menu will see dishes from the Far East sittingalongside African classics such as Moroccan tagines andSouth African bobotie. www.erinvale.co.za12volume thirteen q Summit

check-inMix it upWeekends start in style at the WaikikiParc Hotel in Honolulu, Oahu, thanksto the Friday wine mixer, where HotelManager Julie Arigo treats guests to acollection of wines and canapés. There issome extra fun for the holiday season, withthemed events, including a Fall Seasonmixer (16 November) and a Christmasthemedchampagne and mistletoe mixer(21 December). For Halloween, the eventswaps to a Wednesday (31 October), withthe results of a pumpkin-carving conteston display. www.waikikiparc.comSeventh heavenInternational cuisineDiscover some of the fabulous foods atSummit Hotels & Resorts properties worldwideClaws for celebrationFollowing on from the success of its Fridaynight Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet,Saturday night Asian Buffet and Sundaybrunch, Makena Beach & Golf Resort onMaui, Hawaii, has introduced a Lobster Feston Tuesdays and Thursdays. For US$39.95per person, diners will enjoy a three-coursedinner, with a surf-and-turf-inspired mainVisitors to the Japanese capital willfind a new addition to the diningscene, with the opening of Yamanami,a teppanyaki restaurant in the KeioPlaza Hotel Tokyo. Diners can watch thedishes being prepared as the chefs grillprized meat and seafood on the teppan,or iron griddle. Set on the seventh floor,the restaurant has city views and faces aroof garden. Guests can also enjoy theirmeal in private compartments.www.keioplaza.comdish featuring afour-ounce Konalobster tail andtender petite filet mignon. Plus, thePool Bar & Grill is now serving upperfect pizzas, thanks to a kiawewood-burning oven in its recentlycompleted outdoor kitchen.www.makenaresortmaui.comTakeaway tasteTake home a bottle ofSupreme Truffles XOSauce, created by WongKam Ki, Head Chef ofKwan Cheuk Heen, theChinese restaurant at theHarbour Grand HongKong. This condimentis a refinement of thetraditional XO Sauce(a Cantonese staple) andincludes conpoy (driedscallops), black trufflesand white truffle oil.www.harbourgrand.comawardsnewsTravellers’ choiceSummit Hotels & Resorts always make a goodshowing in the TripAdvisor awards, and this yearwas no exception. Hotel Blackhawk, in Davenport,Iowa, Palace Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, andLas Brisas Huatulco, in Bahías de Huatulco, Mexico,were all declared winners of the 2012 TripAdvisorCertificate of Excellence Award. This prestigiousaward honours hospitality excellence and is givenonly to establishments that consistently achieveoutstanding traveller reviews on the site (theworld’s largest travel site). To qualify, businessesmust maintain an overall rating of at least four outof a possible five. ‘Only 10% approximately of allthe hotels listed on TripAdvisor receive this award,’said Christine Petersen, President of TripAdvisor forBusiness. ‘In our opinion, being recognised with 4.0by the TripAdvisor community is something to bevery proud of.’ www.hotelblackhawk.comwww.palacehotelcopenhagen.comwww.brisashotelonline.comFlying highBeing declared the world’sbest airport hotel and thebest airport hotel in Asiais fantastic – but beingawarded both titles for thesecond year running is evenbetter. So it’s congratulationsall round for the Regal AirportHotel Meeting & Conference Centerin Hong Kong, which retained both titles in the2012 Skytrax World Airport Awards, one of the mosthighly recognised and reputable awards in theindustry. More than 927,000 airport hotel guests,drawn from 87 different nationalities, participatedin the survey, nominating their favourite airporthotels based on 16 key criteria, including comfortand cleanliness of rooms, and hotel staff servicequality. www.regalhotel.comGreen starLancaster London takes its corporate socialresponsibility very seriously: as well as installinga honey bee colony (see page 19), it’s had a ‘green’refurbishment of its banqueting spaces andcommercial kitchens, and achieved 0% landfillwaste. It’s no surprise, then, that it won Hotelof the Year 2012 at the Considerate HoteliersAssociation Awards, and Director of ProcurementClare Wright was declared Considerate GreenChampion of the Year 2012.www.lancasterlondon.comvolume thirteen q Summit 13

north by northwest$100 flight creditany flight. any destination. any time.The Allison Inn & SpaNewberg, OregonBrasada RanchPowell Butte, OregonThe Heathman HotelPortland, OregonThe Heathman Hotel KirklandKirkland, WashingtonHotel 1000Seattle, WashingtonHotel BellwetherBellingham, WashingtonHotel Captain CookAnchorage, AlaskaHotel Grand PacificVictoria, British ColumbiaThe Hotel at Terminal City ClubVancouver, British ColumbiaMetropolitan Hotel VancouverVancouver, British ColumbiaThe River Rock Casino ResortRichmond, British ColumbiaWillows LodgeSeattle/Woodinville, Washingtonget a $100 flight creditplus complimentary daily breakfast for twofrom the best within the northwestTulalip Resort CasinoSeattle/Tulalip, WashingtonBook the North by Northwest offer from Preferred Hotel Group. It’s the insider’s way to experience thePacific Northwest. Along with your luxury accommodations at the region’s finest hotels, you receivecomplimentary daily breakfast for two and a $100 flight credit for your next trip – anywhere, anytime.Choose your adventure today at PreferredHotelGroup.com/Northwest or contact your travel agent.© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group

check-inNaturalhighHealthy living meets blissful indulgence in the latest addition toElevation Hotel & Spa in Crested Butte, Colorado. The brandnewspa and fitness oasis, just steps from the mountain, has ninetreatment rooms, along with cardiovascular machines, strengthtrainingequipment, pool, hot tub and sauna. You can lie back andrelax with your favourite massage (there’s everything from Swedishand sports to altitude adjustment and prenatal to choose from),pamper yourself with a range of nurturing facials, or indulge in a bodytreatment such as a detoxifying thermal seaweed wrap or a red winehydrating body soufflé. And the extra good news is that all productsand practices are chosen with environmental wellbeing in mind.www.skicb.com, www.elevationspa.comSpa eastI SPA, a leading operator of Thai-inspired spas in China, is now bringing its expertise toThailand with the opening of a new spa at The Landmark Bangkok. Set on the ninthfloor of the hotel, the spa features Thai-inspired architecture and design, and has 10treatment rooms and four foot-therapy rooms, where guests will be pampered witha range of ancient health and beauty therapies from China, India, Indonesia, Japanand Thailand. www.landmarkbangkok.comNorth by NorthwestThere’s a serene beauty to thePacific Northwest, with itslush forests, rugged coast andpanoramic views – and now’sthe time to enjoy it, thanks toour North by Northwest FlightCredit Promotion. For everystay booked at one of the 12participating luxury hotels andresorts, you’ll receive a freedaily breakfast for two and aUS$100 flight credit for a futuretrip. To find out more, and forterms and conditions, visitwww.preferredhotelgroup.com/northwestJoin today…Whatever kind of holiday you have in mind,and whatever time of year you’re planningto travel, membership of I Prefer,Preferred Hotel Group’s guest benefitprogramme, will allow you to take advantageof exclusive member discounts and benefitsall over the globe. From festive holiday offers(www.IPrefer.com/Holiday) to romanticValentine’s Day retreats (www.IPrefer.com/Romance), you’ll always find theperfect place to celebrate. So if you’renot already a member, now wouldbe the perfect time to sign up.Join today and with every stay ata participating property, you couldsoon be enjoying rewards such ascomplimentary internet, room upgradesand more. Enrol at www.IPrefer.com/XLMvolume thirteen q Summit 15

10 things to do this seasonAspen, Colorado, is the setting for Wintersköl – an annual four-day festival that includes ski races, a torchlight descent, a snow sculpting contest and a canine fashion showheather rousseau, alamy, jared charney/Destination Salem1. Haunted Happenings: Salem, Massachusetts, USA; October. Notcontent with limiting itself to just one night of trick or treating, the town ofSalem turns the whole of October into a month-long Halloween celebration.There’s a grand parade to kick things off, a fireworks display to finish and, inbetween, everything from pumpkin displays and costume parties to ghosttours and ‘fright nights’. www.hauntedhappenings.org2. Cartier: Madrid, Spain; 24 October TO 17 February 2013. For morethan a century, French jeweller Cartier has created beautiful pieces for royaltyand celebrities around the world. This collection of nearly 400 items, on displayat the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, includes tiaras from the early 20th century,Art Deco jewels and one-off commissions for the likes of Wallis Simpson, GraceKelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel. www.museothyssen.org3. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Toronto, Canada;2-11 November. The largest event of its kind, this celebration of all thingsagricultural has been drawing thousands of visitors since it was first held in1922. Expect horse shows, dog shows, giant vegetable displays and (a crowdfavourite) the Butter Sculpture Championships, when young artists workingin chilled containers create masterpieces from 25kg blocks of butter.www.royalfair.org4. Lord Mayor’s Show: London, UK; 10 November. Tradition decreesthat every year the Mayor of London travels from the City of London toWestminster to pledge loyalty to the Crown. Over the past eight centuries,that journey has turned into a huge public festival, with 6,000 participantstaking part in a three-mile-long procession, complete with marching bands,dancers and military displays, and the day ends with a fireworks display overthe Thames. www.lordmayorshow.org5. Diwali: Nationwide, India; 13 November. The Hindu festival oflights traditionally celebrates the return of Rama after a 14-year exile, andthe victory of light over dark. Doorsteps are decorated with chalk andsand symbols of welcome, lamps and candles are lit in tribute to Lakshmi,goddess of wealth, and streets everywhere fill with the sound of firecrackers.www.diwali2012.in16 volume thirteen q Summit

Take five…Hotel spasOne of the best ways to unwind is by indulging in a spot of pampering, and a hotel spa is theperfect place for it. Here are five fabulous spas in Summit Hotels & Resorts around the worldPrana Spa at The Tongsai Bay, Ko Samui, ThailandTreating yourself to regular massages is one of the highlights of any holiday in Thailand,so it’s hardly surprising to find that Prana Spa specialises in massage treatments. Choosebetween Western and Thai techniques – either way you’ll feel the stresses and strains ofdaily life gently slipping away with every stroke. Another special feature of this peacefulspot, hidden away among tropical trees above a private bay on Ko Samui, is the way itincorporates local ingredients wherever possible. The Samui Dream treatment, for example,combines an aromatherapy massage and facial with a body mask of coconut oil and localherbs to help repair sunburned skin – bliss for those who’ve overdone it in the tropical sun.12T Spa at Tulalip Resort Casino &Spa, near Seattle, Washington, USATranquillity, serenity and a sense ofharmony – that’s the promise at the1,300 sq m T Spa. Reverence for nature isreflected in the native-inspired rituals andtherapies on the spa menu: Mission BeachHot Stone Massage uses hot river rocks withjuniper and sage oils to melt away achesand pains, while Re-balance, a warm bodywrap designed to improve circulation andeliminate toxins, incorporates true oceanbath marine crystals. For the ultimate inpampering, book a Canoe Puller – in oneheady five-hour package it combines are-energising ritual, mud bath, deep tissuemassage, vitamin infusion facial, nativestone ritual for feet, and lunch.Makena Kai Day Spa at MakenaBeach & Golf Resort, Maui,Hawaii, USAAs well as offering traditional treatmentrooms, Makena Kai Day Spa on Maui alsohas thatched-roof, open-air cabanas righton the beach, so you can enjoy a massagejust steps away from the soothing soundand scent of the ocean waves. A specialityof the spa is unique island-inspiredtreatments, such as the Hawaiian LomiLomi Massage, with its blend of long, glidingstrokes and gentle rhythmic motions. Andfor active types taking advantage of Maui’smany outdoor activities, a Sports Massage isthe one to go for: the therapist will tailor thetreatment to target different muscle groups,depending on whether you’ve been golfing,running, hiking, playing tennis or surfing.318volume thirteen q Summit

check-in4Wellness centre at Hotel Francia& Quirinale, Montecatini Terme,Tuscany, ItalyThe cultural riches of Florence, Lucca andPisa are all within easy day-tripping reachof Montecatini Terme – but the really bigdraw of this Tuscan resort is its mineral-richthermal springs. Their fame dates back toRoman times and they’re reputed to possesshealing powers that can help with a rangeof health problems. Hotel Francia &Quirinale, just a short stroll from the town’sbaths, makes the perfect base for taking thewaters, after which you can retreat to thehotel’s own wellness centre, where theservices on offer range from hot stonemassages to Ayurvedic treatments.travelling in styleaccessoriesP3 headphonesBowers & Wilkins – These new headphonesare the ideal travel companion for anyonewho demands great sound on the go. Theirfoldable design makes them compactenough to carry easily, and the memoryfoam cushion and ultra-light acousticfabric on the ear pad mean they deliver onthe comfort front, too. Available in blackor white, they also come with a choice ofcable leads, making them compatible withiPhones®, all other mobile phones and MP3players. www.bowers-wilkins.comQuinton Leather SatchelTusting – Tusting takes the finest leathers andconverts them into desirable items, designedto endure. Made from basket-weave-printcalf leather and trimmed with strong darktan bridle for contrast and strength, thisdistinctive satchel ispetite enoughto be smart,but roomyenough totake an A4pad or glossymagazines.www.tusting.co.ukMaya Spa at The Zuri White SandsGoa Resort & Casino, Goa, IndiaThe ancient holistic discipline of Ayurveda,designed to heal body, mind and soul, ismuch in evidence at Maya Spa, where themenu offers more than 50 health and beautytreatments. Signature therapies includeMukhalepam, a traditional Ayurvedic herbalfacial that cleanses, hydrates and refreshesthe skin, and Maya Cure, in which hotbundles of herbs and a combination ofmassage techniques relieve tense muscles.All treatments start with a traditionalwelcoming foot ritual, and afterwards youcan relax in the steam room, sauna orJacuzzi, or head straight for the beautyparlour, where the services range fromeyebrow threading and leg waxing to hairironing and saree draping.5Eye maskHolistic Silk – Put some style into yourin-flight snoozing, with one of the newseason’s eye masks from Holistic Silk. Theycome in a range of patterns, including funkyanimal prints and bright tropical flowerdesigns, all made from the finest, softestcotton and velvet and filled with lavenderto soothe the spirits and scent the air.Adjusting the ties for perfect comfort willtotally block out the cabin lights and allowyou to drift off to sleep until it’s time to land.www.holisticsilk.comLOCAL FLAVOURHive talkingJo Hemesley, Corporate Senior SalesManager at Lancaster London, talks aboutthe buzz she gets from being a memberof the hotel’s beekeeping teamWe’ve had bees on the roof of LancasterLondon for three years now. We’d allheard about bee populations being underthreat, and thought that introducing somerooftop hives could have a positive effecton our environment.There are 10 hives, each containing around50,000 bees. The bees can fly for up toabout three miles from home, but the hotelis right on the doorstep of Hyde Park, sothat’s where they feed mostly. They forageon whatever nectar is available, whichchanges throughout the year, but a lot ofit comes from the pollen of the lime treesin the park.On average, each colony produces around14kg of honey each summer. It’s a lovelyhoney, very pale, clear and runny, with a realcitrusy zing to it. We don’t sell it, but we givejars as gifts to some of our clients and usethe rest in our restaurants. The porridge onthe breakfast menu in Island Grill is servedwith honey from the hotel hives.There are four of us in the beekeepingteam, and we all do it in addition to ourother roles in the hotel. As well as myself,there’s Darren Marshall (Island Head Chef),Jeff Tonks (Engineer) and Jo Cope (EventsSales Associate). The hives need to beinspected once a week and we take it inturns. Quite a lot of the guestrooms lookout over the bees and it’s funny to see thesurprise on people’s faces if they see usthere in our white boiler suits and veils!You’d be surprised how many rooftophives there are in London.They’re on top of Fortnum& Mason on Piccadilly,Ted Baker’s head officein Camden, the NationalMagazine Company inSoho, the Royal FestivalHall, Mishcon de Reyain the City and plentyof other places.Everyone in the hotel is reallyenthusiastic about the bees.We have a staff football team, whoseplayers wear a black-and-yellow stripedkit and are called the Lancaster Bees.And last year we organised the first-everLondon Honey Show in the hotel, invitinglocal beekeepers to enter their honeysin various competition categories. It wasa great success, so we’re repeating it againthis year (8 October 2012), but scaling itup to attract even more beekeepersand visitors.volume thirteen q Summit 19

check-inwhere in the worldFood shopsFor gourmet travellers, visiting a city’s delicatessens, groceries and speciality stores is at leastas important as ticking off its must-see monuments and museums. So loosen the waistbandand treat your taste buds to a tour of foodie hot spotsRuss & Daughters, New YorkNow run by the fourth generation ofthe Russ family, this Lower East Sideinstitution (a favourite of AnthonyBourdain) stocks all sorts of EasternEuropean delicacies, but is particularlyfamed for its smoked salmon, thedifferent varieties all beautifullydisplayed and labelled behind theglass counters. For a quintessentialNew York snack, choose your fish andwatch the assistant expertly slice itpaper thin before piling it onto a freshbagel with a generous dollop ofwhipped cream cheese.www.russanddaughters.comPierre Hermé, ParisThere’s always a queue outside PierreHermé’s tiny shop on rue Bonaparte inthe 6th arrondissement – and once youmake it inside you can understand why.Dubbed the ‘Picasso of Pastry’ by FrenchVogue, Hermé creates the most exquisitecakes and chocolates, and is famousfor his macaroons, devising innovativeflavour combinations and creatingspecial collections that change withthe season. www.pierreherme.comJamonisimo, BarcelonaSo far from the main tourist sights thatyou’d never wander past it by accident,Jamonisimo is worth a major detour foranyone who wants to try the best ofSpain’s famous jamón ibérico. It stocks onlythe highest-quality ham from free-range,acorn-fed animals reared by small-scaleproducers in Salamanca, Extremaduraand Andalucia, and counts big-name chefs,such as Alain Ducasse, Charlie Trotter andJoël Robuchon, among its customers.www.jamonisimo.comTakashimaya Times Square, TokyoNot a place to go if you’re on a diet, thisvast subterranean food hall is filled withgastronomic goodies from around the globe.It’s a hugely popular spot with Tokyo locals,who come to pick up anything from Frenchpatisserie and German cold cuts to Chineseteas and Japanese noodles, and thanksto their love of new trends, there’s alwayssomething different, with an ever-changingroster of concessions.www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjukuLa Fromagerie, LondonJamie Oliver is a fan of this specialitycheese shop, which has one branch inMarylebone and another in Highbury.Both source directly from artisanproducers, then mature the cheeses intheir own maturing rooms until they’re attheir peak. Sample the wares by orderingone of the cheeseboards (with drinkrecommendations to match) in the TastingCafé, or ask the knowledgeable staff foradvice on which are the best buys totake home. www.lafromagerie.co.ukPeck, MilanThis gourmet institution in the heart ofMilan is a must-visit on any foodie tourof Italy. Huge cuts of meat and wheels ofParmesan in the windows set the tone;step inside and you’ll find a treasuretrove of cured meats and Italian cheeses,trays of fresh pasta in every shape andsize, and shelves of olive oils, vinegarsand conserves. And whatever you buy,it will be handed to you beautifullypackaged with a gold ribbon flourish.www.peck.itLeft to right: Macaroons are a speciality at Pierre Hermé, Paris; La Fromagerie has two specialist cheese shops in London; the finest Italian cuisine is sold in Peck, Milanvolume tHIRTEEN q Summit 21

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One day in...Beijingcheck-inFIRST THINGHead to the Temple of Heaven park veryearly in the morning to watch Beijingerspractising t’ai chi, enjoying ballroomdancing or greeting the new day witha spot of violin playing or opera singing.whc.unesco.orgBRUNCHDaniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud is the placefor a weekend brunch, with everythingfrom eggs Benedict and homemade pastato seafood platters and award-winningburgers. www.danielnyc.comVISITTop of everybody’s must-visit list, the vast15th-century complex of the ForbiddenCity lives up to the hype. Make sure tohire a guide – they’ll point out all thelittle details you’d otherwise miss, suchas the mosaic path designed to massagethe emperor’s feet. www.dpm.org.cnCULTURE FIXWitness Beijing’s buzzing contemporaryarts scene at 798 Art Zone, a vast formermunitions factory in the northeast of thecity, now filled with artists’ galleries andstudios, along with little cafés, boutiquesand bars. www.798district.comLUNCHOnce reserved for the emperor and hiscourt, Peking duck – slices of crispyskinned duck served with spring onions,pancakes and a sweet, sticky sauce – isnow eagerly devoured by all. One of thebest places to try it is Da Dong RoastDuck Restaurant (22 Dongsishitiao).BRUNCH:Maison BouludBAR SCENE:Club Suzie WongTAKE A STROLLHead north of the Forbidden City toexplore the hutongs, traditional old alleyslined with single-storey courtyard houses.BAR SCENETrendy young Beijingers flock to hiphutong bar Bed (17 Zhangwang Hutong)or party at Club Suzie Wong, with itsopium den-style décor and laid-backrooftop bar. www.clubsuziewong.comDINNERThe very chic Capital M serves up modernEuropean/Middle Eastern food in a greatlocation just south of Tiananmen Square.www.m-restaurantgroup.comFIRST THING:Temple of HeavenTAKE A STROLL:Traditional courtyardDINNER:Capital Mmelissa HomSHOPMore characterful than the manyWestern-style shopping mallsis the weekend market ofPanjiayuan. It’s filled withthousands of stalls sellingeverything from kitschCommunist ceramics andfreshwater pearl braceletsto scroll paintings andwooden Buddha statues.SNACKFeeling adventurous? At DonghuamenNight Market you can crunch on roastedcrickets and fried scorpions or nibble ona skewer of grilled beetles or centipedes.STAYConveniently close to the 798 Art Zone,the brand-new EAST, Beijing is designedto create a relaxed haven for businesstravellers. www.SummitHotels.comVISIT:The Forbidden Cityvolume thirteen Summit 23

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travellers’ talesPanamamagicWidely tipped as travel’s next big thing, this tinyCentral American country casts a spell on visitorswith its rich diversity of landscapes, cultures andwildlife. From dark volcanic peaks to clear Caribbeanseas, remote rainforest to cosmopolitan capital,Richard Arghiris explores the appeal of Panamavolume thirteenSummit25

alamy, getty images, MAP: ROBERT LITTLEFORDHead to the summit of Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest peak,and on an exceptionally clear day you can glimpse theCaribbean Sea in one direction, the Pacific Ocean in theother, and breathe in one of the most expansive vistas anywhere.This is a land of many frontiers, where you can travel from thefrenetic urban boulevards of the capital to the pristine wilds of therainforest in under an hour; hike mountains in the morning andrecline on beaches in the afternoon.After living and travelling here for more than two years, I’veconcluded that this is the key to the country’s special appeal – itsstaggering diversity; its wealth of natural and cultural landscapes,all squeezed into a tiny, sinuous landmass. It continues to surpriseme with every journey I make.The capital, Panama City, has lately become a thriving symbol ofsuccess – a formidable economic engine driving rapid developmentacross the country. Boom times have brought scores of glitzynightclubs, boutique shopping malls and fine internationalrestaurants to the city, and the newly affluent, immaculatelygroomed and wearing fine designer clothes, make no apologiesfor their displays of wealth.Rising from the bay of Panama on an ambitious vertical trajectory,its Miami-style Area Bancaria (banking district) has evolved into aburgeoning hub of transnational enterprise, complete with gleamingskyscrapers and luxury high-rise apartment buildings. For strikingviews of the emergent skyline, take a stroll along the palm-fringedwalkways of the new Cinta Costera (coastal belt), a favourite ofstrollers, joggers, cyclists and inline skaters – after dark is best,when cool breezes roll in off the Pacific and the entire district isfiercely illuminated against the evening sky.Across the bay, Panama City’s historic quarter, Casco Viejo, isundergoing major transformations, too. For decades, many of itsfinest buildings were severely neglected and in shameful states ofdisrepair, but today, thanks to intensive restoration efforts, it israpidly gentrifying. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997,Casco boasts an intriguing blend of immaculately restored mansionsand visually compelling ruins. It’s a great district for idle strolling,its cobblestone alleys and plazas lined with an array of architecturalstyles from Baroque to Art Deco, neoclassical to French and Spanishcolonial. Don’t miss the Teatro Nacional with its operatic interiorand spiritually charged frescoes; the sumptuous Presidential Palace,home to snow-white herons that wander between fountains andcourtyards; or the Paseo de las Bóvedas, an old defensive sea wallwith bright ocean views and blazing swathes of bougainvillea.Bridging the gapDusk is an especially evocative time in Casco, when amberstreet lamps cast mellow tones over the ancient stonework, plazascome alive with thronging restaurants and bars, and the soundsof live salsa and jazz pull in the crowds at popular haunts such asHabana Panamá (a swinging glimpse of old Cuba) and Platea Bar.Panama City owes its cosmopolitan flavour – and its eclecticmusical output – to its unique geographic position between twovast continents and two equally vast oceans. When the pioneeringSpanish conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa became the firstEuropean to take a short cut across the isthmus, Panama’s fateas international crossroads was sealed. Today, 500 years of globalinterchange has left Panama with a diverse ethnic tapestry:European, North American, African, Chinese, Middle Eastern,Asian and indigenous bloodlines are all represented. For anPrevious page: Views of the Anton Valley, Colon. Above: A cyclist rides past PatillaPoint and Balboa Avenue at rush hour in Panama City. Opposite: Kuna lady intraditional dress on Playon Chico, San Blas Islands26 volume thirteen Summit

The most enduring symbol of Panama’sinternationalism is the Panama Canal. Mostlocals will insist you visit it, with good reasontravellers’ talesamateur street photographer, the chaotic hustling of differentcultures – best observed in the gritty working-class neighbourhoodsof Santa Ana and Calidonia – is a fascinating spectacle.But the most enduring symbol of Panama’s internationalism isthe Panama Canal, constructed by the United States in a singularact of bravado. Most locals will insist you visit it, with good reason.Standing at its locks, watching the giant ocean-going vessels riseand fall, few travellers fail to be impressed by the sheer scale ofits operations. For a really intimate encounter with this marvel ofengineering, you can jump on one of the regular boat trips from thecapital. Alternatively, the Panama Canal Railroad runs parallel tothe canal and supplies exciting views of the locks, passing cargoships and the vast freshwater sea of Lake Gatún. One of my favouritetrain journeys, it takes you rushing past walls of tangled junglefoliage, crossing from the Pacific to the Caribbean in just one hour.Escape to the countryPanama’s social diversity is matched by its natural diversity. As a vitalland bridge, it represents the range limit for scores of species fromboth American continents, and is one of the most biologically diverseplaces on the planet. Encountering its exotic flora and fauna is aseasy as heading a short distance out of the capital: the ParqueNacional Soberanía is less than 40 minutes away and boasts worldclassbirding trails. I’ve spotted toucans, hummingbirds, hawks,vultures, falcons, woodpeckers, cuckoos, tanagers and trogons –not to mention scampering monkeys, sloths, agoutis and coatis –all in a single visit. Go at dawn to be immersed in a lively orchestralperformance of whistling, tweeting and chirping bird songs, allbursting from the branches as the sun’s first rays wake the rainforest.Panama may be an international crossroads, but it boasts a strongsense of its own identity, too. Heading west of the capital on theInter-America Highway takes you deep into the country’s interior,skirting diminutive farming communities and slow-paced cowboytowns that are a world away from the power-charged frenzy ofthe city. The so-called central provinces are the geographic andspiritual centre of the nation, the cradle of folklore and traditions,OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN PANAMATrees and trails – True adventurershead to the virgin wilderness of Dariénprovince, but for the less intrepid,there’s a corridor of easy-to-reachprotected rainforests skirting the canaljust outside Panama City, where youcan hike old trans-isthmian gold trailsand discover world-class birdwatching.Sea life – There are plentiful divingand snorkelling sites off both coasts,many of them undiscovered. The watersaround Isla Coiba are the haunt of largesea animals such as sharks and whales,while Bocas del Toro has calm, shelteredreefs that are good for beginners.Surf’s up – The rambling and ruggedPacific coast has fair surf at mostbeaches, but for outstanding actionyou should head to Santa Catalinaand the friendly town of Pedasí.Going fishing – Panama means‘abundance of fish’ and freshwaterangling is possible in many of thecountry’s 480 rivers. Prize marlin, tuna,dorado and other big game fish canbe snagged off the Pacific shore.River thrills – Chiriquí province is a landof rugged mountains and white-waterrapids, promising some of the mostexciting rafting in Central America.a conservative heartland where many Panamanian presidents havebeen born. Cigars, sugar and seco – a feisty tipple made fromdistilled sugar cane juice – are all produced here.The local culture, grounded in the rhythms of agriculture,is known simply as típico. It’s at its purist form in the AzueroPeninsula, a land of lost-in-time colonial villages, tiny white-washedchurches and terminally sleepy plazas. Come fiesta time, the regionexplodes with fireworks, pageantry and troupes of spirited dancers,including Panama’s most beautiful women, all adorned in stunningpolleras – the flowing and intricately embroidered national dressof Panama.Whenever I’m in need of rest and relaxation, I head to Chiriquí –a friendly, laid-back and staunchly independent province oframbling green valleys and flower-festooned villages, aromaticcoffee fincas and cheery highland homesteads. Where the landscapevolume thirteenSummit27

Travel with Pride.Preferred Hotel Grouppresents a global collectionof independent hotels andresorts that understand yourunique travel needs.Book today and receive select rates and VIP amenities.Members of the Preferred Pridecollection are active supportersof the LGBT community andcertified by ILGTA and TAG.When you book a stay at aPreferred Pride hotel or resortin destinations includingParis, Los Angeles, Mexico,New York, Peru, Milan,and London, you receive VIPbenefits and amenities tailoredto your distinctive tastes.Book with confidence.At Preferred Pride hotelsand resorts, you receivethe individual attentionthat makes travel exceptional.Visit PreferredPride.com/smto view the complete collectionand special offers, or callyour travel professional.Preferred Hotel Group is proudto be a member of IGLTA.© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group

travellers’ talesrises into the rugged Talamanca mountain range, you enter aworld of daunting volcanic peaks, white-water rivers, enchantedwaterfalls, abundant rainbows and primeval cloud forests, allswathed in cooling mists, mosses, lichens and fiery bromeliads.This is the land of the rare resplendent quetzal, an elusive birdwhose long, green tail feathers trail like the sweeping gown of someroyal dignitary. Spotting one is a high point in any birdwatcher’scareer and even non-birders find themselves caught up in thesearch, determinedly scanning the trees in the hope of even afleeting glimpse. Breeding season, March to June, is the best timeto look – if you’re lucky, you might behold entire flocks flutteringin the branches.Most travellers to Chiriquí end up in the mountain town ofBoquete, the jumping-off point for many outdoor excursions, butnearby, the hot springs of Caldera should not be missed. Surroundedby verdant vegetation and rustic walls of volcanic stone, the pipinghot pools of mineral-rich spring water are the perfect relief fortravel-weary bones. When you need to cool off, simply amble downto the refreshing waters of the River Caldera.Bocas boasts historic contact withexplorers and swashbucklers, too,including Christopher Columbus,who scoured the pristine atolls ofthe Bocas del Toro archipelago onhis fourth and final voyage in 1502.Today, that archipelago – eightmajor islands, 52 cays and some200 tiny islets – is a major draw fortravellers, its setting so verdant andecologically rich that naturalistshave compared it with the GalapagosIslands of Ecuador.Hiking in the enclosure of theisland rainforests, you encountergreat canopies teeming with vines,creepers and orchids, blue morphobutterflies as big as birds, gentlesloths and vociferous howlermonkeys. Search the foliage nearthe dampened forest floor and you’llspot tiny neon-coloured poison dartfrogs – a dazzling red, gold, electricblue or green – no bigger than athumbnail and a different hue forevery island. Offshore, the swirlChildren in a café in Colon of multicoloured tropical fish andkaleidoscopic coral reefs can leaveyou high and heady for days.The most densely populated of the islands is Isla Colón (ColumbusIsland), and its main town, known simply as Bocas, is a jaunty hub ofcommerce and hedonism, filled with colourful clapboard houses andequally colourful characters. Crowded along the water’s edge arebars and restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood seasonedwith coconut, soak up some lilting Calypso rhythms,drink rum and watch the easy comings and goings of island life.It’s easy to zip between islands and just 10 minutes away, IslaBastimentos is so laid-back it almost slumps into the water. Itsterminally idle population seems to consist of wily raconteursengaged in life’s finer pursuits – drinking, smoking and dominoes.This is the place to sling a hammock, lie back and laze away thehours – a pursuit I’d heartily recommend.WHERE TO STAYFor further information and reservations, please visit www.SummitHotels.comIsland lifeFor adventure, I like to visit Panama’s ‘other side’ – specifically, thesecluded Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro, divided from theoutside world by mountains, sea and impenetrable rainforests.Paved road connections only arrived here in 1997 and it remainsa remote and poorly developed region, sparsely inhabited andimmersed in exuberant jungle foliage.Typically Caribbean, Bocas plays host to an eclectic mix ofcultures. The Ngäbe, Naso and Bribri are all indigenous to the area,but the region’s African descendants are the great-grandchildrenof workers enticed from Barbados and Jamaica in the early 20thcentury. They continue to speak a unique form of honeyed CreoleEnglish known as Guari Guari.El PanamA HotelThis is one of Panama City’s mostelegant landmark hotels, boastingfive-star service, luxury rooms and allmodern amenities, including a pool,spa and restaurant. It’s located at theheart of the action, with the thrivingrestaurant scene of Vía Argentinawithin easy walking distance.Playa Tortuga Hotel& Beach ResortA popular place to stay, overlookingthe Caribbean Sea. Situated in asecluded enclave on Isla Colón, theresort delivers friendly, professionalservice and a wealth of convenientamenities, including boattransportation to other islands.volume thirteenSummit29

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Brittany; pinkish-grey Kala Namak from India; and Hawaiian saltstinted red (using volcanic clay) or black (charcoal). Like wine, salt isaffected by terroir.There are exotic salts flavoured with seaweed, lemon, vanilla,lavender, mixed spices, saffron, bamboo, coconut and lime; homelysalts smoked over alderwood, oak or cherrywood; and an Italian saltdyed black with cuttlefish ink. One of the rarest is Oshima IslandBlue Label from Japan, at one time available ‘only to Japanesemembers of the exclusive Salt Road Club’, but now on sale at threespecialist stores in the US, costing $85 for a 340g jar.Order foie gras at the French Laundry andyou will be offered five types of salt: a fleur desel, two red clay salts, a rare sea salt from thePhilippines and a Jurassic salt from Montana,mined from a rock seam that may be 200million years old. Restaurants now haveselmeliers (waiters well versed in pairing saltwith food), a term coined by Mark Bitterman,whose exquisite boutiques, called TheMeadow, in New York and Portland, Oregon,sell the widest range of gourmet salts in theworld, including Oshima Island Blue Label (Corti Brothersin Sacramento, California, is the other stockist).The Virginia-based SaltInstitute estimates thatthere are 14,000 knownuses for salt, the latestbeing data storageA pinch of saltThe culinary uses of salt are changing, too. Black lava salt fromHawaii is perfect ‘sprinkled on a mango salad’, according to oneBritish supplier (www.gourmetsalt.co.uk), while apricot-colouredsalt from the Murray river, Australia, works well with ‘fresh summerfruits and moist cheeses’. Research has shown that salt doesn’t justmake things saltier, but brings out the flavour of foods (savoury orsweet), while masking unwanted bitterness. Salt with chocolate isa winning combination, as President Obama knows. His favouritechocolates, given to guests at the White House, are topped withwhite flakes of Halen Môn sea salt from Anglesey in Wales.Five years ago, an eons-old technique – salt-baking – becamethe foodie fad of the moment, revived by the likes of Jamie Oliverin London and Michael Cimarusti at the two-Michelin-starredProvidence in Los Angeles. After a traditional Italian wedding, itis customary to bring to the table a whole fish encased in a bakedsalt crust, which the bride and groom then tap with wooden malletsbefore sweeping the salt aside. Inside its capsule, the fish retainsits moisture and flavour and, oddly, tastes sweet rather than salty.Oliver mixes 1.4kg of lemon sea salt with water, egg whites andseasoning, then uses the paste to cover a black bream and a sea bass.Baked for 40 minutes, the flesh falls off the bone and is moist anddelicate. Cimarusti serves Santa Barbara spot prawns salt-roastedwith rosemary, lemon and virgin olive oil – a dish so delicious that,when Russ Parsons of the Los Angeles Times tasted it, the effect waslife-changing. ‘I took one bite and had to close my eyes,’ he wrote.‘Many dishes are good; some are excellent. A very few are trulyprofound, and this was one of them. It had the deepest, puresttaste of shellfish I’ve ever experienced, like some distilled essence.’In 2001, it was journalist Jeffrey Steingarten, the food critic atAmerican Vogue, who ignited the trend for gourmet salt with hisessay ‘Salt Chic’. In it, he went in search of Oshima Island Blue Labeland other rarities, ultimately challenging experts to a blind tastingin Sicily. They included British chef Heston Blumenthal and theAmerican food science writer Harold McGee, yet only Steingartenhad a palate refined enough to tell one salt from another.Mark Bitterman knows why. ‘Nobody eats salt by itself,’ he says.‘What matters is the interaction of the salt and the food.’ Coarse,minerally sel gris is best for finishing red meats (a finer salt woulddissolve too quickly in the juices) or rubbing into the cavity of achicken before roasting. Moist, creamy fleur de sel, with its delicate,clean flavour, is the ideal partner for mild dishes such as fish,steamed vegetables or caramels. ‘Snappy,bright flake salts are perfect with freshvegetables and green salads,’ Bitterman says,‘or any dish where you want sparks of saltto contrast vibrantly with the food.’ Thehuge black, pyramid-shaped flakes ofBlack Diamond, from Cyprus, add drama.Surprisingly, even with all this sprinklingand finishing, food accounts for only 4% ofsalt consumption. Last year in the UnitedStates, 40% of all salt harvested was usedby the chemical industry, while 38% was used for highway de-icing.The Virginia-based Salt Institute estimates that there are 14,000known uses for salt, the latest being data storage. Inside the harddrive of a computer is a spinning magnetic platter covered innanoscopic grains that store information. Last year, researchersfound that adding a salt solution during manufacture shrinks thenanostructures and significantly increases memory.Bring out the flavourFor the salt industry, more good news came with the announcementthat Campbell’s had reversed its policy of reducing salt levels in itsSelect Harvest soups, after complaints about the lack of taste. Publichealth officials were furious. For years, they have warned us aboutthe dangers of eating too much salt, which raises blood pressure andincreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Last spring, a locallegislator proposed that the use of salt be banned in New Yorkrestaurants, provoking an outcry from chefs.‘Salt is what makes food taste good,’ argued Anthony Bourdain,author of Kitchen Confidential. ‘Traditional, intelligent and skilleduse of salt has become confused in the minds of nanny-state nitwitswith sneaking salt into processed convenience foods. Nothingencapsulates the mission of the foodideologues better than thisintrusion: they desire aworld without flavour.’As with manypleasures, the secret ismoderation. ‘My messageto people is eat less salt,but better salt,’ says DavidLea-Wilson of the AngleseySea Salt Company, whichsupplies Heston Blumenthal’sthree-Michelin-starred restaurant,The Fat Duck. Bitterman urges mindfulness.32 volume thirteen Summit

global gourmetWorkers carry baskets of salt atthe Hon Khoi salt factory in Vietnam.Far left: Course salt in a grinder.Left: Salted stockfishChefs worth their saltDelia Smith English cook andTV presenterFavourite Maldon sea salt (England)Use Coarsely crushed over jacketpotatoes or anything fried. ‘A fat,chunky chip wrapped in a rocket leaf,dipped in mayonnaise, then sea salt,is a wickedly brilliant combination!’Wolfgang PuckRenowned Austrianchef with more than 100 restaurantsFavourite Fleur de sel(Guérande, France)Use Bone-in New York strip steak.‘The salt has a distinctive flavour thataccents grilled meat perfectly.’Heston Blumenthal Englishmaster of molecular gastronomyFavourite Halen Môn sea salt (Wales)Use Desserts. ‘In chocolate andcrumble toppings, it helps bringout sweetness.’Alain Ducasse Recipient of 19Michelin starsFavourite Fleur de sel(Guérande, France)Use Fish baked in a salt crust. ‘It’s keptincredibly moist and flavoursome.There are two ingredients I can’t livewithout: fleur de sel and olive oil.’Eric RipertNew York chefand host of PBS’ Avec EricFavourite Smoked Viking seasalt (Denmark)Use Smoked yellowfin tuna prosciutto.‘The salt ties the flavour of the tunato the crispy kombu and Japanesepickled vegetables that accompany it.’Homaro Cantu US chef andfood futurologistFavourite Terra Spice’s Hiwa Kai blacklava salt (Hawaii)Use Edible, charcoal briquette, withpork. ‘Cubes of bread dipped in squidink, deep-fried. The salt makes themlook more real and intensifies flavours.’Tom Aikens Michelin-starredEnglish chef and TV presenterFavourite Fleur de sel(Camargue, France)Use Bread. ‘I sprinkle it on beforebaking, for the texture and becauseit doesn’t burn like others.’Michael SymonChef, restaurateurand Food Network Iron ChefFavourite Cyprus Flake by ArtisanUse Braised short ribs. ‘It adds a nicetexture and helps cut through therich meat.’CORBISvolume thirteen Summit 33

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global gourmetthem, and encourages the build-up of lactic acid that helps cabbageferment into sauerkraut, for instance. Brined pork-in-the-barrel wasa precious source of meat and fat in winter; bacalao (dried salt cod)was traded for centuries; and such delicacies as Parma ham and duckconfit would not exist without salt.Such is its moreishness, even animals crave it. ‘When the firstEuropeans came to North America, they did not find it trackless,’writes Margaret Visser in Much Depends on Dinner. ‘Buffalo trailshad been worn for centuries to the salt-licks [outcrops of rocksalt licked for their mineral content] and it was along thesesmoothed short-cuts through and around natural obstacles thatthe first explorers began to move across the continent.’ Salt is etchedinto our landscape and our psyches, a mysterious oxymoron, anedible rock.WHERE TO STAY/dineFor further information and reservations, visit www.SummitHotels.comFreshly cleaned salt.Left: A man collects salt in Salarde Uyuni salt flats, Bolivia‘Make salting a deliberate act,’ he says, ‘seeing it as an opportunityrather than a routine habit. Use only natural, unrefined salts.’Historical linksTrue purists make their own, including British chef Steve Harris atThe Sportsman, a Michelin-starred gastropub in the tellingly namedvillage of Seasalter in Kent. In medieval times, the wild, windwhippedmarshes nearby were a crucible of salt production, supplyingthe kitchens of Canterbury Cathedral. In the pub’s basement, Harrisshows me buckets of seawater lugged from the shore, which will befiltered and evaporated on the stove. ‘We use it to cure our air-driedhams,’ he says, ‘and we churn our own [salted] butter as well.’Across the English Channel in the Guérande region of northernFrance, seawater is captured in reservoirs at high tide and directedinto a maze of channels ending in shallow pools. Along the way, it isevaporated by the sun and wind. The fluffiest, whitest, flower-likecrystals (fleur de sel) appear at the rim of the ponds only when a drywind blows from the east, and are gathered into piles by the paludiers,or salt marsh workers, using wooden rakes.For at least 3,000 years, salt has been harvested from underground,too, chiselled by hand from sedimentary layers or columns that risefrom deep within the Earth and billow near the surface to formdomes. Near Salzburg (‘Salt City’) in Austria, villagers have found thebodies of Iron Age miners, the victims of mine accidents, perfectlypreserved in salt. Roman soldiers were paid in salt, the origin of theword ‘salary’. Entire civilisations have been built on salt and warshave been fought over it, such are its near-magical qualities.Not only does it transform the taste of food, but it also preservesit. By osmosis, salt draws out moisture from bacteria cells, killingHacienda del Sol GuestRanch ResortTucson, Arizona, United StatesDiners at The Grill, the awardwinningrestaurant at this Tucsonresort, can take their pick from RedAlaea sea salt from Hawaii, smokedsea salt from Mexico, and Maldonsea salt from England to flavour theunsalted butter on the table. In thekitchen, meanwhile, they use theseunique salts to create spice rubs forvarious meat and fish dishes. Theyalso salt brine their own pork bellyand beef brisket, and even createtheir own special salts on occasion– smoked balsamic sea salt, perhaps,or ginger and lemon sea salt.Parkyard Hotel ShanghaiShanghai, ChinaThere’s a non-culinary use for saltin the spa at this Shanghai hotel,where aromatherapy bathing saltsare used in the relaxing ParkyardFoot Massage treatment. Guestscan choose from four differentscented salts: lavender (for tensionrelease), rose (for vitality), rosemary(to boost the spirits) and grapefruit(for relaxation).EAST, BeijingBeijing, ChinaRob Cunningham, Executive Chefat this new Beijing hotel, uses avariety of salts throughout hiscooking, but a particular favouriteis Zigong salt from Sichuan in China:‘It’s an absolutely pure, mediumgrainsalt, with a great mineralflavour.’ He uses it to make a styleof gravlax, mixing the Zigong saltwith sugar, dill, coriander, corianderseed and citrus rind, then packingit onto salmon and leaving to curefor 72 hours. After being washedand further marinated in sherry,the fish is then thinly sliced andserved with a mustard seed and limemascarpone and some fresh herbs.Bogotá Plaza Summit HotelBogotá, ColombiaOne of the highlights of a visit tothis central Bogotá hotel is thechance to take a day trip to theextraordinary Catedral de Sal (SaltCathedral). Around 50km north ofthe city, in Zipaquirá, this culturallandmark is built deep undergroundin an abandoned salt mine andis considered one of the mostimportant engineering projectsin the country.Hotel New GrandYokohama, JapanThe main salt used throughoutthe various restaurants atYokohama’s Hotel New Grand isJapanese Hakata salt, but in LeNormandie, which specialises inFrench cuisine, they use a coarsegrainedvariety from the Camargue,in the south of France, to add thatauthentic special touch to fish,meat and other dishes.Robert Harding, GETTY IMAGESvolume thirteen Summit 35

photo storyBirth ofthe CoolIn the 1950s, the west coastof America was a playgroundfor live music, poetry andart – and photographer BobWilloughby was on hand tocapture the action. Jazz: Bodyand Soul is a collection of hisastonishing images of thegolden era of jazz and themusicians who shaped it.The book includes neverbefore-publishedshotsof some of the mostfamous jazz artists ofthe time, accompanied byWilloughby’s recollectionsMiles Davis listening backstage, ShrineAuditorium, Los Angeles, 1950‘There are few musicians touched with themagic ability to communicate a feeling that isso strong it can make the hairs on the back ofone’s neck rise up. And that... was exactlywhat Miles Davis did to me’37

ABOVE: Frank Sinatra, JudyGarland Special‘Sinatra was surely the best malesinger of popular music in any era.His voice was a musical instrument(...) And though Frank’s publicpersona was relaxed, no one reallyknew the concentrated effort heput in to achieve that image’left: Big Jay McNeely, OlympicAuditorium, Los Angeles, 1951‘As I walked in, the concert hadalready begun, and the hall wasrocking on its foundations. (...) BigJay stood in the middle of whatnormally would be the fight ring,playing his heart out, and thecrowd was exploding around him.I stopped in my tracks when I sawthis bass player, as he seemed tobe floating somewhere out inspace. Emotionless in the eye ofthe hurricane that swirled aroundhim. What a night’OPPOSITE: Gerry Mulligan,recording session, Los Angeles, 1953‘Mulligan’s resonating baritone saxrumbled like rude words said inItalian, something a little like hisown temperament’38 36volume thirteenSummit

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left: Chet Baker,after a Fantasy recordingsession, Los Angeles, 1953‘The image of him sitting therelike a lost child seemed to sumup my first impression aboutthis talented young man fromOklahoma... alone with himself’BOTTOM LEFT: Peggy Lee,Lake Tahoe, Nevada, 1953‘Peggy Lee was truly a specialsinger... Her records were theones we were all dancing toin Junior High’Opposite: Louis Armstrong onthe set of High Society, MGMStudios, Hollywood, 1956‘In 1956 I caught up with LouisArmstrong... he was the samesmiling gentleman I had firstmet five years earlier’JAZZ: BODY AND SOULis edited by ChristopherWilloughby & RobinMorgan. Photos andtext by Bob Willoughby.It’s published by EvanMitchell Books, at£29.95 RRP. To order, visitwww.embooks.co.ukTravel the world through jazzThere are plenty of iconic jazz festivals to visit around the world,and for the true jazz lover, there is at least one to attend eachmonth of the year:2012October: Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, 5-6November: Novi Sad Jazz Festival, 8-19; London Jazz Festival, 9-18December: Havana Jazz Festival, 16-242013January: Jamaica Jazz & Blues, 24-26February: Dubai International Jazz Festival, 14-22March: Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, 1-3April: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, 26 April to 5 MayMay: St Lucia Jazz Festival, 4-8June: Montreal International Jazz Festival, 28 June to 7 JulyJuly: Montreux Jazz Festival, 29 June to 14 July; Copenhagen JazzFestival, date TBCAugust: Yokohama Jazz Festival, date TBCSeptember: Monterey Jazz Festival, 20-2240 36volume thirteenSummit

photo storyvolume thirteen q Summit41

Explore nine centuriesof historic treasures…H I S T O R I CHO T E L SWO R L D W I D E. C O M1543 1212DROMOLANDCASTLEGRAND HOTELCONVENTODI AMALFICOUNTY CLARE,IRELANDAMALFI COAST,ITALYHistoric Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including historic hotels, castles,chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historical lodging properties.Partial Hotel List:Ananda in the HimalayasRishikesh, India • 1910Fullerton Hotel SingaporeSingapore, Singapore • 1874Hotel Napoleon ParisParis, France • 1928Narutis HotelVilnius, Lithuania • 1581Aranwa Cusco Boutique HotelCusco, Peru • 1560Gran Melia ColonSeville, Spain • 1929Hotel New GrandYokohama, Japan • 1927Palace HotelCopenhagen, Denmark • 1910Castille ParisParis, France • 1719Grand Hotel Convento Di AmalfiAmalfi Coast, Italy • 1212Hotel ReginaParis, France • 1900Royal HorseguardsLondon, England • 1894Castlemartyr ResortCastlemartyr, Ireland • 1210Grand Hotel Huis ter DuinAmsterdam, Netherlands • 1885Hotel RialtoWarsaw, Poland • 1906Sarova StanleyNairobi, Kenya • 1902Chancery CourtLondon, England • 1914Grand Hotel TremezzoLake Como, Italy • 1910Hotel SchweizerhofLuzern, Switzerland • 1845Storchen ZürichZürich, Switzerland • 1357Devi GarhUdaipur, India • 1760Grandhotel PuppKarlovy Vary, Czech Republic • 1701Majestic Hotel & Spa BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain • 1918Tivoli Palacio de SeteaisSintra, Portugal • 1787Dromoland CastleCounty Clare, Ireland • 1543Hotel MetropoleBrussels, Belgium • 1895Metropole HotelVenice, Italy • 1500Town House 8Milan, Italy • 1893Promoting Cultural & Heritage Travel to Prestigious Historic TreasuresHistoric Hotels Worldwide® is a registered trademark of Preferred Hotel Group, Inc. ©2012 Preferred Hotel Group.

city sightsIdeas forgreatweekendgetaways44 Singapore A small island state with a big personality, this exciting destination is full of wonderful surprises48 Miami Visitors to this fun-loving city can experience one of the biggest street art displays in the world50 Brussels Explore Belgium’s many contrasts through graphic art and good beer in Tintin’s home city52 Florence Celebrated for its Renaissance masters, this Tuscan city is perfect for a classical weekend breakThe National Central Library ofFlorence (Italy’s largest library)and the Brunelleschi Dome, asviewed across rooftopsvolume thirteenSummit43

Singaporef l i n gIn recent years, the island state has metamorphosed intoone of Asia’s most exciting destinations, complete withever-changing skyline, vibrant nightlife, non-stop shoppingand plenty of surprises, says Annabel MackiecorbisOn a world map, Singapore maybe just a tiny dot at the tip ofPeninsular Malaysia, but don’tbe deceived by its diminutivestature: this island city statepacks a powerful punch. Once looked onas little more than a stopover for thosejourneying to and from Australia, it’sreinvented itself over the past decade,transforming its skyline and adding newworld-class attractions that have turned itinto one of Asia’s top entertainment hubs.So banish all preconceptions you mighthave that it’s bland and conservative.Yes, Singapore’s main ethnic groupings –Chinese, Malay and Indian – still upholdstrong family values and respect the socialhierarchy, but in recent years, there hasbeen a significant shift in attitudes as theyounger generation adopts more liberalviews and creative ideas. Singapore todayis a city where you can ride adrenalinpumpingroller coasters at UniversalStudios, have breakfast with orang-utansat Singapore Zoo, sip cocktails at sky-highbars, take in the world’s only night-timeGrand Prix and let your hair down at NewYork-style nightclubs.Much of the new development is centredon reclaimed land around Marina Bay.This ever-evolving area is home to thebrand-new International Cruise Terminal(capable of accommodating the world’sbiggest cruise liners), along with attractionsincluding the SGD1 billion Gardens bythe Bay, a 101ha green space in one of theworld’s most built-up cities.Despite all the rapid development,Singapore still retains a fascinatingtraditional side, with well-preservedneighbourhood enclaves, such as Little Indiaand Chinatown, to explore, and rapidlyvanishing remnants from the Britishcolonial era to discover. Add in endlessshopping opportunities, a vibrant culinaryscene, super-efficient public transport andthe cleanest and safest streets in the world,and it’s clear visitors are in for a treat.CultureThese days Singapore’s major museums– among them the National Museum ofSingapore (www.nationalmuseum.sg) andAsian Civilisations Museum (www.acm.org.sg) – can attract blockbuster exhibitionsfrom around the globe, from Harry Potter44volume thirteenSummit

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to the Terracotta Warriors. Don’t overlook,however, the smaller, often one-thememuseums, such as the Peranakan Museum(www.peranakanmuseum.sg), housed ina classical-style former school, whichtells the story of the Straits Malay peoplein Singapore; Changi Museum (www.changimuseum.com), which documentsthe harrowing war-time tales of Britishsoldiers, Allied Forces and civilian prisonersof war; and the Chinatown Heritage Centre(www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg), whichfocuses on the first Chinese immigrants.Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay(www.esplanade.com) is a major arts venue,hosting both theatrical and musical shows.For a more low-key, but equally rewardingexperience, try one of the Shakespeare inthe Park performances, held in the groundsof Fort Canning Park. Take a picnic andwatch the Singapore Repertory Theatreperform the likes of Twelfth Night andMacbeth under an atmospheric night sky.A walking tour is an excellent way to findout more about the rich heritage of the localcommunities. The Original SingaporeWalks® (www.singaporewalks.com) offerstours that take in the sights, smells andtastes of different neighbourhoods. On theChinatown walk, for example, you discoverthe traditions of Chinese medicine and theesoteric paper replicas burned as part ofthe Chinese funeral ritual.ArchitectureAt first glance, Singapore may appear justa maze of soaring skyscrapers. However,you’ll find charming architectural legaciestucked away between these mightymonoliths. Some magnificent remnants ofthe British colonial era still exist, such asthe 1920s City Hall, 1930s Supreme Court,and Neo-Gothic St Andrew’s Cathedral, alloverlooking the open green space of thePadang, in the heart of the city. Close byare the centuries-old streets of Chinatown,Little India and Kampong Glam (the ArabQuarter), where you’ll find ornate temples,quaint shophouses and bustling markets.In recent years, distinctive newcontemporary landmarks have been addedto the city skyline. The striking glassand aluminium structure of Esplanade –Theatres on the Bay was quickly nicknamed‘The Durian’ by locals, thanks to itsresemblance to the pungent, spiky-skinnedtropical fruit. Other eye-catchingstructures include the Helix Bridge(a twisted version of London’s MillenniumBridge), the lotus-shaped ArtScienceMuseum (www.artsciencemuseum.com.sg)and the dramatic new ‘Supertrees’. Part ofthe first phase of the Gardens by the Bayproject, these futuristic concrete and steelstructures stand up to 50m tall and areplanted with hundreds of species ofbromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropicalflowering climbers.EatingEating is a national passion in Singapore,and the island’s cuisine is excitingly diverse,from the banana leaf curries of Little Indiato the dim sum of Chinatown. You’ll finddelicious street food at the many hawkercentres: try the popular Hainanese chickenrice at the Maxwell Centre in Chinatown orthe roti prata at Lau Pa Sat Centre, with itsornate Victorian cast-iron canopy.In recent years, the dining scene hasbecome ever more sophisticated, with someof the world’s top Michelin-starred chefshelping to put Singapore on the globalculinary map – Joël Robuchon, Guy Savoyand Daniel Boulud all have restaurants here– and the home-grown talent becomingincreasingly confident and creative. Onesuch talent is Robuchon disciple AndréChiang, who serves up inspired creationsat Restaurant André (www.restaurantandre.com), a stylish shophouse on Bukit PasohRoad. The imagination and artisticwizardry of his eight-course French-Asianfusion menu are displayed in dishes suchas sea urchin risotto and tartare of razorclams, and Hokkaido scallops carpacciostyleserved as ravioli in a savouryconsommé of exotic flowers.Spanish-style tapas are currently allthe rage. At Jason Atherton’s upmarketEsquina (www.esquina.com.sg), a slitherof a restaurant housed in a formerlaunderette, diners flock to eat signaturedishes including Iberico pork and foie grasburger. Meanwhile, Singaporean chefDaniel Sia serves up his personal versionof tapas – crispy lamb short ribs with chilliand cumin, say – at The Disgruntled Chef(www.disgruntledchef.com) on DempseyHill, a former British army barracks turnedupscale restaurant and bar mecca.NightlifeCocktails and mixologists are buzzwordsin Singapore now, so expect some exoticand imaginative concoctions. At the rooftopbar of Maison Ikkoku (www.maisonikkoku.net),a chic converted shophouse inKampong Glam, you can sip on a lemongrassPrevious page: The waterfront setting of Esplanade –Theatres on the Bay. Top to bottom: the bright lightsof night-time Clarke Quay; Chinatown is popular forshopping; the Helix Bridge spans 280m; MacRitchieReservoir Park offers a quieter side of Singapore46volume thirteenSummit

insider’s guidedaiquiri and admire the views of the SultanMosque. A stone’s throw away on Haji Laneis Bar Stories (www.athousandtales.com),another funky café-bar-shop, where themixologist prefers to custom-makecocktails. If you’re looking for somethingfruity with a bit of zing, expect a raspberrysake martini – just be careful how many youconsume, as the bar’s retro furniture is alsofor sale! For a more traditional night, tryone of the riverside bars and clubs housedin former godowns (trading warehouses)along Clarke Quay or Boat Quay.Despite its strait-laced reputation,Singapore boasts a buzzing clubbing scene.Zouk (www.zoukclub.com) and Attica (www.attica.com.sg) are popular old-timers, buthot new arrivals are Avalon (www.avalon.sg)and Pangaea (www.pangaea.sg), bothhoused in a glass-encased floating pavilionin Marina Bay. Don’t miss the St JamesPower Station (www.stjamespowerstation.com), a 6,500 sq m venue housing nine clubsand lounge bars, offering a range of musicstyles and live bands.ShoppingFormer Prime Minister Goh Chok Tongonce declared that for Singaporeans ‘life isnot complete without shopping’, and if youwant to shop till you drop 24/7, this is theplace to do it. Most first-time visitors headstraight for the city’s famous retail zoneof Orchard Road, where, connected by alabyrinthine maze of underground tunnels,walkways and MRT stations, you’ll find20-odd malls stocking top-end fashionlabels. ION (www.ionorchard.com) andParagon (www.paragon.sg) are thesparkliest of the malls, while upmarketdepartment stores Tangs (www.tangs.com.sg) and Takashimaya (www.takashimayasin.com)have a loyal following, and theFar East Plaza (www.fareast-plaza.com)caters for the young, cool crowd.One of the latest additions to the city’sretail scene is the Louis Vuitton IslandMaison, set on its own little island inMarina Bay, where clothing and accessoriesfrom the French fashion house aredisplayed alongside contemporary artwork.For one-off designs, head to Club Streetand Ann Siang Hill in Chinatown, where youcan pick up hip designer dresses, bespokejewellery and edgier labels in tiny boutiques.Similarly, Haji Lane offers hip labels andvintage gear at shophouse boutiques.Day tripsIf you’re new to Singapore, you may besurprised to find the island is not one bigconcrete and steel metropolis. In fact, largeswathes of land are carpeted with virgintropical rainforest, complete with monkeys,exotic birds and reptiles, and some areasSINGAPORE FROM ABOVEThere’s no shortage of places where you can get a great aerial perspective of Singapore. Try thesefor starters:q For a bird’s-eye view of all the key landmarks around Marina Bay and the central business district,take a ride on the Singapore Flyer (www.singaporeflyer.com), the world’s largest observation wheel.You can even book a capsule for high tea, cocktails or dinner.q 1-Altitude (www.1-altitude.com), a staggering 282m above sea level, claims to be the world’shighest al fresco rooftop bar. You might need a stiff drink to recover from the glass-sided lift journeyto the top!q At the top of ION, one of the glitziest malls on Orchard Road, you’ll find the gourmet restaurantSalt Grill & Sky Bar (www.saltgrill.com) and an observation platform where you can admire thetwinkling lights of the city below.q The Singapore Cable Car that connects Mount Faber, one of the highest hills on the island, toHarbourFront, the gateway to Sentosa Island, takes you whizzing across the forest-clad hillside withviews of the tanker-lined docks and the island of Sentosa beyond.q If you prefer terra firma (of a sort!), walk across Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrianbridge at 36m. The curvy steel and timber structure runs 274m from Mount Faber to Telok BlangahHill Park.are protected as nature reserves, includingBukit Timah and MacRitchie ReservoirPark, famous for its 250m suspensionbridge. At weekends, the East Coast Park isfull of inline skaters and cyclists, while justoffshore, others kayak, windsurf and sailamid the huge tankers.Another favourite weekend haunt forfamilies is Sentosa Island (connected to themainland by monorail, cable car and bridge),with its golf courses, spas, sandy beaches,Universal Studios (the only one of its kindin South East Asia) and assorted attractions.Also perennially popular is SingaporeZoo (www.zoo.com.sg), where you cantake a Night Safari or have breakfast withorang-utans. In late 2012, the world’s firstRiver Safari (www.riversafari.com.sg) willopen, showcasing the aquatic life in someof the world’s greatest rivers.To view one of Singapore’s last remainingfishing villages, or ‘kampongs’, take awooden ‘bumboat’ from Changi VillageFerry Terminal across to Pulau Ubin.Explore this tiny unspoiled island by bike,then finish off with a simple seafood lunchat one of the waterfront cafés.WHERE TO STAYFor further information and reservations,please visit www.SummitHotels.comRoyal Plaza on ScottsThis long-established hotel, set just off themain shopping street of Orchard Road, attractsboth leisure and business travellers. Carouselrestaurant serves up a wide range of Asian andMediterranean dishes, and creative cocktailsare on offer in Heat, the hotel’s ultra lounge.extend your stayFor further information and reservations,visit www.SummitServicedResidences.com8 on Claymore Serviced ResidencesNext door to Royal Plaza on Scotts, theseserviced apartments (with options forshort-term or extended stays) are perfect forthose who like to have maximum flexibility.They come with contemporary décor, a wellequippedkitchen and dining and seating area.corbis, Tupungato, joyfull/Shutterstock.comvolume thirteenSummit47

t r tof the cityWhether yourtastes tend towardsthe classic, thecontemporary orthe quirky, Miami,Brussels andFlorence all sharea passion for art,which makesthem perfectdestinations forculture-lovingtravellers, saysNorman Miller

city breaksModern designs in MiamiYou can tell a city has a major crush on contemporary artwhen it fills its baseball arena with the stuff. Miami’sMarlins stadium comes adorned with works by Joan Miró,Roy Lichtenstein and Larry River among others, while aneye-popping 23m-high sculpture by multimedia artist RedGrooms lights up the left field with giant pink flamingosand leaping fish every time the Marlins slug a homer.Miami’s art affair was kick-started more than a decadeago by the arrival of Art Basel Miami Beach, which nowbrings a huge slice of the world’s most prestigious art fairover from Switzerland each December – in the processtransforming Miami’s former image as a party townfocused on the Art Deco-decorated South Beach.Wynwood is the latest hot spot, cramming more than 60galleries into a former industrial district. The coolest wayto explore is the Second Saturdays Wynwood Art Walk eachmonth, when galleries and studios open their doors to thewarm evening air for ambling aesthetes, who refuel on thego at gourmet food trucks gathered by the Wynwood Walls.This permanent outdoor showcase of top street artistsaugments new pieces all around, making this oneof the world’s major street art neighbourhoods.Privately owned art hoards are a unique selling point ofMiami’s art scene. Staying in Wynwood, the Rubell FamilyCollection explores the post-Warhol scene, and iscomplemented by the world-class collection of modernphotography, video, installation and sculpture at theMargulies Warehouse. Just to the south, CisnerosFontanals Art Foundation exhibits a fine collection byphilanthropist-turned-collector Ella Fontanals-Cisneros.A few blocks north, the Design District is a one-timeragtrade area turned luxe hangout. At its heart, the De LaCruz Collection highlights cutting-edge work by the likes ofGabriel Orozco and Ana Mendieta, amid couture boutiquesand chic interior dealers.Art is moving in on the seafront, too. A dramatic newHerzog & de Meuron-designed pavilion is rising onBiscayne Bay, an expanded home for the Miami ArtMuseum that’s due to open in 2013 – a dazzling newart beacon by a cool, blue sea.WHERE TO STAYFor further information andreservations, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comThe mutiny hotelThis Coconut Grove hotel isa 12-storey swathe of coralcolour, while British Colonialmotifs decorate the inside.FOR FOODIESVERSAILLES has provided great-value feasting for 40 years, withplantains and Cuban-style rice partnering delicious meat and seafood.3555 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135Tel: +1 305 444 0240 www.versaillesrestaurant.comJOE'S STONE CRAB features king crab claws as big as your arms,but there are brilliant seafood alternatives and much more.11 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139Tel: +1 305 673 0365 www.joesstonecrab.comAREA 31 Michael Reidt's 16th-floor restaurant's fantastic cityviews complement innovative globally influenced cooking.270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131Tel: +1 305 424 5234 www.area31restaurant.comFOR SHOPAHOLICSThe Design District near Midtown has the big-ticket luxe names such asLouis Vuitton, Hermès and Christian Dior. For one-of-a-kind boutiquesand trendy home design, head for Lincoln Road, where you’ll also findcafés that stay open late for shoppers needing a caffeine recharge.Clockwise from far left: The stunning skylineof Miami along Biscayne Bay; a Roberto Behar& Rosario Marquardt creation; WynwoodWalls – a mecca for graffiti and street artists;contemporary art at the Rubell Family Collectionvolume THIRTEEN Summit 49

Creative cartoons in BrusselsBrussels embodies Belgium’s contrasts: French versusFlemish; staidness versus surrealism; the postmodernityof the European Quarter set against the medieval majestyof the Grand Place/Grote Markt and the Art Nouveau oflegendary Belgian architect Victor Horta (don’t miss theHorta Museum).Then there’s the art the city celebrates. Yes, there areillustrious canvases galore at the Royal Museums of FineArts of Belgium, but Brussels loves something moregraphic: cartoons. And here, they’re literally part of thecity’s fabric, courtesy of the Comic Book Route – awonderful wandering trail, with giant murals of treasuredBelgian characters, spread across the central Pentagon areaand into Laeken. Famous figures from Tintin mix with lessfamiliar names, such as the colourful 1940s Cori on Ruedes Fabriques or the sensual 1960s flower power coupleOlivier Rameau and Colombe Tiredaile on Rue du Chêne –a striking contrast to the graceful gables and spires around.Dig deeper at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, housed inan old department store designed by Horta on Rue desSables. Across the road, the Marc Sleen Museum celebratesone of the medium’s finest storytellers, while leadingcartoon publisher and film producer Raymond Leblancis honoured with a foundation near the central station.To explore the work of an artist who gloried in graphicdepictions of a strange universe, head for the MagritteMuseum. Housed in a neoclassical landmark on PlaceRoyale, this superb collection of more than 200 imagessuggests this master of surrealism shared much with theworld of cartoonists – even if his efforts are dubbed highart and theirs just populist fun. Or visit the Plasticarium:it boasts the world’s finest collection of plastic creations,fusing Pop Art style with cool design in such dazzlingcolours it feels like being inside a psychedelic cartoon.After that, you’ve earned a beer, in a city renowned forit. Choose from 100 brews at A La Morte Subite, or duckdown an alley near Grand Place to Á La Bécasse to trya jeune lambic blanche, its famous white beer.FOR FOODIESCOMME CHEZ SOI The Art Nouveau décor of Lionel Rigolet'ssuperlative restaurant is a great backdrop for classic cooking –veal with fresh morels and celeriac ravioli, perhaps.Place Rouppe 23, BrusselsTel: +39 2 512 29 21 www.commechezsoi.beDEN DYVER A restaurant celebrating the marriage of food and beer (asboth ingredient and accompaniment). Think hare, turnip and cranberryravioli cooked in Oude Gueuze, served with Petrus Winterbier.Dijver 5, BrusselsTel: +32 50 33 60 69 www.dyver.beTAVERNE DU PASSAGE This venerable Art Deco brasserie in theGaleries Royales Saint-Hubert is renowned for its waterzooi(a Flemish broth-like stew), herring, shellfish and succulent roasts.Galerie de la Reine 30, BrusselsTel: +32 2 512 37 31 www.taverne-du-passage.beFOR SHOPAHOLICSGaleries Royales Saint-Hubert provides a glass-roofed setting for topbrands such as chocolatiers Godiva and luxe leather sellers Delvaux.Rue Antoine Dansaert is the area to trawl for one-off designer gemsat distinctive boutiques appealing to high-end shoppers.50

city breaksWHERE TO STAYFor further information andreservations, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comHOTEL METROPOLESet in the heart of the city'shistoric centre, this superblyrenovated hotel is a shrineto 19th-century opulence.Clockwise from left: This giant Tintin mural onRue de l'Étuve is one of many cartoons on theComic Book Route in Brussels; a beer sign willlead you to establishments offering the finest ofBelgian brews; the Horta Museum is dedicatedto the life and work of architect Victor Hortavolume ten Summit 51

city breaksWHERE TO STAYFor further information and reservations,please visit www.SummitHotels.comGRAND HOTEL BAGLIONIHigh wooden ceilings, stonestaircases and originallead-pane windows area hallmark of this four-starbeauty, blessed with alovely rooftop gardenand restaurant withpanoramic views.GRAND HOTEL MINERVASet on a picturesque piazzain the heart of the city, thisfour-star retreat is justminutes away from all thekey monuments and mainshopping areas, and hasfabulous views from itsrooftop pool.HOTEL ALBANI FIRENZEThis refined stately hotelis housed in an impeccablyrestored early 20th-centurytownhouse, with 102handsome guestrooms,all elegantly decorated inclassic Florentine style.Based in a central location.PLAZA HOTEL LUCCHESIAcres of marble, lashings ofpolished mahogany andmasses of fresh flowerscreate an intimate, luxuriousfeel at this palazzo-stylehideaway on the banks ofthe River Arno. Guestroomsoverlook historic city sights.Masterpieces in FlorenceStand in the narrow cortile (inner courtyard) dividing thewings of the Uffizi Gallery, and you can appreciate thebrilliance of employing an architect who was also a greatpainter – Giorgio Vasari’s mastery of perspective still drawsthe entranced gaze along the sweep of Doric columns tothe River Arno as irresistibly as it did on the gallery’s16th-century opening day.But even a Renaissance achiever like Vasari is B-listin a town where local boy Michelangelo has to battle forattention with Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Titian,Raphael and a host of other A-list old masters across60-plus historic galleries. There may be contemporary artshowcases here, such as EX3, but making time for those islike ordering lager in a champagne bar just because it’s alsogot a bit of fizz.There are Michelangelo masterpieces in several ofFlorence’s galleries, but Galleria dell’Accademia has thebig-ticket item – the most famous David between theBiblical one and Beckham. This once stood out in the Piazzadella Signoria (a replica now stands there instead), beforebeing brought indoors in the 1870s for safe preservation.In a city so filled with medieval and Renaissancewonders, it can be hard to focus. Pick a theme and createa trail. You want frescoes? Kick off at the Ospedale degliInnocenti gallery for 14th- to 18th-century beauties, thengo Gothic in the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella – alsoa place of blessed cool in the summer heat.Or marvel at the legacies of two English collectors whocame to live under the Tuscan sun. When Herbert PercyHorne died in 1916, he bequeathed the city his palazzo onVia de’ Benci, along with a collection of art, ceramics andhousehold items of the period. And Frederick Stibbert lefta brilliant museum showcasing 36,000 artefacts in astupendous villa on the street that bears his name. It’sas beguiling as anything in the Uffizi Gallery.FOR FOODIESRESTAURANT ALLE MURATE Inside the Palace of the Art of Judgesand Notaries, Giovanna Iorio delivers powerful flavours combiningclassical and ‘nouvelle’ in a frescoed dining room that is partrestaurant, part museum.Via del Proconsolo 16, FlorenceTel: +39 055 240618 www.allemurate.itCANTINA BARBAGIANNI This warmly painted spot is good for thecity’s signature Bistecca alla Fiorentina plus creative takes on otherTuscan classics, and excellent prices.Via Sant’Egidio 13, FlorenceTel: + 39 055 248 0508 www.cantinabarbagianni.italamy, CorbisClockwise from left: The interior of FlorenceCathedral's Brunelleschi Dome, or Il Duomo;the ornate church façade of 15th-centurySanta Maria Novella; alluring perfume isavailable to buy from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria NovellaLA BOTTEGA DI ROSA Stylish ambience, friendly professional serviceand inventive use of ingredients, such as smoked eel and goose.Excellent wines, too.Via del Campidoglio 8, FlorenceTel: +39 055 267 0423 www.labottegadirosa.itFOR SHOPAHOLICSDesigner stores cluster on Via de’ Tornabuoni, but artisan workshopsoffer more distinctive possibilities. For sweet memories, sniff outhistoric perfumes and soaps at the 13th-century Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (Via della Scala 16, www.santamarianovella.com.br) or perfumes and powders at LorenzoVilloresi’s 15th-century Atelier (Via de’ Bardi 14, www.lorenzovilloresi.it).volume THIRTEEN Summit 53

A man of mysteryHe is an Oscar-winning actor and one-half of Spain’s mostfamous film-star couple. But what does celebrity meanto the enigmatic Javier Bardem? Summit finds outJavier Bardem has gone from starring in Spanish art houseproductions, gathering a solid fan base in his native Spain,to featuring in some of the most critically acclaimed filmsof the past few years.Currently, he is in London shooting the new James Bond film.His role: Bond villain alongside Daniel Craig and new Bond girlBérénice Marlohe. This is a far cry from his break in 1992 as anunderwear model and ham deliveryman in the Spanish film Jamón,Jamón, where he acted alongside Penélope Cruz in her screen debut.The couple were reunited in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona16 years later. On this second meeting, romance blossomed; theymarried in 2010 and had a son in 2011.It is hardly a surprise that interest in the couple has reached newheights since their triumphs on the screen have been extended toEnglish-speaking productions. But Javier and Penélope’s weddingwas a private affair conducted on a Caribbean island with just afew family members and close friends. Javier is adamant not tolet fame infiltrate their private life and has taken care not to letthe spotlight rest on their son.He is quick to refute any mindless comments about his glamorouslife. ‘I do a job and am lucky enough to do a job that I love, but it isa hard one. I’m not saying it is as hard as working in a coal mine,but it is still difficult. Sometimes you go through strong emotionaljourneys and then come back to yourself. And that can be tricky,’he told The Independent in an interview earlier this year.Javier is secretive about his current role as the Bond villain inSkyfall, but fulfilling a childhood dream, the actor appears to haveneeded little persuasion to take the role.‘I was born watching James Bond movies and there are manyreasons to do this – the cast, the script, the story, the role and,of course, [director] Sam Mendes,’ he said to journalist SamCottee. He is quick to add: ‘Of course, it is also about thematerial. I was very drawn to it. And the character iscomplex. It’s something that you want to have fun doing,but it’s a challenge.’ Sam Mendes’ direction was a reasonin itself not to decline an offer to be part of the 23rdBond film and the 50th anniversary celebration of theBond franchise. ‘Sam is a great director and he lovesperformance. He has this instinct for smelling greatscenes. He’s not “this is what I think” – he’s theopposite. He’s “bring on your ideas and let’s cook –while we cook, we shoot”.’And while playing a Bond villain might be achallenge, Javier has ample experience from whatis a near-to-lifelong career in acting. He was born54volume thirteenSummit

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Some Places You Never Want to LeaveWhen you find the spots where you’re most comfortable, make them last. Invite the kids. Settle in.Exceptional vacations don’t need to be left to chance. Resort ownership is available through a distinguishednetwork of properties. Learn more about these new opportunities at PreferredResidences.com

interviewin Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, theyoungest of three siblings, all actors. He hasoften appeared alongside his mother, PilarBardem, and siblings, Monica and CarlosBardem. ‘My parents divorced when I wasyoung, but I don’t remember it beingparticularly bad,’ Javier recalls. He wasraised by his mother and after his father’sdeath he depended on the women in his life.‘I’m not intimidated by women,’ he says,and his history on the screen seems to gohand in hand with this statement. Hisportrayals of macho characters have beenpowerful and won him multiple awards,but it is his passionate and destructive loveaffairs on the screen that have dominatedcritical evaluation of Javier as an actor.In 2007, he became the first Spanishactor to be awarded an Academy Award forBest Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe anda Bafta for his performance as a sociopathickiller in No Country for Old Men. This wasfollowed by a Best Actor award at theCannes Film Festival in 2010 for his role inAlejandro González Iñárritu’s film Biutiful,an exposé of a father who is strugglingto reconcile fatherhood, spirituality, guiltand love, when faced with his own mortalityin Barcelona. Javier’s brilliant performancewas also recognised by several Oscarnominations, and his acting has often beendescribed as honest, realistic and strong,centred on issues of identity, death andhis relationship with women. But how doeshe feel about playing the nextbad guy in one of the mosthotly anticipated films ofthe decade?Javier had to revisit allthe old Bond villains to findinspiration for his new role:‘We have seen, heardand listened to almostClockwise, from top left:In Woody Allen’s VickyCristina Barcelona; withwife Penélope Cruz; andas Julia Roberts’ co-starin Eat Pray Love. Right:Javier collects a Baftafor his performance inNo Country for Old Meneverything that we can in this world. Onlytalented people can bring a differentperspective on things. It’s not like I’mtrying to do that – I’m not one of thosepeople – but I’m trying to avoid bringingsomething that has already been done. Butagain, James Bond movies have their ownrules that you have to follow. That’s alsothe fun part because it gives you a framebig enough for you to have freedom toexpress yourself.’When asked about pre-shoot preparation,Javier responds that he put extra work intomaking himself understood in English forthis role. In previous interviews, Javierclaims that he learnt English by listeningto heavy metal, in particular AC/DC. Butalthough he’s starred in English-speakingfilms, he still finds it a challenge to act in adifferent language. ‘When they say “action”,you’re not that relaxed. Although themanuscript offers an indication on whereto take the character and Sam gave me hisnotes, we’re still figuring it out. But I liketo prepare, so I enjoy playing characters thatneed more work, otherwise I just feel thatI’m going out there and sayingsome lines. That’s not the wayI respond to material. I seesomething in thischaracter that has tobuild. I don’t know whatit will look like, but I knowmy intention is to createsomething that will beinteresting to watch.’Skyfall is set in London,a place close to Javier’s heart.‘London is an amazing city.And when the good weather comes, it’sperfect.’ He also emphasises the importanceof who you are working with: ‘It’s anactor’s or protagonist’s energy that createsatmosphere. Both [Daniel and Sam] aregreat colleagues.’He is unwilling to go into more detailsabout what his Bond role entails, and isequally circumspect concerning his futureprojects, but he will shortly be starring inthe new Terrence Malick film To the Wonder.Perhaps his reserved manner reflectshis approach to maintaining a strongdistinction between his private life and hisscreen life. But one thing is for sure, theSpanish actor has taken a decisive step intothe Hollywood scene, and he is there to stay.FilmographyTo the Wonder (TBA)Skyfall (2012)Biutiful (2010)Eat Pray Love (2010)Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)Love in the Time of Cholera (2007)No Country for Old Men (2006)Goya’s Ghosts (2006)The Sea Inside (2004)Collateral (2004)Mondays in the Sun (2002)The Dancer Upstairs (2002)Bendito Infierno (2001)alamy, Corbis, getty images57

Sugar bar at the top of EASToverlooks the harbour andbusy metropolis of Hong Kongmwp58volume thirteen Summit

Serenityin thecityNeed a break from the buzz of the big city? TheseSummit Hotels & Resorts make the perfecturban retreats. From rooftop bars and soothingspas to beautiful gardens and mountain views,each has something unique to help you relaxvolume thirteen Summit 59

LIVING ROOMBATH 1ENTRYKITCHENMASTER BEDROOMMASTER BATHthe world around YOU.Discover a wide variety of conveniently located, impeccably furnished luxury serviced apartmentswith attentive individual service and all the comforts of home. With Summit Serviced Residences,business travelers on temporary assignments, relocating executives, and family travelers planninglonger trips enjoy the experience of staying, not just visiting. SummitServicedResidences.com/sm© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group

escapeCool poolFresh from a $26 million renovation, The ColonnadeHotel, Boston is modelling a super-sleek look,with cool, modern design in the rooms and all thoseextra little touches (gourmet coffee machines,high-thread-count linens and custom-made Sealymattresses) that make such a difference. The jewelin the crown, though, is still RTP, the sparkling,Hollywood-style rooftop pool, perched 11 storeysup above the city streets. Put in a few laps, then chillout on a poolside lounger, cocktail in hand, and soakup the great views of the Boston skyline.Tranquil TokyoThe bright lights of downtown Tokyomight be just a 15-minute train rideaway, but you wouldn’t know it onceyou’re in the Grand Pacific LEDAIBA. This luxurious hotel enjoysa waterfront location on Daiba, oncea fortified island and now a popularweekend haunt for locals and touristsalike, who come to shop, visitmuseums and relax in the parks.Rooms are designed to induceserenity, with European styling and asoothing colour palette, and there areimpressive views over the waters ofThis luxurious hotelenjoys a waterfrontlocation on Daiba, oncea fortified island andnow a popular weekendhaunt for locals andtourists alikeTokyo Bay, especially from Hamayu,the 30th-floor restaurant known forits fine beef and fresh seafood.Hong Kong highThe action never stops down on the streets of Hong Kong, but guests at EASTwho need to unwind have only to step into the lift and press the top button.Walking out onto the 32nd floor they’ll find Sugar, a slinky bar and lounge with ahuge outdoor deck, furnished with banquettes and daybeds. With stunning viewsover the harbour and skyline, it’s a popular haunt for the after-work crowd, whocome to indulge in cocktails and tapas – sometimes with a DJ on hand to supplythe soundtrack – while the sun goes down and the surrounding city lights up.Lazing ArizonaDrive west from downtown Phoenix andhalf-an-hour later, you can be ensconced at TheWigwam, a 162ha Litchfield Park resort offeringdozens of ways to unwind. Water babes can zipdown the water slide, swim in four differentpools or soak in the Jacuzzi; tennis fans have thechoice of nine courts to play on; and golfers candrive the stress away on the three championship18-hole courses, two of which were designed byRobert Trent Jones, Sr. Or opt for all-out lazinessat the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, withluxurious skincare and body treatments, suchas hot stone massages and seaweed wraps.volume thirteenSummit61

www.sixt.com/phgFirst class staying.First class driving.(Sixt – the mobility partner of Preferred Hotel Group.Take advantage of ultimate benefits and services)

escapeSwiss blissNothing soothes the soul likebeing surrounded by beautifulnatural scenery – so expect tofeel the tension fading from yourshoulders the instant you arriveat Hotel Angleterre andResidence, five minutes fromthe centre of Lausanne inSwitzerland. This luxurioushotel, divided into six pavilions,sits in a pretty flower-filledgarden on the shores of LakeGeneva, with wonderful viewsacross the water to the snowypeaks of the Alps on the otherside. Sit by the heated outdoorpool, breathe in that clearmountain air, and relax.Capital choiceA peaceful retreat from the heat and hustle of Lima,Delfines Hotel & Casino has a great location inexclusive San Isidro, known for its tranquil parks andgardens. The hotel is also situated directly oppositethe Lima Golf Club, making it perfect for anyone whofinds the best way to relax once business is done is totake to the fairways.Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head toOceanus Restaurant, which serves up Peruvianand international cuisine, or be spellbound by thecrystal-vaulted ceiling in Delphos Bistro. Then kickback with a cocktail in the hotel’s Oceanus Lounge.Delfines Hotel & Casino has agreat location in exclusive SanIsidro, known for its tranquilparks and gardensPark lifeThink Milan andthe first thing thatcomes to mindprobably isn’t palmtrees and green,open spaces – butthat’s what you’ll findat the Royal GardenHotel on the outskirtsof the city. This elegantfour-star property is surroundedby a gorgeous park, complete with neatly mownlawns, ponds and fountains, and huge terracottaurns filled with plants – a real oasis in thecommercial centre of Italy.There’s luxuriant planting indoors, too, in theBlue Crab Restaurant, with tropical flowers andferns and a soaring glass ceiling that gives dinersthe feeling of eating al fresco, even in winter.Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular choice for partiesand weddings – the gardens provide the perfectbackdrop for photos – but it’s just as popular forevening aperitivi at the end of a working day.Spa starCentre of the Indian IT industry, Bangaloreis booming – as is the subcontinent’sspa scene. Combine the two witha stay at Ista Bangalore, wherethe in-house spa (inspired andcreated by the famous Anandain the Himalayas) has a menuof treatments tailor-madefor busy professionals.The Ista Touch massageuses a variety oftechniques on the scalp,neck, shoulders andback, to relieve tensionand stress, while thesalt scrubs infused withessential oils will refresh boththe body and senses. Add tothat the ergonomically designedbeds and your preferred optionfrom the in-room pillow menu,and a good night’s sleep ispractically guaranteed.volume thirteenSummit63

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eventsSkiattractionsCombine high-adrenalin thrills and hard-tobeatmountain views with designer ski gear andgourmet restaurants, and it’s hardly surprisingso many people are drawn to the slopes at thefirst sign of snow, says Nicola Iseardvolume thirteen ten Summit65

Nothing gets more exhilaratingthan standing on the sidelines of a downhill skirace, the sound of cowbells ringing in the air,as the world’s fastest man or woman on snowscreams past you at speeds of up to 145kph, theirskis schussing over the ice-glazed slope with suchprecision that the slightest mistake and it’s allover. They fly through the finish gate, whip theirhelmet off and look up eagerly at the results board– first place and their arms shoot up in the air, asthe crowd erupts.Every sport has a crowning event, which is bothathletic championship and cultural spectacle fusedinto one. Golf has the Masters, motor racing theFormula One Grand Prix. For alpine skiing, it hasto be the Winter Olympics. For a couple of weeksevery four years, billions of people across the globesit transfixed to their TV screens, as the dramaof the Games unfolds. But to be there among theaction – close enough to smell the ski wax – takesthe drama to a whole new exhilarating level.When the last Winter Olympics took place inVancouver in 2010, tens of thousands of spectatorsdescended upon the city and resort town ofWhistler, in British Columbia, to witness the thrillsand spills, from the ski jumping – where skiersliterally fly through the air, covering distances ofover 200m – to the long-distance cross-country skiraces – incredible feats of endurance. It’s one of thespecial things about the event that brings people tothe slopes, and to resorts that they otherwise mightnever have dreamed of visiting: the 2014 WinterOlympic Games are being held in Sochi, Russia,while in 2018 they will take place in South Korea,in the city of Pyeongchang.Hit the slopesThe best part though, is that, unlike being aspectator at the Grand Prix, where most peoplecan only imagine what it feels like to be behindthe wheel of an 800bhp racing car, with alpineskiing anyone can have a go. It’s not just aboutthe physical act of sliding around on two planks,either. Few other sports offer the same sense ofadventure. Nothing beats pondering over the pistemap at breakfast (preferably with a freshly bakedpain au chocolat in hand) and planning your day’sroute. With resorts across the globe growing biggerevery year, there has never been so much terrainto explore. The Three Valleys resort in France, thelargest in the world, has a colossal 600km of pistes.You could ski all day every day for a week and notski the same piste twice.Then there is the thrill factor. The excitementof pulling open the curtains to discover that threefeet of snow has fallen overnight. The excitementof knowing that if you’re quick and can beat thecrowds to the lift, you can make fresh tracks downa virgin powder field. The adrenalin rush of lettingyour skis run on an empty, perfectly manicuredpiste. The toe-tingling feeling of skiing your firstblack run…The scenery, of course, is second to none, withmountainscapes so dramatic you have to stopmid-run to whip out your camera. In some resortsyou get to ski in the shadow of some of the world’smost spectacular peaks, from the mightyMatterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, to MontBlanc in Chamonix, France. In other resorts youcan lap up spectacular views of mountain lakesfrom the slopes: head to the aptly named Heavenlyski resort in California and you get sweeping viewsof Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in NorthAmerica, from almost every piste. It’s so flat andso clear that some people say it’s possible to see a25cm white dinner plate 23m below the surface.The origin of skiingSkiing hasn’t always been about the thrills andscenery though. Once upon a time, it was a meansto get from A to B, while hunting the odd wild boaren route. Rock paintings in Scandinavia and skispreserved in bogs in Russia show that skiing wasa part of life for hunters around 3,000 BC. Theinvention of modern skiing, as a recreational sport,happened a few centuries later, in 1850, when aNorwegian chap called Sondre Norheim inventeda birch binding that meant people could skiwithout their skis constantly falling off.In the early 1900s, ski lifts were introducedand package holidays launched, and by the 1960sthe craze had spread worldwide and was all therage among the jet set. Aspen quickly emergedas skiing’s chic headquarters. A coterie of therich and famous, including Jack Nicholson andHunter S Thompson, flocked to the Coloradosilver-mining town turned winter resort, luredby the 3,417m Aspen mountain, charming lodgesand classy crowds. Anyone who was anyone wasPrevious pages: A woman skiing on theBavarian mountain range of Allgäu.Opposite page, clockwise from top left:A cable car in Aspen, Colorado;Switzerland’s Matterhorn mountaintowers majestically above Riffelsee lake;St. Moritz is one of three cities to havehosted the Winter Olympic Games twiceSKI FACTS & FIGURES1924: first Winter OlympicsThey were held in Chamonix,France, with Norway bagging themost medals. Fast-forward a fewdecades and the Norwegians arestill sweeping the board: they’vewon 303 Winter Olympic medalsin total, more than any othercountry (50 more than the USA,in second place).3,979m: highest ski liftin the worldYou’ll need a head for heights ifyou ski in Gulmarg, India: it hasa gondola that whisks skiers upto a dizzying 3,979m. The ExpressSuper Chair in Breckenridge,Colorado, isn’t far behind,reaching 3,914m.251.4kph: fastest speedever recorded on skisYes, you read that right. Italianspeed skier Simone Origone iscurrently the fastest skier onEarth, holding the world recordof 251.4kph (156mph). If you’rea casual skier and hitting 50kph,you’re flying...1965: snowboardingis bornOne Christmas Day in Michigan,Sherman Poppen invented the‘Snurfer’ as a toy for his daughter,cross-bracing two skis together.It was an instant hit, so hepatented it and licensed it to anIllinois-based corporation, sellingmore than a million boards overthe next 15 years.$100,000: world’s mostexpensive ski passHow do you fancy unlimitedaccess to the world’s bestpowder skiing in the heart ofBritish Columbia’s Purcell andSelkirk mountain ranges? GreatCanadian Heli-Skiing offersa ski pass for CAD $100,000,guaranteeing the holder aseat on one of GCH’s A-StarB2 helicopters every daythroughout the season.22km: longest ski runin the worldThe Vallée Blanche, an off-pisteroute in Chamonix, is aleg-burning 22km long.66volume thirteenSummit

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eventsZermatt has been hailed the ‘mountain restaurantcapital of the Alps’, with more than 40 top-notchestablishments scattered across its peaksseen on the slopes, not all necessarily skiing –ladies in designer ski suits, fur hats and oversizedsunglasses would spend their days posing by thepistes, sipping champagne and hobnobbing.Fast-forward 50 years, and much of that glitz stillremains, from the upscale boutiques (Chanel, Dior,Prada, Gucci… you name it, Aspen has it) to thefine-dining restaurants.It’s not just about skiingThe evolution of gourmet mountain dining hasmeant that in many resorts throughout the world,no-frills, self-service restaurants are a thing of thepast. Zermatt, around three-and-a-half hours’drive from Zürich, has been hailed the ‘mountainrestaurant capital of the Alps’, with more than40 top-notch establishments scattered across itspeaks. Take Zum See, housed in a convertedcowshed on the Klein Matterhorn sector. As well asoffering views of the Matterhorn from the terrace,it serves up everything from oysters to calf’s liverwith rösti, alongside an immense wine list. Nowonder Sarah, Duchess of York, and PrincessesBeatrice and Eugenie are fans.In Colorado, meanwhile, the Game Creek Bowl– located atop Vail Mountain – makes for a wholenew culinary experience. You can only have lunchhere if you are a member, a privilege restricted to395 people, and for which there is a waiting list.However, the restaurant is open to the public fordinner. Step off the gondola that docks at Eagle’sNest and you’re escorted by snowcat to the chalet.Start with sushi, followed by truffle ravioli, andpear sticky toffee pudding to finish. Divine.Back in Switzerland, the glamorous resort ofSt. Moritz – long the domain of the jet set andA skier descends the slopes of MontBlanc, in the heart of the French Alps.Top: Zermatt sits at the bottom ofthe Matterhorn – this ski area is thehighest in the Alpsroyalty – takesgastronomy to a wholenew level with an annualGourmet Festival (28 January to 1 February 2013),where you can expect everything from champagnetastingsessions to chocolate-making workshopswith master chocolatiers. Feel free to indulge inas many truffles as you like – you’ll burn it all offtomorrow (a typical day’s skiing can burn up to3,000 calories).St. Moritz isn’t the only resort to be taken overwith festival fever every winter. Over the past fewyears, all the big-name resorts have introducedfestivals to their winter calendar; it helps boosttraffic to the area and gives locals something tobuzz about. Whistler hosts the World Ski &Snowboard Festival every April, with professionalfreestyle ski and snowboard competitions, freeconcerts and art installations. If comedy is moreyour thing, head to the Altitude Festival inMayrhofen, Austria, where some of the biggestnames in comedy take over the vibrant resort.Or, for a lavish end-of-season party, nothing beatsthe Park City Winterfest in Utah, which takesplace every February and lays on live music,fireworks, moonlight snowshoeing and crosscountryskiing tours.Whether you’ve spent your day cheering on theworld’s fastest skiers, clocking up mileage in theworld’s biggest ski resort, lapping up the views overa long lunch or simply posing by the piste in yourdesigner ski suit, there is just one thing for it as thesun starts to set: to find a spot by the log fire, witha piping glass of mulled wine, and relax. Youdeserve it. It’s been a hard day on the hill. Andyou’ll have to do it all over again tomorrow.Where to stayFor further information andreservations, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comASPENThe Limelight HotelJust steps away from theworld-famous skiing on AspenMountain, The Limelight Hoteloperates a complimentaryshuttle service to other leadingski areas nearby. After a day onthe slopes, there are two hottubs to unwind in and an invitingrestaurant serving Italian cuisine.CRESTED BUTTEElevation Hotel & SpaThis ski-in/ski-out resort hasspacious rooms, each with itsown kitchenette and most witha balcony. It also offers livelyaprès-sk in 9380 Prime, a newspa and fitness centre, andfamily-friendly facilities.The Lodge at Mountaineer SquareAccommodation here rangesfrom studios to four-bedroomsuites, all handily situated for skilifts, shopping and restaurants. Asa Preferred Family Certified hotel,it’s perfect for family groups, withfacilities such as high chairs andbabysitting services.PARK CITyThe Chateaux at Silver LakeA mid-mountain location givesthe hotel fabulous views andeasy access to the slopes of DeerValley. For unwinding after aday’s exertions, there’s a bar andrestaurant, heated outdoor pooland hot tub, spa and salon –and a fireplace in every room.ST. MORITZHotel MonopolOne of the finest four-star hotelsin ritzy St. Moritz, Hotel Monopolis in the heart of the pedestrianarea, with its designer shops andboutiques, but only a short walkfrom the cable car to the largestski area. A particular highlight isthe rooftop wellness area withmountain views.VANCOUVERThe Hotel at Terminal City ClubThis distinguished private clubis set in the heart of Vancouver’sfinancial and shopping district,but is just a 30-minute drivefrom the ski slopes of GrouseMountain and Cypress Mountain.It offers a choice of restaurantsand premier business facilities.alamy, getty images68 volume thirteen Summit

D R E A M V A C A T I O N S A W A I TThe Membership And Exchange Program For Luxury Shared Ownership ResortsVisit PreferredResidences.com for details.

Preferred Residences ® is a hospitality-branded membership and exchange program for luxury shared ownershipresorts and private residence clubs. The purchase of an ownership interest in a Preferred Residences resort providesaccess to outstanding vacation experiences. In addition to enjoying their home away from home, members canexchange vacation time to visit other exceptional resorts in the Preferred Residences network, thereby maximizingtheir leisure options. The program exceeds luxury hospitality expectations and delivers exceptional services.In addition to resorts in the Preferred Residences network, supplemental exchange opportunities are made availableto members. Resorts are in popular destinations in the continental United States and Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe,Mexico, and Canada.

M E M B E R S H I P P R I V I L E G E SPreferred Residences offers unique person-to-person service for exchange reservations and assistance with all lifestyle and leisuremembership benefits. Through our Member-Services Centers in Miami and in London, advisors are able to accommodate the needs of ouraffluent members on a worldwide basis.Global Exchange OpportunitiesThe opportunity to exchange enhances the appeal of sharedownership. Preferred Residences members can use their exchangeprivilege to visit extraordinary properties in the world’s mostdesirable destinations.• Owners of vacation time at a Preferred Residences resort candeposit accommodations for future use or await exchangeconfirmation before relinquishing their accommodations.• Weekly accommodations at Preferred Residences resorts areconverted to points values based on unit configuration, theseason of the time relinquished, and the deposit lead time.• Points allocated to weekly accommodations are available fortravel from one year prior to two years after the check-in date.This provides a three-year travel window.• The points-based exchange program offers the flexibility tomake the best use of members’ vacation time.• Personalized concierge-style service — including a courtesycall prior to finalizing exchange accommodations — ensuresacceptability.Preferred Concierge ServicesSophisticated travelers have come to expect service that is efficient,reliable, and skillfully delivered. Preferred Concierge services areavailable 24 hours a day via phone and email to assist with:• Restaurant recommendations and reservations• Helpful tourist and city details• Theater, movie, and sporting event tickets• Golf course information and tee-time bookings• Shopping and gift selection• Spa treatment reservations

Priority Pass MembershipPreferred Residences members can reduce the stress of air traveland enjoy a quiet, peaceful sanctuary while awaiting their flights,with a complimentary prestige membership in the world’s largestindependent airport VIP lounge program. Among the benefits:*• Access to more than 600 lounges in over 300 cities in more than100 countries worldwide• Lounges with Internet and email access, and with work andconference space• A variety of complimentary refreshments and snacksGolf ProgramPreferred Residences members receive a two-year complimentarymembership in Preferred Golf TM , a program that gives playersvalue-added access to the world’s most renowned courses, fromDromoland Castle in Ireland to Wisconsin’s Whistling Straitscourse. Preferred Golf benefits include:• Complimentary rounds of golf at more than 100 courses aroundthe globe**• The lowest publicly available room rates at Preferred Golf resorts• Exclusive use of the Preferred Golf VIP Desk to book golf roundsand resort stays• Priority early check-in and late check-outPreferred Residences Hotel BenefitsMembers enjoy preferential pricing for both leisure and businessstays in the Preferred Hotel Group TM family of brands (atparticipating hotels and resorts). These global collections ofdistinctive hotel properties offer discounts of 20 to 50 percent offpublished rates on rooms and suites.***Members are automatically enrolled in the I Prefer ® program, andcan take advantage of the following benefits at participating hotelsand resorts in the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands:• Exclusive offers and promotions throughout the year• Extra hotel amenities, unique to each hotel, whenaccommodations are booked at IPrefer.com• Room upgrades at check-in (based on availability)• Complimentary Internet access• Priority early check-in and late check-out*Amenities may vary by location. All program benefits are subject to applicable terms and conditions ofparticipation and are subject to change.**Based on a minimum two-night stay at the property associated with the course played.***Reservations must be booked through PreferredResidences.com or a Preferred Residences advisor. Terms andconditions apply. For a full list of participating properties and full terms and conditions, members sign in toPreferredResidences.com.

R E S O R T H I G H L I G H TKittitian Hill will be a phased, master-planned resort community set on a 400-acre (160 hectares)mountain slope overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the West Indies. It will offer beautifullydesigned villas and charming cottages ranging in size from studios to spacious four-bedroomresidences. The resort will provide a full range of amenities, including restaurants, swimmingpools, tennis, bicycle and hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course designed by Ian Woosnam, anexercise room, a planned destination spa, and a Caribbean Village with duty-free shops. Sailing,scuba diving, fishing, and boat rentals are available nearby. Kittitian Hill’s idyllic location willallow sweeping views over water of the nearby islands of St. Barth, St. Maarten/St. Martin,St. Eustatius, and Saba.For more information, contact Kittitian Hill by telephone at +869.466.1712, or visitkittitianhill.com.All images are artist renderings.PreferredResidences.com

R E S O R T H I G H L I G H TClub Seychelles in stunning Meads Bay, Anguilla, will provide all the comforts and conveniencesfor a first-class vacation experience. The Mediterranean-style resort will include beautifullyappointed one-, two-, and four-bedroom residences ranging in size from 870 to 4,900 square feet,each with its own swimming pool and dramatic beachfront terrace. An uncompromising focus onexcellence dictates upscale Italian cabinetry, granite and marble countertops, European linens,Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, Bose entertainment systems, and 42-inch plasma televisions. Theresort will provide around-the-clock concierge and room service, security, and valet parking.Anguilla’s spectacular beaches and year-round balmy climate invite visitors to swim, sail, snorkel,and dive. Numerous daily flights connect this tranquil island paradise with hub cities, includingMiami, New York, Toronto, London, and Paris.For more information, visit seychellesanguilla.com, contact Club Seychelles by telephone at+721.587.3037, or email Seychelles@anguillanet.com.All images are artist renderings.PreferredResidences.com

portfol ıoA look insideSummit Hotels& Resorts76 Five of the best Let love blossom in one of these romantic holiday destinations78 Boarding class The latest additions to the Summit Hotels & Resorts portfolio80 Directory A list of Summit Hotels & Resorts properties around the world82 Concierge Turkey’s capital city of Ankara is an interesting mix of modern metropolis and historic wondersSoldiers stand guardat Anıtkabir, themausoleum of modernTurkey’s founderand first president,Mustafa Kemal Atatürkcorbisvolume thirteenSummit75

of the best...5cities forromanceFrom grand,sweeping vistasto cosy, candlelitdinners, theseinspiring citieshave all theingredients forthe perfectromantic breakBy LAURA DIXONin anutshellClassicromanceQuirkycourtshipBeautyspotCosycocktailsTablefor twoPARISNo explanation needed: ask people to name themost romantic city in the world, and there’s everychance most of them will say Paris, aka the Cityof Love.A champagne river cruise along the Seine willtake you gently past all the major sights, includingNotre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf andthe Louvre.Wander round Père Lachaise cemetery, whereyou’ll find the graves of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf andJim Morrison – an offbeat, but strangely romanticway to spend the afternoon.The Jardin du Luxembourg (where Mariusand Cosette meet in Les Misérables) is full ofromantic symbolism, from the many statuesscattered around the gardens to theMedici Fountain.Flûte Paris Bar & Lounge, nearthe Arc de Triomphe, stands outfor its scarlet velour seating,jazz sessions and sensationalchampagne cocktails.For romance with a capital R, headto Ciel de Paris. Located on the 56thfloor of the Montparnasse Tower, it offersincredible views of the Eiffel Tower.PRAGUEBaroque architecture, gold-tipped statues anda castle overlooking it all – Prague is bathed inhistory and romance from top to toe.Every fairy tale needs a castle, and Prague’sUNESCO-listed version, overlooking the town,is a must-see. Try to catch a classical music concertin St George’s Basilica there.Adrenalin is supposed to be an aphrodisiac,so why not head out of town and try bungeejumping from Zvikovské Bridge over the Vltavavalley? Guaranteed to get your heart racing...Housed in the Baroque Kaunický Palace, theMucha Museum celebrates the Art Nouveauartist Alphonse Mucha and his romantic,decorative images.Swap the cocktails for a local beer:the city’s many famous brewerieshave superb beer halls and cellarswith well-chosen brews. Try thecosy front room of U Vejvodu.One of the city’s most exclusiveplaces to eat, Mlýnec (‘The Mill’) hasan award-winning menu and a riverterrace with views of the Charles Bridge.MoviemomentTake inspiration from Woody Allen’s Midnight inParis and stroll the streets at night, soaking upthe atmosphere and imagining years gone by.Find James Bond-style romantic thrills atPrague’s Strahov Monastery – its historic libraryprovided one of the locations for Casino Royale,starring Daniel Craig.Whereto stayHotel François 1er is set on a quiet side street nearthe Champs-Élysées; the Hotel Napoleon Paris iswithin easy reach of cultural attractions; in additionto elegant guestrooms, the Hotel CaliforniaParis Champs Elysées houses an impressive artcollection; and the Hotel Regina offers historic ArtNouveau style close to the Louvre and the Tuileries.A short tram ride from Wenceslas Square,andel’s Hotel & Suites Prague is a sleekly modernhotel with light, airy guestrooms, an atmosphericbar/brasserie and a gym and wellness centreoffering relaxing beauty treatments.76volume THIRTEENSummit

hot spotsNEW YORKVENICEBARCELONAWhether you’re browsing the engagement ringsat Tiffany & Co or sighing over skyscraper views,New York is undoubtedly one of the world’s mostromantic locations.If you don’t feel amorous in Venice – with itsglorious architecture, winding canals andsecret squares – maybe you never will. It’sa romantic’s dream.The vibrant maverick spirit of Barcelona gives ita unique romantic appeal. It’s a city full of colourand creative freedom, where you feel anythingcould happen.Take a romantic stroll, hand in hand, over theBrooklyn Bridge to enjoy views of Manhattanfrom across the water. At night it is lit up withfairy lights.Murmur sweet nothings to each other at theWhispering Gallery in Grand Central Station. Theacoustics of the ceramic arches make even theslightest sigh audible.Enjoy rural pleasures in the heart of the city: hirea rowing boat, kayak or gondola from Central ParkBoathouse to explore the lake.Cruise along the Grand Canal, linedwith beautiful palazzi, and underthe Rialto Bridge – ideally on oneof the vaporetti (water buses)with outdoor seats at the front.Indulge a shared love of gelatoby exploring the ice cream stalls ofthe Dorsoduro district; this is whereyou’ll find the best gianduja ice creamin town.Take in an aerial view of the city, stretching asfar as the beaches of the Lido, from the top ofthe San Giorgio tower; it’s a short vaporetto ridefrom St Mark’s Square and less crowded than thecampanile there.In summer, take a picnic blanket,basket and bottle of cava toMontjuïc Castle for outdoorcinema screenings precededby live music.Have a drink at the Bosc de lesFades café near the Wax Museum– a unique fairy tale-themedeatery complete with occasionalthunderstorms and a magical forest.Gaudi’s famous Park Güell is a beautiful spot, withundulating walls, mosaic lizards and fabulousviews of the city. Perfect for proposals.Employees Only in the West Village is a small,trendy cocktail bar, with a tarot reader besidethe door to tell you about your future together.When it’s cold outside, head to Caffè Florian(in St Mark’s Square) and snuggle up togetherwith liqueur coffees in one of the ornate19th-century rooms.Gimlet in the Gothic Quarter is a stylish cocktailbar where you’re transported to the 1950s, withsmartly dressed waiters and bar staff who’ll whiskup a personally designed concoction for you.Darkly lit and quirkily styled, Macao TradingCompany in TriBeCa serves great cocktailsand Portuguese-Chinese fusion food, andis a seductive spot for dinner.Take a boat to Venissa, a wonderful restauranton the island of Mazzorbo, near Burano, forexquisite pasta, soft-shelled crab from thelagoon and local wine.Tram-Tram in Sarria has a fairy light-draped gardenand several private dining rooms, all servinghigh-end creative food, such as textured artichokedishes and red mullet.Visit the Empire State Building at night – as TomHanks and Meg Ryan did in Sleepless in Seattle.It’s quiet, the queues are short and the city looksmovie-ready with all its twinkling lights.Make like Helena Bonham Carter in The Wingsof the Dove (an all-time classic story of love anddeceit in Venice) and take to the water in agondola at sunset.The Sagrada Familia, Fundació Joan Miró andother famous landmarks shared the silverscreen with Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardemand Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen’sVicky Cristina Barcelona.The Kitano New York offers atranquil refuge in the heart offast-paced Manhattan; The AlexHotel in Midtown is perfect forbusiness or leisure; and TheHelmsley Park Lane Hotel®has great views of Central Park.A Summit Hotels& Resorts property willprovide you with theperfect getaway. For moreinformation, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comHotel Monaco & Grand Canalis housed in a former palaceoverlooking the Grand Canal,with Baroque details andbeautiful views.Originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, HotelFira Palace offers polished interiors and spaciousguestrooms (complete with luxurious massageshowers and Gilchrist & Soames amenities) in theheart of the vibrant Montjuïc district.alamy, corbisvolume THIRTEEN Summit 77

oarding classIntroducing the latest additions to the esteemed Summit Hotels & Resorts portfolioorth america north america north america northWhether you’re looking to get awayfor a round of golf, are searching fora destination with a wealth of Frenchcharacter or planning a lively city break,the Summit Hotels & Resorts brand’s mostrecent properties will fulfil all your needs.To find out more about these and otherSummit Hotels & Resorts properties,please visit www.SummitHotels.comPacific Palms ResortCalifornia, United StatesIf golf is your passion, then you’ve come to theright place. Located in the City of Industry,just half an hour’s drive from Los Angeles,Pacific Palms Resort towers over its recentlyrenovated championship golf courses, Ikeand Babe. Positioned at the top of a hill inan attractive 260ha, the resort looks outtowards the San Gabriel Mountains. The 292guestrooms each have a balcony and floorto-ceilingwindows from which to take in thebreathtaking views. After a round of golf, youcan relax in the aptly named Oasis swimmingpool or enjoy a luxurious treatment in TheSpa. All food tastes are also catered for, witha range of options in the resort’s restaurants.Doral Golf Resort & SpaFlorida, United StatesAs its names suggests, this resort is made up of two main parts: the golf course andthe spa. On the doorstep of the main golf clubhouse, guestrooms and suites are‘intimate villa-like lodges’, with plantation shutters and private balconies or terraces,while 48 exclusive suites at the spa cater for those preferring a more rejuvenatingstay. Guests at this magnificent southern Florida resort will be spoilt for choicewhen it comes to mealtimes, as there are seven eating establishments, including theMesazul Steakhouse, which uses a Latin spin on a traditional American steakhouse.78volume THIRTEENSummit

new hotelsRoyal AntibesAntibes, FranceThis striking hotel sits on the Antibes seafront in southeast France,and is only a short walk from the city centre. You can enjoy stunningseaviews from guestroom and apartment balconies, as well as froma large outdoor terrace. Boasting its own private beach completewith sunbeds, Royal Antibes also has two restaurants dishing upMediterranean cuisine, plus a lounge bar.Moulin de MadameVilleneuve-sur-Lot, FranceMoulin de Madame is set in a renovated 18thcenturymill on the outskirts of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, in southwest France. The new restaurant,with a separate bar and lounge, offers outstandingpanoramic views of the River Lot and surroundingcountryside, and serves traditional French cuisineand wine. The ancient bastide town of Villeneuvesur-Lotis a pleasant place to explore, with quaintshops, local market days and a unique church thathas an elaborate tower. On days when you want tostay on-site, you can relax in the hotel’s lavish spa.africa asia pacific africa europe africa asia pacific afriOriental Riverside HotelShanghai, ChinaNestled on a bend of Shanghai’s River Huangpu, the OrientalRiverside Hotel overlooks the famous waterfront area ofthe Bund. Its central location, only 5km from downtownShanghai, means that it is close to the Oriental Pearl Radioand TV Tower, the 88-storey Jinmao Tower observation deckand Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. The hotel has impressivebusiness facilities, including seven banquet and receptionrooms, making it the perfect venue for conferences, eventsand weddings. In addition, an expert events team is onhand to guarantee an experience of the highest standard.Guestrooms and suites are stylish and modern and havefree internet access. The top-floor Moon River Bar with itsglass ceiling structure allows for stunning panoramic viewsof the city, and the first-floor Asian Taste restaurant offerstraditional Shanghai, Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Thereis also an indoor swimming pool, spa and tennis court.volume THIRTEEN Summit 79

DirectorySoak up the ambience at9 Muses Santorini Resort’soutdoor swimming poolon this idyllic Greek islandAsia & PacificCountry City HotelAustralia Kununurra Pinctada Kimberley GrandeChina Beijing EAST, BeijingChengduRegal Master HotelGuangzhouDong Fang HotelHong KongEASTHarbour Grand Hong KongRegal Airport Hotel Meeting& Conference CenterRegal Hongkong HotelShanghaiOriental Riverside HotelParkyard Hotel ShanghaiRegal International East Asia HotelShenzhenThe Panglin HotelIndia Bangalore Ista BangaloreThe Zuri Whitefield BengaluruGoaThe Zuri White Sands GoaResort & CasinoNew DelhiThe Suryaa, New DelhiIndonesia Bali Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & SpaJapan Tokyo Grand Pacific LE DAIBAKeio Plaza Hotel TokyoRoyal Park HotelYokohamaHotel New GrandYokohama Royal Park HotelMongolia Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan HotelPapua New Guinea Port MoresbyGrand Papua HotelSingapore Singapore Royal Plaza on ScottsSouth Korea Seoul Imperial Palace HotelThailand Bangkok The Landmark BangkokKo SamuiThe Tongsai BayPhuketLa Flora Resort PatongCaribbeanCountry City HotelPuerto Rico San Juan Verdanza HotelCentral & South AmericaCountry City HotelBolivia La Paz Hotel EuropaBrazil Belo Horizonte Ouro Minas Palace HotelColombia Bogotá Bogotá Plaza Summit HotelCentral & South America (continued)Country City HotelGuatemala La Antigua Porta Hotel AntiguaPanama Bocas del Toro Playa Tortuga Hotel &Beach ResortPanama CityEl Panama HotelPeru Lima Casa Andina Private Collection –MirafloresDelfines Hotel & CasinoEuropeCountry City HotelAustria Lochau Seehotel Am KaiserstrandBelgium Brussels Hotel MetropoleCzech Republic Karlovy Vary Grandhotel PuppPragueandel’s Hotel & Suites PragueDenmark Copenhagen Palace HotelEstonia Tallinn Hotel St. PetersbourgFrance Antibes Royal AntibesParisHotel California ParisChamps ElyséesHotel François 1erHotel Napoleon ParisHotel ReginaVilleneuve-sur-Lot Moulin de MadameGermany Berlin andel’s Hotel BerlinPestana Berlin TiergartenHamburgEmpire Riverside HotelMarburgVila Vita RosenparkMunichHotel ExcelsiorGreece Santorini 9 Muses Santorini ResortIreland Dublin The Gibson HotelItaly Como Grand Hotel di ComoFlorenceGrand Hotel BaglioniGrand Hotel MinervaHotel Albani FirenzePlaza Hotel LucchesiMilanBrunelleschi Hotel MilanoHotel De La VilleMilan Assago Royal Garden HotelMontecatini, Terme Hotel Francia & QuirinaleNaplesGrand Hotel Santa LuciaPalermoHotel Plaza OpéraParmaHotel Palace Maria LuigiaPositanoCovo dei Saraceni80volume THIRTEENSummit

For further information or to make a reservation, please visit www.SummitHotels.comEurope (continued)Country City HotelItaly Rome Hotel Bernini BristolSorrentoParco dei PrincipiVeniceHotel Monaco & Grand CanalVietri Sul Mare Hotel RaitoSpain Barcelona Hotel Fira PalaceEstepona, Malaga Hotel Fuerte EsteponaMadridHotel WellingtonValenciaAyre Hotel Astoria PalaceSwitzerland Lausanne-Ouchy Hotel Angleterre and ResidenceLuganoGrand Hotel EdenSt. MoritzHotel MonopolZürichHotel AscotStorchen ZürichTurkey Ankara Divan AnkaraAntalyaDivan AntalyaBursaDivan BursaUnited Kingdom Leeds 42 The CallsLondonLancaster LondonThe AcademyThe Colonnade, LondonThe Mandeville HotelMiddle East & AfricaCountry City HotelKenya Nairobi Lake Naivasha Country ClubSarova StanleyMadagascar Antananarivo Hotel CarltonMorocco Marrakech Es Saadi HotelKenzi Menara PalaceSouth Africa Cape Town, Erinvale Estate Hotel & SpaWestern Cape The Devon Valley HotelThe Peninsula All-Suite HotelUnited Arab Emirates Abu DhabiCristal Salam HotelNorth America – CanadaSTATE City HotelBritish Columbia Richmond River Rock Resort and HotelVancouverThe Hotel at Terminal City ClubOntario Toronto Metropolitan Hotel TorontoNorth America – Mexicostate City HotelBaja California Sur Los Cabos Meliá Cabo RealFederal District Mexico City Meliá México ReformaGuerrero Acapulco Emporio AcapulcoIxtapa-Zihuatenejo Emporio IxtapaOaxaca Bahías de Huatulco Las Brisas HuatulcoSinaloa Mazatlan Emporio MazatlanZacatecas Zacatecas Emporio ZacatecasNorth America – USAstate City HotelAlabama Birmingham The Wynfrey Hotel atRiverchase GalleriaArizona Phoenix The WigwamTucsonHacienda del Sol GuestRanch ResortCalifornia City of Industry Pacific Palms ResortLodiWine & Roses HotelLos AngelesThe OrlandoLos GatosHotel Los Gatos and SpaNapaThe Meritage Resort and SpaColorado Aspen The Limelight HotelCrested Butte Elevation Hotel & SpaThe Lodge at Mountaineer SquareFlorida Jupiter Jupiter Beach Resort & SpaMiamiDoral Golf Resort & SpaThe Mutiny HotelNorth America – USA (continued)state City HotelGeorgia Atlanta The Georgian Terrace HotelHawaii Oahu/Honolulu Waikiki Parc HotelWailea-Makena, Maui Makena Beach & Golf ResortIllinois Chicago/Glenview The Glen ClubIndiana French Lick French Lick Springs HotelNew Harmony New Harmony InnIowa Cedar Rapids The Hotel at Kirkwood CenterDavenportHotel BlackhawkLouisiana New Orleans Bienville HouseMassachusetts Boston Seaport BostonThe Colonnade Hotel, BostonMichigan Detroit Atheneum Suite HotelNevada Reno Peppermill Resort Spa CasinoNew Jersey Summit The Grand Summit HotelNew York New York The Alex HotelThe Helmsley Park Lane Hotel RThe Kitano New YorkNorth Carolina Chapel Hill The Siena HotelOhio Columbus The BlackwellUtah Park City The Chateaux at Silver LakeWashington Bellingham Hotel BellwetherSeattle/Tulalip Tulalip Resort Casino & SpaSummit serviced residencesAsia & PacificCountry City HotelSingapore Singapore 8 on Claymore ServicedResidencesMiddle East & AfricaCountry City HotelSouth Africa Mossel Bay Gondwana Game ReserveNorth America – USAstate City HotelDistrict of Columbia WashingtonAKA White HouseNew York New York AKA Central ParkAKA Sutton PlaceAKA Times SquareAKA United NationsPennsylvania Philadelphia AKA Rittenhouse SquareVirginia Arlington AKA Virginia SquareASIA & PACIFICAustralia 1 800 134 271Hong Kong 800 96 3365India 000800 650 1281Japan 00531 650 5260120 984450North China 10 800 650 0379South China 10 800 265 0387Singapore 1 800 227 3126(toll) 65 6248 3255Taiwan 00801 65 1254Thailand 001 800 656587CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICAArgentina 0800 555 0003Brazil 0800 892 2221Chile 1230 020 0712Colombia 01 800 912 0995For further informationabout our hotelportfolio, please referto the latest directoryin your guestroomRESERVATIONS | To make reservations at any of the hotels listed here, visitwww.SummitHotels.com. You may also contact your travel professional or call:EUROPEBelgium 0800 13448Finland 0800 113270Luxembourg 0800 22915Norway 800 11417Republic of 1 800 553 225IrelandRest of Europe 00800 32375001NORTH AMERICACanada/USA 1 800 457 4000(toll) 1 817 567 9633Mexico 001 800 514 0174Please note that hotels listed aresubject to change without notice.For a current list, please visitwww.SummitHotels.comvolume THIRTEEN Summit 81

conciergegetty imagesA Turkish delightEren Güven, Front Office Supervisor at Divan Ankara, shares someof his top tips for discovering the hidden gems of the Turkish capitalClockwise fromtop left: Ceilingof the Museumof AnatolianCivilisations;Ankara Castle;Eren Güven ofDivan Ankara;Turkish delightWhat do you love most about your job?Meeting so many interesting people. I always tryto serve our customers better and that leads meto be more creative and dynamic.What is the first thing anyone new in Ankarashould do? Visit Anıtkabir, the monument of theleader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As the founder ofthe modern Turkish republic, he’s a world-knownleader, and here you can see the significantimpact he’s had on Turkey.Tell us something surprising about Ankara.There are so many museums, art performancesand live concerts here.Which are your favourite museums? TheMuseum of Anatolian Civilisations is one of thebest museums in the world. Here, archaeologicalartefacts are exhibited in chronological orderfrom the Palaeolithic Age to the presentday. There’s also Cer Modern, the perfectcombination of history and art. Formerly a repaircentre for trains and wagons, it is now the firstmodern art centre in Ankara. It has held SalvadorDali and MC Escher shows, and has a Van Goghexhibition opening in October 2012.What’s your favourite spot in Ankara? I love theparks and open spaces. Kuğulu Park (Swan Park) inTunalı Hilmi Street is the most popular in Ankara,and takes its name from the swans sent by theChinese government as a gift. Seğmenler Park isthe symbol of the Kavaklıdere region and, besideshousing a huge botanical garden with 100-yearoldtrees, it also includes statues, pools, children’splaygrounds and an amphitheatre.What about nightspots? The luxuriousrestaurants, nightclubs and pubs in Çankayaand Tunalı are worth a visit. You can do anythingfrom visiting an English pub to singing in akaraoke bar. There’s an array of choices andthey’re easy to find.Any hidden gems people should know about?Beypazarı is 98km from Ankara city centre andhas been the heart of many civilisations. Youcan taste traditional foods, buy silver jewelleryand shop for other local products. Kızılcahamamis famous for its natural thermal spring, believedto have healing properties, and is best forweekend holidays.Where would you go for the best view of thecity? Ankara Castle – from there you have apanoramic view of the cityscape.What do the different seasons have to offer?In summer, try a walk through Beynam Forest,take a bike tour around Eymir Lake or have apicnic by Mogan Lake. You can enjoy deliciousfoods in the restaurants located along the shore.In winter, Elmadağ is perfect for skiing. If youwant to visit the historic sites and wander aroundthe city, spring is best as it is dry, warm and youcan witness the awakening of nature after thecold winter.Apart from the hotel restaurant, where canyou get the best Turkish food in your city?Çengelhan Brasserie is a unique place withdelicious dishes and a cosy atmosphere. It islocated in Rahmi M Koç Museum and afterenjoying your meal, you can take a look around.Where’s the best shopping in Ankara? Panora,Ankamall, Kentpark, Cepa and Gordion are allgood shopping malls. The area around AnkaraCastle is perfect if you’re looking for traditional,handmade and antique products.What’s the best guestroom in your hotel andwhy? Suite 601 is my favourite. It has a reallywide terrace where you can enjoy the charmingAnkara view while drinking a delicious cocktailfrom the Divan Pub.What’s the strangest request you’ve ever hadfrom a guest? One of our guests wished forhis wife to be showered with rose petals uponentering the hotel.What’s the best souvenir to take home? Turkishdelight is a famous Turkish confection that makesa perfect gift for family and friends – or treatyourself, to remind you of a great trip away.Turkish delight is a famous Turkish confection thatmakes a perfect gift for family and friends – or treatyourself, to remind you of a great trip away82 volume thirteen Summit

She’s the World to You. Now Show Her What That Means.Moments you spend away together are some of the most defining of your life. Make them magical.Preferred Hotel Group has hand-selected the hotel experiences that go way beyond “family-friendly.”Shouldn’t luxury be special for your whole family? Visit PreferredFamily.com/sm to see what’s possible.© 2012 Preferred Hotel Group