Desert Jewels - Frasers Hospitality

issue 10 

Desert Jewels 

Doha and Dubai’s glittering attractions 

ultimate boating adventures 

Nanjing in style 

frasershospitality.com

More than bedding... fully living. 

www.ploh.com 

Luxury Down Pillows Duvets Featherbeds Bedlinens

Cover photo: Sand dunes and skyscrapers in Dubai,UAE / Getty Images 

WELCOME 

We started the year with the launch of our new 

brand campaign, which we are featuring in this 

issue of Cachet, that of a couple finding the space 

to be together, and a little girl about to sleep. 

Binding them together is the tagline ‘Sincerely 

Fraser’, a phrase that reinforces a special way of 

doing things that we at Fraser always have, and 

will continue to embrace. 

Taking centre stage in our Property Viewing pages 

are Fraser Suites Dubai and Fraser Suites Doha, 

both centrally located and lavish properties with 

spectacular waterfront views. Not to be outdone 

is our Fraser Suites Nanjing, just a short train ride 

away from Shanghai. Elegantly appointed with 

extensive resident facilities, this property was 

recently recognised for its great service with the 

Best Serviced Apartment Award polled by 

Business Traveller China. 

In the following months we will continue to open 

new properties, in Guangzhou and Shanghai, 

China; Perth, Australia; Singapore; Bangalore, 

India; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We look 

forward to welcoming you to both our soon-toopen 

and existing properties, all 55 of them, soon. 

Sincerely, 

Choe Peng Sum 

CEO 

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd 

Follow Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd: 

www.twitter.com/fraserapartment 

www.facebook.com/FrasersHospitality 

FRAseRs HOsPITALITY PTe LTD 

491B River Valley Road, Level 8 Valley Point, Singapore 248373 

www.frasershospitality.com 

Director, Group Branding & Communications Jastina Balen 

35 

fEaturEs 

04 Desert Jewels 

The glittering Middle Eastern 

cities of Doha and Dubai 

12 Much Ado About eggs 

Artful interpretations of 

Easter’s colourful icon 

20 A splash of Adventure 

Paddle your way through 

wild and wet destinations 

28 Divine in the Brine 

Epicurean revelations 

about oysters 

rEguLars 

02 Global Calendar 

08 Property Viewing: Doha 

10 Property Viewing: Dubai 

16 Property Viewing: Nanjing 

32 Fraser Difference: Kids Club 

35 City of the Moment: London 

36 scene and Heard 

38 Resident Activities 

40 My World 

42 Awards and Directory 

Publishing Agent: 

emphasis Media (s) Pte Ltd Tel: +65 6735 8681; Email: enquiry@emphasis.net; www.emphasismedia.com 

editorial Director Rod Mackenzie editor Jerico Abila sub-editor Nelissa Hernandez senior Designers Sri Putri Julio, Stephanie Lim Designer Denise Lim 

General Manager Joui Ong Client services Doreen Lau Advertising enquiries Edwina Chan (echan@emphasis.net) 

08 

28 

CACHET is published quarterly for Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd by Emphasis Media (S) Pte Ltd. The title “CACHET”, its associated logos or devices and the content of CACHET 

are the property of Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd. Copyright is held by the publishers. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited © 2012. This 

publication is distributed free. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd. All information correct at time of printing. MICA (P) 175/08/2011 

Getty Images

2 | gLOBaL CaLENDar 

28 Mar – 22 Apr, 

Melbourne 

Melbourne 

International 

Comedy Festival 

A belly laugh does a world of 

good and Melbourne’s annual 

festival of mirth offers plenty of 

laughs indeed. With more than 

300 events in the programme, 

ranging from stand-up acts and 

cabaret to film, theatre, street 

performances and visual arts, 

the festival is one of the three 

largest in the world, attracting 

more than 500,000 fans last year. 

For an extra dose of laughs, also 

catch the festival’s highlights at 

its Roadshow in Perth in June. 

comedyfestival.com.au 

8-10 Apr, Budapest 

spring Wine & 

Jazz Festival 

April is a perfect time 

to visit Budapest as the 

whole town is in a mood 

to welcome the arrival of 

spring. The annual Budapest 

Spring Wine & Jazz Festival 

celebrates traditional 

Hungarian gastronomy 

and the best local vintages 

– while listening to great 

Hungarian jazz. Open-air 

concerts at the main square 

of Óbuda, wine tastings, 

crafts displays and more are 

in store. Free admission. 

visitbudapest.travel 

13-15 Apr, Glasgow 

scottish Bike show 

The whole family is welcome at the Scottish Bike 

Show, a friendly and festive showcase of bikes, 

clothing, accessories, indoor test tracks and forest 

trails at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference 

Centre in Glasgow. Catch some 

of the UK’s best riders 

showing off their skills in 

the BMX street park, or 

cheer on participants in 

the Sportive on 15 April – 

Scotland’s newest mass 

participation 

cycle event, 

which offers two 

challenging routes 

through stunning 

countryside. 

thescottishbikeshow.com 

17-20 May, Hong Kong 

ARTHK12 

Dubbed the ‘Art Basel 

of Asia’, the Hong 

Kong International 

Art Fair has 

become 

a premier 

showcase 

of Asian and 

western 

contemporary 

art in just four 

years. It attracts 

high-profile art 

collectors and toprated 

galleries from Asia and 

the around the world. More than 63,000 

visitors and 260 top galleries participated 

in last year’s ART HK, with strong sales 

of work by artists such as Liu Wei, Zhang 

Enli, Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois. 

hongkongartfair.com 

18-20 May, Seoul 

Lotus Lantern Festival 

Light, light and more light is the theme 

of Seoul’s Lotus Lantern Festival, held 

annually to celebrate the Buddha’s 

birthday. A Buddhist culture street fair, a 

traditional lantern exhibition, flea markets 

and outdoor performances are capped by an 

after-dark parade of glowing lanterns. Don’t miss 

the chance to make your own lantern, which is 

said to help one achieve enlightenment in 

the next life. english.visitkorea.or.kr 

9-29 Jun, Istanbul 

Istanbul shopping Fest 

A 22-day mega shopping event in the malls and streets of one of the most exciting 

cities in Europe. Enjoy shopping in the cooler night air as many shops stay open 

until midnight. The big three streets should be on your itinerary – Bagdat, Abdi 

Ipekçi and Istiklal are home to numerous boutiques, as well as lively bars and 

restaurants. Take the time to also explore the Grand Bazaar for leather goods, 

watches, carpets, scarves, jewellery and other souvenirs. english.istanbul.com 

April, Throughout Japan 

Cherry Blossom Festival 

Japan’s most iconic flower blooms again this spring. Throughout Japan, hordes 

of locals and tourists alike flock to the parks and other cultural sites to relish the 

beauty of the cherry blossom or sakura. Families and friends come together for 

picnics, spreading blankets under the cherry blossom trees and sharing some 

of the season’s best foods. Apart from sakura delicacies to sample, there are 

numerous hanami activities, including tea ceremonies and exhibitions, for everyone 

to enjoy in this unique festival. japantravelinfo.com 

21 Jun, Paris 

La Fête de la Musique 

An all-night street music festival on the 

eve of the summer solstice: it’s hard 

to imagine a better way of welcoming 

summer. It all began in Paris in 1982 as 

a brainchild of American musician Joel 

Cohen, then a producer of musical radio 

programmes for a French radio station. 

21 June has since become one of the 

most popular events in Paris as musicians 

give free performances in the streets – 

jazz, rock, hip-hop, electronic, you name 

it, they’ll play it. La Fête de la Musique 

is the perfect time to let your hair 

down and really get to know the city’s 

neighbourhoods. fetedelamusique.culture.fr 

fraser cachet fraser cachet 

Photos: Getty Images

4 | ChECk-iN 

Dazzling modernity and rich ancient history sit side-by-side 

in the Middle Eastern cities of Doha and Dubai 

WORDS: Euan McKirdy 


Photo: Corbis 

Doha’s Pearl Monument 

illuminated at night with 

the new high-rises of West 

Bay in the background

6 | ChECk-iN 

It’s no coincidence that most of the world is looking 

to the Gulf region for inspiration. Countries like 

the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar 

are actively demonstrating what happens when 

you marry ambition with potential – and never mind 

the expense. Across the region, there is a sense of 

motivation and boundless energy, which translates 

into real-world results. 

Ambitious projects such as the Burj Khalifa, currently 

the world’s tallest building, in Dubai, and the 2022 FIFA 

World Cup to be hosted in Qatar, show exactly what the 

people of this extraordinary region can do when they get 

an idea into their heads. 

Structural marvels 

Nowhere is this more 

evident than the 

breathtaking oasis that 

is the ‘City of Gold’. 

Dubai’s denizens have 

carved a living from 

the desert and the 

emirate is now home 

to more of the world’s 

engineering marvels 

than any other place 

on earth. In addition 

to the Burj Khalifa – 

the 828-metre slender structure of glass and steel that 

pierces the cloudless blue sky like a shimmering crystal 

spear – Dubai also boasts huge man-made islands and 

the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab. The 

hotel stands serenely on its own artificial island 280 

metres from Jumeirah Beach. Designed to resemble a 

ship’s billowing sail, it has been a symbol of the city’s 

tourism ambitions since it opened in 1999. Alongside 

these gleaming superstructures are ancient historical 

sites, monuments, mosques and other centuries-old 

buildings, all of which contribute to the city’s unique, 

rich culture and traditions. 

Doha is an equally fascinating place and in addition 

to its more modern features, the city is home to some 

striking Moorish architecture. One key example of this 

is the Doha Fort in the Al Bida district of downtown 

Doha. Once a Turkish military barracks, built during the 

Ottoman occupation, it is one of the city’s most popular 

tourist attractions. 

Glitzy shops 

Dubai, as part of the UAE, has always been a shopper’s 

paradise and is now home to some of the world’s most 

Clockwise from 

top left: The I.M. 

Pei-designed 

Museum of 

Islamic Art at 

Doha Port; the 

towering Burj 

Khalifa by The 

Dubai Mall; 

Dubai and Doha 

are known for 

their exquisite 

jewellery 

Photos: Getty Images, Crobis, Dreamstime, istockphoto 

glamorous brands, housed in extraordinary complexes 

like The Dubai Mall – another world-record holder 

by virtue of being the largest by total area. Other 

retail-friendly outlets are the city’s traditional 

souks, where bargaining is a way of life and some 

real Arabian treasures can be haggled for. 

Meanwhile, Doha’s famous Gold Souk, a 

collection of dozens of tiny jewellery shops lining 

Al Ashat Street, is known throughout the world, 

not only for selling gold items but also for its 

craftsmen, any of whom will be happy to make a 

piece of jewellery to visitors’ own unique designs. 

Dining paradise 

Much of the action in Doha centres around the 

Corniche, an eight-kilometre promenade that 

curves around Doha Bay and overlooks the 

glittering Gulf, Palm Tree Island and the city’s 

skyscrapers. Breathtaking when illuminated at 

night, it is as busy after dusk with a host of cafes 

and restaurants as it is during the day. 

Visitors can take in the serene views of the 

Arabian Peninsula while savouring some of the 

city’s speciality dishes, including ghuzi (whole 

roast lamb), moutabel (garlicky aubergines) and 

mehalabiya (rose water and pistachio pudding). 

Pedestrianised, the Corniche is dotted 

with parks filled with families, joggers and 

skateboarders – the largest, Al Bida Park, also 

boasts a number of family-friendly attractions 

including a big wheel, skateboarding ramps, shops 

and cafes. 

Dubai, meanwhile is experiencing a gastronomic 

transformation as a number of Michelin-starred chefs 

– Gordon Ramsay leads the pack – showcase their 

culinary expertise in the city. 

A sporting chance 

Qataris are sports-mad and the city is anything but 

unambitious about its sporting aspirations. In addition 

to the 2022 World Cup, this tiny country is in the 

running to host the only other event to rival the World 

Cup for a global audience – the Summer Olympics. The 

city also hosts an annual European PGA event, the Qatar 

Masters, providing locals and sports fans with a glimpse 

of the Tour’s finest players. 

A uniquely Arab event held annually in the city, the 

Emir GCC Camels Race Final in April is the last in a 

series of similar events held around the region. The 

Qatar leg is held at the Alshahaniya Race Track in Doha, 

attracting a select crowd of wealthy camel owners – and 

curious racegoers – every year. 

Neighbouring Dubai is also no slouch when it comes 

to sporting extravaganzas and this emirate is home to 

one of the equestrian world’s leading events – the Dubai 

World Cup. This world-class horseracing event takes 

place at the Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, 

and attracts a whole host of racing’s glitterati – 

the perfect event for a city that isn’t afraid to 

show off. 


top left: The 

glitzy interior 

of The Dubai 

Mall; The iconic 

Burj Al Arab; 

exhilarating 

moments on the 

dunes in Dubai 

fraser cachet fraser cachet

8 | prOpErty viEWiNg 

Golden living 

Fraser Suites Doha shines with sophisticated style and equally exquisite facilities 

Above: The 

contemporary 

interior of Fraser 

suites Doha 

fraser cachet 

A 

glittering new addition to the ever-changing 

skyline of the Corniche, Fraser Suites Doha 

sets the city’s style benchmark even higher 

with a property that features 138 Gold- 

Standard serviced apartments. 

Combining comfort and technology with a suite 

of exceptional facilities, the spacious apartments are 

elegantly furnished with sophisticated yet understated 

plush interiors. A glass lift providing panoramic views 

of nearby skyscrapers leads to the each of the units, 

which offers equally spectacular vistas over the sea, 

West Bay and the Museum of Islamic Art. 

Centrally located, Fraser Suites Doha is just five 

minutes away from the airport, and a ten-minute drive 

away from Doha Exhibition Centre and Doha Gold 

Club. Guests have easy access to the city’s business 

and shopping districts, and a complimentary shuttle 

bus service takes residents to attractions such as 

Souq Waqif. 

Fraser Suites Doha’s personalised service and 

range of amenities complement every lifestyle 

need and promise to further enhance the guest 

experience. Corporate residents will find a cosy 

hub at the Business Centre, complete with wireless 

Internet and services such as mail and message 

delivery. For meetings and other functions, the 

property has a top-floor conference room that can 

accommodate up to 60 people. 

For those staying with families, Fraser Suites Doha 

provides babysitting services and activities for children 

through its Fraser Kids Club. A wading pool and 

playroom ensure kids will feel at home and have fun 

during their stay in the property. 

Placing a great emphasis on wellness, Fraser 

Suites Doha offers a comprehensive range of facilities, 

including a rooftop swimming pool with bar, spa 

treatment rooms offering massage and facials, as well 

as secured parking. A spacious lobby with a café and 

restaurant as well as a fully equipped gym with the 

latest technology, sauna and three bespoke atrium 

lounges complete the property’s leisure offerings. 

Its sophisticated charm and unparalleled services 

make Fraser Suites Doha a premium sanctuary in the 

heart of one of the world’s bustling metropolises. 


top: elegant 

Italian furniture 

are used in the 

living room; the 

gym’s high-tech 

facilities are 

complemented 

with stunning 

views; appreciate 

business or 

leisure in plush 

surrounds 

fraser cachet


Royal treatment 

Great location, superb facilities, stylish accommodation 

– Fraser Suites Dubai offers a myriad of opulent features 

Above: each 

apartment 

features stylish 

décor and 

panoramic 

views of the 

Arabian sea 

fraser cachet 

F 

amous for innovation and a city of 

superlatives, Dubai offers a plethora 

of sightseeing attractions and the stunning 

Fraser Suites Dubai provides a great base 

for exploring the city. 

Occupying the top 23 floors of the majestic Sidra 

Tower on the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road in Media 

City, the stunning property is just minutes away from 

Dubai’s top attractions. Whether you’re doing business 

in Internet City and Knowledge Village, shopping in the 

Mall of the Emirates, or luxuriating in Dubai Marina and 

Jebel Ali, Fraser Suites Dubai makes access to these 

locations quick and easy. 

A complimentary shuttle bus links Fraser Suites Dubai 

with Internet City, Media City and the Mall of the Emirates 

throughout the day. The property is also located close to 

recreational spots such as Ski Dubai, Emirates Golf Club, 

The Montgomerie Dubai and Arabian Ranches Golf Club. 

Fraser Suites Dubai is an ideal serviced residence 

for discerning business executives, families and leisure 

travellers looking for stylish accommodation and superb 

facilities whether on a short term or extended stay. 

Each of the 158 serviced apartments and 

penthouses is furnished to a five-star deluxe 

standard with open-plan living and dining areas, 

fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, marble 

bathrooms with exclusive Peter Thomas Roth 

amenities, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, 

wireless Internet, luxurious bedding and designer 

amenities. Whether there’s a large balcony or not, 

all apartments enjoy breathtaking views extending 

from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, out 

over the Arabian Sea to Palm Jumeirah and beyond. 

Guests can enjoy full hotel-style services including 

24-hour reception, daily housekeeping service, security 

and concierge, in-suite dining and Fraser’s branded 

service concepts. Rich in lifestyle facilities, Fraser Suites 

Dubai features an extensively equipped 24/7 gymnasium, 

aerobics room, 25-metre outdoor swimming pool, 

children’s wading pool and sun deck, children’s playroom, 

tennis court, squash court, changing rooms with steam 

room and sauna, meeting rooms, a business centre and 

guest lounge. The property is also home to the exclusive 

Awazen Spa, where guests can escape the stress of life. 

Left: Fraser 

suites Dubai 

pampers its 

guests at 

Awazen spa. 

Below: A 

relaxing view 

from Aqua Café, 

Fraser suites 

Dubai’s all-day 

dining outlet 

fraser cachet

12 | thE COLLECtiON 

fraser cachet 

Much ado about 

A culinary staple and a symbolic treat, the egg celebrates life 

and is a popular icon during Easter 

The egg is a symbol at once whimsical and 

profound. It represents rebirth, completion, 

immortality and comfort. At its most basic 

physical level, it is a perfect comfort food, replete 

with nourishing qualities. At its most symbolic, it resonates 

with meaning across different cultures. 

In Russia and Scandinavia, clay eggs were buried in tombs 

to ensure life after death. In ancient times, the Maori buried 

their dead with a moa’s egg held in one hand. The Chinese 

have long held up eggs as a symbol of fertility, and after a 

baby is born the parents throw a ‘red egg and ginger party’, 

giving away hard-boiled eggs to announce the birth. 

Is it any wonder that around spring, and especially on 

Easter, much ado is made of the egg? From ornamental eggs 

bedecked with jewels to papier-mâché eggs and sculptural 

creations, egg ornaments remind the beholder of the cycle 

of life and infinite possibilities. 

1 Fancy paper 

Victorian-style papier-mâché eggs made in Germany 

are perfect gift and candy containers. D. Blümchen 

& Company’s design uses glossy, pressed cardboard 

and is decorated with whimsical images inspired 

by antique Easter ephemera. 

USD6 each, blumchen.com 

eggs 

WORDS: Lou corpuz-Bosshart 

thE COLLECtiON | 13 

2 Chic emerald 

Fabergé’s Oeuf Olga Vert Email et Diamants was named after 

the Grand Duchess Olga, the eldest daughter of Nicholas II of 

Russia. The pendant is 18mm in height, enamelled in green 

over hand-engraved guilloché ground of 18 carat yellow gold, 

and held in an Art Nouveau inspired openwork basket, set with 

white round diamonds. USD12,738, faberge.com 

fraser cachet

14 | thE COLLECtiON 

3 Open up 

Swarovski interprets the egg with playful 

glamour in the Rotonde pendant, which 

is decorated in stripes of white epoxy 

and pastel-coloured crystal pavé. 

The pendant opens in the middle and 

hangs on a palladium-plated chain. 

USD165, swarovski.com 

4 Gold standard 

The Golden Egg ceramic sculpture by designer and ceramicist 

Ann Maliatski was constructed from wheel-thrown parts and 

later assembled and decorated with gold paint. Height 23cm, 

width 20cm. USD249, golemdesigns.com 

5 Pretty as a rose 

Rosebud Jewelled Egg is 164mm tall and 105mm wide, cast 

in pewter, gold-plated in 22 carat gold and enamelled in ruby 

red. The sides of the egg have been finished with gold-plated 

wreath and spear detail, with columns of Swarovski crystals. 

Inside the egg sits the ‘surprise’ – a golden yellow replica 

of a rosebud. GBP785, finejewelledeggs.co.uk 

6 Royal treasure 

Where ornamental eggs are concerned, the name Fabergé 

stands without equal. Thousands of jewelled eggs were made 

by the House of Fabergé from 1885 to 1917, the most famous of 

which were, of course, the large and exquisite specimens made 

for Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia. The brand has been 

re-launched for our times, and this egg pendant – Oeuf Cadeau 

– of polished rose gold egg tied with a ribbon of over 1 carat’s 

worth of diamonds, is superb. USD9,907, faberge.com 

7 Triple treat 

Artists such as Brian Baity have expanded 

the boundaries of egg-inspired art by actually 

manipulating eggshell, carving out intricate designs 

such as Hibiscus (above) and highly geometric pieces 

such as Interwoven (left). Baity uses a high-speed 

carving tool, pushing the capabilities of the eggshell 

with each new piece. The Malcolm Forbes Faberge 

Emu Eggshell (right) took 200 hours to create. 

It won a contest sponsored by the Forbes Art Gallery 

in New York City and features all natural colours 

in the shell, with turquoise in the centre layer 

and white in the innermost layer. 

Prices available upon request, brianbaity.com 



NEO-NANJING 

Amid ancient culture and age-old attractions, Fraser Suites Nanjing 

finds a niche in the city’s new wave of progress 

To many, a visit to Nanjing is 

incomplete without a taste of its 

renowned delicacy, the Nanjing 

salted duck. Yet its age-old recipe 

is hardly the city’s best-preserved treasure. 

One of the four great ancient capitals of 

China, Nanjing is also known as the 

capital of Six Dynasties – referring 

to the dynasties that ruled 

from 222 to 589. 

The era of dynastic rule may be long 

gone, but the rich legacy of ancient 

China lives on. The Confucius Temple, the 

UNESCO World Heritage-listed imperial 

tombs of the Ming Dynasty and Dr Sun 

Yat-Sen Mausoleum are among the many 

attractions that have preserved Nanjing’s 

near 2,500 years of history, making 

the city one of China’s top 

cultural destinations. 

Photo: Corbis 

Known for its 

unique design 

and magnificence, 

the Ming Xiaoling 

Mausoleum is one 

of China’s biggest 

imperial tombs 

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Clockwise from top: 

each beautifully 

appointed apartment 

has its separate 

living room; business 

travellers can conduct 

conferences at the 

meeting room, 

spacious rooms offer 

the ultimate comfort 

Like most major cities in China, Nanjing is 

developing rapidly. Today, ancient attractions are 

set against a backdrop of modern infrastructure 

and architecture, among them is Fraser Suites 

Nanjing. With a stunning façade that speaks 

of style and sophistication, the property is 

testament to the city’s progress. 

Apart from being a popular tourist attraction, 

Nanjing is a thriving hub for numerous local 

and multinational big names. Offering top-notch 

interiors and facilities, Fraser Suites Nanjing is 

an excellent alternative to hotels for tourists 

and business travellers alike. In fact, it has been 

voted the ‘Best Serviced Residence in China’ at 

the 2011 Business Traveller China Awards. 

From exclusive private elevator access to 

residences with separate living, dining and 

kitchen spaces, contemporary designs to quality 

finishes, every aspect is seamlessly integrated 

to make Fraser’s guests feel at home. Out 

of the apartment, guests can spend leisurely 

hours at the swimming pool and gymnasium, 

clubhouse with a golf simulator, indoor squash 

and badminton courts, aerobics training room 

and movie theatrette. There is even an indoor 

playroom to keep the little ones entertained 

while parents catch up with work at the 

Business Centre. 

Daily housekeeping services, round-theclock 

reception, concierge and security services 

allow our guests to enjoy more time and 

greater peace of mind, so they can pursue their 

interests whether they are in Nanjing for work 

or on holiday. The overall experience at Fraser 

Suites Nanjing is best likened to staying at a 

top-tier hotel – except it’s better. 


top left: seamless, 

contemporary design 

brings convenience 

to a new high; the 

property won the ‘Best 

serviced Residence 

in China’ at the 2011 

Business Traveller China 

Awards; Fraser suites 

Nanjing epitomises 

the pinnacle of design 

and sophistication; 

The Retreat aids in 

your business needs 


20 | frEE spirits 

A 

fraser cachet 

splash 

of 

Fancy rafting through the ‘room of doom’, jumping down an 

underground waterfall or eyeballing crocodiles from an African 

canoe? Grab a paddle and take the adrenaline challenge with 

Fraser Cachet’s selection of the most exhilarating boat adventures 

WORDS: WaynE Johnson 

adventure 

Photo: Getty Images 

Unleash your inner gondolier in Venice 

Alongside the canals and maybe Giacomo Casanova, 

the gondolas, along with their colourful oarsmen, 

are the iconic symbols of Venice. Although you 

may not match Casanova in the art of romance, 

you can attempt the next best thing by learning 

to be Venice’s other most romantic figure – the 

gondolier. However, first you may want to brush 

up on your opera singing or check that you look 

good in stripes before trying to look elegant while 

perched precariously on the back of a boat wielding 

a 15-metre long oar. If the short introductory course 

inspires you to become a full-time gondolier, then 

you will have to join a guild and be tested on your 

knowledge of Venetian history and landmarks, 

foreign language skills and practical skills in 

handling the gondola. Best time to visit: April, 

before the very hot summer months and after 

the coldness of winter. rowvenice.com 

fraser cachet


Go black water rafting 

in New Zealand 

Whitewater rafting is so last year. 

If you really want to make a 

splash, head to Waitomo in New 

Zealand where you can experience 

black water rafting 65 metres 

underground. As opposed to 

traditional rafting, where the aim is 

as much as possible to stay in the 

boat, in the subterranean version 

you will be asked to abseil, swim, 

float and even jump down a small 

waterfall, all below ground. The 

Waitomo caves are famous for their 

thousands of glow worms. However, 

be aware that it is their excrement 

that glows, so you may not want to 

stare at them too long. Do not let 

this, or the names of the two tours 

– Black Abyss and Black Labyrinth 

– put you off, though, as this is a 

unique experience that should not be 

missed. Best time to visit: November 

to April. waitomo.com 

Explore Botswana’s wetland aboard a ‘mokoro’ 

Do not let the thousands of crocodiles deter you 

from taking a boat trip in the expanses of Botswana’s 

Okavango Delta. Travel by mokoro, a type of canoe 

traditionally made from the ebony tree, which is still 

used as a means of transport by the local people and 

increasingly by tourists. It is one of the most leisurely 

ways to explore an area that has over 50,000 islands 

and nearly 100,000 elephants. Also, in the water you 

are safe from the lions and buffalo, the bad news is 

that the hippos and crocodiles view you as fair game. 

Many mokoro trips are overnight, allowing you to 

camp on one of the islands and witness Africa at its 

best and wildest. Best time to visit: May to November 

during the dry season, when the animals congregate 

near the water. safariholidaysbotswana.com/mokoro.php 

Photos: Getty Images 

A romantic cruise down 

the River Thames 

Rowing a boat on the Thames has been a 

pastime of the aristocracy and royalty for 

centuries, whether for men wooing their 

ladies or the full-on pageantry of King 

Henry VIII in his royal barge. Nowadays, 

the stretch of river by Richmond is a 

popular place to spend a day relaxing, 

containing as it does landmarks such 

as Eel Pie Island, where the Rolling 

Stones used to have wild parties in the 

1960s, numerous riverside pubs and 

the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace, 

which Henry and his numerous wives 

called home. The historic Richmond 

Bridge Boathouses is a good place to hire 

a boat from, as in a throw-back to the 

old courtship traditions it allows you to 

hire a boat called the ‘wherry rose in 

June’ that is bedecked with flowers. Best 

time to visit: June to August during the 

summer, although with British weather 

you can never guarantee it won’t rain. 

richmondbridgeboathouses.co.uk 



Kayak with sea serpents 

in Scotland’s Wild West 

If you want rugged scenery, prolific birdlife and an 

area shrouded in myth and legend, then go kayaking 

around the islands of the Outer Hebrides, known as 

Scotland’s Wild West. They have a lore, landscape 

and even language of their own, with Gaelic still 

spoken among the inhabitants. The relative comfort 

of a kayak offers deserted coves, imposing cliffs and 

historic castles. It is also one of the few places in the 

UK where you can view whales – although you might 

not want to get too close in a kayak. The Hebrides are 

a mysterious place and the locals will likely warn you 

to watch out for sea serpents near Lewis or point you 

to the mermaid’s grave allegedly located on the island 

of Benbecula. Best time to visit: June to September 

during the Scottish summer. adventurehebrides.com 

Cruise like a Maharajah in Kerala 

If you were asked the question: 

What do India and Ireland have in 

common? Chances are you wouldn’t 

answer they both use the coracle as 

a traditional boat. The small round 

boat covered in animal skin is used to 

traverse the waterways of Kerala and 

Ireland’s east coast. In Kerala state, it 

is the perfect way to view the wildlife 

dotting the banks of the Kabini River, 

in the Rajiv Gandhi National Park. 

Floating down the river lets you get 

close to the elephants and prolific 

birdlife, and occasionally, see a tiger 

or leopard. The park was the former 

private estate of the Maharajahs of 

Mysore, and although their days of 

hunting game are long gone, you can 

still get a taste of royalty by staying in 

their former hunting lodge. 

Best time to visit: March to May 

for wildlife viewing and November 

to February for more comfortable 

temperatures. kabiniriverlodge.com 



Conquer Colorado River’s ‘room of doom’ 

If the names ’skull rapid’, ‘rock of shock’ and ‘room 

of doom’ excite rather than frighten you, then rafting 

down the Colorado River is probably something you 

would enjoy. These are three of the more ferocious 

rapids on the 27-kilometre stretch of river along the 

Westwater Canyon in Utah, which is rated as one 

of the world’s best whitewater experiences. All the 

rapids are graded III or IV, which pretty much spells 

sheer adrenaline rush. Besides pushing yourself 

against the scary sounding rapids, it is also popular 

with nature lovers as it contains rock formations 

nearly two billion years old. On overnight trips, 

the lack of light pollution means that it has excellent 

stargazing. Overnight camping also allows trips to 

mysterious rock paintings and waterfalls. Best time 

to visit: May to August during the summer months. 

crateinc.com

THE FRASER 

COLLECTION 

SERVICE LIKE THIS COMES FROM ONLY ONE PLACE 

BAHRAIN 

BANGKOK 

BEIJING 

BUDAPEST 

CHENGDU 

DOHA 

With heartfelt, Gold-Standard service, every guest enjoys 

the sense of familiarity, comfort and security that’s just like home. 

DUBAI 

EDINBURGH 

GLASGOW 

HANOI 

HONG KONG 

ISTANBUL 

That’s the Fraser Difference. 

JAKARTA 

KUALA LUMPUR 

LONDON 

MANILA 

MELBOURNE 

NANJING 

NEW DELHI 

OSAKA 

PARIS 

SEOUL 

SHANGHAI 

SHENZHEN 

SINGAPORE 

SUZHOU 

SYDNEY 

TIANJIN 

AL RIYADH (2012) 

BANGALORE (2012) 

CHENNAI (2012) 

GUANGZHOU (2012) 

PERTH (2012) 

SUHAR (2012) 

WUHAN (2012) 

WUXI (2012) 

AL KHOBAR (2013) 

CHANGZHOU (2013) 

JIANGSU (2013) 

Fraser Suites Perth 

Fraser Place Melbourne 

prOMOtiONs | 27 

Fraser Suites Sydney 

G'days down under 

Travellers heading to Australia for the winter season would do well by 

tucking into Fraser’s warm hospitality. With properties in Sydney and 

Melbourne – and another in Perth opening in October – Fraser’s superb 

locations will spell a difference in your Australian holiday. 

For those exploring Victoria, Fraser Place Melbourne is a great starting point. 

The 115-room stylish property is close to Victorian era buildings, and the chic 

cafés and bars in the area are good places to shake the winter chills away. Hop on 

to Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle and explore star attractions such as The Royal 

Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and Federation Square. 

Over at New South Wales, the Foster + Partners-designed Fraser Suites Sydney 

is equally impressive. Its 201 suites are ideal for long-term stays, and if you need to 

keep warm during the season, the 200-square-metre gymnasium with state-of-the-art 

machines and the 20-metre heated lap pool will surely be of service. One will never 

run out of things to do as the vibrant leisure and entertainment precinct of Darling 

Harbour is nearby. A trip to the iconic Sydney Opera House is a breeze. The Town 

Hall rail station, the nearest to the property, provides a six-minute ride to Circular 

Quay and its famous performing arts centre. 

From 1 June to 30 August 2012, avail of Frasers Hospitality’s Winter 

Packages in Australia promotion. Get 10% off Best Available Rates for a 

minimum three nights’ stay in both Fraser Place Melbourne and Fraser Suites 

Sydney. Come spring, spend your days enjoying the weather in Western Australia 

at Fraser Suites Perth, which is scheduled to open in October. 

fraser cachet

28 | fOODiE fOCus 

fraser cachet 

Photo: Corbis 

Whether eaten raw on the half shell or prepared in a dozen 

different ways, oysters are a feast for the gods 

Whoever first thought of eating 

an oyster so many eons ago was 

certainly a brave soul. At first 

glance, the oyster is certainly no beauty: the 

rough outer shell resists casual tampering and 

the creamy insides do not immediately inspire 

thoughts of enthusiastic consumption. 

But for the convert, the oyster is certainly a 

feast of the first water. Smooth, slippery, sweet 

and salty, it makes for sensual eating. Much 

time has been spent and a lot of ink spilt in 

efforts to describe its unique taste. The French 

poet Léon-Paul Fargue likened eating oysters 

to “kissing the sea on the lips”, while essayist 

Michel de Montaigne compared them to violets. 

American food writer M.F.K. Fisher noted that 

they are “more like the smell of rock pools at 

low tide than any other food in the world.” 

WORDS: Lou corpuz-Bosshart 

In A Geography of Oysters, Rowan Jacobsen 

explains that there are three stages in oyster flavour. 

The first stage involves salt, the second stage, 

texture – body and sweetness – and the third, the 

finish, which is often described as floral or fruity. 

One of the best ways to discern these stages 

is to eat oysters raw, cold and straight off the half 

shell: lift the oyster to your lips and sip the briny 

liquor the oyster’s swimming in. After the first 

salty hit, you then slurp the plump oyster flesh 

into your mouth, chewing – yes, chewing – to 

release its sweetness and allow your taste buds 

to experience the full, clean mineral flavours of 

the sea and perhaps some savoury notes as well. 

Finally, you have the finish – the final impression 

the oyster leaves behind – and this is often 

described as cucumber-like (fresh, green and 

slightly bitter) or melon-like. 

fraser cachet

30 | fOODiE fOCus 

Sampling freshly shucked oysters is one of the best 

ways to find out which type appeals to you most. As 

with wine, oysters are products of their terroir – they 

reflect the climate, water and nutrients of the place 

where they are raised. Pacific oysters are sweet and 

fruity with a more sharply pointed shell than Atlantics 

or European flats. They are the world’s most cultivated 

oyster, being farmed in places such as the bays and 

harbours around British Columbia in Canada, and 

southern Australia’s coastal waters. 

Kumamotos are the aristocrats of oysters: small 

– about two to three inches long – sweet and fruity, 

with a distinctive, deep and slightly scalloped shell. 

They were originally cultivated in Japan but have been 

introduced in the United States, where they are raised 

in waters off the West Coast. They spawn later than 

other oysters, which means they make for wonderful 

eating well into the summer months. 

Atlantic oysters tend to have a more briny taste than 

Pacifics, and about 85 per cent of oysters harvested in 

the United States and the Gulf of Mexico are Atlantics. 

True Bluepoints are cultured in Long Island, where they 

were first found, while Wellfleet oysters are grown in 

the northeastern part of Cape Cod. 

European flats are native to Europe (although 

they were introduced to eastern North America in 

the 1940s and 1950s as well), along the western and 

southern coast from Norway to Morocco, including 

most of the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean 

coast. Among the best-known type is Belon, grown 

in the Brittany region of France. European flats are 

known for their smooth flat shell and a seaweed taste 

with pronounced mineral notes. Their texture is 

meaty and almost ‘crunchy’. 

ThE WORlD iS yOUR OySTER 

Make sure you purchase live oysters for the 

best flavour. To shuck oysters, you’ll need a 

shucking knife and a dish cloth, and a hard 

stable surface to work on. Lay the oyster on 

its flat side so its delicious liquor stays in the 

cup of the shell. Cover your left hand with the 

dish cloth (to protect your hand if the knife 

slips) and hold the oyster so that the round 

side makes contact with the table. Grab the 

knife with your right hand and insert the tip 

into the hinge of the oyster, turning your wrist 

clockwise until the shell loosens. 


About the size of a quarter dollar, the soughtafter 

Olympias are even tinier than the Kumamotos. 

They’re prized for their sweet, metallic flavour with 

notes reminiscent of celery salt. The shell is circular, 

somewhat smooth. It’s the only oyster native to the 

United States’ West Coast. Most Olympias served in 

restaurants are grown in British Columbia and the 

Puget Sound. 

Raw or cooked? 

Nutritionally, raw oysters are far superior to cooked. 

They’re packed with important vitamins, particularly 

vitamin B12, and minerals including calcium, 

iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, 

manganese and selenium. 

A single raw oyster contains 55 per cent of the 

daily requirement for zinc (which partly explains 

its reputation as an aphrodisiac; zinc deficiency 

can decrease one’s sex drive) and yet with minimal 

amounts of fat and cholesterol. Six oysters on the half 

shell contain only 243 calories, and have less fat and 

cholesterol than poultry. 

Purists are passionate about eating their oysters 

raw, although they might allow a spritz of lemon juice, 

a dash of red wine vinegar and shallots or a few drops 

of Tabasco. However, other oyster preparations can 

be hugely enjoyable as well. Oysters can be steamed, 

grilled, boiled, breaded, fried, baked, added to soups 

and chowders. They can be added to stuffing, braised 

or turned into elegant appetisers. Oyster omelettes, 

which originated in Taiwan, are as homey and 

comforting as an oyster bisque, made with clam 

juice, rice, oysters, cream and brandy. 

A season to indulge 

Many years ago, it was thought that the best time 

to eat raw oysters were during fall and winter, 

or the “R” months (September through April). 

This was because they spawn during summer 

(May through August in most parts of the world), 

and spawning oysters are less flavourful, more 

watery than those harvested in cooler months. 

New oyster varieties, such as Kumamotos – which 

spawn in September and October and so are best 

in the summer – have put the old R rule to rest, 

so you can pretty much have your oyster forays 

at any time of the year. 

A great poet wrote that in spring, a young man’s 

fancy turns to thoughts of love. If so, this may be 

the season to indulge in oysters with reasonable 

abandon. In 2005, American and Italian researchers 

found that spring is the time of year when shellfish 

has higher levels of the amino acids that increase 

aphrodisiac quality. 

STEAMED OySTERS WiTh GiNGER 

Ingredients: 

1 dozen oysters (on the half shell) 

½ cup finely chopped green onions 

½ cup finely chopped fresh ginger 

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 

½ cup butter 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Melt butter, and then add onions, ginger, garlic, 

salt and pepper. Set aside this mixture. Steam 

oysters in a large pot for 10 minutes. When 

oysters are done, add one spoonful of the 

mixture to each individual oyster and serve hot. 

Opening spread: 

One of the best 

ways to discover 

the oyster’s rich 

flavour is to eat 

them raw, cold 

and straight off 

the half shell. 

Facing page: Like 

wine, oysters 

are products of 

their terroir – 

they reflect the 

climate, water 

and nutrients of 

the place where 

they are grown. 

Left: Oyster 

omelette, 

a popular 

Chinese dish 


32 | frasEr DiffErENCE 

A fun welcome! 

Making children feel just as welcome as their parents 

is of paramount importance to all Fraser staff. At the 

Fraser Kids Club, new friends are made and new 

adventures are undertaken daily. The facilities at 

our Kids Clubs range from a fully equipped indoor 

playroom and/or an outdoor playground, a wading pool, 

water features, and external activities such as moviescreenings, 

sightseeing trips and even charity drives. 

Playgrounds and toys aside, we know what makes children go 

giggly and happy – a series of enjoyable activities and facilities! 

At Fraser, our very own Kids Club sees to it that your little ones 

are well taken care of and are fully entertained during their stay in our 

properties * . From babysitting to sightseeing, an array of kid-friendly 

services is available round the clock to ensure parents and kids of a 

comfortable and hassle-free stay. 

The moment our young guests step into the property, they will be given 

a welcome package containing one of Fraser’s plush duck toys, named 

Luc and Lucia. A jigsaw puzzle, age-appropriate cutlery and some 

yummy treats such as gummy bears and berry juice are also inside 

the starter kit. 

And what’s a Kids Club without fun 

facilities? Fraser properties are equipped 

with amenities such as indoor playroom, 

outdoor playground, ‘kids only’ pools 

and water features that promise kids 

a frolicking good time! In addition, our 

friendly staff organises sightseeing trips 

to the quirky and historical corners of the 

neighbourhood; screenings of animated 

films and other all-time favourite children’s 

movies; as well as games and charity 

drives. Our educational and recreational 

activities are highly recommended for 

those looking for meaningful ways 

to make the most out of their kids’ 

stay at Fraser properties. 

For a list of exciting activities, please refer 

to Fraser Times on your coffee table or 

approach our front office for more details. 

* Kids Club is available in select properties. Check with our reservations officer upon booking 

fraser cachet 

Top to bottom: Luc and Lucia plush toys; 

kids’ swimming pool at Fraser Place Robertson 

Walk, Singapore; Indoor Kids’ Room at Fraser 

Place Urbana Langsuan, Bangkok. 

EastEr Egg Hunt 

Colourful egg-shaped chocolate are 

up for grabs – if you can find ‘em! 

You can also win cute bunny soft toys 

in our Easter photo contest. 

arts & Crafts 

Let your creativity go wild in our 

arts and crafts session every fortnight 

on weekdays. 

Cooking & Baking ClassEs 

Polar bear cupcakes and smiley 

cookies, anyone? We’ll teach you 

how to whip up these tasty treats. 

MoviE nigHts 

Relive Po’s adventure in Kung Fu 

Panda or the comic stories of Shrek 

at Fraser Place Robertson Walk ** . 

From Easter Egg Hunt to art workshops, 

our Kids Club has a variety of activities 

for children of all ages 

Little ones, listen up! 

Join us in these exciting activities from March to June: 

tours 

Take a day tour to Marina Barrage ** 

and Fire Station Open House ** 

** Available at Singapore properties only

Photo: London 2012 

Let the Games begin! 

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd takes you to the heart of the Olympian action 

Clockwise from top: 

The 80,000-capacity 

Olympic stadium; 

the newly opened 

Fraser Residence 

Bishopsgate; the 

elegant Fraser 

suites edinburgh 

City Of thE MOMENt | 35 

A 

grand showcase of human 

endurance, athleticism and 

camaraderie fills every corner of 

London this summer as it hosts 

the 2012 Olympic Games from 27 July till 12 

August, and the Paralympic Games from 29 

August till 9 September. 

The celebrations will kick off early on 19 

May, when the Olympic Torch Relay starts 

its 8,000-mile journey criss-crossing the UK. 

The Torch will travel for 70 days, culminating 

at the lighting of the cauldron on 27 July at 

the Opening Ceremony. For Fraser residents, 

it’s easy to feel the Olympic spirit: Fraser 

Suites Glasgow is near George Square, while 

Fraser Suites Edinburgh is walking distance 

to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, where 

celebrations for the Torch Relay will be held 

on 8 and 13 June respectively. 

In London, our properties – Fraser 

Suites Kensington, Fraser Place Queens 

Gate, Fraser Residence Prince of Wales 

Terrace, Fraser Place Canary Wharf, Fraser 

Residence Blackfriars, Fraser Residence 

City and Fraser Residence Monument – are 

all within easy reach of the Olympic action 

(www.london2012.com). And if you happen 

to be relocating to the UK during the Games, 

be assured that our dedicated Fraser staff 

will help make your move as smooth and 

comfortable as possible. 

If you fancy seeing a bit more of Europe, 

take a look across the English Channel. 

A short flight or Eurostar train ride from 

London will take you to our elegant Parisian 

properties, Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris 

La Défense and Fraser Suites Le Claridge 

Champs-Elysées. 

FrasEr rEsidEncE BishopsGatE 

is now open! For details, visit 

http://bishopsgate.frasershospitality.com 

fraser cachet

36 | sCENE aND hEarD 

Breaking new ground in indonesia 

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd (Frasers) has its eyes set on 

Jakarta, and for good reason. The bustling Indonesian 

capital is expected to lure foreign investments anew as 

it regains investment grade status from global ratings 

agency Fitch Ratings. Thus, Frasers is poised to capture 

the growing demand for prime serviced residences 

through its well-positioned properties across the city. 

On 12 January 2012, the company’s expansion in the 

capital kicked off with the groundbreaking of Fraser Suites 

Kuningan Jakarta, which is expected to be launched in 

2014. Situated at Ciputra World Jakarta 2, earmarked as 

the next premium commercial and leisure centre at the 

heart of the city’s Golden Triangle, the 45-storey property 

will provide ultra deluxe residences and penthouses. 

Strengthening Frasers presence is yet another Gold- 

Standard property, Fraser Residence Menteng Jakarta. 

The company signed a management agreement with 

PT Tri Pura Indah Persada on 13 January 2012, and the 

development in Central Jakarta is slated for completion 

in 2014 as well. 

With one full-fledged property, Fraser Residence 

Sudirman Jakarta, currently providing contemporary 

apartments in the city, Frasers is on track to become 

the largest internationally branded five-star residences 

operator in Jakarta in three years’ time. 

Clockwise from top: The infinity pool at Fraser suites Kuningan 

Jakarta overlooks the city; the high rise Ciputra World Jakarta 2; 

CeO Choe Peng sum (right) signs the management agreement with 

Mr Hartono from PT Tri Pura Indah Persada for Fraser Residence 

Menteng Jakarta; Fraser suites Kuningan Jakarta’s function room 

osaka 

anniversary bash 

Fraser Residence Nankai 

Osaka held its first anniversary 

Corporate Party on 19 October 

2011. A festive spirit filled the 

property as 61 guests feasted on 

a scrumptious buffet spread at 

Il Passo Italian restaurant. VIPs 

from Jetstar, IKKYU, JTB and 

Peach Aviation Limited joined 

the residents in the celebration. 

From top right: General Manager Ms Yasuko sugiyama (left) with guests Mr Yuji 

Takano and Ms Mai Watanabe from IKKYu; Mr Anthony Chris and Mr Johnson 

Charles from Peach Aviation Limited; General Manager Ms Yasuko sugiyama 

addresses the party; Mr Christopher Page from Jetstar receives a lucky draw 

prize from Group Director Ms Joanne Ang; guests enjoy the hearty buffet spread 


38 | rEsiDENt aCtivitiEs 

Double treat in Hanoi 

Fraser Suites Hanoi treated residents 

and bookers in two separate events in 

November: the Bookers’ Appreciation 

Night and the outing in Ha Thai 

Village respectively. 

On 18 November, the 

property’s Truffle Restaurant 

was filled with 146 guests 

from travel agencies, 

relocation companies, 

embassies and corporations 

who make up the pool of 

Fraser’s regular bookers. 

They enjoyed the 12 

different song and dance 

performances while 

savouring an international 

buffet spread. 

Meanwhile, 16 residents 

joined the day trip 

to Ha Thai Village on 

27 November. The 

outing proved to be an 

insightful experience 

Chef Edward Kwon with Fraser staff 

fraser cachet 

for the participants as they had 

the opportunity to see artisans 

creating a variety of lacquerware. 

epicurean star in Jakarta 

Korean celebrity chef Edward Kwon has 

chosen Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta 

as his ‘second home’ during his stay in the 

Indonesian capital. The star of Korea’s reality 

show Yes Chef was in town during the 

Jakarta Culinary Festival, a month-long 

gourmet spectacle featuring the best 

international masterchefs. 

Yuletide cheers 

in singapore 

Several days before Christmas, kids 

dressed in Santa’s costume were 

spotted busy with merrymaking in four 

of our Singapore properties. Residents 

and guests all had a good early 

Christmas celebration on 16 December 

as they handed out presents, were 

serenaded by Christmas carols and 

savoured sumptuous holiday delights. 

Dinner at Fraser Place Fusionopolis 

Fun at Fraser Residence Orchard 

Enjoying the festivities at Fraser Suites River Valley 

Christmas carols filled Fraser Place Robertson Walk 

fraser cachet

40 | My WOrLD 

For Eddie tsao and his wife, a home is where they can totally relax with family 

and friends – something that they have found in Fraser Suites CBD Beijing 

I relocated from California to Beijing in 

May 2008 on an overseas job assignment 

to help a US company develop our China 

business operations. On my first month 

here, I heard about the newly opened 

Fraser Suites CBD Beijing so I decided to 

check it out. I was really happy to be one 

of its first residents. 

It’s not always easy to move from 

one country to another while trying to 

deal with a busy workload and finding 

life balance for the family. But our GM, 

Mr Bernard Teo, and the entire Fraser 

staff helped my family settle in with 

warm customer care that exceeded our 

expectations, taking us out on group tours 

The centrally located Fraser Place Manila 

makes business and leisure easy for 

Hubertus verijzer 

I did not know anything about Frasers Hospitality before I 

arrived in Manila in November last year. Now I am happy to 

enjoy the experience. The best thing I like about Fraser Place 

Manila is its location right in the heart of Makati’s Central 

Business District; it is only a few minutes away from the 

Netherlands Embassy, where I work. I am also very happy 

with the space and the conveniences. On my free time, 

I avail of the property’s complimentary shuttle bus service 

that takes me to the city’s entertainment and restaurant 

belt where I can do my weekly shopping. 

fraser cachet 

and weekly activities with other tenants. 

Here, we met many other residents 

from other countries who are now our 

close friends. We get together with them 

at Fraser Suites for some wine tasting 

and share potluck dinner. We joked about 

calling Fraser Suites our own modernstyle 

siheyuan (courtyard house) as it 

provides a wonderful resident lounge 

for families to share meals and stories 

together after a long day at the office! 

When the weather is nice, a group of 

us would ride our bicycles to visit some 

hutong (small alleys) on our own ‘Beijing 

Discovery’ tours to microbrewery and 

local food spots. As an avid motorcycle 

rider, I also join local Harley riders 

for trips to the Great Wall and the 

countryside on weekends. 

Newcomers spencer and Judi gladwell 

have found the perfect ‘home away from 

home’ in Fraser Suites Doha 

My wife and I have been staying at Fraser Suites Doha for 

almost half a year now. I was aware of Fraser Suites from my time 

in Asia; I knew of the brand and it was one of the very first places I 

looked at when we started our accommodation search. 

The things that I truly like the most in Fraser Suites Doha are the 

location, style, décor and ambience. The room space and views add 

to the overall experience. The staff are all very friendly and always 

there to help. For me and my wife, Fraser Suites Doha is very much 

our home away from our home in Monmouthshire, the UK. 

My company recently won a series of contracts with Ashghal 

and we are now in the process of registering our company in 

Qatar. As we are still very much starting up our projects and 

company, we haven’t 

had the chance to 

really experience 

much of the city. 

However, golf, 

reading, relaxing 

by the pool and a 

workout in the great 

gym facilities fill 

the free time.

Photo: Getty Images 

Spring sanctuary 

As cherry blossoms blanket Japan this spring, what better way 

to spend the season than relaxing under scenic trees and 

sampling local delicacies? Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, 

located in the Kansai region, provides guests easy access to 

blooming landscapes and cultural spots in the heart of the country. 

Less than 40 minutes from Kansai International Airport by 

express train, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka is strategically 

located and is the perfect attraction for culture lovers. There’s so 

much to explore in the surrounding areas of this 114-apartment 

property, including the neon-lit Dotonbori district as well as 

shopping places at the nearby Namba City and Takashimaya 

department stores. 

For a more immersive experience, take the Sennimichae subway to 

the National Bunraku Theater, which is home to traditional bunraku 

(puppet theatre) performances, or hop on the train that would take you 

to the world-famous Osaka Castle (pictured above) for some hanami 

(cherry blossoms viewing). Bask in the comfortable spring temperature 

and watch Osaka’s many cultural and sightseeing treasures unfold. 

From 15 April to 31 July 2012*, take advantage of our Spring In 

Osaka: Enjoyable Stays promotion. Stay for five nights and pay 

for only four! Enjoy a convenient and comfortable holiday in Fraser’s 

spacious apartments, with amenities such as high-speed Internet, 

Wi-Fi access, steam sauna and 24-hour gym. 

*Blackout dates: 3-5 May 2012. For bookings, call +81 06 6635 7170 

or email reservation.osaka@frasershospitality.com 

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka 

prOMOtiONs | 41 

fraser cachet

42 | aWarDs & DirECtOry 

Awards & Accolades 

With numerous awards and accolades adding to its already impressive roster 

of achievements, Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd continues to make its mark on the 

international hospitality scene. The broad, cross-industry recognition – from 

leading hospitality professionals to key travel media – is testament of Fraser’s 

standing excellence. 

Best serviced Apartment 

Brand of China 2012 


7th China Hotel Starlight Awards 

Travellers’ Choice Award 2012 

Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur 

TripAdvisor 

Best service Residence 

of the Year 2011 

Fraser Residence CBD East Beijing 

China Business Travel & 

MICE Magazine 

Gold Circle Award 2011 

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka 

Agoda Gold Circle Awards 

Best Managed serviced 

Residences 2011 

Fraser Place Manila 

26th Consumers’ Choice Awards 

Best serviced Residence 

in China 2011 

Fraser Suites Nanjing 

Business Traveller China Awards 

Thailand’s Leading serviced 

Apartments 2011 

Fraser Suites Sukumvit, Bangkok 

18th World Travel Awards 

China’s Outstanding serviced 

Apartment of 2011 

Fraser Residence CBD East Beijing 

Hotel Modernization Magazine 

serviced Apartment Property 

of the Year 


HM Awards 

Best serviced Apartment 

Brand of China 2011 


6th China Hotel Starlight Awards 

Certificate of excellence 

for the Year 2011 


TripAdvisor 

Best Interior Design & services 

– Leisure Apartment, 

Malaysia 2011 


Impiana Group of Magazines 

star employee in support 

services Award 2010 


KL Hotels Awards 

singapore Prestige Brand Award 

2010: Best Regional Brand Award 


Overall winner for the Regional 

Brands Category 


Assocation of Small and Medium 

Enterprises 

12th Annual Global 

excellence 2010 

service excellence Award 


Asian Star Awards 

Runner-up – the expatriate 

Management and Mobility 

Awards 2010 

Corporate Housing 

Company of the Year 


The Forum for Expatriate 

Management 

The Best of Malaysia 

Awards 2010 

Travel Awards – Best serviced 

Residence excellence Award 

2010/2011 


Expatriate Lifestyle Magazine 

self-Contained 5-star Rated or 

Premier Accommodation 2011 


Hotel, Motel & Accommodation 

Association Industry Awards 

for Excellence 

List of the Best Hotels in 

the World 2010 


Expedia Insiders’ Select 

Outstanding Hotel Award 2010 

Fraser Place Central, Seoul 

HotelClub 

Guide Awards 2009-2010 

excellent Performance in 

Hospitality 

Fraser Suites Hanoi 

The Guide Magazine, Vietnam 

China’s Most Popular serviced 

Residences Group Award 2010 


Golden-Pillow Award of 

China Hotels 

Golden Dragon Award – 

The Most Favourite serviced 

Apartment 2009 


Vietnam Economic Times 

Preferred serviced Apartments 



Human Resources Magazine 

excellence service Award 2009 

Fraser Suites Singapore & 

Fraser Place Singapore 

Spring Singapore 

Golden Bridge Award – 

Best Brand serviced Apartment 

2009 

Fraser Residence CBD East, Beijing 

China Tourism and Hotel 

Management Association 

self-Contained Accommodation 

(5-star Level) 2009 


Hotel, Motel & Accommodation 

Association 

serviced Apartment Property 



HM Magazine Awards for Hotel & 

Accommodation Excellence 

Details of other Awards & Accolades can be seen at frasershospitality.com 

Best Brand Hotel Apartment 

2009 


Asia Hotel Golden Olive Awards 

Guide Award for excellent 

Performance in Hospitality 2009 


The Guide Magazine, Vietnam 

Runner-up – Best serviced 

Apartment in Thailand 2009 

Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, Bangkok 

Lifestyle + Travel Magazine 

China’s Most Influential serviced 

Residence 

Brand 2009 


Golden-Pillow Award of China 

Hotels 

Most Outstanding serviced 

Residences 2009 


Asia Pacific Excellence Award 

Diamond Award – Best serviced 

Apartment Company 2009 


Buying Business Travel, UK 

Best serviced Apartment 2008 


HotelClub 

Best serviced Apartment Vendor 



Human Resources Magazine 

Golden Dragon Award – Best 

serviced Apartment 2008 


Vietnam Economic Times 

Best serviced Residence (Group) 

– International 


TravelWeekly China Industry 

Award 2008 

excellence service Award 2008 

Fraser Suites Singapore & 


Spring Singapore 

Outstanding Achievement in 

Website Development 2008 


The Web Marketing Association 

Korea Herald Readers’ 

Best Brand Awards 2008 

serviced Residences: 

International Luxury Premier 

Fraser Suites Insadong, Seoul 

The Korea Herald 

Best service Residence 

(Property) Award 2008 


TravelWeekly Asia 

Best New Development 2008 & 

Best 5-star Apartments 2008 


HMAA Accommodation Industry 

Awards for Excellence 

uNITED KINGDOM 

ENGLAND 

Fraser Suites Kensington, London 

Fraser Place Canary Wharf, London 

Fraser Place Queens Gate, London 

Fraser Residence Blackfriars, London 

Fraser Residence City, London 

Fraser Residence Monument, London 

Fraser Residence Prince of Wales Terrace, London 

SCOTLAND 

Fraser Suites Edinburgh, Scotland 

Fraser Suites Glasgow, Scotland 

FRANCE 

Fraser Suites Harmonie, La Défense, Paris 

Fraser Suites Le Claridge, Champs-Élysées, Paris 

HuNGARy 

Fraser Residence Budapest 

TuRKEy 

Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul 

INDIA 

Fraser Suites New Delhi 

Fraser Suites Bangalore (2012) 

Fraser Place Gurgaon (2013) 

Fraser Place New Delhi (2013) 

Fraser Residence Chennai (2013) 

uNITED ARAB EMIRATES 

Fraser Suites Dubai 

OMAN 

Fraser Place Suhar (2013) 

QATAR 

Fraser Suites Doha 

BAHRAIN 

Fraser Suites Seef, Bahrain 

SAuDI ARABIA 

Fraser Suites Edafah, Al Khobar (2013) 

Fraser Suites Edafah, Al Riyadh (2013) 

The Fraser Collection 

SINGAPORE 

Fraser Suites River Valley, Singapore 

Fraser Place Fusionopolis, Singapore 

Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Singapore 

Fraser Residence Orchard, Singapore 

Modena Changi City, Singapore (2012) 

MALAySIA 


Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur (2013) 

Modena Bangsar South Kuala Lumpur (2014) 

VIETNAM 


Fraser Residence Hanoi (2014) 

THAILAND 

Fraser Suites Sathorn, Bangkok 

Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, Bangkok 

Fraser Place Langsuan, Bangkok 

CHINA 

Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing 

Fraser Suites Chengdu 

Fraser Suites Nanjing 

Fraser Suites Suzhou 

Fraser Suites Top Glory, Shanghai 

Fraser Place Shekou, Shenzhen 


Fraser Residence Shanghai 

Modena Heping, Tianjin 

Modena Jinjihu, Suzhou 

Modena Putuo, Shanghai 

Fraser Suites Guangzhou (2012) 

Fraser Place Beijing (2012) 

Fraser Place Shanghai (2012) 

Modena Wuhan (2012) 

Fraser Place Tianjin (2013) 

Modena Changzhou (2013) 

Modena Wuxi (2013) 

Modena Shanghai Pudong (2014) 

frasershospitality.com 

HONG KONG 

Fraser Suites Hong Kong 

KOREA 

Fraser Suites Insadong, Seoul 

Fraser Place Central, Seoul 

JAPAN 

Fraser Residence Nankai, Osaka 

PHILIPPINES 


INDONESIA 

Fraser Residence Sudirman, Jakarta 

Fraser Place Setiabudi, Jakarta (2013) 

Fraser Suites Kuningan, Jakarta (2014) 

Fraser Residence Menteng, 

Jakarta (2014) 

AuSTRALIA 


Fraser Place Melbourne 

Fraser Suites Perth (2012) 

Fraser Place Sydney (2014) 


44 | thE frasEr BraNDs 

sophisticated and timeless, Fraser Suites is characterised by touches 

of indulgence, with rich textures and distinctive decor reflecting the 

essence of every host city. Each property enjoys a highly desirable 

location in key business and entertainment districts. Exclusive to Fraser 

Suites, The Retreat is a haven for relaxation complete with massage 

chairs. There’s also a Library Lounge in which to relax with a beverage, 

and a Business Lounge with a full suite of secretarial services as well 

as meeting rooms. For the well-travelled executive and his or her 

family, one of life’s most welcoming pleasures awaits at Fraser Suites. 

Chic and vibrant, Fraser Place represents the height of style, with 

designer decor and furniture throughout. Each property enjoys a prime 

location in the energetic heart of the city, often moments from key 

business and entertainment districts. A healthy work/life balance is 

easy to enjoy in the inviting lounge with a range of beverages, and 

there’s a Recreation Hub with game consoles and space for a host of 

activities. Always on the pulse, yet maintaining an air of exclusivity, 

Fraser Place captures the essence of cosmopolitan living with an 

energy all of its own, complemented by unsurpassed service. 

Contemporary and minimalist, Fraser Residence is a sanctuary, often 

located on the fringe of the Central Business District. Each Residence 

offers a quieter environment that’s ideal for extended corporate stays. 

The majority of properties have Wellness Centres that provide spa 

treatments for good health and well-being. A fresher, lighter style of 

cuisine and tea rooms with an eclectic range of afternoon delights are 

also available. Every Fraser Residence is a home-away-from-home, 

designed to complement the lifestyles of its guests with the highest 

levels of personalised, intuitive service from dedicated Fraser staff. 

Young and refreshing, Modena is a boutique hotel residence by 

Frasers Hospitality with an attitude and a style all of its own. With great 

locations in gateway and emerging cities, it offers a real alternative to 

conventional accommodation. There are Clique Corners in which to 

surf or work; cafes for ‘grab and go’ convenience; an ultra-stylish gym 

that never closes; refreshing rain showers; and, in many properties, 

Soak Suites in which to enjoy DVDs or MP3s. With high-speed Internet, 

Modena is ideal for road warriors who demand 24/7 connectivity; even 

the laundromat features a Nintendo Wii. Engaging, refreshing, social 

and fun, Modena redefines serviced residences. 

ALL THE SPACE YOU NEED TO FIND EACH OTHER 

We believe that Gold-Standard service is all about being there when you 

need us and invisible when you don’t. For the most attentive, discreet hospitality, 

experience the Fraser Difference all over the world. 


THE FRASER 

COLLECTION 

BAHRAIN 

BANGKOK 

BEIJING 

BUDAPEST 

CHENGDU 

DOHA 

DUBAI 

EDINBURGH 

GLASGOW 

HANOI 

HONG KONG 

ISTANBUL 

JAKARTA 

KUALA LUMPUR 

LONDON 

MANILA 

MELBOURNE 

NANJING 

NEW DELHI 

OSAKA 

PARIS 

SEOUL 

SHANGHAI 

SHENZHEN 

SINGAPORE 

SUZHOU 

SYDNEY 

TIANJIN 

AL RIYADH (2012) 

BANGALORE (2012) 

CHENNAI (2012) 

GUANGZHOU (2012) 

PERTH (2012) 

SUHAR (2012) 

WUHAN (2012) 

WUXI (2012) 

AL KHOBAR (2013) 

CHANGZHOU (2013) 

JIANGSU (2013)

FRAseRs HOsPITALITY PTe LTD 

491B River Valley Road, Level 8 Valley Point, singapore 248373 

frasershospitality.com

Desert Jewels - Frasers Hospitality

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