Travelite Magazine Winter 2014 - Unpublished

COVER STORY

Urban Affairs The difference between being stuck in a frigid wasteland and enjoying a charming winter wonderland is knowing where to go.

SJ Roxas lists five city destinations to explore this winter.

Oriental Metropolis The city streets, cobblestone or concrete, are paved with endless opportunities for inspiring discoveries.

Amidst towering buildings and castles, stories of culture, adventure and reflection are ripe for the season.

The winter breeze may be freezing but it’s no match for the vibrant spirit of the holidays, providing warmth for the cold and illuminating the entire town. Cities brim with excitement, and this season, five, thriving in different parts of the world, are especially promising.

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There’s a reason why Hong Kong is called ‘Asia’s World City’--it has a way of attracting the best of the world, presenting the most outstanding experiences in dining, shopping and entertainment within its group of islands.

What’s impressive about the place is although it has a strong global appeal, its unique, Asian identity remains intact. This mix of Eastern and Western qualities is seen all over town through many of its landmarks and events.

Towards the end of the year, Hong Kong pulsates with even more life as a whirlwind of spectacles sweeps the islands. From unbelievable retail offers to wild parties, this Asian destination has it all in spades. During the Christmas season, the weather is pleasantly cool with no humidity, so gallivanting across the districts is utterly delightful.

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Central True to its name, Central is an area on Hong Kong island with a thick concentration of important establishments, encompassing corporate offices, hotels, consulates, shopping centres, bars and restaurants. Its hodgepodge of upscale businesses of varying interests is perfect for discerning individuals. Some of the notable spots include The Landmark and IFC Mall, two favourites of luxury shoppers, and Lan Kwai Fong, a nocturnal reveller’s haven.

Temples and Monasteries Thanks to the cool breeze, hopping from one place to another during the winter is relatively less exhausting than during the rest of the year.

Places of worship are plenty in Hong Kong but some, including the most iconic ones, are located in other islands so visiting these spots takes careful planning. The site of the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha on Lantau Island is not to be missed, not only for the cultural significance of the landmarks but also for the breathtaking mountain and sea views.

Within the metro, the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens in Kowloon and the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple on Hong Kong Island are essential stops.

Festivals A few months ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations, Hong Kong is already throbbing with so much festive energy. Eat your way around town this 30 October to 30 November with the CCB (Asia) Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a month-long celebration filled with special dining experiences, wine appreciation seminars and cooking classes. Not even a week later, the Hong Kong Winterfest from 5 December to 1 January embraces the holidays with themed public installations, shopping offers and an epic New Year’s Eve countdown party. The Winter Solstice Festival on 22 December, a more intimate affair, is also a wonderful event to be a part of.

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Baroque Beauty As winter brings a crisp chill in the air, Austria gradually becomes one of Europe’s most sought-after havens. In Salzburg, the atmosphere is not only magical but also musical--the city being the origin of the legendary Mozart and the box office classic ‘The Sound of Music’. Besides classical symphony and a bastion of design inspirations, Salzburg is also known for Christmas markets that attract holidaymakers from all over the world. Elegant yet exciting, there’s no shortage of worthwhile touring options in town even on snowy days. Daylight is limited during winter, but the mood of the city is anything but dreary.

Merriment is in the air as public squares and skating rinks are abuzz with locals and tourists making the most of the season. With gorgeous landmarks and a pleasant atmosphere all over, it’s impossible not to roam around and join in on the fun.

Mozart Get to know one of the most influential music icons in history by visiting the spot where it all began. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived with

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his family on the third floor of the Hagenauer House in Getreidegasse, which now serves as a cultural gem celebrating the life and music of the legendary composer. Historic instruments and memorabilia are on display and special exhibitions are often held on the site.

The Mozarteum and Mozart’s Residence in Makartplatz are other staples when tracing the history of the city’s most famous son.

Architecture Salzburg, like many European cities, has its own collection of historical and architectural gems. One of the most important is the stunning Unesco World Heritage Site DomQuartier, which reopened this year, offering lavish, baroque inspirations within its 15,000-sq m domain. The imposing Hohensalzburg Castle, a fortress built atop a hill overlooking the city, and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens are other architectural relics worth checking out for the sights both outdoors and indoors.

Hangar-7 Just as much as the historical structures of

the city, Salzburg’s modern landmarks are as deserving of a spot in every traveller’s itinerary.

Hangar-7 is an innovative complex that blends aviation, cuisine and art in one eye-popping venue. Housing several dining establishments, art exhibits and a collection of aircraft, the place is every bit a feast for the senses. Visit day or night to enjoy coffee or cocktails in the company of airplanes, race cars and motorbikes, all in one architecturally spectacular building.

Christmas Market This 20 November to 26 December, Salzburg’s Cathedral Square will be once again glowing with yuletide cheer. Aside from ornaments, textiles and baked goods, the market is also frequented for the live musical performances, making the mood all the more festive. It’s during the evening that the market comes alive but it pays to be in the area by afternoon to make time for the breath-taking Salzburg Cathedral, which closes at 6pm.

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rococo to gothic, architecture enthusiasts will find the expansive area especially enthralling.

Some of the most awe-inspiring buildings include the Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its spires puncturing the sky, and the town hall, which holds the Prague astronomical clock on its facade.

Prague Castle Being the largest ancient castle in the world, the Prague castle is a must-visit site for the many wonders within its domain. It may take days to fully explore the place as it is about the size of seven football fields, but some of the attractions to prioritise include the tomb of St. John of Nepomuk, the Bohemian Crown Jewels, the Royal Gardens, and the Cathedral of St. Vitus. Make sure to also catch the ceremonial changing of the guards by the castle gates, occurring every hour from seven in the morning up to six in the evening.

Intimate Escapes The capital of the Czech Republic is just one of those European cities that exude a timeless appeal, remaining picturesque no matter the time of the year. During winter, when its medieval structures are frosted with snow, Prague exhibits a mysterious profile, brooding in all its gloomy glory. Besides the dramatic scenery, it is during the cold days that tourists are sparse, so the lines are significantly shorter and the tourist attractions are much less crowded.

There are also several events of note that take place during this season, infusing just the right amount of cheer and raucous to the environment. Prague is known for its rich culture and winter is a perfect time to enjoy operas, galleries and museums unhurried. Even public squares and cobblestone streets, which are already stunning as they are, emerge all the more

astonishing since visitors are often nowhere in sight, leaving you with intimate moments with this breathtakingly beautiful city.

Charles Bridge No trip to Prague is complete without a walk on Charles Bridge. For the rest of the year, hordes of tourists fill the 14th century structure, but not during winter. The best time to visit and ogle at the 30 baroque religious statues that line its sides is at the break of dawn or in the evening when it is illuminated by lamp posts and takes on a romantic appeal.

Old Town Square Considered as the heart of Prague, this public space is home to some of the city’s iconic structures. Showcasing different designs, from

Holiday Markets One of the advantages of being in Prague during winter is the opportunity to enjoy the charming Christmas Markets, which transform the city into a festive holiday haven. This year, the stalls are open from 29 November to 11 January in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, offering everything from ceramics to scarves. After picking up a souvenir or two, feast on sausages, ham and hot mulled wine, among the local gastronomic fare in abundance.

Museums and Theatre Arts Prague has such a robust cultural and artistic scene and winter presents a long list of spectacles--minus the long queues. Stunning collections, consisting 14 million artefacts, encompassing natural history, social history and the arts, are housed in the National Museum, while the Museum of Communism provides great insights into Czech society under the communist rule. Then there are the traditional musical events. In the first week of January, the Prague Winter Festival presents some of the most spectacular cultural affairs so watching a few opera and ballet performances is de riguer.

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Understated Allure Oozing with charm and romance, Otaru has become a favourite destination for Japanese holidaymakers. It may not be as well-known as other cities in the country, but it certainly deserves to be noticed as it presents a different side of Japan. The harbour city is a major station of Hokkaido’s train line, connecting it to the rest of the island, including Sapporo, which is only 30 minutes away. Otaru thrived as a commercial port town and was the trade capital of Hokkaido--it was even called the “Wall Street of the North”. Its economic glory days are evident in the nostalgic warehouses and buildings, especially along its iconic canal.

For a town steeped in history, what were once business centres are now favourite tourist attractions frozen in time.

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Otaru Canal The most prominent feature of the city, the Otaru Canal, should be on top of the list of spots to visit when in town. Built in 1923, the area takes you back to the old days with the romantic scenery featuring gas lamps and stone-walled structures lining the banks. In February, during the Snow Light Path Festival, glowing lanterns are placed on the snowy grounds along the canal and on the water, making a magical winter display.

Glass and Music Boxes When the herring fishing trade declined in the 1950s, the producers of glass buoys resorted to making other glass products. This was the start of a new industry, which has now become

a major draw among tourists. Glass workshops are found all over the city, some of which even allow visitors to make their own vases and cups. A collection of glassware, along with furniture and a full-sized gondola, are on display at The Museum of Venetian Art. Besides glass products, Otaru also has a fondness for music boxes. At the end of the bustling Sakaimachi Street stands the Music Box Museum. The building itself, built in 1912, is quite the sight, especially with the steam clock erected in front. Inside, countless varieties of beautifully crafted music boxes are on display for purchase or just for ogling pleasure.

Sushi Otaru is not nicknamed ‘Sushi Town’ for nothing--the city has a bounty of respected restaurants serving excellent sushi and other local delicacies. There’s even a ‘Sushi Street’ with an array of restaurants serving the famed Japanese food. Having been a fishing port, Otaru sushi is as fresh as it can get without the hefty price tag. Try Isezushi, Masazushi and Oumasa for the most memorable Japanese dinners.

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dates back to as early as 660 BC embraces the future with great vigour.

Nightlife The Istanbul party scene has quite the reputation, thanks to the many bars and clubs all over the city. Even though some establishments are closed during winter, there’s no reason to forego nights of hypnotic revelry. The city has a cool, youthful vibe year-round and a visit to stylish bars like Ulus 29 and Nupera is all it takes to heat up a cold night. On New Year’s Eve, the city’s energy peaks with grand celebrations. Head to Reina to welcome 2015 with a sumptuous dinner followed by cognac and champagne with stunning views of the Bosphorus, which gets illuminated with a fantastic fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

On and Off-Water Sightseeing

Cross-cultural Wonder Turkey spans two continents, and this intriguing blend of Europe and Asia, along with its instrumental role in world history, makes it an irresistible destination, leaving its capital often extremely busy. But without the tourists, especially the throngs from cruise ships, Istanbul is a vast playground for travellers who prefer anything out of the ordinary. It’s the same city, but it definitely exudes a different allure during winter. The lines are significantly shorter, there’s no one getting in your shots, and, perhaps, most importantly, there are more chances to interact with the locals and really get a genuine understanding of their lifestyle.

Truly the melting pot that it is, Istanbul does not only highlight the best of two continents but also showcases how interestingly Christianity and Islam co-exist and how a place that

Dividing Asia and Europe, the Bosphorus is a strait that cuts across Istanbul and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

It attracts numerous tourists because of its commercial and geographical significance that dates back to ancient times. Cruising along the strait is an essential part of any Istanbul trip, especially when a need to momentarily get away from the bustling metropolis arises. The experience is a relaxing and insightful foray into Turkish culture, showcasing a different perspective of the city. It also allows a glimpse of the decadence of the Ottoman Empire through sites such as the magnificent Topkapi Palace and the Dolmabahçe Palace.

It would be a shame to only admire such gems from afar, so take time to see these attractions up-close. The majestic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, both exhibiting intricately crafted design details, are also important spots. Getting lost inside these marvels is an absolute delight as every corner is adorned with impressive refinements, transporting curious visitors to ancient civilisations.

Hamam At the end of a long day of touring around the city, there’s nothing better than taking refuge in an authentic Turkish bath to relax and renew. Besides the physical and mental benefits, an interlude in a real hamam gives an opportunity to take part in an important aspect of local culture. Located in a building constructed in 1580, Kilic Ali Pasa Hamam, is a beautiful oasis of rejuvenation and history. On offer is a host of relieving rituals done amidst exquisite facilities.

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HIGH TECH

Leica M Edition 100 USD 55,000 www.leica-camera.com

Framed in a special case and ‘engraved with the 100 years of Leica’ logo, this camera set is made to commemorate the brand’s centennial celebration and to capture your own special moments.

HIGH TECH

Swash

USD 499 www.swash.com Three words; no water needed.

This clothing care system promises, among other things, to neutralize odour and remove light wrinkles without the usual tumble and dry in just 10 minutes.

Netatmo Weather Station USD 217 www.netatmo.com

Whether it is hot, dry or humid, you’ll know what to wear with this sensor kit that gets the forecast and temperature perfectly.

Liquid Image Model 350 - OPS Snow Goggle USD 200 www.liquidimageco.com

Capture every jump, swerve and slide with this eye gear that comes with a video camera that records footage as smooth and cool as ice.

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HIGH TECH

Jibo

USD 599 www.myjibo.com More science and less fiction, the world’s first family robot impresses by taking photos, relaying messages and serving as a platform, among other things.

Pandoretta Sound System USD 4,456.00 www.poetaudio.com

You might easily be impressed by the look of this sleek steel box with seven speakers strategically placed around it, but the real star is the sound it produces--so crisp and clear, you could almost touch it.

Hard Graft Leather Laptop Bag

USD 807 www.hardgraft.com Schlepping a laptop will definitely not be much of a chore when it’s tucked inside this ruggedly handsome bag in premium vegetable tanned Italian leather.family robot impresses by taking photos, relaying messages and serving as a platform, among other things.

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La Mer The Lip Balm www.cremedelamer.com

The Elderstatesman Striped Cashmere Blanket

The Monocle Guide to Good Business

Winter meets its match in this 100 per cent cashmere blanket that is not only warm but also beautiful and cool to the eyes.

Go on an adventure of an enriching kind with this 300-page guide book on how to succeed in business from the people who know.

www.elder-statesman.com

Kiss dry lips goodbye with the La Mer lip balm enriched with its very own Miracle Broth and Lip Lipid complex.

HIS

John Lobb Twinstitch Buckle Gloves

Veuve Clicquot Maranello

Cut from a single piece and put together using the pique stitch, these gloves certainly provide not just protection but a touch of divine elegance.

Wrapped from the same leather used on Ferraris, this exquisite wine, limited edition, of course, is the perfect companion as you toast the year’s greatest achievements.

www.veuve-clicquot.com

www.johnlobb.com

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www.monocle.com

HOLIDAY op

Penhaligon’s The Trade Routes Lothair Fragrance www.penhaligons.com

Inspired by the 19th century’s most valued commodities, this scent from the new collection of London’s famed perfume house is as rich in history as it is in aroma.

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Tom Ford Cheek Colour Blush

Louis Vuitton Fashion Photography Book www.louisvuitton.com

www.judithleibercouture.com

A dash and a dab make a big difference, especially with this chic cheek colour blush, which can easily transform a travel diva’s look from daytime glam to pure, night-time drama.

With the iconic photographs, the breathtaking clothes, and the glamorous models, indeed, this is a fairytale book for true fashion lovers everywhere.

Beautifully beaded in Austrian crystals, this whimsical Judith Lieber clutch is simply picture perfect!

www.tomford.com

op WISH LIST

HERS

Givenchy Le Rouge Limited Edition Lipstick

Bvlgari La Gemme Fragrance

Wrapped in crocodile skin, this limited edition beauty find is, without a doubt, a red-hot item!

Known for its jewellery collections, it’s only proper that the famous Itlaian brand launchs a line of perfumes that takes inspiration from gem stones. The verdict; simply sparkling!

www.givenchy.com

Judith Lieber Camera Bag Clutch

www.bulgari.com

Shanghai Tang x LUXE City Guides Asian Grand Tour Box www.penhaligons.com

Like Ali Baba’s cave, this box is a treasure trove of precious travel tips for anyone planning a major Asian shopping tour.

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