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WINTER 2023/24

THE JOY OF DISCOVERY

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THE JOY OF DISCOVERY

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IN THIS ISSUE 13 • Editor’s Letter

23 • Making Tracks

34 • Ski Patrol

Perspective and reflection from Dubai. By Farhad Heydari

Tricks for speeding through the airport. By Nigel Tisdall

The resort news, lift upgrades and après spots you’ll want to know about this season. By Felice Hardy

15 • Suite Talk

24 • The 2023 ULTRAs

With four new Corinthia openings on the horizon, the big decision in 2024 will be which to visit first. By Julie Alpine

Celebrating the travel industry’s best and brightest in sizzling Dubai. By Ultratravel editors

20 • The Shortlist

31 • Top of the Pops

Stylish seasonal diversions, from a Richard Mille-backed superboat to whiskies of distinction. By Ultratravel editors

Believe the hype: Swatch is ripping up the horology rulebook with its hit collaborations. By Chris Hall

40 • Dubai by the Forkful Why the emirate’s groundbreaking new eateries are worth making a detour – or extending a stay – for. By Sarah Khan

48 • Taking Charge The supernaturally good Spectre. By Will Hersey

WINTER 2023/24 C OV E R P H OTO : A R C 1 9 5 0 , L E V I L L AG E , © A N DY PA R A N T

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Farhad Heydari Farhad@ultratravel.com @MrFarhadHeydari

CHAIRMAN Nick Perry Nick@ultratravel.com @MrNickPerry

SENIOR EDITOR Julie Alpine

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Cowan

CONTRIBUTORS FH Darafshian, Chris Hall, Felice Hardy, Will Hersey, Sarah Khan, Nigel Tisdall

ultratravel.com

@Ultratravel

© 2023 Published by PGP Media Limited on behalf of UHC Cayman Holdings Limited, Northside House, Mount Pleasant, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 9EE, England, UK. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork submitted. The information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press.

Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or UHC Cayman Holdings Limited.

Ultratravel is a registered trademark.

WINTER 2023/24

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U LT R A T R A V E L

EDITOR’S LETTER

ON POINT

The record-breaking Burj Khalifa, centre, is emblematic of Dubai’s ambition, innovation and style

Personal perspective

Farhad Heydari EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ultratravel

WINTER 2023/24

events during my fortnight-long visit: the Dubai Airshow, Dubai Watch Week and the DP World Tour Championship.

At each one of these functions, there was a palpable sense of excitement about the city among residents and visitors alike, anchored by myriad of metrics that put Dubai in a rarefied position – a place to which people of all sorts (inventors, investors and creators) are moving in record numbers and doing dynamic things thanks to the business-friendly environment that has taken root.

And that includes the world of hospitality, where a constellation of GHA hotels shines bright and where both homegrown and international chefs are delighting discerning gastronomes. Read all about them on page 40 and remember, sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder. It did for me. Enjoy the issue.

Sometimes, whether intentionally or not, we end up steering clear of somewhere familiar.

For me, that somewhere was Dubai: a place I frequented multiple times a year for 13 years. Dubai, of course, is the kind of destination that elicits all sorts of reactions from all sorts of people – and for me, it was a city to which I’d travel solely for business.

But, after an unintentional five-year hiatus, I returned to the tiny emirate this November with a fresh perspective and discovered something I wasn’t expecting: a mature and well-rounded old friend whose many positive attributes have seen it evolve into a mellowed and multifaceted metropolis that continues to go from strength to strength.

I was in Dubai for The ULTRAs (see page 24), where we at celebrated the best in luxury travel with our friends and partners at the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). But I also attended three other

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“It is a place to which people of all sorts (inventors, investors and creators) are moving in record numbers and doing dynamic things thanks to the businessfriendly environment that has taken root”

U LT R A T R A V E L

YOUR DAY,

elevated.

CO R I N T H I A .CO M

SUITE TALK

A quartet of new additions to the Corinthia family of hotels spells comfort and joy for travellers in 2024 and beyond, as Julie Alpine discovers

WINTER 2023/24

IN THE PIPELINE

The out-of-this-world spa at Corinthia Brussels

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FACE VALUE

Left: the spectacular facade of Corinthia Brussels GRAND DESIGNS

Below: the sumptuous, speakeasystyle bar at Corinthia Bucharest

W

ith a footprint that stretches from London and Lisbon to Malta and Budapest, Corinthia Hotels has firmly

WHEN IN ROME

Right: a duplex suite in Italy’s first Corinthia

established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of European luxury hospitality. Founded in 1962 by Maltese entrepreneur Alfred Pisani, Corinthia has always been synonymous with both timeless, opulent style and a warm, home-from-home ambience. In Pisani’s words: “In a world of mass-produced experiences, we offer our guests the made-to-measure.”

Now, with four new head-turning properties set to enter the ranks over the next 12 months, the group is about to broaden its appeal further and garner new devotees in other European cities, but also, for the first time, in North America, too.

Slated to throw open its doors in 2024, the brand’s first Italian outpost, Corinthia Rome, is set in the heart of the Eternal City, within a 10-minute stroll of attractions including the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Housed in the 1914-built former HQ of the Central Bank of Italy, the 60-key stay continues Corinthia’s well-established tradition of restoring culturally significant buildings with no attention to detail spared.

Escaping the city’s busy streets into a five-star oasis of calm, guests will have at their disposal a luxury spa, world-class restaurants and a destination bar, all wrapped around a verdant central courtyard. The Italian capital is not short of fine-diners, but, with Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco at the helm, the all-day flagship restaurant promises to make serious waves on Rome’s culinary scene. Already a familiar face nationally, thanks to his eponymous restaurant in Milan, alongside appearances on MasterChef and Dinner Club, among others, Cracco will serve up his signature twist on classic Italian fare.

The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel will open in NYC in 2024, marking the brand’s US debut. “Having a presence in the United States has always been a goal for Corinthia Hotels,” says CEO Simon Naudi, “especially in New York, a city that I consider one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the world.”

Built in 1926 just off Central Park, the striking, 16-storey edifice was originally a residence hotel, playing home to such luminaries as JFK and Bette Davis. Reimagined as a luxurious bolthole, it will offer 70 guest rooms, 30 suites and 14 residences, with heritage-honouring interiors courtesy of Martin Brudnizki. On the dining front, a collaboration with Casa Tua will bring the same kind of knockout Italian cuisine made with ethically sourced ingredients that has gone down a storm at the original Miami Beach restaurant and at its offshoots in Aspen and Paris.

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BANK ON IT

Corinthia Rome takes up residence in the former HQ of the Central Bank of Italy

MADE-TO-MEASURE

Left: one of the 100 rooms in The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, coming soon to NYC NEW YORK MINUTE

NICHOLAS VENEZIA

Right: The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, is set in a former residence hotel, once home to many celebrity faces

WINTER 2023/24

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Back in Europe, the Belgian capital’s legendary Grand Hotel Astoria on Rue Royale – closed since 2007 – is currently undergoing redevelopment, soon to emerge in 2024 as Corinthia Brussels. Built in 1909, the iconic address has welcomed the likes of Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol in its time, and, with its glorious facade and grand lobby (which, coincidentally, was historically decorated with paintings of Corinthian capitals), will appeal to the informed jet-setters of today. Accommodation comprises 126 bedrooms and suites, alongside superlative banqueting, dining and spa facilities. Native chef Christophe Hardiquest will be responsible for the menu in modern brasserie Le Petit Bon Bon, sending out contemporary seasonal crowd-pleasers.

Also under development and opening in 2024 is Corinthia Bucharest, taking up residence in what was the Grand Hôtel du Boulevard – an iconic, 1867-built lodestar in the Romanian capital. The 30-key all-suite offering will be home to a wealth of luxurious facilities that bely its diminutive size, including a grand ballroom embellished with Venetian mirrors and Bohemian crystal chandeliers. Elsewhere in the hotel, Monaco leading light Samy Sass will transport his acclaimed Sass Café concept to Bucharest: expect convivial Mediterranean-inspired menus and live music until the small hours.

For more information, visit corinthia.com

U LT R A T R A V E L

The best way to connect is simply to disconnect.

FOREVER YOURS Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts Bintan | Maldives | Marrakech | Mauritius | Tunis | Zanzibar

cenizaro.com

O N O U R R A DA R

THE SHORT What’s hot, what to buy and what to know, as compiled

by Ultratravel editors

SET SAIL

It’s the holy grail of sailing: surpassing the 80-knot mark (150km/h) powered solely by the wind. And yet Swiss boat building venture SP80 is trying to do just that, ably assisted by Richard Mille, the enfant terrible of haute horology. The chosen vessel has a dynamic 7m x 6m silhouette and a cutting-edge hull crafted entirely from Carbon TPT by North Thin Ply Technology (NTPTTM), a key partner for both Richard Mille and SP80. “This is a partnership between two companies that are committed to high performance, exceptional feats and innovation,” says Mayeul van den Broek, co-founder of SP80. “Carbon TPT features in both Mille watches and our boat.” With a kite spanning 20m, a “super-ventilated” foil, and a patented power management system, the future looks fast. richardmille .com

©GUILLAUME FISCHER

SUPERCRAFT

Midway between a boat, a plane and a Formula 1 car

BRAINS AND BRAWN

NTPTTM’s 40-strong team of engineers is behind the tech in the built-for-speed boat

LIQUID ASSETS Must-have elixirs to warm the winter nights

WINTER 2023/24

Clase Azul Tequila

Royal Salute

Bladnoch 2009

Talisker Glacial Edge

All hail Clase Azul’s limitededition Día de Muertos Aromas. claseazul.com

An exceptional 53-year-old Scotch unveiled at art fair Frieze London. royalsalute.com

New Bladnoch 2009 Sherry Hogshead is a festive firecracker. bladnoch.com

Aged over four decades, then finished in ice-fractured oak. diageorareandexceptional.com

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O N O U R R A DA R

T

LIST

PRESENT SCENTS Fragrances they’ll thank you for

Bastille Parfums

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

The vegan Demain Promis is a naturally spicy unisex eau de parfum designed by perfumer Caroline Dumur. bastilleparfums.com

Hitherto known for its “simple as that” lifetime guarantee, which even covers damage caused by an airline, Briggs & Riley has long been a favourite of road warriors and frequent fliers alike, who value its user-friendly ethos as much as its hard-wearing DNA. Now, however, the 30-year-old-company is becoming an auteur companion to the beau monde thanks to ranges such as the Sympatico Latte Collection of easy wheelers and the HTA Collection of accessories, from backpacks to briefcases, all in guilt-free and long-lasting recycled material. briggs-riley.com

Dolce & Gabbana A nuanced blend of citrus and vanilla, new Devotion Eau de Parfum celebrates the noblest values of life. dolcegabbana.com

Carine Roitfeld Forgive Me is a heady fragrance expressing feelings of duality, passion and irresistible attraction. carineroitfeld.com

DEPT OF TRANSPORT

HOME FRONT

With its double-anodised grille, the most powerful woofer it has manufactured to date and its straightforward, intuitive design, the new Beosound A5 from Bang & Olufsen goes where no portable speaker has gone before, both acoustically and aesthetically. bang-olufsen.com

Philipp Plein

Designed to be the focal point of any room, the Ruark Audio R410 brings together stunning sound, seamless connectivity and expert craftsmanship. The result? Something that’s as much a piece of sculptural furniture as it is an entertainment system. ruarkaudio.com

WINTER 2023/24

An opulent new fragrance for men, Fatale is an invitation to enter the world of power and luxury. plein.com

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and embark on your next epic adventure.

Discover what it means to cruise in luxury. Aboard our groundbreaking yachts — Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara — an attentive crew of 76 caters to all your needs.

Built for just 100 guests, revel in contemporary surrounds, unparalleled dining experiences, and swim in the sea from the Marina Platform, with marina toys such as SEABOB water scooters and snorkelling equipment for your enjoyment.

Sail the sun-kissed coasts of the Mediterranean & Adriatic, cruise the tropical Caribbean, or venture to the stunning Seychelles & Indian Ocean and live the luxury yacht cruise lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.

LUXURY YACHT CRUISES FROM

£3,055 PER PERSON To book or for more information, call our cruise experts on 0161 768 0829 or visit emeraldcruises.co.uk

ABTA No.Y6328

Terms & conditions apply. See website for full details.

C A R I B B E A N I S E YC H E L L E S & I N D I A N O C E A N I M E D I T E R R A N E A N & A D R I AT I C S E A

ON THE MOVE

MAKING TRACKS Smart ways to speed through the airport. By Nigel Tisdall

L

et’s face it – passing through a busy major international airport can be hell, even for premium travellers who know their way around the velvet ropes. We’ve all experienced fasttrack channels that are anything but. Packed-out lounges that make you wish you were in your own one back home.

Baggage-handler strikes. Fellow fliers who’ve never heard of the 100ml liquids rule (despite it having been introduced an incredible 17 years ago)...

Fortunately, there are strategies that can help. Here are seven handy tricks to have up your sleeve.

1. PRE-BOOK A SECURITY SLOT In October, London Heathrow started a six-month trial of “Heathrow Timeslot”, which invites travellers to designate a time to pass through security checks. The service is free and will most likely appeal to control freaks and those of us who like to cut things fine. Maximum group size is five and the experiment is only available to passengers departing from Terminal 3 with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic (heathrow.com/at-the-airport/ airport-services/VQRP). Timed slots are also available at select European airports. These include Amsterdam Schiphol (ams.whyline.com), Berlin Brandenburg (ber.whyline.com) and Rome Fiumicino (fco.whyline.com).

2. SIGN UP TO SKIP THE QUEUE In the US, Clear Plus offers US citizens “faster entry” at over 50 airports across the nation, including Los Angeles,

WINTER 2023/24

Washington Dulles and New York JFK. Travellers first visit a Clear Pod to scan their boarding pass and eyes or fingerprints, then an escort takes them to the front of the queue for priority screening. It costs around £150 per annum, with discounted rates for family and friends (clearme.com).

3. SORT OUT SEAMLESS SCREENING Another good go-faster option is the US government-run TSA PreCheck, which offers expedited screening on departure for those deemed low-risk. This costs around £60 for five years (tsa.gov/precheck). Global Entry does the same for the arrival process and costs around £80 for five years (cbp.gov).

4. ENLIST A CONCIERGE SERVICE Airport concierge services offer swift passage through terminals and can be invaluable if you are arriving or departing from somewhere unfamiliar. Perq Soleil, headquartered in Washington DC, has an impressive global reach covering over 300 airports across 150 countries, including potentially tricky destinations such as Algeria, Iran and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prices on request (perqsoleil.com). Other providers are Asia Fast Track (asiafasttrack.com) and Global Airport Concierge (globalairportconcierge.com).

5. BOOK A HOLIDAY WITH ADDED EXTRAS Upmarket tour operators are well versed in whisking their premium clients through the chaos of large airports. Because who wouldn’t welcome a smartly dressed host who will quickly deal with the pain of boarding passes, luggage labels

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and bag drop, before speeding you through the check-in scrum to a fast-track security channel. There is usually no charge for this. Enquire when you’re making your booking and look forward to a swift, smooth journey through the airport.

6. USE A PRIVATE TERMINAL Atlanta’s Hartfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest in the world, so it makes sense that PS (aka Private Suite) recently opened there after debuting in Los Angeles. Offering “a back door to your commercial aircraft”, this luxury travel company provides a lavish lounge where unseen fairies deal with the luggage and formalities while you recline with a cocktail. You might want to order a stiff one, as annual membership starts at £1,000, plus £685 per visit (reserveps.com).

7. PREPARE FOR FASTER PROCESSING Singapore’s Changi Airport plans to wave goodbye to passports from mid-2024. Instead facial recognition and biometric technology will replace manual checks of identity documents, promising what Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, calls “seamless and convenient processing” (changiairport.com). The European Union’s in-development Entry/Exit System (EES) also aims to do away with the time-consuming stamping of passports for non-EU nationals. If that’s the future for travel through airports, it can’t come fast enough.

U LT R A T R A V E L

LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED

THE

2023

ULTRAs 2023 winners & runners-up Airlines/Airports BEST AIRLINE IN EUROPE WINNER: Turkish Airlines

Runners-up British Airways, Lufthansa BEST AIRLINE IN NORTH AMERICA WINNER: American Airlines

Runners-up Delta Air Lines, United Airlines BEST AIRLINE IN ASIA PACIFIC WINNER: Singapore Airlines

Runners-up Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines BEST AIRLINE IN AFRICA WINNER: Ethiopian Airlines

BEST HOTEL IN THE MIDDLE EAST & INDIA WINNER: The Leela Palace Udaipur

Runners-up Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi

Maldives Runners-up Royal Livingstone by Anantara, Victoria Falls Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar

BEST NEW HOTEL IN THE WORLD WINNER: Portrait Milano

Runners-up Anantara Plaza, Nice Capella Sydney

BEST AIRLINE IN THE MIDDLE EAST WINNER: Emirates

BEST GREEN COLLECTION HOTEL WINNER: Pan Pacific Orchard,

BEST AIRLINE IN THE WORLD WINNER: Emirates

Singapore Runners-up Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Capella Ubud

Runners-up Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines ULTRATRAVEL COLLECTION HOTEL

OF THE YEAR BEST AIRPORT IN THE WORLD WINNER: Dubai International

Runners-up Changi Singapore, Doha International

Hotels

WINNER: Lutetia, Paris Runners-up Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam Siam Kempinski Hotel, Bangkok

BEST HOTEL IN EUROPE WINNER: Çirağan Palace Kempinski

ULTRATRAVEL BRAND OF THE YEAR WINNER: Capella

Runners-up Corinthia London, The Chedi Andermatt

Runners-up The Leela, Kempinski

BEST HOTEL IN THE AMERICAS & CARIBBEAN WINNER: Sugar Beach, a Viceroy

BEST LUXURY CRUISE LINE WINNER: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Resort, St Lucia Runners-up The Dupont Circle Washington DC, Kempinski Hotel Cancún BEST HOTEL IN ASIA/PACIFIC WINNER: Capella Bangkok

Top: dancers at the sparkling event; Left: Ultratravel Chairman Nick Perry; Below: Nick Perry and Ultratravel editor Farhad Heydari; Bottom: Gethin Jones

BEST HOTEL IN AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN WINNER: Naladhu Private Island

Runners-up EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc

Runners-up Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways

ULTRAS T

he world of high-echelon hospitality reunited at Nikki Beach Club Dubai on 20 November for the latest iteration of The Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (The ULTRAs), the most respected and valued in the industry, which were presented poolside by Kate Garraway and Gethin Jones. Guests, including top executives from the travel, hotel and aviation sectors, who had flown in from all over the world to enjoy the celebrations in person, mingled in the hot desert air with a myriad of professional athletes, notable tastemakers and other influential visitants while being welcomed by Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, and Nick Perry, Chairman of Ultratravel Limited.

It was an evening to remember, made even more special thanks to the capable team at the Nikki Beach, whose warm welcome was only eclipsed by their boundless hospitality. In the end, that’s what The ULTRAs always aim to highlight and celebrate.

Others

Runners-up Seabourn, Silversea

FAVOURITE COUNTRY FOR A HOLIDAY WINNER: Japan

Runners-up Australia, Italy

Runners-up Castaway Island, Fiji, The Murray, Hong Kong

WINTER 2023/24

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LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED

Leaders in the world of luxury travel gather poolside at Nikki Beach Club, Dubai; Below, centre: Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance; Below: Gethin Jones and Kate Garraway

Left: Kristen Goodchild (centre) of Capella Hotels collects the company’s Brand of the Year award, flanked by (l to r) Gethin Jones, Bryan Habana, Schalk Brits (both of whom are World Cup-winning South African Rugby Union players) and Kate Garraway; Above: ULTRAs guests enjoy the festivities

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Top: Sarah Geraldes and Andrew Boshoff, both from Global Hotel Alliance; Above, centre; Majid Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, and colleagues collect the Best Airport in the World award for Dubai International; Above: Ed Lang, Director, Strategic Accounts & Partnerships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, with RSSC’s ULTRA

U LT R A T R A V E L

LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED Thomas Ney, Divisional Senior Vice President, Service Delivery at Emirates, collects the Best Airline in the World award, flanked by (l to r) Gethin Jones, Simon Shaw, Dylan Hartley (both of whom are legendary England Rugby Union captains) and Kate Garraway

THE

2023

ULTRAS “Guests, who had flown in from all around the world to enjoy the celebrations in person, mingled in the hot desert air with athletes and tastemakers”

Above: Kate Garraway takes to the podium; Right: the luxurious Dubai setting for The ULTRAs; Below: Melvin Lim, General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore, collects the Best Green Collection Hotel award for Pan Pacific Orchard

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LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED

Kempinski’s Neslihan Sen and Timur Sentuerk collect Çirağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul’s Best Hotel in Europe award, flanked by Gethin Jones, Rugby Union’s Bryan Habana and Schalk Brits, and Kate Garraway

CAPELLA: BRAND OF THE YEAR It was a night of big wins for purposeful travel. By Ultratravel editors FRENCH FUSION

Capella Shanghai’s Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire restaurant

C

hampagne all round: Capella’s prowess in crafting authentic travel experiences saw the company triumph at The Ultras 2023, taking home the coveted Brand of the Year award in addition to the Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific award for Capella Bangkok. Inviting travellers to engage deeply with the culture, history and environment of every destination, the DISCOVERY loyalty programme member is behind a scattering of design-forward properties in Singapore, Sydney, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai and Hainan, with future openings slated for Japan, Taipei and South Korea, among others.

Taking its name from the brightest star of the Auriga constellation, Capella Hotels and Resorts is known for illuminating the local heritage and community surrounding its outposts for guests – be that offering the opportunity to spend time with First Nations artists in Australia or receive a private blessing from a high priest in Bali – while simultaneously offering knockout personalised service. Beautifully curated itineraries offer genuine connection during each journey. Take

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

Capella Hanoi is set in a reimagined former shophouse

Above, centre: a rugby ball photobombs a group shot; Above: Nicolas le Roux and Chris Hartley, both of Global Hotel Alliance, share a joke; Left: Nishant Agarwal, VP & General Manager of The Leela Palace, Udaipur, centre, collects the hotel’s award

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U LT R A T R A V E L

LUXURY EXEMPLIFIED

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Getting a few laps in before breakfast is no chore at Capella Ubud

a rejuvenating day at Capella Ubud, for example. You might begin with a luxurious floating breakfast in the privacy of your own pool; reflect on your sensational surrounds while enjoying a Soul Reborn Purification Ritual in the spa; then embark on a sacred journey to the Royal Palace, Puri Agung Peliatan, to enjoy a captivating Balinese dance performance.

Or, one unforgettable day at Capella Sydney: a private gallery tour and lunch; then watching Aboriginal artist Otis Hope Carey in action, before taking home a unique piece of his art.

Invoking all the senses, Capella prides itself on ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting impact on guests. Elevating the art of purposeful travel – and doing it in some of the world’s most sublime surrounds, in collaboration with a constellation of leading architects and design trailblazers – the company is a worthy winner of The ULTRAs 2023 Brand of the Year and Best Hotel in Asia/Pacific awards. We raise a glass to its continuing success in 2024 and beyond.

BLUE-SKY THINKING

Capella Tufu Bay’s Dream Odyssey Pool in Hainan

BLAZING STAR

RED ROOFS AND PEACOCKS

The 192-key Capella Sydney is packed with art by rising artists

A feast for the senses awaits at Sentosa island’s Capella Singapore

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“Elevating the art of purposeful travel, Capella prides itself on ensuring that every visit leaves a lasting impact on guests”

PERFECT TIMING

TOP OF THE POPS

TWO BECOME ONE

Swatch’s partnership with Omega gave us a remastered take on the latter’s revered mechanical chronograph

Swatch’s catch-them-while-youcan collaborations with some of horology’s biggest names are no one-hit wonder, as Chris Hall reports

M

ost people agree that “luxury” describes an object or experience that you don’t really, truly need.

Luxuries don’t come cheap, though there’s a difference between a sky-high price tag reached by virtue of the artisanal craft and materials that have gone into making something and one applied merely for its own sake. Crucially, a luxury product needs to be exclusive; scarcity, whether as a result of its production or something artificially induced, is one of the most powerful drivers of desire.

But it’s time to rip up the rule book, because there’s a new class of watch emerging: one that is neither handmade nor expensive, and that is produced in the hundreds of thousands, yet has still managed to send a seismic tremor through the luxury watch market. Step forward, Swatch, whose collabs with some of horology’s corporate giants have taken the world by storm.

It started with Omega, a mash-up of household names that gave us the MoonSwatch, a Swatchified version of Omega’s legendary mechanical chronograph with a quartz movement, bioceramic case, Velcro

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U LT R A T R A V E L

PERFECT TIMING

strap and solar system-themed colour schemes. Announced in March of last year, it sold by the bucketload, aroused endless passion among die-hard watch geeks and has been credited both with reversing Swatch’s ailing revenues and boosting sales of “real” Omega Speedmasters to hitherto-unseen levels.

Naturally, Swatch Group – the parent company of both brands – wanted to repeat the success, so from March 2023 began “dropping” monthly updates – very slightly tweaked editions of the original set that riffed further on the lunar connection. October’s edition, released on the day of the harvest moon, featured a seconds hand engraved with a barleycorn pattern; August’s pink moon was honoured by a luminous pink inlay, and so on.

What made the MoonSwatch special was the fervent hype that accompanied it. It was not – is not – a limited edition (unlike the monthly specials); its exclusivity stems only from the limited number of stores in which it is sold and the flow of stock into those boutiques. (Initially, Swatch

“A luxury product has to be exclusive; scarcity is one of the most powerful drivers of desire”

announced that it would be sold online after a few months, a position it then reversed, maintaining the rarity and around-the-block queues on its launch.) Now, some 18 months later, many people have full MoonSwatch collections.

Its luxury status is related only to the prestige (real or imagined, and confined largely to social media either way) of being able to get one first.

This year, phase two arrived in the form of Swatch x Blancpain, a fun, funky and affordable version of Blancpain’s esteemed dive watch the Fifty Fathoms – one of the first Swiss dive watches ever made, a collector’s idol from 1953.

Named the Scuba Fifty Fathoms, it represented a significant leap from the MoonSwatch in that it used a mechanical movement – Swatch’s “Sistem51” automatic, famed for its fully automated production and known, less appealingly, for its disposability. This was a crucial move, given Blancpain’s vaunted marketing campaign of its 1990s comeback that proclaimed: “There has never been a quartz Blancpain. And there never will be.”

DON’T STOP ‘TIL YOU GET ENOUGH

By limiting the number of stockists and “dropping” new MoonSwatch iterations monthly, Swatch kept demand sky-high

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PERFECT TIMING

“Its status is related only to the prestige (real or imagined, and confined largely to social media either way) of being able to get one first”

Accordingly, and in line with Blancpain’s senior status when compared with Omega, the Scuba Fifty Fathoms costs more than the MoonSwatch, yet, at around £320, is still comparable to a mid-level Seiko. Detractors will point out that the Seiko is made from steel, not plastic, and houses a “proper” mechanical movement; fans counter that you can’t hope to find anything with the cult appeal of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms and a connection to a blue-chip luxury brand like Blancpain for the money. Currently, the latter camp is winning the day. Following an extensive ad campaign, the well-kept secret was unveiled on 6 September: five models, one for each of the world’s oceans, each in vivid colours inspired by, says Blancpain, sea sponges endemic to each area. As before, there was no stated limit to the number that would be produced, but only flagship Swatch stores would have them. Come 9 September, launch day, the overnight queues were back.

A new model of luxury is upon us: one that trades craft and precious metals for hype and style. The question is, will it last? Watch this space.

HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE

Putting a fresh spin on the classic dive watch, the Swatch X Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms has brought a new generation of watch buyers on board

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SKI PATROL Your essential guide to resorts, lift upgrades and not-to-be-missed après spots for the season ahead, as compiled by Felice Hardy

FRENCH FANCY

Head to luxurious, eco-friendly French resort Arc 1950 this season to wish it a happy 20th birthday

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RETURN TO THE SLOPES

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ith a trio of resorts celebrating milestone anniversaries and a fourth enjoying its biggest expansion in 30 years, not to mention exciting upgrades left, right and centre, as well as one of the heaviest November snowfalls in 20 years for the Alps, skiers can look forward to a bonanza of fun on and off the mountain this winter season.

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MATTHIEU CELLARD

LAY OF THE LAND In 1964, the French government launched a snow plan, the goal being to develop and create ski resorts that were able to accommodate the booming number of skiers. As a result, Les Menuires (lesmenuires.com), with its car-free centre and functional architecture, was born. In 1973, a lift was built to link it to the traditional resort of Méribel, heralding the birth of Les 3 Vallées. In 2024, on its 60th birthday, Les Menuires is the gateway to 600km of slopes and seven resorts. It is arguably part of the biggest linked ski area in the world.

Some 75km north-east, an innovative idea was conjured up in 2004. A resort was to be created that would be attractive, entirely pedestrianised and ski-in, ski-out, with five-star accommodation. It was designed and built by the Canadian resort developer Intrawest (of WhistlerBlackcomb fame), seamlessly blending the buildings into the rocky landscape and limiting their impact on nature. The resort’s name was Arc 1950 (arc1950.com).

To celebrate its coming of age this winter, there will be festivities throughout the season.

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RETURN TO THE SLOPES

MOUNTAIN HIGH The Peak 8 base area at Breckenridge (breckenridge.com) continues to expand. New this season is a dedicated beginners’ area and the upgrade of 5-Chair to a new, highspeed quad – the Five SuperChair. With this lift upgrade, all four chairs that service Peak 8 will now be high-speed, which helps traffic flow out of the resort and provides faster access to Breck’s Five Peaks.

At Whistler-Blackcomb (whistlerblackcomb.com), upgrades are expected to be ready for this winter, with the existing four-person Fitzsimmons chair lift from Whistler Village being replaced by an eight-person highspeed chair, increasing uphill capacity by 73%.

The new high-speed six-passenger Bergman Express lift in Keystone (keystoneresort.com) whisks guests up to wide open and gladed terrain in Bergman and Erickson Bowls. Much of Keystone’s backcountry terrain has been underused but, for the first time ever, both bowls are now reachable by lift, opening up terrain to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

In time for the winter, two modern chair lifts (6SB Gauxjoch and 6SB Trattenbach) will replace the outdated lifts in the KitzSki area at Kitzbühel (kitzbuhel.com). The state-of-the-art chairs provide skiers and snowboarders with easier and smoother access to the slopes.

Saalbach Hinterglemm Skicircus (skicircus.saalbach.com) is welcoming a modern eight-seater chair lift that replaces the old four-seater, making for a more comfortable ride up Saalbach’s Schattberg.

In Zell am See-Kaprun (zellamsee-kaprun.com), the big news is that the Schmittenhöhe has replaced its threeseater Sonnkogelbahn with a new six-seater chair lift.

During the summer, the chair will be swapped out for an eight-seat gondola suited to families and groups of friends.

You can now go cross-country skiing at night in the Swiss resort of Les Diablerets (myvaud.ch). The opening of

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La Clusaz (laclusaz.com) isn’t a modern resort, having been constructed in 1902, but that doesn’t mean that time has stood still. Its La Balme ski area is 60 years old this winter.

To mark the occasion, La Clusaz has joined forces with cutting-edge ski equipment company Faction to create a limited-edition pair of skis.

Hero’s is a completely new area on Aspen Mountain (aspensnowmass.com) served by a high-speed quad. This represents an increase of 27% on the overall terrain – more than a quarter of the total mountain – as well as adding some advanced acreage and the resort’s first intermediate tree-skiing. It’s been a while coming: the last improvement on Aspen Mountain was 36 years ago, when the iconic Silver Queen Gondola was constructed.

Another Colorado resort rich in history is Steamboat (steamboat.com). It has had a massive, £164 million upgrade that includes a new 650-acre tree-skiing area on Mahogany Ridge for expert skiers, a new gondola, mountaintop restaurant and improved snowmaking.

Off the mountain in Austria, the Vertical Link in Bad Gastein (skigastein.com) is a pedestrian tunnel that now connects the historic town centre with the railway station and the Stubnerkogel lift. There’s a 140m-long suspension bridge at the top, at an altitude of 2,000m.

DON’T LOOK DOWN...

Top: the viewing platform at the Kitzsteinhorn in Zell am See, 3,029m above sea level Bottom: not one for the faint-hearted: the new black run at Glacier 3000, Les Diablerets

SWISS BLISS

Perfect powder awaits in Switzeland’s sunny Savoleyres ski area

a 1km-long loop, illuminated by solar-powered lights, will allow skiers to extend their day and enjoy some starlight skiing. Opening mid-December, between 5pm and 9pm, the route has been designed with two tracks, to allow both cross-country skiers and hikers to enjoy the night air.

In the same area, a black ski slope at Glacier 3000 (glacier3000.com) opened in January 2023 following a CHF 2.5 million investment. Skiers and snowboarders can now set off down a 41-degree incline, one of the steepest in the Alps, and continue through the longest ski tunnel in Switzerland – 265m long and 2.5m wide. This new piste opens up a 3km run to the valley with a 1,000m drop.

TOP TABLES New from the owners of the Michelin-triple-starred La Bouitte near Saint Martin de Belleville in the 3 Valleys is a wine bar tucked away under the bistro, Simple & Meilleur (simple-meilleur.com). Where better to head for an evening out, when you can combine après-ski with tapas.

Last winter, in-demand local pastry chef Judith and her husband Alexandre opened Le Terroir des Vignobles

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ALPINE AGENDA

(leterroirdesvignobles.fr) in the uncommercialised resort of La Rosière. The small gastronomic restaurant offers a good menu in a cosy yet minimalist setting. Both chefs worked previously at the Michelin-starred Le Chabichou in Courchevel and their new offering already has a place in Gault&Millau. Alexandre curates the wines, which are all sourced from small producers.

In Austria’s Salzburgerland area, a new 10-person gondola, Kieserlbahn II, whisks skiers from the Grossarl Valley to Wolke 7 (wolke7grossarle.com). The new summit restaurant specialises in local dishes with an exotic twist.

Peak of Taste is back in Courmayeur Mont Blanc (courmayeurmontblanc.it) for a third time. Ten foodie events will take place around the resort, with skiers invited to eat with a constellation of international chefs. Events include lunches at the resort’s best restaurants and aperitif tasting at the highest peak in Europe, the Sky Punta Helbronner, followed by a 2,173m descent for dinner.

A quintet of GHA properties to book for your next slopeside sojourn

Kempinski Palace Engelberg Raw luxury awaits in the first and only fivestar resort in the largest winter (and summer) destination of Central Switzerland. kempinski.com

“EVENTS INCLUDE APERITIF TASTING AT THE HIGHEST PEAK IN EUROPE, FOLLOWED

BY A 2,173M DESCENT FOR DINNER”

Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Expect opulent yet warmly inviting interiors amid the snowy splendour of British Columbia’s spectacular Coast Mountains. panpacific.com

The Chedi Andermatt Savour cutting-edge Swiss wining and dining some 1,447m above sea level at this casual-chic five-star hideaway. thechediandermatt.com

Viceroy Snowmass Make this luxurious mountain refuge your base from which to explore the best of Aspen’s breathtaking peaks and valleys. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Resort Hotel Alex Steeped in tradition yet packed with dazzling contemporary comforts, Alex offers guests an outstanding Zermatt welcome. hotelalexzermatt.com

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C A S TAWAY I S L A N D F I J I TA K E S G R E AT C A R E I N I T S S T E WA R D S H I P A founding member of MES Fiji (Mamanuca Environment Society) and a leading advocate of environmental sustainability in tourism development, Castaway’s collective actions include coral planting, beach and underwater clean-up, fish house making and coastal tree planting, in addition to back-of-house goals such as reducing energy, water and waste while working alongside like-minded local non-profit organizations.

HAWAI‘I

FIJI

MAURITIUS

THAILAND

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Outrigger.com

3/22/23 12:14 PM

THE EPICUREAN

DUBAI BY THE FORKFUL

SOUL FOOD

Chef Kelvin Cheung (pictured, right) is the brains behind fusion brasserie Jun’s

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THE EPICUREAN

Already a well-established culinary cauldron, the glittering emirate is upping its gourmet game with a handful of new eateries that are creating a buzz both locally and internationally.

Sarah Khan investigates

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Top left: The Guild’s Archer Humphryesdesigned dining room STAR QUALITY

Middle left: Moonrise’s Dubai-born chef, Solemann Haddad GALLIC ÉLAN

Middle right: dinner à deux at Chez Wam ROOM WITH A VIEW

Bottom: stellar skyline vistas at Moonrise THE COALFACE

Right: an artful 11 Woodfire plate

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here was a time not too long ago when very few self-respecting gourmands would dare venture beyond the comfortable confines of their chosen hostelries for rations that were conjured

up in the city writ large. After all, with so many gastronomic satellites of A-list chefs from London and Paris to Tokyo and beyond dotting Dubai’s many hotels like a never-ending constellation, why would you? How things have changed. Today, a wave of ambitious toques are adding to the menu of choices – pun intended – debuting fresh, homegrown concepts that cater to the city’s uniquely cosmopolitan clientele.

Case in point is The Guild (theguilddubai.com), which could be Dubai’s dreamiest dining destination. Over the last decade, Aussie chef Tom Arnel has become synonymous with the city’s hippest hangouts – a café juggernaut that includes Tom & Serg, The Sum of Us and Common Grounds, to name a few – but the buzz surrounding this opulent opening in the glitzy DIFC neighbourhood proves that Arnel has reached new heights. Some of that might be because the Guild is more of a journey through a series of distinct enclaves than a mere restaurant, with leafy corners and tucked-away pools setting the scene for a brasserie, champagne lounge, cigar bar and more. But as much as the ever-surprising interiors – by Archer Humphryes Architects, the team behind London stalwart Chiltern Firehouse – may seduce the gaze, it’s the dizzying assortment of food and drinks on offer that demands repeat visits.

Looking for something a little more intimate? Book (or at least try to book) one of the 12 seats at the counter of Moonrise (moon-rise.xyz), a unique omakase experience on the rooftop of a residential tower overlooking the city’s downtown. Here, the Dubai-born-and-bred wunderkind Solemann Haddad earned his first Michelin star this year by showcasing an inventiveness that belies his young age, marrying Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours in an only-in-the-UAE menu: think hamachi sashimi with Syrian sumac, foie gras pani puri, and tomatoes with zaatar, labneh, and nori furikake. Then there’s chef Himanshu Saini’s Tresind Studio (tresindstudio.com), which promises another creative degustation experience, this one rooted in Indian flavours and techniques. Dubai is home to a sizable Indian community and has no shortage of restaurant offerings specialising in every corner of the subcontinent, and yet Saini manages to dazzle diners – and Michelin inspectors, as the restaurant’s two stars attest – with his mastery of nuanced dishes such as mustard and miso scallops, ghee roast crab with curry leaf crisp, and rhubarb and strawberry paan.

While Dubai continues to be a gourmet playground for some of the world’s most legendary chefs, Akmal Anuar may be poised to become the first

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THE EPICUREAN

HOT NUMBER

Akmal Anuar’s 11 Woodfire is an ode to wood-fired cooking

CATCH OF THE DAY

Right: flame-cooked fish at 11 Woodfire GOLDEN HOUR

Left: the warmly lit Orfali Bros dining room

Dubai heavyweight to go global in a big way. His Michelin-starred 11 Woodfire (11woodfire.com), a celebration of wood-fired cooking in a converted villa in the sophisticated Jumeirah district, is the jewel in his growing empire’s crown. Apart from an impressive collection of restaurants with cult followings throughout the UAE – Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori in Dubai; Abu Dhabi’s Otoro; Mavia Café in the Al Faya desert among them – he also launched the buzzy 53 in New York in 2022 and returned home to Singapore to open Harummanis this year. Next up this winter: a seaside Italian restaurant, Osteria Funkcoolio, in Dubai’s new Port de La Mer island.

How does one define comfort food in a global city like Dubai? Its creatives have lately been serving up their takes, and there are no wrong answers. Chef Kelvin Cheung crisscrossed the globe, from Canada and the US to Hong Kong and India, before settling in Dubai – and his Asian-American brasserie Jun’s (junsdubai.com) has been a smash success ever since he opened its doors in 2022. Settle in for dishes like spinach-saag dip, lamb koobideh tsukune, and

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THE EPICUREAN

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Left: A typically vibrant plate at Orfali Bros Below: the Syrian-born siblings behind it RAW TALENT

Bottom: the open kitchen at French chef Hadrien Villedieu’s restaurant Chez Wam

SWEET TALK

Above: a delectable dessert at omakase hit Moonrise

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XO sauce lobster spaghetti that have had the likes of actor Brian Cox (aka Logan Roy) waxing rhapsodic – or, if you just want to graze on a quick order of bang bang cauliflower followed by a slice of one of Cheung’s famous Kelvin cakes, stop by the brand-new Little Jun’s outpost at Dubai’s Time Out Market.

When TV chef Mohammed Orfali teamed up with siblings Wassim and Omar to open Orfali Bros (orfalibros.com) in Jumeirah in 2021, he described his fare as “con-fusion”, blending the ingredients of their hometown of Aleppo, Syria, with Japanese, Mexican and Chinese influences. If the standout shish barak à la gyoza – a trio of wagyu dumplings with garlic yoghurt, sujuk oil and pine nuts – is any indication, there’s nothing confusing about the result.

After training under the likes of Joël Robuchon and Alain Passard, French chef Hadrien Villedieu decided to have some fun with his convivial new Palm Jumeirah eatery Chez Wam (chezwam.ae). Make your way to the always-busy dining room – where work by the celebrated Dubai-based French-Tunisian calligraphy artist eL Seed is on display – to slurp local oysters with smoked bloody mary or nosh on a foie gras bao with plum sauce; for a touch of drama, consider rocking up at the six-seater chef’s table and letting Villedieu have his way with your dinner.

Winter in Dubai is best spent blissed out at one of the city’s seemingly endless array of beach clubs. While there are plenty to choose from, Tagomago (tagomago.ae) made quite the splash when it brought a touch of Ibiza to the Palm Jumeirah this summer. Let some of the best people-watching in Dubai unfold as you nibble on Spanish bites under jaunty orange umbrellas.

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Checking in

TREASURE ISLAND

From 24-karat details to seven-star service, Dubai is home to some of the world’s most buzzed-about hotels – but where the emirate really shines is in the realm of opulent beach resorts. With a long coastline dotted with alluring ivory beaches and a clutch of ambitious manmade archipelagos adding even more sandy real estate to the mix, there’s no shortage of seaside luxe, whether your preferences skew bohemian-chic or baby-friendly. On the artificial Pearl Jumeirah island in the Al Mina neighbourhood in the north, Nikki Beach Dubai (dubai.nikkibeach.com) manages to feel like a true escape just minutes from the Burj Khalifa, channelling the sensibility of a breezy Aegean beach resort. The soft alabaster sands are mirrored by 117 whitewashed rooms and 15 villas, with subtle blue accents in the interiors reflecting the azure waters glimpsed from every direction. Ever since it welcomed the first guests to its loungers and cabanas in 2016, the sexy beach club has been a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

On the outermost ring of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Anantara the Palm Dubai (anantara.com/en/palm-dubai) is a much more familyfriendly retreat. The kids’ and teens’ clubs are a major draw here, with an endless array of activities ranging from yoga and cupcake-making classes to archery and encounters with the hotel’s falcon, Shahin. Anantara boasts Dubai’s only overwater villas, which is another feather in its cap for families, but any of the Lagoon Access rooms are a hit as well – after all, why walk to breakfast when you can swim from your doorstep?

Set on the Palm’s West Crescent, there are 244 suites and villas spread across the sprawling Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah (kempinski.com/en/palm-jumeirah), and you’re guaranteed a stunning view of the skyline, the inner fronds of the Palm, or the endless azure water. For the ultimate relaxation, be sure to summon an indulgent treatment – say, an Ayurvedic massage or a Balinese-inspired facial – to your room, courtesy of the hotel’s Cinq Mondes spa.

A bird’s eye view of the pool at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Start the day right in Anantara the Palm Dubai’s Crescendo restaurant

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ON THE ROAD

TAKING CHAR With its expectation-defying Spectre, Rolls-Royce powers into an all-electric new era. Will Hersey gets behind the wheel

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ON THE ROAD

ELECTRIC REVOLUTION

Ticking all the boxes, the Spectre’s performance bodes well for RollsRoyce’s leap into the allimportant EV market

I

f you were choosing a car company that seemed perfectly suited to the future-facing electric era, you might not immediately think of Rolls-Royce. In fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking such a venerable marque – one that loves to play on its craftsmanship and tradition, and whose famous V12 engine has been the heartbeat of its cars for many decades – might be mopping its brow in anxiety that such change is afoot.

Far from it, as it turns out. The brand has instead taken a “bring it on” approach to electric power, explaining to its increasingly youthful customer base that it has been waiting for the technology to develop to a point where its first EV would be, in the words of outgoing CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, “a Rolls-Royce first, an electric car second”.

And so here, after 2.5 million test miles, is Spectre, following Phantom, Ghost and Wraith as another supernaturally-named car, with rather supernatural qualities. It may be the first electric model in Rolls-Royce history but it’s no limited-edition test case. Every new RR model after it will also be electric. No wonder Müller-Ötvös calls this a “historic moment”.

On the outside, there is little to tell you that the Spectre represents such a technological and cultural shift.

If anything, the qualities that make a Rolls-Royce what it is have been underlined. The Pantheon grille is wider than ever, the flowing side panel is the biggest RR has ever made and the huge coach doors can be ordered with Starlight panelling for the first time. At 5.5m long, to say this car has presence is an understatement.

Inside, the cabin feels reassuringly familiar, too. The famous “Engine” starter button remains, despite the new power source. And, as always, details abound. One new feature sees the driver’s door close automatically with a single prod on the brake. Well, you wouldn’t want to be caught reaching to close itself yourself now would you.

Pull away, and that effortless power that RR’s engineers have made a hallmark is immediately available. Cruising through the vineyards of the Napa Valley, there’s a sense of being on a powerboat wafting through the waves in search of a good place to anchor for lunch, and this nautical feel

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RGE “This is one Rolls-Royce you want to drive rather than be driven in” is entirely deliberate, only heightened by the further development of the marque’s high-tech Planar Suspension system. And despite its size, Spectre proves surprisingly capable when the pace is upped and the corners become challenging. This is one Rolls-Royce you want to drive rather than be driven in.

Of course, none of this technology comes to mind when at the wheel. With no driver modes or buttons to trouble you, the whole experience appears wonderfully simple.

So far, so Rolls-Royce. Instant torque, an astonishingly quiet cabin and little range anxiety, especially if someone tends to do the charging for you. You’re left with the feeling that, if anything, the electric power in the Spectre has enhanced the Rolls-Royce experience, not hindered it.

Co-founder Charles Rolls, himself an electrical engineer, knew this all along. “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean,” he wrote in 1900. “There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.”

It may have taken 123 years to arrive, but the Spectre has delivered on that vision.

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RM UP-01 FERRARI Ultra-flat manual winding calibre 1.75 millimetres thin 45-hour power reserve (± 10%) Baseplate, bridges and case in grade 5 titanium Patented ultra-flat escapement Function selector Limited edition of 150 pieces

A Racing Machine On The Wrist