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ETraveller
Executive
Summer 2006 – International Edition
www.executivetraveller.net
£3.75
No-one covers travel like we do
SUMMER PASSION
Sports, Food
And Travel
Exciting sporting destinations
and choices: Luxury motor
yachts, Football, Golf, Racing…
Gastronomy:
Champagne, Food, Wine, Cheese ….
One Size Doesn’t Suit All
Photo: LNA
Executive Traveller Magazine • Summer 2006 • 2
3 • Summer 2006 • Executive Traveller Magazine
inside
Message from the Editor
Executive Traveller Magazine
No-one covers travel like we do
Spring Edition — Vol 14/Summer 2006
6
Cover Story - Summer Passion
Sports, Food and Travel
Sporting delights
•
•
•
•
•
Yachting in style
Golf destinations you cannot afford to miss
A day at the races
Watch the footie in style
Grand prix passion
Wine and Gastronomy
•
•
•
•
•
Apple Strudel Georg Fuch’s way
Face to face with Kiwi Chef Charles Royal
The best of cider
Soft Cheeses Fine Champagne and wine
Cakes and chocolates
Special Feature
• Planning for Travel
management
8
• Historic House Hotels
• Spend a weekend ‘befitting for a King’
W
72
IN
Meetings, Incentives,
Conference and Events
Platform
19
Lifestyle, Spas & Healthy Living
50
Investment Opportunities
52
• Executive burnout programme using
salivary hormone testing
• New intimate spa at Brown’s Hotel
38
42
• Derek on Lithuania
• The Atlantis Resort on Paradise
Island
• Own a holiday home in Las Vegas
Frank Orman
30
42
Platform Editor
Internet Marketing
The difference
between SEO
and PPC
Travelling by Train
32
• Heathrow Connect
improves Hayes &
Harlington Station
• King’s Cross St. Pancras’
new Western Ticket Hall
• Heathrow Express and
Japan Airlines team up
• Virgin Trains’ new ‘Primo’
service
BBC’s audio books
and summer goodie bag
36
• Easterbrook Hall, South West
Scotland’s largest conference
venue
• Wales Millennium Centre
Techs and Gadgets
30
Hotels, Country Houses,Villas &
Luxury Apartments
The firs
t 10
James V 0 people to bo
ok a
illa holid
between
a
y depart
the 24th
ing
and 31st
on execu
tivetravel
August
ler.net w
ill receiv
free car
e
hire!!
46
Destinations
• Stylish and affordable Manhattan
• The charms and magic spells of
Aube en Champagne
• French Markets
• Morocco with a difference
Car Rentals
• Guy Salmon offers plush cars
licensed to thrill
• National Car Rentals
reveals spiralling costs
of vehicle damage
The Travel Shop
Design and production: LNA Associates Ltd
Executive Traveller Magazine is published quarterly by:
LNA Associates Limited,
33 Donkin House,
Galleywall Road,
London SE16 3PQ
United Kingdom.
Tel: 079 8402 1973/020 7064 8802
Fax: 020 7231 8897
ISSN Number 1742-0547 11
Write to the editor@executivetraveller.net
Derek Annoh
Destinations Editor
Lithuania
52
55
Sascha Stokes
Five reasons for an
affordable and stylish
break in Manhattan
64
Books
• Cool books on food and travel
Competitions and Offers
68
Events Diary
55
70
72
74
Annual Subscriptions:
United Kingdom and Ireland: One year £18; two years £30
Continental Europe: One Year £35; Two years £45
Rest of the World: One Year £50; Two years £60
To subscribe, email: subscriptions@executivetraveller.net
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The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the
publishers who cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
The summer edition of Executive Traveller is here
I
t is summer and the
sun is out – (hopefully
for most parts of the world);
so let us all go out to play,
eat and be merry! We
have travel sports – the
pleasures of grand prix
racing in Europe for you to
make a thrilling weekend
of; football delights, luxury
motor yachting, golf, quad
biking in France among
others, and for food and travel we bring you champagne,
excellent wine, cheese, great cooking activities and
some excellent gastronomy. While travelling we do not
want to miss out on shopping, investment opportunities
and business news.
The new www.executivetraveller.net has also
been launched with an aim to simplifying travel. One
visit to executivetraveller.net should help you to
complete a travel procedure; from flights to hotels,
food and travel, destinations, shuttle services, luggage
services, car hire. Absolutely everything you will need
to travel and more is now available online at www.
executivetraveller.net.
So if you see something interesting here that
you would like to take advantage of, visit www.
executivetraveller.net to book it.
As usual, if there is anything you think the executive
traveller should know but I have omitted to mention,
please let me know.
editor@executivetraveller.net
Managing Editor
LYSSIEMAY ANNOH
Do More
Do more than exist
...live.
Do more than think
...ponder.
Do more than touch
...feel.
Do more than talk
...say something.
Do more than look
...observe.
~John H. Rhoades~
Do more than read
...absorb.
Do more than hear
...listen.
And visit
Letters to the Editor....
Dear Sir
Ok, I think I’ve got it now.
The BTI TMC is now the HRG TMC and also the BCD TMC,
whereas the FCm TMC is still the FCm TMC, even though it
was the TQ3 TMC before bits of the TQ3 TMC turned into bits
of the BCD TMC. And, of course, there’s also this TTC network
TMC, although I’m not sure where that fits - the BCD TMC, is
that correct ?
Clearly the CEOs of both the new BCD TMC and the new
HRG TMC believe that despite the failure of the BTI TMC JV
no self-respecting new TMC will deliver a good ROI unless it
comes complete with a TLA.
Am I the only one bemused by this slavish pursuit of acronyms
and astonished that an opportunity has been missed to create a
travel management brand that is both distinct and coherent?
Me? I’d have exploited the obvious equity residing in both the
World Travel and The Travel Company brands and called the
new BCD entity simply, ‘The World’s Travel Company’.
As for HRG, it sounds like a treatment I’d purchase over the
counter in Boots. What is wrong with retaining the obvious
legacy inherent in the Hogg Robinson name for goodness
sake?
Surely the smart call in a complex competitive environment
is to avoid any potential confusion in customers’ minds - which
is why we’re Portman, clearly.
Yours faithfully
Bob Govan
Director Marketing & Development
Portman Travel
ETM/SPORTS,
FOOD AND TRAVEL
Rotherhithe Yachts line upm- strip
Yachting in style
An opportunity to dream the lifestyle of a millionaire and live it!
L
uxury yacht vacations provide
an unsurpassed taste of freedom,
elegance and style and summer
is the perfect time for this. So if
you are one of those people who
dream of the millionaire lifestyle we
have combed out some of Europe’s
favourite marinas and discovered that
even if you do not have the money to
purchase one, you can still charter a
£1million yacht for the same price as
a week in a 5-star hotel!
Luxury charter yachts may cost no
more than an exclusive hotel or cruise
on a ship, however unlike a cruise ship
or hotel you have ultimate privacy,
control and freedom. You and your
friends will be the only guests aboard
the luxury yacht and the only ones
the crew need attend. The service
is professional, personalized and
friendly. Exquisite cuisine is prepared,
to your liking, by your own personal
chef and you can dine whenever and
wherever you like. Join the growing
numbers who sail in absolute luxury
on their vacation, when and where
they command.
Interestingly too, we discovered
that those who can afford a yacht
can buy one, enjoy it and charter it
out as well! We have even learned
that you can charter out your
yacht for just 4-5 weeks a year and
cover all your insurance, mooring
fees and the guardianage of your
yacht (this includes everything from
cleaning and maintenance, legality,
crew management, marketing and
finding clients for your yacht and
even stocking the fridge with your
favourite food before you, or your
clients arrive).
Luxury yachts can vary immensely
in size, style and function. They can
be sailboats, motor boats, classic or
ultramodern, displacement or fast
planning.The largest and most lavishly
appointed charter boats, however,
tend to be power boats. Powerboats
have the size and stability to provide
saloons decorated with fruit bowls,
artwork and sculptures and can be
garnished with bouquets of fresh
flowers. The interior saloons are
spacious and tastefully decorated
and the private cabins are large
with individual ensuites, which often
include baths. The decks are designed
with overflowing space, perfect
for sunbathing and other outdoor
activities.
Luxury boats are also usually
equipped with sea ‘toys’, for your
entertainment. Kayaks, windsurfers,
water-ski, jet skis, and dive equipment,
to name a few, are not uncommon.
The largest super yachts also
accommodate a helicopter pad,
submarine bay, gyms and cinemas.
Every charter boat has its own tender
speed boat to ferry passengers ashore
to the beach during the day or to dine
out at night.
Luxury boat charters don’t only
come in the form of powerboats.
Marine architects are now producing
plenty of sailing yachts from 35-65m,
fully decorated and
appointed with all the toys. These
sailboats are incredibly powerful,
safe and majestic. They allow you
to experience all the comforts of a
luxury yacht, with the light spray of
sea salt on your skin, and the silent
sounds of the boat soaring through
the waves. Luxury sailing yachts are
impeccably appointed, adventure
sailing machines. You need not even
know how to sail. A full charter
crew is appointed to sail your luxury
boat, professionally and safely for the
perfect sailing vacation.
Luxury yacht charter vacations are
fast becoming a popular way to enjoy
spectacular scenery, brilliant service,
and incomparable freedom to explore
exotic coastlines and ports – all in
style and comfort.
Welcome to Blue Sky Cruising another
addition to the sporting destination of
Mallorca in the Balearics
I
joined Rachel Bateson and her team to enjoy an
alternative holiday in Mallorca. Mallorca is renowned
for its first class golf courses, sunshine, good food, scuba
diving and lovely villas. However, Rachel and her Blue Sky
Cruising’s Brand new Fairline Phantom 46 “Blue Ocean”
are offering all that plus adrenalin fun aboard the “Blue
Ocean. The Blue Ocean has been set up to offer a full
range of entertainment, accommodation and activity
options for anyone keen on motor yachting to enjoy a
Mediterranean holiday.
The yacht has been designed to sleep up to six persons;
nevertheless, I will suggest that the party is made up of
six very close members of the party. The staterooms are
made up of an ensuite master bedroom, a double bed
room and a bunk bedroom and the yacht is also licensed
to carry a party of ten in addition to crew for daytime
activities so you can choose to take advantage of the Blue
Sky Cruising’s affiliation with local luxury hotels, villas and
the yacht club on the island and enjoy daytime activities
on the yacht.
To enable us appreciate Palma to the fullest, we chose
to alternate accommodation on the boat and at one of
Palma beautiful Relais de Chateau – Son Brull. Son Brull is
unique. Everything you eat at the hotel is freshly prepared
and ripe fruits are plucked from the trees. We arrived at
the time of the ham cutting season and I have never seen
so much attention go into the cutting of ham. It is a whole
ceremony on its own.
Chartering the ‘Blue Ocean’ will include a skipper, a
hostess available to prepare food, serve drinks and help
to entertain children. Guests of Blue Sky Cruising can also
Blue sky cruising
have a taste of Mallorca’s finest private members’ Yacht
Club – Cala D’Or. Cala D’Or is a must see on the island.The
Club has everything
you will need on a
yachting holiday.
One big advantage
is that if you are
keen to learn how
to ‘skipper’ the
yacht
yourself,
Blue Sky Cruising
skippers can teach
you the basics of
handling the boat
and offer RYA ICC
internationally
accredited
qualifications!
F u r t h e r
information
available
at
blueskycruising.
com or telephone
Ham Cutting Ceremony
in Mallorca
0870 8550 007
Millionaire Lifestyle for a Fraction of the Price
H20
Resorts are a new company who
were preparing to launch in June 2006,
when the first boats arrive in Salcombe, South
Devon.They are offering a slice of the millionaire
lifestyle for a fraction of the price. Through a
unique co-ownership plan, you can enjoy a 2000
square foot floating penthouse, without the
hassle and cost of buying it yourself.
H20 are selling co-ownership shares in top
of the range, luxury house boats on a 30-year
term, although the craft will be replaced with
new ones at least every 10 years. With each
share you can choose to stay on your boat for a
week every year. After 30 years, the boat will be
sold, and the proceeds distributed amongst the
owners. With anticipated rental opportunities
on the eight birth boats, the entire scheme
should offer a lifetime experience as well as a
viable investment.
The Salcombe boats are US-built luxury
floating penthouses, 60 feet long by 16 feet wide,
with 4 double staterooms, a spacious lounge
with home theatre, and a fully equipped galley.
On the upper deck is a sun-lounge area, a wet
bar and a 6 person hot-tub.
The boats are expected to offer a level of
luxury unsurpassed, the home resort of Salcombe
is said to be one of the most desirable holiday
locations in the UK. With a near-Mediterranean
climate, stunning natural harbour and discreetly
chic lifestyle, Salcombe is the leisure destination
of choice for many of the country’s most
discerning individuals. With property constantly
in demand, and as long as a 7 year wait for boat
moorings, co-ownership with H20 may be the
perfect way to experience Salcombe in a select
yet understated style.
Once you’ve bought an H2O share, you’re not
limited to your home resort. H2O have other
locations which you can exchange to, including
seven in the United States and many more
opening across Europe in the next few years.
From families to social trend setters, city
executives to frequent holiday goers, H2O Resorts
hopes to offer a chance to live the high life in a
subtle, classic style.
HotTub
Barside
Bedroom
OnDeck
Moored
Salcome
Golf Destinations You Cannot Afford to Miss
Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort Re-Opens
Following $40 Million Refurbishment
T
he Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort has opened as a
brand new, luxurious resort, following an impressive
$40 million renovation. Already renowned for having one
of the longest and widest beaches in Cancun, the Hilton
Cancun’s beach was one of the first to be completely
restored following Hurricane Wilma and now has an
additional 50 metres (over 150 feet) of the Caribbean’s
famous soft, white sand.
Dave Smith, General Manager, Hilton Cancun Golf
& Spa Resort says that the resort now has a more
contemporary look in some areas, while preserving the
traditional Mexican-style charm in others. In addition to a
bigger and better beach, a new lobby and guest reception,
updated meeting facilities, and new décor and furniture
in our guestrooms and suites. Five restaurants and three
bars and extra steps have been taken to upgrade the
water supply and safety features. Cancun has emerged as
an even more upscale destination.
Changes to the resort include:
Fitness Centre: The resort has a brand new, stateof-the-art fitness centre overlooking the ocean and pool
which features over $120,000 of new cardio and weightlifting equipment that include built-in LCD displays with
satellite television reception.
Spa: The front entrance and garden areas have been
restored and the 12,000-sqare-foot facility is ready to
pamper guests with soothing massages, body treatments,
facials, manicures, pedicures, and a full-service hair salon.
Guestrooms: Rooms have received new decor,
furniture, televisions, refreshment areas and airconditioning units. All 426 guestrooms feature the Hilton
Serenity collection. This includes the new Serenity
Collection Beds, featuring Suite Dreams mattresses,
Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort Golfers at the pyramids.
Crabtree & Evelyn’s amenities, the new MP3 CD-Alarm
Clock Radio and more.
Villas: All the villas’ doors, service doors, ceilings, and
roofs have been completely repaired and/or replaced.
All Villas were repainted, and the walking gardens and
pathways landscaped.
Pool & Pool Deck: The resort’s expansive pool decks
have been entirely resurfaced, 84 new sunshades added
and the pool bar renovated. The seven pools and outdoor
whirlpools were resurfaced and new decorative borders
and pool-bottom designs were added.
Restaurants: El Kiosko poolside restaurant was
fully renovated with new furniture, decor and kitchen
equipment. Spices Restaurant, featuring Mexican cuisine,
has new furniture and the gourmet Mitachi Restaurant
overlooking the Caribbean Sea has been completely
remodelled with new décor and furniture.
Hilton Cancun Golf Club: A new $1.5 million dollar
TORO “Flowtronics” fully-automated irrigation system
will be installed throughout the 18 holes of the course.
The course will also feature a new water pump station,
plus new landscaping and sand bunkers.
Ballrooms/Meeting Rooms: Ballrooms and meeting
rooms (all 30,000 sq. feet) have new AC equipment, new
carpet, new sound and lighting system, new pre-function
and foyer furniture, new art, new air walls, new ceilings,
new banquet chairs, tables and new banquet equipment.
Business Centre: The new business centre is fully
automated and accessible 24/7. In-room printing and
other enhanced capabilities are of great value to guests.
Water Treatment System: An investment of
$90,000 has been made with a leading provider of
water treatment systems to clean, repair and buy new
equipment.
Safety: The resort’s life
safety system has received
a $1.75 million upgrade that
meets all U.S. compliance
codes, including ADA
enhancements and new
Onity electronic guestroom
locks.
Landscaping: Soaring
palm trees, many new
exotic plants, and colourful
flowers have been installed
throughout the resort’s
lush gardens and recreation
areas. The meandering
rivers have been restored
with reflective pebbles
creating a shimmering and
soothing perspective.
Kent’s Hythe Imperial Golf Links Celebrates
Centenary With £89.50 Offer
T
he Hythe Imperial
hotel’s Edwardian links
golf course celebrates its
centenary this summer
with a stylish four-star
golfing package for just
£89.50 per night.
The Imperial, part of the
Marston Hotels group, is
an elegant Kentish seaside
resort in the ancient
Cinque Ports town of
Hythe, with a challenging
nine-hole, 18-tee, 5,402yard, par 68 links course in
its 50-acre grounds.
The course opened on
Saturday 23 June 1906
with an exhibition match
between professionals Jack
Higolf
Golf
Rowe and Rowland Jones, the latter, according to
the local newspaper, striking “one capital drive of
370 yards on the first round and another of 258
yards – putting out for a two – in the second”.
But Rowe’s “brilliant holing and putting” gave
him the edge and he won 2 and 1, playing “a
steady and brilliant game throughout”.
The course, picturesquely sandwiched on
gently rolling land between the sea and the Royal
Military Canal, constructed between 1804-09 to
repel Napoleon’s armies, is described as “ideal
for ladies and also for gentlemen who have
passed middle life”.
The Cheriton Herald acclaims the Imperial as
the only hotel in England with its own golf links
in the grounds, concluding: “It is satisfactory to
know that the London daily journals, as well as
papers devoted to the game, are unanimous in
declaring that more perfect natural seaside links
do not exist along the coast.”
“Ideal for ladies” it may be but the Imperial
course has a fearsome reputation when the
winds blow in off the English Channel, presenting
a real challenge for today’s modern golfer.
The special rate of £89.50 per person, per
night (minimum two nights) includes dinner,
bed and breakfast, plus two rounds of golf. The
offer is available from Sundays to Thursdays until
the end of September, excluding August Bank
Holiday.
www.marstonhotels.com
Watch the footie in style from
your own private suite
A Day at the Races
R
oyal Ascot 2006 (celebrated Tuesday 20th June to
Saturday 24th 2006) is a historic event, a celebration
of the famous five-day race meeting at the new Ascot
Racecourse. Ascot is an internationally renowned occasion
that combines classic style, panache and elegance with
enthralling sporting action, Royal Ascot is the perfect place
to entertain clients, colleagues or friends.
The new stand at Ascot has over 270 private boxes that
overlook the track. The Grandstand is gently curved in plan
with boxes throughout the building. Some are positioned
close to the track past the winning post with a ‘head-on’
view, while others are before the winning post so the horses
race past them to finish. Each box consists of a private
dining room with a large flat screen television, a balcony
overlooking the track and a private kitchen shared with the
adjoining box. Most of Ascot’s boxes are sold on an annual
basis and offered for subletting by box holders for individual
days during the year. Boxes start to be returned for subletting from January each year, so a waiting list operates for
Royal Ascot sub-lets.
Fine dining at Royal Ascot means a choice between the
Royal Ascot Village in the heart of the racecourse on the
Heath where packages range from £250 to 335 per person
or the Greenyard Restaurant overlooking the Old Paddock,
of the most beautiful areas of the race course where
packages range from £215 to £315 among several others.
Other choices include (prices are per person):
• Old Paddock Chalets (£440 to £490) on the ground
floor of the same triple decker marquee as the Carriages
(£85 - £425 per person) and Bessborough (£500-£555
per person) Restaurants, the chalets are an avenue of
luxury marquees with private terraces on the edge of
the track looking toward the new Grandstand.
• Old Paddock Restaurant (£329-£365)
• The loges which are situated on concourse level
(£350-£1,150)* does not include admission to the
racecourse.
• The Trackside Restaurant (£510-£570)
• Parade Ring Restaurant (£700-£1200)
• Windsor Forest Restaurant (£540-£800)
• Panoramic Restaurant (£600-£950)
• The Pavilion (£295-£440)
• The Queen Anne Rooms (£315-£350)
Jockey at Ascot
F
rom Cardiff to Old
Trafford,football clubs
in the UK have pulled all
the stops to define the
word “executive” into
watching football.
From luxury catering
to swish surroundings,
you can now have a
sumptuous meal in the
comfort of a luxury
suite while you prepare
to watch a match and in
the case of Cardiff, while
watching the match!
Back in Saddle
VIP banqueting
room
overlooking
the Cardiff
stadium
The deluxe Cardiff
stadium as viewed
from a private VIP suite
Wayne Rooney scores the
winning goal during the
ManUtd v Arsenal match on
09.04.2006 at Old Trafford.
Dressing up to Ascot
www.ascot.co.uk
Ladies day at Ascot
Dining at Royal Ascot
ETM/RACING
CHAMPIONS
The Formula 1™ Bahrain Grand Prix
G
ulf Air has extended its title a very close relationship with Gulf Air and Gulf Air is only too happy and
sponsorship for the prestigious over the last three years. The airline is proud to be associated with the event
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix until a perfect partner for this prestigious that will reinforce Bahrain’s position
2010, following an agreement with event,” says Allsport President Patrick firmly in the international motor
Allsport management.
McNally.
sport map. The kingdom is also the
“Formula 1 Grand Prix is the most
“Sponsoring the Bahrain Grand Prix leading financial centre in the region.
prestigious motor sport event which falls in line with Gulf Air’s new ‘Smart
The Formula 1World Championship
shares its popularity with high profile Airline, Successful Business’ strategy,” has firmly established itself as one
events such as the Olympics and says Mr Hogan.
of the most prestigious, popular,
the football World Cup,” says Gulf
As the official carrier and title exciting and technically-sophisticated
Air President and Chief Executive sponsor, Gulf Air embarked on a series competitions in the international
James Hogan. “This year’s event
sporting calendar. The sport
“Sponsoring the Bahrain
overshadowed the success of the
transcends all boundaries of age
Grand Prix falls in line with
previous races in Bahrain and we
and nationality to capture the
are delighted and proud to be the
Gulf Air’s new ‘Smart Airline, imagination and enthusiasm of
title sponsors for the Gulf Air Bahrain Successful Business’ strategy,” millions of people and its global
Grand Prix once again.”
popularity finds its rivals in the
says Mr Hogan.
The airline has benefited a great
Olympic Games or the world
deal from this sponsorship especially of publicity and marketing campaigns, football championships.
as it has boosted the carrier’s image including road shows in Lebanon, Dubai,
Last year’s event drew several
through brand association with the Kuwait and Egypt. It also engaged in international
race
champions,
sport, resulting in significant revenue other associated activities, attracting celebrities, dignitaries, VIPs and more
growth.
international motor sport participants, than 50,000 spectators from around
In addition to the thousands of enthusiasts and spectators alike to the world to Bahrain.
visitors and huge loads of freight for Bahrain to witness the greatest racing
It received overwhelming positive
the event, Gulf Air flew in some 300 event of the year.
comments and popularity from every
guests, including important decision
Bahrain has already made its mark corner of the world.The plaudits from
makers, media and high profile in the international motor racing the FIA, the teams - especially the
customers.
scene with its state-of-the-art Bahrain drivers - and visiting fans alike is that
“We are delighted with the sponsorship International Circuit (BIC) as one of Bahrain is now a race that ranks high
of Gulf Air once again. We have formed best Formula 1 venues in the world on the list of the Formula 1 calendar.
Calling all Dive Enthusiasts
Beginners and
Seasoned Pros
W
ant to explore some fabulous
untouched dive sites in the
Maldives? then you need to visit the
newly opened Island Hideaway at
Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort
& Marina. This luxury privately
owned island retreat features 43 villas
and is the only resort in the entire
Haa Alifu Atoll. Each villa is set on the
beach cocooned in the lush greenery
with endless views of the Indian Ocean.
During your stay, you will have access
to a fully equipped dive school which is
managed by Meridis Dive (the largest
dive centre in the Maldives), which
offers divers of all ages and levels
the latest in diving technology and
branded equipment. Nitrox certified
divers can dive Nitrox for free. The
Island of Dhonakulhi has its very own
house reef just 10-30 metres away.
However, if you want to venture a little
further, there are over 20 untouched
dive sites within a 5 - 60 minute rage.
The added bonus is that you won’t be
bumping into coach loads of divers as
there is no commercial diving activity
in this virgin Atoll.
www.island-hideaway.com
Hideaway Diving
Package
• 7 nights from £1,810 per person
• International flights with Qatar
Airways
• transfers to the island with Island
Aviations Services and speedboat
• Accommodation in a Funa Pavilion
on a Bed and Breakfast basis
• 12 dives with Meridis Dive
Valid 20th August to 31st October
2006
Booking Information
www.stylishresorts.com
Grand Prix Racing Comes to Europe…..
Exhilerating Summer Weekends
H
ilton Racing is celebrating
the 2006 Formula 1 World
Championship season with great
hotels close to the European Grand
Prix circuits and ‘must do’ destination
information for the ultimate in stylish
mini breaks.
Make a thrilling weekend of it whether
with friends, family or loved ones……
Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona
- MAY 12th – 14th 2006
Things to see and do:
During May Barcelona hosts the
exhilarating annual Primavera Sound
festival, which features a massive lineup of world class live acts and top
DJs. If its shopping you’re after the
up-market Diagonal Mar Mall has 240
shops to choose from, as well as an
open-air terrace filled with fashionable
and sophisticated restaurants and
bars perfect for après race partying.
The Hilton Barcelona – Rooms
from £213.56 per person, per night,
based on 2 adults sharing, minimum
3 nights stay.
British Grand Prix, Silverstone,
Northampton - JUNE 9th – 11th
2006
For dedicated speed freaks the
Grand Prix is right on our doorstep
this June. If you haven’t had enough of
the track, test out your own racing
driver skills at Rockingham Motor
Speedway. Choose from a wide range
of thrilling drive experiences for the
ultimate power surge!
Hilton Northampton – Rooms
from £128 per person, per night,
based on 2 adults sharing.
Hilton Milton Keynes – Rooms
from £138 per person, per night,
based on 2 adults sharing.
German Grand Prix, Hockenheim – JULY 28th – 30th 2006
Soak up summer in Europe at the
fantastic ‘Summer Cologne’, a free
festival dedicated to pioneering and
new performing arts. Visitors can
experience open-air performances,
ranging from street theatre, children’s
theatre, stilt walking and acrobatics.
For after race dinning the Hilton
Frankfurt has what it takes to delight
you. There are a choice of bars, the
most beautiful terrace in Frankfurt
and the acclaimed restaurant, Pacific
Colours, where a fusion of Asian,
Mexican and Mediterranean cooking
creates a taste sensation.
Hilton Frankfurt – Rooms from
£125 per person, per night, based on
2 adults sharing.
Hilton Cologne – Rooms from
£124 per person, per night, based on
2 adults sharing.
Turkish Grand Prix, Istanbul AUGUST 25th – 27th 2006
Istanbul is a culturally rich and
diverse city. Visit the Topkapi Palace,
home of the Sultan or see the Turkish
& Islamic Arts Museum, a treasure
house of 1000 years of fine art.
Marvel at the Sunken Palace Cistern,
an eerie ‘sunken palace’ or visit the
Grand Bazaar, the ultimate medieval
‘shopping centre’, with 4000 shops
to browse or buy from. All of these
can be found close to Sultanahmet
Square, making sight seeing easy
and accessible……there really is
something for everyone!
Hilton Istanbul – Rooms from
£260.34 per person, per night, based on
2 adults sharing, minimum 3 nights stay.
Hilton Park SA Istanbul
– Rooms from £208.84 per person,
per night, based on 2 adults sharing,
minimum 3 nights stay.
Conrad Istanbul – Rooms from
£381.34 per person, per night, based
on 2 adults sharing.
Italian Grand Prix, Monza SEPTEMBER 8th – 10th 2006
Milan is the utmost in chic and
sophisticated Italian style. Close
to Monza and with breath taking
architecture, a beautiful and romantic
ambiance and more shops and
restaurants than you could hope
for, it’s the perfect base for your
Grand Prix weekend. Shopping does
not come more high fashion than
in the quadrilatero della moda, the
designer-dense quadrangle formed
by via Montenapoleone, via della
Spiga, Sant’Andrea and via Manzoni.
And after a hard day at the races or
shopping, sample the uniquely Italian
cuisine in one of the many superb
restaurants near by.
Hilton Milan – Rooms from
£216.31 per person, per night, based
on 2 adults sharing.
Rates are subject to availability.
Based on a room only rate, 2 adults
sharing.
2007 Cricket World Cup – Barbados
S
pecialist tour operator Sporting Journeys is already
organizing tours to see the Super Eight Stages semi
final and final of the Cricket World Cup, held in St Lucia and
Barbados during April 2007. The tour includes Category 1
match tickets.
The package is the first in a series of twelve Caribbeanwide tours from Sporting Journeys, with more to be
announced soon.
The packaged tour of 14 nights departs from London
Gatwick on Monday 16 April, 2007, and returns on 30
April and includes:
• accommodation;
• international flights,
• match transfers,
• officially reserved match tickets,
• merchandise
• A celebrity party with a chance to meet some of the
greatest West Indian players who have made their mark
throughout the years.
Fans can tailor their choice of accommodation to suit
their budget. You can choose from standard studios, beach
view apartments or luxury poolside villas
Package prices start at £2,960 per person.
l
details
of
the
tours
are
available
at
http://sportingoccasions.net.
Holiday Inn Joins The Winning Team With
Vauxhall Vx Racing Champions
I
nterContinental
Hotels Group
(IHG) has signed a
two year sponsorship agreement with
Vauxhall’s VX Racing team. Its Holiday
Inn brand will be supporting the team
throughout the 2006 and 2007 British
Touring Car Championships (BTCC),
with an option to extend to 2008.
To mark the start of the partnership,
three Holiday Inn branded Vauxhall
VXR cars were unveiled at a BTCC
event at Brands Hatch. The Holiday
Inn cars are primed and ready for the
first race of the season which took
place on 9 April at the Brands Hatch
circuit. Vauxhall’s 2006 VX Racing
team; the newly signed Tom Chilton,
Fabrazio Giovanardi and re-signed
2005 team member Gavin Smith
were also at the event sporting their
new Holiday Inn branded kit.
The BTCC is Britain’s most popular
motor racing championship, with the
country’s top teams and drivers doing
battle in 30 races throughout the UK
during 2006. Vauxhall’s VXR team is
the reigning BTCC champions and
has been on a winning streak holding
the title for the last five years.
The Championship enjoys significant
media attention with broadcasting on
ITV1 Live and Motors TV across Europe
and is syndicated to over 57 countries.
It also generates press coverage across
national, regional and local newspapers
throughout the UK and Ireland.
The sponsorship package will give
Holiday Inn substantial promotional,
revenue and branding opportunities
at all the racing events throughout
the UK.
In addition to this, there is also a
significant opportunity to increase
business through the rest of General
Motors and Vauxhall. This extends
across GM Card holders, Vauxhall
dealerships, Vauxhall Drivers Clubs,
and all Vauxhall and General Motors
employees.
Colin Roy,Vice President of Marketing
and Pricing, InterContinental Hotels
Group EMEA commented: “This is a
real opportunity to give the Holiday
Inn brand even greater visibility
throughout the UK, both among
customers, hotel owners, franchisees
and investors. It will also enhance
local partnership activity between
over 100 Holiday Inn hotels in the UK
and Vauxhall’s extensive dealership.
Teaming up with the winning
Vauxhall VX
team
also
illustrates
our commitment to giving Holiday
Inn guests the opportunity to get
involved in some of the most exciting
events throughout the UK, and we will
be offering some special promotions
and discounts to them throughout
the year.“
“The
British
Touring
Car
Championship is one of the most
exciting motorsport events around at
the moment,” said VXR Team Manager
Stuart Harris.“I’m sure the employees
and guests of InterContinental Hotels
Group are going to love being part of
the series and we’re privileged and
delighted to have them on board.”
IHG’s association with motor
sport also continues in the US where
recently Holiday Inn® Hotels and
Resorts announced its sponsorship of
the No. 29 Richard Childress Racing
(RCR) Chevrolet and driver Jeff
Burton in the NASCAR Busch Series.
AND GASTRONOMY
Eat well this summer with Lyssiemay
For more information on the Vauxhall
VX team visit: www.vxracing.co.uk
For more information on BTCC and a
list of race fixtures visit: www.btcc.net
Colin Roy,Vice President of Marketing & Pricing, InterContinental Hotels Group EMEA with Vauxhall’s 2006 VX
Racing team (left to right) Gavin Smith, Fabrazio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton.
ETM/WINE
Photo - Products of Terroir - Coteau champenois
Method
(for the dough)
Put the flour on a work surface or in the bowl of a
mixer with dough hook attached. Work the salt, oils and
egg. Add the water and knead to smooth, supple dough.
Brush with oil and rest.
Method of rolling and stretching
the dough
Recipe by:
Georg Fuchs
Executive Chef
The St David’s Hotel & Spa
Apple Strudel
Recipe for approx. 10 portions
Ingredients for the dough
(1 sheet stretched strudel dough, about 1m x 50cm)
200g plain flour
pinch of salt
1 tablespoon oil
1 egg
about 60ml water
oil for brushing
Ingredients for the Apple
Mixture
50g clarified butter
150g breadcrumbs fried in butter
1 heaped teaspoon of cinnamon
600g (prepared weight) apples, peeled, cored and thinly
sliced
100g sugar (or to taste)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
80g rum soaked sultanas or raisins
80g finely chopped walnuts
60ml sour cream
Icing sugar
Cover a table with a cloth, preferably one that drops
over the sides.
Sprinkle generously with flour. Sprinkle extra flour on
the dough to absorb the oil brushed over it.
Put it on the table and roll out finely with a heavy pin.
Keep the dough moving and turn regularly. It should roll
out to about 2mm thick.
Brush with clarified butter.
To stretch the dough, the palms should be facing down
– if the fingers are pointed up, they would poke through it.
Ease the hands, under the dough towards the middle. Lift
them, pulling them a little apart (in a kind of breaststroke
motion) and back towards the edge of the dough.
Take them out from under the dough, go round to
another side of the table and repeat. Continue to work
your way around the table stretching it until the pastry
becomes transparent. Experts don’t make holes, but don’t
worry if you have the odd tear.
Depending on the size of the table, the fully stretched
dough will drop over the edges. Trim the edges of the
dough with kitchen scissors.
Rest for 15 minutes.
Note – the trimmings may be kneaded again and used
for extra strudel pastry or, as in Austria, dried and grated
into soups.
Method
Combine the cinnamon, apples, sugar, lemon zest and
sultanas or raisins.
Sprinkle the fried breadcrumbs over one third of the
dough, length only, leaving the edges uncovered.
Spread the apple over the same area as the breadcrumbs,
sprinkle chopped walnut on top.
Drizzle the sour cream over the fruit.
To roll the strudel, lift the corners of the tablecloth
behind the filled end.
Continue to lift it and the pastry will start to roll up like
a Swiss roll.
Once it has formed a complete cylinder encasing the
apple, thicken the ends and transfer to a prepared baking
sheet. Brush with clarified butter.
Bake in a preheated oven (200°C - 220°C) for about 40
minutes until golden brown.
Cool slightly and dust with icing sugar before serving.
To carve portions, slice on a slant rather than directly
across the log.
Apple strudel should be served warm with vanilla sauce
or ice cream.
Introducing Renowned Kiwi Chef, Charles
Royal, and The Treetops Lodge & Estate
Maori Indigenous Food Trail
H
aere mai taua te hikoi i te
ngahere” – “come walk with me
in the forest”
Nick Walton talks with Maori Chef,
Charles Royal, about his involvement
with The Treetops Maori Indigenous
Food Trail…
Treetops Lodge & Estate, located
in the heart of New Zealand’s world
famous therapeutic thermal region
and trout fishing capital, Rotorua,
has introduced a new educative
experience for guests – The Treetops
Lodge & Estate Maori Indigenous
Food Trail.
In keeping with Treetop’s ecofriendly ethos, a key focus of the fine
cuisine that is prepared for guests is
on locally-grown produce including
sourcing and utilising native herbs and
ingredients found on the property
that were traditionally used by Maori.
The food trail is aimed at educating
guests on native Māori cuisine and the
indigenous herbs and plants used, and
is headed up by leading local expert,
Charles Royal who has more than 20
years experience with Māori food.
Executive Traveller: Charles, you
have a background that is as diverse
as the ingredients you use in your
cuisine including learning to cook
world-class dishes with the New
Zealand Army. What took you down
the path of distinctive Maori cuisine,
after the more traditional, continental
influences of the Army and London
City & Guilds years?
Royal: Being part of the World
Slowfood movement (an international
association that promotes food and
wine culture, while defending food and
agricultural biodiversity worldwide)
inspired me to look at what Maori
ate in pre-European times. Coming to
Rotorua 10 years ago and seeing that
there was a big influence in Maori
culture, I noticed the food element
was lacking and Hangi (earth oven)
food was the only style of Maori
cuisine being offered. The Slowfood
philosophy is, if a culture looses it’s
food identity it’s near impossible to
charlesroyal-maorifoodtrail-treetops
get back.
Executive Traveller: How did
your time as a Royal New Zealand
Army chef shape you for further
success?
Royal: I feel discipline and training
is the forefront of military training.
Having instructors who served
overseas, they picked up skills during
their tours and passed it on to us
through the kitchens, catering schools,
field cooking and survival skills.
Executive Traveller: How has
traditional Maori cuisine developed
over the years?
Royal: Years ago not a lot of people,
Maori and non-Maori, knew about
what Maori ate, cooking techniques,
food preservation, fermented foods,
drying food, harvesting from the wild
and regeneration of plants. Now a
contemporary style has been created.
I have based my Maori cuisine on
the same style as Cajun and Creole;
Cajun being traditional and Creole
being contemporary. This shows
the difference between traditional
and contemporary styles where
traditional style is the base and the
contemporary style is the flair.
Executive Traveller: Is there
room for a new wave of contemporary
but Maori inspired dishes, and if so,
how will they have to differ from
traditional Maori fare to recruit new
dinners, if at all?
Royal: Yes, there’s lots of room for
a new wave of contemporary dishes
from Maori and non-Maori inspired
people. I think I’m only scraping the
surface. There are a lot of young
people out there that not only
have the creative flare and passion
but also have access to recipes and
information from their relatives and
peers. The difference will be the
mixing of cultural foods from other
lands with New Zealand foods, talking
about the health and well-being, and
the stories and history - kind of like
a food journey and similar to the
slowfood movement.
ExecutiveTraveller: What are the
current misconceptions about Maori
food and how are you and other chefs
attempting to dispel them?
Royal:
There
aren’t
any
misconceptions at the moment apart
from making sure people understand
what they are eating and that the
resources and knowledge are correct.
I currently work with a number of
chefs to educate them more on the
contemporary styles and a little on
traditional methods. The only way to
dispel qualms is to buy off a reliable
supplier e.g. Kinaki NZ.
Executive
Traveller:
New
Zealand is a pretty tiny place but
has a reputation for world-class
performances. How do we fare in the
international culinary arena?
Royal: I think we fare as well as
some of the best in the world. We
have the Peter Gordons who are
promoting NZ food and wine right
through out the world with New
Zealand airlines, tourism and business
associates. I think there’s a lot more
to come.
Executive Traveller: Rotorua’s
award-winning Treetops Lodge &
Estate has recently introduced an
innovative new Maori Indigenous
Food Trail, what does it involve?
Royal: We start the tour with a
background to Māori cuisine and how
this has translated through to the
modern day. During the tour, guests
sample a series of foods made with
native herbs sourced on the property
such as Horopito, Kawakawa and
Piko Piko, whilst learning about their
medicinal and nutritional properties.
Horopito has a chili pepper bite and is
dried and used as a rub and seasoning,
as is Kawakawa, which is used
medicinally as a herbal tea and has
traditional applications for stomach
pains, blood cleansing, tooth ache and
as a general tonic. Piko Piko, which is
New Zealand’s native fern, is harvested
and used for its edible shoots.
Executive Traveller: What has
the response been like from guests
that have experienced the trail?
Royal: The feed back so far has
been very positive as they really
feel that they have learnt something
new and leave with a much better
understanding.
Executive Traveller: Tell us about
some of the ingredients you prefer to
use – how do they compare to more
traditional ingredients?
Royal: These include Pikopiko
which Maori traditionally eat fresh
or boiled. Now we turn it into
pesto, relishes, stir fried dishes and
garnishes. I like to smoke food in
Horopito (Maori Pepper). When you
smoke it with other food, its subtle
flavours add without overpowering.
The difference is that horopito was
not used for food, it was traditionally
used for its medicinal value.
Executive Traveller: Your role
as a leading New Zealand chef who
specializes in Maori cuisine is secure.
What’s next for Charles Royal?
Royal: Education is next - “if you
don’t have an army of chefs you’ll go
hungry.”
For further information, go to:
www.treetops.co.nz or call Treetops
Lodge & Estate on +64 7 333 2066.
Aube Banner
Dining amidst Sand, Sea and Sky
At the Little Dix Bay - A Rosewood Resort
W
hen visiting the British Virgin Islands, wine
and dine at the Little Dix Bay where
culinary delights, superb cuisine is served amidst
dramatic backdrops of sand, sea and sky to create
memorable dining experience at each of Little
Dix Bay’s three restaurants. The open-air Pavilion
serves international fare, while the casual Beach
Grill is a favourite for lunch offering fresh grilled
specialties. Serene views of moonlit water and
delectable Caribbean cuisine combine to make
the intimate evening setting of The Sugar Mill a
romantic’s dream.
www.rosewoodhotels.com
Sporting
Destinations
Greywalls, East Lothian
- Scotland
A
peaceful,
upmarket
country
house
surrounded by a wealth of Scotland’s
Championship Golf Courses. Greywalls has
two tennis courts and beautiful beaches, nature
reserves and stately homes, offering its guests
the ideal base for sporting activity as much for
culture and indulgent relaxation.
www.greywalls.co.uk
The Best Of Cider In Wine And Gastronomy
I
never thought about being
interested in Cider until I visited
the Cider Museum in Pays d’Othe in
Aube en Champagne.
At the cider museum, discretely
tucked away on lovely farm in the
countryside along the “tourist route”
‘La route du cider et des pressoirs’.
Serge and Louisette, 6th generation
cider connoisseurs cultivate 316
acres of grain and make cider, apple
juice, ratifies and cider vinegar they
produce about 18,000 bottles of
cider made with cider apple varieties
from their own orchard.
This should be a ‘must do’ on your
travels. They are happy to have you to
drop in at the farm and visit the apple
and cider museum.
It is simply fascinating to listen to all
the stories behind the parrot-wheel
cider-press, which has functioned for
two centuries, the horse-drawn stone
mill with its two-ton sandstone mill
and the history of cider making in the
Pays d’Othe.
Cider becomes a fascinating drink
when you listen to a proud Serge
telling you how it is made. The cider
is made from a mix of local traditional
apples such as: Avrolles, locard, nez plat,
glénon, vérollet, cul d’oison, nez de chat,
petit rouge, flandre, oignon or sauvageon
barré.
He explains that the apples are not
knocked from the trees with poles
but gathered by hand or a machine
into sacks from the very end of
September to the end of December.
These carefully selected apples are
then crushed to a pulp before the juice
can be pressed out. The extracted
juice then ferments in chestnut casks
or barrels thanks to naturally present
yeasts.At the end of the fermentation,
cider is siphoned off into bottles.
This excellent cider is made from
100% juice and from “vintage apples”
and owes its inimitable character to a
unique combination of climate and soil
composition, otherwise referred to
as “terroir”. It has 7% percent alcohol
and can be kept for several years. The
extracted juice is then pasteurised.
No preservatives, artificial colouring
or filtering are added and it contains
no additives of any kind, so all you
taste is 100% pure juice.
I fell in love with the ratafia - a
traditional apéritif that comes from
the mix of cider brandy and apple
juice, which have matured in wooden
casks. It is 17 % alcohol.
historic parrot-wheel cider-press
at the Cider Museum
Soft Cheeses - La Chaource
A
nother thing you should not miss when visiting the
Aube en Champagne region in France is La chaource.
La chaource is a soft cheese of cow’s milk with flowered
crust which can be eaten both matured and young. When
eaten young, it’s interior is grainy and coarse rather than
smooth.The cheese has a slightly salted paste that contains
50% fat at least. It come in a cylindrical form and you will
recognize it with a light odour of mushrooms and cream,
but especially, in the mouth, it has a soft fruity hazel nut
savour, recorded of a light point of acidity. La chaource is
ideal at the end of the meal accompanied by a wine of the
area like the Rosé of Riceys,You may also choose to enjoy
La chaource as an aperitif, cut it out in cubes and enjoy it
with a glass of Porto or with Champagne.
Similarly to a number of French cheeses, la chaource has
very remote origins. I am told that it has existed since the
Middle Ages; and tradition says that Charles the Beautiful
was really interested by this cheese. Another famous
person who popularized la chaource on the tables of the
nobility, was Marguerite of Burgundy.
Named for its town of origin, la chaource may be the
Champagne region’s most famous cheese. This softripened, bloomy rind cheese is made with pasteurized
cow’s milk and has a slightly higher butter fat content
than brie. When young, the cheese is flaky and mild. With
age, it develops the buttery, runny texture typical of triple
cremes. The smell is reminiscent of white mushrooms
but the interior paste is sharp with a nutty flavor. The 8ounce wheels develop a white crust with a faint reddish
mottling.
Cheese from Aube
How the cheese is made
Here is a simple
step by step guide
to
making
la
chaource without
sharing too many
trade secrets, the
following 19 steps
will allow you to
make a soft-ripened
cheese you’ll be
proud of!
Food and Travel Events
La Chaourse Cheese drying on rack
1. P a s t e u r i z e
milk at 150
degrees for 30
minutes.
2. Cool the milk.
3. Add appropriate
culture to the milk
when it cools to 92 degrees.
4. Allow the milk to ripen for 40 minutes.
5. Add rennet.
6. Allow the milk to ripen for an additional 40
minutes.
7. Cut the curd.
8. Rest for five minutes.
9. Stir the curd for 15 minutes.
10. Allow the curd to rest for 10 minutes.
11. Drain off the whey.
12. Add washing water.
13. Raise the temperature of the curd to 92 degrees.
14. Stir the curd for 25 minutes.
15. When the curd has reached its desired consistency,
scoop.
16. Drain the cheese for 30 minutes.
17. Turn the cheese.
18. Drain the cheese overnight.
19. Brine the cheese for 2.25 hours.
A Celebration of Singapore’s Food Heritage:
- Month Long Food Festival in Singapore, 1 - 31 July 2006
- Singapore Chilli Crab Festival in London, 5 August 2006
S
ingapore will celebrate
its
cultural
food
heritage during a month-long
festival from 1 - 31 July 2006.
Visitors to Singapore in July will
be able to experience colourful
food carnivals, heritage food trails
thought the ethnic districts and
culinary workshops. They can also
sample some of Singapore’s “must
tries”. The fusion of cultures in
Singapore has led to the creation
of several signature dishes such
as Singapore’s national the
sumptuous Chilli Crab, which has
a delicious gravy made from fresh
chillies, tomato sauce, eggs and
spring onions, is best eaten with
your fingers despite the mess you
are bound to make. There is also
Fish Head Curry which features a
blend of Chinese styles of cooking
and an Indian curry sauce. Another
strong contender for Singapore’s
national dish is Hainanese Chicken
Rice which was first introduced by
Hainanese immigrants from China
many years ago. Visitors in July
will also receive a free Chilli Crab
voucher courtesy of the Singapore
Tourism Board.*
On Saturday 5 August a taste of
Singapore will arrive in London. A
Singapore Chilli Crab Festival, in
conjunction with Tiger Beer, will
take over Brick Lane’sVibe Bar from
12pm - 6pm.Authentic Singaporean
Hawker Food (street food) will be
on offer at the Chilli Crab Festival
as well as food demonstrations by
a celebrity Singapore chef. There
will also be fortune tellers and
henna artists from Little India, one
of Singapore’s ethnic districts, as
well as foot reflexology, Chinese
calligraphers and dragon dancers.
Singapore’s cultural diversity is
very much reflected in the variety
of local food it has to offer Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan
and Eurasian. Peranakan’s have
a rich culture which is a blend
of the native Malay population
of Singapore and the Chinese
immigrants who arrived to make
their fortune in the 19th century.
Peranakan cuisine is the first and
most innovative fusion cuisine of
Singapore.
Grace Lu, Area Director for
Northern & Western Europe,
Singapore Tourism Board, said:
“Visitors to both festivals are
without a doubt in for a truly
gastronomic experience. Just
by eating, they will see how
Singapore’s cultural tapestry has
woven together a rich medley of
flavours which create a varied and
mouth-watering cuisine unique to
the island-state.”
Singaporeans are passionate
about food and eating - it is almost
a religion.When friends meet-up in
Singapore they don’t ask ‘how are
you?’, rather ‘have you eaten?’ In
almost every corner of the island,
you will find endless varieties of
food served hot or cold at any
hour of the day or night at the
many restaurants, hawker centres
and food courts. The wide variety
of cuisines from different ethnic
groups means you can try a
different dish every day for a year
and never eat the same one twice!
For breakfast visitors could try
typical Ya Kun Kaya Toast which
consists of kaya and butter being
spread on charcoal-grilled brown
bread and served together with a
piping hot cup of coffee or tea and
two soft-boiled eggs, costing 3.50
dollars Singapore dollars (approx.
£1). The citizens of Singapore have
long used kaya, a unique type of
breakfast jam made with sugar,
eggs, coconut milk and pandan leaf,
which is a fragrant tropical leaf.
For dinner, perhaps the most
famous place to get a real taste
of authentic Singaporean fare
is at Chinatown’s Food Street
which offers the best local hawker
favourites as well as allowing
you to enjoy al-fresco roadside
dinning among the beautifully
restored traditional shophouses of
Chinatown.
_______________________
* For the third year running, every
visitor to Singapore during July will
get the opportunity to savour a local
speciality, by receiving a free Singapore
Chilli Crab treat, compliments of the
Singapore Tourism Board. Redemption
vouchers are available at Singapore
Visitors’ Centres and redeemable at
5 participating restaurants island wide
between 1 - 31 July 2006.
La Chaource Cheese from Aube en Champagne
The Gallimards serving Champagne in style
Fine Champagne and Wines
L
e domaine Gallimard is a family
business.This means that the trade
know-how has passed down from
father to son for five generations.
Their champagne is especially
cultivated to the highest trade
standards using up to date equipment.
Champagne Gallimard exports 70%
of its products.
Domaine Gallimard
Vignard: 11 Hectares
Wine age:
3-40 years
Terroir: Argilo-calcaire
Conduite de la vigne en lutte
raisonnée
Vendages manuelles
Pressoir pneumatique
Vinification en cuves thermo-régulée.
Vieillisement en fut de chêne
Opening Hours – Monday to Friday
9-12h
14h-17h30
Saturdays by appointment only.
Champagne Gallimard Pere & Fils
18/20, rue Gaston Cheq
Le Magny
BP 23
10340 Les Riceys
Tel: 03 25 29 32 44
Fax: 03 25 38 55 20
Champ.gallimard@wanadoo.fr
Cuvée de Réserve
BRUT
This is an attractive fruity nose, with
aromas of exotic fruit. In the mouth, it
is supple, pleasant, aromatic and very
well-balanced : the mousse is fine and
long lasting. On any occasion, this
Blancs de Noir will bring extra joy to
all your moments of great happiness.
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir of
which 20% is reserved wine
Cuvée Prestige
Millesime
Aromas of white flowers, lemon and
toasted bread. Four years ageing in
cellar have given it a beautiful coppery
gold colour and a fine mousse. Ripe
fruit and honey on the palate and a
long persistent finish.
The Cuvée is suitable for exceptional
meals ranging from aperitif to desserts.
Composition: 65% Pinot Noir et
35% de Chardonnay
May be served with food, with carefully
selected deserts, or as the perfect
night-cap after an evening theatre.
Excellently accompanies aiguillette
de canard or volaille à la crème
For Dessert, may I suggest charlotte
aux fruits avec coulis de fruits rouges
Composition – 100% Pinot Noir
Cuvée Grande Réserve
CHARDONNAY
Description
Pale gold in colour, this has a
bouquet of fresh almonds and then
toasted buttery brioche flavours in
the mouth. Smooth and full-bodied.
Ideal as an aperitif
Wine Terminology
Cellar manager:
Demi-sec Champagne
Master of the winemaking process
and guarantor of the champagne
house’s particular style
Distinguishing itself from the Brut
by its slightly sweeter,. smoother
taste. Demi-sec is usually served with
sweet food such as desserts.
Brut Champagne:
A slightly sweet champagne, the
most popular nowadays.
Traditional Champagne production
methods require a blend of wines of
different ages.
Rosé
Full bodied with a distinct colour,
made from macerated, black grapes
by adding one of Champagne’s still
red wines.
Special cuvé:
Vintage or not, it is a mixture of the
best wines.
Cuvée Rosé
BRUT
A rarity produced by leaving the
grapes to ferment for a short period
on the skins. Aromas of fresh red
fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry). A
lively and rich mouthful, dominated by
flavours of strawberry and cherry jam:
the mousse is very fine and persistent.
Non-vintage Champagne:
Vintage Champagne:
Grappe de Raisins
Crédit Photo - Ph. Praliaud
CDT Aube.
Flûte de champagne
Crédit Photo P. Boillon CDT Aube
Champagne is very often a mix of
several vintages from different years.
Vintage Champagnes are exclusively
made with different vintages but
from the same year, one from an
exceptional harvest.
The vines
• Pinot Noir covers around
85% of Aube’s vine slopes. The
transparent juice of this black
grape produces more
structured champagnes
and is included in most
blends.
• Chardonnay covers
9% of Aube’s vineyard.
Apart from its white
colour, it is also famous
for its subtlety and
aroma.
• Pinot Meunier
is quite similar to
Pinot Noir and is
characterised by
big bluish bunches.
This grape variety
is mostly used in
wine blends. A
perfect base for
an “aperitif” style
Champagne.
CONSUME WITH MODERATION – ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH.
Cakes from Chocolate House in Troyes
Strictly Chocolate
France has everything from Champagne Houses
to Chocolate houses
S
ome of France’ best gastronomy comes from the Aube
region and for dessert, I have chosen chocolates and
cakes from Troyes in that region. One of Troyes’ best kept
secrets is Pascal Caffet; a pastrycook chief and French
chocolate seller born in Troyes. Since 1989, Monsieur
Caffet has been winning international awards and medals:
Best French Pastry
Confectioner
Gold medal, Chocolate
World championship
Silver & Bronze medal
Chocolate World
Championship
Gold Medal Pastry World
Championship
Mini collection
- France, 1989
- Milano, Italy – 1996
- Las Vegas, USA- 2002 &
2004
- Lyon, France 2003
The French have always made ‘chic’ and ‘style’ their own
and carry it over to whatever they do. A visit to a French
chocolate house or pastry house needs some dressing up
to suit the occasion. They take pride in presentation. You
are greeted with respect and politeness and served finely.
Pascal Caffet’s ‘Maison du Chocolat’ situated in a quiet
rue de la monnaie in Troyes is one such house. Beaming
smiles of “Bonjour Monsieur or Bonjour Madame”
greets you as you enter the boutique (designer pastry and
chocolate houses are also known as boutiques in France) and
the real challenge starts when you are faced with the
task of making a choice out of the carefully designed and
beautifully presented collection of chocolates, cakes and
pastries.
Pascal Caffet says that there is a “supernatural universe
of chocolate to discover” and reckons that to fully
appreciate its remarkable and subtle flavours, you will need
to close your eyes and prepare yourself for a journey to
this enchanted world of chocolate.
pascal-caffet.com
Palais du Chocolat
Planning for travel management
By Vincent P. Eavis,
Director, Commercial Cards Citigroup Global Transaction Services (GTS)
F
ront-line individuals can be the weakest link for
any business activity – and managing corporate
T&E expenses is no exception. Sophisticated tools like
automated expense management, commercial card
programmes or online booking portals can only deliver if
they are used effectively.
The problem is that, unlike the majority of corporate
cost centres, T&E expenses rely on individual choice and
discretion, which leads almost inevitably to emotionally
driven decisions and often unpredictable behaviour. Even
with the best tools in place, it is impossible to maintain full
visibility, and hence control, of T&E costs if employees are
not mandated to use them effectively. Robust policies and
procedures are essential – as are the desire and ability of
users to comply with them.
Developing policy
So what should be included in a policy? And how should
it be mandated? There are no standard answers to these
questions. The size of the organisation, for example, is
a factor, as is the amount of travel that is undertaken.
Smaller companies with one or two regular travellers have
a far greater level of immediate visibility over expenditure
than a company with thousands of frequent flyers on the
payroll. As a result a comprehensive travel policy may not
be necessary.
But for larger companies there are areas that should
definitely be included. For example, establishing
who authorises travel, what constitutes a legitimate
entertainment expense, and how T&E expenses are to be
reimbursed. It should also cover how bills are to be paid
and who will take on liability, as this will inform other
elements of the policy.
Nonetheless, the finer details are dependent on the
nature of the business. For some the priority is to provide
a clearer view on its choice of suppliers and negotiating
preferential rates. For others it is minimising the minor
frauds that plague existing procedures for managing T&E
expenses, or establishing a more efficient flow of cash
throughout the organisation to improve working capital.
So before writing the first draft organisations needs to
ask “what are we trying to achieve?” and ensure that the
policy reflects that.
Another key factor for larger companies is geographical
spread. As 85 per cent of all card spend at global
companies is typically generated in 10 to 15 countries, it
may be expedient to introduce the policy in their top ten
locations at first, and include other countries later.
It is also important to consider that what may work in
one country will not necessarily be effective in another.
Laws, regulations and expectations regarding the use
of commercial cards change as national boundaries are
crossed. The UK, for example, is very comfortable with
using commercial cards and maintaining corporate liability.
Germany, despite the strong emphasis placed on individual
rights and privacy by
its workers’ councils,
relies on personal
liability cards far more.
In fact cash is
preferred to credit
in Germany, defying
expectation
and
illustrating exactly why
cultural
differences
need to be considered
when drawing up
policy. A strict global
policy will inevitably
Vincent P. Eavis
result in compromise
– they key is to establish where and at what level that
compromise is acceptable.
The international issue also illustrates another key point
for success: having a policy that is workable. If cards are
not widely accepted, or a credit culture is imposed on a
traditionally cash economy, users will almost certainly find
ways to by-pass it completely.
Tools for success
As important as it is to ensure the policy fits the
organisation and its users, companies also need to put
processes in place to measure its effectiveness. Ninetynine per cent of companies have a policy, but only 52 per
cent quantify it. Yet without regular, ongoing assessment,
there is no way of knowing whether the policy is delivering
against desired outcomes – making the whole programme
self-defeating.
In addition a policy is only effective if everyone knows
what it is – and whether they are complying. This is not a
decision to be left to the people already identified as the
weakest link, so regular, straightforward communication
is key.
Any new policy should be introduced by a C-level
executive – to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment
to delivering the benefits of the policy. This introduction
should highlight the benefits to the organisation and, just
as importantly, to the individual.
After this the travel manager can send out messages to
remind people about the top two policy requirements:
for example, individuals must use the company’s online
booking tool, and travellers can only use a commercial
card for corporate expenses. In addition, senior-level
advocacy should continue throughout the programme.
However, despite this, there will always be mavericks
within any company. Making the programme as easy to use
as possible, and eliminating reasons to use an alternative
is the first step. Organisations also need to stipulate the
consequences of non-compliance, and build in control
mechanisms: for example, de-prioritising expense claims
that do not conform with the policy.
There are also specific tools available to ensure policy
adherence – provided they too are properly mandated.
Online booking portals can restrict the choice of hotel
and even the room. In addition, expense management
software can also apply post-facto limitations, by not
recognising unauthorised expense claims.
Points of View
Finally, organisations should consider who will
contribute to developing travel management policy. It is
not the sole preserve of senior management, and valuable
contributions can be garnered from a number of areas
within the company. For example, accounts payable will
have an informed opinion on what management data
should be generated and how it can be used. Treasury can
also assess the potential impact of the policy on financial
processes, and make recommendations accordingly.
The legal team, particularly any compliance officials, can
also help establish appropriate procedures, while HR and
any employee groups can offer the viewpoint of front-line
users.
Organisations may also find it useful to gain input from
third parties, such as their travel management company, or
expense management supplier. If the primary purpose is to
streamline suppliers, or negotiate better rates, input and
advice from external sources can prove to be particularly
important.
In the technology sector, consultants often talk about
‘people, process and technology’ as the holy trinity of any
successful IT implementation. It’s an acknowledgement
that computers alone won’t solve any problems.The same
ethos applies here. Simply issuing employees with another
piece of plastic or a new desktop application will not, by
itself, lead to any substantial benefits. However, the right
tools used according to a well-thought out policy can have
a significant and positive impact on the business.
purpleparking Receive Safer Parking Award
A
irport parking specialist, Purple
Parking received its 10th
consecutive Safer Parking Award
from Superintendent Joe Wadsworth
on behalf Ealing Borough Police. The
Safer Parking Status, Park Mark TM is
awarded to parking facilities that have
achieved the requirements of a risk
assessment conducted by the Police.
The requirements mean that
purpleparking has in place measures
that help to deter criminal activity
and anti-social behaviour, thereby
doing everything they can to prevent
crime and reduce the fear of crime in
their parking facility.
Mark Hinge, managing director at
purpleparking adds: “Our operation
at purpleparking has always been
safety and security driven and we are
proud to be able to add the highly
valued Safer Parking Award status to
our credentials. We urge travellers
when booking parking to check to
see if their chosen parking company
has this award.”
purpleparking was one of the
first airport parking organisations
to receive an award under the
new modernised Safer Parking
Scheme. This scheme is an initiative
of the Association of Chief Police
Officers (ACPO) and was devised
in consultation with the parking
industry, with the criteria being risk
rather than design based.
From left
to right:
Superintendent
Joe Wadsworth
on behalf of
Ealing Borough
Police presents
purpleparking’s
managing
director Mark
Hinge with their
Safer Parking
Award.
ETM/HOTELS,
COUNTRY HOUSES, VILLAS & LUXURY APARTMENTS
Historic House Hotels
With Restaurants and Spas
Bodyscallen Hall. Llandudno (North Wales), Middlethorpe (York) and
Hartwell House,Vale of Aylesbury - three unique historic house hotels.
H
artwell House hotel, Restaurant and Spa, in the Vale
of Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK, was once the
home of Louis XVIII of France. The exiled French King
lived at Hartwell house from 1809 to 1814. Today, Hartwell
house is a hotel with 46 bedrooms and suites designed to
give you that unique historic house experience.
The entrance leading to Hartwell House is very
impressive; the hotel’s beautiful grounds are breathtaking.
Whether for a weekend break or for a corporate retreat,
a walk within the grounds is a must.
My favourite part of the Hartwell House package is the
restaurant, its staff and the beautiful grounds. For me they
are the unique selling point of this beautiful country house
with a lot of history to offer. The vast 90acres of grounds
have been beautifully landscaped and ‘manicured’ with a
peaceful little stream flowing through it. It is such a great
feeling to know that you are actually treading the grounds
where Louis XVIII and his courtiers once called home. I
was longing to hop on to the back of a horse to gallop
across the grounds
but horse riding is
Chef Daniel
one thing Hartwell
House does not offer
so I chose to explore the grounds on foot instead.
Chef Daniel Richardson and his team will enchant you
with fine cuisine. Breakfast in the restaurant is a feast;
eager staff serve you with a smile and ensure that you
leave the restaurant with no room for anything else but
a liqueur or a night cup which is served in the beautifully
decorated drawing room.
This summer fine dining at Hartwell House has left no
stone unturned. Afternoon teas, Champagne and French
wine dinners and summer Pimms Lunch are some of
the wonderful delights awaiting you at Hartwell House.
Daniel Richardson’s new à la carte menu has been carefully
crafted to suit all sizes. Keeping up with AA 3 Rosettes
standard, a summer 3 course menu is set at £38, with a
two-course lunch at £22 and a Sunday Lunch at £31.00.
Kings-Room
Sunday special
The hotel’s management is offering Sunday night
specials. This includes bed and breakfast rates at £135
plus VAT with use of the Spa and service. Another
interesting offer is for guests to keep their rooms
until Sunday 5pm if they booked for Sunday lunch at
the time of reservations and this must be done 48
hours prior to arrival.
Hartwell House - Buckinghamshire
Events at Hartwell House
Sunday 16th July 2006
Friday 14th July 2006
Friday 22nd September 20006
Sunday 15th October 2006
Friday 3rd November 2006
Hartwell House Grounds
-
Afternoon Tea Recital by Paul Harris and friends £32 per person
Bastille day – 4th Annual Philipponnat Champagne & French Wine Dinner
Hunter-Gatherers Dinner £85 per person
Afternoon Tea Recital by Paul Harris and friends £32 per person
Taittinger Fireworks Dinner £95 per person
Oxford Road near Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP17 8NL
www.hartwell-house.com
New Brunswick In North Eastern Canada
Receives Its First Crowne Plaza Hotels
I
nterContinental Hotels Group
announced an expansion of
Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts
into the New Brunswick province of
Canada. Fredericton, N.B. welcomes its first Crowne Plaza
hotel and will join its sister property, the Crowne Plaza
Moncton, N.B., which opened earlier this year.
Consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, both hotels
offer a comprehensive meetings package to ensure a
seamless planning process and exceptional meeting
experience consisting of three key components: a TwoHour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and
a Meetings Daily Debrief. The Crowne Plaza FrederictonLord Beaverbrook will have nearly 10,000 sq.-ft, of meeting
space including two ballrooms, one large meeting room and
five boardrooms. The Crowne Plaza Moncton-Downtown
offers 14,000 sq.-ft. of meetings space, including a large
ballroom and three additional meeting rooms. Both are
perfect venues for business meetings and social functions.
The hotels feature the newly introduced Crowne Plaza
Sleep Advantage which is available at all Crowne Plaza
hotels in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Sleep Advantage
encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training
staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment
to providing innovative products and services. Program
Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook (External1)
Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook (Canada)
components include new bedding, guaranteed wake-up
calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips, sleep
CDs, sleep tips and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs
and lavender spray.
Guest room amenities at both properties include: air
conditioning, voice mail, coffee maker, hair dryer, in-room
safe, make-up mirror, complimentary high speed Internet
access, iron and ironing board. Both hotels also offer
complimentary parking, indoor pool and business center.
Crowne Plaza
Moncton Downtown
Crowne Plaza Moncton
Downtown Lobby
Formerly the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, the 168-room
property in Fredericton is situated downtown along the
St. John River at 659 Queen St., Fredericton, N.B., within
walking distance to the Garrison District, Lord Beaverbrook
Art Gallery and the Playhouse. The hotel’s restaurant, the
Terrace Dining Room offers upscale French cuisine, while
casual dining is available in the James Joyce Pub.
Formerly the Howard Johnson Plaza, the 191-room
property in Moncton is located downtown at 1005 Main
St., Moncton, N.B., just ten miles from the Moncton
International Airport and close to shopping and attractions.
The hotel’s restaurant, Top Deck offers a fresh seafood
menu along with other American favorites.
The Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook
and the Crowne Plaza Moncton-Downtown are owned
by Aquilini Investment Group and managed by Pacrim
Hospitality, under a license agreement with a company in
the InterContinental Hotels Group.
Fredericton-Lord
Beaverbrook (Suite)
The InterContinental Hotels Group portfolio in New
Brunswick is represented by three of its brands, including
the upscale, full service and limited service segments.
The Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook and
the Crowne Plaza Moncton-Downtown participate in
Priority Club Rewards, the world’s first and most global
hotel loyalty program spanning more than 3,600 hotels in
nearly 100 countries. Members earn their choice of points
toward free hotel nights or merchandise, or earn frequent
flyer miles with more than 40 domestic and international
airline partners. Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is
free.
As part of the InterContinental Hotels Group global
portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has 235 hotels
in 48 countries, and are located in major urban centers,
gateway cities and resort destinations. In 2004, Crowne
Plaza added more properties than during any of the past
five years.
Fredericton-Lord
Beaverbrook (Lobby)
ETM/MEETINGS,
INCENTIVES, CONFERENCE AND EVENTS
South West Scotland’s Largest Conference
Venue Opens For Business
S
outh west Scotland’s largest to a brand new reception, cloakroom new-build quarter, where 71 airconference venue ‘Easterbrook and toilets which are now linked by conditioned bedrooms will be located.
Hall’ in Dumfries was formally a generous corridor creating a sense Together Aston Hotels Dumfries and
reopened in May by Dr Elaine Murray of space and elegance that many new Easterbrook Hall will offer for the
MSP, to mark the completion of the buildings lack. New state-of-the-art first time a major conference venue
first major redevelopment to this kitchens mean that Easterbrook Hall in south west Scotland.
impressive, Art-Deco venue since it can successfully cater for everything
Easterbrook Hall is located only
was built in 1938. The venue opened its from light lunches to formal five minute’s from Dumfries’ town
doors after a major £2 million
centre and is set within
refurbishment programme,
over 100 acres of beautifully
with the centre able to host
landscaped grounds in ‘The
up 1000 delegates and easily
Crichton’. Dumfries’ railway
accessible by train or road
station is on the main west
from most major cities.
coast line between London
Dr Elaine Murray said:“This
and Glasgow and the town
is exactly what Dumfries
is well served by the railway
needs and I am delighted to
network. Trains can be
help to launch this exciting
taken direct to Lockerbie
new venture. When the
or change at Carlisle for
new hotel opens there will
Newcastle,
Birmingham,
be no reason why we should
Manchester and Edinburgh.
not see new conferences
Edinburgh and Glasgow’s
coming to Dumfries and
international airports are
From left to right: Dr Elaine Murray MSP,
Gordon Mann, managing director for the Crichton
I am sure everyone will
approximately a two hour’s
Development Company and Mike Keggans, chairman
benefit. Congratulations to
drive away.
of the Crichton Development Company.
the Crichton Development
The tranquil setting of
Company on the hard work that they conference banquets.
Easterbrook Hall with its magnificent
have put in to make this happen and
Decorated throughout by interior parkland and an amazing rock garden
I know that they have had to fight designer Alison Van Dijk, each room provides space to think or just relax
hard to pull this off. I look forward to within the venue has a luxurious feel between business sessions. Add in
seeing this business grow and develop that remains true to the building’s Art- the adjacent 9-hole golf course, a host
in the future.”
Deco origins. Despite the building’s of activities close by for team building
Easterbrook Hall which is operated beautiful architecture being from and corporate events together with
by the Crichton Development decades ago, the latest technology an A-listed church within the grounds,
Company now has a new set of flexible installed at Easterbrook Hall is far a unique venue for a reception all
function spaces to complement from it. Conference delegates can equates to Easterbrook Hall providing
the popular main auditorium which link wirelessly to the internet and the complete solution for conference
seats up to 400 for dinner or 800 keep up to speed with their business planning.
theatre style and the ‘Gilchrist’ demands. A sophisticated plasma
Chairman
of
the
Crichton
room which holds up to 150. The screen system provides up to the Development Company Mike Keggans
‘Duncan Rooms’ provides up to four minute information on events in the said: “This is a major investment for
new conference rooms which boast hall and information for delegates.
the company and a major new facility
sound proof movable walls and can
The revamped Easterbrook Hall for Dumfries and Galloway. We want
cater for between 20 and 250 guests. will soon be joined by Aston Hotels to work together to try and raise the
Easterbrook Hall now offers complete first venture in Scotland, ‘Aston Hotel profile of this region as a destination
flexibility, accommodating various Dumfries’, which is being created for business tourism. We have a lot
group sizes between ten and 1000 partly from the ground floor of to offer conference delegates and
with the selection of elegant rooms.
Johnston House, the Victorian building by adding on a few days to their stay
New glass sliding doors at the adjacent to Easterbrook Hall and they can explore some of the best
conference centre’s entrance, open on complemented by a contemporary countryside and villages in Scotland.”
Wales Millennium Centre
Wales Millennium Centre
T
he Wales Millennium Centre is certainly a landmark
in Welsh history. The cornerstone of this magnificent
piece of architecture is the main 1,900-seater Donald
Gordon Theatre. The theatre is a world-class venue where
you can watch musical theatre, opera, dance physical
theatre and ballet performances. It is an ideal incentives
destination even if you have to send people from London.
It is one of the most cost-effective incentives destinations
I have visited.
The Centre has other stages like the 200-seater Weston
Studio, which forms a dynamic theatre for interesting new
work to support and promote cultural development and
to provide a platform for Welsh talented emerging artists.
There are several places to sit, eat, drink and relax as well
as the opportunity to watch free entertainment.
The building itself makes a strong cultural statement for
Wales. The design concepts are inspired by the landscape,
industrial and cultural heritage of Wales – the layered
strata of sea cliffs, the multi-coloured slate of North Wales,
the texture and colour of steel and the simple beauty of
Welsh hardwoods.
The centre, which was opened in 2004 does not offer
much on corporate meeting facilities but is excellent on
art and culture. It is very well situated at the Cardiff bay
waterfront provides a world-class venue to see the best in
international musicals, opera, ballet and dance.The Centre
also houses the Welsh National Opera and six other
cultural bodies making it both the home and workplace
for seven of Wales’s leading cultural bodies and an icon for
Welsh arts around the world.
http://www.wmc.org.uk
Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place,
Cardiff CF10 5AL
Arriving by car
Leave the M4 at junction 33 (Signed Cardiff (West),
Barry, Penarth, Cardiff Airport & A4232). Join the A4232
and continue for about 9.3 miles. Leave the A4232 just
before the Butetown Tunnel and follow the signs for
Techniquest. Continue along Stuart Street and turn right
at the first set of lights. The Wales Millennium Centre is
in front of you.
Arriving by bus
Bus Numbers 1, 2, 6 (Bay Express), 8 & 35 serve Cardiff
Bay
For more information contact :
Traveline Cymru
Tel 0870 608 2 608
www.traveline-cymru.org.uk
Arriving by train
Regular services run to and from Cardiff Bay Station
from Monday to Sunday.
For more information contact :
Arriva Trains Wales
Tel 0845 606 1660
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk
National Rail Enquires
Tel 08457 48 49 50
www.nationalrail.co.uk
ETM/TECHS
AND GADGETS
ACECAD® Unveils the Innovative
DigiMemo A501
GOOD VIBRATIONS…!
– Designed to Bring Your Daily Life into Digital World
A
CE CAD Enterprise Co., Ltd.
(ACECAD), a worldwide leading
manufacturer of Pen Input Device
and Graphics Tablet, has unveiled the
DigiMemo A501 – a digital pad and an
electronic inking pen. The DigiMemo
digitally captures and stores everything
you write on ordinary paper.
DigiMemo A501 is the ACECAD’s
first product designed specifically for
mobile applications, using inking pen
writing on paper – without changing
the way you work.Take the DigiMemo
wherever you go and write down
whatever you want, and digitally store
everything you write on paper.
It’s designed to bring your daily
life into the digital age,” said Henry
Wu, President of ACECAD. You
cannot remember what you typed
10 years ago; however you will
always remember what you wrote.
Handwriting can help your thinking.
This device is an excellent fit for
note-taking and form-filling markets
where handwriting input is essential.”
What makes the DigiMemo stand
out from other mobile note recording
gadget that it digitally captures and
stores everything you write or draw on
paper, including diagrams; something
recorders cannot do. By so doing
when you hand over or email your
notes to a secretary for transcription
Digimemo-02
it will have any tables
or graphs or diagrams
clearly visible and
stored which can be
viewed, edited and
organised in Windows.
Great for the business
traveller who needs to
deliver notes quickly.
Handwritten notes
are saved in digital
format using the
internal flash memory
or a CF card (if fitted).
Up to 66 full pages
can be stored in the
internal
memory.
Using the supplied pen,
everything you write
on standard A5 paper
is stored into the
DigiMemo’s memory.
This enables you to
organise and edit
your notes using the
supplied Digimemo
Manager software. You can create an
e-book, add, amend and email your
notes. Connection is via a standard
USB port. Designed for business or
home use, it is also great for students.
In fact the DigiMemo is ideal for
anyone who needs to take notes or
keep their immediate ideas, sketches,
thoughts and flow charts wherever
they go and whenever they want. It
can store up to 999 pages (with a CF
card fitted) and is very lightweight.
Using the optional and very clever
handwriting recognition feature you
can convert your handwriting to text
and automatically open Word with
your text and drawings included.
The digital pad is equipped with a
built-in 8 MB storage device to store
your handwritten notes. You also can
load an optional CompactFlash (CF)
memory card into the pad to expand
as presented in word
the storage capacity of the pad.
Features
• Digitally capture and store
everything you write with ink on
ordinary paper
• Portable and compact, a stand alone
device with storage capability
• Built-in 8 MB memory holds 66
pages.
• Easily add and erase the page files in
the Digimemo.
• Low power consumption (over
100hrs continuous use)
• View, edit and organise page files in
Windows.
• Pen refills, batteries and paper
available from normal stationary
stores.
DigiMemo is available from Selwyn
Electronics at www.selwyn.co.uk.
T
ravellers with early morning
flights no longer have to worry
about sleeping through their alarm
thanks to the Portable Shakeawake
alarm clock from RNID. This funky
gadget is designed to gently shake
you awake wherever you are, making
it the perfect travel companion this
summer. RNID is the largest charity
representing the 9 million deaf and
hard of hearing people in the UK. As
a membership charity, their aim is to
achieve a radically better quality of life
for deaf and hard of hearing people.
The vibration from the Shakeawake
is said to be strong enough to wake
the heaviest of sleepers, and with a
choice of vibrating and audible alerts,
there is little chance of ignoring it!
It simply clips securely to the inside
of your pillow-case, without causing
any discomfort while you sleep. Its
compact design allows you to pop it
into a bag when travelling, without
A112Shakeawake
weighing you down.
For holiday-makers who like to take
a siesta in the shade, and want to be
woken up without disturbing others,
a vibrating watch could be just the
ticket. It is great for time-keeping,
and looks good too. Available in six
eye-catching designs, there is a style
to suit all tastes.
Mark Catling, Director of RNID
Products, the not-for-profit retail
arm of the charity for deaf and hard
of hearing people, says: “These highly
innovative vibrating alerters are
perfect for the discerning holidaymaker. RNID’s product range provides
deaf and hard of hearing people with
the technology and equipment they
need to lead a fulfilled life. These
products can make an impact on many
people’s lives, particularly when you
consider that one in seven people has
a hearing loss. However, many of our
gadgets and products are ideal for all,
regardless of hearing level.”
RNID products on 0870 789 8855
or Textphone 01733 238020 or order
online at www.rnidshop.com
The Portable Shakeawake costs
£14.99 excl VAT, £17.61 incl VAT
The Vibrating Watches range from
£28.00 to £40.54
The New SANYO Xacti C6
The smallest, thinnest and lightest digital movie camera
available in champagne gold, black and red.
S
ANYO has created the Xacti C6
– the world’s smallest, thinnest
and lightest solid state still and moving
image camera of its kind, combining a
sophisticated contemporary design
with
outstanding
leading-edge
performance.
Compact enough to fit in your
shirt pocket – the stylish C6 is set
to follow on the Xacti success story
created by the recent C5 model. The
new C6 has been revitalised with a
host of extra features to maintain
SANYO’s prominent position in the
fast growing digital video market.
High Quality Movies and Stills in a
Unique Package
30fps MPEG-4 Video & 6 Million
Pixel Stills
While shooting digital movies, users
can capture still images with a simple
shutter press,achieving remarkable 6.0
MegaPixel still images and television
quality VGA 30fps moving pictures
simultaneously. The Xacti C6 is fully
compatible with a 1GB SD Memory
Card, enabling at least an hour of
continuous video recording to be
captured. The C6 uses the popular,
high resolution MPEG-4 format,
which results in DVD-like video
recording for exceptional picture
and AAC-LC stereo sound quality.
Users can enjoy even higher quality
video during playback via a television
as the camera is capable of playing
back at an incredible 60 frames per
second, giving even smoother video
C6gold
reproduction.
Measuring just 23mm in width and
at only 140 grams(1) - for a camera
of this size, the C6 has an impressively
large 2-inch screen for when filming
or framing a still image. The screen
uses an ultra bright, low temperature
Polysilicon TFT with a high resolution
of approximately 210,000 pixels
– alleviating problems caused by
extreme light levels while filming. This
screen makes use of reflected light to
help display clear, high visibility images,
even in direct sunlight. Easier viewing
and therefore more focused filming is
the clear end result.
Using
SANYO’s
proprietary
technology and with the development
of a new high speed engine, the Xacti
C6 can take brilliant 6.0 mega pixel
pictures while shooting high quality
moving images(2). The CCD has been
expanded to 6.37 MegaPixels which
will yield a 6.0 MegaPixel still image,
whilst the real-time interpolation
filter can record still images to the
equivalent of 10 MegaPixels, allowing
users to create clear and detailed
large printouts. The 1GB SD memory
card gives users a full hours worth of
continuous video recording.
The C6 also includes a Digital
Image Stabiliser, providing optimal
correction levels for camera
handshake, which can occur when
shooting long lengths of video. This
operates effectively under any zoom
setting, compensating for camera
shake to produce more natural and
clear results.
Key Features:
2-Inch LCD Monitor
High Resolution MPEG-4 DVD-Like
Video Recording
6.0 Megapixel CCD with 9-pixel
mixture technology for clear movie
shooting
1/2.5 inch, 6.37-megapixel CCD
5x Optical Zoom Lens
12x Digital Zoom
Digital Image Stabiliser
Red-eye Correction
60fps Playback via TV Output
Lightweight – Approx 159 g (with
battery and SD Card)
Talking Navigation Guide
Quick Standby – immediately able to
film or playback when LCD monitor
is opened
Thin,Lithium-Ionn SANYO Battery for
60 minutes Continuous Recording
Docking Station for Handy Recharging
and Simple PC Connection
Verbatim launches 4GB and 8GB
Store ‘n’ Go USB HD Drives
A compact USB hard drive - ideal for personal and business use
T
he ultra-light business card-sized Store ‘n’ Go drive
The tremendous capacity of the Store ‘n’ Go USB HD
has been created to carry large volumes
Drive, combined with Mobile Launchpad, gives users
of digital content for transfer from
the convenience of having mobile applications
one system or location to another.
stored on the drive, ready to use wherever
The 8GB device has the capacity
they are located. Many applications,
to store and carry almost two
specifically designed to enhance the
hours of video content. Business
portable experience, are available
professionals can carry huge
for download online. Programs
volumes of current corporate
include mobile photo databases,
data with them at all times.
ID/Password management tools,
The
complete
package
and applications using the drive
includes a protective pouch,
to log in from any computer and
USB extension cable and a
make Internet telephone calls or
user quick start guide.
have online chats.
Both drives are pre-loaded
Delivering high performance,
with Mobile Launchpad, a
low power consumption and
utility providing users with
superior reliability, Verbatim’s
the ability to download
new Store ‘n’ Go USB HD Drive
applications for running
can store nearly eight hours of
directly from the USB HD
MPEG-1 video, about 2,000 hours
Drive. Mobile Launchpad
of MP3 music, around 4,000
also allows complete access
300dpi colour photos or 8GBs
to personal files and data
of personal and business files.
without loading the content
These features make it ideal for
on to a guest system. For
videographers and photographers
quick and immediate access,
who want to collaborate with
the drives can also be used in
others on post-production projects
95312-HD-Drive-back
familiar drag ‘n’ drop mode.
and quickly move work from one system
to another.Verbatim’s Store ‘n’Go USB Hard Drive is ideal operating platform, so it’s very easy to retrieve and share
for busy executives, who are constantly on the move, to information. And its drag and drop facility means that
store presentations, customer information, databases, even those who are always comfortable using computers
spreadsheets and key business files. Students will also will find this device user-friendly and simplicity itself to
find its functions invaluable thanks to its compact size it operate.”
is easy to carry project and research files from school or
Weighing approximately 50 grams, the Verbatim Store
college to home. And it is also a must for service
‘n’ Go USB HD Drive measures 7 cm x 5.4 cm x 0.95
technicians and IT personnel who will have
cm. The drive is fully compatible with Windows
the convenience of being able to carry
98SE, ME, 2000, XP, CE 3.0 and higher; Mac
diagnostic/repair, configuration and
OS 10 X and higher; Linux 2.40 and
application files in their pocket.
higher systems. They are expected
“Whether it’s for business or
to retail at approximately £99.99
personal entertainment, people
for the 4GB and £149.99 for the
want to have their content
larger capacity 8GB.
and data with them without
For image download please go
having to carry a computer.”
to www.verbatim-europe.com/
said Simon Keighley, Verbatim
pressimages
Product Manager, “Our new
About Verbatim
Store ‘n’ Go USB HD Drives
According to the influential
are as convenient to carry as
Santa Clara Consulting Group
a USB FlashDrive - but have a
Verbatim was the leading
much larger storage capacity.
supplier of recordable CD
They’re about the size of a
and DVD media in Europe for
business card, and you can use
2005, maintaining the position it
the high-speed, high-capacity
achieved in 2004.
drive to store any digital data
Verbatim UK is a subsidiary
and access it at a moment’s
of Mitsubishi Kagaku Media that
notice.”
spends 20% of its annual budget
Using the USB 2.0 cable,
on research and development
the hot-pluggable Store ‘n’ Go
to keep in the forefront of
USB HD Drive can be quickly
technological development.
connected to a USB 2.0 or
Verbatim designs, develops and
1.1-equipped computer without
manufactures high performance,
95312-HD-Drive-Front
having to wait for the computer to
high quality media products including
reboot. Once connected, files can be quickly and easily DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, CD-R,
dragged and dropped to the high-speed 3600-rpm hard CR-RW, audio products, MO and UDO media.Additionally
drive.
it has a range of memory cards, USB devices, hard disk
Ron Stuart, UK General Manager said,“We are confident drives and floppy disks, tape media and accessories and
that this addition to the Store ‘n’ Go range will be well printer consumables. Verbatim is the complete media
received because of its capacity, versatility and portability. storage company. For further information visit www.
All computers these days have USB ports, whatever the verbatim-europe.com
Wi-Fi Seeker
SRP: £19.95
Wi-Fi Seeker 1319
Gadgeter.com introduces
the Wi-Fi Seeker.
S
eek out wireless connection
anywhere and everywhere with
the pocket sized Wi-Fi Seeker. This
nifty device will quickly and easily find
wireless hot spot access points with
its simple point and push operation.
The compact Wi-Fi Seeker will hunt
out a signal within 300ft and show the
level of signal from weak to excellent
with its four red LEDs, allowing you
to get back to business as quickly as
possible.
ETM/PLATFORM
INTERNET MARKETING
The Difference Between SEO and PPC
All the buzz in marketing circles these days seems to be about Internet Marketing, and how to bring more people
to your website. Almost every company now has a website - if you don’t, where have you been? – and many of
these websites are evolving from mere ‘electronic brochures’ to more interactive sites where people can make
an enquiry, leave a comment, download a file or purchase a product. However, it doesn’t matter how great your
website is if you don’t attract any visitors. This is where Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Pay per Click
(PPC) techniques are important, as they drive traffic to your website. What are SEO and PPC and how exactly do
they help your business? Let’s take SEO first.
SEO
The internet first became a mass medium in
the mid 1990s. Companies realised that as
the internet became more popular, more and
more lucrative revenue streams would become
available to companies with a web presence.
At this time pioneer search engines such as
Northern Light and AltaVista first started to
become common tools to search the net.
These and other search engines developed
more and more elaborate methods to index
the ever-growing web.
Site owners realised that if their site ranked
higher in a search engines for a specific search,
they would have a better chance of bringing
traffic to that site. They therefore used the
algorithms used by the search engines to
persuade the engines that they were the most
relevant site for a particular term, and should
therefore appear higher in the results pages
for that search. As the algorithms changed,
so the optimisers changed the code of their
site and developed external strategies so that
search engines would continue to send traffic
their way.
SEO can be separated into two separate areas
of work which can be boiled down to onsite
and offsite factors. Onsite factors include work
on structure, navigation, copy, title and other
coding tags and tweaks. Offsite factors that
are considered part of most campaigns include
linking to appropriate sites, Directory and
portal submission, Web PR releases and more.
Nowadays many sites find that SEO brings
them approximately 70% of their traffic.
PPC
Pay per Click is a way for sites to appear in
prominent positions on search engine results
pages by paying the engine to display their
results. Most engines clearly separate these
results from the organic results, typically
by placing them on a shaded background,
although some engines are starting to blur
the line between the two. Paid results tend to
occur at the top of a page and in the right
hand column. Please see the examples below
for further elucidation.(see Figure 1)
It is surely no exaggeration to say that Pay per
Click (PPC) as a means of advertising is still in
its infancy. When PPC pioneers such as Goto
(later Overture; currently Yahoo!) first opened
for business in late 1997, many internet
analysts laughed, thinking the idea of bidding
for positions on a search index was ridiculous
and unworkable. Since then, the industry has
taken off exponentially and is now worth an
annual £760 million in the UK alone . Online
advertising now represents around 8% of all
advertising.
Many sites running one or more PPC campaigns
find that around 30% of their referrals come
from these clicks.
SEO and PPC:
Conceptual Differences
The most important thing to remember is that
SEO and PPC are complementary strategies.
There is no conflict between using the two
techniques, and both will be more successful if
used together as opposed to using just one or
the other in isolation.
The most obvious difference is the price tag
that comes with these two techniques. You are
paying for the clicks that PPC sends your way,
whereas the clicks from SEO are free. Getting to
the top of the SEO tree for your most lucrative
search terms requires hard work. Getting to the
top of the PPC tree for the same search terms
requires money (just how much is dependent
on the competition for that particular search
term) and work. Both PPC and SEO require
hard work researching keywords so that you
know which search terms to buy (for PPC) and
which terms to optimise for (SEO). Different
creatives per search term or group (PPC) and
different HTML coding for each page of your
site (SEO) both need to be written to entice
customers. SEO has the added complication
that the title tags need to be written with the
search engines in mind as well.
PPC can be characterised as a quick boost of
traffic to a particular site. If you’re willing to
pay the price of the clicks, then you can buy
a top position for your chosen search terms
in the major Pay per Click engines. Providing
your search term has enough traffic, and your
creative is tight and enticing, you should notice
a bump in traffic.
SEO is a slower process. You are unlikely to
see major changes to your traffic n the early
stages, as so much of SEO is to do with the
structure and environment of your site.
However, the effects of SEO are both longer
lasting and cheaper than PPC. With PPC, the
moment you stop your campaign the traffic
dries up entirely. SEO on the other hand will
continue to bring in traffic even if you stop SEO
work on the site, although you will need to
ensure that your SEO campaign keeps abreast
of changes in the search engine algorithms.
Search Engine Optimisation and Pay per Click
are both new technologies that have had to
evolve to keep pace with the fast changing
online world. Both are near-essential techniques
for driving traffic to a website and for showing
the world your products and services.
_________________________________
Frank Orman is also founder and Managing
Director of LeadGenerators Ltd, an internet
marketing firm based in London, UK.
LeadGenerators develops and implements online
marketing strategies, including pay per click
advertising models, search engine optimisation
programs, site conversion strategies and web
development for companies in travel, finance
and other sectors. For further information visit
www.leadgenerators.co.uk
Wi-Fi causes ongoing security fears for
business travellers
Worries over unfamiliar providers and data security pervade
A
ccording to a global survey conducted by iBAHN, more
than half of all business travellers are still concerned
about security levels offered by Wi-Fi, the leading provider
of secure wired and wireless high-speed internet access
to the hospitality industry.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots, in places such as airports, hotels,
railway stations and coffee bars, have been available for
some time, but 55 per cent of iBAHN’s survey respondents
claim they still have concerns about data security.
A sizeable 30 per cent of the 150,000 survey sample
admitted that it was the ‘hotspot’ element that troubled
them, while a further 20 per cent claimed they were
nervous about using an unfamiliar Wi-Fi provider.
Wi-Fi is a radio signal with a limited range, which allows
travellers with Wi-Fi enabled devices to wirelessly connect
to the Internet at high speeds.
Hotspot issues aside, 68 per cent of iBAHN’s survey
respondents claimed to own a Wi-Fi enabled device, which
they use on secure wireless networks. An additional 21
per cent said they currently do not have a Wi-Fi enabled
device, but plan to purchase one in the next twelve
months.
Graeme Powell, European managing director of iBAHN,
commented: “The demands of global business means that
business travellers have to connect to the Internet while on
the move, and it is essential that companies put internal WiFi policies in place for mobile workers accessing hotspots
and educate them on security, preferred providers and
billing issues.”
In order to address Wi-Fi security concerns, iBAHN
has rolled out one of the UK’s first Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA) networks throughout its enabled hotels
nationwide.
Kyp Systems
K
yp Systems’ expansion into the US market gathers
momentum with the launch of the Travelex Travel
Guide iKyp for AAA members
AAA, the leading US emergency road and travel service
company, has partnered with Travelex and Kyp Systems
to develop and produce iKyps for AAA members visiting
foreign countries.
The Travelex Travel Guide iKyp will provide invaluable
information and travel tips for AAA members travelling
abroad. Information comprised in the paper based
pocket reference tool includes currency conversions,
time zone information and a comparative global price
guide. It will also include information on AAA’s travel
money services, provided by Travelex, to meet foreign
visitor requirements.
Lloyd Albert, Vice President, Branch Operations AAA
said: “We are delighted to partner with Kyp Systems to
provide such a useful travel tool to our members. The
product is cleverly designed to fit into a pocket or handbag;
yet despite its small size, it’s packed with an amazing
amount of information helpful to AAA members travelling
out of the U.S. Reaction from members to the new guide
has been overwhelmingly positive since its introduction in
late March.”
Nicholas Miller, COO/Joint CEO of Kyp Systems
commented: “AAA wanted to reward customer loyalty
and offer a new value added service to its clientele. The
company has an impeccable reputation and customers
know that if they purchase a product from AAA, whether
it’s for traditional services such as roadside assistance
or for additional products such as its money services,
they can be sure that it will be of the highest quality and
standard.
“The Travelex Travel Guide iKyp can be kept in the pocket
and used time and time again rather than be thrown away
at the end of a trip abroad.”
The iKyp - information to Keep in your pocket - is an
extraordinarily versatile and adaptable communications
format designed to improve effectiveness by cutting
through the clutter of traditional mechanics and by
improving end-user retention.
All these and
many more available at
executivetraveller.net
Your one stop site for a perfect travel
ETM/TRAVELLING
BY TRAIN
Heathrow Connect Spends £1 Million to
Improve Hayes & Harlington Station and
Offers Airport Workers Better Discount
H
eathrow Connect, the half a significant investment for a local the London platform. The third
hourly train service which station. The new bridge is a major phase will enlarge the existing station
connects passengers in the London benefit to train passengers making entrance, providing improved waiting
and Thames Valley area directly with an easier connection between and ticketing facilities plus lifts to
Heathrow Airport, has opened a the suburban platforms. We are access the platforms.
£1 million footbridge at Hayes and committed to improving all aspects of
In addition, airport workers who
Harlington Station. The company is train travel to Heathrow airport.”
previously only enjoyed a 50%
also extending its discount for
discount on the Hayes
airport workers even further
and Harlington to
– up to a massive 50% for
Heathrow
Airport
the complete Paddington to
section of the train
Heathrow airport journey.
journey
are
now
The footbridge provides
offered up to a
improved cross platform
massive 50% for the
passenger
transfer,
from
complete Paddington
platforms 4 & 3, following
to Heathrow airport
the introduction of the
journey.
Agreement
Heathrow Connect train
has been reached with
service in June 2005. The two
First Great Western
Heathrow Connect trains
for this discount to be
each hour provide a new rail
applied to the complete
journey option for airportroute and from any
bound passengers from the
station on that route
Thames valley using a First
to the airport. Airport
Great Western Link train and
workers can purchase
changing at Hayes to access
discounted
tickets
Heathrow.
for use on Heathrow
The existing station canopy
Connect at any local
on the island platform has also
station
between
been extended by 11 metres
Paddington
and
so that passengers using the
Reading, on production
footbridge are protected from
of a valid airport
the weather at both platforms.
worker’s pass.
The maximum degree of
The train departs
openness and high standard of
from
London
lighting reduces any feeling of
Paddington,
and
stops
Manisha Koirala look-a-like cuts the ribbon to open the new
insecurity as users are visible
at
Ealing
Broadway,
Hayes & Harlington footbridge with Brian Raven managing
director of Heathrow Connect and Alison Forster managing
from the platform. CCTV
West Ealing, Southall,
director of First Great Western.
cameras are positioned at
Hanwell and Hayes &
the top of each staircase with
Harlington, and takes
pan/tilt/zoom capability to allow preThe footbridge is the first of three just 25 minutes from Paddington
programmed scanning within the phases of improvement for Hayes to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
stairs and bridge span or manual station The second phase will be The airport workers discount is
operation by the First Great Western to renovate the northern station only available to holders of a valid
Link station surveillance team at building to allow direct access from Heathrow airport pass.
Reading.
the town centre through a public
Brain Raven, managing director open concourse area, to a new www.heathrowconnect.com
at Heathrow Connect said, “This is second station entrance direct onto
Mayor and Transport Secretary
Open King’s Cross St Pancras Western Ticket Hall
T
he state-of-the-art ticket hall
which will double the Tube
station’s capacity will also be the first
port of call for visitors from Europe
once the Channel Tunnel Rail Link
extension opens in 2007 and will have
the capacity needed to serve the new
high speed Kent domestic services, the
new Thameslink station and visitors
to the London 2012 Olympics and
Paralympics.. It was funded directly
by the Department for Transport and
has been delivered as part of TfL’s
£10billion Investment Programme
by Metronet. The innovative design
also provides step-free access to the
Circle, Hammersmith & City and
Metropolitan lines, as well as new
and enlarged public subways and
additional routes to street level.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone,
said:
‘This is another key milestone in
the delivery of Transport for London’s
£10 billion Investment Programme
and is a clear demonstration of how
we are successfully working to meet
London’s transport needs now and in
the future. The new King’s Cross St
Pancras Tube station will be a vital hub
for London’s 2012 Games, with the
Javelin shuttle service linking King’s
Cross to the Olympic venues. The
station is state-of-the-art, providing a
blueprint for the future and a building
fit for a world-class city hosting the
Olympic Games.”
Douglas Alexander, Secretary
for State for Transport, said: ‘The
Western Ticket Hall will be a fitting
gateway to London for passengers
from the UK and abroad. ‘It is helping
create a fully integrated transport
hub in the heart of the capital. In the
coming years the Channel Tunnel Rail
Link will be completed, high speed
commuter services introduced, the
new Thameslink station fitted out,
and Underground and main line
stations expanded and modernised.
‘This is one example of the many
benefits government investment is
bringing to improve transport and
help regenerate this whole area.’
The Western Ticket Hall has been
designed to ease congestion during
peak periods and will handle 250,000
passengers each day, the busiest on
the London Underground network.
This number of passengers will
double to almost half a million each
day by 2020.
‘The ongoing redevelopment of
King’s Cross St Pancras Tube station
is part of Transport for London’s £10
billion Investment Programme to
give London the transport network
it needs now and into the future,
while the innovative design and
pioneering accessibility features in
the new Western Ticket Hall have set
the blueprint for Tube stations of the
future.’
Patients from Stoke Mandeville
Hospital tested the range of
accessibility features at King’s Cross.
These features include new ticket
windows with lowered window
height to give disabled employees and
passengers better access to the ticket
counters.
As a national and international
gateway to London for visitors from
around the country and abroad, the
station has been innovatively
designed by architects subcontracted by Metronet, to
incorporate state-of-the-art
architectural features while
remaining in keeping with
the Victorian brick building
that accommodates the
Underground station.
Given the Grade I Listed
status of St Pancras station,
the restoration has involved
extensive consultation with
English Heritage to ensure
the refurbishment is entirely
in keeping with the guidelines
and that it retains its significant
architectural and historic
interest. A combination of
sky lights and a contemporary
lighting system keep the ticket
Kings Cross
hall flooded with light.
Heathrow Express Teams Up with Japan Airlines
A
sia’s largest scheduled airline,
Japan Airlines (JAL) has now
added the ability to sell Heathrow
Express tickets to customers via their
website, www.uk.jal.com
David Maddison, International
Airline Account Manager at Heathrow
Express, said, “To be able to partner
such a prestigious and reputable
airline is a great opportunity for
Heathrow Express.We appreciate that
our passengers are JAL’s customers
too, so by working together we can
provide the fastest, most seamless
transit from Heathrow into London.”
JAL’s CEO for Europe, Middle East
& Africa, Mr Makoto Itagaki added,
“At JAL we are proud to offer the
highest levels
of customer
service
and
are confident
our passengers
will
also
experience this
on the ground
with
the
opportunity
to travel on
a leading airHostesses from Heathrow Xpress and JAL
rail link to and
from central
The first train departs Heathrow at
London.”
The journey time on Heathrow 05:03hrs and London at 05:10hrs. The
Express is 15 minutes and trains run last trains depart Heathrow and London
every 15 minutes throughout the day. at 23.47 hrs and 23:25hrs respectively.
Virgin Trains’ new ‘Primo’ service
T
rain travel is speeding to the future with a new ‘Primo’
service. Enjoy luxury food and silver service on the
7:05 from Manchester to Euston!
Available on the most popular business trains, Primo
sets high standards for railway catering and customer
service, with delicious hot breakfasts and evening meals
cooked on board, as well as an afternoon tea. The Virgin
Trains’ First Class staff have even been specially trained
in silver service to learn the intricacies of pouring the
perfect cup of tea and serving delicate cakes on a 125mph
Pendolino train - even when it tilts!
The Primo service aims to bring back the romance of
train travel and customers will enjoy a relaxed journey
that suits their needs, whether it’s enjoying the view or
maximising the time for work.
The stylish new service coincides with a 45% increase
in numbers using the train for business or leisure travel,
as well as the development of new improved on-board
kitchen facilities that have enabled chefs maximum
flexibility to create more exciting dishes on board.
Those travelling for an early meeting on key services
can sit down with a paper and enjoy the ever popular
full cooked English breakfast with the addition of waffles/
kippers or a healthier smoothie, fruit and muffin.
The traditional afternoon tea is served with tasty
sandwiches or a hot option such as Welsh rarebit or
toasted goat’s cheese bloomer. Complemented by
delicious fresh cream scones and a selection of tasty cakes,
fresh fruit and chocolate treats, and of course, unlimited
supplies of perfectly brewed fresh tea.
Evening travellers can enjoy a hot and hearty meal with
international and regional delights from Boeuf Bourguignon
to Cullen Skink Tart, a popular Scottish fish dish, served
with seasonal fresh vegetables, cheeses and fine wines.
The number of customers making the most of the
First Class service has steadily increased as the improved
services and new trains ensure a quicker and easier
travelling experience. Less fragmented journeys, delicious
complimentary food and beverages, wider seats, more leg
room, at seat power points and music, not to mention the
easy access to city centres, have all encouraged the shift
from plane and car to train.
• The new Primo First Class service will be available on the following trains in and out of London Euston
Time of departure
05:32
06:09
06:35
06:45
07:05
07:08
07:45
15:18
15:35
15:40
15:45
17:15
17:18
17:21
17:35
17:45
17:48
18:05
18:08
18:18
18:35
Route
Holyhead-Euston
Lancaster-Euston
Manchester-Euston
Manchester-Euston
Manchester-Euston
Liverpool-Euston
Birmingham-Euston
Euston-Liverpool
Euston-Manchester
Euston-Wolverhampton
Euston-Glasgow
Euston-Glasgow
Euston-Liverpool
Euston-Holyhead
Euston-Manchester
Euston-Glasgow
Euston-Manchester
Euston-Manchester
Euston-Glasgow
Euston-Liverpool
Euston-Manchester
Service
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo breakfast
Primo afternoon tea
Primo afternoon tea
Primo afternoon tea
Primo afternoon tea
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
Primo evening meal
ETM/LIFESTYLE,
SPAS & HEALTHY LIVING
Saliva says it all
Executive Burnout Programme using salivary hormone testing
–By Kristina Kis
P
ete Williams, founder of Health Department, a
London-based alternative health clinic has developed a
programme in…” then continue on the 10th line “respond
to the dramatically growing number of executives “burning
out”, following years of highly stressed environments
causing a misfortune both in their personal and professional
lives and ultimately leading to an exodus of professionals
in the UK.
Health Dept.’s Executive Burnout Programme monitors
the stress hormones Cortisol and DHEA from saliva
samples taken four times a day, forming a grid map of the
executive’s stress levels. These are then correlated with
validated psychological and personality profiles of the
executive which influence the degree of stress an individual
can sustain and identifying how burnt out the executive
is or is likely to become. As a result a bespoke health
programme is developed for the executive. Health Dept.
is then able to monitor the improvements in stress levels
throughout the programme and further individualise the
therapy to achieve maximum improvement in well being.
Working with executives on an individual basis allows
Health Dept. not only to tackle the existing and potential
health issues, but also to apply preventative medicine by
making incremental lifestyle changes to the executive’s
everyday life.
“With stress forming an integral part of “modern
professional” life, executives become more vulnerable to
physical illness, behavioural and emotional problems both
in their personal and professional lives” explains Williams,
leading health and lifestyle specialist in executive stress.
“Stress puts enormous pressure on the adrenal hormones
Cortisol and DHEA, both critical to the body, and crucial
to many aspects of health and immunity.
The scientific evaluation of stress hormones in saliva
has been used before, but the balance between Cortisol
and DHEA has previously not been appreciated. If
Cortisol and DHEA levels become unbalanced, the
individual may lose the ability to adapt effectively to
stress, increasing demands on the heart, blood vessels,
skin, muscles, digestive system and many other parts of
the body. Psychological factors such as irritability, anxiety,
forgetfulness, poor concentration, low self esteem can all
be the side affects of stress. More importantly in the work
place such imbalance can impair cognitive ability and push
the individual to destructive psychological trades such
as irritability, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, all leading to
poor performance in the work place and a destructive
working environment for their colleagues.
Subjects are so far attracted by the relatively simple
dietary and supplementary interventions rather than
embarking on time consuming traditional distressing
programmes. By evaluating the executive’s individual needs
the programme is able to restore optimal nutritional
balance, firstly by general advice such as avoiding caffeine,
sugar, salt and advising supplementation with vitamins B,
C, minerals such as Manganese, Zinc and Calcium which
vary with the degree and length of stressful periods.
In some cases further supplements are required such
as Korean, Siberian and Asian Ginseng, Cordyceps,
Rhodiola, Rehmannia, Dong Quai, which have been used
for centuries and are shown to play an important role
in maintaining the adrenal function. These all can lead to
reduced anxiety, improved sleep patterns, increased selfesteem, vitality, improved mood, weight loss and increased
libido, reduced cravings for stimulants and better energy
levels generally.
The 12 week programme costs £1,500 per person and
as fundamental elements to producing the individual’s
bespoke health programme, it includes a full health
assessment and salivary hormone testing, four personal
consultations and biweekly progress contacts and is also
inclusive of all nutritional supplementations necessary
throughout the programme.
Recognising the potential benefits of the programme,
Williams has worked with executives from numerous
industries and some of the largest multinational companies
such as Vodafone and ICI, Barclays and Lloyds/TSB, as well
as advertising agencies such as Lowe, JWT, FCB, Fallon,
and Cake, supporting them through long and strenuous
pitches, preventing the health down side of successfully
completing their projects. Meg Lustman, Development
Director of Mosaic Fashion says “I get paid to handle high
stress for long periods. Pete and his team monitor my
stress limits and help me get through the tough times with
their programme. It has been an invaluable service which
has also produced better hair, nails, skin and dropping 2
dress sizes”.
With huge potentials for improving wellness in the
workplace, more and more companies recognise the
importance of maintaining a healthy workforce and thus
the development of corporate and executive wellbeing.
Companies that look after the health of their employees
soon realise the benefits of Health Dept’s Burnout
Programme: reduced absenteeism, increased productivity,
better decision making, improved communication with
colleagues and clients, and increased company profits.
An Intimate Spa Sanctuary Opens At
Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel
B
oth in-house guests and non-residents are
now welcome to use The Spa at Brown’s,
an intimate haven from which to escape urban
pressures and enjoy delectable treatments in
tranquil surroundings. The Spa at Brown’s offers
a hand-picked selection of the most coveted
and technologically advanced health and beauty
treatments available, which are designed to relax
and pamper while providing maximum benefit.
Treatments have been created for ladies and
gentlemen using products from the following
highly-regarded skin care houses: Dr Sebagh, Carita,
Chantecaille and Aroma therapy Associates.
Brown’s Hotel’s signature spa treatment is
a Hot Milk and Honey Foot Facial. This luxury
pedicure combines an invigorating sugar and
honey exfoliation prior to a hot milk foot soak,
followed by a deeply relaxing pressure point foot
massage and then an aromatic foot wrap, which
is guaranteed to leave the toughest of feet super
smooth. It costs £75 for 90 minutes.
The Spa at Brown’s also provides a bespoke
selection of beauty and grooming treatments ideal
for unwinding after a shopping trip in WoBo (the
area known as “West of Bond” Street), relaxing before an
evening out or as an antidote to stressful business life.
Red Carpet is a truly decadent head to toe pampering
experience, which will leave you looking and feeling
Spa Treatment at Brown’s Hotel
entrance to Spa
sensational. It includes a rebalancing warm stone therapy,
facial, manicure and pedicure, hairdressing and make up,
Champagne and light meal. Prices start from £454 for 360
minutes of treatments.
For the ultimate indulgence, however, try the Brown’s
Detox. It comprises 2 hours and 45 minutes of
treatments, including a full body polish, detox body
wrap, re-mineralising massage, re-balancing Facial
and a home detox kit to keep up the routine at
home, as well as overnight accommodation in a
classic king or twin bedroom and an energy tonic
breakfast. From £430+VAT per person per night,
Monday to Thursday, from £415+VAT per person
per night, Friday to Sunday.
The Spa at Brown’s offers excellent beauty,
grooming and fitness facilities, including three private
therapy rooms, with one luxury suite for two, and
a 70sqm fully-equipped fitness centre featuring the
latest Techno-gym cardiovascular equipment.
Brown’s Hotel re-opened on 12 December 2005,
following a £19-million renovation.
Hours of opening for The Spa at Brown’s:
Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm
Saturday 10am to 6.30pm
Sunday 10 am to 6pm
www.roccofortehotels.com.
ETM/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Derek Annoh on Lithuania
The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island
When we are not busy travelling we might need to stop and think about the future. Investment
is an option and ideally it helps to invest in something we enjoy. There are so many destinations
opportunities available and we have chosen to start with Lithuania and Morocco.
f you know of the Atlantis Resort
on Paradise Island, near Nassau in
the Bahamas, just a hop from Florida
then you may be one of the thousands
hoping you can invest in a property
there. An opportunity to own a part
of this amazing resort has now arisen.
Individual buyers can now purchase
suites, use them when they want and
place them into the Condo hotel’s
rental program when they’re not
there.
Atlantis occupies 34 prime acres on
four-mile-wide Paradise Island. The
island connects to downtown Nassau
via two-way bridges. Atlantis dates
back to the 1960s, when it was called
Paradise Island and operated largely
as a casino destination.
Adopting the mythical Lost
Continent of Atlantis motif in the
1990s, the resort expanded into
a family destination featuring vast
water-park and marine-life attractions.
Today, it is the most lavish and popular
property in the Caribbean.
“Atlantis is a first-class property
known all over the world,” says Ann
Adenius, UK Director of Condo
Hotel Center. “Many people go there
and say, ‘I would like to own a holiday
home here’ but there haven’t been
any homes to buy so far. Now, fans of
this phenomenal property will have a
chance to own a piece of it.”
As part of a major $1 billion
renovation and expansion to this
world-class
hotel,
developers
Turnberry Associates and Kerzner
International Ltd. are building a 22storey, 500-unit, Mayan-style, condo
hotel tower called The Residences at
Atlantis. Each of the units will be sold
to an individual investor who can use
the home when he wants and share in
the revenue it generates when placed
in the rental program.
The property’s expansion also
includes a to-be-built, 600 room
all-suite hotel among many other
upgrades. Both properties will be
flanked by a giant water theme park
H
enrik Christiansen of Baltic
Real Estate Developments says
that “Lithuania is an opportunity to
be explored…” and quite right too
because in 2004, Doing Business,
a joint World Bank/IFC survey, put
Lithuania among the top 20 countries
worldwide in terms of having a
business-friendly environment and the
Centre for Economics and Business
Research Ltd, an independent British
consultancy, acknowledged Lithuania
as the most attractive EU Country
for investments.
The Vilnius Municipality is
intensively developing the new part
of the city centre located on the right
bank of the Neris River and plans to
attract EUR 36 million in investments
for an international conference centre
and new city centre car park ( approx.
16 ha).
Open air café in Vilnius
Klaipeda is the sea gate of
Lithuania to the World and third
largest city of Lithuania; an industrial
centre of Western Lithuania. It is the
country’s transport hub connecting
sea, land and rail routes from East
to West. It has an ice-free port with
a favourable geographical position
making it ideal for a logistics chain.
The city has international waterways,
cargo railways, E-suitable roads and
three main container trains which
carry goods across Europe.
The Klaipeda Free Economic
Zone (FEZ) is the first and only initiated development of the Kaunas
fully functioning free economic zone Entertainment and Sports arena and
in Lithuania, It was established to the project expects to receive EUR
create more favourable conditions 22 million of investments.
for business in the zone in
comparison with conditions
outside the zone. It currently
offers 205ha plot of land for
industrial and warehousing
activities, a lease of 99 years
“plug in” conditions and special
custom taxes and tax incentives.
Klaipeda’s FEZ counts among its
clients multinationals like UAB’s
Masterfoods.
Masterfoods
has been established in leased
premises in Klaipeda since 1993
and produced the first product
of CHAPPI sausage for dogs in
Klaipeda. UAB “Masterfoods”
is one of the world’s largest
privately-held
companies
and world leader in
the production and
marketing of wellInauguration of the President of Lithuania
known global brands
of
confectionery:
MARS,
SNICKERS,
M&M’s
PEDIGREE,
UNCLE BENS, MILKY
WAY, CESAR among
others.
Kaunas is the
provisional
capital
city of Lithuania. It is jokingly
described as “the gas station” on
the highway between Klaipeda
and Vilnius because no matter
where you are coming from or
heading to in Lithuania, Kaunas
is always the ideal place to stop
for a rest. Tourists can easily
reach Kaunas by any means of
transport: by train, by air, by
boat over the Nemunas, by car
or by bus over the international
via the Baltica highway that goes
The Feast of St John - Jonines 1
right past Kaunas. The city has
I
Atlantis - Bahamas
Atlantis – Photo Credit
Model built by Melvin Denny Ako, Inc.
Rental Program
want. The rest of the time, they can
place their unit in the rental program.
The rent revenue their holiday home
generates when they are not in
residence will help defray the costs
of ownership. The developers are
confident they’ll be able to keep
it filled. Atlantis Resort has had an
outstanding 82% occupancy rate for
the past 10 years; 25% of business
is from conventions, 75% is leisure
business. This property has a large
and loyal following, a sophisticated
reservation system and world-class
marketing program all of which will
certainly help ensure The Residences
at Atlantis’ continued success.
Buyers of condo hotel units at The
Residences at Atlantis will receive
deeded ownership. Like most other
types of real estate, they’ll be able to
sell their holiday home if and when
they’d like, keeping as profit any
appreciation in their investment.
Prices for the condo hotel
units range from US$700,000 to
US$3,400,000 (subject to increase
without notification). Reservations
for the purchase of these units are
currently being accepted.
Owners can use their residence
up to 90 days per year, any time they
www.CondoHotelCenter.com.
near Atlantis’ signature Royal Towers,
the pink 24-storey resort that attracts
roughly one millions guests and dayvisitors a year.
The Residences at Atlantis will have
many five-star facilities and services
as well as its own island golf course
accessible by private ferry, condo
hotel owners will also have access to
all the wonderful facilities of Atlantis
Resort. The condo hotel will cost
$200 million and will be five-star
calibre with an emphasis on excellent
craftsmanship. The Atlantis condo
hotel will be made up of studios, onebedroom and two-bedroom units.
The residences range from 519 sq. ft.
to 1,718 sq. ft. The condo hotel units
will be professionally designed and
fully furnished in true five-star fashion.
Among the impressive features will
be: marble flooring; berber carpeting;
two-tone wood; Italian cabinetry in
the kitchen; high-end electronics like
plasma screens, sound system, stereo
and phones; and designer finishes
including framed art work, wall
coverings, crown moulding, etc.
ETM/DESTINATIONS
LAS VEGAS
Own a Holiday Home in Las Vegas
F
or years visitors to Las
The W Las Vegas
Vegas have wondered
how they could own a
holiday home in this exciting
city comprised mostly of
immense hotels, casinos and
entertainment complexes.
Now that opportunity
finally exists in the form of
a luxurious condo hotel, the
W Las Vegas Hotel Casino &
Residences. The $1.7 billion
development, situated in the
Harmon Corridor, a trendy
destination less than a half
mile east of central Las
Vegas, will include a mix of
hotel and condo hotel units.
The development will be
W Hotel’s first casino and
will become their flagship
property.
“This project
combines one of the
hottest, most aspirational
hotel brands in the world
with one of the most
vibrant hospitality markets in the U.S.,” says Ann Adenius,
UK Director of Condo Hotel Center. “W Las Vegas will
be the cornerstone property of the ‘Harmon Corridor’,
an area quickly becoming the location of choice for new
development in Las Vegas.”
Unlike most W properties, which are primarily boutique
hotels, the W Las Vegas project will include a significant
component of condo hotel and residential units, offering
studios and one-bedroom units. The 500 condo units will
range from 500 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft. All units will offer
panoramic views of Las Vegas. There will also be about 50
VIP units that will range from 800 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft. and
will include poolside bungalows and penthouses.
The W’s fully-furnished condo-hotel units will resemble
the hotel guestrooms but will also offer a wide array of
luxury facilities.
• Fully furnished units with contemporary interiors by
the highly-acclaimed Charles Allem Design
• Elegant kitchens with Sub-zero fridge, induction
stoves, microwaves, mini-bar, one king or two queen
beds featuring pillow top/featherbed mattresses and
plush linens
• Media-style audio/visual including, oversize flat panel
TVs, DVD player, stereo/CD player, MP3 player docking
station, concealed print/fax/scanner combination,
wireless high-speed internet access
• Separate seating/lounge area, oversized desk and task
chair, stunning bathrooms with dual sinks, oversized
showers with dual shower
heads and steam, upgraded
tub features with AV
controls, vanity area with
specialty lighting, microfibre bath robes, hair dryer,
convenient linen storage,
electronic safe, functional
direct and indirect lighting
The Starwood Hotels
& Resorts, owns the
W brand as well as the
Sheraton, Westin and St.
Regis hotel chains, and will
manage the hotel and the
rental program for the
condo hotel units. The rent
revenue their holiday home
generates when they’re not
in residence will help defray
the costs of ownership.
Owners will receive a deed
to their condo hotel unit.
As with most types of real
estate, the owners can sell
their property at any time
and realize any profits from its appreciated value.
What to expect from your investment:
• Maid service, 24-hour room service, concierge
service, W whatever/whenever service, valet parking,
welcome ambassador/welcome agent.
• W Wellness, Bliss Spa & Gym privileges, Away® at
Home (in-home spa services 24/7), personal training
(yoga, pilates specialist), nutritionist and custom meal
programs and diet plans
• W by design (style consulting), private shoppers and
fashion consulting, in-home personal styling, weekly
botanical service
• W Entertainment, events for residents e.g. fashion
trunk shows, wine tasting, movie nights,W living room
with lounge and wireless access, wheels: limousine
service and car valet cleaning service
• W Dining, in-home dining (room service 24/7),
grocery shopping and delivery - can be linked to chef
services, nutrition consulting, personal chef services
• Whatever/Whenever® 24/7 service, housekeeping
packages, wash (laundry service), daily rush service,
full laundry service from hamper pick up to in-closet
delivery, daily or weekly, in-home tailor, dry-cleaning
pick up and delivery, 24/7 in-home maintenance service,
pet services - walking, feeding, grooming, massage, etc.
W Las Vegas will be the largest property in the W Hotels
Worldwide portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Further information available at www.CondoHotelCenter.com
Stylish but affordable in Manhattan
Five reasons for a stylish but affordable break in Manhattan
When tomorrow morning suddenly becomes tonight again and the urge for breakfast kicks in at 3am, a
short break across the pond seems rather less appealing. How very wrong! New York City shows off its
glitzy, decadent and eccentric side around the clock. It’s time to trade congestion charge and overpriced
mediocrity for something with a slightly larger ego.
Sascha Stokes recommend five of her favourite stylish bargain moments.
DavidBurke
Donatella
davidburke & donatella, you are making me
weep
G
ood food doesn’t come cheap in Manhattan. Excellent
food does, provided you can satisfy your taste buds
with a few selected moments of glory, such as a starter
and a spoon full of desert. Crab cakes will never be the
same after David Burke’s masterpiece creation has robbed
you of the will to ever live without it again. Fresh white
linen, reassuringly soft wrinkle busting lighting and an
unthreatening vanilla colour pallet with crimson highlights
leave room for expectations and appetites to expand.
“Could I recommend the PRETZEL CRUSTED CRAB CAKE
with Shrimp Tempura and Ripe Mango and Orange Sauce?”
“You certainly can!”
Coifed heads turn, manicured fingers grip wine glasses
expectantly and fine Italian tailoring clad diners look on
enviously, as playful creation after creation is paraded
past. It’s a moment of tempting torture for the group of
hopefuls at the bar. Tables are a prized commodity here
at davidburke & donatella’s. What else do you expect
when Donatella Arpaia’s sharp business sense and David
Burke’s revolutionary modern American cuisine fuse in an
elegantly refurbished, historic Upper East Side space? Stick
to starters and deserts to sample all of the flavours at
affordable prices.
Appetisers from $15
(Between Park and Lexington Avenue)
www.dbdrestaurant.com
Sascha Stokes
music flows freely and attitudes bounce off every leafy
corner in The West Village. Yes, gentrification has recently
become and issue, but that doesn’t concern the arty
spirit. A world and a half but less than a couple of miles
apart from glitzy and monochrome 5th Avenue, life turns
colourful and local. Temptations stack like chocolates in a
sweet factory and one of them shouldn’t be resisted: Phillip
Marie on Hudson Street. It takes a certain eye for detail to
make the mixture of faded postcards, redundant Parisian
coffee shop signs, Mexican fiddlers and practical furniture
work. At Phillip Marie it works. Effortlessly, stylishly and
in an intellectual New York sort of way. Sophisticated
socialites discuss politics, gallery openings and passers
by over larger than life French cafe lattes, goats cheese
in spinach leaves and grilled vegetable pasta. Don’t be
fooled by the local image though. Fans flog in from all
over town to recharge, designer bags in tow and draped
in politically correct vintage cashmere. Are you up for this
The art of bohemian coffee breaks in
The West Village
Village? Well quite! Incense mixes with purple front doors,
shop windows burst with anything but Gucci (unless fake),
davidburke&Donatella
itself bit by bit in the dim light of candles and understated
soft lighting. Roosevelt himself is overlooking the 1920s
gentlemen club scene of stained glass windows, wood
panelled walls and antique leather furniture from his
baroque picture frame. Lobster tails crack, eyes observe
and golden margaritas flow. It takes nothing more than
traditional revolving doors and a set of gloved porters
to be whisked into the world of early 20th century New
York. No wonder they call the hotel ‘The Grand dame of
Madison Avenue’. It’s a well deserved title after 80 years of
epitomising timeless style and cultured sophistication.
Cocktails from $8, rooms from $200
www.theroosevelthotel.com
Madison Avenue
davidburkefood
refreshing slice of Manhattan’s very own bohemia?
From $7 for lunch
Hudson Street, The West Village
Top of the Rock
Colourful stars spin as the elevator hurtles into the pitch
dark kaleidoscopic stratosphere. “We are skyrocketing
into oblivion”, a fellow elevator passenger whispers. We
certainly are. Destination top....top of the Rockefeller
centre, Top of the Rock, dizzying hights.
Manhattan is renowned for two things in particular:
ravishing Art Deco skyscrapers and stiff necks from
looking up at them. The newly reopened Rockefeller
Centre viewing platform takes advantage of the former
while avoiding the latter. The potentially queasy feeling
starts right there on the ground. Remember the famous
photograph of construction workers lunching on an iron
girdle high above Manhattan? You will after being funnelled
over a computer enhanced, glass covered girdle designed to
imitate the precarious feeling.The star spinning space ship
trip up the elevator culminates in Manhattan’s finest vistas.
Streamlined, non cluttered and transparent, it’s a modern
take on it’s 1933 version of deckchairs and maritime props.
Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and the Statue of
Liberty to the South and the vast expanse of Central Park
to the North, the newly refurbished observation deck
offers the whole of Manhattan in a mere startled turn
round your own axis. The humbling romance isn’t lost
on the couples indulging in a spot of splendid New York
sunset. They take it as a fitting appetiser to an evening of
upmarket Park Avenue dining. It was about time The Rock
opened up again after 20 years of hibernation.
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/
$17.50
Rockefeller Centre
A Roosevelt Moment
“A G&T please. And make it strong!” The bow tie clad
bar tender swivels around and performs his magic behind
31 feet of polished mahogany. The eye adjust slowly and
the Roosevelt Hotel Madison Club lounge is revealing
Island Fever
Island hopping? No problem in Manhattan! The group of
vigorously gesticulating Italian tourists shuffles into the
cable car, conveniently called The Roosevelt Island Tram.
Four minutes in the air, four minutes over the East River,
four minutes with Lady Liberty on the horizon, four
minutes of floating away from the Manhattan skyline.
Only four minutes and suddenly the world is all leafy
promenades, fragrant blossoms and quiet park benches.
It seems as if the island looks at its much larger brother
Manhattan with defiant determination. “You might be
large and mighty, but you are outgrowing your breeches.
I, however, am quiet and content”. The East Rover flows
past knowingly, determined to keep the two opposites
apart for quite some time to come.
Statue of Liberty
A few more budget favourites in a nutshell
Sisde Bar
Tightwad Treks-The Elegant
Tightward Shopping
Excursion
J
oin Pamala Parisi to build a
gorgeous wardrobe for pennies
on the dollar of regular retail. Pamela
and one of her personal shoppers will
lead you or a group to sniff out top
designer fashions at wholesale and
below prices. Group and individual
tours can be booked all year round.
www.theeleganttightwad.com
Stylish Bargain Bin Fashion
Fixes
Vast outlet stores with the occasional
bargain are not your style? Head for
Loehmanns (www.loehmanns.com)
or Gabay’s (www.gabaysoutlet.com )
for vast temples of style for bargain
prices (Prada dresses from $60 and
plenty of very affordable Kate Spade,
Manolo Blahnik and Chanel)
ginger soda, has just the right touches
of cucumber and mint. To awaken
the taste buds, try the bright Ginger
Smash, a muddle of ginger root and
cranberries, mixed with gin and apple
liqueur.
Go for happy hour!
Art
PARTICIPANT INC.
95 Rivington St between Ludlow
and Orchard Sts (212-254-4334/
www.participantinc.org). Open WedSun noon-7pm. Admisson free.
Overseen by savvy curator Lia
Gangitano, this glass-fronted gallery
is a Lower East Side hot spot. Expect
entertaining, intelligent exhibitions
that crossbreed visual and performing
arts with literature and new media.
In ‘A Shimmering Heart (Silver)’,
Croatian-born artist Goran Tomcic
covers the floor with one million
silver, heart-shaped sequins to portray
humble, everyday emotions, and
plasters the walls with self-adhesive
holographic papers to evoke a sense
of motion in the viewer. Goran Tomcic:
A Shimmering Heart (Silver) Feb 13Mar 13.
POSTMASTERS GALLERY
459 W 19th St between Ninth
and Tenth Aves (212-727-3323/
w w w. p o s t m a s t e r s a r t . c o m ) .
The Nightspot to be seen in
EMPLOYEES ONLY 510 Hudson St, New York, NY
Sleek art-deco style provides a
backdrop for stylish cocktails and
gourmet dishes.
The Scene
A mysterious fortune teller at the
entrance sets the stage for the
elegant, sexy haven inside. The richly
appointed interior, meant to evoke
a 1920s speakeasy, glows from the
warmth of the mahogany-covered
walls and soft lighting.The mustachioed
mixologists--outfitted in white chefstyle shirts--work a bar crowded
with a fashionable downtown crowd.
A skylight adds romance to the raised
back room, where diners sample
dishes such as sauteed oysters, steak
tartar and stuffed pork loin.
The Draw
While the staff graciously asks
patrons if they’re staying for dinner,
most of the action swirls around the
bar (gently warmed by a fire in the
winter). The smooth Pimm’s Cup,
made with Cointreau, fresh lime and
Times Square
Open Sept-July Tue-Sat 11am-6pm.
Postmasters, run by the savvy
duo, Magdalena Sawon and Tamas
Banovich, emphasizes technologically
inflected art (most of which leans
toward the Conceptualist) in the
form of sculpture, painting, new
media, and installations. Postmasters
regular Diana Cooper unveils her
tenth solo exhibition in her signature
unclassifiable medium that blends
painting, drawing, sculpture and
installation. Her work runs against
the formalistic grain, embracing a
smorgasbord of materials such as
post-its, pom poms, neoprene and
her own photographs.
The Big Apple Greeters
Hook up with The Big Apple Greeters
(www.bigapplegreeter.org) to see
New York through the eyes of a New
Yorker. A volunteer Greeter will
show you a favourite neighbourhood,
answer your questions and demonstrate how easy it is to use public
transportation. And it’s FREE, too.
Founder Lynn Brooks wants the
world to know NYC as she does:
Full of diverse neighborhoods, momand-pop stores, fun places to dine,
and friendly residents who go out of
their way to help an out-of-towner
feel welcome. All you need to do is
fill out the request form online prior
to your trip.
Chic and affordable places to stay ($120-160 per night)
Hotel QT New York
Bedford Hotel
Address: 125 W. 45th St (6th-7th Aves.)
Tel: (212) 680 0023
www.hotelqt.com
118 E. 40th St. (Lexington – Park Aves.)
Tel: (212) 697 4800
Email: reservations@bedfordhotel.com
www.bedfordhotel.com
New Andre Balazs hotel in Times Square with loftlike, affordable rooms. Architectural lobby features
pool, bar, mezzanine lounge. Complimentary European
breakfast, coffee bar, fitness centre.
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Address: 95 West Broadway (Chambers St)
Tel: (212) 566 1900
Recently renovated hotel, centrally located in the
TriBeCa area. Easily accessible public transportation
to all Midtown attractions.
Korea
T
he Korea Tourism Organisation has teamed
up with Lonely Planet Guides to create a
“Stopover Seoul” guide book as part of their
“Stopover Seoul, Shopping Seoul” campaign
which aims to establish Seoul as an alternative
stopover destination to Hong Kong or Singapore
for Australasia.
They are also promoting stopovers and 2
centres using Asiana Airlines and Korean Air for
Fiji, Hawaii, The Philippines, Bali, Mongolia, China,
Japan and Vietnam.
Copies of the guide are available free by
registering on the Korea Tourism Organisation’s
website www.Tour2Korea.com
European-style Midtown hotel. Charming, convenient
and affordable. Great location near Empire State
Building, Grand Central Station, theatres, shopping.
Spacious rooms and suites, most with kitchenettes.
Flights
Check out www.airlinenetwork.com for year round
bargain flights to NYC
Sharpened
optimised
Monaco to Boost Visitor Numbers
to its Key Tourist Attractions
T
he Monaco tourist office has
introduced a new booklet titled
‘Monaco Loisirs’ which contains a range
of reductions and special offers that can
be spent in the form of coupons at the
Principality’s key tourist attractions. It is
aimed at the four main types of leisure
tourism: ship passengers, conference
visitors, leisure tourists and ‘Passport
to Monaco’ holders.
Director General of Tourism for
the Monaco Government Tourist
and Convention Authority, Michel
Bouquier explained: “The objective of
Monaco as a destination is to maintain
a privileged relationship with all of its
clients. We are big believers in the
emotional factor: when a client feels
appreciated he also feels privileged.”
The purpose of the booklet is to
show off the leisure aspect of Monaco
to best effect to holiday makers staying
in Monaco or for those arriving on a
trip such as a cruise stopover or a day
trip.
Bouquier goes on to say: “We have
chosen to use all distribution channels
available to us. Due to our relationships
with the key players in Monaco’s
tourist industry, we are in a position to
introduce new tools and ensure that
they are meeting their objectives”.
The Principality’s various attractions
are all participating in this programme,
with each offering a reduced price
upon presentation of a ‘coupon’ from
the ‘Monaco Loisirs’ booklet which
includes a presentation and full details
of each offer.
Participating attractions include:
Aquavision, the Café de Paris and
Sun Casino, the vintage car collection
of HSH Prince Rainier III, the state
apartments at the Prince’s Palace,
Héli Air, the Zoological Gardens, the
Exotic Garden, Monte-Carlo Story, the
Chapel of the Visitation Museum (the Piasecka Johnson
collection), the Stamp and Coin Museum, the National
Museum (the Galéa collection), the Naval Museum, the
Napoleonic Museum, the Oceanographic Museum, Azur
Express (trips around town in a small urban train), and the
Louis II stadium.
A version of ‘Monaco Loisirs’ without coupons can be
downloaded by visiting the www.visitmonaco.com website
and ‘information’. Then click ‘download brochures’ on the
left panel.
The ‘Passport to Monaco’ is available through Cresta
Holidays and Thomas Cook Signature. Starting from £325
per person, the ‘Passport to Monaco’ package includes:
a minimum of two nights accommodation in a first-class
hotel with breakfast; return flights from London to Nice;
free return helicopter transfers to Monaco; free minibus
transfer in Monaco to hotel and free entrance to the
above tourist attractions.
Aube en Champagne
Charms and magic spells to make your wishes come true….
A
ube means “dawn of a promising morning”. It is also the
name of a river.Aube en Champagne in France is simply
enchanting but then so is any great region where good
food, champagne, wine and culture prevail. No wonder the
city has the shape of a champagne cork.
My journey to the region started with a train journey via
Eurostar from London Waterloo to Paris Nord and then
I changed trains one metro stop away at Gare de L’Est to
Troyes in the heart of Aube. The city centre of Troyes, the
capital of Aube, is a walk away from the train station. The
city’s architecture is compelling with 16th century halftimbered houses greeting you with enchantment when
you arrive in the city.
The city is also blessed with some beautiful churches
like the St Peter and St Paul cathedral, the St. Urbain
Basilica, founded by Pope Urban the 4th on the site of the
shop where his father plied the cobbler’s trade, the Sainte
Madeleine, which is the oldest church in Troyes dating
from the mid 12th century and St. Pantaleon churches, all
outstanding with some of the most beautiful stain glassed
windows of Europe. The entire Aube department has got
85 churches or chapels classed as historical churches and
84 others registered on the supplementary list.
Troyes is full of shops, small restaurants, and museums
but like most French cities and towns, has a very bustling
market, beautiful patisseries and is home to Pascal Caffet,
7 -Troyes - Half-timbered houses in Rue Champeaux
Photo - Ph. Praliaud CDT
the maximum! Follow the champagne
route on pages 26&27.
Accommodation in Aube en
champagne is easy with an abundance
of ‘Logis de France’ hotels and
guesthouses and you can expect to
sleep and eat well in this wine and
gastronomy region! I stayed in three
locations during my visit and they all
offered a charm of their own.
The Hôtel de la Poste Best
Western(www.hotel-de-la-poste.
com) is a walking distance from the
train station.You may choose to take a
taxi but trust me you will miss the fun
of walking up the cobbles of Troyes
and may even miss take the excitement
out taking in the excitement of the bikes. Absolute independence is the
medieval city before checking in to word when you stay in this beautifully
your hotel.
designed chalets.
I also stayed at the Hôtel restaurant
www.aube-champagne.co.uk
l’Auberge de la Scierie (www.
aubergedelascierie .com)
a privately owned ‘bijou’
managed by Eddy and Jacqui
Kansowa. Eddy is an excellent
chef so eating well comes as
standard with your stay.
My third accommodation
was at Domaine de Foolz
(www.domainedefoolz.com).
This is a chalet style setting
in Bourguignons with the
Outline of Troyes in the shape of Champagne cork
Crédit Photo CDT Aube
opportunity of riding quad
What is happening in
Aube en Champagne this summer?
Troyes - Stained Glass window at St. Madeleine
- Jess Tree
one of the world’s famous chocolatiers. Troyes is also the
ancient capital of Champagne and the capital of bargain
fashion.
Walking along the pedestrianised streets of Troyes gives
you a sense of freedom and market life the French way
is a unique experience. However, the charm of Aube en
Champagne does not stop at Troyes. The region boasts
many vineyards and champagne houses. There are three
man-made lakes in the “Orient Forest” which serves as a
popular attraction during the summer months. It is one
of the richest ornithological sites in France with over 265
species of birds observed to date. Renoir’s family home,
studio and resting place can be found in Aube. Aube is also
home to France’s fourth theme park Nigoland. The theme
park attracts 500, 000 visitors a year can also be found
there.
My journey continued to the Pays d’Othe, the cider
base of the region. Every cider enthusiast needs to see the
Cider museum (page 23). A short drive from Troyes is a
champagne tour, which leads you to a collection of beautiful
villages and family-run champagne producers. The 136-mile
route is marked out by ‘Champagne Route’ signposts, and
is designed to give visitors a flavour of the area’s beautiful
countryside and vineyards.The vineyard owners are friendly,
genuine people who can tell you the story of champagne,
the methods of production and how to enjoy the drink to
Date
25 June to 14 August
Place
Troyes
Event
Villes en lumieres
Villes en musique
Further details
www.tourisme-troyes.com
29-30 July
Villages around
Bar sur Seine
The festival of the
champagne route
www.vignoble-champagne.com
10-16 September
Orient Lake
World Carp Classic
Tel: Christina on 02392 827000
September
Côte des bar
Become a grape
Picker for a day
www.aube-champagne.co.uk
8 & 10 September
Troyes
48h automobiles
www.tourisme-troyes.com
16 &17 September
Brienne le
Chateau
Foire à la Choucroute
www.ville-brienne-lechateau.fr
How to get to Aube en Champagne
By Ferry
Travel to Troyes by car crossing from Dover to Calais
on a SeaFrance or P&O Ferry.
Contact the Ferry Travel Club for a short break 3 nights
for the price of two including the crossing : http://www.
ferrytravelclub.com or call 0870 143 4646
Or choose Britanny Ferries http://www.britanny-ferries.
com and book your gite online
By Train
Travel by Eurostar from London Waterloo to Paris Nord
– Change for Gare de l’Est – Paris Est to Troyes or Bar sur
Aube. You can book your Eurostar journey through www.
executivetraveller.net
Eurotunnel or Raileureope
http://www.eurotunnel.co.uk
http://www.raileurope.co.uk
Troyes is on the Paris-Basel line (about 1’15 from Paris
to Troyes)
By Car
From Calais continue on the A26 to Reims / Chalons
en Champagne and leave at exit 32 (Thennelières) for
Troyes
From Paris leave the A5 at exit 21 (saint Thibault)
DRIVING TIMES AND DISTANCE FROM CALAIS
400 km / 249 miles– 3h30 – Motorway toll charges :
26.10 € /£ 18.10
DRIVING TIMES AND DISTANCE FROM PARIS
150 km / 93 miles – 1h30 – Motorway toll charges : 8.10
€ / £ 5.60
To organise your itinerary :
Http://www/viamichelin.co.uk
French Markets
Morocco with a difference
Another successful National Conference on Tourism
T
here is something about markets that gives
you the ultimate buzz. Whether it’s the exotic
fruit, locally grown vegetables, bric-a-brac, fine
antiques, or vintage clothes or the camaraderie
and all that jazz, there is still something about
them.
French markets are especially exciting. You
can always smell the aroma of the hot mouthwatering roasting chicken rotating helplessly on
the rotisserie, fresh fruits beautifully decorated
to perfection, wine, cheese, meat, game, poultry
and lots more.
Markets all over France are interesting –
whether you are visiting Chatelet-les-halles in
Paris, or Lille’s Saturday market while travelling
on the Eurostar or the indoor markets in Troyes
and the Pays d’Othe while visiting Aube en
Champagne, they are all exciting.
The Saturday market is a frenetic affair. Lille
has a big mixture of open and indoor markets
with a church in the middle of it as a blessing.
The indoor market is open most days of the
week and is the source of good wine, cheese
meat, seafood; while the outdoor market brings
in rafts of fresh vegetables, fruits etc.
Co-incidentally the market in Troyes is also
situated close to a church. There must be
something about churches and markets in France
that I need to explore at a later visit but it is the
camaraderie and service that I would like to talk
about here.
All the traders seem to know each other and
it seems to me that there is also some friendship
between the buyers and the sellers; idle chats
about the family, courteous advice about selected
wares and a friendly smile amidst the curiosity. Among all
this friendship comes the usual competitive nature where
there is an incessant convincing and bargaining power
going on to beat the neighbour’s prices. A great bargain
usually exists with the African and North African trinket
traders. They always price their goods a little higher than
it is worth and you will have to bargain your way down to
M
Vegetable stall
the best deal.
Fruits, vegetables, fish and meat are usually well labelled
with their prices and so no bargaining is entertained but a
little smile can get you a few extras.
Markets all over the world have something exciting
about them and UK markets can be just as exciting. For
me, it is the variety of food items available in France that
makes me feel that the French markets are a better deal.
orocco has more than meets the eye.
At its 2006 National Conference on
Tourism last March, Morocco marked its “6th
Tourisme d’Assises” by making sure that
everyone who has anything to do with tourism
investment and development was present in
Tangier to help bring together all the exciting
projects available to the industry within the
Mediterranean and Morocco. This was the
6th of an annual event where selected national
and international personalities from politics,
tourism, press, finance, institutional investors,
the travel industry, civil society organisations
and dignitaries are invited under the instructions
of His Majesty King Mohamed VI
Not many people know Tangier; so the
choice of Tangier for the conference was ideal.
At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, of the
Atlantic and the Mediterranean,Tangier opens
the door onto Morocco. This is a city which
begins with the sea and ends with the sea.
With developments springing like mushrooms
from every corner of the city, you can smell
the eagerness of development as Tangier
embraces the 6th Tourisme d’Assises. Tangiers
had to be ready and every hotel, guesthouse
and/or any place that could house a delegate
was full booked. It was obvious to delegates
that all the developments buzzing around the
congress had to be completed before Tangiers
could cope with any influx. While the locals
went about their every day activities as if they
had not noticed the coach load of delegates
arriving in large numbers, every name that
could add up to take tourism in Morocco to a
new height was present.
Prime Minister Driss Jetou read out the
Royal address by presenting to delegates the
salient breakthrough that Morocco has made
with tourism and unveiled the opportunities
that would lead to the kingdom achieving
Prime Minister
Driss Jetou
arriving to
address the
Assises
Market Scene in Othe
its 2010 vision of setting a target to increase global awareness of
Morocco as a desirable tourist destination.
Mr.Abass Azouzi, Director of Office National for Moroccan Tourism
(ONMT) said that even though these were very exciting times for
Morocco, Tangier will not be ready until 2008. The country has a
five-year plan to bring training and development to the forefront of
the agenda and this has already started with the police and at the
airports.
Traditional Moroccan Lady
Moroccan dancer
Abass Azouzi,
Director Office
National for
Moroccan
Tourism
(ONMT)
Market scene in Troyes
ETM/CAR
RENTALS
Mercedes SLR
Damage Doom and Gloom
for Business Drivers
National Car Rental Reveals Spiraling Cost
Of Vehicle Damage
N
ational Car Rental has
warned that costs incurred by
businesses and the rental industry
due to damaged rental vehicles are
spiraling. National has revealed
startling figures which show that
the number of vehicles damaged by
customers has increased significantly
2005 on 2004, with an astonishing
27% increase in accident damage
reports resulting in an expensive
11% increase in accident costs.
The statistics also show that most
accidents happen in the morning
rather than the afternoon. The
highest number of accidents occurs
on a Friday and on the first day of
rental. The most common accidents
are caused by third parties and 80%
of accident damage reports and
repair costs are attributable to men.
National believes that customers
need to be aware of the implications
of the increase in damage to rental
vehicles.
They claim that the
continued rise in damage costs is
impacting on the cost of rental,
since even the cost of minor damage
is currently borne by the rental
industry.
Brian Jayes, Vice President UK
Operations at National, thinks that
this is a serious issue which is costing
businesses dearly. He adds the even
when the customer arranges for their
own insurance, the rental company
still incurs significant expenses in
recouping these costs.
Mr Jayes says that National wants
to encourage more responsibility
amongst drivers so that greater care
is taken over vehicles, and would like
to see a better working relationship
between the rental sector, insurers
and the accident management
industry.
National is confident
that this could have an enormously
positive impact on the costs being
incurred by the industry – which are
inevitably passed on to consumers.
Vanquish 2006
Licensed to Thrill
G
uy Salmon Prestige Rental,
luxury car rental services and
chauffeur driven luxury limousines.
has introduced five stunning Aston
Martin models to its fleet, providing
customers with the ultimate driving
experience. Aston Martin is the
world’s finest hand built sports car
and now Guy Salmon customers
don’t have to wait to own one, they
can rent one today.
The Guy Salmon fleet now includes
the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Aston
Martin Vanquish, DB7 V12 Vantage,
DB9 V12 Coupe and DB7 Vantage
Volante Convertible. The DB9 V12
Coupe is one of the most exclusive
cars available on the road today and
now Guy Salmon customers can get
behind the wheel of this breathtaking
truly classic marque. The company
provides a delivery and collection
service anywhere in mainland UK,
ensuring vehicles are there when they
are needed.
These new vehicles add to an already
outstanding range that includes the
Porsche Boxster, Range Rover Vogue,
Mercedes CLS Class and the Jaguar
XJ8. All of the vehicles are equipped
to the highest specification and
include leather seats, cruise control,
air conditioning, ABS and driver and
passenger air bags as standard. In
addition, many of Guy Salmon vehicles
are fitted with Smartnav, the latest in
satellite navigation technology from
Trafficmaster, making it easy to avoid
bad traffic and enjoy the journey.
Andy Crinson, General Manager, Guy
Salmon Prestige Rental comments,
“Aston Martin is the ultimate name
in exquisite sports cars, making it the
perfect addition to the Guy Salmon
fleet. We continue to invest in the
quality of our fleet ensuring our
customers have the ultimate driving
experience. In addition, Guy Salmon
staffdeliver a premier level of care, for
a rental service that says luxury from
beginning to end.”
Visit www.guysalmon.com or call
0870 191 6993 for more information.
Matrix is One Year Old
A
fter a busy and successful first
year of trading, Matrix, the ground
transport service founded by Mathew
Hassell as a joint venture with London’s
Radio Taxis’ in early 2005, celebrated
its’ birthday by sponsoring the Institute
of Travel Management’s (ITM) annual
conference in Manchester on 3rd and
4th May 2006.
Mathew Hassell, managing director,
Matrix said: “I am delighted to be able
to support the Institute and have
the opportunity to update delegates
on Matrix continued expansion
both in acquisition strategy and also
developments to the innovative
service we offer the market, such as
our now fully accredited driver training
school and all the recent additions to
our fleet and technology.”
Hassell welcomed delegates, with
champagne, to the pre-gala dinner
drinks and the company provided
a car service to co-sponsors. The
collaboration London Radio Taxis
means that both organizations can
now offer customers real choice
in the way they choose to travel.
Whether, it is by luxury or executive
chauffer driven car through to needing
a central London black cab, and all
this can now be achieved through one
direct call.
Matthew Hassell,
MD of Matrix
ETM/TRAVEL
SHOP
79 Walton Street
Chelsea SW3 2HP
(nearest tube – South Kensington)
Gallery Phone – 020 7589 4111
Fine Art Commissions –
10am to 6pm
Monday to Friday,
11am to 5pm Saturday
(Appointments available for outside office hours)
The Resurgence of Portraiture –
Fine Art Commissions
S
ince its foundation in 1997,Londonbased Fine Art Commissions
– the only commissioning portrait
gallery in the UK – has been committed
to the showcasing of the very best
artists in the genre, contributing to,
and duly benefiting from, the current
resurgence in the commissioning of
portraits in the UK.
Representing over 70 leading
society and business portrait
painters including Nicky Philipps,
Nick Bashall, Johnny Yeo, Tom
Leveritt, Sergei Pavlenko and
Howard Morgan, Chelsea’s Fine
Art Commissions offers its clients
a broad spectrum of portrait styles,
reflecting the equally diverse range
of individuals and projects requiring
portraits in the 21st Century.
Fine Art Commissions has been
approached by private individuals
of all ages, from across the UK, to
create portraits to mark births and
birthdays, graduations, engagements,
marriages and the promotions
in business. Artists at Fine Art
Commissions have undertaken
portraits of HM The Queen,
HRH The Prince Of Wales, The
Sultan Of Brunei, The Duke Of
Westminster, Rupert Murdoch,
Sir Laurence Olivier (as King
Lear), Sir Roy Strong, Nick
Mason (Pink Floyd), Ronnie
Wood – amongst many others.
Since opening in 1997, Fine Art
ClareReid-Scott
Commissions has seen
its business increase by
30% each year, and this
growth has in turn been
matched by an annual
increase in applications
from portrait artists
keen to be represented
by Sara Stewart (Fine
Art
Commissions
Founder and Director)
and her team.
Fine Art
Commissions
– Procedure
Unique as the only commissioning
portrait gallery in the UK, Fine Art
Commissions prides itself on offering
not only the very best artists active in
modern portraiture (with the broadest
range of styles), but also making the
entire procedure of commissioning
and sitting for a portrait enjoyable and
devoid of pressure.
“Portraiture is a passion of mine
because I adore working with artists,
and there is nothing more fun than
seeing a client walk in to the gallery
and then trying to guess whom they
will choose to paint their portrait,
and then how they would seek to be
represented,” explains Sara Stewart.
“Commissioning a portrait is, in a
sense, similar to getting a suit made
on Savile Row – it involves putting
yourself into the hands of an expert
Dame Fiona Caldicott
Sergei Pavlenko-Bedford Family
BoBakker-Lotte and Floor
Tomahawk Group Joins The Ranks Of
Brit-Art Patrons
T
who will listen to what you want, and
then use his or her expertise to ensure
the ideal outcome. The experience
begins from the second you walk into
the building: from the selection of the
artist to the sitting to the receipt of
the finished portrait… commissioning
a portrait is an occasion.”
Time taken to complete a portrait
differs according to the artist and
the style of portrait (or sculpture)
employed – ranging from 24 hours to
up to 6 months.
Some artists at Fine Art
Commissions favour home visits,
whilst other prefer working from
their own studios.
Prices at Fine Art Commissions
start from £750
www.fineartcommissions.com
Fine Art Commissions
Jacq Brender
he Tomahawk Group is following in the footsteps of
top collectors such as Charles Saatchi, to support new
talent emerging from the Brit-art phenomenon.
The company, which owns three hotels in Yorkshire,
was so impressed by the work of up-and-coming artist
Sammy Dent, that Woodlands Hotel in Leeds and Aston
Hall in Sheffield is filled with her vibrant canvasses. Now
Tomahawk has just taken delivery of a number of new
works for the Great Victoria hotel in Bradford as part of
its multi-million pound refurbishment programme.
Tomahawk Group marketing director, Sue France said:
“The Victorians were great patrons of art, so we wanted to
continue that tradition in order to showcase great artists
of the future. Sammy’s work adds tremendous colour and
vitality to the hotel, and we are sure that guests will enjoy
her paintings for generations to come.”
Sammy graduated from Central St Martins School
of Art, and has exhibited in London and New York. She
said: “I was delighted to accept the commission from the
Great Victoria. My paintings are not elitist – they are for
everyone to enjoy on any level.The colour speaks volumes
in every language.” Sammy uses contrasting mediums – dry
pigment, fast drying acrylic paints and high gloss varnish
– to give her images visual depth and texture. Against
the neutral backdrop of the hotels’ interiors, the paintings
both extraordinarily powerful and life-affirming.
Built in 1867, the Great Victoria is undergoing a £5.5m
development programme. The 60-bedroomed city centre
hotel is the latest acquisition by the Tomahawk Group,
plans to move the company headquarters to the Great
Victoria in the near future.
Good News for Sufferers of Travel Sickness
O
utdoorGB has introduced the ReliefBand, a drug-free
way to control travel and motion sickness.
“This is a fantastic little piece of kit, that, so far as we
have been able to establish from first hand experience,
does actually work – independent research indicates that
it is actually effective in 90% of cases,” said Edward Giles
of OutdoorGB.
“It’s worn like a watch on the underside of the wrist
and it emits gentle electrical signals that interfere with the
nerve activity that cause nausea, blocking the messages
between the brain and stomach.
“It is adjustable, with five power levels assuring the right
amount of stimulation - and it can actually be switched on
after you’ve started to feel the effects of travel sickness,
and starts to provide relief within about 20 minutes.”
Working on an acupressure point this clinical product,
developed in the USA was originally designed to relieve
the sick feeling that comes with morning sickness and
chemotherapy sickness.
The ReliefBand is CE marked and cleared for overthe-counter (non-prescription) sales for relief of motion
sickness and morning sickness. It is priced at £94.49.
“Because it’s not a drug, users will not suffer the
headache, drowsiness, dizziness or other side-effects
typical of most medicinal remedies on the market. Also,
instead of having to take something several hours in
advance, the ReliefBand can be used at any time, even
after nausea symptoms start,” said Edward Giles.
There are no restrictions on consumption of food,
beverages or medications with the use of ReliefBand.
The ReliefBand (product code 47050) features an
adjustable output with five power levels settings. It also
has a light to indicate operation and low battery condition,
and comes complete with an adjustable strap and a 10ml
tube of conductivity gel. Additional tubes of conductivity
gel are available.
www.outdoorgb.com
ETM/BOOKS
S
ummer is big on food and drink so I have selected a few guides to help you enjoy for food and drink while you are
away in Argentina, Miami or San Francisco after all one of the nice things about travelling is the opportunity to try
new foods and drinks while you are away.
Food and
Drink in
Argentina
D
ereck Foster and Richard Tripp
offer you more than a guide.
They present Argentina to you on
a platter with a brief background
on its origin. Through “Food and
Drink in Argentina, you learn about
the four main gastronomic regions;
why the Pampas for example is big
on roast meat and little else, why
maize is big in the North west,
why the Northeast is marked by
Guarani cuisine and the secrets
behind Patagonia – which is home
to some of the world’s best lamb!
Apart from the history and
culinary tour, Dereck and Richard
offer you an A-Z Guide to Argentine
food explaining the ‘lingo’ alongside
it.
Argentina is a major wine
producer and they have not
omitted to include a journey of the
Argentine wine trail together with
a brief history as well as some of
the wine and food routes.
To ensure that they satisfy both
the keen self-catering traveller, the
resident expatriate and tourists,
the guide also includes a detailed
directory for eating out and eating
in! It also offers some recipes and
tells you where to shop!
I am sure you are wondering
about the size of the guide. This
128 page-full colour book will slip
easily into a ladies handbag and fit
the palm of a man!
To order your copies of Food
and Drink in Argentina, please email
travelbooks@lnaassociates.com
Cool Restaurants in
San Francisco
A colourful directory of popular restaurants in San Francisco
with selected recipes from some top chefs.
Lyssiemay Annoh
“San Francisco is a model for cultural diversity. Thousands of
kilometres away from their country of origin, “natives” from all over the
world cultivate their traditions and customs in homes that are barely a
few kilometres square – and they live in harmony their neighbours….
Cool Restaurants San Francisco introduces the most popular and
attractive venues. This includes, for instance, the Slanted Door with a
view across Bay Bridge or the vegetarian Greens Restaurant with a view
over Golden Gate Bridge. At the Farallon, an ambience was created in
the style of an underwater landscape, guests at the Foreign Cinema
can watch cult films whilst dining, in the Bix there is live jazz in artdeco surroundings, Mecca or Aziz are perfect locations for romantic
dinners, the 2223 Restaurant, Absinth, La Folie, Fifth Floor, Bacar, Gary
Danko,Tartare or Town Hall provide the appropriate setting for business
dinners and at Andalu each dinner guest enjoys a sumptuous meal at a
fair price, before working off the calories at the AsiaSF”.
Katarina Feuer
Cool Restaurants in Miami
– teNeues
A colourful collection of restaurants in Miami with selected recipes
from some top chefs.
Lyssiemay Annoh
“Miami is increasingly developing into a real stronghold of gastronomic
delight…but even in Miami where guests look as good as the design of
the bars, it’s not just a restaurant’s image that takes centre stage. Miami’s
cuisine is influenced by elements from the nearby Caribbean and Central
America, which connect international chefs with a European, Asian, African
and American flair. All this creates a unique mix of the exotic with a love
of the experimental. In an area where everything is within easy reach, you
can fid world-class restaurants with famous star chefs like Frederic Colin at
Raleigh Restaurant, Mark Militello at Mark’s South Beach or Mike Sabin at
Prime 112”.
Katharina Feuer
ETM/COMPETITIONS
AND OFFERS
starring Prunella Scales and
Patricia Routledge
T
SUMMER COMPETITION
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Six audiobooks and summer holiday goodies comprising a
beach bag, sunglasses, beach towel and a game!
he
intrepid
grandmothers are back
in this popular BBC Radio
4 comedy series – and
at loggerheads with their
respective families. Vera
decides to take a break
in Ibiza, and invites Irene
to join her. But a simple
T
his summer, Executive Traveller and BBC Audiobooks have put together favourite titles for summer listening and
are giving one lucky reader a chance to win all six audiobooks and summer holiday goodies comprising a beach
bag, sunglasses, a beach towel and a game and two other lucky readers a chance each to win all the six audio books.
There are audiobooks to match your every mood and holiday and all you have to do is to plug in those headphones,
sit back and enjoy!
How to enter
Simply answer the following question:
What is the title of the Best audiobook for plane journeys?
Send your entry with your name, address, email address and daytime telephone number to BBC Audio Books
Competitions, Executive Traveller, 33 Donkin House, Galleywall Road, London SE16 3PQ. UK or email your answer
with your details to competitions@executivetraveller.net
Alternatively, you can enter online at www.executivetraveller.net/competitions.
Entries must be received by 30th September 2006
adults summer listening.
Best Lounging in the
Garden Audiobook
Under Milkwood
Best Beach Audiobook
The Time Traveler’s Wife
by Audrey Niffenegger
T
his is the extraordinary
love story of Clare
and Henry who met when
Clare was six and Henry
was thirty-six, and were
married when Clare was
twenty-two and Henry
by Dylan Thomas
thirty. Impossible but true,
because Henry suffers from
a rare condition where his
genetic clock periodically
resets and he finds himself
pulled suddenly into his
past or future.
W
hen Richard Burton
breathed the opening
words of Under Milk
Wood into a microphone,
broadcasting history was
made. For this play for
voices conjures up the
intimate dream and lives
of the inhabitants of a
Welsh seaside village in a
remarkable way.
Best Audiobook for
Car Journeys
Hancock’s Half Hour:The
Very Best Episodes Vol 2
Best Cruise Ship Audiobook
Ladies of Letters Go Global
holiday soon becomes a big
adventure as the two quickly
and inevitably fall out, get
into separate scrapes in
different countries, appeal
to each other for help, and
end up chasing round the
world from Moscow to the
Maldives.
Best Audiobook for Plane Journeys
Letter From America 3
selection of Letter from
America broadcasts from
ancock’s
writers
Galton and Simpson
have
chosen
another
selection
of
favourite
episodes from the classic
radio series. Once again,
the master of misery is
supported by a star cast
including Sid James,Bill
Kerr, Kenneth Williams and
Hattie Jacques.
Best Audiobook for
Train Journeys
Arthur & George
by Julian Barnes
A
rthur & George is
based on the true story
of two men. One is Arthur
the years 1982-2003, plus a Conan Doyle, the other is
tribute to Alistair Cooke.
George Edalji, a solicitor
by Alistair Cooke
A
H
from Birmingham. Their
nineteenth-century lives are
worlds and miles apart, until
a series of shocking events
brings them together.
Summer Offers with Best Western Hotels
B
usiness trips no longer need
be a lonely experience as Best
Western Hotels, the largest group of
independently owned and managed
hotels in Great Britain, is offering
corporate clients staying at selected
Best Western hotels this summer, the
opportunity to take their partner
with them for FREE!
For stays during July and August,
corporate guests can take their
partner with them for free! Those on
business can take a rest from business
whilst partners relax and enjoy the
many leisure activities at Best Western
hotels – from a beauty treatment, to
a round of golf, a workout or simply
hitting the shops, there is something
to appeal to everyone.
After the day is over, both corporate
and leisure guests can come together
for a culinary treat at one of the
numerous award winning restaurants.
This special offer is available for stays
from Sunday to Thursday between 1st
July and 31st August 2006 excluding
Bank Holidays, and applies to either a
twin or double room which has been
sold for single occupancy.
Best Western Hotels are also
offering one free delegate place for
every ten places that are booked
through their corporate conference,
meetings and events booking service,
First Place. Bookings can be made
between 1st May to 31st August
2006 for events to be held between
1st July and 31st August 2006. All
delegates attending the event during
this period will get a complimentary
ice cream and will entitle the booker
to be entered into a free prize draw
to win a luxury hamper!
For further information on the
‘Partner stays free’ offer call: 08457
73 73 73 quoting ‘PART’ or for
further information on the ‘Free
delegate’ offer call 08706 04 05 06
quoting ‘Free Delegate Space’ or visit
www.bestwesternconnect.co.uk for
information on both offers.
Important Promotion
Information / Terms and
Conditions
1. Partner Stays Free Offer
• The offer applies to all twin / double
occupancy rooms sold for single
occupancy
• Offer is not valid with any other Best
Western promotion
• This offer is only valid for the period
stated
• GCCI points are available on this
offer
• This promotion is only bookable on
the Corporate Rate plan (CO))
• Connect Business plus clients are
eligible for this promotion
• Full terms and conditions apply. Visit
www.bestwesternconnect.co.uk/
partner
2. First Place Offer
• The offer is only available on events
booked via First Place and not on
corporate accommodation bookings
• The offer is only valid on events
booked to be held in July and August
2006
• Offer is not valid in conjunction with
any other Best Western promotion
• This offer is only valid for the period
of July and August 2006
• Offer is only valid on bookings made
for every 10 delegates at participating
Best Western hotels during the
promotional period
• Full terms and conditions apply. Visit
www.bestwesternconnect.co.uk/
delegate
Free Prize Draw
• Client will call First Place quoting
the advert source code ‘DELGATE’
to be entered into the free prize
draw.
• The promotional period, that
bookings must be made, between
is 1st May to 31st August 2006.
The event must be held in July and
August 2006 only
• The winner will be picked at
random on 16th September 2006
and be notified in writing within
28 days
ETM/EVENTS
DIARY
London Events Diary
Marriott’s Global Pursuits Trade Show Holds Its
10th Event On 5th And 6th September
Summer Nights on London’s Heddon Street
T
The Mayor’s Thames Festival 2006
he tenth annual Marriott Global
Pursuits trade show, sponsored by
British Airways, will be held on 5th and
6th September 2006 at the Grosvenor
House Hotel on Park Lane.
“We are delighted to be celebrating
the 10th Anniversary of Global
Pursuits this year, proving that this
event is a winning formula for both
Marriott and its customers. The
show has become a landmark within
the Marriott calendar and over the
years has grown by over 60%. We are
looking forward to welcoming over
600 customers over the two days of
the event” John Licence, VP Global
Sales, Europe.
“The global pursuits website gives
customers instant registration and
on-line appointment scheduling, which
enables them to plan their day and
book one on one meetings with the
exhibitors they are most wish to see,”
said Trudi Wagner Marriott’s special
events manager and show director.
More than 350 Marriott properties
in 38 countries will be represented,
with new exhibitors including all
Date: 16 – 17 September
Venue: Between Westminster
Bridge and Tower Bridge
Join in the fun at one of the capital’s
biggest celebrations. This huge, free,
open-air arts festival is a spectacular
occasion not to be missed!
include over 250 specially selected
outdoor stalls.You’ll find international
food, craft stalls, fresh juices, wines,
beers and many other weird and
wonderful attractions.
VisitBritain Leads Industry Support for
NATIONAL MEETINGS WEEK 2006
Street Art
Puzzle Pathway is an ambitious
arts project that brings together
young people in the UK with their
counterparts in India and China.School
children from London, Kolkata (India)
and Chongqing (China) will work
together to create huge artworks
inspired by their relationship to their
city’s river.
The artworks will be displayed in
iconic locations at the heart of each of
the three cities. In London, they will be
displayed on pillars all along the riverside
walkway between Westminster Bridge
Date: 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 August
Venue: Heddon Street
For five nights in August Heddon
Street in theWest End will reverberate
to music whilst visitors enjoy food
and drink.
the Absolut Ice Bar will all be offering
food and drink al fresco for the
evening. Heart 106.2 will be in the
street made famous by David Bowie
on the Ziggy Stardust album cover
from 6pm to 9pm.
Summer Chill Out
Spanish Nights
On Thursdays 3 and 10 August
join Heart 106.2 in London’s most
gastronomic cul-de-sac. Labelled as one
of the ‘hidden gems of London’s West
End’, Heddon Street is the self-styled
Regent Street Food Quarter. It is the
perfect spot to relax, wine and dine after
work or after a hard day’s shopping.
Al Fresco
Zinc Bar & Grill, The Living Room,
Gabrielles, Strawberry Moons and
The festival has grown steadily since
its launch in 1997, and this year’s event
promises to be bigger and better
than ever. Showcasing the very best
in street arts and entertainment, you
can expect a vibrant mix of fireworks,
dancing, music, fantastic costumes
and more.
Riverside Market
Stretching from the BA London Eye
to City Hall, the Riverside Market will
In the run up to the 7th Annual
Regent Street Festival, Heddon
Street will be hosting three Spanish
Nights. The festival takes place on
3 September and is themed A Walk
Through Spain. On Thursdays 17, 24
and 31 August there will be a Spanish
fiesta each evening.
Flamenco
There are thrilling flamenco dance
performances, live Spanish musicians
Puzzle Pathway
and free dance lessons. The music
begins at 6pm and the last dance is
at 10pm. Six of the restaurants will
be offering a choice of Spanish food
and drink. Zinc Bar and Grill, Momo,
Below Zero, Gabrielles, The Living
Room and Strawberry Moons have
specially prepared menus for the
Spanish Nights.
These evenings promise to be fun
with a touch of the exotic and are
sure to be a welcome chance to relax
in the busy West End.
Location: Heddon Street, W1
Times: From 6pm
Prices: Free to attend
Nearest Tube station: Oxford
Circus or Piccadilly Circus
Booking and contacts: For
more information visit www.
regentstreetonline.com
and Tower Bridge. Each piece will
contain an intriguing visual puzzle – see
how many you can solve!
Night Carnival
The climax of the event is the Night
Carnival on the Sunday evening. 2,000
musicians, dancers and performers
will make their way from Victoria
Embankment at around 7pm, crossing
the Thames at Blackfriars Bridge with
their amazing lanterns, illuminated
costumes and colourful floats.
Times: 12pm – 10pm
Prices: Free
Nearest
Tube
station:
Westminster, Embankment, Waterloo
and London Bridge
Booking and contacts: For more
details and to find out how you can get
involved, visit www.thamesfestival.org
N
ational Meetings Week 2006 will
take place 2-6th October this
year and will, for the first time, benefit
from a partnership with VisitBritain.
This will be the sixth annual National
Meetings Week, which is designed to
highlight the economic impact the
£11.7 billion meetings industry makes
on the UK economy each year. The
initiative is supported by individuals
and professional organisations in the
meetings and events industry, and
promotes the positive benefits of
events as a business tool,staff motivator
Courtyard properties in the UK,
the soon to open Marriott Hotel
Twickenham, the recently acquired
Paris Rive Gauche Hotel and Ghent
Marriott Hotel and the Renaissance
Hotel, Barcelona.
This year all of Marriott’s
international hotel brands will also be
represented – JW Marriott Hotels,
Marriott Hotels & Resorts,Renaissance
Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by
Marriott and Ritz Carlton will attend,
to assist customers in understanding
the key features and standards for
each brand.
There will be several competitions
and prize draws for visitors to enter
and one lucky customer will win a
seven nights trip for two to the JW
Marriott Hotel Cairo, including golf
and dinner. Return flights will be
courtesy of British Airways.
After the serious business of the
day, there will be evening events at the
London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor
Square from 7 – 10 pm each evening.
British Airways, the main sponsor
of the event will showcase their
and communications medium.
The
initiative’s
partnership
with VisitBritain underlines the
importance of the meetings industry
at a national level. Other partner
supporters already signed up include
leading industry organisations, the
InterContinental Hotels Group,
Business Tourism Partnership, Visit
London, ExCeL London, Novotel
London West, and the Meetings
Industry Association.
“We’re delighted to be involved
with this worthwhile initiative,”
Terraces Lounge, where visitors can
take time out from the show to relax
and have coffee. Once again BA will be
providing airline seats for customers
from across Europe.
iBAHN will sponsor the Internet
café, Airport Express Alliance is to
provide rail transfers from Gatwick
and Heathrow.
Other sponsors include Meetings &
Incentive Travel Magazine, Mushroom
Event Services who are providing
lighting for the show, Sterling Travel,
who will handle ground transportation
and Euromic.
http://www.globalpursuits.com-
Global Pursuits
Schedule:
Location: The Grosvenor House
Hotel, Park Lane, London
Dates: Tuesday 5thh September
2006 11.00 – 18.30
Wednesday 6th September 2006
11.00 – 18.30
Evening: London Marriott Hotel,
Grosvenor Square 19.00 – 22.00
commented Joss Croft, Head of
Business Visits & Events, at VisitBritain.
“Meetings and events are a significant
aspect of the UK tourism industry
and it is high time we showed that we
value the contribution they make on
a national level.”
Martin Lewis, Managing Director
of CAT Publications, which created
and organises National Meetings
Week commented: “This year’s
week will be bigger than ever. We’ve
already got some fantastic support,
and having VisitBritain on board is a
real boost. We welcome enquiries
from leading industry figures and key
brands interested in participating in
something that we strongly believe
will achieve nationwide recognition.”
Those interested in participating in
National Meetings Week are invited
to contact Martin Lewis at CAT
Publications on +44 [0] 1342 306701
or email mlewis@cat-publications.com
About National
Meetings Week
National MeetingsWeek was launched
in 2001 to promote understanding of
the financial value of the conference
industry to the exchequer and to
promote the effectiveness of meetings
and face to face communication to the
business community.
Official Supporters of
National Meetings Week
Include:
• Association of British Professional
Conference Organisers (ABPCO)
• British Association of Conference
Destinations (BACD)
• Business Tourism Partnership
• EIBTM
• ExCeL London
•
•
•
•
ICC Birmingham
InterContinental Hotels Group
London Speaker Bureau
Meetings Industry Association
(MIA)
• Novotel London West
• SITE GB Chapter
• Sodexho Prestige
• VisitBritain
• Visit London
For more information please contact:
Freyja Hanmore, Naomi Beevis or
Alistair Turner on 01892 619100
freyja.hanmore@davies-tanner.co.uk
naomi.beevis@davies-tanner.co.uk
alistair.turner@davies-tanner.co.uk
U.S. artiste 50 cent (centre) poses
with Robert Russell, Chairman for
Summerfest Productions (left) and
Johnny Gourzong (right), Executive
Director for the organisation.
Stars Flock to Jamaica for the
2006 Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest
T
he week-long annual
Red Stripe Reggae
Sumfest is the world’s
premiere Reggae Festival,
staged in the birthplace
of reggae and dancehall
JAMAICA.
The festival was created
in 1993 the festival and has
showcased the very best
reggae acts including;
• Maxi Priest, Shaggy,
• Steel Pulse,
• Beres Hammond,
• Ziggy Marley & the
Melody Makers,
• Diana King,
• Third World,
• Beenie Man,
• Bunny Wailer,
• Inner Circle,
• the late Dennis Brown
• Garnet Silk.
• Gregory Isaacs,
• Tony Rebel,
Damian (Junior Gong) Marley wooing
the crowd at Reggae Sumfest
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Morgan Heritage,
Ini Kamoze,
Bounty Killer,
Capleton,
Buju Banton.
Shabba Ranks,
Mr.Vegas,
Mr. Lex and many others.
This year thousands of fans
flocked to the beautiful city
of Montego Bay to be treated
to performances by some of
Singer John Holt shows off his Lifetime
Achievement Award for his contribution to
the development of reggae music. The award
was presented to him during his performance
at Reggae Sumfest by Robert Russell (left)
Chairman of Summerfest Productions.
the top names such as Fifty
Cent, Richie Spice and the
legendary Damian Marley.
John Holt received a
Lifetime
Achievement
Award for his contribution
to the development of
reggae music.The award was
presented to him during his
performance at the Sumfest
Robert Russell, Chairman of
Summerfest Productions.
Interim Director ofTourism,
Donnie Dawson poses with
Barbadian artiste Rihanna
The People Who Made it Happen: Destination
Marketing Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB),
Janice Allen (2nd left) is flanked by organisers of this
year’s staging of Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest in Montego
Bay. The JTB was a major sponsor of the festival,
partnering with, Summerfest Production in using its
overseas marketing and promotional machinery to
ensure that the show was a success. Others from
left are: Johnny Gourzong, Executive Director for
Summerfest Productions, Jomo Cato, Director of
Marketing and Public Relations and Robert Russell,
Chairman for Summerfest Productions.
Photo: LNA

United Arab Emirates - executivetraveller.net

Transcription

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