Jetsettersblog

KOWLOON SHANGRI-LA, HONG KONG RECEIVES FOOD SAFETY ISO 22000 ACCREDITATION

Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong’s Angelini and Nadaman have been selected as two of the 50 finest restaurants in “Dining With Stars”.

The project is organised by the glossy monthly Hong Kong Tatler and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board to unveil Hong Kong’s gourmet paradise.

A gala dinner and award ceremony attended by international celebrities and the city’s top movers and shakers took place on 14 November 2008 to celebrate the launch of “Dining With Stars”.

Angelini Italian restaurant is a favourite with Princess Ira von Fürstenburg from Germany—socialite, actor, jewellery designer and one-time public relations manager for legendary fashion designer Valentino.

Whenever she is in Hong Kong, Princess Ira makes a beeline for Angelini’s Ravioli with Truffles, or the Veal Cassoulet with a perfect end of Tiramisu, the Italian dessert mainstay, prepared by Chef Vittorio Lucariello.

“I was pleasantly surprised when I first went to Angelini to discover the menu was so extensive—there are a lot of dishes and ingredients that you can only usually find in Italy,” said Princess Ira, adding that she is also pleased to see the sizeable selection of Italian cheeses available and enjoys the restaurant’s warm, informal atmosphere.

Regarded by Mr Nigel Barker, judge of reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model”, as a haven of refreshingly consistent excellence, Nadaman Japanese restaurant has definitely captured the heart of this model-turned-photographer. Living a jet-setting life, Mr Barker never fails to savour his beloved gourmet staple, the restaurant’s traditional kaiseki, whenever he is in Hong Kong.

“Shangri-La is a great hotel chain and Chef Takaya Ishizuka from Kowloon Shangri-La is extremely talented. His food is very simple, clean and prepared with the best ingredients,” said Mr Barker, adding that he was also impressed with Chef Ishizuka’s artistic creation.

Angelini delivers authentic Italian cuisine using only the finest ingredients of the season, accompanied with an extensive wine list of over 100 Italian wines. Situated on the mezzanine floor with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong Island skyline, Angelini combines a comfortable and inviting ambience with stylish, contemporary decor. For reservations, please call 2733 8750.

Located on lower level two, Nadaman’s interior incorporates strong Japanese flavours with a contemporary twist. Combining a range of Japanese dining experiences within one restaurant, Nadaman’s main dining area includes a sushi bar, double Teppanyaki grills and a private Teppanyaki room. The Teppanyaki room, seating up to 16, is also known as the T-room due to its long T-shaped table with a Teppanyaki grill at the end, and features a cooking theatre with a dedicated “chef in action”. A divisible deluxe private dining room and tatami room are also available. Please call 2733 8751 for reservations.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 58 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

The 12 Apostles are leading the charge to be Australia’s nomination for a search to name the new Seven Wonders of Nature.

The Great Ocean Road icon leads the Great Barrier Reef as the natural wonder to take the one spot allowed for Australia in the worldwide search.

The competition is being run by the New7Wonders organisation, which ran a vote last year to elect the new Seven Wonders of the World, attracting more than 100 million votes globally for people’s favourite man-made sites.

Australia’s other registered nominations include Uluru (Northern Territory), Fraser Island (Queensland), Kakadu (Northern Territory), the Pinnacles (Western Australia), the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), the Bungle Bungles (Western Australia), Cradle Mountain (Tasmania), Flinders Ranges (South Australia), the Australian Alps, Australia’s Green Cauldron, Australia’s Coastal Wilderness and Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef.

www.australia.com/promotions/7wonders_en.aspx

Australia’s first dedicated walking lodge has opened its doors to weary walkers: bothfeet’s Walking Lodge is set in a natural rainforest amphitheatre on the midpoint of the Great Ocean Road, behind the picturesque Johanna Beach.

Completely sustainable and eco-certified, the lodge can accommodate up to 20 people and features a spring-fed swimming pool formed from natural rocks, a foot spa and massage room and a restaurant kitchen for delicious lunches and snacks.

bothfeet offers three-, four- and six-day walks along the Great Ocean Road to take in the stunning coastal landscapes, secluded beaches and striking rock formations, while for those less time-rich, shorter walks are also available to visit Cape Otway, Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles.

www.bothfeet.com.au

The Slow Coach

A curious and most captivating concept: for the first time since the end of the early 1900s, luxurious horse-drawn touring is back in fashion in the region of Healesville, just under an hour east of Melbourne.

Travelling at an Old World pace that allows guests to take in the sights and sounds, the Slow Coach passes by many original old buildings as it meanders its way through the historical Windsor, one of Australia’s very first settlement towns.

Seating up to eight people, the carriage has been luxuriously restored with antique fittings, brass, velvet and lace, while modern Australian cuisine is served, prepared by the fully enclosed restaurant.

www.slowcoach.com.au

Developers of Brunswick Forest, a 4,500-acre master planned coastal community located 10 minutes south of Wilmington, N.C., on U.S. Highway 17, have reported that Cape Fear National is set to open for play in the fall of 2009.

The 18-hole, Tim Cate-designed golf course will feature more than 1,500 linear feet of bridges, three separate waterfalls, several ponds, strategically placed rock walls, drive-through sand waste areas, beach bunkers and native grasses, wax myrtles and wildflowers, all set to add to the aesthetic value of the golf course.

An eventual 27-hole complex is currently planned. Also joining the project’s professional team is Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports, a golf management and development company selected to operate Cape Fear National in October of 2007.

Complementing the golf course will be a clubhouse, featuring banquet and meeting rooms for golf and social activities, a golf shop, locker rooms, and bar and grill.

Cape Fear National represents another major addition to the lifestyle at Brunswick Forest, joining a recently completed, 18,000-square-foot Wellness and Fitness Center, more than 100 miles of hiking, biking and nature trails and three unique neighborhood parks.

In addition, construction is well along on a 40,000-square-foot medical office building that will house New Hanover Regional Medical Center physicians, diagnostic and other outpatient facilities and related personnel in The Villages at Brunswick Forest. The Villages at Brunswick Forest is a 160-acre town center made up of more than 500,000 square feet of retail and professional establishments. Initial tenants include the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, BB&T Bank, Hampton Inn, CVS, and Lowes Foods.

For more information, call 888-371-2434 or visit www.brunswickforest.com

Hertz customers reserving a car online at www.hertz.com can now rely on a trusted name in travel for their maps and driving directions with access to the Rand McNally website. Hertz customers needing directions from their Hertz rental pick up location to their destination and for all stops in between, can now take advantage of free mapping solutions from Rand McNally. Rand McNally recently announced its More Roads-Better Directions content on its enhanced website, www.RandMcNally.com

More Roads-Better Directions content features over 1 million more home addresses and over 22,000 more miles of roads — enough to cross the country seven times — not found on any other online maps and directions service.

By selecting “Rand McNally Maps” after completing a reservation at www.hertz.com, Hertz customers will be able to view a detailed map for their destination. By entering a destination and additional stops, the site will calculate and provide written turn-by-turn directions with estimated travel times. Customers using “Rand McNally Maps” can use the supplied up-to-date traffic information to complete an efficient trip plan, find convenient amenities such as hotels, or find a business location based on category or address.

A trip can be further customized by adding stops, such as area attractions or business meetings. “Rand McNally Maps” can also be accessed when locating Hertz rental car pickup locations.

As many are tightening their belts, burst free from the pinch of the credit crunch with the launch of www.taxfreephilly.com. The new website is offering great value travel deals to Philadelphia for UK and Irish travellers looking to take advantage of tax free savings on clothes and shoes. Philadelphia – the second largest city on the US eastern coast – nestles conveniently in between New York and Washington and is a formidable city weekend getaway for those looking to re-vamp their wardrobe!

Only a seven hour flight away the city is a weave of shopping districts, providing blanket coverage of stores, malls, retail outlets and boutiques.

Visit the best in retail fashion at Rittenhouse Row. The exclusive neighbourhood – home to the very first Urban Outfitters – offers 200 dining, retail and cultural shops and attractions, overflowing with haute couture boutiques, internationally recognised retailers and custom speciality stores. A shopper’s haven, downtown Philadelphia is home to over 2,000 shops with its leading shopping centres and commercial complexes which offer an assortment of recognised store names.

For a look that never dates – what better than to indulge in some vintage classics! Northern Liberties is a unique burgeoning area of bohemian style shops, whereas South Street’s Antiques Market offers handpicked vintage clothing to rare books. The market’s late night opening hours provides the city’s ‘hippest street’ with a vibrant trendy atmosphere. Nearby, the cobbled streets of Old City offer new and vintage clothing boutiques, bookstores, galleries and countless restaurants for a welcoming relaxing break!

Hunt for bargains in an Aladdin’s Cave of artisans and speciality shops located on Sansom Street and Jeweller’s Row, the oldest diamond district in America. Tailors and seamstresses used to peddle their wares on Fabric Row which today offers unbeatable textile shopping for fabrics, trimmings and sewing supplies for the more creative fashionistas.

For great value at a snip of the price, visitors can travel outside the city to The Franklin Mills Mall which features the best names in manufacturers’ and retail outlets, including Off-5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and Last Call Neiman Marcus. The new Philadelphia Premium Outlets offers 25-66% off everyday prices across 150 brand name outlet stores, from designer fashions and sportswear to home furnishings and specialty gifts.

Visitors will marvel at the majestic King of Prussia Mall in neighbouring Valley Forge, with over 400 stores and dining outlets to appeal to the most discerning shopper! The mall is home to major name department stores including Macy’s and Bloomingdales and is the biggest retail space in the US.

The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) offers a ‘Phil Your Bags Discount Passport’, full of coupons and vouchers for great value discounts on shopping, dining, and attractions, with a map of participating venues. The passports can be obtained online at www.philadelphiausa.travel/philyourbags or through individual international tour operators.

Philadelphia boasts a wealth of cultural and historic attractions and an abundance of exciting dining and nightlife options, making the city a must visit destination!

To book your trip visit www.taxfreephilly.com  or call the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau on 0844 8806853.

The Millennium and Copthorne hotels will be at the heart of the £160million Central Village joint venture between Merepark and Ballymore.

The two establishments, which will create in excess of 360 new hotel rooms in the city, are prominently located within the new development.

The Copthorne Hotel Liverpool, will face onto Newington Square and the Boardwalk public spaces. The 4 star deluxe Millennium Hotel Liverpool will be created in the refurbished and extended grade 2 listed Watson Building adjacent to the Lewis’s building.

The hotels, designed by international award winning architects Woods Bagot, will be aimed at corporate, meetings and leisure customers and will feature conference facilities and function space; a gym/spa; bars and restaurants for both residents and public use and car parking. Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2012 and create more than 200 new jobs in the city.

Richard Peel, director of Merepark, said: “This is clearly not only a significant milestone for the Central Village project but also for Liverpool’s growing reputation as a world class tourist destination.

“There has been much debate regarding the legacy of the city’s tenure as Capital of Culture and whether Liverpool can maintain the success of 2008. The fact we are making this major announcement in the first weeks of 2009 is a very positive start to that legacy.

“Millennium & Copthorne operate 120 hotels across the world, in cities such as New York, Shanghai and Beijing. The brands’ move into Liverpool will help catapult the city into the premier league of tourism and business destinations.”

David Bell, associate director at Savills the joint letting agent, said: “With its prime city centre location, Central Village is set to become the landmark mixed use scheme in Liverpool and the commitment from Millennium & Copthorne is testament to this.”

Richard Hartman, Chief Executive Officer for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels added “The addition of these two Liverpool hotels to our growing UK portfolio marks a significant step forward in our intention to manage properties in the best locations available. We are a destination-focused hotel group with the right hotels in the right places and we look forward to opening the Millennium and Copthorne Hotels in Liverpool.”

Councillor Warren Bradley, Liverpool City Council Leader, said: “This announcement is excellent news and we are very pleased that such a prestigious company has completed a deal to come to a new development in Liverpool. It shows clearly that we are a city in which significant investment is continuing to take place. In the last few years we have seen a real growth in our hotel sector showing that Liverpool is increasingly seen as an attractive place to visit.”

Ranch Rider has launched 12 new options for 2009, including a ski and ranch adventure, horse whispering clinics with wild mustangs and art classes at home on the range. A new retreat in British Columbia has also been added to the portfolio. Perfect for recession weary travellers in need of rejuvenation, guests can indulge in choco-therapy or even take a life-coaching course. Early bookers will be able to make huge savings as Ranch Rider has forward bought the majority of its currency, and as the tour operator is ABTA and ATOL bonded, ranchers can book with peace of mind, as both their holiday and flights will be fully protected.

Ski & Ranch in one holiday from now until the end of March and spend 3-days at the Red Mountain Lodge and 4-days at the Lonesome Spur in Montana. The trip is open to families with children of six years and over and there are various programmes to suit all ages. Aspiring skiers aged 7-12 can join the trailblazers, while “cool kids” aged 9-12 can get to grips with snow boarding. The resort will also feature snow monsters on the nursery slopes – a highlight for younger skiers. During the winter months the working ranch offers pleasure riding over the snow covered mountains and optional cattle drives. 6-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,129pp (adults) £889pp (6-10 years). No single supplement. International flight from £536pp. Includes ski passes and ski resort/ranch transfers. Excludes children’s programmes.

(SAVE £176pp) The strains and stresses of the recession might be beginning to show, but at Eden on Chilko Lake, a new health & wellness retreat in British Columbia, weary souls can forget about their worries and focus on their inner being. Situated in majestic surroundings at the mouth of the Chilko River, the retreat offers amazing views of British Columbia’s Coastal Mountains and the Ts’yl-os Provincial Park; a protected natural wildlife habitat. Activities include grizzly bear viewing, horse back riding, wildflower hikes, yoga and scenic lake tours; all of the options complimented by The Garden Spa and qualified nutritional consultants. Special weeks to soothe the soul cover life coaching, dance and choco-therapy. 6-nights with Ranch Rider, combining 3-nights at the Elkin Creek Ranch and 3-nights at Eden on Chilko Lake from only £989pp departing May to October. No single supplement. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended and gratuities as left to guests’ discretion. International return flight from £716pp. (Full price £1,169pp less 15% discount of £176pp)

Ever since Robert Redford graced our screens as the horse whisperer in 1998, travellers have been flocking to North America to learn more about this mystical technique. Ranchers booking at the Lonesome Spur on 17 May and 06 September will be able to enjoy a special week-long clinic with Mark Dixon – the expert horseman breaking in wild mustangs. The ranch, which hosted Nicholas Evans while he was researching the Horse Whisperer, has also taken part in a government approved adoption programme and the owners run off ranch trips to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. Guests can even ride the trails on a real mustang, a thrilling activity included in the 6-night stay. From £1,364pp with Ranch Rider. No single supplement. International return flight from £536pp.

(SAVE £276pp) The Colorado Trails Ranch in Durango features an adult only Art Clinic in the Autumn, with painting and drawing instruction from Pat Fullerton; an artist with over 30 years experience. Nature is the inspiration behind this special week, guests travelling to awe-inspiring locations on horseback. Wild flowers, green pines, red oaks, golden aspens and the blue skies of Colorado will provide the perfect backdrop for wranglers with artistic flair. Alternative ranch-based activities are included in the package. 7-nights with Ranch Rider from £1,103pp departing 20 September. No single supplement. International return flight from £486pp. Excludes transfers as car hire recommended. (Full price £1,379pp less 20% discount of £276pp)

Unless otherwise stated the above prices include return international flight (including all current taxes and fuel surcharges), all full board accommodation, gratuities, transfers, all ranch based riding and activities. Ranch Rider offers flights from the following departure airports, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Additional departure airports including Aberdeen, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds/Bradford, Humberside, Teeside, Newcastle and Norwich are available at a £50-£60pp supplement.

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811, email info@ranchrider.com  or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com  for further information. ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.

Rich in heritage, Newburgh Quarter has real character with its 17th Century cobbled streets, unique tall and narrow buildings- once Central London dwellings and was even a plague pit in the 1600’s.

The Victorian craze for bath and wash houses saw the establishment of the infamous Marshall Street Baths (re-opening in 2010), a stone’s throw from where William Blake was born.

The vision of today’s Newburgh Quarter is clear- the remit to reflect the best of contemporary British and International talent in fashion, jewellery and accessories creating a sense of uniqueness and an exciting shopping adventure. Celebrity fans of the Newburgh Quarter include Matthew Williamson, Alex Turner, Fat Boy Slim, Pink, Brad Pitt, Kate Moss, Sadie Frost and Peaches Geldof.

The Great Frog has been in the Newburgh Quarter since the 1970’s and has been joined by the current vision and style of new, young talent such as Chateau Roux and Leluu. But whether established or new, all contribute their considerable talent to the lure of this creative, spirited community peppered with chic eateries, bars, cafes and traditional, welcoming Victorian public houses. It is a winning combination.

Add to this the fact that the Newburgh Quarter is in the West End, in the heart of the bustling centre and yet an enclave of its own, the very antithesis of the humdrum high street. It’s an added feature with so many owner- makers often working in and from their boutiques; the shopper often receives very personal attention from bespoke services to spirited advice.

The Newburgh Quarter is divided into streets- Newburgh Street, Marshall Street, Lowndes Court, Marlborough Court, East Foubert’s Place and East Ganton Street.

NEWBURGH STREET

Chateau Roux are experts in cutting edge streetwear which has both an edgy contemporary and realistic futuristic feel. The range of clothes available including an unexpected T-shirt range featuring challenging designs, with a comprehensive range of sweaters and jackets featuring bold prints and a rich colour palette to boot.

The latest opening on Newburgh Street, Leluu’s designs are purposefully unique. The emphasis is most certainly on a bold mixing of influences and styles created by Founder and Creative Director, Uyen. Unique material for her clothing range is sourced from Vietnam markets and she works with her family who tailors them at home. Here you can discover feminine clothing, cute accessories, shoes and amazing bags.

Decorate your home in contemporary decorative objects, china, lighting and furniture from Lifestylebazaar. The designers showcased are sourced and endorsed by the two co-owners who have a taste for the exquisite. The pantone mugs are a must buy in every rainbow colour.

L.A. Sugar offers pretty silk printed dresses, tops and accessories all sourced from tinsel town. Adored by the L.A. fashion pack; Eva Longoria, Cameron Diaz and Lindsay Lohan have all been caught out and about in L.A. Sugar. Only available in the UK on Newburgh Street.

A perfect example of Newburgh’s celebration of beautiful design is Beyond The Valley. A delightful store, gallery and studio that promotes the work of London’s emerging creative talents, acting as a platform for them to showcase their work in retail. Most products are totally exclusive to the store.

Jess James is a must-visit for jewellery connoisseurs. With a beautiful aquarium in the middle of their store, the jewellery is likewise wonderfully innovative, carefully composed of 30 plus designers. Jess James happily involves clients in the process of creating their own bespoke pieces in platinum, gold or silver.

Anna Lou of London is ideal for those wanting fun fashion jewellery to make an impression. Key trend pieces include big letter charm necklaces in bright perspex a la Kate Moss and oversized flower headbands. Quite the little shop of treasures.

55DSL is the baby brother to Diesel and has a fun, open minded attitude, fusing sports and urban street style in aesthetically stunning garments aimed at free thinkers.

Fred Perry’s Newburgh store offers originals and collaboration pieces with Commes de Garcon, Paul Weller, Terry Hall and Swear footwear adding a twist to the great British heritage brand.

No. 6 are purveyors of ‘street’, selling coveted special edition Adidas sportswear and trainers. It is a shop, gallery and hang out area for those in the know. Look out for the Consortium range showcasing designs by the Undefeated Crew and Colette, Paris.

Other stores to visit on Newburgh Street include MAC, Levi’s conceptual store Cinch showcasing coveted collaborations with Henry Holland and Damian Hirst, Onitsuka Tiger, Savage London, and fine jeweller Van Den Berg.

MARLBOROUGH AND LOWNDES COURT

The Face, on Marlborough Court has a fantastic collection of original fashion from the 60’s, including menswear, womenswear and accessories such as their infamous winkle pickers.

MARSHALL STREET

Explore Marshall Street, parallel to Newburgh Street.

Hurwundeki is an inspirational store with their own unique range of irresistible cutting-edge clothing and accessories available at remarkably reasonable prices. The boutique has quite a cult following.

Independent designer Mei Hui Liu’s high-end boutique Victim showcases her eccentric and individualistic designs; all are incredibly striking. Victim also offers a bespoke corsetry and shoe service.

The Concrete boutique sources alternative, up and coming labels for their boutique which alongside their own range, Unconditional. Concrete is a mecca for those seeking something distinctive and inspiring.

Bob Soho is a stylish hair salon with a difference.

GANTON STREET
Doors by Jas M.B. is effortlessly stylish and refreshingly unpretentious. The boutique’s trademark is the range of Italian leather bags, visionary in style and craftsmanship. Customers can choose the leather and design they prefer to create the ultimate in bespoke bags.

Something of a Newburgh Street ‘veteran’ yet no one more with their finger on the contemporary pulse, The Great Frog has been established here since 1976. The merchandise is all hand crafted, mostly in silver and some set with stones to highlight staring eyes or decorate a worked design element. The purpose was to create challenging, dramatic jewellery. Johnny Depp, Iron Maiden and Lenny Kravitz are all fans.

Mor challenge traditional jewellery designs with their hand crafted ethnic inspired ranges. Many pieces are one-off and a bespoke service is also offered for customers who would prefer pieces designed in platinum or gold.

For girls who love flamboyant fun clothing and accessories, Joie is a dream come true. Look out for the pretty vintage inspired fabrics, dresses in psychedelic colours and cardigans with cute trims.

EAST FOUBERT’S PLACE
Pamper yourself in Cowshed’s concept store with their premium range of naturally based bath and body products hand made from only the finest natural ingredients. Be sure to indulge in the beauty treatments also on offer, well known for their therapeutic rewards.

BE.YOU#[K] is a trendy French label, loved by those that like to dress uniquely. Their denim cuts are unique and sure to get you noticed.

FOOD/ DRINK IN THE NEWBURGH QUARTER
Shopping can be thirsty work, so regain your composure with a cheeky tipple at The White Horse or The Shaston Arms, both traditional English pubs, packed with characters from Carnaby, the atmosphere is cosy, the food hearty, and is certain to have you returning for more.

Alternatively, Canela on Newburgh Street is a Brazilian and Portuguese café popular with locals where the coffee is brewed strong, the service is warm and the food mouth-watering. Check out their lunch offers.

La Trouvaille, a quaint restaurant and wine bar, has a philosophy of passion, serving French inspired food with the finest ingredients in an upbeat atmosphere. They regularly host cheese and wine evenings with a 3 course dinner for two, the vineyard owner attends to discuss the intimate details of their wine.

The New Newburgh Quarter is quite simply, the new way to shop.

www.carnaby.co.uk