Jetsettersblog

由2012年1月1日至2月29日，於香港沙田凱悅酒店Melo Spa水療中心以內外全新的感覺為新一年作好開始；或以潤澤身心的護理療程慰勞摯愛，瞭表心意。

Melo 888 (1 小時)
HK$888 單人 / HK$1,688 雙人
以按摩趕走疲累，令繃緊的肌肉得到鬆弛，迎接新的開始；另奉上Melo「利是」水療禮劵乙張。

Melo華麗冬日體驗 (2.5小時)
HK$1,688 單人 / HK$3,168 雙人
明淨美肌香薰浴
身心滋養特色按摩
亮麗美肌面部護理

Melo 甜夢體驗 (2.5 小時)
HK$1,830 單人
純美香薰浴
滋潤蜂蜜果糖磨砂
柔滑牛奶美體敷膜
怡神靜心按摩
窩心水療禮品乙份

Melo 煥發神采體驗 (3 小時)
HK$2,050 單人 / HK$3,800 雙人
玫瑰香薰牛奶浴
鬆弛舒適香薰按摩
閃亮明眸護理
玫瑰滋潤面部護理
窩心水療禮品乙份

Melo Spa水療中心亦設有水療禮券讓賓客自行挑選心水護理項目。

預約 +852 3723 7684
營業時間 每天上午9時至晚上11時30分

Melo Spa水療中心
香港沙田凱悅酒店
香港沙田澤祥街18號

Phuket’s trendy new RE KÁ TA Club on the Beach will soft-open late December, offering a new beachfront destination for Phuket visits to eat, drink, swim spa, shop and chill out to great tunes from morning to midnight (and beyond).

RE KÁ TA beach club was designed by Fredo Taffin, the renowned Bali based architect and landscape designer, who created the concept as part of Boathouse Phuket’s renovation, a project which cost USD 6 million in transformation. Australian Jon Butt has the enviable job as Manager of this fabulous new destination and entertainment facility which is adjacent to Boathouse.

RE KÁ TA beach club’s fabulous new facilities make it perfect one stop shop for a relaxing day out, a hip and happening night out – or both – where you can enjoy the “James Bond Martini Lifestyle” all day and night.

Once fully complete for its grand opening early 2012, the facilities at the trendy new beach club will include:

A shimmering beachfront crescent moon infinity edge pool – with stunning views and sensational sunsets – perfect for all-day cocktails
A large private sun lounging area facing the sea
Beachfront cocktail bar (with an awesome drink list)
Trendy, hip, living cuisine gourmet restaurant
Holistic Spa with beauty salon
Spacious changing rooms with shower, lounge and locker facilities
Outdoor automatic, walk through, four-head rain showers (very cool)
RE KÁ TA Boutique & Café. Enjoy a drink from our long list of
Coffees, teas and beverages while shopping for your favorite fashion and gifts
The latest tunes from the latest Meyer state-of-the-arts sound system
including regular and visit Guest DJs.

Definitely the place to be seen, RE KÁ TA is launching in style and looks to become a top favorite with both visitors to Phuket as well as the Island’s locals.

Discover the City’s Great New Bars & Restaurants

Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe is celebrating the unveiling of six new restaurants and bars inChina’s third-largest city, with a ‘Gourmet Passport’ tempting diners with discounts and special offers.

Six stylish restaurants and bars are new to the city at Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel inGuangzhou, located within steps of the city’s East Railway Station.

They are headlined by signature Chinese restaurant Sui Xuan, along with Il Ponte serving authentic Italian cuisine, pan-Asian Café@2, convivial café Alfresco, refined social hub for afternoon tea and cakes T Lounge & Bar, and trendy live music venue Bar One.

With the ‘Gourmet Passport’, guests can earn a complimentary buffet dinner for two by collecting “visas” showing they visited all six outlets before 2012.

The “visas” are issued on spending a minimum RMB300 at the three restaurants, and RMB 100-200 at each of the three bars & cafes.

Further promotions at the individual outlets include lunch and dinner voucher discounts atCafé @2, with a 23% discount on a set of ten lunch vouchers (RMB2,000) and 13% discount on ten dinner vouchers (RMB3,000).

At chic Italian bistro Il Ponte, every spend of RMB500 earns a RMB100 cash redemption voucher – ideal for groups trying the new Pizza & Pasta promotion at just RMB 98, of festive season specials.

Paying homage to the region’s finest Cantonese cuisine, Sui Xuan is serving a Winter Tonic Feast. For every RMB300 spend, guest will get one RMB100 Cash Redemption voucher.

T Lounge & Bar is also celebrating its opening with a ‘Buy tea or coffee for 4 people, get one free hi-tea set” promotion.

At Al Fresco, a special coffee liqueur promotion also offers a 50% discount on the next cup – after ordering from an eclectic choice that includes Mexican, Gaelic, Russian and even Calypso Coffee at RMB 48.

“We are very excited to present the new restaurants and bars of Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe which offer some of the best food and services in the city”, said John Burger, general manager. “The Gourmet Passport offers a unique way for our guests to discover them all.”
*Prices are subject to 15% surcharge.

Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe is the ninth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in China. The hotel is owned by a subsidiary of Talent Property Group Limited. The hotel is located 215 Linhe Xi Heng Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou PRC 510500. For more information or to make reservations, contact +86 20 6683 9999, email guangzhoutianhe.info@hilton.com  or visit www.guangzhoutianhe.hilton.com  To access images and additional information, visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/guangzhoutianhe 

Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre brings world-class meetings and events facilities, destination dining and contemporary accommodation to downtown Shanghai

The 18th and largest hotel from Marriott International in Shanghai has opened its doors in the heart of the city centre. The 720 guest room Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre stands out as a flagship hotel for the Marriott Hotels and Resorts brand inChina. Offering unmatched hospitality, an unbeatable location and state-of-the-art contemporary amenities, the 39-storey hotel features five unique dining destinations and more than 2,000 sq m of dedicated event space.

Ideally located onXizang Middle Roadand overlooking People’s Square – the official geographic centre of the city – Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre provides effortless access to the city’s finest cultural, entertainment and shopping attractions. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the Bund, and People’s Square (including Metro Lines 1, 2 and are all within close walking distance.

Exceptional thought and craft has gone in to the design of this upscale hotel to ensure it meets the needs of today’s discerning business and leisure travellers. “Having opened several hotels with Marriott International inShanghai and abroad, I truly believe that this hotel is poised to make a significant impact in the city,” said Meng Lo, General Manager of Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre.

Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre’s 720 well-appointed guest rooms feature 42-inch LCD televisions with plug-and-play MP3 and laptop connectivity, iPod docking stations, high-speed wireless and wired Internet, ergonomic work space, luxury bedding and magnificent marble bathrooms. One of the largest in town, the expansive 37th-floor Executive Lounge provides an exclusive residence for guests, with complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails, plus bespoke business amenities and premium personalised services.

The hotel’s five restaurants and lounges are destinations in themselves. Inagiku, the renowned century-old Japanese restaurant chain is entering the Shanghaimarket with a team of experienced Japanese chefs led by Master Chef Shinji Morihara who previously wowed diners from the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong. Signature Chinese dining experiences are available at Man Ho, which serves authentic Cantonese and local Shanghainese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy international flavours at Shanghai City Bistro; fresh coffees and bites-to-go atJava+. The Lounge features an impressive 30-metre-high Winter Garden atrium providing a stylish setting for guests to enjoy Afternoon Tea or a classic cocktail.

A key feature of the hotel is its comprehensive meetings and events facilities. The entire fifth level is a dedicated events floor offering more than 2,000 sq m of multi-functional space, including two pillar-free ballrooms and seven break-out rooms – six of which offer natural light. Standing out from its upscale competitors, Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre boasts a unique high-resolution 9 x 5 metre LED display wall in the Grand Ballroom for high impact presentations, plus a range of sustainable meeting packages, complete with a carbon offset programme.

After a day of meetings or sightseeing, guests can take a dip in the 25-metre indoor pool with Jacuzzi, Steam Room and Sauna, work out in the fully equipped gym or enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the seven private treatment rooms at The Spa.

Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre is located at 555 Xizang Road(Middle), Huangpu District, Shanghai. For more information, please visit www.shanghaimarriott.com

Recognised by The MICHELIN Guide
Having opened for just eight months, the Chinese restaurant Tin Lung Heen and the Italian restaurant Tosca at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong are proud to be recognized by one of the most well-regarded restaurant guides in the world – the MICHELIN Guide.

In the MICHELIN guide Hong Kong Macau 2012, Tin Lung Heen was awarded one Michelin star, one of the five new Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong to receive this prestigious honor. Tosca was recommended in the guide receiving three “forks and spoons”, which in itself is a tremendous accolade in its first year of operations.

Pierre Perruset, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong commented, “I am delighted that Tin Lung Heen has garnered the one-star rating, an exceptional achievement in such a short period of time. I am equally delighted that Tosca has also been recognized and listed in the prestigious Michelin guide. This is the concerted efforts of all the ladies and gentlemen in the hotel and the restaurants, dedicated in crafting a distinctive and exceptional dining experience for the guests.”

Chef Paul Lau, the Chef de Cuisine at Tin Lung Heen expressed, “My cooking philosophy is simple. The presentation can be innovative, but you always have to respect the traditional cooking methods and techniques. Ultimately, what I want to see are the smiling faces of the diners and I have to ensure every diner is able to taste and enjoy the food to its fullest.”

Chef Lau is highly regarded as one of the top Cantonese chefs in Hong Kong. He is an expert in Chinese culinary arts with over 34 years of experience in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, as well as in Dubai and the UK.

Located on the 102/F, Tin Lung Heen presents refined authentic Cantonese cuisine at its best in town. It is a popular venue for Hong Kong’s traditional Dim Sum complemented with a premium variety of tea. On the same floor, Tosca offers Southern Italian cuisine in a dramatically stylish backdrop. The open kitchen design and high ceiling complete the one-of-a-kind dining experience.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Occupying floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong is the highest hotel in the world. The 312 guest rooms all providing spectacular city and harbour views. With six dining venues starting on the 102nd floor, including state-of-the-art designer Chinese and Italian restaurants, and lobby lounge, the rooftop bar will be a truly stunning venue at 490 meters above sea level. For those wishing to relax and indulge, The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA located on 116th floor features nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couple’s suites, re-define the urban spa experience in the city and across Asia. The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness centre and an indoor pool on the 118th floor with a 28m x 7m LED screen on the ceiling. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong also boasts one of the largest ballrooms in the city at 930sqm. Complemented by an additional four meeting rooms, it has fast become the new social centre for Hong Kong and will set the benchmark for events in the region.

For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/hongkong

The second and final phase of the award-winning Residences at Four Seasons in Chiang Mai has been unveiled.

Following on from the highly-successful sale of the condominium residences at the same resort, the second phase centres around five incredibly luxurious residential villas priced at 150 million baht each.

Adjoining the world-famous Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, the five secluded residential villas are tucked away within 1-2 rai of verdant tropical gardens, rippling streams and stunning rural mountain panoramas.

“The villas are in a league of their own when it comes to property in Chiang Mai. They have been built and designed to the highest quality and are set in outstanding surroundings,” said James Knowles, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Residential Property, Minor International.

“On top of that, prospective owners have the full service and amenities of one of the best hotels in the world – The Residences at Four Seasons resort, Chiang Mai – at their disposal. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to obtain the ultimate dream home in northern Thailand.”

Embracing their surroundings, the villas are designed to provide breathtaking views onto the lush natural beauty of the Mae Rim Valley, while inside, charming Lanna Thai tradition is felt in every hand-crafted detail. A river runs sleepily through this exclusive community, a gentle reminder of the slow pace of life characteristic of Thailand’s rural north.

Each of the five residential villas has been designed by famed architect Lek Bunnag to provide the ultimate in luxury living, creating an environment rich with modern comforts to complement Northern Thailand’s rustic natural beauty and charming traditions.

Every villa has been conceived and designed as a personal sanctuary, with each room recalling the grace of traditional Lanna style. Unique curved ceilings, arched windows and subtle tones create a blend of natural light and free-flowing space, while decorative doors and shutters, ornamental in elaborate gold-leaf, recall the splendor of the Lanna era. Hardwood floors and large area rugs ground the interior design, hearkening back to an era of grace and elegance.

Designed in harmony with nature, each residence is enclosed in its own individually landscaped garden created by the internationally acclaimed landscape architect Bill Bensley.

Conceived as an extension of the visual language of each villa, the gardens enfold each villa and its private pool in a landscape rich with natural streams, boulders, and a diverse array of tropical flora and plant life, sculptures and lit pathways. At the bottom of each pool, residents will notice striking bronze medallions – a true Bill Bensley signature.

All villas at Residences comprise two levels with four bedrooms, and are fully equipped with the luxuries of modern technology, including state-of-the-art entertainment and communication systems, and of course, the on-call service of a Four Seasons butler at any hour of the day.

Mega Maldives Airlines celebrates a major milestone in its short history by launching a brand new service between China and the Maldives.

Still within our first year, Mega Maldives Airlines is proud to announce our fourth scheduled route between capital, Male’ and the Chinese commercial powerhouse of Chongqing, in the heart of south-western mainland China.

China has proven itself as being a prominent market for Maldives’ tourism. A recent survey has shown that the Maldives is now higher on the list than other famous beach destinations, such as Bali or Phuket. This popularity, combined with the growth of the Asian economies has led to the world’s most populous nation becoming one of the Maldives’ most vital sources of incoming tourist arrivals.

Chongqing is one of the fastest growing cities in China, having grown from a population of about 1 million in 1950, to almost 30 million today. This bustling metropolis is home to one-third of China’s automobile production, as well as a number of leading international retail and finance groups, including Ford, Mazda, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, ANZ Scotiabank, Wal Mart, Metro AG and Carrefour.

As the Maldives’ premier international airline, Mega Maldives Airlines viewed Chongqing as the next logical choice as a direct connection between one of the world’s most renowned and most sought after holiday destinations and the heart of China’s commerce and industry. Mega Maldives Airlines is proud to deliver on its objectives of initiating new direct services to routes that has previously not been serviced by any other airlines.

The new service, 5M162 departs Male’s International Airport (MLE) for Chongqing’s Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) every five days for the 7 hour flight. Following a short turnaround, the return flight – 5M163 – will carry a fresh planeload of holidaymakers in Mega Maldives Airlines comfort non-stop to Male’ Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, where travellers can make the easy connection with seaplane or ferry to one of the country’s many world-famous resorts.

“Following the success of previous routes other major Chinese cities, it was an easy and highly logical decision to include Chongqing as the next focus route for Mega Maldives Airlines. As the Chinese outbound market grows at breakneck [MN1] pace, an ever increasing number of travellers from ‘megacities’, such as Chongqing, want an easy and direct holiday connection with the Maldives – a name synonymous with the world’s best beaches, five-star island resorts and incredible natural settings” said Ali Faiz, Marketing Director for Mega Maldives Airlines.

In 2009, Maldives recorded 61,000 tourists from China. This figure almost doubled in 2010 to 119,000 in 2010. The trend continued, with a jump of 62% on the previous year, with 146,668 arrivals recorded between January and September this year.

Most of the arrivals comprised of newlyweds, seeking the paradise-like setting of gorgeous white-sand beaches and pristine waters that only the Maldives can offer for an intimate honeymoon experience.

This surge in Chinese tourism led to China opening up an embassy in the Maldives’ capital of Male, and the creation of the nation’s largest airline – Mega Maldives Airline.

http://news.yahoo.com/china-discovers-maldives-230000770.html

About Mega Maldives Airlines

Mega Maldives Airlines is the international carrier of the Maldives and currently has flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chongqing with new services scheduled to open in early 2012.

For more information and to explore trade opportunities please, visit http://www.megamaldivesair.com  or contact us at info@megamaldivesair.com

This idyllic beachfront 37 room resort needs no introduction to food and wine lovers from around the globe; many of whom return each year to enjoy its gastronomic offerings. The resort has won an impressive collection of awards for both food and wine, including being the first ever winner of the Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” in Thailand in 2006, and every year since.

Master Chef Jean-Noel Lumineau is one of only 300 Master Chefs in the World from the highly distinguished French Association of Master Chefs “Maitre-Cuisinier de France – and the only one in Thailand. He has been at the helm in the kitchen for 11 years.

The Wine Cellar proudly displays 800 labels from 16 countries and is managed by Wine Director George Ciret. This exquisite collection includes 190 whites, 492 reds and champagne, together with rare and vintage wines. An impressive range of 32 labels are offered by the glass, made possible with the “Le Verre de Vin” wine preservation system which uses the latest technology to ensure wine, once opened, retains the highest quality and flavor.

Chef Jean-Noel has created a sumptuous four course degustation menu for both Thai and French cuisine, collaborating with Georges for wine pairings for each course – . French wines for the French menu and Thai wines for the Thai menu. The Degustation menus are extremely popular with guests, visitors and locals. Degustation Menus feature the following

French
Pan-seared duck foie gras and chanterelle mushrooms in Vintage Port Wine sauce
Open Ravioli with rock lobster, shellfish and morel sauce
Lamb loin, green asparagus, cepes mushrooms, celery mash and zucchini mousse
Almond Napoleon cake, sultana grapes and green apple sherbet

Thai
Prawns coasted with spicy green curry, plum and sweet chili dip
Pan-grilled seabass filled with lemongrass, chili and lime
Lamb Massaman curry slow cooked, with shallots, potatoes and cashew nuts
Mango coconut ice cream, Malibu cream and passion fruit sauce

The nautical themed Bar and elevated Sunset Lounge are perfect spots to unwind and relax, sipping on famous Boathouse cocktails whilst admiring the sunset over the Andaman sea. Happy Hour is from 5-7pm daily with 50% off all drinks, as well as a selection of wines by the glass.

The Food Lovers Gastronomy Package is priced from THB50,000 (USD1,958 approx) and includes the following:

> Round trip airport limousine transfers
> Luxurious accommodation in Beach or Lounge Access Room for 3 nights
> Sumptuous daily breakfast for two
> Degustation menu (French cuisine) with wines on night of your choice

Additional nights are available at THB14,000 (USD448 approx)per night including accommodation and breakfast for two. All rates are valid to 15 April 2012, subject to availability, plus service charge and applicable Government taxes.

For reservations and enquiries, please contact Ms Ky Thipjutha, Bangkok Sales Manager, on

Tel: +66 2 249 1919 Fax: + 66 2 246 1920
Email: bkk@boathousephuket.com

Or the resort direct, on
Tel: +66 76 330 015-7 Fax: +66 76 330 561

Email: info@boathousephuket.com
Website: www.boathousephuket.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/boathousephuket

The Datai Langkawi is an iconic resort with an international following and one of the world’s most stunning hideaways. Situated in the northwest tip of Langkawi Island in Malaysia, surrounded by an ancient tropical rainforest, a white sand beach and overlooking the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, The Datai has put Langkawi on the map for discerning travelers.

The Datai Langkawi’s 54 well-appointed deluxe rooms, 40 villas, and 14 suites, all offer scenic views of nature and jungle, and a range of dining options for indoor or alfresco meals. Two swimming pools an award-winning spa nestled under the rainforest canopy, and the nearby 18-hole championship Datai Bay Golf Course provide for leisure pursuits. www.thedatai.com.my

BACK TO NATURE PACKAGE AT THE DATAI LANGKAWI
What’s Included:
-Two night stay in a Superior Villa including daily breakfast for two
-Return Airport Transfers
-Spa Treatment for two in an open-air spa villa
-Mangrove Tour with the resident naturalist

Price: from RM2,887.50 per package for two adults (approximately AUS$906.00 at today’s exchange).

For reservations at
The Datai Langkawi
contact reservationsdatailangkawi@thedatai.com.my  or
phone (+60 4) 959 2500

For media information contacts:
Betsy Pie | Betsy Pie International Communications
Public Relations – Archipelago Hotels and Resorts
E: betsy@betsypiecomm.com
Mobile: +61 411 886 386

The Datai Langkawi is managed by Archipelago Hotels & Resorts

About Archipelago Hotels and Resorts
Archipelago Hotels and Resorts create memories and deliver the fine art of hospitality for guests who appreciate experiences that are out of the ordinary and special. Embracing the true spirit of Asian culture and traditions, Archipelago Hotels & Resorts consistently combine passion and integrity, subtlety and luxury, creating a guest experience that fosters fond and everlasting memories. The company’s luxury portfolio includes The Datai Langkawi (a member of LHW), The Club at Saujana Resort (a member of LHW) and The Carcosa Seri Negara. www.shr.my

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment, has just added several feathers to its cap. Two sommeliers were presented accolades in recent national and regional competitions and will move on to Seoul in 2012 to compete with Asia and Oceania’s best sommeliers. To top it off, an exclusive wine blend created especially by the Marina Bay Sands Food and Beverage (F&B) team, Pirramimma Cabernet Petit Verdot 2007, was awarded a silver medal at The International Wine Challenge 2011 held in London on 06 September 2011.

In the most recent Southeast Asia Best Sommelier Competition organized by the region’s Sommelier Associations and the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale, two sommeliers from Marina Bay Sands clinched the top prizes, edging out 10 other contestants. db Bistro Moderne’s Rajeshwaran Gopal was named Best Sommelier in Southeast Asia, while Alan Au from Osteria Mozza secured second place in the same competition. Earlier this year in the national level of the Best Sommelier Competition, Rajesh and Alan also won the title of Best Sommelier in Malaysia and Singapore respectively.

Osteria Mozza’s Han Yew Kong, who participated in the national competition in Malaysia was also bestowed the title of “Most Knowledgeable Sommelier”, as a recognition for his extensive knowledge on wines and spirits.

Mr. Tamir Shanel, Vice President of Food and Beverage Marina Bay Sands, said, “Marina Bay Sands offers a wide array of dining options for every palate. Our strong line-up of sommeliers, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, play an important role in providing an exceptional dining experience for our guests. We are proud to have such outstanding sommeliers on our team and their latest wins recognize their talent and passion. Combined with the accolades presented to Pirramimma Cabernet Petit Verdot 2007, we have once again reinforced our position as Asia’s most spectacular dining destination.”

Following their prestigious wins, Rajesh and Alan will be heading to Seoul in 2012 to pit their knowledge against top sommeliers from 12 Asia Pacific and Oceania nations.

“It’s a dream come true to be the winner of this competition. I learnt a lot from the whole experience and am honored to be able to represent Singapore,” said Mozza’s Alan. His peer Rajesh added: “This competition has equipped me with the necessary skills for the upcoming competitions and allowed me to further hone my skills and knowledge.”

Both Rajesh and Alan had to go through two rounds of grueling competitions that involved a series of theory tests, blind tastings and challenges that tested their wine service standards. There were two rounds of challenges before Rajesh clinched the coveted title while Alan emerged second.

Rajesh has 10 years of experience under his belt and working at db Bistro Moderne has given him the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most unique wines. He is currently preparing for one of the most trying exams in the world – the Master Sommelier exam, which he plans to take next November. With only 180 Master Sommeliers in the world, Rajesh aspires to be the first Asian to obtain this title. Rajesh is also one of the first in Asia to pass the rigorous Court of Master Sommelier’s Advanced Level Exam in London earlier this year. Alan had previously worked in several fine-dining restaurants in Taiwan and Singapore and honed his exceptional skills over a period of six years.

The jewel in the crown was the Silver Award bestowed on a wine bottled exclusively for Marina Bay Sands at the annual International Wine Challenge in London. For this prestigious challenge, more than 10,000 labels were submitted and a blind tasting was conducted by a panel of wine experts.

Marina Bay Sands’ exclusive wine, Pirramimma Cabernet Petit Verdot 2007 was voted the Silver medal winner in its category. This unique label was created by one of the oldest wineries in Australia, Pirramimma, and the dark red wine boasts the aromas of black currant, violets and dark berries. The exclusive blend of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon also has an outstanding length and depth together with smooth tannins. The wine was born during the pre-opening stages of Marina Bay Sands when a group of F&B professionals tested more than 100 wines in search of a signature house blend. The group created the Cabernet Petit Verdot blend in an aim to accentuate the complementing characters of the grape varieties.

In Australia, this wine was scored 94 out of 100 by the country’s leading wine critic, James Halliday, a well-known wine author with over 40 books and an annual wine guide under his belt. Known for his stringent criteria, James Halliday has given his mark of quality assurance for this label as he terms it “a very powerful and complex full-bodied wine”.

Marina Bay Sands also recently formed its own Sommelier Society providing a platform for expertise sharing, training and wine-tasting sessions. Wine Director, Alphonse Kaelbel, said, “This innovative society allows our team of wine connoisseurs to work with the best in the trade and enhance the service standards. We are able to source top vintages globally and increase the visibility of our wine program through exclusive vintner dinners and various events. With more than 3,000 wine labels in our cellar, Marina Bay Sands offers some of the world’s best wines for its increasingly sophisticated dining clientele.”

There are currently 12 members in the Society and it has already reached out to more than 400 F&B team members through training and coaching.