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JUL-SEP 2015

SINGAPORE’S

GOLDEN JUBILEE

THE ART OF LEATHER CRAFTING
INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE
A TOAST TO COGNAC

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[ CONTENTS ]

7 PRIORITIES In-flight Media of
8 SIA UPDATES the Year (Winner)
18 BEST OF SINGAPORE & Luxury Media
20 NOTES OF LUXURY of the Year
(Merit)
• Mount Fuji with aerial chic Media Publishers
• High life in New York City Association
• Glamping in Melbourne Singapore (MPAS)
• Cool new convertibles Awards 2015

28 CITY INSIDER Award of
Excellence
A quick guide to what’s new APEX Awards
and notable in Bangkok for Publication
Excellence 2015
40 30 BESPOKE
Artisans preserving the skills Best Customer-
of fine leather crafting based Publication
36 EXPERIENCE (Bronze Award)
India’s ancient art of & Best Cover
Bharatanatyam dance (Honourable
40 GASTRONOMY Mention)
Savouring the cellars of the Content
world’s finest cognac houses Marketing
4848 ULTIMATE Awards 2014
Five of Singapore’s hottest
heritage districts explored This issue’s cover:
56 PURSUIT OF PERFECTION Singapore old
Theatre director Ong Keng Sen and new on view
from Chinatown’s
36 30 Keong Saik Road.
Photograph from
PRIORITY IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY FOR SINGAPORE AIRLINES BY PUBLICITAS PUBLISHING Potato Head Folk
TEL: +65 6735 8681; FAX: +65 6634 5433; EMAIL: [email protected]; WWW.PUBLICITAS.COM/PUBLISHINGASIA
MANAGING DIRECTOR JOUI ONG GENERAL MANAGER BETTY LISWANTY RELATIONSHIP MANAGER SERENE LEE
PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE CONTENT DIRECTOR ROD MACKENZIE DEPUTY EDITOR NELISSA HERNANDEZ SENIOR ART DIRECTOR GINNY GAY
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES [email protected] MATERIALS [email protected]
CORRECTION IN THE APR-JUN 2015 ISSUE (PAGE 13), SINGAPORE’S NEW INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE WAS DESIGNED BY
ROBERT GREG SHAND ARCHITECTS IN COLLABORATION WITH URBNARC
The views and opinions expressed or implied in Priority do not necessarily reflect those of Singapore Airlines or Publicitas Publishing. All information correct at time of print.
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of Singapore Airlines Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2015 by Singapore Airlines Ltd Co
Regn No. 197200078R; Publicitas Publishing Pte. Ltd. Co Regn No. 200715901E. Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd. MCI (P) 131/03/2015

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IWC PortugIeser.
the legend among ICons.

Portugieser Annual Calendar. Ref. 5035: legendary status can be seen in the annual
It took Portugal’s ocean-going heroes centuries to
become legends; IWC’s Portugieser took just calendar, where the month, date and day can be
75 years. For it is that long since the appearance
of the first IWC Portugieser with a pocket watch read off at a glance. iwc. engineered for men.
movement marked the beginning of a new
legendary era. And that revolutionary step forward Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding,
is still mirrored today in the IWC-manufactured IWC-manufactured 52850 calibre, 7-day power reserve,
52850 calibre. The fact that innovative new Power reserve display, Annual calendar with displays for the
technology no longer needs an eternity to achieve month, date and day, Sapphire glass, See-through
sapphire-glass back, Water-resistant 3 bar, Diameter 4.2 mm

IWC Schaffhausen Boutiques. www.iwc.com
ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, #02-06 Tel: (65) 6509 9640
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bay front Avenue, #B1-126 Tel: (65) 6688 7088.

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[ PRIORITIES ]

News and exclusive privileges for PPS Club Members

Lifestyle Privileges Jul-Sep 2015 Worldwide
Emergency
Lifestyle Privileges, now EXCLUSIVELY FOR PPS CLUB MEMBERS Assistance
refreshed quarterly, EXCLUSIVELY FOR PPS CLUB MEMBERS Complimentary medical
offers exciting deals aid and legal assistance
exclusively for PPS Club is just a phone call away
members. Book a stay (24-hour hotline: +65
at participating hotels 6336 6017), wherever
in more than 20 you are in the world,
countries, or check out when you travel
this issue’s shopping outside your country
specials. If you’re in of residence. Exclusive
Singapore, enjoy the to PPS Club members,
promotions from more this Worldwide
than 30 establishments Emergency Assistance
and takekrisflyer.com in the festive service includes a range
atmosphere as the of medical and legal
country celebrates its assistance services
50th birthday this year. such as access to an
interpreter; emergency
Priority and Lifestyle medical evacuation;
medically supervised
Privileges are also repatriation; emergency
message transmission
available online (to family members);
emergency personal
For your reading pleasure cash advance; guarantee
of hospital admission;
anytime, anywhere, simply B ACCOMMODATION E SHOPPING among others. For
C BEAUTY & WELLNESS F TRAVEL & OTHER SERVICES more information,
visit krisflyer.com and log in at JUL-SEP 2015 D HOME & LIVING G WINE & DINE JUL-SEP 2015 visit krisflyer.com

“E-magazines & Guides”

under “The PPS Club”. SPPS 0801V

PPS Connect Service available in 14 countries Please ensure that the name in your membership
PPS Connect Service is now available to all PPS Club members account matches your name in your passport exactly
in Singapore, Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong For example, the First Name in your account must be the First
Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Name in your passport; if you have a Middle Name in your
Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. passport, please ensure that it is also recorded in your account
profile as part of your Given Name.
Whenever you have a question, a request, or need
assistance with travel- or membership-related matters, This will help with the crediting of miles and your immigration,
send a text message in the format “PPS<space><10-digit check-in and boarding process. To ensure that miles earned with
PPS Club membership number>” to +65 8228 0000 and our airline and non-airline partners are credited to your account,
we will call you back as soon as possible. To begin using this please make sure that the name given to the partner matches
service, a one-time registration (up to two mobile numbers) the name in your membership account exactly. Also update your
is required at krisflyer.com profile, and change your PIN periodically for added security.

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Hong Kong and London Heathrow T2 welcome elegant new SilverKris Lounges

Following its first launch in Sydney, stylish new SilverKris Lounges have recently opened on opposite
sides of the globe, with a complete revamp in Hong Kong and a brand new opening in Heathrow T2.
Both display a fresh concept to provide new levels of exclusivity and comfort to customers.

Singapore Airlines’ unique heritage is asserted from the very first glance, with a customised batik
design screen in the welcome foyer that customers can recognise from afar. The Lounges have been
thoughtfully designed to include many reassuring elements of ‘home’, and other new treats such
as a well-stocked tendered bar and relaxing gallery area. Customers can also look forward to more
personalised services and discreet personal spaces in the form of specially designed productivity pods
and signature wing-back chairs.

A delicious selection of food and beverages cooked freshly on site at the Lounges highlight iconic
Singapore and local dishes (including an afternoon tea menu in Heathrow), while First Class travellers
have the opportunity to savour an exclusive à la carte main course menu.

Clockwise from
top left: Delicious
selection of freshly
cooked local
favourites such as
laksa will be served
in the lounges; the
pods in First Class
SilverKris Lounge in
London; Tasting Room
in London SilverKris
Lounge; à la carte
dining in the First
Class Dining Room
in London; Business
Class SilverKris
Lounge in Hong Kong

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[ SIA UPDATES ]

Scan here to
experience the
new Mobile App

All-new Singapore Airlines Mobile App

Singapore Airlines has launched an all-new mobile app to offer a more functional and seamless
user experience for both Apple and Android smartphone users. The faster, more intuitive user
interface means you can now search, book and manage your flights with only a few taps and
swipes, while the smart home screen is also designed to deliver personalised updates on your
upcoming flights in real time.

KrisFlyer and PPS Club members enjoy added convenience as you can now view your
membership details such as miles balances, transactions and PPS Value accruals in an easy-to-
read format. Registered PPS Club members may also use the PPS Connect function to link up with
Singapore Airlines’ customer service representatives. The revamped app also works with Apple
Watch so you can view trip reminders and up-to-date information just by looking at your wrist.
Download the new Singapore Airlines app now at the Google Play Store and/or the Apple App Store.

Luxurious new serviceware in Suites and First Class
Singapore Airlines, in collaboration with renowned English
tableware manufacturer Wedgwood, has introduced a new
range of contemporary serviceware in Suites and First Class.
With a time-honoured tradition featuring the highest quality
craftsmanship, the specially designed serviceware, exclusive to
Singapore Airlines, features an embossed decoration complete
with a platinum band, further elevating and enhancing our
passengers’ onboard culinary experience.

The new serviceware includes customised items such as a
uniquely designed espresso cup, a large salad bowl to facilitate
the tossing of greens, and a personal tea filter for customers
to enjoy the experience of steeping and brewing their own tea
leaves. Meanwhile, Chinese meals will now be served using
more authentic Chinese serviceware designs featuring peony
motifs in a luxurious silver finish. Ergonomic improvements
have also been incorporated into the design, for added
convenience and a more delectable inflight dining experience.
We continue to delight our passengers with the lengths we go
to, to make you feel at home.

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[ SIA UPDATES ]

Redeem Scoot Fly on Vistara using
and Tigerair KrisFlyer miles
vouchers using It’s now more rewarding
KrisFlyer miles than ever to explore India
with Vistara. KrisFlyer
With the inclusion of members can not only earn
Scoot and Tigerair as miles when travelling on
KrisFlyer programme Vistara but can now also
partners, there are now redeem their miles to fly to
more exotic destinations more destinations in India.
for members to see with Find out more at krisflyer.com
their KrisFlyer miles.
Members can now redeem Vistara, India’s newest full-
flight vouchers to pay service airline, currently
for travel or to offset the flies to nine cities in India,
cost of add-ons on Scoot recently adding Bangalore
and Tigerair flights. The to its network.
electronic vouchers are
available from just 3,200
miles for S$30, and can
be used to offset airfare,
ancillary charges and
booking fees as well as
pay for selected products
offered by the carriers.
Visit krisflyer.com for
more information.

More KrisFlyer miles with Rocketmiles Earn KrisFlyer miles faster than ever with Kaligo.com
Hotel booking site Rocketmiles is now giving KrisFlyer KrisFlyer members can now earn miles with every booking at
members bigger miles rewards than before. Book your hotel more than 300,000 hotels via kaligo.com. Members can also
for a getaway or a business trip on the award-winning earn up to 20,000 bonus KrisFlyer miles with no restrictions
Rocketmiles website or mobile app to earn between 500 and on eligible stay dates for every booking done from now till 12
5,000 miles per night. Plus, earn an extra 3,000 bonus miles September 2015. For more information, visit kaligo.com/krisflyer
when you make your first booking. For more information,
visit rocketmiles.com/sakrisflyer

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Celebrating SG50 with Singapore Airlines

As the country celebrates its 50th birthday
this year (SG50), Singapore Airlines has
organised a series of initiatives for passengers,
PPS Club and KrisFlyer members, and the
public to mark this historic milestone

Special SG50 livery SIA Open House

Singapore Airlines pays homage to the Come and celebrate the nation’s birthday
country’s Golden Jubilee by unveiling a with Singapore Airlines at the SIA Open House
commemorative livery on one of its A380s on on 25 July 2015. For the first time in history,
28 May 2015. It features a specially designed Singapore Airlines will be opening its SIA
10m-tall and 47m-long Singapore flag-themed Training Centre to the public, providing a
design on both sides of the superjumbo’s rare chance to know more about the airline’s
fuselage, and the official SG50 logo on the two cabin crew and pilot training. There will be
inboard engines. Another A380 will bear the tours to the flight simulators, cabin crew
same livery in July, and both aircraft will carry training and safety training facilities. There
the livery until the end of 2015. will also be a kids’ outreach programme, photo
booths, a heritage gallery and on-the-spot
12 drawing competitions for children aged 3 to 12.
siaopenhouse.com

[ SIA UPDATES ]

First ever A380 charity flight Own a piece of history with
KrisShop’s SG50 collectibles
Singapore Airlines organised a 3.5-hour flight
for 300 beneficiaries of Community Chest on Singapore Airlines’ passengers can expect an
29 May 2015. A first for SIA, the charity flight array of festive SG50 deals onboard. KrisShop,
was operated on the A380, and beneficiaries the airline’s inflight retail store, has a selection
included children with special needs, adults of exclusive Singapore-themed items, which
with disabilities, and disadvantaged elderly include a limited-edition A380 aircraft model
and families, many of whom have never had with SG50 livery, SIA batik card case and
the opportunity to take a flight. SIA volunteers Buckley London Best of Singapore charm
assisted the beneficiaries to give them a bracelet. PPS Club members also enjoy a 15%
memorable experience. discount off KrisShop items from now till 31
August. For more information, visit krisshop.com

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[ SIA UPDATES ]

A taste of Singapore Clockwise from left: Ms Shermay Lee
whips up Peranakan dishes; traditional
From July to September 2015, Singapore Airlines will serve a Singapore
Heritage Cuisine menu, with an emphasis on iconic Peranakan dishes, to ice cream wafer sandwiches; Nonya
commemorate the nation’s 50th birthday. nasi lemak; Peranakan Hokkien
mee soup; bawan kepiting
The term “Peranakan” means “locally born” in the Malay language,
and refers to the descendants of early Chinese immigrants who
intermarried with the locals in the Malay archipelago, including
Singapore. The Peranakans have a hybrid culinary tradition that
combines techniques and ingredients from Chinese, Malay and European
cooking. It has a long and sophisticated history, with recipes closely
guarded by families and only passed down from the matriarch to her
female descendants.

For this special occasion, Singapore Airlines is proud to showcase
Ms Shermay Lee’s family recipes, which she inherited from her
grandmother, Mrs Lee Chin Koon, a renowned and prolific doyenne of
Peranakan cuisine in her time. All of the recipes featured have been in
the family for generations and are more than half a century old.

Customers can look forward to a journey of tantalising flavours that
begins on the ground. At the SilverKris Lounges at Singapore Changi
Airport, relish Peranakan favourites such as Nonya rojak, itek tim and
Nonya fried Hokkien mee.

Once onboard, Suites, First Class and Business Class customers can
savour signature Peranakan dishes, including bawan kepiting, itek siow,
ayam buah keluak, Nonya nasi padang and Hokkien mee soup. Customers
can also enjoy ice cream wafer sandwiches in assorted flavours (gula
melaka, bandung, pandan or jagung), a nostalgic Singapore street dessert.
Premium Economy Class and Economy Class passengers can look forward
to traditional dishes such as ayam tempra and Nonya fish curry. The
inflight menu will be served on selected flights departing from Singapore.
Suites, First Class and Business Class customers can also choose to
pre-order selected main courses through the “Book the Cook” service.

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[ SIA UPDATES ]

Rev up for Singapore F1 2015 F1 Gold
Medallion
As the racing spectacular returns on 18-20 September this year, PPS Bring home a rare piece
Club and KrisFlyer members are in for a treat. Watch the roaring action of the racing event
from the Singapore Airlines Sky Suite at Turn 1, one of the best vantage with the 2015 Formula
points to enjoy the race. Just purchase an experience at the Singapore 1 Singapore Airlines
Airlines Sky Suite and receive 15,000 KrisFlyer miles. This package also Singapore Grand
includes rooftop access with a spread of F&B options. Tickets for the Prix 1oz 999.9 Gold
Pit Grandstand, Padang Grandstand and Stamford Grandstand are also Medallion. Produced
available for purchase online and at SISTIC counters in Singapore, with by The Singapore Mint,
KrisFlyer miles for PPS Club and KrisFlyer members. To top it all off, this valuable keepsake
members who purchase the tickets through this special PPS Club and is limited to only 100
KrisFlyer promotion will be entered into a lucky draw with a grand prize pieces worldwide. For
of a pair of passes to an exclusive Drivers’ Autograph Session, held just more information on
before the race weekend. the medallion and
how to purchase, as well
All members can also enjoy the race with 10% discount on all Singapore as to check out other
Grand Prix official merchandise and selected F&B (SGP Grid bars) in the exclusive Singapore
circuit. For more information, visit sianightrace.com Airlines Formula
1 merchandise,
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Events guide

Jul-Sep 2015

NOW OPEN
SINGAPORE PINACOTHÈQUE DE PARIS
Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Monet, Chaim
Soutine and other iconic artists go public at the
newly opened Singapore Pinacothèque de Paris.
The museum in Fort Canning Arts Centre is the
first Asia-Pacific edition of Paris’ largest private
art gallery. The inaugural feature exhibition
‘The Myth of Cleopatra’ runs till 11 Oct.
pinacotheque.com.sg

25-26 JUL

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON

Sweat it out alongside athletes from Singapore

and the region on a 1.5km swim, 36km bike ride actors from renowned UK theatre company

and 10km run at East Coast Park to compete for Shakespeare’s Globe (above) put on Hamlet –

the championship titles in the 16th Singapore one of Shakespeare’s most influential plays –

International Triathlon. This year’s edition also at the historic Capitol Theatre. The production is

features a multi-sport race for kids aged eight and part of the company’s ambitious plan to perform

below – a first in Singapore. singaporetriathlon.sg Hamlet in 205 countries over two years.

globetoglobe.shakespearesglobe.com

6 AUG-19 SEP

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 18-20 SEP

OF ARTS FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Indulge your craving for world-class visual arts SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

at the Singapore International Festival of Arts. Formula 1 roars back into the Lion City! Set

Themed ‘POST-Empires’, SIFA 2015 mulls the against the glittering skyline of Marina Bay, the

effects of colonialism, communism, capitalism and night race promises more heart-pounding, non-

globalisation through performances from Britain, stop action on the 23-turn street circuit and

France, Hungary, Singapore, South Africa and features Singapore Airlines as title sponsor for

Taiwan. This year’s festival also has a show called the second year. Off the track, award-winning

Open Homes, which transforms 25 homes across artists Pharrell Williams and Maroon 5 will

Singapore into theatres. sifa.sg set hearts aflutter at this year’s F1 concert.

singaporegp.sg

7-10 AUG

JUBILEE WEEKEND Q3 2015

Join in the celebrations of the Lion City’s 50th HÔTEL VAGABOND AND THE PATINA,

birthday through a host of special programmes CAPITOL SINGAPORE OPEN

over the National Day long weekend. From a Two new luxury hotels are opening at historic PHOTOS: SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE; GETTY IMAGES

carnival at the Botanic Gardens to a Sing50 locations in town. Capitol Building has been

concert, and aerial display shows by the Republic restored and transformed into The Patina,

of Singapore Air Force at Marina Barrage, there’s Capitol, where well-appointed rooms and suites

something for everyone. singapore50.sg come with highly personalised service. Over

in Kampong Glam, formerly the seat of Malay

8-12 SEP royalty, is Singapore’s first luxury boutique

GLOBE TO GLOBE HAMLET hotel, Hôtel Vagabond, featuring interiors by

Be captivated by a tragic tale of treachery and celebrated interior designer Jacques Garcia.

revenge this September. For five nights only, patinahotels.com; garchahotels.com

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[ BEST OF SINGAPORE ]

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

Step into a helicopter
that takes travelling to

the heights of luxury

Flight of mountain and, on the return trip,
the 643m-tall Tokyo SkyTree
fashion tower. The aerial views alone
make this excursion pretty
Chic and thrilling may sensational but guests have the
sound like an experiential added treat of flying aboard one
mismatch, yet it’s actually of the most luxurious aircraft
an inspired combination if done in the world – the Eurocopter
right. A new sightseeing tour Hermès. Featuring sumptuous
offered by the Mandarin Oriental, calf-leather seats crafted by
Tokyo is a brilliant example. French fashion house Hermès,
Part of a premium one-night the designer four-seat cabin
package, the highlight is an offers a remarkably tranquil ride
80-minute private helicopter thanks to its bespoke interior
charter to iconic Mount Fuji, fitted out with Toile H canvas (as
skirting the spectacular used on Hermès classic travel
shoreline of Sagami Bay before luggage). That leaves little to
crossing Lake Ashinoko to gain disturb the scene as you sip your
remarkable close-up views complimentary Ruinart Brut Rosé
of the majestic snow-capped champagne while surveying the
dramatic scenes unfolding below.
The ‘helicopter flycation’ for
two starts from JPY775,000.
mandarinoriental.com/tokyo

PHOTOS: ANTOINE GONIN

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

The Big When it comes to great
Appeal views and hip experiences,
New York City is unbeatable

Concierge FASHIONABLE SIGHTS
recommendations
The success of a truly great city lies in its ability to constantly renew and
Michael Romei from The reinvent itself. This not only keeps things exciting for visitors but also
Towers of the Waldorf Astoria provides a dynamic environment to nurture new trends. Nowhere else does
(waldorfnewyork.com) suggests this better than New York City, as shown by the recent opening of the One
some NYC experiences World Observatory. Perched on top of the tallest building in the Western
Hemisphere – on levels 100, 101, and 102 of the One World Trade Center
Is there a local designer store building – it’s reached in just 60 seconds via Sky Pod elevators, among the
you'd recommend? fastest in the world. Not only do you get breathtaking views of the iconic Big
Warby Parker (819 Washington Street) Apple skyline but state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. To avoid the queues,
is a trendy eyewear store in the very book VIP expedited entry to bypass general admission. Another of the
hip area of the Meatpacking District. hottest draws this Fall is New York Fashion Week (10-17 Sep). Most shows
It offers an extensive selection of high- held during the city’s most glamorous annual event are strictly invite-only
quality designs similar to those from and reserved for members of the industry and media, however some luxury
more well-known designers but is much hotels occasionally offer exclusive fashion week packages featuring VIP
more affordable. seated access to a show or two, glimpses backstage and perhaps a designer
meet and greet session. oneworldobservatory.com; nyfw.com
How about an art gallery suitable
for a novice collector?
As well as featuring many established
names, The Agora Gallery (530 W 25th
Street) is also a strong supporter of
emerging artists, some of whom might
be exhibiting for the first time. Their
works tend to be more affordable, ideal
for the novice collector or investor.

And any new bar worth a look?
Dear Irving (15 Irving Place) located on
a charming street near Gramercy Park
is quite unique. The rooms resemble the
styles of Marie Antoinette, Abraham
Lincoln, among other notables, each
with a special intimate atmosphere,
great cocktails and quality beverages.

What’s the most talked about
restaurant these days?
Zuma (261 Madison Avenue) in
Manhattan is extremely hot right now.
It has award-winning modern Japanese
design and fabulous atmosphere
together with incredible cuisine (below).

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

The great Combining glamour and the property also plans to offer
camping isn’t new, but a programme of intriguing
outdoors this pioneering pop-up guest-only adventures that will
Big, fluffy bathrobes, campground has a most be announced in due course.
Experience a gourmet breakfast unusual urban setting on the Camping will be available
the world’s hamper delivered rooftop of Melbourne Central until late 2015, from AU$330
first rooftop to your bedside, 24-hour shopping mall. Offering per night for two people.
‘glamping’ concierge service, and sensational uninterrupted stjeromesthehotel.com.au
in Australia complimentary tai chi and views of the city skyline, the
meditation classes – these five-star accommodation
all sound like the sort of consists of 30 elegant canvas
pampered trappings we’ve bell tents complete with
come to expect from today’s a mini bar, with the most
high-end boutique hotels. spacious ‘suite’ option
So what makes Melbourne’s measuring five metres in
newly opened St Jerome’s diameter and nearly three
– The Hotel stand out from metres high. Step outside your
the crowd? Well, actually it’s cosy tent to enjoy an exclusive
not a hotel in the traditional lawn and bar, and luxury
sense at all, but the world’s bathroom facilities on site.
first rooftop ‘glamp’ site. There’s also on-the-house
breakfast and afternoon treats
from local vendors, including
speciality coffee and freshly
baked cupcakes. Appealing to
the intrepid urban explorer,

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

24 25

Free Theseeye-catching
new convertibles
combine terrific
to air performance with
cool summer style,
says motoring
expert Tony Tan

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is curves, swoops and scallops on a movable
metal canvass. And it moves pretty swiftly too despite a rather puny
1.7-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged motor. While 237hp might not sound
much, consider that it has to move just 1,262kg and you’ll understand
why nought to a hundred takes only 4.5 seconds. Porsche 911-beating
acceleration at half the price.

Bentley Grand Convertible
At first glance, it looks a tad similar to
a certain Rolls-Royce cabriolet but its
breadth of talents is as distinctive as the
hard tonneau atop the folded roof; the
car’s designers claim that it’s the single
largest piece of veneer it has ever applied
to any model. Leather aficionados will
be delighted that no less than 14 white,
naturally tanned cowhides stitched with a
diamond motif adorn the elegant cabin.

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[ NOTES OF LUXURY ]

Porsche Boxster Spyder Spot the trends,
Ask almost any driving enthusiast and they will most certainly baulk at the phrase past & present
“superb handling” being paired with the word “convertible”. However, Porsche
showed back in 2011, with the original Boxster Spyder, that a cabriolet can take to PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS
corners like a duck to water. The latest generation model shares its predecessor’s D’ELEGANCE
pared down exterior and interior to reduce weight but ups the ante with 375hp, 16 AUG 2015
the most of any Boxster ever. The prestigious annual
charitable car show, often
Aston Martin V12 Vantage S Roadster said to be the world’s
James Bond loves Aston Martin as much as premier celebration of
the automobile, is held on
he relishes a martini. And the current drop-top Pebble Beach Golf Links
from the iconic British carmaker is as addictive in California. The very
best prewar and postwar
as Agent 007’s favourite tipple. The V12 collector cars are exhibited
Vantage S Roadster’s arsenal of automotive alongside the latest concept
car designs. Auctions held
weaponry is hard to ignore: 6-litre V12 during the event regularly
powerplant with 565hp and 620Nm, and see rare models sell for
huge carbon ceramic stoppers. A motoring world-record figures.
pebblebeachconcours.net
cocktail that will knock your ‘locks’ off!
FRANKFURT
Tony Tan is the former associate editor of Torque magazine INTERNATIONAL
and one of Singapore’s leading automotive journalists. MOTOR SHOW
17-27 SEP 2015
Showcasing commercial
vehicles on even-numbered
years and passenger cars on
odd-numbered years, the
show is well-known for two
key features: the number
of exhibitors and quantity
of vehicles on display. The
2013 edition boasted 1,098
exhibitors and more than
900,000 visitors, the most
of any motor show that year.
iaa.de/en

TOKYO MOTOR SHOW
30 OCT-8 NOV 2015
Like the Frankfurt Motor
Show, the Tokyo Motor
Show alternates between
commercial offerings and
passenger vehicles. It
is also Asia’s longest
running automobile
show. Its claim to fame?
The fact that previous
editions feature more world
premieres of concept
cars than production
-ready automobiles.
tokyo-motorshow.com/en

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Bangkok

A brief guide to what’s new and
noteworthy in the Thai capital,
ranked Asia’s top city by the
2015 MasterCard Global
Destination Cities Index

STAY SAVOUR

THE SIAM HOTEL HANSAR BANGKOK HOTEL INDIGO 22 KITCHEN & BAR GAGGAN
This glitzy urban luxury For those who love the high Colourful rooms, gold sinks, Chef Nikolas Ramirez, a
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foam or mutton bhuna
ghosh (curry) will defy all
your preconceptions about

supreme Indian cooking.

68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit
Road; eatatgaggan.com

28

[ CITY INSIDER ]

DRINK SEE SHOP

WORDS: DAVE STAMBOULIS L’ ATELIER DE JOËL PASTE GAYSORN SMALLS ADLER SUBHASHOK THE EMQUARTIER
ROBUCHON Australian chef Jason David Jacobson, owner GALLERY Bangkok’s greatest luxury
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Developed by the most Bee Satongun bring a has moved on to far more has partnered with Adler with a mammoth collection
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chef in the world, Joël Thai cuisine. Their latest the eclectic Smalls, a hole- Thai contemporary art on including stores from MCM,
Robuchon’s L’Atelier takes venture is an upscale in-the-wall cocktail and jazz the world map. Avant-garde Jimmy Choo, Valentino,
French techniques and private dining experience bar that would be more in and politically charged and Dior Homme. It also
ultra-fresh Thai ingredients in the luxurious Gaysorn place in bohemian Berlin. works by Thailand’s hottest has an epicurean food
to concoct gastronomic Mall, teaming up with the A three-storey shophouse cutting-edge artists and centre, plus Asia’s largest
wonders in this large open noble Santiwong family, full of curios, it boasts international luminaries man-made waterfall (40m
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Road; robuchon-bangkok.com

29

30

[ BESPOKE ]

A new generation
of artisans is helping
to preserve the skills

Crafting ofleathercrafting.
Erica Wong takes
a closer look at

tradition howsuchbeautiful
accessories are
created by hand

Facing page: There’s a certain So far, all is as expected
Putting the warmth that only – the intimate lair of a
finishing exists when the passionate craftsman.
touches to a people in a place love being
leather case there. I look around the Jeremiah Ang, founder
workshop, taking it all in. of Singapore-based leather
The gentle, intoxicating studio The J.Myers Company,
perfume of new leather fills leans forward in his olive
my nostrils; somewhere in green Chester armchair, its
the background, Jim Croce handsomely worn leather
strums away on a record upholstery a testament to
player. A large workbench both the owner’s style and
that’s the centrepiece of the seat’s functionality. “You
the room is strewn with apply a layer of dye to the edge
a kaleidoscope of leather of the leather, let it dry, heat
scraps. On a side table it up, sand it down, bathe it
sit stacks of wallets, coin and then re-apply the dye
purses and saddlebags. again. You keep repeating the
Curious turn-of-the- process. The more repetitions
century-ish machines you do, the smoother and
line one wall. Opposite, a richer it will feel. It’s tedious,
countertop is laid out with but it’s also a very beautiful
an array of mallets, chisels process that turns the
and awls. Out of the corner unfinished item into a finished
of my eye, I spot a bottle one.” He is talking animatedly
of Laphroaig tucked away about his favourite step in
rather conspicuously. the leather crafting process:
finishing the edges. 

31

Above: Moynat’s This kind of passion for Pressed onto to skinning, splitting and
Réjane bag. traditional craftsmanship the front was a tanning were churning
Facing page, runs through an entire barely-there out products. Yet, while
clockwise from new generation of leather Gucci logo, leather goods became
top: Handmade artisans. For example, Keiko affirming that more affordable and widely
leather case by Oshino, owner of Kyoto true artistry available, mass production
The J.Myers leather crafting shop Rim, was what came at the expense of
Company is a self-taught artisan who mattered most long-lasting quality.
suitable for a takes pride in sticking to to the creator
tablet computer; traditional European hand- That’s not to say that
rolls of leather; sewing techniques used by Persians, or the Egyptians traditional craftsmanship
stitching in a zip harness makers over many before them. Ever since the faded away completely
generations. Her brightly- domestication of animals, of course. Accompanying
32 coloured wallets, bags the use of their hides has me into adulthood was a
and book covers are made evolved alongside humanity. navy blue leather clutch
without the aid of a single Initially as defense against I had inherited from my
machine tool. Meanwhile the elements, animal grandmother. Flecked
in the UK, Deborah Thomas hides became writing entirely with delicate,
has resurrected her great- material for the learned, hand-painted white and
great-grandfather’s leather weapons in battle and, yellow flowers, each flick
business, producing a range years later, as fashion for of the paintbrush was
of contemporary bags and those who could afford intentional, any mistake
accessories under the Doe it. All through history, unforgivable. Pressed onto
label, hand-crafted from the art of leathermaking the front was a barely-there
bridle hide in one of the last was perfected while its Gucci logo, affirming that
remaining Black Country applications multiplied. true artistry was what
leather goods workshops. mattered most to the creator.
With the advent of The stitching and finishing
Every artisan shows production lines in the remained impeccable after
a deep respect for the late 1800s, leathermaking 20 years of use, the shiny
craft’s history. Recently eased into factories and hardware unscratched and
discovered, the world’s soon, machines dedicated the piece demurely yet firmly
oldest leather shoe dates retaining its handmade,
back an estimated 5,500 irreplaceable quality.
years to an era before
the Ancient Greeks, the As leather artisans from
Thailand to Tuscany can

[ BESPOKE ]

33

Clockwise attest, and as evidenced by
from right: my prized clutch, a quality
Edge dyeing a handcrafted leather item sits
case by hand; at the pinnacle of luxury.
the stitching Every hide unique, every
of a detail can artisan his own style, and
become a key every finished product a
design element; triumphant sum total of
glossy clutches its elements.
by Mulberry
Nobody understands this
better than the dozen or
so grande dames of luxury
leather houses around
the globe. With access to
the world’s best leathers,
suppliers and skilled
artisans, these maisons
shun automation in favour
of shaping, trimming,
attaching, sewing, stitching,
fixing and finishing their
leather products – by hand.
Take for example the luxury
French brand Moynat. The
private brainchild of LVMH
Chairman Arnault Pinault
may have mystery as its

34

[ [COBLELSEPCOTKIENG] ]

first allure, but the more Let’s be clear here: Every hide cut it out. So in this sense,
substantial draw is invariably today’s artisans aren’t trying unique, every technology has made our
its bags, each made from to reinvent the wheel – artisan his work better, not just easier.
lustrous, thick and perfectly there is nothing new about own style, and Yet while there are some
grained leathers, and a saddlebag or a coin purse. every finished steps that can be automated,
generally from one piece. Rather, their mission is product a some effects can never be
Mulberry, the UK’s largest to reveal the creative and triumphant achieved by machines,”
maker of luxury leather creation processes to a wider sum total of Jeremiah Ang explains with
goods, counts on no less audience, including why they its elements a wry smile.
than 700 skilled workers to have dedicated themselves to
PHOTOS: CORBIS; GETTY IMAGES craft its highly coveted bags. these processes. Having witnessed the
painstaking processes in his
Meanwhile, in other parts An equally important Singapore workshop, it’s clear
of the leather world, we’ve mission is to bring the that there are no short-cuts
been witnessing the rise of age-old craft into the 21st when it comes to quality.
the independent craftsman. century, finding that cross- Honing a craft like this to
Armed with humble tools section where innovation mastery may take decades, or
and a deep conviction, meets tradition. even a lifetime. When asked
this contemporary artisan about the greatest attribute a
cleverly pairs traditional “In pattern-making, master leather craftsman can
techniques with modern we used to use a set square, have, Ang’s instant yet calm
aesthetics and digital a ruler and a pencil. Now, response: “Patience. Lots and
marketing wizardry. we draw it on a computer lots of patience.” 
and use a laser cutter to
35

[ EXPERIENCE ]

India’s ancient art of

Spirit of Bharatanatyam dance
has undergone a revival.
Ishay Govender-Ypma

the dance returns to her ancestral
roots in Chennai to
discover its magic

Above: Night Her dark eyes are lined thickly in kohl, This trip to the south-eastern Indian PHOTOS: KALAKSHETRA; GETTY IMAGES
falls over the imitating the drama of a young deer state of Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of
city of Chennai, trapped in tragic light. She holds her Bharatanatyam, has given me the chance to
capital of Tamil gaze heavenward - one beat, two, three... revisit many of the traditions of my
now she’s staring at her left hand, the ring ancestors. Growing up in Durban, a fifth-
Nadu state. finger and thumb touching lightly. Everything generation Indian South African child, I
Facing page: is still for a moment - double-headed would watch my cousin practise the dance
mridangam drums, violin, the high-pitched in my grandmother’s house. She patiently
One of the crooning of the Carnatic songstress. I strain explained the movements she had learned
most striking for the sound of breathing. Silence. And then, in that week’s class, performing them to
as a ripple of energy courses through her right melodious Tamil words that were foreign to
features of hand, the bells on her ankles ring rapidly, my ear. “Tha-Thai-Thai-Tha,” she’d chant to
Bharatanatyam rhythmically, freeing her body. Her golden my mother and aunts’ approval. To an eight-
waist-belt, weighty and exotic, glimmers year-old obsessed with Bruce Lee movies and
is the use of and her eyes dart to and fro. Suddenly she is karate, the entire production of pretty outfit,
hand gestures, mid-air, leaping high from side to side to the neatly plaited hair, jewellery and bells on the
encouragement of drum and chanting singer. ankles seemed ornate and too girly. But over
or mudras, the years, my interest in ballet and theatre
to symbolise As she mesmerises the crowd through slowly drew me back to Bharatanatyam –
nearly an hour of exquisite performance mostly by way of watching YouTube videos.
animals or with no rest, the Bharatanatyam dancer is a Live performances are hard to come by
objects and to yogi, praise-singer to the deities, a woman outside India.
convey feelings in absolute mastery of her art. More intricate
than ballet and with the dynamic agility of So when the opportunity arises to watch
acrobatics, Bharatanatyam – considered the a recital during my stay in Chennai, I’m
oldest classical dance form in India – has a elated. To delve into the basics of the dance,
bewitching magic all of its own. I first attend a private class in a home studio
recommended to me by the staff at The Leela
Palace, a luxurious seafront hotel hugging
the Bay of Bengal. Akila Raman, a guide with
Story Trails and an avid classical dance fan,
shares the history she’s weaved together over
the years, a mix of fact and fable. Meanwhile,
professional dancer Sukanya Kumar enacts
sequences and teaches me how to interpret
the gestures and expressions.

Kumar, adorned in an orange and green
outfit comprising the traditional blouse,
pants, fan and sash, is an award-winning

36

[ EXPERIENCE ]

37

38

[ EXPERIENCE ]

Facing page, from top: A dance lesson in the shade of a spreading banyan tree at Chennai’s Kalakshetra, an
acclaimed cultural academy dedicated to the preservation of classical Indian arts; The Leela Palace, Chennai,
overlooking the tranquil Bay of Bengal, is the city’s only luxury seafront hotel. Below: Sukanya Kumar, one of
India’s most eminent Bharatanatyam dancers

performer. Her education in Bharatanatyam must be in control of their bodies and their Once you
started at the age of four, and today at 23, expressions. For many, there is an element grasp the
with multiple degrees, she continues to of the unseen in play too – spirituality and a gestures,
study under the tutelage of a guru from the coexistence of reality and illusion, attachment it’s akin to
renowned Kalakshetra academy in Chennai. and detachment, according to Kumar. unlocking
the key
Raman informs me that Bharatanatyam’s It’s the culmination of these aspects and to a secret
roots date back 5,000 years, a dance to daily practice, for hours at a stretch, that language
gain favour from the gods and goddesses, gives a dancer the ability to transport the
as evident in various Tamil Nadu temple audience into the depths of the story. There
sculptures. Performed by devadasis, or are rarely props or elaborate stages, even
maidens of God dedicated to temple worship in contemporary performances. The dancer
who were educated, independent and virtuous becomes the sun, the stream, mother and
women, Bharatanatyam became a temple-art child, teacup and cooking pot, parallel to her
form sponsored and supported by the kings own character. Bollywood and modern Indian
of India. During colonial rule, when landlords styles also build on the classical form, Raman
replaced the kings, the dancers were treated says, with many famous Bollywood dancers
poorly and many fell into ill repute. having first mastered the classical.

“Both dancer and the dance became Learning to interpret the various hand
less godly and more worldly,” Raman and eye gestures is immensely fulfilling, I
explains. Under the influence of a Victorian find. From the obvious such as stirring a pot
sense of morality, the British abolished the and taking a sip of water, a bird in flight, the
performance of the dance and the legacy of tickle of a butterfly, to the complex: remorse,
the devadasi perished. It wasn’t until the falling in love, and extracting revenge. Once
1930s that Bharatanatyam underwent a you grasp the gestures, it’s akin to unlocking
revival and appeared on the public stage for the key to a secret language. It’s no wonder
the first time. that the first few rows in a dance hall are in
such demand – all the better to observe the
After Raman establishes a sense of dancers’ faces.
context, Kumar dances out an energetic scene.
I’m taken aback at first by the intensity and Later, Apoorva Jayaraman from the
power erupting from her child-like frame as Kalakshetra Foundation guides me around
she kicks out her feet, spins and leaps. She the school and points out the prized space at
invites me to participate, and I’m reminded the front of the auditorium. As the school’s
of my cousin’s practice sessions at my morning prayer service starts nearby, I note
grandmother’s house. a handful of foreign students sitting in the
class as wisps of aromatic incense smoke
We start with a primary adavu: we arrange curl around us. The malleable language of
our feet similarly to a plié in ballet and bend in dance and music, though sometimes slow
a half-sitting position. My palms are placed to transform, holds universal appeal and
on my hips, facing backwards. It’s far tougher provides a link between past and present. As
than it appears when Kumar does it, and I Impana Kulkarni, a 20-year-old student at
wobble and wince. Then I catch a glimpse of Kalakshetra tells me, “Bharatanatyam holds
myself in the studio’s mirrored walls. The the ancient stories of our land, but I hope to
picture of grace I am not. When a student carry my stories through it to a decade further
starts out, there are several elements built and beyond.” 
upon with the practice of a combination of
movements – posture, stamina, rhythm, Singapore Airlines flies daily to Chennai.
speed and agility. Ultimately, good dancers

39

Baptiste Loiseau,
who became
Cellar Master
for Rémy Martin
last year, samples
cognac alongside
his predecessor
Pierrette Trichet.
Cognac houses
store the rarest
and most precious
cognacs in their
private cellars they
call ‘Paradis’

40

[ GASTRONOMY ]

Passport Set among the
to Paradis rolling green hills
of western France,
Cognac has many
good reasons to
raise a glass in
2015, reports
Mike Gerrard

In 1715 the Spanish painter Velasquez
was born, the Ottomans were fighting
the Venetians, King Louis XIV of France
died after 72 years on the throne, and in a
tiny town called Cognac in western France an
enterprising 21-year-old merchant named
Jean Martell decided to set up in business
making cognac. It was a relatively new version
of brandy, which had only been around a
few decades, but it was proving popular and
Martell thought it might be a good business
to get into. He was right: 300 years later the
cognac house of Martell remains the oldest of
the major cognac companies, and business is
still booming.

Even today, Cognac remains a small town
of only 20,000 people, owing its fame to
quirks of history and geography. I’d arrived
in advance of their anniversary celebrations
to visit Martell and some of the other famous
distilleries that are based here and in the
nearby town of Jarnac. Signs point to names
like Martell, Hennessy, Courvoisier and Rémy
Martin in what is a cognac lover’s paradise.

Despite those international names, this
is still rural France, typical vineyard country.
Low hills have their slopes covered in vines,
and in between are fields filled with row after
row of the local Ugni Blanc grapes, which
make very poor wine but wonderful brandy.
Cognac’s microclimate helps too, and the fact

41

Clockwise, from top left: Martell’s traditional Charentais copper stills
are used during the special double distillation process; Château de
Chanteloup, acquired by the Martell family in 1838, now hosts special
events and VIP visitors; vintage cognacs; harvesting Ugni Blanc grapes

that there are several different The first two cent a year for each of the last
soil varieties within a small glasses we see five years.”
area, giving each cognac its are for nosing
own terroir. Although Ugni Public tours show you the
vines, the stills, and the cellars.

Blanc accounts for 90 per cent not drinking: Private tours at Martell add
of the grapes grown locally, two samples things like a glimpse at the
other grape varieties such as of 140 proof Founder’s House, reconstructed
Colombard and Sémillon can as it would have been 300 years

also go into cognac, and the alcohol, one ago. Upstairs we see Martell’s
blending of the grapes and sniff of which archives, the heavy bound
different distillation processes makes your ledgers labelled Bordeaux,
mean that while the rules about Londres... which go back

cognac-making are strict, they eyes water centuries and record
still allow for a great amount of every transaction in

variety in the end result. meticulous handwriting.

Dutch settlers came to this bucolic region Private tours also get personal tastings

in the 16th century and, the Netherlands not with someone like Benoît, who is no tour

being one of the world’s great wine-growing guide but is one of the people responsible for

regions, began exporting wine through the blending the ageing eaux de vie to produce the

city of Bordeaux, downriver at the mouth of finished cognac. The first two glasses we see

the Charente. It travelled better when it was are for nosing not drinking: two samples of

distilled into eau de vie (French for ‘water 140 proof alcohol, one sniff of which makes

of life’), and blended with water when it your eyes water. Then the tasting begins, an

got to its destination. The Dutch called this amber bronze Cordon Bleu – the legendary

brandewijn, from which we get the word flagship of the brand – bursting with rich fruit

brandy. Then some genius lost to history and spice, followed by a rounder and much

found that if you distilled the wine twice and more complex XO Martell that lingers long

didn’t bother with the water at the other end, and deliciously sweet in the mouth.

it tasted rather good. The result tasted better Finally Benoît pulls off a cognac conjuring

yet if matured in barrels made from oak from trick. We sample a cognac from 1848, and

the forests of Limousin, which is conveniently another from 1875. They’re pleasant - it is

up the river from Cognac. cognac, after all - but nothing special. Then

Today Martell alone produces about two Benoît asks us to mix 30 per cent of one

million cases a year, half of which go to China. with what remains of the other, and water is

The company has about 200,000 barrels of turned into wine. The blend tastes beautiful.

cognac maturing in its cellars at any one time, Benoît smiles. “Of course you have to know PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

and they clearly need every one. what you’re doing. You can also blend two

“Vietnam is also a booming market,” good cognacs to produce one poor one!” This

Martell’s Cellar Master Benoît Fil tells me on is the kind of knowledge that keeps you in

a private tour. “It’s increased by about 25 per business for 300 years. 

42

[ GASTRONOMY ]

43

The result
tasted better
yet if matured
in barrels made
from oak from
the forests
of Limousin,
which is
conveniently
up the river
from Cognac

44

[ GASTRONOMY ]

Facing page: Another venerable cognac house, A few streets away from Hennessy is
Crafting oak casks Hennessy, is celebrating its own 250th Rémy Martin, which has been in the heart
used to age and anniversary in 2015. Located right by the of Cognac since 1724 and where some of the
mature eaux de River Charente, Hennessy was founded by an most exclusive experiences can be had. I join
vie for the cognac Irishman, Richard Hennessy, and produces a a special tour which pairs cognac with food.
houses. Below, hefty 40 per cent of the world’s cognac. First we’re taught how best to savour the
from left: Château cognac, with a glass of their classic VSOP. We
de Bagnolet The main houses all have their private swirl it round, inspect the colour, then watch
has been part cellars, usually called ‘Paradis’, where the how quickly or slowly the coppery gold liquid
of Hennessy’s best cognac is kept under lock and key. If you slides back down the glass. Apricots, peach
heritage since want to get to Paradis, however, you have to and apples leap to mind when I sniff from
1841; Maurice take one of their private tours. On such a tour 10-15cm away, yet when I put my nose slowly
Hennessy is a at Hennessy we’re shown what they call the into the glass I’m treated to many more layers
global brand Founder’s Cellar, which dates from 1774. Here of complexity featuring rose, vanilla and oak.
ambassador and an we learn how safety-conscious the cellars We do the same with a glass of XO Excellence
eighth-generation have to be. (bolder and fruitier than the VSOP, a bit like
family member marmalade with hints of jasmine), and then
“This is where we keep our best eaux with a chilled VSOP, from the fridge. We’re
de vie,” our guide tells us. “We have 30 getting heady with the richness of these
firemen on rotating duty 24 hours a day, cognacs, and yet we haven’t drunk a drop.
seven days a week because of the great
risk of fire. Each barrel is a huge bomb. We The first sipping of the cognac comes
also mix and match where we keep things. only when the food is served. Salmon
Some eaux de vie from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s blinis with green olive cream match chilled
and ’90s will be kept together in different VSOP perfectly. Room temperature VSOP
cellars. We don’t keep, for example, all partners chocolate and hazelnut mousse
the ’60s barrels in the same place, so that with pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds. The
in the case of a fire, we won’t lose all our drink in the mouth intensifies the flavours of
’60s stock.”

45

The imposing [ GASTRONOMY ] Vintage stays
Rémy Martin
distillery is the food, and there’s a contrast between the Hôtel François Premier
one of the warm drink and the cold food which excites Given its association with the
highlights the tastebuds. Finally a warm Rémy Martin luxury liquor, the town of Cognac
of a tour of XO pairs with a chicken brochette marinated is surprisingly short of upscale
the historic with spices and honey – another match made lodgings. This four-star option is
house and in heaven. the best in town, with a great
cellars. A visit location on the main square and
also includes The spirit of cognac permeates the town walking distance from all the
cognac tasting of Cognac in an almost literal way. As the town's major cognac houses.
accompanied cognac ages in its barrels, stored in cellars hotelfrancoispremier.fr
by gourmet all over and around the town, about two per
canapés cent of it evaporates every year in what they Château Armanie
call the Angels’ Share. However, there’s This 15th-century château on the
46 so much cognac stored in Cognac that the edge of Cognac has luxury guest
angels get 300,000 bottles of cognac every rooms, its own Ugni Blanc vineyards
year. Perhaps that’s why there’s such an and a Cognac Club where guests
easy-going atmosphere in this unassuming can sample cognac from small
town where cognac and history blend into the producers as well as the big names.
perfect cocktail.  oliverstravels.com
Singapore Airlines flies daily to Paris. The town of
Cognac, 500km south-west of the capital, can be Château de Brillac
reached via high-speed TGV trains to Angoulême Set in the town of Jarnac, a
followed by a 45-minute taxi transfer. 20-minute drive from Cognac and
home to Courvoisier, Hine, Louis
Royer and other cognac distillers.
It was built in the 19th century
for a cognac producer and has 11
bedrooms and a heated pool, and
is surrounded by three hectares
of woodland and meadows.
chateaudebrillac.com

OTHER OPTIONS
Most cognac houses have private
accommodation in their own
châteaux, which is reserved for
special guests and is not available
for public booking. However, it
may be possible to combine a
private tour with accommodation.
Contact the individual châteaux
for more information:
martell.com; visitesremymartin.com;
hennessy.com



Stepping
through time

As Singapore
celebrates its
50th birthday,
Sakinah Manaff-
Green explores
five heritage
neighbourhoods
where old-world
charm is now
being infused
with hipster style

48