A Walk Above

Pull on your boots and stretch your legs with these top treks through some of the finest scenery on earth.

Peak performer

For anyone who has ever pulled on a pair of walking boots, a trek to Everest Base Camp must sit on top of the ultimate must-do list. To stand in the shadow of the world’s tallest mountain and gaze upon its formidable, snow-capped pyramid is one of the most spine-tingling experiences in travel. The good news is that while you’ll be following the famous footsteps of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, this route in Nepal has become a welltrodden, moderate trail that’s well within the capabilities of most reasonably fit, regular walkers.

Highlights come thick and fast, beginning with a brief yet hair-raising flight across the Himalaya from Kathmandu to the trek’s starting point at Lukla. Then there’s the colourful Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, close-up views of the crashing Khumbu Icefall, and a chance to witness the classic view of Everest at dawn from the summit of Kalapatthar (5,545m). Encounters with the friendly Sherpa people and yak trains along the way also promise hugely enjoyable memories. To maximise your chances of reaching Everest Base Camp, pick a guided trek itinerary that spends at least a couple of days at the highest point of the trail; it’s a long way to come only to miss out on the climax because of a spell of bad weather. At these high altitudes, it’s also wise not to rush the trek, so go for an itinerary that promises a moderate pace with several acclimatisation days included en route.

Best time to go: Mar-May and Sep-Nov; www.welcome2nepal.com.cn

 

Jungle fever

Situated in Sabah, Borneo, soaring Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia at 4,095m. Despite its size, trekking to its jagged summit can be achieved by any person of regular fitness and requires no mountaineering equipment. The climb starts in dense rainforest draped in creepers, strangling figs and spotted with orchids, gushing waterfalls and the whoops and trills of tropical birds such as barbets, hornbills and the Bornean blue flycatchers.

The path meanders through this exotic forest with handrails and steps to help along the way. Higher up the vegetation changes to conifers, oaks, and tree ferns, with rhododendrons blooming in wonderful shades of yellow and red. But once above the tree line, nothing grows and steps quickly give way to ropes to haul yourself up. A typical mountain climb takes two days – a first day trek to some huts about three-quarters of the way up, then a very early start the next day (around 3am) to begin the final steep ascent to the peak, in time for sunrise. Then, descend to the base camp in time for evening. You can’t begin an ascent without first confirming a reservation at Laban Rata, the mountain refuge at 3,273m. There’s also the permit to obtain plus a mountain guide – on average some 140 climbers a day are allowed up the mountain and back.

Best time to go: Feb-Aug, though a chance of rain all year; www.sabahtourism.com

 

Walk on the wild side

Established in 2006, Australia’s beautiful Great Ocean Walk weaves for 104km along a wild stretch of Victorian coastline via national parks and marine sanctuaries from the picturesque resort town of Apollo Bay to the awe-inspiring rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles. The bustling modern city of Melbourne is only a few hours’ drive to the north, but here you’ll feel transported to another era entirely. Come prepared for a mythic landscape of wide windswept beaches, the tallest sea cliffs in mainland Australia, and misty rainforests alive with exotic birdsong.

It’s the ever-changing visual treats that most appeal to walkers here, from hidden fern forests and valleys where dinosaurs once roamed, to ancient shipwrecks and the occasional glimpse of a passing southern right whale. It takes about seven days to complete this entire purpose-built trail, but it’s been cleverly designed with lots of access points so that you can choose to sample sections at a time. Seven eco-friendly campsites lie on the route (local operators can provide tents and provisions) but you must remember to obtain a camping permit at least two weeks before you start your hike. Alternatively, you can arrange a drop-off and pick-up service with bed and breakfast providers, or join a guided group trek.

Best time to go: Mar-Apr and Oct-Nov; www.visitvictoria.com

 

Scotch on the rocks

Tracing a leisurely 100-km path beside Scotland’s spectacular Cairngorm Mountains, the Speyside Way reveals one of the loveliest and most unspoilt parts of Britain. The route begins at the alpine-style ski resort of Aviemore, following the rushing waters of the River Spey down through heather-clad granite hills and ancient Caledonian forests, before reaching its conclusion at the historic fishing town of Buckie on the Moray coast. This landscape is dotted with pretty stone-built villages, cosy inns and grand country houses – don’t miss a visit to Ballindalloch Castle, known as the Pearl of the North, as this is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland and home to the Macpherson-Grants family since 1546.

The trail also brings you to one of the premier whisky producing regions in the world. Speyside is home to many famous makers of single malt Scotch such as Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Glenfiddich, several of which are within easy walking distance of the Speyside Way. Some distilleries such as Aberlour and Macallan offer tours with tastings, and even for the non-drinker, they offer fascinating insights into the relationship between alcohol, the land and society.

Best time to go: Apr-Oct; www.moray.gov.uk/area/speyway/webpages

 

Suzhou For The Soul

Fishermen still cast their lines in the crumbling canals of the ancient city of Suzhou, and at dawn, gaggles of elderly woman can be seen performing tai chi in the shade of willow trees. The shadows of the city’s countless pagodas and ancient stone arches reach across the roofs of tiny canal cottages and into the bustling markets as another day starts in one of China’s most historic cities.

Nestled in the reaches of the Yangtze River, on the banks of Lake Taihu, Suzhou is one of eastern China’s most beautiful cities. Despite China’s relentless march towards modernity, Suzhou – once dubbed the Venice of the East because of its canals, stone bridges and manicured gardens – retains a sense of tranquility that has lasted since its heyday during the Song Dynasty.

Originally built in 514BC, modern day Suzhou was once part of the great city of Helu, the capital of the kingdom of Wu, created during the Spring & Autumn period by King Helu. Elements of the former city can be seen in Suzhou’s 2,500-year-old city walls and at the Panmen Gate, at one time the only way in or out of the city.

“There’s something undeniably surreal about walking down a street that people were walking down 2,500 years ago,” says Suzhou-based designer Ryan McLaughlin. “That sort of historic legacy permeates everything in Suzhou, from the heavily touristed areas on postcards to the grimy back alleys full of artisans. Getting lost here is an excellent way of stumbling backward in time, and wandering through the city an excellent way of exploring Chinese history first hand.”

The creation of the city’s canal system, including the Grand Canal, helped bolster Suzhou as a trading port. In fact, the Grand Canal, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is the longest man-made river in the world and passes through Tianjin and the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang down to Hangzhou.

With one foot in the past and another in the future, Suzhou is a popular weekend escape from Shanghai and other large Chinese cities. The modern, high speed ‘G Train’ now cuts the travel time between Shanghai Central and Suzhou’s modern new train station to just 40 minutes, making it perfect for leisure travellers and businessmen bound for the city’s sprawling Suzhou Industrial Park.

The zone, a large scale joint project between China and Singapore, is home to the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, one of the first Sino-British universities in China, as well as high-end residential properties, IT businesses and the highly acclaimed Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre.

Based around the large Jinji Lake and a pleasant tourist propsect in itself, Suzhou resident Steven Millward says that the Industrial Park is a chance to delve into modern Chinese society, where you’re more likely to see a Ferrari than a trishaw. “Go to sample some of the fantastic high-end restaurants, bars, and shopping,” recommends Steven. “There is everything from famous German breweries to a Nepalese jazz bar.”

With its restored canals, tiny waterside homes and expansive gardens, Suzhou is a popular tourist destination. Once the centre for China’s silk trade under the Song Dynasty, the city is now one of four protected Chinese cities. Thousands of tourists arrive each year to explore the canal towns and the city’s ornate gardens, many of which were recreated after being destroyed during the Japanese invasion in 1937.

A must-visit is the modern Suzhou Museum, which comes in two parts: the original museum housed in the former palace of Prince Zhong of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and an extension designed by I.M. Pei and inaugurated in 2006. The museum boasts fascinating collections of Chinese art, ancient paintings and calligraphy, and is surrounded, naturally, by tranquil gardens and ponds. It’s a perfect retreat to inspire as well as unwind – not unlike the city of Suzhou itself.

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Located in Global 188, the city’s tallest building and most prestigious landmark in the heart of Suzhou Industrial Park, Fraser Suites Suzhou is quickly becoming the city’s byword for luxury. The Gold-Standard serviced apartment property is the first joint project between Frasers Hospitality and SPG Land, the ground-breaking developers behind the architectural icon.

Business travellers can start right at the exquisitely faceted top, where four floors of leisure amenities await with luxurious options in entertainment or relaxation. Aptly named ‘The Pinnacle,’ the airy, naturally lit space houses the Sky Lounge, two exclusive meeting rooms, a golf simulator, kids’ club, tai chi court, spa, cigar bar and library, all with stunning views of the modern city as a backdrop.

When it’s time to retreat to your private haven, choose from the tower’s 276 one-, two- or three-bedroom serviced apartments, each stylishly outfitted in contemporary designer furnishings and boasting breathtaking views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Each suite has a separate living area and a fully equipped kitchen, with comprehensive home entertainment systems featuring LED TVs and iPod docking multimedia players and wireless Internet connections.

Feeling restless? Stay active with an inspired setting for the swimming pool, gymnasium and private garden; take a tranquil stroll along Jinji Lake and its waterfront parks; or hit nearby Zuo An commercial street for your shopping needs. If you ever need to venture further afield, there’s easy access to central Suzhou and a 40-minute speed train ride to Shanghai and beyond.

 

The Best of Old & New

At once exotic and yet slightly familiar: it’s the diversity and immense energy that makes Istanbul a dream place to live, work and play.

Straddling the mighty Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe from Asia, Turkey’s second city offers travellers a heady mix of east and west. Get your bearings with a 15-minute open-top ferry across continents, from Karaköy terminal in Europe to the Kadikoy district in Asia. Crossing the Bosphorus, you’ll have sensational views of the minarets of Istanbul’s medieval Süleymaniye Mosque, the fairy-tale Galata Tower, the huge dome of the Hagia Sophia and the majestic walls of the Topkapi and Dolmabahce Palaces.

You don’t have to go that far, though, for a glimpse of the city’s latest incarnation. Back at Karaköy, a revamped waterside warehouse beside the passenger terminal houses Istanbul Modern (Meclis-i Mebusan Ave), the city’s gleaming contemporary art museum, which has become the showcase of a vibrant art scene.

If that whets your appetite for things artistic, take Karaköy’s tiny underground tram (one of the world’s oldest subways) to Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu, the artery of chic in 19th-century Istanbul and now fully revived after a period of decline. Two of the city’s best spaces – Platform Garanti Contemporary Art Center and Galerist, which shows many of Turkey’s leading artists – lie along this stately street.

Istiklal Caddesi and the upscale Nisantasi district, particularly Tesvikiye Avenue, are also where hip young locals go to shop. Istiklal has stores such as Mavi (at no. 117), Turkey’s sought after denim designer. International brands and labels crowd Nisantasi’s swish main drag, but don’t let that put you off – Beymen (23/1 Abdi pekçi Caddesi), Turkey’s version of Harrods, is worth a look. For a retail experience that’s quirkier and on a much smaller scale, seek out the local designer boutiques. Gönül Paksoy (Atiye Sokak 6) does gorgeous silk and cotton clothing, while a few doors along, Sema Paksoy (Atiye Sokak 9) makes intriguing, Ottoman-inspired jewellery.

All that shopping making you hungry? A gastro revival is happening alongside Istanbul’s art and style one: foodies flock to the Ortaköy Banyan (Salhane Sokak 3), a short drive along the Bosphorus to the suburb of Ortaköy in outer Istanbul. With spectacular views of the original Bosphorus bridge and a graceful waterside mosque, the restaurant’s terrace tables come into their own on summer nights. The cuisine here is fusion at its best, a melange of Asian influences, with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Indian delicacies all beautifully presented and prepared.

In Beyoglu, the award-winning 360 Istanbul (Istiklal Caddesi, Misir Apt) is a glass-walled rooftop extravaganza with a super-chic bar and circular views of the city. Top dishes to try include delicious Lebanese kibbe meatballs stuffed with walnuts, or the lamb confit, poached for five hours in top-quality olive oil. Work off the feast at Wan-na (Mesrutiyet Caddesi 151), where foreign DJs keep Istanbul’s young professionals dancing alongside the aluminium bar until the wee hours. Yet for all its contemporary buzz and new attractions, a visit to Istanbul is unthinkable without seeing some of the old.

The 600-yearold Grand Bazaar (Yaglikcilar Caddesi, Beyazit) houses some 5,000 shops packed to the rafters with belly dancing outfits, backgammon boards, Evil Eye keyrings and enough nargile (hookah pipes) for a Cheech & Chong marathon. Give the touristy trinkets a wide berth and search out the true bargains – leather goods are great value, as are ceramics, silver and carpets. Jean-Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan and Sting are fans of Sivasli Yazmaci (Yaglikcilar Caddesi 57), which sells gorgeous textiles in silk, cotton and wool.

Then there’s Topkapi Palace, Turkey’s tiled-and marbled answer to Versailles, the daily harem tour unveils the sultans’ decadent world of multiple wives, eunuchs and dwarf entertainers. Walk through opulent vaulted chambers decorated in blue Iznik tiles and stained glass, then top it off with a look at the royal treasury, filled with bejeweled spoils from Ottoman conquests.

If your feet begin protesting that you’ve overdone the sightseeing, don’t despair. Rejuvenation awaits at the Cagaloglu Hamami (Kazim Ismail Gürkan Caddesi 34), a ravishing baroque bathhouse that looks like a film set – and has, in fact, appeared in an Indiana Jones movie. Under a vaulted dome, an attendant will position you on a heated marble slab, douse you in hot water, scrub your entire body with a loofah glove, lather you in foamy soap, massage your back, douse you again, towel you dry and then send you off into the beautiful old café for a glass of mint tea. Now that’s a Turkish delight indeed.

After a long day of exploring Turkey, what better place to rest and rejuvenate yourself than at Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul?

Housed on the upper floors of the prestigious Anthill Residence towers, Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul is raising the bar for modern living.

The luxurious property, which comprises 116 Gold-Standard airy apartments set on the 39 to 54 floors of both towers, come in one-, two- or three- bedroom apartments as well as four-bedroom penthouses with floor to ceiling windows that allow unobstructed panoramic views across the beautiful old city, Bosphorus and The Golden Horn.

Then there’s the building’s forward-thinking concept. An adjoining retail mall offers a multitude of conveniences – from the exclusive Carrefour gourmet store to restaurants, pharmacy, dry cleaning and hairdressing services – while other facilities include one of the city’s largest fitness centres, indoor ski slope, tennis and squash courts as well as indoor and outdoor pools to rejuvenate and energise, plus a host of wellness facilities including a spa with 12 treatment rooms that create a pampering escape route for frazzled bodies.

As the global in-crowd has discovered, modern living has come to Turkey – and Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul is the only place to stay.

Lifestyle & leisure: Jakarta Style

The quintessential bits and pieces of life in Indonesia’s capital as shared by the people who know it best.

Living in Jakarta is one big adventure, moment by moment. Walk around the city and you will see street cart vendors pushing their mobile shops around, cars squeezing between lanes and three-wheeled passenger pedicabs called bajajs manoeuvring their way in the busy roads. To live among all these is both exciting and bewildering.

“You can feel a whole gamut of emotions in one day: crazy, intense, frustrating, exciting, fun, warm and welcoming,” shares Simone Baldwin, an Australian who’s now a resident of Jakarta.

“It requires a special kind of resilience, a positive energy and a sense of compassion to live and enjoy life here.” As far as lifestyle goes, it is hard to beat Jakarta. Day to day living is very comfortable; getting around the city is never a problem. As taxis are inexpensive and very reliable, most people prefer to hire Silver Bird taxis – black Mercedes or Toyota saloon cars – all day.

“Where else in the world can you enjoy the services offered to you in this city? You take a Silver Bird taxi and you are treated like a queen. You can even have your own personal driver,” says localborn Dita Carey, a Pilates studio owner.

EXPAT LIFE

The same comfort that Dita enjoys lures thousands of expatriates into the city. As they settle down, they feel right at home in no time. A large number of expatriate clubs and societies are open for membership; many of which are popular with families and include large swimming complexes and sports facilities.

Expatriate Bernie Geddes offers some great advice to those who want to slip into the Indonesian way of life: “I have travelled to many countries and have not found anywhere in the world that matches the Indonesian Heritage Society. To be an active member is an experience that will exceed your wildest dreams. It’s a group that welcomes newcomers, takes them by the hand and shows them the real Indonesia.” The society lets its members feel the local culture; it organises trips to pottery villages, kite factories, various cottage industries and guided treks to nearby mountains and waterfalls.

R&R FINDS

Another notable aspect of Indonesian life is its food, according to expatriates who consider Jakarta home. There are a lot of affordable wine and dine options in the city. Five star hotels offer Sunday Brunch deals. It’s like nothing you will ever see: Alaskan crab, US prime sirloin, fine cheeses and melting chocolate fountains alongside the local fare.

A sumptuous feast would not break the bank, as most buffets with free flow champagne, beer and wine cost around US$50. Kids’ clubs also operate in these hotels. Indeed, it’s hard to match this standard and affordability anywhere in the world.

Jakarta is also a massage and spa heaven. Beautifully designed spa palaces and salons abound. Bernie’s favourite haunt is Jamu Spa. “If you have never had a cream bath then you have missed paradise! The girls at Jamu Spa know how to make you relax and experience complete ecstasy. A cream bath is not only a head massage but also involves caressing your arms and massaging your back. It leaves you wondering why you have not ever done it before. It’s a guarantee you’ll be back.”

Praises also go to complexes and malls, which takes shopping into another level. Several high-end, luxurious malls houses top-notch restaurants and premier theatres. These malls stay open until 10pm every day. The fun does not stop at 10pm though, as the city comes alive at night. Some great nightclubs include Blowfish, Dragonfly, Bibliotheque, Immigrant and the iconic B.A.T.S.

 

JAKARTA AND BEYOND

Any Indonesian experience would not be complete without visiting the country’s tourist attractions, like Sunda Kelapa Harbour where old Bugis sailing ships unload at the port. It’s like a scene from hundreds of years ago.

If you’re in wanderlust, Jakarta serves as a perfect jump off point to adventure areas in the country. Bali and Lombok offer beautiful beaches while Sulawesi has some of the world’s most pristine diving spots. Sumatra has its unique and fascinating culture. In Kalimantan, you can come up close with orangutans.

With all these leisure options, you will never run out of things to do in and around Jakarta. It is an alluring city in spite of its idiosyncrasies and a comfortable life is within reach. So how do you ease into Jakarta? New Zealander Vicky Keenan explains, “Take your time. Observe the differences and don’t expect the way of life here to be the same as where you come from. Go with the flow, learn the language, practise gentle communication and always smile.”

 

JAKARTA’S COOL RETREAT

Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta ensures a stress-free stay in Indonesia’s capital.

With its superb location in the Golden Triangle within the Central Business District, it’s close to almost everything – medical facilities, commercial establishments and government offices. Jakarta’s premier shopping malls Grand Indonesia, Plaza Senayan and Plaza Indonesia are just a short drive away.

Each of the 108-Gold Standard units of one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment is an epitome of contemporary living. Minimalist furniture and fittings adorn the apartments, creating a relaxed atmosphere inside. The full-length windows bathes the living room in natural light.

Recreation options are equally impressive as each apartment’s design. A comprehensive home entertainment system – LED TV, DVD player, audio system and satellite, cable and local TV channels – means you have hours of amusement at your fingertips. Keep fit with a variety of sports facilities, including an Olympic-size swimming pool and squash and tennis courts. Hot and cold dip pools and sauna rooms are also available.

With the excellent facilities Fraser Residence Sudirman Jakarta offers, your trips in the thriving metropolis will never be the same again.

Quadruple Win for Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd at World Travel Awards

L-R (starting with second from left): Mr David Brown, General Manager of Fraser Suites Dubai, Mr Mustapha Henini, General Manager of Fraser
Suites Doha, Ms Shashi Shetty, Director of Sales & Marketing of Fraser Suites Dubai, Ms Jastina Balen, Branding and Communications Director of
Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd, Mr Olivier Briand, General Manager of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, Ms Senada Ramic, Director of Sales & Marketing of
Fraser Suites Doha, Ms Juliana Mateva, Director of Sales & Marketing of Fraser Suites Bahrain

Recognition for Commitment to Excellence in the Middle East

A world leader in premium serviced apartments and boutique residences, Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd (Frasers) was conferred Middle East’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand by the World Travel Awards 2013 at a Gala Ceremony held in Dubai recently.

Recognising its commitment to excellence and continual endeavours to improve its offerings, Frasers also received top honours for each of its properties in the region – Bahrain’s Leading Serviced Apartments for Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, Qatar’s Leading Serviced Apartments for Fraser Suites Doha and Dubai’s Leading Serviced Apartments for Fraser Suites Dubai.

The ultimate hallmark of quality that is often regarded as the “travel Oscars”, the World Travel Awards is the largest, most comprehensive and prestigious awards in the travel industry voted by travel and tourism professionals worldwide.

“We have been committed to building a strong presence in the Middle East and are honoured to receive these awards as they are an endorsement of the region’s growing recognition and trust in the Frasers brand”, said Mr Guus Bakker, Chief Operating Officer for Europe and the Middle East, Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd. “The Middle East is an exciting market for us and we will continue to strengthen our position here with our diverse portfolio of brand offerings to cater to the growing demand for Gold-Standard serviced accommodation in this region.”

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd’s current portfolio, including those in the pipeline, stands at 77
properties in 41 key gateway cities, and more than 13,000 apartments worldwide.

2013 Middle East’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand
by World Travel Award 2013
Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd

2013 Bahrain’s Leading Serviced Apartments
by World Travel Award 2013
Fraser Suites Bahrain

2013 Qatar’s Leading Serviced Apartments
by World Travel Award 2013
Fraser Suites Doha

2013 Dubai’s Leading Serviced Apartments
by World Travel Award 2013
Fraser Suites Dubai

Lines of Beauty

The romance of train travel is well known, but rail journeys can also bring unique perspectives on the world’s cultures and landscapes, all enjoyed at a supremely stress-free pace.  All aboard…

Ticket to paradise

Sipping a cocktail in the Observation Car surrounded by teak wood flooring, rattan furniture and potted plants, you could easily feel you’re relaxing on the verandah of a colonial-era mansion, not a train. But then this sort of plush luxe is a speciality of the Eastern and Oriental Express, which since 1993 has been weaving a course through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. In 2011 comes a series of new three- and six-night voyages through Thailand, Malaysia, Laos and Singapore. Limited to just 60 guests per journey, all accommodations are spacious State and Presidential cabins. The six-night Epic Thailand itinerary explores some relatively undiscovered landscapes. Departing from Bangkok, the train travels through the dramatic plains of Thailand’s northeast region. Guests can explore a restored 12th-century Khmer temple at Prasat Sikhoraphum and the Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cost of a berth may seem high, but the standards are too; a steward presses and hangs all clothes, brings pots of tea and cakes at 4pm each day and supplies drinks on request. Cool cotton robes hang in the ensuite shower room, Bulgari products line the shelves and fresh flowers decorate the cabin. Total indulgence while you enjoy a front-row seat on a moving panorama exotic beyond belief.
From SGD$12,400 per person; www.orient-express.com

Where to stay:
Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, Bangkok

 

Highland fling

As the home of golf and whisky, no visit to Scotland is complete without sampling both, which is why the four-night Classic Journey aboard The Royal Scotsman is so popular. This luxurious 1,160-kilometre, four-night journey begins and ends in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, taking a glorious route up through the forests and glens of the Highlands, skirting serene lochs and ancient mountains. Highlights include a private whisky tasting session at the renowned Glen Ord distillery and the chance to play golf at Ballindalloch Castle, home to the Macpherson-Grants family since 1546. With its rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics, there’s a timeless elegance aboard the train too, while during formal dinners male guests are encouraged to dress in a tuxedo or kilt.
From US$6,820 per person; www.royalscotsman.com

Where to stay:
Fraser Suites Edinburgh

 

On track to enlightenment

Whether you’re a believer or not, seeking out the most important sites of Buddhist heritage provides a richly fascinating theme for this exotic odyssey across northern India. Climb aboard the fully air-conditioned Mahaparinirvan Express (also known as the ‘Buddhist Circuit Special Train’) in Delhi for a seven-night all-inclusive tour calling in at Bodhgaya where Buddha gained enlightenment (supposedly while seated beneath the Bodhi tree) and Kushinagar, where he died. The tour also includes visits to Lumbini in Nepal where Buddha was born some time during the 5th century BCE, as well as unmissable side trips to the Taj Mahal, the River Ganges and the ancient city of Varanasi. From US$1,050 per person in first-class; www.railtourismindia.com

Where to stay:
Fraser Suites New Delhi

 

Spirited away

Ned Kelly Country, the Hunter Valley’s famous winelands and the spectacular mountain scenery of the Great Divide – all feature on Australia’s newest and most exclusive rail journey aboard The Southern Spirit. Currently rolling out for its second year, this six-day trip from Adelaide to Brisbane (and vice versa) offers rare glimpses of the rural heartlands of four states before tracking some of the country’s most beautiful coastline along the Eastern Seaboard. Cocktails (or perhaps an ice-cold Aussie beer) are enjoyed in the Outback Explorer Lounge before fine dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant; guests who opt for a top-end, Platinum Cabin (twice the size of a standard cabin and featuring ensuite bathroom and a double bed) also enjoy the luxury of 24-hour room service.
From AUS$3,600 per person; www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

Where to stay:
Fraser Suites Sydney

 

Head for the hills

In terms of mood and drama, even a relatively short rail journey can outdo the equivalent trip by road or air, especially when you wake up in a completely different climate and terrain. Located 780 kilometres north of Hanoi, Sapa is a picturesque mountain retreat nestled among some of Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery. Formerly a French colonial hill station, the village has recently developed into a popular tourist destination lined with restaurants, bars and hotels. The draw here isn’t simply the dramatic mountain scenery and mild climate, but the chance to encounter local minority groups, such as the Black Hmong and Red Dao hill tribes. The most comfortable and stylish way to make the lengthy ascent is aboard an overnight train called the Victoria Express. Featuring a swish velvet and mahogany-panelled restaurant car serving fine French cuisine and two air-conditioned sleeping carriages, it drops off its pampered, bleary-eyed passengers at the crack of dawn in Lao Cai, just a stone’s throw from the border with China. From here, it’s a 45-minute switchback minibus ride across vertiginous mountain passes to Sapa where you can strike out on foot into the breathtaking countryside accompanied by a trekking guide.
From US$185 per person; www.victoriahotels-asia.com

Where to stay:
Fraser Suites Hanoi

Hot Chocolate

Some people say that alcohol is the last legal drug. Others swear by chocolate. That’s not so surprising: top-quality dark chocolate, with a high proportion of cocoa solids, promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine (the so-called ‘love drug’) as well as theobromine, which gives the kind of kick to the system associated with an espresso.

Perhaps it’s these addictive qualities that are driving consumer demand for the luxury creations made by specialist chocolatiers. Around the world, sales and profits are shooting up in the high-end chocolate segment as devotees dig ever-deeper into their pockets for their chocolate fix. Or perhaps – more realistically – it’s improved food knowledge that is behind the demand. People wanting to know more about what they are eating and where it was sourced is a worldwide trend that also applies to chocolate.

From the importance of soil conditions to cocoa taste, what consumers want are handmade, high-quality chocs, preferably ethically sourced and fairly traded. As awareness of the plight of cocoa farmers and the quality of fair trade chocolate has increased, so too has the demand for producers to promote a socially responsible approach.

While chocolate consumption is still much lower in Asia than in Europe or North America,
the market here is growing steadily too, as the Chinese, in particular, develop a taste for the dark stuff. Chocolate appreciation classes are now commonplace in major Asian cities from Singapore to Shanghai, along with a rise in specialist chocolatiers and cafés.

China’s chocolate market was worth around seven billion yuan (US$1 billion) in 2009 and is expected to have grown by 11 per cent by 2011. In April 2010, Shanghai celebrated the opening of what has been billed the world’s largest chocolate shop – 300 square metres of luxury treats from Belgian ‘designer’ brand Godiva. Beijing, meanwhile, launched World Chocolate Wonderland in February 2010, a real-life chocolate theme park that’s housed in the former Olympic stadium. Featuring 80,000 kilograms of chocolate, highlights include replicas of the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall.

It’s not hard to see what all the fuss is about. All-natural chocolate is rich, smooth and complex; the mass-produced variety – low in cocoa solids, bound with vegetable fat, sticky with glucose syrup – contains additives that makes it waxy, gritty and super-sweet. Until recently, the best chocolate confectioners were based in two countries: Belgium and
Switzerland. Tiny Belgium boasts more than 2,100 chocolate shops, while Zurich is home to the closest thing the real world has to Willy Wonka: Barry Callebaut, a company with an annual chocolaterelated turnover of more than US$3.5 billion.

But now there are minnows nipping at the tails of these behemoths. Across America and Europe, individual pâtissiers with absolutely nothing Belgian about them are opening shops selling their own artisan products. Small, highly respected producers such as Tcho and Amano in the US, Italy’s Amedei, Oriol Balaguer in Spain and Chantal Coady’s Rococo shop in London have shaken up the market.

And if all that wasn’t good news enough for chocoholics, new research has revealed that dark chocolate is also a superfood, with anti-oxidant properties that have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.

Scientists led by Dr Brian Buijsse, a nutritional epidemiologist at the German Institute of Human Nutrition, found that flavanols, substances in cocoa that boost the body’s supply of nitric oxide, can contribute to chocolate eaters’ lowered blood pressure. People who eat 7.5 grams a day – the equivalent of one small square – are less likely to suffer a stroke. Now that’s the kind of health advice that could be addictive.

Listed below is our special selection of chocolatiers across our favourite cities. Do check out our latest promotions & offers on http://bit.ly/12p3ieh and plan a chocolicious holiday!

Singapore
Jewels Artisan Chocolate offers a range of more than 40 sumptuously handcrafted chocs, and it’s all down to the skill and passion of the island’s first artisan chocolatier, Then Chui Foong. Look out for her Perle Noir, a silky champagne ganache enrobed with crunchy dark chocolate pearls; the Coral, an adventurous fusion of cola and chilli flavours, and the Amber, which beautifully balances passionfruit and dill. Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #02-31/32; tel: +65 6509 8998; http://www.jewels.com.sg

Shanghai
Godiva’s vast flagship Shanghai boutique is in the hip Xintiandi area. Expect to find all their usual favourites (try the truffles dessert collection) but they also have a selection of coffee, cocoa, biscuits, dipped fruits and sweets. Shop 106, Lane 123, 5 Xingye Lu, tel: +86 5382 0715; www.godiva.com

London
Paul A Young used to be the pastry chef at Marco Pierre White’s Criterion Brasserie and Quo Vadis. Now he helms two artisan chocolateries – in Camden Passage, Islington, and the historic Royal Exchange. Don’t miss the gold-medal-winning Sea Salted Caramels, which have a hard, glossy shell that shatters in your mouth, or the Kalamansi truffles, with a centre of tangy tropical citrus. The shop has its fair share of witty and improbable taste-combinations, too (truffles stuffed with Marmite, anyone?). 33 Camden Passage, Islington, tel: +44 207 424 5750; www.paulayoung.co.uk

Edinburgh & SYD NEY
This tiny organic chocolatier in the chi-chi Bruntsfield district is a mini-wonderland, with everything from award-winning dark chocolate with rose and black pepper to visually striking white chocolate with raspberries. Other specialities include a trio of deftly packaged chocolates named ‘Aroma’, ‘Taste’ and ‘Finish’, designed to complement Dalmore whiskies. Discover them here, at Coco Chocolate school or on one of the monthly tasting evenings. A branch has also opened in Sydney. 174 Bruntsfield Place; tel: +44 131 228 4526; www.cocochocolate.co.uk & www.cocochocolate.com.au

Paris
Parisian chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat has 17 boutiques worldwide (including London, Tokyo and Hong Kong). Products include Les Attentions, a box of two chocolate ganaches; Les Pralines, a small box of four assorted pralines infused with coconut, orange bergamot, roasted chocolate nibs and pistachio; and Les Orangettes, thin strips of candied orange dipped in dark chocolate. 8 Boulevard Madeleine; tel: +33 1 47 42 86 52; www.lamaisonduchocolat.com

Dubai
Al Nassma specialises in luxury camel-milk chocolates, the first company in the world to do so. Let your tastebuds be your guide: not only are these handmade creations delicious, but camel milk is a whole lot healthier than cow’s milk, with five times more vitamin C and insulin, and less fat. Still not convinced? There are plenty of other treats worth trying here, from bars flavoured with cardamom and cumin to camel-shaped truffles. Near the Dubai Outlet Mall; tel: +971 4 223 9289; www.al-nasma.com

 

Ruin-Pubs at Budapest!

The above photo was taken by photographer Tamás Szémann and it was published on http://www.index.hu.

 

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Budapest is the city that never stops partying. For the young and young-at-heart citizens of Budapest, the trend is the so-called “ruin-pub” where the young create venues for social use in abandoned buildings before demolition. ‘Rom Kocsma’ in Hungarian, literally: pub in a ruin is an old building revived to fulfill a new mission. This culture grew in the central area of the city where new places were opened one after another when apartment houses and factory buildings doomed to destruction. These were equipped with rejected furniture of old community centers  cinemas, and grandmothers’ flats, bringing a retro feeling into these places.

The best ruin pubs offer live music or DJs on the weekends, as well as film nights and art exhibitions. Main streets like Király utca and Dob utca sport trendy coffeehouses and wine bars alongside remnants of Jewish life – small family-owned restaurants and bakeries – that managed to survive. Three of the popular ruin pubs in Budapest are all a short walk from one another and can be explored fairly easily during a night of methodical drinking. Out of the three, Szimpla kert was the first one to open and then came Kőleves Vendéglő & Fogas ház. Each has its own personality, options of live music and taste pellets to cater, so choose whichever one suits the night and your mood.

Approximately two kilometers away from the crazy nightlife of the Hungarian capital, Fraser Residence Budapest is less than 20 minutes walking distance. So while you relax in one of the 51 guest suites at Frasers with contemporary, light, airy design and state-of-the-art technology throughout, pumping music and taps filled with beer are just a walk away.

Fraser Residence Budapest hotel is located in Pest, off lively Corvin Promenade, a wide avenue at the center of one of Central Europe’s largest urban renewal programmes. Conveniently close to this hotel in Budapest’s city center are dozens of businesses, restaurants, shops and cafes. Guests of Fraser Residence Budapest enjoy discounted rates at a nearby fitness center with swimming pool, jacuzzis, saunas and day care for children. Whether you are relocating to Hungary, on a training programme, doing business or simply enjoying a holiday, Fraser Residence Budapest offers all the advantages of Budapest hotels with the comfort and convenience of serviced apartments in Budapest’s fast-growing Corvin Promenade area.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced the 2013 Travellers’ Choice Award winners. Fraser Residence Budapest was named among the Top 25 Hotels in Hungary in March 2013. We also have been nominated by the World Travel Awards as 2013 as the Leading Serviced Apartment in Hungary. So book your stay with us without any worry!

Additionally take advantage of our SUMMER PROMOTION or  BEST DAILY RATES deal to book you stay with us now!

Summer Promotion -  Extra Discount and Free Welcome Refreshment!

Book minimum 2 nights in our award-winning hotel between 01 June and 05 July 2013 and get 5% discount from our best daily rates with a free welcome refreshment!

This offer includes:
- 5% discount from our best daily rate included
- Complimentary daily continental buffet breakfast
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connection
- Rates are inclusive of VAT
- Complimentary welcome refreshment in your room on arrival

BEST DAILY RATES - Best Available Rates now include a FREE Transfer or Parking!

Stay minimum 4 nights in one of our luxury One- or Two-Bedroom Apartments between 20 May and 08 July 2013 and we invite you for a FREE one way airport transfer or a FREE parking for 1 day!

This offer includes:
- Complimentary daily continental buffet breakfast
- Complimentary Wi-Fi connection
- Rates are inclusive of taxes and exclude Tourist Tax
- Complimentary one-way transfer (either on arrival or departure) or parking for 1 day

The free transfer could be booked either for arrival or departure, please indicate your choice in your reservation!

Address: Nagytemplom u. 31. – 1082 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +361 872 5900
Email: sales.budapest@frasershospitality.com
Website: http://budapest.frasershospitality.com/

The Hungarian State Opera House – Budapest

Magyar Állami Operaház. This gorgeous neo-Renaissance opera house is affectionately known to the rest of the world as the Hungarian State Opera House. Considered by many to be one of Budapest’s most beautiful buildings with breathtaking architecture, the opera house was designed by a major figure of 19th century Hungarian architecture, Miklós Ybl. He created what many would agree is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Europe. Ever since its opening in 1884, it has been an iconic institution in the Hungarian capital. Located on the popular Andrássy Avenue, the construction of the opera house was funded by the city of Budapest and by Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary.

Inside the Opera House

Hungary’s largest and most celebrated performance hall boasts an exquisite interior featuring murals and frescoes depicting Greek mythological scenes by two famous Hungarian artists of the day, Bertalan Székely and Károly Lotz. When visitors enter the building, they are first treated to the sight of the opera house’s impressive foyer with a double grand staircase and grey marble columns supporting the arches. In addition, there is a huge gilded chandelier that hangs down from the ceiling. Each level has a different layout and decoration with gold and red furnishings dominating the lavish auditorium. With a reputation for having exceptional acoustics, the opera house is third best in Europe after La Scala in Milan and the Palais Garnier in Paris and is able to seat up to 1,261 people. Interesting nugget of information – the opera house was decorated with more than seven kilograms of gold, back in those times, that’s a lot of money.

Andrássy út Budapest in 1896

Statues of the world greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, Verdi, Smetana, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, and Monteverdi can be found on the main facade. Seated statues of Franz Liszt (most famous Hungarian composer) and Ferenc Erkel, the first director of the Opera House, who also composed the Hungarian national anthem adorn either sides of the main entrance. Visitors will also be able to see muses such as Terpsichore, Erato, Thalia, and Melpomene representing dance, love poetry, comedy, and tragedy around the opera house.

Courtesy of Wikipedia, picture credit to PDXdj

We recommend catching any of the 50 plus performances including operas and ballets that are held there during the main season between September and mid-June. You can also watch performances by the Hungarian National Ballet here. For more information on the Opera House, check out its website. If you don’t have time to see a performance, you can take a guided tour any day from 3 to 4 p.m. for 2,900 HUF (about $13 USD). Alternatively you can choose to explore the lobby which you can do for free but the only way to tour the interior is with the guided tour.

HUNGARIAN STATE OPERA HOUSE

Hours: Tours daily 3pm and 4pm
Location: Andrassy ut 22, Budapest VI
Transportation Metro: Opera (Yellow line)
Phone: 1/332-8197
Prices: 2 900 HUF/person, 1 900 HUF for students with ISIC card, 20% discount with Budapest Card and free for children under the age of 6.

For your stay in Budapest, take advantage of our special weekdays offer or our early bird offer!

Stay with us at Fraser Residence Budapest, located 10 minutes away from the opera house. Contemporary and minimalist, our serviced apartments offers a quieter environment that’s ideal for weary hotel travelers. Every Fraser Residence is a home-away-from home, designed to complement the lifestyles of its guests with the highest levels of personalized, intuitive service from dedicated Fraser staff. Fraser Residence Budapest is just moments away from numerous retail shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés. The Corvin Promenade also features a mighty Life1 fitness-wellness centre with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and saunas. Day care for children is also available there. Guests can also access the gym at special discounted rates.

Each of our 51 well-appointed contemporary studios, one, two and three bedroom penthouse apartments is furnished to high standard with open plan living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, modern bathroom, state of the art entertainment systems, high speed internet is available throughout our property, luxurious bedding and designer amenities. Full hotel style services are also available including 24 hour reception, security and concierge, a breakfast Suite offering a full Continental buffet breakfast each morning and a roof terrace with loungers to relax from the hustle and bustle of Budapest.

Address: Nagytemplom u. 31. – 1082 Budapest, Hungary
Phone: +361 872 5900
Email: sales.budapest@frasershospitality.com
Website: http://budapest.frasershospitality.com/

Sporting Holidays

Sailing the Carian coast

Already mastered the sea around Baja in Mexico or taken off to the South of France for a boating weekend? Try Turkey’s Carian coast next. On a spring morning, the waters are a pristine turquoise around the coast and a mysterious imperial blue further off. The wind stokes a languid murmur in the pines on the hills as you drift on your yacht and watch the birds floating against a spotless sky. The winds are given to reach the ideal speed of 15 to 20 knots, and both the hardened enthusiast and the first-timer find something to occupy themselves with. The advantage here rather than the much more expensive spots on the French Riviera, or the Italian coast, is that the tourism sector is relatively disorganised. Don’t be surprised if a hawking boat suddenly arrives from one of the beach shacks to lure you towards their thick yoghurt dip or a bowl of teeming, hot çorba (lentil soup). The Turks live passionately and expect you to share in their verve for life, whatever your intentions before arriving might have been. Also, the city of Bodrum — historically called Caria from which the coast derives its name — is less than a five hours drive from Istanbul. - goturkey.com

Where to stay
Fraser Place Anthill Istanbul, set in the Sisli district.

Running through Parisian lanes

Who would have imagined that the city of love could be a runner’s dream-come-true? The French regard faire du sport or being active very highly (along with faire l’amour, of course). Its capital Paris is packed with high-flying
residents who frequently don their running shorts to pack in a brisk jog before the start of the day, often with a Chihuahua trailing them on a leash. The former French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, was recently spotted huffing
in the Bois du Boulogne. The pavements are spotlessly clean, and the rest of the year is an easy glide. While you settle into a meditative rhythm along the Quai d’Orsay, for example, and your heels go clap-clap on the cobbled
stones, don’t miss your date with history. Be sure to devour the buildings and the other million vestiges of the time gone by with your eyes. Alternatively, join the radical Club d’Athleticisme (Sporting Club) Les Moustiques in the 12th arrondisement, who, with their unconventional
name (which literally means The Mosquitoes) and their unswerving commitment to running, have made a reputation of sorts for themselves. – lesmoustiques.com

Where to stay
Fraser Suites Paris Le Claridge Champs-Elysées; Fraser Suites Harmonie, La Defense, Paris.

Cycling through Korean countryside

Here’s a perfect circuit that does not break your back, while being rigorous enough to have something to boast to your friends about. The Koreans have for long cultivated the zen-like art of zipping for hours on a mean mechanical two- heeler. Cycling in the Korean countryside is something that every free soul should do once in his lifetime. Seoul to Busan, two of the most important cities, is just around 500 kms and manageable under a week. Nothing beats the exhilaration of having your shirt sleeves flap in the frenetic gusts of fresh, mountain wind. You need not take the highway, and there are plenty of village tracks that let you see the blooming dales and the furry purple-crusted foliage. In between, you can always stop off for a cup of green tea with a breakfast of some boiled silkworm larvae. The vegetarians, of course, have kimchi (pickled cabbage) to gorge on. Best time to visit: Mid-September to October, which are the autumn months. – discoveringkorea.com

Where to stay
Fraser Suites Insadong, Seoul.

Hitting the bull’s eye in Dubai

For long, top executives have been known to practise archery as a means of focusing their concentration, and hitting the bull’s eye with their decisions every time. Dubai has recently emerged as a one-stop destination for all pleasures, that of the perfect aim included. Archery is catching on as a vogue among expatriates and other executives in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Archers is a club that allows you to start at the beginner’s level and progressively move towards mastery of the game. With fibre glass and wooden bows provided, you are given expert instruction at the ultra-modern Dubai Country Club. – dubaiarchers.com

Where to stay
Fraser Suites Dubai, located in Dubai Media City

Riding through Australia’s mid north coast

All discerning equestrians know this secret. Australia’s Mid-North Coast has stealthily budged its way to become the first choice for those who like to combine the pleasures of the saddle with nature’s delights. With as little as 275 kms from Sydney, it is a matter of time before the vast horse riding public of Australia and indeed that of the world makes its way there. Hire for yourself a cask-coloured beauty, from a group called Southern Cross Horse Treks, savour the rhythm of her muscles churning out distances effortlessly underneath you, and see the mysterious eucalyptuses rise for miles and miles with their gummy smells permeating the forests. The area is dotted with farms, logging trails, mysterious rainforests and exotic species of birds, and never for a moment will you think again of one of the more mainstream destinations. Best time to visit: April to September. – horsetreks.com.au

Where to stay
Fraser Suites Sydney, located on Kent Street