100tc me 4

CONTENTSPEOPLE

124 King of the RoadWinning rally races has kept

Mohammed bin Sulayem busy,

and his ride is showing no signs

of slowing down

87 Catch Me ifYou Can100Thousand Club catches up

with Dubai’s ultimate everyman.

Chances are you’ve been at one

of his infamous Sho Cho parties

69 Perfect byDesignNada’s world and life is as

varied and extraordinary as the

furniture she designs

59 Get SaucedDina Saleh is bringing fashion to

Dubai in a way far more tasteful

and innovative than the rest

CONTENTS ME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:30 Page 14

CONTENTSLUXURY LIVING

43 Still Settingthe ShoppingStandardMilan: the undisputed city of chic

81 Keep YourCoolBright and colorful looks for the

heat

95 Sailing inStyleSome of our favorites and tips

when it comes to stepping on

board your sea palace


30 Porsche Design 32 Dior 34 Leviev 39 Blackberry 40 Audemars Piguet

CONTENTSPRODUCTS


Kurumba [email protected]

Tel: +960/ 333 22 00www.kurumba.com

CONTENTSTRAVEL AND REAL ESTATE

106 A Land ofFlavor and SpiceThailand’s multitude of

personalities and flavors will

leave even the most discerning

traveler in awe

137 Gateway toParadiseThere are only certain parts of

the world where the array of

lifestyle activities is as splendid

and varied as the Caribbean

152 36 Hours Location: Oman


One of the pleasures that comes with

writing about the Middle East is the

challenge. This isn’t a challenge of

the garden variety. It isn’t the chal-

lenge of chasing down movers and shakers, or staying

abreast of the newest, most extravagant, and breath-

taking new development – although that too can be a

job in itself when it comes to the Middle East. It is the

challenge of narrowing down who and what among

the incredibly exciting, inspiring, and intelligent sub-

jects are not going to make the cut. The plethora and

abundance of interest worthy topics makes figuring

out who to cut out the problem du jour.

One way we have devised to solve this problem

is to pick a theme or an idea that we want to em-

body each issue of 100Thousand Club. For this par-

ticular edition, we took a look at our roster of

incredible and accomplished personalities, and

found a common thread amongst those who made

the pages. They have all accomplished incredible

success, and are not slowing down in the least. How-

ever, it is the fervor and passion with which they

have succeeded that is the aforementioned thread.

Mohammed bin Sulayem has made motorsports

an iconic and important fabric of the Emirates

sports scene, both in terms of participants as well

as spectators and attention from around the world. Just a couple decades

ago, Bin Sulayem was entering races under a different name due to fear

of acceptance by the elders in the community. Now he is one of the most

well-known and successful sportsmen in the region, and has partnered

with pinnacle groups such as Nakheel and TAG Heuer.

Dina Saleh and her partners have blazed a trail in fashion within

Dubai. With the abundance and amount of shopping that exists in the

city at this moment in time, such success is an incredibly difficult task.

Dina has done it with an unparalleled work ethic, and an unwavering

belief that her sense of style, eye for detail and innate sense of entre-

preneurship would carry her to the top. Right she was. Her S*uce

stores have set the standard for boutique sophisticated shopping. She

says the best advice she’s ever been given, as she told Ahlan Live when

she made their Hot 100 list, “work like you don’t need the money, love

like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching.” Dina –

we’ll heed the advice.

The Editor’s Note

Perhaps the person who embodies the spirit of this issue more so

than anyone else is Raed I Dabbous. Raed is the driving force and co-

owner of the infamous Sho Cho restaurant and late night hot spot in

Dubai, and just opened up an outpost in Abu Dhabi. With many more

venues set to open, Raed is a particularly busy fellow. Not too busy, how-

ever, to go on deep sea fishing trips on a regular basis, as well as get his

kicks from free diving, sky diving, and just about any other activity that

raises the blood pressure to the point where a cardiologist might have a

heart attack. Everything Raed does, he does with a free spirit and pas-

sion. Just the sort of thing that makes our pages. Enjoy the issue.

Salutations

Harlan Davis, Editor-in-Chief

ED NOTE 100TCME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:34 Page 23

We sent Natalie Brandweiner to explore the of-

ferings of two very different cities. For our special

on shopping in Milan (Still Setting the Shopping

Standard, p.43), one of the renowned fashion cap-

itals of the world, she look a look at where insid-

ers go to get the best of Italy’s most famous brands,

as well as where they eat, sleep, and play to break

up an incredible shopping trip. She then turned her attention to Oman

(36 Hours, p.152), arguably one of the oldest vacation destinations in the

world, boasting wadis, beaches, and mountains all in the same beauti-

ful coastal region. Oman also has plenty of modern amenities, including

sophisticated restaurants, lovely hotels, and indulgent spas, all of which

are equally as fun to explore. When the stock market is jumping up and

down in confusion and investors aren’t sure where to turn, the conven-

tional wisdom is that construction of investment properties stops. But

for some investors with means, real estate in a perennially popular locale

is still an option not to be ignored. The Caribbean

(Gateway to Paradise, p.137), has all three of

those important real estate considerations: loca-

tion, location, location, as well as warm weather,

sunny beaches, and an increasingly cultured, yet

still laid-back atmosphere, and property here is al-

ways a good investment. Matthew Buttell takes

you through some of our picks for where to spend your money if you’re

looking for a little more of a stake than a winter getaway. From gadgets

and gizmos to diamonds and Dior, Laura Lustman explored the farthest

reaches of the luxury goods world to help compile the (Winter Won-

derland, p.30) product spread that opens this issue of the 100 Thou-

sand Club. Rather than doing the usual winter gift guide, we opted to

explore some items we felt were in tune with the traditional look and feel

of the season—but whose superlative nature transcends any holiday,

captured with rich photography that highlights this unique assortment.

JOSH SAILOR

Josh Sailor is a special man. After

working in production for the better

part of his professional career, he even-

tually caved into his passion of photog-

raphy, and hasn’t looked back since.

Keeping a studio in New York City,

Josh’s portfolio is as sparkling as his

experiences, and he provides fabulous

shots of people, installations, and of

course, beautiful places around the

world. He has spent the better part of

the last few years as the official pho-

tographer for former New York Yan-

kees manager Joe Torre’s Safe at Home

Foundation.

KATE WINICK

As the weather gets colder in New York,

where associate editor Kate Winick is

based, thoughts inevitably turn to more

indoor pursuits. This issue, she was hon-

ored to speak with two women who are

putting a new spin on the traditionally fe-

male domain of fashion and home design:

Dina Saleh, Director of Business Devel-

opment at the boutique S*uce, about her

role in creating one of Dubai’s hottest

stores, and Nada Debs, the furniture de-

signer and interior architect who has

made a name for herself incorporating

the traditional crafts of the local artisans

at her showroom in Lebanon into her

sleek, modern furniture.

NORIMICHI INOGUCHI

Norimichi Inoguchi is a skilled still life

photographer who has worked on and

participated in many large-scale adver-

tising campaigns for brands such as:

Baileys Irish Cream; Miller Lite; Smirnoff

and Johnson and Johnson. He focuses

on images using movement and water.

He is intrigued by the interaction of

water and fashion. Additionally, Nori

has experience with photojournalism,

having worked for two large Japanese

newspapers. He holds a BFA in photog-

raphy and was first in his class at the In-

ternational Center of Photography. It is

our pleasure to feature his work (Winter

Wonderland).

Contributors• Winter’08

Pre

mie

r Sp

onso

rs

DIAMOND SPONSOR

CONTRIBUTORS:oct08 29/10/2008 15:32 Page 24

T H O U S A N D C L U B

Information

T H O U S A N D C L U B

www.100thousandclub.com

Chairman/Publisher SPENCER GREENCEO/Publisher JAMES CRAVEN

Director of Projects ADAM BURNS

Editor HARLAN DAVIS

Managing Editor BEN THOMPSONAssociate Editor KATE WINICK

Assistant Editor NATALIE BRANDWEINERDeputy Editors MATTHEW BUTTELL, FRANCES DAVIES,

REBECCA GOOZEE, DIANA MILNE, JULIAN ROGERS,HUW THOMAS

________________________

Creative Director ANDREW HOBSONDesign Directors ZOE BRAZIL, SARAH WILMOTT

Associate Design Directors MICHAEL HALL, CRYSTALMATHER, CLIFF NEWMAN

Assistant Designer ELISE GILBERT

Online Director JAMES WESTOnline Editor JANA GRUNE

_____________________

Sales Director MAX FORDProject Manager ANNA ASHBY

Sales Executives GEMMA FOX, THOMAS PORTS, ALEX WHITE

Production Manager ROBERT SIMMSProduction Coordinators HANNAH DRIVER, HANNAH DUFFIE,

JULIA FENTON, KELLY TUCKERFinance Director JAMIE CANTILLON

Director of Business Development RICHARD OWENOperations Director JASON GREEN

Operations Manager CHRISTIAN MORATO_____________________

100Thousand Club(Q4 2008) is published three times a year by GDS Publishing.

All Rights Reserved. GDS Publishing, 33 Whitehall Street,

14th floor, New York, NY 10004. [email protected]

212.920.8181

Legal InformationThe advertising and articles appearing within this publication reflect the

opinions and attitudes of their respective authors and not necessarilythose of the publisher or editors. We are not to be held accountable forunsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or photographs. All material

within this magazine is ©2008 100Thousand Club.

GDS InternationalQueens Square House, 18-21 Queen Square,

Bristol, BS1 4NH, UK +44.117.921.4000

[email protected]

CREDITS:oct08 29/10/2008 15:33 Page 26

We Recommend...

PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:33 Page 30

Winter WhiteThe new White Collection from the

high-style Porsche Design Studio fea-

tures some of the company’s greatest

hits done in the bright, attention-get-

ting shade. The line ranges from

leather goods, to lighters and cuf-

flinks, to their newest mobile phone,

with a 180-degree rotatable screen

and high-resolution display that is just

as functional as it is stylish.


Snow BunnyIn a world grown increasingly politi-

cally correct, and increasingly full of

luxury products, is there anything –

any innovation at all – more luxuri-

ous and indulgent than fur? The

glamour of this rabbit bag from

Dior’s fall line runs the gamut from

edgy raccoon, to elegant grey as-

trakhan, all embellished with Dior’s

signature hardware and accents

and ready to carry you in high style

into the winter.

We Recommend...


We Recommend...

Sparkling StonesTo buy diamonds from Leviev

Jewelry is to go straight to the

source of some of the world’s

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Lev Leviev has sold jewelry out of

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ting the most rare and excep-

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sizes, and turning these priceless

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ommend checking out their

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Jumeirah Island to experience

their artistry in person.


100 Thousand Club36

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Cool As IceThis is the Blackberry that Blackberry users have been waiting for – the one that does it all, with all the

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battery life and improving the keyboard have made a big difference in usability. Those of you holding

off on the iPhone, rejoice – your new phone has arrived.


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Weather The StormFor a luxury sport watch with some style, turn to

Audemars Piguet. The legendary Swiss watch-

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edition watches by hand, and this Royal Oak Off-

shore chronograph is no exception. The rubber

band and sporty face are waterproof to 100 me-

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O R D I N A R Y G O E S E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

AURUMANIA is an exclusive Scandinavian design company that conceives, designs and produces

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Still SettingThe Standard

MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 43

For many decades, Milan has been

known as a place synonymous with

fashion. It is the undisputed city of

chic, attracting the most sophisti-

cated of shoppers, and is argued to be the epi-

centre of design. The city provides a platform

from which Italian fashion astounds the rest of

the world and it is here that you will find the

fashion houses of Prada, Valentino and Fratelli

Rossetti, located in the heart of the Milan fash-

ion district: Quadrilatero della moda.

The end of the 1970s saw the rise of Milan

fashion, as the media empire in Italy grew

and Milan became known as “the city to be

consumed”. It offered an alternative to the

haute couture of Paris, and provided ready to

wear elegant clothing for the very rich. Ital-

“If you are fortunate to find yourselfin Milan during fashion week, then aticket to view designers’ eclecticcatwalk collections is a must”

ian designers produced high quality yet

wearable statement pieces that express the

stylish Italian look, as opposed to the ‘fan-

tasy’ fashion Italians claimed was to be found

in French couture.

Displaying this most famously in the last

few decades has been the understated elegance

of the Armani suit. Georgio Armani softened the

man’s suit whilst also providing a version that

gave a sense of power and sophistication for

women. Miuccia Prada made famous the black

nylon backpack in the mid 1980s and Versace’s

early nineties leather collection was most emi-

nently displayed on the neo-punk safety dress,

as worn by Liz Hurley.

For Milan’s fashionistas today, the contin-

uation of chic clothing can be found along the

main streets in the ‘golden quarter’, a conve-

niently central area. Begin at the infamous Via

Montenapoleone, a street filled with the ele-

gant fashion houses of Gucci, Salvatore Fer-


ragamo, Cartier, Loro Piana and Versace’s four

floors of couture. It is the most important street

in the fashion district and hailed as one of the

most sophisticated streets in Europe, often

being compared to world famous streets, such

as Avenue Montaigne in Paris and Via Con-

dotti in Rome. It hosts the splendour of luxu-

rious jewels, magnificently designed clothing

and shoes that can be described as nothing

other than works of art. The sheer grandeur of

the boutiques themselves provides a sense of

opulence as store after store of minimalist

design unfolds. The reopening of Cartier’s

historic headquarters in Via Monte-

napoleone in 2002 was a display of artistic

beauty. Under the direction of Giampiero

Bodino, creative director of the Richemont

Group, the new boutique was unveiled, oc-

cupying three jewel embellished floors and

displaying one of the two French fashion

landmarks. The other being Louis Vuitton.

Continue further down Via Montenapoleone

and arrive at the Gianni Versace boutique at

No. 2. Spread over four floors and containing

customised collections, it is the place to find

that sophisticated suit.

If Via Montenapoleone has left you weary

and in need of refreshment, head to Antico

Caffe Cova, located at the intersection between

Via Montenapoleone and Via Sant’Andre. Its

finde-siecle interior allows it to fit perfectly in

the majestic surroundings, and be sure to try

its renowned delectable Sacher Torte.

Via Sant’Andrea, a street that crosses Via

Montenapoleone, is another location of housed

elegance. Here can be found the beautiful de-

signs of Missoni, Chanel and Prada, with Mario

Valentino displaying his glamorous leather-

wear at the end of the street. Of all the design-

ers, the boutique most credited for its beauty is

Armani housed at number 9, where the dis-

tinctive “Giorgio Armani di Milano in Borgon-

uovo” collection is sold.

Crossover from Via Sant’Andrea to Via

della Spiga and experience the architectural

beauty that holds claim to be the Mecca for

window shoppers. The historic granite paving


stones that line the street have been magnifi-

cently restored by the Via Della Spiga Ac-

tivists Association to reflect and continue the

elegance that can be found in the stores within.

Beginning with Prada at Number 3, continue

down to find high fashion collections by Dolce

and Gabbana, Krizia and Bottege Veneta. Fin-

ish the day exploring the picturesque streets

and purchasing luxurious Milan fashion at the

renowned Giorgio Armani multi-concept

store. Located at Number 31 on the excep-

tionally elegant Via Manzoni, it hosts the

showrooms of Armani casa and Armani Fiori.

Within the muli-concept store can also be

found the Emporio Armani café, where you

can sip an aperitif before satisfying a hard

earned appetite at restaurant Nobu, located

inside Number 31. Famed chef Nobuyuki

“The reopening of Cartier’s historicheadquarters in Via Montenapoleone in2002 was a display of artistic beauty”

Matsuhisa opened the chain of restaurants

together with Robert de Niro and has been

acclaimed as the greatest chef to emerge

from Japan in the last decade. The interior of

the restaurant itself oozes all that is Armani:

stylishly soft lights complement clean, sim-

ple and elegant dark wooded designs. Dishes

that demand due attention at Nobu are the

now famous black cod in miso sauce along

with a variety of fresh sashimi.

If you are fortunate to find yourself in

Milan during fashion week, then a ticket to

view designers’ eclectic catwalk collections is

a must. To celebrate thirty years of the house of

Versace, Donatella has joined with the fabu-

lous Julie Verhoeven, fashion illustrator, and

has reinvented the Versace symbol. Under cre-

ative director Frida Giannini, Gucci have com-

piled a rock look with a feminine twist,

showcasing a selection of brightly coloured

skinny boyish trouser suits. For Dolce and


Gabbana, they have returned to their original

focus on geometric shapes, and compiled with

an elegant use of silk, have created a sophisti-

cated yet quirky collection.

Trends for Spring/ Summer 09 have seen

the emergence of the short suit, as seen on Kate

Moss, circa 2006. However, the controversial

trend stealing centre stage was the focus on in-

creasingly high shoes that toppled even the more

experienced of models. At the Prada show, mod-

els Katie Fogarty and Yulia Kharlapanova were

unable to coordinate the catwalk with the height

and stumbled to the floor. Shoes such as these are

surely created as art forms: aesthetically pleasing

but not dared to be utilized.

Milan has everything to offer the fashion-

ista looking to indulge in a day of grandeur and

splendour. From Italian designers to world fa-

mous brands, Milan continues to set prece-

dence and fascinate the fashion world. �


LANGE&SOHNE 8 PAGE:17 oct08 29/10/2008 15:35 Page 51

Ge

t S

*uce

d

Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 59

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that

the young, chic women of Dubai have

taken the international fashion com-

munity by storm. Their Louboutins,

Lacroixs, and Diors have left their

stiletto prints in the plush carpets of

the world’s most high-end boutiques, and they’ve proven

their power as international tastemakers time and time

again. The conventional wisdom has always been that

these women would travel anywhere in the world to get

the best of the best – but it should come as a surprise to

no one that in this city of innovation, homegrown design

talent is starting to make a play for the kind of attention

traditionally dominated by international brands. One of

the key players in this retail revolution is a group of bou-

tiques that may be small in size, but are bursting with

talent: the cheekily named S*uce. Pronounced “sauce,”

its eclectic collection of dresses, jewelry, and accessories


is intended to do just that – add the necessary flavor and

spice to their customers’ wardrobes. Dina Saleh is the

Operations and Business Development Director at

S*uce, currently responsible for supervising the store

on a day-to-day basis as well as planning for the long-

term growth of the company, and is co-owner with her

partners Zayan Ghandour and Fatima Ghobash. These

stylish young women have made a career out of their

trendsetting and entrepreneurial natures, and they

have inspired a passionate following among their

peers, creating a new standard for cool among every-

one from teenage girls to stylish young mothers seek-

ing the best new shopping the world has to offer.

A native of Kuwait, and of Palestinian descent, the

Middle East was a natural choice for Dina when she

chose to leave her medical research job in Montreal

to pursue more creative pursuits. Her methodical na-

ture and experience with startup businesses was the

impetus that allowed her and her two close friends to

get started on their new venture – and Dubai, of

course, was the backdrop. She loves her life there,

from enjoying “a good home cooked meal, to the cur-

rent culinary boom in Dubai with places like Zuma

and Nobu satisfying the most discerning taste buds. I

also love old Dubai staples Teatro and Shakespeare,

where you can catch up with friends over a great meal,

like anywhere else in the world.” Being connected to

her environment is key in maintaining the relevance of

the store’s budding brand, and all three owners are ac-

tive participants in Dubai’s young social scene.

“Life is great here because everything is readily

available,” Dina says, but one thing she didn’t think

was available enough was fresh, young clothing with

an intelligent edge. “Zayan Ghandour, co-owner, cre-

ative director and head buyer, travels to all the trade

shows herself. Hence, items at S*uce are always fresh,

on trend and in line with what’s going on internation-

ally,” says Dina, explaining their process for creating

S*uce’s carefully crafted look. “We carry a huge se-

lection of contemporary designers: 3.1 Philip Lim,

Tsumori Chisato, Vanessa Bruno, Isabella Cappetto,

By Malene Birger, Clu, Manoush among others. We

100 Thousand Club62


also carry diffusion lines such as MCQ by Alexander

McQueen, Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood, and

See by Chloe. However, we also have lots of edgier,

young designers and because the pieces are hand-

picked, and not bought in bulk, they are always spe-

cial and unique.” Dina has a very clear idea of the

items that will please their customers the best, and

they’re extremely choosy in selecting which items

make the cut.

The personal style of all three women play into the

merchandise sold in their stores, she says. “Zayan,

Fatima and I have different styles and I think there is

an element of each in the store and the styles that we

offer. The idea is that there is something for everyone,

as long as you’re willing to have some fun along the

way.” And fun is definitely on the menu for visitors to

S*uce. The store’s bright, clean interior is modern and

chic, complemented by adorable retro accents, from

vintage picture frames holding jewelry and headbands

to lace-patterned decals on the walls. Their knowing

way with clothes and décor made the store an imme-

diate destination for fashionistas in the know, and they

continue to focus on pleasing those key customers by

keeping things fresh. “There is always something new

to discover at S*uce. Large department stores will

wait until a brand has made it big before investing,

whereas a boutique can see the potential in a partic-

ular brand or designer and invest in it before anyone

else does. So if Zayan finds a completely obscure

brand and brings it into S*uce, the beauty of the piece

will speak for itself and it will usually fly off the shelf.

Two seasons later, you might just find it’s not so ob-

scure anymore,” Dina said, and the store has indeed

been very effective in introducing new talent to the

marketplace. “Some of our local designers such as Essa

and Nadine Kanso are really causing quite the stir on

the regional fashion scene, and they are already starting

to create ripples internationally. Tata Naka is also going

from strength to strength with every new collection, as is

the ever-edgy Toga,” says Dina, naming some of their

successes, young designers who have become fa-

vorites of S*uce’s customers and its owners. Their im-

100 Thousand Club 63


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primatur on a new line is often enough to put

it on the map to a larger audience, as was

the case with Essa’s bright chiffon dresses

embellished with traditional embroidery and

beading. Although they have hits and misses

in individual offerings, like all stores, over-

all they have found that remaining true to

their original concept has been their most

successful strategy.

“The original S*uce concept,” as Dina

summarizes it, “was to provide an exciting

and fun shopping experience, akin to rum-

maging through your best friend’s closet.

Although that same feel runs throughout all

our stores, each one has several unique el-

ements, so that wherever you are, there is

always something new to take in.” The store

has gone through several expansions into a

bona fide mini-chain: the first S*uce

opened in the Village Mall in February

2004; S*uce Lite opened in January 2006,

followed by Abu Dhabi one year later. Last

March, the ladies launched S*uce Gifts at

XVA, which is a gift store concept located

in a charming heritage centre in the heart

of old Dubai.

There are plans to continue the expan-

sion, but never indiscriminately; their latest

venture will continue to refine their vision

of a new, more conceptual way of shopping.

“We are currently working on S*uce Dubai

Mall, due to open within the next couple of

months. S*uce Dubai Mall is derived from

the original s*uce concept but takes it a step

further, and is fashioned around the mean-

derings of your best friend’s home, so there

is a ‘garden’ and ‘shed’, followed by a ‘liv-

ing room’, ‘kitchen’, ‘bedroom’ and ‘bath,’”


“Dubai is a really special place. Theweather is great, the city is booming.It’s great to be at the forefront of allthat is happening”


100 Thousand Club66

Dina Saleh with herbusiness partners ZayanGhandour and FatimaGhobash

Atmosphere: A fun, girly confection of a store, it toes

the line between high-class boutique

and cool-girl hangout, incorporating vin-

tage and retro accents into their warm,

clean design. The eclectic nature of the

store means there’s more than just

clothes to be found – S*uce is a modern

lifestyle boutique, selling art, jewelry, ac-

cessories, notebooks, candles, and

home design accents that all share that

same Voguette-at-art-school feeling.

Featured Designers:Local heroes Taka Naka, Mira, Ashish, La

Petite Salope, Antoni and Alison, Stuff,

Third Millenium, Essa, Nadine Kanso

hang side by side with international fa-

vorites Cacharel, Vanessa Bruno, See by

Chloe, 3.1 Philip Lim, Tsumori Chisato,

Isabella Cappetto, By Malene Birger,

MCQ by Alexander McQueen, Anglo-

mania by Vivienne Westwood. The mix is

all hand-selected by the owners, and in-

cludes everything from play clothes and

cocktail frocks to

Locations: S*uce is located at The Village Mall,

Shop #29, Jumeirah Beach Road. The

sister store, S*uce Lite, is located on the

second floor of the recently renovated

Jumeirah Centre, and serves as an out-

let shop for the main store, with items up

to 80%. The new concept store, S*uce

Gifts at XVA, is located at XVA Gallery, in

Bastakiya Bur Dubai, xvagallery.com

Contact: www.shopatsauce.com,

(9714 344 7270)

she says, describing the experience they’ve designed.

Concept stores of this nature have existed elsewhere,

but the in true Dubai style, the youth of the city is cre-

ating their own version uniquely suited for their needs.

“Dubai is a really special place. The weather is great,

the city is booming, and there are tremendous oppor-

tunities across all sectors. It’s great to be at the fore-

front of all that is happening.” �


P E R F E C T B YD E S I G N

Pebble Table on display in theNada Debs showroom

NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 69

The Middle East is a cross section

of nationalities and personalities

combined to create the vibrant

multicultural look and feel of

some of the world’s fastest-growing cities.

Lebanese designer Nada Debs, one of the re-

gion’s best known creative personalities and an

international figure in the world of furniture

and interior design, has spent years of her life

living between cultures, and has brought her

diverse influences home to Beirut to create so-

phisticated, elegant pieces that bring her

unique style to homes all over the world.

Nada grew up in Japan and was educated

at an international school there, and elements

of Japanese minimalism informed her as much

as her traditionally Arab-decorated home.

“Every continent has added value to my pieces

– the United States is very keen on ‘practical-

ity’ and ‘functionality’; Europe is ‘sophisti-

cated’; Japan and Asia is ‘pure’ and

‘minimalist’; the Arab world is ‘ornamental,”

she says, explaining the flow of her life around

the world. Her formal education at the famed

Rhode Island School of Design in the United

States was in Interior Architecture, and her ho-

listic understanding of how furniture, archi-

tecture, and design elements integrate to form

a perfect room gives her designs a purity and

simplicity that make them extremely adapt-

able. “As I found myself focusing more on fur-

niture, I realized that the need to focus on the

details has become very important. It is also a

niche in the market that has not been ad-

dressed very much in the Arab world.” Cur-

rently, she says, she enjoys working with other

interior designers to come up with furniture

design solutions to challenging projects. For

example, “one of the projects I worked on with

an interior designer, Hubert Fattal, was the

Lebanese restaurant LIZA in Paris, where my

resin screens in mother of pearl is quite evi-

dent in the space.”


“As I found myself focusing more on furniture, I realizedthat the need to focus on the details has become very

important. It is also a niche in the market that has not beenaddressed very much in the Arab world”


The Sandblasted Mirror andConcrete X Table incorporate inlay

and other specialized techniques

When she first came to Lebanon eight years

ago, she sought out stores to sell her work and

discovered an unfortunate prejudice against car-

rying Lebanese-made products. “I set out to

prove to my ‘fellow Lebanese’ that we have all

the resources to produce good quality design and

good quality products – and here we are with a

showroom of products created in Lebanon!” she

says, explaining the genesis of her store. “Part

of my goal or vision was to really allow people to

recognize the beauty of their own culture, and I

feel that I have achieved this. My furniture and

accessories are aimed at the emotions of the

Arab people and I feel its a big feat on my part

– just as theirs is an ‘emotional intelligence, we

have ‘emotional’ furniture.

Though the look and feel of her designs is

as far ranging as the stamps on her passport,

the current collection focuses on simple forms

that play throughout the various pieces.

“Lately I have been focusing on two lines, one

that is quite organic and modern and one that

is more rectilinear with an arabesque flavor. I

am always looking for contrast in my work,

whether by material or by form.” This flair for

variety and contrast has netted her a devoted

following, both among design professionals


and private buyers and collections. Of her cus-

tomer, Nada says they are “usually quite ap-

preciative of the cultural values in my

work--they seem to recognize the fact the prod-

ucts have a mix of Zen and the arabesque. They

are usually quite sophisticated in their taste, and

we notice this especially when we visit their

homes. They are probably well-travelled or

open-minded people. The work also appeals to a

lot of foreigners who visit Lebanon – it is some-

thing they can relate to.” The universality of her

designs and influences ensure that her pieces

play well in homes around the world – a far cry

from the more usual story, the purchase that

looked inspired in its native environment but has

no place in a differently-oriented home.

Some of her best-known products include

her “Floating Stools” and the “Coffee Bean

Table,” two pieces that are very different aes-

thetically, and again Nada emphasizes the im-

portance of adaptability and balance in her

designs. “The beauty of the Floating Stools is

that they are very flexible and fit in any envi-

ronment, modern or classical. The fact that the

stool comes in an acrylic box means that one

can upholster the stool in anything they like, so

depending on what goes in it makes a differ-

ence in the ‘emotion’ of the person – something

fun, something serious, something dark, some-

thing light. As for the Coffee Bean Table, it’s

quite a large table and there is a strong impact

in the size and shape – but what I feel may be

strong is the fact that it has a hole in the mid-

dle of it! So however large the piece is, it won't

appear heavy. The oval pebble shape works

very well with large sofas and it also can work

as a bench,” she says, returning as always to

her main design theme.

Other Nada Debs pieces, like the afore-

mentioned mother of pearl screens, go in the

other direction, from minimalism and multi-

functionality to more ornate pieces involving a

great deal of handwork. Lebanon has plenty of

talented craftspeople, and Nada takes advan-

tage of being surrounded by skilled artisans to

100 Thousand Club74

provide her pieces with a unique touch. “This

work is very specialized…what I do is direct

them and introduce them to new designs and

new ways of doing the traditional work. I spend

a lot of time with them understanding how it

works because this can inspire me to produce

new ideas.” These include craftspeople spe-

cializing in the new as well as the old. For her

children’s line, a collection of modern furni-

Above: Bar unit with lacquer, plexiglass,and mother-of-pearl inlay



Top: Industrial bench with kimono fabricLeft: Floating plexiglass stool

All available at Nada Debs’ showroom

ture with a light, warm touch, she uses the

work of a local artisan who interprets pottery

motifs into her wooden inlays. The pieces,

which depict bright, colorful landscapes in

beech wood, have been an enormous success

since Queen Rania of Jordan first spotted them

in a store in London and commissioned Nada

to design the children’s wings at the palace,

even before Nada moved her business back to

the Middle East full time. Artists specializing

in more traditional crafts and techniques have

also found a place with her company. Through

them her pieces become modern antiques, and

this has kept them popular with her contingent

of local tastemakers as well. “I think that my

work touches them emotionally. With Arabs, it

is usually to something that reminds them of

their parents or grandparents or their heritage,

and with foreigners who have not grown up

with this kind of heritage, it is considered ex-

otic, ‘1000 and 1 nights’ style.”

These traditional influences are always the

spice that creates the unique flavor of her de-

signs, and for that reason her commitment to her

craftspeople is strong. “Now that my first goal

of setting up my showroom has been achieved,

I am on to the next one. I am trying to create a

workshop where we will use handicapped peo-

ple to revive the dying Arab crafts. With a larger

production, I would like to spread the Nada

Debs cultural model. I would like recognition

for the beauty of Middle Eastern crafts in the

contemporary furniture design world.


The parent company of Nada Debs, origi-

nally founded in 1932 in Japan as A. Debs &

Co., is involved in other aspects of the shelter

and home world, specifically in the textile and

real estate industries as well as her own fur-

niture and design business. These other two

industries are influences that have informed

her choices as a designer. “At one point in

my life, I aimed at becoming a textile de-

signer so that I could be part of the textile

business but I found myself going on a dif-

ferent direction. In a way, I may have been

influenced by the prints that my family has

used in their textiles; I also did an appren-

ticeship in a textile design office in Japan.

The youngest in the family, who is involved

in the textile business, is moving towards

developing new fabrics and techniques in

Japan now and we are trying to see if we can

collaborate on something together.”

Right now, Nada’s focus is on seeing her

company grow and become more branded in the

region and around the globe. She continues to

travel the countries of the Middle and Far East,

including stops in Istanbul, India, and Sri Lanka,

where she gathers visual inspiration that is al-

ready starting to soak into her work. Closer to

home, she says, “I loves swimming and after my

swim, seeing the horizon of the sea gives me a lot

of peace.” She also enjoys herself closer to

home: dining at the famed Casablanca

restaurant in Beirut, the first restaurant

in the region to pioneer the use of or-

ganic ingredients; shopping at bou-

tiques like If and Plum, and simply

driving up the coast to Tripoli, tak-

ing in the light and energy of the

sea. All this, she says, feeds into

her true passion, “Work, work

work! It takes up a lot of my life

but it is also a pleasure for me

as it’s a cultural journey and I

learn from it everyday.” �

“I would like to spread the Nada Debscultural model. I would like recognitionfor the beauty of Middle Eastern crafts inthe contemporary furniture design”


Marchesa dress with jeweled bodice, diamond Chanelcuff w/small flowers, diamond de Beers ring anddiamond de Beers earrings.

Photographer: Miranda Penn Turin/Icon International

Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:56 Page 81

BCBG Gold Bcbg dress, Wolford gold versailles leggings,Bulgari multi-colored stone bracelet, gold Tiffany cuff,diamond and emerald earrings by Harry Winston.

Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:57 Page 82

Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:58 Page 83

Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:57 Page 84

Gucci Black Gucci printed dress with embellished belt, gold D+Gstudded cuff, gold D+G chain necklace worn as bracelet, goldChanel flower earrings.

Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:58 Page 85

Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 87

100 Thousand Club88

Raed I Dabbous is one of the most exciting people in Dubai.

If it weren’t enough that he owns Sho Cho, one of the most

happening and pioneering restaurants and late night spots

in the city, his numerous other projects – including the

newly opened Sho Cho Abu Dhabi – surely cement his status as an im-

presario. He has numerous other hospitality projects in development at

the moment, all of which are sure to follow the lead of the original Sho

Cho as the preeminent spots in the UAB to see and be seen, enjoy ex-

cellent cuisine, and relax in elegant luxurious surroundings. Raed is no

stranger to the dealings of entertaining a who's who of the region on any

given night, but what makes him so exciting and dynamic is his rest-

lessness and adventurous spirit. The not quite 40-year old American of

Lebanese origin is just as famous for his passion for fishing, flying, div-

ing, and gliding. Enough is never enough, and we mean that with the ut-

most respect. We were fortunate to catch up with Raed over email while

he was visiting Amsterdam to get some feedback on what makes him

tick, what makes him successful, and what keeps the engine going.

100Thousand Club: Dubai is constantly undergoing various

changes and developments on a daily basis. How is this affect-

ing the nightlife, both in terms of people, and options?

Raed I Dabbous: It is affecting the nightlife in TREMENDOUS ways; in

one way it is positive for the customer as they are getting showered with

concepts and outlets and options. In another, it is very difficult for actual

operators. Let me explain; one day you think that you have a prime out-

let (and paying through your nose) in a prime location and the next the

WHOLE city has moved centers on you and you are not a prime area

any more. Concepts are mushrooming faster than anyone could fathom,

the budgets thrown on those concepts are absolutely incomprehensible

and by no means do they make short or medium-term commercial sense,

but every Jon Doe self made millionaire real estate/finance person of

Dubai will do anything to get into the nightlife and Food & Beverage in-

dustry. Whether the place makes money or not is an afterthought.

With such disregards to budgets and inelasticity to high costs, rental

rates and operational costs are skyrocketing, making it extremely hard for

someone whose core business is restaurants and nightclubs to keep it prof-

itable as what others are spending defy any logic.

Despite this, and as a customer gets charged higher than just about any-

where else in the world, clients are starting to expect restaurants and clubs

to execute properly and offer a standard similar to the rest of the world. That’s

when they almost always come back to us. AND THAT’S WHAT SEPA-

RATES THE BOYS FROM THE MEN!


Sho Cho Abu Dhabi, one of the most happening andpioneering restaurants and late night spots in the city


100TC: Raed, you have obviously become a bit of a fixture and

celebrity on the social scene in Dubai. How did this journey take

place, and how are you building upon your initial popularity?

Raed: Thank you for the compliment although this is for sure an over-

statement. I am however very honored to be considered by your maga-

zine for an interview considering the MANY success stories in Dubai.

I think the main reason for our success and our popularity has been

to keep it simple, keep it real. What you see is what you get. This sounds

like a simple thing to do, but it’s not. It’s very hard not to change in a place

like Dubai, with all the opportunities, potential to make more and more and

more money. One loses their identity, gets greedy and changes his outlooks.

I believe the reason of our success and our building on it, is simply based

on remaining who we are and who we have been throughout. We don’t do it

for money as much as for the passion and it shows in the end result.

100TC: What would you describe as your average customer or

client at your venue, if there is such a thing?

Raed: My customer is a well educated well travelled Social butterfly. He/She

expects a bit of EVERYTHING and perfectly; GREAT FOOD at competitive

prices, excellent service, good music, good social setup to see and to be seen.

Instead of going to 3 places in one night, they can stay in one. Our customer

expects us to EXCECUTE all this perfectly time and time again.

100TC: As someone who facilitates people having a luxurious,

lavish, fun time, what do you keep in mind when planning a party,

venue, and the details that go along with it?

Raed: I think the above would answer this but I would add one more thing;

I keep in mind what I, myself, would want it to be like and how I would feel

about it. If I think I am going to like and enjoy it, than it’s a go. One devel-

ops a feel for it. It’s hard to explain but it becomes natural to you.

100TC: When it comes to you going out for an evening in Dubai,

where do you go, and what does your evening really entail?

Raed: The truth, and not to sound boring, if I am not fishing (EVEN AT

NIGHT), or doing one sport or another, I like to entertain at my place; a

good barbecue with a beer/wine with friends followed by a movie on my


Giant Screen (BLU RAY rules!) or some “burst-your-eardrums” karaoke

is what I enjoy most.

When I go out, I see the same people that I meet all the time at

my own places and then I feel like I am entertaining again. Not that

entertaining is not a natural thing for me to do, but it’s good to get a

break from it.

Sorry, it sounds boring maybe, but I am so content with this. When

I travel it’s a different story though. I go to over 10 places a night, hop-

ping from one to another, knowing that no one knows me and exploring

new places/concepts. I LOVE IT!!!

100TC: Do you tend to spend more time with a circle of friends

and colleagues who live in Dubai, or do you tend to spend time

with people who are coming into town to visit?

Raed: Probably with people who are coming into town to visit, as 1)

they bring a breath of fresh air with them 2) I love

to entertain them and show them what Dubai is

all about 3) I know that they have to ultimately

leave and then I don’t have to worry about being

there for them again!

Unfortunately our businesses have no fixed hours

in them and you just cannot commit to any social event

with friends in fear of letting them down.

100TC: What are your favorite nightlife venues in the city at

the moment?

Raed: I like a Jam base. It’s not a club but they have a live band that plays

all genres of music. It is quite ironic, considering that when I created Sho

Cho I was trying to break the mystique of live bands which is all that was

available in Dubai and had a dj playing funky music rather than bands

butchering chart songs.

100TC: Where do you most enjoy traveling around the world?

How often do you travel?

Raed: I love to travel to remote places where you can barely see anyone and

where you are surrounded by wildlife. I go to remote places in the Sudan; I

also like to go to some islands off salala Oman to get in touch with the wild.

It is crazy what you encounter there. Last month I went to Malindi Kenya for

some fishing and diving.

In fact I am building my own boat that will allow me to reach to those

far off places. Hopefully next year we will launch and I can do my long

awaited trip from Dubai to the Mediterranean, with many stops of course!

As for cities, I love Vancouver, New York, and Amsterdam. Whistler is

amazing; I went Downhill biking in whistler last summer and it was a great

experience; WHAT A RUSH!

100TC: What are you favorite hotels or resorts around the world?

Raed: The Aman resorts, Amanpulo Philippines in particular is beautiful.

I am fond of Shangri-La in Muscat locally.

100TC: Can you briefly describe you career and life path to get to

where you are now. What brought you to the city, what has made

you stay, and what do you see for yourself in the future?

Raed: I grew up between Paris and the US. I graduated from

Duquesne University in the USA then did my Masters in international

business at Thunderbird, one of the top international business schools

in the US.

After graduation, in DC, I opened a little sushi bar for fun with a friend

before selling it, as I had a “real” job offer in Dubai with a subsidiary for

FedEx. I spent the next 5 years setting up FedEx outlets in the Middle east

(and still do), until we put the concept of Sho Cho together. The main con-

cept was I had friends, I caught fish (lots), so why not invite friends to a

venue where we can have fun and eat the freshest fish in the best of atmos-

pheres. From there it’s been a heck of a ride.

Sho Cho Dubai is almost 9 years old. Sho Cho Abu Dhabi opened yes-

terday. We also own a very successful seafood restaurant called Flooka. This

year we are looking at opening another six restaurants. In fact I am in Am-

sterdam at the moment working with Heineken on an exclusive concept that

we will launch first in the UAE. I can't go into more details for now.

We also are involved in a design company and a software solution com-

pany as well that work mostly as support for our concepts.

100TC: For leisure activities, I see that you enjoy to fish off your

plane. How did this start, and what other passions and hobbies do

you have?

Raed: I love the outdoors and outdoor sports. I hate gyms. I used to be a Di-

vision I tennis player in the US. I love basketball, and am addicted to ulti-

mate frisbee. That’s for the normal sports. I practice them religiously weekly

in Dubai (when not injured which is often nowadays).

My passion has to be free diving and exploring new remote places as I

get to disconnect with the world and get in contact with the abyss and the

wild. The feeling is amazing. I have the same feeling when I am paragliding

– it’s just a slow and beautiful lasting adrenaline rush. For a quick fix, I go


“My passion has to be free diving and exploringnew remote places as I get to disconnect with theworld and get in contact with the abyss and thewild. The feeling is amazing”



to Umm al Quwain Aero Club, board on a plane and throw myself from it for

a quick free fall, and then I can get all the stress out and quickly.

The picture taken of me on the plane was for a magazine. Although the

plane is not mine I do have a pilot’s license and my dream is to one day ac-

tually go search for the big tuna by air, land, catch one or two and bring it

back to Sho Cho immediately. That would be cool.

Last year’s challenge for me was to go out on my own, hook a big tuna,

maneuver the boat while fighting the monster and gaff and bring it in. It

sounds easier than you would think but its not. I did it. Even managed

to take a picture of it to remember the moment (thank God for timers on

digital cameras). This year’s challenge has been to actually build my

boat….and launch it.

100TC: When people go out for an evening in Dubai, what do you

think they are primarily looking for?

Raed: TO SEE AND TO BE SEEN…THE REST IS JUST DETAILS.

100TC: Are there any other hospitality or nightlife impressarios

both in Dubai and abroad who’s work and venues you admire?

Raed: There is one person who stands above the lot and in all modesty I

think they rank in the top 10 or 20 worldwide, in terms of knowledge,

dedication and basically execution; that person is my partner Hiba. An

Ex-Chef that has roamed the world, she is relentless at striving to

achieve and maintain excellence. She is above, ahead and beyond any

person I have met who is involved in this business. EVERYBODY in the

UAE is way behind her. It is not to say that all such people in the UAE

are bad, it’s to give you a measure of how amazing she is. I would eas-

ily rank her in the top 20 worldwide. I am blessed to have her as my

partner. She is the one who should be interviewed; a creative

chef/restaurant-owner operator of Middle Eastern origins, who learned

how to make pizza in Italy, worked with Nobu among many other big

names, who has consulted for concepts that people wouldn’t believe that

she is behind their menus and setup (wont say names). She is amazing!

She is the ultimate professional. She is relentless in her seek for excel-

lence. She is so underrated.

100TC: If you were on a desert island, stranded, and you could

only bring three possessions, what would they be?

Raed: My free diving gear, my laptop with internet connection, my

blender and margarita mix.

100TC: Who are the three people (either dead or alive) that

you would have dinner with if you could?

Raed: Richard Branson, ultimate businessman; Jimmy Buffett, ultimate

parrot head; Mandela, ultimate peaceful and forgiving person. �


A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

Designed to be an iconic landmark showcasing Ara-

bian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates

Palace has created an enviable niche in the luxury

resort industry, welcoming holiday makers from all

over the world and giving them a truly remarkable leisure ex-

perience by providing luxurious facilities and amenities as well

as superior and personalized service.

Whether for business or leisure, tourists come to the Emi-

rates Palace to experience what many consider to be the most

impressive resort and conference venue ever to be built in the

Middle East, and one of the best in the world.

Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach and sur-

rounded by hectares of manicured lawns, Emirates Palace com-

prises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of fine dining

options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately

landscaped swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and two state

of the art fitness centres. Emirates Palace houses the most lux-

urious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the re-

gion which include an auditorium with 1,100 seats, a main

ballroom that can accommodate up to 2500 guests, over 40

meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre.

Emirates Palace also offers a host of exceptional food and

beverage outlets serving a variety of the world’s most delec-

table cuisines created by the skilled hands of its multi-cultural

chefs. Guests can indulge in the most exquisite gourmet dishes

and the finest wines from five exceptional restaurants, as well as

the two outdoor restaurants by East & West wing while basking

in the grandeur of the opulent interiors of the Palace.

Contact: Janet Abrahams, Director of Sales and Marketing

T: +971 2 690 7901. E: [email protected]

www.emiratespalace.com

100 Thousand Club94

KING OF THE CASTLES

KEMPINSKI EMIRATES HOTEL:oct08 29/10/2008 15:34 Page 94

Sailing in Style

The graceful curve of a ship’s hull carving through crest-

ing waves; the evening sea breeze washing over the deck at

sunset; the morning sun peeking through the porthole into

a plush master cabin, snugly tucked away from the world

outside—the very nature of yachting explains why its popularity has

increased exponentially in recent years. With so many luxury yachts

available for purchase and charter, there are more options than ever to

experience the thrills of the ocean, but in a sea of competition, a few

standouts must eventually rise to the top. Top-of-the line regional char-

ter companies compete for attention with international heavyweights,

providing a plethora of options for committed sailors.

Edmiston Yachts is a full service broker, builder, and charter

service that intended from its earliest days to make the most of the

luxury yacht boom by creating a luxury yacht brand that refl ected the

new style of their clients. Founded in 1996

by Nicholas Edmiston, a lifelong sailor who

had been doing private yacht sales for more

than 35 years, Edmiston has devoted his life

to the marine community and has found great

success with his focus on the hottest segment

of the market. They stay on the cutting edge

of the luxury community, maintaining a dra-

matic presence at all the international yacht

shows (a six-foot waterfall welcomed VIPs

to their chic, modern lounge at the Monaco

Yacht Show this year) and bringing the world’s

hottest yacht designers together with design

leaders from all other walks of life. With

96 100 Thousand Club

a young, savvy staff of 80 spread across 13 cities worldwide (both in

large urban centers such as Dubai and New York, and vacation destina-

tions like the Cote d’Azur, Greece, and Monte Carlo) Edmiston offers

access to hundreds of mega-yachts, up to 300 feet in size, and holding

anywhere from eight to over a dozen guests at a time. Their focus is on

the modern yacht customer, who requires more space and amenities

than ever before, and whose expectations for both sailing vessels and

motor yachts are extremely high. These new consumers, who are ac-

customed to ever-larger and more luxurious yachts, require specialized

attention and a wide array of options to customize and upgrade their

yachting experience. To that end, Edmiston has developed partnerships

with Eurocopter, Boeing business jets, and other associated brands of

interest to luxury yacht customers, allowing both charters and pur-

chases of helicopters and airplanes through their network of brokers.

(edmistoncompany.com)

Camper & Nicholson is the oldest leisure marine company in the

world, and has been a major player in the boating world since 1782, when

they began creating luxury sailing yachts for

their customers, and has stayed on the cutting

edge of every subsequent boating trend—and

we do mean every trend, from working on some

of the fi rst steam-powered boats in the 1870s,

diesel-powered boats in 1912, military craft

during both world wars, and luxury and high-

speed powerboats from the 1960s through the

super yachts of the present day. From their

position in the industry as one of the most

diverse yachting operations, they have the

ability to provide a level of quality control

unmatched by any other. Like most major

boatbuilders, they are extremely accustomed

to doing custom work, but their reach goes far

beyond the shipyard. Camper & Nicholson

is also well known for their crew placement

division, and have access to a large database

of crew and staff members to suit the needs of

every yacht. They also offer a full complement

of owner services, including yacht and crew

management, charter marketing services, and

charter management services to ensure that

even when your boat is far away, the utmost

care is being taken to ensure that your invest-

ment is protected and your reputation in the

charter community is being maintained to the

highest standard, allowing many yacht owners

the fl exibility they need to own their boats for

years to come. (cnconnect.com)

Northrop and Johnson Worldwide

Yacht Charters is known as the “Gentle-

men’s Brokers,” and for good reason. Based

in Newport for more than 50 years, they

specialize in arranging custom crewed luxury

charters all over the world. Begun in New

York City to service the needs of wealthy

businessmen there, the company is currently

based in nautical epicenter Newport, Rhode

Island, and maintain a presence in fi ve other

RAFFLES AD:6NOV07 28/10/08 09:16 Page 10114

While giant charter companies are often the easiest

to work with if you’re trying to arrange a giant

yacht, there are plenty of benefi ts to chartering

with a smaller, local company—your captains are intimately

familiar with both the waters and the options on shore, and

they still offer all the luxury of a larger operation. Our favorite

choices in our favorite destinations include:

Virgin IslandsThe British and US Virgin Islands encompass a good-sized

area of the Caribbean, so with so many beautiful islands to

experience, why stay on just one? This is the philosophy behind

Virgin Islands Charter Yachts, a company offering some of the

largest and best-appointed motor and sail yachts in the area.

They also offer sailing instruction and certifi cations, for those

who want their time on board to be a learning experience as

well as a vacation. (vicharteryachts.com)

Maldives & SeychellesSerai Dreams is a newly built 92-foot yacht, with four cabins

for up to eight guests. It is owned by three young Maldivians,

who bring their local knowledge to enhance the experience of

the yacht itself. The boat has extensive entertainments inside

and out from 40” plasma screens TVs to diving, fi shing, and

water sports equipment that will come in handy as you explore

the more than 1100 islands of the Maldives. (seraidreams.com)

MediterraneanNavis Yacht Charter was founded by a group of ship’s captains

and marine engineers, which means that every ship that comes

through their hands, from a simple sailing cruiser to the biggest

megayachts, is impeccably maintained and handled by a dynamic

and experienced staff. Specializing in Croatia and Greece, they

also extend their territory to the Bahamas, Italy and Southern

France, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Turkey. (navis-yacht-charter.com)

offi ces as well as at all the major trade shows.

Owner Missy Johnston is a member and past

president of the American Yacht Charter

Association, and personally inspects and

evaluates each boat, member of the crew, and

chef to control the quality of each guest’s ex-

perience, and is always working to stay ahead

of the curve in terms of trends in the yacht

charter world. Northrop and Johnson work to

customize each trip, from specialized itiner-

aries to unique on-shore excursions, water

sports equipment, and anything else groups

particularly desire. The company is made up

of veteran sailors and cruisers, and they bring

an expert perspective to creating your charter

experience, whether you are looking for big or

small, motor or sail, in almost any destination

around the world. They keep numerous ships

in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, as

well as locations in Croatia, Turkey, Austra-

lia, and New Zealand. Great for people new to

cruising and chartering, Northrop and John-

son will work extensively with their clients to

tailor their vessel, itinerary, food, and add-

ons like Jet Skis and other water toys to their

individual requirements. (njcharters.com)

From the islands of the Caribbean, to

the rocky shores of southern Europe, to the

coral reefs of Australia, living aboard a yacht

defi nes having the best of both worlds: the

most beautiful landscapes in the world serve

as a backdrop to the plush, sophisticated

pleasures of your tailor-made world on board.

No matter your destination, no matter the

length of your trip, there is a cruising expe-

rience that is right for everyone, and once

you’ve tried it, you’ll never vacation quite the

same way again.

A land ofFlavor & Spice

The backpacker’s paradise of yore is just one of

two worlds in modern Thailand. Although there is

plenty of authentic dust and grit and cheap beer

to be found, and the hostels are always full, visitors

to Thailand have a plethora of options outside the

tourist traps. This contrast between worlds is

embodied in so many ways as you travel through

Thailand’s major cities – and is even visible

between the cities themselves. Although Phuket

and Chiang Mai are as rich in history and

attractions as anywhere in Asia, the international

airport of Bangkok draws exponentially more traffic

to the city, transforming it in myriad ways. And so,

in Bangkok, do most trips to Thailand begin.

THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 16:14 Page 106

The capital city of Bangkok began

as a small trading city, and ex-

panded early into the social, polit-

ical, and cultural hub of Southeast

Asia. Divided into roughly 50 districts and

then further subdivided, it is impossible to un-

derestimate how lost one can get in the

crowded streets of the city. Backpackers have

long favored this as the best method for touring

– walking the streets, sampling some of the

best street food in the world, and stumbling on

treasures at every turn. For those who prefer a

slightly more methodical itinerary, there are

certain sights that are a can’t miss for every

visitor. The Assumption Cathedral and the Er-

awat Shrine are a testament to the entwined

history of nations and religions that live on in

Thailand today; for the ultimate Thai worship-

ping experience, visit Wat Po, the giant re-

clining Buddha, in the Phra Nakhon district.

The temple is one of the largest in Bangkok

and the site of the school that originated Thai

massage. Contrast your time exploring Thai-

land’s history with exploring its exploding

shopping scene – the scene on Si Lom Road,

dubbed the “Wall Street of Thailand” and at

Chidlom in Ploenchit rival anything in Hong

Kong, London, or New York for the sheer size

and comprehensiveness of their offerings, with

everything from the latest designer bags to

high-quality antiques and traditional handi-

crafts. There is also plenty of business to be

done here, for those who are traveling to seek

new ventures, and Hampton Realty is the

group to consult with about purchasing a pied

a terre here in the heart of Asia.

For those staying in the city, you’re in

luck – some of the best restaurants and bars

in the city are inside the hotels. The Zen feel-

ing of the new Sukothai (which means “dawn

of happiness” and refers to the golden age of

art and architecture in Thailand) is created

by a silvery, natural palette throughout, and

punctuated by pools of floating lotus flowers.

The hotel’s Celadon restaurant is a well-re-

garded Thai eatery offering authentic dishes

of all kinds. There are several other dining

options, including one of the best breakfasts


Fence at Wat PhraThat Doi Suthep


in Bangkok. The oldest luxury hotel in

Bangkok, the Oriental, has been catering to

celebrity guests for more than 130 years, qui-

etly incorporating all the necessary modern

luxuries without sacrificing any colonial

style. Afternoon tea in the Author’s Lounge is

a uniquely pleasurable experience, as is the

Western-style dining in any of the Oriental’s

restaurants. The Four Seasons here is ultra-

luxurious, with far and away the biggest

rooms in the city, and an engaging mix of

quiet, meditative space at the outdoor pool

and garden, and fast-paced modern life in the

chic lobby bar. Their best restaurants, Spice

Market and Shintaro, serve upscale Thai and

casual Japanese respectively, and the other

amenities here are absolutely up to par – they

even offer baggage handling to any of their

Top: Buddhist monks carrying almsbowls go about the early morning ritualof receiving food from the public, at WatSrisoda in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Below:Flan of Coconut

other Four Seasons locations in Chiang Mai,

the Golden Triangle, or Ko Samui, if you’re

continuing your trip out of town.

And continue your trip you should! Going

off the beaten path is the unique pleasure of

traveling in Southeast Asia, and some of the

most beautiful parts of Thailand are well out-

side the sphere of Bangkok. Chiang Mai is

the second-largest city in Thailand, but has

none of the crowded feel of Bangkok. Here

you can really get where the wild things are:

Chiang Mai is a great starting place for seeing

some of the more wild parts of Thailand. The

Doi Inthanaon National Park is located west

of Chiang Mai, and has much to see and enjoy.

The 186 square mile preserve is home to

Thailand’s highest mountain, and the variety

of altitudes in the park means that the full

spectrum of Thai wildlife is on display, from

the hiking trails to the guided tours. This part

of Thailand is also home to the elephant


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camps, where timber elephants are housed

and trained, although now for entertainment

instead of commercial logging. The Chiang

Dao Elephant Training Centre puts the ele-

phants’ talents on display, and also offers ele-

phant-back rides for a truly unique jungle

experience. Chiang Mai is also a great place

to pick up a souvenir – historically, it was the

center of Thai art, and the traditional crafts

have evolved over time to create a range of

authentic pieces with a decidedly post-mod-

ern sensibility. The Four Seasons is still the

place to stay here, in villas set among the rice

fields, with gorgeous views of the surround-

ing mountains. Biking through the mountains

is a great way to explore, and the resort offers

a cooking school that is a perfect introduction

to the unique cuisine of Chiang Mai – your

appreciation of the food will be heightened

after an early morning excursion to the mar-

ket and an afternoon spent carving vegetables

and making curries. The tastes here are

straightforward country food, intensely fla-

vored with a lot of spice, balanced by cool

vegetables. The hotel offers shuttles to the

Night Market, where you can sample the

street food, or try the modern version at

restaurants like Dalaabaa, one of the hippest

nightspots in town, or a classic but formal

rendition at the Mandarin Oriental’s Le Grand

Lanna, where the chef prepares traditional

Thai and Chiang Mai entrees in an idyllic

outdoor setting shaded by the rainforest.

Phuket is another must-visit destination,

for a truly tropical experience. Beloved by

honeymooning couples for its isolated upscale

resorts, Phuket is also a celebrity retreat,

away from prying eyes. Many internationally

renowned hotel groups have some of their

best hotels here, including Aman Resorts’

Amanpuri, on Pansea Beach, and Banyan

Tree Phuket, on Bang Tao Bay. Amanpuri is

one of the most impressive resorts around,

and the amenities and service exceed expec-

tations: attendants are there to help you with

everything from spraying water on the sand to

keep the beach cool beneath your feet, to tak-

ing you out on one of the hotel’s 20 boats. The

oceanfront Japanese restaurant is a great way

to end the day, but don’t just stay on property.

The diverse crowd that comes to Phuket

means a variety of dining options with

cuisines from all over the world. No reason to

stick too close to familiar fare here, since

you’ve already made the journey – the South-

ern Thai curries are creamier and more deli-

cate than those elsewhere, incorporating

coconut milk and more fish and soups that are

often more palatable to foreigners, depending

as always on how much spice you let the chef

throw on your plate. The jazziest place in

town is the Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant,

100 Thousand Club112


housed in a stately 1907 mansion. From the

main halls to the chic private rooms, the

kitchen serves ancient recipes in an opulent

setting. More than eating, more than any-

thing, though, in Phuket you live on the water.

Arguably the best beach is Hat Mai Khao, a

five-mile slice of white sand paradise. The

snorkeling and swimming is fantastic here,

and most hotels can outfit you for your un-

dersea adventures. Kayaking the beaches and

the limestone caves of the waterfront is an-

other way to see the gorgeous waterfalls and

rainforests surrounding you.

The pleasures of coastal Thailand are be-

yond measure – and they don’t stop at the

coastline, either. Along with Phuket, up and

coming destinations include places like Trang,

Pai, and Pattaya, which are attracting interna-

tional hotels and development, as well as for-

eign buyers, who use local firms like Pattaya


Realty to develop local connections to buy in-

vestment properties in the surrounding areas.

There are also numerous attractions off the

mainland as well. Many beautiful islands are a

boat ride away, and these tiny oases of para-

dise in the Gulf of Siam are home to some of

the most luxurious resorts around. Probably

the best known of the islands is Ko Samui,

which is home to several high-end resorts. The

Four Seasons has a presence here, as well as

Anantara, a specialist in hotels in Thailand

and Indonesia. For a truly untrammeled feel,

there are other islands to explore as well. Koh

Lanta is just an hour’s boat ride away from the

mainland, but miles away from anywhere

you’ve been. Nestled in the tropical rainforest

that covers much of the island, the Pimalai Re-

sort and Spa embodies the best of both worlds,

with a jungle feel complemented by a pristine

white sand beach.

Though Thailand is well established as a

vacation destination, it is still evolving as a

country, and that very evolution creates the

many dualities that make Thailand so engag-

ing to visit. A country caught between antiq-

uity and modernity; between Eastern culture

and Western influences; between high-end

luxuries and the pleasures of nature, is a

country that will continue to fascinate visitors

for years to come. �



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BACK ISSUES:oct08 29/10/2008 15:29 Page 121

BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:30 Page 124

Mohammed bin Sulayem’s accomplishments as a driver

are great. This is no secret to anyone. He is known

throughout not only the Arab world, but also globally.

As a UAE champion rally driver who lives in Dubai, he

has won more FIA regional championships, and more international ral-

lies, than any other racer in history. Since first winning the FIA Middle-

East Rally Championship in 1986, he has gone on to win the event 14

times, never having been defeated.

The resume is about as impressive as it gets for someone who

makes his career putting the pedal to the metal, but what makes Mo-

hammed bin Sulayem such a prominent figure is the way he has tran-

scended racing. It is not only his victories that have propelled him to

fame, but also his involvement in making racing a truly special sport

in the UAB.

Sulayem is President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the

UAE (ATCUAE) and as such has been appointed by the FIA and FIM

as the official representative to oversee all motorsports events in UAE.

He is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the UAE Desert

Challenge, a race that he launched in 1991. The event has since be-

come the final round of the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup.


His is also the owner of Ben Sulayem Per-

formance, and he and his team are recognized

for creating amazing performance modifica-

tions to many sport and luxury automobiles.

Perhaps his greatest achievement in this area

was having a Mercedes SLK 55 AMG modi-

fied to accept a Modified SLR engine, pro-

viding the car with over 740 hp and 1200Nm

(885 lbf·ft) of torque. These are truly as-

tounding statistics, that truly reflect Bin Su-

layem’s passions.

The path did not start out extremely easy

for the road warrior, however, as rallying was

not always looked upon the way it is now in the

UAB. Many times he has reflected – especially

to the local Gulf News – about the ups and

downs of both his career, and the way racing

was accepted.

Early on, racing was not always covered

with fervor, passion, and thoroughness, but

over time, and as Bin Sulayem became more

and more successful, his global appeal and

dominance helped grab the attention of local

media outlets. This in turn started to appeal to

people in the area, and today, racing is looked

upon with admiration and respect.

In the early days of his career, Bin Su-

layem has lamented and reflected on some of

the struggles he faced, and obstacles he over-

came. At one point, early in his career, he went

as far as never using his full name on entry

lists for events. He would go by the name Mo-

hammad Ahmad. With fear of being accepted

“Much of the great work that Bin Sulayem has done inthe region for motorsports has been done incooperation, conjunction, or with the support of HisHighness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum”


by the elders in the society, this was a neces-

sary measure. His passion for motorsport was

almost “insanity,” as he has said, and it was a

goal of his to break the taboo associated with

the profession. To give an idea of how far Bin

Sulayem has come; he has been awarded

medals of honor from the Kings of Bahrain and

Jordan, as well as the Lebanese President. So

much for taboo.

This type of recognition and popularity has

allowed Bin Sulayem to lend his name and in-

fluence to different causes and goals outside of

the sphere of motorsports. He put his support

behind the Al Ain football club’s entry into the

Superleague Formula. He has gotten heavily

involved in charity events, and worked with

the Dubai Cares initiative of H.H. Sheikh

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of

Dubai. Bin Sulayem was given the honor of

selecting the charities to which funds have

been distributed.

Much of the great work that Bin Sulayem

has done in the region for motorsports has

been done in cooperation, conjunction, or

with the support of His Highness Shaikh Mo-

hammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shaikh

Mohammed played a crucial role in creating

the World Championship motor sport event in

the Emirates, and Bin Sulayem’s visions and

Shaikh Mohammed’s run very parallel to each

other. He has called Shaikh Mohammed the

“driving force behind the Desert Challenge as

a patron for the event from the very beginning.”

He has also said that “without his gener-

ous support the event would not have got off

the ground in the first place.” Beyond his

prodigious skills, Bin Sulayem’s affable and

charming personality have made it easy for

him to form alliances and relationships that

only further his own popularity, as well as

strengthening motorsports in the region.

He has said, “When I first told Shaikh

Mohammad that we were planning to launch

the event in 1991 he was very enthusiastic

and gave his full backing. He has been be-

hind us ever since, as he has been with so

many other events which have made the


Left: Michael Schumacher of Germany and Ferrari celebrates with Mohammed BinSulayem after winning the pole position in qualifying for the Bahrain Formula One GrandPrix. Above: Mohammed Bin Sulayem, singer Jay Kay of U.K and Russian TV presenterAnton Komolov pose as they attend the Tag Heuer Grand Carrera.


UAE one of the most exciting sporting ven-

ues in the world.”

The UAE is one of the most excited sporting

venues in the world, and Bin Sulayem is as much

a part of that development as Tiger Woods de-

signing a golf course, or Roger Federer playing

tennis overlooking the city of Dubai. It isn’t just

UAE based athletes and drivers that are con-

tributing to this growth. Racing in the region now

– specifically the World Championship – attracts

drivers over 100 drivers from over 30 countries

around the world.

One organization that Bin Sulayem has

aligned with is TAG Heuer, the Swiss watch-

maker. TAG has a racing heritage and unri-

valled experience with Grand Tourism

motoring, a discipline that many consider

the absolute pinnacle in elite performance,


long distance racing and driving. The rela-

tionship with TAG and road sports isn’t a fly

by night union. It goes back all the way to the

beginning of the twentieth century, when they

were the first luxury watch manufacturer to

provide chronographs for car dashboards.

Since there were sports car competitions, there

were TAG Heuer watches, and their symbol is

still the most recognized around the world at

races of all types.

It is only natural that a relationship be-

tween TAG Heuer and Bin Sulayem was

formed. Both parties represent the pinnacle

of their respective industries, both repre-

sent forward thinking and pioneering in

their respective fields, and both pay hom-

age and respect to the past in order to im-

prove the future.

“The UAE is one of the most excitingsporting venues in the world, and BinSulayem is as much a part of thatdevelopment as Tiger Woods designing agolf course, or Roger Federer playingtennis overlooking the city of Dubai”


Another partner of Bin Sulayem that has

enhanced both his image, as well as that of rac-

ing in the Emirates is the famed Nakheel De-

velopment group, responsible for the The

World and The Palm island projects. With the

goal of attracting more and more top drivers

and spectators to not only the Desert Chal-

lenge, but all races in the area, Nakheel has

done a fantastic job of supporting the event.

Bin Sulayem has said “Nakheel have given us

great support to make this such a strong event,

and one which sets the standard for interna-

tional cross country rallying, and we have a

very solid base to build on in the years ahead.”

The relationship is just as beneficial for

Nakheel, as it enhances their reputation in the

region, and aligns them with a man who exudes

excellence. CEO Chris O’Donnell has recog-

nized the upside: “We are delighted to be a

major sponsor of the Desert Challenge... It is

an event that features a selection of the world's

leading rallying talent, attracts a large global

audience, and has played a key part in raising

the profile of the UAE as a destination.”

With his past track record (no pun in-

tended), and the bright present and future that

is the United Arab Emirates on an everyday

basis, there is reason to believe that with Bin

Sulayem leading the way, the region could be-

come the focal point and pinnacle of the racing

world. A multitude of championships, a

plethora of top-flight partners, and a hunger

and passion are the perfect ingredients for ex-

cellence, and Bin Sulayem sets the standard. �


Max Mosley, president of FIA (Federation International de la Automobile), meets withMohammed Bin Sulayem before the start of the 2008 Jordan Rally at the Dead Sea.


Bespoke programme can make it happen.

Imagine having over 44,000 colours to choose

from, for the exterior alone.

In addition to the complete personalisation

and individualisation under the Bespoke pro-

gramme, Rolls-Royce offers a unique series of

cars which have been created by the design

team. These Bespoke Collections showcase the

very best in Rolls-Royce creativity and crafts-

manship. Each design is produced in very lim-

ited numbers and is only available for a finite

period of time.

The latest example is Phantom Mirage, in-

spired by the legendary Arabian stallion of the

same name. The pure-bred Arabian is the per-

In the English countryside, nestled

amongst rolling hills and sleepy

trees is Goodwood, home to the

Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant.

There is nothing usual about this

car plant; blink and you could miss

it, as its design has it resting at one with its en-

vironment. Here, the pinnacle of motor cars is

being handcrafted. Leather is sewed, wood de-

tailed and cars polished. In many ways it is a

dream factory, where the Rolls-Royce team

produces cars which are met with pure awe

and aspiration.

There are many reasons Rolls-Royce in-

habits a class of its own; its engineering preci-

sion is legendary and luxury is absolutely syn-

onymous with the brand. It’s the Bespoke pro-

gramme, however, which captures the

imagination of many.

The Bespoke Programme is a service of-

fered to Rolls-Royce clients, whereby the

client may specify features of the car, in order

to create one’s own, unique model. Every as-

pect of the car may be personalised and en-

hanced, in accordance with the client’s

desires. Whether customers would like their

initials inlayed into the wood veneer and em-

broidered into the headrests; a gold-plated

Spirit of Ecstasy; a completely unique colour

scheme; or a glove compartment humidor, the

Set your imagination on a voyage of discoverywith Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Programme

ROLLS ROYCE:oct08 29/10/2008 15:37 Page 134


fect expression of beauty, grace and effortless

power. The arctic white exterior of Phantom

Mirage is accompanied by an interior with car-

bon fibre accents on the wheel spokes and the

optional stallion emblem stitched into the

headrests, showcasing the highest levels of

Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.

Another outstanding example of a special

Bespoke model, is ‘Arabesque’; a unique

Phantom Drophead Coupé which was commis-

sioned for The Prince’s School of Traditional

Arts, in London. The school’s mission is to

keep the traditional arts of all the world’s great

cultures alive and give them a modern day rel-

evance. Arabesque is the automotive expres-

sion of that ambition.

The interior and exterior of Arabesque are

inspired by Arabic themes and the success of

the design came as a result of detailed discus-

sions between students of the school and

Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design and engineer-

ing team. With all finishing done by hand, the

exterior detailing and the interior marquetry

and stitching are just two examples of what

makes this car truly one-of-a-kind.

Meanwhile, back in Goodwood, the Be-

spoke team are quietly working on their next

Rolls-Royce creation; discovering new paints;

materials; technology and engineering solu-

tions and striving to find new ways of creating

truly unique cars. n

“Every aspect of thecar may be

personalised andenhanced, in

accordance with theclient’s desires”

Images, facing page: Arabesque: Viewover the Prince’s feathers. This page,top: Hand-painted coachline ofArabesque. Bottom: Stallion emblemstitched into the headrests of PhantomMirage

ROLLS ROYCE:oct08 29/10/2008 15:37 Page 135

GatewayTo Paradise

The pleasures of life, as brought to you only by the Caribbean

CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:40 Page 137

As is always the case, real estate

and villa rentals are always such

an important part of the

100Thousand Club lifestyle, and

we feel it is always in our best interest to keep

you up to date on some of our favorite proper-

ties, and the best ways to go about searching

and deciding on where to purchase or rent. Our

focus at the moment – as it is quite often when

searching for a second or third home, or just a

temporary getaway – is on the Caribbean.

The Caribbean is always an ideal destina-

tion for a for a variety of reasons: the close

proximity to the continental United States, its

natural beauty, the prospect of a warm escape.

Of course these are the usual reasons. When

it comes to delving a bit deeper, there other

things to take into consideration. Type of resi-

dence, activities on the island of choice, ease

of access by direct flight, amenities of different

residential, resort, and club communities.

In this particular glance, we have picked

a few different options that stand out for their

beautiful design, splendid luxury, and pic-

turesque settings on each of the islands that

they exist.

The Bahia Beach Resort and residence

community on the Northeastern coast of Puerto

Rico has been catching our attention for quite

some time now. It is situated where the At-

lantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, and its

natural simplicity and beauty are unrivaled

anywhere else on the island. The crown jewel

of this Interlink Group development will be the

St. Regis Resort and Residences (stregisbahi-

abeach.com), an embodiment of all that the St.

Regis name has come to represent in terms of

luxury, beauty, and most of all, service.

The residential options are varied, with

Las Estancias leading the pack. These twenty-

six estates are going to represent an unparal-

leled version of luxury and custom service on

the island of Puerto Rico. The architectural

style is pure tropical plantation, and views will


The range ofactivities offeredin the naturalsplendor of theCaribbean isunparalleled. Fromdiving, sailing, andhorseback ridingon the beach,there is never amoment unfulfilled


abound of not only the ocean, but also of the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. cus-

tom designed golf course.

The second type of residence available will be the St. Regis Bahia

Beach Resort Residences, which are scheduled to open in late 2009.

These luxurious suites are available for purchase, and range in size be-

tween 650 and 1400 square feet. All of the amenities of the resort will

be available to its residents, including the legendary St. Regis person-

alized service.

The amenities of this spectacular project are varied and wonderful.

A Remède Spa at the St. Regis will be a sanctuary for both mind and

body, and the tailored services menu will include facials, massages, and

body services. For those looking to hit the links on a daily basis, the

Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course will preserve

the natural integrity of the beautiful island,

and will feature greens along the ocean, along

with scenic lakes, and undulating fairways.

There is something for everyone at Bahia

Beach, and we think it’s as spectacular a

choice as any in the Caribbean.

Another choice at this precise moment is

Roko Ki (rokoki.com), a tremendous new de-

velopment in the Dominican Republic. Situ-

ated along the dramatic headlands and pearl

white beaches of the Dominican Republic’s



eastern shore, Roko Ki is in an area where the

culture is as inspiring as the opportunities for

activity and adventure. The words “Roco Ki”

actually mean "honoring the land" in the lan-

guage of the Taino Indians, the original inhab-

itants of the Dominican Republic. Every effort

is being made to preserve this historical past,

and its result will be a genuine and authentic

Caribbean experience.

The residential offerings of Roko Ki will

too be vast and varied, with three distinct op-

tions that seem to be hitting all the right notes.

The beachfront homesites are the ultimate in

second or third home luxury. These types of

homesites have an unusually large acreage,

and owners will be able to call one of the most

enviable stretches of beach in the Caribbean

their back-yard.

Beachfront residences will have hand-

tied palm roofs. They are three and four bed-

room luxury residences that sit up on the

When venturing into the Caribbean, it is always

good to have a guide to help you navigate the

real estate and rental landscape. It is one thing to

pick a particular island, or be attracted to one specific new

highly advertised resort development. It is quite another to

truly understand what it is like to be a foreign buyer, and learn

the ins and outs. Brokers very often work on one particular is-

land, and will do their best to sell exactly what properties are

most easily at their disposal. We find it much more favorable

to use a group such as Luxury Retreats, a group that encom-

passes a large network of property consultants who will help

you explore options not only in the Caribbean, but all over the

world. Their personal service and fantastic connections will be

a great aid in the process. They also have a large network of

stunning villas in locations throughout the world, so don’t be

bashful to visit before you buy.

Luxury Retreats

luxuryretreats.com 888-738-0928


dunes over looking the aqua ocean. All will be equipped with state of

the art European cabinetry and gourmet kitchens, making the proper-

ties a true tropical sanctuary. The view of the ocean is accessible from

almost every room, not to mention the views from the infinity pool on

each private terrace.

Lastly, but certainly not least, are the EcoDream Villas. These Vil-

las promise a lifestyle that takes place above the others at Roko Ki. The

main living areas are at the treetops. These residences overlook beach

and ocean because of a four-story design. There is 6,200 square feet of

total living space for every type of family, and each villa has three bed-

rooms with the option of a fourth bedroom or service quarters. And to

make the most of the sun-splashed Caribbean lifestyle, the residences

feature wrap-around terraces on the second and third floors, a roof top

deck and spa, and private elevators in each residence. Sounds like

paradise to us.

Another place we absolutely love is St. Vincent and the

Grenadines. These picturesque islands are perhaps one of the last un-

spoiled and preserved places in the entire Caribbean, and offer a type

of living that can only be described as per-

fect. Still a bit undiscovered, the beaches are

among the most precious in the world. From

the Windward Coast, to the South-East Coast,

beaches such as Blue Lagoon, Villa Beach,

Indian Bay, Young Island Cut, Argyle beach,

and Brighton Beach are perfect to put down

roots and enjoy the natural splendors.

When the time comes to purchase prop-

erty in the region, there is no one better to

help you than Barnard’s Realty, who spe-

cialize in this specific region. Their expert-

ise is unparalleled, and they are the perfect

resource.

For a slightly more traditional destina-

tion to call home, Barbados has always been

one of our favorites, for its combination of re-

mote beaches, luxurious resorts and ameni-


ties, and fabulous cuisine – possibly the best

in the Caribbean. When looking for a beau-

tiful home to rent or purchase, we recom-

mend you use Barbados Realtors Ltd., a fully

integrated real estate company offering

clients an impressive portfolio of services.

They have been around since 1952, and their

influence on the market is without compare.

Their personalized services will make the

process informative and easy, and their cus-

tomer service will take all the stresses out of

purchasing abroad.

If you are not quite ready to purchase,

there are certainly some exquisite resorts with

rental villas available. Here we will turn our

attention to Half Moon in Jamaica, where the

Villas at Half Moon (halfmoonroyalvillas.com)

have been acting as a second home for the

most discriminating families and friends for

whom luxury, sophistication, and privacy are

the ultimate need. It is easy to relax and leave

all of the details to your personal butler, house-

keeper and cook. Each of them are willing and

able to arrange whatever your needs may be,

whether it is an impromptu meal by the pool, a

day at the Dolphin Lagoon, or dinner reserva-

tions at any number of restaurants on the is-

land. Personal services such as pantry

stocking, personal shopping, and party plan-

ning are also at your disposal, truly combing

the services of a five star hotel with the space

and luxury of a private home.

Each Royal Villa has five-, six- or seven-

private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms,

each with its own keyed entrance. They are

all exquisitely furnished and tastefully deco-

rated in tropical hues. Jamaica is a land of

pure relaxation contrasted with great activity,

and there is nary a better place to make your

home base than Half Moon. n


The festive spirit of the Caribbeaninfiltrates all aspects of life. The nativepeople add a flavor that is hard to findelsewhere in the world.


St. Regis Bahia BeachPuerto Rico Residences

Developers: BBP Partners, LLC.

Interlink Group

Golf: Troon Golf Management

Design by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

Airport: San Juan, PR

Carr. 187 Km 4.2

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, USA

P.O. Box 363529

San Juan, PR 00936-3529

T: 787.957.5800

Email: [email protected]

www.stregisbahiabeach.com

Roko KiDominican Republic

Developer: Richard Knorr International, Ltd.

Golf: Troon Golf Management

Design by Faldo Design

Airport: Punta Cana International Airport

Roko Ki is 20 miles northwest

T: 888.476.2654


www.rokoki.com

Villas at Half MoonAccommodations: Four- Five- Six- and Seven- Bedroom Royal Villas

Rates: Peak Season, $1880 - $3,420

Non Peak Season, $1,175 - $2,340

Half Moon P.O., Rose Hall, Montego Bay

Jamaica, West Indies

T: 876.953.2211

www.halfmoonroyalvillas.com

Barnard’s RealtySt. Vincent and the Grenadines

P.O. Box 1445, Villa

St. Vincent and The Grenadines

St. Vincent Office

T: 784.458.4613. T: 784.457.4806

T: 784.457.4904. F: 784.457.4223

Bequia Office

T: 784.457.5566. F: 784.458.3705



www.barnards-svg.com

Barbados Realtors Ltd.Barbados

Holetown, St. James

T: 246.432.6930. F: 246.432.6919



LOCATION: OMAN

153100 Thousand Club

Day One

4pm: Check in at Chedi Hotel, one of GHM’s most

luxurious properties. Known for its sophisticated

elegance and chic design, the property is situated

on the beautiful Boushar Beachfront in Oman and

hidden perfectly amongst a backdrop of a spectacu-

lar mountain skyline. The hotel’s exterior maintains the traditional

design and stunning architecture synonymous with the region, whilst

inside hosts a modern and minimalist feel. The hues of brown and

collection of caramels shape cosy and peaceful Western style spaces,

from the lush suites to the extensive library. Settle in to one of the

156 luxurious rooms and suites and enjoy exclusive access to tranquil

pools, bordered by a private stretch of beach, and feel enthralled in the

scenic views of the majestic Haajir mountains.

8pm: Have dinner at the Beach restaurant, located inside the Chedi

Hotel. A stunning location, the restaurant offers beachfront views over-

looking the Gulf of Oman, from which it serves its delectable seafood

menu. Plain wood tables and minimal glassware provide a simplistic

setting that demand all attention to the regionally exquisite dishes.

Head Chef James Viles has gained pedigree on the Orient Express

and Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai before arriving in Oman. His in-

ventive style of creating dishes that combine conventional ingredients

with unconventional components refl ects the duality of traditional and

modern within the hotel itself. The Lobby Lounge, close to the hotel

reception, provides a perfect spot to enjoy after dinner cocktails and

take in the breathtaking surroundings.


Day Two

8am: Hire a saloon car and lose yourself in Oman’s natural

beauty with a 45 minute trip to the Sumail Gap. Enjoy the

paths taken by Marco Polo during his travel to Oman in 1260

AD and taste the history of the region, stopping by the road-

side to sample pomegranates, pumpkin, and sweet lemons. If

you are looking to immerse yourself in culture and history,

Sumail Gap certainly is that: the towns of Bid Bid, Sumail and

Al Khobar are teeming with castles and fortifi cations. How-

ever, if you don’t feel like travelling outside Muscat, venture

to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, located in Old Muscat, and

indulge in Omani heritage. The museum provides a collection

of original regional works of art, showcasing a wide anthol-

ogy of old Omani weapons, jewellery, clothing and artifacts

of urban life.

12pm: Stop for lunch at Shangri-La’s exclusive six star Barr

Al Jissah Resort & Spa and recuperate from the morning’s

heat. The Al Jissah is one of the other premier lodges in the

city, and provides a wide choice of dining. It holds the notable

Al Husn, from which the only authentic Moroccan cuisine is

served in Oman in a contemporary and refi ned setting.

3pm: Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Spa, CHI, has been the

most acclaimed spa in the area since its opening in 2006.

Book yourself a treatment in one of twelve private spa villas

and embrace the holistic approach to physical and spiritual

wellbeing. Located in the backdrop of the mountains, CHI is

designed for seclusion, allowing for the enjoyment of luxury

in private spaces. The spa is inspired by traditional Asian

While traveling in Oman, if the urge to put down some roots

and invest in the beautiful surroundings strikes you, may

we recommend the Al Maeen Real Estate company. Their

phenomenal project in the area – namely the Malkai – is an

outstanding residential enclave, characterized by its wonderful

design and lavish luxury. It is located just 50 kilometers from

Muscat, near the town of Barka. A focal point of the project is a

golf course designed by Gary Player Design. While the project

has many modern amenities, it still retains the true essence of

Omani archi

T: +968 2456 1819 E: [email protected]

www.themalkai.com

Salalah, the second largest city in Oman after Muscat, has as much beauty as its grander counterparts. Here, a clock tower rises from the center of an elaborate roundabout.


healing philosophies of maintaining bal-

anced constant chi within the body, and its

treatments provide the restoration of such

equilibrium. Exercise is also a key element in

releasing blockages of chi, and if an afternoon

in the spa is a little too slow paced, Barr Al

Jissah Resort provides a variety of sports in

and on the water, with one dive trip departing

at 2.30pm. The programs allow for a range

of experience levels, and the unique setting

in the Gulf of Oman ensures an experience

unlike any other.

9pm: Dinner at the Kargeen Café in

Muscat may sound like nothing more than

nostalgia for the locals but it holds an array

of atmosphere and culture that is essential

to Omani visitors to experience. It offers a

delectable selection of cuisine, from humus

to French onion soup, but it is more so the

entertainment that demands attention. Its

ambiance refl ects the much reputable Omani

friendly charm and its traditional decadence

adds atmosphere to the highest degree.

Day Three

11am: Muscat International Airport is

located just 12km from Chedi and is a mere

fi fteen minutes from the hotel. Take advan-

tage of the Oryx Lounge on the ground fl oor

of the departure lounge and relax in comfort,

away from the busy terminal. An upgrade is

expected to reach completion in 2011 to pro-

vide for the Airbus A380, but until then, book

yourself a fl ight with Etihad private airways

(www.etihadairways.com) and enjoy your last

view of the majestic mountain skyline.

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