. . . because l i f e i s abou t l i v i ng JUL – SEPT 2007

Sunny London What to do in London in the

summer, fun activities for kids + free things to see and do

Fine Vino Down UnderAustralian boutique wines go down smooth

Surprise, Surprise!Hit the beach in Paris, ski in Dubai &

other adventures in surprising places

contents

jul-sept2007

The views and opinions expressed or implied in do not necessarily reflect those of The Ascott Group Limited, Spafax Airline Network Pte Ltd or Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd, its directors or editorial staff. All information correct at time of print. MICA (P) 252/07/2006 PUBLISHER The Ascott Group LimitedEDITORIAL ADVISORS Gerald Lee Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, The Ascott Group Limited Celina Low Vice President, Corporate Communications, The Ascott Group LimitedLow Su Lin Manager, Corporate Communications, The Ascott Group LimitedPUBLISHING AGENT Spafax Airline Network Pte Ltd

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd MANAGING DIRECTOR Alvin GanEDITORIAL DIRECTOR Ming Rodrigues-HensonART DIRECTOR Leslie NeoASST. EDITORS Lalitha Naidu, Kevin KwangWRITER Valerie ChewSENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER June WangCONTRIBUTORS Nick Walton, Tay Chongwan, Sonia Mehta, Brian Johnson, Graham Simmons All editorial enquiries to Ming Rodrigues, Paperclip Communications Pte Ltd, 50 Playfair Road, #02-04 Noel Building, Singapore 367995TELEPHONE (65) 6289 4822 FACSIMILE (65) 6289 4833EMAIL ming@paperclip.com.sg

All advertising enquiries to Bernardine Margaret Reddy,Spafax Airline Network Pte Ltd, 69A Boat Quay, Singapore 049857EMAIL bernie@spafaxsg.com or sales@spafaxsg.comwww.spafaxsingapore.com

PRINTER KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

The carefree joy of children reflected in the cover image of epitomises Ascott International’s branding, “... because life is about living”. Ascott truly understands LIFE’s values. We believe in giving our residents personalised service with a unique Local touch and flavour. We also respect Individuality; as such, our services offer residents Freedom of choice and are designed to be flexible to cater to different personal needs. More importantly, we believe in going the extra mile for our residents, delivering hospitality and service that Exceed expectations.

04 Your Say Residents’ feedback

06 Travel Hong Kong, Shenzhen,

Guangzhou, London

16 Mind.Body.Soul The ancient sport of falconry

is alive and well in Qatar

20 Style The best fashion and grooming

essentials

22 Live It Up Thrills and spills in the

unlikeliest places

26 Savour Fine Australian boutique wines

are going down smooth

30 At Home With For Kwok Kian Chow, director

of the Singapore Art Museum, travel brings a new dimension to art appreciation

32 Interiors Add cheer to your home with flowers

36 Heartware Community One year after a devastating

earthquake, Ascott returns to Jogjakarta, Indonesia to help villagers rebuild a school

38 Ascott Heritage History of Ascott International

42 Ascott Round The World

44 Our Brands

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Enjoy more great reads! Get a one-year subscription to Ascott Living, your lifestyle guide... because life is about living.

For more enquiries or to email your details, write to contact@ascottliving.com

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New from this issue of Ascott Living: We’ve included a new segment on tips and fast facts in our feature stories. These columns offer practical and useful information and suggestions as a value-add for you, the business traveller and global resident.

Tip!

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Facts!

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Earlier this year, my family and I moved to KL and stayed at Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon while we looked for permanent accommodations. A move for a young family can be very traumatic but due to the professionalism of the staff, the transition was an easy one. We felt there was nothing too small or too difficult for them to handle. I have no qualms about recommending Somerset to others. – Ruth Miller and family stayed at Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon, KL, Malaysia

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Y O U R S A Y

In the past two years that I have visited the Philippines, I have always stayed at the Somerset Millennium. What keeps me coming back to Somerset is its great location and service. You feel at home when everyone, from the front desk staff to the guards, know your name. Somerset Millennium will always be my home away from home. – Engielo Gustilo (United States) stayed at Somerset Millennium, Makati, Philippines

This is one of the most out-standing serviced apartments that I’ve stayed at. The service is very good and the room fantastic. The staff are also very friendly and polite. I’ll never stay at another hotel again when I’m in Bangkok.– Alan Cheong (Malaysia) stayed at Somerset Park Suanplu, Bangkok, Thailand

My boyfriend Nat and I have been together for five years, so a proposal was well overdue. Recently, I was in Melbourne for a holiday. One morning, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, the concierge presented me with a tray which had a ring, and a note that said ‘Will you marry me?’. There was another note asking me to meet Nat in the lobby, so I ran to the lift barefoot and sobbing. When the lift door opened to the lobby downstairs, there was Nat with a huge bouquet of flowers. It was so memorable and I want to thank the staff at Somerset for their contribution. – Mary Dellis with her fiancé Nato Marafioti (Australia) stayed at Somerset on Elizabeth, Melbourne, Australia

Have you enjoyed your stay with us? Why not share your thoughts and write in with your contact details and photo to contact@ascottliving.com – you may just win a mystery prize. Feedback may be edited for print purposes.

personal best The Ascott Group is

celebrated for its service. Here are some notes of appreciation from guests.

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As our lives hurtle at light speed into the future with whiz-bang

technology and nanosecond attention spans, ser v ice has become an important benchmark that separates the stellar from the staid. At Ascott, service is not an abstract concept learned in a training course or picked up on the job. Good service comes from the heart, and is a genuine desire to make customers happy. It’s sincerity that has no price.

This philosophy is based on the Ascott Heartware credo – “service from the heart” and “going the extra mile”. It’s a pledge by Ascott and its staff, from the doorman to concierge, to deliver uncompromising service to all residents in each and every Ascott property around the world. What this also means is that at Ascott, service is customised to meet the demands of various residents.

So Ascott residents shouldn’t be surprised if the concierge scours the whole city to get them what they want, or that the doorman greets them by name or that the housekeeping personnel remembers how they like their suits pressed. Indeed, Ascott staff are well-versed in going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver great service without expecting anything in return. It’s this personalised and detailed attention that makes residents come back to stay at Ascott properties time and again. And this is what makes a stay at any Ascott property worldwide a truly unforgettable experience. �

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delta buzz

The Pearl River Delta – made up of nine prefectures including Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shenzhen – is a fascinating combination of the Middle

Kingdom’s rich legacy and unbridled Western capitalism, which makes for a memorable visit. By Nick Walton

Situated on the low-lying delta plains that hug the Pearl River

as it descends into the South China Sea, the Pearl River Delta (PRD) has long been recognised as an important financial gateway to mainland China.

In the 1970s, Chinese authorities created a special economic region which allowed the PRD – made up of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou – to become China’s largest manufacturing precinct,

creating an influx of foreign capital. Shenzhen and Guangzhou have gone from gems in the rough to Princess Cuts in the limelight. Both are sprawling metropolises with cityscapes that rival the world ’s

The Pearl River, Guangzhou

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For the food lover, some of the best yum cha (Cantonese tradition of eating small dishes with tea) can be enjoyed in Guangzhou with as many as 100 tiny tasting plates offered at some restaurants, including fluffy white char siu pork buns, siu mai (steamed pork dumplings), and for the brave, braised chicken feet.

If you are looking for retail therapy rather than an expanded waist l ine, why not take home something truly special from one of the city’s best kept secrets? The Kuantung Antique Store on Hungshu Road North, which specialises in jade, pottery and Chinese porcelain, has been run by one family for four generations. The detail and quality of its work are second to none, and they make fantastic gifts without breaking the bank.

Another great litt le spot is nearby Shamian Island. Although it is not actually an island – rather the remnants of the original concession given to American and European

traders by the Qing Dynasty in the 19th Century – it remains a great place to explore, and is popular with foreign families who have come to China to adopt kids. There are many excellent restaurants and street markets to linger in, while its European architecture is a stunning contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city proper.

SHENZHEN’S SPLENDOURFrom Shamian Island, head to another boom town: Shenzhen. Originally a small, but perfectly located fishing village, the change in direction by the Chinese leadership in 1979 saw this tiny hamlet turn into one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Shenzhen is the foreign investment hub for most of China, and is also popular with Hong Kong residents looking for great bargains, including clothing and furniture.

Although it lacks the heritage aspects of its sister cities Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Shenzhen

capitals, thriving shopping and dining outlets, and a wealth of hole-in-the-wall hideaways – all combined with a distinctive mix of Hong Kong’s Eurocentrism and the Middle Kingdom’s ancient legacy.

BUSTLING GUANGZHOUGuangzhou is a great destination for business travellers looking to experience China. Guangzhou, like Hong Kong, has a long history of foreign influence, especially through trade, when the sheltered harbour became an important part of the Silk Road traffic. The ‘Open Door’ policies of Deng Xiaoping in 1979 signalled a massive boom in the city’s development with highways and towering apartment blocks overshadowing colonial-era mansions that lined the river banks. However, despite the explosion in building activities, many of the city’s cultural treasures, including colonial homes, museums and pristine parks, have been protected by the city elders.

People rollerblading at the Civic Centre, ShenzhenPHOTOLIBRARY

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is a thriving urban sprawl of five million, and has made up for its lack of historical monuments by creating a reputation for theme parks and man-made environmental spaces, like the beautiful Shenzhen Botanical Gardens.

Shopping is always popular in Shenzhen, and little wonder. Despite its close proximity to Hong Kong, it offers a dramatic difference in price. Head to Lo Wu Commercial City. Spread over several levels, there are many stalls competing with each other so you have to quickly grab a great deal. Another must-do is a visit to one of the city’s famed tailors. Skil led tailors (there are plenty around Lo Wu City) will even deliver

Bargains galore await at the night market at Temple Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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to your hotel in Hong Kong. Book buffs will also love the five-level Book City, one of the city’s most popular attractions and home to a massive array of literature on every topic imaginable.

I f you have spent the day in meetings or over-indulging at business lunches, why not do what the locals do and have a Shenzhen foot massage. This xi jiao massage actually includes the shoulders, back, arms, legs and feet, for a fraction of the cost in Hong Kong or the west. A full-body massage (known as an mo or song gu) costs approximately RMB 50-150 (US $6 – US $19) for 90 to 120 minutes.

FASCINATING HONG KONGAs fascinating as Guangzhou and Shenzhen are, Hong Kong remains the jewel of the Pearl River Delta.

Hong Kong , which means Fragrant Harbour in Chinese, is a brilliant destination for whatever takes your fancy – there is sensational shopping, a plethora of cuisines to try, including regional Chinese variations, temples to visit, Victoria Peak to climb and Lantau Island to explore.

Hong Kong is a gastronomic wonderland with every cuisine avai lable. Its noodle sta l ls are world famous but the city’s modern designer-conscious restaurants and bars are destinations unto themselves. Some of the must-visits include Causeway Bay’s OPIA with its menu by Melbourne celebrity chef Teague Ezard; the popular celebrity hangout Dragon-I with its Chinese-Japanese fusion cuisine and beige and bronze décor; Lumiere with its great Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine and stunning views.

One lesser known locale is the island of Lamma. Long considered a hippie hangout, this little isle has come of age with popular seafood restaurants, gorgeous beaches looking out into the South China Sea, and picturesque walking tracks that loop around Hong Kong’s third largest island. With an aperitif and a stunning sunset, it is the perfect place to end your Pearl River Delta experience. �

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LIVE IN STYLEWhen hunting for accommodations in the Pearl River Delta, look no further than Ascott, which has standout properties in major cities. The 208-unit Ascott Guangzhou serviced residence (picture right), to open later this year, is located on Tianhe Road East, also known as the city’s Wall Street. From here, you are a hop away from the new Guangzhou East Train Station and Tianhe Sports Centre. There are also plenty of dining and shopping options close by.

In the Fragrant Harbour, Ascott opened its boutique 36-unit serviced residence, Citadines Hong Kong Ashley. Located in bustling Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui, only a short walk from the MTR station and Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbour, it is central and accessible, perfectly suited for business travellers.

In sprawling, dynamic Shenzhen, Ascott will soon welcome its first property in the city, Citadines Shenzhen Garden City. One of the city’s most modern serviced residences, it features a gym and swimming pool. The location couldn’t get any better. Situated in Nanshan District, the buzzing hotspot for shopping, food and entertainment, the property is also close to Shekou and Futian Central Business Districts as well as the Shekou Ferry Terminal. The property is targeted to open in the first half of 2008.

Call 800 820 1028 (toll free) for reservations in China.

CHINA TRIVIA• Hong Kong’s Kap Shui Mun Bridge is the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge

carrying both road and rail traffic. It is 820 metres long with 150-metre high towers.

• The population of Shenzhen is 4.7 million – 3.4 million of whom are regarded as transient population.

• You can climb Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak using the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator, which is 800 metres long, and comprises 20 reversible escalators and three travellators.

• Shenzhen is home to the world’s fourth tallest building – the International Finance Centre (415m).

The Giant Buddha, Hong Kong

Getting thereThere are many international flights into Guangzhou and Hong Kong while Shenzhen can be accessed from across China and regionally. Hong Kong’s international airport has been named top airport in the world five years running. There is also train access from Hong Kong to Shenzhen and other parts of the PRD.

Cabbies in Guangzhou often don’t speak English, so get airport staff to write your hotel name down before you hail a taxi.

Tipping is not usually expected in China but always appreciated.

LanguageAlthough Mandarin is the official language of China, most people in the PRD speak Cantonese (though hotel staff often speak English).

Doing businessBusiness cards should be offered with both hands and received in the same fashion. In terms of attire, dress up rather than down as jackets are worn even in summer. Be mindful of the speech culture in China. Instead of saying ‘no’, respond with ‘I’ll see what I can do’. Avoid touching or patting the shoulders of the Chinese and try not to talk with your hands when illustrating your speech. In business, a light, not firm, handshake is a customary start.

Fast

Facts!

• The Pearl River Delta enjoys a sub-tropical climate. Year-round temperatures average 22˚C, with August being the hottest month when temperatures rise to 28˚C, and January the coldest at an average of 13˚C. The rainy season is from April to August.

• Hong Kong’s Lantau Island is home to the world’s largest Buddha statue, weighing in at 250 tonnes and standing at 26.4 metres.

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cool britanniaWith its beautiful parks, gorgeous historical monuments and fabulous shopping, summer is the best time to visit London. By Chongwan Tay

Packing lots of British pounds (or a platinum card for those who prefer to travel light) and an umbrella is key to enjoying a trip to London. But its weather and

prices hardly deter those of us who travel for the sheer joy of shopping and eating. The beauty of London is that no matter how many times you’ve been there, something new is always happening, and more so in the summer. Here are the best ways to soak up the culture, history and hip-ness of the city.

OUT AND ABOUTThere’s no better time for a walk than when the sun’s out. The two best ways to get around London for sightseeing are walking and taking the Original London Sightseeing Tour (www.theoriginaltour.com) or the Big Bus Company Tour (www.bigbus.co.uk), unless you already have arrangements for a limo. Cruise about town in an open-top double-decker bus that covers up to 90 stops at which you can hop on and off anytime. It’s the best way to avoid queues when visiting London’s attractions. Tickets are valid for 24 hours and also include a free river cruise and walking tours.

Walking, for the uninitiated, can be tricky if you don’t understand traffic-pedestrian dynamics, i.e. cars always win. A neighbourhood you must stroll through is the super posh Belgravia, if not for the drool factor of its real estate, then for its very exclusive boutiques. Another must-walk ‘trail’ is along the south bank, starting from the Tower Bridge, where you can see the best London landmarks such as the London Eye, Tate Modern and the many varied bridges along the stretch of the River Thames. Check out details at www.southbanklondon.com/walkthisway before you start. Then hop on the London Eye. You get a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city through its slow-mo rotation. Touristy, but an absolute must-do.

Kids have a ball at the Notting Hill Carnival

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Another great outdoor activity that will please the young ones is the annual Notting Hill Carnival. Held during the last weekend of August, this year’s carnival falls between 26 and 27 August. Kids and families can revel in the colourful parades, with lots of music, masquerades and other events held on the first day of the carnival, traditionally Children’s Day.

TOP SHOPSAfter scouring Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges and such, head out to the boutiques. Fashion at Covent Garden and High Street are affordable, street-smart and current for the young and trendy. Or up your ante at high fashion joints like Temperley London for the gorgeous frocks or Coco Ribbon for lacy underthings (both in Notting Hill). Then check out Stella McCartney in Mayfair and Jimmy

DINE AND WINEWhen you’re done with the requisite tea at Claridge’s, Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred joints, the wildly popular Tamarind (because how can you not have Indian food in London?) and Nobu, venture out to where the top London chefs would go. Borough Market is a cook’s paradise with little Dickensian streets. Nigella Lawson swears by the Spanish ham and delicacies from one of its stalls called Brindisa and decorated sugar cookies from Konditor and Cook. Gourmands will appreciate Villandry (a restaurant and food shop that has charcuterie and cheese counters, French yoghurt and coffee, etc) and The Spice Shop. The best things about big London stores like Harrods, Harvey Nichols (book ahead for dinner at Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols) and Selfridges are their unbelievable food halls that offer anything from oyster bars to fish and chips to gourmet desserts. Shopaholics need not venture beyond these stores to replenish and recharge. The South Bank also has a string of great restaurants that include Conran establishments (www.conran.com) where food and design enjoy seamless synergy.

Choo’s flagship store on New Bond Street. For the men, head for some bespoke indulgence at Ozwald Boateng and Paul Smith on Savile Row. Then find matching shirts at Turnbull & Asser or Thomas Pink. For accessories, Philip Treacy, the mad hatter, should not be missed. Also browse through Portobello Market for quaint antiques and Grays Antique Markets for spectacular baubles. Stock up on exquisite stationery from Smythson and delicious Jo Malone fragrances for yourself and friends.

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CULTURE VULTURESIf London doesn’t sate your hunger for high culture, nowhere else will. Lucky for us, most museums visits are free. The musts: Tate Modern for its stellar collections; Victoria & Albert Museum for the classics, variety and just because; and Saatchi Gallery for the cutting edge. Don’t miss the glorious Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. The Tower may be a bit of historical kitsch but it’s still well worth a visit. And if you’re in the market for antiques, check out some Christie’s and Sotheby’s auctions for surprises to lug home.

This summer, enjoy ballet and music in the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden and Royal Albert Hall. For a family affair, Kids Week in the West End will keep the young ones enthralled. From 17 to 31 August, you can buy tickets (for every full price adult ticket, one child goes free) to kids’ theatre, dance workshops, behind-the-scenes tours and many other activities and events.

Those who enjoy open-air theatre with a spot of picnic thrown in – for those with kids, it’s the best way to initiate them into theatre watching – can look forward to Regent’s Park 75th anniversary this year. A highly recommended performance is the kids-friendly Roald Dahl play, Fantastic Mr Fox, which will run from 31 July to 25 August. Check out http://openairtheatre.org for more information.

With so much to do and so little time, London trips are always frenzied – but blissfully so.

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Punch & Judy puppet show at Covent Garden market

MASTERFILE / INGER HOGSTROM

ROYAL CHAMBERSLondon boasts a melting pot of interesting neighbourhoods. Ascott has six properties in choice spots. These luxury serviced residences have all the usual amenities, enjoy convenient proximity to business and shopping centres, and some are even pet-friendly.

Ascott London Mayfair (picture below) is a 1920s art deco building with fully modernised facilities. Luxurious yet cosy, it befits the upscale neighbourhood next to Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Bond Street.

Somerset Bayswater is also a convenient hop and skip away from Notting Hill, Regent’s Park, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and the open air market at Camden Town.

Citadines London Barbican is for the culture fiend. North of the business district stands the Barbican Centre, one of Europe’s largest cultural centres and home to London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Shakespeare Company. It’s also close to St Paul’s Cathedral and lots of London pubs, ideal for that pre-theatre pint.

Citadines London Holborn-Covent Garden is for the hippie-at-heart. Located near a great mish-mash of art galleries, superb restaurants and cafes, churches and a converted 19th Century fruit and vegetable market, it’s also just a short walk to Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus.

Citadines London South Kensington is situated in one of the most stylish and Victorian neighbourhoods in London. The best boutiques and Harrods are but a stone’s throw away. Kensington

Palace and Westminster Abbey are also nearby.Citadines London Trafalgar Square is close

to the National Gallery, government buildings, amazing baroque architecture and shops lining the streets. The pulse of London is throbbing here.

Call 0800 376 3898 (UK toll free) or (44-20) 7269 1680 for reservations in the UK.

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TOP FIVE FREE THINGS TO DO While making your spending rounds from the West End to South Kensington to Canary Wharf, take comfort in these pit stops of free activities. Buckingham Palace You have not been to London if you haven’t seen the changing of the guard in the Forecourt at Buckingham Palace. Get there before 11.30am any day in summer and wait to view the spectacle.

City of London Festival The annual festival that includes free street entertainment and arts events will run through July this year. Expect highlights like operas and orchestra performances. www.colf.org

St Paul’s Cathedral Sir Christopher Wren’s domed landmark is always a tourist attraction. Go early to avoid the crowds or sneak in for the afternoon evensong and savour an amazing moment of tranquil beauty. The 530 steps to the top are worth the effort too.

Music Who doesn’t like free music as respite from the city bustle? Check out Commuter Jazz on Fridays at the Royal Festival Hall in the South Bank from 5.15pm; or free Monday lunchtime recitals at The Royal Opera House; or regular lunchtime concerts at St Martin-In-The-Fields.

ParksBring the whole family to the park and enjoy a great day out without spending a cent. St James’s Park has a great view of Buckingham Palace. Queen Mary’s Gardens at Regent’s Park is a popular site; find a picnic spot or take a canal boat trip from the zoo to Little Venice.

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M I N D . B O D Y . S O U L

The shimmering expanse of desert, extending as far as the eye can see,

is made brilliant by the incandescent sun. A lone falcon circles above in the otherwise empty skies, seemingly disinterested in its surroundings, yet alert to every movement. Below, its owner is either on camelback or in a jeep, keeping an eye out for its trained ‘assassin’ to locate its prey.

If this sounds like a scene from an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster, it isn’t. Rather, it’s a typical scene straight out of falconry, a traditional Middle East sport, popular in autumn and winter. Described as the taking of wild quarry with trained birds of prey, falconry is an ancient sport dating back as early as 13 B.C. and practised by the Bedouins in the Middle East.

lord of the

There’s no better way to immerse in Qatari culture and pick up a new hobby than to indulge in the ancient sport of falconry. By Kevin Kwang

Its popularity remains strong in the Arabian Gulf, one of the last bastions where falconry is considered an important sporting activity.

In Qatar in particular, the sport is increasingly played by people across social stratas, a far cry from the days when it was solely the domain of the wealthy. The falcon is a symbol of bravery, loyalty and mastery in hunting in Arab traditions, and it’s for this reason that the art of falconry continues to be passed down through generations. It’s believed that the sport instils values of chivalry, courage, patience and diligence.

Traditionally, Qatari falconers catch their bird of prey or hawk (In falconry lingo, all birds that are active in daylight and hunt naturally in their

skies

wild state are termed ‘hawks’) during the birds’ autumn migration. This is when long-winged falcons, such as the peregrine and saker, fly through the region. These falcons mainly hunt other birds in flight, with the houbara bustard being one of the locals’ favourite preys. Having caught their bird of prey, falconers have only weeks to train them before hunting season begins in early November.

Essentially, an experienced falconer would train the hawk to reach its optimum hunting weight – the weight in which it would hunt if living in its natural environment – by increasing both the time it spends flying and the distances over which it’s called to the falconer. Especially important during its training is the

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initial phase known as ‘manning’, which means getting the hawk used to its falconer and new environment. Having the hawk recognise the falconer and his glove as its source of food is vital to fostering an ideal hunting relationship.

To do so, the falconer has to display patience and diligence in getting his charge to ask for its food. This is done progressively – the falconer would start off by hawk feeding from the glove, followed by making the hawk jump short distances for food while tethered to a creance,

or a lightweight training line. As its appetite sharpens gradually, so will its desire to fly farther for food.

For longwing falcons, they are called to a swing lure, a pair of bird wings secured together and swung by the falconer. This is to simulate the prey it’s being trained to hunt while in flight. The hawk would be released from its creance once it responds to the falconer’s call for food and chases the simulated lure. Entering its last stage of training, the hawk will be introduced to wild game in the process known as ‘entering’.

Once it has achieved its first kill in natural surroundings while remaining obedient to its falconer’s call, the hawk would be considered trained and ready for falconry.

While it’s not possible to pick up falconry over one lesson, it is however possible to view falcons either in action or get a sense of the sport in falconry souks (traditional Arab markets), such as the Souk Waqif in Qatar. The International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is also a good place to start. This event is a gathering place for falconers and their hawks from all over the world, and will be held from 24 – 27 October this year in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

With the increasing popularity of the sport, the Qatari government is mindful that this might have a detrimental effect on the population of falcons and its prey, throwing the fragile ecosystem off balance in the process. As such, its Supreme Council for the Environment & Natural Reserves (SCENR) is introducing a registration system for owners of falcons to be issued a ‘falcon passport’, with all its information stored in a central data bank. This passport is valid for three years and Qatar is just one of two countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to issue this. This technology would also aid the country in combating illegal wildlife trading and export on a global scale.

A trip to Qatar would be incomplete without participating in the excitement and thrill of hunting with some of the animal kingdom’s most astute hunters. After all, with the word ‘falconry’ synonymous with ‘pleasure’ in ancient Arabic vernacular, the meqnas, or hunting journey, might just prove to be the sporting experience of one’s lifetime. �

DOHA DELUXEThe luxury quotient of the city of Doha in Qatar looks set to hit the roof when the 200-unit Somerset West Bay opens in the second half of 2007. Located in West Bay, the new commercial centre of Qatar, it has elegantly appointed two and three bedroom apartments, complemented by lifestyle facilities and business services. However, the jewel in the crown of this stunner is the spectacular vista it offers across the Arabian Gulf. After a spot of falconry, retire to your chambers and enjoy the view with a cocktail in hand. Or shop to your heart’s content at the nearby City Center Mall, one of the largest malls in the Gulf.

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QATAR CALLING If the experience of falconry leaves you wanting for more, here are other exciting adventures Qatar is known for.

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Horse racingOne of the oldest sports practised in Qatar, the majestic beauty of horses is superseded by its natural ability to race, and this is highly prized among the locals. The Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club organises a number of well-attended seasonal racing meets annually. For more information, visit www.qrec.net

Desert safariWhile most people might dismiss deserts as dry, arid areas, it’s this very environment that makes it an adventure playground.The pristine sand dunes found in Qatar are some of the best places for thrill-seekers to hop on a four-wheeler and zip around at high speeds across the dunes. Check out Gulf Adventures at www.gulf-adventures.com for more information.

Water sportsSurrounded by the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is an attractive travel destination for water lovers. From scuba-diving to windsurfing to jet-skiing, there is an activity for everyone. Don’t miss riding in a dhow, a traditional single or double-mast Arab sailing vessel. Check out Net Tours at www.nettours.com.qa

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S T Y L E

Entertaining fellow wine-lovers will be a breeze with Royal Selangor’s new line of simple but elegant wine accessories. Collaborating with famed Danish designer Erik Magnussen, who is renowned for his clean and minimalist designs, the established pewter company offers wine aficionados the opportunity to wow guests with the range of sleek corkscrews and decanters to bottle coolers and pitchers. A pleasure to the senses, the Erik Magnussen line of wine accessories is a valuable addition to any kitchen.

It’s all about colour and attention to detail when it comes to Hogan’s latest Spring/Summer 2007 footwear collection. Infused with bright, eye-catching swatches of red, yellow and blue, the collection exudes the playful free-spiritedness of the season without compromising design and quality. Hogan’s sandals, for one, are thoughtfully crafted to suit most occasions without short-changing on style. Now there is something for every man to step out in, anytime, anywhere.

Style comes in increasingly smaller packages nowadays, epitomised by Motorola’s MOTOKRZR K3, its latest sleek and slim clamshell mobile phone. Designed with the latest in exquisite materials and finishes, it’s also a high-speed entertainment machine. Thanks to HSDPA technology, the MOTOKRZR K3 is able to access news, entertainment and sports at the blink of an eye. Throw in two integrated cameras and a swappable microSD card slot, and you have the perfect blend of style and substance to hit the road with.

Tod’s goes back to basics with its latest men’s accessories. From hats to a travel collection of duffle bags and toiletry cases, the focus is on meticulous hand-stitching and hand-crafting. This is epitomised by the top quality leather and design applied in Tod’s duffel bag in meeting the aesthetic needs of the sophisticated modern man – truly a masterclass in practical elegance packaged in designer chic.

essentialsThe best picks to up your style quotient this season. By Kevin Kwang

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Conventional styles get a refreshing re-interpretation with the latest collection from Chanel. Eschewing traditional colours of white, black and beige, the trend-setting fashion house introduces bold, vibrant splashes of colour to accentuate feminine curves not just in clothes but also accessories. Psychedelic-coloured bracelets and pendants are out to make a bold statement, with daring designs being the order of the day.

Be dazzled by Montblanc’s diamond jewellery collection that is an ode to classic beauty. The ornately crafted range consists of four separate lines of designs – La Dame Blanche, Magie en Blanc et Noir, Étoile Secrète, and Montblanc 4810. The company’s renowned craftsmanship is seen in the minimalistic chic and brilliance of the rings, pendants, necklaces and bangles featured in its Montblanc 4810 line. Ensuring each piece is of the highest quality, this new collection guarantees timeless elegance and perfection for every occasion.

Namiki’s latest range of Maki-e Emperor Mandarin Duck pens epitomises artistic whimsy. Delicately and painstakingly designed and crafted by master craftsman, Katsuhiko Urade, this exquisite pen was made using the traditional Maki-e method of creating patterns and decorations with the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree. Given that each pen takes months to be made, it truly is a labour of love and a gift to treasure.

Roger Dubuis presents the perfect timepiece for ladies. The specially designed Excalibur Gioia is crafted in white gold and, to add a touch of class to this lovely collector’s item, the watch is also decked with 388 diamonds; 112 of which were painstakingly set onto the timeface. The strap, secured by the line’s signature triple lugs, displays discerning style that makes the Excalibur Gioia an excellent accessory for the woman who has arrived.

L I V E I T U P

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If your holidays have become somewhat staid and predictable, shake it up with these activities you wouldn’t expect to find in some parts of the world. By Brian Johnston

So you’re a seasoned traveller and think you’ve seen it all. You’ve walked the Great Wall, taken photos at the top

of the Empire State Building and more. Maybe it’s time to think out of the box and shake up your travel adventures with a good dose of the unexpected. Here are some of the more unusual activities you can enjoy in the most-visited corners of the planet.

adventure out of the blue

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SCUBA-DIVING IN THE ALPSThe mountains aren’t the first place that springs to mind when you think of scuba-diving, but in the French Alps you can do just that. Ice diving in the village of Tignes runs from December to mid-April when the surface ice on its lake is one or two metres thick. A professional diver takes you down through an ice hole for a surreal experience that lasts just 15 freezing minutes.www.tignesplongee.com

ON THE WINE TRAIL IN ENGLANDDenbies of Dorking, nestled in the hills of Surrey, is one of England’s best wineries. It may come as a surprise but people have been producing wine here, on and off, since Roman times, and the chalky hills provide a similar climate and geography to the Champagne region of France. Its visitor centre now attracts 300,000 visitors a year. The centre has an art gallery, cinema, and in the summer, you can also tour the vineyards.www.denbiesvineyard.co.uk

PENGUIN SPOTTING IN AUSTRALIAMost people are amazed to hear that penguins live in Australia, even though there isn’t an ice floe in sight. Some penguins make it as far north as Sydney, where they occasionally stray into the harbour, but most live along the continent’s southern coastline. The best-known place to see them is Summerland Beach on Phillip Island, just 140 kilometres from Melbourne. The penguins here are the world’s smallest, standing little more than 30 centimetres tall. They come tumbling out of the surf just as night falls, scurrying out of the water and waddling up the beach as fast as they can towards their burrows – a truly amazing natural wonder. www.phillipisland.net.au.

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BIRD WATCHING IN HONG KONGIt might be one of the most crowded cities on Earth, but you can see plenty of birds in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Park has a stunning aviary – one of the world’s largest – that’ll make you feel like you’re stepping from an urban jungle into a real one; visitors follow an elevated walkway among tree branches. In Kowloon Park, you’ll be greeted by the extraordinary sight of a flock of flamingos wading against a backdrop of skyscrapers.www.hkbws.org.hk

L I V E I T U P

Skiers and snowboarders line up to ride the lift to the top of the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

SKIING IN DUBAIOutside it might be 45°C, but inside the Dubai Emirates Mall, it’s below zero and locals are stuffing themselves into thermal coats and ski boots for their first experience of the cold. Ski Dubai is the third-largest indoor ski slope in the world, created using 6,000 tonnes of snow. There are both ski and snowboard trails, and plenty of room for wide-eyed children to throw snowballs.www.skidubai.com �

BEACH LIFE IN PARISThree kilometres of golden sands, waving palm trees and rows of jaunty parasols and deckchairs. It could be Thailand, but in fact, it’s an artificial beach right in the heart of downtown Paris, stretching along the banks of River Seine. Four million people visit Paris Plage each summer to soak up the sun. According to the mayor of Paris, it is a ‘gesture of solidarity to those who cannot afford to go away on vacation’. Elsewhere in Europe, there are also riverside beaches in Brussels and Berlin.www.paris.fr

CORBIS

Today, a visitor to Australia’s many boutique wineries gets to enjoy higher quality and better value than ever before. By Graham Simmons

amazing grape

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When Australia’s wine industry guru Len Evans predicted back in the 1990s that Australia would

become the world’s leading wine producer within 50 years, little did he realise t h a t h i s c o m m e n t s would help set off a vine-planting spree that would send wine prices plummeting. From 1998 to 2005, total Australian wine production more than doubled but the average price of a bottle of wine fell sharply. The good news for visitors to Australia’s wine regions is that today, they can buy top Austra l ian wines cheaper than ever before.

W i t h t h e w i n e c u l t i v a t i o n b i n g e o f t h e 1 9 9 0 s , t h e number of wineries also skyrocketed. In 1990, there were 535 wineries in Australia; by 2003, when the price cuts started to bite, there were 1,650. But astonishingly, even with the fall in wine prices, the number of wineries i s s t i l l i n c r e a s i n g , reaching over 2,100 in 2006, and more than 2,500 in 2007. While the biggest 20 companies now produce over 95 per cent of Australia’s total wine output, “boutique w i n e r i e s ” m a k e u p well over two-thirds of the total number of wineries.

A “ b o u t i q u e ” winery is usually defined as one that crushes under 250 tonnes of grapes (or produces under 15,000 cases of wine) a year . Many small wineries produce substantially less than this amount.

The quality of boutique wines varies. Each vintage from a boutique winery is individual and carries the winemaker’s signature. Unlike the large companies that

blend varietals to intentionally create similar wines every year, the products of small wineries show distinct seasonal variation. Finally, boutique wineries often

deliberately keep yields per hectare low so as to maximise the volume of nutrients that each vine receives – with a corresponding flavour-burst that is just not available with mass-produced wines.

Boutique wineries often have difficulty getting their products to the public, as the major wine retailers often prefer to buy i n b u l k f r o m b i g p r o d u c e r s . M a n y boutique producers use the services of a wine agent to market their products directly to restaurants, thereby completely bypassing the retailer.

S a y s P e t e r Brown, a member of the illustrious Brown B r o t h e r s f a m i l y o f winemakers, “To really understand a wine, you have to visit a place – get to know the landscape, the surroundings and the people. Then, every time you taste that wine again, it will act like a photograph, taking you back to that place.”

A v i s i t o r t o Australia’s top wine growing regions should start with a good map. Hema Publ icat ions ’ Wine Map of Australia (1998) is still useful for a quick geographical g u i d e t o t h e t o p wine regions. More i n f o r m a t i o n c a n b e f o u n d i n J a m e s Halliday’s encyclopaedic A u s t r a l i a n W i n e

Companion, updated yearly, with tasting notes on over 2,000 wineries. (available through www.bookfinder.com or www.amazon.com).

AUSTRALIA’S MAIN WINE REGIONS, BY STATE:

New South Wales The state produces some of the country’s best organic wines (see www.nccnsw.org.au/wines). The Hunter Valley is renowned for its fine Shiraz and Semillon (Rhine Riesling) varietal wines, and today, an aged Hunter Semillon is widely acknowledged as the finest of its type in the world.

South Australia The Adelaide Hills were renowned for its fine cool-climate wines as early as the late 1800s. Today, there are 13 cellar door operations in the region, including the newly-opened boutique Nepenthe Wines, already gaining accolades for its Sauvignon Blanc. In the Southeast of the state, the Limestone Coast, centred around Coonawarra, is blessed with unique “terra rossa” soil that produces some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons.

Victoria Victoria boasts over 350 wineries in 22 distinct districts. Over 70 wineries adorn the Yarra Valley, just an hour by road east of Melbourne, and new wineries and cafés seem to be springing up every week or so. Check out www.yarravalleywine.com for a full listing. The Mornington Peninsula is also renowned for its cool climate wines, including Pinot Noir, while the Rutherg len region produces the world’s finest Liqueur Muscats.

Western AustraliaMargaret R iver i s not the oldest wine region in Australia, but is certainly the best known. For a great introduction to the more than 100 wineries of the region, call the Margaret R iver Reg ion a l Wi ne Centre (+61 8 9755 5501) or log onto www.mrwines.com. The oldest wineries in Western Australia are inland, centred around Mt Barker. The boutique w i n e r y , C h a t s f i e l d , produces an outstanding, full-flavoured Shiraz. �

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DECADENCE DOWN UNDER What better way to start your trail of Australia’s specialty vineyards than from the lap of luxury of Ascott serviced residences.

In Melbourne, Somerset on Elizabeth, Somerset Gordon Heights and Somerset Gordon Place are all located in prime areas, close to the city centre and top restaurants and bistros where you can sample some of Australia’s best wines. At Somerset on Elizabeth, which offers a choice of one and two-bedrooms, you have direct access to Myer Department Store and are a dice throw away from the city’s shopping outlets and gardens.

Somerset Gordon Heights (currently known as Shoan Heights) provides spacious comfort in studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, along with spa and recreational facilities such as gym, sauna, and outdoor heated pool. The ingenious layout allows ample space for comfortable dining, entertaining and living. Easy accessibility to the financial centre, theatre district and shopping haunts makes working in and visiting the city a delight.

If you’ve always wanted to reside in historical elegance, stay at Somerset Gordon Place (picture right), listed by the National Trust to be preserved for future generations. Reconstructed into stylish studios, one and two-bedroom layouts, most units are fully-equipped with a kitchen, washing machine and dryer. The surrounding Central Business District (CBD) means you’re right in the thick of the ‘action’ – from art galleries, historical sights and stately gardens to shopping havens.

In Sydney, Somerset Darling Harbour within the city’s CBD, offers a host of leisure activities and sight-seeing options, which are a hop and skip away, like the Powerhouse Museum, the Sydney Aquarium, and Darling Harbour. Business travellers will appreciate its close proximity to the financial district and the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre. These 119 spacious residences come in one- two- and three-bedroom layouts; each meticulously designed in modern style and equipped with a kitchen.

Call 1800 766 377 (Australia toll free) for reservations in Australia.

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HOW TO APPRECIATE BOUTIQUE WINESThe best way to enjoy the products of boutique wineries is to accompany the wines with good regional produce. Thus, for example, the Milawa region of Victoria is renowned both for its wines and cheeses. In particular, a Milawa ashed Goat Cheese is the perfect accompaniment to an unwooded King Valley Chardonnay, while an aged blue cheese goes well with red wines.

In the Adelaide Hills, Shaw and Smith’s boutique winery offers a guided tasting (at AUD$10 per head) of five top local wines, together with cheese platter and local Matisse bread. After the tasting, take your shoes off and walk through the Riesling vines, letting the soil tell you a little more of the story.

Tip!

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A T H O M E W I T H

We walked across the street, from Stamford Court, where Kwok Kian Chow’s office is, to the Singapore

Art Museum on Bras Basah Road, his other haunt – all the while freely exchanging our views on art. As Director of the Singapore Art Museum, he traverses to and from the two buildings daily. His work comprises administration and research, but between the two, the keen aficionado of art history and cultural studies prefers the latter.

“If I had a choice, I would bring a book and spend more time in the museum – alternating between walking around enjoying the paintings, and sitting down reading the book,” Kwok confesses.

It might surprise one to know how candid Kwok is in his responses and how he playfully enjoys turning the tables around and asking what you think about art. So what is art to someone whose life is immersed in it?

“Art is a wonderful thing. It is a search for human expression that tells us something about a different era or a different culture. Art provides a framework for us to explore unique kinds of visions,” he says. “Art

According to Kwok Kian Chow, Director of the Singapore Art Museum, travelling is the best way to appreciate art. By Valerie Chew

eye for beauty

gives us an opportunity to look at personalities who have strong personal visions that are so different from everyone else’s.”

And in that way, art helps us reflect on our own lives. It helps people from different historical and cultural context see what’s similar or different in one another’s lives. This exchange of perspectives is what Kwok enjoys. And what better way to do this than to travel. Kwok traipses around the globe speaking to interesting people and looking for outstanding art pieces – for both work and leisure. When asked about his favourite places, this seasoned traveller confesses to many.

“China is very interesting; I remember in particular, Huashan Mountain, located in the Shannxi Province, near the city of Xi’an. I knew that it would be magnificent, like in the landscape paintings, but it would have been more wonderful if the many visitors made less noise, so that the experience would be tranquil, like in a painting. India is also great. I like nature so I like Canada a lot. I like the Philippines too,” he says.

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“When one visits a place, one just begins to know about its culture and community. To bring back a piece of art work, as opposed to a souvenir, means there is a lot more dialogue that you will have with this piece of work. It fuels further interest and enables continual learning about this cultural community. In this sense, art is open.”

Although Kwok collects art pieces from the different places he visits, it is the people that makes his travels exciting.

“About five years ago, my family and I went to Italy. Our car broke down in a small village in Northern Italy, near Lake Como. We did not speak a word of Italian, but it was amazing how almost the whole village came to help us. They were really nice,” Kwok recalls.

“For travellers, a sense of the local is very important. Once I was travelling with a group of museum professionals from four different continents, looking for a place to sit down for a drink after a long day of conferences. When our Korean coordinator suggested a place for foreigners, the whole group said in unison, ‘no, no, no... we want nothing but local!’”

Kwok relishes the company of artists, collectors and friends when he is overseas and enjoys engaging with the locals. And wherever he’s residing, he enjoys having friends over. Hence, the appreciation of benefits that serviced residences, like Ascott, bring.

“It gives a sense of residency. Unlike being in a hotel, where it’s mostly just a bedroom, there is a living and dining

area. I’m a kitchen person, so I think the idea of a kitchen is great – not that I have used it – but I like the possibility of doing some cooking.”

He also appreciates how breakfast is provided, the free Internet access, the affordable rates, the comfort and the strategic locations – all of which come with living at the Ascott. Kwok has resided in Ascott Beijing and Somerset Grand Shanghai when he was in China.

Kwok visited Shenzhen, China, earlier this year, and is currently involved in various projects locally. One of them is an exhibition on Wong Keen – a local artist who has spent three decades in New York, specialising in Abstract Expressionism; his works emphasise the distortion of form to show intensity of feelings. Another project, which Kwok is curating, is an exhibition on Zeng Fan Zhi – an internationally acclaimed artist based in Beijing specialising in contemporary Chinese paintings.

So does Kwok see himself continuing in the artistic path for the next few years?

“I see learning as a critical part of my life. Art is a bridge to many other possibilities. The best thing about my job is art and artists. Travelling is also a wonderful part of the job. As my interest is in culture and history, I enjoy research and hope to write more books,” he says. “Art involves the visual and the verbal; it is experiential and emotive, interspersed with conceptual – I like how it all comes together.” �

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For a quick home makeover, flowers are the cheapest and easiest way to perk up any interior. By Sonia Mehta

Flowers can speak volumes when words fail. It can also transform

a house into a home. According to floral and interior designer Rebecca Cole, who’s also host of the Discovery Channel show Surprise By Design, “Fresh cut flowers are the perfect everyday accessory for any budget – they add colour, fragrance and style – and now we know they even increase energy and compassion.”

Indeed, it’s easy to create a garden of blooms right in your home. Here are a few useful and simple pointers.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATIONA Harvard study found out that fresh cut flowers placed in common areas of the home have the greatest mood-boosting effect. So consider where and how you place blooms in your home.

• Place bud vases in high traffic areas of your home like the kitchen, dining room or family room.

• For the dining table, float two or three blooms, such as open roses or gerberas in a crystal bowl.

• Tea roses , f reesias , peonies , lilac and lilies are all deliciously fragrant choices for a bud vase in the bedrooms.

• A great idea for your home office is to have a flowering or green plant next to your computer station so you can give yourself a ‘nature break’.

• Go big and bold for open spaces. An abundant arrangement of lilies, gladiolus, hydrangeas or any large blooms create an inviting environment for dining rooms.

• Experiment to match a room’s décor with monobotanic (using one type of flower) and monochromatic (using flowers from one colour palette) arrangements.

• To create ‘mood’, use old water pitchers, antique teapots or even terracotta pots as containers for a casually placed f lower arrangement.

• For a more sensual arrangement, opt for reds and oranges or choose calming tones like blue and turquoise to create a soothing ambience. Yellow and peach are nurturing, while pink and lavender are romantic.

STYLE FILEJust as people have their own personalities, so do their homes. The following guide shows how flowers can complement and enhance these styles.

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Classic TraditionalIf your home has classic furnishings and antiques with elegant fabrics like brocade, silk and tapestry, then this calls for a classic arrangement. This usually includes a mixture of blooms (roses, gladiolus, iris, carnations or lilies) and accents, such as dried fruit and foliage. For containers, think crystal, brass, silver or porcelain.

Modern ContemporaryThe modern home is sleek and chic. Elegant fabrics, gauze or leather are contrasted against steel and g lass furnishings. Bold, exotic f lowers (anthuriums, heliconia, callas, orchids) complement this home’s clean, open look. To finish the dramatic ambience, use frosted glass vases, decorative pottery and metallic containers with stainless steel finishes to display flowers.

Easy CasualBecause this home is decorated to be a relaxing haven, flowers naturally complement the setting. Opt for f lowering and green plants (like cyclamen or ivy) casually grouped in a basket, or flowers (such as daisies, sunflowers, hydrangeas, delphiniums or tulips) in a clear glass vase, pitcher or piece of pottery.

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I N T E R I O R S

CARING FOR YOUR FLOWERSTips!

HOW TO BUY FLOWERSThe main objective when buying flowers is to spot the freshest bunch. Here are some useful tips on what to look out for.

Stem endsTurn the bunch upside down and have a good look at the cut stem ends. They should be green or white, and look freshly cut. Don’t buy bunches with dark stem ends, or where the ends have split and are curling back, as these are signs of old flowers.

WaterAny flower you buy at any retail outlet should be in water. Check the cleanliness of the water and the container. Is the water clear? Is the container clean? If not, don’t buy the flowers. The only exception to this would be tulips in muddy water – as it does not kill them. In every other case, dirty water and dirty containers will reduce the flowers’ life.

LeavesIn many types of cut flowers, the leaves start to die before the flower. Check the leaves for signs of yellowing or blotching – if you see these signs, don’t buy. This is especially useful when buying lilies or chrysanthemums. If you are buying roses, don’t buy bunches with dried leaves.

FlowersFinally, have a good look at the flowers and buds. Many flower buds, like roses or lilies open well in the vase so choose the bunch with the fewest open flowers. Other flowers, like gerberas, need to be bought fully open. �

• Use room temperature water and never icy water. To revive wilted flowers (if they are not too far gone), use warm water.

• Change the water in the vase every other day, unless it becomes murky and smelly, then change it daily. Also, flowers have different life spans so remove any decaying ones from an arrangement and transfer the longer-lasting flowers to a smaller vase.

• Don’t place flowers under a direct draft from an air-conditioner or in direct sunlight.

• Before you put the flowers in a vase, remove all leaves below the waterline, and include flower food for extra nutrients. If the water becomes cloudy after a few days, replace it entirely with properly mixed f lower food solution. I f possible, re-cut stems by removing one to two inches with a pair of sharp scissors.

• Cutting the stems of the flowers at an angle will allow a better interface between the flower stem and water, and will help water intake.

PHOTOLIBRARY

H E A R T W A R E C O M M U N I T Y

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The sun beats down on the dusty roads and on the backs of Indonesians going about their daily chores in Bantul, with the sound of construction

droning in the background. This could easily have been a description of any other Indonesian town. Yet amid the hustle and bustle of activities going on, it’s easy to forget that Bantul is one of the towns hardest hit by arguably the most devastating earthquake in Indonesian history. The small town, situated a few kilometres away from the Javanese city of Jogjakarta, lost many – nearly two-thirds of almost 6,000 casualties in the aftermath of the earthquake that occured on 27 May 2006.

By re-establishing a semblance of normalcy in their everyday lives, these Javanese inhabitants show indomitable strength and resilience, especially in their determination to rebuild their town, and more importantly, their livelihoods. They have rallied together as a community in the face of adversity to slowly, but surely, rise from the ashes of such a devastating blow.

One year on, the city of Jogjakarta has been hailed by relief organisations such as the World Bank as a model for future rebuilding programmes. “The speed at which houses have been rebuilt in Jogjakarta and Central Java after this tragedy

making a differenceIn earthquake-devastated Jogjakarta, locals display amazing resilience in rebuilding their shattered lives – and a school – with a little help from Ascott. By Kevin Kwang

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sets a new international standard for the success of reconstruction programmes,” said Joel Hellman, Acting Country Director, World Bank Indonesia. This success stems from the gotong-royong (Indonesian for ‘hand in hand’) spirit exhibited by the locals, where members of a village share whatever aid they receive, work together without question, and preserve the welfare of the group above any individual.

And nothing exempl i f ie s this spirit better than the efforts made to rebuild a public school in Kalipakem, Pundong, a sub-district in Bantul. The Sekolah Kalipakem II was heavily damaged during the earthquake, which resulted in the school’s 78 surviving students having to take their final examinations under emergency makeshift tents provided by relief workers. What’s more, all the school’s basic necessities were mostly destroyed during the ordeal as well, exacerbating the situation further.

Learning of the villagers’ plight, Ascott International once again decided to contribute to the school’s rebuilding efforts. Employees of Ascott International had earlier helped raise funds in collaboration with the Singapore Association in Indonesia, while a team of volunteers was also sent down to aid in the rebuilding of public facilities soon after the disaster struck.

This time around, the Ascott International Management Indonesia, in true gotong-royong spirit, rallied its guests and employees from the various serviced residences in Indonesia to chip in for the Sekolah Kalipakem II’s rebuilding efforts. Sure enough, there was an outpouring of support as people responded, giving unstintingly to the worthy cause. The fund-raising exercise saw a total of Rp. 243,000,000 (US$27,800) collected for the rebuilding of the public school.

Fast forward to the first week of May 2007. The same 78 school

children who had to brave precarious conditions to take their examinations were finally back where they belong in the newly rebuilt and refurbished Sekolah Kalipakem II, and getting the education they need in a safe and secure environment. A team from Ascott also travelled to the region for the symbolic hand over of the school to provincial officials on 12 May 2007. During the ceremony, the team took the opportunity to present the school with items such as school uniforms and stationery. The community was not forgotten too; food and housekeeping items were distributed to the local religious association and villagers living in the vicinity.

“A s c o t t I n t e r n a t i o n a l i s committed to improving the lives of the community and helping less fortunate children. We empathise with the plight of the students and hope that our contribution will give them the proper school environment they deserve,” said Philip Lim, Country General Manager, Ascott International Management, Indonesia.

While these gestures by Ascott employees and residents to help the village in Kalipakem might seem small in comparison to the larger reconstruction efforts of the city, it has certainly made a positive impact on the quality of life among the villagers. Driven by its Heartware philosophy of going the extra mile for people in need, Ascott’s example shows that a little goes a long way in touching lives and transforming communities. �

CORBIS

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A S C O T T H E R I T A G E

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making From a lone luxury establishment in 1984 to an international company with over 19,000 serviced residence units worldwide today, The Ascott Group has come a long way.

its markIn just 23 years, The Ascott Group (Ascott) has worked

tirelessly to establish a strong global presence and reputation. Success has been no mean feat, given the number of international competitors. A trailblazer in its own right, the Singapore-based company was responsible for pioneering Asia Pacific’s first branded luxury serviced residence, The Ascott Singapore, back in 1984.

Today, Ascott is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator outside the United States. Its management arm, Ascott International, manages over 19,000 serviced residence units including those under development, in key cities of Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. The company plans to expand its global portfolio to 25,000 units by 2010.

The serviced residence arm of CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest listed real estate companies, The Ascott Group has been serving the needs of top business leaders, management executives and their families, as well as young, independent travellers with its three brands – Ascott, Somerset and Citadines. Its award-winning properties are found in more than 40 cities over 20 countries including new cities where Ascott’s serviced residences are being developed. These include London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin and Barcelona in Europe; Singapore, Bangkok, Chennai, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong in Asia; Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland in Australia/New Zealand, as well as Dubai in the Gulf region.

As Ascott gained steam in its expansion plans, its reputation grew with accolades pouring in from both the business and travel communities. Forbes, for one, hailed the Group for epitomising ‘the global home away from home’ and highlighted its ‘edge’ in delivering uncompromising service standards in the industry.

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A S C O T T H E R I T A G E

Ascott’s achievements have been recognised globally, having garnered numerous prestigious awards. Among the recent accolades are:

• Best Serviced Residence (Group) – TravelWeekly Asia

• No. 1 spot in China’s ‘Top 100 Serviced Apartments’ Awards

• Vietnam’s 50 Best Employers – Navigos Group, AC Nielsen and Thanh Nien Daily

• Golden Dragon Award (Best Foreign – Invested Enterprise) – Vietnam Economic Times

• Triple A Country Award (Best Deal In Singapore) – The Asset magazine

• Best Serviced Residence – TravelWeekly China

• Best Serviced Residence Brand in China – Business Traveller China

• New Zealand’s Leading Hotel – World Travel Awards

• Australasia’s Leading Hotel – World Travel Awards

• Best Serviced Residence Operator – TTG Asia Media

• Best Serviced Residence Brand – Business Traveller Asia Pacific

• Best Serviced Residence – Business Traveller Asia Pacific

• Best Brand Award – Korea Herald

• The Very Best Hotels Award – The Korea Times

Citadines – a pan-European serviced residence chain acquired by Ascott in 2002.

Somerset serviced residences offer executives and their families a warm and stylish home with

recreational facilities and business support.

Ascott The Residence – exclusive and luxurious serviced residence for top executives and industry leaders.

The Ascott Group may have enjoyed phenomenal growth, but the company is certainly not letting success distract it from its core focus. It stays true to its core values of being customer-oriented and practises a work ethic that places emphasis on service excellence. This approach is embodied in its Heartware initiative. The cornerstone of The Ascott Group’s service excellence, Heartware encourages every employee to go the extra mile for its residents and deliver service from the heart. �

1984

199119981999

2000

2002

2004

2005

2006

2007

41

Milestones

1984Scotts Holdings , a well-known Singapore corporation with business interests in serviced apartments, shopping centres and property investments, opens Asia Pacific’s first branded serviced residence – The Ascott Singapore.

1991List ing of Scotts Holdings in Singapore.

1998Pidemco Land* sets up Somerset International, its new serviced residence arm. 1999

MAYSomerset International acquires Liang Court Holdings, one of Asia’s largest serviced residence operators, to form Somerset Holdings. Together, these two companies have a combined portfolio of 3,200 serviced residence units in 15 cities.

JULYScotts Holdings merges with Stamford Group, the serviced residence arm of DBS Land* to form The Ascott Limited, creating a joint portfolio of more than 1,700 units in eight cities.

The past two decades have seen merger and acquisition activities involving property players in Singapore like Scotts Holdings, Pidemco Land, Somerset International, Liang Court, Stamford Group and DBS Land. These developments eventually led to the establishment of The Ascott Group, the largest serviced residence owner-operator outside the United States, with a global presence spanning more than 40 cities over 20 countries, including new cities where Ascott’s serviced residences are being developed. As a measure of its success, the Group established the world’s first pan-Asian serviced residence real estate investment trust (REIT), the Ascott Residence Trust which was listed in 2006. Looking forward to the future with confidence, the Group plans to increase its portfolio to 25,000 units by 2010.

2000Somerset Holdings merges with The Ascott Limited to form The Ascott Group Limited, swelling its total portfolio to over 6,000 serviced residence units in 16 cities across 10 countries.

2002Ascott acquires a 50 per cent stake in Citadines, a pan-European serviced residence chain with over 5,000 units in 18 cities across France, the UK, Belgium, Spain and Germany. This increases Ascott’s portfolio to over 13,800 units in 39 cities across 16 countries, making it the largest international serviced residence operator outside the US.

2004Ascott completes acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent interest in Citadines. This substantially increased Ascott ’s earnings base and its diversification in developed countries for greater income stability. The Ascott Group now owns the three brands: Ascott, Somerset and Citadines.

2005OCTOBERAscott’s global footprint expands to 17 countries with the opening of Somerset Palace, Seoul , South Korea’s largest serviced residence.

NOVEMBERAscott signs MOU with Bahrain-based Addax Investment Bank to launch at least 15 properties across the Middle East and North Africa by 2010.

2006The world’s f irst pan-Asian serviced residence REIT, the Ascott Residence Trust (ART), is established and listed on 31 March 2006 in Singapore.

In addition, Ascott ’s global presence expands further with entries in the Gulf region and India, bringing its presence to 46 cities across 20 countries.

2007FEBRUARYAscott adds Russia to its global portfolio – boosting its presence to 21 countries.

* DBS Land and Pidemco Land merged in 2000 to form CapitaLand Limited. The Ascott Group is a member of CapitaLand Limited.

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| SOUTHEAST ASIA |

INDONESIA Reservations: 00180 365 7878 (Local Toll Free)

Jakarta Ascott Jakarta 2 Jalan Kebon Kacang Raya, The Golden Triangle, Jakarta 10230, Indonesia (62-21) 391 6868

Somerset Berlian Jalan Permata Berlian V Permata Hijan Jakarta 12210, Indonesia (62-21) 5366 8888

Somerset Grand Citra Jalan Prof Dr Satrio Kav 1, Kuningan, Jakarta 12940, Indonesia (62-21) 522 5225

Country Woods (Corporate Leasing) Jalan WR Supratman, Pondok Ranji – Rengas, Ciputat 15412, Banten, Indonesia (62-21) 740 1245

Surabaya Somerset Surabaya Hotel & Serviced Residence Jalan Raya Kupang Indah, Surabaya 60189, Indonesia (62-31) 732 8738

Puri Darmo Serviced Residence 17A Jalan Raya Kupang Baru, Surabaya 60189, Indonesia (62-31) 732 6066

MALAYSIA Reservations: 1800 806 306 (Local Toll Free)

Kuala Lumpur Ascott Kuala Lumpur 9 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (60-3) 2142 6868

Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon 8 Lorong Ceylon, off Jalan Raja Chulan 50250, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (60-3) 2055 8888

Seri Bukit Ceylon (Corporate Leasing) 8 Lorong Ceylon, off Jalan Raja Chulan 50250, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (60-3) 2055 8888

Tiffani by i-ZEN (Corporate Leasing) (Opening 2010)

Kuching Somerset Gateway 9 Jalan Bukit Mata, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia (60-82) 250 958

Ascott round the worldPHILIPPINES Reservations: (63-2) 888 0531

Manila Ascott Makati Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City 1224, Philippines (63-2) 729 8888

Somerset Millennium 104 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village Makati City 1229, Philippines (63-2) 888 0505

Somerset Olympia 7912 Makati Avenue, Makati City 1200, Philippines (63-2) 812 1010

Somerset Salcedo HV Dela Costa Corner, LP Leviste Street, Salcedo Village Makati City 1227, Philippines (63-2) 888 6668

SINGAPORE Reservations: 1800-272 7272 (Local Toll Free)

Ascott Singapore Raffles Place (Opening 2008)

Somerset Bencoolen 51 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189630 (65) 6849 4688

Somerset Compass 2 Mount Elizabeth Link, Singapore 227973 (65) 6732 7737

Somerset Grand Cairnhill 15 Cairnhill Road, Singapore 229650 (65) 6835 2900

Somerset Liang Court 177B River Valley Road, Singapore 179032 (65) 6337 0111

Somerset Orchard 160 Orchard Road, #06-01 Orchard Point, Singapore 238842 (65) 6735 0500

Citadines Singapore Mount Sophia (Opening 2008)

Char Yong Gardens (Corporate Leasing) 1/3 Hullet Road, Singapore 229157 (65) 6272 7272

Portofino (Corporate Leasing) 6 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258126 (65) 6272 7272

Riverdale Residence (Corporate Leasing) 346 River Valley Road, Singapore 238873 (65) 6272 7272

The Heritage Singapore (Corporate Leasing) Mount Pleasant Road (65) 6272 7272

THAILAND Reservations: 1800 888 272 (Local Toll Free)

Bangkok Ascott Bangkok Sathorn 187 South Sathorn Road, Yanawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand (66-2) 676 6868

Somerset Amar Gardens (Opening 2008)

Somerset Grand Sukhumvit (Opening 2009)

Somerset Lake Point 41 Sukhumvit Soi 16, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110, Thailand (66-2) 663 1234

Somerset Park Suanplu 39 Soi Suanplu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand (66-2) 679 4444

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor (Opening 2009)

Somerset Suwan Park View 9 Soi Tonson, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (66-2) 658 7979

Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 8 (Opening 2008)

Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 (Opening 2008)

Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 16 38 Sukhumvit 16, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand (66-2) 663 8777

Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 23 (Opening 2008)

Omni Tower 69 Sukhumvit Soi 4, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110, Thailand (66-2) 656 8300

Pattaya Somerset Nusasiri (Opening 2007/2008)

VIETNAM Reservations: (84-4) 934 2342 (Hanoi)/ (84-8) 822 8899 (Ho Chi Minh City)

Hanoi Somerset Grand Hanoi 49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam (84-4) 934 2342

Somerset Hoa Binh (Opening 2007)

Somerset West Lake 254D Thuy Khue Street, Hanoi, Vietnam (84-4) 843 0030

Ho Chi Minh City Somerset Chancellor Court 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (84-8) 822 9197

Somerset Ho Chi Minh City 8A Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (84-8) 822 8899

| NORTH ASIA |

CHINA Reservations: 800 820 1028 (Local Toll Free)

Beijing Ascott Beijing 108B Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China (86-10) 6567 8100

Somerset Grand Fortune Garden 46 Liang Ma Qiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016, China (86-10) 8451 8888

Somerset ZhongGuanCun 15 Haidian Zhong Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100080, China (86-10) 6568 7868

Luxury Serviced Residence 17 Jian Hua Nan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China (86-10) 6566 2200

ZhongGuanCun Residence (Corporate Leasing) 15 Haidian Zhong Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100080, China (86-10) 6568 7868

Dalian Somerset Harbour Court 55 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian 116001, China (86-411) 8899 1888

Guangzhou Ascott Guangzhou (Opening 2007)

Springdale Serviced Residence Tower B1, No. 105 Tiyuxi Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510620, China (86-20) 8396 6088

Shanghai Ascott Shanghai Pudong 3 Pudong Avenue, Shanghai 200120, China (86-21) 6886 0088

Somerset Grand Shanghai 8 Jinan Road, Luwan District, Shanghai 200021, China (86-21) 6385 6888

Somerset Xu Hui 888 Shanxinan Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200031, China (86-21) 6466 0888

Citadines Shanghai Biyun (opening 2008)

Citadines Shanghai Jinqiao 49 West Beijing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200003, China (86-21) 2308 6666

ShenzhenCitadines Shenzhen Garden City (Opening 2008)

Suzhou Somerset Emerald City, Suzhou (Opening 2007)

Citadines Suzhou Lejia (Opening 2009)

Citadines Suzhou Xinghai Blk 27 Jiacheng Gardens, 58 Xinghai Street, Suzhou Industrial District, Suzhou 215021, China (86-512) 8885 8288

Tianjin Somerset Olympic Tower 126 Chengdu Dao, Heping District, Tianjin 300051, China (86-22) 2335 5888

Somerset Youyi (Opening 2008)

Xi’an Citadines Xi’an Central 36 Zhubashi, Beilin District, Xi’an 710002, China (86-29) 8576 1188

Hong Kong Citadines Hongkong Ashley 18 Ashley Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong (852) 2262 3062

JAPAN Reservations: 0120 069 500 (Local Toll Free)

Tokyo Somerset Azabu East 1-9-11 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0044, Japan (81-3) 5114 2800

Somerset Roppongi 3-4-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan (81-3) 3568 3939

Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku (Opening 2008)

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For worldwide reservations: (65) 6272 7272Website: www.the-ascott.com and www.citadines.com E-mail: enquiry@the-ascott.com

Green Park Akasaka (Corporate Leasing) 5-2-10 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6101, Japan (81-3) 5573 8800

Nakameguro Residence (Corporate Leasing) 4-13-41 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0061, Japan (81-3) 3714 1131

Nibancho Park Forest (Corporate Leasing) 7-8 Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0084, Japan (81-3) 3511 6828

Shochiku Square Residence (Corporate Leasing) 1-13-5 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan (81-3) 6226 5923

SOUTH KOREA Reservations: (82-2) 6730 8000

Seoul Somerset Palace 85 Susong-Dong, Jongno-Gu Seoul, South Korea 110885 (82-2) 6730 8888

| SOUTH ASIA |

INDIA Bangalore Somerset Whitefield (Opening 2008)

Chennai Somerset Greenways (Opening 2008)

Citadines Chennai Boulevard (Opening 2008)

Citadines Chennai OMR Gateway (Opening 2010)

| AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND |

AUSTRALIA Reservations: 1800 766 377 (Local Toll Free)

Hobart Somerset on the Pier Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia (61-3) 6220 6600

Somerset on Salamanca 8 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia (61-3) 6220 6600

Melbourne Somerset Gordon Heights (currently known as Shoan Heights) 19-25 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (61-3) 9663 2888

Somerset Gordon Place 24 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (61-3) 9663 2888

Somerset on Elizabeth 250 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (61-3) 8665 8888

Oakford on Collins 182 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Sydney Somerset Darling Harbour 252 Sussex Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia (61-2) 8280 5000

Oakford City West 23-33 Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia

NEW ZEALAND Reservations: 0800 272 688 (Local Toll Free)

Auckland Ascott Auckland Metropolis 1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland, New Zealand (64-9) 300 8800

| EUROPE |

Citadines Central Reservations (Europe): (33) 1 41 05 79 05

BELGIUM Reservations: (33) 825 333 332 (Within Belgium)

Brussels Citadines Bruxelles Sainte-Catherine 51, Quai au Bois à Brûler 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Citadines Bruxelles Toison d’Or 61-63, Avenue de la Toison d’Or 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium

FRANCE Reservations: 0 825 333 332 (Within France)

Paris Citadines Paris Austerlitz 27 Rue Esquirol, 75013 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Bastille Marais 37 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Bastille Nation 14-18 Rue de Chaligny, 75012 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Didot Alésia 94 Rue Didot, 75014 Paris, France

Citadines Paris La Défense 1-8 Boulevard de Neuilly, 92400 Courbevoie, Paris, France

Citadines Paris Les Halles 4 Rue des Innocents, 75001 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Louvre 8 Rue Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Maine-Montparnasse 67 Avenue du Maine, 75014 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Montmartre 16 Avenue Rachel, 75018 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Opéra-Grands Boulevards 18 Rue Favart, 75002 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Opéra Vendôme Prestige 2 Rue Edouard VII 75009, Paris, France

Citadines Paris Place d’Italie 18 Place d’Italie, 75013 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Saint-Germain-des-Prés 53 Ter, quai des Grands-Augustins, 75006 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Tour Eiffel 132 Boulevard de Grenelle, 75015 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Trocadéro 29 Bis, Rue Saint-Didier, 75116 Paris, France

Citadines Paris Voltaire République 75 Bis, Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

Outside Paris Aix-en-Provence Citadines Aix Jas De Bouffan 4 Avenue Achille-Empéraire, 13090 Aix-en-Provence, France

Bordeaux Citadines Bordeaux Mériadeck 25 Rue Jean Fleuret, 33000 Bordeaux, France

Cannes Citadines Cannes Carnot 1 Rue le Poussin, 06400 Cannes, France

Ferney Voltaire Citadines Genève Ferney Voltaire 34 Rue de Genève, 01210 Genève Ferney Voltaire, France

Grenoble Citadines Grenoble 9-11 Rue de Strasbourg, 38000 Grenoble, France

Lille Citadines Lille Centre Avenue Willy Brandt-Euralille, 59777 Lille, France

Lyon Citadines Lyon Part-Dieu 91-95 Rue Moncey, 69003 Lyon, France

Citadines Lyon Presqu’île 2 Rue Thomassin, 69002 Lyon, France

Marseille Citadines Marseille Castellane 60 Rue du Rouet, 13006 Marseille, France

Citadines Marseille Centre 4 Place Pierre Bertas (11 Rue Sainte Barbe) 13001 Marseille, France

Citadines Marseille Prado Chanot 9-11 Boulevard de Louvain, 13008 Marseille, France

Montpellier Citadines Montpellier Antigone 588 Boulevard d’Antigone, 34000 Montpellier, France

Citadines Montpellier Sainte-Odile 195 Rue du Pré aux Clercs, 34090 Montpellier, France

Nice Citadines Nice Buffa 21 Rue Meyerbeer, 06000 Nice, France

Citadines Nice Promenade 3-5 Boulevard François Grosso, 06000 Nice, France

Strasbourg Citadines Strasbourg Kléber 50-54 Rue du Jeu des Enfants, 67000 Strasbourg, France

Toulouse Citadines Toulouse Wilson 8 Boulevard de Strasbourg, 31000 Toulouse, France

GERMANY Reservations: 0 30 88 77 60 (Within Germany)

Berlin Citadines Berlin Olivaer Platz Olivaer Platz 1, 10707 Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Germany

RUSSIA Moscow Somerset Strogino (Opening 2010)

SPAIN Reservations: 902 200 699 (Within Spain)

Barcelona Citadines Barcelona Ramblas Ramblas 122, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

UNITED KINGDOM Reservations: 0800 376 38 98 (UK Toll Free)/ (44-20) 7269 1680

London Ascott London Mayfair 49 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5NB, UK

Somerset Bayswater 42 Prince’s Square, Bayswater, London W2 4AD, UK

Citadines London Barbican 7-21 Goswell Road, London EC 1M 7AH, UK

Citadines London Holborn-Covent Garden 94-99 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LF, UK

Citadines London South Kensington 35A Gloucester Road, London SW7 4PL, UK

Citadines London Trafalgar Square 18-21 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N 5EA, UK

St Marks 300 City Road, London EC1V 2PW, UK

| GULF REGION |

BAHRAIN Manama Somerset Al Fateh P.O. Box 15534 Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain (973-1) 781 1889

QATAR Doha Somerset West Bay (Opening 2007)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Reservations: (971-4) 404 9452

Dubai Somerset Jadaf P.O. Box 122161, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (971-4) 324 6111

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our global brands

Ascott International Management (2001) Pte Ltd (Regn No. 1979 0088 IN)8 Shenton Way #13-01 Singapore 068811Telephone (65) 6220 8222 Facsimile (65) 6227 2220

Ascott International is the largest global serviced residence operator in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. It manages the Ascott, Somerset and Citadines brands in more than 40 cities over 20 countries, including new cities where Ascott’s serviced residences are being developed. Ascott International is a subsidiary of The Ascott Group, a member of CapitaLand Limited.

ASCOTT THE RESIDENCEA premier serviced residence for top executives and industry leaders. It provides efficient business support services in an exclusive and luxurious environment, so guests can relax and recharge, and function at peak performance.

SOMERSET SERVICED RESIDENCEA serviced residence for executives and their families looking for work-life balance. It provides a warm and stylish home with recreational facilities, lifestyle activities and business support services. It is a place to get help to quickly settle into the city, make friends and share family experiences.

CITADINES APART’HOTELCitadines serviced residences are for young, independent travellers who want flexibility in their city stay, in addition to space, privacy and business connectivity. At these vibrant residences, they can choose the services they want from a menu, to suit their lifestyle and budget.

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