. . . because l i f e i s abou t l i v i ng JAN – MAR 2008

Hot StuffKnow your aphrodisiacsWhip up a romantic dinner

Poetic VibeEdinburgh: UK’s favourite city

Safety FirstSingle female travellers enjoy security and convenience at Ascott

The relaxed mood of the cover image in 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.

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jan-mar2008

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 Limited www.theascottgroup.comEdItorIAl AdvIsors Gerald Lee Deputy CEO (Operations), The Ascott GroupCelina Low Vice President, Corporate Communications, The Ascott Group Low Su Lin Manager, Corporate Communications, The Ascott Group PUBLISHING AGENT Spafax Airline Network Pte LtdEDITOrIAL AND DESIGN Paperclip Communications Pte LtdMANAGING DIrECTOr Alvin GanGENErAL MANAGEr Khim Yap EDITOrIAL DIrECTOr Ming Rodrigues-HensonArT DIrECTOr Leslie NeoASSISTANT EDITOrIAL DIrECTOr Sakinah ManaffSENIOr EDITOr Lalitha NaiduASSISTANT EDITOr Kevin KwangSENIOr GrAPHIC DESIGNEr Myrna SuwarnoCONTrIBUTOrS Annette Tan, Francis Shennan, Stephanie Brookes, Nick Walton, Mervyn Chua, A-Pixels

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@spafax.com www.spafaxsingapore.com

PrINTEr KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

Ascott Living is printed on paper which comes from forests with a re-planting programme. Only soy-based inks and alcohol-free printing solutions are used.

04 Your Say residents feel right at home

at Ascott

06 Travel Jakarta, Indonesia; Edinburgh,

Scotland

16 Savour Charm that special someone with a

homemade, romantic gourmet feast

18 Mind.Body.Soul Muay Thai: a martial arts borne

of spirituality

24 Smart Money Premium wines are shaping up to be

the next big investment ticket

26 Style Celebrate the Year of The rat with

the latest fashion essentials given a touch of the Oriental

28 Interiors Easy, fuss-free, low-cost ways

to change the look and mood of your home

30 At Home With Actor Tony Adams of the musical

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang fame, talks about life in the spotlight and “winning the lottery”

36 Heartware Community Ascott hits the roads of Ho Chi Minh

City to raise road safety awareness

38 Ascott Heritage History of The Ascott Group

42 Ascott Around 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

If you’d like us to feature certain topics, you may also contact us at the same email address.

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We have been staying at the Somerset Roppongi serviced apartment for the past 10 months and have really enjoyed our time here. The quality of the room and range of facilities offered make our stay so comfortable. The location of the Somerset apartment is convenient for us, both for work and for ease of living. The staff here has been exceptionally friendly and helpful to us by going out of their way to deal with our queries and requests. They have also helped us get acquainted with and accustomed to life in Tokyo.– Eamonn & Julie Dunphy stayed at Somerset Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan

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y o u r s a y

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.

feel right at home

“Your staff has always made me feel at home, something I have not found yet in other apartment hotels in Jakarta. As soon as I entered Ascott Jakarta’s doors, I was warmly greeted by everyone. Great to see those familiar faces again.”– Helen A. Cruz stayed at Ascott Jakarta, Indonesia

– Kaitlin Kay stayed at Somerset Olympia, Makati, Philippines

At Ascott, our residents not only enjoy the creature comforts of a stylish home, but also personalised attention and service. Here are some notes of appreciation from our guests.

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It is often said that there is no place like home. The maxim, however, is proven wrong at any Ascott property around the world, where it is easy for you to feel right at home as soon as you step through the doors.

At the core of Ascott’s unique brand of hospitality are two fundamentals – one is a firm belief that quality service comes from the heart, and the other, a willingness to go the extra mile to make a resident’s stay comfortable and memorable. Whatever your needs are, we will do our best to meet them. Welcome home.

FAMIlY-FRIEnDlY SERvICESRelocating your family to a new country isn’t easy. With a myriad of facilities and services designed to address your family’s needs, you can count on Ascott to make that transition that much easier. Thoughtful services like residents’ programmes offer a range of activities from cooking to language classes to help you assimilate into your new host country. These are some of the things that make your stay at any Ascott property worldwide truly memorable.

Plus, you may choose to make use of Ascott’s personalised services to get the help you need with day-to-day chores and details, so you can spend more quality time with your family and enjoy life in your new home.

SAnCTuARY FOR WOMEn-On-THE-GOAs a single female traveller in a foreign land, security and privacy are clearly your top priorities. You’ll enjoy peace of mind with Ascott’s 2�-hour security service, electronic cards, and an environment dedicated to your safety – because you deserve to continue embracing the lifestyle you are accustomed to.

With today’s hectic lifestyle, convenience is also crucial. Take advantage of Ascott’s services such as grocery shopping, if you are pressed for time. And after a demanding day at work, de-stress with an invigorating workout at the gym in your residence or indulge in pampering spa services at selected residences.

Stand to win a 3 day/2 night stay at any of our Ascott International serviced residences in Asia Pacific or the Gulf region! Take part in our guest survey at www.theascottgroup.com/guestsurvey and you could be the lucky winner of the month!

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rusticThe capital of Indonesia and its surrounds are full of surprises for the visitor, as Stephanie Brookes discovers.

nirvana

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Jakarta is a city full of life and colour, with the outlying regions offering just as much diversity. At ground level you will see people hanging out of

bus windows, street musicians busking, motorbike taxis expertly navigating the heaving traffic, right next to sleek, high-rise residences and corporate buildings. There is indeed much to see and do.

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JakarTa

JAlAn SurAbAyAThis is Jakarta’s antique street. It brims with shops selling antiques, brassware, old china and textiles. If foraging for curios is your thing, this place will fascinate. Jalan Surabaya, Menteng

CAfé bATAvIAThe most unique feature of this landmark historic building in the old town is the photo gallery that adorns the walls of the restaurant.

Give yourself a good hour or two to view the unique collection of black and white photos of film stars, royalty and generals dating back to the 1920s. Check out both the men and women’s toilets where the gallery continues. A staff member stands outside while you view the exhibits inside. Café batavia is open 24-hours and the prices are extremely reasonable. Fatahillah Square, Kota, old town Jakarta

Screening Room, The lounge �

PASAr bAruThis is one of Jakarta’s oldest markets. Pasar baru is a traditional market where everything is about 30 per cent cheaper than the malls. The market is famous for textiles, furnishings, Indonesian herbal remedies, and sporting goods. It also has a wonderful selection of shoes. This is a fascinating area to explore and a walking tour will lead you to Hindu, Sikh, Chinese and buddhist temples and a Dutch church. Jalan Pasar Baru, Kota

MenArA IMPerIuM – revolvInG reSTAurAnTThe empire Grill restaurant is located on the 35th floor of the Menara Imperium building in the business district of Kuningan, South Jakarta.

It holds the distinction of being Jakarta’s only revolving restaurant; one that of fers a spectacular panoramic city view, especially at night. The restaurant is also reputed to have “the best steak in town”. Menara Imperium Building, Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 1, Kuningan

Golf unDer A volCAno Jakarta is a golfer’s paradise. Most courses will set you back just uS$11-uS$30, and this includes a caddy. Palm Hill Golf Course is a well-guarded secret, popular with the locals. Tuesday is ladies Day when women pay uS$11. The course is easy to walk and is mostly flat. Here, you’ll be playing under a volcano and teeing off next to rice paddies with bullocks working the

fields. A thundering river crosses the course, offering plenty of challenges. lunch at the Spanish-style clubhouse will set you back about uS$3.50. Palm Hill Golf Country Club, Citeureup, Bogor Tel: +62 21 879 50711

OuTlying aTTracTiOnS

KAMPunG SAMPIreunIt is well worth the five-hour drive from Jakarta to this idyllic village in Garut, West Java. Dine on the romantic bamboo raft which sits floating in the middle of a lake. The Gamelan musicians who sail out to serenade you are delightful, and as you gaze out at the seven volcanoes, it feels just like heaven on earth. www.kampungsampireun.com

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PunCAK PASSIt’s worth driving through the Puncak Pass. A great escape from the city, it’s �0 km from downtown Jakarta, and as you wind your way up the 1,500 metre-long pass to the top of a volcanic range of mountains, the temperatures cool considerably. look out for a staircase of steps on the right about halfway up the pass. It’s worth the hike to the top as the views are spectacular. Continue driving along

Kampung Sampireun

the summit and take a right at a sign directing you to Cibodas national Park, which makes a nice stopover if you have the time. Jalan Kebun Raya Cibodas No. 60

SunDA KelAPASunda Kelapa is the old port of Jakarta and well worth a visit. An active port since the 12th century, it was the centre of the Dutch spice trade.

Today, you can see the large wooden sailing cargo vessels, pinisi prahus, lining the docks. It’s fascinating to watch the loading and unloading of huge wooden beams, which is still done by manual labour. It is easy enough to get yourself an invite on board, a small tourist kiosk at the front of the harbour will arrange this for you. Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa Harbour, Jalan Maritim Raya

PelAbuHAn rATuAt this seaside town the rice paddies meet the ocean. It’s a four-hour trip from Jakarta on Java’s Southern coast. What’s interesting, apart from the black sand beach, is the town’s lively early morning fish market. lobster is the specialty of this area and costs around uS$5 each. At the nearby Cipanas Hot Springs, boiling hot water bubbles up from pools in the river. you make your own little hot tub from the smooth rocks, while laying back and taking in the scenic lush forest around you. At Goa lalay, four kilometres from Pelabuhan ratu, the bat cave comes to life around dusk when thousands of the tiny winged mammals swoop out of the cave. �

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Tips!

The Indonesians are warm, friendly, courteous and extremely polite. Honour and respect are the basis of the culture. Indonesian society as a whole is seen as an extended family – the head of a company, a school principal or the president is often referred to as bapak or father. Here are a few rules of engagement to ensure a smooth stay.

n Dress conservatively. In public, women typically wear skirts and blouses (and rarely sleeveless) or dresses. Men do not wear shorts in Indonesia, only boys wear shorts. n Tips are welcome and donations appreciated. Most Indonesians only earn uS$2-uS$4 per day. Keep lots of small denominations on you (rp1,000 is the smallest note, the equivalent of uS$0.10).n never give or receive items with the left hand. The left hand is used for personal hygiene only.n Do not point with your finger or foot, it’s considered impolite. use your thumb to point or gesture instead.

n Avoid displaying affection in public. Hand-shaking is the one acceptable form of contact between a man and woman in public.n The head is considered sacred. Indonesians believe it is the place where the spirit resides – so refrain from touching a person’s head.n remove your shoes when entering a person’s home, a mosque or Sikh temple. This should be easy to remember, as there is always a collection of shoes out in the front.n Hospitality is highly regarded and when served food or drink, it is customary to wait for your host to indicate to you silakan or “please”. It is impolite to refuse a drink, but it is not necessary to drink all of it.

lIve eASyascott Jakarta is the ideal exclusive retreat in the heart of the city’s business and shopping district, also known as the “Golden triangle”. it is conveniently close to the Convention Centre, Plaza indonesia shopping Complex, Grand indonesia shopping Complex, Jakarta City Centre shopping mall, embassies and a wide variety of dining and entertainment. With its unique Balinese style apartments, the residence offers the opportunity to experience Jakarta at your convenience.

also, located in the business and shopping district of Golden triangle is somerset Grand Citra. it is in close proximity to the Convention Centre, embassies, shopping centres, business hub, and a wide variety of dining and entertainment.

Nestled within the exclusive Permata Hijau residential district and surrounded by lush greenery and landscaped gardens is somerset Berlian. it offers a private and stylish retreat from the city, yet is only a 15-minute drive from the financial hub of Jakarta.

in the satellite town of Darmo is the somerset surabaya Hotel and serviced residence. Darmo bustles with a range of restaurants, businesses, banks, shopping malls, entertainment options, as well as international schools. The Central Business District of surabaya (Jalan Basuki rachmat) is a short drive away, and access to other regions of the city is easy with the major toll roads and highway nearby.

Golfing under a volcano in Jakarta

Pelabuhan Ratu fisherman

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highland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

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There is more to Scotland than bagpipes and haggis. Francis Shennan explores the rich diversity of Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and a major arts city.

On the surface, Scotland is the sound of bagpipes, the taste of

strong whisky and sweet shortbread, and the rich colours of tartan in the kilts many men still wear. For this northernmost nation in the United Kingdom is fiercely proud to be different.

So too is its capital, Edinburgh, voted “Favourite UK City” in the prestigious Guardian Travel Awards for the eighth year running. It is also a World Heritage Site and the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, home of an ancient castle and a new Parliament, a city of two towns where New Town is “only” 300 years old.

Beneath the surface lies an even richer history. This is, after all, the birthplace of 19th century writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who penned the classics Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Ian Rankin, one of Edinburgh’s best-known modern writers and creator of the best-selling Rebus detective series, believes that to understand the city one must appreciate its rich, layered heritage, as epitomised in everything from its architecture to its old streets. In fact, most of the places worth visiting are all within walking distance. If you walk only one street, walk the Royal Mile.

WaLK THIS WayThe royal Mile continues through Edinburgh’s Old Town, where historic “wynds” and “closes” or alleys, lead you to squares, cafés or to steep steps down towards the New Town. In fact, the older sector of Mary King’s Close contains part of 16th century Edinburgh that had been abandoned for centuries. at the foot of the Royal Mile is the modern Scottish Parliament, which sits right next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots but is now the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, when she visits Edinburgh.

edinburgh Castle The majestic site, which sits on Castle Hill, is built on the peak of an ancient volcano that dominated the city for over eight centuries. The castle houses Edinburgh’s oldest building – St Margaret’s Chapel – Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, the traditional coronation stone used by Scottish monarchs. Look out for the argyle Battery - from here, the view is breathtaking. Sprawled below you is Edinburgh’s 18th century New Town, and Holyrood Park, home to an extinct volcano called “arthur’s Seat”. you can also see as far as the distant waters of the Firth of Forth leading to the North Sea.

St Giles Cathedral Located in the centre of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the cathedral has outstanding stained-glass windows and almost 200 memorials to distinguished Scots. Just West of St. Giles is the legendary Heart of Midlothian, a heart-shaped mosaic set in the cobble-stoned pavement. It records the position of the 15th century Tolbooth of Edinburgh which was the administrative centre of the town and prison. Ironically, the Heart is no longer in Midlothian, as the Edinburgh Council has been separate from it for several decades; it is instead closer to being the heart of Edinburgh. Currently, the city incorporates former sections of West and East Lothian within it. During the annual Edinburgh arts Festival however, the world’s largest arts fest held every august, this entire area is transformed into an entertainment zone.

flingEdinburgh Castle

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T r a v e l

Between Princes and George Streets is Rose Street, home to more pubs than any other in Edinburgh, many offering value-for-money meals as well.

In the Grassmarket, pubs have been joined by reasonably-priced Italian and French restaurants. Tuck into some hearty, homecooked dishes at The Elephant House on George IV Bridge. For traditional fish and chips, L’alba D’Oro in Henderson Row in the New Town has won a number of awards but is open only in the evenings. For a table with a view of the castle, the Heights Restaurant at the Grassmarket’s apex International Hotel has a fixed-price menu going for £22.50. �

Tip!at just £48 for a three-day pass, the Edinburgh Pass gets you entry to over 30 attractions, return airport and city centre bus transport, a guidebook and other offers. you can buy one in advance from www.edinburgh.org/pass or call the City Card Team on +44 131 473 3630 during office hours. alternatively, buy one at the Tourist Information Centre at Edinburgh International airport or the Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre at 3 Princes Street.

Deacon Brodie’s Tavern Named after the man who inspired the characters of Jekyll and Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous book, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, this old tavern is worth a visit just for its sheer colourful history. That and its superb range of malt whiskies and traditional Scottish food.

royal Museum and Museum of Scotland The museums lie conveniently in the heart of Edinburgh on Chambers Street, and houses an impressive collection representing the arts, science, and history of Scotland. SHOP STOPThe Royal Mile is also the best place to find Scottish souvenirs, especially kilts and tartan, whisky, shortbread, haggis and knitwear. However, for more offbeat shops, leave the Royal Mile at George IV Bridge to explore picturesque Victoria Street and the Grassmarket.

at the far end of the Grassmarket, a street cal led West Port has second-hand bookshops that give Edinburgh the distinction of having more booksellers per capita than any other British city. In the same area is Princes Street and Jenners, one of the world’s oldest department stores and an Edinburgh institution, offering everything from designer brands to a delicatessen. and behind Princes Street, George Street is populated with designer boutiques.

EaT & DRINKyou can enjoy a good-value lunch or tea at Jenners, complete with a view of the castle if you get the right table.

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Scottish Parliament

Stores along the Royal Mile

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SCOTTISH WaRMTHCitadines edinburgh Quartermile is located in the heart of the city of edinburgh, the capital of scotland, within a premier business, residential and retail zone known as Quartermile. Citadines edinburgh Quartermile is slated to open in 2009.

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Get RewaRded foR ShoppinG in SinGapoRe

what better way to get the most out of your holiday than to get perks for, well, spending m o n e y ? G l o b a l R e f u n d Singapore has launched a shopping rewards programme to encourage travellers to spend more in Singapore. from now till 31 May 2008, spend between S$5,000 to S$9,999 and receive a S$50 tanGS gift voucher. for purchases from S$10,000 and above, you will receive a S$150 tanGS gift voucher. to make the most of this programme, simply shop at any Global Refund affiliated retailer displaying the taX fRee ShoppinG sign. then, drop by tanGS orchard or tanGS VivoCity with your Global Refund cheques to redeem the complimentary tanGS gift vouchers. You can accumulate a maximum of three cheques to make up the amount of S$5,000 or S$10,000 for each redemption. the vouchers are valid for six months from the date of issue. available while stocks last and one voucher per tourist shopper only.

Shop at any Global Refund affiliated retailer today and ask for a Global Refund Cheque to qual i fy for the reward redemption.

If your travels take you to Singapore, check out the scores of enclaves off the beaten path that offer more bang for your buck when it comes to shopping for just what

you need, from vintage fashion to electronics.

is not there, then it doesn’t exist. For IT products, head to Funan the IT Mall, the launch pad for the latest IT gadgets. If you’re looking for home appliances, Mustafa Centre in Little India is a great place to start. The best part is that it opens 24 hours so you don’t have to jostle with the crowds during its peak shopping periods.

SouvenIrS & TrInkeTS To get authentic souvenirs and gifts, head to enclaves like Little India and Chinatown. Little India has lots of affordable ethnic jewellery, pashmina shawls and scarves, silk saris, and silverware and brassware. Check out the spice mill along Serangoon road for ready-made packets of spices for fish, meat or vegetable curries that can be easily packed into a suitcase. or indulge in some jewellery – silver amulets, bridal ornaments, colourful bangles, anklets and other adornments. Look out for gorgeous Indian bedspreads as well. over in Chinatown, you can buy traditional Chinese tea, clogs, kites, painted masks, waxed paper umbrellas, jade and lacquerware, and handicrafts and artefacts from all over Asia. If you are feeling adventurous, check out the traditional Chinese medicinal halls which sell exotic ingredients for all ailments, from sea cucumbers to dried scallops to rhino horns.

vInTAge CLoTheSTucked in the back alley of Arab Street is the island’s best kept secret, haji Lane. A favourite haunt of trendy, creative types, haji Lane is Singapore’s answer to new York’s meatpacking district in its early days. Aside from a slew of Middle eastern restaurants and shi sha cafes, it is also a treasure trove for vintage lovers. Walk down the narrow street and discover brightly coloured shophouses with kooky interiors offering vintage clothes, jewellery, quirky furniture, wallpaper and other kitschy items. expect to get some great bargains for vintage togs, but be prepared to roll up your sleeves and forage through the racks of clothes and accessories.

IT, eLeCTronICS And hoMe AppLIAnCeSIf you are looking for electronics, then you’ve come to the right place. The island is an electronics haven with reputable shops offering the latest top-of-the-line models at competitive prices. For the full range of electronics under one roof, your best bet is Sim Lim Square, arguably Singapore’s largest electronics and computer centre. From plasma Tvs, hi-fis and digital cameras to mobile phones and ipods, Sim Lim Square offers the widest variety. It’s been said that if the product you’re looking for

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Sex is as old as love itself. It is, after all, a biological imperative of the species. And so, humans, in our

neverending quest for betterment, have always searched for ways to heighten the sexual experience — and aphrodisiacs have been used for centuries just for that.

Food-wise, aphrodisiacs have included everything from frogs to berries. Some are said to induce sexual arousal, while others are said to improve fertility. Some aphrodisiac foods are derived from mythology — the love goddess Aphrodite was said to consider sparrows sacred because of their “amorous nature”.

Other aphrodisiacs were chosen in ancient times for their representation of “seed” or semen — think eggs and snails. Then there was the issue of nutrition in early times, when under-nourishment led to the loss of libido and reduced fertility rates. This, according to researchers, could explain the basis for the use of animal parts, like the rhinoceros horn in Chinese tradition, as an aphrodisiac. Besides the fact that the rhino horn bears a phallic resemblance, it also consists of fibrous tissue with large proportions of calcium and phosphorus. In ancient times, Chinese diets may have been lacking in these elements, and large doses of the calcium and phosphorus from the rhino horn could have helped increase sexual vigour and stamina. Of the various foods to which aphrodisiac powers are traditionally attributed, fish, vegetables, and spices have been the most popular throughout history.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we profile several popular ingredients that have long held a reputation as potent aphrodisiacs. We have also created several easy, yet elegant recipes using aphrodisiacal ingredients for an indulgent and romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Enjoy.

Aphrodisiac foods have been around for as long as the human race has populated the Earth. Whether they really work is still debatable – the fun is in finding out, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. By annette Tan

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TRuFFlE PARPADEllEIn this recipe, we use Tetsuya’s Truffle Salsa, which can be purchased from the gourmet grocer, Culina. It makes a great substitute for the real thing, which is extremely expensive and not easily available. If however, you find a real truffle, simply omit the Truffle Salsa and shave your truffle over the pasta as soon as you take it off the heat.

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:100g fresh or dried parpadelle3 tbsp Tetsuya’s Truffle Salsa3/4 cup heavy cream30g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated 10g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, flaked using a vegetable peeler11/2 tsp salt

Method: 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. If using fresh pasta,

cook for 2 minutes, remove and strain under cold running water. If using dried pasta, cook for stipulated amount of time indicated on the packet. Remove and drain under cold running water.

2. Place grated cheese and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

3. Warm gently until the cheese melts, then add the truffle salsa and salt. Mix well.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and turn up the heat a little. When the pasta is well coated and the sauce starts to bubble, turn off the heat.

5. Plate pasta and sprinkle the flaked cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately.

ROASTED BABy ASPARAguS WITh PRAWnS AnD hOMEMADE DIjOnnAISEAsparagus make a lovely starter to any romantic meal. This dish is very easy to prepare. The sauce and prawns can be prepared ahead of time and arranged on top of the asparagus once it’s ready. you can use regular asparagus rather than baby asparagus — the former has a bigger bite and crunch, while the latter’s delicate flavour and proportions have its own appeal.

(Serves 2 )

Ingredients:100g baby asparagus 6 prawns1 tsp Dijon mustard11/2 tbsp japanese mayonnaise1 sprig thyme1 tbsp olive oil1/2 tsp salt

Method: 1. Preheat oven to 200˚C. 2. Place asparagus, salt and olive oil in a bowl and mix to coat. 3. Transfer to a foil-lined baking tray and roast for 7 minutes. 4. In a small bowl, mix the mustard and mayonnaise. Pour over

the roasted asparagus and sprinkle with a few thyme leaves. Serve immediately.

ChOCOlATE AnD VAnIllA BEAn ESPRESSOCall this an aphrodisiac shooter, if you will. It has all the intense “love ingredients” in a glass.

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:3 tsp instant espresso 1/2 cup boiling water3 tsp sugar, or to taste40g dark chocolate (preferably over 64 per cent and Valrhona)1 Madagascan Bourbon vanilla bean

Method: 1. Place the chocolate in a small bowl and microwave at the

lowest setting for 10 seconds. Check to see if the chocolate has melted. Otherwise, microwave in 10-second intervals, checking constantly to ensure that the chocolate does not burn. Alternatively, set chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water until it melts. Set aside.

2. Split the vanilla bean in half and scrape out the seeds. Set aside. Then cut the vanilla bean cross-wise so you have four “sticks”. Set aside.

3. Combine the instant espresso with water and sugar. Mix well. (If you have an espresso machine, make two regular or strong shots of espresso.)

4. In a mug or a measuring cup, stir the melted chocolate into the espresso bit by bit so that it makes a smooth mixture. Stir in the vanilla beans.

5. Pour the espresso mixture into two shot glasses and garnish with two vanilla bean “sticks” each. Serve immediately.

RASPBERRy AnD STRAWBERRy SPOngE PuDDIngSimple, elegant and deliciously satisfying, this gorgeous dessert is a suitably light post-meal ending.

(Serves 3-4)

Ingredients:2–3 cups frozen strawberries and raspberries3 tbsp butter, softened1 1/4 cups sugar, divided into halves1 cup all-purpose flour1 tsp baking powder1/4 tsp salt1/2 cup milk1 tbsp corn starch1 cup boiling waterVanilla ice cream

Method: 1. Preheat your oven to 180˚C. 2. grease an 8-inch square baking tin. 3. Cream butter and 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl until pale and

fluffy. 4. In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt

together. 5. Add a third of the flour mixture into the butter mixture and

blend well. Then add a third of the milk and mix. Repeat until all the flour and milk are mixed into the butter mixture. The resulting batter will be quite thick.

6. Spread batter over the berries. 7. Combine the remaining sugar and corn starch and then

sprinkle evenly over the batter. 8. Pour the boiling water over this. Do not mix. The water will

help the cake crust slightly. 9. Bake for 30–45 minutes until golden brown and a skewer

inserted into the centre comes out clean. 10. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream.

APhRODISIACS 101asparagus - given its phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. The Vegetarian Society in the united States suggests eating asparagus for three days for the “most powerful effect”.

almonds - A symbol of fertility throughout the ages, its aroma is thought to induce passion in women.

Bananas - The banana flower has a phallic shape, which partially accounts for its popularity as an aphrodisiac. From a more practical standpoint, bananas are rich in potassium and B-group Vitamins, both essential for sex hormone production.

Chocolate - The Aztecs referred to chocolate as “nourishment of the gods”. It contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain. The best part: chocolate contains more antioxidants than red wine.

Coffee - Caffeine is a well-known stimulant, but too much, and it becomes a depressant . Coffee stimulates both body and mind, so partake of a little in preparation of an “all-nighter”.

Nutmeg - nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In large quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect.

oysters - Oysters were documented as aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century. Some say the oyster resembles female genitals. In reality, oysters are very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts - Zinc is a mineral necessary to maintain male potency, and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as medieval times.

Pineapple - Rich in Vitamin C and used in homeopathic treatment for impotence.

raspberries and strawberries - Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as “fruit nipples”. They are also high in Vitamin C.

Truffles - The greeks and the Romans considered the rare truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitise the skin to touch.

vanilla - Montezuma, the ancient Aztec leader, laced his hot chocolate with vanilla as the scent is believed to stir lust. On the other hand, some have compared its comforting, warm aroma to breast milk. �

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masterfile

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

fighting

Traditional Muay Thai or kickboxing has witnessed a global surge in popularity over the last 10 years. It has even gone mainstream and been adopted by the most unlikely of fighters. By Nick Walton

spirit

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I am told that I need to breathe out at the moment of impact, in order

to avoid being winded. That said, nothing could prepare me for the sheer force that descended on me one early morning in Bangkok. It felt like I had just been hit by a locomotive, a hit that rattled my skull and made me stumble back. I peeked over the top of a thick (clearly not thick enough), yellow punching pad to see my opponent grinning with pleasure as only a 12-year-old Thai kickboxing student could, after he had shown a beefy farang (Thai for “foreigner”) just what his martial arts can do.

My first experience of kickboxing, or Muay Thai, was at one of Bangkok’s

fightingspirit

most famous stadiums, Lumpini on Bangkok’s Rama IV road. I had bravely (or foolishly) enrolled in an Open Day of sorts at the local kickboxing academy, an institution that trains children to be the next generation of national heroes in the ring. Using their elbows and knees more than their actual fists or feet, Thai kickboxers are the very definition of fighting machines, with bodies honed by discipline. And like professional football or basketball players in the West, these kids are hoping to make it big and strike it rich.

Although Muay Thai is officially the national sport of Thailand, it has exploded in the West, where it has

been adopted by gyms and personal trainers as an interactive and rigorous cardiovascular workout. Although I remember as a kid watching Sunday morning infomercials touting home kickboxing videos by US fitness guru Billy Blanks, it wasn’t until now, in my late 20s, that I have gone back for another go at this demanding sport.

Only in Sydney would I be taught kickboxing by a pint-sized, but tough as nails, Irishman called Colin. I freely admit that I was not sure what to expect – I mean, how hard could it be? In reality, there is a process to be observed so that you not only enjoy your kickboxing experience, but also learn how to come out relatively unscathed.

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

In terms of its commercial phenomenon, there are four types of kickboxing . There is cardio kickboxing, essentially aerobics with a demonstrative flair, where keeping your heart rate up is the goal. From there, we go to “bag work”, or incorporating kickboxing aerobics with punching bags or a partner with boxing pads – again, a serious cardio workout that is a bit more intensive. Lastly, there is kickboxing conditioning, which couples “bag work” with plyometrics; essentially exercises conducted between sets on the bag, usually consisting of star jumps, squats or push-ups. All of these are designed to help

with your recovery rate, which, in essence, makes you a better, fitter fighter.

Then, there is actual kickboxing, and with the growing popularity of the aerobics version, more matches are being organised and televised around Asia and the West, where it has been dubbed the “Sport of the Millennium”. These events, though not quite as authentic as the ones in Thailand, are as brutal and exhilarating nonetheless.

You need a certain mentality for kickboxing, an ability to take a hit and still keep swinging. I admit having only been as brave (or foolish once again) to have entered the ring

once before, where I lasted three excruciating, exhilarating, terrifying and invigorating rounds, at the end of which I was coated in sweat and rewarded with a fat lip to remind myself to keep my guard up.

However, that one bout gave me strength and courage, and a better understanding of exactly how much training the professionals go through, and exactly how fantastic this sport really is. Aching, and high on endorphins after a session, I often think of that grinning boy who could have flattened me where I stood, and wonder if he will be one of the next generation of “heroes” that preserves this ancient Thai martial arts form.

photolibrary

ABSOLUT, the leading international premium vodka, has taken inspiration from the most classic dance symbol of all – the mirror ball – and created the dazzling ABSOLUT DISCO specially for this festive season.

Launched on 1 Nov 2007, the one-litre ABSOLUT DISCO is crafted from 1,000 reflecting prisms formed in the classic ABSOLUT VODKA bottle shape. Interestingly, its ultra-stylish bottle package also doubles as a mobile disco ball.

The gift pack itself is a clamshell design that slides apart to showcase the classic ABSOLUT VODKA bottle. It also includes a loop for hanging the bottle from the ceiling, allowing party-goers to achieve the Studio 54 effect wherever, whenever.

Disco music and its attributes have defined fun and dance since the beginning of the disco movement in New York’s underground club scene in the 1970s. ABSOLUT was introduced to the world in the late ‘70’s, the peak of the disco period. The collaboration between ABSOLUT VODKA and Andy Warhol coincided with the artist’s frequent visits to the legendary disco club – Studio 54. Since then, disco has retained its place in pop culture; it might have been updated or re-mixed over the decades, but it still carries that vibe of carefree fun and flamboyance.

ABSOLUT DISCO builds on ABSOLUT’s renowned history of creative and innovative bottle and packaging design. With the ABSOLUT DISCO gift pack, its mirror ball feature and the dedicated website which offers consumers the chance to create their own version of disco, ABSOLUT is taking the dance genre into an era that encourages self-expression.

Proud to be a part of ABSOLUT’s celebration of disco, DFS has been singled out to be the first retailer for this brand new bottle with a ground-breaking design. In addition, DFS is holding fun and exciting dance competitions every week at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 Concourse area to celebrate this exclusive launch with travellers.

ABSOLUT DISCO is about dance, having fun and giving your own interpretation of disco – it’s the perfect gift for this happy holiday season. So get your disco groove on – get ABSOLUT DISCO – now at DFS Changi Airport.

Advertorial

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

WHAT IS MUAY THAI?The national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai isn’t just about punches and kicks . At its core, what differentiates this martial arts from the others is its roots in spirituality. You’ll observe this at the opening ritual to every match. Traditionally, the boxer wears a sacred headband called a “mong kon”, and a sacred armband, the “pra jiad”. Blessed by a monk or the boxer’s instructor, the “mong kon” is believed to be the boxer’s lucky charm. In terms of attire, no shoes or other headgear are allowed, only boxing trunks and gloves weighing no less than six ounces each.

There are differences between Muay Thai, Western boxing and other martial arts . Elbowing, kneeing, kicking, in addition to punching, are allowed in Muay Thai, even blows below the belt, except for the groin. Hence, Muay Thai is also referred to as “The Science of Eight Limbs”, as the hands, shins, elbows and knees are used. A Muay Thai proponent can execute strikes using eight points of contact as opposed to two points – the fists – in Western boxing, and in other types of martial arts, the four points of fists and feet. For every successful blow you land, you

score a point. Conversely, points are deducted if you infringe on any rule. It is also more frantic in pace, often split into five rounds of three minutes each.

If you’re in Bangkok, catch the biggest Muay Thai matches at Lumpini Boxing Stadium, Rama IV Road, Tel: +66 02 252 865 and Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium at Nok Ave, Tel: +66 02 281 4205. �

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s m a r t m o n e y

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drinkTraditional investment instruments

like stocks and bonds can be lucrative, but those seeking alternative

investments, which involve more than just the practical transaction of buying

and selling, can now turn to wine. By annette tan

to this

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Over the last decade, fine wines have become more than just a drink to impress at the business dinner

table. An increasing number of people have since learned to appreciate the toil and techniques needed to produce top grade wines which command more than a small premium. As the passion for fine wines intensifies around the world, more and more people are choosing them as alternative investments to complement their portfolio of stocks and bonds.

Indeed, wine investment products are low-risk, high-return investments that wine aficionados and those partial to alternative portfolios are generally attracted to. Yet it hasn’t always been accessible as wine investments are time consuming for banks to manage. For the most part, they have been reserved for high net worth private clients of top European banks.

That is quickly changing today, as companies like Equity Wine Investments are offering the blue chips of investment-grade wines to their clients. These wine investment packages offer the best wines from the most prestigious First Growth Chateau in Bordeaux, France, where 80 per cent of the world’s “investment-grade” wines originate. These include names like Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Haut-Brion — all vineyards with a rich history going back hundreds of years, with limited production and excellent reputations.

Compared to other forms of investments, the potential returns of these wine investment packages are certainly high. According to a Financial Times Wine Investment Special published in June 2005, £10,000 invested in a wine portfolio back in 1974 would today be worth somewhere in the region of £1.4 million. That wines are not subject to the fluctuations of other market conditions also make them excellent low volatility investments.

Additionally, investment grade wines consistently increase in value over time, even out-perform stock indices. Case in point: from June 1997 to June 2007, a 1996

vintage (consisting of Chateau Margaux, Latour and Lafite Rothschild) had a compounded annual return of 24.54 per cent versus 6.33 per cent on the Straits Times Index (STI).

WHAT MAKES AN INVESTMENT-WORTHY WINE?Generally, age worthiness of a wine is a key factor – they have to be at least 30-50 years old; particular outstanding vintages is also another consideration. Usually, an outstanding vintage is when the weather is perfect throughout the growing, budding, fruition and harvesting phases of the grapes. Wine, like all commodities, is driven by demand and supply. The Bordeaux wines carried by Equity Wine Investments are limited in supply, about 20,000 cases per year or less, while demand for these wines is driven by the established wealthy clients in the West as well as the nouveau rich in Eastern Europe and Asia. Less than one per cent of the world’s wine production is considered investment grade. At Equity Wine, all wines have already been identified as investment-grade luxury wines and brands.

HOW TO INVESTThe process begins with a wine investment consultant recommending a package based on his client’s investment criteria. Once decided, the titles of the wines purchased are transferred to the client upon payment. These wines are also insured for replacement value with the client as the beneficiary. The wines are stored in a state-of-the-art warehouse in Bordeaux while its investors are presented with a statement of accounts for the wines purchased.

When a client is ready to cash in his investment — usually after five years or more — there are several options available to him. A wine investment broker like Equity Wine Investments can help their clients sell their investments at its current market price. Alternatively, the client may use a reputable auction house like Christie’s or Sotheby’s to make the sale. Of course, there’s yet another (less lucrative) option — send for those fine wines, bring out the glasses and throw a fabulous party. �

safeguard your investmentInsist that your wines are stored in your name, with full replacement insurance also in your name (not the merchant’s name). Also insist that you are given the appropriate insurance certificates to prove this.

store your wines carefullyIt is extremely important to store your wines in professional wine storage facilities only in Bordeaux as the value of these investment wines will drop significantly once they are shipped out of Bordeaux. Wines stored with merchants or in professional storage in London are usually worth 20-30 per cent less than

wines that have never left Bordeaux. Many of the top auction houses are very reluctant to accept wines that have been stored in Asia as the perception of the merchants and buyers in the US and Europe is that the quality of the wine cannot be guaranteed once it has been shipped to Asia.

expected returnsThe historical yardstick: investment-grade first growth Bordeaux wines (from the Bordeaux market and not the London market) have yielded 12-18 per cent compounded annual growth.

Wine investments 101Tips from Michael Lim of Equity Wine Investments Pte Ltd:

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chics t y l e

Usher in the Year of the Rat in style with these Oriental-inspired products.

By lalitha Naidu

As a symbol of rebirth, purity, peace and even enlightenment, the lotus has a special place in Eastern philosophy. The f lower takes centre stage in luxury watchmaker Delaneau’s Luckee Lotus, a stunning jewelled timepiece with an intricate, hand-worked three-dimensional dial. There are two versions – one with the 18K gold petals set with diamonds, the other is enamel painted, a laborious process that dates back to the 17th Century. Both, however, are exquisite works of art that will stand the test of time.

CyC The Custom shop goes Oriental with its new range of pan-Asian shirts. Paying nostalgic tribute to the styles of the ’60s and ’70s, the collection hits the right note of chinois chic with festive, cheery pieces. What’s more, made with 100% Egyptian cotton, the shirts are lightweight and stand up well to the tropical climate.

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essentials

Travel down the Silk Road to Dunhaung with shanghai tang’s Apsara, the “Silk Road” collection for Spring/Summer 2008. According to scriptures found in Dunhaung, “Apsara” refers to celestial beings who can take on many forms. Likewise, the collection is versatile and plays strongly on the theme of exploration. With sexy feminine silhouettes and funky mini-dresses made with lush fabrics like silk, making a fashion statement couldn’t get any easier this festive season.

Good things come in small packages, like Shanghai Tang’s “Chinese New Year Rat” cufflinks. Decorated with auspicious symbols and horoscope signs, they are a good way to dress up your shirts while subtly wearing the festive spirit on your sleeves.

Armani/Casa is essentially fashion designer Giorgio Armani’s way of sharing his dream of the perfect living space. Every item – from sofa to bookcase – under the brand is sleek and selected with a discriminating eye to convey fine craftsmanship and luxurious elegance. The glossy porcelain vase with Chinese decorations from the “Taureg” range is no different. Plus, it is a great way to bring a touch of the East-meets-West feel to your home. Another item of note is the eye-catching Aladino Floor Lamp. A nod to the exotic Orient, the versatile piece with black matt base and grey/beige Oriental-inspired lampshade is sure to light up your living space.

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i n t e r i o r s

homebase

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Need a quick but low-cost makeover for your apartment? Here are some clever ideas to easily turn your home into a cosy retreat filled with warmth and personality. By sakinah Manaff

Your home should be a sanctuary you seek refuge in and where

you go to recharge at the end of the day. With a few easy steps and some imagination, you can create a special place to call your own – without having to spend too much money or buy bulky furniture.

LiviNg RoomThe living room is a logical place to start making small changes as lots of activity takes place in this central space: family gatherings, celebrations, holidays and social events, from the intimate to grand.

• Work around a two-tone palette. if your sofa is brown, then pick a matching shade like turquoise or blue for the soft furnishings like cushion, throws and carpet. Exotic fabrics can be used to make inexpensive pillows, drapes and throws that highlight your theme.

• For a new perspective on a tall vase, move it off the table and onto the f loor. Then fill it with tall greens, stalks and reeds in a similar colour.

• Share your heritage and travel experiences by displaying family heirlooms, hand-woven textiles

and other treasures bought from your trips, throughout the room.

• if you enjoy reading, display your favourite coffee table books on the side table or in a bookcase lined against the wall.

• Cover up white walls by creating and personalising a neat picture display. Staple plain fabric over a piece of corkboard and hang it on the wall where you can pin up pictures, fabric swatches or clippings.

• Tack a scarf or fabric to the ceiling over light fixtures to change the feel of the room. make sure the fabric hangs down far enough to ensure it doesn’t heat up or scorch, and allows the pretty coloured light to shine through below.

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DiNiNg RoomEven if you don’t entertain often, it’s easy to pull together a great look for your dining area.

• Start with a carpet or floor mat in a neutral tone that goes under the table. opt for hardy materials like sisal hemp with a coloured border for an element of fun. This sets the “base” for the room.

• Slipcovers for chair cushions add some colour and pattern, and can be easily changed to suit your mood. A matching table cloth with mats not only protects the table, but also catches the eye.

BEDRoomThe inner sanctum of your apartment needs to be treated with utmost care and thought.

• if you like a different look each time, invest in a solid white duvet and sheets for a great neutral base with which to mix and match various soft furnishings.

• When a change is needed, simply alter a few key elements like quilts, pillows and other small items in the room. Pretty much any accent pieces will work, if they pick up one or two of the predominant colours or themes.

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KiTCHENit’s possible to spruce up the kitchen without remodelling the entire space. All you need are some imagination and ingenious tools that offer great form and function.

• Just because you don’t cook doesn’t mean that you can’t have cool appliances to spice up the kitchen. in fact, some appliances even double up as installation art pieces, like Philippe Starck’s famous citrus juicer for Alessi, which looks like a sleek giant spider.

• For a rustic feel, hang woven bamboo or sisal hemp baskets against the wall or on the floor.

• instead of flowers, store fruits, like apples, pears and oranges, in large glass vases. Stack vases side by side, each filled with one type of fruit, to add contrast.

• grouped together, plates can bring visual interest to an otherwise unnoticed space or provide an accent to quiet architectural details. For instance, cluster some around a simple doorway to frame it. �

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a t h o m e w i t h

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Dressed casually in a loose, printed shirt and chalk-white pants, actor Tony Adams was the consummate professional when he ushered us into his

cosy serviced residence at Somerset Bencoolen.In Singapore for the production of the famous musical Chitty Chitty Bang

Bang, Adams was responsible for bringing Grandpa Potts, the father of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, to life. Having been in showbiz for the past 57 years, the thespian is now revelling in his craft.

Positive he “won the lottery”, Tony Adams, the charming 67-year-old British actor, who starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, couldn’t believe the pampering he received when the musical rolled into Singapore late last year. By Kevin Kwang

zonecomfort

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a t h o m e w i t h

“I used to be worried if my hair was not styled right or if I had a spot on my face. These days, and yes, it has taken me quite some time, I’ve come to terms with the business,” recounts Adams. “Now, during moments onstage when I do get frightened, I would just say to myself, ‘No, I’m going to enjoy myself. I’m going to have a ball!’”

The Royal Shakespeare Company alum, who has worked with luminaries like Sir John Gielgud, Sir Michael Redgrave and Ginger Rogers, among others, started his career in television. Starring as Adam Chance on the soap series Crossroads, his celebrity status grew as the show played to an audience of 17 million across England. On his television experience, Adams says, “I like television work because, generally, I can be home for gin and tonic by half past six. It’s just more civilised, and you know more what you’re going to do.” He also claims to have no “preference at all” for a particular medium. Revealing well-honed professionalism, he adds that each job is different and equally important, and he would give his best for every project. “It’s a very nice life. I reckon it’s much better than stacking cans on the shelf,” quips Adams, displaying his dry British wit.

This is the actor’s second time performing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; he was in the first cast when the musical was introduced to the English public in 2002 at the London Palladium. When asked to be a part of the second run, he could not resist the call. “I thought, ‘Why not?’ After all, it’s been such a good party, and I know the ‘animal’, I might as well go back,” recalls Adams.

Partly because everything had been arranged for the troupe the moment they stepped off the plane, Adams loved every minute of his “paid holiday” here. This is in stark contrast with the way it is done in England, with the actor having to make his way to the various performing venues on his own, and having to settle his own accommodation as well. This made his six-week stay

Cast from the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical

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at the Somerset Bencoolen all the more special. As Adams candidly professes, “When I entered my accommodation, I thought I’d won the lottery!”

Rejecting the homogeneity of hotels, which he claimed is “awful” for prolonged stays, he said, “For me, comfort is the most important factor, and what we have here is quite unique. It has the trappings of a hotel, in that everything is serviced, yet you feel like you are in an apartment – your own apartment.”

The serviced residence’s central location was also appreciated by Adams and his partner, Christine, who was in town to visit him. Being a morning person, Adams took walks around the area to “unwind”, preferring this to working out in the gym. As for the Somerset staff, he adds, “The thing that’s quite incredible is the enthusiasm

of everyone working here, and their generated energy. It appears that, apparently, no one falls ill here! The energy of the people, that’s the thing I found very exciting.”

Christmas 2007 will mark the first break Adams gets to enjoy in a long time. Typically, the festive season would see him involved in traditional English pantomimes, but thanks to a conflict in scheduling, he would be giving that a miss. “I shall really, really enjoy that. It’s a great birthday-cum-Christmas present for me,” says Adams, whose birthday falls two days after the Singapore tour ends on 9 December.

Colourful and larger-than-life, Adams is every bit as effervescent a presence both onstage and off. And his parting shot? “I want to see as much as I possibly can while in Singapore. See Singapore and die!” �

Tony Adams as Grandpa Potts

h e a r t w a r e c o m m u n i t y

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safepassageTo raise road safety awareness in Vietnam, Ascott is working closely with the local community in Ho Chi Minh City to encourage the use of motorcycle helmets. By Kevin Kwang

At 8.50 a.m. on 20 October 2007, Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City

witnessed a mass of helmet-wearing motorcyclists riding through the city’s famous District 1 route. Attracting and engaging fellow motorists and bystanders along the 40-minute, six-kilometre ride, the motorcyclists made their way through some of the city’s notable tourist sites, including the US Embassy, the French Consulate, Notre Dame Church, Ben Thanh Market and the Unification Palace. Never mind that it was peak-hour morning traffic, curious onlookers stopped to wave, smile, even mingle with the motorcyclists as they rode past; along the route, some regular motorists even gamely joined in the motorcade.

While the atmosphere was upbeat, almost celebratory, the occasion was not a mass charity ride as one would imagine. The motorcyclists were

participants of “Wear-A-Helmet Traffic Safety Day”, a campaign organised by Ascott International. Working closely with the local authorities and community in Ho Chi Minh City, Ascott drove home the message – “Make the roads safe for your personal use” – to the Vietnamese population. The ride, which was flagged off from Somerset Chancellor Court, involved employees from both Somerset Ho Chi Minh City and Somerset Chancellor Court, all of whom were given helmets to put on before the ride. Joining in the ride to help spread the importance of wearing helmets were 10 members of a local motorcycle club and six policemen.

“‘Wear-A-Helmet Traffic Safety Day’ is part of our overall campaign to raise greater awareness among the community about personal road safety,” explains Richard Chua, Ascott’s Area General Manager for Ho Chi Minh

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City. “This campaign is also in line with our Heartware philosophy of service from the heart, going the extra mile and giving back to society. As the foundation of this philosophy is people, we have been organising numerous educational initiatives on the benefits of wearing a helmet.”

Vietnam is widely considered as one of the fastest growing nations in Asia, and with foreign investments starting to enter, its economic hub – Ho Chi Minh City – is very much in the throes of rapid economic

transformation. This influx of wealth and resources has led to an increase in vehicle ownership, making Vietnam one of the m o s t m o t o r i s e d nations in the world, with motorcycles the vehicle of choice for many.

However, the country’s economic growth has led to road safety concerns. A c c o r d i n g t o government statistics, the first four months

of 2007 saw 5,269 traffic accidents occurring nationwide, resulting in 4,739 deaths and 4,105 injured people. “On average, 13,000 people die in traffic accidents each year. This is a great catastrophe, which is seriously affecting the nation’s socio-economic development,” says Ho Nghia Dung, Vietnam’s Minister of Transport.

And the government has certainly been monitoring the situation closely. It implemented the National Traffic Safety Decree 32, which stipulates that all motorcyclists are required to

wear helmets when on major routes. In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee also decreed that from 15 December 2007, anyone operating or riding two-wheeled motorbikes must wear crash helmets when travelling on highways.

Ascott’s commitment to partner the local community to improve its road safety situation does not end with the campaign. Noting that nearly 200 employees from both Somerset residences get to work on motorbikes every day, the management team has set aside 220 helmets for them.

It might take more than just a day to inculcate road safety awareness and reverse the tide in Vietnam’s challenging transport situation, but by working in co-operation with local government agencies, Ascott is a ready partner in Vietnam’s fight to improve road safety. �

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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 24 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. 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 over 50 cities around the world. 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 Bahrain and 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 Brand – 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 and Best Serviced Residence – Business Traveller Asia Pacific

• Best Serviced Residence Company – Business Traveller UK

• China’s Best Serviced Apartments – Forbes China

• 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

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

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

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. �

Somerset serviced residences welcome you with homely warmth, and enrich your

lifestyle with local experiences.

1984

199119981999

2000

2002

2004

2005

2006

2007

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Milestones

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

1991Scotts Holdings was l isted in Singapore.

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

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

Scotts Holdings merged 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 saw merger and acquisition activities involving real estate and hospitality 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, with a global presence spanning over 50 cities around the world. 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.

2001The Ascott Group Limited was listed following the merger of Somerset Holdings and The Ascott Limited in 2000. The Group’s total portfolio hit over 6,000 serviced residence units in 16 cities across 10 countries.

2002Ascott acquired a 50 percent 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 increased 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 completed acquisition of the remaining 50 percent interest in Citadines. The Ascott Group now owns the three brands: Ascott, Somerset and Citadines.

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

Ascott signed a MOU with Bahrain-based Addax Investment Bank to launch at least 15 properties across the Gulf region and North Africa by 2010.

2006The world’s f irst pan-Asian serviced residence REIT, the Ascott Residence Trust (ART), was established and listed on 31 March 2006 in Singapore. In addition, Ascott’s global presence expanded to the Gulf region and India, bringing its presence to 46 cities across 20 countries.

2007Ascott adds Russia, Kazakhstan and Georgia to its global portfolio – boosting its presence to 23 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

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 Ampang (Opening 2010)

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

PHILIPPINES Reservations: (63-2) 888 0531

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

Ascott around the worldSomerset 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 2009)

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

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 2008)

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

Somerset Saigon City (Opening 2009)

| 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 Guangzhou73 Tower B3, Tianhedong Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China (86-20) 8513 0388

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

Citadines Shanghai Biyun Lane 450, Hongfeng Road Jinqiao Export Processing Zone, Pudong Shanghai 201206, China (86-21) 3860 2288

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 436 Changjiang Road, Suzhou New District, Suzhou 215011, China (86-512) 6818 6611

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 2009)

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

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

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

KyotoCitadines Kyoto Gojo (Opening 2010)

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 2009)

Chennai Somerset Greenways (Opening 2008)

Citadines Chennai Boulevard (Opening 2008)

Citadines Chennai OMR Gateway (Opening 2009)

HyderabadCitadines Hyderabad Hitec City (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

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

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

GEORGIATbilisiCitadines Tbilisi Freedom Square (Opening 2008)

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

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

MunichCitadines Munich Arnulfpark (Opening 2009)

KAZAKHSTANAstanaAscott Astana (Opening 2009)

AktauCitadines Aktau (Opening 2009)

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

EdinburghCitadines Edinburgh Quartermile (Opening 2009)

London Ascott London Mayfair 49 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W1J 5NB, 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 2008)

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. 1993 08083 Z)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 50 cities in over 20 countries, including cities where Ascott’s serviced residences are being newly 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.