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24

04 WORLD AT A GLANCEfive cities of fun. in this issue we sample the delights of dalian, doha, grenoble, manila and wuhan

06 DIGITSJoin us on a numerical tour of the romantic numbers that make up the festivals of love

08 TRAVEL INSIDERan expert photographer offers some top tips on how to capture the best memories

10 TOYStake a running jump into the fascinating world of fitness gizmos

12 CULTURE to celebrate the 450th birthday of the bard, we look at where in the world you can enjoy shakespeare’s work

16 TRAVEL filled with delicious food streets and a vibrant coffee culture, take a stroll with us around melbourne, australia

22 JUMP OFFonce you’ve savoured all of melbourne’s delights, head west and soothe to soul, amidst the serenity of Perth

24 TIPPLEfabulously flavoured or simply neat, vodka is a clear winner worldwide

26 BUYAscott Living takes note of the best writing instruments on the market

28 BIG BITERide into the Year of the Horse with a taste of the changing face of Chinese cuisine

34 ASCOTT NEWSthis issue: ascott wins awards; dares to go green; opens in eastern thailand, and introduces citadines to hangzhou 36 YOUR SAYfor project engineer li di, somerset heping shenyang feels just like home

38 INSIGHTmanessa raghavan, marketing executive at somerset greenways chennai takes us around her home city

39 MILESTONESkey moments in ascott history 41 ASCOTT AROUND THE WORLDwhere in the world is ascott?

ASCOTT PULSE

AS COTT LIVING 01

JANUARY – MAR CH 2014

10

The Ascott Limitedwww.the-ascott.com

EdiToriAL Advisorssenior vice PresidentBrand & MarketingAnthony Khoo

vice PresidentMarketing Communications Philomena Ang

senior ExecutiveMarketing CommunicationsYip Min-ting

Yvonne Phua Yvonne Phua is a beverage expert

who believes in quality drinks over quantity. A former writer

and publisher of hospitality magazines, she is now partners in a public relations firm called

Propaganda PR, which specializes in written and digital solutions for

the food and beverage industry in Singapore. In this issue,

Yvonne walks us through the world of vodka — a clear winner with mixologists and partygoers

worldwide (page 24). She also enjoys Bailey’s spiked cappuccinos,

coconut water and Scottish ales (individually), does not appreciate egg whites in her cocktails — and has no qualms about sending her

drink back if it’s made badly.

Charis Atlas Heelan As a seasoned freelance journalist,

Charis’ work has appeared in a variety of international publications and websites

including Huffington Post, CNN and Yahoo. She also spent eight

years writing for Frommer’s guides. With an academic

background in both archaeology and architecture, professional

expertise in tourism and a passion for cultural immersion through travel, Charis is an eclectic mix of intrepid wanderer and global

warrior. She has enjoyed the good fortune of having travelled to more

than 70 countries in the world, and at present, proudly calls both

Melbourne (page 16) and New York her homes.

Bryan van der BeekBryan van der Beek is an award-winning photographer based in

Singapore, who gave us his expert tips on getting the best shots out of any destination (page 8). A former

executive photojournalist with The Straits Times in Singapore,

his photographs taken across the globe have appeared in numerous

international publications including TIME, Newsweek

and The Washington Post. His work can also be found in the permanent collection of the

National Museum of Singapore. Bryan is one of Samsung’s

SmartPhotography experts — specialising in fields including

photojournalism, documentary, street and travel photography..

Managing directorSimon Cholmeley

EditorLuke Clark

Assistant EditorAlison Marshall

design directorRichard MacLean

Chief subeditorJosephine Pang

staff WriterDaniel Seifert

Photo EditorHaryati Mahmood

director, design andCreative servicesKevin Ong

senior designersBessy Kim

ContributorsBryan van der Beek, Charles Chua, Charis Heelan, Gavin Goo, Ian Jarrett, Marisa Morea, Yvonne Phua,

Creative services ManagerKwan Gek Lian

Production ManagerPearlyn Kwan

Novus Media solutions20 Maxwell Road#12-01 Maxwell HouseSingapore 069113Tel: (65) 6223 7149

subscription and enquiries to www.ascottliving.com

Published quarterly by Novus Media Solutions Pte Ltd, Company Number: 200920797Z © 2014 Novus Media Novus Media Solutions Pte Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner in whole or part in English or other languages is prohibited. Protection secured under the International and Pan-American copyright conventions. All Ascott logos © 2014 Ascott, Citadines and Somerset logos are trademarks of Ascott, used under licence. All rights reserved. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd, 16 Tuas Avenue 5, Singapore 639340. Times Printers Licence Number: L019/09/2013 Singapore.

PUBLISHED BY NOVUS MEDIA SOLUTIONS

The views and opinions expressed or implied in ASCOTT LIVING do not necessarily reflect those of The Ascott Limited or Novus Media Solutions, its directors or editorial staff. All information correct at time of going to print. MICA (P) 057/07/2012. Malaysia KDN PPS1171/11/2012(022883).

CONTribuTOrs JANUARY - MAR CH 2014

Ian JarrettIan Jarrett compares freelance

travel writing to tap dancing on a cliff — saying he never

knows when the cliff will give way. Luckily, the British-born

writer has been able to keep his feet on the ground, travelling

extensively and writing for specialist hospitality magazines, newswires and newspapers. Ian

is based in Western Australia, where we wrote our Perth feature (page 22). In 2013, his travels took

him to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Seoul, Kazakhstan, United

Kingdom and Bali. As he notes, he’s just as happy walking with his dog on a local beach, or enjoying a

glass of Margaret River red wine at home on the verandah.

02 AS COTT LIVING

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DALIAN China

DOHA QaTaR

Enjoy fantastically fresh seafood in the grand environs of Wan Bao Seafood Restaurant. Book early and you might be able to secure a private dining room. 108 Jie Fang Lu. (86–411) 8881 2888

Showing both modern and traditional operas, a visit to dalian Peking Opera is a must for music and theatre buffs visiting the city. Qilin Alley. (86–411) 8230 4155

For a great place to chill out after a day at the office, or for holiday drinks, head to Acapella. The bar offers a menu of delicious cocktails, tasty snacks to nibble on, and a lively atmosphere. 37–1 Wu Yi Road. (86–411) 8460 6307

If you want to step away from international chains, try Dalian’s most established coffee joint: I-55 Coffee Stop and Bakery, where French toast is a delicious start to the day. 67 Gaoerji Lu. (86–411) 8369 5755

With astounding views of the coast, the laohutan Ocean Park has 118 sprawling hectares of fun for the entire family, from an amazing aquarium to sand-and-sea fun at the beach. You can spend an entire day there! www.laohutan.com.cn

Children will enjoy being given the chance to feed some of the animals at the popular dalian Forest Zoo. If you’ve never seen them before, this is a good place to see giant and red pandas up close. www.dlzoo.com

Spacious and boasting a range of services and facilities, the serviced apartments of Somerset Harbour Court dalian are also within walking distance of many destinations. www.somerset.com

GRENOBLEFRanCE

Family-run since 1852, Chavant is not far from the city, a mere seven kilometres outside Grenoble. Enjoy classic French cuisine – and dinner under the trees in the summer. www.chavanthotel.com

Grenoble plays host to the infamous Tour de France almost every year. Simply wait by the road, for a ringside view of a stage in this exciting bike race, and let yourself get caught up in all the event’s festivities. www.letour.fr

Quench your thirst at the Bacetto Bar after a day drinking in the mountain air. As notable for its cocktails as for its Italian food, enjoy some nibbles with your first drink of the day. 1 Place Saint-André. (33–4) 7601 8981

The ideal place to people-watch, Café de la Table Ronde, dating

back to the 1700s, is reputed to be Grenoble’s oldest

café. www.restaurant-leronde-grenoble.com

Make sure that you put aside enough time

to visit the museum of the Chartreuse monks,

the makers of Grenoble’s acclaimed green herbal liqueur. www.chartreuse.fr

Even the grumpiest child can’t resist a visit to a castle, and Grenoble and its surrounds have plenty. Among other things, your family can see how a kitchen would have looked in the 17th century. www.grenoble-tourism.com

Citadines City Centre grenoble is just a stone’s throw away from the Isère river. Ideal for skiers and hikers, Grenoble is the gateway to the Vercors, Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains. www.citadines.com

In the glow of soft lantern light, enjoy the diverse, award-winning Southeast Asian dishes at Spice Market, where you can take a culinary trip around the region in a single evening.

www.spicemarketdoha.com

An evening at the indoor Katara drama Theatre almost feels like an open-air experience. Hosting

a wide range of events, it’s also a favourite for

functions. www.katara.net.

Enjoy a relaxed ambience sprawled in luxury cabanas, atop piles of plush, jewel-toned pillows at Wahm poolside lounge. The cocktails are complemented by a colourful Mediterranean mezze. www.wahmdoha.com

Visit Sugar and Spice, where most of the menu is dessert. Pair that with a good cup of coffee or pot of tea, and your worries are sure to melt away. www.sugarandspiceqatar.com

A visit to Souq Waqif is a must, with its impressive architecture and wide selection of wares – not many places have painted chickens sitting beside piles of gold. Between Musherib Street and Al Rayyan Road

Whether your little ones like the beach or prefer to be on land enjoying ice cream, there’s something at Katara to please everyone – even culture-loving mums and dads. www.katara.net

Enjoy unparalleled luxury and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf at Ascott doha. The designer residence provides the ultimate experience for discerning international travellers. www.the-ascott.com

WUHANChina

Flavoursome soups and fresh fish dishes are a signature of the Hubei region. One item you shouldn’t miss is Wuhan’s famous duck soup, and the best place to sample it is at Xiao Tao Yuan Restaurant at 64 Lanling Road.

The Han Show Theatre is scheduled to open in 2014, and will host a new water show by celebrated director Franco Dragone. Designed by the

entertainment architects Stufish, the theatre is set to become

the next Wuhan icon.

If you prefer the grape to the grain at cocktail hour, head to Chloé,

Wuhan’s newest watering hole, and enjoy a glass or two

in a restored Russian heritage building. www.chloewinebar.com

Said to be the city with the most coffee shops in mainland China, it’s no wonder Wuhan has a roasting house of its own. Seek out ROCC for an aromatic memory of your trip. www.rocc-coffee.com

Stroll down Optical Valley Walking Street, one of the longest commercial streets in the world, and you’ll think you’re in Spain, with its cobbled streets, Mediterranean architecture and a statue of Don Quixote. Luxiang Square, Wuchang District

All children love a good tale – so take them on an adventure to let them discover the legend behind Wuhan’s Snake Hill and Tortoise Hill, which rise above the East Lake. Guishan Park.

Ideally located, Somerset Wusheng Wuhan is situated on Zhongshan Avenue – the best base to make the most of any trip, whether you are visiting the city for business or leisure. www.somerset.com

MANILAThE PhiliPPinEs

Every visit becomes an occasion at Caruso, the Italian restaurant loved by Italian expats and locals alike. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the private dining room is an ideal option. www.carusoristorante.com

With 21 years of entertainment under its belt, there’s always something to see at Repertory Philippines, from Broadway-style musicals to seasonal pantomime entertainment. www.repertoryphilippines.com

Whether your ideal pick-me-up is coffee or hot chocolate, Restaurante Pia y damaso is the place to go. If you’re a coffee lover you’ll especially enjoy the strong brew made with local beans. (63–2) 729 5511

Children will inevitably tire of cultural attractions, so take time out from history for a day at the SM Mall of Asia, where the little ones can enjoy ice skating and bowling. www.smmallofasia.com

Just a 15-minute drive from Makati, the soon to be opened Ascott Bonifacio global City Manila offers lavish living, along with a host of state-of-the-art amenities. www.the-ascott.com

Without a name or a sign, you’ll have to ring the bell to gain entry to The Blind Pig – but that doesn’t deter the numerous fans of this prohibition-style bar. 227 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati

Sometimes when a city gets more international it loses sight of its roots. Not so for Manila. Enjoy the taste of traditional Filipino cuisine in a modern setting at Sentro 1771. Word on the street is that the chicken adobo is well worth the visit. www.sentro1771.net

For more excellent events, activities and eateries, visit www.ascottliving.com/insidetrack

LIVING

04 AS COTT LIVING

WORLD AT A GLANCE

This issue, we have five culture-rich cities, across seven categories of experiences.Let this section be your mini guide during your next big escapade Whether you’re after the

best coffee in Chengdu or a memorable cocktail in Montpellier, log on to www.ascottliving.com, for the best places to go, from those in the know

An estimated

e-valentines were sent in 2010

DIGITS

06 AS COTT LIVING

With around 180 million Valentine’s Day cards exchanged each year in the United States alone, illustrator Gavin Goo takes a look at some heart-stopping statistics around various international celebrations of love

Romance by Numbers

The oldest known love song was written

in the Middle East

**IBISWorld, Australia

In 270 AD, the priest who became

Saint Valentine was said to have married young

couples in secret

of American

women said they would end

their relationship if they didn’t

receive a gift on Valentine’s Day*

Chinese Valentine’s Day is on the

seventh day of the seventh lunar month

(approximately US$280 million) on confectionery on

Valentine’s Day in 2012**

AU$292 million

Australians spent around

means your lover is thinking of you every month of the year

In the 1800s doctors advised their patients to eat chocolate, to stop them pining for their lover

*US National Retail Federation, Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions

and Actions Survey 2013

A gift of 12 red roses15 million

4,000 years ago

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Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth 185 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia

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Welcome to Citadines St Georges Terrace – 85 brand new serviced residences within walking distance to the city’s best and the perfect choice for flexibility and comfort.

Choose the first and only Citadines Apart’hotel by The Ascott Limited in Perth. Because life is about living.

Enjoy Ascott’s Best Rate Guarantee | www.citadines.com | +65 6272 7272

AS COTT LIVING 9 8 AS COTT LIVING

Picture Perfect

SMALL BEGINNINGS

A small compact with a moderate wide angle (for most people, a 28mm lens is more than adequate) is a good place to

start. A slightly more advanced point-and-shoot camera, a basic mirror-less camera set-up or entry-level DSLR are also good options. Don’t get intimidated by buying

a wide range of equipment, either. As long as you have a nice combination of lenses (usually 24mm, 50mm and 90mm focal

lengths) you should be good to go.

Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. In most cases when greeted politely, people turn out to be friendly. Language doesn’t have to be a barrier, either – a little bit of

charades can go a long way to breaking the ice. Getting to know the locals helps to add another dimension to photographs, while knowing the background and characters behind a shot helps it tell a richer story.

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Portraiturevan der beek shares hints on better PeoPle shots

PRIVATE MOMENTScapturing human moments is the essence of good portraiture, as these shots by van der beek show. yet privacy is a hard-won right. he suggests asking yourself, what if your loved one was the subject? “Would you still take a picture of that drunk man in the bushes if it was your father? not only do you need to respect the people you shoot, you also need to work within your ethical limits.”

A LITTLE RESPECTbe wary of invading people’s space: “i like to use a wide-angle lens and go up close, but the one thing you never want to do is shove the camera within inches of someone’s face and expect them to be okay with it,” he says. “to get close, you need to make the effort to warm your subject up and get them comfortable with you, before taking their picture.”

Don’t depend on the guidebook all the time – you don’t have to only go where it tells you. Get lost, literally. It can be very

rewarding to stride off the beaten track to lose yourself down a side street (making

sure it’s not too shady). The best way to see how people in different countries live is to

move away from the usual tourist spots, and instead go where the locals go.

BE ORIGINAL

Don’t always try to replicate the pictures you have seen before — some images might be iconic, but they’re not necessarily your

view of the world. Everyone sees the world differently, so if something piques your interest, just take a picture. Remember,

if something interests you, it’s bound to interest someone else too. Look at

photographs you like, and ask yourself why you like them – that’s an important step in

learning how to take nice pictures.

GEt LOSt

Wherever you travel, there are always some great opportunities for capturing big moments on camera. Photography expert Bryan van der Beek gives Ascott Living his top tips for sharp shooting

Stunning architecture, a gloriouS SunSet, or a perfect meal are all memories we treasure from a trip. The trick lies in capturing those moments on camera, so that even when the memories fade, the images remain forever.

Top of my list for sharp shooting opportunities is Japan — with its really varied culture, attractive architecture and the fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. In Europe on the other hand, Paris never fails to impress. I would say this is the birthplace of street photography: the city always delivers an interesting mix of people, and a wealth of old and new buildings. People are used to seeing Parisian icons like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, but I don’t like taking the usual pictures of recognisable buildings. I prefer shooting the people around them, to see on a day-to-day basis what goes on around landmarks we think are so familiar.

Many photographers and artists will tell you that it’s the quality of light that makes for a fantastic image. This is why I love Melbourne, in Australia. In Singapore, we have a “Magic Hour” just after dawn or before dusk, when the light is best. In Melbourne, the light is mostly phenomenal, except maybe from 11am to 2pm, which adds a surreal quality to the pictures. And you get to spend a lot more time shooting — the beauty of Melbourne’s sky is almost beyond description.

I’m lucky enough that almost all of my trips have been unforgettable. Covering western Nepal was my first overseas trip for a non-governmental organisation, and was an eye-opener. I don’t have any one bucket-list location, but Kazakhstan, Machu Picchu and Iceland are definitely some must-visit places for me.

With luggage weight restrictions, you have to think hard about what you really need to capture the best images. I think it’s very important to travel light, so if you have heavy, expensive gear you aren’t sure how to use, leave it at home. These days, if I am not travelling on assignment, I usually just take a good point-and-shoot, or a small camera system with limited lenses. In such cases, less is more.

While I feel that knowing the principles of photography is important, cameras today are so smart that a person doesn’t need to know what the shutter speed, aperture and ISO do anymore. But an understanding of the mechanics of photography (how using different apertures, shutter speeds and focal lengths create variation) is vital, as each can make a scene look so different, to ensure that you make the best of every opportunity.

In this day and age, the one piece of equipment I wouldn’t be without is the camera charger – without juice, you lose. A close second would be something simple like a Ziploc bag that you can quickly stuff your camera into in case of bad weather. Keeping your gear dry is something many people don’t think about, until everything gets soaked. By then, it’s too late.

TOYS

BREO ROAM WATCHES Whether you can’t wait for your exercise class to start – or for it to be over – this lightweight, waterproof watch is just the thing. A favourite with celebrities, it comes in a range of colours, and is sure to get you noticed in the gym.

REvOligHTSSafe and stylish, revolights offer 360 degrees of illumination when attached to your bike wheels – said to be far superior to any other bike light. Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, these are a great help to night cyclists.

8MP DigiTAl UNDERWATER CAMERA MASKSwim with the manta rays in this Digital Camera Mask, featuring 32 megabytes of flash memory and a digital display to let you know how many snaps you’ve taken. Powered by just two triple-A batteries, it lets you take eight-megapixel images and also records video. Upload your images by simply connecting to any PC via the USB port, or just pop out the MicroSD card.

POWERBAll 250HZ ClASSiC BlUEA great way to build grip and arm strength, this ball contains a gyroscope that creates inertial forces in the palm of your hand. See how fast you can get the exercise ball to spin, to create resistance, and helping tone the arms and wrists.

It seems that women are more fanatic about fitness than men, according to Nike. Since 2012, fitness fanatics have been charting their progress using Nike’s FuelBand, earning ‘fuel points’ with every movement and every calorie burned. Currently, women have edged into a 50-point lead over men, across an average day.

Nike’s fitness gadget, the Nike+ FuelBand, benefits from an update function, that allows its users to join and create their own micro communities – surely there’s nothing better to boost motivation than a personalised exercise class filled with your best friends.

WORKOUT WHERE?Being too busy to exercise is no longer a valid excuse. Of you’re too tired to head down to the gym in your serviced residence, here are four apps that help you keep in shape from the comfort of your own room.

Absolute AbsTarget your abs and core, and gradually build your stamina, from beginner to super advanced. Also includes fat-burning workouts of just 10 minutes.

NexerciseThe grown-up version of a star chart, this gamification app rewards you for any activity that makes you move, pen-pushing not included.

Pocket YogaThis app provides the user with 27 routines that will help you tone up and relax – or simply learn the poses in private before you join a class.

Sleep BugSleep is the best medicine, so make sure your shut-eye is of the very best quality with an app that filters out any background noise and gives you options of a wide range of soothing tunes.

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iqUA BEAT Don a pair of Iqua Beat wireless

earphones, and a personal trainer gives you verbal guidance throughout your training session,

thanks to an iPhone app. this will also allow you to tailor the

workout to your fitness level.

MAfATE 3It might look big enough to be the nursery rhyme dwelling of an old woman and lots of children, but this oversized running shoe from hoka One One is billed as being the best in both stability and comfort, especially for those who run long distances.

Fit Fantastic

From an inflatable helmet for cyclists to futuristic wristbands that can tell you the quality of your sleep, Ascott Living takes a running jump into the growing market

of cool gizmos that take the business of keeping fit to a whole new level

HEADS UPDesigneD using ultra-strong nylon fabric, this höVDing inflatable cycle helmet coVers a greater area than a stanDarD helmet – giVing greater protection where it’s neeDeD most

UP By JAWBONEWear this for a few weeks, and it will know you better than you know yourself. the wristband should be worn 24/seven to allow the accompanying app to track how you sleep, move and eat.

AS COTT LIVING 13

SHAKESPEARE CULTURE

12 AS COTT LIVING

There’s an old saying ThaT declares only Two Things are certain in life: death and taxes. We would add a third element: the genius of William Shakespeare. A thousand years from now, when e-books are long gone and content is downloaded directly into human brains, you can be sure that the Bard’s plays will be just as popular as ever. But there’s no need to look to the future, because there has never been a better time to appreciate the playwright’s work.

In a normal year, some 260 Shakespeare festivals spring up in the United States alone, with 70 more dotting the rest of the globe. But over the next two years, you’ll notice a huge surge in the number of Shakespeare’s works hitting the stage and

All the World’s a StageTo be or not to be? That is not the question – the question is, where in the world will you be enjoying some of Shakespeare’s greatest works in the coming months? Daniel Seifert offers some theatrical options

screen. That’s because 2014 marks the 450th anniversary of his birth, while 2016 will see the 400th anniversary of his death. It’s not surprising then, that on April 23, 2014 (Shakespeare’s birthday) the Globe theatre will set off on a tour so sensational it might even make the Bard’s quill explode.

Dubbed the “Globe to Globe Hamlet”, Shakespeare’s famous play about the troubled Danish prince aims to perform in every country in the world, hitting 205 nations in all. But the artistic director of this feat, Dominic Dromgoole, has said such travels are hardly new. “In 1608, only five years after it was written, Hamlet was performed on a boat – the Red Dragon – off the coast of Yemen.” A mere decade after that, he noted, it was being toured all over Northern Europe. “The spirit of touring, and of communicating stories to fresh ears, was always central to Shakespeare’s work.”

But there will always be some who complain that Twelfth Night feels a fortnight long, that Macbeth is MacDeathly boring, and that As You Like It is not likeable. These are clearly people who haven’t heard of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, which for decades

has been putting the fun and anarchy back into Shakespeare. Their bold, anarchic claim is to perform all 37 of his plays in just 97 minutes, including Hamlet not once but thrice, a rap version of Othello, and the gory Titus Andronicus – as a cooking show.

Recognising that such imaginative adaptation could only come from the

minds of true Shakespeare fans, Ascott Living spoke to one of the brains behind the craziness, Reed Martin. Asked to prove his credentials by way of a favourite quote, the managing partner fires back with a Hamlet line, one he says is close to the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s heart: “Brevity is the soul of wit. We sort of live by that. That’s sort of our job.”

Martin says that guiding their character-switching zaniness and enthusiastic paraphrasing of some famous lines (for example, “a nose by any other name would still smell,” and “to sleep, perchance to snooze”) is a real love for the Bard.

There is a beautiful moment in the show when for two minutes, all comedy is forgotten, and one of the cast recites Hamlet’s soliloquy with all the pathos and gravitas that were etched by the author’s quill. When Ascott Living caught the show as it toured Singapore, the laughter dried up as Hamlet’s anguished words poured out. In its place was hushed silence, and an almost religious sense of awe that stayed long after the performance.

But before we can describe how the audience reacted, Reed has already understood what we’re talking about. All he needed was the phrase “there was this beautiful moment”.

“The ‘what a piece of work is man’ speech? Yeah, that’s on purpose,” he explains. He likens the effect to flicking a switch; a reminder of how Shakespeare can move us with words alone. It is why the Bard retains his popularity today. “I think he was ahead of his time. He understood the universality of human emotions. He was honest about them.”

And let’s not forget that Shakespeare would probably have loved the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s efforts in his name. Audience participation was traditionally a huge part of performances at the Globe, and Shakespeare even

Drink in the atmosphere at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. Pictured here is actor Jamie Parker in Henry V, directed by the theatre’s artistic director Dominic Dromgoole

MuCH AdO, MuCH TO dOTHREE MORE SHAKESPEARE PR OduCTiOnS in 2014:

“LivE” CinEMAThe Royal Shakespeare Company will be broadcasting their stage performances live to dozens of cinemas around the world throughout the year. So far Henry IV Part I (May 14) Henry IV Part II (June 18) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona (September 3) are due to be beamed out to select theatres in the United States, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Russia, Sweden and the UK.

OPERASix opera companies from three countries make up a performance of Verdi’s Otello, which will play in February during the Perth International Arts Festival. The festival will also host an unusual reworking dubbed A Midsummer Night’s Dream (As You Like It) featuring two acrobats, three-metre-tall puppets and a cheeky little Jack Russell terrier named Venya.

COnfEREnCESStructured around the week of Shakespeare’s birthday, April 21 to April 27, the Société Française Shakespeare is organising Shakespeare 450. Let the beauty of his plays be mirrored by the beauty of Paris, with events including lectures, round-tables, workshops, seminars and performances galore.P

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embedded cheeky hellos to viewers in his scripts. In Twelfth Night, for example, a character drily notes, “If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.”

“When Shakespeare was alive, his work was popular culture,” says Martin. “Now it has become high culture, and that’s kind of unfortunate because it puts a lot of people off. We may be closer to the way his plays were performed in his day than a lot of modern companies out there. We have guys playing gals, we’re interacting with the audience – and it’s fun.”

Where to catch this timeless fun? The Reduced Shakespeare Company may or may not be touring in 2014, says Martin, but they’ll certainly do something in 2016 (“500 is a rounder number,” he quips).

If you don’t catch the Globe on its jet-setting tour, you can always head to the Globe venue itself, in London, for a true sense of history – viewing the plays the way they were performed in the Elizabethan era.

True Shakespeare fans should also make a pilgrimage to several other European spots. Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of the Bard, a town that proudly keeps the heritage of its most famous son alive, and is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. The tiny town of Verona, in Italy, is the setting of Romeo and Juliet; and while the Casa de Giulietta has nothing to do with the play, that hasn’t stopped the beautiful structure from becoming an icon in its own right. Thousands of lovelorn tourists scribble

heartfelt notes and put them up there each year. Feel free to add your own sonnet.

Hamlet fans, meanwhile, should head to Kronborg castle in Denmark, an impressive fortification that Shakespeare used as inspiration for Hamlet’s fictional Elsinore castle. The play is frequently staged there, and if you’re lucky you might spot Hamlet’s ghost in his true home.

Meanwhile in Asia and the Middle East, there is a family-friendly production of Macbeth touring Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain in January and February. And in March, one of China’s most respected female directors, Tian Qinxin, is set to transplant the star-crossed lovers of Romeo and Juliet into a Chinese setting, for a performance during the Hong Kong Arts Festival.

Possibly the strangest tribute of all lies in a town just 80 kilometres outside Tokyo. The Japanese hamlet of Maruyama boasts Shakespeare Country Park, a recreation of Elizabethan England. Here, an animatronic Shakespeare welcomes droves of visitors to their regular recitals, all performed in Japanese.

April 23 is probably the easiest day to get in the spirit of the world’s most famous playwright. Apart from being his birthday, it is also Talk Like Shakespeare Day. And it’s good to remember that he penned dozens of expressions we still use today. The expressions “one fell swoop”, “vanish into thin air”, “play fast and loose”, “be in a pickle”, “foul play”, “flesh and blood” all first occurred in a Shakespeare play.

Does Martin have any other tips for getting theatre-phobes bitten by the Bard bug? His answer is a cunning bit of self-promotion: “I’d say they need to come see Reduced Shakespeare. You’ll see all 37 plays and 154 sonnets in under two hours. If they like it, then they can go watch another Shakespeare play. Or if they don’t like it, then they can say, ‘You know, I’ve already seen all of Shakespeare’s plays.’”

Left: the reduced shakespeare company’s infamous The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is performed by three actors – though the combination of cast members who take to the stage varies. managing partner reed martin is pictured on the far left

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AS COTT LIVING 17

Unlike its glittering neighboUr sYDneY, Victoria’s capital doesn’t rely on flashy icons like a bridge or opera house to win your heart. Instead she is like a fine wine – it’s not until you open the bottle, give it a little sniff and then swish it around in your mouth that you discover the subtleties and distinctive nuances that give Melbourne such a rich flavour, full of zest and vitality.

It’s a city of contrasts and juxtapositions – bountiful, natural green spaces interspersed with a thriving urban landscape; classic Victorian and imposing neo-Gothic architecture harmoniously blend with cutting-edge contemporary design; and quintessentially British traditions fused with Asian and global influences. Known as the country’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital, (and some would argue shopping too), the accolades continue to pour in for Melbourne, including being voted b the World’s Most Liveable City by the Economist Intelligence Unit three times in the past four years.

Melburnians are a passionate bunch, fiercely loyal and devoted to their home city and its reputation. A Melburnian will always give you an insider’s tip on the best hole-in-the-wall café. They will apologise for the weather, convert you to a local Australian Rules Football (better known as AFL) team, invite you home for a backyard barbecue, or remind a total stranger at the beach to put sunscreen on.

It’s a combination of genuine hospitality and city pride. According to Rachel Berger,

melb Ourne travel

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iconic Melbourne comedian and author, “Melbourne is the ticket to a world of pleasure. This city can shift from jubilation to pathos quicker than an episode of The X-Factor. You can self-destruct with sensational food from Wagyu to wontons, or explore the arts scene and discover a contortionist who plays the trumpet.”

A melting pot of cultures, cuisines, languages and people, Melbourne’s broad appeal makes it a highly coveted destination for work or play – or ideally a combination of both.

along the laneMeandering through the Central Business District’s (CBD) many laneways is an ideal way to get intimate with the city. Vibrant, confronting and visually spectacular, this city embraces its “street artists”. Stroll down a back alley like Hosier Lane opposite Federation Square, Caledonian Lane off Little Bourke Street, or Manchester Lane off Flinders Lane at night and see bright spotlights and artists hard at work. Even by day, these brick-and-mortar canvases are a feast for the eyes and provide insight into local street culture, contemporary thought and social behaviour. Whilst stencils, paste-ups and murals are legal, common graffiti and “tagging” are not, so it’s best to leave the artwork to the professionals.

Begin your journey of discovery at Federation Square, a megalithic hub that serves as a gateway to the city on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets. This site sits atop train yards and when it opened earlier this century, it was the talking point

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When in melbourne, you should set aside some time to check out Flinders street. Here you can see several of the city’s most iconic structures, and enjoy mouth-watering food, fragrant coffee and a great atmosphere

melb Ourne, AuSTrAliA

P OPul ATiOnFour million

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CurrenCYAU$

PeAK SeAS OnUsually summer, which in Australia is around December to February

GeTTinG Ar OundPublic transport in Melbourne is decent, with a fairly comprehensive network of trains and buses. If you’ve never taken a tram before, this is your chance!

muST TrYBrowsing the galleries at Flinders Street; kangaroo at The Union Club; the elevator at the Manchester Unity Building; coffee at Krimper Cafe

A Love StoryIt has unpredictable weather, understated humour and underground bars – and fans of Melbourne wouldn’t trade it for the world. Charis Heelan takes us on a romp through an Australian classic

AS COTT LIVING 19

melb Ourne travel

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You’ll never be lost for something to do in Melbourne – the difficulty is trying to fit everything in. Take the strain out of having to make too many decisions on your trip, with five day’s worth of intriguing daily ideas, just to get you started

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Top: Federation Square, the figurative heart of the city Above: San Francisco is famous for its trams, and so is Melbourne. Pictured here is a historical W-class tram passing Flinders Street Station

you’ll notice even more tiny eateries including the wickedly delicious Aix Crêperie & Salon (the white chocolate and raspberry crêpe is sinfully good). While you may be temporarily blindsided by cakes and baguettes, don’t forget to look up at the stunning 1920s Gaudí-esque street lamps and street art.

Centre Place leads to Centre Way, a retail arcade that spills on to Collins Street, one of Melbourne’s elite shopping promenades (the eastern end of the street is often referred to as “the Paris end” complete with Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton stores).

Back up to Swanston Street and the graceful Manchester Unity building dominates the northwest corner whilst the imposing Melbourne Town Hall gracefully sits on the northeast turning. Wander into the neo-Gothic Manchester Unity Building, constructed in the 1930s in homage to Chicago’s Tribune Building. The foyer and mezzanine are ornately decorated with intricate period murals, friezes carved into black-marble tablets and plaster relief work, illustrating scenes of Australian life. The bronze elevator doors rival their US counterparts, and you can step inside an elevator for a lesson in fine woodwork and pristine craftsmanship.

For a spot of morning tea, experience old world charm and tasty treats at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, situated in the Block Arcade at 282 Collins Street. Try not to arrive between noon and 2pm when lines form outside and often zigzag out to the pavement. The window display has long been an attraction for generations of Melburnians who crowd around the gold-etched frame to salivate over tiny teacakes, petits fours, macaroons and pastries.

The Block Arcade itself is like an architectural time capsule. This high Victorian beauty featuring ornate mosaic-tile flooring, a glass canopy and carved

stonework was modelled on Milan’s grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. A quick pop into Haigh’s Chocolates, one of Australian’s most renowned chocolatiers, will reward you with tempting free samples and the opportunity to purchase a mouth-watering 375-gram giant peppermint chocolate frog.

Seriously CoffeeIf espresso is more your thing, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding perfection in a cup. There’s a reason why coffee house chain Starbucks didn’t work here. A veritable cult in Melbourne, coffee has become its own subculture. Melbourne coffee ambassador, judge and reviewer Maria Paoli is the go-to expert when it comes to understanding the city’s fascination with the humble coffee bean.

“Melbourne’s love affair with coffee

began before World War II but has really exploded over the last decade,” she says. “Until relatively recently, Italian and Greek migrants made up the majority of Melbourne’s immigrant community, and their passion for quality coffee became infectious. Melburnians are social by nature and coffee has become part of our daily vernacular, our entertainment and a great way to mix with our community.”

Some of Melbourne’s best cafés are located in unpredictable and mysterious locations. One such gem is Paoli’s current favourite, Krimper Café, situated down a dodgy-looking alley behind an unassuming door in Guildford Lane, off Queen Street.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien is partial to taking her morning brew at Traveller, located in Crossley Street, just off the top

of the city, with lovers and detractors espousing its design merits and faults. Either way, love it or hate it, the Square has become the city’s quintessential gathering space, and is now home to a variety of events and celebrations.

From here you can admire Flinders Street Station, with its imposing façade. The railway clocks suspended from

the entry archway are something of a Melbourne landmark, and a common place for people to meet.

Cross Swanston Street, the city’s main artery, and walk west on Flinders Street for half a block to reach Degraves Street, a laneway lined with cafés and tiny bistros, with market umbrellas, tables and chairs running down the middle. It’s also a shortcut to Flinders Lane, an attractive shopping street and the place to find some of the city’s finest art galleries.

The Majorca Building is a sea of colour in an otherwise muted palette of concrete, steel and brickwork. This Art Deco/neo-Gothic beauty sits at the T-intersection of Degraves Street and Flinders Lane, on the corner of Centre Place. Its bright blue-tiled Spanish-style façade and gold mosaic details are reminiscent of an ornate Klimt painting. This 1920s building is privately tenanted so no sneak peeks inside – but the exterior is well worth a closer look.

Crêpes CentralAs you make your way down Centre Place,

mOrninGTraverse the TanJoin the throngs of professional footballers, ladies who lunch

and general exercise junkies who religiously run “the tan” – the 3.8-kilometre track around the stunning royal botanic gardens and King’s Domain that gently straddle the edge of melbourne’s cbD. two four-metre-high digital clocks installed on the track help runners and walkers record their lap times, while the infamous anderson road hill will put your fitness level to the test. venture into the gardens to see a stunning collection of rare and native plants and trees, with highlights such as guilfoyle’s volcano and the nymphaea Lily Lake. after your workout (you can walk or jog it too – running isn’t compulsory), reward yourself with a healthy but hearty breakfast al fresco at the observatory café located within the gardens across from melbourne’s shrine of remembrance War memorial.

Address: birdwood avenueGetting there: #8 tram from swanston street towards toorak

mon“Melburnians are social by nature and coffee has becoMe part of our daily vernacular, our entertainMent and a great way to Mix with our coMMunity”

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melb Ourne travel

it is a great place to sample kangaroo fillets, paired with Cascade Pale Ale on tap.

If you’d prefer to stay within walking distance, Australian cuisine (known as Modern Australian) is well represented, but there’s also an abundance of international offerings. Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Edwina San loves the pork belly sliders, lamb pancakes and bang bang chicken at Spice Temple, a sultry modern Asian offering at Crown, Southbank. Or alternatively, the empanadas, ceviche and beef ribs at San Telmo in Meyers Place (off the top eastern end of Bourke Street) are a contemporary take on classic Argentinian fare. A massive traditional Parilla grill churns out mouth-watering morsels of tender meat – you’ll likely to be lured in from the street by the enticing aroma of charcoal.

late DrinksFor a nightcap or sumptuous dessert, venture up to the corner of Spring and Bourke streets, past Parliament House, with P

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end of Bourke Street. “It’s standing room only at the European-style coffee bar or you can grab a single-origin espresso to go, and meander past Parliament House and into the Treasury Gardens.”

For lunch, O’Brien suggests finding a seat at the bar at Cumulus, on Flinders Lane, to enjoy a choice of eight different oyster varieties and a wide selection of charcuterie, from black pig cacciatore salami to house cured pastrami, pickles and rye. “Post-lunch is a perfect time to head to the Arts Centre and National Gallery in the Arts Precinct, across the Yarra River,” she adds. “It’s also lovely to walk the length of the river to the Crown Entertainment Complex, and beyond to the Docklands to get a different perspective of the newer parts of the city.”

riverside SunsetAs the day comes to a close, you might find yourself with a thirst to quench and a desire to sit back and relax while watching the world go by. Venture across the Yarra River’s footbridge to a small set of stairs descending to a tiny bar. Ponyfish Island is somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to waterfront venues, in that it literally straddles the base of the bridge and creates a tiny island where the cityscape views are impressive at any time of the day.

Thursday is traditionally payday, so Thursday evening is the best night to go out and share beverages and stories with the locals. Melbourne was once renowned for having a pub on every corner and though many of these have now been gentrified into chic restaurants (known colloquially as “gastro-pubs”), there are still plenty of authentic “old school” pubs in which to sample some of Australia’s fine beers. The Union Club in Gore Street, Fitzroy is a quick tram ride (#86) from the city centre. With a hotchpotch of 1960s and 1970s décor, fireplaces and pool tables,

mOrninGdown at the marketthe Queen victoria market (better known as “the vic”)

has been operating for 135 years and is a kaleidoscope of colour and personality. a trip to this melbourne institution brings tantalising sights, sounds, smells and – of course – tastes. While you’re there, treat yourself to a bag of hot doughnuts covered in sugar and oozing hot strawberry jam from the doughnut truck parked on Queen street at the south end of the market.

Opening Hours: tuesday, thursday to sunday from 7am, night market Wednesdays (november – February) Address: corner of victoria and elizabeth streetsGetting There: trams #55 and #57 from elizabeth street

mOrninGballooning and Wine break up the week with a quick trip out to the countryside. the

breathtakingly beautiful yarra valley wine region is only an hour from the city proper, and this oasis boasts over 80 vineyards, 50 with cellar door sales and free (or low-priced) wine tastings. For early risers, you can start the morning right with a bird’s eye view over the valley thanks to a hot air balloon ride, before landing at rochford Winery to enjoy a champagne breakfast.

Address: corner of maroondah Highway and Hill road, coldstreamGetting there: global ballooning can arrange transfers from your accommodation for an additional au$20 (us$19) each way

AFTernOOnChill out in St KildaLocated five kilometres from the city centre, the bayside haven

of st Kilda is the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling, dipping your toes in the sand, eating, drinking, shopping and people-watching. the jewel in st Kilda’s crown is the historic Luna park, a century-old landmark. Walk through mr moon’s mouth to enter, and look up to see the famous scenic railway wooden roller coaster – 100 years old and still making riders scream. Head out to the end of st Kilda pier and you will be rewarded with a view of sailboats with the city skyline as a backdrop, and perhaps the sight of fairy penguins frolicking off the rocks.

Address: the esplanadeGetting There: tram #96 from bourke street

THU fri

Address: corner spring and bourke streetsGetting there: take trams #48 or #112 up collins street to spring street, or tram #86 or #96 to spring street

AFTernOOnThe Art of Coffee take a personalised melbourne coffee trek, to uncover the

history and secrets behind the city’s love affair with coffee. once the caffeine has set in, explore the art galleries that dot Flinders Lane. start at the corner of spring street with Dacou for aboriginal paintings; followed by craft victoria at #31. both Forty Five Downstairs and arc one, with a selection of paintings, photography and sculpture are in #45, while contemporary australian works can be found at Flinders Lane gallery at #137.

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its grandiose steps and seemingly endless colonnade. Turn left into Spring Street and a few buildings in is the European Restaurant. Next door is an unsigned door – open it and take the stairs to Siglo (second floor, 161 Spring Street) for awe-inspiring views and fresh Melbourne air.

This rooftop space also comes highly recommended by San, and is top of her list of late-night venues. Abutting the historic Princess Theatre, this bar is inviting in all seasons with a delectable dessert menu. She insists that you order the sticky date pudding, an Australian favourite featuring a light and airy baked pudding covered in warm caramel sauce, or the Spanish churros with hot chocolate dipping sauce.

If you are a cigar aficionado, Siglo is one of the few places in Melbourne where cigar smoking is allowed and the humidor offers a decent selection of international specialities. On a clear night, as the Southern Cross constellation lights up the sky, you may well find it difficult to end this Antipodean love affair.

KeY SurvivAl TiPSGet the card It may be convenient – considering you can use one card for several modes of transport – but the recently introduced myki card public transport system even has the locals a little confused. With any luck, you’ll soon get used to it.

You need to bear in mind that you can’t purchase tickets on board, so you should pick up a multi-use myki card at local 7-11 stores, accommodation providers or newsstands before you get on a tram or train. You can also buy them or top up their value at most train stations.

The reusable smart card costs AU$6 (US$5) plus the cost of travel [AU$7 (US$6) for a day or AU$3.50 (US$2.50) for two hours]. Remember to tap your card against the electronic card readers once you get on, and as you get off.

Watch out for the weatherPack and dress for four seasons in a day – Melbourne’s weather is infamous. It can change in an instant so the key is to layer up. A brisk morning will more often than not turn into a bright, sunny and warm afternoon. And in summer, the hottest part of the day might be in the early evening. Melburnians can often be heard espousing the following sage advice: “Don’t like the weather? Just wait a few minutes, it will change.” And by the way, hail isn’t uncommon here, so when it gets stormy, it might be a good idea to find shelter quickly.

low-key is keyDon’t be afraid to walk down small alleys and laneways or open unsigned doorways – they often lead to Melbourne’s most sought after bars, restaurants, art galleries and venues. Also, many pubs are called “hotels”, which is a historical throwback to the time when they actually did provide accommodation for weary travellers after a few drinks. So don’t get confused!

Have a relaxing day with the family down by the Yarra River in

Fairfield. Boat rides are available too – just be

careful not to fall in

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PERTH travel

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There was a Time, noT Too long ago, when The local newspaper would refer to Perth as Dullsville. It had no hum and very little ho-ho-ho. Fun was as rare as an empty beer glass in an Australian pub.

But a decision by the state government in Western Australia to relax the liquor licensing laws governing the operation of small bars changed things for the better, as owners wore down bureaucrats, ripped up the rulebooks and opened trendy establishments down laneways, on top of roofs, in converted garages and old stables.

Gen Y loved it, and wanted more. They got more. Jamie Oliver took a look at the new entertainment and dining scene unfolding on Australia’s west coast and declared, “I’ll take a bite of that.” He opened Jamie’s Italian in the city centre, and instantly found success. In terms of revenue and covers (5,000 per week), Jamie’s Italian is the most successful of 42 similar restaurants worldwide.

THUGo Where YourFeet Take You For the lowdown on Perth’s small-bar scene a company

called Two Feet and a Heartbeat offers an evening tour of heritage buildings and laneways with out-of-the-way watering holes. The tour visits three unique small bars, spending about 45 minutes in each venue for complimentary food or beverage. Other tours by the same company cover Fremantle; a Perth urban adventure; plus a central business district dining experience that visits three restaurants for different courses.

Way Out WestStripped of its vanilla topcoat, Perth is brushing up nicely as a city of secret places. Small bars, diners for dudes and streets splashed with urban art have given the place an edgier appeal. Ian Jarrett invites you to join him

Be warned, though, without making a booking well in advance you’ll have to join the long queue of diners waiting for a table. Restaurant bookings, according to a local food critic, are old hat. “Gen Ys like to walk into a restaurant at a time that suits them – and they don’t mind queuing,” writes Rob Broadfield.

Broadfield recently listed his top 20 dishes in 2013 and if you want to test his judgment, among the recommendations are the twice-cooked short rib with salsa verde and treacle reduction (he calls it Perth’s King of Dude Dishes) at Varnish on King (Street), also a small bar; or the capellini (angel hair pasta) with local crab meat, at Bar One in Northbridge.

If the queues are too long, it’s easy enough to hop into another small bar. There’s lot to choose from. Try The Aviary (board shorts and other beachwear are allowed at the duty manager’s discretion) on the roof at 140 William Street.

Other hotspots are Andaluz Bar and Tapas in Howard Street, or the Mechanics

Institute in William Street, Northbridge, where the Bloody Mary, garnished by a cheeseburger on skewers is according to one patron, “a wacky statement that speaks of rascally barkeeps who don’t take

WHERE TO STAY

Situated in the heart of the Central Business District, the 85-residence Citadines St Georges Terrace is contemporary in design, with dark grey carpet flooring complimenting its crisp white walls, with customized wallpaper reflecting the historic architecture of Perth. The warm but neutral backdrop sets the scheme for an eclectic mix of Australian-made furniture, including an accent stool by

Australian designer Brian Steendÿk. The pieces of modular furniture create a space that’s sophisticated, with an unmistakable sense of fun. The rebranding of the property follows the AU$5.1 million refurbishment of the former Somerset St Georges Terrace, set for completion in mid-January 2014. Upgrades have been made to all studio and one-bedroom apartments, including living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the property’s reception and common areas.

themselves too seriously – but have just enough crazy in their eyes to make a visit here really fun”. We’ll drink to that, but maybe leave the cheeseburger on the side.

You can’t go past the foodie news without mentioning the restaurants brought to Perth by Australia’s casino czar, James Packer, at his Crown Towers

complex. Restaurants there include Bistro Guillaume (French), Modo Mio (Italian, couldn’t you guess), Nobu (Japanese), Silks (Chinese) and the Rockpool Bar and Grill, where the Cape Grim rib eye on the bone has diners drooling.

It’s not just through the growth of backstreet bars and restaurants that Perth is blooming. Urban art has grown beyond graffiti, and is now embraced as part of city culture. Colourful budgies, swans, zebras, pirates and whimsical girls now appear all over, particularly in neighbouring port city of Fremantle. Says street artist Phibs, “It’s refreshing to see people’s changing views on the artistic merit of this energetic movement.” As with its dining scene, Perth’s artists are now happily flaunting their playful side in the fresh, open air.

Sun and Sand If you enjoy being by the sea, Perth has plenty of beaches where you can trickle sand

through your toes. The Beach Club at Cottesloe Beach Hotel is a great place to study the surf over a pizza and beer lunch or, further south along the Indian Ocean coast at North Fremantle, beachside Bib and Tucker produces food to match the view.

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There’s something cool about an ice bar in the tropics – and Titanium in Bangkok is no exception. Tempering the humidity of Thailand, this chilly watering hole boasts a temperature of minus 10 degrees Celsius. Enjoy a cold shot in the ice cave, and take your pick from a wide range of flavoured vodkas, in a vibrant bar that reportedly has the best selection of vodka in the country.(Near Somerset Lake Point Bangkok)

Titanium, BANGKOKSukhumvit Soi 22

Sukhumvit Soi 22, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: (66–2) 258 3758

There’s never been a beTTer Time than now to explore the world of vodka.

Better-trained bartenders are eager to have imbibers worship at their altar, and enjoy over-the-top flavours previously not thought humanly possible – as this ubiquitous transparent spirit enjoys phenomenal growth in worldwide popularity.

As consumers lap up the innovative cocktails and beautiful designer bottles out there – and sometimes deceptive but clever marketing – it’s easy to get lost in all the liquid fireworks. “Consumers want new experiences and are happy to pay for them,” according to Ingrid Grace Tatham, regional brand director of white spirits at leading alcohol suppliers, Diageo. “Vodka brand owners are having to develop new and interesting takes on flavour and format.” Gold flakes, cake, freshly-cut grass and electricity are just some of the more outlandish flavours to have emerged onto today’s vodka market.

Smirnoff On the market since the 1860s, Smirnoff has surprised experts by emerging as the best at blind tastings. Its latest twist: Smirnoff Gold, with cinnamon-flavoured 23-carat gold flakes.

Yet the best way to discern quality vodka is still to taste it neat and freezer-chilled. Abide by four basic rules: scent, colour, taste and mouth feel, and you’ll pick the little nuances between different brands.

First take a whiff. Contrary to popular belief, vodka is not odourless. Does it smell like grain, wheat or grapes? Does it convey a sweet scent or does it smell harsh, like ethanol? Next, raise your glass to the light and look at the colour and texture. Is it clear? Does it look creamy and luminous? Finally, take a sip. Does it taste smooth; with a luxurious long finish? Good vodka should provide a lingering sensation that tingles gently as you swallow it.

Though packaging doesn’t necessarily indicate quality, a good vodka effectively conveys its brand messages. Ultimately, vodka is still a forgiving spirit, and in the hands of the right bartender, transforms effortlessly into a delicious cocktail.

ruSSian StandardThe best house pour standard on the market, and number one vodka in Russia. Most purists agree with its marketing position of “vodka as it should be”.

Pinnacle WhiPPedA cream-flavoured French vodka for those who prefer the sweeter side of life. Mixed with sarsaparilla-based sodas, it tends to be a big hit with female drinkers.

dQ Vodka Based on a 130-year-old Swedish production process, so pure it allegedly eliminates the need for additional filtration. The bottle is cap-finished in satin and chrome.

imPeria VodkaRussia’s famous luxury vodka was crafted according to a recipe developed by Dmitri Mendeleev, inventor of the periodic table. Best enjoyed unadulterated, the way Russians take it.

royal dragon gold flake Vodka Royal Dragon combines the finest small-batch Russian vodka with edible 23-carat gold flakes — not to mention an ornate handblown glass dragon.

Clearly Superior

23 caratS, by mixologiSt zac mirzastir 45 millilitres of vodka with gold flakes with 30 millilitres of clear crème de cacao liqueur, 10 millilitres of clear crème de menthe, and a dash of chocolate bitters. then strain and serve in a chilled coupe glass, garnished with a dark chocolate stick

RECIPEFORSUCCESS

EXPENSIVE TASTEThe mosT expensive vodka cockTail on The markeT Today is The ruby rose, which will seT you back by us$40,000. iT may TasTe greaT, buT The real money’s in The four-caraT ruby aT The boTTom of The glass

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A PLACEI KNOW

Whether as house pour, premium, super-premium or flavoured, the dizzying diversity of quality vodka now on the market leaves us spoilt for choice, as Yvonne Phua writes

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BUY penS

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To the LetterIt might be the computer age, but nothing beats a handwritten letter, and the weighty importance of a luxury pen. Ascott Living takes note of the best writing instruments on the market.

wriTe nOw

BALLPOINTthe most common type of pen, which dispenses oil-based ink by rolling a tiny sphere, usually

made of brass or steel. the bic Cristal, which is thought to be the world’s bestselling ballpoint, sells an estimated 14 million pens worldwide every day.

FOUNTAINthe original fountain pen, invented by lewis Waterman in 1884, was refilled with an

eyedropper. today’s version uses an internal reservoir of ink, which is fed to the nib. pens that are reservoir-fed rather than filled by cartridge are considered superior.

rOLLerBALLin simple terms, a rollerball is the same as a ballpoint – the only difference is the ink,

which is more viscous in a ballpoint and dries immediately on contact with paper. the rollerball is a fairly new invention, entering the market in the 1980s.

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From space-age rollerballs to old-school fountain pens, here’s a reminder of how to make your mark

While the keyboard is today’s Writing instrument of choice, there is still an air of nostalgia in owning a well-crafted pen, and a comfort in the simple routine of filling pen with ink.

Since prehistoric times, some sort of writing instrument has been used to leave an indelible signature, from the paintings of cavemen made with sticks and mud, to elaborate Egyptian hieroglyphics created using reed brushes and pens.

Despite the name, it was the Chinese who concocted the recipe for India ink using a mixture of lamp oil, soot, a type of glue, and musk. A stable version of this blue-black ink was only perfected in 400 AD, several hundred years before the invention of the quill pen. No one

is credited with the latter’s invention but quill pens are thought to have first appeared in Spain around 700 AD.

The word pen comes from the Latin “penna” – meaning “feather”, and is a reference to the early quill. Another tool that you would recognise was also used at this time: the penknife, which was so called because it was designed to sharpen the end of a feather to make the popular writing instrument. The quill was usually made from the primary flight feathers of large birds such as geese or swans. Generally the left wing was favoured, as it would curve away from the hand of the usually right-handed writer.

Despite its simplicity, the quill pen was a writing instrument used for over a

thousand years across the globe. Among other famous historical documents, some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Constitution of the United States were drawn up using a quill. This simple writing instrument was eventually overtaken by the fountain pen, invented in 1884 by Lewis Waterman. This was a much smoother and more refined operator than its scratchy ornithological cousin, and is still acclaimed as the king of pens today. Its name comes from the continuous flow of ink from the reservoir to the nib.

The Waterman brand is still one of the most prestigious pen brands in the world, and sits at the top end of the market along with brands like Cross, with its perpetual warranty guarantee; Caran d’Ache, the epitome of Swiss efficiency; Mont Blanc and its iconic glamour; and ST Dupont with its Parisian style.

While the fountain pen is popular with those who like its status symbol good looks (and sales are on the up), for day-to-day routine, many people favour the rollerball, which writes smoothly and is a relative newcomer to the market, having made its debut in the 1980s. With a similar mechanism to the ballpoint but using a different type of ink, the rollerball is favoured as much for sketching as writing, and is seen by many as much more versatile than the ballpoint pen.

Limited edition designs are becoming more and more popular across the board, as a luxury pen has become something of a status symbol for individuals that like the exceptional. The most expensive pen currently available on the market is the Aurora Diamante, a writing instrument that really puts the lux into luxury. At a cool US$1.3 million, only one is produced each year. It boasts a platinum barrel studded with over 30 carats of diamonds, and a solid 18-carat gold nib that can be personalised with your coat of arms.

Fed up of never being able to find a pen when he needed one, inventor andrew Jewson created the jackpen: a 20-millimetre writing instrument that plugs into the headphone jack of your mobile phone. When not in use it can be turned over and stored in the same socket. www.jackpen.com

Limited edition designs are becoming more and more popuLar, as a Luxury pen has become a status symboL for individuaLs that Like the exceptionaL

FrOm LeFT TO rIghT:

CArAN d’AChethe léman bicolour series comes in several colours, including this duck egg blue, along with saffron and rose. CrOssCelebrate the Year of the Horse, with this Cross imperial red lacquer ballpoint, ornately plated in 23-carat gold

AUrOrAthe ultimate writing instrument - a Us$1.3 million diamond pen with 30 carats of diamonds, and room to engrave your coat of arms.

mONT BLANCthe meisterstuck 149 fountain pen is said to be the quintessenial mont blanc writing implement

wATermANWaterman’s elegance series is well-named. this ivory lacquered fountain pen with 23-carat gold-plate trim and flower engraving is perfect for penning a love note.

CHINESE CUISINE BIG BITE

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A New China Plate

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Across the world, chefs from hong Kong to london are combining the traditions of their forefathers with the light, fresh and innovative tastes of the new.

Having long been absent from fine dining guidebooks and dismissed as country fare, Chinese cuisine has been hiding its light, but is now coming to the forefront in a blaze of glory.

Proving that quality isn’t measured by size is Tim Ho Wan, a tiny dim sum restaurant started by chef Mak Kwai Pui in Hong Kong, which has won a Michelin star and a steady stream of customers. Mak’s recently opened venture in Singapore has a daily queue reaching triple figures, all of them happy to wait for a taste of one of his fragrantly steamed delights.

While the French are applauded for their culinary finesse, the country cuisine of China has sometimes been overlooked in the high dining stakes.

The first Chinese restaurant in London is said to have opened in 1907, and as many Chinese migrants came from China’s southern coastal regions such as Guangdong or Hong Kong, with its Cantonese cuisine of char siu (roast pork), and sweet and sour dishes, these dominated the menu, with Chinese restaurants adapting the dishes for British tastes.

This explains why to many Westerners, much of they know about Chinese cuisine begins with sweet and sour. With a lack of authentic ingredients, what should be a subtle blend of flavours, transpired instead as a dish of overly sweet and sticky pork, or chicken in an almost glow-in-the-dark glutinous, orange sauce.

Even in countries with a large Chinese population and a Chinatown of their own, the cuisine was adulterated for local tastes – often cloying and heavy, over-salted and with a heavy measure of monosodium glutamate (better known as

Top: ‘Tomamo’ includes ‘Pat Chun’ (Chinese Vinegar, Fermented Chinese Olives), and ‘Lam Kok’ (Marshmallow with Green Onion Oil) Bottom: (left to right); ‘Har Mi’ (Ginger, Green Onion and Avocado); ‘Saga-Gyu Beef’ (Truffled Tendon, Chinese Chive, Daikon, Aromatic Bouillon)

With its kaleidoscopic flavours, techniques and old traditions, today’s modern Chinese cuisine is rightly winning international accolades. We celebrate the impending Year of the Horse with some appetising dishes

words by alison marshallphotographs courtesy of bo innovation

Clockwise from top left: ‘Xiao Lao Bao’ (Molecular);‘Dan Dan Noodle’(Chili Pepper, Pine Nut, Crispy Egg Noodles. Preserved Chinese Mustard, Iberico Ham 36, Ikura, Green Apple); ‘Red Fish’ (Yunnan Ham Sauce, Mandarin Peel Powder, Sous-vide Potato, Dehydrated Shiitake Mushroom, Onion Puree)

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EIGHT CULINARY TRADITIONS OF CHINA

At the heart of Chinese cooking are eight culinary traditions, which detail the specialities of the eight main regions of the country

Anhui & ZhejiangStewed dishes are the staple of Anhui cuisine, while the specialities of Zhejiang are light, fresh dishes, which make the most of the rich source of locally available seafood and poultry. China’s famous Shaoxing rice wine also originates from the latter area.

Fujian & HunanOver in Fujian, regional specialities include the popular oyster omelette, popiah and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, while Hunan cuisine is generally spicier (amazing but true!) than dishes from Sichuan, and features smoked and cured meat.

Sichuan & ShandongSay “Sichuan food” and the dry, spicy bite of the Sichuan peppercorn comes to mind. On the other hand, Shandong cuisine is split into that of the Jinan and Jiadong areas. The first features grilled or fried items, while the latter is famous for light, aromatic dishes.

Cantonese & JiangsuCantonese food is probably most famous for its sweet and sour flavours, followed closely by the world-famous meal of dim sum. Meanwhile, offerings from the Jiangsu area are generally dishes that have a “melting” quality: thick braised dishes.

MSG) producing an almost unquenchable middle-of-the-night thirst.

Fast-forward a few decades and diners can now enjoy the deliciously complex Chinese cuisine of today, a blend of tried-and-tested tradition and modern techniques. The Chinese cuisine offered abroad today is as eclectic as that enjoyed on its home ground, giving diners a glimpse into the subtle nuances of regional cuisine.

What started in countries like the UK and US as a way to allow migrant Chinese to enjoy a cheap meal with some of the tastes of home failed to catch on with the

locals in its traditional form. Now, the food that was adulterated for foreign taste buds has now come full circle, as our palates become more sophisticated.

One chef instrumental in changing the perception of Chinese cuisine outside China is Ken Hom, the internationally renowned chef who grew up in the US, now lives in France, and became a regular fixture on British television, with his mastery of this intriguing cuisine.

Today, with people becoming more knowledgeable about food but having less time to prepare it, the quick and easy approach of Chinese food is gaining in popularity. The latest Asian chef to grace the small screen is Ching-He Huang, a Taiwan-born food writer who creates quick, delicious dishes focusing on putting a modern twist on the traditional. Her focus is on the Chinese holy trinity of

ingredients: the delicious combination of garlic, ginger and chilli.

Over in Singapore, chef Willin Low, a former lawyer, gave up the drama of the courtroom for the chaos of the kitchen, and is wowing diners with his modern take on family favourites.

“I think there is refined Chinese cooking,” he tells Ascott Living. “In any culture where there is a royal family, there has to be a refined cooking. What happened when it was cooked outside of China is that recipes didn’t get translated. This was especially true in the West as a result of lack of manpower and ingredients. As a result what was served varied enormously from true Chinese food,” he says.

“Even in Singapore, Chinese food is not really Chinese food; we’ve created a new brand. Chinese food is defined by geography. I travel a lot, and in my recipes I like to include something that adds a new dimension – it’s all about the nuances of taste. But I think fusion equals confusion.”

On Low’s menu, the taste sensations of East and West combine in cannelloni with tau yew bak (braised pork belly in dark soy sauce). “Every Hokkien family will have a recipe for tau yew bak,” says Low, “But I use the pork shoulder and shred the meat; make a ragù (a meat-based sauce), wrap it in pasta and bake it with cheese, caramel and cream. My grandmother would probably kill me – but it’s great!” he laughs.

“My kitchen is so basic. It’s modelled on my mother’s – who hates to cook. Food has become too complicated. I like chefs like Nigel Slater – he just makes food to eat. I want food for the stomach, not for the mind. For me, it’s not about form over substance,” Low adds.

“Being Chinese in Singapore is different from being Chinese in China. Someone once asked me after dining in one of my restaurants, Wild Rocket, where there are Indian, Malay and Chinese influences, if I

“Chinese food is defined by geography. i travel a lot and in my reCipes i like to inClude something that adds a new dimension; it’s all about the nuanCes of taste”

CHINESE CUISINE BIG BITE

Left: You may have tasted the Chinese delicacy of bird’s nest – but have you ever had it paired with the distinctive flavour of caviar? ‘Cavier’ (Smoked Quail Egg, Crispy Taro)

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for the best places to try modern chinese cuisine, go to www.ascottliving.com/bigbite

CELEbRATE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE wITH OUR FAvOURITE TEmpTATIONS

bak KwaA favourite at Chinese New Year, these squares of barbecued pork marinated with sugar and fish sauce are best after a day at room temperature. Tempting for the taste buds but wicked for the waistline.

buddha Jumps Over The wallThe ultimate feast dish, hailing from Fujian, it is a dish of plenty. A sort of stew, the dish may include everything from vegetables to meat, and the

sometimes-controversial shark’s fin, as well as abalone and scallops, though individual recipes may vary.

did this deliberately. When I was a child my mother would go to the market and I would have Indian roti, Malay cake and Chinese noodles – but to me it was just breakfast,” he explains.

“This is the time for Asia, it’s our turn to tell the world about Chinese cuisine, and it’s all about freshness and locality.”

Until recently, Chinese cuisine had never really been rated as having award-winning potential, but an acoustic engineer with an eye for detail has changed all that. Alvin Leung has no formal training – but that hasn’t stopped his restaurant Bo Innovation in Hong Kong from earning two Michelin stars. With engineering precision, he deconstructs traditional dishes and builds them into modern classics.

Following in the molecular gastronomy wake of restaurants like Spain’s El Bulli and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck in the UK, Leung aims to make every meal an experience. You may be familiar with a Chinese classic of sausage baked with rice in a casserole pot – but you’ll never have tried it as an ice cream.

Leung’s culinary passion coupled with engineering prowess, allow him to come up with surprises such as a cappuccino of Chinese vegetables accompanied by a crouton of salted dried fish; or a thin slice of tuna topped with freeze-dried raspberries and powdered foie gras.

With the enthusiasm of new chefs and the global availability of a myriad of ingredients, today’s Chinese cuisine has been elevated to a whole new level.

Char SiuA Cantonese roasted meat, translated literally to “fork (char) roast (siu)” meat.

CongeeThe ultimate comfort food, this simple staple is often eaten plain but can be found elevated by modern chefs with the addition of luxury ingredients like truffle.

peking DuckThis succulent duck with its mahogany-coloured roasted skin is usually served with crêpe-like pancakes. With a number of stages (many of them fiercely guarded secrets), home cooks who have tried to get the same result by oven-roasting, basting and even with a hairdryer will appreciate the time it takes to perfect this dish.

“One of my favourite Japan experiences is strolling through Kyoto’s Higashiyama District. With its narrow paved laneways and traditional wooden buildings, temples and shrines, it’s very transporting. And delicious too – be sure to try the local ramen noodles, sweets or pickles. I want to visit in March for the 10-day Hanatoro festival, when its streets are lined with traditional lanterns. ” — Sandie Chai, Auckland, New Zealand

MORE TIPS: apps.facebook.com/aroundourresidences

Higashiyama District, KyotoJapan

Around our residences

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NEWS ASCOTT

At the World Travel Awards for Asia and Australasia, Ascott won 12 accolades, including the top honour of “Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand”, which was received by Albert Ong (pictured), the company’s managing director for strategic development. Ascott also clinched leading serviced apartment and brand awards for Ascott The Residence and Somerset Serviced Residence in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

No less than eight accolades were awarded to the company at the World Travel Awards for Europe, where they beat contenders from across the continent to receive the highest accolade of “Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand”. In addition, Ascott’s Citadines Apart’hotel brand and properties triumphed in seven other categories in Belgium, England, France and Germany.

Ascott’s chief executive officer Lee Chee Koon said, “We are humbled to be voted the best in Asia Pacific and Europe by travellers and travel professionals. Their continued support is fundamental to Ascott’s success. Winning the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific awards for 10 years in a row, and World Travel Awards across different geographies, demonstrates the consistent high quality of our products and services. Across our properties in more than 80 cities across over 20 countries, our 5,000 staff members dedicate themselves to providing excellent service and exceeding our guests’ expectations.”

Around AscottA snapshot of what’s happening in Ascott around the

world — our properties and our staff

For more inFormation and the latest

promotions, visitwww.the-ascott.com

HangzHou welcomes citadines

The AscoTT LimiTed hAs won A ToTAL of 24 highLy coveTed accolades at the 2013 Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards and World Travel Awards for Asia and Australasia, in addition to a host of plaudits in Europe.

The awards recognise Ascott as the leading serviced residence provider across Asia Pacific and Europe – bringing a total of 109 accolades to date in 2013 alone, exceeding the company’s 79 accolades of 2012.

For the 10th straight year, readers of Business Traveller Asia-Pacific magazine have voted Ascott The Residence as the “Best Serviced Residence Brand” in the region. The poll, which was conducted by an independent market research company, also unveiled Ascott’s premier serviced residence in its home base of Singapore – Ascott Raffles Place – as the “Best Serviced Residence” in the Asia-Pacific region. Ascott has won these two awards every year since its inception in 2004. In the same category, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok placed second, and Ascott Makati came in third.

ascott’s award-winning Formula

Julian Gregory, managing director of Panacea Publishing, which publishes Business Traveller Asia-Pacific, said, “For 22 years, the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards have allowed our readers to recognise those companies that deserve recognition for their products and services. Ascott has passed an amazing milestone by winning ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ and ‘Best Serviced Residence’ in Asia Pacific for 10 consecutive years, bearing testament to its impeccable standards in helping to make business travellers’ journeys seamless and productive. We congratulate Ascott and their staff on this great achievement.”

The AscoTT LimiTed hAs won A conTrAcT To mAnAge A 133-uniT serviced residence in Thailand’s Sri Racha district, Chonburi province.

Scheduled to open this year, Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha will enhance Ascott’s pole position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in Thailand with over 1,800 apartment units across 10 properties.

Ascott’s chief executive officer Lee Chee Koon said, “Besides having a strong presence in Bangkok, Ascott sees significant potential in expanding to Thailand’s Eastern seaboard where many multinational companies are based. By bringing Citadines to Sri Racha, Ascott will have 76 Citadines-branded properties in 45 cities globally.”

Sri Racha is home to the Laem Chabang port, the fourth busiest container port in Southeast Asia .

Arthur Gindap, Ascott’s regional general manager for Thailand and Philippines, added, “ Companies here are involved in automotive, electronics, petrochemical and steel manufacturing such as Fujitsu, Sony, ExxonMobil and Bridgestone. As Citadines Grand Central Sri Racha will be the first international branded serviced residence to open in

Beating a PatH to eastern tHailand

To reinforce iTs commiTmenT To green efforTs, AscoTT launched the “Dare to be Green” campaign, to encourage staff and residents to achieve a green target that fulfilled at least one of Ascott’s five: green buildings, water, energy, paper and waste reduction.

The campaign saw teams from Somerset Emerald City Suzhou, Citadines Sukhumvit 8 and 11 Bangkok, and Beverly Park Residences Mumbai emerge as the top three winners, selected by the Ascott Green Committee. Philippines had the highest participation with a total of 467 staff taking part in the challenge.

At Somerset Emerald City Suzhou, 16 residents took up a two-week challenge to switch electrical appliances and lights off when they left the apartment, reducing

housekeeping service frequency. Over nine days, 40 residents from

Citadines Sukhumvit 8 and 11 Bangkok walked instead of taking the properties’ tuk tuks to and from the main road. A total

dare to go green

Sri Racha, Ascott will enjoy first-mover advantage in catering to the strong demand for quality accommodation from expatriates and business travellers working in the region.”

The serviced residence will offer a choice of studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments, with modern amenities. Residents can enjoy a workout at the gymnasium, take a leisurely swim in the pool or relax at the onsen (hot spring).

The ciTAdines brAnd wiLL soon be pArT of The impressive Hangzhou skyline with the opening of the first Apart’hotel in the city.

Scheduled to open in late 2014, the 100-unit Citadines Intime City Hangzhou will be Ascott’s 11th Citadines Apart’hotel in China. The serviced residence will further reinforce Ascott’s leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China with some 9,300 apartment units in 52 properties across 20 cities.

Kevin Goh, Ascott’s managing director for North Asia, said, “Citadines Apart’hotel, which provides independent travellers with flexible services to suit their lifestyle needs, has been enjoying very healthy occupancy since we launched it in China in 2006. We see great potential in expanding our Citadines brand in China and have so far added three more Citadines Apart’hotels in Guangzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou in 2013.”

He added, “We are confident that Citadines Intime City Hangzhou will perform well. As the capital city of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou’s economy and foreign direct investment grew respectively by an average of more than 10 percent and 12 percent annually in the last five years.”

reduction of 337 kilograms of carbon dioxide emission and fuel savings of THB1,616 (over US$50) were achieved for both properties over this time.

Staff at Beverly Park Residences Mumbai also followed Earth-friendly practices for a week, including recycling waste paper and plastic, switching off excess property lights, harvesting rainwater for cleaning public areas and cars, as well as explaining to guests the details of the green efforts carried out by all the staff.

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YOUR SAY

As a project engineer with the German engineering consultancy Ingenics, Li Di’s work regularly takes her away from home, sometimes for months at a time.

She has been staying regularly at Somerset Heping Shenyang since her work took her to the city last summer. “I always stay at the Somerset, which is so much more than a hotel, and I have recommended it to my family and friends.”

As well as its convenient location at the corner of the shopping centre near to the metro and rail station, Li enjoys the comforts of her modern apartment and the friendly professionalism of the staff.

It is testimony to the enthusiasm of staff at Somerset Heping Shenyang that Li decides to return, time after time. “Every time I check in and out it is very efficient,” said Li, who added that the friendly faces of Jodie, Sunny, Amy and Fairy on reception always make her feel like she is being welcomed home when she returns.

With a long day of work to look forward to, breakfast plays an important role in setting the tone of the day, Li noted, that the breakfast lounge team of Annie, Lisa and Wendy never fail to offer exceptional service.

“I really feel comfortable here. There are so many activities for residents, like

While some may see travelling for business and staying aWay from home as a glamorous diversion; those who frequently travel as a way of life, often see the reality as being very different.

Staying in a hotel (however luxurious) when your stay is long term can often be a lonely and isolating experience, which is why many people who have to stay away from home for an extended time choose to check in to a serviced residence instead.

As our work becomes more global and travelling from country to country becomes as common today as a bus ride to the next town was a few decades ago, more and more people are getting to experience Ascott’s award-winning hospitality

AS COTT LIVING 37

yoga and tai chi; and the apartments have practical furnishings with a kitchen so that the guests feel like they are at home,” added Li. Although she has stayed in other residences in The Ascott Limited, Li says that for her, one of the reasons that Somerset Heping Shenyang stands out is the wide range of activities it offers.

“I enjoy staying here because the staff always give me the warmest smiles and service, so I feel as though Somerset Heping Shenyang is as welcoming as my own home.”

Every year thousands of travellers across the globe enjoy the friendly welcome and hospitality in any one of the 22,000 serviced apartments of The Ascott Limited. The residences have all the facilities to make your stay away a pleasant one, whether it’s a compact kitchen where you can whip up a late-night snack for a taste of home; or a greeting from staff who always remember your name.

Above: Li Di enjoys the comfort of her apartment at Somerset Heping ShenyangOpposite: Residents can sprawl out in the well-appointed living room in a three-bedroom apartment (top), or enjoy the plush environs of the master bedroom (bottom)

Shenyang SmileFor project engineer Li Di, a warm welcome and a ready smile makes Somerset Heping Shenyang feel just like home

“I really feel comfortable here. there are so many actIvItIes for resIdents, lIke yoga and tai chi; and the apartments have practIcal furnIshIngs wIth a kItchen, so that the guests feel lIke they are at home”

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INSIGHT HISTORY

A Taste of Adventure

I was born In ChennaI and have lIved here most of my lIfe. I stay in the MRC Nagar area, which is right behind Somerset Greenways Chennai, where I work as a marketing executive – meaning I’m just a two-minute walk away, and no more than 15 minutes from everything Chennai has to offer.

The first things that catch your eye when you step out on the road here, are the bright yellow-and-black auto rickshaws. The “auto”, as it is commonly called locally, is a three-wheeled taxi with an inbuilt meter, which looks similar to the famous tuk tuk of Bangkok. These and regular taxis are the most convenient option for visitors.

I’m a foodie, and love sampling new cuisines. Khansama and Copper Chimney are my favourite restaurants for Indian food — try their yummy signature biriyani. I also love the buffet of kebabs at The Great Kabab Factory near the airport. As well as new discoveries, there are also places that trigger happy memories. Anokhi is a café that’s less than 10 minutes from my home; its quaint interiors remind me of the summers in America when I was growing up. It’s a great place to catch up on some

reading over a cup of coffee or unwind over Sunday brunch. The B Bar at Somerset Greenways Chennai and Zara The Tapas Bar are two great spots to witness Chennai’s vibrant nightlife.

No trip is complete without retail therapy, and Chennai is the hub for Kanchipuram silk sarees and gold jewellery. The area around Panagal Park in T. Nagar offers some of the best stores. Pondy Bazaar is great for shopping for everything from accessories to jewellery, bags and shoes at bargain prices. If it’s labels you’re after, Khader Nawaz Khan Road has an array of top boutiques.

On the weekend I like driving down the East Coast Road to Mahabalipuram town, 50 kilometres away along a scenic winding coastal road. We often stop at Moonrakers restaurant for delicious seafood, or The Wharf is another favourite restaurant, right by the beach. On the way back, we call in at Dakshinchitra, a heritage centre preserving and showcasing the traditions and culture of South India; the replicas of houses built in styles from the 1900s in Tamilnadu are stunning. My family and I like to trying our hand at pottery and jewellery-making, as taught by local artisans.

Another 100 kilometres after Mahabalipuram, the former French colony of Pondicherry has charming cafés, many run by French people who’ve made Pondicherry their home. Baker Street is my favourite bakery and café, closely followed by Rendezvous restaurant in White Town.

Marina Beach, the world’s second largest beach and the longest in India, is located at Chennai. It’s nice to visit the beach in the late evening when the stretch transforms into a carnival. Hawkers set up stalls selling bangles, hair accessories, odd shaped balloons and toys; while food stalls sell cotton candy, fried bajjis, corn with Indian spices, fried fish and masala peanuts. There are merry-go-rounds and mini Ferris wheels and even horses you can ride around the beach. It’s the perfect break from a hectic work week in Chennai.

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HISTORY

2008–2013DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards“Best Serviced Residence/Residence Operator”

2004–2013Business Traveller Asia-Pacific“Best Serviced Residence Brand”

1984Ascott opened Asia-Pacific’s first serviced residence in Singapore, a new concept in the region. Citadines started in Europe with its first apart’hotel in Paris, France.

Significant moments in our history

2004

2006

Ascott completed acquisition of Citadines. The company now owns three brands: Ascott, Citadines and Somerset.

The world’s first Pan-Asian serviced residence REIT, the Ascott Residence Trust (Ascott Reit), was established and listed on March 31 in Singapore.

2009Ascott celebrated 25 years in the serviced residence industry with special promotions and over 25 community initiatives worldwide.

2005–2013Business Traveller China“Best Serviced Residence Brand in China”

2007–2013Business Traveller UK“Best Serviced Apartment Company”

2005–2012TTG Travel Awards“Best Serviced Residence Operator”

Our achievements have earned global recognition and with it, numerous prestigious awards. Among the accolades are:

the asCott lImIted Is a sIngapore Company that has grown to be the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator. It has more than 23,000 operating serviced residence units in key cities of Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region — as well as over 10,000 units currently under development.

Our portfolio adds up to more than 34,000 units spanning over 80 cities across more than 20 countries. Ascott pioneered Asia-Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984.

With a work ethic that emphasises customer service excellence, Ascott has

been winning guests over with our signature hospitality, where we deliver service from the heart and where we go the extra mile to delight our residents.

We are very glad that many guests have chosen us as their preferred “home away from home” over the years. Today Ascott boasts a 29-year industry track record and award-winning serviced residence brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.

MilestonesFrom a single luxury property to the world’s largest serviced residence company today, Ascott has come a long way

Above, from left: Two-bedroom executive living room at Ascott Jakarta in Indonesia; a cosy bedroom in a studio apartment at Citadines Part-Dieu Lyon in France

Chennai is as much a part of Manessa Raghavan as she is part of the fabric of this deliciously vibrant city

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Homes • Offices • Shopping Malls • Serviced Residences • REITs • Funds

www.capitaland.com

WHEN WE BUILD BUILDINGSWE BUILD PEOPLE TOOIsn’t a good building like a good person?

With strength of character, it could weather hardships.

When sensible to what’s around, it’s in harmony with its environment.

And like a good building, a good person is sturdy. Dependable.

Someone who looks outside himself, to share your joys and hopes.

At CapitaLand, we see the two as one. Because you can’t build one without the other.

The Orchard Residences, SingaporeBENEVOLENCE[仁]

WISDOM[智]RIGHTEOUSNESS[义]

Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo, JapanCapital Tower, Singapore

ION Orchard, Singapore

TRUSTWORTHINESS[信]

DECORUM[礼]

Raffles City Shanghai, ChinaRaffles City Shanghai, China

Raffles City SingaporeRaffles City Singapore

Capital Tower, Singapore

Scan to download CapitaLand ringtones

SOUTHEAST ASIA

INDONESIAReservations: 00180 365 7878(Local Toll Free)

JakartaAscott JakartaJalan Kebon Kacang Raya No 2, Jakarta 10230, Indonesia(62–21) 391 6868

Ascott Kuningan(Opening in 2014)

Citadines RasunaThe H-Tower, Jalan HR Rasuna Said Kav.20, Kumingan, Jakarta 12940, Indonesia(62–21) 2995 6888

Somerset BerlianJalan Permata Berlian V, Permata Hijau, Jakarta 12210, Indonesia(62–21) 5366 8888

Somerset Grand CitraJalan Prof Dr Satrio Kav 1, Jakarta 12940, Indonesia(62–21) 2995 6888

Somerset Kencana(Opening in 2014)

Countrywoods Residences(Corporate Leasing)Jalan WR Supratman, Pondok Ranji – Rengas, Ciputat, Jakarta 15412, Indonesia(62–21) 740 1245

SurabayaAscott Waterplace(Opening in 2014)

Citadines Marvell(Opening in 2015)

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

MALAYSIAReservations: 1800 806 306(Local Toll Free)

CyberjayaCitadines D’Pulze(Opening in 2014)

Kuala LumpurAscott Kuala Lumpur9 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(60–3) 2142 6868

Ascott Sentral(Opening in 2014)

For worldwide reservations: (65) 6272 7272 GDS chain code: AZWebsite: www.the–ascott.com, www.citadines.com and www.somerset.com E–mail: enquiry@the-ascott.com

Somerset Ampang187 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(60–3) 2140 2220

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

Marc Service Suites(Corporate Leasing)3 Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia(60–3) 2140 2220

KuchingCitadines UplandsNo. 55, Jalan Simpang Tiga,93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia(60-82) 281 888

Nusajaya Somerset Medini Iskandar(Opening in 2015)

Somerset Puteri Harbour Iskandar(Opening in 2014)

Petaling JayaSomerset Damansara Uptown(Opening in 2016)

PHILIPPINESReservations: (63–2) 755 8888

ManilaAscott Bonifacio Global City(Opening in 2014)

Ascott MakatiGlorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City 1224, Phlippines(63–2) 729 8888

Citadines Millennium Ortigas(Opening in 2015)

Citadines Salcedo(Opening in 2014)

Somerset Alabang(Opening in 2017)

Somerset Millennium104 Aguirre Street, Legaspi Village,Makati City 1229, Philippines(63–2) 750 7888

Somerset Olympia7912 Makati Avenue, Makati City 1200, Philippines(63–2) 812 1010 SINGAPOREReservations: 1800 272 7272(Local Toll Free)

Ascott Raffles Place2 Finlayson Green, Singapore 049247(65) 6577 1688

Citadines Mount Sophia8 Wilkie Road, #01–26 Wilkie Edge, Singapore 228095(65) 6593 8188

Somerset Bencoolen51 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189630(65) 6849 4688

Somerset Liang Court177B River Valley Road, Singapore 179032(65) 6337 0111

Somerset Orchard160 Orchard Road, #06–01 Orchard Point, Singapore 238842(65) 6735 0500

Riverdale Residence(Corporate Leasing)346 River Valley Road, Singapore 238373(65) 6235 4130

The Heritage Singapore(Corporate Leasing)Mount Pleasant Road, Singapore(65) 6235 4130

THAILANDReservations: 1800 888 272(Local Toll Free)

BangkokAscott Sathorn187 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand(66–2) 676 6868

Citadines Sukhumvit 877/7 Sukhumvit 8, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 257 2277

Citadines Sukhumvit 1122/22 Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey–nue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 264 6777

Citadines Sukhumvit 1638 Sukhumvit 16, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 663 8777

Citadines Sukhumvit 2337/7 Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey–nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 204 4777

Somerset Lake Point41 Sukhumvit Soi 16, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 663 1234

Somerset Park Suanplu39 Soi Suanplu, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand(66–2) 679 4444

Somerset Sukhumvit ThonglorNo 115 Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor), Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand(66–2) 365 7999

Vic3 89 Phaton Yothin Soi 3, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand (66-2) 618 9888

Sri RachaCitadines Grand Central (Opening in 2014)

VIETNAMReservations: (84–4) 3934 2342 (Hanoi)(84–8) 3822 8899 (Ho Chi Minh City)

DanangSomerset Danang Bay(Opening in 2015)

Hai PhongSomerset Central TD(Opening in 2014)

HanoiSomerset Grand49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam(84–4) 3934 2342

Somerset Hoa Binh106 Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam(84–4) 3755 5888

Somerset West Central(Opening in 2016)

Somerset West Lake254D Thuy Khue Road, Hanoi, Vietnam(84–4) 3843 0030

Ho Chi Minh CitySomerset Chancellor Court21–23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam(84–8) 3822 9197

Somerset Ho Chi Minh City8A Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam(84–8) 3822 8899

Somerset Vista No 628C Hanoi Highway, An Phu WardDistrict 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam(84-8) 6255 9900

Vista Residences (Corporate Leasing)No 628c Hanoi Highway, An Phu WardDistrict 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam(84-8) 62 55 99 22Diamond Island Luxury Serviced Residences(Opening in 2016)

AS COTT LIVING 41

The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand, one of Asia’s largest real estate companies. The Ascott Limited is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator with more than 200 properties in over 70 cities across more than 20 countries

in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. It operates three award-winning brands Ascott, Citadines and Somerset.

Kasahokomachi(Corporate Leasing)49 Kasahoko–machi, Shimogyo–ward,Kyoto 600–8494, Japan(81–75) 251 1900

NagoyaMarunouchi Central Heights(Corporate Leasing)23–6, 3 chome, Marunouchi, Naka–ward, Nagoya 460–0002, Japan(81–3) 3455 3530

OsakaSamty Namba–Minami(Corporate Leasing)5–1–2, 1 chome, Ebisu HonmachiNaniwa–ward, Osaka 556–0013, Japan(81–3) 6535 8898

S–Residence Fukushima Luxe(Corporate Leasing)22–9, Fukushima 7 chome, Fukushima–ward, Osaka 553–0003, Japan(81–6) 6262 8451

S–Residence Gakuenzaka(Corporate Leasing)1–1, 2 chome, Sitatera 2 chome, Naniwa–ward, Osaka 556–0001, Japan(81–3) 6535 8898

S–Residence Hommachi Marks(Corporate Leasing)2–3–6, Tokuimachi, Chuo–ward, Osaka 540–0025, Japan(81–6) 6262 8451

S–Residence Midoribashi Serio(Corporate Leasing)3–17–6, Nakamoto, Higashinari–ward,Osaka, 537–0022, Japan(81–6) 6262–8451

S–Residence Namba Viale(Corporate Leasing)3–9–1, Motomachi 3 chome,Naniwa–ward, Osaka 556–0016, Japan(81–3) 6535–8898

S–Residence Tanimachi 9 chome(Corporate Leasing)4–29, Ikutama–cho, Tennoji–ward,Osaka 543–0072, Japan(81–6) 6262 8451

The Grandview Osaka(Corporate Leasing)19–7–2, Jusohigashi, Yodogawa–ward,Osaka, 532–0023, Japan(81–6) 6535–8898

SagaGrand E’terna Saga(Corporate Leasing)1167–3, Ipponmatsu, HonjochoSaga 840–0937, Japan(81–7) 5341–0606

Grand E’terna Sagaidaidori(Corporate Leasing)63, 4 chome, NabeshimaSaga 849–0937, Japan(81–7) 5341–0606

SapporoBig Palace Kita 14 Jo(Corporate Leasing)6–2, Nishi 4 chome, Kita14jyo,Kita–ward, Sapporo 001–0014, Japan(81–1) 1552 331

SendaiGrand Mire Miyamachi(Corporate Leasing)1–1–62, Miyamachi, Aoba–ward,Sendai 908–0004, Japan(81–2) 2213–5881

Grand Mire Shintera(Corporate Leasing)9–23, 4 chome, Shintera,Wakabayashi–ward,Sendai 984–0051, Japan(81–2) 2217–3133

TokyoCitadines Shinjuku1–28–13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku–ku,Tokyo 160–0022, Japan(81–3) 5379 7208

Somerset Azabu EastNo 1–9–11 Higashi Azabu, Minato–ku, Tokyo 106–0044, Japan(81–3) 5379 7208

Asyl Court Nakano Sakaue(Corporate Leasing)1–14–12 Honcho Nakano–Ku,Tokyo 164–0012, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Colonnade Kamiikedai(Corporate Leasing)20–8, 1 chome, Kamiikedai,Ota–ward, Tokyo 145–0064, Japan(81–3) 3373 7011

Fujimi Duplex Riz(Corporate Leasing)21–30, 2 chome, Fujimi,Chiyoda–ward, Tokyo 102–0071, Japan(81–3) 3437 2753

Gala Hachimanyama I(Corporate Leasing)2–1–18 Kamitakaido, Suginami–ku,Tokyo 168–0074, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Gala Hachimanyama II(Corporate Leasing)2–1–2 Kamitakaido, Suginami–ku,Tokyo 168–0074, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

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

Joy City Koishikawa Shokubutsuen(Corporate Leasing)3–35–18 Otsuka, Bunkyo–ku,Tokyo 112–0012, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Joy City Kuramae(Corporate Leasing)2–24–1 Kuramae, Taito–ku,Tokyo 111–0051, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

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

Park Habio Azabu Tower(Corporate Leasing)1–8–3 Higashi Azabu, Minato–ku,Tokyo 106–0044, Japan(81–3) 3505 1732

Roppongi Residences(Corporate Leasing)No3–4–31 Roppongi, Minato–ku,Tokyo 106–0032, Japan(81–3) 3568 3939

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

Zesty Akebonobashi(Corporate Leasing)1–17 Tomihisacho, Shinjuku–ku,Tokyo 162–0067, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Gotokuji(Corporate Leasing)6–42–5 Matsubara, Setagaya–ku,Tokyo 156 0043, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Higashi Shinjuku(Corporate Leasing)6–15–20 Shinjuku, Shinjuku–ku,Tokyo 160–0022, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Kagurazaka I(Corporate Leasing)2–13 Nishigokencho, Shinjuku–ku,Tokyo 162–0812, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Kagurazaka II(Corporate Leasing)123–3 Yaraicho, Shinjuku–ku,Tokyo, 162–0805, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Kasugacho(Corporate Leasing)6–4–15 Kasugacho, Nerima–ku,Tokyo 179–0074, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512Zesty Koishikawa(Corporate Leasing)5–41–7 Koishikawa, Bunkyo–ku,Tokyo 112–0002, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Komazawa Daigaku II(Corporate Leasing)2–12–21 Higashigaoka, Meguro–ku,Tokyo 152–0021, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512Zesty Nishi Shinjuku III(Corporate Leasing)3–18–15 Nishishinjuku,Shinjuku–ku, Tokyo 160–0023, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Sakura Shinmachi(Corporate Leasing)3–11–3 Tsurumaki, Setagaya–ku,Tokyo 154–0016, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Shin Ekoda(Corporate Leasing)1–2–2 Toyotamakami, Nerima–ku,Tokyo 176–0011, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Shoin Jinja(Corporate Leasing)4–3–3 Setagaya, Setagaya–ku,Tokyo 154–0017, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

Zesty Shoin Jinja II(Corporate Leasing)4–5–4 Setagaya, Setagaya–ku,Tokyo 154–0017, Japan(81–3) 5575 5512

SOUTH KOREAReservations: (82–2) 6730 8000

SeoulSomerset Palace85 Susong–Dong, Jongno–Gu Seoul,South Korea 110885(82–2) 6730 8888

SOUTH ASIA

INDIAReservations: (91–44) 7101 0000

AhmedabadCitadines Parimal Garden(Opening in 2015)

BangaloreCitadines Galleria(Opening in 2014)

Citadines RichmondNo 1 Langford Gardens, Richmond Road,Bangalore – 560 001, India(91–80) 7100 0001

ChennaiCitadines OMR Gateway(Opening in 2015)

Somerset Greenways94 Sathyadev Avenue, MRC Nagar,Santhome Chennai – 600 028, India(91–44) 7100 0001

GurgaonAscott Ireo City(Opening in 2016)

HyderabadCitadines Hitec City(Opening in 2015)

AUSTRALIA Reservations: 1800 766 377 (Local Toll Free)

HobartSomerset on the PierElizabeth Street Pier, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia(61–3) 6220 6600

Somerset on Salamanca8 Salamanca Place,Hobart TAS 7000, Australia(61–3) 6220 6600

AS COTT LIVING 4342 AS COTT LIVING

Diamond Island Luxury Residences(Corporate Leasing)No. 01 – Street No. 104 - BTT, Quarter 3Binh Trung Tay Ward, District 2Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam(84-8) 3742 5678

NORTH ASIA

CHINAReservations: 400 820 1028 (Local Toll Free)

BeijingAscott Beijing108B Jian Guo Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China(86–10) 6567 8100

Ascott Raffles City1–2 Dongzhimen South Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijing 100007, China(86–10) 8405 3888

Somerset Grand Fortune Garden46 LiangMaQiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100016, China(86–10) 8451 8888

Somerset Wangjing(Opening in 2014)

Somerset ZhongGuanCun15 Haidian Zhong Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100080, China(86–10) 5873 0088

Raffles City Residence (Corporate Leasing)1–3 Dongzhimen South Street, Dongcheng DistrictBeijing 100007, China(86–10) 8405 3882

ChengduAscott Financial City(Opening in 2015)

Ascott Raffles City3 Section 4, Renmin South Road,Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China

Citadines South(Opening in 2014)

Somerset Riverview1 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu 610041, China(86–28) 6181 6998

ChongqingAscott Nanbin(Opening in 2015)

Somerset Changbin(Opening in 2016)

Somerset JieFangBeiBlock B Hejing Building,108 Minzu Road, Yuzhong District,Chongqing 400010, China(86–23) 8677 6888

DalianSomerset Harbour Court55 Renmin Road, Zhongshan District, Dalian 116001, China(86–411) 8899 1888

FoshanAscott M-City (Opening in 2016)

GuangzhouAscott Guangzhou73, Tianhedong Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510630, China(86–20) 8513 0388

Ascott IFCNew Town, Tianhe District,Guangzhou 510623, China(86–20) 3838 9888

Citadines LiZhiWan (Opening in 2014)

Somerset Riviera (Opening in 2014)

Springdale Serviced ResidenceTower B1, No 105 Tiyuxi Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510620, China(86–20) 8396 6088

HangzhouAscott Raffles City(Opening in 2015)

Somerset IOC Hangzhou(Opening in 2015)

HefeiSomerset Swan Lake(Opening in 2017)

Hong KongCitadines Ashley 18 Ashley Road, Tsimshatsui,Kowloon, Hong Kong(85-2) 2262 3062

Somerset Victoria Park(Opening in 2014)

MacauAscott Macau(Opening in 2014)

NanjingCitadines Baijia Lake(Opening 2014)

ShanghaiAscott Huai Hai Road282 Huai Hai Road Central, Luwan District, Shanghai 200021, China(86–21) 2329 8888

Ascott Heng Shan(Opening in 2014)

Citadines BiyunLane 450, Hongfeng Road,Jinqiao Export Processing Zone, Pudong, Shanghai 201206, China(86–21) 3860 2288

Somerset Xu Hui888 Shanxi Nan Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200031, China(86–21) 6466 0888

ShenyangSomerset HepingNo. 80 Taiyuan North Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, China(86–24) 2397 5555

ShenzhenAscott Raffles City(Opening in 2017)

Ascott Maillen3 Yanshan Road, Nanshan District, 518067 Shenzhen, China(86–755) 2685 8888

Somerset Garden City1068 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518067, China(86–755) 2602 9988

Somerset Grandview(Opening in 2014)

Yantian Coast Serviced Residence(Opening in 2018)

SuzhouAscott Emerald City(Opening in 2015)

Ascott Midtown(Opening in 2014)

Citadines Xinghai58 Xinghai Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou 215021, China (85–512) 8885 8288

Somerset Baitang(Opening in 2017)

Somerset Emerald City436 Changjiang Road, Suzhou New District, Suzhou 215011, China(85–512) 6818 6611

TianjinSomerset International BuildingNo 75 Nanjing Road,Heping District,Tianjin 300050, China(86–22) 2330 6666

Somerset Olympic Tower126 Chengdu Dao, Heping District, Tianjin 300051, China(86–22) 2335 5888

Somerset Youyi35 Youyi Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300201, China(86–22) 2810 7888

WuhanCitadines Zhuankou159 Dongfang Avenue,Wuhan Economic Development Zone,430056, China(86–27) 8421 8000

Somerset Wusheng238 Zhongshan Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, 430030, China

WuxiAscott Central(Opening in 2015)

Somerset Wuxi(Opening in 2015)

XiamenSomerset Software Park (Opening in 2015)

Xi’anCitadines Central36 Zhubashi, Beiilin District, Xi’an 710002, China(86–29) 8576 1188

Citadines Gaoxin13, 4th Gao Xin Road, Hi–Tech Zone, Xi’an 710075, China(86–29) 8843 7888

Citadines Xingqing Palace159 Xingqing Road, Beilin District, Xi’an 710049, China(86–29) 8338 0588

Somerset Gaoxin(Opening in 2014)

JAPANReservations: 0120 069 500 (Local Toll Free)

FukuokaActus Hakata V–Tower(Corporate Leasing)350–1, 3 chome, Hakata ekimae,Hakata–ward, Fukuoka 812–0011, Japan(81–9) 2722 0288

Fukuoka College Court(Corporate Leasing)94–3, 3 chome, Hakataeki Higashi,Hakata–ward, Fukuoka 812–0013, Japan(81–6) 6245 2551

Infini Garden(Corporate Leasing)2–2, 3 chome, Teriha, Higashi–ward, Fukuoka 813–0017, Japan(81–9) 2663 8848

HiroshimaGravis Court Kakomachi(Corporate Leasing)13–10, Kakomachi, Naka–ward, Hiroshima 730–0812, Japan(81–3) 3352 8671

Gravis Court Kokutaiji(Corporate Leasing)2–1–9, Kokutaiji–cho, Naka–ward, Hiroshima 730–0042, Japan(81–3) 3352 8671

Gravis Court Nishiharaekimae(Corporate Leasing)38–10, 8 chome, Nishihara,Asaminami–ward, Hiroshima 731–0113, Japan(81–3) 3352 8671

KobeS–Residence Shukugawa(Corporate Leasing)36–1, Kamisono–machi, Nishinomiya–city, Hyogo 662–0027, Japan(81–3) 6535 8898

KyotoCitadines Karasuma–Gojo432 Matsuya–cho Gojo–dori,Karasuma–Higashiiru Shimogyo–ku, Kyoto 600–8105, Japan(81–75) 352 8900

Grand E’terna Chioninmae(Corporate Leasing)577–3, Inarimachi Minamigumi, Higashiyama–ward,Kyoto 605–0067, Japan(81–75) 341 0606

Grand E’terna Nijojomae(Corporate Leasing)472–0–2, Taruyamachi, Nakagyo–ward,Kyoto 604–8264, Japan(81–75) 341 0606

ascott Ar Ound The wOrld

Enjoy Ascott’s Best Rate Guarantee | www.the-ascott.com | +65 6272 7272

Somerset Wusheng Wuhan is managed by The Ascott Limited, a member of CapitaLand. It is the largest international serviced residence owner-operator with more than 200 properties in over 80 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region. It operates three award-winning brands Ascott, Citadines and Somerset.

Enjoy the convenience of a mega shopping mall with dining and entertainment options at the doorstep of the newly opened Somerset Wusheng Wuhan, located in the heart of the city. Award-winning Ascott serviced residences welcome you with luxurious amenities, elegant living spaces and unforgettable living experience. Because life is about living.

EXPERIENCE CITY LIVING WITH THE COMFORTS

OF HOME AT SOMERSET WUSHENG WUHAN

Somerset Wusheng WuhanNo 238 Zhongshan Avenue, Qiaokou DistrictHankou, Wuhan 430032, China

44 AS COTT LIVING

ascott Ar Ound The wOrld

MelbourneCitadines on Bourke131–135 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia(61–3) 9267 5400

Somerset on Elizabeth250 Elizabeth Street,Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia(61–3) 8665 8888

PerthCitadines St Georges Terrace185 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia(61–8) 9226 3355

EUROPEReservations (Europe): (33) 1 41 05 79 05

BELGIUMReservations (within Belgium): (33) 1 41 05 79 05

BrusselsCitadines Sainte–Catherine51 Quai au Bois à Brûler 1000Brussels, Belgium

Citadines Toison d’Or61–63 Avenue de la Toison d’Or 1060Brussels, Belgium

FRANCEReservations (within France): 0 825 333 332

ParisCitadines Arc de Triomphe81 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France

Citadines Austerlitz27 Rue Esquirol, 75013 Paris, France

Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon14–18 Rue de Chaligny, 75012 Paris, France

Citadines Bastille Marais37 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris, France

Citadines Didot Montparnasse94 Rue Didot, 75014 Paris, France

Citadines La Défense1–8 Boulevard de Neuilly, 92400 Courbevoie Paris, France

Citadines Maine Montparnasse67 Avenue du Maine, 75014 Paris, France

Citadines Montmartre16 Avenue Rachel, 75001 Paris, France

Citadines Place d’Italie18 Place d’Italie, 75013 Paris, France

Citadines Prestige Les Halles4 Rue des Innocents, 75001 Paris, France

Citadines Prestige Opera18 Rue Favart, 75002 Paris, France

Citadines PrestigeSaint–Germain–des–Prés 53 Ter, quai des Grands–Augustins, 75006 Paris, France

Citadines République75 Bis, Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France

Citadines Suites Louvre8 Rue Richelieu, 75001 Paris, France

Citadines Tour Eiffel132 Boulevard de Grenelle, 75015 Paris, France

Citadines Trocadéro29 Bis, Rue Saint–Didier, 75116 Paris, France

OUTSIDE PARISBordeauxCitadines Centre Mériadeck25 Rue Jean Fleuret, 33000 Bordeaux, France

CannesCitadines Croisette1 Rue le Poussin, 06400 Cannes, France

Ferney VoltaireCitadines Genève34 Rue de Genève, 01210 Genève Ferney Voltaire, France

GrenobleCitadines City Centre9–11 Rue de Strasbourg, 38000 Grenoble, France

LilleCitadines City CentreAvenue Willy Brandt Euralille, 59777 Lille, France

LyonCitadines Part–Dieu91–95 Rue Moncey, 69003 Lyon, France

Citadines Presqu’île2 Rue Thomassin, 69002 Lyon, France

MarseilleCitadines Castellane60 Rue du Rouet, 13006 Marseille, France

Citadines Prado Chanot9–11 Boulevard de Louvain, 13008 Marseille, France

MontpellierCitadines Antigone588 Boulevard d’Antigone, 34000 Montpellier, France

NiceCitadines Buffa21 Rue Meyerbeer, 06000 Nice, France

Citadines Promenade3–5 Boulevard François Grosso, 06000 Nice, France

StrasbourgCitadines Kléber50–54 Rue du Jeu des Enfants, 67000 Strasbourg, France

ToulouseCitadines Wilson8 Boulevard de Strasbourg, 31000 Toulouse, France

GEORGIAReservations (within Georgia): (995) 3254 7030

TbilisiCitadines Freedom SquareBuilding 2a, 4 Freedom Square, 0105 Tbilisi, Georgia

GERMANYReservations (within Germany): 0 30 88 77 60

BerlinCitadines KurfürstendammOlivaer Platz 1, 10707 Berlin–Wilmersdorf, Germany

FrankfurtCitadines City Centre(Opening 2014)

HamburgCitadines Michel(Opening 2014)

MunichCitadines ArnulfparkArnulfstrasse 51, 80636 München, Germany

SPAINReservations (within Spain): 902 200 699

Barcelona Citadines RamblasRamblas 122, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

UNITED KINGDOMReservations: 0800 376 38 98

LondonAscott Mayfair49 Hill Street, Mayfair, London W1 5NB, UK

The Cavendish(Managed by The Ascott Limited)81 Jermyn Street, St James’s,London SW1Y 6JF, UK

Citadines Barbican7–21 Goswell Road, London EC1M 7AH, UK

Citadines St Mark’s300 City Road, London EC1V 2PW, UK

Citadines Prestige Holborn–Covent Garden94–99 High Holborn, London WC1V 6LF, UK

Citadines Prestige South Kensington35A Gloucester Road, London SW7 4PL, UK

Citadines Prestige Trafalgar Square18–21 Northumberland Avenue, London WC2N SEA, UK

GULF REGION

BAHRAINReservations: (973) 1781 1889

ManamaSomerset Al FatehPO Box 75771, Juffair, Kingdom of Bahrain(973) 1781 1889

QATARReservations: (974) 4420 3456

DohaAscott Doha Diplomatic Area, PO Box 207274, Doha, Qatar(974) 4497 1111

Somerset West BayAl Qassar Region, Diplomatic Area,PO Box 260026, Doha, Qatar(974) 4420 3333

OMANMuscatSomerset Panorama(Opening in 2014)

SoharSohar Garden Residences (Corporate Leasing)Al Jafra Street, Al Multaqa Plot 52,Complex 2278, Sohar, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman

SAUDI ARABIARiyadhAscott Olaya (Opening in 2015)

JeddahCitadines Tahlia (Opening in 2014)

Citadines Al Salamah (Opening in 2014)

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESDubaiAscott Park Place Park Place Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 117452, Dubai, United Arab Emirates(971–4) 310 8555

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