TOP 185 CLASSIC SUNGLASSES

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Nr. 1 – 185

1 – Burberry

2 – Burberry

3 – Burberry

4 – Burberry

5 – Burberry

6 – Burberry

7 – Burberry

8 – Burberry

9 – Ray Ban

10 – Ray Ban

11 – Ray Ban

12 – Ray Ban

13 – Ray Ban

14 – Ray Ban

15 – Ray Ban

16 – Ray Ban

17 – Ray Ban

18 – Ray Ban

19 – Ray Ban

20 – Ray Ban

21 – Ray Ban

22 – Ray Ban

23 – Ray Ban

24 – Ray Ban

25 – Ray Ban

26 – Ray Ban

27 – Ray Ban

28 – Ray Ban

29 – Vogue

30 – Vogue

31 – Vogue

32 – Vogue

33 – Vogue

34 – Vogue

35 – Persol

36 – Persol

37 – Persol

38 – Persol

39 – Persol

40 – Persol

41 – Persol

42 – Persol

43- Persol

44 – Persol

45- Persol

46 – Persol

47 – Persol

48 – Persol

49 – Persol

50 –  Persol

51 – Persol

52 – Persol

53 – Persol

54 – Persol

55 – Persol

56 – Persol

57 – Prada

58 – Prada

59 – Prada

60 – Prada

61 -Prada

62 – Prada

63 – Prada

64 – Prada

65 – Prada

66 – Prada

67 – Prada

68 – Prada

69 – Prada

70 – Prada

71 – Prada

72 – Prada

73 – Prada

74 – Prada

75 – Prada

76 – Prada

77 – Prada

78 – Prada

79 -Prada

80 – Prada

81 – Prada

82 – Prada

83 – Prada

84 – Miu Miu

85 – Miu Miu

86 – Miu Miu

87 – Miu Miu

88 – Miu Miu

89 – Miu Miu

90 – Miu Miu

91 – Miu Miu

92 – Miu Miu

93 – Miu Miu

94 – Miu Miu

95 – Miu Miu

96 – Mui Mui

97 – Mui Mui

98 – Mui Mui

99 – Prada

100 – Prada

101 – Prada

102 – Prada

103 – Prada

104 – Prada

105 – Prada

106 – Prada

107 – Prada

108 – Prada

109 – Prada

110 – Prada

111 – Prada

112 – Prada

113 – Prada

114 – Prada

115 – Prada

116 – Prada

117 – Prada

118 – Prada

119 – Prada

120 -Prada

121 – Prada

122 – Prada

123 – Vogue

124 – Vogue

125 – Vogue

126 – Vouge

127 – Vouge

128 – Vogue

129 – Vogue

130 – Vogue

131 – Vogue

132 – Vogue

133 – Vogue

134 – Vogue

135 – Vogue

136 – Vogue

137 – Vogue

138 – Ray Ban

139 – Ray Ban

140 – Ray Ban

141 – Ray Ban

142 – Ray Ban

143 – Ray Ban

144 – Ray Ban

145 – Ray Ban

146 – Ray Ban

147 – Ray Ban

148 – Ray Ban

149 – Ray Ban

150 – Ray Ban

151 – Ray Ban

152 – Ray Ban

153 – Bvlgari

154 – Bvlgari

155 – Bvlgari

156 – Bvlgari

157 – Bvlgari

158 – Bvlgari

159 – Bvlgari

160 – Bvlgari

161 – Bvlgari

162 – Bvlgari

163 – Bvlgari

164 – Bvlgari

165 – Bvlgari

166 – Donna Karan

167 – Donna Karan

168 – Donna Karan

169 – Donna Karan

170 – D&G

171 – D&G

172 – D&G

173 – D&G

174 – D&G

175 – D&G

176 – D&G

177 – D&G

178 – D&G

179 – D&G

180 – Burberry

181 – Burberry

182 – Burberry

183 – Burberry

184 – Burberry

185 – Versus

THE SLR

Coverage Amazing Editions -07

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY IN THIS INSPIRATIONAL SUMMER ISSUE, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO PRESENT A SERIES OF BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF THE UNIQUE MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN. A HIGH-TECH SUPER SPORTS CAR EXCELLENTLY PORTRAYED AMONG SOME OF THE MOST FUTURISTIC ARCHITECTURE IN THE SWEDISH REGION OF SKÅNE.

There is no doubt that the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren symbolises a unique legacy and is a genuine legend packaged in modern luxury.

As Sweden continues to enjoy stable economic growth, so the awareness of and demand for personal capital goods also continues to increase. More so than ever before, we the consumers are now choosing products and services which clearly point towards a growing market orientation. A good example is the rocketing prices we have seen within the housing market. In spite of this, there are large numbers of wealthy prospective buyers today both regarding areas of land and exclusive house properties. Quite simply, people are choosing to identify themselves with an increasingly higher and more lavish standard of living. This is followed, like ripples on water, by the demand for luxury cars. Never before has the car industry offered such an extensive range of unique models. Personal special cars which mirror our individual characters and which dare to break the traditional mould.

“Quite simply, people are choosing to identify themselves with an increasingly higher and more lavish standard of living.”

One of these charismatic super sports cars is known as the SLR, a truly outstanding result of major development work with English McLaren, the renowned partner of Mercedes-Benz in Formula One.

“The name has its roots from the fabulous fifties when drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Sterling Moss and Karl Kling wrote an unforgettable chapter in racing history”

To create the best aerodynamics, McLaren have constructed the SLR with an almost smooth body where the exhaust system outlets are in the side of the car body.

The name has its roots from the fabulous fifties when drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio, Sterling Moss and Karl Kling wrote an unforgettable chapter in racing history with, among others, double victories in the classic motor races such as Mille Miglia, Eifelrennen, Targo Florio and Tourist Trophy. In those days, the model was called the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR and it was nicknamed “the silver arrow”. The car was equipped with a 3 litre, 8 cylinder engine which could deliver all of 310 hp, and which had a top speed of just over 300 km/hour. This successful concept soon gave Mercedes-Benz’ legendary constructor Rudolf Uhlenhaut the taste for blood and, as head of the racing activities, he wanted to create a legitimate version of the successful car, the 300 SLR. The result, the 300 SLR Coupé, was technically rather like production model, the 300 SL, The concept car, ‘the Uhlenhaut Coupé’ was unveiled to the public in 1955 to their great delight and, at the time, was ranked as the world’s fastest road car with a top speed of almost 290 km/hr. Unfortunately, the car never came to full production and only two of them were made. These are now safely preserved as independent legends from times long past.

“His dream was to combine the benefits and experience from training and competition with daily driving on the public highways.”

Today, a little into the twenty-first century, we are able to really admire and enjoy Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s great passion. His dream was to combine the benefits and experience from training and competition with daily driving on the public highways. Beneath the charismatic packaging there lies not only advanced technology but also a number of unique choices of materials. Among other things, the car has been fitted with 620 mm frame side members made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic which despite its lower weight compared to steel and aluminium, gives better protection than the classic material. The brake discs on all four wheels are taken directly from racing and are made of fibre-reinforced ceramic. The wheel suspension, with its double wishbone construction, is a technical solution taken straight from racing cars. Even the seat frames are made with special carbon fibre-reinforced plastic covered with SLR upholstery specially made to take the thoughts back to those legendary predecessors of the fifties.

As the model is only produced as a limited edition, we, the editorial staff, are extremely proud to have test-driven the car and to portray the Swedish-registered car on our own roads.

As with its predecessor, the 300 SLR Coupé, eight cylinders bide their time behind the glittering star symbol in the formula One inspired nose section.

A combined spoiler and air-brake is integrated into the boot. At speeds of over 95 km/hr, it rises by 10 degrees and during heavy braking the angle increases to 65 degrees, in order to increase the pressure on the rear wheels and to maintain directional stability.

ENGINE: V8 with compressor

CYLINDER VOLUME: 5,439 cc

Drilling x length of piston stroke: 97mm x 92 mm

EFFECT: 626 hp

MAXIMUM TORQUE MOMENT: 780 Nm

PERFORMANCE: 0-100 km/h in 3.8 secs, 0-200 km/h in 10.6 secs, 0-300 km/h in 28.8 secs.

TOP SPEED: 334 km/hr

LENGTH: 4,656 mm

BREDTH: 1,908 mm

HEIGHT: 1,261 mm

SERVICE WEIGHT: 1,768 kg

MAX. CARRYING CAPACITY: 240 kg

TOTAL WEIGHT: 1,933 kg

FUEL TANK: 98 litres

BENTLEY CONTINENTAL FLYING SPUR

Coverage Amazing Editions -07

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

DAWN IS BREAKING AS THE FOREIGN-REGISTERED MOTOR TRANSPORT PULLS INTO STRANDVÄGEN IN STOCKHOLM. THE FIRST RAYS OF SUNLIGHT SHED THEIR RED GLOW OVER THE ROOFS, AND THE WARM MORNING MIST IS GRADUALLY CLEARING FROM THE BOULEVARDS.

A gang of young people are fishing from the quayside at Nybrokajen while the morning newspapers are delivered to the city’s inhabitants.  I am sitting on the steps outside the Royal Dramatic Theatre, waiting for the motor transport to unload my next assignment, a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, the fastest limousine in the world.

When the driver has found a suitable parking place he offloads his valuable cargo, which he parks outside the Bentley showroom. Together with Päivi Repola, head of marketing at Bentley Stockholm, he goes through the newly-arrived treasure and hands over a stack of documents. With a coffee mug in my hand, I stop and study this glamorous beauty from a distance. The dark paintwork with its shifting nuances is a perfect combination with the rounded shapes of the bodywork.  Despite its generous proportions, the car has no distinctive details that attract unnecessary attention.  Instead, the uncluttered lines of the bodywork project a rare sense of humility that blends in with its surroundings.  The Flying Spur is definitely a car for the person who wants to remain anonymous, someone who prefers a comfortable silence behind a discreet facade.

“The Flying Spur is definitely a car for the person who wants to remain anonymous, someone who prefers a comfortable silence behind a discreet facade.”

While Päivi completes her delivery, she catches sight of me as I cross Artillerigatan.  With the keys and press releases in her hand, she gives me a warm welcome. “You have to agree that this is a wonderful car,” she says with pride in her voice as she opens the driver’s door. “I think this is one of the finest models Bentley has produced.” I nod in agreement as my eyes take in the cream-coloured interior. “I think this is a car that will suit your magazine’s target group,” she says with a smile. I hardly have time to tell her how impressed I am by the car’s fantastic design before she asks me to get behind the wheel. “I think you will like this,” she continues, as she gets into the passenger seat.  She takes me through the car’s controls and settings before she shakes my hand and wishes me luck, almost as if  I had bought the Bentley for myself.  Not bad, I think to myself as I select drive and head for home.

On my way through town I convince myself to make a little detour past Kungsträdgården and down to Slussen.  I should really take the direct route home and avoid the morning rush-hour traffic, but that doesn’t appeal to me, particularly as I feel so very much at home in this luxurious environment. What’s more, I feel like a prince, leaning back in Bentley’s fantastic driver’s seat, but on the other hand it would be strange to feel any other way.  I read the other day that it takes about eleven hides to complete the car’s interior. The same article also revealed that the development of the Continental models has quite an extensive background story. It began at the end of the last century, when Bentley made considerable investments in the works at Crewe, the company’s head office, among other things in development, manufacture and design.  The Board of Directors then let the factory’s 550 hand-picked workers work side-by-side with Bentley’s highly-respected design department.  To meet the challenge, help was also sought from the Volkswagen (the parent company) worldwide test facilities.  For example, the unique shape of the Continental Flying Spur was developed in the parent company’s high-tech wind tunnel.

“On my way across the bridge at Slussen I see a crowd of early-rising tourists who look as if they will wrench their necks in their efforts to satisfy their curiosity.”

While I am musing over the car’s fascinating history, I suddenly realise that there isn’t another car in sight.  I take a sly look at the instrument panel and see that the speedometer is graduated to well over 300km/h.  This is, of course, a must for a car the manufacturer claims to have a top speed of 312km/h.  I persuade myself that I could take the motorway, which would get me home in time for breakfast.  With a smile on my lips I let my right foot learn a little more about the law of gravity.  The six speed gearbox quickly makes the adjustment and the engine’s 552 horsepower responds at once.  On my way across the bridge at Slussen I see a crowd of early-rising tourists who look as if they will wrench their necks in their efforts to satisfy their curiosity.  I turn south to the South Highway Tunnel and move the drive selector from automatic to Tiptronic, the drive program that lets me use the paddles behind the wheel.  According to the technical specifications it should be here, at about 1600 rpm that the compact 6 litre V12 engine provides its maximal effect.  The dual turbo aggregate will soon deliver the full 650 Nm, a figure that, according to the press releases, is enough to hurl the almost 2.5 ton car up to 100 km/h in only 5.2 seconds.  When I have found the exact engine revolutions, I take a firmer grip of the wheel and let the technology do its job.  The acceleration is astonishing, and I am glued to the soft seat.  At first I had found it a little difficult to believe James May’s overwhelming description in Top Gear, the British publication, of their test of the car in Dubai.  Now I understand exactly what he means.  Notwithstanding the opulent interior and comfortable back seat, it is behind the wheel that you get the best feel for the Flying Spur. Bentleys are quite simply cars for people who want nothing but the best.

GUARANTEE: Bentley Motors gives a three-year warranty on all new cars. In addition, the owner can contact the Bentley Emergency Services in their home country 24 hours a day from anywhere in Europe.

GRANDHOTEL SCHLOSS BENSBERG

Coverage Amazing Editions – 08

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

AS WE ARRIVE IN BERGISCH GLADBACK, HALF AN HOUR OUTSIDE COLOGNE, THE MORNING MIST LIES THICKLY IN THE VALLEYS OF THIS ROLLING WINE-GROWING DISTRICT. HIGH UP ON THE SLOPES WE GLIMPSE THE MAGNIFICENT SILLHOUETTE OF SCHLOSS BENSBERG, AN HISTORIC BUILDING DATING BACK TO THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

Jan Wellem was the man according to the history books who instigated the construction of the castle in 1705 as a hunting castle for himself and his Italian wife, Anna Maria Lovisa af Toscana. After her demise, the history of the castle was relatively varied. Among other things, the castle was used by the army which meant that it was no longer accessible to the civilian population. It was only in recent years, when the owners of the castle were bought out by a German insurance company in 1997, that the history of the castle could begin again. With a budget of 160 million D-marks, two years of intensive work together with Althoff Hotels resulted in the full restoration of the building to its original state. Together, they succeeded in creating one of Germany’s most lavish castle hotels. In 2000, the hotel opened its gates to the general public as the new Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, a 5-star luxury hotel with unparalleled service.

“Schloss Bensberg is an extremely genuine hotel in the spirit of the old, traditional Grand Hotel,” says Kurt Wagner, General Manager for Schloss Bensberg. “A really luxurious hotel offering levels of service and comfort which once symbolised this historic building.”

He tells us that the interior designer, Peter Shilling, has done a truly outstanding job. “He has really succeeded in combining the feeling of the baroque with the modern techniques of today, a particularly difficult challenge which is reflected in the masterful detail of the work.”

“We have been really lucky and succeeded particularly well with the enchanting decorations”

With the help of hand-picked suppliers around the world, it was possible to source the most extraordinary materials and handmade articles, such as, specially imported oak parquet-flooring from France, selected marble from England and mountains of exclusive cloth from Scotland. “We have been really lucky and succeeded particularly well with the enchanting decorations- just take a look at these fantastic crystal chandeliers,” says Kurt and points to the magnificent lighting in the foyer.

Markus Lüpertz, one of the country’s most famous sculptors, was brought in to help create the right feeling in the castle. His amazing professional skills have added the final characteristic touch which is typical for the epoch of the castle. His true-to-life cherubs and wrought-iron work adorns the large rooms bringing a genuine baroque atmosphere to the palace.

“But a marvellous interior isn’t enough,” continues Kurt. “If our guests are to enjoy their stay, they require an exclusive kitchen serving real gourmet food.” And having said that, he introduced us to Joachim Wissler, one of Germany’s most famous chefs. “Joachim is one of the few chefs to receive the much coveted three star award in the Michelin Guide,” he adds.

Under Joachim’s leadership, the guest have been offered a masterly menu in the Vendôme restaurant which is located in the hotel’s west wing. “The restaurant has become so extremely popular,” says Kurt while patting Joakim on the back, “that it is often necessary to make a table reservation one month in advance.” For those wishing to taste something other than the Vendôme´s French delicacies, there are two alternatives within the walls of the castle. Either you can visit Amran Kapitasi, head chef at the Restaurant Jan Wellem, a classic restaurant named after the castle’s founder. A varied menu offers dishes from all over the world and dishes which Amran has brought with him from his broad experience from top international hotels. Or you can choose the third alternative, the smaller and perhaps more personal restaurant, the Trattoria Enoteca, under the head chef Davide Leone. The restaurant is located in the cellar and is entered though the hotel’s renowned wine cellar. With the little extra privacy, the Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed in an unstrained atmosphere.

“it is often necessary to make a table reservation one month in advance”

In addition to the superb facilities such as the gourmet restaurant, the jewellers, the clothes boutique, the library and the hairdressers, there is an extensive Beauty and Spa facility. All of 1,000 square metres has been dedicated to the creation of a complete Spa experience. The guests are pampered and revitalised, rounding off with exclusive products from La Prairie and Ligne St. Barth.

After a guided tour of the whole hotel, we sit down with Kurt in the beautiful lobby bar. Over a cup of coffee he tells us that the hotel has a total of 120 rooms of which 36 are suites. “Each suite has its own architecture and decoration,” he explains, “which means a pleasant stay for all, irrespective of whether you are here on business or here just to relax.” I take the opportunity to praise the extensive bathroom in our small penthouse. Double hand-basins are quite rare in combination with shower cabinets and bath-tubs. The shower cabinet surrounded by marble, especially together with a visible beams and gold-coloured taps, feels really exclusive. Otherwise the room is somewhat oddly planned with a small hall leading to a table with two stools, beside which there is a writing table with a fax. There is more room in the bedroom which in addition to a minibar and TV has a more than ample wardrobe. But best of all, the beds and bed linen are superb, something which one cannot always take for granted when travelling, whatever the class of hotel.

I, for my part, can guarantee that you will not feel home-sick when you sleep at the Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg. It is one of the best hotels I have ever visited.

PANGKOR LAUT RESORT

Coverage Amazing Editions -08

Text: Maria Björklund

Photo: Christer Olausson

OUR JOURNEY TO WARM, RELAXING MALAYSIA CAME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COLD SWEDISH WINTER, WHERE AFTER 18 HOURS OF FLYING WITH MALAYSIAN AIRLINES, WE LANDED IN KUALA LUMPUR. IT WAS A LONG BUT PLEASANT FLIGHT, THE SERVICE WAS GOOD, AND WITH MY OWN TV SCREEN ON THE BACK OF THE CHAIR IN FRONT, I WATCHED A FEW FILMS TOO.

We were met by a polite but rather stressed chauffeur who said that we must hurry to catch the ferry which would take us over to Pangkor Laut Island, a car journey of about three and a half hours. It is also possible to be transported in a small sports aircraft with Berjaya Air, which only takes half an hour. We chose the car trip to see more of Malaysia. It was incredibly restful and rather exciting to sink down in the back seat of the limousines, supplied by Pangkur Laut Resort. We were able to enjoy the Malaysian countryside with the palms, mango trees and buffalo which lined the roads, as well as Kuala Lumpur with its many interesting sights.

On the road heading towards our destination, we encountered culture both from the olden days and modern times. They didn’t always blend well together, but it was interesting to see both parts. We passed by a multitude of giant advertising signs, skyscrapers and monorails and a lot more besides, in Kuala Lumpur, only to pass through parts of the country with much lower houses of much lower standard later on during the journey. But this is a safe place to be, and it’s not necessary to lock or even close the doors. Punishment for theft, break-ins and other criminal activities is tough, so people don’t dare commit crimes. Any thoughts I had about being robbed or attacked disappeared rather quickly, which meant I could just relax.

Malaysia has 13 federal states, the capital city is Kuala Lumpur, and the hibiscus is the national flower. There are about 20 million inhabitants in three main ethnic groups which are the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians, plus some minority groups. Islam is the official religion but there are a number of other religions which are practised because of the cultural mix of people who live here in Malaysia. The national flag has 14 stripes, a sun and a half-moon. The 14 rays of the sun represent the 13 states and the federal territory in Kuala Lumpur and Luban, and the half-moon symbolises the religion. The temperature varies between 21 and 32 degrees in the lowland, while it can be a little cooler in the highland. When we arrived, it was very hot – about 35 degrees.

Having arrived in Lumut, we cooled off in the hot weather and the high humidity with a very cold drink and a hand towel. We were in the resort’s main office, and after registering, we were escorted to where the privately-owned ferry was moored and our baggage was loaded on board. The ferry only sails four times a day. The journey takes just over an hour, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the coastal strip. The sun stood high in the sky and I was longing to get into my bikini and cool off in the glimmering sea. I was reminded of paradise and this indeed was paradise on earth.

Pangkor Laut is a privately-owned island,three miles off the west coast of Malaysia. Pangkor Laut Resort is situated on this exotic island and despite the fact that the island is only 300 acres, only a fraction of the area is devoted to the resort and its villas, whilst the rest is lush, undisturbed, verdant  2 million year-old rain forest.  As we approached, I could hardly believe that we were going to stay in this beautiful place. The majestic landing stage and the associated yacht marina extended far out into the sea as we tied up, ready to move into the resort and on to the long, silky white beach. We saw wooden Hill Villas, high up on the mountain slopes, beautifully camouflaged by the rain forest. Along the seashore, there were wonderful Sea Villas on stilts, just as one would expect on a small paradise island. Our happiness was complete!

“We saw wooden Hill Villas, high up on the mountain slopes, beautifully camouflaged by the rain forest.”

Here on Pangkor Laut, the hospitality is wonderful and the staff are very friendly and service-minded. Wherever you look you are always met with a polite bow. Back at the large open reception we are offered a refreshing Roselle drink and cool towels. We are briefed on the island as a whole and on the facilities belonging to the resort, after which. Our butler takes us to our villa.

There are 148 luxury villas in traditional Malay style, as well as eight separate villas which are more secluded. You can choose between sea villas, mountain villas, spa villas and beach villas. There is a suite villa which lies high up, hidden in the rain forest, which is named after the great tenor, Luciano Pavarotti who, moreover, inaugurated the resort and often spent time here with his family. The villas are designed for two people, are very spacious, are luxuriously furnished in a style which blends in with the environment, and have private balconies with two sun-loungers. The bathrooms, too, are large and spacious, and have two hand-basins and mirrors, indoor showers, not forgetting a large outdoor bathtub in a private garden which no-one overlooks.  The villas are all equipped with the most modern air-conditioning systems, king-size beds, a writing-desk, an electric safe, a hair-dryer, and a coffee and tea-maker. There is also a stereo with a CD player, and records and CDs can be borrowed from the library. Villas are not equipped with TVs, although there is a TV lounge available to all. The concept is built on the idea that visitors are here to relax from their work and stress, which a very sound thought.

The food on offer at the restaurants was magnificent. One could choose anything from classic Malaysian to traditional Chinese. One place to mention is Chapman’s bar which gets its name from the famous British colonel, Freddy Spencer Chapman, who sought shelter in Emerald Bay before his dramatic escape by U-boat in 1945. The bar is situated in the bay which lies on the other side of the island, right on the edge of the beach, and you can order whatever you want directly to your sun-bed. Light meals, such as, salads, sandwiches and tasty fish and shell-food dishes are served daily. Dinner on the Rocks is the other restaurant which also lies in Emerald Bay, on an open plateau by a rocky ledge, where you can watch the sun slowly set below the horizon and give the glittering ocean its special light. A romantic four-course meal with live music and singing at the tables makes your evening unforgettable. Fisherman’s Cove lies at the heart of the restaurants on Pangkor Laut, and here the dress code is more formal, which means no shorts, T-shirts or sandals. The restaurant lies beside the Spa facility, and they offer a fantastic mixture of western grill dishes, Chinese, Italian, and fresh fish and shell-fish dishes. The dynamic design, with its open kitchen where you can see you dish being prepared, together with the sea view, offers guests the ultimate experience of an exciting journey through the Asian cuisine.

My senses were in harmony relatively quickly with the wonderful feeling of waking up rested, jumping into my slippers and going out in the warmth of the morning sunshine. After a hearty breakfast at Palm Grove Café, we took a gentle walk over to the Spa facility for our pre-booked massages. We received lots of useful advice about which food, exercise, and possibly some form of yoga or meditation which would best suit our respective personalities. After the consultation, we went our separate ways for foot massage and to wander through the different types of water activities in the pools and waterfall. It was then time for a cup of tea in the library, to relax a while after the bathing before going on to enjoy the massage. During our stay, we tried both the Indian and the Chinese massage. The choice of massage is broad and diverse and includes Thai, Japanese and Malay.

“It was then time for a cup of tea in the library, to relax a while after the bathing”

The days passed by one by one, and time was running by much too quickly. We at least managed to sunbathe and swim between the massages, the guided tours and the evening activities. On the last evening, we went to the restaurant, Dinner on the Rocks, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal under a starlight sky. The troubadours played and sang, moved from table to table, the atmosphere was at its best and life felt wonderful.

Getting back to our villa, we found an information letter from the Reception which said that Malaysia has a 5-day Hindu festival called Deepavali, also known as the ‘Festival of Light’ in November. During the festival period, everyone cleans their homes really thoroughly, and windows are opened to welcome Laksmi, the Goddess of health and well-being. Thousands of candles and lights are lit everywhere as a greeting to Lakhsmi, gifts are given and splendid meals are prepared during the festival days. The lights are a symbol for learning. The reason for turning on all the lights is to understand and reflect over the important purpose the festival has, and to take this with you into your daily life.  We were given presents in the form of small round balls which could be eaten as sweets or taken with coffee. They are called Prasad sweets, where Prasad means ‘blessed gift’.

Unfortunately, our time was running out. Who would want to leave this beautiful, fairytale, idyllic paradise island in south-east Asia, and not least, its wonderful climate?

HOTEL CONTINENTAL

Coverage Amazing Editions -08

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

SHOULD YOU WISH TO INVITE YOUR DEAREST TO A ROMANTIC WEEKEND IN OSLO, YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY VISIT THE CLASSIC HOTEL CONTINENTAL, A HOTEL NOW IN ITS FOURTH GENERATION. HERE YOU CAN ENJOY GLAMOROUS SURROUNDINGS AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE, AT THE VERY HEART OF THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY WITH ITS FAMOUS SHOPPING DISTRICT.

As I park in front of the building’s magnificent entrance, we encounter the hotel’s noted hospitality in the form of well-dressed gentleman who extends us a warm welcome to the Continental, while courteously opening the door for my female colleague. Meanwhile, his colleague takes care of our luggage and drives our car down into the hotel garage.

Once inside the doors, the hotel’s interesting architecture is something to admire. Instead of the more traditional layout with open spaces and high ceilings, the Continental has placed its Reception Desk in a more secluded position. Consequently, checking in and out is an informal, more personal experience. The elegant marble contrasting with dark walnut and touches of gold gives the foyer an exclusivity which is not usually found in the majority of hotels in Norway.

When I open the door of our suite, our bags are already waiting for us in the hall, our jackets are hanging neatly in the wardrobe and a basket of fresh fruit stands invitingly on the table. The suite which is on the hotel’s seventh floor, on the corner of Stortingsgatan and Olav V’s gata, offers a splendid view of the Royal Palace and the National Theatre. The Royal Suite, all of 70 square metres, is equipped with everything you could possibly expect of a modern international luxury hotel. The suite was renovated and furnished prior to the visit by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

A beautiful dining table stands in a light, roomy part of the suite upon which private dinners may be served. A small cut-glass chandelier hangs from the ceiling and the walls are dressed with decorations and works of art. Integrated imitation pillars stand on both sides of the enormous window panes making the room feel both grand and exclusive, together with the thick matching drapes in matching colours. Farther into the room, we see a sofa, a glass table and a comfortable-looking armchair with a footstool in which to relax after a long day in town. For those who cannot leave their work at home, there is a substantial desk with a telephone and a free broadband connection. The bedroom is furnished with a large double bed in classic style, with pillows and bed linen of the best quality. There is also a large TV, a radio, an alarm clock and a trouser press. Along the passage to the bathroom, there is a roomy wardrobe containing a safe for jewels and other valuables.

After a while, there is a knock at the door. It is Tommy Andreasen, the hotel’s Sales and Marketing Manager who has come to welcome us and to invite us to lunch in ‘Dagligstuen’. We take the elevator together down to the popular lobby bar and sit down at one of the tables. It doesn’t take long before a friendly waiter arrives to take our orders. “Did you know that ‘Dagligstuen’ is one of Oslo’s oldest bars?” says Tommy. “It opened back in 1932 and has been re-designed three times since then. We have tried to create a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where guests can chat over a cup of coffee in peace and quiet. We also have an open-air bar which is really popular in the summertime,” he continues. The furniture is elegant, beautiful and tastefully expensive, and in a robust English style, with touches of green and lilac. “Our motto here at the Continental is to create our own trends which will stand the test of time.”

“The Munch collection is the biggest collection today in Norway in private ownership”

Maria is curious about the beautiful lithograph of Edvard Munch which is hanging on the wall. “We have a collection of twelve paintings which were acquired by the second generation owner, Arne Boman Hanse, from an art dealer in Oslo,” Tommy explains. He laughs when we ask if the painting is an original, and tells us that those have been safely locked away in a safe for several years following a number of attempts to steal them. The Munch collection is the biggest collection today in Norway in private ownership.

He goes on to describe the hotels various restaurants, among which is the unique ‘Teatercaféet’ dating back to the early 1900s and the ‘Annen Etage Restaurant & Bar’, an exclusive restaurant known for its gastronomic ambitions and its wide assortment of whiskies.

The ‘Teatercaféet’, which opened on 22nd December 1900, is one Norway’s leading cultural heritages and is included on the list drawn up by the New York Times of the world’s ten most famous cafés. The café was renovated after the Second World War to a new style chosen by the third generation owner, Ellen Brochmann. Her dream was to restore the café to its original state and she, together with the architect Hans Gabriel Finne, completed the work in 1971. Most of the original furnishings could be recreated with the help of old photographs. Among other things, the café now boasts a service by Figgjo Fajanse, a wall clock from London and most of the inspiration came from Paris, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Here too, there are many portraits to admire including famous Norwegian cultural celebrities, authors, musicians and composers.

The ‘Annen Etage Restaurang & Bar’ is a more design-inspired restaurant, which is open to the general public, serving 5-course dinners from the finest of products and with excellent service. In the rather trendy bar, customers can choose between over 70 different types of whisky. “If you so wish,” says Tommy, “there is a beautifully-decorated room, the Chambre Separée, for closed parties of up to 25 people adjoining the restauarant.”

“Our biggest suite is the Continental Suite on the top floor with a large balcony and a fantastic view over Aker Brygge and the Oslo fjord. The suite is 100 square metres and is usually reserved by famous people”

“As far as the hotel is concerned, we have 155 rooms in various categories,” adds Tommy, “of which five are larger suites and 18 are junior suites. Our biggest suite is the Continental Suite on the top floor with a large balcony and a fantastic view over Aker Brygge and the Oslo fjord. The suite is 100 square metres and is usually reserved by famous people.” We read too, in the hotel’s elegant brochure, that there are several large conference and meeting rooms which can be adapted, for instance, for weddings and other celebrations.

When our excellent meal is at an end, we thank Tommy for the interesting chat and make ourselves ready to photograph the hotels wonderful furnishings and architecture.

ADDRESS: Hotel Continental, Stortingsgaten 24-26, N-0117 Oslo, Norway.

TEL: + 47 22 82 40 00

FAX: + 47 22 82 40 65

E-POST: booking@hotel-continental.no

INTERNET: www.hotel-continental.no

GENERAL MANAGER: Siv Lunde Kolrud

PRICES: From 1,270 NOK to 10,500 NOK

CREDIT CARDS: All

COMMUNICATIONS: About 47 Km from Gardemoen, Oslo’s International Airport and 2 km from the Central Station.

HOTEL IM WASSERTURM

Coverage Amazing Editions -08

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

IF YOU WANT TO BREAK AWAY FROM YOUR TRADITIONAL CONFINES IN SEARCH OF NEW IMPRESSIONS, THEN YOU REALLY SHOULD PAY A VISIT TO COLOGNE, A WONDERFUL CITY WITH A RICH HISTORY THAT INCLUDES THE FAMOUS CATHEDRAL. AND IN ONE OF THE MOST ATTRACTIVE DISTRICTS OF THE CITY IS ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR LUXURY HOTELS IN NORTHERN EUROPE – AN OLD WATER TOWER DATING FROM THE END OF THE 1800′S.

Once again, Amazing Editions presents a spectacular hotel project which in our view offers hospitality that is a cut above the rest.  It is our ambition that you, as a discerning traveller, will be able to form an opinion about the interesting assortment of fascinating luxury hotels that are spread across the world. In this issue, we have chosen to highlight another five-star hotel, located in central Germany. This is a hotel that attracts the publicity it richly deserves after a costly renovation transformed the architecture of a 19th-century water tower into a modern and highly successful design hotel.

Turning in to the courtyard and drawing up in front of this majestic building is definitely a different kind of experience.  Unlike most of its competitors, this interesting building rises 35 metres straight up into a clear blue sky;  a design which in itself may not be among the most sophisticated of building projects.  Instead, its fascination lies in the unusual combination of its dimensions.  The brochure tells us that the diameter of this water tower is a full 34 metres, a figure that reveals that the height of the building is almost the same as its width.  This is almost impossible to see with the naked eye.  Personally, I would like to say that the entire building gives the impression of being one big illusion.  From my perspective behind the wheel, this water tower looks more like an enormous cylinder with high windows.

Crossing the threshold takes you into a modern world of exciting and innovative architecture.  The luxury and glamour of the interior decoration and furnishings allows guests to appreciate this unique 19th century building from a completely new perspective.  From the time the famous Paris designer Andrée Putman was commissioned to transform this listed building into a modern hotel, it took about two years before the first guests checked in.  Except for being compelled to work within the limits set by the City’s Cultural Committee, Andrée Putman was given more or less a free hand to create 90 hotel rooms in a personal style.  He created 42 suites and 38 double rooms, in different categories.  The most extravagant accommodation is, of course, the 170 square metre Presidential Suite at the top of the building, with the entrance on the 10th floor.  This two-floor suite boasts two spacious living rooms of 35 square metres each, with opulent furniture and rich decorations and fittings by well-known designers from all over the world.  These fittings include the best of modern technology, stereo systems, wall-mounted TVs and air-conditioning. The entrance floor to the suite has a beautiful dining room, a small library, two guest rest rooms and a sophisticated security system with video surveillance of the outer door.  The upper floor has two glamorous 25 square metre bedrooms, each with its en-suite marble bathroom with Jacuzzi, telephone and spectacular big-screen television.

“The most extravagant accommodation is, of course, the 170 square metre Presidential Suite at the top of the building”

Fascinated by the attractive architecture, we take a tour with the hotel’s marketing director, Mrs. Ruth Maria van den Elzen.  She is well-versed in the building’s history and its traditions. “As you probably know, the Englishman John Moore had the water tower built as long ago as 1872.” We nod convincingly in agreement and attempt to give the impression that we have some knowledge of the subject.  “By the beginning of the 20th century, Cologne had grown into such a sprawling city that a system of underground water mains was the only solution, and that made the water tower obsolete.  At the beginning of the Second World War, the water tower suffered extensive damage, and by the time hostilities had ceased only 27 metres of the original building was left.  After that, no one paid very much attention to the ruin.  Not until 18 years ago, when a private investor came up with the brilliant idea of transforming a pile of stones into a five-star luxury hotel.”

Today, it is difficult to imagine that this was anything other than a modern meeting place for us tourists and business travellers, particularly as every little feature gives the impression of being planned down to the last detail. It is enough to see the heart of the hotel, the exquisite restaurant, “La Vision”, situated high up on the 11th floor.  A brilliant example of the heights to which the famous French gourmet cuisine can rise.“The Hotel im Wasserturm was an outstanding experience with excellent service and a fantastic view”, to quote the world famous musician Madonna after her stay at the hotel, says Ruth as we move on to “d^blju,W”, the Hotel’s other restaurant. “The decor in here reflects the seasons of the year”, she explains, and shows us a couple of pictures in a brochure.  Given its appearance at the moment, I am not sure that I can agree with her, with all the large dark flower pots that evoke a chilly climate.  Slightly confused, I suggest that I must have misunderstood the intended impression, but before I get an answer, Ruth has already changed the subject, and moved us on to Harry´s Lounge, the Hotel’s famous piano bar.

Before we conclude our tour and return to the room, we are also told that the hotel is very popular with global celebrities.  In addition to Madonna, the list of celebrities who have stayed at the hotel includes Brad Pitt, Viktor Laszlo, Wolfgang Jobb, Armin Müller-Stahl and Catherine Deneuve. Ruth adds that the hotel sometimes hosts large banquets and lectures, with up to 200 people in the hotel’s 48 square metre conference facility.

As I mentioned, if you want to get away and experience something very different, I can strongly recommend a visit to Cologne. Hotel im Wasserturm is certainly an experience that is quite out of the ordinary.

ADDRESS: Hotel im Wasserturm, Kaygasse 2, D-50676 Cologne, Germany

TEL: + 49 (0) 221 2008-0

FAX: + 49 (0) 221 2088-888

E-POST: info@hotel-im-wasserturm.de

INTERNET: www.hotel-im-wasserturm.de

GENERAL MANAGER: Mr. Harald Paus

PRICES: From €265 – at request

CREDIT CARDS: All

COMMUNICATIONS: About 8-10 min by car from Cologne Central Station.

HOTEL KÄMP

Coverage Amazing Editions -07

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

IF YOU WANT TO TURN YOUR VISIT TO HELSINKI INTO AN EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE, THEN YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY CHECK INTO THE FAMED HOTEL KÄMP, ONE OF FINLAND’S OLDEST AND MOST TALKED-ABOUT LUXURY HOTELS. CENTRALLY-LOCATED ON POHJOISESPLANADI ALONG THE ESPLANADALLÉN, THE FAMOUS PARK PROMENADE, GUESTS ARE CLOSE TO THE ALL THE CITIES BEST RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING AREAS.

Today, Helsinki is called the new meeting point between East and West, an exciting place where the sea meets the countryside.  A modern capital city which, thanks to its architecture, design and fascinating technology, is regarded as an attractive name in the international arena.

With a constant stream of tourists, the Helsinki Tourist Board can report a figure of about 220,000 guests for March this year, an increase of about 30,000 nights over the same month in 2006.  This higher figure may be attributable to the 3,000 or more events arranged here every year.  This year, for example, Finland hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, for the first time and it is reported that the event was a wonderfully popular festival in the Helsinki Arena, which was full to overflowing, largely due to the win by the hard rock group Lordis in Athens last year.

If you are interested in history and allow yourself to be captured by cultural literature, you can read how the city was founded  in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa at the mouth of the Vanda to compete with Reval, now Tallin, for the important trade in the Baltic region. Helsinki was moved to its present location, closer to the sea, in the middle of the 17th century.  In 1809, Finland was conquered under bestial circumstances by Russia, and some years later, in 1812, Helsinki was named as capital of the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland.  At the same time a number of monuments were erected in the city to symbolise the absolute power of the Grand Duke and the Czar. A little more than a century later, in 1917, Finland became an independent republic and a new city plan was drawn up for the city, with classical and functional components.  However, the great breakthrough for Helsinki was in 1952, when the city hosted the Olympic Games and Helsinki gained an international reputation as a welcoming and well-organised capital city.  It also signalled the start of a new era of commissions of trust and global conferences such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe summit meeting in 1975 in the well-known Finlandia building.  In 1995 Finland became a member of the European Union, and since then has served as President twice, in 1999 and in 2006.

But let us leave the cultural aspects for a moment and focus instead on the luxury hotel, Kämp.  After all, my main task is to convey to you selected readers of Amazing Editions the fantastic accommodations available to you as business or family travellers.

Hotel Kämp is without doubt one of Helsinki’s most interesting names for the initiated traveller. A stately building which at first glance suggests a pleasant visit, not only because of its imposing facade, but also because of its advantageous geographic location.  From here it’s a comfortable walk to most of the attractions.  The surrounding neighbourhood houses a wide selection of shops, pulsating nightlife and reputable restaurants.

When we arrive in front of the imposing main entrance we are given a hospitable reception by the hotel’s entrance host.  He gives us a hearty welcome while the staff take care of our luggage and park the car in the hotel’s private garage.  Inside the sumptuous lobby the architecture and unusual lighting provide an exclusive reception of continental proportions. Surrounded by majestic columns and a characteristic decor I can almost feel the spiritual presence of the hotel’s world famous founder, Carl Wilhelm Kämp, the local innkeeper who just over a century ago realised his dream of giving Helsinki its first real luxury hotel.

Our sumptuous Junior Park Suite has everything you might expect of a first-class hotel that is part of “The Luxury Collection”.  In addition to a wonderful view across the Esplanade Park there is a generous desk with Internet connection, a separate sofa group and a comfortable divan.  There are also two comfortable armchairs for relaxed moments in front of the TV before it is time to creep into the large double bed with its down quilts.  But best of all is the spacious bathroom in rich marble decor with a separate bath tub and shower cabinet.

The hotel, which has 179 rooms, including Deluxe rooms, Special suites and the famous Mannerheim suite, offers all guests a comprehensive 24-hour room service, including laundry, dry-cleaning and pressing.  The hotel also has good amenities for large scale party and conference events in one of its six well-equipped facilities on the second floor.  If you want to enjoy a delicious meal, just book a table in one of the hotel’s fine restaurants.  In the Kämp Café, which is once again a popular meeting place for both private people and business customers in Helsinki, you can relax in the welcoming bar before moving on to the dining room for a superb meal.  Another alternative is the new Japanese restaurant, Yume, which not only serves an interesting menu, but also has a modern and inspirational environment.

“If you want to enjoy a delicious meal, just book a table in one of the hotel’s fine restaurants.”

To bring a little clarity to the hotel’s varied history, I meet Mrs Tiia Sammellahti, the hotel’s Communications Manager. While she is giving me a guided tour of the hotel she gives me a detailed account of its complex history.  It all began in 1884 when Carl Wilhelm Kämp, a local hotelier, found out that the goldsmith Ekholm’s plot of land in the Antilopen block on the corner of Glogatan and Norra Esplanaden, was for sale.  His first thought was to build a world-class hotel, and although he arranged both a loan and building permission from the Senate of the time, his financial resources were not sufficient. Luckily, Carl was helped by the municipal councillor F.W. Grönqvist who bought the land and had the hotel built in return for a 20 year lease.  The beautiful building was designed by the architect, Theodor Höijer who placed the main entrance of the hotel facing the Esplanade Park.  From the stately entrance hall the decorative, columned main staircase led up through the five-storey building.  When the hotel was opened in 1887, it was regarded as the most modern hotel accommodation in the whole of Helsinki. “A lot has happened since those days “, says Tiia and opens the great salon doors into the hotel’s impressive Mirror Hall. “ Unfortunately, he never had the chance of enjoying his project to the full because he suddenly passed away two years after the hotel opened”.  Surprised, I nod and look out across the richly-decorated room.

“Tiia opens the great salon doors into the hotel’s impressive Mirror Hall.”

I also find out that the hotel was run for a while by his wife, Maria Kämp, who in 1917 chose to sell the business to a major bank, KOP (Kansallis-Osake-Pankkis).  As time passed, the property fell into some disrepair and through the 1950s the deterioration was so extensive that the hotel had to close completely in 1965.  Having invoked an old building permit and attempted to revive the legendary hotel, the bank failed to find a new tenant.  Instead, the building permit was modified to convert the property into offices.  In 1969 the building came into use again and KOP had its own head office there.  That was the position until 1995 when KOP merged with another bank, Föreningsbanken Merita Bank.  This left the building empty again and in 1996 the Merita Group announced that it intended to revive this legendary Helsinki hotel.  The new hotel, that was planned by the Petri Blomstedt firm of architects and built by the Skanska-Heinänen consortium, had its grand opening on Friday May the 28th, 1999, a date I believe is permanently etched in the memory of  every proud citizen of Helsinki.

But on the other hand I can understand their joy and pride, as I believe I have never visited a hotel with such joie de vivre and passion.  Here it may truly be said that everyone does their utmost to ensure that you has a guest have a memorable experience.

ADDRESS: Hotel Kämp, Pohjoisesplanadi 29 00100 Helsinki, Finland

TEL: +358 (0)9 576 111

FAX: +358 (0)9 576 1122

E-MAIL: hotelkamp@hotelkamp.fi

INTERNET: www.hotelkamp.fi

GENERAL MANAGER: Mr Ray Kaihari

PRICES: From 3 425 – 3.300

CREDIT CARDS: All

COMMUNICATIONS: About 17km to the Helsinki-Vanda airport.

EAST HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Coverage Amazing Editions -07

Text: Maria Björklund

Photo: Christer Olausson

WE WALK ALONG SIMON-VON-UTRECHT STRASSE WHERE PEOPLE AND CARS HURRY PAST US ALONG THE ROAD. WE ARRIVE AT THE EAST HOTEL.WITH ITS BEAUTIFULLY TILED FAÇADE WALL AND ITS OPEN DOORS INTO ONE OF HAMBURG’S MOST WELL-KNOWN DESIGNER HOTELS WHERE WE ARE OVERWHELMED WITH A FEELING OF INNER CALM.

Amazed by the wonderful “silence” which prevailed, we stood for a couple of minutes inside the doors to breathe in the wonderful sense of calm which overcame us. We looked curiously around and started to slowly make our way towards the reception. I can understand the three founders, Anne Marie Bauer, Marc Ciunis and Christoph Strenger, when they say how very pleased they are to have found this ideal property. Many years ago, it was used as a foundry and as an ironworks. The area of the property is very big and the ceilings are high. These differences in level are used to the full with bars at different levels and in the enormous open-plan restaurant, also called East.

Unrestrained creativity has been allowed to run freely in a playful but nevertheless very artistic way. The first room we enter is Yakshi’s Bar which is a meeting place before a shopping spree in town or after a night out in the pulsating Hamburg nightlife. Its somewhat different style gives us a foretaste of the design which will typify the remaining parts of the hotel. The decorations and furnishings as a whole are spectacular and the red-tiled walls in the background provide a fine contrast to the interior design which with its soft lighting casts a sense of mystique throughout the building in a very pleasant and calming way. The design is, at the same time, both architectonic and highly exotic.

Yakshi’s is as diversified and divine as its drinks list and its guests. The fashion-conscious, the party seekers, and the business people find their way here to relax ‘after work’. There are more than 250 sorts of drinks, from cocktails to specially selected wines and champagnes, dark beers, and Moët & Chandon in XL and 15-litre bottles.

We are welcomed in the reception by a courteous gentleman who tells us that breakfast and free access to both the spa and the golf activities are included. The spa section varies enormously with its cosmetic treatments and treatments for the well-being of the body and soul. The 40-square metre terrace, the gym, the sauna and the spa section are not only for the hotel guests. East is also well-known for its five-course dinners inspired by Europe and Asia as well as its health menu with sushi, sashimi and tempura, to name but a few of the dishes.

He tells us further that the hotel has a separate conference facility with rooms between 40-160 sqm., with associated bars and terraces. During conference breaks, you can relax in the virtual golf simulator, the only one of its kind in Hamburg, or on the outdoor putting green.

We decide to go on a round tour first since our curiosity has still not been satisfied, if anything it has been further aroused, before enjoying a good dinner in the large restaurant.

As we round the corner between the reception and the lounge, we are met by a spectacularly panoramic view of the Colours and Smirnoff Lounge on the other side. As we move closer to Yakshi’s Bar which is located on this side of the wall, with its tables and chairs in dark brown and silver, we are drawn to the edge of the room. There we stop as we are captivated by the sheer openness which is stunningly spectacular and look down over the East restaurant where other guests are eating a superb dinner. The hum of the dinner guests gives a feeling of anonymity where everyone keeps themselves to themselves. The room has four columns which stand in a square extending, like a swaying windlass, from floor to ceiling. In a strange way, they give a strong sense of freedom. The wine cellar lies below us with its associated bar section with more secluded seating which we can only see in its entirety by descending the stairs.

The ‘floating meeting place above the restaurant rounds off the gastronomic and communicative highpoints of the East Restaurant. You can look at TV or relax with a good drink in the Colours & Smirnoff Lounge.

We carry on past the bar section and the strong drawing power I feel, to go down the broad staircase which leads to the East restaurant, makes me understand the clear language which the design speaks. On our right there is a long row of large ‘church windows’ with mixed small, squares of glass  in different colours, such as, yellow, red, blue and white, which harmonise with the rust-coloured tiled walls and ensure that no-one can be observed from the street outside.

The Designer, Jordan Mozer, has magnificently taken advantage of the building from floor to ceiling in a most imaginative way.

The next meeting place which ‘hovers’ over the restaurant, rounds off the gastronomic East restaurant in a gentle way. Here I sink down into fluffy red cushions in the Colours Lounge and relaxation is total. The quiet murmer from the people in the restaurant was like a cat purring, incredibly soporific. I had to stand up quickly not to fall asleep in those lovely cushions.

We continue straight through to find ourselves amazingly on a terrace which leads down the stairs to Dedon Island. The large terrace covered with a variety of wicker furniture with accompanying cushions in strong, beautiful colours like orange, yellow, brown and beige, ensure a harmonic feeling of well-being. The various differences in level, the mosaics in the floor, the large green palms and the round wicker chairs with canopy tops reflect a feeling of Asia and warmer latitudes. This is the ultimate oasis for relaxation.

The hotel has 103 rooms which are divided into five different categories, on five floors, with names such as Mandarine, Ginger, Jasmine, Cinnamon and Lotus, each with their own scent. It is the work of the famous designer Jordan Mozer from Chicago. His company provides services such as integrated and narrative architecture, as well as services for product design for hotels, restaurants, hospitals, entertainment and events. Jordan Mozer has already been able to create, furnish and set his stamp upon many other famous hotels such as the Venetian Hotel and the Desert Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. Among many more, we can mention that his design can be seen at Marriot, Time Square, New York and the Royal Hotel, South Miami Beach, Florida. These hotels, like the futuristic East in Hamburg, are well worth a visit, not only for the sake of the spectacular design, but also because they are great places for you to combine relaxation with revival where you can take care of your body and mind.

ADDRESS: East Hotel & Restaurant GmbH, Simon-von-Utrecht-Strasse 31, 20395 Hamburg

TELEPHONE NUMBER: +49 (0) 40-30 99 30

FAX: +49 (0) 40-3099 32 00

E-POST: reservatiorn@east-hamburg.de

INTERNET: www.east-hamburg.de

MANAGERS: Christoph Strenger & Marc Ciunis

PRICES: €150-375

COMMUNICATIONS: Approximately 10 minutes to central Hamburg and the Central Station.

SONEVA FUSHI & SIX SENSES SPA

Coverage Amazing Editions -07

Text & Photo: Christer Olausson

IF YOU WISH TO CHILL OUT IN A FIVE STAR ENVIRONMENT AND HOLIDAY IN “BARE-FOOT LUXURY”, THEN WE CAN WARMLY RECOMMEND A VISIT HERE TO THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE OF THE MALDIVES. YOU CAN SPOIL YOURSELF UNDER A CLEAR BLUE SKY AND LET THE SPECIALLY-TRAINED SPA STAFF COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE.

There was never any doubt that the Maldives had its own special charm, and I had certainly imagined something out of the ordinary, but never a sight as spectacular as this as we flew towards the airport. Below us, the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean bathed in glorious sun. From up here we can clearly distinguish the depth of the coral reefs around the hundreds of oval lagoons. Most of them are so small that there are only perhaps ten square metres where they break through the surface, the rest being covered by the sparkling turquoise blue waters. Others are much bigger, and looking between the tight vegetation it is possible to catch a glimpse of the silhouettes of both the spectacular hotels and houses. But, as I sit here in sight of the gates to paradise, I am somewhat daunted by the task ahead. What shall I do to describe these fantastic moments? Which words shall I use to give the reader a fair and proper picture? I turn somewhat anxiously towards my camera equipment and really hope that the photographic material will be good enough to truly reflect this Garden of Eden.

“With a glass of champagne in my hand, I settle down and read the information about the Maldives and the many facilities offered by Soneva Fushi.”

Having passed customs and passport control, we have to find our way. Several representatives of the more well-known resorts wait here in the cool of the arrivals hall. No time is wasted and all newly-arrived guests are warmly greeted with a broad smile and good humour. Right here, upon arrival, Malé offers travellers the best possible service imaginable and everything is done to help and get the holiday off to a fine start. No sooner do we find and introduce ourselves to our friends from Soneva Fushi than the polite staff take care of our luggage and escort us further to a jetty outside the airport. We feel as if we are on our way, that we are leaving behind us the mentality of the city and everyday life, especially when the waiting ‘taxi’ is equipped with wings and pontoons. Unlike our more traditional hotel visits, where the taxi pulls up outside the lobby, today we will make our entrance via a fantastic blue lagoon.

During our 30-minutes in the air, on route to Kunfunadhoo Island, reality gradually fades away and I become more and more convinced that we are in the middle of a fairytale world. A world consisting of pastel colours and sparkling sunshine which offers stunning views and wonderful pictures, the like of which I have never experienced before. Back down again, with water under the pontoons, we see all the colours of a rainbow. I sit back in my seat, breathe a sigh of relief and turn to Maria. “What a fantastic flight!” She nods in agreement. I can see from her admiring looks that we are both equally taken by the spectacular surroundings. “I will never forget this trip,” she says as she unfastens her seat belt.

Beside the small jetty, a boat waits to take us ashore. Mrs Rochelle Kilgariff, the general manager for Soneva Fushi gives us a wave as she stands waiting for us. Once on dry land, we are welcomed by the staff and offered refreshing drinks in the hot summer sun of the tropical monsoon climate.

The whole atmosphere surrounding this relaxed arrival feels more like a visit to an old friend than a stay in formal hotel surroundings. The phrase ‘barefoot luxury’ lies close at hand. The more I study the surroundings and the causal clothing worn by the staff, the more I understand how the term has developed and the ideas which actually lie behind the Six Senses’ red thread.

“we are issued with a bicycle each to use here on the island between the villas and the activities”

As we check in, we are issued with a bicycle each to use here on the island between the villas and the activities. Also, I am given a map which will help us find our way to our temporary accommodation here on Kunfunadhoo Island. The sand on the side road leading to our Crusoe Villa is newly-raked and untouched. Only the lonely silence makes me feel a little unsure. At the moment, it feels as if we are the only visitors on the entire island. I check the map a last time whilst parking our bikes against the house wall. A large clay pot filled with water has been placed neatly next to the wall by the entrance. We look at each other with puzzled expressions until we realise that this is ‘barefoot luxury’ playing tricks with us. A small set of furniture, made of sticks and twigs provided by Mother Nature, stand on the open space in front of the house. Two wooden sun beds have been placed a little further away towards the water under the tropical sunshine.

Before entering our villa, I meet an environment inspired by nature in combination with pastel-coloured textiles. To the left, towards the road, steps made of split logs lead up to the bedroom where a large double bed awaits, beautifully decorated with scented rose petals. To the right of me, on the writing desk, stands a bottle of champagne ingeniously served, together with a personal letter from Rochelle, where she once more warmly welcomes us to the Maldives and Soneva Fushi. The most fascinating design is to be found in the bathroom where half of the room’s walls are missing, giving a fantastic feeling of freedom hard to match.

“The most fascinating design is to be found in the bathroom where half of the room’s walls are missing, giving a fantastic feeling of freedom hard to match.”

After acquainting ourselves with the villa and the luggage has been delivered, we take a well-deserved pause in the evening sun down on our private beach. With a glass of champagne in my hand, I settle down and read the information about the Maldives and the many facilities offered by Soneva Fushi.

As I said at the beginning, I shall try to paint as correct picture as possible of the way of life here and give extensive information about Soneva Fushi. To begin with, this well-preserved paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean stretches like a string of pearls straight out from the south-west coast of India. The Maldives, an independent republic since 1965, consists of about 1,200 islands, which together cover an area of some 298 square kilometres. There are some 250,000 inhabitants of whom 50,000 live in the capital , Malé. The native language is Maldivian and the main religion is Islam. The island on which we are staying right now, Kunfunadhoo Island, is one of the bigger islands,  and is about 1,400 metres long and about 400 metres wide. In addition to being our home for the time being, Kunfunadhoo Island is also the home of the resorts owners, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani. Sonu started his career in the family business after extensive studies at Eton College and Oxford University. Earlier, he worked together with his brother until deciding in 1991 to wind down, and invest in Pavilion Resorts. Today he owns 100% of the business and runs the Six Senses chain which works only with four and five star hotels around the world. Eva has a Swedish background, and you probably remember her from the world of fashion where, as a top model in the 70s, she adorned the front covers of many of the fashion magazines the world over. She started her own brand of clothes in the 70s in Paris called LEVA. Today, she works with Sonu and develops the Six Senses concept. Among other things, Eva was responsible for the décor and design of Soneva Fushi during phase one and two of its construction.

“In addition to being our home for the time being, Kunfunadhoo Island is also the home of the resorts owners, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani.”

Soneva Fushi, which for some time now has been Six Senses’ pride and joy, opened its doors to the public in October 1995. In April 1997, it was decided to further develop the complex with 20 more villas, a full-scale spa, and a bigger bar and restaurant. Today there are 62 luxurious accommodations in a number of different categories.

“Do you know what I’m looking forward too?” I call out while I rinse my feet on the veranda. “A trip to a desert island where we can picnic and dive on a coral reef.”

Suddenly I wake up as Maria pulls my arm. “Wake up, we’re late!” she says and steps quickly on. Newly awakened and still groggy from my deep sleep, I stretch my arms in the air and look over at the turquoise blue water. “Come on”, she shouts, “We‘re having dinner with the others over at the Main Restaurant”. Somewhat reluctantly, I get up and return to the villa. I realise how fantastically lucky we are to have this opportunity to see and experience this very special place on earth. The Maldives are truly a well-preserved paradise. “Do you know what I’m looking forward too?” I call out while I rinse my feet on the veranda. “A trip to a desert island where we can picnic and dive on a coral reef.”

Coming back from the restaurant we walk hand in hand under a star-adorned night sky. All that can be heard is the palm trees whispering in the breeze and the water lapping against the beach. “This is real quality of life”, says Maria and squeezes my hand hard. “Promise me that we will return here one day”.

ADDRESS: Soneva Fushi & Six Senses Spa Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives

TEL: +960 660 0304

FAX: +960 660 0374

E-MAIL: reservations-fushi@sonevaresorts.com

INTERNET: www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi/

GENERAL MANAGER: Rochelle Kilgariff

SPA-MANAGER: Maria Nystedt

PRICES: From 530 USD to 3.020 USD

CREDIT CARDS: American Express, Visa, Diners Club, Master Card

COMMUNICATIONS: 25 minutes by air taxi from the Malé International airport.