30Isea&iIWINTER 2011BHOubRlNotE'Os f lIaDgYsLhLip storein SingaporeSeptember 2010 saw Singapore celebratethe opening of Hublot's flagship store. Asia'sleading specialist watch retailer, The HourGlass, and Hublot marked the grand openingwith the presence of Hublot CEO Jean-ClaudeBiver and Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of theFormula One Group. During this prestigious event the firsttimepiece from the limited series King PowerF1TM, the official watch of Formula 1, wasrevealed in good time for the 2010 Formula1 Singapore Grand Prix. The Hublot and TheHour Glass store can be found in the newestand most prestigious icon of the Marina Bayskyline: the Marina Bay Sands integratedresort. www.hublot.comNew look for Le Vistamarat Monaco's HermitageDesign guru Pierre-Yves Rochon has beenbusy over the last few years working withleading hotels around the world, one ofthem being Hôtel Hermitage in Monaco. Le Vistamar gastronomic restaurant hasbeen given a refreshing new look, and afantastic terrace (open during the summermonths) gives access to breathtaking viewsover the harbour and famous Rock. Fish isthe speciality prepared by acclaimed chefJoel Garault. www.hotelhermitagemontecarlo.com FOUR SEASONS RESORT VAIL Four Seasons has added anotherdestination to its ever-expandingportfolio of hotels and resorts with a newproperty in Vail, Colorado. True to thecompany's name, the hotel offers superbyear-round outdoor pursuits ranging fromskiing and snowboarding in winter to hikingand golfing in summer.The in-house boot experts ensure thatprofessionals and novices alike are fitted withcorrect and comfortable equipment before hitting the largest ski resort in North America,and after a long day on the piste the ski concierge will take care of your equipmentslopeside, where it will be prepared for your next venture. Comfort and relaxation are deemed highly important, as demonstrated by the cosyfireplaces in each of the 121 suites and rooms, which have been designed in a cosy alpinetradition, most offering mountain and pool views. After a hectic day on the slopes, guestswill also welcome the luxurious pampering of the hotel's spa. From the kitchen, visitors can expect local specialities such as elk and buffalo as well aslight spa options in the Flame restaurant or at the heated Pool Bar terrace. With access toall the facilities within the hotel, guests may feel the mountains can wait just another day.www.fourseasons.com/vail A grand re-opening The Savoy has always held a special place inthe hearts of Londoners. Consequently, a greatdeal of apprehension has surrounded thethree-year, £220m refurbishment that reachedcompletion at the beginning of October. New and returning guests are not disappointedas the hotel retains the traditional, elegant andcomfortable atmosphere that it exuded before.Under the leadership of renowned interiordesigner Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel isundoubtedly recognisable but new additions areset to make it even more legendary. These includea new Champagne bar with live cabaret acts, aSavoy teashop echoing the style of the BurlingtonArcade, and a fresh look to the River restaurant. Guests can choose from either an Art Deco or anEnglish Edwardian style room. Polished checker-board marble floors in the lobby and cool palegreen colouring to the Thames Foyer loungemaintain a quintessentially English feel. Add tothis a Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy Grill and itwould seem that the hotel is regaining its rightfulstatus as one of London's leading establishments.www.fairmont.com/savoy

WINTER 2011I sea&iI31travelnewsGrape expectationsArgentina's renowned wine country welcomed anew growth in September: the InterContinentalMendoza hotel. This 15-storey property has 180guest rooms and suites (although a second towersoon to be finalised will add a further 72 roomsto its tally), 11 meeting rooms, a ballroom,full-service spa, heated swimming pool, fitnesscentre and restaurant. Guests can enjoy the city'slargest shopping centre just a step across thestreet, and both the downtown area and airportare within easy reach. Wine lovers in particular will appreciate theregion as the nearby wineries of Mendoza producethe world's highest-ranked Malbec wines.However, with hiking, biking, fishing, rafting,shopping and world-class skiing also on offer, thisis the perfect spot for all visitors. www.intercontinental.comAlila graces India and LaosAfter four successful launches last year, Alila Hotels & Resortsannounces two new openings within the space of six monthswith Alila Luang Prabang, Laos (now open) and Alila Bangalore,India (due to open in January 2011). The Luang Prabang resort can be found in the ancient town thatwas designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and guestscan look forward to a laid-back atmosphere where a gentle strollallows exploration of the unique town. In keeping with the site'sarchitectural heritage, the resort blends existing colonial buildingsbuilt in the early 20thcentury with new structures designed tocomplement and reflect traditional Laos. Twenty three suites openonto a private garden with either a pool or an outdoor pavilion, andeach has its own unique charm. In contrast, Alila Bangalore is set in a vibrant metropolis and will bea unique business resort hotel that will nevertheless reflect all theprinciples of the Alila chain. The elegant rooms with modern Indianaccents feature an innovative design that encourages modernliving with tailored work and leisure spaces. Four dining areas, theSpa Alila, a library and an infinity pool invite business travellers to taketheir mind off work.www.alilahotels.com