Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world - and a time where the colours of red and gold proliferate! Red symbolises joy, virtue, truth and sincerity and is believed to ward off evil - it’s the traditional symbol of happiness. Monetary gifts are normally given to the younger members […]
In the Frame: Balinese Statues
For me, this image of a statue seen at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is indicative of the ancient mysticism that seems to pervade Bali: his role, being to protect the guests at this beautiful resort. How appropriate therefore that he is sited just outside the “Headman’s” village villa! The villas at Four Seasons Resort Bali […]
Shaken not Stirred: At Peace Mocktail
With a name that mimics the sensation after one taste, the ‘At Peace’ cocktail available at Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai is an alcohol free cocktail (mocktail) that provides a combination of a tropical flavouring with absolute refreshment in every glass. Ingredients 120 ml watermelon juice 4 slices of cucumber 7 coriander leaves 10 ml sugar […]
Hotel Facts #11: The World's Oldest Jazz Band
We are taking a journey back to Shanghai’s Golden Age of the 1920’s and 1930’s when jazz was the city’s favourite genre! Originally founded in 1980, The Old Jazz Band, whose members are regularly attired in suave black bow ties, white button-down shirts and braces, begun playing nightly at Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai. It […]
Vintage Photo Series: Fairmont Moments in Time 2000's
2001 - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts introduces Willow Stream Spas, its signature spa brand, offering treatments which draw on the nature, energy and essence of each spa’s surroundings. 2002 - Fairmont welcomes its first property in the Middle East, Fairmont Dubai. Its distinctive design is a modern interpretation of an Arabic wind tower or barajeel. The Fairmont […]
Shaken Not Stirred - Ye Shanghai at Fairmont Peace Hotel
It is time to visit the land of oriental mystique and step into Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai. ‘Ye Shanghai’ is a cocktail that uses traditional garnishes with a modern flourish. Ingredients 50ml Gordon gin 90ml jasmine tea and tea leaves (brewed and chilled) 10ml elderflower syrup Method Shake all the ingredients with ice and fine strain […]
A contemporary gem in artistic Ubud
Having spread the news about the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan in Ubud, Bali many years ago in a previous PR role, but never personally visiting, I had the great pleasure of putting that right this year. The design audacity of the resort really took me aback. From the ground looking up, it does look […]
A Return to Eden: Bali Revisited
Bali is over-developed now - it’s too touristy - these were the opinions given to me by some of my friends when I shared the news with them that I was finally returning after a decade to this Indonesian island. Not what I wanted to hear when I had just paid for my flights. I […]
Craftsmanship will out …
Returning to Bali after a 20 year absence was a memorable experience. There were many highlights but one clear memory shines through - the love and skill of Balinese craftsmen and artists for nature and for art. Their reverence for life and the harmony so created in these works of art creates a feeling of […]
Flying high in Singapore
The London Eye has really spoilt me. Whenever I now go to a city, I look to see what the tallest spot is in the city and if I can have access. I seem to have a need to take stock and to see a city in its entirety. In Singapore, joy of joys, you […]