Celebrity Life

Regenerative travel – the next big trend for conscious holidaymakers – could help reverse the harm the Covid-19 pandemic has caused tourist-dependent countries, supporting local economies and cultures around the world in a more balanced way.  So, to help you give back more than you take on your next trip, a new study by the […]

Imbibed amidst an immersive patchwork of sounds, scents, and flavours, the latest edition of Krug's much-loved multi-vintage Champagne strikes a chord that is as joyful as it is delicious.

I'll be the first to concede that there's nothing quite like "the intangible quality...of taking in the terroir" but insofar as virtual tastings are concerned -- essentially the status quo for drinks industry pundits in 2021 -- the recent unveiling of Krug's latest Grande Cuvée proved to be oddly visceral and thrilling (in some ways, even touching). Every year since 1843, the eponymous makers of prestige Champagne have released a new assemblage of reserve wines, always consisting of the classic Champenois trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier; and always left to age sur lie for 7 years.

Dispensing first with the formalities, the 169th Edition is a "generous expression" of 146 wines made in 11 different years (Krug bottle single vintages relatively infrequently), the oldest of which harkens back to the turn of the millennium. It is, however, the 2013 vintage that -- to butcher a musical analogy -- really sets the bassline: with intensely "luminous and pure" Chardonnays; racy Meunier; and Pinot Noir that extrudes a long, treacle finish. It is in a word, unsurprisingly, 'scrumptious': at its best harmonising alongside sharp aged cheese; aromatic seafood dishes; maybe even a cheeky slice of tarte tatin.

Unsurprisingly, the hallmarks of this Grande Cuvée (namely quality, consistency, and complexity) remain present year in, year out; but it's Krug's highly intuitive method of presentation that helps to immerse drinkers in the art of crafting prestige Champagne. With the jubilant voice of Olivier Krug pouring into their ears -- livestreaming in from the Maison's ancestral holdfast in Reims -- participants in these 'Encounters' were able to hear the story of the 169th Edition in a style that takes you beyond the spoken word. An "audio pairing" composed by Belgian musician Ozark Henry (and fed through to listeners using 8D technology) chronicles, in sonic form, the entire journey of the latest Krug edition: from plot to tasting, and finally harmonious blending together at the hands of Cellar Master Julie Cavil.

As ever, these 'Encounters' ended with a culinary presentation (in Hong Kong, presided over by Island Shangri-La's Uwe Opocensky) inspired by the tasting notes for the current edition -- langoustine and freshly jetted oysters seem to be much-favoured accompaniments this time round -- followed by a round of questions for the Maison's patriarch, Mr. Olivier Krug. On whether he was excited for a resumption of global travel -- to better present this 169th annual bottling -- he expressed optimism. Until then, you could do a lot worse than sipping to a soundtrack.

The 169th Edition of Krug Grande Cuvée is now available at various retail partners throughout Hong Kong, including Watson's, The Fine Wine Experience, CitySuper and Avize Wine Cellar. To learn more, visit Krug online.

The post Where You Should Travel Next, Based on Your Zodiac Sign appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

If asked to describe the type of person who flies on a private jet, most people will probably think of a famous pop star, a movie legend or a business tycoon. But aviation experts say there is a new breed emerging. It has been a hugely difficult year for the aviation industry, but private jets […]

With this year’s sporting calendar hotting up and international travel looking soon to be finally back on the cards, there’s no time like the present to start planning a summer getaway to one of the most exciting cities in the world for sports fans. And, as many event venues begin permitting spectators to enter their […]

From ancient castles to dramatic coastlines and pretty towns to thriving cities, the island of Ireland offers up a myriad of places to explore with camera in hand. Among all the breath-taking natural scenery there is an assortment of amazing attractions to see and experience, and what better way to enjoy the astounding natural scenery […]

With travel restrictions beginning to ease and more countries soon to be added to the UK’s green list, there’s no time like the present to start planning a luxury getaway to celebrate the end of lockdown. But with many of our favourite countries still off limits and others coming with a host of requirements attached […]

After a year in quarantine due to the Covid-19 restrictions around the world, countries are beginning to open their borders for travellers once again, as more people get their vaccines and travel restrictions are slowly curtailed. Months of quarantine have only served to heighten the desire for travel with many people desperate to get back […]

Hankering after a luxury city break getaway this year that’s a little further afield than Europe? As travel restrictions slowly but surely begin to lift, we could soon see a return to trips to the USA – and with a plethora of vibrant and exciting cities to choose from across the pond, each with its […]

Peru's famed tourist site Machu Picchu has finally reopened after months of coronavirus closure, but for just a single visitor — a Japanese man stranded in the country by the pandemic.

"The first person on Earth who went to Machu Picchu since the lockdown is meeeeeee," Jesse Katayama posted on his Instagram account alongside pictures of himself at the deserted site.

"This is truly amazing! Thank you," he added in a video posted on the Facebook pages of the local tourism authority in Cusco, where the famed site is located. Katayama spoke against the backdrop of the majestic mountaintop dotted with ancient ruins that once attracted thousands of tourists a day but has been closed since March because of the coronavirus.

The Japanese boxing instructor, identified by local media as a 26-year-old from Nara, has been stuck in Peru since March, when he bought a ticket for the tourist site just days before the country declared a health emergency. He told a Peruvian newspaper he had only planned to spend three days in the area, but with flights cancelled and movement limited by the virus, he found himself stuck there for months.

Eventually, his plight reached the local tourism authority, which agreed to give him special permission to visit the Inca city, reopening the site just for him. "I thought that I wouldn't be able to go, but thanks to all of you who pleaded with the mayor and the government, I was given this super special opportunity," he wrote in Japanese on his Instagram account.

Machu Picchu is the most enduring legacy of the Inca empire that ruled a large swathe of western South America for 100 years before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The ruins of the Inca settlement were rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, and in 1983, UNESCO declared Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site.

It was originally scheduled to reopen to visitors in July, but that has now been pushed back to November. Just 675 tourists a day will be allowed in, 30 percent of the number allowed before the pandemic, with visitors expected to maintain social distancing.

Since it first opened to tourists in 1948, it has been closed just once before, for two months in 2010 when a flood destroyed the railway tracks connecting it to Cusco.

(Main and featured image: vitmark/ iStock)

The post Peru has Reopened Machu Picchu for a Lone Tourist Stranded in the Country appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As soon as travel restrictions are lifted, we are visiting the Maldives. And here's where we're staying.

It goes without saying that we're all very much in need of a vacation. Us frequent flyers are itching to get out of town and be as far away from our reality than ever. And what's more different than a metropolitan like Hong Kong? Well, the sunny Maldives. 

[caption id="attachment_207163" align="alignnone" width="1233"] Image: Patina Hotels & Resorts[/caption]

The newest property to join the picturesque island is Patina Hotels & Resorts -- the new brand added to Singapore-based Capella Hotel Group's repertoire. What sets Patina apart from the rest of the beach resorts are its harmonious design and intuitive spaces. It also differs from the other brands under Capella as it was designed "for progressive travellers of a new generation". 

[caption id="attachment_206732" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Patina Hotels & Resorts[/caption]

The first property to make its debut is the Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. Tentatively set to open in the first quarter of 2021, Faris Islands is situated in the North Atoll of the Maldives. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, this Patina resort offers 90 beach and water villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation.

According to Nicholas Clayton, CEO of Capella Hotel Group: “Patina Hotels & Resorts will become a new leader in progressive hospitality. Focusing on creating a seamless experience, the brand is refreshing, dynamic and modern, appealing to the blended lifestyle of today’s curious and conscious consumer. We look forward to bringing the Patina vision to life when we open Patina Maldives later this year.”

The post Cappella Group’s New Brand Patina Hotels & Resorts is Set to Open in the Maldives appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Looking for the best Summer travel destinations for 2019? Take a look at this list of 4 incredible breath-taking places you need to consider when booking your next holidays!

Summer is quickly approaching and with it, lots of travel destinations and opportunities arise! There’s something about the good weather that makes us want to get out there and explore. Traveling offers the best experiences whether you’re an adventurer or a fan of luxury travel, there is always one more destination to add to the travel bucket list!

Continue reading Best Summer Travel Destinations For 2019 at Luxxu Blog.

These are the trendy travel destinations you’ll be hearing all about in 2019! Book your stay ahead and enjoy these beautiful places!

Start 2019 right with a few trips planned for the trendiest places of the upcoming year. These travel destinations mix a bit of everything, from bustling cities to safari locations,  you can find a bit for everyone’s taste on the list that features the best travel trends.

Continue reading Top Trendy Travel Destinations for 2019 at Luxxu Blog.