Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns with New Afternoon Tea

On 16th February 2019, to celebrate the release of Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, Belmond British Pullman is launching a ‘Practically Perfect’ inspired afternoon tea on board its vintage 1920s and 30s carriages.

Practically Perfect Afternoon Tea

On board, guests will enjoy Mr Dawe’s selection of sandwiches, Ellen’s warm goat’s cheese tartlets and a ‘Practically Perfect’ selection of sumptuous cakes and pastries. Mary Poppins Returns activity packs, along with balloon artists, face painters and magicians will entertain the families on board as the train passes through the British countryside.

A Return to 17 Cherry Tree Lane

This all new original musical and sequel starring Emily Blunt, Ben Whishaw, Dick Van Dyk, and a host of stars, takes place in 1930s London, 24 years after the first film was set. Grown up Michael and Jane Banks, Mr Dawes Jr and housekeeper Ellen, and of course Mary Poppins herself, are joined by new characters including Mary’s friend, street lamplighter, Jack and her eccentric cousin, Topsy.

As Mary Poppins returns to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, to help the next generation of the Banks family, back at Victoria Station, Belmond British Pullman guests will be greeted by a live performance of music from the new film before boarding the steam-hauled journey for tea.

A Family Day Out in Half Term

This quintessential London experience is a magical day out for all the family – youngsters new to the enchantment of Mary Poppins and parents who remember the beguiling nanny from childhood.

Belmond British Pullman offers a host of journeys throughout the year from London Victoria Station, visiting some of Britain's most famous cities, country houses, sporting and social events. Prices for the Mary Poppins Returns inspired Afternoon Tea on 16th February 2019 start from £285 per person for adults and £142.50 for children under 12 or approximately USD361 per person for adults and USD180 for children under 12.

For more information, visit belmond.com or call 0845 077 2222.

Alila in Bali Achieves Zero Waste to Landfill

In August 2016, Alila Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its Zero Waste to Landfill initiative, to be piloted across its four flagship properties in Bali: Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Ubud, Alila Manggis and Alila Seminyak.

Alila Manggis

Fast forward to November 2018, all mechanisms for achieving zero waste are now fully established, to meet the goals set when Alila first embarked on this journey. With the implementation of the Zero Waste Policy, Alila Hotels and Resorts now have a zero contribution to the waste situation in Bali.

As in urban societies the world over, much of Bali’s waste ends up in overflowing landfills, contributing to the production of toxic methane gas, which is 20 times more potent than CO2, and leaches into the farmlands and waterways used by the local communities. Waste that does not make it to the landfill is either dumped on the side of the road, in rivers or ends up in the ocean or washed up on beaches.

Alila Seminyak

Doing its part to address this growing environmental threat, Alila is approaching waste in a whole new way, tackling waste at its source and recycling it into useful resources. The centrepiece of its Zero Waste Policy is an Integrated Sustainable Resource Recovery Facility (iSuRRF), an on-site laboratory where all waste streams are transformed into higher value products and services through a series of simple yet proven mechanical and biological engineering systems.

Alila Ubud

For instance, plastics, glass and ceramics are shredded and crushed to produce aggregate, sand and fibre that is reused to produce green building materials. Metals and high-value plastics are recycled. Uneconomical waste plastics, such as wraps and films, are converted into a light crude oil that is distilled down to diesel, kerosene and gasoline for reuse in the hotels.

In addition to the laboratory, each hotel has put in place a composting section and an organic garden. All organic waste is processed into compost and the compost is put back into the garden to produce organic food for the kitchen, from the garden to plate.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Organic Garden

Beyond its own zero waste efforts, Alila’s hope is to get the community on board and be a catalyst for other businesses. A PIONEER team (Positive Impact on Nature, Environment and Earth’s Resources) in each hotel, is not only responsible for upholding the zero-to-landfill status but will also look at ways to encourage local communities and guests to think differently about waste and the impact it has on the environment.

Initiatives include incentivising waste collection for local village residents. Primary school children will be encouraged to bring their waste to school and, in return, Alila will contribute to the school fund. Guests can take part in cooking classes in the organic garden, learn how to design their own permaculture garden, and witness the workings of the iSuRRF.

All Alila properties in Bali are operated to EarthCheck standards. Since adopting EarthCheck, the four resorts have collectively reduced their waste that would have normally filled sixty-four 20-ft shipping containers. The next step will be to replicate the system at other Alila properties.

More about Alila Hotels & Resorts: alilahotels.com

Modern European Classics Take Centerstage at Tablescape

Contemporary restaurant and bar in Singapore’s City Hall forges traditions with modernity

Set Lunch

In an age of novel trends, Tablescape—a brand new Modern European restaurant and bar located within the luxurious Grand Park City Hall—is a breath of fresh air. Tablescape focuses on delivering hearty, comforting favourites that can be enjoyed time and again, paired with artisanal cocktails, and extensive premium wine and craft beer lists – all underscored by attentive, unobtrusive service. The Tablescape experience is one that cuts out the fluff associated with fine dining to focus on what’s most important – serving up non-pretentious, great classic flavours executed with exceptional traditional cooking techniques.

Connecting tradition and modernity in a truly beautiful setting, the restaurant accords a neoclassical interior design style which features decorative Peranakan-style accent floor, pastel coloured chairs, and plenty of natural light through its floor-to-ceiling windows. At the bar, one can choose to lounge comfortably at the private sofa seats with warm cove lighting, or unwind with friends at the solid wood feature communal table that delicately connects the bar and restaurant. The interiors exude a quiet elegance, setting the stage for a cosy, relaxed time.

Dessert Trolley

The menu is comfortingly nostalgic and showcases a timeless European repertoire, featuring starters like Steak Tartare, Pan Roasted Foie Gras and Salmon Gravlax, with subtle updates that make the experience both familiar yet surprising. The Steak Tartare is given a fresh spin; finely hand-chopped USDA beef—an

example of impressive knife skills, carefully honed over time—mixed with the consummate red onions, gherkins, parsley and capers, is stacked with a crackly, battered poached egg, bringing a new dimension to the dish. The French delicacy Pan Roasted Foie Gras takes on an Asian twist with braised turnip and lotus root chips, topped off with brandied cherries For a bright start to your meal, go for the Salmon Gravlax — house-cured fish sits on a bed of crunchy, seasonal vegetables dressed in lemon-myrtle oil and a hint of dill, topped with a quenelle of cream cheese ice cream; the varying textures and temperatures add a welcome complexity to the classic dish.

Salmon Gravlax

For mains, be treated to the nutty sweetness of the Norwegian Fjord Trout, dulcified with red wine. Contrasting flavours from the pickled cabbage and citrus salsa brings the dish full circle promising a delight for the senses. The Smoked Braised Black Angus Short Rib —browned and braised with red wine, carrots, celery, and onions for 8 hours in the oven, completely tenderises and soaks in all the delightful flavours of the sauce—is an all-time dinner favourite. Horseradish is pureed with potatoes to create a silky smooth, tangy side for the ribs and freshly roasted bone marrow completes the dish. Also on the a la carte menu, an offering of Josper-grilled meats and seafood are perfect for sharing. Best served alongside the mains are your choice of sides, which range from creamed spinach to quinoa with pumpkin.

Steak Tartare

The gorgeousDessert Selection from the Trolley —the restaurant’s take on guéridon service—brings a bit of flair and fun to round off the dining experience, featuring a rotation of house-made sweets including Spicy Mango, a mango mousse cake encased in a shell of white chocolate, bringing the heat with the addition of pink peppercorns; the Raspberry Lychee with Almond Cake, a tribute to the classic Ispahan, offers a burst of tartness from the raspberry and the light sweetness of the lychee in a single bite; and Camembert Cheesecake, which presents a twist to the traditional cream cheesecake, served alongside perennial favourites such as meringue, lemon tart, and more. The restaurant’s dedication to ensuring that each diner is brought on a journey through the classics, modernised with restraint, is evident through to the meal’s close.

Tablescape’s diverse bar menu showcases premium wines, craft beers, and the best of classic cocktails with a modern twist, well suited to city dwellers. The cocktail programme focuses on a decidedly European approach accented with floral, savoury nuances including enticing, playful concoctions such as the refreshing The Affair made with a coconut flavoured rum, house lemongrass syrup, and a tinge of pear brandy, or the Silly Superstition made with Leblon Cachaca, Mancino Bianco Vermouth, pink guava, pineapple juice and finished with a sour plum powder rim. While at the bar, nibble on a Mediterranean- inspired bar bites featuring familiar classics like the Charcuterie Meat Platter, or indulge in Beef Rump, Cajun Prawns, and Blue Mussels with Tomatoes from the Josper grill.

Cocktail Mood

Peanapple Renegade

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

Set Lunch and Dinner Menus
Valid: Every Monday to Sunday, Ongoing
Tablescape offers a la carte as well as set lunch and dinner menus every day. The attractive two- or three- course set lunch (priced at S$32++ and S$42++ or approximately $23++ and $31++ respectively) is a fantastic option for a weekday business meal, or a leisurely one in between museum stops on the weekend — the restaurant is located conveniently just a 5-minute walk to the National Gallery and a short walk to the Singapore Art Museum. The three- or four-course set dinner (priced at S$48++ and S$58++ or approximately $35++ and $42++ respectively) provides true value for a delectable night out.

Weekend High Tea
Valid: Every Friday to Sunday, until 31st December 2018
Tablescape introduces their new high tea menu, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury classics like Black Sesame and Gula Melaka Macaroons, dainty sandwiches, mini buttermilk scones and speciality infused teas by The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. The high tea is priced at S$70++ or approximately $51++ for two persons and is the perfect choice and a stone's throw away for a quiet and relaxing break from the weekend city bustle. Guests can opt to enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco with Tablescape’s 1-1 menu, including housepours, spirits and draft beers.

Tablescape
Level 3, 10 Coleman Street, Grand Park City Hall, S179809 T: +65 6432 5566
E: hello@tablescape.sg

Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town Celebrates ‘100 Years in the Pink’

Belmond Mount Nelson, the blushing Pink Lady of Cape Town, launches a year of celebrations to mark ‘100 years in the Pink’. The hotel was painted the rosy hue after 11 November 1918 to mark the end of World War I and a new era of peace; the centenary year begins on 10 November 2018 with a special garden party in partnership with 200 years of Veuve Clicquot Rosé. 

Throughout the year, a series of new ‘Touch of Pink’ guest experiences are available including special Afternoon Tea in the iconic Tea Lounge, pink-inspired cocktails, spa treatments and a specially curated art exhibition.

General Manager Xavier Lablaude comments, “Our beautiful lady was painted pink 100 years ago to demonstrate friendship, harmony, and peace – in doing so, the Italian General Manager at the time created a timeless icon and we are proud that this legacy lives on today. We are looking forward to continuing this legacy and to a year of rosy pink celebrations.”

A TOUCH OF PINK

Throughout the Centenary year, #BelmondTouchofPink experiences will be on offer throughout the hotel, guests will be able to indulge in rose-infused teas and cocktails and spa treatments or enjoy the sweet taste of rosé on a tour of the nearby vineyards in a classic car. A specially curated art exhibition will also raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.

TIME FOR TEA

The famous Tea Lounge is the heart and soul of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, subtly designed to reflect the famous pink exterior with views out onto the verdant gardens. For the Centenary year, the Afternoon Tea features delicacies such as wild berry tea Turkish delight, raspberry-filled white truffles, pink macarons, strawberry meringues and coconut ice, pink pavlova and pink filled eclairs. The Mount Nelson tea is an exclusive blend of six international teas from Africa and Asia, flavoured with buds and petals of the signature Mount Nelson pink rose. Add some sparkle with a glass of regional rosé sparkling wine, inspired by the elegance and beauty of the finest roses.

PINK CHEERS

Pink cocktails, inspired by Belmond’s other pink properties, including Belmond Hotel Cipriani, are served in Planet Bar, as well as G&Ts made with Cape Town Pink Lady Gin, named after the hotel, which is infused with hibiscus flowers and rose petals, with a heavenly hint of rose water.

TICKLED PINK

For the ultimate relaxation, Librisa Spa’s fragrant rose-petal oil massage, designed to enhance deep relaxation and increase lymphatic flow, has been created using handcrafted rose petal and geranium poultices blended with local herbs.

PINK PICTURES

Launching in April 2019, the “Touch of Pink” Art Exhibition is curated by acclaimed artist-in- residence Cyril Coetzee, whose distinguished sitters have included Nelson Mandela. The exhibition features 40 paintings by local artists with 25% of the proceeds given to Breast Cancer Association.

BLUSHING TALES

With a storied past, Belmond Mount Nelson has played host to many vibrant characters who have visited the hotel throughout its history; from Queen Elizabeth II who celebrated her 21st Birthday in the grounds and John Lennon, who surprised guests by meditating in the gardens under a tree; to President Nelson Mandela who welcomed world leaders for the first World Economic Forum held on African soil; and the Dalai Lama enlightened over 500 Capetonians who sat cross-legged on the floor in the Ballroom.

BELMOND TOUCH OF PINK

The two-night Belmond Touch of Pink package at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel available from 8 November 2018 – 8 November 2019 based on two people sharing a room starts from 14,650 Rand (approximately £790 / USD1,000). Package includes accommodation on Bed and Breakfast basis, Afternoon Tea for two, Rose Petal massages and pink cocktails served in Planet Bar.

For more info, please visit www.belmond.com/touchofpink.

The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts

Blossoming brand weaves stories of adventure, art, culture and romance from Rome’s Piazza del Popolo to Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach.

The Pavilions, Madrid

Inspired by novelist M. M. Kaye’s epic intercontinental tale of romance and adventure, The Far Pavilions, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is a handpicked labour of love for founder Gordon Oldham, providing a sophisticated and engaging alternative to traditional hotels. At The Pavilions, privacy is paramount, and guests can embark on a personal adventure full of colourful local characters and vibrant communities, unique cultural insights, culinary revelations and breathtaking surges of adrenalin.

From the canals of Old Amsterdam to the steppes of central Mongolia, seven Pavilions Hotels & Resorts enchant guests by providing not just an exceptional place to sleep, but a place to be. In their own inimitable way, each and every Pavilions property offers a luxurious, intimate space where careful design and mindful service meet.

The Pavilions - Madrid

In Europe, three stunning boutique hotels in Amsterdam, Madrid and Rome will be complemented by new openings in Rome and Lisbon in the next two years. The Asia portfolio meanwhile includes The Pavilions Bali, where the brand’s story began in 2000; the magnificent flagship resort in Phuket; an inspirational eco-friendly Nepalese organic farm retreat situated in a Himalayan valley; and, every summer, a breathtaking Mongolian luxury pop-up camp offering escapism, adventure and reconnection with the essence of life and nature in the ancient Okhorn Valley National Park.

A second Himalayan experience comprising an exclusive enclave of lakeside tented villas - accessible by paddleboat, hiking or for the less intrepid off-road 4x4 - opens this November; with further new openings in Rome, Niseko and Lisbon to follow in 2019/2020.

The Pavilions - Bali

Binding all of these diverse, singular Pavilions experiences together is a shared commitment to positive participation in community life; to celebrating and elevating local talent and produce; and minimising environmental impact

About The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts
Step into one of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts and experience luxury and immersive locales like no other. Every Pavilions Hotel is a sophisticated, private haven in which to relax or play, highlighting the arts, culture, romance or adventure. From a vantage view of Phuket’s famous beaches or a stone’s through away from Piazza del Popolo, The Pavilions properties are located in some of the most desirable spots in the world.

The Pavilions - Phuket

With the corporate office headquartered in Hong Kong, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing boutique hotel groups in the region, with over six acquisitions within a twelve-month span and a new headquarter office location since October 2016. With their boutique size and careful design philosophy, The Pavilions offer secluded spaces with mindful service, even in the busiest of cities. The hotels are distinctly individual and unique, yet all are underpinned by the core values of building meaningful connections in unrivalled locations and a mindful respect for privacy.

Rejuvenate Your Energy @ Alila Ubud's New Fitness Centre

Alila Ubud brings the healthy lifestyle experience to a new level with its recently opened fitness center established in collaboration with PrimaFit, whose vision is to help people to “look better, feel better, live longer”.

The fitness landscape has gone through significant changes over the past 10 - 20 years. Current trends are seeing a movement away from static machines to more whole-body movements, and an increased emphasis on training all the energy systems, as well as the musculoskeletal, neuro and endocrine systems.

This is an exciting time and Alila Ubud is determined to bring its guests a workout experience that is as good as, if not better than, the one they enjoy back home. From dumbbells and treadmills to bench presses, the equipment will engage and inspire people to do more, to push themselves further, to live better.

These days, more people subscribe to the belief that the quality of life starts with a healthy lifestyle, giving rise to many campaigns about the benefits of healthy living activities. Responding to the healthy lifestyle challenge, Alila Ubud is pleased to provide world-class health facilities in the form of a fitness center that is open for 24 hours.

PrimaFit started in 1988 with an idea, and a vision – to provide enjoyable fitness solutions for a healthy appearance and longevity. Today, it is Indonesia’s leading supplier of world-class fitness equipment and services. Whether setting up a five-star commercial facility, or a small home gym, PrimaFit can design and equip a facility that best meets individual needs.

Through its collaboration with PrimaFit, Alila Ubud now offers travelers who make health and fitness a part of their every day the perfect opportunity to stay healthy on holiday while still enjoying themselves.

For more information: www.alilahotels.com/ubud

The Sky Garden at Alila Solo

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability

SINCE its inception in 2002, Alila Hotels & Resorts has been an advocate of sustainable tourism, integrating commerce, conservation and community towards “conscious travel”. Each of its hotels aims to provide travellers with an enjoyable stay whilst benefitting and bettering the local community.

As the tallest building in Solo, and a landmark of luxury hospitality in the region, Alila Solo aims to lead by example. As part of its commitment towards “conscious travel”, its Sky Garden on the rooftop grows a range of organic ingredients that are harvested fresh for use in the hotel’s restaurants. Additionally, the Sky Garden helps in the management of food waste, with organic food waste being recycled in the garden in the form of compost.

Besides providing a sustainable supply of fresh produce, the Sky Garden is also where guests participating in the hotel’s Cooking Class can learn more about the garden and handpick the ingredients they will cook with at Épice restaurant. In this journey from garden to plate, guests will learn how to cook three or four authentic Indonesian dishes, which they will then enjoy for lunch in the venue of their choice: the main restaurant, pool deck or in their room or suite. A truly nourishing and memorable experience to be savoured long after leaving Solo.

Selected ingredients are also harvested from the organic garden and used to create signature cocktails by the resident mixologists of Agra Rooftop bar and lounge. Guests can try their hand at concocting these garden-to-glass tipples in a fun Mixology Class for two, learning how to whip up a cocktail like a pro from Agra’s bartenders. Guests will be served a delicious platter of food to share while waiting to unleash their inner mixologist.

These immersive Alila Experiences can be booked by guests during their stay at Alila Solo:

Épice Cooking Class: IDR 480,000++ / person
Agra Mixology Class: IDR 528,000++ / person

For reservations, email us at: solo@alilahotels.com

For more information: Alila Hotels