100tc me 4
DESCRIPTION
100Thousand Club catches up with Dubai’s ultimate everyman. Mohammed bin Sulayem busy, of slowing down of his infamous Sho Cho parties Chances are you’ve been at one varied and extraordinary as the Dubai in a way far more tasteful Winning rally races has kept and innovative than the rest and his ride is showing no signs Dina Saleh is bringing fashion to furniture she designs Nada’s world and life is asTRANSCRIPT
CONTENTSPEOPLE
124 King of the RoadWinning rally races has kept
Mohammed bin Sulayem busy,
and his ride is showing no signs
of slowing down
87 Catch Me ifYou Can100Thousand Club catches up
with Dubai’s ultimate everyman.
Chances are you’ve been at one
of his infamous Sho Cho parties
69 Perfect byDesignNada’s world and life is as
varied and extraordinary as the
furniture she designs
59 Get SaucedDina Saleh is bringing fashion to
Dubai in a way far more tasteful
and innovative than the rest
CONTENTS ME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:30 Page 14
CONTENTSLUXURY LIVING
43 Still Settingthe ShoppingStandardMilan: the undisputed city of chic
81 Keep YourCoolBright and colorful looks for the
heat
95 Sailing inStyleSome of our favorites and tips
when it comes to stepping on
board your sea palace
CONTENTS ME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:30 Page 16
30 Porsche Design 32 Dior 34 Leviev 39 Blackberry 40 Audemars Piguet
CONTENTSPRODUCTS
CONTENTS ME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:30 Page 18
Kurumba [email protected]
Tel: +960/ 333 22 00www.kurumba.com
CONTENTSTRAVEL AND REAL ESTATE
106 A Land ofFlavor and SpiceThailand’s multitude of
personalities and flavors will
leave even the most discerning
traveler in awe
137 Gateway toParadiseThere are only certain parts of
the world where the array of
lifestyle activities is as splendid
and varied as the Caribbean
152 36 Hours Location: Oman
CONTENTS ME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:30 Page 20
One of the pleasures that comes with
writing about the Middle East is the
challenge. This isn’t a challenge of
the garden variety. It isn’t the chal-
lenge of chasing down movers and shakers, or staying
abreast of the newest, most extravagant, and breath-
taking new development – although that too can be a
job in itself when it comes to the Middle East. It is the
challenge of narrowing down who and what among
the incredibly exciting, inspiring, and intelligent sub-
jects are not going to make the cut. The plethora and
abundance of interest worthy topics makes figuring
out who to cut out the problem du jour.
One way we have devised to solve this problem
is to pick a theme or an idea that we want to em-
body each issue of 100Thousand Club. For this par-
ticular edition, we took a look at our roster of
incredible and accomplished personalities, and
found a common thread amongst those who made
the pages. They have all accomplished incredible
success, and are not slowing down in the least. How-
ever, it is the fervor and passion with which they
have succeeded that is the aforementioned thread.
Mohammed bin Sulayem has made motorsports
an iconic and important fabric of the Emirates
sports scene, both in terms of participants as well
as spectators and attention from around the world. Just a couple decades
ago, Bin Sulayem was entering races under a different name due to fear
of acceptance by the elders in the community. Now he is one of the most
well-known and successful sportsmen in the region, and has partnered
with pinnacle groups such as Nakheel and TAG Heuer.
Dina Saleh and her partners have blazed a trail in fashion within
Dubai. With the abundance and amount of shopping that exists in the
city at this moment in time, such success is an incredibly difficult task.
Dina has done it with an unparalleled work ethic, and an unwavering
belief that her sense of style, eye for detail and innate sense of entre-
preneurship would carry her to the top. Right she was. Her S*uce
stores have set the standard for boutique sophisticated shopping. She
says the best advice she’s ever been given, as she told Ahlan Live when
she made their Hot 100 list, “work like you don’t need the money, love
like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching.” Dina –
we’ll heed the advice.
The Editor’s Note
Perhaps the person who embodies the spirit of this issue more so
than anyone else is Raed I Dabbous. Raed is the driving force and co-
owner of the infamous Sho Cho restaurant and late night hot spot in
Dubai, and just opened up an outpost in Abu Dhabi. With many more
venues set to open, Raed is a particularly busy fellow. Not too busy, how-
ever, to go on deep sea fishing trips on a regular basis, as well as get his
kicks from free diving, sky diving, and just about any other activity that
raises the blood pressure to the point where a cardiologist might have a
heart attack. Everything Raed does, he does with a free spirit and pas-
sion. Just the sort of thing that makes our pages. Enjoy the issue.
Salutations
Harlan Davis, Editor-in-Chief
ED NOTE 100TCME4:oct08 29/10/2008 15:34 Page 23
We sent Natalie Brandweiner to explore the of-
ferings of two very different cities. For our special
on shopping in Milan (Still Setting the Shopping
Standard, p.43), one of the renowned fashion cap-
itals of the world, she look a look at where insid-
ers go to get the best of Italy’s most famous brands,
as well as where they eat, sleep, and play to break
up an incredible shopping trip. She then turned her attention to Oman
(36 Hours, p.152), arguably one of the oldest vacation destinations in the
world, boasting wadis, beaches, and mountains all in the same beauti-
ful coastal region. Oman also has plenty of modern amenities, including
sophisticated restaurants, lovely hotels, and indulgent spas, all of which
are equally as fun to explore. When the stock market is jumping up and
down in confusion and investors aren’t sure where to turn, the conven-
tional wisdom is that construction of investment properties stops. But
for some investors with means, real estate in a perennially popular locale
is still an option not to be ignored. The Caribbean
(Gateway to Paradise, p.137), has all three of
those important real estate considerations: loca-
tion, location, location, as well as warm weather,
sunny beaches, and an increasingly cultured, yet
still laid-back atmosphere, and property here is al-
ways a good investment. Matthew Buttell takes
you through some of our picks for where to spend your money if you’re
looking for a little more of a stake than a winter getaway. From gadgets
and gizmos to diamonds and Dior, Laura Lustman explored the farthest
reaches of the luxury goods world to help compile the (Winter Won-
derland, p.30) product spread that opens this issue of the 100 Thou-
sand Club. Rather than doing the usual winter gift guide, we opted to
explore some items we felt were in tune with the traditional look and feel
of the season—but whose superlative nature transcends any holiday,
captured with rich photography that highlights this unique assortment.
JOSH SAILOR
Josh Sailor is a special man. After
working in production for the better
part of his professional career, he even-
tually caved into his passion of photog-
raphy, and hasn’t looked back since.
Keeping a studio in New York City,
Josh’s portfolio is as sparkling as his
experiences, and he provides fabulous
shots of people, installations, and of
course, beautiful places around the
world. He has spent the better part of
the last few years as the official pho-
tographer for former New York Yan-
kees manager Joe Torre’s Safe at Home
Foundation.
KATE WINICK
As the weather gets colder in New York,
where associate editor Kate Winick is
based, thoughts inevitably turn to more
indoor pursuits. This issue, she was hon-
ored to speak with two women who are
putting a new spin on the traditionally fe-
male domain of fashion and home design:
Dina Saleh, Director of Business Devel-
opment at the boutique S*uce, about her
role in creating one of Dubai’s hottest
stores, and Nada Debs, the furniture de-
signer and interior architect who has
made a name for herself incorporating
the traditional crafts of the local artisans
at her showroom in Lebanon into her
sleek, modern furniture.
NORIMICHI INOGUCHI
Norimichi Inoguchi is a skilled still life
photographer who has worked on and
participated in many large-scale adver-
tising campaigns for brands such as:
Baileys Irish Cream; Miller Lite; Smirnoff
and Johnson and Johnson. He focuses
on images using movement and water.
He is intrigued by the interaction of
water and fashion. Additionally, Nori
has experience with photojournalism,
having worked for two large Japanese
newspapers. He holds a BFA in photog-
raphy and was first in his class at the In-
ternational Center of Photography. It is
our pleasure to feature his work (Winter
Wonderland).
Contributors• Winter’08
Pre
mie
r Sp
onso
rs
DIAMOND SPONSOR
CONTRIBUTORS:oct08 29/10/2008 15:32 Page 24
T H O U S A N D C L U B
Information
T H O U S A N D C L U B
www.100thousandclub.com
Chairman/Publisher SPENCER GREENCEO/Publisher JAMES CRAVEN
Director of Projects ADAM BURNS
Editor HARLAN DAVIS
Managing Editor BEN THOMPSONAssociate Editor KATE WINICK
Assistant Editor NATALIE BRANDWEINERDeputy Editors MATTHEW BUTTELL, FRANCES DAVIES,
REBECCA GOOZEE, DIANA MILNE, JULIAN ROGERS,HUW THOMAS
________________________
Creative Director ANDREW HOBSONDesign Directors ZOE BRAZIL, SARAH WILMOTT
Associate Design Directors MICHAEL HALL, CRYSTALMATHER, CLIFF NEWMAN
Assistant Designer ELISE GILBERT
Online Director JAMES WESTOnline Editor JANA GRUNE
_____________________
Sales Director MAX FORDProject Manager ANNA ASHBY
Sales Executives GEMMA FOX, THOMAS PORTS, ALEX WHITE
Production Manager ROBERT SIMMSProduction Coordinators HANNAH DRIVER, HANNAH DUFFIE,
JULIA FENTON, KELLY TUCKERFinance Director JAMIE CANTILLON
Director of Business Development RICHARD OWENOperations Director JASON GREEN
Operations Manager CHRISTIAN MORATO_____________________
100Thousand Club(Q4 2008) is published three times a year by GDS Publishing.
All Rights Reserved. GDS Publishing, 33 Whitehall Street,
14th floor, New York, NY 10004. [email protected]
212.920.8181
Legal InformationThe advertising and articles appearing within this publication reflect the
opinions and attitudes of their respective authors and not necessarilythose of the publisher or editors. We are not to be held accountable forunsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or photographs. All material
within this magazine is ©2008 100Thousand Club.
GDS InternationalQueens Square House, 18-21 Queen Square,
Bristol, BS1 4NH, UK +44.117.921.4000
CREDITS:oct08 29/10/2008 15:33 Page 26
We Recommend...
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:33 Page 30
Winter WhiteThe new White Collection from the
high-style Porsche Design Studio fea-
tures some of the company’s greatest
hits done in the bright, attention-get-
ting shade. The line ranges from
leather goods, to lighters and cuf-
flinks, to their newest mobile phone,
with a 180-degree rotatable screen
and high-resolution display that is just
as functional as it is stylish.
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:04 Page 31
Snow BunnyIn a world grown increasingly politi-
cally correct, and increasingly full of
luxury products, is there anything –
any innovation at all – more luxuri-
ous and indulgent than fur? The
glamour of this rabbit bag from
Dior’s fall line runs the gamut from
edgy raccoon, to elegant grey as-
trakhan, all embellished with Dior’s
signature hardware and accents
and ready to carry you in high style
into the winter.
We Recommend...
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:20 Page 32
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:20 Page 33
We Recommend...
Sparkling StonesTo buy diamonds from Leviev
Jewelry is to go straight to the
source of some of the world’s
most beautiful fine jewels. Owner
Lev Leviev has sold jewelry out of
their flagship London store since
1996, where they specialize in cut-
ting the most rare and excep-
tional diamonds of all colors and
sizes, and turning these priceless
stones into wearable art. We rec-
ommend checking out their
pieces at their store on the Palm
Jumeirah Island to experience
their artistry in person.
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:01 Page 34
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:02 Page 35
100 Thousand Club36
We Recommend...
More Sparkling Stones...
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:02 Page 36
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:02 Page 37
We Recommend...
Cool As IceThis is the Blackberry that Blackberry users have been waiting for – the one that does it all, with all the
style of an iPhone, but the functionality Blackberry users have come to depend on, with a full keyboard,
camera, gorgeous screen, and most importantly, it’s fast, fast, fast! Even small tweaks like extending the
battery life and improving the keyboard have made a big difference in usability. Those of you holding
off on the iPhone, rejoice – your new phone has arrived.
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:02 Page 39
We Recommend...
Weather The StormFor a luxury sport watch with some style, turn to
Audemars Piguet. The legendary Swiss watch-
maker is famous for producing top-quality limited
edition watches by hand, and this Royal Oak Off-
shore chronograph is no exception. The rubber
band and sporty face are waterproof to 100 me-
ters, so don’t be afraid to dive in!
PRODUCTS:23oct 29/10/08 16:02 Page 40
O R D I N A R Y G O E S E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
AURUMANIA is an exclusive Scandinavian design company that conceives, designs and produces
attention-grabbing limited-edition products where the wildly extravagant use of 24-carat gold
provides an unmistakeable signature.The very fi rst product is quite simply the most expensive bike
in the world, plated with 24-carat gold and adorned with more than 600 SWAROWSKI crystals.
WWW.AURUMANIA.COM
Still SettingThe Standard
MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 43
For many decades, Milan has been
known as a place synonymous with
fashion. It is the undisputed city of
chic, attracting the most sophisti-
cated of shoppers, and is argued to be the epi-
centre of design. The city provides a platform
from which Italian fashion astounds the rest of
the world and it is here that you will find the
fashion houses of Prada, Valentino and Fratelli
Rossetti, located in the heart of the Milan fash-
ion district: Quadrilatero della moda.
The end of the 1970s saw the rise of Milan
fashion, as the media empire in Italy grew
and Milan became known as “the city to be
consumed”. It offered an alternative to the
haute couture of Paris, and provided ready to
wear elegant clothing for the very rich. Ital-
“If you are fortunate to find yourselfin Milan during fashion week, then aticket to view designers’ eclecticcatwalk collections is a must”
ian designers produced high quality yet
wearable statement pieces that express the
stylish Italian look, as opposed to the ‘fan-
tasy’ fashion Italians claimed was to be found
in French couture.
Displaying this most famously in the last
few decades has been the understated elegance
of the Armani suit. Georgio Armani softened the
man’s suit whilst also providing a version that
gave a sense of power and sophistication for
women. Miuccia Prada made famous the black
nylon backpack in the mid 1980s and Versace’s
early nineties leather collection was most emi-
nently displayed on the neo-punk safety dress,
as worn by Liz Hurley.
For Milan’s fashionistas today, the contin-
uation of chic clothing can be found along the
main streets in the ‘golden quarter’, a conve-
niently central area. Begin at the infamous Via
Montenapoleone, a street filled with the ele-
gant fashion houses of Gucci, Salvatore Fer-
MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 44
ragamo, Cartier, Loro Piana and Versace’s four
floors of couture. It is the most important street
in the fashion district and hailed as one of the
most sophisticated streets in Europe, often
being compared to world famous streets, such
as Avenue Montaigne in Paris and Via Con-
dotti in Rome. It hosts the splendour of luxu-
rious jewels, magnificently designed clothing
and shoes that can be described as nothing
other than works of art. The sheer grandeur of
the boutiques themselves provides a sense of
opulence as store after store of minimalist
design unfolds. The reopening of Cartier’s
historic headquarters in Via Monte-
napoleone in 2002 was a display of artistic
beauty. Under the direction of Giampiero
Bodino, creative director of the Richemont
Group, the new boutique was unveiled, oc-
cupying three jewel embellished floors and
displaying one of the two French fashion
landmarks. The other being Louis Vuitton.
Continue further down Via Montenapoleone
and arrive at the Gianni Versace boutique at
No. 2. Spread over four floors and containing
customised collections, it is the place to find
that sophisticated suit.
If Via Montenapoleone has left you weary
and in need of refreshment, head to Antico
Caffe Cova, located at the intersection between
Via Montenapoleone and Via Sant’Andre. Its
finde-siecle interior allows it to fit perfectly in
the majestic surroundings, and be sure to try
its renowned delectable Sacher Torte.
Via Sant’Andrea, a street that crosses Via
Montenapoleone, is another location of housed
elegance. Here can be found the beautiful de-
signs of Missoni, Chanel and Prada, with Mario
Valentino displaying his glamorous leather-
wear at the end of the street. Of all the design-
ers, the boutique most credited for its beauty is
Armani housed at number 9, where the dis-
tinctive “Giorgio Armani di Milano in Borgon-
uovo” collection is sold.
Crossover from Via Sant’Andrea to Via
della Spiga and experience the architectural
beauty that holds claim to be the Mecca for
window shoppers. The historic granite paving
MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 47
stones that line the street have been magnifi-
cently restored by the Via Della Spiga Ac-
tivists Association to reflect and continue the
elegance that can be found in the stores within.
Beginning with Prada at Number 3, continue
down to find high fashion collections by Dolce
and Gabbana, Krizia and Bottege Veneta. Fin-
ish the day exploring the picturesque streets
and purchasing luxurious Milan fashion at the
renowned Giorgio Armani multi-concept
store. Located at Number 31 on the excep-
tionally elegant Via Manzoni, it hosts the
showrooms of Armani casa and Armani Fiori.
Within the muli-concept store can also be
found the Emporio Armani café, where you
can sip an aperitif before satisfying a hard
earned appetite at restaurant Nobu, located
inside Number 31. Famed chef Nobuyuki
“The reopening of Cartier’s historicheadquarters in Via Montenapoleone in2002 was a display of artistic beauty”
Matsuhisa opened the chain of restaurants
together with Robert de Niro and has been
acclaimed as the greatest chef to emerge
from Japan in the last decade. The interior of
the restaurant itself oozes all that is Armani:
stylishly soft lights complement clean, sim-
ple and elegant dark wooded designs. Dishes
that demand due attention at Nobu are the
now famous black cod in miso sauce along
with a variety of fresh sashimi.
If you are fortunate to find yourself in
Milan during fashion week, then a ticket to
view designers’ eclectic catwalk collections is
a must. To celebrate thirty years of the house of
Versace, Donatella has joined with the fabu-
lous Julie Verhoeven, fashion illustrator, and
has reinvented the Versace symbol. Under cre-
ative director Frida Giannini, Gucci have com-
piled a rock look with a feminine twist,
showcasing a selection of brightly coloured
skinny boyish trouser suits. For Dolce and
MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 48
Gabbana, they have returned to their original
focus on geometric shapes, and compiled with
an elegant use of silk, have created a sophisti-
cated yet quirky collection.
Trends for Spring/ Summer 09 have seen
the emergence of the short suit, as seen on Kate
Moss, circa 2006. However, the controversial
trend stealing centre stage was the focus on in-
creasingly high shoes that toppled even the more
experienced of models. At the Prada show, mod-
els Katie Fogarty and Yulia Kharlapanova were
unable to coordinate the catwalk with the height
and stumbled to the floor. Shoes such as these are
surely created as art forms: aesthetically pleasing
but not dared to be utilized.
Milan has everything to offer the fashion-
ista looking to indulge in a day of grandeur and
splendour. From Italian designers to world fa-
mous brands, Milan continues to set prece-
dence and fascinate the fashion world. �
MILAN SHOPPING 3:23oct 29/10/08 16:14 Page 50
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Ge
t S
*uce
d
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 59
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that
the young, chic women of Dubai have
taken the international fashion com-
munity by storm. Their Louboutins,
Lacroixs, and Diors have left their
stiletto prints in the plush carpets of
the world’s most high-end boutiques, and they’ve proven
their power as international tastemakers time and time
again. The conventional wisdom has always been that
these women would travel anywhere in the world to get
the best of the best – but it should come as a surprise to
no one that in this city of innovation, homegrown design
talent is starting to make a play for the kind of attention
traditionally dominated by international brands. One of
the key players in this retail revolution is a group of bou-
tiques that may be small in size, but are bursting with
talent: the cheekily named S*uce. Pronounced “sauce,”
its eclectic collection of dresses, jewelry, and accessories
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 60
is intended to do just that – add the necessary flavor and
spice to their customers’ wardrobes. Dina Saleh is the
Operations and Business Development Director at
S*uce, currently responsible for supervising the store
on a day-to-day basis as well as planning for the long-
term growth of the company, and is co-owner with her
partners Zayan Ghandour and Fatima Ghobash. These
stylish young women have made a career out of their
trendsetting and entrepreneurial natures, and they
have inspired a passionate following among their
peers, creating a new standard for cool among every-
one from teenage girls to stylish young mothers seek-
ing the best new shopping the world has to offer.
A native of Kuwait, and of Palestinian descent, the
Middle East was a natural choice for Dina when she
chose to leave her medical research job in Montreal
to pursue more creative pursuits. Her methodical na-
ture and experience with startup businesses was the
impetus that allowed her and her two close friends to
get started on their new venture – and Dubai, of
course, was the backdrop. She loves her life there,
from enjoying “a good home cooked meal, to the cur-
rent culinary boom in Dubai with places like Zuma
and Nobu satisfying the most discerning taste buds. I
also love old Dubai staples Teatro and Shakespeare,
where you can catch up with friends over a great meal,
like anywhere else in the world.” Being connected to
her environment is key in maintaining the relevance of
the store’s budding brand, and all three owners are ac-
tive participants in Dubai’s young social scene.
“Life is great here because everything is readily
available,” Dina says, but one thing she didn’t think
was available enough was fresh, young clothing with
an intelligent edge. “Zayan Ghandour, co-owner, cre-
ative director and head buyer, travels to all the trade
shows herself. Hence, items at S*uce are always fresh,
on trend and in line with what’s going on internation-
ally,” says Dina, explaining their process for creating
S*uce’s carefully crafted look. “We carry a huge se-
lection of contemporary designers: 3.1 Philip Lim,
Tsumori Chisato, Vanessa Bruno, Isabella Cappetto,
By Malene Birger, Clu, Manoush among others. We
100 Thousand Club62
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 62
also carry diffusion lines such as MCQ by Alexander
McQueen, Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood, and
See by Chloe. However, we also have lots of edgier,
young designers and because the pieces are hand-
picked, and not bought in bulk, they are always spe-
cial and unique.” Dina has a very clear idea of the
items that will please their customers the best, and
they’re extremely choosy in selecting which items
make the cut.
The personal style of all three women play into the
merchandise sold in their stores, she says. “Zayan,
Fatima and I have different styles and I think there is
an element of each in the store and the styles that we
offer. The idea is that there is something for everyone,
as long as you’re willing to have some fun along the
way.” And fun is definitely on the menu for visitors to
S*uce. The store’s bright, clean interior is modern and
chic, complemented by adorable retro accents, from
vintage picture frames holding jewelry and headbands
to lace-patterned decals on the walls. Their knowing
way with clothes and décor made the store an imme-
diate destination for fashionistas in the know, and they
continue to focus on pleasing those key customers by
keeping things fresh. “There is always something new
to discover at S*uce. Large department stores will
wait until a brand has made it big before investing,
whereas a boutique can see the potential in a partic-
ular brand or designer and invest in it before anyone
else does. So if Zayan finds a completely obscure
brand and brings it into S*uce, the beauty of the piece
will speak for itself and it will usually fly off the shelf.
Two seasons later, you might just find it’s not so ob-
scure anymore,” Dina said, and the store has indeed
been very effective in introducing new talent to the
marketplace. “Some of our local designers such as Essa
and Nadine Kanso are really causing quite the stir on
the regional fashion scene, and they are already starting
to create ripples internationally. Tata Naka is also going
from strength to strength with every new collection, as is
the ever-edgy Toga,” says Dina, naming some of their
successes, young designers who have become fa-
vorites of S*uce’s customers and its owners. Their im-
100 Thousand Club 63
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 63
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primatur on a new line is often enough to put
it on the map to a larger audience, as was
the case with Essa’s bright chiffon dresses
embellished with traditional embroidery and
beading. Although they have hits and misses
in individual offerings, like all stores, over-
all they have found that remaining true to
their original concept has been their most
successful strategy.
“The original S*uce concept,” as Dina
summarizes it, “was to provide an exciting
and fun shopping experience, akin to rum-
maging through your best friend’s closet.
Although that same feel runs throughout all
our stores, each one has several unique el-
ements, so that wherever you are, there is
always something new to take in.” The store
has gone through several expansions into a
bona fide mini-chain: the first S*uce
opened in the Village Mall in February
2004; S*uce Lite opened in January 2006,
followed by Abu Dhabi one year later. Last
March, the ladies launched S*uce Gifts at
XVA, which is a gift store concept located
in a charming heritage centre in the heart
of old Dubai.
There are plans to continue the expan-
sion, but never indiscriminately; their latest
venture will continue to refine their vision
of a new, more conceptual way of shopping.
“We are currently working on S*uce Dubai
Mall, due to open within the next couple of
months. S*uce Dubai Mall is derived from
the original s*uce concept but takes it a step
further, and is fashioned around the mean-
derings of your best friend’s home, so there
is a ‘garden’ and ‘shed’, followed by a ‘liv-
ing room’, ‘kitchen’, ‘bedroom’ and ‘bath,’”
100 Thousand Club 65
“Dubai is a really special place. Theweather is great, the city is booming.It’s great to be at the forefront of allthat is happening”
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 65
100 Thousand Club66
Dina Saleh with herbusiness partners ZayanGhandour and FatimaGhobash
Atmosphere: A fun, girly confection of a store, it toes
the line between high-class boutique
and cool-girl hangout, incorporating vin-
tage and retro accents into their warm,
clean design. The eclectic nature of the
store means there’s more than just
clothes to be found – S*uce is a modern
lifestyle boutique, selling art, jewelry, ac-
cessories, notebooks, candles, and
home design accents that all share that
same Voguette-at-art-school feeling.
Featured Designers:Local heroes Taka Naka, Mira, Ashish, La
Petite Salope, Antoni and Alison, Stuff,
Third Millenium, Essa, Nadine Kanso
hang side by side with international fa-
vorites Cacharel, Vanessa Bruno, See by
Chloe, 3.1 Philip Lim, Tsumori Chisato,
Isabella Cappetto, By Malene Birger,
MCQ by Alexander McQueen, Anglo-
mania by Vivienne Westwood. The mix is
all hand-selected by the owners, and in-
cludes everything from play clothes and
cocktail frocks to
Locations: S*uce is located at The Village Mall,
Shop #29, Jumeirah Beach Road. The
sister store, S*uce Lite, is located on the
second floor of the recently renovated
Jumeirah Centre, and serves as an out-
let shop for the main store, with items up
to 80%. The new concept store, S*uce
Gifts at XVA, is located at XVA Gallery, in
Bastakiya Bur Dubai, xvagallery.com
Contact: www.shopatsauce.com,
(9714 344 7270)
she says, describing the experience they’ve designed.
Concept stores of this nature have existed elsewhere,
but the in true Dubai style, the youth of the city is cre-
ating their own version uniquely suited for their needs.
“Dubai is a really special place. The weather is great,
the city is booming, and there are tremendous oppor-
tunities across all sectors. It’s great to be at the fore-
front of all that is happening.” �
Dina Saleh ed:23oct 29/10/08 15:35 Page 66
P E R F E C T B YD E S I G N
Pebble Table on display in theNada Debs showroom
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 69
The Middle East is a cross section
of nationalities and personalities
combined to create the vibrant
multicultural look and feel of
some of the world’s fastest-growing cities.
Lebanese designer Nada Debs, one of the re-
gion’s best known creative personalities and an
international figure in the world of furniture
and interior design, has spent years of her life
living between cultures, and has brought her
diverse influences home to Beirut to create so-
phisticated, elegant pieces that bring her
unique style to homes all over the world.
Nada grew up in Japan and was educated
at an international school there, and elements
of Japanese minimalism informed her as much
as her traditionally Arab-decorated home.
“Every continent has added value to my pieces
– the United States is very keen on ‘practical-
ity’ and ‘functionality’; Europe is ‘sophisti-
cated’; Japan and Asia is ‘pure’ and
‘minimalist’; the Arab world is ‘ornamental,”
she says, explaining the flow of her life around
the world. Her formal education at the famed
Rhode Island School of Design in the United
States was in Interior Architecture, and her ho-
listic understanding of how furniture, archi-
tecture, and design elements integrate to form
a perfect room gives her designs a purity and
simplicity that make them extremely adapt-
able. “As I found myself focusing more on fur-
niture, I realized that the need to focus on the
details has become very important. It is also a
niche in the market that has not been ad-
dressed very much in the Arab world.” Cur-
rently, she says, she enjoys working with other
interior designers to come up with furniture
design solutions to challenging projects. For
example, “one of the projects I worked on with
an interior designer, Hubert Fattal, was the
Lebanese restaurant LIZA in Paris, where my
resin screens in mother of pearl is quite evi-
dent in the space.”
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 70
“As I found myself focusing more on furniture, I realizedthat the need to focus on the details has become very
important. It is also a niche in the market that has not beenaddressed very much in the Arab world”
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:48 Page 71
The Sandblasted Mirror andConcrete X Table incorporate inlay
and other specialized techniques
When she first came to Lebanon eight years
ago, she sought out stores to sell her work and
discovered an unfortunate prejudice against car-
rying Lebanese-made products. “I set out to
prove to my ‘fellow Lebanese’ that we have all
the resources to produce good quality design and
good quality products – and here we are with a
showroom of products created in Lebanon!” she
says, explaining the genesis of her store. “Part
of my goal or vision was to really allow people to
recognize the beauty of their own culture, and I
feel that I have achieved this. My furniture and
accessories are aimed at the emotions of the
Arab people and I feel its a big feat on my part
– just as theirs is an ‘emotional intelligence, we
have ‘emotional’ furniture.
Though the look and feel of her designs is
as far ranging as the stamps on her passport,
the current collection focuses on simple forms
that play throughout the various pieces.
“Lately I have been focusing on two lines, one
that is quite organic and modern and one that
is more rectilinear with an arabesque flavor. I
am always looking for contrast in my work,
whether by material or by form.” This flair for
variety and contrast has netted her a devoted
following, both among design professionals
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 72
and private buyers and collections. Of her cus-
tomer, Nada says they are “usually quite ap-
preciative of the cultural values in my
work--they seem to recognize the fact the prod-
ucts have a mix of Zen and the arabesque. They
are usually quite sophisticated in their taste, and
we notice this especially when we visit their
homes. They are probably well-travelled or
open-minded people. The work also appeals to a
lot of foreigners who visit Lebanon – it is some-
thing they can relate to.” The universality of her
designs and influences ensure that her pieces
play well in homes around the world – a far cry
from the more usual story, the purchase that
looked inspired in its native environment but has
no place in a differently-oriented home.
Some of her best-known products include
her “Floating Stools” and the “Coffee Bean
Table,” two pieces that are very different aes-
thetically, and again Nada emphasizes the im-
portance of adaptability and balance in her
designs. “The beauty of the Floating Stools is
that they are very flexible and fit in any envi-
ronment, modern or classical. The fact that the
stool comes in an acrylic box means that one
can upholster the stool in anything they like, so
depending on what goes in it makes a differ-
ence in the ‘emotion’ of the person – something
fun, something serious, something dark, some-
thing light. As for the Coffee Bean Table, it’s
quite a large table and there is a strong impact
in the size and shape – but what I feel may be
strong is the fact that it has a hole in the mid-
dle of it! So however large the piece is, it won't
appear heavy. The oval pebble shape works
very well with large sofas and it also can work
as a bench,” she says, returning as always to
her main design theme.
Other Nada Debs pieces, like the afore-
mentioned mother of pearl screens, go in the
other direction, from minimalism and multi-
functionality to more ornate pieces involving a
great deal of handwork. Lebanon has plenty of
talented craftspeople, and Nada takes advan-
tage of being surrounded by skilled artisans to
100 Thousand Club74
provide her pieces with a unique touch. “This
work is very specialized…what I do is direct
them and introduce them to new designs and
new ways of doing the traditional work. I spend
a lot of time with them understanding how it
works because this can inspire me to produce
new ideas.” These include craftspeople spe-
cializing in the new as well as the old. For her
children’s line, a collection of modern furni-
Above: Bar unit with lacquer, plexiglass,and mother-of-pearl inlay
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 74
100 Thousand Club 75
Top: Industrial bench with kimono fabricLeft: Floating plexiglass stool
All available at Nada Debs’ showroom
ture with a light, warm touch, she uses the
work of a local artisan who interprets pottery
motifs into her wooden inlays. The pieces,
which depict bright, colorful landscapes in
beech wood, have been an enormous success
since Queen Rania of Jordan first spotted them
in a store in London and commissioned Nada
to design the children’s wings at the palace,
even before Nada moved her business back to
the Middle East full time. Artists specializing
in more traditional crafts and techniques have
also found a place with her company. Through
them her pieces become modern antiques, and
this has kept them popular with her contingent
of local tastemakers as well. “I think that my
work touches them emotionally. With Arabs, it
is usually to something that reminds them of
their parents or grandparents or their heritage,
and with foreigners who have not grown up
with this kind of heritage, it is considered ex-
otic, ‘1000 and 1 nights’ style.”
These traditional influences are always the
spice that creates the unique flavor of her de-
signs, and for that reason her commitment to her
craftspeople is strong. “Now that my first goal
of setting up my showroom has been achieved,
I am on to the next one. I am trying to create a
workshop where we will use handicapped peo-
ple to revive the dying Arab crafts. With a larger
production, I would like to spread the Nada
Debs cultural model. I would like recognition
for the beauty of Middle Eastern crafts in the
contemporary furniture design world.
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 75
The parent company of Nada Debs, origi-
nally founded in 1932 in Japan as A. Debs &
Co., is involved in other aspects of the shelter
and home world, specifically in the textile and
real estate industries as well as her own fur-
niture and design business. These other two
industries are influences that have informed
her choices as a designer. “At one point in
my life, I aimed at becoming a textile de-
signer so that I could be part of the textile
business but I found myself going on a dif-
ferent direction. In a way, I may have been
influenced by the prints that my family has
used in their textiles; I also did an appren-
ticeship in a textile design office in Japan.
The youngest in the family, who is involved
in the textile business, is moving towards
developing new fabrics and techniques in
Japan now and we are trying to see if we can
collaborate on something together.”
Right now, Nada’s focus is on seeing her
company grow and become more branded in the
region and around the globe. She continues to
travel the countries of the Middle and Far East,
including stops in Istanbul, India, and Sri Lanka,
where she gathers visual inspiration that is al-
ready starting to soak into her work. Closer to
home, she says, “I loves swimming and after my
swim, seeing the horizon of the sea gives me a lot
of peace.” She also enjoys herself closer to
home: dining at the famed Casablanca
restaurant in Beirut, the first restaurant
in the region to pioneer the use of or-
ganic ingredients; shopping at bou-
tiques like If and Plum, and simply
driving up the coast to Tripoli, tak-
ing in the light and energy of the
sea. All this, she says, feeds into
her true passion, “Work, work
work! It takes up a lot of my life
but it is also a pleasure for me
as it’s a cultural journey and I
learn from it everyday.” �
“I would like to spread the Nada Debscultural model. I would like recognitionfor the beauty of Middle Eastern crafts inthe contemporary furniture design”
NADA DEBS:23oct 29/10/08 15:47 Page 76
Marchesa dress with jeweled bodice, diamond Chanelcuff w/small flowers, diamond de Beers ring anddiamond de Beers earrings.
Photographer: Miranda Penn Turin/Icon International
Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:56 Page 81
BCBG Gold Bcbg dress, Wolford gold versailles leggings,Bulgari multi-colored stone bracelet, gold Tiffany cuff,diamond and emerald earrings by Harry Winston.
Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:57 Page 82
Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:58 Page 83
Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:57 Page 84
Gucci Black Gucci printed dress with embellished belt, gold D+Gstudded cuff, gold D+G chain necklace worn as bracelet, goldChanel flower earrings.
Fashion:23oct 29/10/08 15:58 Page 85
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 87
100 Thousand Club88
Raed I Dabbous is one of the most exciting people in Dubai.
If it weren’t enough that he owns Sho Cho, one of the most
happening and pioneering restaurants and late night spots
in the city, his numerous other projects – including the
newly opened Sho Cho Abu Dhabi – surely cement his status as an im-
presario. He has numerous other hospitality projects in development at
the moment, all of which are sure to follow the lead of the original Sho
Cho as the preeminent spots in the UAB to see and be seen, enjoy ex-
cellent cuisine, and relax in elegant luxurious surroundings. Raed is no
stranger to the dealings of entertaining a who's who of the region on any
given night, but what makes him so exciting and dynamic is his rest-
lessness and adventurous spirit. The not quite 40-year old American of
Lebanese origin is just as famous for his passion for fishing, flying, div-
ing, and gliding. Enough is never enough, and we mean that with the ut-
most respect. We were fortunate to catch up with Raed over email while
he was visiting Amsterdam to get some feedback on what makes him
tick, what makes him successful, and what keeps the engine going.
100Thousand Club: Dubai is constantly undergoing various
changes and developments on a daily basis. How is this affect-
ing the nightlife, both in terms of people, and options?
Raed I Dabbous: It is affecting the nightlife in TREMENDOUS ways; in
one way it is positive for the customer as they are getting showered with
concepts and outlets and options. In another, it is very difficult for actual
operators. Let me explain; one day you think that you have a prime out-
let (and paying through your nose) in a prime location and the next the
WHOLE city has moved centers on you and you are not a prime area
any more. Concepts are mushrooming faster than anyone could fathom,
the budgets thrown on those concepts are absolutely incomprehensible
and by no means do they make short or medium-term commercial sense,
but every Jon Doe self made millionaire real estate/finance person of
Dubai will do anything to get into the nightlife and Food & Beverage in-
dustry. Whether the place makes money or not is an afterthought.
With such disregards to budgets and inelasticity to high costs, rental
rates and operational costs are skyrocketing, making it extremely hard for
someone whose core business is restaurants and nightclubs to keep it prof-
itable as what others are spending defy any logic.
Despite this, and as a customer gets charged higher than just about any-
where else in the world, clients are starting to expect restaurants and clubs
to execute properly and offer a standard similar to the rest of the world. That’s
when they almost always come back to us. AND THAT’S WHAT SEPA-
RATES THE BOYS FROM THE MEN!
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 88
Sho Cho Abu Dhabi, one of the most happening andpioneering restaurants and late night spots in the city
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 89
100TC: Raed, you have obviously become a bit of a fixture and
celebrity on the social scene in Dubai. How did this journey take
place, and how are you building upon your initial popularity?
Raed: Thank you for the compliment although this is for sure an over-
statement. I am however very honored to be considered by your maga-
zine for an interview considering the MANY success stories in Dubai.
I think the main reason for our success and our popularity has been
to keep it simple, keep it real. What you see is what you get. This sounds
like a simple thing to do, but it’s not. It’s very hard not to change in a place
like Dubai, with all the opportunities, potential to make more and more and
more money. One loses their identity, gets greedy and changes his outlooks.
I believe the reason of our success and our building on it, is simply based
on remaining who we are and who we have been throughout. We don’t do it
for money as much as for the passion and it shows in the end result.
100TC: What would you describe as your average customer or
client at your venue, if there is such a thing?
Raed: My customer is a well educated well travelled Social butterfly. He/She
expects a bit of EVERYTHING and perfectly; GREAT FOOD at competitive
prices, excellent service, good music, good social setup to see and to be seen.
Instead of going to 3 places in one night, they can stay in one. Our customer
expects us to EXCECUTE all this perfectly time and time again.
100TC: As someone who facilitates people having a luxurious,
lavish, fun time, what do you keep in mind when planning a party,
venue, and the details that go along with it?
Raed: I think the above would answer this but I would add one more thing;
I keep in mind what I, myself, would want it to be like and how I would feel
about it. If I think I am going to like and enjoy it, than it’s a go. One devel-
ops a feel for it. It’s hard to explain but it becomes natural to you.
100TC: When it comes to you going out for an evening in Dubai,
where do you go, and what does your evening really entail?
Raed: The truth, and not to sound boring, if I am not fishing (EVEN AT
NIGHT), or doing one sport or another, I like to entertain at my place; a
good barbecue with a beer/wine with friends followed by a movie on my
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 90
Giant Screen (BLU RAY rules!) or some “burst-your-eardrums” karaoke
is what I enjoy most.
When I go out, I see the same people that I meet all the time at
my own places and then I feel like I am entertaining again. Not that
entertaining is not a natural thing for me to do, but it’s good to get a
break from it.
Sorry, it sounds boring maybe, but I am so content with this. When
I travel it’s a different story though. I go to over 10 places a night, hop-
ping from one to another, knowing that no one knows me and exploring
new places/concepts. I LOVE IT!!!
100TC: Do you tend to spend more time with a circle of friends
and colleagues who live in Dubai, or do you tend to spend time
with people who are coming into town to visit?
Raed: Probably with people who are coming into town to visit, as 1)
they bring a breath of fresh air with them 2) I love
to entertain them and show them what Dubai is
all about 3) I know that they have to ultimately
leave and then I don’t have to worry about being
there for them again!
Unfortunately our businesses have no fixed hours
in them and you just cannot commit to any social event
with friends in fear of letting them down.
100TC: What are your favorite nightlife venues in the city at
the moment?
Raed: I like a Jam base. It’s not a club but they have a live band that plays
all genres of music. It is quite ironic, considering that when I created Sho
Cho I was trying to break the mystique of live bands which is all that was
available in Dubai and had a dj playing funky music rather than bands
butchering chart songs.
100TC: Where do you most enjoy traveling around the world?
How often do you travel?
Raed: I love to travel to remote places where you can barely see anyone and
where you are surrounded by wildlife. I go to remote places in the Sudan; I
also like to go to some islands off salala Oman to get in touch with the wild.
It is crazy what you encounter there. Last month I went to Malindi Kenya for
some fishing and diving.
In fact I am building my own boat that will allow me to reach to those
far off places. Hopefully next year we will launch and I can do my long
awaited trip from Dubai to the Mediterranean, with many stops of course!
As for cities, I love Vancouver, New York, and Amsterdam. Whistler is
amazing; I went Downhill biking in whistler last summer and it was a great
experience; WHAT A RUSH!
100TC: What are you favorite hotels or resorts around the world?
Raed: The Aman resorts, Amanpulo Philippines in particular is beautiful.
I am fond of Shangri-La in Muscat locally.
100TC: Can you briefly describe you career and life path to get to
where you are now. What brought you to the city, what has made
you stay, and what do you see for yourself in the future?
Raed: I grew up between Paris and the US. I graduated from
Duquesne University in the USA then did my Masters in international
business at Thunderbird, one of the top international business schools
in the US.
After graduation, in DC, I opened a little sushi bar for fun with a friend
before selling it, as I had a “real” job offer in Dubai with a subsidiary for
FedEx. I spent the next 5 years setting up FedEx outlets in the Middle east
(and still do), until we put the concept of Sho Cho together. The main con-
cept was I had friends, I caught fish (lots), so why not invite friends to a
venue where we can have fun and eat the freshest fish in the best of atmos-
pheres. From there it’s been a heck of a ride.
Sho Cho Dubai is almost 9 years old. Sho Cho Abu Dhabi opened yes-
terday. We also own a very successful seafood restaurant called Flooka. This
year we are looking at opening another six restaurants. In fact I am in Am-
sterdam at the moment working with Heineken on an exclusive concept that
we will launch first in the UAE. I can't go into more details for now.
We also are involved in a design company and a software solution com-
pany as well that work mostly as support for our concepts.
100TC: For leisure activities, I see that you enjoy to fish off your
plane. How did this start, and what other passions and hobbies do
you have?
Raed: I love the outdoors and outdoor sports. I hate gyms. I used to be a Di-
vision I tennis player in the US. I love basketball, and am addicted to ulti-
mate frisbee. That’s for the normal sports. I practice them religiously weekly
in Dubai (when not injured which is often nowadays).
My passion has to be free diving and exploring new remote places as I
get to disconnect with the world and get in contact with the abyss and the
wild. The feeling is amazing. I have the same feeling when I am paragliding
– it’s just a slow and beautiful lasting adrenaline rush. For a quick fix, I go
100 Thousand Club 91
“My passion has to be free diving and exploringnew remote places as I get to disconnect with theworld and get in contact with the abyss and thewild. The feeling is amazing”
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:45 Page 91
100 Thousand Club 93
to Umm al Quwain Aero Club, board on a plane and throw myself from it for
a quick free fall, and then I can get all the stress out and quickly.
The picture taken of me on the plane was for a magazine. Although the
plane is not mine I do have a pilot’s license and my dream is to one day ac-
tually go search for the big tuna by air, land, catch one or two and bring it
back to Sho Cho immediately. That would be cool.
Last year’s challenge for me was to go out on my own, hook a big tuna,
maneuver the boat while fighting the monster and gaff and bring it in. It
sounds easier than you would think but its not. I did it. Even managed
to take a picture of it to remember the moment (thank God for timers on
digital cameras). This year’s challenge has been to actually build my
boat….and launch it.
100TC: When people go out for an evening in Dubai, what do you
think they are primarily looking for?
Raed: TO SEE AND TO BE SEEN…THE REST IS JUST DETAILS.
100TC: Are there any other hospitality or nightlife impressarios
both in Dubai and abroad who’s work and venues you admire?
Raed: There is one person who stands above the lot and in all modesty I
think they rank in the top 10 or 20 worldwide, in terms of knowledge,
dedication and basically execution; that person is my partner Hiba. An
Ex-Chef that has roamed the world, she is relentless at striving to
achieve and maintain excellence. She is above, ahead and beyond any
person I have met who is involved in this business. EVERYBODY in the
UAE is way behind her. It is not to say that all such people in the UAE
are bad, it’s to give you a measure of how amazing she is. I would eas-
ily rank her in the top 20 worldwide. I am blessed to have her as my
partner. She is the one who should be interviewed; a creative
chef/restaurant-owner operator of Middle Eastern origins, who learned
how to make pizza in Italy, worked with Nobu among many other big
names, who has consulted for concepts that people wouldn’t believe that
she is behind their menus and setup (wont say names). She is amazing!
She is the ultimate professional. She is relentless in her seek for excel-
lence. She is so underrated.
100TC: If you were on a desert island, stranded, and you could
only bring three possessions, what would they be?
Raed: My free diving gear, my laptop with internet connection, my
blender and margarita mix.
100TC: Who are the three people (either dead or alive) that
you would have dinner with if you could?
Raed: Richard Branson, ultimate businessman; Jimmy Buffett, ultimate
parrot head; Mandela, ultimate peaceful and forgiving person. �
Raed I Dabbous ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:46 Page 93
A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E
Designed to be an iconic landmark showcasing Ara-
bian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates
Palace has created an enviable niche in the luxury
resort industry, welcoming holiday makers from all
over the world and giving them a truly remarkable leisure ex-
perience by providing luxurious facilities and amenities as well
as superior and personalized service.
Whether for business or leisure, tourists come to the Emi-
rates Palace to experience what many consider to be the most
impressive resort and conference venue ever to be built in the
Middle East, and one of the best in the world.
Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach and sur-
rounded by hectares of manicured lawns, Emirates Palace com-
prises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of fine dining
options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately
landscaped swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and two state
of the art fitness centres. Emirates Palace houses the most lux-
urious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the re-
gion which include an auditorium with 1,100 seats, a main
ballroom that can accommodate up to 2500 guests, over 40
meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre.
Emirates Palace also offers a host of exceptional food and
beverage outlets serving a variety of the world’s most delec-
table cuisines created by the skilled hands of its multi-cultural
chefs. Guests can indulge in the most exquisite gourmet dishes
and the finest wines from five exceptional restaurants, as well as
the two outdoor restaurants by East & West wing while basking
in the grandeur of the opulent interiors of the Palace.
Contact: Janet Abrahams, Director of Sales and Marketing
T: +971 2 690 7901. E: [email protected]
www.emiratespalace.com
100 Thousand Club94
KING OF THE CASTLES
KEMPINSKI EMIRATES HOTEL:oct08 29/10/2008 15:34 Page 94
Sailing in Style
The graceful curve of a ship’s hull carving through crest-
ing waves; the evening sea breeze washing over the deck at
sunset; the morning sun peeking through the porthole into
a plush master cabin, snugly tucked away from the world
outside—the very nature of yachting explains why its popularity has
increased exponentially in recent years. With so many luxury yachts
available for purchase and charter, there are more options than ever to
experience the thrills of the ocean, but in a sea of competition, a few
standouts must eventually rise to the top. Top-of-the line regional char-
ter companies compete for attention with international heavyweights,
providing a plethora of options for committed sailors.
Edmiston Yachts is a full service broker, builder, and charter
service that intended from its earliest days to make the most of the
luxury yacht boom by creating a luxury yacht brand that refl ected the
new style of their clients. Founded in 1996
by Nicholas Edmiston, a lifelong sailor who
had been doing private yacht sales for more
than 35 years, Edmiston has devoted his life
to the marine community and has found great
success with his focus on the hottest segment
of the market. They stay on the cutting edge
of the luxury community, maintaining a dra-
matic presence at all the international yacht
shows (a six-foot waterfall welcomed VIPs
to their chic, modern lounge at the Monaco
Yacht Show this year) and bringing the world’s
hottest yacht designers together with design
leaders from all other walks of life. With
96 100 Thousand Club
a young, savvy staff of 80 spread across 13 cities worldwide (both in
large urban centers such as Dubai and New York, and vacation destina-
tions like the Cote d’Azur, Greece, and Monte Carlo) Edmiston offers
access to hundreds of mega-yachts, up to 300 feet in size, and holding
anywhere from eight to over a dozen guests at a time. Their focus is on
the modern yacht customer, who requires more space and amenities
than ever before, and whose expectations for both sailing vessels and
motor yachts are extremely high. These new consumers, who are ac-
customed to ever-larger and more luxurious yachts, require specialized
attention and a wide array of options to customize and upgrade their
yachting experience. To that end, Edmiston has developed partnerships
with Eurocopter, Boeing business jets, and other associated brands of
interest to luxury yacht customers, allowing both charters and pur-
chases of helicopters and airplanes through their network of brokers.
(edmistoncompany.com)
Camper & Nicholson is the oldest leisure marine company in the
world, and has been a major player in the boating world since 1782, when
they began creating luxury sailing yachts for
their customers, and has stayed on the cutting
edge of every subsequent boating trend—and
we do mean every trend, from working on some
of the fi rst steam-powered boats in the 1870s,
diesel-powered boats in 1912, military craft
during both world wars, and luxury and high-
speed powerboats from the 1960s through the
super yachts of the present day. From their
position in the industry as one of the most
diverse yachting operations, they have the
ability to provide a level of quality control
unmatched by any other. Like most major
boatbuilders, they are extremely accustomed
to doing custom work, but their reach goes far
beyond the shipyard. Camper & Nicholson
is also well known for their crew placement
division, and have access to a large database
of crew and staff members to suit the needs of
every yacht. They also offer a full complement
of owner services, including yacht and crew
management, charter marketing services, and
charter management services to ensure that
even when your boat is far away, the utmost
care is being taken to ensure that your invest-
ment is protected and your reputation in the
charter community is being maintained to the
highest standard, allowing many yacht owners
the fl exibility they need to own their boats for
years to come. (cnconnect.com)
Northrop and Johnson Worldwide
Yacht Charters is known as the “Gentle-
men’s Brokers,” and for good reason. Based
in Newport for more than 50 years, they
specialize in arranging custom crewed luxury
charters all over the world. Begun in New
York City to service the needs of wealthy
businessmen there, the company is currently
based in nautical epicenter Newport, Rhode
Island, and maintain a presence in fi ve other
RAFFLES AD:6NOV07 28/10/08 09:16 Page 10114
While giant charter companies are often the easiest
to work with if you’re trying to arrange a giant
yacht, there are plenty of benefi ts to chartering
with a smaller, local company—your captains are intimately
familiar with both the waters and the options on shore, and
they still offer all the luxury of a larger operation. Our favorite
choices in our favorite destinations include:
Virgin IslandsThe British and US Virgin Islands encompass a good-sized
area of the Caribbean, so with so many beautiful islands to
experience, why stay on just one? This is the philosophy behind
Virgin Islands Charter Yachts, a company offering some of the
largest and best-appointed motor and sail yachts in the area.
They also offer sailing instruction and certifi cations, for those
who want their time on board to be a learning experience as
well as a vacation. (vicharteryachts.com)
Maldives & SeychellesSerai Dreams is a newly built 92-foot yacht, with four cabins
for up to eight guests. It is owned by three young Maldivians,
who bring their local knowledge to enhance the experience of
the yacht itself. The boat has extensive entertainments inside
and out from 40” plasma screens TVs to diving, fi shing, and
water sports equipment that will come in handy as you explore
the more than 1100 islands of the Maldives. (seraidreams.com)
MediterraneanNavis Yacht Charter was founded by a group of ship’s captains
and marine engineers, which means that every ship that comes
through their hands, from a simple sailing cruiser to the biggest
megayachts, is impeccably maintained and handled by a dynamic
and experienced staff. Specializing in Croatia and Greece, they
also extend their territory to the Bahamas, Italy and Southern
France, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Turkey. (navis-yacht-charter.com)
offi ces as well as at all the major trade shows.
Owner Missy Johnston is a member and past
president of the American Yacht Charter
Association, and personally inspects and
evaluates each boat, member of the crew, and
chef to control the quality of each guest’s ex-
perience, and is always working to stay ahead
of the curve in terms of trends in the yacht
charter world. Northrop and Johnson work to
customize each trip, from specialized itiner-
aries to unique on-shore excursions, water
sports equipment, and anything else groups
particularly desire. The company is made up
of veteran sailors and cruisers, and they bring
an expert perspective to creating your charter
experience, whether you are looking for big or
small, motor or sail, in almost any destination
around the world. They keep numerous ships
in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, as
well as locations in Croatia, Turkey, Austra-
lia, and New Zealand. Great for people new to
cruising and chartering, Northrop and John-
son will work extensively with their clients to
tailor their vessel, itinerary, food, and add-
ons like Jet Skis and other water toys to their
individual requirements. (njcharters.com)
From the islands of the Caribbean, to
the rocky shores of southern Europe, to the
coral reefs of Australia, living aboard a yacht
defi nes having the best of both worlds: the
most beautiful landscapes in the world serve
as a backdrop to the plush, sophisticated
pleasures of your tailor-made world on board.
No matter your destination, no matter the
length of your trip, there is a cruising expe-
rience that is right for everyone, and once
you’ve tried it, you’ll never vacation quite the
same way again.
A land ofFlavor & Spice
The backpacker’s paradise of yore is just one of
two worlds in modern Thailand. Although there is
plenty of authentic dust and grit and cheap beer
to be found, and the hostels are always full, visitors
to Thailand have a plethora of options outside the
tourist traps. This contrast between worlds is
embodied in so many ways as you travel through
Thailand’s major cities – and is even visible
between the cities themselves. Although Phuket
and Chiang Mai are as rich in history and
attractions as anywhere in Asia, the international
airport of Bangkok draws exponentially more traffic
to the city, transforming it in myriad ways. And so,
in Bangkok, do most trips to Thailand begin.
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 16:14 Page 106
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 16:14 Page 107
The capital city of Bangkok began
as a small trading city, and ex-
panded early into the social, polit-
ical, and cultural hub of Southeast
Asia. Divided into roughly 50 districts and
then further subdivided, it is impossible to un-
derestimate how lost one can get in the
crowded streets of the city. Backpackers have
long favored this as the best method for touring
– walking the streets, sampling some of the
best street food in the world, and stumbling on
treasures at every turn. For those who prefer a
slightly more methodical itinerary, there are
certain sights that are a can’t miss for every
visitor. The Assumption Cathedral and the Er-
awat Shrine are a testament to the entwined
history of nations and religions that live on in
Thailand today; for the ultimate Thai worship-
ping experience, visit Wat Po, the giant re-
clining Buddha, in the Phra Nakhon district.
The temple is one of the largest in Bangkok
and the site of the school that originated Thai
massage. Contrast your time exploring Thai-
land’s history with exploring its exploding
shopping scene – the scene on Si Lom Road,
dubbed the “Wall Street of Thailand” and at
Chidlom in Ploenchit rival anything in Hong
Kong, London, or New York for the sheer size
and comprehensiveness of their offerings, with
everything from the latest designer bags to
high-quality antiques and traditional handi-
crafts. There is also plenty of business to be
done here, for those who are traveling to seek
new ventures, and Hampton Realty is the
group to consult with about purchasing a pied
a terre here in the heart of Asia.
For those staying in the city, you’re in
luck – some of the best restaurants and bars
in the city are inside the hotels. The Zen feel-
ing of the new Sukothai (which means “dawn
of happiness” and refers to the golden age of
art and architecture in Thailand) is created
by a silvery, natural palette throughout, and
punctuated by pools of floating lotus flowers.
The hotel’s Celadon restaurant is a well-re-
garded Thai eatery offering authentic dishes
of all kinds. There are several other dining
options, including one of the best breakfasts
100 Thousand Club 109
Fence at Wat PhraThat Doi Suthep
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 15:02 Page 109
in Bangkok. The oldest luxury hotel in
Bangkok, the Oriental, has been catering to
celebrity guests for more than 130 years, qui-
etly incorporating all the necessary modern
luxuries without sacrificing any colonial
style. Afternoon tea in the Author’s Lounge is
a uniquely pleasurable experience, as is the
Western-style dining in any of the Oriental’s
restaurants. The Four Seasons here is ultra-
luxurious, with far and away the biggest
rooms in the city, and an engaging mix of
quiet, meditative space at the outdoor pool
and garden, and fast-paced modern life in the
chic lobby bar. Their best restaurants, Spice
Market and Shintaro, serve upscale Thai and
casual Japanese respectively, and the other
amenities here are absolutely up to par – they
even offer baggage handling to any of their
Top: Buddhist monks carrying almsbowls go about the early morning ritualof receiving food from the public, at WatSrisoda in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Below:Flan of Coconut
other Four Seasons locations in Chiang Mai,
the Golden Triangle, or Ko Samui, if you’re
continuing your trip out of town.
And continue your trip you should! Going
off the beaten path is the unique pleasure of
traveling in Southeast Asia, and some of the
most beautiful parts of Thailand are well out-
side the sphere of Bangkok. Chiang Mai is
the second-largest city in Thailand, but has
none of the crowded feel of Bangkok. Here
you can really get where the wild things are:
Chiang Mai is a great starting place for seeing
some of the more wild parts of Thailand. The
Doi Inthanaon National Park is located west
of Chiang Mai, and has much to see and enjoy.
The 186 square mile preserve is home to
Thailand’s highest mountain, and the variety
of altitudes in the park means that the full
spectrum of Thai wildlife is on display, from
the hiking trails to the guided tours. This part
of Thailand is also home to the elephant
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 16:10 Page 110
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camps, where timber elephants are housed
and trained, although now for entertainment
instead of commercial logging. The Chiang
Dao Elephant Training Centre puts the ele-
phants’ talents on display, and also offers ele-
phant-back rides for a truly unique jungle
experience. Chiang Mai is also a great place
to pick up a souvenir – historically, it was the
center of Thai art, and the traditional crafts
have evolved over time to create a range of
authentic pieces with a decidedly post-mod-
ern sensibility. The Four Seasons is still the
place to stay here, in villas set among the rice
fields, with gorgeous views of the surround-
ing mountains. Biking through the mountains
is a great way to explore, and the resort offers
a cooking school that is a perfect introduction
to the unique cuisine of Chiang Mai – your
appreciation of the food will be heightened
after an early morning excursion to the mar-
ket and an afternoon spent carving vegetables
and making curries. The tastes here are
straightforward country food, intensely fla-
vored with a lot of spice, balanced by cool
vegetables. The hotel offers shuttles to the
Night Market, where you can sample the
street food, or try the modern version at
restaurants like Dalaabaa, one of the hippest
nightspots in town, or a classic but formal
rendition at the Mandarin Oriental’s Le Grand
Lanna, where the chef prepares traditional
Thai and Chiang Mai entrees in an idyllic
outdoor setting shaded by the rainforest.
Phuket is another must-visit destination,
for a truly tropical experience. Beloved by
honeymooning couples for its isolated upscale
resorts, Phuket is also a celebrity retreat,
away from prying eyes. Many internationally
renowned hotel groups have some of their
best hotels here, including Aman Resorts’
Amanpuri, on Pansea Beach, and Banyan
Tree Phuket, on Bang Tao Bay. Amanpuri is
one of the most impressive resorts around,
and the amenities and service exceed expec-
tations: attendants are there to help you with
everything from spraying water on the sand to
keep the beach cool beneath your feet, to tak-
ing you out on one of the hotel’s 20 boats. The
oceanfront Japanese restaurant is a great way
to end the day, but don’t just stay on property.
The diverse crowd that comes to Phuket
means a variety of dining options with
cuisines from all over the world. No reason to
stick too close to familiar fare here, since
you’ve already made the journey – the South-
ern Thai curries are creamier and more deli-
cate than those elsewhere, incorporating
coconut milk and more fish and soups that are
often more palatable to foreigners, depending
as always on how much spice you let the chef
throw on your plate. The jazziest place in
town is the Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant,
100 Thousand Club112
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 15:03 Page 112
housed in a stately 1907 mansion. From the
main halls to the chic private rooms, the
kitchen serves ancient recipes in an opulent
setting. More than eating, more than any-
thing, though, in Phuket you live on the water.
Arguably the best beach is Hat Mai Khao, a
five-mile slice of white sand paradise. The
snorkeling and swimming is fantastic here,
and most hotels can outfit you for your un-
dersea adventures. Kayaking the beaches and
the limestone caves of the waterfront is an-
other way to see the gorgeous waterfalls and
rainforests surrounding you.
The pleasures of coastal Thailand are be-
yond measure – and they don’t stop at the
coastline, either. Along with Phuket, up and
coming destinations include places like Trang,
Pai, and Pattaya, which are attracting interna-
tional hotels and development, as well as for-
eign buyers, who use local firms like Pattaya
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 15:09 Page 114
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 15:09 Page 115
Realty to develop local connections to buy in-
vestment properties in the surrounding areas.
There are also numerous attractions off the
mainland as well. Many beautiful islands are a
boat ride away, and these tiny oases of para-
dise in the Gulf of Siam are home to some of
the most luxurious resorts around. Probably
the best known of the islands is Ko Samui,
which is home to several high-end resorts. The
Four Seasons has a presence here, as well as
Anantara, a specialist in hotels in Thailand
and Indonesia. For a truly untrammeled feel,
there are other islands to explore as well. Koh
Lanta is just an hour’s boat ride away from the
mainland, but miles away from anywhere
you’ve been. Nestled in the tropical rainforest
that covers much of the island, the Pimalai Re-
sort and Spa embodies the best of both worlds,
with a jungle feel complemented by a pristine
white sand beach.
Though Thailand is well established as a
vacation destination, it is still evolving as a
country, and that very evolution creates the
many dualities that make Thailand so engag-
ing to visit. A country caught between antiq-
uity and modernity; between Eastern culture
and Western influences; between high-end
luxuries and the pleasures of nature, is a
country that will continue to fascinate visitors
for years to come. �
100 Thousand Club 117
THAILAND ME:10jan 29/10/08 15:13 Page 117
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BACK ISSUES:oct08 29/10/2008 15:29 Page 121
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:30 Page 124
Mohammed bin Sulayem’s accomplishments as a driver
are great. This is no secret to anyone. He is known
throughout not only the Arab world, but also globally.
As a UAE champion rally driver who lives in Dubai, he
has won more FIA regional championships, and more international ral-
lies, than any other racer in history. Since first winning the FIA Middle-
East Rally Championship in 1986, he has gone on to win the event 14
times, never having been defeated.
The resume is about as impressive as it gets for someone who
makes his career putting the pedal to the metal, but what makes Mo-
hammed bin Sulayem such a prominent figure is the way he has tran-
scended racing. It is not only his victories that have propelled him to
fame, but also his involvement in making racing a truly special sport
in the UAB.
Sulayem is President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the
UAE (ATCUAE) and as such has been appointed by the FIA and FIM
as the official representative to oversee all motorsports events in UAE.
He is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the UAE Desert
Challenge, a race that he launched in 1991. The event has since be-
come the final round of the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup.
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:31 Page 125
His is also the owner of Ben Sulayem Per-
formance, and he and his team are recognized
for creating amazing performance modifica-
tions to many sport and luxury automobiles.
Perhaps his greatest achievement in this area
was having a Mercedes SLK 55 AMG modi-
fied to accept a Modified SLR engine, pro-
viding the car with over 740 hp and 1200Nm
(885 lbf·ft) of torque. These are truly as-
tounding statistics, that truly reflect Bin Su-
layem’s passions.
The path did not start out extremely easy
for the road warrior, however, as rallying was
not always looked upon the way it is now in the
UAB. Many times he has reflected – especially
to the local Gulf News – about the ups and
downs of both his career, and the way racing
was accepted.
Early on, racing was not always covered
with fervor, passion, and thoroughness, but
over time, and as Bin Sulayem became more
and more successful, his global appeal and
dominance helped grab the attention of local
media outlets. This in turn started to appeal to
people in the area, and today, racing is looked
upon with admiration and respect.
In the early days of his career, Bin Su-
layem has lamented and reflected on some of
the struggles he faced, and obstacles he over-
came. At one point, early in his career, he went
as far as never using his full name on entry
lists for events. He would go by the name Mo-
hammad Ahmad. With fear of being accepted
“Much of the great work that Bin Sulayem has done inthe region for motorsports has been done incooperation, conjunction, or with the support of HisHighness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum”
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:32 Page 126
by the elders in the society, this was a neces-
sary measure. His passion for motorsport was
almost “insanity,” as he has said, and it was a
goal of his to break the taboo associated with
the profession. To give an idea of how far Bin
Sulayem has come; he has been awarded
medals of honor from the Kings of Bahrain and
Jordan, as well as the Lebanese President. So
much for taboo.
This type of recognition and popularity has
allowed Bin Sulayem to lend his name and in-
fluence to different causes and goals outside of
the sphere of motorsports. He put his support
behind the Al Ain football club’s entry into the
Superleague Formula. He has gotten heavily
involved in charity events, and worked with
the Dubai Cares initiative of H.H. Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE
Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of
Dubai. Bin Sulayem was given the honor of
selecting the charities to which funds have
been distributed.
Much of the great work that Bin Sulayem
has done in the region for motorsports has
been done in cooperation, conjunction, or
with the support of His Highness Shaikh Mo-
hammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shaikh
Mohammed played a crucial role in creating
the World Championship motor sport event in
the Emirates, and Bin Sulayem’s visions and
Shaikh Mohammed’s run very parallel to each
other. He has called Shaikh Mohammed the
“driving force behind the Desert Challenge as
a patron for the event from the very beginning.”
He has also said that “without his gener-
ous support the event would not have got off
the ground in the first place.” Beyond his
prodigious skills, Bin Sulayem’s affable and
charming personality have made it easy for
him to form alliances and relationships that
only further his own popularity, as well as
strengthening motorsports in the region.
He has said, “When I first told Shaikh
Mohammad that we were planning to launch
the event in 1991 he was very enthusiastic
and gave his full backing. He has been be-
hind us ever since, as he has been with so
many other events which have made the
100 Thousand Club 127
Left: Michael Schumacher of Germany and Ferrari celebrates with Mohammed BinSulayem after winning the pole position in qualifying for the Bahrain Formula One GrandPrix. Above: Mohammed Bin Sulayem, singer Jay Kay of U.K and Russian TV presenterAnton Komolov pose as they attend the Tag Heuer Grand Carrera.
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:33 Page 127
UAE one of the most exciting sporting ven-
ues in the world.”
The UAE is one of the most excited sporting
venues in the world, and Bin Sulayem is as much
a part of that development as Tiger Woods de-
signing a golf course, or Roger Federer playing
tennis overlooking the city of Dubai. It isn’t just
UAE based athletes and drivers that are con-
tributing to this growth. Racing in the region now
– specifically the World Championship – attracts
drivers over 100 drivers from over 30 countries
around the world.
One organization that Bin Sulayem has
aligned with is TAG Heuer, the Swiss watch-
maker. TAG has a racing heritage and unri-
valled experience with Grand Tourism
motoring, a discipline that many consider
the absolute pinnacle in elite performance,
100 Thousand Club 129
long distance racing and driving. The rela-
tionship with TAG and road sports isn’t a fly
by night union. It goes back all the way to the
beginning of the twentieth century, when they
were the first luxury watch manufacturer to
provide chronographs for car dashboards.
Since there were sports car competitions, there
were TAG Heuer watches, and their symbol is
still the most recognized around the world at
races of all types.
It is only natural that a relationship be-
tween TAG Heuer and Bin Sulayem was
formed. Both parties represent the pinnacle
of their respective industries, both repre-
sent forward thinking and pioneering in
their respective fields, and both pay hom-
age and respect to the past in order to im-
prove the future.
“The UAE is one of the most excitingsporting venues in the world, and BinSulayem is as much a part of thatdevelopment as Tiger Woods designing agolf course, or Roger Federer playingtennis overlooking the city of Dubai”
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:31 Page 129
Another partner of Bin Sulayem that has
enhanced both his image, as well as that of rac-
ing in the Emirates is the famed Nakheel De-
velopment group, responsible for the The
World and The Palm island projects. With the
goal of attracting more and more top drivers
and spectators to not only the Desert Chal-
lenge, but all races in the area, Nakheel has
done a fantastic job of supporting the event.
Bin Sulayem has said “Nakheel have given us
great support to make this such a strong event,
and one which sets the standard for interna-
tional cross country rallying, and we have a
very solid base to build on in the years ahead.”
The relationship is just as beneficial for
Nakheel, as it enhances their reputation in the
region, and aligns them with a man who exudes
excellence. CEO Chris O’Donnell has recog-
nized the upside: “We are delighted to be a
major sponsor of the Desert Challenge... It is
an event that features a selection of the world's
leading rallying talent, attracts a large global
audience, and has played a key part in raising
the profile of the UAE as a destination.”
With his past track record (no pun in-
tended), and the bright present and future that
is the United Arab Emirates on an everyday
basis, there is reason to believe that with Bin
Sulayem leading the way, the region could be-
come the focal point and pinnacle of the racing
world. A multitude of championships, a
plethora of top-flight partners, and a hunger
and passion are the perfect ingredients for ex-
cellence, and Bin Sulayem sets the standard. �
100 Thousand Club132
Max Mosley, president of FIA (Federation International de la Automobile), meets withMohammed Bin Sulayem before the start of the 2008 Jordan Rally at the Dead Sea.
BIN SULAYEM ED:23oct 29/10/08 15:31 Page 132
Bespoke programme can make it happen.
Imagine having over 44,000 colours to choose
from, for the exterior alone.
In addition to the complete personalisation
and individualisation under the Bespoke pro-
gramme, Rolls-Royce offers a unique series of
cars which have been created by the design
team. These Bespoke Collections showcase the
very best in Rolls-Royce creativity and crafts-
manship. Each design is produced in very lim-
ited numbers and is only available for a finite
period of time.
The latest example is Phantom Mirage, in-
spired by the legendary Arabian stallion of the
same name. The pure-bred Arabian is the per-
In the English countryside, nestled
amongst rolling hills and sleepy
trees is Goodwood, home to the
Rolls-Royce manufacturing plant.
There is nothing usual about this
car plant; blink and you could miss
it, as its design has it resting at one with its en-
vironment. Here, the pinnacle of motor cars is
being handcrafted. Leather is sewed, wood de-
tailed and cars polished. In many ways it is a
dream factory, where the Rolls-Royce team
produces cars which are met with pure awe
and aspiration.
There are many reasons Rolls-Royce in-
habits a class of its own; its engineering preci-
sion is legendary and luxury is absolutely syn-
onymous with the brand. It’s the Bespoke pro-
gramme, however, which captures the
imagination of many.
The Bespoke Programme is a service of-
fered to Rolls-Royce clients, whereby the
client may specify features of the car, in order
to create one’s own, unique model. Every as-
pect of the car may be personalised and en-
hanced, in accordance with the client’s
desires. Whether customers would like their
initials inlayed into the wood veneer and em-
broidered into the headrests; a gold-plated
Spirit of Ecstasy; a completely unique colour
scheme; or a glove compartment humidor, the
Set your imagination on a voyage of discoverywith Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Programme
ROLLS ROYCE:oct08 29/10/2008 15:37 Page 134
100 Thousand Club 135
fect expression of beauty, grace and effortless
power. The arctic white exterior of Phantom
Mirage is accompanied by an interior with car-
bon fibre accents on the wheel spokes and the
optional stallion emblem stitched into the
headrests, showcasing the highest levels of
Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.
Another outstanding example of a special
Bespoke model, is ‘Arabesque’; a unique
Phantom Drophead Coupé which was commis-
sioned for The Prince’s School of Traditional
Arts, in London. The school’s mission is to
keep the traditional arts of all the world’s great
cultures alive and give them a modern day rel-
evance. Arabesque is the automotive expres-
sion of that ambition.
The interior and exterior of Arabesque are
inspired by Arabic themes and the success of
the design came as a result of detailed discus-
sions between students of the school and
Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design and engineer-
ing team. With all finishing done by hand, the
exterior detailing and the interior marquetry
and stitching are just two examples of what
makes this car truly one-of-a-kind.
Meanwhile, back in Goodwood, the Be-
spoke team are quietly working on their next
Rolls-Royce creation; discovering new paints;
materials; technology and engineering solu-
tions and striving to find new ways of creating
truly unique cars. n
“Every aspect of thecar may be
personalised andenhanced, in
accordance with theclient’s desires”
Images, facing page: Arabesque: Viewover the Prince’s feathers. This page,top: Hand-painted coachline ofArabesque. Bottom: Stallion emblemstitched into the headrests of PhantomMirage
ROLLS ROYCE:oct08 29/10/2008 15:37 Page 135
GatewayTo Paradise
The pleasures of life, as brought to you only by the Caribbean
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:40 Page 137
As is always the case, real estate
and villa rentals are always such
an important part of the
100Thousand Club lifestyle, and
we feel it is always in our best interest to keep
you up to date on some of our favorite proper-
ties, and the best ways to go about searching
and deciding on where to purchase or rent. Our
focus at the moment – as it is quite often when
searching for a second or third home, or just a
temporary getaway – is on the Caribbean.
The Caribbean is always an ideal destina-
tion for a for a variety of reasons: the close
proximity to the continental United States, its
natural beauty, the prospect of a warm escape.
Of course these are the usual reasons. When
it comes to delving a bit deeper, there other
things to take into consideration. Type of resi-
dence, activities on the island of choice, ease
of access by direct flight, amenities of different
residential, resort, and club communities.
In this particular glance, we have picked
a few different options that stand out for their
beautiful design, splendid luxury, and pic-
turesque settings on each of the islands that
they exist.
The Bahia Beach Resort and residence
community on the Northeastern coast of Puerto
Rico has been catching our attention for quite
some time now. It is situated where the At-
lantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, and its
natural simplicity and beauty are unrivaled
anywhere else on the island. The crown jewel
of this Interlink Group development will be the
St. Regis Resort and Residences (stregisbahi-
abeach.com), an embodiment of all that the St.
Regis name has come to represent in terms of
luxury, beauty, and most of all, service.
The residential options are varied, with
Las Estancias leading the pack. These twenty-
six estates are going to represent an unparal-
leled version of luxury and custom service on
the island of Puerto Rico. The architectural
style is pure tropical plantation, and views will
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:40 Page 138
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:41 Page 139
The range ofactivities offeredin the naturalsplendor of theCaribbean isunparalleled. Fromdiving, sailing, andhorseback ridingon the beach,there is never amoment unfulfilled
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:41 Page 142
abound of not only the ocean, but also of the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. cus-
tom designed golf course.
The second type of residence available will be the St. Regis Bahia
Beach Resort Residences, which are scheduled to open in late 2009.
These luxurious suites are available for purchase, and range in size be-
tween 650 and 1400 square feet. All of the amenities of the resort will
be available to its residents, including the legendary St. Regis person-
alized service.
The amenities of this spectacular project are varied and wonderful.
A Remède Spa at the St. Regis will be a sanctuary for both mind and
body, and the tailored services menu will include facials, massages, and
body services. For those looking to hit the links on a daily basis, the
Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course will preserve
the natural integrity of the beautiful island,
and will feature greens along the ocean, along
with scenic lakes, and undulating fairways.
There is something for everyone at Bahia
Beach, and we think it’s as spectacular a
choice as any in the Caribbean.
Another choice at this precise moment is
Roko Ki (rokoki.com), a tremendous new de-
velopment in the Dominican Republic. Situ-
ated along the dramatic headlands and pearl
white beaches of the Dominican Republic’s
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:42 Page 143
100 Thousand Club 145
eastern shore, Roko Ki is in an area where the
culture is as inspiring as the opportunities for
activity and adventure. The words “Roco Ki”
actually mean "honoring the land" in the lan-
guage of the Taino Indians, the original inhab-
itants of the Dominican Republic. Every effort
is being made to preserve this historical past,
and its result will be a genuine and authentic
Caribbean experience.
The residential offerings of Roko Ki will
too be vast and varied, with three distinct op-
tions that seem to be hitting all the right notes.
The beachfront homesites are the ultimate in
second or third home luxury. These types of
homesites have an unusually large acreage,
and owners will be able to call one of the most
enviable stretches of beach in the Caribbean
their back-yard.
Beachfront residences will have hand-
tied palm roofs. They are three and four bed-
room luxury residences that sit up on the
When venturing into the Caribbean, it is always
good to have a guide to help you navigate the
real estate and rental landscape. It is one thing to
pick a particular island, or be attracted to one specific new
highly advertised resort development. It is quite another to
truly understand what it is like to be a foreign buyer, and learn
the ins and outs. Brokers very often work on one particular is-
land, and will do their best to sell exactly what properties are
most easily at their disposal. We find it much more favorable
to use a group such as Luxury Retreats, a group that encom-
passes a large network of property consultants who will help
you explore options not only in the Caribbean, but all over the
world. Their personal service and fantastic connections will be
a great aid in the process. They also have a large network of
stunning villas in locations throughout the world, so don’t be
bashful to visit before you buy.
Luxury Retreats
luxuryretreats.com 888-738-0928
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:43 Page 145
dunes over looking the aqua ocean. All will be equipped with state of
the art European cabinetry and gourmet kitchens, making the proper-
ties a true tropical sanctuary. The view of the ocean is accessible from
almost every room, not to mention the views from the infinity pool on
each private terrace.
Lastly, but certainly not least, are the EcoDream Villas. These Vil-
las promise a lifestyle that takes place above the others at Roko Ki. The
main living areas are at the treetops. These residences overlook beach
and ocean because of a four-story design. There is 6,200 square feet of
total living space for every type of family, and each villa has three bed-
rooms with the option of a fourth bedroom or service quarters. And to
make the most of the sun-splashed Caribbean lifestyle, the residences
feature wrap-around terraces on the second and third floors, a roof top
deck and spa, and private elevators in each residence. Sounds like
paradise to us.
Another place we absolutely love is St. Vincent and the
Grenadines. These picturesque islands are perhaps one of the last un-
spoiled and preserved places in the entire Caribbean, and offer a type
of living that can only be described as per-
fect. Still a bit undiscovered, the beaches are
among the most precious in the world. From
the Windward Coast, to the South-East Coast,
beaches such as Blue Lagoon, Villa Beach,
Indian Bay, Young Island Cut, Argyle beach,
and Brighton Beach are perfect to put down
roots and enjoy the natural splendors.
When the time comes to purchase prop-
erty in the region, there is no one better to
help you than Barnard’s Realty, who spe-
cialize in this specific region. Their expert-
ise is unparalleled, and they are the perfect
resource.
For a slightly more traditional destina-
tion to call home, Barbados has always been
one of our favorites, for its combination of re-
mote beaches, luxurious resorts and ameni-
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:43 Page 147
ties, and fabulous cuisine – possibly the best
in the Caribbean. When looking for a beau-
tiful home to rent or purchase, we recom-
mend you use Barbados Realtors Ltd., a fully
integrated real estate company offering
clients an impressive portfolio of services.
They have been around since 1952, and their
influence on the market is without compare.
Their personalized services will make the
process informative and easy, and their cus-
tomer service will take all the stresses out of
purchasing abroad.
If you are not quite ready to purchase,
there are certainly some exquisite resorts with
rental villas available. Here we will turn our
attention to Half Moon in Jamaica, where the
Villas at Half Moon (halfmoonroyalvillas.com)
have been acting as a second home for the
most discriminating families and friends for
whom luxury, sophistication, and privacy are
the ultimate need. It is easy to relax and leave
all of the details to your personal butler, house-
keeper and cook. Each of them are willing and
able to arrange whatever your needs may be,
whether it is an impromptu meal by the pool, a
day at the Dolphin Lagoon, or dinner reserva-
tions at any number of restaurants on the is-
land. Personal services such as pantry
stocking, personal shopping, and party plan-
ning are also at your disposal, truly combing
the services of a five star hotel with the space
and luxury of a private home.
Each Royal Villa has five-, six- or seven-
private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms,
each with its own keyed entrance. They are
all exquisitely furnished and tastefully deco-
rated in tropical hues. Jamaica is a land of
pure relaxation contrasted with great activity,
and there is nary a better place to make your
home base than Half Moon. n
100 Thousand Club148
The festive spirit of the Caribbeaninfiltrates all aspects of life. The nativepeople add a flavor that is hard to findelsewhere in the world.
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:43 Page 148
St. Regis Bahia BeachPuerto Rico Residences
Developers: BBP Partners, LLC.
Interlink Group
Golf: Troon Golf Management
Design by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Airport: San Juan, PR
Carr. 187 Km 4.2
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, USA
P.O. Box 363529
San Juan, PR 00936-3529
T: 787.957.5800
Email: [email protected]
www.stregisbahiabeach.com
Roko KiDominican Republic
Developer: Richard Knorr International, Ltd.
Golf: Troon Golf Management
Design by Faldo Design
Airport: Punta Cana International Airport
Roko Ki is 20 miles northwest
T: 888.476.2654
Email: [email protected]
www.rokoki.com
Villas at Half MoonAccommodations: Four- Five- Six- and Seven- Bedroom Royal Villas
Rates: Peak Season, $1880 - $3,420
Non Peak Season, $1,175 - $2,340
Half Moon P.O., Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Jamaica, West Indies
T: 876.953.2211
www.halfmoonroyalvillas.com
Barnard’s RealtySt. Vincent and the Grenadines
P.O. Box 1445, Villa
St. Vincent and The Grenadines
St. Vincent Office
T: 784.458.4613. T: 784.457.4806
T: 784.457.4904. F: 784.457.4223
Bequia Office
T: 784.457.5566. F: 784.458.3705
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.barnards-svg.com
Barbados Realtors Ltd.Barbados
Holetown, St. James
T: 246.432.6930. F: 246.432.6919
CARIBBEAN:22oct 29/10/2008 15:43 Page 150
152 100 Thousand Club
LOCATION: OMAN
153100 Thousand Club
Day One
4pm: Check in at Chedi Hotel, one of GHM’s most
luxurious properties. Known for its sophisticated
elegance and chic design, the property is situated
on the beautiful Boushar Beachfront in Oman and
hidden perfectly amongst a backdrop of a spectacu-
lar mountain skyline. The hotel’s exterior maintains the traditional
design and stunning architecture synonymous with the region, whilst
inside hosts a modern and minimalist feel. The hues of brown and
collection of caramels shape cosy and peaceful Western style spaces,
from the lush suites to the extensive library. Settle in to one of the
156 luxurious rooms and suites and enjoy exclusive access to tranquil
pools, bordered by a private stretch of beach, and feel enthralled in the
scenic views of the majestic Haajir mountains.
8pm: Have dinner at the Beach restaurant, located inside the Chedi
Hotel. A stunning location, the restaurant offers beachfront views over-
looking the Gulf of Oman, from which it serves its delectable seafood
menu. Plain wood tables and minimal glassware provide a simplistic
setting that demand all attention to the regionally exquisite dishes.
Head Chef James Viles has gained pedigree on the Orient Express
and Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai before arriving in Oman. His in-
ventive style of creating dishes that combine conventional ingredients
with unconventional components refl ects the duality of traditional and
modern within the hotel itself. The Lobby Lounge, close to the hotel
reception, provides a perfect spot to enjoy after dinner cocktails and
take in the breathtaking surroundings.
154 100 Thousand Club
Day Two
8am: Hire a saloon car and lose yourself in Oman’s natural
beauty with a 45 minute trip to the Sumail Gap. Enjoy the
paths taken by Marco Polo during his travel to Oman in 1260
AD and taste the history of the region, stopping by the road-
side to sample pomegranates, pumpkin, and sweet lemons. If
you are looking to immerse yourself in culture and history,
Sumail Gap certainly is that: the towns of Bid Bid, Sumail and
Al Khobar are teeming with castles and fortifi cations. How-
ever, if you don’t feel like travelling outside Muscat, venture
to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, located in Old Muscat, and
indulge in Omani heritage. The museum provides a collection
of original regional works of art, showcasing a wide anthol-
ogy of old Omani weapons, jewellery, clothing and artifacts
of urban life.
12pm: Stop for lunch at Shangri-La’s exclusive six star Barr
Al Jissah Resort & Spa and recuperate from the morning’s
heat. The Al Jissah is one of the other premier lodges in the
city, and provides a wide choice of dining. It holds the notable
Al Husn, from which the only authentic Moroccan cuisine is
served in Oman in a contemporary and refi ned setting.
3pm: Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Spa, CHI, has been the
most acclaimed spa in the area since its opening in 2006.
Book yourself a treatment in one of twelve private spa villas
and embrace the holistic approach to physical and spiritual
wellbeing. Located in the backdrop of the mountains, CHI is
designed for seclusion, allowing for the enjoyment of luxury
in private spaces. The spa is inspired by traditional Asian
While traveling in Oman, if the urge to put down some roots
and invest in the beautiful surroundings strikes you, may
we recommend the Al Maeen Real Estate company. Their
phenomenal project in the area – namely the Malkai – is an
outstanding residential enclave, characterized by its wonderful
design and lavish luxury. It is located just 50 kilometers from
Muscat, near the town of Barka. A focal point of the project is a
golf course designed by Gary Player Design. While the project
has many modern amenities, it still retains the true essence of
Omani archi
T: +968 2456 1819 E: [email protected]
www.themalkai.com
Salalah, the second largest city in Oman after Muscat, has as much beauty as its grander counterparts. Here, a clock tower rises from the center of an elaborate roundabout.
156 100 Thousand Club
healing philosophies of maintaining bal-
anced constant chi within the body, and its
treatments provide the restoration of such
equilibrium. Exercise is also a key element in
releasing blockages of chi, and if an afternoon
in the spa is a little too slow paced, Barr Al
Jissah Resort provides a variety of sports in
and on the water, with one dive trip departing
at 2.30pm. The programs allow for a range
of experience levels, and the unique setting
in the Gulf of Oman ensures an experience
unlike any other.
9pm: Dinner at the Kargeen Café in
Muscat may sound like nothing more than
nostalgia for the locals but it holds an array
of atmosphere and culture that is essential
to Omani visitors to experience. It offers a
delectable selection of cuisine, from humus
to French onion soup, but it is more so the
entertainment that demands attention. Its
ambiance refl ects the much reputable Omani
friendly charm and its traditional decadence
adds atmosphere to the highest degree.
Day Three
11am: Muscat International Airport is
located just 12km from Chedi and is a mere
fi fteen minutes from the hotel. Take advan-
tage of the Oryx Lounge on the ground fl oor
of the departure lounge and relax in comfort,
away from the busy terminal. An upgrade is
expected to reach completion in 2011 to pro-
vide for the Airbus A380, but until then, book
yourself a fl ight with Etihad private airways
(www.etihadairways.com) and enjoy your last
view of the majestic mountain skyline.