20 June 2012

Saltimbancoby Cirque Du Soleil comes to town

Singapore’s take of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan opensDiscover the Highest Ever Four Seasons

2 20 June 2012

ContentsFour Points by Sheraton Sandakan opens 3

Saltimbanco by Cirque Du Soleil comes to town 4

Singapore’s take of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” 6

Discover the Highest Ever Four Seasons 9

Publisher Raymond Wong • raymond.wong@asiaxclusives.com

Editor James Chen • james.chen@asiaxclusives.com

Web Sam Soh • sam.soh@asiaxclusives.comOphilia Leung • ophilia.leung@asiaxclusives.com

• Published by Asia Xclusives Pte Ltd10 Ubi Crescent, #05-60 Ubi Techpark Singapore 408564 TEL: +65-6635 3173 | FAX: +65-6635 3174

For this week’s edition, besides the usual travel

news, we go behind the scenes at Cirque Du

Soleil’s Saltimbanco.

Saltimbanco is a classic Cirque du Soleil show

inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis

and its colourful inhabitants. Since its premier

in 1992, this circus extravaganza has toured

many countries before embarking on a new journey in 2007 with

an arena tour through North America and Europe.

Derived from the Italian phrase of “saltare in banco,” which

literally mean “to jump on a bench”— Saltimbanco features an

international cast of 51 performers and musicians from more than

20 different countries. Classic Cirque at its best, Saltimbanco is

Cirque Du Soleil returns to Singapore

Editor’s Speak

James ChenEditor, Asia Travel Exclusivesjames.chen@asiaxclusives.com

a thrilling and kaleidoscopic celebration of awe-inspiring artistry

and agility.

Read on to find out more.

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luxurious resort has been designed to be in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This new hotel presents a host of exquisite sophisticated restaurants and a bar. Set in a modern and refined environment, the three restaurants will feature creative and sensational dining options.

Restaurants include Chura-Nuhji – an Italian fine dining restaurant which takes its name from the Okinawan word for beautiful rainbow. The restaurant with its own outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and the golf course.

Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan opens

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is the ultimate luxury destination for visitors to an island that is rich in championship golf courses and surrounded by pristine emerald waters that are perfect for waterborne activities. It also heralds the return of exquisite fine dining to the heart of the island.

The Okinawan concept of hospitality or “gusuku” which translates as “castle” or “guest house” has been carefully reflected throughout the property to give it a welcoming sense of place. The new Ritz-Carlton resort embodies this spirit through its landscaping and contemporary architectural design which extensively features the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds.

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa enjoys sweeping panoramic views that overlook the East China Sea and the Kise Country Club. Inspired by the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, manicured golf courses and the sea, the

The Only International Hotel Brand in the City of Sandakan, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan Offers Comfort and Convenience amid Stylish Settings

Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan - Deluxe Room

Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan Exterior

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ACTS

Inspired by a discipline called acrosport,this act features three acrobats whosebodies meld together to create startlingfigures. A show of strength, flexibility,balance and grace, this act evokes birth,the family unit and the fragility of life intoday’s metropolis.

Multi-coloured beings slip onto the stageand climb on Chinese poles seven meterstall, which symbolize the sky-scrapers ofSaltimbanco. Leaping from pole to pole,the acrobats soar through the air in abreathtaking display of agility, powerand speed.

Exhibiting outstanding deftness, a jugglercreates forms and figures with jugglingballs. The sheer speed of execution makesfor an unforgettable show of rhythm—atribute to the many things we must juggle with in our everyday lives.

Two performers twirl boleadoras in theair, a simple percussion instrument madeof a weight attached to the end of a cord.The weights bounce off the ground andmake exploding sounds either in unisonor in counterpoint to the dance steps ofthe performers. Invented in Argentina,the boleadoras were used by hunters inthe pampas or plains.

The family of baroque characters invadesthe stage, now a huge playground.Leaping from a Russian swing, performersare catapulted up to 12 metres in the airwhere they execute breathtaking aerialjumps before falling either on their feet,on the shoulders of their partners or atopa human pyramid!

Adagio Juggling

Boleadoras Russian Swing

Chinese Poles

Sexy and animal-like, this act requiresgreat strength and flexibility. Displayingimpressive control, the artist balanceson canes slowly or rapidly executing a series of astounding figures.

Balancing on Canes

Saltimbanco by Cirque Du Soleil comes to town

The Baron is your guide in the world ofSaltimbanco. He is ageless, timeless andrecounts fascinating tales of the past. TheBaron is an imposing figure in his blackand white striped cape, long red gloves andtop hat perched on a pile of serpentine hair.The Baron thinks he has power but reallyhas no authority; he is the king of fools.And when he tears off his cape, he revealsanother side of his character—an eroticsatyr on the prowl! At his most carefree,the Baron loves to party with the Baroques.

CHARACTERS

Eddie is a jester, a clown. He is the child within us all. In his distinctive redcap, black bow tie, striped shorts andsuspenders, Eddie finds adventure in hisown imagination. Whatever he needs,he invents. Eddie moves freely betweenour world and the world of Saltimbanco.

The Dreamer lives between reality andillusion. He is like a clown, satirizingand poking fun at the world aroundhim. Dressed in a striped blue costumeand with his long curly tail, the Dreameris always ready for a nap. But since heis responsible for looking after the child,he rarely gets the chance to doze off.

The Baron Eddie The Dreamer

In his yellow jumpsuit with his fancifulgreen vest and cape, the Ringmaster strutsproudly around the world of Saltimbanco.The Ringmaster likes to be the centre ofattention and often steals the show. Withhis winning smile and natural charm, heusually gets away with it. The Ringmasterlikes to believe he has great powers andhe carries a sceptre to prove it. But aseverybody knows, it is the Baron whoholds ultimate control.

The core of every society is its childrenand at the heart of the family is the child.

The Cavaliers are the gentle protectors.They are calm and serene but couldstrike with great force if they needed todefend themselves or someone morevulnerable. The Cavaliers are elegantlydressed with the tips of their tall blackand white hats pointing towards thefuture. With their lanterns, they light ourpath through the world of Saltimbanco.

The Ringmaster The Child The Cavaliers

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Voted “Best Brunch in Singapore” in 2007 by IS magazine, the popular brunch at Greenhouse is complemented by free-flowing Moet & Chandon vintage Champagne, house red and white wines to be paired with the hearty roasts and fresh seafood.

For more alcohol fuelled goodness, The Sunday bar at Greenhouse serves offers a selection of muddled cocktails such as Mojitos and flavoured Caipirinhas and Caipiroskas. Had a glass too many? Those in need of a hangover cure may do so with a spicy Bloody Mary or vitamin-loaded Screwdriver.

Live the High Life with the Award-Winning Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore’s Greenhouse

Singapore’s take of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”

The Award-Winning Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore’s Greenhouse

Plenty of alcohol to go around

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Buffet tables feature an extensive array of fresh seafood including poached live Boston lobsters, up to eight varieties of oysters shucked a la minute, mussels, clams and shrimp, as well as artfully sliced sashimi and freshly made sushi.

A recommended choice is the pan-fried goose liver. Guests can also have pasta cooked with their sauces and condiments of their choice.

Hong Kong roasts such as Peking duck and barbequed pork are offered on the carving boards alongside traditional roast rib of beef, lamb and sausages.

The crackling barbequed pork is a must try

Only the freshest oysters available

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8 20 June 2012

If you are not too overwhelmed at this point by the epicurean delights available, there is also an international cheese selection featuring over 50 different cheeses from Australia, England, France, Italy, New Zealand and Switzerland. The majority of them are French farmhouse artisan cheeses by Ceneri. These are best matched with port that is also available at the bar.

Though it might seem quite impossible, do try to save some room for the tempting desserts, as the lineup is simply to delectable to ignore such as pistachio mousse and guanaja chocolate crème cake, tiramisu, crème bruleé as well as an assortment of nonya kuehs, chocolate pralines and a chocolate fondue. Did we also mention that there is also a truckful of ice cream flavours to choose from?

It is a given. One definitely has skip to dinner after being subject to the avalanche of gastronomical pleasures, but its definitely worth it.

The Vintage Champagne Sunday Brunch is served from 12:00 to 3 pm and is priced at $168 per adult, $84 per child (six – 12 years old) / $42 per child (three – five years old). Prices are subject to 10 percent service charge and prevailing government taxes. For dining reservations, please call Restaurant Reservations at 6434 5288 or email HYPERLINK rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com

Greenhouse - Cheese Station

If you still have room, a truckful of icecream flavours awaits

Desserts Galore

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Four Seasons Guangzhou

With high style and super-modern design, Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou takes prime position atop of IFC Guangzhou, an architectural icon which is towering, yet elegant simplicity in both form and structure. The hotel is destined to be an exciting magnet for city residents, and both domestic and international travellers. From the tower’s street-level entrance, guests are literally shot up 70 floors in the express elevators, entering a vast, light-filled atrium lobby that soars up 30 storeys.

Only providing the highest level of relaxationThe hotel’s ultra-modern, ultra-spacious accommodations – with 344 guest rooms, including 42 suites – are located from floors 74 to 98, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls guaranteeing unobstructed views of the Pearl River Delta and the city lights of Guangzhou.

For deeper relaxation, the hotel’s Hua Spa on the 69th floor treats guests to a luxurious session of pampering in an oasis of nine treatment rooms – most featuring natural light and infinite views. Not to be outdone, the hotel’s 25-metre (82-foot) lap pool looks across the city from a horizon edge, and a windowed poolside terrace which gives the sensation of floating in the clouds.For entertainment, Four Seasons offers four restaurants and two lounges, including Catch – the signature seafood restaurant on the 100th floor. Plan to meet for cocktails in Tian Bar, one level below on 99. Cantonese and Japanese restaurants are deliciously tempting, while flexible all-day dining is available in the Italian-themed Caffe Mondo.

For reservations or more information, contact your travel consultant, call 86 (20) 8883-3888, or visit the hotel’s website at: www.fourseasons.com/guangzhou/.

Discover the Highest Ever Four Seasons

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