[인터뷰] Ms.아드리아 레이크 - [Interview] Ms. A.W. Lake, Founder & Managing Director of A.W.Lake Spa Concepts

Published in Wellness Today Korea
www.wellnesstoday.kr

April 2013
Original Korean version:  www.wellnesstoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1676

Original English version:  www.wellnesstoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1677

[편집자주] 독창적인 스파 디자인과 제품, 그리고 통찰력 있는 컨설팅 활동으로 세계 30여 국가에서 최고급 호텔 브랜드 스파들을 컨설팅해 온 A.W.레이크 스파 컨셉트 사의 창업자인 레이크 대표를 본지가 인터뷰했다. 아래는 인터뷰 요지. 인터뷰는 웰니스투데이 글로벌 팀의 빌 (Bill Healey) 기자가 진행했다.

▲ Ms. A.W. Lake 대표

[WT] 스파 웰니스 업계에서 오랫동안 활동한 것으로 아는데 그간의 활동을 소개해 달라

2001년에 회사(A.W.Lake Spa Concepts)를 설립했습니다. 집안에서 운영하는 호텔들 중 하나를 관리하고 있을 때였죠. 당시 첫 스파를 개장하고 나서 품질이 좋은 유기농 스파 제품을 물색하고 있었습니다. 그런데 기존 제조사들을 접촉해 보니 원하는 내용의 제품을 주문하려면 최소 주문량이라는 것이 있어서 난처했습니다. 그래서 직접 제품회사를 차리기로 맘을 먹었습니다.

미국내 전문 연구기관과 손을 잡고 고객의 주문에 따라 즉시 신선한 제품을 생산해 주는 시스템을 구축했습니다. 조그마한 사업이 어느덧 12년이 지나면서 스파 디자인과 컨설팅을 전문으로 하는 다국적 회사로 변신했습니다.

미국 외에 싱가포르, 인도네시아, 중국 등지에 지사를 개설했고 세계 30여 개 국가에 수 백 여 고객을 보유하고 있습니다. 유명 호텔 브랜드들과 함께 일을 할 수 있었던 것은 큰 행운이었다고 생각합니다. 이들 호텔들과는 최고의 작품을 만든다는 신념을 공유하면서 열심히 일을 했지요.

[WT] 회사가 강조하는 특별한 철학이나 목표가 있는가.

저희 회사는 고객의 요구에 최대한 정확히 들어 맞도록 스파의 컨셉, 디자인, 제품, 서비스를 개발한다는 취지에서 “가능한 모든 것을 창조하라”를 미션으로 정해 놓았습니다. 늘 새로운 과제를 만날 때마다 창조 활동을 진행합니다.

저희 회사는 통찰력, 지성, 영감이 깃든 제품과 경륜을 강조하고 있으며, 이를 위해 창의성, 용기, 열정으로 무장한 “창조자들”이 모인 곳이라고 말씀드릴 수 있습니다.

[WT] 조사와 탐구 활동에 많은 시간을 할애하고 있는데, 그런 활동들이 사업에 어떻게 활용되고 있는가?

개인적인 호기심 차원도 있고, 사업적으로는 다른 기업들도 마찬가지이겠지만 창의적인 영감과 아이디어를 얻는 데 매우 유익하게 활용되고 있습니다.

직접 여행을 다니면서 여러 가지 조사 활동을 진행하면 새 프로젝트를 맡을 때마다 신선한 관점을 가질 수 있습니다. 특정 지역의 프로젝트를 수임하는 경우 국제적인 관점과 지역적인 특성을 반영해야 하기 때문에 시야가 넓어야 합니다. 스파는 해당 지역의 문화와 전통 속에 완벽하게 스며져 있을 때 좋은 평가를 받을 수 있습니다. 동시에 글로벌 여행객들의 눈높이에도 맞출 필요가 있습니다.

[WT] 국제적으로 손꼽히는 스파 웰니스 브랜드들을 컨설팅해 왔는데, 특별히 이국적이고 재미있는 사례들이 있었는가?

티벳, 모리셔스, 세이셀, 두바이, 인도, 그리고 중국과 아시아 여러 지역에서 과제를 수행했는데 어디를 가든 굉장한 곳들이었습니다.

한 때는 티벳 고원에서 현지인들과 함께 생활하면서 사라져 가는 전통 문화를 지켜보기도 하고, 옛 문화를 배우기도 했으며, 부탄의 해발 5천 미터가 넘는 지역에서 고산식물을 조사하기도 했습니다. 해발 6천5백 미터가 넘는 에베레스트 제2캠프 등정도 했습니다.

화강암으로 유명한 아름다운 세이셀 섬에서는 나무로 만든 집에서 거주하기도 했습니다. 이 외에도 많은 다양한 경험들이 있습니다.

[WT] 최근 스파 웰니스 산업에서 특기할만한 트렌드를 소개해 달라

스파와 웰니스는 예방건강과 항노화 트리트먼트에 대한 수요 증대 속에서 첨단 과학의 연구 성과들과 혁신기술이 접목돼 지속적인 성장 추세를 보이고 있습니다. 세계적으로 증가세에 있는 당뇨, 순환, 호흡, 소화계 등의 질환에 대해서도 유의할 필요가 있습니다. 평균 수명은 늘어나고 있지만 인간은 역시 죽음을 향해 가고 있습니다.

스파 웰니스 산업은 여전히 호화 럭셔리 개념으로 인식되고 있기 때문에 예전과 같은 영향력을 갖고 있다고 말하기 어렵습니다. 스파 웰니스 산업은 일과성 유행에 따르기보다는 그 안에 내재된 잠재성을 일깨우고 보다 많은 사람들이 편하게 방문할 수 있는 장소, 그리고 오늘날처럼 번잡하고 기술 문명이 발달한 시대를 살아가는 사람들에게 도움을 줄 수 있는 프로그램들과 서비스들을 개발해 나가야 합니다.

저희는 일명 “순수 공간”(pure space)으로 불리는 컨셉트를 개발해 오고 있습니다. 이 컨셉트의 부제는 “귀하에게 이로운, 중독성이 있는 기분 좋은 공간”입니다. 사람은 누구나 좋은 느낌을 갖기를 원하죠. 저희의 목표는 웰니스를 이해하기 쉽고, 재미가 있고, 직관적인, 다시말해 “쉽게 접근할 수 있는” 것으로 만들어 냄으로써 사치가 아닌 하나의 습관으로 다가가게 하는 것입니다.

저희가 구상하는 순수공간이란 어떤 것인지 아래의 도식을 참고해 주시면 좋겠습니다.

                         

▲ (Diagram from A.W. Lake Spa Concepts)

[WT] 아시아 지역의 스파 웰니스 산업은 어떻게 발전해 갈 것으로 보는가.

아시아지역의 웰니스 & 뷰티 산업은 빠르게 성장하고 있고 고객의 기대 수준도 높아지고 있습니다. 특히 호텔스파 같은 곳에서는 트리트먼트의 가시적인 결과를 중시하는 소비자들이 늘어나고 이들이 산업 성장을 주도해 갈 것으로 봅니다.

소비자들은 점점 지식이 많아질 뿐 아니라 시간이 부족하고 가치를 따지는 쪽으로 변하고 있습니다. 스파는 이러한 라이프스타일의 변화를 잘 관찰하고 따라가야 합니다.

저희가 만든 ‘순수공간’이라는 컨셉트도 이동성이 활발한 고객층을 염두에 둔 것입니다. 대다수 스파 고객들은 여전히 스파를 필수적인 곳이라기 보다 사치스런 장소로 보는 경향이 있습니다. 이는 업계에 종사하는 우리들 스스로가 스파를 매일 혹은 정기적으로 ‘보충하거나 조절을 위해 오는 장소’가 아니라 ‘도피하는 장소’로 포지셔닝을 해 온 탓 때문이기도 합니다.

현대인의 라이프스타일과 '관련성이 있는' 프로그램, 트리트먼트, 서비스를 개발해 낼 수 있다면 웰니스/스파 산업의 성장은 더욱 가속화될 것입니다.

현대인이 스파에서 기대하는 바는 신속하면서 결과가 좋은 트리트먼트, 몸에 이로운 즉석조리 수퍼푸드, 다른 도시에 있는 친구들과 경쟁하거나 온라인을 통해 서로를 격려해 줄 수 있는 워크아웃 팟 등등이 아닐까 생각합니다.  (▶ 순수공간 컨셉트에 관해 더 자세히 보시려면, https://awlakeprojects.egnyte.com/h-s/20130326/90019b53b38a4948)

[WT] 한국에 관련된 일을 진행한 적은 있는지? 한국의 스파 웰니스 산업에 대한 생각은?

한국에서 프로젝트를 진행한 적은 없지만 앞으로 많은 기회들이 있을 것으로 생각합니다. 한국은 스킨케어 분야에서 세계시장의 유력 주자입니다. 한국의 스킨케어 회사들은 매년 획기적인 제품들을 내놓고 아시아 시장에서 지속적인 인기를 얻고 있습니다. 차갑고 건조한 겨울과 습하고 더운 여름이 교차하는 한국의 기후 조건은 한국의 스킨케어 기술력의 한 원동력이 아닌가 생각합니다.

♣ 웰니스투데이는 무척 바쁜 여행 일정에도 불구하고 인터뷰를 위해 귀한 시간을 할애해 주신 A.W. Lake 대표에게 특별한 감사의 말씀을 드린다.

[정리 웰니스투데이 손기영 기자]

< 저작권자 © 웰니스투데이 무단전재 및 재배포금지 >

===== English version =====

Wellness Today is pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Adria W. Lake, Founder and Managing Director of internationally renowned A.W.Lake Spa Concepts.

[WT] You have quite an extensive background in the Spa & Wellness industry. Could you summarize your industry background?

                         

I founded A.W. LAKE in 2001 while I was still managing one of my family’s hotel properties. We were opening our first spa, and I was looking for a spa product company that would be able to formulate high quality organic products for us. This was a tall order, as most product manufacturers require a very high minimum order for custom formulation. It was then that I decided to start my own product company.

▲ Ms. A.W. Lake 대표

We work with some of the best skin care labs in the US to create small batches of pure and organic skin & body care products that are made fresh upon order. In the last 12 years, the company has grown from a small product company to a multi-national Spa Design & Consultancy firm with offices in Singapore, Indonesia, and China and hundreds of clients in over 30 different countries. We are very fortunate to work with some of the world’s finest and most successful hotel brands because we share a common belief in offering only the very best to our customers.

[WT] What corporate philosophy or mission drives A.W.Lake?

Our corporate mission is to “Create Possibilities” for our clients by custom tailoring our concepts, designs, products and services to their exacting needs. We thrive on the challenge of creating something that is one of a kind – each and every time. We are a company of “creators”, driven by our creativity, courage, and commitment to create intuitive, intelligent, and inspiring products and experiences.

[WT] Much of your time is spent in research and exploration. How has this impacted the way you address the market?

My research and exploration keep my curiosity and creativity alive and are the source of inspiration and ideas for what we do as a company. But, more importantly, my extensive research and travel bring a fresh perspective to each project we undertake. It allows us to take a broader view of a project and place it both in the global as well as local contexts. We understand that best spas are those that embrace and are completely immersed in local culture and traditions. But at the same time, the high end spas we work with must also understand the expectations of the global nomads – those who travel the world and are citizens of the world.

[WT] You've consulted for some of the top spa & wellness groups around the world. What are some of the exotic locations and sites your travels have taken you to?

We have worked on spas in amazing locations such as Tibet, Mauritius, Seychelles, Dubai, India, and many parts of Asia & China, but the most memorable locations are those I visited while doing my research and exploration.

I spent some time living with the nomads in the Tibetan plateau observing and immersing myself in their disappearing way of life while learning about their animistic Bon traditions, trekked the high mountain passes (most over 5000 meters above sea level) in Bhutan to research rare high altitude medicinal plants, climbed Everest (to the 2nd base camp, above 6500m) for the sheer challenge of it, lived in a tree house on a beautiful granite island in Seychelles while working on an amazing project … these are just a few highlights.

[WT] What are some of the interesting trends in spa & wellness?

Spa & wellness is on an upward trend, backed by ground breaking scientific research and innovative technologies entering the industry and a growing demand for preventive and anti-aging/longevity treatments. But, at the same time, we continue to see a global increase in preventable lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart, respiratory and digestive problems. 

We’ve added years to our lives, but I wonder if we’re dying, instead of living, longer. The Spa and wellness industry has not had the impact that it should have as it is still viewed as a luxury or indulgence. Rather than focusing on passing trends, the industry needs to wake up to its true potential and find ways to make wellness accessible to more people and make its programs and services more relevant to the fast paced, technology driven lifestyle of today.

We are developing a concept called “PURE SPACE”, and its tag line is: “an addictive feel good space that’s good for you”. We believe that wellness is about feeling good about yourself, and EVERYONE wants to feel good. So, the question is how to make wellness “accessible” – easy to understand, fun to do, intuitive – so that it becomes a habit, rather than an indulgence or luxury. Please find below, diagrams of how we envision PURE SPACE will work and the possibilities it will create.

▲ (Diagram from A.W. Lake Spa Concepts)

[WT] How do you see the prospects for industry growth in Asia for the coming years?

The Wellness & Beauty industries are thriving in Asia, but customer expectation is also rising.   Growth will be driven by demand for result driven treatments – especially for city hotel spas.

Consumers are not only more savvy, they are also time strapped and value seekers.  Spas will need to evolve to keep up with the changing lifestyle and expectations.   This is why we developed the PURE SPACE concept, which is specifically targeted for people on the move.   Most spa consumers still view spas as a luxury or an indulgent instead of a necessity.   This is because we (the industry) position ourselves as an ‘escape’ rather than a place to ‘top up, tune up, and catch up’ – which is something we all need to do on a daily or regular basis.

The growth of the wellness/spa industry will be even greater if we are able to offer programs, treatments, and services which are more ‘relevant’ to the modern lifestyle – ie. High performance quick/express treatments; fast superfood that is good for you, work out pods where you can compete with friends in other cities/locations or motivate each other online/virtually, and more.

(see link to PURE SPACE CONCEPT: https://awlakeprojects.egnyte.com/h-s/20130326/90019b53b38a4948)

[WT]  Have your efforts taken you into Korea?  How do you see the Korean Spa & Wellness industry?

We have not done a project in Korea, but we see great opportunities there.   Korea is known as the global trendsetter in skin care technology.  Each year, Korean skin care companies launch ground-breaking products that become instant best-sellers in Asia.  Korea’s climate (cool & dry in the winter, humid and hot in the summer) is one of the reasons why Korean skin care is excellent at delivering high performance products.

Knowing full well her busy travel schedule, Wellness Today is sincerely grateful for the time and contribution Ms. Lake was able to provide.

< 저작권자 © 웰니스투데이 무단전재 및 재배포금지 >

HICAP UPDATE 2013

Summary for Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

April 2013

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

Hotelier Indonesia is a proud media partner of HICAP (Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific) Update,  a two-day hotel investment event featuring a prestigious lineup of speakers focusing on current issues facing the industry.

This year’s conference was held at Singapore’s Pan Pacific Hotel on 12-13 March, and was

Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
April 2013

literally a “who’s who” of the SE Asian hotel industry.   Like prior HICAP sessions, it brought out the industry’s A-List executives which provided both an outstanding seminar series and great networking opportunities. 

A few of the highlights included:

The focus on Indonesia:

The capital region of Jakarta continues to grow and warrants further investment, as does Lombok and a few other regions within Indonesia.   In total, sixteen destinations were highlighted for development, which also have a need for accommodation. The Indonesian government had designated Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara as tourism gateways as part of a 2011-2025 master plan.

Though Bali has been a very hot market in recent years, there was some consensus that the Bali hotel market has been saturated.  The Indonesian  tourism authority had pointed hotel investors and operators beyond Bali, in tandem with the government's drive to improve infrastructure and facilities in these destinations.

Focus on Thailand:

With internationally respected levels of service and a hospitality structure to match, Bangkok is able to  push up APRs with the proper strategies.   With Average Room Rates around the US$ 90 rate, there is room to push upward, nearer to Hong Kong and Singapore where ARRs are around US$ 240USD.  More room for growth in Bangkok is expected.

Panelists mention that statistics demonstrate the tourist numbers for Phuket are well in excess of the numbers in Bali. That infrastructure is being improved, but to date will always naturally lag behind the tourism demands and growth. Mass tourism will continue to influence hotels managed; average room rate suppression. There is room for more high-end international properties in Phuket.

Focus on Myanmar:

Myanmar has been going through a remarkable journey of Change and Reforms with the leadership of President U Thein Sein.  2012 has been such a remarkable year for Myanmar, with the a significant surge in interest.  Regional experts have warned however,  that those keen to invest should do so with their eyes wide open.  Hoteliers would be wise to go in with “patience and education”.

There are a lot of people anxious to get into the Myanmar market now, and they should know that it is still a challenge inside. Many owners will run into problems if they do not understand what their investment really means, for instance how to get their money in and out of the country.  Some have cautioned that it may be too early for investors to enter the market as there were still issues like telecommunications and infrastructure that have yet to be ironed out.

Focus on the Philippines:

Following China, the Philippines has the largest pipeline of luxury and upper upscale rooms in Asia-Pacific, but panelists mention what is needed is more branded accommodation that cater to a growing domestic market.  The country had about 35 million domestic travellers looking for affordable accommodation, with the figure growing by eight per cent every year and expected to hit 56 million by 2016.

Roughly 50 per cent of the Philippines’ pipeline is in luxury and upper upscale, 30 per cent in upscale, 15 per cent in midscale and the rest in economy. This contrasts with other ASEAN countries whose planned growth of upscale and midscale rooms are as high as 70 per cent. The economy segment has the smallest pipeline in the region.

The Fall of Hotel transactions in Asia:

A surprising statistic provided at HICAP was that hotel transactions volume in Asia in 2012 was roughly half  of 2011's, dropping from US$3.7 billion to US$1.9 billion.  The main drops were attributed to Singapore and China, with possible reasons being the “cost of real estate and high pricing that needs to be paid” to enter these markets.

Asia remains a small market for hotel transactions volume compared to other regions. In comparison, hotel transactions volume in the Americas grew seven per cent from US$16.3 billion to US$17.5 billion, and Australia expanded eight per cent from US$1.3 billion to US$1.4 billion. Europe, the Middle East and Africa registered an eight per cent decline from US$11.9 billion to US$11 billion.

Its always a pleasure to attend HICAP conferences, as the information shared is typically form the well-connected, well-informed A-List hoteliers.   Hotelier Indonesia wishes to thank HICAP for the continued affiliation.

Hotelier Indonesia Magazine interview with Bill Healey

From Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

April 2013

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

We’re pleased to have the opportunity to chat with Bill Healey, an international journalist and consultant focused on the hospitality and leisure industry.

[HI]  You've been involved with leisure and hospitality technology for quite a few years.   Could you give us a summary of your professional background?

[BH]  My start in the industry predates the birth of many of the current trend-setters in the technology industry.   In 1982, hours after my graduation from Michigan’s Alma College, I was on the road to Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York to start with a small and upcoming

Hotelier Indonesia Magazine
April 2013

golf technology firm.

The firm Handicomp had been in business since 1968 as one of the leading data processing firms in the golf industry.   They were in the process of developing software to manage membership, accounting and golf handicapping for the country club markets.  The code was developed for both the Unix operating system, and MSDOS (developed by a small Seattle-based company named Microsoft).  The system quickly gained market share, and had a solid client base around the USA.

In 1993, I decided to make a move and focus more on the global market.  At that point I created a new firm with a partner in Geneva, Switzerland.   The firm, Cosmos International was also focused on the golf technology market, but allowed us to stretch our reach around the world.  We had projects as far afield as Guam, Japan, Singapore and Kenya.  Over the past decade, I've been involved in consulting on golf, club, spa and hotel systems around the world.

[HI]  International consulting on golf, spa and hospitality systems must have taken you to some interesting places?  What are a few?

[BH]  I have enjoyed the journey.   Though I've bounced around to 45+ countries, I’d have to say it’s the people I meet along the way that have made it interesting.  A few include:

Kenya:  I’d worked with the Kenya Golf Union, which is their national golfing body.  We implemented the world’s first 32-bit golf handicapping system at clubs throughout the country.  With our development team’s close ties to Microsoft in the mid-1990s, we were able to implement Kenya’s national golf handicapping system on a national basis in 1996-1997.  I personally took on the task, which took a few of us on a several implementation trips from the coastal city of Mombasa all the way to the Uganda border.

Guam & Japan:  Following on our successes in Kenya, we later carried-on into Guam and Japan in 1997-1998.  I got to know the directors of the leading golf organisations in both areas, and spent considerable time with them.

Korea:  This was my first international trip for golf systems.  It was in 1986 when I installed a system for Handicomp at the USA’s 8th Army Golf Course (later renamed Sung Nam Golf Club).   The three weeks I spent implementing the system at the military golf course allowed me ample time to get to know Seoul.   It left such a positive impression that I think it is what drove me into the global system’s market.

[HI]  You've been living in Bali now for 8 years.   What brings you here?

[BH]  I had spent quite a lot of time traveling out of a suitcase, traveling between the USA, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, East Africa and the Middle East.   I felt it was time to make one place somewhat permanent.   As one who like warm temperatures and nice beaches .. and also having access to the golf & spa market, I thought Bali would be a good place to be.  I certainly don’t regret it.

[HI]  You’ve seen the market change quite a bit, from your early days working with Unix and MSDOS to today’s world.  What do you think of it?

[BH]  Software technology has always been a quick moving market.  You've got to keep your wits about you to stay up with the younger guys.  We had to understand that just because we had a leading software system written in COBOL for MSDOS, that we shouldn't rest on our laurels.  As a successful firm, we needed to realize that though we were a market leader with one technology, others were likely lurking around the corner with something potentially more impressive.

I've seen the need to be ready on multiple fronts:

• as one of the firm’s directors I had to be able to ensure the consumer’s requirements were fully understood, and that we properly conveyed these ideas to the development team.

•  we also needed understand that the requirements may vary from one region to another.   An American system, or a western system cannot simply be copied and brought to the Asian market.  There are countless examples where a western leader failed in their attempts to enter Asia, simply because they didn't understand business operations in the new market.  This is more than a simple language translation from English to Simplified Chinese, Thai or another.   Rather it’s an operational shift.

• There are also significant differences in social media from one region to another.  Many parts of the world are connected through Facebook, Twitter or one of several other social media products.   A western firm that relies solely on western social media cannot expect to have the same level of success in China, Korea or Japan.   They must adapt to the leading social media platforms in each country, which takes having a team-member capable of communicating through microblogging programs like Weibo (新浪微博) or QQ in China.

[HI]  What do you think about the hotel systems market in Indonesia?

[BH]  There are several levels.   The international five-star hotels and resorts are likely required to follow the directives of their corporate office, which is typically Micros Opera, Par Springer Miller, Infor or one of several others.

The mid-range and five-star hotels not tied to an international directive have a good selection of locally develop solutions (developed in Indonesia, Malaysia or Singapore).  These options are generally lower-priced and offer very good solutions.

Cloud-based PMS solutions are now available and would be a very good fit for the small to mid-sized market.  These solutions are web-based and significantly reduce the hotel’s technology investment.

[HI]  How do you view corporate social responsibility (CSR) and volunteering?

[BH]  I support CSR and feel it should be a part of any company able to contribute.   It’s important for business to give back to the communities they’re involved in.  Personally, I've been involved in several community development projects in northern Nigeria where I assisted in projects aimed at agricultural sustainability and cooperative development.

[HI]  Being involved with golf clubs and spas around the world, do you have any favorites?

[BH]  The vagabond in me enjoys the “newness” of a first time on a golf course or trying a new signature treatment at a different spa.  I’m not one for “sameness” and enjoy the differences in a wide range of experiences, whether it be a new spa experience, food or culture.

[HI]  How can people connect with you if they wish:

[BH]  Various ways to connect:

Email:  healeywe@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeyBill

LinkedIn:  id.linkedin.com/pub/bill-healey/5/3bb/484/

Weibo (新浪微博):  http://weibo.com/3218030862

QQ:  1926222923@qq.com 

VK (Russia): http://vk.com/heybill

Hotelier Indonesia appreciates Bill’s contribution to this article.

Sky City Casino, Auckland, New Zealand

From Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

April 2013

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

Often emphasized, the three most important considerations in determining the value of a property are “location, location, location”.   Considering that Auckland’s SKYCITY is centrally located in the CBD, it’s not surprising that its undisputedly recognized as the city’s premier entertainment centre.

Part of the difficulty in reviewing a property of such size and stature is where to begin.  

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April 2013

SKYCITY has an impressive 23 restaurants and bars including the Federal Street premium dining district, two of Auckland’s top hotels, a world-class casino, Convention Centre and the world famous Sky Tower.

In making a review, one option is to start at the top, and work our way down - though I must admit, there are no downsides to any part of the SKYCITY complex.

190 metres above the ground is Orbit, SKYCITY’s revolving restaurant situated at the top of the Sky Tower.  Offering stunning views and food to match, Orbit’s dining room rotates once every hour – providing a truly unique experience and an amazing 360-degree view of Auckland City.

Not to overshadowed by Orbit on the 53rd floor, SKYCITY’s restaurant options also include two award winning restaurants in its Federal Street premium dining district, with Al Brown’s Depot – Metro’s Restaurant of the Year last year and The Grill by Sean Connelly, which was awarded Cuisine Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year for 2012.

Across from The Grill on Federal Street lies Bellota, Peter Gordon’s Spanish tapas restaurant, the perfect place to relax and enjoy authentic tapas, while enjoying some of the finest Spanish wine available. 

With cuisines ranging from fine dining, bistro, authentic Spanish tapas or Chinese Yum Cha, SKYCITY’s restaurants and bars are sure to fill the gap at the end of a busy day.

Bar and lounge options at SKYCITY are also quite extensive.  At 182 metres above the streets of Auckland is SkyLounge, a café by day and a bar by night.

SKYCITY’s lounge for the A-listers who are looking to get away from it all, is Chivas at the Deck.  Transformed into a sophisticated destination in partnership with Chivas Regal - this chic lounge is a great place to meet your friends and enjoy Chivas cocktails, premium spirits and a great atmosphere. If you're looking for entertainment, Chivis at the Decks serves up a stellar line-up of DJ and musician combinations.

Every great city has its ultimate bar, one that epitomizes quality.  In Auckland, that bar is X.O.  The opulent ‘O’ shaped bar, designed by Tom Skyring, is a unique space with an exceptional interior, creating an elegant ambience.  X.O. is not just above the ordinary, but truly extraordinary.

Being centrally located and close to everything, SKYCITY’s two hotels are the perfect place

to stay whether you’re in Auckland for business or pleasure. The five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel on Federal Street showcases luxury from the moment you arrive. With modern and spacious rooms, a dedicated business suite, East Day Spa, full gym and lap pool facilities, impressive bar and fine dining restaurant options, the SKYCITY Grand in a perfect example of elegance and style in accommodation. The recently refurbished four-star SKYCITY Hotel located across the road is also another luxurious accommodation option for travelers. 

SKYCITY’s casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for non-stop fun. Wrapped up in one magnificent venue you'll find the world's most popular casino games, fantastic live entertainment and great food and bar offerings.

Whatever the game, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for at SKYCITY Casino. They offer two different casino levels with over 1,600 gaming machines and over 100 table games at just about every level of excitement.

SKYCITY believes their most valued customers deserve the very best and therefore offer a Premier Rewards Platinum and VIP Black programmes.  Both programmes provide the most exclusive and rewarding VIP Gaming programmes in Australasia.  With luxurious gaming facilities and an expert team of international hosts, their aim is to make every trip to SKYCITY Casino Auckland an experience to remember.

Hu’u Bar & Baba's Restaurant, Chic Evening Venue in Seminyak, Bali

from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

April 2013

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

The trendy, super-chic Hu’u Grill & Bar is located in the upscale enclave of Seminyak, where the island’s designer boutiques, diverse galleries and fashionable lifestyle resorts are found.  With an intimate ambiance, Hu’u brings a level of sophistication to the island, providing an exotic gathering-place where Bali’s A-list and jetsetters mix and

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April 2013

mingle.

Named after an atoll off the coast of Sumbawa, Hu’u offers both the finest cuisine in its “Garden of Eden” setting as well as tantalizing signature cocktails mixed with an eclectic selection of Island of Gods international music in the lounge.  This oasis on the celebrates its 12th anniversary throughout 2013.

An elegant venue for the beautiful people, Hu’u has recently hosted international celebrities including socialite Paris Hilton and music producer Quincy Jones.  Tens of thousands ranging from locals to expats and tourists have come to mix with the fashionable to savour their epicurean delights along with the club’s lively beats.

For foodies and those who take delight in the best a restaurant has to offer, Hu’u has been a draw due to their delectable local and international creations.  For those visiting in 2013 they’ll notice a change, as Hu’u offers a fresh and authentic dining scene, paying homage to its South-East Asian“Peranakan” roots. This style of cuisine has long been anticipated by Asian and well-traveled peers, to have native chefs creating the Pernakan menu means everyone in or visiting Bali gets to experience its authenticity and diversity.

Owner Sean Lee says “to understand the meaning of Peranakan, all you have to do is check out a famous song “Rasa Sayang,” to see how passionate the tri-nation cultures feel about their past, and if you care to ask anyone from either place, they’ll all try and claim the song to be from their own mother land. At the end of the day does it really matter who wrote the song?  The fact is, there is a pride for a bygone era that a mish-mash of cultures shares, which is why we’ve named the restaurant BABA’S.

Lee says “Baba’s are everywhere in the world to this day and from every culture – in Asia for example, you can be Chinese or Tamil and have a Scottish, Portuguese or English surname, this is true to a Baba’s heritage. What we want to do is give everyone the right to be proud of their own mix, because it’s something we all essentially share. It’s a global thing.”

What to expect on the menu?  For starters, try the Grilled Sambal Fish on Banana Leaf, Crispy Chicken with Spicy Chilli Sauce or the Beancurd with Achar Thai Sauce. Mains include Jumbo Prawn Laksa, Caramelized Coffee Pork Ribs, Singapore Lobster Noodles, a classic Mee Goreng and Burnt Wok Style Beef or Fish KwayTeow (Rice Stick).

For those looking to loosen up with one of their signature cocktails, the lychee martini comes highly recommended.  Often mentioned as the best lychee martini in Bali, they’re best experienced while lounging near the pool as the sunset casts its golden hues throughout the venue.

As the evening progresses, Hu’u transforms from its laid-back, fashionable BABA’S

restaurant into a chic nightclub where top international DJs spin a blend of the best house, funky and tribal tracks.  The club has hosted guest DJs from as far afield as Australia, UK, USA and Asia.

Hu’u is a “must-visit” venue where occasional tourists can mix and mingle with others from the jetset group as well as Bali’s well-connected expats.

For more information:

hu’u Bar & BABA’S RESTAURANT

Jalan Petitenget

Seminyak, Bali 80361

Web:  www.huubali.com

Reservations: +62 361 473 6576

General Inquiries:   info@huubali.com

Michelle Rounds :: Singer profiled in Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

April 2013

Hotelier Indonesia has had the sincere pleasure of catching up with international jazz diva, Michelle Rounds who is performing at Sheraton Beach Walk in Kuta, Bali in February and March.

[HI]  We’d like to welcome you back to Bali.   You’ve been here in the past.  What engagements have you had here on the island?

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April 2013

[MR]  Thank you - it is always wonderful to be back in Bali.  In 2008 I did a month of New Orleans style jazz for the promotion of Westin's (Nusa Dua) special steak menu in August, and am now at the newly opened Sheraton Beach Walk in Kuta for Feb and March 2013.

[HI]  Having performed in both Nusa Dua and Kuta, what are your impressions of Bali?

[MR]  Bali is a truly delightful holiday destination, fabulous all-year-round climate and the people are so kind and friendly and accommodating - high on the top tourist destinations list !

[HI]  Island life isn’t new to you, as you’re of Pacific Islander heritage.  Could you give a bit of your background and how that’s influenced your career in music.

[MR]  I have European, Fijian, Tongan and Samoan blood - I spent half my life in the islands growing up and listened to lots of string bands.  My father (guitarist, singer, composer and recording artist) and grandmother (first all-girl band in Fjji, ukulele, fiddle, piano, vocalist, guitar) were professional musicians and played, sang and composed.  My dad mainly listened to jazz and so the leaning towards it was very early - I only heard pop songs later when we had a radio

[HI]  Keeping with the “island” theme, what other island destinations have you performed on?

[MR] Two jazz tours of Nouvelle Caledonie, the first with renowned Fijian jazz guitarist Tom Mawi; Aotearoa (aka New Zealand - a very large group of islands) for three years; almost another 5 years on Kyushu, one of Japan's 300 islands; residency gigs in Fiji for many years; twice on Tonga, once for the previous King's birthday celebrations and once for Miss South Pacific Pageant; and sat in on some gigs in Hawaii too !!

  

[HI]  When you’re not traveling, you make your home in Cairo.   How long have you been based there, and how is the music scene in Egypt?

[MR]  3.5 years in Cairo and more than a year in Luxor.  Egypt's music scene is interesting and most genres are covered by local bands. The classical music and opera scene are magic as they have international standard works that you can attend for almost nothing - in other countries I have lived in it was extremely expensive to attend such concerts (Japan, Australia, New Zealand etc)

[HI]  Which musicians have influenced or inspired you?

[MR]  Bob Marley, Prince, Leontyne Price, Earth Wind & Fire, Sathima Bea Benjamin, Betty Carter, Burt Bacharach, Doris Day,

[HI]  Other than performing, you have also written and produced music and cds.   What are a few of of your releases?

[MR]  Latest is a single "Time & Space" produced and composed by my son, with my vocal and rap by an 18 year old Egyptian rapper - this is on the soon to be released album "Michelle Rounds And Her Amazing Friends" for this year 2013

Others include: Autumn Leaves 2010 (Spectra Records USA), A Matcha Chocolate Love Adventure (Michelle Rounds JAPAN) 2005, Coffee Time Jazz - duets with the wonderful Cleve Douglass (PI Inc, JAPAN) 2005

[HI]  What are your preferred venues and performance styles?

[MR]  I prefer good concert halls and jazz, but i love outdoor concerts for soul, funk and rap too - I enjoy both immensely.

[HI]  You’re very well traveled.   What are some destinations you’d like to visit in the future?  

[MR]  Europe !!!   Haven't done Europe !!   France, Sweden, Denmark, ......

[HI] Would you welcome a return to Indonesia?

[MR] Of course, Indonesia is almost another home now.  I have caught up with and stayed in touch with musicians from my earlier gig in 2008, and have met more now in 2013.  I would always love to continue my relationship with Indonesia and her wonderful musicians - I think I am most glad that I could give her something she doesn't have much of. There are so many rock bands, I hear reggae being played live but very little jazz - it is my pleasure to jazz up Bali and give her some soulful grooves !!!

For more information, and contact details:

Email: mr@michellerounds.com

Website: www.michellerounds.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Michelle.Rounds.Music

Twitter: www.twitter.com/michellerounds

YouTube : www.youtube.com/michellerounds

Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/mrounds