M AG A ZINE O F T HE M AR CO PO LO CLUB

Spin doctors: the custom-bike-makers + Treasure hunt

in London + 24 hours in Beijing + Antique-map experts
show the way + Cathay Pacifics new environment team

QUARTER ONE 2009

36

contents
MESSAGE FROM THE CLUB

10

EXPLORE HONG KONG

12

Mozart,
Moza
Mo
zart
rt, mo
movi
movies
vies
es and
and m
mem
mementos
emen
ento
toss

36

WHATS ON

14

22

ON THE WING
44

FEATURES
EXPERT ADVICE
46

BESPOKE

49

24 HOURS

From hutongs to hip hang-outs,

the once-forbidden city has it all

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Grace Poon Mun Wong Ella Young
The Club is published by Cathay Pacic Loyalty Programmes Ltd. (CPLP) Cathay Pacic The Marco Polo Club,
PO Box 1024, Tsuen Wan Post Oce, Hong Kong. Tel +852 2747 5500 Fax +852 2537 9900. No part of
this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of CPLP Ltd. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2009 by CPLP Ltd. Opinions in The Club are the writers and not necessarily endorsed by
CPLP Ltd. Manuscripts, photographs, drawings and other materials will not be returned unless they
are accompanied by a self-addressed envelope and appropriate international postal coupons. The Club
cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material.

2 THE CLUB

CLUB EVENTS

The Marco Polo Club

ub
Golf Classic and
Christmas drinks
with the Chairman

A properly fitted customised

bike will take you a long way
28

INSIDE CX

eStatements: the
greener, cleaner
way to go

Find your way around the world

of antique maps
22

28

CHOICE

Natural beauties: brown-chip

design classics

16

TRAVEL

London treasure hunt:

unt:
Follow the money in
n the
capital of capital

Rugby Sevens, film festival

and botanical art

CX NEWS

Mobile check-in, new

w
amenity kits, Asia Miles
iles award

ASIAN IN-FLIGHT MEDIA LIMITED

Managing Director Peter Jeery +852 2850 4013 peterjeery@asianmedia.com
Hong Kong, Advertisement Director (Cathay Pacic) Teresa Ngai +852 3106 8133 teresa@asianmedia.com

ACP MAGAZINES ASIA LIMITED

Unit 604-5, 6/F, 625 Kings Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Tel +852 3921 7000 Fax +852 3921 7099 Email cathay@acpmagazines.com.hk
Editor in Chief William Fraser Chief Sub Editor Andy Gilbert Sub Editors Ellen Wong, Gloria Chow, Kathy Wang, Yam Yim Lan,
Kylie Wong, John Cramer Designers Shaun Horrocks, Karen Chan, Gigi Lee Photo Editor Elisa Fu Production Manager Jimmy Tse
Assistant Production Manager Chris Wong Chief Executive Ocer Julie Sherborn Publishing Manager Alky Cheung
Printer: Paramount Printing Company Limited

Courtesy of Altfield; Sculpture:: Michael Reynolds

DEPARTMENTS
06

EXPLORE THE WORLD

Perfumes, performances
and pampered pets

Photos. Crown: Tim Graham Getty Images; Map:

04

16

M E SSAG E FR O M T H E CLU B

e is for enhancements
Katie Rowen, Manager The Marco Polo Club

n my previous Message from the Club I

mentioned that we continue to be committed to improving our products and
services at every opportunity. A journey
of a thousand miles begins with a single step
or so the saying goes. In these high-tech times
it is quite likely that first step will be online. I
would like to share with you some recent
enhancements that we have made to our online
services so that your journey can get off to the
best start possible.
From 1 January we made Priority Awards
available for instant online flights redemption.
Redeemable for Economy Class seats on
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights, the miles
required to redeem a Priority Award are
greater than for a normal Economy Class ticket,
but then so is the priority of your confirmation.
By redeeming a round-trip Priority Award or
combining a one-way Priority Award with a
Standard Award, you can enjoy added flexibility

4 THE CLUB

when arranging your next redemption flight

especially useful in peak travel periods.
Once your journey is booked, check-in is the
next step. Online check-in continues to increase
in popularity but now, when you travel with us,
you no longer need to print out your check-in
confirmation you can merely download it or
email it to your mobile phone or PDA.
At airports equipped with Self Check-In
Kiosks, simply scan your barcode to retrieve
your boarding pass or, alternatively, show your
confirmation to our check-in staff to be issued
with your boarding pass.
We thought it would be even more convenient if you could print your own boarding pass
before you come to the airport. Now you can. If
youre flying from Hong Kong, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Bahrain or Kuala
Lumpur airports you can check-in online, choose
your seat then print your boarding pass from any

computer with a printer. If you dont have checkin luggage you can go directly to your gate. If you
do, just bring your bags to our Self Check-In Bag
Drop Counter. I hope this helps to save you valuable time when travelling with us.
We have also realised that it can sometimes
be difficult to enjoy our online services when
on the go so we have just introduced a new
mobile site for Dragonair and enhanced the
Cathay Pacific one.
Simply log on to m.dragonair.com or
m.cathaypacific.com to check-in, check your
mileage balance, access travel information,
schedules, flight status and view important
updates and special offers from your mobile
phone or PDA. I hope these developments will
enhance your journey with us.
May I take this opportunity to wish you a
happy, healthy and prosperous Year of the Ox.
Happy Chinese New Year.
Kung Hei Fat Choy!

E XPLO R E H O N G KO N G

Mozart, movies and mementos

TON UP FOR HONG KONG FILM
Hong Kong cinema celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The rst local movie was made in
1909, a comic short Stealing a Roast Duck. In the
post-war years, Mandarin-speaking lms thrived
in Hong Kong before Cantonese-language cinema
came to the fore in the 1970s and Hong Kong cinema
achieved international attention in the 1980s. Check out
the Hong Kong Film Archive to see some of citys cinematic treasures.

Flamingo at
Kadoorie Farm

Ticket to the Tai

Ping Theatre

Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, +852 2739 2139

Bruce Lee takes on

Chuck Norris in
Way of the Dragon

FRAGRANCE OF THE REGION

Michelia alba

6 THE CLUB

The fragrant owers of Michelia alba, which belongs to the magnolia

family and is also known as white orchid tree, are blooming now.
Originally from Southeast Asia, this evergreen tree has thrived in Hong
Kong and can reach up to nine metres tall. In the past, women decorated their hair with the owers and pinned them on their clothes and
taxi drivers sometimes still use them to scent their cars. The owers
are also used as essential oils for the cosmetics industry. You can pick
up some from street peddlers who often sell them in small packets.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic

Garden, Lam Kam Road,
Tai Po, New Territories
+852 2483 7200

www.kfbg.org

Opposite page: Orchestra: Courtesy of HKPO. Old HK: Popperfoto/Getty Images

CONSERVATION THE KEY

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic
Garden played an important
role in educating local farmers
about diversity and improving
their livelihood. The farm has
shifted its focus to educate the
public about environmental
issues. Its programmes include
nature appreciation, gardening
and planting workshops and an
organic farmers market. The
flora and fauna conservation
activities include protecting
native orchids and rehabilitating
birds of prey.

Photos. This page. Ticket: EyePress News/EyePress. Bruce Lee: AFP/Getty Images. Flamingo: Danny Tong.

www.lmarchive.gov.hk

FABRIK OF SOCIETY
Established by three private collectors in 2007, Fabrik Contemporary
Art has brought the artworks of internationally known artists from
around the world. It began with guerilla exhibitions, shows in temporary locations such as other private galleries and hotels, but it has
now acquired its own gallery space.
Made in Japan, 4-15 March: Neo-pop Japanese artists Takashi
Murakami, Chiho Aoshima, Aya Takano and Araki Tamana.
The Great British Show, 6-17 May: Damien Hirst, Chapman Brothers,
Sam Taylor-Wood and
Francis Bacon.
String theory: Hong Kong
Philharmonic Orchestra

Room 412, 4/F Yip Fung

Building, 2-18 DAguilar
Street, Central
+852 2525 4911

MOZART IN OUR CITY

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra continues its hugely popular Mozart in the City series
with a concert sponsored by Cathay Pacic Airways. The programme centrepiece is Sinfonia
Concertante K.364, Mozarts concerto for violin and viola. The performance, directed by
concertmaster John Harding, also features Bachs Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Bartks
Divertimento and the Cantilena pacica by contemporary Australian composer Richard Meale.

Art work by Damien Hirst

www.fabrik-gallery.com

Hong Kong
old transport

Sinfonia Concertante, 10 and 11 April, Hong Kong City Hall, Central

www.hkpo.com

FACETS OF LOVE
Jewellery has always been an expression of love and the
dazzling exhibition Le Grand Frisson, mounted by renowned
Parisian jeweller Chaumet, includes national treasures, given
as
a declarations of love between royals, as well as sentimental
items
ite from private collections. Many pieces incorporate coded
messages. Le Grand Frisson, 31 March-30 April,

Chaumet Boutique, St Georges Building,

2 Ice House Street, Central

www.chaumet.com
Pendant given by Elizabeth I to her cousin
Lord Hunsdon cannon guard cupid (top)
Diamond myrtle leaves, symbol of grace,
love and virginity (far left)
Ruby pendant created in the 1850s for
Empress Eugnie (left)

Stanley
Kwans The
Dragon and
the Crown

LOCAL COLOUR
The Hong Kong branch of the Royal Asiatic
Society regularly organises visits and
lectures on cultural and historical topics.
A lecture by Stanley Kwan on his recent
book, The Dragon and the Crown: Hong
Kong Memoirs, will be held on 6 March.
Please visit the website for more events.

www.royalasiaticsociety.org.hk

THE CLUB 7

E XPLO R E H O N G KO N G

Music, dance, theatre, opera. Contemporary and traditional. Western and Eastern. The Hong Kong Arts Festival returns in February with a wide array of programmes,
featuring 37 performing groups 29 from overseas and
eight from Hong Kong. This is a rare chance for
classical music- lovers

Latvian
National
Operas
Alcina

to enjoy performances by some of the worlds leading orchestras: the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,
Britains Northern Sinfonia (considered Europes
best chamber orchestra), the Amsterdam Baroque
Orchestra and the acclaimed Deutsches SymphonieOrchester Berlin, performing large-symphonic works
by Austro-Germa
Austro-German masters.
A startling lineline-up of jazz and world music is also on
offer: Chick Corea and John McLaughlin share the stage
again four decades
decade after playing in Miles Daviss band.
An outstanding array of contemporary dance is in store
as well. Award-win
Award-winning French actress Juliette Binoche
and British star dan
dancer-choreographer Akram Khan
co-create, perform and direct In-I, exploring the universal
topic of love and lo
loving. Hong Kong Ballets All Bach is
four numbers of si
sizzling modern ballet based on the
music of Johann Sebastian
Bach.
S
The Latvian Nat
National Opera stages two performances:
Alcina, a baroque opera
to commemorate its composer
o
Handels 250th anniversary,
and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,
an
a 20th-century Russian
masterpiece by Shostakovich.
Rus
Londons Lyric Hammersmith
and Icelands Vesturport
H
Theatre bring their
thei eerie production of Kafkas
Metamorphosis, which
wh has enjoyed rave sold-out
performances in Britain,
Iceland and South Korea.
B
There are also choices for the family. The English
National Ballet
Balle re-enacts Lewis Carrolls classical
surreal wo
world with Alice in Wonderland.
the four-man group Karbido makes
And th
music sshowing that a table is not only a piece
but also can be an amazing
of furniture
furni
wooden instrument that can produce a
woode
symphony of sounds drawing from African
symph
rhythms, Mongolian song and, yes, even
rhythm
Jimi H
Hendrix.

Hon Kong Arts Festival

Hong
6 Fe
February-8 March

www.hk.artsfestival.org
ww
8 THE CLUB

Karbido plays The Table

English National Ballets

Alice in Wonderland

The Amsterdam
Baroque Orchestra

Photos. Ballet: Bill Cooper. The Table: L. Gawronski. Orchestra: Marco Borggreve

FESTIVAL OF ART

E XPLO R E T H E WO R LD

Perfumes, performances & pets

PERFECT SCENTS
Grasse is the centre of perfume-making
in France, where the nest jasmines and
roses are grown, and home to a museum
dedicated to perfume. Following four
years of renovation, the International
Museum of Perfumery (Muse International de la Parfumerie) has re-opened
in this picturesque Provence town. The
display area has doubled and it has a beautiful new glass gallery and terrace gardens
of botanicals used in fragrances. One
centrepiece of the museums 50,000-piece
collection is Marie-Antoinettes 80-kilogram
travel vanity case equipped with the many
items necessary for the young queens
elaborate beauty regime.

Lap dog
of luxury

NEW LEASH OF LIFE

Since 1892, French luggage-maker Goyard has fashioned harnesses,
kennels and booties for dogs, cats and monkeys and has recently
reconnected with its past. Just opposite the agship store, Goyards
new Parisian boutique is devoted to pets and picnics. Shoppers can
nd a 24-piece picnic trunk alongside a diamant dog collar called
Diane (named after one of the Goyard familys hounds), a pet-carrying
bag and travelling water or food bowls in a hard case.

www.museesdegrasse.com

www.goyard.fr

CAPITAL IDEAS

Old spice: Antique

perfume flacon
from Grasse
museum

10 THE CLUB

Previously the site of the American embassy

to the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century,
the 15,000-square-metre Legation Quarter
in Beijing has been refurbished and redeveloped into a top dining, shopping and art
venue. This is also where Michelin two-star
chef Daniel Boulud opened his rst restaurant in Asia. The menu of Maison Boulud
Beijing reects the chefs French roots, with
meats imported from suppliers worldwide
but seasonal vegetables, herbs and mushrooms sourced locally.

www.legationquarter.com
www.danielnyc.com

The Bar at Maison

Boulud Beijing

ASLEEP ON THE REEF

The magic of the Great Barrier Reef doesnt stop when
the sun goes down. Yet, due to its World Heritage
listing, there is little opportunity for anyone to spend a
night on the worlds greatest coral reef. Luckily, there is
Reefsleep, part of Reefworld, a purpose-built pontoon
moored at Hardy Reef. By day, its a launch pad for

guided reef expeditions. But by night, it becomes a

unique accommodation for six guests: a room for two
with king-sized bed and a shared room with two sets
of bunk beds.

www.fantasea.com.au/Reefworld/ReefSleep.
aspx
Sleep on the reef

Caption
caption
caption
caption
Nice and easy:
Michael Feinstein

BEST SHOWS IN TOWN

Nothing is more quintessentially New York
than watching a top-notch performer in an
intimate setting in a famous cabaret room.
Here are three legendary Manhattan rooms
where you can get close to cool:
Located on the ground oor of the Carlyle
Hotel, Caf Carlyle regularly stages jazz
vocalist Steve Tyrell and German chanteuse
Ute Lemper. On Mondays, lm-maker
Woody Allen plays the clarinet with the
Eddy Davis New Orleans Jazz Band.

www.thecarlyle.com/entertainment.cfm

Barrier reef photo: Michael Coyne Axiom RM/Getty Images

BENCHMARK FOR A HOT SEAT

Brahms sat on it to play his piano and Lenin perched on it writing his
political manifestos. Millions of us are likely to spend hours on it drinking and chatting in cafs. Thonet No. 14 named after its inventor,
German-born cabinetmaker Michael Thonet is believed to be the
rst mass-produced chair and some 50 million had been sold by 1930.
The bentwood chair was a favourite of Le Courbusier and remains a
chair of choice for architects and interior designers.
Celebrating the chairs 150th anniversary this
year, Thonet GmbH in Germany is collaborating with Japanese retailer Muji and
contemporary designers to develop new
interpretations of the classical model. The
new collection will debut this spring.

www.thonet.de

Thonet No. 14
(unassembled,
below left)
reserves a
seat in history

Feinsteins on Park Avenue is a sophisticated cabaret club that mixes old-school

cool and hipster appeal. The star is the great
interpreter of the American song, Grammy
nominee Michael Feinstein.

www.feinsteinsattheregency.com
The Oak Room Supper Club, opened in
1939, has been a launching pad for many
stars, including Harry Connick Jr, Diana Krall
and others. It is now home to entertainers
such as jazz vocalist Paula West and cabaret
performer Andrea Marcovicci.

www.algonquinhotel.com
THE CLUB 11

W HAT S O N

Rugby Sevens, lm festival and botanical art

Japanese
plum

FEBRUARY/MARCH JAPAN
UME MATSURI (PLUM BLOSSOM
FESTIVALS)
Plum blossoms are among the first flowers
to bloom in Japan and herald the start of
spring. In February and March plum blossom
(ume) festivals are held in parks, shrines and
temples. The festival in Kairaku-en Garden in
the town of Mito, an hour from Tokyo, is held
between 20 February and 31 March.

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/
japanesefestivals/a/umematsuri.htm
Once Upon A
Time in China, The
Magic Flute and
Moomins

The Royal Academy of Arts in London celebrates the

quincentenary of Italian architect Andrea Palladio with an
exhibition of his original drawings, paintings and
models. Hugely influential in Western architecture, Palladio (1508-1580) crafted a
new architectural design derived
from classical sources yet moulded
it to meet the needs and aesthetics of his age. His designs of
town palaces and country villas
influenced generations of European and American architects.

www.royalacademy.org.uk

Model of Villa Capra,

known as Villa Rotunda

22 MARCH13 APRIL HONG KONG

THE 33RD HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

2327 MARCH CALIFORNIA

The Hong Kong International Film Festival not only screens exciting
new films, but hosts special focus programmes. This year the focus
is on Italian and Finnish cinema and the final part of the Ingmar
Bergman retrospective which began last year. The festival also pays
tribute to Film Workshop, a movie company founded by director
Tsui Hark and producer Nansun Shi that has produced classics
such as A Better Tomorrow, A Chinese Ghost Story and
Once Upon a Time in China.

GAME DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE

www.hki.org.hk

From its beginning as a meeting of 27 game designers in a

Californian living room, the Game Developers Conference
in San Francisco has become the worlds biggest event for
game industry professionals and insiders. More than
18,000 participants exchange
ideas and network.

www.gdconf.com
Bestseller World of Warcraft

Botanica: Courtesy of Friends of the Botanic Gardens.

ANDREA PALLADIO: HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

Photos. Plum : Getty Images. Palladio: Alberto Carolo. Warcraft: Vaughn Youtz-ZUMA/Corbis. Tiger Woods: Timothy A Clary/AFP-Getty Images. Rugby Gallo Images/Getty Images.

UNTIL 13 APRIL LONDON

APRIL UNITED STATES & CHINA

THE US MASTERS/VOLVO CHINA OPEN
Many golf enthusiasts will argue that Georgia, USA, is the centre of their
world. The Masters, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the four
major championships. This years tournament, held from 9-12 April, will
parade big stars such as Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods and Greg Norman. A
few
f days later, 16-19 April, Beijing will host the Volvo China Open, a mens
golf
g tournament co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the Asian Tour.
Asian and European players will compete for USD2.2 million in
prize money, one of the biggest prize pools in Asia.
Tiger Woods lines up
at the US Masters

www.masters.com
www.volvochinaopen.com

21 APRIL15 JUNE
HONG KONG
LE FRENCH MAY
Every year, Le French May brings
French films, operas, music, dance
and culture to Hong Kong. Organised by the Consulate General of
France and the Alliance Franaise, it
has grown to be the largest French
arts festival in the Asia-Pacific
region. Since its inception in 1993,
Le French May has presented more
than 350 events.

www.frenchmay.com

2729 MARCH
HONG KONG
CATHAY PACIFIC/CREDIT SUISSE
HONG KONG SEVENS
The Hong Kong Sevens means party time. For three days,
spectators from all corners of the globe will pack the 40,000seat Hong Kong Stadium. Outrageous costumes, make-up in
national colours and a determination to party hard during
and after the games, are hallmarks of the Sevens. A total of
24 rugby teams, including
defending champions New
Zealand, will compete for
the title.

www.hksevens.com

1726 APRIL SYDNEY

2008 champions
New Zealand
tackled by Wales

BOTANICA 2009: FROM THE DESERT TO THE SEA

Sydneys lush
l
Royal Botanic Gardens is the perfect
p
venue to showcase Botanica,
otanica, an annual exhibito artworks
tion dedicated
dedic
works of plants by Australias
artists.
leading botanical
b
sts. This
theme, From thee Desert to
years the
celebrates thee diversity
the Sea, ce
of plant life
lif and habiAustralia while
tats in Aus
focusing on
o the pressing
ing
water
issues of drought,
d
ter
conservation and climate
conservat
mate
change. EEntry is free and
nd
proceeds from the artrtsales support the
work sa
Botanic
Botani Gardens Trust.
rust.

www.rbgsyd.nsw.
www
w.
gov.au
Protea sp dried seedhead
by Elaine Musgrave

THE CLUB 13

CH O I CE

NATURAL
BEAUTIES

Designers are using wood

in innovative ways to create
everything from lighting
to tableware.

HANG THE EXPENSE

Inject a dose of dynamism to your dining room with Luzifers
new Onion lamp, an organically-inspired sculptural suspension
bulb made out of layers of oak veneer strips.

www.lzf-lamps.com

CAPITAL IDEA
Mujis London-in-a-bag includes a wooden
London Eye, Big Ben, BT Tower, a couple of
skyscrapers and several cute-looking vehicles.
Irresistible to adults and children.

www.muji.com

MEMORY GRAIN
Add an idiosyncratic touch to
your laptop with this memory
stick handmade from pieces
of wood selected for their
natural beauty.

www.oooms.nl

14 THE CLUB

HEAR THE WORLD

THE X FACTOR
Designed in 1958 using clean geometric
lines, the X-frame table is a fine example of
the work of Artek, the Finnish brand
renowned for its durability and strong
design. Choose from solid elm or oak or
laminated birch and cherry woods.

www.artek.

With built-in connection to the world wide web,

Tivoli Audios Networks radio lets you tune in to
any station in the world, near or far, mainstream
or niche, in any language and in real time. It also
comes in a choice of beautiful hardwood cabinets
including cherry and walnut.

www.tivoliaudio.com

ONE FOR
THE DOGS
This stylish dog bowl combines a
square wooden frame with a
stainless-steel, dishwasher-safe
bowl inside.

www.mungoandmaud.com

CLASSIC CHARM
Designed in 1946 and a classic in chair design,
Eames moulded plywood lounge and dining
chairs use thin sheets of lightweight veneer
expertly sculpted to fit the human body.

www.hermanmiller.com

THE CL
TH
CLUB
UB 15

E XPE R T ADV I CE

16 THE CLUB

Chart
toppers
Hong Kongs unique geographical
position and colourful history make
it a rich source for antique maps
K A R E N P I T TA R A N D TA R A J E N K I N S

Jonathan Wattis
provides direction
for map collectors

Photos: Alan Hindle

he four walls of Philip Doves office, high above Hong

Kongs Victoria Harbour, offer an intriguing insight into the
story of his life. You can explore his university town of
Exeter in Britain, track his gap year travels through Africa
and follow his international career stints in the United
States, Europe and Asia. But there isnt a photo or souvenir in sight.
Instead, the walls are lined with the most beautiful and detailed
antique maps. Doves lasting passion for such items is one hes
quietly cultivated over the past two decades and was sparked by
a chance graduation gift.
Since then, Ive made a point of collecting maps from places
that hold an emotional signicance for me, Dove says. My latest
purchase has been a stunning map of Asia that dates from the
mid 18th century. Of course, Hong Kong doesnt feature.

THE CLUB 17

Asia by Blaeu, circa

1655 (middle)
Chinae by Ortelius,
circa 1612 edition (right)

18 THE CLUB

Dove didnt have far to go to source his latest acquisition. He

bought the detailed map from one of Hong Kongs specialist
antique map traders. Jonathan Wattis of Wattis Fine Art and
Amanda Clark of Alteld, both based in the citys Central district,
are two of the citys leading experts. They sell maps by some
of the earliest and most accomplished cartographers to clients
around the world. Some of their finest are by map-makers
including Abraham Ortelius, who compiled the rst world atlas
in 1570, Alexander Dalrymple and Sebastian Mnster.
According to Wattis, the antique-map market is growing all

Right: Kingdom of China courtesy of Jonathan Wattis

Amanda Clark: plotting

a course for collectors
(above)

the time and Clark agrees there is a nite number of early maps
that has survived the ravages of time and a growing number
of people interested in them. Antique maps are fabulous
historical documents, Clark says. You can own a Dutch map of
Asia that was made in the late 1500s that must have been used
and looked at by a Dutch merchant gentleman in Amsterdam.
They survived in portfolios and libraries of the well o, so that
500 years later you have a beautiful, often very decorative and
colourful work of art that started life as a practical tool.
When youre dealing with a delicate and precious piece of
history, its important to know what you are doing. So what do
the experts recommend? Firstly, all agree its a good idea to read
up on the subject and there are some excellent books on the
market (see the box on page 20).
Wattis says its also important to buy from collectors or at
auction. Go to an antique-map dealer who knows his subject
and is prepared to share. If you nd a cheaper map on the Internet, theres probably something wrong with it or its damaged.

Photos: Amanda Clark: Alan Hindle. Asia and Chinae maps courtesy of Altfield.

E XPE R T ADV I CE

ANTIQUE MAPS OF HONG KONG AND ASIA

You have to be very careful. With a dealer, if theres something

wrong, hell generally take it back.
Clark says its vital to properly assess the condition of the map.
Is the paper still strong, not brittle, and is the ink still fresh and
clear, not faded? Also is it an early print so that the image is crisp
and not blurred, as it may be from a late pressing when the
copper plate was worn down. Some collectors only like the
black-and-white ink prints, with no colour added. Some like
them with original thick watercolour added at the time of

ANTIQUE MAPS ARE

FABULOUS HISTORICAL
DOCUMENTS

A
Altfields
Amanda Clark says Hong Kong is a natural choice for an antique-map dealership
because of its history as a trading port at a time when maps and sea charts were working
b
ttools. In many ways the harbour and our history of shipping and trading is still at our
heart, she says. Our unique location as a gateway to China, positioning in Asia and
h
ccolonial past makes the history of the area particularly interesting.
She explains that the dawn of the Western age of exploration, with historic
ccircumnavigations by voyagers such as Magellan, Diaz and Drake, led to the first attempts
at mapping Asia. This was a region hitherto known only through exotic tales of a few
a
merchants and seafarers, and information from Jesuit missionaries in India and China.
m
Wattis says German cartographer Sebastian Mnster (1448-1552) is a good starting
point for collecting maps of Asia. Mnsters maps were published in a number of editions,
p
Wattis says, and from time to time single-page hand-printed ones become available.
W
There is a very rare China map by de Jode [below] printed circa 1590, he adds. Only
one known edition was printed and only a couple of hundred maps printed so it
o
ccommands a very high price.
Wattis explains that in the second half of the 18th century better and more accurate
maps began to be produced, such as those by Alexander Dalrymple. Very few
m
Dalrymple originals have survived. There is also a rare and important map of the
D
Hong Kong area (circa 1866) which I got a copy of last year, produced by a priest called
H
Monsignor Volonteri. It shows Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, Lantau up to
Guangzhou in both English and Chinese characters.
Clark says her favourite map of the region
gion is Ortelius Chinae,
e
the first map of China to appear in a Western
tern Atlas
(Theatrum Orbis Terrarum). It is
shown in an unusual orientation of
east/west rather than north/south and
was compiled using information from
the Portuguese Jesuit missionary, Luiz
Jorge de Barbuda. It is embellished with
decorative details such as Chinese
tented pavilions, ships, elephants and
whales, and has elaborate cartouches as
well. Its simply wonderful.

The Kingdom of China by

Cornelis de Jode, 1593

THE CLUB 19

E XPE R T ADV I CE

WHERE TO BUY

WATTIS FINE ART

2/F, 20 H
Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
2524 5302
+852 252
www.wattis.com.hk
www.wat

ALTFIELD
248-249 Princ
Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central,
+852 2537 6370
Hong Kong, +
www.altfield.com.hk
www.altfield.c

BRIAN SEED FINE ART

20 THE CLUB

+852 2981 3777

www.brianseed.co
www.brianseed.com

THE HONG KONG UNIV

UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY
LIB
The library has an important
imp
collection of antique
maps of China, +852 2358
23 6772
http://library.ust.hk/info/exhibit/maps-9706/
http://library
map-gallery1.html
map

FURTHER READING

Sintra Tsang from the Hong Kong University of

Science and Technology Library recommends
the following: Collecting Antique Maps: An
Introduction to the History of Cartography
by Jonathan Potter; Mapping the World: An
Illustrated History of Cartography by Ralph E
Ehrenberg; and Mapping the World: Maps and
their History by Nathaniel Harris.

Map: Insulae Indiae Orientalis courtesy of Altfield

A good magnifying
glass is essential to
see the fine detail

printing; this can add a lot of glorious strong colour and really
make the item wonderfully decorative. Many early maps were
coloured later in the 1800s or 1900s in much paler watercolour paints that are less strident and certainly acceptable, but
the earlier the painting the better. Clark recommends that antique
maps be kept out of destructive direct sunlight and humidity kept
at a low level, as damp is a natural enemy of paper.
So now you know how and what to buy, but how much
would you expect to pay for an antique map? Obviously this
depends on the age, the cartographer, and the quality.
quality Ortelius

are more readily

is a good starting point, says Wattis. His maps
m
available, as his book went to 48 editions. His rst atlas map of
for around HKD56,000, assuming it is a strong
China in 1584 sells fo
impression and in good condition.
impressio
Clark agrees, but says its also possible to buy a decorative
map from French cartographer Nicolas Bellin (c1745) for about
USD500-USD600 or a simple map of China dating from 1850
might be as little as USD50-USD60. Values do continue to go
up but, as in many of the collectable-art categories, one should
really buy because you are going to enjoy living with a wonderful piece of history, rather than as a pure investment.

BESPOKE
BY BRANDON KIRK

Spin

doctors
One size doesnt t all welcome to the world of
customised bicycles

22 THE CLUB

Store manager
Philip Sung building
a fully custom Seven
mountain bike

Photo: Alan Hindle

n the world of cycling, bike-makers have long favoured a onesize-fits-all approach. Like the Model T Ford that came in any
colour as long as it was black, it is much cheaper to produce bikes
in standardised sizes and finish. For most people, buying a bike
off the shelf is just fine a few adjustments to parts here and there,
and a small, medium or large frame will fit just about everyone. But
as with a piece of clothing there are some people who want, or
perhaps need, a more tailored fit, whether for an uncommon body
type or simply for the pleasure of having a bike that is perfectly suited
to the rider. Welcome to the world of custom bicycles.
Custom-bike buyers range from endurance riders and weekend
mountain bikers to triathletes, and cycling enthusiasts have come
to appreciate the enhanced t these bikes oer. Elissa Whittington,
a Hong Kong myotherapist who used to work as a bike-t specialist
in Australia, says getting the right t is the most important thing
when buying a bike as it improves safety, prevents injury and
enhances comfort. If youre able to keep control of the bike, youre
safer, she says.
A custom bicycle is not just an original mix of stock components
but one based on a frame that is built to the exact specications of
the rider. The length of the tubing that goes into the frame and the
angles at which they are joined are made to order. These specications are based on a number of variables, including the customers
body measurements. American custom builder Seven Cycles, for
example, has a custom-kit questionnaire that asks about riding
style, existing bike and other details and, like many other designers, will interview customers over the phone to get a better idea
of what they need.
Although more expensive than a standard-size frame, a custommeasured bike could save you thousands of dollars over many years
of trial-and-error buying.
Hong Kong-based recruitment specialist Mark Keith, a long-time

THE CLUB 23

BESPOKE

Schematic of
a bike frame
showing the
complexity
of measuring
required for
custom bikes

mountain-bike enthusiast with a large stable of bikes, knows this all

too well. Hes owned three bikes that were unsuited to his riding;
he felt they were too unstable because their forks were set at too
steep an angle. Keith is now ordering a custom Litespeed trail bike
and will ensure that it has a slacker head angle than normal. Those
cross-country bikes are really built for riding over golf courses, he
laments, adding that his version of a lightweight bike will have to
allow him to be able to take it down steps and throw it around in
the rough stu.
Other riders, particularly those who spend many long hours in
the saddle, nd that a perfect t is crucial to relieve numbness and
chronic pains that would otherwise plague an endurance rider.

Custom paint job

Pain in the hands, back and shoulders may be relieved by getting

fitted and measured for just the right frame. Lee Sheung-lum,
owner of the Flying Ball bicycle shop in Hong Kong, is a custombike buyer who has enjoyed much more pleasant journeys
aboard a custom frame.
His previous bike was too sensitive, not stable downhill and after
talking to the designers, they decided his new Carbon VII road bike

HE WAS ONE OF ONLY FIVE RIDERS WHO FINISHED:

"I AM SURE THE BIKE HELPED A LOT," HE SAID
24 THE CLUB

Choose a wheel
specific for the job

Photo: Left: Brandon Kirk. Right above: Alan Hindle X 2.

Boutique company
Hope produces
high-end components
such as this disc brake

needed a shorter top tube and longer chainstays, which resulted in

a more comfortable reach and greater stability. After a 50-kilometre
ride, I feel fresh, he says, recalling a recent ride at Qinghai Lake in
Mainland China where he was one of only ve riders from a eld of
17 who nished. Im sure the bike helped a lot, he says.
Experienced riders say the key to choosing the ideal bike is to ride
as many as possible before settling on a type of frame. They suggest
that riders swap bikes with friends of a similar size and riding style to
experience other tube lengths and angles. Riders should compare
these to their own bike and note aspects such as handling, comfort
and how easy it is to climb hills. They advise riders to swap parts such
as stems, seatposts and handlebars on their current bike and vary seat
angle and fore-and-aft position, bar height and anything else that
can be adjusted to nd out what works best.
Bob Smith, President of the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association, did plenty of research before spending a substantial amount
on his ultimate bike, though his bike-buying trip took an unexpected turn. While visiting his family in Phoenix, Arizona, he went
to a shop to pick up a warranty replacement frame for his Niner
hardtail and planned to also buy a Niner RIP bike, when a fullsuspension model by Ventana with 29-inch wheels caught his eye.
After spending more than an hour speaking to the president of the
company over the phone, Smith decided on the El Ray model, got
tted at the shop and soon after returned to Hong Kong with what
he says is by far the best bike hes ever owned.
A tall rider at 186 centimetres, Smith prefers the larger wheels
for their ability to hold momentum and clear obstacles easily. I
just ride everything, he says. Not long before buying the Ventana,

Ibis Tranny
carbon-fibre
mountain bike

he had parted with a non-custom 26-inch-wheeled titanium Titus

Racer-X, which he felt did not handle very well for him, especially
when climbing. I just didnt ever like the bike, he says. It just
wasnt a good t.
Once youve decided what kind of bike youre looking for, youre
ready to do some shopping. Many builders oer custom versions
of their standard frames as well as start-from-scratch orders with a
price to match. Custom builders in the United
States, such as Seven and Serotta, typically
charge upwards of HKD20,000 for a frame.
But there are less expensive options.
China-based frame-makers such as XACD and
Hi-light take custom orders for titanium frames.
Simon Laus Victory Cycling Workshop in North Point,
Hong Kong, works with a factory in Mainland China to
create custom-sized steel and aluminum frames with a
starting price of about HKD6,000. The main reason [people
order custom frames here] is they cant nd a suitable size,
he says. Lau sells about 20 custom frames a year, and many of
his happy customers have won regional competitions their
trophies adorn the walls of his small shop.
Another good rule of thumb when purchasing a high-end bicycle, custom or not,
is to buy it for the type of riding you do the
most now. Philip Heung, a Hong Kongbased bike distributor, recently bought a
custom-sized Bike Friday folding bike for his
trip to Taiwan. Basically I want a bike to travel

BESPOKE

Seven Carbon
VII road bike

WEBSITES

www.sevencycles.com
www.ventanausa.com
www.titusti.com
www.serotta.com
www.ti-bicycle.com
www.xacd.com.cn
www.victorycycling.net
www.flyingball.com

26 THE CLUB

with, he says. Heung says that being honest with yourself about
how and where you ride is critical.
In many cases people would like to think that they would use
the bike for [a certain purpose], but many times end up riding it
just a few times because the bike is not sized or designed for what
they really do with it.
In a sense, buying a custom bike is like choosing a spouse you
want to be sure youve got the right one before you make a commitment. Like dating, you want to determine as much as you can
about yourself rst your tastes, passions, quirks and personal style,
before looking for a match. When you nd the right bike for you,
the marriage can be similarly rewarding.

Without getting too deep

into metallurgical science,
there are a few factors to
keep in mind when choosing
a frame material. Important
considerations for a frame,
other than ride quality, are
durability, corrosion resistance, weldability (important
for touring) and fatigue life.
Steel is susceptible to rust
but can be easily welded
back together if you have
an accident when youre
trekking across continents
where bike shops are few
and far between. Aluminum
resists corrosion but has a
shorter fatigue life and is
usually painted or anodized
(coated with a protective
layer). Carbon-fibre frames
come in many qualities and
varieties, so it is best to stick
to well-established designers
with a lot of experience (and
a solid warranty policy).
Titanium is by far the
most popular choice for
custom frames as it is the
most scratch-resistant, has
an excellent fatigue life and,
depending on the alloy mixture, is also very corrosion
resistant. Riders say it has

a smooth feel compared

to aluminum frames and
surface scratches are easily
brushed out. It is also the
most expensive.
Philip Sung, who works
at Hong Kongs Flying Ball
bicycle shop, says that for
many customers, once you
choose titanium you never
go back.
Most people [who order
custom] buy a titanium bike,
and it will be the last bike they
ever buy, he says. Flying Ball
does measuring services for
both Seven Cycles and Titus,
using specialised equipment.
The US-based frame builders
will then interview customers
to get exact specifications.
Jonathan Speelman, who
bought a Seven mountain
bike hardtail from Flying Ball,
believes titanium was worth
the investment as it will last
a lifetime. It has a longevity
that is appealing, he says.
But he warns that with
such an expensive material, getting the fit right is
critical as you age because
your back, legs and arms will
complain if the fit is out after
a long ride.

Photo: Brandon Kirk

KEEP THE RIGHT FRAME IN MIND

24 H O U R S

24 hours in

Beijing
BY DAVID E IME R

28 THE CLUB

The imposing
Tiananmen
Gate of the
Forbidden
City

Photos. Gate: OTHK. Artwork: Natalie Behring

Shopping or snowboarding? High rise or hutongs? Fine dining or the Forbidden City?
Whatever your passion, Chinas ever-changing capital city will keep you occupied at
any time of the day or night
Midday Beijing is beguiling because of the
way the ultra-modern rubs up against the
historic the traditional grandeur of the Forbidden City and the avant-garde splendour of
Rem Koolhaas gravity-defying CCTV Tower are
just a few kilometres apart. The staging of the
Olympic Games last year accelerated the transformation of the Chinese capital from grim
shrine to Stalinist architecture to vibrant world
city, but Beijing is still a work in progress. Every
visit yields something different to see or do.
From the airport, head to one of the new
boutique hotels, such as The Opposite House
in swinging Sanlitun. A quick shower and its
time for lunch. Tucked away in a hutong one
of the ancient alleys that criss-cross the heart of
Beijing close to the Forbidden City is Domus,
the ideal lunch spot. The stunning setting in a
courtyard house, or siheyuan, is matched by
the contemporary European cuisine. Dine on
American oysters or wagyu beef burgers in the
less formal bistro upstairs, or try the downstairs
restaurant with its six-course tasting menu and
Minotti contemporary Italian furniture.
2pm Whatever the season, Beijing offers
plenty of opportunities for outdoor types, or

anyone looking to burn calories. In the summer, the golf courses on the citys outskirts are
packed, testimony to the rise of the mainland
middle class. If you know a member then take
the chance to play a round at the exclusive Jack
Nicklaus-designed Pine Valley Golf Club. Otherwise, the Beijing International Golf Club has
views of the surrounding forested hills.
Beijings winter is bitter but that means plenty of snow at the nearby ski resorts. Just 90
minutes from the centre of Beijing is Nanshan,
where 12 trails await skiers and an Austriandesigned snowboard park draws Chinas top
snowboarders. Or do as the locals do and head
to scenic Houhai. The lake freezes by the end
of December and becomes an open-air sports
centre with ice-skating and the occasional icehockey game.
For those who prefer culture, a pilgrimage to
the Dashanzi art precinct in Chaoyang District
is a must. The 798 Space is in a former factory
complex that is the spiritual home of Chinas contemporary art scene and is packed with galleries
and hip cafs. Visit the Long March Space, where
the walls are daubed with Cultural Revolution-era
slogans, and Red Gate, a branch of Chinas rst
modern-art gallery.

The Opposite House

in Sanlitun

Classical Girl by Zheng

Xuewu, Red Gate Gallery

THE CLUB 29

24 H O U R S
PARTNER OFFER

Enjoy an upgrade and

other privileges at
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing

From 16 February to 15 May 2009, book a Deluxe

Room at the Best Available Rate for two or more
consecutive nights and receive:
A room upgrade to Horizon Club Deluxe Room
with breakfast
Full access to the luxurious Valley Wing Lounge
A bottle of imported wine on arrival.
For reservations, please quote your membership
number and rate code CXMARCO.
Telephone: +852 2331 6688
Fax +852 2331 6699
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Terms and conditions
Rates are subject to a 15%
service charge.

30 THE CLUB

Shopping is another option. The funky

boutiques lining 800-year-old hutong Nanluoguxiang are good places to nd quirky gifts.
Grifted has everything from irreverent postcards to socialist dolls, including Mao Zedong
and Karl Marx, all made by local craftsmen and
women. Near the Temple of the Sun, Shard Box
Store sells charming boxes made out of the
fragments of porcelain vessels smashed during the Cultural Revolution, as well as jewellery
sourced from Mongolia and Tibet.

6pm Prepare for your night out with a

relaxing massage or pamper yourself in a spa.
Massage places are on almost every street in
Beijing, but those in the know swear by Bodhi.
The soothing setting eases tension straight
away and thats before the skilled masseurs get
to work on those knotted muscles. For facials
and aromatherapy, nothing beats the Peninsula Hotel Spa. Try the jet-lag eliminator or, if
de-stressing is essential, indulge in the half-day
Spa Journey.

THE SOOTHING SETTING EASES TENSION EVEN

BEFORE THE SKILLED MASSEURS GET TO WORK

Photo. Warriors: Adrian Bradshaw/epa/Corbis

Conveniently located close to Beijings financial and

technology districts, the Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, is
one of the citys signature landmarks. And the
historic Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo and the trendy
Houhai Lake area are just a few of the attractions
youll enjoy exploring.

PARTNER OFFER

Grifted is great
for quirky gifts
(above)

Photos. Gifted: Natalie Behring. Skiers: Greg Baker AP Photo

Warrior-inspired:
Sculptures by
Marian Heyerdahl in
798 Art Space (left)
Alternatively, take a trip to the fantasyland
that is the Grand Hyatt Pool. With palm trees,
lush plants and tribal statues, this vast swimming pool feels like it should be deep in the
South American jungle. Dont bother doing
laps. Instead, just oat on your back and gaze up
at the ceiling, lit to resemble a canopy of stars.
8pm Spectacular views of the adjacent Forbidden City, the surrounding hutong and the
lights of Tiananmen Square make Yin the
rooftop bar of choice in Beijing and the ideal
place for a pre-dinner cocktail. Sip an Emperor
Mojito or try one of the drinks mixed with
huangjiu, a sweet yellow liquor. Note that it is
only open during warmer months. From there,
its a short hop to the Legation Quarter, the

latest addition to Beijings fine-dining scene.

During the late Qing Dynasty, the area was
home to embassies. Now, the neo-classical
buildings house top-notch eateries, while the
lawn has been the stage for fashion shows by
the likes of Versace. The pick of the restaurants
is Maison Boulud, chef Daniel Bouluds Beijing
agship. (See Explore The World, page 10.)
If youve ever wanted to eat like an emperor,
then Yu Shan Tang in the Hans Royal Garden
hotel oers a rare dining experience. One of
the few restaurants to serve genuine Imperial
cuisine, the private dining rooms feature intricately painted ceiling panels, hanging lanterns
and rosewood wall panels. The menus are customised for each diner, the avours are sublime
and the signature dishes come carved in the
shape of dragons.

Enjoy a suite experience when you

stay at The St. Regis Beijing
Stay at The St. Regis and make your next visit to Beijing
truly memorable. Book and stay between 16 February
and 15 May 2009 and youll enjoy a room upgrade to a
Statesman Suite at the time of reservation.

Skiing at
Nanshan,
east of
Beijing

Special rates start at RMB2,380 per room per night,

for a minimum stay of two consecutive nights.
Package includes:
One-way, gate-to-gate airport limousine service
(choice of arrival or departure)
Daily buffet breakfast at the Garden Court
In-room Internet access
Late check-out at 4pm (subject to availability on
the day of departure).
For reservations, please book and quote the promotion
code MARCOQ1. Please contact the hotel directly for
any airport transportation arrangement prior to arrival.
Telephone: +86 10 6460 6688, ext2321
Email: reservation.beijing@stregis.com
Terms and conditions
Cancellation charges apply.
Rate quoted is subject to 15%
service charge.
Not applicable for group bookings.

THE CLUB 31

24 H O U R S
Yu Shan Tang

Edible art:
Imperial
eggplant with
seafood at
Yu Shan Tang

11pm New bars and clubs

open on an almost daily basis
in Beijing. The Philippe Starckdesigned LAN Club is the
most opulent place in town.
IIgnore the incongruous location
in a shopping mall and instead
enjoy the eye-popping interior. Paintings
hang from the ceiling, giant mirrors loom everywhere and the VIP dining rooms resemble
Mongolian Yurts. DJs, a long wine list and
potent cocktails complete the recipe for a
memorable night.
More laidback is Casa Habana where you
can sink into deep, comfy armchairs while
enjoying the extensive selection of Cuban
cigars. Whisky connoisseurs can head to

Ichikura, a Japanese-run bar that is one of

Beijings best-kept secrets. It has 160 whiskies
available including rare single malts, the service is impeccable and the drinks come with
perfectly shaped spheres of ice.
Jazz lovers should visit the East Shore Live
Jazz Caf, where some of the capitals best
musicians jam until late from Thursday to Sunday in a relaxed atmosphere. Club Yugong
Yishan showcases local bands in a Qing
Dynasty-era building.
For clubbing, the sleek i-Ultra Lounge is
the place of the moment. International DJs
and cunning mood-lighting make this the
perfect spot to crack a bottle of Cristal or sip
a signature lychee martini while watching
Beijings beautiful people in action.

PARTNER OFFER

Enjoy a 20% discount with Avis in Beijing

Visit Beijings famous landmarks across the citys
18 districts or discover the surrounding countryside
at your own pace. Between 16 February and 15 May
2009, members of The Marco Polo Club renting a car
for three or more days will enjoy a 20 percent
discount at participating Avis locations.
Please book by email at booking@avischina.com,
quoting your membership number and the
appropriate Avis Worldwide Discount number at
right. Please present your membership card at the
rental counter.

32 THE CLUB

AWD K305400 (Green)

AWD K305500 (Silver)
AWD K305600 (Gold)
AWD K305700 (Diamond)

Terms and Conditions

Offer is valid for compact cars and above.
Offer is not valid on Avis-contracted tour operators or
travel-industry rates.
Standard Avis terms and conditions apply.

info

i-Ultra Lounge

2am Bars and clubs are supposed to shut at

2am but some stay open until the sun is almost
up. Punk in the basement of The Opposite
House is a good place to keep the party going.
For food in the early hours, Hua Jia Yi Yuan
serves dishes from all over China 24/7 in a converted courtyard house with a glass roof so
you can see the stars while eating.
9am Breakfast or brunch at Panino Teca is a
fine way to start the day. If the coffee and
aroma of freshly baked bread doesnt pry open
your eyelids, then the light streaming through
the floor-to-ceiling windows will. Try the substantial ciabatta sandwiches. At The Bookworm, browse the selection of China-related
novels and non-fiction over coffee and cakes.

The Opposite House and Punk

The Village, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Road
+86 10 6417 6688
www.theoppositehouse.com
Domus
115 Nanchizi Dajie, +86 10 8511 8015
Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Valley Resort, Nankou Town,
Changping District, +86 10 8979 6868
www.pinevalley.com.cn
Beijing International Golf Club
Northwest of Ming Tombs Reservoir,
Changping District, +86 10 6076 2288
Nanshan Ski Village
Shengshuitou Village, Henanzhai Town,
Miyun County, +86 10 8909 1909
www.nanshanski.com
Houhai
Opposite north gate of Beihai Park,
Dianmenwai Dajie
798 Art District
2 and 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu
www.798space.com
Long March Space (closed Mondays)
4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
+86 10 5978 9768
www.longmarchspace.com
Red Gate Gallery (closed Mondays)
2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
+86 10 6525 1005, www.redgategallery.com
Grifted
32 Nanluoguxiang, +86 10 6406 2716
www.grifted.com.cn
Nanluoguxiang
Off Gulou Dongdajie
Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat
17 Gongrentiyuchang Beilu
+86 10 6417 9595
Shard Box Store
1 Ritan Beilu, +86 10 8561 3712
Peninsula Hotel Spa
8 Jinyu Hutong, +86 10 8516 2888
www.peninsula.com

Grand Hyatt Beijing

1 East Changan Avenue, +86 10 8518 1234
www.beijing.grand.hyatt.com
Yin
33 Qihelou Lu, The Emperor hotel
+86 10 6526 5566, www.theemperor.com.cn
Legation Quarter
23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District
+86 10 6522 4848, www.legationquarter.com
Maison Boulud
23 Qianmen Dongdajie, +86 10 6559 9200
www.danielnyc.com
Yu Shan Tang
Hans Royal Garden, 20 Qinlao Hutong
(off Nanluoguxiang), +86 10 8402 5588
Lan Club
4/F Twin Towers, 12B Jianguomenwai Dajie
+86 10 5109 6012, www.lan-global.com
Casa Habana
Jinglun Hotel, 3 Jianguomenwai Dajie
+86 10 6595 0888
Ichikura
36 Dongsanhuan Beilu (on right side of
Chaoyang Theatre), +86 134 3652 1171
or +86 10 6507 1107
East Shore Jazz Cafe
2/F, 2 Qianhai Nanyan Lu, +86 10 8403 2131
Club Yugong Yishan
3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, +86 10 6404 2711
www.yugongyishan.com
i-Ultra Lounge
Block 8, Apartment 8 Complex,
Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu
+86 10 6508 8585, www.block8.cn
Hua Jia Yi Yuan
235 Dongzhimennei Dajie, +86 10 6405 1908
Panino Teca
The Village, S2-11 Building 2, 19 Sanlitun Lu
+86 10 6416 1416
The Bookworm
Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Lu
+86 10 6586 9507
www.beijingbookworm.com

THE CLUB 33

24 H O U R S
PARTNER OFFER

TIPS FROM A
LOCAL INSIDER
Explore Chinas capital with
Dragonair Holidays
Book between 16 February and 22 April 2009 and
travel before 29 April 2009 for a memorable
indulgence at The Summer Palace in Beijing. And for
the perfect start and finish to your trip, members of
The Marco Polo Club will enjoy private round-trip
limousine transfers in Hong Kong to and from
Hong Kong International Airport. The 3 Day/2 Night
The Aman at Summer Palace Beijing package from
HKD5,699 per person includes:
Round-trip Economy Class flight between
Hong Kong and Beijing on Dragonair or on
codeshare flights operated by Cathay Pacific Airways
Two nights hotel accommodation
500 Asia Miles
Travel insurance.
For reservations
Telephone: +852 2747 4336
Website: www.cxholidays.com
Terms and conditions
Price quoted is per person, based on two adults sharing one room, and
checking in and travelling together throughout the entire journey.
Offer is only valid for packages booked and paid for between 16 February
and 22 April 2009.
Cathay Holidays Limited and Asia Miles terms and conditions apply.
N.B. Dragonair Holidays is now
managed and marketed by
Cathay Holidays Limited.

34 THE CLUB

Arnold Cheng
Cathay Pacific
Manager Marketing & Sales China
I like to have lunch or coffee in the newly
opened Park Hyatt Hotel (http://beijing.park.
hyatt.com). Its the tallest hotel in Beijing and
you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of the
city. When I have visitors in town, they always
want to see two of the most impressive Olympic sites the Beijing National Stadium
(Birds Nest), where most of the action took
place, and the Water Cube, where the swimming events were held.
Sanlitun Village (www.thevillage.com.cn) is
another example of innovative architecture and
it is home to many luxury brand stores. The village
houses a multiplex cinema and excellent restaurants as well as a boutique hotel The Opposite
House (www.theoppositehouse.com).
Centro (+86 10 6561 8833) in the Kerry Centre Hotel is a popular jazz bar. And another
favourite is Yin (+86 10 6526 5566) at the top
of The Emperor hotel. Its a great spot on
warm breezy summer nights and you can
look out on to the Forbidden City.
Beijing duck is a must-try dish when youre in
the city. My favourite restaurants are Duck de
Chine (+86 10 6501 8881) at 1949 The Hidden

City (+86 10 6501 1949, www.elite-concepts.com)

and Made in China (+86 10 8518 1234). For
something less conventional try the vegetarian
Pure Lotus (+86 10 8703 6668) where the mock
meat sausages taste better than the real ones. A
popular cheap local snack is yoghurt Beijing-style
in small porcelain pots for just RMB2 (HKD2.27).
For shopping, my two favourite malls are
Solana and The Place. And I also like to wander around the markets. The Silk Market is
always good fun and Yaxiu Market is worth
checking out too.
To relax, I go for a massage at Long Island
Massage (+86 10 5130 9718). The masseurs are
well-trained and some also provide acupuncture. Traditional Chinese massage can
improve your health and immune system and
can help with back and muscle problems.
At weekends, its fun to take a stroll around
the 798 Art District (www.798art.org). There
are scores of galleries that change their exhibitions regularly. And theres no shortage of
cafs where you can get freshly brewed coffee. I also enjoy taking a stroll through the
hutongs. Its like taking a step back in time.

T R AV E L

Follow the
money: The
Royal Exchange
and the Bank of
England

36 THE CLUB

Treasure hunt in

London
BY PHOEBE A GREENWOOD

The streets of Englands cash-strapped metropolis might

not appear to be paved with gold just now, but theres
plenty of money around if you know where to look
Corporate might:
Lloyds of London

Coin collector:
the British Museum

Photos. Main: Scott E Barbour The Image Bank/Getty Images. Lloyd's: Robin MacDougall/Getty Images. British Museum: Allan Baxter Photographer's Choice/Getty Images

THE CLUB 37

T R AV E L
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Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park,
London

Relax and unwind in one of Londons most

renowned hotels Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.
With its convenient location near the Royal Park and
the chic shops of Knightsbridge, youll find it easy to
explore some of Londons most popular attractions.
And from 16 February to 15 May 2009, youll enjoy
an upgrade to the next room category plus
Double Asia Miles!
For reservations, please quote the booking code
Marco Polo and present your membership card
when checking in.
Telephone: +44 0 20 7235 2000
Email: molon-reservations@mohg.com

Terms and conditions

Room upgrade is
subject to availability at
the time of reservation.

38 THE CLUB

he crowds on Oxford Street are thinning, belts are tightening on Savile

Row and the Citys champagne utes
are dry. London led the economic charge and
ourished in the booming 90s but now Britain
is plunging faster than the United States, Japan,
Germany, France and Italy.
So with the great lions on the Bank of
Englands doors ruefully licking their paws
and Park Lanes billionaires packing up and
wriggling free of tightening tax laws, what
wealth remains? Serious money is still to be
found in London and we show you where
you can see it, even if you cant touch it.
The Bank of England on Threadneedle
Street is home to the nations gold bullion. The bank, the financial heart of the
city since it moved there in 1734, keeps
about 300 tonnes of the yellow metal on
behalf of the British Treasury. Before former
Chancellor Gordon Browns controversial gold sales, conducted in a series of

auctions between 1999 and 2002, it was

about 700 tonnes. The bank usually isnt open
to the public, but 30-minute guided tours are
available on 28 June as part of the annual
City of London Festival. At other times try
the Bank of England Museum, which tells the
institutions story from its establishment in
1694 to its role today (www.bankofengland.
co.uk/education/museum).
Londons the place to go for silver service
too after all, the currency isnt called sterling
for nothing. Apart from New York, London

Photos. Intersection: Scott E Barbour

The Image Bank/Getty Images

For Diamond, Gold and Silver members only.

CORPOR ATE ARCHITEC TURE

Londons mercantile wealth is

reflected in the architecture of its
great businesses

Also known as the Swiss Re Tower,

Norman Fosters 180-metre, 40-floor
skyscraper dominates the Citys skyline. Completed in December 2003,
its construction symbolised the might
of the City that seemed at the time
only to be growing and began its own
boom in high-rise construction. It can
be seen from 30 kilometres away.

LLOYDS BUILDING

THE DEPARTMENT STORES

1 Lime Street, City of London

Harrods in Knightsbridge
(www.harrods.com) opened in
1834. Its closest competitor is
near neighbour Harvey Nichols
(www.harveynichols.com).
Selfridges store is on Oxford Street
(www.selfridges.co.uk). Also check
out the Tudor-style Liberty & Co.
building on Regent Street, opened
in 1875 to sell crafts from Asia
(www.liberty.co.uk).

Photos. Gold: Alamy/ArgusPhoto. Gherkin: Getty Images

30 St Mary Axe, City of London

The golden mile:

Intersection of
Oxford Street
and Regent
Street (above)

Isle of Dogs, London

The site of Canary Wharf has been a
mercantile hub since the 10th century,
flourishing as the Port of London from
the 1500s. The docklands area was
reclaimed from the shipping industry
in the 1980s with the construction of
Canary Wharf commencing in 1988.
It compromises 37 hectares, with 14.1
million square feet of office and retail
space, providing an alternative economic centre to the City. It holds
three of Britains tallest buildings
(www.canarywharf.com).

THE GHERKIN

holds more precious metal than any other

city and has the worlds largest silver hoard.
JP Morgan keeps 155 million ounces of silver for Barclays to support its electronically
traded silver shares. If youre on the hunt for
Londons hidden wealth, the Silver Vaults on
Chancery Lane, Holborn, are a good place to
begin (www.thesilvervaults.com).
The vaults rst opened in 1876, oering
secure rooms for the citys fat cats and aristocrats to keep their valuables safe. Gradually
the vaults were taken over by silver dealers

CANARY WHARF

Designed by architect Richard Rogers,

the Lloyds Building (www.lloyds.com)
is home to insurance institution
Lloyds of London. The construction
echoes Paris Pompidou Centre with
staircases, water pipes and electric
cables on the outside. The building
uses 12 glass lifts, which were the first
y
of their kind in the country.
The Gherkin
(far right) adds
piquancy to
Londons skyline

Ingots in the
gold vault of
The Bank of
England, the
Old Lady of
Threadneedle
Street (above left)

THE CLUB 39

T R AV E L

You can find

all kinds of
silverware in
the London
Silver Vaults

who used the storerooms to keep their stock

secure. Over the past 50 years, the vaults
have been operating as a one-stop shop for
anything silver. They claim to hold the largest retail collection of ne antique silver in
the world, selling anything from teaspoons
to sculpture.
And while Antwerp may claim the
worlds diamond capital title, London
can rival its sparkle as the traditional
home of De Beers. The worlds leader
in diamond trading, De Beers holds
40 per cent of the market share of
the precious stones. Until last year,
De Beers said it held a few weeks
supply at its central sorting oce at
19 Charterhouse Street in Clerkenwell
before moving the oce to Botswana. The neighbourhood is still home to
Hatton Garden where diamond traders
keep a sizeable hoard of the gems (www.
hatton-garden.net/jewellers.html). You
can still view a dazzling selection at the
De Beers agship store on Old Bond Street
(www.debeers.com).
Just a rock throw from De Beers is New
Bond Street a whos who of quintessentially British luxury retail heavyweights

KENSINGTON PALACE
GARDENS IS BRITAINS
MOST EXPENSIVE
RESIDENTIAL STREET
40 THE CLUB

including Burberry, Sothebys, Mulberry and

Smythson. This is the most expensive retail
strip in the country where shop floors are
secured for about GBP400 (about HKD4,700) a
square foot. Luxury jewellers such as Wempe,
Boodles, Asprey and Graff, dominate the
more expensive southern end of the street.
Most of Londons department stores

Photo. Graff: Ian Waldie/Getty Images

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Dragonfly Green necklace has mint-green
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Visit London in grand style with

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Bond stores: Graff

is one of the many
high-end jewellers in
New Bond Street

evolved from drapers stores

and perhaps the most luxurious is
Harrods in Knightsbridge (www.harrods.com).
Who can still aord to shop here? Only a
GBP10-taxi ride from Bond Street, running
alongside Hyde Park is Ken
Kensington
Palace
i
Gardens,
Garde long known as Billionaires Row
Britains most expensive residential street.
Once home to the infamous London Cage,
a torture centre used by MI9 during World
War II, most of the 21 buildings on this street
now operate as embassies. In June last year,
however, Indian-born steel magnate Lakshmi
Mittal bought No. 18-19 for GBP70 million. It is
Mittals third house on the street. A drive along
this tree-lined avenue is likely to turn even the
most well-heeled visitor one shade greener.
But while the most valuable addresses
may be west, the hunt for Londons tangible
wealth, its coins, cash and jewels, will take
you east, towards the City. In former tumultuous times, Londons elite didnt bother
with banks. Since 1303, however precarious
their own safety, the crowned heads of England knew their vast wealth was safe from

Theres no better time to spoil yourself with a

luxurious stay, your very own personal-styling
consultation, fine dining and more. Book and pay
between 16 February and 23 April 2009, to travel
from now to 30 April, and enjoy a package price
starting from HKD28,920 per person. Members of
The Marco Polo Club will also enjoy a special offer of
one round-trip Airport Express ticket per person.
The 4 day/3 night The Ritz London package includes:
Round-trip Economy Class flight between
Hong Kong and London on Cathay Pacific Airways
Three consecutive nights hotel accommodation
with daily breakfast
A personal-styling consultation
Up to six hours of personal shopping service in
central London
One four-course dinner in The Ritz Restaurant
2,000 Asia Miles
Travel insurance.
For reservations
Telephone: +852 2747 4388
Website: www.cxholidays.com
Terms and conditions
Price quoted is per person, based on
two adults sharing one room and
checking in and travelling together
throughout the entire journey.
Cathay Holidays Limited and
Asia Miles terms and conditions apply.

THE CLUB 41

T R AV E L

Crowning glories: The

Crown jewels in the
Tower of London

Safe keeper:
Yeoman Warders
guard the Tower

plebeian fingers in the Tower of London

(www.hrp.org.uk/toweroondon).
The Crown Jewels now displayed in the
Jewel House at the Tower are impossible
to value. Collected over the centuries from
Saxon and Medieval ages, they include
national treasures such as the regalia worn
by the monarch in cornonations: the orbs
and sceptre, coronets and rings. Much of the
earlier regalia was melted down by Cromwellera Parliamentarians. Today, the Tower still
safeguards these treasures, even from hedgefund managers and the Chancellor.
Despite the amount of money currently
pouring out of the citys coffers, and the
plummeting value of the stu that remains,
there is still a fair amount of wealth owing
back into London from visitors wallets.
In March 2008, a survey by UBS found London to be the most expensive city in the
world. It has ocially the most expensive

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From 16 February to 15 May 2009, experience Britain
from behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf for the
exclusive rate of GBP39 a day and earn 1,000
Bonus Asia Miles. Members of The Marco Polo Club
also enjoy:
An all-inclusive rental price that includes VAT
Unlimited mileage
Universal third-party, liability damage and
theft insurance
Road taxes
Airport fee.

42 THE CLUB

To take advantage of this offer, please quote the

booking code 9982220 when making a reservation
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Telephone: +86 10 59001115 (China)
+49 0 1805 23 2222 (Rest of the world)
Website: www.sixtcn.com (China)
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Terms and conditions

Offer is only valid with
SIXT rent a car in the UK.

transport system a 43-second subway fare

from Leicester Square to Covent Garden
costs GBP4 and the Zagat guide names
it as the most expensive city for dining out,
with an average meal costing GBP39.
Those of us not nestled comfortably in
Billionaires Row can only marvel at the many
cultural and architectural monuments to the
resilient capitals industry, mercantile success
and wealth and hope we dont lose too
much of our own in the process.

MUSEUMS AND MONE Y

Many of Londons museums reflect the source of the capitals capital

Dining well in
London may
stretch the
budget, but
there is no
shortage
of choice

BRITISH MUSEUM
www.britishmuseum.org
Coins have formed a major part
of the British Museums collection
since the 18th century. The department of coins and medals boasts
one of the worlds finest collections
of money-related paraphernalia and
holds almost one million objects.

Photos. Crown jewels: Tim Graham Getty Images. Yoeman: Richard Nowitz National Geographic/Getty Images.
Pub: Alamy/ArgusPhoto. Statue: Alamy/ArgusPhoto

MUSEUM OF LONDON
DOCKLANDS
www.museumindocklands.org.uk
The museum, a transformed 200year-old warehouse, details the
history of London as a port from
Roman times until the birth of
Canary Wharf. London, Sugar
and Slavery is the countrys
only permanent exhibition
examining the historical
involvement of the capital in
the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

of years, teas from India, Africa

and Asia have been offloaded,
sorted and sold on the banks of
the River Thames.

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM

www.nmm.ac.uk
This is three separate sites, the Royal
Observatory, the Queens House and
the Maritime Galleries
in Greenwich that
together look at the
significance of the
maritime industry and
the stars (necessary
for navigation) on
the growth
and wealth of
London and
its residents.

BRAMAH MUSEUM OF
TEA AND COFFEE
www.teaandcoeemuseum.co.uk
This is the first museum dedicated to the 400-year history
of the coffee and tea trades
through a largely British perspective. Its located near London Bridge, where for hundreds

Statue of Captain
James Cook at
Museum of
London
Docklands,
Canary Wharf

THE CLUB 43

INSIDE CX

Team Green

Your Marco Polo Club statements are now delivered online another
Cathay Pacic initiative to improve service and also help the environment
BY M AT H E W S CO T T

Fly greener:
Cathay Pacifics
fleet of newer
aircraft reduces
the airlines
environmental
impact

44 THE CLUB

lick, and you get your monthly Marco Polo Club statement.
Click, and you save a lot of paper. The electronic delivery of
Marco Polo Club information provides all your points and
transaction records and enables you to manage your miles (see the
box opposite). But this more efficient service is just one element of
Cathay Pacifics wide-ranging environmental strategy.
Undoubtedly, addressing global climate change is now one
of the most pressing issues facing our world. As an environm
environmentally and socially responsible business, Cathay PPacic
recognizes the urgency and importan
importance of
climate change and the need to pla
play its
part in nding solutions to the prob
problem.
But tackling our environmental impact
im
is nothing new for Cathay Pac
Pacic. It
has been working in this area

since the 1990s when it was one of the rst airlines to report on its
environmental performance, as it has done each year since 1998.
What has changed is the priority accorded to environment within
the company.
Recognising the growing importance of the environment and
climate change within the aviation industry, 2008 saw the establishment of a new Environmental Affairs Department with a dedicated
team of specialists, under the leadership of Dominic Purvis, who will
be known to many of you from his previous role as General Manager,
Cathay Pacific Loyalty Programmes Ltd. Dominic says: Having now
established the nerve centre to co-ordinate our policies and
programmes means that we can influence what the company
does at the strategic level going forward. Weve already spent
time identifying where and how changes can be made and set
an agenda for action. The task now is to deliver. Clearly, there is so
much we could do, but ultimately we need to find practical ways
to reduce our fuel burn and hence our emissions.
He goes on: were constantly looking for ways that we can
reduce our environment and climate-change impact, both
on the ground and in the air. As well as looking at what we
do at our offices, international airports and in flight, were also
working with the aerospace manufacturers to develop new,
more environmentally efficient aircraft technologies for the

future and with regulators to deliver further improvements to

air transport routes.
Complementing Dominics 20 years Cathay Pacific experience,
the team has been strengthened by the appointment of two
environmental specialists from London. Mark Watson, as Manager, Environmental Affairs, joined Cathay Pacific after working on
sustainable aviation issues as Head of Corporate Environmental
Affairs at the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), while
Environmental Manager Janice Lao had previously worked as an
environmental consultant and carbon project developer. Within
his broad role, Mark focuses on initiatives to drive the emissions
reduction strategy developed by the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) in 2007, whose four pillar strategy comprising
technology, operations, infrastructure and economic measures is
at the heart of the industrys vision for a carbon-free future. IATA
has challenged the entire aviation sector to build and operate a
commercial airliner that produces no net carbon emissions within
50 years from 2007. Clearly this is a major ask for manufacturers and
airlines alike, observes Mark.
Having recently joined the 140 global companies signing the
Poznan Communiqu calling for urgent action to tackle climate
change, Cathay Pacific is now actively considering how a global
framework to deal with aviations emissions might look and how it
could operate beyond 2012, the second commitment period of the
existing Kyoto Protocol that will be renegotiated later this year.

Recycle that:
Dominic Purvis,
Cathay Pacific
General Manager
Environmental
Affairs
For Janice, the task of implementing Cathay Pacifics environmental
strategy presents some unique challenges. We need aviation, says
Janice. We know that in order to see our friends and family, to visit
different places. Peoples perception of the aviation industry is that it is
not sustainable. Our challenge therefore is to show that it is possible,
that it can be sustainable.

Photo: Philipp Engelhorn

YOUR NEW ONLINE ACCOUNT SUMM ARY

Since January, all members of The Marco Polo Club now

receive monthly Members emails called an Account Summary, replacing the monthly statement sent by post.
The Account Summary updates you on your account
balance, the latest news and offers, and includes a
private hyperlink to a full monthly statement online.
The new online system allows you to manage your
account faster and easier and:
See how many miles you have and when they expire

Check your transaction records for the past 24 months

Get your monthly statements for past 12 months
Manage your miles you can renew, transfer, donate or
claim missing miles right away from your keyboard
Update your contact information and personal details
Change the members in your redemption group
To ensure that you receive your Account Summary,
please update your email address by logging on to your
Marco Polo Club account at www.cathaypacic.com

THE CLUB 45

CLU B E V E N T S

Golng in
paradise
The annual Marco Polo Club Golf Classic this year was played
in fabulous Bali conditions

erfect Bali weather, two championship courses in a tropical

garden paradise and a splendid
royal banquet The Marco Polo Club
Golf Classic 2008 certainly lived up to
its usual high standards.
Some 60 members and guests from
around the world came together for the
three-day event that kicked o on 14
November last year with a golf clinic at
the Nirwana Bali Golf Club. The prestigious club on Balis southwest coast has
an 18-hole course that weaves through
rice terraces and palm trees and overlooks the Indian Ocean. And because

46 THE CLUB

this was as much a social weekend as a

sporting one, the clinic was followed by
cocktails at Le Meridien Nirwana.
Day two and golfers teed o in round
one of the tournament at the Bali Golf
and Country Club. It was an exciting
mornings play on the course which
was designed by Nelson & Wright and
voted one Asias top five courses by
Fortune magazine.
The second round on 16 November
was played in excellent conditions at
the Nirwana Bali Golf Club, whose 6,775yard course was designed by golfing
great Greg Norman.

Players had the afternoon to relax

before the prize presentation ceremony. The main trophies went to:
Sunil Gidumal, Male Best Gross
Angie Tsai, Female Best Gross
Kurt Louie, Best Individual Stapleford
The closing gala dinner at the Hotel
Tugu Bali was a feast t for a king. Guests
were issued with specially produced
sarongs to dress for a Balinese royal dining experience. Dramatically costumed
waiters bearing candle-lit litters of food
served the entre courses, and the lobby was transformed into a stage for the
ery traditional Kecak dance.

Looking forward to another perfect

day of golf (above)
Angie Tsai, trophy winner (top)

A superb setting for

a round of golf (left)
The royal buffet
(bottom left)
Trophy winners flank
James Barrington,
Director Sales
and Marketing,
Cathay Pacific Airways
(sixth from left, below)

THE CLUB 47

CLU B E V E N T S

Christmas cheer

Chairman of Cathay Pacic Airways Christopher Pratt hosted a pre-Christmas drinks

reception on 16 December 2008, enjoyed by members of The Marco Polo Club from
around the world and executives from Cathay Pacic and Dragonair

From left to right: Oli

ver Stratton, Paul Loo
(General
Manager, Cathay Pac
ific Loyalty Programm
es Ltd.
CPLP), Katie Row
en (Manager The Ma
rco Polo Club,
CPLP), Ada Tsang (As
sistant Manager The
Marco Polo Club,
CPLP) and Whye Chu
en Lai

Gooljarry,
s Paul Boissier, Cassam
Richard Ellert, Jacque
r Inflight
age
Man
al
ner
(Ge
Cox
Charlie Stewarter Hickox
Services, CPA) and Fras

fic
er Pratt (Chairman, Cathay Paci
Cheng Hoi Chuen, Christoph
and Anthony Conway

Airways CPA)

Bernard Siu Yu Fung,

Marcel Robert Fenez,
Christopher Pratt, Fra
ncesca Pratt and Ant
hony Langridge
ns, CPA),
(Director Flight Operatio
John Harrison, Nick Rhodes
ctor Sales
(Dire
on
ingt
Barr
es
Jam
David Yem and
and Marketing, CPA)

John Slosar (Chief

Operating Officer,
CPA) and

Chen Chia Chiang

48 THEE CLUB

enjoying a buf fet

of delicacies

Yoon Soon Kok

ve Ushiyama
Won Sik Kwon, Ste
and Katie Rowen

, Takeshi Okamura

C X N E WS

CHECKIN ON THE MOVE WITH MOBILE SERVICE

FROM CATHAY PACIFIC AND DRAGONAIR
Checking in for Cathay Pacic
and Dragonair ights is now
even more convenient with our
new Mobile Check-In service.
By accessing the mobile sites
with a web-enabled mobile
phone, passengers with
eTickets issued by Cathay Pacic
or Dragonair can check in

anytime, anywhere for themselves

and their companions and require
no additional application downloads.
In order to enjoy this service,
simply visit m.cathaypacic.com
or m.dragonair.com and click
Check in. Select your seat from a seat
map and receive a conrmation barcode
by SMS or email. Then, at the airport, you

PAMPER YOURSELF WITH OUR AMENITY KITS

Cathay Pacific provides a range of
amenity kits specially designed for
its First and Business Class passengers. The First Class amenity kit for
men comes with a new stylish bag
designed by Bally and packed with
skincare products by Acca Kappa.
For ladies, the new exclusive designs
by Ipa-Nima will be introduced
ed
in two phases. These elegantt
pouches are lled with a
collection of skin and bodycare products from Aesop.

The Business Class amenity kit with

exclusive designs by agns b. features
new skin-care selections from Murad
and Dermalogica and will continue to
be oered in Business Class cabins.
These new kits will be progressively
introduced in 2009.

Club partners :
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Park Hyatt Hotels
Grand Hyatt Hotels Hyatt Regency Hotels Hyatt Place
Hyatt Summerfield Suites
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marriott International Hotels Marriott Hotels & Resorts
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts Renaissance Hotel & Resorts

First Cla
Class kits

oneworld ENJOYS
10TH ANNIVERSARY
Check-in
made easy
can scan the mobile barcode at our
Self Check-In Kiosks (where available)
and print your own boarding pass.
For more details about the service,
please visit www.cathaypacic.com or
www.dragonair.com.

ASIA MILES WINS AN

AWARD FOR SERVICE
AND INNOVATION
Asia Miles, Asias leading travel rewards
programme, has been recognised for
its contributions to the Hong Kong
community and economy.
Asia Miles won a Supreme Service
Award, aat a ceremony hosted
by Capital
Capi CEO magazine,
for its excellent
customer
ex
service aand strategy of
product
produc innovation.

The oneworld airline alliance is 10

years old this year. Cathay Pacific Chief
Executive Tony Tyler outlines its importance to the airline and the industry.
A lot has happened since
Cathay Pacific became one of the founder
members of oneworld in 1999. Our airline
has grown significantly over the past
decade, as has oneworld, and being part
of the leading quality alliance has played
an important role in enabling us to offer a
better product to our customers. Being a
oneworld member has helped us extend
our markets, introduce innovative new
products and realise various synergies
from being in partnership with some of
the worlds finest airlines.
Looking ahead, our relationship with
oneworld will continue to be an integral
part of our strategy for future growth
and development in the next 10 years
and beyond, for both Cathay Pacific and
our sister airline Dragonair.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler

Forr exclusive Club partners offers,

offers please visit the members
mem
area of www.cathaypacific.com

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Traders Hotels
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Four Points by Sheraton
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts The Luxury Collection
Le Mridien W Hotels Westin Hotels & Resorts
Swire Hotels

The Hilton Family Hilton Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Doubletree Embassy Suites Hotels Hilton Garden Inn
The Peninsula Hotels
Avis
Hertz
SIXT rent a car

For all partner offers, prices quoted are subject to change without prior notice. Peak season surcharges apply. Advance reservation is required and rooms are subject to availability.
Blackout dates apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or membership benefit.

THE CLUB 49

M AG A ZINE O F T HE M AR CO PO LO CLUB

Spin doctors: the custom-bike-makers + Treasure hunt

in London + 24 hours in Beijing + Antique-map experts
show the way + Cathay Pacifics new environment team

QUARTER ONE 2009