Pages

Tuesday, May 10, 2016



CHART ART FAIR, the leading Nordic contemporary art fair, returns to The Royal Danish Academy of Fine ArtsKunsthal Charlottenborg in Copenhagen for its fourth edition from August 26 28, 2016. Since its inception, CHART has established itself as the international platform for contemporary art in the region.

CHART breaks with the traditional fair format by carefully curating the galleriesartwork and presenting everything in unison as an exhibition, in the halls of Kunsthal Charlottenborg. The selection and curation is realised by the five founding galleries based in Copenhagen: Galleri Susanne Ottesen, Galleri Bo Bjerggaard, V1 Gallery, Andersens Contemporary and David Risley Gallery.

This year 28 of the leading galleries from the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and 2 galleries based outside of the Nordic region, but originating from Copenhagen and Helsinki, have been invited to participate in the fair. Belenius/Nordenhake (SE), Galleri Brandstrup (NO), Croy Nielsen (DE), and Helsinki Contemporary (FI) will exhibit at the fair for the first time. 

Source: Press release

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Booking a holiday makes 15 per cent of British women happier than sex, says Airbnb

‘Desktop Holidays’ on the rise: Beat the January Blues by browsing holiday websites

·        Airbnb sees 36 per cent rise in browse-time from December to January as neuropsychologist identifies a developing breed of ‘desktop travellers’

·        Booking a holiday makes 15 per cent of British women happier than sex

·        ‘Mind Travel’ causes feel-good chemicals such as dopamine


Renowned British neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis has identified a rise in people browsing holiday sites in January as a means of escapism, terming this ‘desktop holidays’.

The news comes as leading community driven hospitality company Airbnb releases data showing a significant rise in how long people spend lusting after holiday destinations in January. Typically guests browse for 36 percent more time in January than December, which Dr David Lewis attributes to the intrinsic desire for a feel-good boost.

Research from the UK confirms that 75 per cent of people regularly browse travel websites to cheer themselves up - one in three doing so when they should be working. This isn't the only coping mechanism however; one in ten admit to taking a sniff of sunscreen for a spot of sensory escapism, and actually booking a holiday makes 15 per cent of women happier than sex.

Neuropsychologist Dr David Lewis comments that for the British: “January is the month when Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is most severe. Grey skies, short days and a lack of sunshine can lead to bouts of ‘winter depression’ by increasing the production of melatonin by the brain’s pineal gland. The hormone can generate feelings of despair, guilt, a loss of pleasure in everyday activities, irritability and a lack of energy.

“One answer is to use the Internet to fantasise about your perfect holiday in the sun. This form of ‘Mind Travel’ causes feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, dubbed the ‘pleasure pedal,’ to flood into your brain making us happier, more energetic and more optimistic.”

The number of booking per minute also sees a spike in January, up 18 percent on the yearly average.  Airbnb sees an average 45 bookings per minute in January, compared to a yearly average of 38 per minute.

As for the type of properties that make up these dream holidays, the more unusual the better. Browsers using the Wish List tool are choosing treehouses over stately homes, and dreaming about igloos, converted vans, lighthouses and caves.

Top 10 Most Wish Listed Properties on Airbnb

1 Secluded Intown Treehouse <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1415908> Atlanta Ga
2 The Seashell House ~ Casa Caracol <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/530250> Mexico
3 Treehouse/casabarthel <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1621152> Tuscany, Italy
4 Unique Cob Cottage <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1720832> Mayne Island, Canada
5 Aroma(n)tica TreehouseinMonferrato <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/880308> San Salvatore Monferrato, Italy
6 Mushroom Dome Cabin <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/8357> Aptos, CA
7 Pirates of the Caribbean Getaway <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/507927> (tent) <https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/507927> Topanga Canyon, CA,
8 Balian Treehouse with private pool <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/1016153> Bali
9 Brand New Mini Loft <https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/803710> Rome, Italy
10 Off The Gridit House <https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19606> Pioneertown, CA

Top 10 Wish Listed Property Types on Airbnb
1.          Treehouse
2.          Igloo
3.          Van
4.          Lighthouse
5.          Cave
6.          Island
7.          Yurt
8.          Train
9.          Loft
10.        Cabin

##

About Airbnb
Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world – online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and more than 190 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

Source: Press release

Monday, November 23, 2015

Java Wooden Villa opens in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, CAMBODIA, November 2015 – The unique 10-room Java Wooden Villa hotel in Siem Reap opens in December 2015.  It will be managed by Asia Initiative Corporation Plus (AICPlus), Cambodia’s leading domestic hotels & resorts management company. 

The two-storey Java Wooden Villa reflects traditional Khmer architecture with ancient recycled timbers and handcrafted wooden filigree, complemented by ‘Manhattan’ style modern design and luxury appointments.  The villa rooms overlook a large saltwater pool, sun beds, umbrellas, private lounge spaces, rooftop dining and lush tropical gardens.




Located in the the popular but relaxed Krous Village area, Java Wooden Villa offers 6 luxury guest rooms and 4 family suites, and easy access to the Siem Reap airport, golf course, a 5-minute remarque (tuk tuk) ride to the popular Pub Street, old markets, and 15 minutes from the Angkor Archaeological Park.

The hotel design enables guests to move seamlessly between their Villa room, pool, spa and massage centre, bar-and-restaurant and lounge areas.  Delicious Cambodian cuisine as well as popular western dishes are available until 11 pm with fresh cocktails, craft beers and wines available.

The Java Wooden Villa hotel complements the Bong Thom homestay, also managed by AIC, which provides a unique community-based village life experience in traditional Khmer housing set among mango and dragon fruit orchards, a purpose-built fish farm, and rice fields.

AIC’s portfolio of Cambodian hotels under management is now 10 with AIC recently announcing the signing of a 9-year lease of the popular The Sanctuary Villa Battambang hotel.

Prices at the Java Wooden Villa hotel begin at USD80 and family rooms from USD150.  A special 15% discount on existing internet room rates offered by recognised online hotel booking agencies is available for a standard suite at the Java Wooden Villa for bookings made from November 20 to December 20, 2015. 

Included are breakfast for two, complementary airport pick up or transfer, internet access.  However, the promotion is only available through direct bookings made at central.booking@asiainitiativecorp.com or telephone +855 77 332 168. 

Additional discounts are available when booking rooms at both the Java Wooden Villa and the Bong Thom homestay for the one stay.

Source: Press release

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Six Senses Residences Courchevel opening in the French Alps.

















SKI HAPPY!

December marks the opening of Six Senses Residences Courchevel at the heart of one of the most coveted winter destinations. The renowned hotel and spa group’'s first residential project in Europe, it features 53 beautifully appointed apartments, a Six Senses Spa and an exclusive 24/7 private ski-in-ski-out concierge service to access all that Courchevel has to offer, from private jets to bespoke gourmet ski guiding. The dedicated  ski concierge service will allow guests to ski on and off the piste morning and evening without the need to carry their skis or boots a single step.  A shuttle service will also be provided during the day and evening.

Six Senses Residences include one, two and three bedroom apartments and duplex penthouse suites with private treatment rooms and up to five bedrooms. All interiors have been designed by Alain Foeillet, blending contemporary styles with traditional mountain influences that celebrate the alpine aesthetic. The natural environment provides inspiration by featuring timber walls and robust beams, stone and clay flooring complemented by custom-made furniture and local art.

For the ultimate ski residences, 10 spacious penthouses cover 1,076 square feet (100 square meters)  offering panoramic mountain views, up to five exquisitely appointed bedrooms, specially configured wine cellars and triple aspect balconies overlooking the slopes. Smaller apartments are also available all with balconies, terraces, guest rooms and their own parking spaces, ski lockers and caves. All interiors have been custom designed using carefully selected light materials that give the apartments a warm, comforting atmosphere. For the furnished apartments, the majority of the furniture is also custom-made, ensuring that the end result is like nothing ever seen before.




Six Senses Spa Courchevel will be the perfect place to ease tired muscles after an exhilarating day on the slopes. An open-plan reception and lounge area will welcome residents whilst a range of signature massages, restorative therapies, facials and body treatments will be offered across five dedicated treatment rooms. The spa will also feature an indoor swimming pool, saunas, steam room, a relaxation lounge, a gym and a studio for wellness classes.

Manicure and pedicure stations and a juice bar will be seamlessly incorporated so residents and guests can enjoy complete hands and feet pampering and a good conversation over a glass of healthy juice. Comprehensive tailored wellness experiences will be available, making  the spa a true destination as well as a fun experience. The spa will open to residents and outside guests in the autumn of 2016.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, said, “We are delighted to be selected to manage Six Senses Residences Courchevel, the first fully-serviced residential development in Courchevel 1850 and our second project in the French Alps.”

Charles Weston-Baker, head of international developments, added, “Not only does Six Senses Courchevel deliver the magic of the having the best address in Europe's most stylish ski resort, but it also provides the logic of a being a sound tax efficient investment that, if required, can more than cover annual running and finance costs from renting it out for part of the year.”

Six Senses Residences Courchevel is located 62 miles (100 kilometers) from the airport of Chambéry and Lyon Saint-Exupéry and accessible via TGV and Eurostar which is a mere 30-minute drive to the town of Moutiers.

Weekly rentals that will include a range of services such as breakfast, daily cleaning, linen and home products will be available from the beginning of December to the end of April, and cost from USD 6150 to USD 40,000 per week.

http://www.sixsenses.com

Source: Press release

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Spring in the Hunter, rock orchid king hit ..

Ken Martin/TBC ©

An incredible scent stopped Ken Martin in his tracks, but which orchid is it??  Seems the names are easily confused, but they are fabulous.

Dendrobium kingianum v album has an arching mass of arching, scented white bells.
Dendrobium speciosum is the King orchid – huge trusses of pale yellow blooms.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Aqua Mekong's New Adventures between Vietnam and Cambodia.






Aqua Expeditions is celebrating its first anniversary with enticing new adventures along the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia.

The sleek and contemporary Aqua Mekong is the only vessel on the Mekong River to operate private tenders with the fleet of four aluminium launch boats and bikes taking guests to fascinating local settings not accessible to other cruise companies.

The adventures transport guests by boat, foot and bike, past pastoral Khmer scenes of sugar palm fronds, emerald rice fields, floating markets and families travelling by ox cart while they enjoy ‘meet and greet’ encounters with local villagers, artisans and learned Buddhist monks.

To bring Aqua Mekong passengers deeper than ever into this tropical landscape that has long captivated the imagination of foreign explorers, one can head out on invigorating new excursions by bicycle, tuk tuks or kayak.  A unique way to observe the exotic rituals of daily life along the mighty Mekong is on two wheels, stopping to photograph catfish sellers, the planting of rice paddies or local children playing with the family’s domesticated water buffalo.    

Guests can hop on the bikes to explore the picturesque riverbanks of the Mekong River and stay fit cycling the flat paved and dirt trails while discovering, at their leisure, local village life.
Aqua Mekong passengers have the option of 8 to 15 kilometre biking routes to say hello to a crimson robed monk, photograph stilted Khmer houses and ornately embellished pagodas or, perhaps, enjoy an invitation from a new friend to dine in their nearby home. These all-terrain touring bikes are available for both adults and children.

Double-kayaks are available throughout various locations in Cambodia – in Oknha Tey, guests can paddle to see local silk-weavers at work, or kayak the Moat Khla region by Tonle Sap Lake and/or in the waterways in the Kampong Chnnang Province.

Aqua Mekong cruises per person twin share in First Deck Suite commence from USD3315 for a
3-night Discovery Cruise, USD4420 for a 4-night Explorer Cruise and USD7735 for a 7-night Expedition Cruise, inclusive of all on-board meals and scheduled shore activities.

www.aquaexpeditions.com

ABOUT AQUA EXPEDITIONS
In just eight years, Aqua Expeditions has become a recognised leader in luxury small ship cruising on the world's greatest rivers. The realisation of founder Francesco Galli Zugaro's dream, the architect-designed, custom-built 12-suite Aqua Amazon and 16-suite Aria Amazon cruise ships brought luxury cruising to the Amazon River in Peru, offering travellers nature-based, professionally guided adventures combined with sophisticated 5-star boutique hotel accommodation and gourmet cuisine. In October 2014, building on the growing interest among travellers in small-ship cruising, Aqua Expeditions launched the 20-suite Aqua Mekong on the historic Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam.


Sunday, September 27, 2015

The Wick and Beyond: Artists and Artisans of the East End. By Ansell Cizic.

Well Hung Gallery, 239 Hoxton Street, London N1 5LG
wellhung.co.uk/art
1 October – 1 November, 2015

Gavin Turk: by Ansell Cizic ©



Photographer Ansell Cizic first came to the East End as a fashion advertising photographer in the 1980s, based in Curtain Road at a time when SCP was the sole local purveyor of aspirational design artifacts. The Bricklayers Arms, The City Beverage Company and a tiny paper/tobacconist shop on the corner of Curtain Road/Old Street were suppliers of his staples. 

Times have changed.

A resident of Hackney Wick now for over ten years, he has had an anthropologist's eye on the evolving communities and their sub divisions; watching them grow and flourish (given the right conditions) only to be consumed within a relatively short space of time by the latest
dominant species/culture.


Andrew Salgado: by Ansell Cizic ©
Like all photographers, Ansell  is an inveterate collector by nature. He collects subjects and in this instance he has chosen to gather together endangered species soon to be erased from their natural habitat. The collection of creative and quite often exotic creatures in this ever burgeoning archive represent only the tip of a colossal künstlerhandwerkerberg......... (Ansell's sure the Germans wish they’d thought of it!) soon to disappear under the tsunami of property development that began almost 40 years ago.

Lizzie Peers: by Ansell Cizic ©
Ansell's brief to himself was very simple: one camera, one lens, daylight and a limited time in which make the photograph. None of the intrusive paraphernalia (lighting, stylists, creative directors etc) of his former photographic incarnation.

He is hopeful that he has avoided a ‘theme’ whilst making these images, and yet, as each image has a unique taste, there is inevitably an aesthetic flavour and humour that is particular to Ansell Cizic.
Paul Sakoilsky: by Ansell Cizic ©

Ariane Prin: by Ansell Cizic ©

Alan Coulson: by Ansell Cizic ©

The Wick and Beyond: Artists and Artisans of the East End 
By Ansell Cizic

Well Hung Gallery
wellhung.co.uk



Ansell Cizic


Well Hung is a specialist printers, framers and art gallery based in the East End of London. With decades of experience, everything produced is made bespoke in-house by skilled craftsmen, using only the best possible equipment and materials.