ISSUE: Spring 2012
DEPT: DestinAsian
STORY: Anna M. Park
Here at the Luxury Collection
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, is an ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries around the world. Known for their magnificent décor, spectacular settings, and unique experiences, the collection includes iconic properties like The Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach, Equinox in Vermont, and The Phoenician, a sprawling property in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Their latest endeavor, inspired by the brand’s mantra, “Life is a Collection of Experiences. Let Us Be Your Guide,” is Here, an original short film conceived by the brand’s Global Explorer, Waris Ahluwalia, and actress Tilda Swinton. Directed by Luca Guadagnino and star- ring Agyness Deyn, Here is a coast-to- coast romantic voyage shot at three of The Luxury Collection’s most iconic properties, from The British School of Falconry at the Equinox, the Mother of Pearl pool at The Phoenician, and the Royal Beach Tower at The Royal Hawaiian. The film highlights the American landscape and the unique indigenous experiences that travelers seek. Born in India and raised in New York City, Ahluwalia is also an actor and designer of the jewelry line House of Waris. Details TheLuxuryCollection.com/thefilmhere.
ISSUE: Spring 2012
DEPT: DestinAsian
STORY: Anna M. Park
I have no sense of direction whatsoever, so when I got turned around in a Kyoto neighborhood, all would have been lost were it not for the sweet Japanese couple who didn’t speak a word of English but offered to take me to the ryokan I was searching for. If I had something like Florent Chavouet’s Tokyo on Foot, I would’ve been in much better shape. Filled with adorable, quirky drawings of food stands, local policemen and scenes of everyday life, Chavouet includes fascinating tidbits like what the bottle labeled “Suntory Dakara” tastes like and the differences between the various “hipsters.” In addition to fairly detailed, hand-drawn maps with important markers like “fantastic free panoramic views” and “the dirtiest restrooms in Japan,” Chavouet graphically recounts everything from his search for an apartment and encounters with local insects, to a bike theft debacle during his six-month stay there, making for a charming, amusing read. Details Paperback, $22.95, tuttlepublishing.com.
