Weekendin Singapore Nov '13 | Issue 08 | Page 58

WeekendinFEATURE WeekendinFEATURE HOLIDAY VISA REQUIRENMENTS Singaporeans: Yes British/Australian/Other Passports: Yes FLIGHT ROUTE Singapore Changi Airport - Moscow (DME)/ St. Petersburg (LED) FLIGHT PROVIDERS Emirates: Flight to St. Petersburg (1 Stop) Qatar Airways: Flight to St. Petersburg (2 Stops) Singapore Airlines: Flight to Moscow (Direct) CONNECTING FLIGHTS FROM MOSCOW TO ST. PETERSBERG •Rossiya Airlines •Transaero Airlines The Lomonosov Bridge The Grand Hyatt Club Travel to the Mikhailovsky Castle Travel to St. Petersberg Russia is a country of contrasts and extremes; its history of cruel tyrants, espionage, and depressing winters easily overshadowed by its rich culture and reputation as the birthplace of some of the world’s most iconic contributors in literature, philosophy, classical music, ballet, architecture, and art. Russia’s second largest city, Saint Petersburg is also known as the cultural capital of the country. Replete with palaces and museums, the beauty of the city is in its formal grandeur made all the more magnificent by the network of canals flowing throughout the city. A walk along the bank of the Neva River, an essential part of the city’s charm, is said to be one of the most romantic experiences in the world. Some of its world famous attractions are the Hermitage Museum, which has more than three million works of art and artefacts of the world Weekendin 56 culture. The Peter and Paul Fortress is another must-see as the location of one of Russia’s most famous historical prisons. Its 122 metre gilded spire is hard to miss as it can be seen from various points of St. Petersburg. Get a glimpse of the extravagant lifestyle of Russian Royalty by visiting one of their myriad majestic palaces such as the Catherine Palace or Peterhof. Be sure to experience first-hand the marvels of Russian architecture, at the iconic Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood which has an excitingly mutlicoloured exterior and beautiful mosaic covered interiors. The canals are the ideal way to view the city, and boats can be found at the Fontanka River dock and on the Neva River. Be sure to try some of Russia’s traditional foods while you’re there. These include Pelmeni, (boiled dumplings with minced meat), Borsch (beetroot soup based on meat), Shchi (cabbage soup), and Solyanka (a thick and spicy tomato- Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood based chowder). Perhaps the most popular time to visit St. Petersburg is in the summer. Apart from avoiding the freezing cold Russian winters, visiting in the summer (between June 11th to July 2nd) gives you the chance to experience St. Petersburg’s famous White Nights. This is where the sun dips below the horizon for just a short period of time, giving the city a magical all-night glow. Stroll along the river banks for the ultimate romantic experience, or indulge in the annual White Nights Festival which has music concerts and all-night parties galore. Grand Hyatt Bali My pre-conceived idea of Bali was that of a tropical island, complete with floral cotton shirts, coconut coolers, tall coconut palms and hammocks under every tree. The reality of this jungle paradise, both undid and re-enforced my every expectation. This is not an untouched island for a budding Indiana to explore, but rather, a slice of Indonesia that has become many things to many people, catering to a variety of tastes and appetites. Hotels have sprouted over the years like wild rice and many have come to epitomise the best of resort-style hospitality in Asia. A bright-faced gentleman waving a board with my name on it, escorts us to a four-wheel drive, bound for the Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua. After driving through streets lined with ramshackle buildings and houses, this Grand Lady does not fail to impress upon first sight: A gong sounds our arrival and a plethora of delightful and dedicated staff greet us as if welcoming old longed-for friends. Their sincerity and warmth is intoxicating. The tone is set… My eyes feast on the surreal surroundings: an open lobby with a clear view of the sea, crowns the 41acre property and we descend through immaculately landscaped gardens with quirky umbrella trees, over lagoons and lily-laced ponds, past walk-way linked rooms, to our one bedroom suite. The Hyatt is famous for its quality rooms and signature-style. Crisp white linen, wooden panelling, coffee and gold accents, simple cleancut lines – all true to the brand. Our suite has a dining room, N’espresso coffee machine, a flat screened TV in every room (including the bathroom) which has no less than two rainshowers and a custom-built stone bathtub unlike anything I have ever laid eyes on. Then we spotted the glass jars filled with home-made treats: chocolate chip cookies, sugar-coated jelly squares, coconut clusters and nut clusters in dark chocolate… heaven meets earth in two bites! But, what I most appreciate is the way the Grand By Tanya Micallef Hyatt’s designers stitch in local accents ensuring that each of their hotels is both consistent yet unique. On the Island of the Gods, religious statues, intricate carvings, beautiful paintings and antique furniture from all over the archipelago; jewellery, pottery, woven textiles and priceless songkets (a length of cloth with silver or gold thread woven in, worn as a skirt for special occasions and ceremonies), ikats (traditional silk sarongs that have the design woven in, not printed or dyed) - a magnificent and envious collection gathered together and displayed to form Grand Hyatt Balli’s cultural watermark. Our welcome also includes full access to the executive lounge, available to all staying in club rooms and suites. This is a Bali-style pagoda, floating atop a fish-filled lagoon. Its A-framed grass roof is fitted with colonial fans lazily turning away the afternoon heat. Hand-made woven lamps cluster at the roof’s centre, creating a gentile atmosphere, inviting one to linger and soak in the photographic surroundings for just a little while longer! 57 Weekendin