Places to travel and upcoming events
Fall asleep to a ticking lullaby within the treasure trove of time that is the L'O Hotel.
L'O Hotel
The tock of Florence
Fall asleep to a ticking lullaby within the treasure trove of time that is the L'O Hotel.
When visiting the womb of the Italian rennaissance, what better place to stay at than one that combines the city's timelessness with global evolution? The quirky Hotel L'Orologio is among the city's best kept secrets-an innovative blend of horology, luxury and hospitality. Inspired by the art of high-end watchmaking this boutique hotel displays over 2,000 vintage watches ensconced within its premises. Each of the timepieces belong to the owner, Sandro Fratini's private collection, and the hotel too, falls under the new Italian luxury hotel group WhyTheBest, founded by the Fratini family.
The interiors are designed by architect Marianna Gagliardi, and are reminiscent of a traditional men's club. Elements of leather, dark brass, velvet and mahogany are complemented by colours and aromas of tobacco. With 54 rooms in all, each floor follows a theme and decor dedicated to one specific luxury watch brand ranging from Rolex and Patek Philippe to Vacheron Constantin.
Whether in concept, design or comfort, here's a hotel that proves that time is worth travelling for.
Gfting made simple
Recently launched website, www.groomstars.com aims at making gifting for men a whole lot easier. The collection offers products ranging from wallets and watch cases to hobby goods, tool sets and limited edition photographs of legendary artists, hand-signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Log on for great buys for your best boys.
Save the earth
Auction house Christie's is promoting its 2011 green auction and has found supporters among celebrities and leaders who have pledged to auction incredible experiences that will raise funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet. Treats include the ultimate Oscar Night package with tickets to the night-before reception, roundtrip airfare, and two nights at the Beverly Hills Hotel. There's also a flight with Harrison Ford aboard his personal aircraft, with roundtrip airfare to LA and four nights at The Ritz-Carlton, and even the chance to spend an entire day with former US President Bill Clinton.
The Berlin Wall Returns
Germany's Cold War history is a difficult memory to erase. Tourists to Berlin looking for remnants of the Berlin Wall will find the work of graffiti artists scattered randomly across the ex-communist edifice. And if thus far it's been appropriated by free spirited artists, in 2012 the Berlin Wall will make a statesponsored comeback. Two decades after the 100-mile-long and six-metre-high wall complete with barbed wire barriers was torn down, it will be partially rebuilt for posterity. The wall slabs were sold to raise about two million Deutsche marks for the government. Currently, the wall complex runs 800 metres along six city blocks, using authentic wall slabs that were bought for 1,000 each from private collectors. Berlin plans to add another 500 metres to border an additional four blocks in the city, for construction costs amounting to 28 million. The additional wall space will, unsurprisingly, showcase over 100 giant frescoes by artists from around the world.
The BT More Playlist
New releases
The Drums, Portamento
The Brooklyn indie poppers are back with their second album, bringing back the jangling guitar reminiscent of 80s British indie pop.
Mary J Blige, My Life II: The Journey Continues
The R&B artist is releasing her tenth studio album, the sequel to her defining 1994 album, My Life.
Jimi Hendrix, Hendrix In The West
After a posthumous release in '72, the album is slated to be re-released as part of the Hendrix family's project to re-master the legend's discography.
Blink 182, Neighborhoods
After reuniting in 2009 the pop-punk band will be releasing their next album eight years after their last one.
Kelly Clarkson, Stronger
The popular American Idol winner's fifth album is all set for release with a webcast of her single 'Let Me Down'.
6 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
1. METALLICA'S TOUR OF INDIA
LA-based heavy metal band, Metallica, is performing in India for the first time ever. They will be the opening act at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in New Delhi on October 28. The band will then travel to Bangalore, where they will perform at the Palace Ground on October 30.
Website Metallica.com
2. MUSICAL WATERS
Classical music piped to the wonderful effect of light and water in the gardens of Chateau de Versailles is a decadent experience indeed. Enjoy a midsummer evening at this incredible locale with performances by the best musicians of France. Every weekend till October 31.
Website ChateauVersailles-spectacles.fr
3. SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
This week-long film festival in San Diego focuses on Asian American and Asian international cinema. The schedule includes arthouse indie films, international blockbusters, short films, animation, documentaries and docu-dramas with English subtitles. Screened at the Hazard Center UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley from October 20-28.
Website SDAFF.org
4. LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL
A food festival that covers multiple dining venues, the London Restaurant Festival (LRF) 2011 includes gastronomic delights at Michelin-starred restaurants and neighbourhood cafs and bistros. The festival runs from October 3-17.
Website LondonRestaurantFestival.com
5. INTERNATIONAL HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM FAIR
One of the largest handicraft and handloom fairs of India will be held at Bhubaneswar, Orissa from October 20-22.
Website IHHFBhubaneswar.com
6. MELBOURNE FESTIVAL
One of Australia's leading international arts festivals, the Melbourne Festival has a reputation for presenting unique events in the fields of dance, theatre, music, visual arts and multimedia. All of the events are held outdoors and are free of charge. Held every year for 17 days across the month of October, this year's dates are the 6th to the 22nd.
Website MelbourneFestival.com.au
Fall asleep to a ticking lullaby within the treasure trove of time that is the L'O Hotel.
When visiting the womb of the Italian rennaissance, what better place to stay at than one that combines the city's timelessness with global evolution? The quirky Hotel L'Orologio is among the city's best kept secrets-an innovative blend of horology, luxury and hospitality. Inspired by the art of high-end watchmaking this boutique hotel displays over 2,000 vintage watches ensconced within its premises. Each of the timepieces belong to the owner, Sandro Fratini's private collection, and the hotel too, falls under the new Italian luxury hotel group WhyTheBest, founded by the Fratini family.
The interiors are designed by architect Marianna Gagliardi, and are reminiscent of a traditional men's club. Elements of leather, dark brass, velvet and mahogany are complemented by colours and aromas of tobacco. With 54 rooms in all, each floor follows a theme and decor dedicated to one specific luxury watch brand ranging from Rolex and Patek Philippe to Vacheron Constantin.
Whether in concept, design or comfort, here's a hotel that proves that time is worth travelling for.
Gfting made simple
Recently launched website, www.groomstars.com aims at making gifting for men a whole lot easier. The collection offers products ranging from wallets and watch cases to hobby goods, tool sets and limited edition photographs of legendary artists, hand-signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Log on for great buys for your best boys.
Save the earth
Auction house Christie's is promoting its 2011 green auction and has found supporters among celebrities and leaders who have pledged to auction incredible experiences that will raise funds and awareness for the preservation and sustainability of the planet. Treats include the ultimate Oscar Night package with tickets to the night-before reception, roundtrip airfare, and two nights at the Beverly Hills Hotel. There's also a flight with Harrison Ford aboard his personal aircraft, with roundtrip airfare to LA and four nights at The Ritz-Carlton, and even the chance to spend an entire day with former US President Bill Clinton.
Germany's Cold War history is a difficult memory to erase. Tourists to Berlin looking for remnants of the Berlin Wall will find the work of graffiti artists scattered randomly across the ex-communist edifice. And if thus far it's been appropriated by free spirited artists, in 2012 the Berlin Wall will make a statesponsored comeback. Two decades after the 100-mile-long and six-metre-high wall complete with barbed wire barriers was torn down, it will be partially rebuilt for posterity. The wall slabs were sold to raise about two million Deutsche marks for the government. Currently, the wall complex runs 800 metres along six city blocks, using authentic wall slabs that were bought for 1,000 each from private collectors. Berlin plans to add another 500 metres to border an additional four blocks in the city, for construction costs amounting to 28 million. The additional wall space will, unsurprisingly, showcase over 100 giant frescoes by artists from around the world.
The BT More Playlist
New releases
The Drums, Portamento
The Brooklyn indie poppers are back with their second album, bringing back the jangling guitar reminiscent of 80s British indie pop.
Mary J Blige, My Life II: The Journey Continues
The R&B artist is releasing her tenth studio album, the sequel to her defining 1994 album, My Life.
Jimi Hendrix, Hendrix In The West
After a posthumous release in '72, the album is slated to be re-released as part of the Hendrix family's project to re-master the legend's discography.
Blink 182, Neighborhoods
After reuniting in 2009 the pop-punk band will be releasing their next album eight years after their last one.
Kelly Clarkson, Stronger
The popular American Idol winner's fifth album is all set for release with a webcast of her single 'Let Me Down'.
6 THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH
LA-based heavy metal band, Metallica, is performing in India for the first time ever. They will be the opening act at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in New Delhi on October 28. The band will then travel to Bangalore, where they will perform at the Palace Ground on October 30.
Website Metallica.com
2. MUSICAL WATERS
Classical music piped to the wonderful effect of light and water in the gardens of Chateau de Versailles is a decadent experience indeed. Enjoy a midsummer evening at this incredible locale with performances by the best musicians of France. Every weekend till October 31.
Website ChateauVersailles-spectacles.fr
3. SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
This week-long film festival in San Diego focuses on Asian American and Asian international cinema. The schedule includes arthouse indie films, international blockbusters, short films, animation, documentaries and docu-dramas with English subtitles. Screened at the Hazard Center UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley from October 20-28.
Website SDAFF.org
A food festival that covers multiple dining venues, the London Restaurant Festival (LRF) 2011 includes gastronomic delights at Michelin-starred restaurants and neighbourhood cafs and bistros. The festival runs from October 3-17.
Website LondonRestaurantFestival.com
5. INTERNATIONAL HANDICRAFT AND HANDLOOM FAIR
One of the largest handicraft and handloom fairs of India will be held at Bhubaneswar, Orissa from October 20-22.
Website IHHFBhubaneswar.com
6. MELBOURNE FESTIVAL
One of Australia's leading international arts festivals, the Melbourne Festival has a reputation for presenting unique events in the fields of dance, theatre, music, visual arts and multimedia. All of the events are held outdoors and are free of charge. Held every year for 17 days across the month of October, this year's dates are the 6th to the 22nd.
Website MelbourneFestival.com.au
