J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 The Circular Economy Luxury brands take a look at resale customers Underwater resorts around the world How to stay fit on the desk The latest ‘it’ restaurants in Goa
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 T H E G I S T Circular economies aren’t a new concept, and yet, when luxury brands sit up and bring out formalised programs to bridge the gap between patrons and resale customers, it’s a sign things are seriously moving in that direction. A new year may be a symbolic turn of events, but it has also signalled off a new approach to the retail economy, with luxury brands such as Rolex announcing their resale program officially. Meanwhile, Goa has become a new destination for fine dining as more chefs migrate to the state in search of an evolved audience. Work-from-home is here to stay, and as more people work remotely, movement has drastically come down. We look at some non-tradiional ways to move and keep our New Year Resolutions in place with the help of new innovations. In the age of customisation, we also look at bespoke watches by a homegrown company, and the intricacies involved. Wishing our audience a Happy New Year and happy reading! Payel Majumdar Upreti —Editor A new approach S O C I A L M E D I A www.mediascope.co.in www.luxebook.in ADVERTISING SALES Mumbai (022 - 6846 8500) Regional Manager (West) — Katty Gia (+91 98705 32295) • Senior Manager — Lamont Dias (+91 91674 14988) Delhi (011 - 4562 5810) Sr. General Mgr. (North) — Asha Augustine (+91 98182 80431) Kerala (+91 94140 69321) — Sanjai Krishnan Manager Mktg. Services — Salim B • Client Servicing Manager — Reshma Malvankar Founders — Marzban Patel / Anita Patel • Director Publishing — Indu Joshi • Chief Marketing Officer — Apeksha Mehta Editor — Payel Majumdar Upreti • Writers — Arushi Sakhuja, Schenelle Dsouza, Jade Crasto Creative Director — Muhammad Jaan Faruqui This magazine is printed by and produced by Mediascope Representation (India) LLP. Opinions herein are the writers’ and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mediascope. Editorial enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, advertising and circulation should be addressed to: LuxeBook, Mediascope Representation (India) LLP., 51, Doli Chamber, Arthur Bunder Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India. Email: luxebook@mediascope.co.in. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of the publisher. 2|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 04 Trending 12 Deep Blue Sea 28 Looking East 06 Gently Used 34 Bespoke Watches 38 Dining Out 22 Get Set Fit 46 New in Beauty CONTENTS 2|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3
COMPILED BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA One of the most thriving industries at the moment, the luxury car industry has seen a number of innovative models over the past couple of years. From hypercars to EVs to modified SUVs, innovation and technology in the automobile industry is at its best right now. With each new launch, there is always something new to look forward to. Luxury car companies across the world have been developing modern technologies to deliver high-performance cars that combine excellent aerodynamics with the best of luxury and comfort. The line of luxury cars for 2023 itself is impressive. From Ferrari’s first ever SUV to Audi’s highly anticipated concept A6 Avant e-Tron, here are some of the best luxury cars to look forward to in 2023. Audi A6 Avant e-Tron Audi’s A6 Avant e-Tron is the first sporty EV to be based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a platform designed to accommodate an unprecedented range of high-volume automobiles. The overall design of the car mimics that of the regular internalcombustion engine A6. It has a sloping roofline and a fastback rear hatch. The front features a split headlight design, rather than the A6 e-Tron concept single unit. There is also a blanked-off grille in Audi’s typical trapezoidal shape with air ducts beneath the headlights. The A6 e-tron is powered by two electric motors with one driving each axle, which endows it with all-wheel drive. The DC fast-charging capability will be a standard, with the ability to charge its battery Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato One of the most aggressive looking Huracán models, Lamborghini’s new Huracán Sterrato is the result of the marque’s plans to create a rallyraid-inspired version of the Huracán supercar back in 2019. More or less like the original design, the Huracán Sterrato features the standard Huracán body outfitted with offroading accessories such as auxiliary lights on the nose, roof rails, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in custom Bridgestone all-terrain runflat tires with an additional central air intake on the roof. Complementing the aggressive rally racer look is the rally racer like engine – a 5.2-liter V-120 engine pumping out 602hp and 560Nm of torque. A top speed of 162mph allows the car to launch from 0 to 60mph in 3.4 seconds. From EVs to SUVs, take a look at the most anticipated cars of 2023 Luxury cars to look forward to in 2023 from 5 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes. As for power, the A6 e-tron will have a dual motor set up which will power 470hp and 800Nm of torque. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Marking the next chapter of the mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet’s Corvette Z06 is the new American supercar to watch out for. The impressive design details elements, many of which serve a purpose for aerodynamics. These include wider fenders that accommodate larger wheels for more grip, larger vents that provide cooling air to the engine for increased track capability, etc. The Z06 debuts a naturally aspirated 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine that provides 670hp and 623Nm of torque, allowing the car to go from 0 to 60mph in just 2.6 seconds, an impressive track record for a non-racer car. Ferrari Purosangue Ferrari and SUV are two words we never thought we would include in the same sentence. But the Ferrari Purosangue is no ordinary SUV. It ditches all SUV defining elements like angular cues and upright pillars for flowing lines and purposeful details like the roof line or the visual connect to the SF90 Stradale in the tail-lamps. Additionally, the Purosangue’s sports car-like front-mid engine position and rear-mounted gearbox is noteworthy as it enables a 49:51 weight distribution. Under the enormous clamshell bonnet is Maranello’s iconic naturally aspirated 6.5 litre V12 engine which claims a jump from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds with a top speed of 193mph. Maserati MC20 Cielo The first convertible model since the discontinued Grancabrio, the Maserati MC20 Cielo is the first-of-its-kind spyder, weighing almost 148 pounds more than the former thanks to the folding glass roof. While aspects like the compact multilink suspension and giant Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are borrowed from the Grancabrio, the Cielo does get a few detail changes like the rear suspension stiffness allowing the roof to rest on the rear axle. The heart of the Cielo lies in the Nettuno V6 twin-turbo petrol engine. A clever motorsportinspired pre-ignition system, the Nettuno engine delivers a massive 621hp from just 3.0 litres of displacement. This power allows the car to go from 0-100kph in just 3 seconds. Audi A6 Avant e-Tron Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Ferrari Purosangue Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato Maserati MC20 Cielo 4|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 5 TRENDING
BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA Is the resale market recession-proof? Luxury resale entrepreneurs weigh in. How luxury resale is impacted by recession a-half ago also believes that resale can thrive during a recession. “Some people can encash on their existing wardrobes and find a way to make more cash and others can continue to enjoy luxury brands at a fraction of the retail cost. International resale sellers have businesses that are growing from strength to strength. In India, resale is still a relatively new concept. “ She also believes that consumers of luxury are becoming smarter with their choices for buying and selling and promoting the 6 Rs of sustainable fashion: Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, which in her opinion is a big step forward towards the end goal of circularity and the planet. Understandably, during an economic downturn, consumers are constantly looking for ways to save money. When shopping at resale stores, consumers get the same brand names and quality they’re used to at traditional retailers, but at a substantially slashed price. And shopping at resale stores presents the perfect solution for consumers unwilling to skimp on quality but looking to cut back on expenditure during recession. “ While sales plummeted as stores closed, the consumer shopping behaviour changed drastically,” believes Aashni Shah Founder and Creative Director Revivify. She attributes the increase in the resale market sales to environmental consciousness, work-from-home situations and additional time on hand helping the second-hand market flourish and withstand the test of time. “Adding longevity to your pieces, buying preloved and reselling once worn, lesser focus on trends, pocket-friendly access to luxury goods- are some of the important factors leading to the rise of resale,” she adds further. The upward trend of the resale market goes handin-hand with luxury brands opening authenticated resale stores. “With mindful consumption at the forefront for every brand —new and old – second-hand is no longer being looked down upon,” says Shah. From the Selfridges Resell venture that sells pre-loved items, Burberry selling authenticated resale on My Wardrobe HQ and Ganni’s recent archived collection on The Vestiaire Collective, luxury brands are jumping on the nandwagon, Balenciaga is the latest luxury fashion label to launch its own resale program where customers can trade in their pre-loved luxury goods for cash or credit. For this sustainable fashion venture, the luxury fashion house founded by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga Living a luxurious lifestyle is not about displaying wealth, but rather investing in quality products that stand the test of time.With recession striking in 2022, people shifted focus on essentials. However, recession could mean a boost for luxury resale. The resale market is one of the very few recession-proof industries – and the only retail segment that succeeds during a severe downturn. Giving us real-time insight into the industry, Anvita Mehra Founder, Confidential Couture — a luxury e-commerce fashion resale brand— shared, “The fashion industry is impacted during the recession as the urge to purchase decreases amongst consumers. Yet the resale market is a recession-proof business, the concept is everlasting.” Pernia Qureshi who co-founded a resale platform Saritoria about a year-and- Kardashian Kloset website GENTLY USED 6|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 7
partnered with Reflaunt and, the luxury fashion resale program is exclusive to customers located in Italy, France, the UK, the United States and Singapore. The luxury resale platform WatchBox is also driving the demand for pre-owned watches with its authentication processes, as has Rolex with their certified pre-owned program. Even celebrities are openly endorsing pre-owned luxury goods. The Kardashians-Jenners, for example, are making a move into the resale market, with the launch of Kardashian Kloset. The e-commerce site sells items like clothing, shoes and handbags that once belonged to celebrity family members. Mehra agrees with the slow breakdown of the taboo and goes on to say, “There is a visible shift in our market leaning towards a broader perspective and accepting change in the definition of fashion globally. Luxury brands and reselling platforms are playing a major role in diminishing the stigma attached to pre-loved luxury by increasing collaborations and that change will be noticed majorly in the coming decade by the masses.” As high-end brands increase prices of luxury pieces, shoppers are increasingly considering second-hand, gently used versions of designer goods. To prepare for this new influx of resale shoppers, resale platforms are investing in more features to help shoppers scout for the best deals. The luxury second-hand market is growing four times faster than the primary luxury market, at 12 percent per year versus 3 percent and the luxury resale was valued at more than $32 billion last year. luxury resale market: digitalization, affordability, collectability, and changing consumer preferences towards sustainability and experiences. Online luxury resale platforms are transforming the second-hand market by offering seamless end-to-end experiences with far greater certified pre-owned brands and product assortment. Luxury resale is bringing luxury goods to a wider audience. The second-hand market offers a unique product range at accessible price points for the buyers and an extra income opportunity for the sellers. A major advantage of the second-hand market is the chance for affluent shoppers to shop from previous season collections, vintage gems, limited-edition releases, soldout streetwear exclusives and drops missed the first time. Lastly, the generational shift is fuelling the resale market. The growing number of millennials is a significant driver of the market, owing to the consumers’ behaviour that views luxury products as a mark of status and boosts a person’s self-worth. Millennials are drawn to purchase second-hand luxury items, due to their affordable pricing. Further, the luxury resale market is expected to increase due to the increasing middle-class population and spending, soaring urban population and escalating internet users in recent years. Authentication Sustainability and the resale market But resale is not only about cutting down on costs, rather it is also addressing the encompassing issues of sustainable living along with a focus on money crunch. “Being in the reselling industry for over 8 years we have learnt that buyers and sellers both have different motivations to pursue resale. Consumers of luxury are informed, up to date about fashion and are frequent buyers, eventually, there is a need to make space for the latest purchases and look forward to platforms like Confidential Couture as a return on investment. Whereas, for buyers of pre-loved products, the aspiration of owning luxury is high, especially in the Indian Society for many reasons like being a status symbol, quality, market prices etc. They believe in saving wherever they can even when the means to purchase a brand-new bag from the store is available,” shares Mehra. Shah also agrees with the statement and feels sustainability is the lead factor but earning money while selling your item is an added perk. “Decluttering, making sense of your spending, being environmentally conscious, offsetting your carbon footprint- these are no longer just trendbased phrases. Consumers and brands are walking the talk. With luxury brands at their pinnacle, affordable luxury, thanks to the resale market, is one that caters to the masses.” Resale drivers Four main drivers are supporting the growth of the Aashni Shah, Founder Revivify Rolex pre-owned Anvita Mehra, Founder Confidential Couture Selfrideges Project Earth, reslling initiative; ReSelfridges 8|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 9
growing acceptability of second-hand apparel from consumers. The current global reselling industry is estimated at 25 -30 billion dollars according to the Mckinsey Report 2022 and the graph only shows an increase in the appetite of consumers for resale. To conclude Shah said, resale is the rising star of the fashion retail industry. “As per ThredUP’s recent report, resale will hold an 18% market share by 2030 (7 years from now!). With a significant number of consumers focusing on sustainability and realising that the fashion industry is a large contributor to much of the ecological damage, Resale is the fundamental solution.” But no change comes without a challenge and the challenge for her lies in a large-scale consumer shift- where young ones are more accepting of buying and selling online, that is not yet the case for older ones. “It could take a whole generation move to see the acceleration, growth and max potential of the ginormous resale wave,” she feels. “The future of fashion retail is the resale. Slowly but surely all luxury clients are moving towards this model,” concludes Qureshi. is also expected to boost sales in the coming years as platforms increase their techniques to verify items. Future of the resale industry “The future for resale looks promising, as the industry has come a long way by overcoming so many barriers like the stigma behind a preloved product, the question of ‘why should I buy a luxury product which is used?’ has become ‘why not purchase a pre–loved luxury product?,’ as its value for money,” states Mehra. According to the report from Research and Markets, entitled Global Luxury Resale Market, the global luxury resale market is expected to surpass $51 billion by 2026. In the past few years, the sale of pre-owned luxury goods has been increasing very rapidly and the stigma associated with the consumption of second-hand luxury has been disappearing. The report splits the global luxury resale market into three different segments based on the type of product: apparel luxury, hard luxury and others. The apparel luxury resale segment held more than 73% share in the luxury resale market in and is the fastest growing segment due to the Gucci bag on Confidential Couture Hermes cross body bag on Confidential Couture 10|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 Made in Italy
Into the Deep: Underwater hotels Explore your love for the ocean with these underwater hotels and resorts BY SCHENELLE DSOUZA DEEP BLUE SEA Atlantis The Palm Dubai 12|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 13
Forget the high mountaintops and deserted islands, underwater hotel suites is the hot new travel trend. With architecture and design reaching new heights, the travel industry is exploring newer ways to bring the best of luxury to the consumers. This has led to several travel trends such as geodesic domes, glamping tents and more. The latest trend might be the most interesting one yet – underwater hotel suites. That’s right, the travel industry is now taking comfort and luxury to the ocean depths, and no this isn’t about underwater activities like snorkelling or diving. It’s about actually living underwater. The idea of spending time underwater without actually being in the water has a thrill of its own, especially for those looking for a unique underwater experience that does not involve getting into the water. But is this really a new trend or are we just discovering it? And just how sustainable is building an underwater abode? To answer some of these questions, LuxeBook spoke to a few experts at Conrad, Maldives, Rangali Island and Ozen Life Maadhoo who shed light on the design, structure and growing popularity of underwater abodes. The underwater experience The Maldives is one of the top destinations for a wholesome water body experience. Often presenting options like in a villa on the beach or one floating on water, the Maldives beautifully incorporates water and the ocean into every guest’s travel experience. However, it is also one of the first destinations to experiment with the underwater offerings. Ozen Life Madhoo’s underwater experience involves a luxury underwater restaurant called Minus 6 Meters’ – M6m. The first underwater restaurant in South Malé Atoll, M6M also happens to be the first in the Maldives to be included in an all-inclusive plan. “It is an exquisite super-specialty underwater restaurant that combines the richness of fresh seafood with the stunning vistas of the world below the turquoise waves; which is truly a magical sight, be it day or night!” says Sajesh Kana, Resort Manager at Ozen Life Maadhoo. While M6M gives you the best of underwater dining, another resort, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island gives you a complete underwater experience with its exquisite The Muraka suite. The world’s first undersea residence, The Muraka is spread across two-levels and Conrad Maldives Conrad Maldives Conrad Maldives 14|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 15
is equipped with three bedrooms, along with spacious living, entertaining and dining areas. Muraka’s upper level features the private living and dining areas which are located above water, while the master bedroom sits underwater. Guests can take the spiral staircase or elevator to reach the bedroom. A 180-degree curved acrylic dome makes for the walls of the bedroom, which overlooks the ocean, while the bathroom has floor-to-ceiling windows with a dedicated tunnel viewing Aside from The Muraka, the hotel also has its own underwater restaurant called Ithaa, which is also the world’s first undersea restaurant located five meters below the surface of the ocean. Popularity Speaking about the popularity of underwater facilities, Sajesh Kana shares that, “…these are what create the ‘WOW’ factor for discerning travellers today. The white sandy beaches, blue crystal waters, and aquatic life is what defines the Maldives, and the underwater hotel facilities further elevates the luxury experience in the Maldives.” At present there are a total of nine hotels with rooms that are entirely submerged under water. This probably answers the question about the popularity of underwater hotels and resorts. While they are fairly new, they are slowly but swiftly gaining popularity. At first it was only the Maldives, but now a number of hotels across destinations like Dubai, China, Australia and Singapore have begun diving into the deep water for exotic travel experiences. While the stunning views are one of the main reasons for the popularity of underwater hotels, there’s also the dialogue of a sustainable ecosystem. While one can always explore the ocean and sea through activities like diving or snorkelling, these pose a number of dangers including destroying the structure of corals causing them to go extinct. Building an underwater facility, therefore, is a better, safer and more sustainable way to live and explore the deep waters. “Underwater facilities are very popularamongtouristsbecause you get to enjoy the beauty of marine life, an experience that the guests are looking for, without causing any intrusion into the ecosystem,” Rachelle Hill, Director of Marketing & Communications at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island added. While ensuring the safety of the corals, Hill also talks about the resort’s efforts to protect marine life. “The Muraka thrives within its environment with corals continuing to grow around the structure surrounding the underwater bedroom. The marine life too has been sustaining itself with the coral nursery built around The Muraka with the help of our resident marine biologist.” Architectural challenges The underwater hotels and restaurants are a beautiful sight to behold. However, it’s hard to ignore the architectural struggles of successfully designing and building these underwater wonders. The process of designing and building these projects is subsequently tougher than building a structure on land. While the InterContinental China InterContinental China InterContinental China InterContinental China 16|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 17
design and building process is challenging, it can be expensive and difficult to maintain. Sharing his thoughts Sajesh Kana says, “Underwater facilities are quite expensive to build and it’s also difficult to maintain them. Each venue is to be built with a proper architectural design because all the safety aspects need to be covered. Building a structure underwater needs to have a proper evaluation of the stability of the structure, the strength of the glass panels, what safety measures are taken to protect the structure from the internal current and the sand accumulation around the structure, etc. Each reef has its own difficulty to build the facility and a proper environmental study is a must before considering building it.” Agreeably, Rachel Hill says, “Ensuring that the structure is sturdy, and 100% safe is the first and most important step when building an underwater facility.” Although there were a couple of simpler and smaller underwater structures at the time, Hill shared that the scope and size of The Muraka was a much larger project, almost 600 tonnes which made it a little more challenging. “The dream project was challenging with plenty of plumbing underwater, building a lift for access from the base to the bedroom etc. Post this, sinking the pre-made underwater bedroom structure was the most critical part of the project.” Top underwater suites and restaurants in the world Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai A landmark tourist attraction – Atlantis, The Palm Dubai is a hotel that defines true Middle Eastern luxury. The hotel, an architectural wonderland, sits on a man-made, palm-tree-shaped island with lavishly designed rooms and suites. And while these are mostly located above land, the hotel decided to partake in the underwater resort trend incorporating a lavish underwater suite to its accommodations. Keeping in line with the underwater theme, the suites are named after the Greek gods Poseidon (god of sea) and Neptune (god of fresh water). The suites have a similar design spread across 1,776-square-feet and fitted with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, treating guests to a magnificent view of the resort’s aquarium – The Ambassador Lagoon. A 3-million-gallon aquarium, The Ambassador Lagoon houses as many as 65,000 creatures, including rays and sharks, swimming amidst the man-made ancient ruins of the lost city of Atlantis. If the room itself isn’t incentive enough, guests are also treated to a host of special amenities like complimentary 24-hour private butler service, airport transfers, private cabanas at the resort’s pool, beach, and water park, a free 30-minute personal training session, and 24/7 in-room dining and in-suite check-in. All of these at a price of approximately US $8,000 (depending on season) sounds like a fair price to pay. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, China Wonderland is probably the best name for the architectural wonder that is this luxurious hotel in Shanghai.The hotel is built into the side of an abandoned quarry in Songjiang, the design for which was created by British design firm –Atkins, the masterminds behind the lavish Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. From afar itself, the hotel looks like something from a movie, but it’s real; it’s very real. A fascinating structure with an artificial waterfall on site, the hotel is structurally impressive. And the underwater suites add to the beauty of the place.An 18-floor hotel, two floors including about six suites, are set underwater. These are designed in a way where the bedroom overlooks the surface of the water, while the living rooms are located down under overlooking a saltwater aquarium. Outside these suites, the hotel features a public section called The Lagoon featuring an underground pool and windows looking out at the custom-built saltwater aquarium tanks. Here, guests can enjoy an entertaining water show put on by the hotel every night. Given the exclusivity of these suites, it can be difficult to get a reservation, but that does not mean you miss out on the wholesome underwater experience. Along with the suites, the hotel also has a luxurious underwater restaurant, ironically named Mr. Fisher. Ozen Life Maadhoo Ozen Life Maadhoo 18|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 19
The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania Unlike most of the hotels on this list, The Manta Resort’s underwater experience includes one single room located off Pemba Island on the Zanzibar archipelago. That’s right it’s just one single room floating on water with the bedrooms sunken about 13 feet down under. The floating room designed by Swedish engineer Mikael Genberg, comprises three levels. While the bedroom sits comfortably underwater, the upper levels are fitted a hardwood lounge, a bathroom and sun tanning bed a relaxing experience. But if you are looking for a truly wholesome experience, then check out the resort’s Kipepeo Spa located on land. In order to get to their hotel, guest are escorted by boat; a security guard will be anchored nearby at all times. A fun fact about the location of this unique hotel room is that the area surrounding the room has earned the nickname, the Blue Hole since it is a private lagoon in the middle of a conservation area which attracts some of the rarest species including napoleon wrasse fish, potato grouper, cubera snapper, turtles and white tip sharks. The area is a good dive site during the day. At night, the underwater room lights up on the sides so guests can enjoy the view outside even during the night. Here, you can indulge in some delicious seafood while surrounded by exotic aquatic life. Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Another blissful underwater property in Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa offers guests a serene underwater abode built in the form of townhouses. The hotel has about eleven townhouse accommodations spread across two floors. These are divided into on land plus underwater rooms, giving guests the best of both worlds. On level two aka the on-land section, is an outdoor patio and Jacuzzi while the bedroom sits underwater on level one. The rooms are all designed in more or less the same design, each having large floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can enjoy the blue underwater view. One of the main features of the hotel is its massive aquarium which is supposedly the world’s largest, featuring about 40,000 fish of over 800 different species including sharks,manta rays and clownfish. Each guest staying in the underwater suites gets their own personal butler to help them around. Additionally, guests staying here also get a first-hand VIP experience of the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The Manta Resort The Manta Resort Resorts World Sentosa 20|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 21
Non-traditional ways to get moving in 2023 Movement is the essence of life, and physical fitness triumphs it all BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA risks, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Above all health concerns, sitting too much at work can cause an increased risk of early death. The ease of everything automation (including smart lighting and Alexa) has made individuals more lethargic contributing to a sedentary lifestyle.A sedentary lifestyle is one that involves minimal or no physical activity with a lot of sitting and lying down — which in present-day Fitness has become a word synonymous with not only physical fitness, but also mental well-being. With the fast pace of technological developments and AI coming into the picture, human beings now live a more sedentary lifestyle. As much of the workforce shifts to a remote environment and people perform jobs on the computer at their desks, we’re sitting too much at work. It’s a proven fact that sitting too much at work is responsible for numerous health means us being glued to our screens and remaining seated for most hours of the day. As a child, your activity levels are bound to be higher given the hectic schedule of school and university. But the older we get, the more likely we are to lapse into a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, according to a report, an estimated 67% of older adults sit for more than eight hours per day, and only 28% to 34% of adults aged 65 to 74 are physically active. Research published in 2010 found inactivity and sitting for longer than four hours per day greatly increases your risk for cardiovascular disease (perhaps even more than smoking), diabetes, and several other obesity-related conditions. However, the emergence of fitness gadgets like the Apple Watch, Fitbit and Garmin work as great reminders to get in a few steps every hour. Fixing a sedentary lifestyle takes some conscious effort at first, but the value of being more physically active is worth it for the myriad benefits it brings. The notion of completing 10,000 steps is becoming cliched with every passing year.Fitness enthusiasts with the help of technology are coming up with fresher and newer ways to help individuals leave a healthier lifestyle. Fitness is not just about your one hour in the gym, says fitness expert Sumaya Dalmia. She correctly points out that the concept of completing 10,000 steps a day is to throw light on the importance of being more active around the house. You may not have time for the gym, but why not start taking your calls walking or make it a habit to take a walk around your workspace every hour? Maybe pick up a hobby or immerse yourself in some chores to get in that extra activity, and finally while the elevator may be enticing, make the effort of using staircases wherever possible. Devyani M, Founder Yoga Urja, Wellness Mentor, Author, Speaker, and Athlete es a few newer ways to add physical movement. “Virtual reality (VR) technology is being used to create immersive, interactive fitness experiences. For example, VR fitness games and workouts allow you to “exercise” in virtual environments, such as by boxing, dancing, or climbing virtual mountains.” Additionally, she says some gym equipment is now being equipped with sensors and other technology that can track your workouts, offers personalized feedback and coaching, and even adapt the resistance or intensity of the workout to your individual needs. But the most important part of it all is just to get moving. Devyani M, Founder Yoga Urja, Wellness Mentor, Author, Speaker and Athlete Resistance bands for travel fitness kit 22|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 23 GET SET FIT
How to fix a sedentary lifestyle One of the worst hit with a sedentary lifestyle are individuals with blue-collar jobs that require hours sitting in meetings or in a desk on the front screen. The easiest way is to ensure you stand every 20 minutes to get blood flow in your limbs. Set an alarm if you use a Fitbit and turn on the hourly reminders. But new kinds of workstations including a standing desk, a treadmill desk, or a fitness ball seat which promotes active sitting, in which you engage your core, are some inventive ways to burn those calories. The concept of a desk treadmill might be new to some, and some may already be aware of the new technology will allow you to simply plug in a treadmill below your desk and work while walking. We do think that is supremely innovative and really does reinstate the essence of movement. Yet another way is the use of wearable technology equipment like Ultrahuman M1 fitness trackers and other trackers. Ahead we look at some of the newer ways to add activity into your daily life. Standing desks Standing desks are one of the first steps to stopping a sedentary lifestyle. The health benefits include reducing your risk of cardiovascular devices, reducing your risk of premature death, an increased metabolism, and an improved ability to regulate blood sugar. The best part is that all of this increase when you add an under-desk treadmill! A standing desk is an easy and convenient way to improve your health and wellness while staying productive and getting work done. With a simple and adjustable design, standing desks allow you to comfortably write, read, or use your computer from a standing position. Studies show that by decreasing the amount of time you sit in a day, you can make dramatic improvements in your overall health. For example, standing desks give you an opportunity to take a break from sitting and stretch while at work. You can perform overhead stretches as well as lower body stretches, and you won’t have to leave your desk to do so. This helps you reduce neck and back pain and keeps you active, so you don’t start to feel groggy or sleepy while you’re at your desk. Wearable tech “We can’t live in a world filled with technological advances and not be fashion-forward about it too. New pioneering workout gear allows customers to meet fitness objectives faster with high-tech clothing that is both smart and stylish,” said Vaishnavi Boora, Fitness Coach and Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer. Sumaya Dalmia further also agrees with wearable tech as a way to keep individuals motivated. From fitness trackers like the Fitbit to the Apple Watch and newer ones like Ultrahuman, these give a lot of data on preventive health and fitness. “Sleep trackers, sugar trackers and gadgets to clock in your steps help people see real-time data and these are good tools to stay on track vis-avis your fitness and nutrition,” shared Dalmia. Speaking about one of her favourite wearable tech, she throws light on the Ultrahuman tracker which gives individuals an insight into the food and how it raises your blood Lifespan, desk bike Virtual reality fitness Standing desk Standing desk 24|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 25
All-in-one bike desk The all-in-One Desk Bikes are the perfect addition to any office, home workplace, or learning environment. With a built-in desktop and seat height adjustment, you can sit comfortably while getting your work done. The minimalresistance pedals allow you to move throughout the day so you can be more active and comfortable while sitting at your desk. These bikes are powered by you, which means no batteries to replace or power cords to stumble over. Movement for travelling professionals However, if your profession involves excessive travel, make fitness a part of your journey with an on-thego travel fitness kit. For Boorah the kit should have a Core Flyte, Powertube, Bands, Sliders, Skipping Rope and a portable kettlebell. She further elaborates on the benefits of the equipment. “Powertubes can be attached to a doorframe or simply step on the middle for an effective, full-body resistance workout. It folds up tiny, so can easily be chucked in your hand luggage. Bands may look like just a stretchy piece of material, but don’t be fooled — your legs and glutes will burn after a workout using one of these. Sliders are Easily the lightest and most portable piece of travel equipment. With comfortable grip handles, portable kettlebells are a bag you fill up with sand, dirt, gravel, or whatever you can find to use for weighted workouts when you travel.” Additionally, you can also opt to squeeze in a small workout during your lunch breaks, practice seated leg raises or do quick stretches to relieve pain. And if you still feel lazy, we suggest adopting a dog. A dog can be a great companion, but more importantly, they’ll demand a couple of walks per day, which means you go out with them. In a world where fitness is being seen as a way of preventive health, individuals are urged to focus their attention on staying fit by sleeping well, nutrition, lowstress levels and exercising. To conclude Dalmia is of the opinion that these fitness trackers help individuals stay on track for the 23 hours that they don’t spend in the gym, hence making fitness and wellbeing a priority. sugar level. She also loves Whop which tells us the importance of rest and recovery. The Ultrahuman is a fitness tracker that comes in the form of a sensor and helps users track blood glucose levels. The tech-lifestyle fitness brand primarily aims to help users improve their metabolism, which in turn can make them fitter and eat the right kind of food. Discover foods that work for you and optimize the ones that don’t. Based on unique glucose metabolism insights, identify foods that give you a stable glucose response Fuel better for your workouts and sports. Know if you’re under fuelled, optimally fuelled or over fuelled for your activities. Improve performance and recovery. Your glucose levels during sleep hours affect your sleep quality and recovery. Optimize these via the nocturnal glucose insights Virtual reality Virtual trainingandcoachingarebecoming indispensable tools in the fitness world, said Boora. “Many health clubs are now encouraging the use of professionally coached classes brought to customers via streaming. Apps like Endomondo allow users to simulate the experience of having a personal training session with a coach through their headphones. Indicated as the new cutting-edge tool in training, virtual reality has already been embraced by thousands of gyms and fitness clubs internationally. Athletes are finding a new way to communicate and share with fans; Floyd Mayweather has developed his own Mayweather at home boxing.” Under-desk treadmills One of the easiest ways to burn more calories and increase your productivity throughout the workday is to use a desk treadmill. Not only will this equipment simplify your exercise routine but it has also shown you can increase your productivity using a treadmill desk. You can type, review emails, make calls, and attend video conferences – all while matching your fitness goals. Another benefit of standing desk treadmills is that you can transition from a standing desk to a desk treadmill at any point during the day. When it comes to improved cognition, one study found that treadmill desks improved short-term memory. Sumaya Dalmia, fitness expert Apple watch, fitness tracker Ultrahuman Wearable tech, Ultrahuman M1 Fitness Tracker 26|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 27
The evolution of as a snack Tracing the journey of sushi from fine-dining restaurants into the mainstream. Japan or the Land of the Rising Sun, has graced the world with their exquisite cuisine. Dishes like tamagoyaki, okonomiyaki, shabu-shabu, onigiri, udon, ramen and much more have fans all over the world.d But there is one certain food that really stands out from the entire lot and that is Sushi. Fluffy steamed sticky rice, wrapped in seaweed with fish, vegetables and dipped in soy sauce with wasabi and ginger. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Sushi, which has world wide fan base is loved by many and disliked by a few simply because they feel put off by the idea of eating raw fish. But one must understand that “sushi” does not equate to “raw fish.” It actually refers to a rice meal that has been served with a variety of toppings and contents, including raw fish. So for those who have not yet formed a love for one of the most loved foods, let us help you change your mind! Sushi’s Origins Folklore and many stories surround the origins of sushi. According to an old wives’ tale from Japan, an elderly woman started storing her rice pots in osprey nests out of concern that robbers would take them. She eventually gathered her pots and discovered the rice had started to ferment.She also found that the rice had beenmixedwith leftover fish from the osprey’s meal. The combination was excellent and also worked as a fish preserver thanks to the rice. Although this sounds like a very realistic tale, the true origins of sushi are actually quite mysterious. A Chinese lexicon from the fourth century describes cooking rice with salted fish and allowing it to ferment. It’s possible that this was the first time the idea of sushi was printed. The practise of preserving fish with fermented rice dates back several centuries to Southeast Asia. Now how does this fermented rice help? Well, lactic acid bacilli are formed when the fermentation of rice progresses. The reaction that the acid and salt produce limit the growth of microorganisms in fish. The sushi kitchen, is known as a tsuke-ba, or “pickling station,” because of this pickling procedure. The original sushi, known as narezushi, has been produced in South East Asia for centuries and is still produced there today in some regions. In Japan, narezushi first appeared in the eighth century and is still eaten today in the shape of foods like carp sushi. Each Japanese region created its own variation of narezushi, which was largely used for food preservation. Sushi was a common meal during feast days and festivals back then, and it played a significant role in the festivities. The practise of sprinkling sake or rice vinegar on sushi dates back a long time, but in the Edo era, people started producing vinegar from sake lees due to the time-consuming nature of manufacturing narezushi. This famous dish, which included rice, extended the practise of sprinkling vinegar on rice to form nigirizushi. Nigirizushi is credited to Yohei Hanaya (1799– 1858); even Mizkan, the largest vinegar producer in Japan, refers to him as the “founder” of sushi. Hanaya started his own restaurant called “Yohei’s Sushi,” which specialised in hand-pressed sushi, after selling his sushi at street stalls. Sushi in India Sushi has grown and evolved over the years and has slowly come to be loved by all. And of course, this Japanese fast food has made its way to the Indian palate. LOOKING EAST 28|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 29
in launching its signature restaurant San: Qi with the freshest ingredients.His decade-long stay inTokyo brings in many memorable visits on Saturday mornings to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, having the best sushi while bonding with sushi masters and ingredient suppliers in the world’s most amazing seafood market. How did you start your journey with sushi in India? As all journeys, it started with a single step. I think people don’t realize how deeply I love India, my home for the last 15 years, and I wanted to be part of this vibrant amazing growing nation and contribute in my own small way by providing authentic quality affordable sushi. So first step was my love of India, followed with my own wish to eat great sushi - a passion and love for sushi - that I wanted to share with a wider audience, not only me. So the first step was coming to India, falling in love with this great country and people, and venturing boldly to open a Japanese-owned business, now India’s Today, many cafes and restaurants all over the country have a separate sushi section included in their menus for all the narezushi lovers. Today, people in India, mainly the youth, have started exploring and experimenting with Japanese food and are growing a fondness towards the cuisine. You can say that we owe it all to sushi for bridging the gap between Japan and the Indian palate. To further understand sushi’s growing popularity in India, LuxeBook spoke to Harry Hakuei Kosato the Founder of Sushi & More and Brand Ambassador of Kikkoman Soy sauce. A confirmed Indophile, Harry Hakuei Kosato, is the country’s foremost sushi curator. He calls Mumbai his new home, loving his experiences in the maximum city as he divides time between Singapore and Mumbai. Harry started out as one of the first importers of fine Japanese ingredients in the country back in 2007, supporting brands including Four Seasons Mumbai Harry Hakuei Kosato, Founder of Sushi & More and Brand Ambassador of Kikkoman Soy sauce 30|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 31
largest multi-city sushi business. Now Japanese food is big and will only get bigger. As Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador recently appointed by the Japanese government,my duty is to ensure that the steps for further awareness and appreciation of Japanese food dishes and sushi, grow step by step every single day. What made you want to start bringing Japanese ingredients into India? I have this tendency to do things other people haven’t done, and since I wanted these ingredients myself which weren’t readily available, I did so! Howdid people first react when sushi was first introduced in Indian restaurants? “Ugh, how can you eat raw fish, you must be crazy, we are Indians...!” But they didn’t realize maybe that they are also human beings and that many human beings around the world love eating raw fish! Sushi is a must-have dish now for many Indians. Those who shy away from sushi, I think are the minority. We do Jain sushi, veg sushi, and non-veg sushi, and people just love sushi in India, now. I think it’s truly amazing and such an honor to be in India now and to see Indians reacting positively to sushi! How has the sushi ‘scene’ changed over the years? Is it very different from when it first started out? Sushi is “in”. Some Indian restaurants are putting it on their menu in addition to Chinese and pan-Asian dishes! Do you think all Indian- Japanese restaurants serve authentic sushi? No, I don’t think so. But do all Indian restaurants around the world serve “authentic”? So thereby lies the answer! Do you reckon that Indian sushi consumers’ knowledge of sushi is only limited to a California Roll or a Tempura? Indians are smart innovative and resourceful. Many travels overseas now and experience so many things and expect to eat what they experienced also at home in India. 15 years ago many could not use chopsticks or put too much wasabi with their Kikkoman soy sauce. Now 8 year-olds use chopsticks and ask for a Veg California roll, mum, with extra soy sauce please thank you very much. Many now know what omakase means and others understand the difference between maki sushi and nigiri versus oshi sushi and chirashi sushi. Knowledge also grows and so it will in India. More will demand more options and we restaurateurs must keep up with the latest trends and quality ingredients to continue to make Indian consumers happy. What is your opinion on Indianized Sushi? Good question. I’d say, first,what is your opinion of Indian Chinese? Indians love Indian Chinese. And I think also Indians love Indianized Chinese. So give people what they love! In Japan, we have “wafuu pasta” which literally means Japanized pasta - which the Japanese love and many Italian friends love those dishes, too. So, as long as people love them, why not? Of course, we at Sushi and More, shy away from saying “Tandoori Sushi”, but again if someone is enterprising, and someone would love to buy that, why not? Will the sushi scene in India continue to grow or will it slowly fade away? It is just the beginning.The United States has over 20,000 outlets serving sushi. India has very few a hundred now maybe, this will grow. It’s India’s century, and sushi in India is just beginning. Here we come, India, enjoy the big wave of sushi that will become maybe one day the national food of India?! 32|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 33
BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA Gaurav Mehta gets candid about the art of customised coin watchmaking To know more about coin watching, we caught up with Gaurav Mehta, Founder and Director of Jaipur Watch Company, India’s first and only bespoke Watch Company. When you can get tailor-made dresses and jewellery then why not a watch? Jaipur’s Gaurav Mehta, Founder and Director, Jaipur Watch Company makes custombuilt watches and has given India its first homegrown bespoke watch brand, Jaipur Watch Company. As a young history-obsessed child, Gaurav Mehta had a fetish for collecting historic coins and stamps. Mehta was fascinated by the stories and the history that came with every coin and over the years collected the myriad forms of the Indian currency coins along with a lot of other currencies. Drawing on this interest his collection expanded every year and eventually unlocked an undiscovered treasure trove of magnificent tales. Gaurav had this ingenious idea of fashioning his own, unique, one-of-a-kind timepiece. An expression of himself, an extension of his interests, one that would become his signature. This led to the very first Coin Watch. Harbouring the hobby of numismatics and turning it into a passion to create the extraordinary, led to the establishment of Jaipur Watch Company in 2013. Gaurav Mehta founded Jaipur Watch Company as India’s first and only bespoke Watch Company. Today the brand aims at redefining horology with exceptional concepts revisiting an era to create mesmerising pieces of art. The beauty about the brand is that you can make your own watches with eclectic designs using antique coins, postage stamps, hand painted images, and pictures of deities. Watches are made with calligraphy or jewel encrusted dials. Luxebook spoke to Gaurav Mehta to know more about his journey, future plans and new developments at Jaipur Watch Company. What motivated you to start Jaipur Watch Company? Jaipur Watch Company is a business which has been built out of passion. From my childhood I have been a fan of watches and coins. As an inquisitive child, I would open up my toys to see how they operate and I continued the same with my watches as I grew up. From my first salary I purchased a watch for myself and to this date I buy, on average, one watch a week. The love for watches and coins continued and one fine day when I was opening up a watch, there was a coin was lying next to me. Somehow it struck me to put it inside the watch and the watch mechanic in me did the job somehow. My journey in watch making began from there. I would get many compliments when I started wearing the same watch, even some potential orders from people to make the same for them. This was my moment where I realized my potential to combine both my passions and build a business around it. With immense competition from the international market how did you carve your niche? My niche is my design, my story and my city. I come from Jaipur, a city known for its history, culture, and Gaurav Mehta, Founder of Jaipur Watch Collection Filigree Watch By Jaipur Watch Collection Gaurav Mehta with Amitabh Bachchan BESPOKE WATCHES 34|L U X E B O O K|J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 |L U X E B O O K| 35
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