What is it like being at the helm of a full-service hotel and resort property during the current global health crisis? 

This has been an incredibly challenging time for the tourism industry, facing a challenge that has never been seen before. However, the tenacity and optimism of our colleagues at the hotel and the tourism industry is unmatched. 

How has the pandemic changed how you view your role as General Manager? 

The unprecedented situation that we have found ourselves in has reinforced to me how much a family we are at Hamilton Princess. It has instilled even more of a sense of importance of being empathetic to everyone’s challenges during this incredibly challenging time. It’s also been an important time to strengthen our bonds in the community and to give back. We were pleased to be able to support our friends on the front lines in a number of ways, including handing out breakfasts and lunches to first responders during the lockdown. 

What steps has your hotel taken to ensure that guests and colleagues remain “Safe and Well”? 

A wide range of new and ever-evolving health and safety protocols have been installed, in line with the latest government guidelines. Some of these measures include temperature checks for everyone entering the property, hand sanitiser stations throughout the hotel, physical distancing markers and table placement, masks required throughout indoor and outdoor public spaces and a maximum of two guests in elevators at any time. These restrictions apply to our colleagues, too. 

The new operational standards being implemented at the hotel and at Fairmont properties across North & Central America were developed and vetted by a team of international expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy in preventing the spread of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19. 

How are colleagues advised of changes and trained on new health and safety procedures? 

Colleagues all undertook “re-orientation” sessions upon the reopening of the hotel, which covered general health and safety, new procedures, and regulations. Additionally, our teams have received specialized training for their departments, i.e. Food & Beverage and Housekeeping have all received in-depth training on new procedures, techniques, and practices. 

Can you tell me about your enhanced cleaning and social distancing procedures? 

Guest rooms and public areas are carefully cleaned by our specially trained, professional housekeepers and cleaning staff, using EPA-registered disinfectants that have proven effective in preventing the transmission of all viruses and pathogens, including COVID-19. Guest rooms are cleaned every three days to reduce close contact between colleagues and guests and as an additional precaution, they are left vacant for a minimum of 48 hours after being used for a stay, prior to a deep clean before new arrivals. 

Do guests have access to any sort of telemedicine or health advisory service? 

Hamilton Princess has an innovative new service, in partnership with AXA, a world leader in insurance and assistance, to provide complimentary medical support to in-house guests. Any guest with a non-urgent medical need can be put in touch with a medical practitioner over the phone for no cost. Currently available in English and French, the service will be available in German, Portuguese and Spanish shortly. 

How has the pandemic impacted food and beverage service? 

The government restrictions regarding dining out have been an interesting challenge to work with. However, we believe the Food & Beverage team, particularly at Crown & Anchor, have risen to the task admirably. Crown & Anchor’s revamped Sunday brunch is served at the tableside but loses none of the fun of a traditional brunch and has received rave reviews. One of the small measures we have taken that has been appreciated is the hooks installed at each seat for masks to be hung. 

What is a typical Spa experience like at the moment? 

Exhale Spa is still a safe and restful haven for those looking to unwind. Not much has changed for those undertaking spa treatments except that clients are asked to wear their masks throughout, and their therapists will be wearing a mask and face shield to ensure peace of mind. In compliance with Government regulations, guests from overseas are not able to use the spa and gym/fitness classes until they receive their negative day 8 and 14 test results, respectively. 

How do Hamilton Princess colleagues go above and beyond legislated requirements to make guests feel welcome and safe? 

All guests at Hamilton Princess receive a wellness kit on arrival, which includes masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes, ensuring they have everything they need to feel safe. 

We have also received very positive feedback on our “quarantine keys”: in line with Government regulations, guests arriving from overseas must quarantine until they receive their negative arrival test result. To ensure a smooth process, these guests are given a special “quarantine key” to their room which is active for only one hour. They are then given a new key once they share their negative test result with our Front Desk team. These quarantine keys are visually different from the normal ones which enable our colleagues to ensure that no one is breaking quarantine and gives our guests confidence in dining out with us. 

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Gaining experience overseas is a great way for young Bermudian professionals to advance their careers.

Young Bermudians with global law firm Kennedys have been discovering opportunities abroad since the firm opened its office on the island in association with Bermuda firm, Kennedys Chudleigh in October 2017. Kennedys, which has its origins in the London insurance market, has expanded to 37 offices in 22 countries with an emphasis on supporting the re/insurance industry.

On joining Kennedys, Mark Chudleigh, Bermuda office head, was keen to explore with his new partners opportunities for providing training for Bermudian law graduates at Kennedys’ overseas offices. As a Bermudian who trained and worked as a lawyer in London for 18 years before returning to the island, Mr Chudleigh knows the value of such opportunities.

“While Bermuda has some excellent law firms, it can be difficult to provide well-rounded legal training in commercial law in Bermuda, as the firms tend to be relatively small and lack the training infrastructure and range of opportunities for hands-on experience that a large London firm can provide,” Mr Chudleigh said. As a consequence, he believes, relatively few Bermudians are able to rise through the ranks of Bermuda commercial law firms. This, he says, leads to firms having to look abroad to recruit lawyers who have gained the necessary experience in major financial centres like London.

Less than two years on, three Bermudians, Katherine Freisenbruch, Alex Cooper and William Finnerty, are training with Kennedys in London and a fourth, Jonathan Marion, will join them next year. Bermudian law graduate, Michael Cabot, has joined Kennedys’ London office as a legal assistant in its financial institutions and political risk division.

At the conclusion of their two-year training with Kennedys, the graduates will be eligible for admission as solicitors in England and Wales as well as barristers and attorneys admitted to the Bermuda Bar.

Ms Freisenbruch, who joined the London office in 2018, was attracted to Kennedys for its insurance pedigree and global reach, citing its presence in locations such as London, Hong Kong and New York as well as Bermuda. She said: “The advantages of a London training include access to a wide variety of specialty teams spanning areas such as casualty coverage, financial lines and political risk, professional indemnity and medical malpractice. You gain invaluable experience of the London insurance market, under the shadow of Lloyd’s, and a chance to develop key client relationships with secondment opportunities.”

Mr Finnerty, who joined Kennedys in London in July, agrees that there can be an advantage to gaining London legal training and experience before returning to practice in Bermuda. He said: “Kennedys places great importance on supportiveness, approachability and work-life balance. After speaking with trainees during open days and the assessment process, and hearing their positive experiences of the firm, I was convinced Kennedys would be a good fit for me.”

During his time with Kennedys in London, Mr Cabot, has seen the scale of the office’s commercial and litigation work. He praises Bermuda’s success as an international financial centre, but values the broad range of work and exposure to different practice areas in London at this early stage of his career.

Such is the success of Kennedys’ Bermudian trainee programme that the firm is now inviting applications for a sixth aspiring Bermudian lawyer, with a two-year London training contract available from September 2021. The firm will also consider Bermudians with US bar admissions for positions with its New York office.

“I see this as a win-win-win situation,” Mr Chudleigh said. “The Bermudian law graduate receives quality London training, we will have opportunities to have bright, experienced and well-trained Bermudian lawyers join us in Bermuda in the future and Kennedys London is able to recruit high quality law graduates who are attracted to the firm’s strong Bermuda and insurance industry connections.

“Bermuda is also a winner as hopefully they will return and contribute as members of Bermuda’s legal community, whether in private practice or from in-house positions.”

This article was originally featured in the TOP TEN 2019 edition of the RG Business Magazine.

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In search of balance, Bermudian Jessica Cabral left her job as a Human Resources Manager in the insurance industry to live and work in the Asia and Oceania continents. Most recently, she called a private island in Fiji her home.

What led you to start travelling?
Ever since I can remember, I had two pretty strong desires in life – to help people and travel the world. Spoiler alert; turns out I needed to help myself first! My big wakeup call came in the form of a panic attack. It was scary, but helped me realise I needed to make some changes in my life. Soon after, I watched a documentary called ‘Minimalism’ (on Netflix), and that’s when it hit me: I was living my life by Western society’s prescribed formula for happiness ‘The American Dream’. I did everything I thought I was supposed to do to be happy, but in reality, I was working in a job I didn’t particularly love, to make money to buy things I didn’t particularly want. There was a big disconnect between the lifestyle I was living and the lifestyle my heart truly desired.

Why did you decide to finally take the leap?
It was a really difficult decision to make and took months to finally gain the courage to do it. Thankfully there were a few signs along the way that helped. At the time, I was practising yoga twice a week and noticed the only time I felt any resemblance of peace was immediately after yoga. It felt so good that I wanted to understand the mechanics behind what was happening and why it helped calm the anxiety I was feeling. One day, I spoke to my yoga teacher, and she planted the idea of doing a yoga teacher training. I was so excited and could already picture myself in Bali, but was overwhelmed with hundreds of options that I couldn’t decide which one to do. The final sign came in the form of an emergency dentist visit. Turns out the hygienist had completed her yoga teacher training in Bali! She lit up as she told me how amazing it was and how it changed her life. I ended up booking the very same course and never looked back.

Where have your travels taken you so far?
I’ve spent time living in Ubud, Bali; Koh Phangan, Thailand; Weligama, Sri Lanka – and now Turtle Island, a private island in Fiji. I’ve also travelled around and explored the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. And visited friends and family in Europe, Singapore and Australia.

You are currently in Fiji, what are you doing now?
I’m very lucky to have landed my dream job as the Yoga Teacher on Turtle Island. It’s such a magical place that we’ve just been named Travel and Leisure’s #1 resort in the South Pacific and #12 in the World! Get this, a year ago I did a manifestation exercise where I wrote out what “my average perfect day” would look and feel like and it’s pretty darn close to my life here on Turtle Island.

What has travelling taught you?
Travelling has taught me to become much more open-minded and accepting of everyone’s differences; including my own! I’ve learned that so much of our external world is a direct reflection of the internal thoughts and beliefs we hold about ourselves. The great news is that we can change our thoughts to change our life.

What moments stand out most for you on this trip?
Feeling what it feels like to be madly in love with life. Imagine 100+ people completely sober yet totally high on life dancing their hearts out. The energy is amazing! It’s called Ecstatic Dance, and these gatherings happen all the time in places like Bali and Thailand. I’ve had so many memorable moments celebrating life in this way. My favourite is sunrise on Friday mornings at Zest in Ubud. Hands down, the best way to start the day. Other highlights of my travels include: everyone cheering as we helped a paralysed man surf again for the first time again since his accident; sleeping in a treehouse; celebrating a traditional ‘Hmong’ New Year with a local family in a remote village in Laos; and having dinner with the Prime Minister of Australia and his lovely wife, Jenny.

How would you say your life is more balanced now?
For starters, I spend a lot less time using technology and admit my life got a lot better after deleting Instagram. Freeing up more time to learn new things, enjoy nature and to explore more meaningful and authentic connections. I also meditate just a few minutes a day. It was uncomfortable at first and confronting to come face to face with my thoughts, but overtime I realised how important it was to take time to just “be”. After all we’re human beings, not human doings.

Do you have any regrets about leaving the corporate world?
I may not have the security of a pay cheque every month, but I have the freedom to live life on my own terms, which, for me right now is priceless. It hasn’t always been easy. Extended travel combined with personal growth work can be really challenging sometimes, but I definitely don’t regret it.

Where will your adventure take you next?
I’m heading back to Gibraltar (near Spain) to be a Nanny for my four-year-old nephew. He’s such a little sweetheart and a constant reminder that it’s in our nature to play, to be creative, a little messy and to get excited, over and over again, about the little things in life. I’m not sure where my journey will take me after that. I’m working on living more in the present moment this year so let’s see!

What would be your advice to anyone not happy with their current work/ life balance, someone who’s feeling there has to be more to life than what they’re currently experiencing?
Listen to that feeling – that is your intuition guiding you to a life more in alignment with your own personal values and goals. You are responsible for your life. If there’s something you’re not happy with stop complaining, playing victim and making excuses and start empowering yourself and taking steps to change it. Believe that your dream life is available to you. Trust yourself and don’t let fear get in the way.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

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Chloë Kempe

As an 11-year-old, Chloë Kempe dreamt about becoming a vet. When she got the chance to follow the late Neil Burnie as part of a careers day it proved “life-changing”, setting her on a journey that took her to the other side of the world and back. 

“I know exactly where I sat, what we spoke about and what we did,” she remembers. “We spent time at Endsmeet [Animal Hospital] as well as the aquarium. We saw dogs, cats, a lemur, tortoise and tree kangaroo. He had such a great way of working with people and animals. It didn’t feel like a job. He really spoke to me like an equal. He made me feel capable and made me realise not to underestimate your effect on young kids.”

 Two decades later, she owns her own vet locum business in Sydney called Vet Chloë and has just completed an epic nine-month, 16,777-mile journey, travelling anticlockwise around Australia in her van, Layla with an aim to “get more involved in wildlife and conversation”. She continued her vet locum work along the way to pay for her travels and began a podcast series called Vet Chloë on the Road to interview people she met, share what she was learning and document her experiences.

 As well as her desire to see, meet and learn, Ms Kempe was also sparked by anger: “I watched the documentary Chasing Coral, which was very sad. I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister and Environmental Minister of Australia. I had a frustration in me. I get depressed sometimes about the state of the climate and that’s why I jumped in my van. I do think that the planet has an innate ability to heal. It keeps coming back and that inspires me — seeing its resilience. I think about how the body can heal if you allow it. Animals and the natural world have a lot to give.”

The 32-year-old was also eager to explore more of the vast country she had made her home: “Australia is so unbelievably beautiful and varied. So many landscapes and environments — waterfalls, rainforests, coral reefs, deserts, tropics, coastlines, caves, gorges, sand dunes, forests, beaches, mountains, red earth and even snow!” In particular, she wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef.

 A big thrill was experiencing animals in the wild, which involved searching in remote parts of the country. “There’s a total difference from seeing them in a zoo,” she said. “I got to see platypus, crocodiles, dolphins, wombats and kangaroos in the wild. I heard Tasmanian Devils but didn’t see them because they are nocturnal.”

 The conversational part of her journey involved some fascinating people, particularly those who work in conservation and animal rescue. That part couldn’t be planned. She played it all by ear and learnt to approach complete strangers.

 “I turned up to a town in Western Australia and met a local indigenous man who told me about his connection to the land,” she said, recalling how she learnt in Tasmania about Devil Facial Tumour Disease, an aggressive form of cancer that ravaged the Tasmanian Devil population between 1996 and 2015.

“I had a brilliant interview with a guy who’d done over 40 years of conservation work with Tasmanian Devils even before this facial tumour problem was discovered.”

Travelling around a vast country on your own is no mean feat, but the Bermudian vet found it “really empowering”. 

“It definitely took some bravery, especially big drives through big country,” she said. It also fit well with her mantra of the moment: massive imperfect action.

“Just do it. Just make a van — it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just plan a trip — it’s going to go wrong at times.”

 Her “open-minded adventurous parents”Jay and Jackie encouraged her to head to the University of Sydney instead of England’s Liverpool University where she was also accepted as a student.

“They really thought I would gel well with Australia,” she said. Ms Kempe was awarded the Nicholl Scholarship, which partially funded her studies. By 2011 she had completed her bachelor’s degree in veterinary science.

In spite of her love for Australia, she says it “can’t compete with Bermuda being my ultimate home”. 

“I certainly love Bermuda and I loved growing up there. The aquarium interests me, there’s lots of marine life. Dr Ian Walker has mentored me and always been kind to me.

 “My fondest memory is playing on the Bermuda rocky shore. My parents are big animal lovers so it was always a happy home full of animals. We had a whole range — dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pegs, fish, a little terrapin. Don’t underestimate guinea pigs!” 

 Of all the animals she has come across, her favourite is the rabbit, followed closely by wombats, giraffes and lions. 

“Rabbits are really wild,” she said. “You have to fit into their life. Whenever I learn about a new animal I become fascinated. Most recently it’s the Tasmanian Devil. They are incredible, but endangered and coming back because of conservation efforts.”

 After completing vet school in Sydney, she returned to Bermuda to work for a couple of years but felt the need for a “new challenge”. 

It was more of a pull than a push,” she said. “My Australian citizenship meant that door was always open.”

 She comes home to Bermuda once a year and her family travel out to see her. Her brother, Oliver, helped her get Layla expedition-ready and was with her for the first four months of her travels. Their parents joined them for a Western Australian Christmas at Margaret River, south of Perth.

 “Bermudians are unique people,” she said. “I love coming home and feeling local again. What I also miss is in Australia they don’t serve mayonnaise! People find it funny but it’s an issue. I’ll ask for mayonnaise and instead they give me aioli garlic dip, which is not the same!”

 For the moment though, having completed her lap of Australia, she is staying put in Bondi Beach and enjoying her passions: “Animals and the natural world inspire me and that’s what I focus my work life around. Animals are so in the moment. I find them really inspiring.”

The post Big World: Sydney appeared first on RG Magazines.

By Alejandra Ottley

Meetings are inevitable in every industry, and while necessary, it can be challenging to keep them engaging and productive. After all, a plain and neutral boardroom doesn’t necessarily scream casual and collaborative. Think business in Bermuda and your mind will probably wander to pink sand beaches, sunny days and turquoise waters. So why not move your business meeting to our picturesque surroundings? 

Nicole Minnich and Josh Crockwell, owners of True Bermuda Charters, have curated the perfect opportunity for those looking to mix business with pleasure. True Bermuda was born from a desire to create a luxury experience that also felt authentically Bermudian. “To me, nothing beats Bermuda, we’re really trying to show everybody how amazing it is,” Ms Minnich said. “We want to create an experience and for people to feel that.” As they close in on their first year in business, they have built their brand on pristine customer service. 

While typical clients are groups who want to spend a fun day on the water, business folks are seeing the potential of holding meetings aboard the catamaran. “We have a lot of customers who want to take clients out on the water and mix business with pleasure,” Ms Minnich said. “We create a structured experience, where you’re having a good time but also feel like you can be productive and get your work done.” 

The boat can hold up to 25 people and it can be booked for as little as two hours. It is equipped with informal sitting areas, a chef, a maid, and a crew that is happy to personalise the experience. You want it? They will make it happen. 

The motto is to create an environment in which anybody who steps aboard feels like it’s their boat for the day. “We have partnered with Discovery Wines and a couple of other places,” Ms Minnich said. “For example, our clients can order wine to the boat and we’ll have it chilled to the right temperature to be served without them having to ask. Everything is pre-ordered and done for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.” 

Meeting off-site is always pleasant, especially considering the scenery that surrounds us, and creates a neutral ground where all parties can feel at ease. This charter embodies that “business-in-Bermuda” experience, prioritising productivity, but in a relaxed environment you’d wish for while on an island.

We live in a time when there is a demand for business to be conducted differently. Some of the world’s most successful companies are investing in working environments far removed from the typical office space. Steve Jobs, the late former CEO of Apple, was a fan of walking meetings and scheduled as much time as possible outside. And Amazon’s new headquarters are designed to bring the outside in, with a rainforest-like space featuring a giant glass dome that houses more than 40,000 plants. 

Maybe productivity and collaboration can thrive in a more relaxed environment. So go on, step away from the desk, leave the boardroom behind and give it a try.

True Bermuda Charters, truebermuda.com 

The post Beyond the boardroom appeared first on RG Magazines.

In this issue of Big World, we caught up with Bermudian Tariq Lynch-Wade, Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) for Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). He talks to RG Mags about his incredible position, how he got there and the perks of travelling for work.

 Which city are you based in?

I’m based in Hong Kong. Part of my development plan with BCAA is a secondment with Hong Kong Airlines, where I joined on the narrow body Airbus A320 and recently moved up to the widebody Airbus A330.

What does an FOI do?

The FOI is responsible for providing safety oversight of all Bermuda registered aircraft in the private category by ensuring they meet and maintain compliance with international standards. As First Officer on the A330, I along with the Captain, safely operate the aircraft anywhere within the route network of the airline.

Tell us about your journey…

As a kid, my ultimate dream was to become an airline pilot, so that’s where I set my sights. There have been many ups and downs (no pun intended) filled with more opportunities than disappointments. After I completed flight training, I became a Flight Instructor, teaching others how to fly and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Chief Flight Instructor with Delta Connection Academy based in Jacksonville, Florida.

What do you enjoy most about being a pilot?

The view! Being able to see the Sunrise or the moonlight causing the bed of clouds to glow beneath us is like watching nature’s poetry. One of the more fulfilling experiences of being an international pilot, though, is continuously navigating different cultures and perspectives. 

Where have you flown so far?

I have had the opportunity to fly into Africa, Asia-Pacific, Maldives, Europe, Middle East, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

What is your schedule like?

No month is the same.  Some trips result in what are known as turnarounds where we take passengers from Hong Kong to another destination, then an hour later take a new set of passengers back to Hong Kong.  Other trips are longer flights which allow us to have anywhere from a day to three days off at that destination to explore.

What do you like to do on your time off?

Some days I go exploring the sights of the city, or go hiking up the mountains, but usually days off result in doing some intense physical activity or finding a new place to eat.

If you could play a song in the cockpit, what would be your theme take off song?

If I had to narrow it down to just one, I would choose ‘Kendrick Lamar, SZA- All The Stars’.  Something about the rhythm incites a similar adrenaline boost as the sound of two roaring engines powering us down the runway.

Connect with Tariq @roll.with.riqs

24 Hours in Hong Kong

Favourite local food and the best place to eat it.

Dim Sum is something Hong Kong is famous for, and the vegetable Dim Sum is my favourite.  There’s a little hole-in-the-wall family-run restaurant called “Dumpling Yuan” in the city that serves up a great array of dim sum options along with garlic broccoli.

The best-looking airport to fly into

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is probably the most amazing airport to see at night.  There’s what appears to be an infinite amount of lights and large aircraft loading passengers to fly to every continent in the world except Antarctica.

The best spot for shopping

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise. There is no shortage of malls, shopping centres, and markets to spend money.  Everything from cheap knock-offs to outrageously expensive luxury name brands can be found here. It can be quite overwhelming even still today having been here for 3 years.

 If we only had 24 hours in Hong Kong, where should we go?

Ngong Ping to see the Big Buddha, take the tram up to The Peak and see picturesque views of the world-famous Hong Kong city and Victoria harbour, immerse yourself in the tranquil Nan Lian Garden which is a far cry different than the bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong city.

A place that reminds you of Bermuda

The active marina of the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland during the summer gives a feel of Bermy during the summer months. The Maldives offers a utopia in the middle of the Indian Ocean and bears a similar beauty to our Pearl of the Atlantic we call home.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 edition of RG Magazine. 

The post Big World: Hong Kong appeared first on RG Magazines.

Where do you live?

I train in both Wesley Chapel, Florida and Paris France; and during the season, from October to March, I’m in a different country every two to three weeks.

We know that Bermuda will always be home, but what is your favourite city?

I miss Bermy, most of my family is there, but I really love Europe. My favourite city is Paris. I just love the architecture – the old castles, churches, not to mention the food and the cheese. We don’t get to experience that in the US.

What is your schedule like?

Pretty busy! We train from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a few breaks in between. The hardest part is travelling so much during the season.

Your greatest achievement to date?

For most, the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have been lucky enough to experience three! I would have to say my biggest achievement is, with my partner, becoming the 2018 Olympic World Bronze Medallist.

What do you enjoy the most about the Olympics?

I love the coming together of all different sports and disciplines in one country. Cheering on your fellow countrymen. Also, the fact that it not only brings athletes together, it brings the world together. Wars and politics seem to stop, and it’s all about the Olympics, hard work, determination and dreams coming true.

Who inspires you?

My coaches. They have families and hardships that they never talk to us about, but they come the rink every day with smiles on their faces. They continue to try to make us, not only the best athletes, but the best people that we can be, prepare us for the rink, and for life, really. What they don’t realise is that we learn by example and they are some of the greatest examples of kindness, empathy, passion and determination.

Who do you hope to inspire?

Most people believe in what they see. I never saw other black figure skaters growing up. Although I’m proud to have come so far without that idol, I hope to make it easier for other young girls that look similar to me, to believe in themselves and in their dreams. To believe their parents when they tell them that anything is possible.

What’s next for you?

My short-term goal is to be in the podium at the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. My long-term goal is to win 2018 European Championships and World Championships.

If you were not a figure skater, what would you be?

I would be a tennis player or a paediatrician. I love children!

24 hours in Paris

The best place to eat healthy food

I feel like most places in Paris are healthy. In France and in Europe, in general, the portion size is considerably smaller. The meat laws are stricter. I often lose weight quickly when I am in Paris without trying.

The best place to train

At my home rink in Bercy, Paris. About 15 metres away from the rink is a sports and medical school. We train there off the ice, and we can get treated for any pain or injuries we may have.

The best place to experience

The best experience I had in Paris was when my partner surprised me and took me to the Eiffel Tower for the first time. We went all the way to the top – an absolutely breath-taking moment.

The best spot for shopping

The best place for shopping is on the Champs-Élysées. It has anything that you’re looking for, great shopping with an even better view.

The best place to wander off the beaten path

Le Marais. It’s a cute and chic place for pedestrians only and has these charming cobblestone roads. It has small unique clothing boutiques, cool lounges and amazing restaurants.

The post Big World: Vanessa James takes us to Paris appeared first on RG Magazines.

 1. British Airways “The Concorde Room”, London Heathrow and New York JFK

For starters, passengers go through the “First Wing”, an exclusive check-in experience and expedited security clearance. Once inside, First Wing passengers are treated to a la carte menus from top chefs perfectly paired with fine wine and champagne, complementary snacks and beverages.

Winning feature: the private cabanas: a comfortable bed, room service and even a wake-up call. There is a flight to catch, after all.

 2. Cathay Pacific “The Pier”, Hong Kong International Airport

Your high-class trip to China starts and ends with the lounge, which features a unique tea house with a variety of artisanal and traditional Chinese teas served by specialists. Dining options include a deli-style restaurant for those on the go, a coffee cart offering freshly brewed speciality coffee made by expert baristas, as well as a noodle bar, serving fresh regional specials.

Winning feature: relaxation rooms and workstations are offered for those looking to catch up on some rest or a quiet place to work. Don’t worry about waking up groggy, you can freshen up before or after take-off with a nice, long private shower.

 3. Turkish Airlines “Lounge Istanbul”, Atatürk Airport

Measuring over 32,000 square feet, Lounge Istanbul has been labelled as one of the world’s best lounges for numerous reasons; captivating architecture and tasteful design make it more than a stop, but truly an experience.

Hotel-like suites, private showers, children’s play area and massage therapy.  You’ll want a long layover with video games, snooker tables, and golf simulators. For restaurants, you have your choice of both Turkish and world cuisines, and bars with the top-of-the-line librations.

 Winning feature: a cinema to watch all the latest and greatest to shut off before business begins. 

4. Virgin Airlines “New York Club House”: New York JFK Airport

Self-described as “a space that oozes uptown style”, this clubhouse promises that “the moment you walk in, you’ll be transported into a world of graceful elegance, with soothing lighting and luxurious furnishings”. Luggage storage, showers, an entertainment zone, relaxation pods, and a clubhouse spa, all open for use.

Winning feature: a complementary a la carte menu, five-star dining that features tapas-style dishes, alongside a bar with signature cocktails and complementary beverages.

 5. Etihad Airways “Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa”, Abu Dhabi International Airport

The first choice for many long-distance travellers, this lounge is open 24/7, which is a major plus for stopovers during odd hours.

It has a full fitness room, a children’s play area, a spa offering complimentary treatments including massages and facials, VIP rooms for more privacy, TV rooms, showers and even a clothes-pressing service. Guests experience worldly cuisine, tastefully inspired by Abu Dhabi and complimented by exquisite wine pairings. If spirits are more to your liking visit the bar to be tempted one of their signature cocktails.

 Winning feature: The complimentary cigar lounge, featuring high-class cigars specially made for Etihad, paired with a large selection of single malt whiskies and Cognac.

 6. Qatar Airways “Al Mourjan Business Lounge”: Hamad International Airport

Spread over 10,000 square metres, the design is a mixture of modern and classic style – exclusive marbles, designer furniture and intricate embellishments. With world-class facilities and awards winning hospitality, Al Mourjan earns a spot as one of the top lounges in the world.

 Multiple dining options include anything and everything in between a light snack to gourmet meals, and fine beverages.

Amenities include quiet rooms for a quick nap, family rooms and shower and restroom facilities.

 Winning Feature: Formula 1 simulator and children’s nursery –– because they know that behind every good person in business, is a great family.

 This article was featured in the September 2018 edition of the RG Business Magazine.

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Best way to get lost

Turn off Google Maps. Get on a bike and ride around the city for a day.

Best place to fall in love

Leave Amsterdam. Head to the Amsterdam Centraal and take the 3-hour train ride to Paris.

Best restaurant

Bakers and Roasters at Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat

for Brunch –– homemade baked goods and specialty coffee.

Best spot for shopping

Kalverstraat, right behind Dam Square.

A place off the beaten path

The Bijlmer, and neighborhood in South East Amsterdam where most immigrants and refugees settled in the 1970s.  It’s now turned into a vibrant area with lots of cultures, shops, and restaurants.

Something that reminds you of Bermuda

being surrounded by water, I love sitting by the canals and watching the boats go by.  Also, seeing tourists on my way to work everyday reminds me of walking through front street

The people are…

Great at letting you be completely yourself.

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