Here’s some news that the seasoned fisherman you are will most probably
be interested in: Marlin peak season has finally arrived and so has the
Mauritius Billfish Release International Tournament! This event is scheduled
for January 26 to 31, 2015 in Black River, on the west coast of the island.
Big game fishing is a very popular activity in Mauritius and many are
the enthusiasts who practice this sport regularly. Local or international
visitors all enjoy the beauty of the island as seen from the sea, the struggle to
catch THE desired fish and the pride of having made the best catch of the day.
In Mauritius, the southwest is the best area to practice this activity.
It is then not surprising that the event will be held there at the end of
January. This has been made possible by the involvement and devotion of faithful
fishermen and various sponsors.
The event's main sponsors and organizers are amongst the most renowned
companies of the island. A leader in the hospitality industry, Lux Resort* through
Lux Sports*, specialist of international sporting events, is one of the main
sponsors. As well as JPH Charters, a local reference in water activities since
1975. This event also has the support of La Balise Marina, beautiful Integrated
Resort Scheme (IRS) and only residential marina of the island.
The ultimate in deep
sea fishing tournament!
The week will take place as follows: participants will be welcomed on Monday,
January 26 for a team briefing and finalizing last minute details. A cocktail
will be held in the evening at the Sunset Restaurant in La Balise Marina. On Tuesday,
Wednesday and Friday, the teams will meet at La Balise Marina and will take to
sea to collect the maximum points possible. In the evening weighing will be
done to obtain a provisional ranking. On Thursday, the day is free for
participants so that they can enjoy the activities the island has to offer! On
Saturday, the last day of the competition, the fishing rods will be out of the
water slightly earlier, and in the evening a big gala dinner will be held at
Lux* Le Morne followed by an awards ceremony.
The prize for the winners will be between Rs 500,000 and Rs 15,000 and
many gifts will be offered!
Participants will earn points on a scale defined by the different fish
they catch and release. For example, a blue, black or striped marlin will bring
1,000 points for the team, the biggest score possible. The team with the
highest number of points will win this tournament. The
rules are clear. Each team must consist of at least four people amongst which
one must be appointed captain.
A partnership with the splendid 5-star Lux* Le Morne and Tamassa by Lux*
will allow you to really enjoy your stay during this competition. You can also
choose to stay in the beautiful and comfortable apartments of La Balise Marina.
Register and enjoy the very best fishing event of the year!
Its breathtaking surf spots are world renowned, international kitesurfers
consider the island as a reference, and snorkeling enthusiasts only swear by
its turquoise lagoons ... But Mauritius is much more. Today it hosts yet another water sport: Stand
Up Paddle!
Stand Up Paddle was born in 1960 in Hawaii. The board, rather long, is
quickly forgotten, giving way to shorter ones. Although today, it is
increasingly common to see these boards since Stand Up Paddle can overcome the lack of waves ... The board, 2.5 to 5 meters, varies depending on the use made of it. Indeed, the SUP (for short) is a discipline
that can be exercised for leisure or competition, for a stroll or to surf. A
wide, long and flat board is recommended for beginners who will learn to find
their balance while a streamlined and aerodynamic one is recommended for
competitions. Today you can even get inflatable SUP boards that allow you to
reduce the rather large size of your equipment to that of a backpack. Convenient
for those who travel light and want to indulge in a water activity!
As for other nautical sports, Mauritius has
quickly become a favorite spot for Stand
Up Paddle fans. The swell when breaking on the coral reefs offers the lucky
few, waves of exceptions. Multiple spots such as Manawa, ilot Sancho, île aux
Cerfs and many more (closely guarded secret ...) allow aficionados to enjoy Stand Up Paddle in Mauritius. Consider the
scenery one only finds on postcards and the regular water temperatures all year
round as a bonus! This is why Mauritius remains the favorite destination for
water sports lovers.
Just imagine:
Your leash (lanyard) attached to your ankle, your paddle in the hands, feet
secured on your board, you glide over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
During your stroll, you can get a
tan while exercising. And most importantly, you will discover secluded and
unspoiled places... One advantage of Stand
Up Paddle is that you can practice it anywhere, as long as there is water! Whether on the calm lagoon or on the many spots of the island, the
conditions are always ideal. In
the vicinity of île aux Cerfs, you can navigate between the islands quietly
reaching Trou d'Eau Douce and its natural fresh water supply... Around the ilot
Sancho, the most adventurous can brave the apparent reefs and strong currents. From
Manawa to Little Reef through One Eye, let yourself be carried by the waves...
And if you still need convincing, know that Stand Up Paddle is the perfect way to get away from the crowds of
tourists and the excitement of the busiest places in order to enjoy the peace
and beauty of the islands...
Are extreme sports your thing? Have you tried
kitesurfing? Not yet? Well, no need to wait any longer. Concierge Hotels has
partnered with JC Galey, certified kitesurfing instructor, and his school, Son of Kite, which is based in
Mauritius. And, as a result tailor-made kitesurf packages are awaiting you.
JC Galey Son Of Kite
It’s early morning
in Le Morne. The sun is already up and so is the heat.Kitesurfers (some of which are pros)
are twirling above the lagoon; behind them, the majestic Morne mountain. Every
day, the kitesurfers of Mauritius enjoy this picture perfect setting while
indulging their favorite sport. “Here, we
have the best conditions in the world throughout the year” confides JC
Galey with enthusiasm.
A little over six
years ago, JC Galey, professional sportsman settles on the West coast of
Mauritius, board in hand. His passion for kitesurfing dates back to 1998. Two
years later, in 2000 it had also become his professional occupation. “I
have been a kitesurfing instructor since 2000” recalls JC. “I have been among the first Frenchmen to be
trained”. JC holds a “Brevet d’Etat Français” in kitesurfing. As a result, choosing JC and his school Son of
Kite, also means choosing to be trained by a professional. And to make things
even better: this pro is also passionate.
After getting his
diploma and after teaching kitesurfing for some time in France, JC travels.
Following the tides, he settles in various places where he puts down his bags
for a while before setting sail yet again to another location.Along the way, he teaches kitesurfing
in in Miami, in the U.S. and in various Spanish towns. Between 2003 and 2004,
he spends a year in Mauritius. He likes the country, and loves the weather
conditions which are ideal for kitesurfing. Later, in 2008, while kitesurfing
is taking off in Mauritius, JC decides to move to the island and to launch Son
of Kite – a kitesurfing school and store – in La Gaulette.
Two other
instructors are also in charge of classes at Son of Kite. And, since the
conditions at Le Morne are so ideal, lessons are taught nearly 365 days a year.
“This site is so special because, for a
start, the wind is regular and strong. We have the chance of having all the wind
directions. Added to that is the fact that the lagoon is not too deep. And
since it is protected by the reefs, there are no waves”, explains JC.
Son of Kite offers
two types of packages. In the first type, which is available to all customers,
classes are carried out in the lagoon – where the other kitesurfing schools
also hold their courses. For these sessions. Son of Kite’s tariffs amount to 75
Euros for a private lesson, and 40 Euros for a group lesson with a maximum of
three persons per instructor. The other package available is, on the other
hand, exclusive and made-to-measure. This is the package you want, the one you deserve and
definitely the one you need to choose!
Just imagine… You
are staying in one of those hotels on the West coast – St Regis, Dinarobin,
Lux * Le Morne or Le Paradis – and you have made a reservation for Son of
Kite’s tailor-made package. In the morning, JC Galey will come pick you up at
your hotel… by boat, and most probably right in front of your room! You will then
head off to a sandbank where only Son of Kite holds training sessions. If you
are the discrete type, and if you would rather enjoy a unique kitesurfing
experience away from prying eyes, this package is meant for you.
Not only will the
spot be yours and yours only, but so will your private instructor, JC Galey.
For three whole hours, JC’s attention will be focused on you. The icing on the
cake: JC speaks French, English, German and Spanish! It will up to you to
decide on the number of sessions you wish to have – twice a week, more, or
less. Prices for a three-hour session start at 390 Euros. If additional hours are
required, charges are applied on a pro rata basis calculated using the tariff
of the chosen package.
Whether this will
be your first try at kitesurfing or whether you are already well versed in this
sport, Son of Kite will be sure to meet your individual needs. Thanks to their
international experience and exposure, Son of Kite will offer personalized training
as well as spot-on and reliable advice. And, as Son of Kite is also a
specialist store, the instructors will also be able to guide you when choosing
and purchasing your first-ever kitesurfing equipment. Once you will have
mastered the basics, the coaches will also give you advice in regards to the
best spots. After all, Son of Kite’s mission is simple; their aim is to turn
you into a wholly independent kitesurfer.
Good news: no prerequisites
are required for beginners. They simply need to be able to swim for at least 15
minutes and to be in good health condition. As a thrill seeker, you are probably
already conscious of the risks associated to extreme sports. You will be
required to sign a discharge statement relieving Son of Kite and its instructors
from any responsibility. Each person is responsible for their own actions.
You now know what your next move needs to be ! Why not
kill two birds with one stone (figuratively speaking of course) and enjoy a
sunny escapade to Mauritius while also discovering a sport which you have had
always dreamed of trying? You may rely on Concierge Hotels and our privileged partner
JC Galey from Son of Kite, to make sure that kitesurfing no longer holds any
secret for you.
Golf clubs will sparkle, the green will been cut to the millimeter and
the sun will certainly be up and shining for the fifth edition of the AfraAsia Golf Master Tour which will
be held from December 1 to 7 at the Four Seasons Golf Club at Anahita Mauritius. This
international competition will bring together exceptional golf players on this magnificent
green. The impatient public expects spectacular confrontations. And it should not
be disappointed. Get ready for a show that will keep you in suspense.
Organized by Tv Sport Events, the Mauritian tournament is highly
anticipated by the French and international professional golfers. This edition
will feature Asian professionals, a first reflecting the country's willingness
to open up to Asia. The five Asian golfers will meet ten players of the
European Tour, the top fifteen French golf players and two Mauritians players. Two days of qualifications will reveal the names of the participants.
Big names have won this tournament in the past: Nicolas Colsaerts
(2010), Gregory Havret (2011), Christophe Brazillier (2012) and François
Calmels (2014). From December 1 to 7, 2014, the golfers will compete to be the
next on this impressive list of winners. The tournament will be as follows:
December 2 and 3, two Pro-Am followed on December 4, 5 and 6 by three
professional tours. With 100,000 €, this tournament will
seduce many. The peculiarity of
this international tournament will be in the “Alliance” format of the first two
professional rounds; Professional players will indeed be assigned an amateur
partner who can participate in this tournament with the same euphoria and get the
same media exposure as their partners.
A significant
media crowd is expected for this event. Canal+ channels such as Golf+ and Sport+ will broadcast the Golf
tournament and it will also be aired in Asia and the Middle East via partners
such as Fox Sports or OSN. A little less than 300 million viewers will watch Philip
Price’s putt on the 6th hole and Hennie Otto’s swing, the South African winner
of this year’s Italy Open. The latter, failed to win this Mauritian tournament
three times already and is thus returning this year determined to win this coveted
title. Those two big stars and their opponent coming directly from South
Africa, Jaco Van Zyl, have confirmed their presence on the Anahita golf course in
early December.
Other big names
are expected, such as Francois Calmels, the last champion to date, Alexander
Levy, Julien Quesne and Victor Riu... With all these prominent golfers coming, this
tournament should be one full of surprises. Mark your calendar for the AfrAsia
Golf Masters 2014, an exceptional event not to be missed !
However much you want to, you simply
never seem able to travel light. And you dread ending up carrying tons of
luggage from one airport to another. No need for alarm, this burden is about to
become feather-light thanks to Concierge
Hotels. Our partner, Gideon Kasfiner, and his company First Luggage, will be more than happy to ensure that all your suitcases reach their destination.
For a good 35
years now, Gideon Kasfiner has been in the English transport industry, mainly
in maritime transport, working, amongst others for Argid Shipping Ltd. and WT.
This year, his own baby, First Luggage is
celebrating its tenth anniversary. It all started after September 11, when
there was a substantial increase in security checks which had also become
tougher. As luggage restrictions suddenly made travelling more complex, Gideon
Kasfiner identified an opportunity on the market. He set up First Luggage, a
revolutionary service which takes away all the stress and fuss that usually
come with luggage.
Do you usually travel with many suitcases?
Do they all seem to be getting bigger and bigger? And, would you rather not
even imagine the drama that would unfold if your children’s luggage did not
reach the desired destination, leaving them without their favorite toy, be it
only for one day? Are you a golf player or a surfer? Is the fact of carrying
your equipment giving you the feeling that you are trying to assemble a puzzle
with missing pieces? Are you planning wedding in Mauritius or a land faraway? Is it
obvious that all your outfits and accessories will by no means fit in a 23-kilo
suitcase? We have the solution to all your luggage worries!
You no longer
need to have your luggage registered upon your departure ; your check-in
will be quick and easy. No need either to squeeze in at the carousel upon arrival;
your transfer from the airport to your hotel or home will be done in no time. Your
luggage travels on its own and reaches your final destination before you do so.
You may therefore hop on and off totally stress-free. As Gideon Kasfiner,
founder and CEO of First Luggage
explains, 65% to 70% of his clients also use the First Luggage service to therefore have their suitcases delivered
to their holiday destination as well as back home. It is however not always
possible to send one’s luggage back this way due to the legislation of certain
countries.
In spite of this,
in 2004, First Luggage became number
one for luggage pick-up and door-to-door delivery in the UK. The service is
nevertheless not limited to Britain. It knows practically no boundaries.
How does First Luggage work ? Simple. “All you have to do is call us, or email us
your request” summarizes Gideon Kasfiner. The date and time of pick-up will
depend of the date on which you need your luggage to be delivered. Gideon
Kasfiner further explains that, according to the chosen destination, customs
clearance procedures and quarantine requirements, the delay for delivery may
vary. It may take a few hours in certain cases, and up to a few days in others.
While on holiday
in London, you suddenly opt for a quick shopping trip to Paris. Thanks to First Luggage VIP, which was launched
this year, you will be sure to get your luggage back on the same day. On the
other hand, if you are leaving London for holidays in the land down under, your
suitcases will need to be ready for take-offfive or six days before you. This delay is required due to
Australia’s 24-hour quarantine policy and complex customs clearance process.
It is also
worthwhile to know that for security reasons, all luggage will be scanned before
being sent off. They will be thereafter safely key under lock and key between
pick-up from your house and final delivery. You can entirely rely on First Luggage for taking good care of
your personal belongings. The company’s network covers nearly all destinations.
“There are only about 20 to 25 countries
which we do not cover”, says Gideon. “This
list varies from time to time according to the political and social climate
prevailing in these countries”. Six months ago, for example, First Luggage’s service was available in
Russia. Today this is no longer the case. But, in six months, this might change
once more, according to how things evolve.
Some might think that this door-to-door pick-up and
delivery service is simple to manage. This is not always the case. The more
routes, and the more combinations you have, the more spicy it all gets.
According to Gideon Kasfiner, this would explain why only a handful of
companies throughout the world are in this business. When asked what makes First Luggage stand out, Gideon explains
that the service offered is “more
flexible” than the one provided by competitors, and that the First Luggage is fast. “Nowadays, we are able to propose a pick-up
service within a delay of six hours, nearly everywhere in the world. Very few
companies are able to do that”, enthusiastically points out Gideon.
Moreover for VIP clients based in London, First Luggage offers packing and
storage services.
There is also
more to First Luggage. The company offers a whole array of services to a
diverse client base. It not only provides the VIP service – the delay for
pick-up is shorter for customers who choose this option – but may also cater to
the needs of everyone. The Luggage Delivery
Company, which is available only in Europe, proposes very competitive
prices, and is the ideal solution for all those travelling on low cost airlines
having restrictive baggage allowances. And, the Student Luggage Delivery allows students to travel with all those
things that will help them create their new home away from home.
With First
Luggage, there is no set limit on weight nor on the number of pieces of luggage
allowed. And, rates are very reasonably priced! To transport, for example, 30
kilos across the Atlantic using the VIP service, applicable charges will amount
to £125. And, in order to move 30 kilos from England to a major European city,
using Luggage Delivery Company ou Student Luggage Delivery, you shouldset aside about£25.
One thing is
certain : together with its subsidiaries, First Luggage offers to each and everyone a luxury service which
will totally transform one’s travelling experience. By choosing Concierge Hotels and its privileged
partner, Gideon Kasfiner of First Luggage,
you are certain to travel light, and even very light. By mentioning Concierge Hotels when you contact First Luggage, you will also be entitled
to non-negligible extras. And, if you are heading to a destination within the
Indian Ocean, you may go directly through Concierge Hotels. We will take care of everything.
The planning of a wedding is no simple task. Trying to do so from a distance, and on your own, may turn out to be a real challenge. But, if you enlist the services of Concierge Hotels and our privileged partner, Vedna Essoo, your wedding in Mauritius will be the most wonderful day of your life.
You have dreamed of your wedding day since … well… forever. Walking down the aisle, you best friends holding your wedding dress train… you have imagined all of this many many times, hundreds of times. Today, you have met your own Mr Perfect and to add the icing on the cake: he has proposed. You both dream of an unforgettable wedding, say, in land far away, for example on an exotic island. You have decided that Mauritius would be just the place but do not know how you could possibly organize everything from a distance. Concierge Hotels has the solution: Vedna Essoo, our privileged partner for the organization of weddings, will take care of everything for your special day, from A to Z.
With Vedna Essoo, director of Marry-Go-Round, in charge, you will have nothing to worry about. Have you ever been to a wedding where the bride and groom have a tight smile all the way until the bride tosses the bouquet? Or where wide-eyed couples are fidgety and on the lookout for any problem; so much so that they miss out on all the best moments of their special day? Your wedding will be different. On that day, your mission shall be to enjoy each and every minute, to party with your family and to turn every moment into a wonderful memory. For that, you simply need to send a request to Concierge Hotels and we shall put you in contact with Vedna and her team.
For three years now, it has been Vedna’s job to organize weddings. Prior to that, this enthusiastic and dynamic young woman had been a businesswoman for 15 years, working at senior management level for Accenture, the call center giant, and for the Mauritius Employers’ Federation. Today, Vedna puts the experience she has acquired in management at your service. For years, she has been accustomed to conceiving projects for international customers, to monitor them from start to finish, while dealing with very short deadlines, and being creative. All of that, on a daily basis. Vedna’s passion however is to plan and prepare dream weddings, and, in order to be able to do so, she has surrounded herself with a team of professionals.
Vedna believes that there is a secret to holding a wedding that will leave all guests speechless. One must: define an innovative and personalized theme, choose suppliers who will become partners rather than just third parties, establish a planning that is very strictly adhered to, and most importantly, the wedding day or days need to be built around the couple’s own wishes. Vedna and the Marry-Go-Round’s team therefore go well beyond administrative management. “I do not offer all-inclusive packages. Each wedding is unique, and each wedding is personalized. I see each wedding as a film scenario which needs to be written, with a main plot, and with a variety of characters” explains Vedna Essoo.
It all starts with a first contact, a first discussion between Vedna and the soon-to-be-wed couple. Vedna makes it a point of getting to know the couple, and their story. From then onwards, THE discussion about the wedding starts. “We will talk about the type of wedding which they want, be it for an intimate wedding with twenty guests, or for something absolutely grand with three hundred guests. Once they will have chosen the theme, it will all flow. Together, we shall be able to choose the main color, imagine the decor, chose the menu, and so on…”.
With a hint of emotion and pride, Vedna tells us about some of the weddings she has previously organized, including the one for young photographers and amateur artists whose theme was: “You are the Wind in my Sail”. “For that wedding, the main color was blue. The theme was developed based on a photo taken by the couple of two catamarans at sea. The bride designed her own logo representing a sailing boat. And, they had offered typical Mauritian boat ship models to their guests” recalls Vedna, moved. She also tells us about this other couple whose story indicates that they were destined to meet, that it was written in the stars. “The theme chosen for this wedding was therefore “serendipity”, a happy coincidence. The theme was symbolized by stars. This wedding spread over three days and everything revolved around the stars. The starfish for the Mauritian night, the star anise for the Indian night, the tables were star-shaped… Every detail was reminiscent of the main theme” highlights Vedna.
How are these services different to those offered by hotel-based wedding planners? By choosing a hotel, you will only have limited options in regards to the venue for the ceremony, as well as for the choice of suppliers. By calling upon Marry-Go-Round, you will be able to decide exactly where you want to get married: on the beach, in a colonial manor, or in a hunting camp nestled in a luxuriant natural setting for example. There will be no limit, except your budget. And even then, through her network, Vedna always manages to find the best prices so as to turn your dreams into reality.
You now know what your next step needs to be… However, it is worthwhile to know that the first contact with Vedna is usually done more than a year prior to the wedding! Some couples start even before that, and other a bit later. The preparation of a grand event requires time, and Vedna takes the time to plan even the smallest of details. Once you will have gone over all your wishes and expectations with her, she will take over and will be in charge of the coordination with all partners. The only thing which will be left for you to do will be to fully enjoy your big day.
You have always dreamed that a jeweler would create a unique piece just for you, inspired by your wishes. This is now possible with Concierge Hotels. Frederic Bonnet, jeweler, has partnered with us to turn your dreams into a reality. We met him.
Walking fast, Frederic Bonnet opens to us the doors of his Bangkok workshop. The place is a private sanctuary to which, even his most prestigious clients, do not have access. Frederic uses various techniques for his art, but keeps them confidential. Handsome and stylish, Frederic is a hurried man who does not waste time. Since he put down his suitcases in the Thai capital nearly two years ago, this French craftsman has not taken time out. Each one of the creations emerging from his workshop are more unlikely than the next, more majestic. Frederic conceives very few series. He believes in uniqueness. And this is what he aims at bringing to each and every client of Concierge Hotels. “Whether for a simple ring or for a complete set, I work for the client; with the client. According to his or her tastes and desires, I devise a tailor-made piece”.
This is why none of his creations look alike. And this means that there is no chance of “your” jewel being worn by someone else... It all starts with a meeting, a phone call, or an email exchange. Concierge Hotels will coordinate the contact. However, as Frederic loves contact with people, he will make the trip if circumstances so allow. Such meetings will allow him to determine which clients know exactly what they want, and which ones have absolutely no idea. In the latter scenario, Frederic then proceeds by elimination. “By knowing what they do not want, we may then find out what they do want” points out the jeweler. From there onwards, Frederic has no boundaries. “I can make any wish come true. Like a tailor’s work, and it will be made-to-measure. Each jewel has its own story,” explains the craftsman. Gold, platinum, and precious stones, semi-precious stones – you choose and Frederic will take care of the rest. Our advice? Do not stick only to jewellery. You want a replica of your yacht, your bike or even your estate? Frederic's know-how will be at the service of your wildest wishes. His aim: propose a jewel (or a decorative object), which will convey into emotions, something stunning, sexy, out of the ordinary. For both, women and men.
This exclusive service comes at a cost, and, requires some time. Following the first contact, it may take from one to three months until delivery of a jewel. Being a perfectionist, Frederic takes time. “Things which are well done take more than just five minutes” argues the jeweller. Do you wish to see a sketch of your project so as to be able to better visualise it? For that, Frederic works with internationally renowned designers. For him on the other hand, “it’s all in the head”. “I draw sketches very rarely. Based on the client’s request, I visualize the jewel in 3D and get down to work straight away,” explains the artist.
Frederic works on a jewellers bench pin. He does not simply imagine the jewel about to be created; he works on it, hands-on. He sits at his workbench and crafts his hand-made creations. “I have a whole team working with me, but my role is not merely to supervise,” confides Frederic while sitting behind his workbench. The jeweller concedes that technology does have a role to play. While certain things may be entirely hand-made, others are not. This is where 3D technology and machines come in. “Technology allows us to make things which one could not even have thought of creating 25 years ago. It also allows us to gain time”. Nevertheless, Frederic makes it a personal issue to ensure that all finishing touches are done by hand. He has acquired this eye for detail, and this need for precision and uniqueness throughout his training, which was started more than 23 years ago in France. Frederic was barely 16 years old when he started in the jewellery universe.
As a child, he used to take apart all sorts of objects just so he could understand their mechanism. He was bored at school. His creativity and dexterity are left unused. When he is fifteen and a half he becomes an apprentice in a jewellery shop situated in the street where he grew up. His parents who are shopkeepers from father to son encouraged him to follow this chosen path. And, Frederic remains loyal to France.
Later however, as he is about to turn 29, Frederic wants to discover new lands, and longs for new horizons. He moves to Bali and gets a job as “Technical Adviser” in an American multinational. He participates in the setting up of a factory and grows the number of employees to 250. He supervises the gold and silver production. During that time, he also undertakes experiments of his own, works with silver, and creates a collection for women and men. Paris Hilton, after a stay in Bali, goes back to the States with one of Frederic’s creations named “Paris”… Frederic, chosen to play Javier Bardem’s double on the set of Eat, Pray, love, meets Julia Roberts. The Hollywood superstar leaves Bali with a magnificent large silver cuff bracelet, which later becomes known as the “Julia” bracelet. And, Javier Bardem, will leave with a sumptuous belt buckle made of black ebony and silver…
Although the Balinese experience is undoubtedly enriching, Frederic feels once more, two years ago, the need for new horizons. He longs to elevate his art even further. “I felt the need for a new challenge; for a higher level”. He settles in Bangkok and works for two workshops of internationally renowned jewelers who create marvelous collections and pieces for some of the most recognized European jewelers. The need for adventure knocks again on Frederic’s door and he is offered a unique opportunity: a mission with an NGO, firstly in Jaipur, India and then in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this context, he sets up jewelry workshops, teaches young people his techniques and imparts his know-how. For the participants, this is an opening enabling them to earn a living through their art, and keeping them away from local extremist groups. Frederic is under the spell of Afghanistan. With the help of his team in Thailand, Frederic designed in 3D all the models needed for the afghan silver collection. The mission is a success.
When he gets back to Bangkok, Frederic regains his independence. As a consultant jeweler, he provides advice to international clients, proposes out-of-the-ordinary and made-to-measure creations, and revives jewels, which have been forgotten at the back of drawers. “I give them a second life, and transform them so as to be more modern and in line with the needs of their owners”.
Today, Frederic Bonnet provides the know-how and expertise acquired during 15 years in France and 10 years in South-East Asia working with demanding customers, to the clients of Concierge Hotels. Your desires and wants are unique, and so Concierge Hotel will bring you tailor-made creations. We know you deserve them. Costs for a ring without gemstones start at $2,000, and the price range will be higher in cases of stone setting. They will also vary according to quality and size…
Participants will earn points on a scale defined by the different fish
they catch and release. For example, a blue, black or striped marlin will bring
1,000 points for the team, the biggest score possible. The team with the
highest number of points will win this tournament. The
rules are clear. Each team must consist of at least four people amongst which
one must be appointed captain.
