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Accessories
unlimited
•For that super new year party
PACESETTER Komal Talwar
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how do you plan to say goodbye to 2012 and welcome the first rays of 2013 sun? Maybe huddled in your blanket in front of the TV watching the world celebrate? Or partying with a small group of friends? If none of the above appeals you, there’s a lot in store provided you have the inclination, and more importantly, the moolah. For most travel agencies, this is the peak season. And they are marketing every nook and corner of the world for the morning after that eventful evening. They are wooing tourists to places like Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Mumbai, Paris, London and New York to join the revellers in heralding in the New Year.
Sydney’s blaze of colours
Though the residents on the central Pacific Ocean island of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) are the first to usher in the New Year, the real festivities start in Sydney in Australia. At the stroke of midnight, the city erupts in a blaze of colours as firecrackers go up in the sky at the Sydney Harbour. The show of fireworks is one of the most watched television events around the globe. Last year, more than 1.5 million people took vantage points around the city to view this 12-minute spectacle of crackers going up in the sky and transforming into the shapes of clouds, waterfalls, rainbows and flying saucers. Such is the popularity of the event that as many as one billion people watched it live on their television screens.
Kuala Lumpur’s pyrotechnics
Though celebrations in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia may not be as elaborate as those of Sydney, these are a keenly watched pyrotechnics extravaganza by the locals. As the clock strikes midnight, the landmark Petronas Twin Towers come alive with a display of amazing fireworks. The New Year eve in Kuala Lumpur is all about partying and celebrating that people indulge in the whole evening and as midnight approaches, they start gathering in parks and other city landmarks to catch a glimpse of the awesome fireworks display. Singapore’s rocking parties
If Kuala Lumpur’s New Year is marked with merriment, Singapore is not far behind. It has some of the largest and grooviest parties making the island nation rock on New Year. Last year, the celebrations at Central Fountain Square in Clarke Quay had New York as its theme. There was a complete Times Square feeling (without the snow) where people could get their pictures taken with Uncle Sam. But it is the beaches where the real action takes place in Singapore on the New Year eve. At the Siloso Beach, for example, the festivities start at 6 pm on the evening of December 31 and go on till 6 am on the morning of January 1. This year, the centre of attraction is the Marina Bay where thousands of people are expected to gather on the New Year eve to witness free music and extravagant visual arts performances even as the bay waters reflect the dazzling fireworks display above Singapore’s cityscape.
Goa’s joie de vivre
Goa is all dances and joyfulness. The sandy beaches hold out the promise of sheer enchantment. In the moonlight, the water takes on a magical luminescence as wine and food sets the mood for festivities. The atmosphere becomes even more electric with the enthusiasm of the local Goans for whom joie de vivre is as essential as the air they breathe. Though there are no organised fireworks, in most big Indian cities, the New Year is celebrated with as much zest as anywhere in the world. Essel World and Water Kingdom holds a massive New Year party every year in an area of 64 acres. Though there is an entry fee, the bash promises an exciting way of ushering in the New Year. There are unlimited rides, dance floors, spectacular sound-and-light shows, carnival-like atmosphere and sumptuous food options.
An evening in Paris
Paris, too, is an amazing place to be in on the New Year eve. The old-world aura, the breezy boulevards, impressive monuments, amazing lights and the romantic River Sienne make it one of the most memorable cities to be in at this time of the year. Most people head for the Eiffel Tower which is lit up with fireworks as midnight strikes. However, those who want to avoid the crowds at the Eiffel Tower make your way to the heights of Montmarte and the Sacre Coeur from where they can view not just the pyrotechnics but get a spectacular view of Paris lit up with fireworks.
Celebration capital of the world
London will organise a very special New Year bash. It has been a very eventful year that has marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the successful organising of the Olympic and Paralmypic Games and the expected heir to the British throne. In keeping with the mood, the celebrations, too, would be quite spectacular. At the stroke of midnight, there will be a stunning display of pyrotechnics marking the New Year. Fireworks will illuminate the night sky near the London Eye on the south bank of River Thames. The New Year’s Day Parade in London will feature more than 10,000 dancers, acrobats, cheerleaders and musicians performing to the theme Hats Off To London — Celebration Capital of the World.
The ultimate party
The ultimate party, however, will be in New York. Times Square will host the most highly anticipated New Year festivities. More than a million people will brave sub-zero temperatures and pay upwards of $250 each to rock, revel and party away as the clock strikes midnight. On offer will be a variety of tickets that will give people access to open bars and grills as also entry to full throttle night clubs, cool and sophisticated lounges and mega-watt entertainment centres. One could also attend multiple parties in and around Times Square and enjoy some of New York’s best DJs spinning all night long. The big moment will be celebrated with fireworks and a special champagne toast even as a blizzard of confetti comes dancing down from neighbouring rooftops.
Chasing the New Year dawn
Christmas Island, a raised coral atoll in the Pacific Ocean, is the first place on earth to usher in the New Year. From here, the journey of the New Year heads towards Chatham Island in New Zealand and then on to Wellington. It enters Australia through Sydney where it is greeted with jubilant fireworks. Then it goes onto Japan, China, Thailand and Myanmar. New Year arrives in India via Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. From here, it travels to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, Iraq and France and England amid joyful pyrotechnics and merriment. Interestingly, it does not head for America but goes to Brazil, Chile, Canada and then on to the US where its first point of entry is New York that hosts the biggest welcome New Year party. Travelling through the time zones of America, it completes a full circle by entering Samoa Island, which is the last to celebratethe New Year dawn.
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Accessories
unlimited Fashions
are taking on a kaleidoscopic meaning in this festive season. Leading designers are giving a free rein to their creativity and coming up with dresses that would bring out the essence and spirit of New Year. They say that the theme is going to be clashing hues and chaotic patterns to lend a dash of vibrancy to the dressing style. Cocktail dresses “Girls should look flirtatiously beautiful on the New Year eve,” says Amrita Trivedi, an up-and-coming Delhi designer. “Cocktail dresses are a great choice. If it gets chilly, they can cover themselves up with a stylish scarf or a stole, which will make them look gorgeous. They should complement the attire with high boots in colours that go with their dress as also light jewellery and a smart clutch.” Designers, however, are not limiting themselves to dresses. They say jeans paired with an embellished top or a shredded cardigan can look amazing. Smartly stitched knee-length dresses with smart cuts, with a waist belt, too, can look stunning. To enhance the look, the girls can wear smart knitted mittens that are in sync with the dress and shoes. There’s a wide range of accessories to choose from for the New Year eve. Beaded earrings are a great choice as these tend to dazzle the face. These are available in exquisite designs to reflect the festive mood. Girls can also go in for and a pendant around their neck and brooches made of Swarovski crystals to adorn their hair with. For guys, too, there are a number of accessories that can enhance their personality. Cravats, cufflinks, tie-pins, man-purses, mufflers and lapel pins are the flavour of the year ahead. The more adventurous ones can go in for a brim hat or a beanie cap for a sporty look that will not just keep them warm but make them look stylish as well.
Sensuous pleats Leading couturiers have glamorous designs for girls. Frocks with beautiful embroidery and sensuous pleats are a perfect combination for girls going out on the New Year eve. They could also wear jeans with ruffled tops or even smart three-quarters or pedal-pushers. For accessories, they could wear colourful bangles, which are back in demand as a bold fashion statement. Says Trivedi, “Girls can look stunning in strapless gowns and dresses. They can complement these with can-can skirts and corseted bodices.” She adds that the strapless look can be perfected with a beady neck piece. “Accessories, too, are very important. A smart shoulder bag coordinated with a coloured gown has a whiff of contemporary sophistication to it. Pump shoes in vibrant colours never fail to create a magic of their own.” Most designers say the look for girls should be bold this year. Smart skirts combined with flouncy tops could be a good option for going out on a date. Accessories can include heart-shaped pendants, Swarovski bracelets and necklaces. Shoes and socks in red, black and blue can create a simple yet stunning effect.
Magical aroma There is emphasis on perfumes as well. The trend this year is perfumes by Eternity and Isabela Capeto. But those with moolah must go in for Jacques Guerlain’s Shalimar that has a magical aroma. The French perfume is said to have been created as a tribute to the love story of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. This exclusive perfume is absolutely titillating and is guaranteed to enhance the romantic mood of a New Year eve. The make-up should also be special on a New Year eve. It should never be loud but light, fresh and natural for that drop-dead look. Opt for a tinted moisturiser that will create a base and help give you a luminous complexion. A moisturiser will also prevent the make-up from drying up on a dry skin and smudging on oily skin. Use a concealer to mask pimples, dark circles and other skin blemishes, and to even out the texture. Mascara is a must to enhance the eyes by defining the eyelashes. A tinted lip balm is a sure way to give you those tantalising lips. Whether it is the clothes or the shimmer on the skin, fashion seems to be going the sparkly way this season. Bold colours, glittering cheekbones, and even high boots should be hallmark of this New Year eve. With this look, you will be all set to sizzle the night away.
A PURSE FOR MEN Price..Rs
1,500 onwards
TRENDY SCARVES Price..Rs
16,225 (Alexander McQueen scarves)
Power Bag Price..
Rs45,000 (Snake power bag)
HAND CANDY Price..Rs
19,800 (Chloe clutch wristlet)
SHOULDERING ELEGANCE Price..Rs
2,500 onwards
Girls, you can add luxe appeal to your personality with a smart party dress. Strapless dresses with lustrous sequins or punchy prints with simple shifts can look gorgeous. Try teaming your New Year party dress with a matching statement sweater to liven up your evening look. Price..Rs
14,575
(Donna Karan) BINDING TIES Price..
JACKET ELEGANCE Price..Rs
4,950 (coldwater creek)
FOR YOUR CUFFS Price..Rs
7,700 a pair (Taylor’s silver cuffs)
BEAUTY BASICS Price..Rs
2,750 (9-piece L'Oreal Make-Up Travel Pack )
STYLISH JEWELLERY Price..Rs
3,000 onwards
BOOT CAMP Price..Rs
3,500 onwards
WALK IN STYLE Price..Rs
5,000 onwards
PERFECT Peeptoes Price..Rs
54,395 (fendi)
HANDCRAFTED LEATHER BELT Price..Rs
6,050 (HERMES belt)
For that super
new year party
1 Send out personalised invites to friends. These can be handwritten, or, if these are printed, these should carry a warm, personal note from you. 2
Make sure your guests are comfortable and no one is feeling left out. If some are looking uneasy, draw them in a conversation with other guests. 3
Have a well-stocked bar. It should have all regular drinks and some not-so-common ones in case, there is someone who likes to be different. 4
If you are having a BYOB (bring your own booze) party, make sure you serve all soft drinks and Champagne at the stroke of midnight. 5
Keep the food simple but have elaborate drinks and snacks. Food is the last thing on the mind of revellers who want to linger with their drinks. 6
You may not require them but it will be a great idea to keep some party games ready, in case the conversation lags or the party tempo slackens. 7
Ask someone to take candid photographs. Send prints to your friends. These will serve as memories and the candid pictures will be a source of fun. 8
Swap normal bulbs for colourful dim lights and create a whole new party atmosphere. Have light votive candles for that romantic New Year effect. 9
Go for party accessories. It may sound childish but people enjoy party accessories like hats and whistles. Put all of these in a bowl for guests to pick at midnight. 10
Keep small presents ready to give to your guests as a token of thanks when they are leaving. They will remember your party for a long time.
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It’s the season to cherish the year gone by and start a new one with fresh beginnings. What better way to spread cheer among friends and family than with a stylish and chic new collection of bar accessories. Elitify.com, an online retail destination, has an array of innovative accessories that include alcohol dispensers, decanters, hip flasks, wine tool sets that make for good as well as eye-catching collection for one’s own bar. So go ahead, say cheers to the New Year in style. Price:
Rs 1,490 onwards
LIGHTING UP A SMOKER’S LIFE
Price: Ranging between $30 for Zippo Classic and $37,000 for a 1933 vintage Zippo (between
Rs 1,650 and Rs 20.35 lakh)
RING IN THE VISITORS
Price: $320
(Rs 17,600)
FACEBOOK PHONE
Price:
Rs 3,500
BENTLEY BONANZA
Price: Starts at $105
(Rs 5,775)
The state-of-the-art Swarovski watch has been designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. This glittering piece is inspired by Swarovski’s Lake of Shimmer installation at Baselworld — the World Watch and jewellery show. With a stainless steel case, this Swiss quartz watch has a dial made of pure crystal. The strap, too, is stainless steel bracelet. Price:
Rs 45,000
BACHCHAN CHECKS IN
It’s the ultimate in luxury. In a tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema, the Taj group of hotels has created the Cinema Suite at its 51 Buckingham Gate Hotel in London. Though it will officially open just ahead of the century of Indian film in 1913, the suite hosted its first guest Amitabh Bachchan in first week of December. From the imposing study inspired by the great masters like Satyajit Ray, the bedroom is reminiscent of the works of maestros like Guru Dutt, Merchant Ivory and Bimal Roy, it is an alluring visual journey. But before rushing to book it keep in mind that the hotel’s Jaguar 2-bedroom King Suite costs upwards of Rs 4 lakh a night! Price per night: Yet to be announced
POWER OF PLASTIC
Price: $500 annually
(Rs 27,500) waived if you spend more than $100,000 (Rs 55 lakh) in a year
We all know that Formula One is an adrenalin-pumping race and the cars that participate in it are truly made for champions. Now brace up for Formula Zero! Formula Zero? Yes, Mercedes Benz has introduced a solar-powered green machine that beats everything. Designed for a new race starting in 2025, the Formula Zero “combines elements from the Formula One and the grace of Yacht Racing with the track dynamics of the bobsled,” says a company’s brief. In short the ultimate auto racer that will soon scorch the speedtracks around the world. So, fasten your seat belts for some mind-numbing action on the race track. Price: Not announced so
far
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
Price: Last auctioned for $82 million (Rs
450 crore)
PRICIEST SPA
Price: $11,000
(Rs 6.05 lakh per night for suite & spa) Note: All prices are converted at the rate of
Rs 55 a dollar
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Patenting the formula for success A feisty woman started her company to enable Intellectual Property Outsourcing, while it was still a nascent field Aditi Garg Business
acumen and a driving ambition led Komal Talwar, 34, to the dizzying heights she has reached in just a matter of six years. Not one to tow the usual line of looking for a job after completing her education, she took a plunge into uncharted territory. She familiarised herself with the world of Intellectual Property Outsourcing over the net before she took it up as a career choice. An alumna of Lady Sri Ram College, Delhi, St Xavier’s College, Mumbai and Panjab University, Chandigarh, from where she got her law degree, she was not willing to take up a job. She started her company TT Consultants (Then, Talwar & Talwar Consultants) almost immediately. It was a painstaking process with many days and nights spent scouring the internet for new business opportunities related to her field of education. It was then that she zeroed in on I P Outsourcing which was in its nascent stages at that time. With very few players in the area, she opined that she would be up against little competition. It also catered to a high-end market. Mother to a three-year-old and expecting another child, Komal is a gritty woman who has her eyes set high. With ample family support and her husband as her partner in the business, (he joined almost a year after it started), she is poised for greater success. There is a workforce of around 80 people who are specialists in their field; from engineers to a legal team, they have a huge resource of technical and legal skills. Their area of work includes helping companies commercialise their products. For this they select and bring ahead-of-time technologies to India by helping the parent company form alliances and partnerships locally. This benefits India as it quickens the access to new technologies via this process called Technology Transfer. They also have huge world-wide databases of existing patents that help in advising the clients on whether the product that they have innovated is worth applying for a patent or has it already been done. This saves the companies a lot of time and money. TT Consultants also advice their clients regarding the direction that their future research and development should follow to achieve maximum benefits. The company has also been involved in raising awareness for and training in IP for local industry. For this they have MoUs with best brains in the industry like IIT Ropar, PEC and ISB, Mohali. When the company started out, all their clients were in the US. But after the recession hit the US, they decided to expand to other countries as well. Now they have two offices in Taiwan, one in Washington DC and another one in Gurgaon and headquarters in Chandigarh. They have a global presence with clients in The US, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia. An ISO 27001 and ISO 9001:2008 certified company; it has been listed in Top 20 LPO vendors by The Black Book of Outsourcing. Komal has herself been awarded the ‘Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2010’ award in the north from Software Technology Parks of India. Her major achievement year is, as she says,“A Taiwan-based company had recently developed a ground-breaking TB kit which would be really beneficial in India. But the introduction of the kit to India was being delayed owing to lack of a proper tie-up in India, till we tied it up with a major pharmaceutical company in India.”
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Fashions
There’s nothing sissy about men flaunting a purse. This stylish over-the-shoulder apparel has been made famous by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and Zach Galifiankis in The Hangover. So chuck away that the briefcase and get yourself a real man purse for your wallet and keys.
Scarf, the little wisp of fabric, is back to being a fashion essential. It is again making men look stylish and women elegant. An Alexander McQueen chiffon is the perfect accessory that can add pizzaz to any outfit on the New Year eve from the little black dress to a business suit or a shirt and jeans outfit. 
With a trendy snakeskin pattern, this handheld minaudière glitters in crystal mesh in a gradation of neutral tones. The inside is lined with the swanflower pattern in black. This glamorous design from Swarosvki comes with a removable snake chain handle. 
A smart clutch by Lana Marks or Chloe has been the accessory of choice of leading Hollywood ladies and other celebrities. This New Year eve, you, too, can finish off a smart evening ensemble with a clutch that can be in high shine sequin clutch with an elegant broach.
It’s a women’s accessory that is hard to beat. The shoulder bag adds an elegant sheen to a lady’s personality. Whether it is by Prada or Stella McCarney or Dolce and Gabbana, the shoulder bag is an accessory that matches brilliantly with any smart dress and matching footwear. 
DRESSED TO KILL
Gone are the days when men considered the tie as being primarily a formal dress accessory. Today, ties are becoming a part of party wear as well. So wear a quality tie on the New Year eve and make a vibrant fashion statement which is guaranteed to add style and pizzaz to the personality.
Protect yourself from the chill of the New Year with this reversible jacket from American women’s designer label Coldwater Creek. These are not just warm outfit toppers. Smart jackets are the ultimate attire to bring out elegance and feminity and attract all-round attention. 
There’s something classy about men’s cufflinks that defies explanation. Whether these are made of gold or silver or studded with diamonds or of fine metal, these are an elegant feast for the eyes. Try wearing these black agate and shell cufflinks. From Taylor to Ralph Laurent, these are attention-grabbers are a must have for suave and stylish men.
An absolute party essential, the small make-up kit is a must-have in a lady’s handbag. It is very handy for a quick brush up to retain that stunning look. leading companies like Anne Andre, Maybelline and L’Oreal make excellent handbag make-up kits.
Theme jewellery is the new style statement for party goers. On most festive occasions, you can get custom-made jewellery. Ganesha pendants for Diwali and heart-shaped pendants for Valentine’s Day. For the New Year eve, the theme is elegant pearl jewellery in hues suiting your dress. 
Knee-high boots are the best way to make an impression. And if it is a New Year party, you want to look your best. Buy a pair of faux suede high boots from any leading shoe company like Nine West, Woodland or Pavers that complement your dress and protect you from the cold. 
Global biggies like John Lobb, Jimmy Choo, Testoni, Berluti, Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli have made stylish footwear a part of men’s wardrobe essentials. Suave and sophisticated, the shoes will add a touch of luxe to your ensemble.These are a complete style statement on their own.
Peeptoes booties are one of the hottest trends this year. These can complement your little black dress as well as your evening gowns. Offering shimmer and a stingray-like feel, the contrast panel on the sleek Fendi bootie keeps the look fresh with contrast and texture. Made in Italy, the Fendi Victorian Galaxy peeptoe bootie has a shimmer suede centre with smooth spazzolato leather sides and topstitching at peep-toe.
A belt can add style to a woman’s dress. A handcrafted leather belt makes a strong fashion statement. And if it happens to be from a top company like Hermes, it will become the object of envy. The French fashion house specialises in stylish and elegant belts made for special occasions.
It is fun to go to a New Year party where everything is organised and you just have to arrive and have fun. But if you are the host, there will be plenty to do. Organising a New Year party requires both imagination and originality. Here are some rules on how to make your party a memorable affair:
RAISE THE BAR
For almost 80 years, it has been a stylish companion to those who like to smoke. When the legendary Zippo lighters first hit the market in 1932, it lighted up the smokers’ world by selling more than 25,000 pieces. The company recently celebrated the sale of its ten millionth lighter. Unlike the normal lighter, Zippo is different in that it combines flint-wheel ignition with a naphtha-soaked wick. This makes it wind resistant and more reliable in cold weather than butane lighters. Or as the adline goes… It opens with a flick of the wrist and lights with a turn of the flint wheel.
What do you do when the doorbell rings? Go to the door, peep through the ‘watch’ hole and then open the door. Now you can do all that while relaxing in your lounge chair or bed. Doorbot a Wi-Fi-enabled doorbell sends an audio and video alert to your smartphone whenever the doorbell rings. The picture of the person at the door is flashed on the screen and allows you to converse with him or her. Doorbot works in conjunction with another device called the Lockitron, which is a smartphone-based keyless entry system that unlocks the door with the press of the phone’s key. A great device for those who have to constantly answer the door.
Are you a Facebook addict who can’t resist looking at the popular social media site every few minutes? If yes, then what you need is a mobile that will get you to your homepage in a flash. Though all internet-enabled phones have the facility, the Nokia Asha 205 is the first phone device that has a dedicated button for one-click access to Facebook. It also includes the ‘slam’ feature that allows you to share multimedia content like photos, music and videos with friends almost instantly and also start messages and group chats fast and get real-time notifications. So all you devotees, log on to Facebook via your mobile.
For more than 90 years, Bentley cars have been known for their stunning looks and extraordinary speeds. Now to celebrate the10th anniversary of its victory at the Le Mans race track, the company has come up with a collection of creatively crafted items reflecting a heritage of speed, endurance and true team spirit. From retro leather weekend bags to a distinctive set of espresso cups and from backgammon sets to 1:12 scale models of remote-controlled Bentley Continental Supersports, the collection will delight the hearts of car enthusiasts. A perfect New Year gift for people of all ages.
Time of your life
Here’s a way of joining the most exclusive club in the world. Flash a Coutts World Credit Card and see the respect you get. Designed for the most discerning clients, the Coutts World Card from the Royal Bank of Scotland is available by invitation only. It would be no exaggeration to say that most of the card owners are billionaires. Its extensive package of purchasing and travel-related services have been carefully compiled to reflect an extravagant lifestyle. One of the most distinguished Coutts card owners is Queen Elizabeth II. And if that’s not impressive enough, watch the James Bond thriller Casino Royale carefully. Agent 007 uses the card to book a room in a luxurious Bahamas resort.
A NEW FORMULA
It was one of the last paintings done by the Dutch master Vincent Van Gogh. A month before he died, Gogh did a portrait of his friend Dr Paul Gachet who had given him shelter and took care of him during his last days. After Gogh’s death the painting was sold in 1897 for 300 francs by his sister-in-law. It passed through several hands till in 1937, it was confiscated by Hitler’s Ministry for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. The painting was in the news again in 1990 when it was auctioned to a Japanese businessman by Christie’s. Reports suggest that it is going up for auction again and no one will be surprised if it breaks the record of the Card Players by Paul Cézanne which in 2011 became the most expensive work of art when it was auctioned for $250 million.
Sink yourself in luxury at Spa-V at Hotel Victor, South Beach, Florida. The spa is by far the costliest in the world and known for its exotic treatments. It is most famous for its spring water dip. A tub-full of 1,000 litres of Evian Natural Spring Water and sprinkled with rose petals awaits guest who check into the hotel's exclusive penthouse. There’s also a bottle of champagne, smoked salmon, Potted Cru of Foie Gras and Seven Sin Chocolate thrown in to soothe your senses and tastes. Little wonder than that tennis ace Serena Williams was chosen to inaugurate the spa.