Scandic brings theatre back to life as part of Scandic Grand Central -

The curtain will soon go up again at the Vasateatern theatre in Stockholm. After having stood empty since 2009, the classic private theatre will live once more in a new guise. A vibrant cultural scene for theatre and music will become a reality when the splendid building is joined to Scandic Grand Central to create a one-of-a-kind hotel with restaurants and bars. The design of Vasateatern is a cooperation between the leading hotel operator in the Nordic region, Scandic, and the owner of the property, KLP Fastigheter. 

One of Sweden’s oldest theatres dating from the 1890s – and whose foyer is already part of Scandic Grand Central – will finally be in the spotlight again. Visitors will be able to step directly from the hotel’s bistro into the historic and beautifully ornamented auditorium where legendary theatre directors such as Gösta Ekman senior and Karl Gerhard have performed, as well as contemporary actors like Mikael Persbrandt and Suzanne Reuter.

Scandic Grand Central has already distinguished itself as an ambitious venue for concerts and clubbing. With Vasateatern’s spacious and majestic stage, the hotel will be able to accommodate a larger audience. The theatre will be rented to production companies that put on smaller musical, theatrical and dance performances. Scandic Grand Central will also be able to arrange and host conferences for up to 1,000 people.

“Scandic has great plans for Vasateatern. We want to create a new type of meeting place and a cultural and entertainment scene at the same time as we contribute to maintaining and refining a valuable part of Swedish culture”, says Frank Fiskers, President & CEO, Scandic Hotels.

"KLP's intention has been to restore Vasateatern to its original glory so that it will become a vibrant and diverse meeting place with cultural ambitions. We are now very happy to be able to realize this vision together with Scandic", says Anette von Mentzer, who is responsible for KLP's Swedish operations. 

Vasateatern is a designated National Heritage Building and it will undergo a complete antiquarian restoration under the guidance of antique experts. Depending on the length of the renovation, the theatre is expected to reopen spring/summer 2016. 

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Undersea restaurant Ithaa celebrates 10th anniversary at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

One decade ago, Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was spectacularly ‘sunk’ five metres into the waters of the Indian ocean and ever since it’s been the mecca for lovers of food, culture and architecture. Sitting like a pearl beneath the waves (Ithaa translates as ‘pearl’ in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi) the curved acrylic walls which give 180-degree panoramic views set the trend for unique dining. - 

It became the world’s first aquarium-style undersea restaurant – indulging diners with stunning views of the surrounding lagoon, reefs and tropical fish. Consistently recognised as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world, Ithaa is fast becoming a 21st century travel icon, so it is no surprise that as one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive places to eat, there is no better place to showcase the finest wines.

To coincide with the date the restaurant first opened its doors - April 15 - Ithaa will host a Château Margaux sommelier dinner. The wine estate of Château Margaux dates back to the 17th Century and is renowned for its grapes as its prices. A bottle of 1787 Chateau Margaux was sold for $225,000 making it one of the world’s most expensive wines. This is the first time Château Margaux have been invited to host a at Conrad Maldives.

Kamal Malik, head sommelier says: “Ithaa sets the trend for dining in the Maldives, being the first to understand and truly demonstrate that a remote location needn't prohibit fine dining and good wines. It’s the obligatory choice for the gourmet traveller and has the most passionate, extensive and exclusive wine programme with more than 1,400+ labels and up to 20,000 bottles on the island. The Château Margaux sommelier dinner will add something extra special.” Past wine-pairing dinners have included Château Latour, hosted by Frederic Engerer, a Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Verticals dinner and a never-to-be-forgotten Louis Roederer Cristal Verticals event which marked Ithaa’s 5th anniversary, and most recently a Dom Pérignon verticals dinner hosted to mark the 10th year sinking of Ithaa in November 2014.

Meanwhile, inspirational fine dining is at the heart of the Conrad Maldives experience.  Ithaa diners are offered ‘contemporary Maldivian cuisine’, taking local spices, seasonings and traditional cooking methods, but adding a western twist to create an innovative style of cooking that has not diminished in the past years.

Envisioned by Mr. Ahmed Saleem of Crown Company PVT, owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mr.Saleem was inspired  whilst travelling in Bali in 2001 and five years later Ithaa was brought to life by Mike Murphy of M J Murphy Limited in New Zealand who specialises in aquarium technology. At a cost of US $5 million, Ithaa took 85 tonnes of sand ballast (in sandbags) to sink into the ocean bed.

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Chris Meredith appointed new Executive Chef at Raffles Praslin, Seychelles -

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Chris Meredith as Executive Chef at Raffles Praslin, Seychelles. Meredith joins Raffles from the iconic Sandy Lane, Barbados where he held the position of Executive Chef.

British born and bred he began his career in 1994 working at Paul Heathcote’s 2 Michelin star restaurant Longridge. His culinary skills have gone from strength to strength as he has taken on significant roles in the kitchen, including working for The Dorchester Collection where he was at the helm of the kitchen at Coworth Park for several years. It is there that he had the honour of cooking for Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years Meredith has honed his cooking style to produce classical, elegant, and innovative dishes with a focus on fresh clean flavours which he will bring to the menu at Raffles Praslin.

Commenting on the appointment, Christoph G. Ganster, General Manager of Raffles Praslin, Seychelles states, “The entire team and myself here at Raffles Praslin, Seychelles are thrilled at the Chef Meredith’s appointment, and given his proven track record and experience at Michelin starred restaurants, he is the perfect match to head up our restaurants. It is clear that he is very passionate about his work in the kitchen and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the magical island of Praslin. Our guests will have the chance to experience the best local products and exquisite recipes created by a Michelin starred Chef, in such a far flung destination in the Indian Ocean.”

Meredith is the perfect candidate to take over the culinary reins at the beautiful all-villa resort of Raffles Praslin, Seychelles which boasts six bars and restaurants. These include Losean restaurant which showcases contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, Curieuse restaurant with specialties from South-East Asia and India and The Pool Restaurant & Bar where authentic Creole food and fresh seafood can be found.

The resort is spread over 30 acres of land on the spectacular island of Praslin and is home to the first award winning Raffles Spa. It is also situated close to natural wonders such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, where the interestingly-shaped endemic Coco de Mer palms grow, and Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches around the world.

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