RECEPTION
Check-In
Ed Ng is the co-founder of Hong Kong-based design firm AB Concept alongside architect Terence Ngan. His perfect hotel sits on the California coastline, is run by royalty and features food from The French Laundry.
Where are we?
Big Sur just south of San Francisco, a favourite place of mine because of its dramatic clifftop scenery.
How did you get here? I’ve driven down Highway One from San Francisco in my white 1968 Mercedes Pagoda.
Who are you sharing your room with? I’ll be travelling with my two Shiba Inu dogs, my sketch book and brand new M9 Leica – all of which will keep me busy.
Is there anything you would like waiting for you in your room on arrival? A two-hour in-room spa treatment is all set to get me rejuvenated and ready for the wonderful dinner.
Who’s at the concierge desk? My iPad will guide me on this trip as I’m looking to explore the area myself.
And the owner / manager? Princess Diana. Her magical charm and graceful nature fills the hotel with warmth and ensures guests felt comfortable. The hotel’s style will be determined by her great taste and attention to every detail.
Describe the hotel building, your room and the view...
This ranch-style hotel is nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur providing spectacular views of the natural beauty of this coastline. It is intimate
020 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2010
in its size with only eight rooms in all, which are individually styled in a rustic and elegantly organic way. The hotel blends seamlessly with its surrounding landscape and is set amongst vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the area. You feel completely at home here and very serene with your every whim catered to with the utmost discretion and care.
Who designed it?
The timeless elegant style of Coco Chanel would provide function without the hotel being over decorated.
What’s the restaurant / bar like? It’s hidden away atop the cliffs overlooking the sea but connected to the hotel’s extensive private gardens which are set adjacent to neighbouring vineyards. The restaurant’s earth tones ensure it blends in harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The exquisite tableware by Astier de Villatte gives the restaurant an air of sophistication and elegance.
Who are you dining with this evening? 1. Richard Branson 2. Steve Jobs 3. Margrit Mondavi 4. Tom Ford 5. Zhang Yimou
Who’s manning the stoves?
Thomas Keller and his amazing crew from The French Laundry drove down from Napa Valley.
*Dishes taken from The French Laundry menu
WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM
And what’s on the menu? Starter: Island Creek oysters and white sturgeon caviar Main course: Elysian Fields lamb rib-eye Dessert: Manila mango sorbet with compressed summer melon, chili, Persian lime and garden mint*
Would you like something to drink with that? A wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon from local boutique winery Crocker & Starr.
What music is on the iPod on your in- room docking station? Sade, and Lisa Ono.
What’s on the movie channel? Tom Ford’s ‘A Single Man’.
What’s in the mini-bar for a night cap? After a wonderful diner – vintage Chinese Pu’er tea which aids digestion and won’t keep me awake.
Would you like a newspaper or magazine in the morning? My iPad will give me the latest FT together with its ‘How to Spend it’ magazine.
What toiletries would you like to freshen up with?
Azure Lime – Tom Ford’s latest private blend.
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