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Meet Our Global Travellers
Debra Brown
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Emmy Award Winning Choreographer for Cirque du Soleil and Star Alliance Gold Status
Fiona Foxon
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Global Brand Ambassador to the Quintessentially Group and Star Alliance Gold Status
Yannick Nezet-Seguin
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Music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Music director of the Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest. Artistic Director
and Principal Conductor of the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal
and Star Alliance Gold Status
Dave Comer
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Location Scout for The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy, and Star Alliance Gold Status
Debra Brown
Debra Brown knows what it takes to put
on a great performance. She is Chief
Choreographer for Cirque du Soleil, which
has a global reputation for staging some
of the most exciting shows on earth.
Her job involves coordinating up to 100
acrobats, gymnasts and dancers and she is responsible for creating innovative routines,
ensuring each performance is flawlessly and precisely executed.
Debra has travelled all over the world to create
award winning shows and she appreciates
having an award winning network that can
really perform, creating a seamless travel
experience wherever she goes.
Watch our exclusive interview with Debra Brown and discover what she does behind the scenes of Cirque du Soleil.
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Find out more about the global Star Alliance network
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Fiona Foxon
When it comes to looking after a customer's needs, Fiona Foxon understands better than most. She's a Global Brand Ambassador for the Quintessentially Group, a global private members club offering a 24 hour luxury concierge service.
And that means always being on hand to make the lives of their members easier and stress free. Whether organising VIP access to restaurants or getting them exclusive tickets to sold-out gigs.
Fiona sees similarities in the way that Star Alliance recognises her Gold status across 27 member airlines providing the best travel experience possible.
Discover the inside knowledge about ten cities around the world, courtesy of Quintessentially Lifestyle.
Fiona's top ten recommendations
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1 | Hong Kong
No gourmand's visit to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to one of the city's "private kitchens", a dining answer to speakeasies. These range from dinky "Mom & Pop" style eateries holed up in apartment blocks, to more obviously commercial enterprises with a cult following. One of the city's most elegant is Fa Zu Jie: down a little known alleyway off busy Lan Kwai Fong, up a fluorescent lit stairwell and behind an unsigned door, lies this refined kitchen and dining room, with a small skylight and terrace. The dishes take the most prized flavours of traditional Shanghainese cuisine and interpret them through European fine dining techniques. Like most private kitchens, Fa Zu Jie serves set meals, though accommodations can be made for dietary restrictions with prior notice. Book well in advance.
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2 | Singapore
Singapore is known for its dynamic nightlife, the city gives you countless reasons why you should be out till the wee hours of the morning. However if you are looking to get away from the crowded bars, get ready to embark on a treasure hunt for the perfect spot. Inspired by the Prohibition era, The Library is a "secret bar", tucked away on Keong Saik Street. The bar is so well hidden you need a password to enter through the doors. Walk through the bookshelves, into a narrow passageway and be greeted by bow tied bartenders, serving up whimsical cocktails. The place sits 50 and serves more than 20 kinds of cocktails in a sample menu. The Library takes no reservations, so grab a seat if you can find it!
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3 | Mumbai
In the famously hectic city of Mumbai you can still find a tranquil spot to marvel at the panoramic city and sea views, while soaking up the magic of the star-filled sky. Enjoy it all with a drink in hand at Aer, Mumbai's highest rooftop bar. Covering the entire roof of the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, this
34th-floor open-air lounge creates an atmosphere of chic relaxation high above the bustling streets of Worli. Enjoy the cool breeze while sipping on an "After Glow", a sinful gin-based special from Aer's clever bar staff.
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4 | Los Angeles
A trip to Los Angeles would not be complete without visiting LA Live and the Staples Center downtown. One of the highlights about this city is that everyone can have a chance to feel like a celebrity, or hang out with one. You can be a VIP and attend the red carpet and after parties for all of the major award shows such as the Emmys, Grammys, American Music Awards, MTV Video Awards and the People's Choice Awards which are all filmed at the Staples Center. If you want courtside seats or a private suite for an NBA game to watch the Lakers or Clippers, this is the place to rub shoulders with a major celebrity. Also, if you have ever wanted backstage passes or access to meet some of the biggest musicians of our time such as Madonna or Rihanna, LA Live is where that can happen.
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5 | Frankfurt
Every traveller knows how tiresome long layovers can be. For the well-connected jetsetter stuck in Frankfurt airport for more than two hours, the Villa Kennedy offers a luxurious respite from commuter gloom. This five-star luxury hotel in the middle of the city will whisk select clients from the airport to their sumptuous 1,000 metres² Villa Spa to enjoy an express treatment and the sprawling facilities, which include a 15 metre indoor pool, gymnasium, sauna and steam bath.
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6 | New York
For true New York City cool, exclusivity is the word and "Parlor" is one way of pronouncing it. This invite only destination has a strict membership policy but that hasn't deterred the number of applicants. Once inside the pearly gates there's a hands off approach in regards to guest shenanigans, creating a sense of haute-decadence that adds a frisson to both business wheeling and dealing and late night revelry.
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7 | Tokyo
The world reveres Japanese cuisine for elevating raw fish, soup noodles and fried battered veg into gastronomic art but turning tofu into the sublime? This is exactly what has been achieved at Tofuya Ukai, an upscale restaurant set in a traditional Edo-style garden in the shadow of Tokyo Tower: guests are led past carp ponds and low wooden buildings to a private tatami-matted chamber, and served a kaiseki menu that pays reverent homage to the humble soybean. Toufuya-Ukai's tofu is made with handpicked soybeans and well water from their own workshop outside Tokyo.
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8 | Paris
Paris is the city of love, the city of light and the city of fine perfumes anyone who has read Patrick Süskind's novel will be familiar with the French obsession with scent, though the dominance of French fragrances on the cosmetics counter will no doubt have shed a clue, from Chanel No. 5 and J'Adore by Dior, to Yves Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche and 34 blvd Saint Germain from Diptyque. Paris boasts a score of boutique perfumeries catering to those seeking out a signature scent, including a chance to create a bespoke blend just for them. To find out more about the 3,000-year history of perfume, drop by rue Scribe where the House of Fragonard - one of the legendary Grasse perfumeries - will lead you on a guided tour through their sumptuous museum (set in a mid-19th century town house), before depositing you in their museum shop for a chance to purchase their exquisite current fragrances.
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9 | London
If you're seeking a truly refined enterprise while visiting London, a trip to Otto in Grosvenor Street, Mayfair is your best port of call. This Member's Club/Style experience boasts massage tables, connoisseurs' coffee, steam room,
garden terrace with humidor and most importantly, fine Italian craftsmanship.
In this 4,000sq foot boutique, you'll find a rich abundance of handpicked
pieces from the finest artisans, ensuring you leave donning the sharpest suit
you've ever owned.
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10 | Sao Paulo
While monks intone Gregorian chants at Sao Bento church´s Sunday morning mass, a sweet scent redolent of almonds, honey, cinnamon, apple and chocolate, spreads from the adjoining Benedictine monastery´s kitchen, where monks and nuns bake pies, cakes and breads for one of the most exclusive and secretive events in town. This heavenly moment happens only once a month on the last Sunday at the monastery´s immaculate dining room and takes the form of a brunch, where for once gluttony is considered no sin. Accompanied by classical and sacred music, all delicacies may be enjoyed with Brazilian coffee or Champagne. You will need to pray (or contact your local concierge) for an open seat as they are consistently sold out a month or two in advance.
Find out more about Star Alliance Gold Status
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Ricardo Pereira
Like Star Alliance, Ricardo Pereira knows all about connecting people. As a journalist, he’s had the privilege of connecting with the likes of Jimmy Carter, Henry Kissinger, George Harrison and Lula da Silva during exclusive interviews. Now, as Director of the television network TV GLOBO in Portugal, he oversees all production, operation, marketing and communication activities for one of the largest TV Networks in the world, broadcasting Portuguese content to Europe and Africa.
So it seems appropriate that he should travel with the world’s largest airline alliance. In fact, TV GLOBO and the Star Alliance have something else in common - both of them are networks that connect the whole world of Portuguese speaking countries.
As part of his job, Ricardo frequently travels with Star Alliance and his favourite airline TAP Portugal between Brazil, Portugal and Africa. With Star Alliance member airlines that fly to over 1,329 destinations, Ricardo can enjoy seamless connectivity wherever he goes.
Find out more about the global Star Alliance network
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Yannick Nezet-Seguin
The art of being a successful conductor lies in being able to bring everything together - something that Yannick Nézet-Séguin is clearly very good at. He is the Music Director of the prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra and he also holds a number of highly respected, international positions.
As one of the most renowned conductors in the world, Yannick’s challenge is to blend all the different musicians into one orchestra to produce beautifully flowing music at every performance.
And that’s why he appreciates what his favourite airline Air Canada and Star Alliance do,
provide a global network to deliver a more seamless travel experience.
Find out what Yannick listens to whilst at
home or away travelling.
Share Yannick's story
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1
Bach: Toccata and Fugue in d minor
/ Ton Koopman, organ (Teldec)Which piece do you listen to, when you want to wake up energetically in the morning? And why?
"Any music of Johann Sebastian Bach awakens my brain cells in the best and fastest possible way! It is the musical equivalent to a double-shot of Espresso!"
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Sarah Vaughan: Autumn Leaves
Which piece of music do you like to listen to,
to have dinner with friends and why?"I am a great fan of Jazz and Soul/R&B when it comes to creating an atmosphere, whether it’s relaxing, romantic, laid-back... As a great lover of opera singers in my professional life, I am naturally inclined to great Jazz divas... Diana Krall: Fly Me To The Moon (which I had the great pleasure of performing with her and The Philadelphia Orchestra... unforgettable!)"
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Björk: Vespertine... the whole album!!
If you could listen to any piece of music in an airport lounge after a long day what would it be? And why?
"Björk has always been a favorite of mine: her voice is so unique, emotionally charged as well as soothing. Add to this the ideal blend of acoustic sound and often a certain ’industrial’ feel, and you’ve got the perfect music to listen to in an airport environment!"
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BRUCKNER: Symphony no. 8, Orchestre Métropolitain, Yannick Nézet-Séguin (Atma classique)
If you could recommend one piece of music for a long-haul flight, to listen to. What would it be? And why?
"The vast dimensions of any Symphony by Anton Bruckner are best appreciated when one has some time to stop, relax, reflect... exactly what we do on a long-haul flight! He is one of my favorite composers to listen to as well as to conduct, and I recommend his Eighth Symphony (at 90 minutes, his longest!)"
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Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin (BIS records)
If you could recommend one piece of music for a short-haul flight what would it be? And why?
"Usually, short-haul flights are leading us to and from business destinations; therefore, a mixture of good energy and need to reflect is required. Richard Strauss wrote "A Hero’s Life" as a tribute to everyday life, its successes, its struggles, its tender moments as well as its ironic ones... at 45 minutes, it has the perfect duration for most commutes between big Canadian cities, or between Canada and American business destinations..."
Jose Garces
Maintaining high standards across all his restaurants has been the key ingredient to chef
Jose Garces growing a successful business.
Famous in the US for his Latin and Spanish influenced cuisine, Jose launched his first
restaurant in 2005 and went on to open seven
more in Philadelphia and Chicago. Jose is constantly searching for new flavours and recipes
to delight his customers, regularly travelling to Latin America, Spain and Japan for inspiration.
On his travels, often flying with his favourite airline
US Airways, Jose also expects the highest levels of service. As a Star Alliance Gold Status and US Airways Dividend Miles Chairman’s Preferred Member he receives priority treatment wherever
he goes. It gives him the time to relax in comfortable lounges and a chance to enjoy some good food
and wine.
Watch our interview with Jose to discover where he
gets his inspiration.
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Find out more about Star Alliance Gold Status
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Dave Comer
Finding a special place on your travels is always a memorable experience. For Dave Comer, it’s his job. As a location scout he is sent all over the world by film directors to search for the perfect location for movie projects, like The Lord Of The Rings and The
Hobbit Trilogies.
For Dave travelling all over the world has its rewards, because he is able to earn miles across all 27 member airlines on one Frequent Flyer Programme. And with all the miles he earns, he can take his family back to some of the best destinations, exploring the places he didn’t get a chance to see first time around.
See the incredible photos Dave has captured of stunning landscapes, in some of his most
memorable locations.
Dave's incredible locations
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1 | Central Line, Peruvian Andes
This astounding railway ran from Lima up into the Andes, crossing a pass at nearly 16,000 feet. The bridge shown here joined one tunnel to another across the ravine. A jigger carrying my director and key crew was almost flipped off this bridge by the train they were filming, but that is another story.
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2 | Dammusi Roof, Pantileria, Italy
One of the things I enjoy all over the world is how different civilisations use stone. Dammusi are the traditional dwellings on the charming island of Pantilleria, and have these beautiful pregnant belly
roof forms built from skilfully stacked stone which is then plastered over.
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3 | Earnslaw Burn, New Zealand
A favourite hidden corner, not far from home. I first
saw it when I hiked in there as a schoolboy, and after countless visits by helicopter, forty years later still a great delight to go there.
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4 | Jokulsarlon Lagoon, Iceland
One of many remarkable sights in this beautiful country. Massive icebergs in a lagoon at the terminal face of the glacier. The crystal clear ice in some of the icebergs is ancient heavily compressed ice from deep down in the glacier. I especially liked seeing where chunks of this clear ice had drifted down the river to the sea to be washed up on the black sand.
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5 | Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
Home, heading through the mountains to Fiordland - I never tire of it. I have worked in incredible and often sacred places around the world, but this is still the journey that excites me the most.
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6 | Nokomai Alpine Wetland, New Zealand
An ecosystem of international standing, and a kaleidoscope of alpine vegetation colour and texture which changes through the seasons in this
harsh environment.
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7 | Ranu Raraku, Rapa Nui, Chile
This is inside the extinct crater of the volcano on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) where the huge Moai stone statues were crafted from solid bedrock and then transported to all corners of the island. I loved the mystery and intrigue of this place.
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8 | Steamship, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Peru
When I first saw this stranded ship on the shores
of Lake Titikaka, there was a herd of llamas grazing around it. I wasn't quick enough for that shot, but enjoyed the way the lifeboat was faithfully
lying alongside.
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9 | Barossa Valley, South Australia
Fond memories of great wine, food and company in a delightful setting. I particularly enjoyed the old stone homesteads throughout the area, some in ruins, but others lovingly cared for, and sitting perfectly in their environment. Ancient dry grown shiraz vines and
wild olive trees.
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10 | Estancia outbuilding window,
Pampas, ArgentinaWe were filming around a grand old Estancia property, and I couldn’t resist the light and focus play of these windows and the foliage reclaiming the building.
Find out more about earning and redeeming miles through the Star Alliance network
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