Latest news with #Scenic
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Renault designer Gilles Vidal moves back to Stellantis
Stellantis on Friday appointed Gilles Vidal, credited with overhauling Renault's line up, as head of design for its European brands at a time when the carmaker needs to better manage its sprawling portfolio. Vidal will oversee the design strategy for Stellantis' European brands, which include Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen and Opel, covering city cars to vans, the group said. "(Vidal's) deep understanding of European automotive culture and his forward-thinking design philosophy will be essential as we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands," said Jean-Philippe Imparato, head of enlarged Europe at Stellantis. Vidal worked for 25 years at Citroen and Peugeot, during which time he was credited with the success of the Peugeot 3008 SUV, first introduced in 2009. He has won five "Car of the Year" awards, including at Renault, which he joined in 2020. His design revamp at Renault, including the electric Scenic and the premium coupe Rafale models, played an important part in the recovery achieved by former CEO Luca de Meo, who resigned last month to join luxury group Kering.
Glasgow Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Noble to Champion Walker's Goodwood hopes
The Lambourn handler is enjoying an excellent season, highlighted by multiple Group-race victories thanks to the exploits of not only Noble Champion but also the likes of Almaqam – who is bound of this weekend's York Stakes – Mgheera, Scenic and Ten Bob Tony. Walker is preparing several high-class operators for various races on the Sussex Downs and is hopeful of adding to his hitherto meagre tally at the track's feature meeting of the year. Ed Walker is lining up a strong team for Goodwood (PA) Speaking at a Goodwood-organised press visit at his yard on Tuesday, the trainer said: 'Numerically we are not flying along, it just seems that way as we received a lot of good publicity following a couple of high-profile winners. 'The last month or so has been a bit bread and butter and also frustrating as we've had a shed load of seconds and thirds in the last fortnight. 'In our number of winners we are a bit down on last year, so the truth is we are making headlines but not adding to our total – and to date I've only had one winner at the big Goodwood meeting.' Noble Champion, a surprise but impressive winner of the Jersey at the Royal meeting last month, is one of two Walker-trained entries for the HKJC World Pool Lennox Stakes on July 29, along with his John of Gaunt Stakes scorer Ten Bob Tony. Ed Walker is preparing his horses for Goodwood (PA) However, with both horses in the same ownership, they are unlikely to lock horns. Of Noble Champion, Walker said: 'He needs a good, even gallop like the one he got from Spy Chief in the Jersey, and that horse went on to run a solid race in the July Cup. 'My horse thumped Spy Chief at Ascot and we're buzzing about him. He's a very exciting horse. 'We also have Ten Bob Tony in the Lennox, but Noble Champion is more likely to go as he's OK on the better ground and is in flying form.' Scenic won the Group Three Bronte Cup at York on her penultimate start before pushing red-hot favourite Estrange all the way in Haydock's Lancashire Oaks. The five-year-old, who was purchased by the powerful Wathnan Racing team prior to her neck defeat on Merseyside, is also set to be part of Walker's Goodwood-bound battalion. Scenic (left) pushed Estrange all the way at Haydock (Nigel French for The Jockey Club) He added: 'Scenic ran a massive race in the Lancashire Oaks and is heading for the Lillie Langtry. 'She didn't get the credit she deserved in a muddling race at Haydock and I'm happy to take on the winner again. I think she will run to a higher rating in the Yorkshire Oaks than at Goodwood.' Other planned contenders for the trainer include Celandine, who ran a race full of promise on her return from 10 months off the track when third in York's Summer Stakes recently, and the Coventry and July Stakes runner-up Do Or Do Not. 'Celandine and Balmoral Lady are both in the King George Stakes and at this point it looks more like Celandine will go there as she wants it (the ground) like a road. She has bags of speed, but just got hassled by Rage Of Bamby at York last time,' said Walker. 'The owner of Do Or Do Not is very keen to take him to the Vintage Stakes and that's the plan as it looks like he's crying out for seven furlongs. 'He's bred to be a fun horse but he's very good, and deserves to win one of these Group races.'
The Age
13-07-2025
- The Age
No luxury cruise line does things quite like this Australian one
On Scenic, none of that is true, perhaps because most of the guests on my Indonesia cruise are Australian. Australians don't generally go in for pretension and formality, least of all in tropical destinations or while on holiday. That makes Scenic Eclipse II the luxury ship for those wary of luxury ships. No need to bring your suit or your jewellery. Not many stilted cocktail conversations at the bar. No complicated menus that you need a multilingual dictionary to decipher. That doesn't mean standards are lowered on this ship. Far from it. Menus might be easy to navigate, but the food is upmarket and the quality and variety outstanding. It has one of the best lunchtime buffets at sea (in a restaurant venue called Yacht Club), and one of the best French restaurants (Lumiere) and Mediterranean restaurants (Elements), too. For a ship of this size, the dining choices are remarkable. Among other venues is Koko's Asian Fusion, which delivers the welcome big flavours of South-East Asia, India and China, and which also features a separate sushi counter and teppanyaki-style grill. In the latter, a few guests at a time enjoy small plates inspired by Asian street food, prepared in front of them by the chefs. It's a smart way to bring very relaxed dining onto a cruise ship without resorting to the same-old pool grill. The ship's decor is boutique-hotel chic in a moody, minimalist way, which makes the odd burst of art and colour all the more arresting. The Asian restaurant has striking geisha-inspired art; the walls of the Observation Lounge erupt in fantastical jungle motifs in which animals lurk. Heated plunge pool? Tick. Suave spa? Yes, and even bigger than the one on sister ship Scenic Eclipse. It has unusual offerings like a salt-therapy lounge and infrared sauna designed to propel you into Zen-like somnolence. Sky Bar? Why not? In the world's wild places, you can't beat a cold drink with a hot view. Even the ship's theatre is plusher than any other I've been in. It has swivel leather chairs like you'd see in a home cinema, second only in comfort to the king-size bed in my suite, which I discover has electronic controls to adjust it just right. The most ultra-luxe things on Scenic Eclipse II are the helicopters and submersible but, as they can't operate in Indonesia, these Mission: Impossible toys are grounded except on Cape York at the start of my voyage. Even so, this chic yacht is a serious expedition vessel, and we put Zodiacs and kayaks to good use. The Zodiac drivers, faces swathed like ninjas against the sun, are rather silent: the only exception to general crew chattiness. The expedition team that accompanies them know their stuff and are only too happy to share it both ashore, on the reef, or during lectures in the theatre. I follow Babsi Neubarth into the water at every opportunity. The marine biologist's enthusiasm is infectious and her knowledge of corals and critters seemingly endless as we snorkel our way through Indonesia's islands. If you want to know the difference between staghorn and elkhorn coral – and which curious traveller doesn't – then Neubarth will enlighten you. Is there anyone on this ship who is less than agreeable and entertaining? Even the captain, affable Frenchman Erwan le Rouzic, is laid-back and gregarious. The door to the bridge is almost always open, and any guest can wander in for a chat with the officers about navigation and the ship's advanced technologies. Everyone on this ship gets butler service. My butler, Crispin, is like an unflappable character from an Edwardian novel, shimmering unobtrusively about so I hardly know how my minibar has been restocked with my preferred gin brand, or my books straightened on my bedside table. Crispin is up and down the corridor, delivering guests' champagne buckets and fresh towels, making restaurant reservations and arranging the ironing. He's a busy man, but never forgets anyone's name, always pauses for a chat, and wants to know if there's anything more he can do. Short of conjuring up a unicorn, I'm not sure what else this ship could provide. Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II retains its new, fresh feel and is barely scuffed. A few redesigned spaces have brought minor improvements compared to predecessor Scenic Eclipse. Could I quibble? Of course, because that's what travellers do. On a luxury ship, I might expect more fresh and fewer plastic flowers, and more than a couple of shelves of books: bring your own reading, or you might be disappointed. In my ensuite, the flat sink has the requisite designer-chic looks but doesn't function well and, on an expedition ship in particular, there ought to be more bathroom racks on which to hang towels and wet clothes. Some passengers find the ship's decor monochrome and monastic, but I like the muted greys, sense of space, lack of clutter and bling, and attractive soft lighting. Scenic Eclipse II is a confident ship that doesn't need to shout about its luxury credentials. What the decor lacks in exuberance, it makes up for in tranquillity. We're all cocooned in comfort, exceedingly well-fed and surrounded by mind-soothing spaces. There's even a specific mind-soothing space designed for yoga and Pilates. Scenic Eclipse II carries only 228 passengers and never feels crowded. Everything is all-inclusive. You have no bother on this beautiful ship, and will look forward to every meal. Loading But best of all, passengers and crew alike are relaxed and informal. This is luxury that requires no performance, and makes you smile. It's just what Australians want, and more holidays should be like this. THE DETAILS CRUISE Scenic Eclipse II sails a Kimberley season between early July and mid-September 2025 before crossing the Top End into the Pacific towards New Zealand. From mid-December, it sails three unusual Ross Sea itineraries to Antarctica. Then in March 2026, it heads across the Pacific and transits the Panama Canal for a summer season in Europe.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
No luxury cruise line does things quite like this Australian one
On Scenic, none of that is true, perhaps because most of the guests on my Indonesia cruise are Australian. Australians don't generally go in for pretension and formality, least of all in tropical destinations or while on holiday. That makes Scenic Eclipse II the luxury ship for those wary of luxury ships. No need to bring your suit or your jewellery. Not many stilted cocktail conversations at the bar. No complicated menus that you need a multilingual dictionary to decipher. That doesn't mean standards are lowered on this ship. Far from it. Menus might be easy to navigate, but the food is upmarket and the quality and variety outstanding. It has one of the best lunchtime buffets at sea (in a restaurant venue called Yacht Club), and one of the best French restaurants (Lumiere) and Mediterranean restaurants (Elements), too. For a ship of this size, the dining choices are remarkable. Among other venues is Koko's Asian Fusion, which delivers the welcome big flavours of South-East Asia, India and China, and which also features a separate sushi counter and teppanyaki-style grill. In the latter, a few guests at a time enjoy small plates inspired by Asian street food, prepared in front of them by the chefs. It's a smart way to bring very relaxed dining onto a cruise ship without resorting to the same-old pool grill. The ship's decor is boutique-hotel chic in a moody, minimalist way, which makes the odd burst of art and colour all the more arresting. The Asian restaurant has striking geisha-inspired art; the walls of the Observation Lounge erupt in fantastical jungle motifs in which animals lurk. Heated plunge pool? Tick. Suave spa? Yes, and even bigger than the one on sister ship Scenic Eclipse. It has unusual offerings like a salt-therapy lounge and infrared sauna designed to propel you into Zen-like somnolence. Sky Bar? Why not? In the world's wild places, you can't beat a cold drink with a hot view. Even the ship's theatre is plusher than any other I've been in. It has swivel leather chairs like you'd see in a home cinema, second only in comfort to the king-size bed in my suite, which I discover has electronic controls to adjust it just right. The most ultra-luxe things on Scenic Eclipse II are the helicopters and submersible but, as they can't operate in Indonesia, these Mission: Impossible toys are grounded except on Cape York at the start of my voyage. Even so, this chic yacht is a serious expedition vessel, and we put Zodiacs and kayaks to good use. The Zodiac drivers, faces swathed like ninjas against the sun, are rather silent: the only exception to general crew chattiness. The expedition team that accompanies them know their stuff and are only too happy to share it both ashore, on the reef, or during lectures in the theatre. I follow Babsi Neubarth into the water at every opportunity. The marine biologist's enthusiasm is infectious and her knowledge of corals and critters seemingly endless as we snorkel our way through Indonesia's islands. If you want to know the difference between staghorn and elkhorn coral – and which curious traveller doesn't – then Neubarth will enlighten you. Is there anyone on this ship who is less than agreeable and entertaining? Even the captain, affable Frenchman Erwan le Rouzic, is laid-back and gregarious. The door to the bridge is almost always open, and any guest can wander in for a chat with the officers about navigation and the ship's advanced technologies. Everyone on this ship gets butler service. My butler, Crispin, is like an unflappable character from an Edwardian novel, shimmering unobtrusively about so I hardly know how my minibar has been restocked with my preferred gin brand, or my books straightened on my bedside table. Crispin is up and down the corridor, delivering guests' champagne buckets and fresh towels, making restaurant reservations and arranging the ironing. He's a busy man, but never forgets anyone's name, always pauses for a chat, and wants to know if there's anything more he can do. Short of conjuring up a unicorn, I'm not sure what else this ship could provide. Launched in 2023, Scenic Eclipse II retains its new, fresh feel and is barely scuffed. A few redesigned spaces have brought minor improvements compared to predecessor Scenic Eclipse. Could I quibble? Of course, because that's what travellers do. On a luxury ship, I might expect more fresh and fewer plastic flowers, and more than a couple of shelves of books: bring your own reading, or you might be disappointed. In my ensuite, the flat sink has the requisite designer-chic looks but doesn't function well and, on an expedition ship in particular, there ought to be more bathroom racks on which to hang towels and wet clothes. Some passengers find the ship's decor monochrome and monastic, but I like the muted greys, sense of space, lack of clutter and bling, and attractive soft lighting. Scenic Eclipse II is a confident ship that doesn't need to shout about its luxury credentials. What the decor lacks in exuberance, it makes up for in tranquillity. We're all cocooned in comfort, exceedingly well-fed and surrounded by mind-soothing spaces. There's even a specific mind-soothing space designed for yoga and Pilates. Scenic Eclipse II carries only 228 passengers and never feels crowded. Everything is all-inclusive. You have no bother on this beautiful ship, and will look forward to every meal. Loading But best of all, passengers and crew alike are relaxed and informal. This is luxury that requires no performance, and makes you smile. It's just what Australians want, and more holidays should be like this. THE DETAILS CRUISE Scenic Eclipse II sails a Kimberley season between early July and mid-September 2025 before crossing the Top End into the Pacific towards New Zealand. From mid-December, it sails three unusual Ross Sea itineraries to Antarctica. Then in March 2026, it heads across the Pacific and transits the Panama Canal for a summer season in Europe.
The Herald Scotland
13-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Goodwood assignment pencilled in for Scenic
The duo could clash again in the Yorkshire equivalent on the Knavesmire next month, but first Scenic will head to the Sussex Downs on August 2, as she embarks on what could be the final stages of her career. 'I was thrilled with her and very proud of her, it was a huge run in new ownership,' said Walker. 'She heads to the Lillie Langtry now. I was devastated she was beaten, but Richard Brown (Wathnan's racing adviser) was delighted as it means she won't have a penalty at Goodwood. 'She's a real star and a yard favourite. She's helped fly the flag for us for a few years and has been seriously consistent since winning the Galtres Stakes at York, it was almost like that was a turning point in her career. I don't know why, but since then has barely put a foot wrong and if anything is improving. 'I'm excited about her and the three races for her really are the Lillie Langtry, Yorkshire Oaks and Prix de Royallieu. I imagine they will be the last three runs of her career, she's a star.'
