JETSETTER SPRING 2019

BRUNCH, ART & BROWSE IN PARIS

CHEF SIMON ROGAN

LATEST WELLNESS TRENDS

The Strand Yangon was one of the first luxury colonial outposts in South East Asia, founded in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers, and it remains one of the most beautiful landmarks in the region.

Named after its sister property, The Strand Cruise is a luxury 25-cabin river cruiser sailing Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River offering two-, three-and fournight itineraries between Bagan and Mandalay.

HOTELTHESTRAND.COM 92 STRAND ROAD, YANGON, MYANMAR +95 124 3377 INFO@HOTELTHESTRAND.COM @THESTRANDYANGON

THESTRANDCRUISE.COM AYEYARWADY RIVER +95 124 3377 - 92 CAPTAIN@THESTRANDCRUISE.COM @THESTRANDCRUISE

HANS CRESCENT KNIGHTSBRIDGE SW1 AN IMMACULATELY PRESENTED LATERAL FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT Hans Crescent has been elegantly interior designed and furnished to a very high standard, creating classical yet contemporary features throughout. The apartment is located within an attractive corner building on the corner of Hans Crescent and Pavilion Road. Just moments from Harrods, Hans Crescent is one of Knightsbridge’s most sought after addresses selection of shops and restaurants both in Knightsbridge and Sloane Street.

Accommodation: Reception/dining room, kitchen, study, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, 2 further bedrooms with ensuite bathroom/shower room. Amenities: Lift.

LONDON

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Paul Finch

£6,250,000

paul@beauchamp.com

Leasehold

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

Sole Agents

C A NNE S

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M YKO N O S

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N E W YO R K

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H E R Z L I YA

THORNWOOD GARDENS KENSINGTON W8 A STUNNING FIVE BEDROOM HOUSE WITHIN A SECURE GATED DEVELOPEMENT This luxury home is one of only eight houses within the Thornwood Gardens gated development. Arranged over seven floors, including a roof terrace, this impressive home offers open plan living space ideal for entertaining. Thornwood Gardens is located off Campden Hill, just minutes from Holland Park, Kensington High Street, Notting Hill and the open spaces of Kensington Gardens.

Accommodation: Entrance hall, reception room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, family room, library, study, master bedroom with dressing room and ensuite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, 2 guest cloakrooms.

Amenities: Gym, swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, garden, 2 terraces, balcony, roof terrace, parking.

£15,750,000

Marcus O’Brien

Freehold

marcus@beauchamp.com

Joint Sole Agents

+44 (0)20 7499 7722

w w w. b eau c h am p . co m

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24 Cu rzon St reet , Lon don W1J 7 TF

Editor's Note

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hether you’re on holiday or at home, one of the most pleasant ways to while away a few hours is partaking in afternoon tea, a leisurely ritual headlined by three tiers of sweet and savoury bites and a pot of tea or two while taking in the ambience – usually a great view, maybe some music. But forget dainty cucumber sandwiches and everyday scones with strawberry jam and cream – there’s a new approach to afternoon tea in Asia, as chefs incorporate local ingredients into menus, as evidenced by the Long Bar at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, where miniature beef Rendangs and pineapple scones await. Over at Popinjays at the Murray Hong Kong, meanwhile, waiters are turning up the heat with scones flambéed tableside in Cointreau.

Discover the new trends within this time-honoured tradition with our feature on p50.

Elsewhere in the issue, we have a beautiful photo essay on Vietnam’s different ethnic groups by French photographer Réhahn, which illustrates the broad diversity of its people, from the matrilineal Ede to the Pa Then and their colourful headdresses. We also explore Cambodia’s southern coast, where several luxury hotels have sprung up of late, including the gorgeous Alila Koh Russey. Gourmets will appreciate our culinary tour of Puglia, which pinpoints must-try dishes and the best places to try them and our feature on Sonoma, where great vineyards and restaurants await.

Denis Fahy

denis@jetsetter.hk Publisher Helen Dalley

helen.dalley@jetsetter.hk Managing Editor Nick Walton

Contributing Editor Don Pierre Riosa

don@jetsetter.hk Art Director Paul Lo

paul.lo@jetsetter.hk General Manager (Shanghai) Tammy Fong

tammy@jetsetter.hk Travel Industry Relationship Director Louis Chu

louis@jetsetter.hk Beijing Sales Manager Fatima Cameira

fatima@jetsetter.hk Macau Sales Manager Laurence James

laurence.james@jetsetter.hk Chief Representative Europe Jean Sicard

jean.sicard@jetsetter.hk Reporter

Wherever you’re headed next, safe travels JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical.

JETSETTER is published by Jetsetter Ltd

Helen Dalley Managing Editor

JETSETTER is printed by Jetsetter Ltd Suite A:14/F Bangkok Bank Building, 28 Des Voeux Rd, Central, Hong Kong Level 20 HKRI Centre Tower 2 288 Shimen 1st Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China 200041 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-5706 Valley Cottage, NY 10989 USA Tel +852 28557885

jetsetter.hk

Réhahn

Based in Hoi An, French photographer Réhahn is on a quest to photograph every different ethnic group in Vietnam to illustrate the rich cultural diversity of the beautiful people that make up this Southeast Asian nation. His image of a Cham girl with piercing blue eyes is perhaps the most striking.

Check out his feature on p80.

Laura Millar

Laura is an award-winning travel writer and editor based in London, who contributes to publications including The Express, The Telegraph and Marie Claire. Having already been to the well-worn Cambodian tourist destinations of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, she was charmed by the country’s less discovered south coast.

Read about her trip on p92.

Media Partner

Jetsetter Magazine

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All rights Reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively for Jetsetter Ltd, their partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source. Jetsetter Ltd does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of the information contained.

Contents

50

80

68

92

48 City Guide

80 Feature

114 In the Kitchen

Do brunch, explore the art galleries and browse the best boutiques in the French capital, with Helen Dalley

Familiarise yourself with vietnam’s different ethnic groups with this captivating photo essay by Réhahn

Hong Kong welcomes two restaurants from Michelin-starred Brit Simon Rogan, Roganic and Aulis

Adventures in Paris

A Portrait of Vietnam

Farm-to-Table Pioneer

50 Feature

92 Feature

120 Restaurant Review

Sample the latest offerings on this genteel English ritual in Asia, from flambéed scones to innovative sweet and savoury bites incorporating local ingredients

Go beyond Siem Reap and Phonm Penh and discover Cambodia’s beautiful south coast with Laura Millar, who finds gorgeous beaches and charming coastal towns

Classic italian flavours in a retro setting are what it’s all about at Frank's italian American, saye Elle Kwan

New Takes on Afternoon Tea

62 Hotel Review

Celebrating London’s Merchant Past

Boutique bolthole vintry & Mercer pays tribute to London’s old wine and fabric merchants in intriguing ways

Luxe Cambodia

100 Feature

Sonoma Sonata

Explore the quirky vineyards, restaurants and stunning scnery of Sonoma with Nick Walton

68 Feature

106 Road Warrior

Journey round the Southern italian region of Puglia with Divia Harilela for orecchiette, buratta, antipasti and other must-try dishes

What’s it like to journey round the world in a motorbike and side car? We find out

A Gourmet’s Tour of Puglia

Authentic Italian

Adventures on Two Wheels

BRUNCH, ART & BROWSE IN PARIS

CHEF SIMON ROGAN

Spring 2019

LATEST WELLNESS TRENDS

Diary

London Marathon London, UK 28 April

With a route that takes in London Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Canary Wharf, some of the best distance runners in the world will be at the starting line of the London Marathon, including defending champions Vivian Cheruiyot and Eliud Kipchoge, who crossed the line in 2018 and 2:04 respectively in 2019. At 24 degrees, it was the hottest ever London Marathon last year. virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

Where to stay: The race begins on Blackheath in Southeast London before heading over to Greenwich and Tower Bridge, so check into the Intercontinental London – The O2, which is also well-placed for the 02 Arena and the Emirates Air Line cable car. ihg.com Photo by:

Virgin Money London Marathon

Songkran Thailand 13-15 April

Prepare to be soaked by pistols and buckets of water if you’re in Thailand just before Easter as locals up and down the country welcome in the Thai New Year. The water is intended to provide positive blessings for the year ahead, and some of the best action takes place in Chiang Mai. With temperatures around 35 degrees, it’s the perfect way to cool down in the sticky weather. songkran.travel/songkran-2019

Chinese Grand Prix Shanghai, China 12-14 April

With a track designed to look like the Chinese symbol for “Shang” – meaning “upwards” – the Chinese Grand Prix has become a popular instalment of the F1 championship since the race debuted 15 years ago.

Choose an F1 experience to meet some of F1’s biggest names, an exclusive pit lane walk and a driving track of the tour. formula1.com

Where to stay: The Shanghai Edition debuted on the Bund last summer and offers 10 levels of public spaces over two towers, a signature Japanese restaurant, Hiya, plus a nightclub channelling the spirit of Studio 54, Electric Circus. editionhotels.com

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Where to stay: The Shangri-La Chiang Mai is within walking distance of the city’s famous night bazaar and just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Enjoy fiery Sichuan at China Kitchen and semi-private cabanas at the Dhala Pool bar. shangri-la.com

Diary

Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival Exmouth, Western Australia 24-27 May

The annual Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival highlights the community’s relationship with the return of these gentle giants of the ocean with entertainment for all the family over three days. Held at Ningaloo Reef, home to the most predictable, seasonal aggregations of whale sharks in the world, local whale shark operators offer snorkelling trips on the last day of the festival. gdc.wa.gov.au

Where to stay: A gateway to Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort is the only resort on Sunrise Beach. Part of Exmouth’s new marina, the upscale development offers one- and two-bedroom bungalows and has an outdoor pool and tennis court. mantaraysningalooresort.com.au

Cricket World Cup

Various locations, England & Wales 30 May-14 July A six-week long affair, the Cricket World Cup opens with England and South Africa at the Oval before the two finalists compete to win the cup at Lords. With 10 participants – new additions include Ireland and Afghanistan – there’s plenty of time to catch the action, with 48 matches to watch. cricketworldcup.com

Where to stay: Games are being held at cricket grounds across the country – but if you’re lucky enough to get tickets for the final on 14 July at Lords, try The Landmark, which is around half a mile away from the ground. Housed in a 19th century building, the Winter Garden serves modern European fare, and there’s a health club & spa. landmarklondon.co.uk

Cannes Film Festival Cannes, France 14-25 May

The most glamorous film fest of them all, cinema’s crème de la crème descend on the French Riviera for this 12-day celebration of all things celluloid, with films from all over the world making their debut to more than 30,000 visitors. festival-cannes.com

Where to stay: Book a room at the art deco-style Hotel Martinez, which is situated on the fabled croisette overlooking the bay of Cannes – it’s just a limo drive away from where the previews and red carpet action is held. hyatt.com

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1919-2019

As part of our centenary celebrations, we painted a Boeing 747 in the much-admired design of our predecessor British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) with plans for more retro livery designs to arrive in the coming months.

1919-2019

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PROUDLY GOING THE EXTRA MILE

We’re proudly introducing new routes, new aircraft and reimagined new cabins, always striving to provide the best possible experience.

Join our centenary celebrations and book flights at ba.com

Room With a View

KiWi COOL Overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu and framed by the jagged peaks of The Remarkables, the penthouse at Eichardt’s Private Hotel in Queenstown offers a blissed-out panorama that’s easy to lose yourself in. Set atop the Eichardt’s Building, a distinguished homestead originally built in 1859 by the explorer William Gilbert Rees, it offers 240sqm of living space, including two bedrooms and a sauna. To ensure guests can make the most of that view, there’s a clutch of facilities situated on Queenstown’s largest private terrace, including a spa pool, fireplace and even an outdoor kitchen, where a private chef will cook up a storm while you sip a pre-dinner cocktail mixed by the penthouse butler, who is on hand 24 hours.

Book into the Eichardt’s penthouse and a chauffeur will pick you up in a Land Rover Discovery, which is at your disposal until check-out. As the capital of adventure tourism, there are plenty of adrenaline-fuelled activities to set your pulse racing – bungee, jetboarding and skydiving – in Queensland. If that all sounds like too much effort, then why not sample the Pinot Noir and Reisling at local organic vineyard Two Paddocks, which is owned by actor Sam Neill. slh.com/hotels/eichardts-private-hotel

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Room With a View

Jetsetter.hk

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A S T U N N I N G N E W L A N D M A R K O N T H E H O N G KO N G H A R B O U R F R O N T

NOW OPEN Located in the newly-fashionable district of North Point on Hong Kong Island, Hotel VIC boasts panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and direct access to a newly-created waterfront promenade. The twin-tower hotel offers 671 affordable luxury guestrooms and suites.

Dining options include a sophisticated rooftop restaurant and bar, an all-day outlet and a deli shop, complemented by diverse eateries and superb shopping the hotel’s podium floors, as well as in an adjacent mall and the vibrant surrounding area. Links to Hong Kong’s superb public transport network, including the MTR and ferries, are just steps away from the hotel.

Hotel VIC’s hospitality extends to the high-tech world of super-connectivity. In addition to complimentary lightning-fast Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, the hotel will provide online check in/out services, all guestrooms are equipped with flat-screen televisions featuring IPTV service, while the hotel’s tailor-made smartphone app puts such services as in-room dining, table reservations, networking and multimedia entertainment at guests’ fingertips.

H OT E L V I C O N T H E H A R B O U R 1 N O RT H P O I N T E S TAT E L A N E N O RT H P O I N T H O N G KO N G

T 852 3896 9888

F 852 3896 9899

I N F O @ H OT E LV I C .CO M

VI EW FRO M S U I TE

BOOK NOW AT HOTELVIC.COM TO ENJOY THE BEST ROOM RATE

Introducing

TURkisH deliGhT Dip your toes into the inviting waters of the Aegean and discover the resort’s first holistic anti-ageing centre at Six Senses Kaplankaya

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Set across three sandy, secluded beaches on the Aegean Sea, Six Senses Kaplankaya blends its trademark modern architecture with warm local design elements for a contemporary take on Turkey. Accessed by speedboat, helicopter or road, the resort is situated north of Bodrum, and all rooms have views of the ocean. Ready to explore? Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus Antique City and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, are within easy reach of the hotel, as are fairytale-like Aegean villages covered with bougainvillea, where authentic Turkish arts such as rug weaving are kept alive. If you’re feeling adventurous, cruises to the Greek Islands are also offered, while back at the hotel, foodies can book cooking classes using ingredients from the resort’s organic garden, or enjoy farm-to-table dinners at Earth Lab. Spa fans are always in for a treat with a Six Senses stay, and the resort’s 10,000 sqm spa boasts 38 treatment rooms as well as the brand’s first holistic anti-aging centre, which offers treatments including Watsu, Dreamcatcher and Emotional Detox. Once the spa-ing is done, you might just need to steel yourself from your slumber with a strong Turkish coffee… sixsenses.com

Introducing

Familiarise yourself with Japan’s coastal charisma with a stay at Iraph Sui on Irabu Island

There’s more to Japan than Tokyo’s big city buzz and Kyoto’s cultural cool, like the beautiful coastline of Okinawa, where pristine waters and beaches to rival Bali and Thailand await.

If you haven’t yet discovered Japan’s laid-back coastal side, consider booking into the latest property from Marriott’s Luxury Collection, Iraph Sui. The 58-room seafront hotel is situated on Irabu Island, part of the Miyako Islands and located 300km south of the Okinawa Islands.

Topping out at 120 sqm, the hotel’s 58 rooms and suites offer private balconies with azure ocean vistas, while Garden Corner Suites and Garden Junior Suites have their own private pool.

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Hungry? Pull up a chair at Tin’in for Wagyu beef and freshly-caught fish, then chill in the spa, where treatments incorporate natural Okinawan products such as a local salt, which is blended for body scrubs, and the mineral-rich deep sea mud, kucha.

Keen divers take note: the Okinawan Islands are blessed with some of the most abundant coral reefs in the world, so be sure to don your diving suit and flippers during your stay.

This little slice of Okinawan paradise is located 20 minutes by car from Miyako airport on Miyako Island. Slated to open sometime this year, Irabu will soon have its own airport, Shimojishima, so accessing this boutique beauty will be even more of a breeze. marriott.com

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

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tanding atop the majestic cliff of Nusa Dua with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, The Apurva Kempinski Bali is the epitome of beachfront luxury, capturing the essence of Indonesian culture, art and identity. Adding to its growing collection of distinguished properties all around the world, this much-anticipated opening is an extraordinary addition to the Island and its second hotel in Indonesia.

surrounds, with indoor/outdoor dining venues. An immersive ocean-facing spa and fitness centre offers treatments inspired by traditional Balinese healing practices. Other facilities include a 60-metre swimming pool, separate kids’ pool and a family club. For events, business meetings and weddings, The Apurva Kempinski Bali offers a 1,076 sqm pillar-free ocean-view Grand Ballroom and a collection of meeting rooms with ocean vistas.

Situated in a quiet beachfront setting, the hotel features 475 well-appointed guestrooms, striking suites and discreet villas, with six restaurants, bars and lounges that make the most of the stunning

“Spectacular, sensational, curated and serene, The Apurva Kempinski Bali takes the form of a majestic open-air theatre, where centuries of Indonesian culture are distilled and brought to life,” says Michael

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

by Indonesia’s finest craftsmen and artisans, which pay tribute to the country’s rich design heritage, while adding modern touches that anchor The Apurva in the present day. The pendopo-style lobby is a welcoming space with a soaring tiered roof that draws the eye up to the cosmos. In the guestrooms, rich, exotic woods, local fabrics and typical Indonesian motifs create an understated and sophisticated atmosphere that’s both luxurious and homely, while the views of the ocean and surrounding landscape tell their own story through wide panoramic windows.

Starting from 65 sqm, accommodation at The Apurva Kempinski Bali is generously proportioned and guarantees exceptional views. At the upper end, 43 one, two- and three-bedroom villas offer up to 1,379 sqm of luxurious space, with private pools and lounge areas, tropical gardens with outdoor showers.

Henssler, Chief Operating Officer Asia, Kempinski Hotels and Member of the Management Board.

Cascading down the hillside like one of Bali’s iconic rice paddies, award-winning architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of UK-based Denton Corker Marshall drew inspiration from the rice terraces and their centuries-old ‘subak’ irrigation system to create the concept for the property. Modern Balinese architecture pays homage to the island’s natural landscapes and manmade temples, in a symphony of natural-clad stone buildings, bougainvillea- covered terraces and a network of waterways and shimmering pools.

Interior designer Rudy Dodo of Trivium Design Group has imagined opulent interior spaces created

Presenting colourful, flavourful dishes that celebrate the cuisine of Indonesia and the wider Asia region, the hotel is home to a diverse collection of culinary experiences. Coastal delicacies from around the archipelago are on offer at Koral, Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, while Japanese flavours are showcased at Izakaya by OKU, an outpost of the award-winning OKU restaurant at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta.

Overlooking the ocean, Apurva Spa offers body and beauty treatments incorporating traditional ointments such as lulur, a herb and spice body scrub, to help achieve outer beauty, while activities such as sunrise yoga and meditation pave the path to inner harmony and balance.

The Apurva translates as “unique and magnificent” in Sanskrit, embracing Kempinski’s dedication to bringing unique experiences to life. Honouring the nation’s belief in unity in diversity, the hotel establishes its distinctiveness as a tribute to the richness of Indonesian cultural heritage. kempinski.com/bali

Introducing

Raffles Lands

in Maldives

Raffles fans can now enjoy the hotel’s legendary butler service in the Maldives with the opening of its first property, Raffles Meradoo Maldives. Located in the Gaafu Alifu atoll at the southern end of the Maldives archipelago, the 38-villa resort features eight room types, starting at beach villa and topping out at the Raffles Royal Residence, a three-bedroom villa with its own private beach set to debut in the second half of 2019.

This secluded collection of overwater villas and residences lies adjacent to two vibrant house reefs that are home to baby sharks and turtles – and this being Raffles, a team of marine butlers can personalise your underwater adventures. Alternatively, chill out at the spa, where facials by Biologique Recherche and manis & pedis from Margaret Dabbs London await.

Guests can dine all-day at Thari, sample Peruvian and Japanese fusion at Yuzu, and enjoy flame-grilled chef specialties under the stars at The Firepit. Tapas, sashimi and cocktails inspired by South America and Japan can be experienced at the overwater Yapa Sunset Bar… or why not sample a vintage or two from the extensive wine list at the legendary Long Bar? raffles.com

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Introducing

aRT scHOOl

aMBienCe Championing quirky, thoughtprovoking art, the Bankside Hotel is a cool addition to the SE1 neighbourhood

Art is ubiquitous at the Bankside: there’s a craft space where makers in residence sketch, paint and sculpt away, a selection of idiosyncratic pieces in each room, cheekily vandalised portraits of old classics, including the Mona Lisa, by Helen Gorrill, a mezzanine space given over to art with sofas to encourage guests to linger, and countless framed artworks to admire on the walls of the Artyard Bar & Kitchen.

With 161 rooms and seven suites, a contemporary feel pervades, as evidenced by the concrete posts and the geometric print tables & chairs in the starter suite. As a cursory glance out the window confirms, the hotel is well placed to all the big smoke has to offer, being a five-minute walk from either Blackfriars or Southwark tube.

The hotel’s daily complimentary wine hour (5.30-630pm) can easily segue into dinner at the Artyard Bar & Kitchen, where it’s all about sharing plates and locally-sourced ingredients.

Start with the lentil hummus & flatbread, or the Dorset crab with avocado with pistachios, then order ricotta gnudi with a side of roasted sweet potato with harissa and pomegranate.

Once dinner has settled, return to ponder the paintings in your room – and don't forget to check out the vending machines, stocked with everything from Charlotte Tilbury face masks to Tom Ford’s Velvet Orchid perfume, before you check out. banksidehotel.com

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Inspire

Wellness on the Water

Blue World Voyages launches the world’s first sports and wellness holiday aboard a cruise ship If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of going on a cruise but have the kind of lifestyle that’s at odds with waistline-enhancing buffets and inactive nights spent watching onboard entertainment, then consider Blue World Voyages and its new cruise concept, which is centred around healthy, active lifestyles.

Scheduled for a summer 2019 launch with a seven-day voyage around the Mediterranean, the 350-passenger ship will have one deck designated for sports equipped with fitness machines, and another reserved for spa and rejuvenation. As the cruise takes place on a small ship, it can get up close to unspoilt reefs, and drop passengers off at hiking trials that larger vessels wouldn’t be able to access. Up for a spot of snorkelling, diving, kayaking or paddle boarding? The crew will kit you out onboard. Open water enthusiasts, meanwhile, can don their swimming gear and train at the ship’s seawater lap pool, which is lowered directly into the ocean adjacent to the vessel.

Blue World Voyages’ healthy approach to cruising extends to the dining room, with locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine sourced from each port served across four specialty dining venues. blueworldvoyages.com

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Inspire

Capturing Bhutan’s Natural Beauty

Como’s inaugural photography expedition teaches budding snappers how to shoot on film

K

capture the capital of Thimphu with its monuments, museums and markets; the tropical Punakha Valley with its magnificent dzongs; and the rice paddies and ancient temples of the emerald valley of Paro.

Guests will spend five nights at COMO Uma Paro and two nights at COMO Uma Punakha and will

Photographers of any level will receive guidance on capturing intimate, thought-provoking images under Turek’s tutelage as they take inspiration from Bhutan’s most treasured sights, be that monasteries and temples that cling to sheer cliff faces to forest trails lined with fluttering prayer flags. comohotels.com

een to sharpen your photography skills in one of Asia’s most spiritual places? Join BritishAmerican photographer and Kodak ambassador Michael Turek at Como’s Bhutan hotels from 2-9 June for an eight-day Himalayan photography expedition, where digital cameras are abandoned as you learn how to shoot on film.

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Inspire Inspire

Upscale Daytripping in Halong Bay

Cruise the karsts in a day on one of Paradise Cruises’ upscale vessels Keen to traverse alongside Halong’s famous karsts but concerned by the lack of upscale options available to day trippers? Then consider Paradise Cruises’ luxury day cruise on a traditional wooden junk replete with private cabins, onboard spa and cooking classes.

Affording day trippers the same level of luxury as overnight cruisers, two of Paradise Cruises’ 17-cabin Paradise Luxury vessels have been repurposed for the experience, and the 23 sqm cabins feature private balconies, ensuite bathrooms and beds.

After taking in the spectacular vistas of the UNESCO-recognised limestone karsts from the sundeck – also the site of the Vietnamese cooking classes – book yourself a pamper session at Le Parfum Spa, where facials, foot or body massages await.

The Paradise Luxury day cruise can accommodate up to 50 guests, who check in at the Paradise Lounge at Halong Bay’s Tuan Chau Marina at 10.30am to first explore the Sung Sot Cave, then splash about in a kayak at Luon Cave.

The daytrip ends with a climb to the top of Soi Sim Island for staggering karst vistas before returning to the marina at 5.30pm. paradisecruise.com

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City Guide

PARIS City Guide

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City Guide

BRUNCH

ART

BROWSE

From 12.30pm-3.30pm on Saturdays, there’s organic eggs cooked to order and breads from the award-winning Frederic Lalos bakery at Le Cuisine at Raffles Paris (leroyalmonceau. com), where kids aged four and above are kept busy with creative activities.

Brunch on a Sunday (12-3.30pm), meanwhile, features a sushi bar and Pierre Herme live cooking station.

First stop, the Louvre (louvre.fr), the world’s largest art museum. Zone out the cameras and crowds and gaze in wonderment at the Mona Lisa (it’s smaller than many people think). Other highlights include the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a marble Hellenistic sculpture of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

It would be an oversight to miss

Skip breakfast and save yourself for an indulgent brunch before a bracing stroll in the park

Go for a classic brunch at Salon de The Sebestian Gaudard (sebastiengaudard.com), where one of the city’s most celebrated pastry chefs presents mini viennoisseries, boiled eggs, and brioche French toast on Saturdays and Saturdays at 11.30am.

Order avocado toast, ricotta hotcakes with syrup and bacon, and granola with home-made almond milk at bakery/ kitchen Marcelle on the weekends from 9am-6pm. (restaurantmarcelle. com).

Get a Japanese take on an American classic at the Umami Matcha Café (umamiparis.com/matchacafe), where the umami brunch, which is served on Sundays, includes matcha brioche, yuzu éclairs and teriyaki chicken skewers.

Try breakfast/brunch joint Eggs & Co (eggsandco.fr) for eggs all ways – omelettes, eggs benedict, eggs Florentine – with green salad, new potatoes and freshly-squeezed orange juice on the side.

You’ll need plenty of time to take in the city’s galleries, where world-renowned sculptures and paintings await

Some of the world’s most famous paintings, including Gaugin’s Tahitian Women, Van Gogh’s self portrait and one of the world’s most reproduced works, Monet’s Poppy Field, are all on display at Musee d’Orsay (musee-orsay.fr), where there’s also a good representation of Edgar Degas’ work including In a Café and The Ballet Class.

Showcasing eight of Monet’s water lilies, the Orangerie museum (musee-orangerie. fr) is a must-visit for fans of Impressionism, with works from Renoir, Cezanne and Sisley – as well as pieces by Picasso – on show.

With the National Museum of Modern Art temporarily closed until Autumn, head to the Palais de Tokyo (palaisdetokyo. com) for a contemporary art fix in this selfproclaimed anti museum that showcases the cutting-edge.

Housed in a striking building by Frank Gehry, the Fondation Vuitton (fondationlouisvuitton.fr) features commissions that reflect the artists’ responses to Gehry’s architecture, while the collection features a line-up that’s constantly evolving over four categories: Contemplative, Pop, Expressionist, Music & Sound.

Get read to shop ‘til you drop in gay Paree, from luxe brands on the ChampsÉlysées to vintage tomes along the Seine

shopping on the French capital’s most famous thoroughfare, the ChampsÉlysées . Brands represented on the 1.9km-long thoroughfare include Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Gucci and Chanel.

No Paris shopping trip is complete without a visit to legendary department store Galeries Lafayettes Hausmann (haussmann. galerieslafayette.com), where you’ll find pop-ups from luxury brands like Aspinal of London and Piaget alongside classic French brands like Celine, Lefebure and Maje.

Registered as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Bouqinisites (booksellers) of Paris on the Seine offer second-hand books, postcards and posters with all price points represented.

Want an authentic Gallic souvenir?

Try boutique Passion France (passionfrance.fr) for cool, colourful berets and marinieres, those classic striped jersey tops.

Before you leave the city, stock up on Parisian goodies like cheese at Fromagerie Laurent Dubois (fromageslaurentdubois.fr) and saucisson at Le Grande Epicierie (lagrandeepicerie.com), vin at specialist store Nicolas Rambuteau Beauborg (nicolas.com), Champagne at Dilettantes (dilettantes.com) and macarons at Pierre Hermé (pierreherme.com).

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Afternoon Tea

THE NEW WAVE OF

AFTERNOON TEA

F

rom the ritualistic spreading of cream and jam to the clinking of fine bone china, afternoon tea is a veritable institution. The custom became popular among the wealthy social classes in England in the 1840s, and Anna Maria the Duchess of Bedford is widely credited as making the time between 3.30 and 5pm the occasion to nibble on finger sandwiches, scones and other sweet delights, and sip tea from delicate china cups.

This genteel English ritual is receiving a contemporary makeover with more savoury bites than ever before – and hotels across Asia are increasingly incorporating local flavours into menus. They are also keen to add some drama to the event, whether that’s by scones being flambéed in front of your very eyes at Popinjays at the Murray Hong Kong, or served with a side of pop-up art, as at Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon.

So pull up a chair, arrange that freshly-starched napkin over your lap, pour the water over the tea leaves, and dig in…

Opposite page:

the Asian-inspired Tout Everything afternoon tea at the Ritz-Carlton Pudong, Shanghai

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Afternoon Tea

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Club Lounges Afternoon Tea

Tableside Drama At Popinjays at The Murray Hong Kong, afternoon tea has become something of a spectacle with scones flambéed in Cointreau tableside by a waiter, says executive chef Didier Quennouelle.

Popinjays signature scones also shake things up on the flavour front, being presented in two distinct flavours: Cherry Jubilee and Blood Orange. If liqueur-soaked scones seem to ride slipshod over tradition, worry not, as guests can also order regular warm scones, which are served with homemade papaya and mango jam accompanied by cream whipped à la minute, says Quennouelle, who adds all of these new additions are adding more than a dash of grandiose to the afternoon tea ritual that is so popular in Hong Kong.

As for what Hong Kongers want when they sit down for afternoon tea at Popinjays, he believes, “They are looking for a modern afternoon tea service with a relaxing environment, someplace they can enjoy the panoramic views of Central.” What makes Popinjays afternoon tea unique is its interactive nature, and the array of different varieties of texture on the plate – think blue lobster, celeriac and apple remoulade tartlet, or strawberry lamington with Thai basil cream – and the culinary technique displayed by dishes like its coconut and pineapple éclair, and the Challans chicken on curry choux. “Popinjays afternoon tea brings a lifestyle to the guest journey with its spirit of playful indulgence… we transport them somewhere flamboyant,” adds the chef.

As for the trends within afternoon tea in terms of flavour or other approach, Quennouelle says, “We notice our guests are looking for sophisticated, well-seasoned items. They like the way

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Popinjays, The Murray Hong Kong

we balance the traditional Escoffier technique with a modern approach. Hong Kongers generally not prefer to have too many sweets… they would like to have a variety of savoury bites,” he adds.

The afternoon tea model is constantly evolving, with a Gentlemen’s afternoon tea to celebrate Father’s Day with dishes intended to appeal to fathers and grandfathers alike already in the works. The standard afternoon tea, meanwhile, follows the four European seasons, and the upcoming Summer edition will incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables from The Mediterranean, says the chef.

Afternoon Tea

MO Bar, Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Deconstructing Presentation At the newly-opened MO Bar at Mandarin Oriental Singapore, afternoon tea is taken seriously, with a menu that changes every other month, and sandwiches, scones, puffs & sweets served course by course. This is to allow guests to savour each bite without feeling too overwhelmed and enjoy savoury and sweet items at their optimal temperature, says director of communications Usha Brockmann.

The ambience is also crucial to the experience, she says, with antique gold geometric patterns inspired by Polynesian tattoos on the ceiling and façade, décor incorporating travel artefacts and hand-woven tapestries all lending visual appeal.

The menu pays tribute to the rich culture of Southeast Asian ports and beyond, which relate back to the concept of MO Bar, says Brockmann. “During March and April, the menu takes inspiration from the Sumatran coast, with pineapple scones and mango

quenelles and dainty morsels of classic heritage dishes like Beef Rendang and Gulai Ayam.”

As in Hong Kong, afternoon tea is something of an institution in Singapore. How does Brockmann account for its popularity? “The experience is a combination of two things that locals love: food and enjoying it leisurely, which is a rarity in a fast-paced city like Singapore. With guests’ palates becoming more discerning, afternoon tea offers a variety of options that can cater to different preferences,” she adds. Singapore’s reputation as a foodie paradise means locals are always on the lookout for new and exciting treats that are not only delicious but also worthy of inclusion on social media, says Brockmann.

As guests become more health-conscious, fruits are increasingly being incorporated into afternoon tea menus, and their versatility and natural sweetness means it’s relatively easy to do so, she elaborates.

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Afternoon Tea

Catering To Local Tastes With a dessert bar that combines the best culinary ideas and ingredients from East and West, Nuo Beijing is taking sweet treats to another level, with exquisitely plated conceptual dishes like Stones – a culinary interpretation of the Chinese garden with sesame mousse and green tea sponge – almost too beautiful to eat.

Assistant executive pastry chef Nick Xu says the spring afternoon tea includes Norwegian smoked salmon, cream cheese & capers and ham & Gruyere finger sandwiches, plus mini butter croissants filled with egg salad, and prawns with avocado. Finger pastries include caramel mousse, red pear cake, Yuzu tart and a green tea macaroon to delight local taste buds, with refreshing strawberry drinks on the side rather than tea. The plain or vanilla raisin scone are served warm, as tradition dictates, with assorted jams and mascarpone cheese rather than cream or clotted cream sitting atop in it.

Nuo Beijing

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The institution of afternoon tea in Beijing isn’t just limited to socialites and tourists: Xu says it’s becoming increasingly popular in corporate circles. As for the most popular bites at the moment, it’s the caramel mousse and red pear cake that are receiving plenty of compliments, with Yuzu tart another firm favourite. Like many upscale hotels, Nuo Beijing updates its afternoon tea menu according to the season, and there’s also themed afternoon teas, such as its recent Asuka afternoon tea, a Japanese affair featuring mini doriyaki with matcha and red bean, and Yuzu macaroons with lemon crumble and blood orange foam.

Afternoon Tea

All That Jazz The trend for afternoon tea has also reached Shanghai, and one of the latest offerings worth investigating is the ‘Tout Everything’ afternoon tea at the Aura lounge & jazz bar at Ritz-Carlton Pudong, Shanghai. Introduced last month, bites including green tea curd and sago pearl and oolong tea panacotta with mango cream are served against a backdrop of cool jazz and sublime skyline views from the venue’s location on the 52nd floor. What makes this afternoon tea set so special is the wide variety of teas it offers, says executive chef Christophe Gillino. “This is about all kind of teas available in the country – green, black, yellow and red teas. With the concept name being “tout”, which means everything in French, we really wanted to present all kinds of teas,” he says.

Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

To keep customers coming, Aura introduces a new afternoon tea every three months – and whatever concept, subject, or theme the kitchen has chosen has proved popular, says the chef. So what are Chinese people looking for when they sit down for afternoon tea? “They want a fantastic view, great food quality, and great-looking items with a light and fancy taste. Our customers are always eager to try new things,” he adds. Afternoon tea is gaining traction in Shanghai, something Gillino puts down to several factors. “It can be a late lunch, or an early dinner, or it’s just something you go for when you want that sweet touch. It’s cute and refined, and great looking if you pay attention… with afternoon tea, you can really use your imagination in the kitchen… the sky’s the limit.” In terms of flavours, the chef says anything chocolaty is always popular. “Originality is a key driver but the biggest trend is that it is really the image of the western tradition.”

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Afternoon Tea

Belmond Governor’s Residence, Yangon

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Afternoon Tea

Tea Meets Art Combining a love of food with contemporary art, Belmond Governor’s Residence Yangon, a 1920s Burmese teak mansion that’s the picture of colonial charm, has launched a series of afternoon tea experiences with an artistic twist, Art’ernoon tea, where an evolving pop-up of local artists and painters show their work, including Satt Aung T.T, Yan Naing Oo and Thit Nay Sann, who launched pieces from his ‘Tanaka Lady’ and ‘Holy Land’ collections alongside April’s tea time menu. The artists will exhibit their works in a solo show each month and proceeds from the sales of their works will support the artists and the Belmond free healthcare clinic in Bagan.

The tea sets embrace local flavours: think homemade scones with clotted cream and papaya jam and traditional Myanmar tealeaf-infused focaccia with home-cured salmon, and Burmese green tea infused with the leaves of glutinous rice plants.

Executive chef Karl Reyes says guests have been particularly effusive about the home-cured salmon with cream cheese and lime, and the double chocolate brownie with walnut and cashew. “Our homemade classic and fruit scones, thickly spread

with homemade strawberry jam made with Pyin Oo Lwin strawberries, are probably the most praised of all the dainties,” says the chef.

Guests appreciate the tranquility of the setting for the Art’ernoon Tea in the grounds of Belmond Governor’s Residence, and the variety of textures, flavours and visual elements both on the plate and the art pieces exhibited, he adds.

With its British colonial legacy, some local families continue the tradition of taking tea in the afternoon. But it has also become a new trend in Yangon among locals and expats, says Reyes. “We notice that classic English afternoon tea is most popular among locals and visitors from around the region, whereas visitors from further afield tend to prefer to try concepts localised to Myanmar.”

The artistic concept continues into June, when the hotel will launch its Chocoholic Art’ernoon Tea to coincide with the launch of an artist’s collection and the exhibiton by a local designer.

Afternoon tea used to be a much more formal affair than it is today, where anything goes – but you can still do it properly if you want to.

The sandwiches must always be eaten first and the scones should be warm when consumed, according to the Visit Britain website. It adds tea should be stirred back and forth, not in circular motions and cups should be held with one’s thumb and index finger meeting in the handle and the handle resting on your middle finger.

Afternoon tea etiquette

The rules of how and what to eat

As for whether it’s proper to begin with jam or cream first dictates whether it’s a Devon afternoon tea or Cornish afternoon tea. If the former, it’s cream, while the latter opt for jam first. Just in case you’re wondering it’s jam first at Buckingham Palace according to a former royal chef…

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Afternoon Tea

Parisian Macao

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Afternoon Club Lounges Tea

French Flavour Francophiles who adore afternoon tea should book a table at the Parisian Macao, which has its own mini Tour Eiffel and Champs-Élysées standing proudly outside the property. Ae you’d expect from a hotel that so thoroughly embraces all things Gallic, the afternoon tea is inspired by the French capital, from the salt and pepper shakers fashioned into Eiffel Tower shapes to the brasserie’s very French menu, which includes with mini croque madames and macaroons as part of its afternoon tea set.

“The Brasserie always provides afternoon tea set with a French theme as we are a classic French restaurant offering authentic flavours,” says senior beverage manager Arnaud Echalier.

Forget the tea or even the Champagne: at Parisian Macao, guests can sip a cidre bouche, a traditional French cider (dry or sweet is available) or a glass of Saumur Brut, a sparkling wine with a small bubble, with the former proving the most attractive option.

“The cider is very popular because it is slightly sweet, thanks to the natural sweetness of the fruits,” says Echalier. For added Gallic authenticity, the cider is served in a cup from Brittany, where ciders are widespread.

As for what hotel guests are looking for when they book for afternoon tea, Echalier believes it’s important to address local flavour preferences. “The afternoon tea set offers a combination of both sweet and savoury bites, and all our desserts have a very good balance of sweetness, which fits with Asian tastes,” he says.

Having said that, the chocolate moelleux (hot chocolate cake) and macaroons are two of the most warmly received items alongside the mini burgers and mini croque madames, says Echalier.

Sweet-toothed tours in Vietnam If chocolate’s more your thing, then join the Anam for a visit to the nearby home of boutique chocolate maker Fifty Fresh Farms Vietnamese beachfront resort the Anam, which is based in Cam Ranh, has teamed up with boutique chocolate maker Fifty Fresh Farms to offer a half-day tour. Suited to chocolate lovers of all ages, it kicks off with a short educational session about the food of the gods. Guests then inspect a mini cacao farm, where cocoa beans are harvested, before embarking on a tour of Fifty Fresh Farms’ factory that produces 100kg of chocolate daily. Budding chocolate makers try their hand at a master class, and while their concoctions solidify, they head to the tasting room to sample milk, white and dark chocolates, truffles, bonbons and hot chocolate.

Anam’s founder and owner Pham Van Hien, says, “We're introducing a one-of-a-kind experience to our guests that’s educational, fun, and downright delicious, with a chocolate maker priding itself on natural products, fair trading and supporting local farmers to develop sustainable farming methods.” theanam.com

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Wellness Feel Refreshed Following Raffles Sleep Rituals

Designed to help guests get a restorative night’s rest, the Raffles Sleep Rituals service is being piloted during turndown service at Raffles Dubai, Raffles Makati, Raffles Seychelles and Raffles Europejski Warsaw (pictured).

The slumber-inducing rituals will provide guests with a luxurious eye pillow made from DreamSoft linen, calming goodnight cards that encourage mindfulness before bedtime, and a five-minute sand timer, engraved with their personal details, to help them unwind before they drift off to sleep. Raffles has also partnered with luxury skincare brand, Aromatherapy Associates, to create a Deep Relax oil unique to its Sleep Rituals experience to alleviate the restlessness associated with jet lag. raffles.com

A la Carte Wellness at Al Baleed Salalah

by Anantara

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara is helping guests kick-start their summer beach bodies with a new wellness programme featuring an a la carte concept. Led by the resort’s new wellness guru, Ratheesh Krishnan, Balance Wellness by Anantara is designed to offer a transformative travel experience in Oman. Available in three, five or seven-day packages, the retreats include rejuvenating spa treatments, purification therapy and nutritious cuisine along with individual activity sessions such as yoga and hiking the picturesque coastline of Salalah. One highlight of the wellness programme is experiencing Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara’s luxury hammam, the only one in the region. anantara.com

Four Seasons Resort Sayan Launches Year-Round Retreat

Inspired by Ubud’s healing energy and the Balinese daily rituals of thanks, guests at Four Seasons Resort Sayan can now embark on a personal journey of discovery any day of the year with Bali’s first year-round wellness retreat, Guided by Gratitude. The programme includes various meditation sessions – including candlelight and kirtan chanting – yoga classes, a Balinese water blessing ritual, sound therapy with crystal singing bowls, chakra rebalancing spa treatment, and a sacred nap experience, which sees guests rocked to sleep in a silk hammock while listening to nature’s melody and Buddha’s story. fourseasons.com

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Wellness

Experts at last year’s Global Wellness Summit singled out personalised nutrition, wellness fashion and meditation to experience a tipping point in 2019 and beyond…

Bespoke Nutrition

Experts predict that we are about to enter the age of personalised nutrition where lowcost medical testing and new technologies identify what foods are right for us not only for weight management but to also boost health and wellbeing. Handheld consumer devices like Lumen, for example, can help determine the effects different foods have on your body, and calculate whether your body is in fat or carb-burning mode by measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in your breath.

Meditation Reaches Critical Mass

Urban Wellness Resorts Take Off

As cities continue to be overrun, more travellers will seek out serene oases close to all the big city action. Enter the urban wellness resort, as evidenced by the arrival of Six Senses Duxton in Singapore, which offers guests Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations. Indeed, some of the world’s top wellness travel brands are moving beyond Bali, Phuket and the like to set up shop in big cities so they can rejuvenate stressedout city types, be they hotel guests or locals.

The benefits of this ancient practice – as a cure for depression, anxiety, or to increase inner peace – are becoming more widespread as mindfulness goes mainstream. Expect it to evolve from a singular to a plural practice, just like yoga. Examples of how meditation it being interpreted to fit in with modern lifestyles include Inscape’s meditation domes.

Feel-good Fashion

Move over athleisure – sustainability is about to enter the wellness market with a wave of eco-friendly, ethical, intelligent and meaningful fashion, as evidenced by the arrival of brands like Aday and its Waste Nothing t-shirt and Like a Boss sweatshirt.

Other brands in the mix include Buki and its Collagen turtleneck sweater, and Minstry of Supply, which crowdfunded the cash to launch its first jacket on Kickstarter.

Wealth in China Wellness

No country is set to have a bigger impact of the future US$4.2 trillion wellness industry than China, with its middle class set to skyrocket from 430 million now to 780 million by 2025. Expect luxury hotels to tune into cultural practices, such as Amanyangyun’s incense ceremony and its calligraphy classes, or the Taoist cuisine offered at Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain.

Smell for Wellness

Once dismissed as the least relevant of the five senses, many are realising that aromas can have a powerful impact on wellbeing.

Expect to see fragrances move beyond the spa and hotel lobby and into public spaces – and look out for brands such as Valeur Absolue, which offers a collection of soulsoothing fragrances, including Harmonie Essentielle, a woody, floral perfume enriched with semi-precious amethysts, which are renowned for their calming properties.

Recognising The Power of Nature

We all know the restorative power of a walk by the beach, or indeed anywhere we can get back to nature – and with stress levels still high, people will seek out natural beauty spots more and more. It’s a call that comes from deep within, say scientists, who stress that body and mind depend on nature. Gyms will be bringing the outside in, as evidenced by the Karolinska Institutet gym by biofit.

Accepting Death

For many, death remains a taboo subject, with little forward planning going into burial and funeral. Yet with greater environmental awareness comes the realisation that traditional embalmment, burial and cremation is environmentally toxic, with eco-friendly burial options, such as Ecoffin’s banana casket with ebony weave detail becoming increasingly popular. More people are actively exploring death as a wellness practice, too: there are death cafes, for example, where people can prepare for the end in a positive way.

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Hotel Review

L

ocated on Garlick Hill, a quiet side street steps away from Mansion House tube station and almost in the shadow of Saint Pauls, Vintry & Mercer is a charming addition to London’s boutique hotel collection, with 92 rooms and suites served by a rooftop restaurant, Mercer Roof Terrace, and a fabulous cocktail bar, Do Not Disturb (DND), that’s quickly establishing a name for itself thanks to its barrel-aged spirits and a menu that tickles the imagination: are you bold enough to sample a libation with asparagus in the mix?

The hotel’s name was inspired by the historic trading guilds of Vintry, once a hub for wine merchants, and Mercer, with textile sellers once trading fine

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fabrics such as silks and damask from this well-placed location on the banks of the Thames.

On the hotel walls, there are murals dedicated to wine and fabric to remind you of the area’s storied past (the lobby is bedecked with historic navigation maps) and the rooms are an alluring mix of traditional and contemporary. We’re in a deluxe studio, which is opened by a leather door handle to reveal opulent red velvet drapes that open up onto fabulous city views, a bespoke headboard in the same fabric, and oh-so-retro C.O Bigelow Apothecaries toiletries in the bathroom; contemporary touches include a Marshall speaker for crystal-clear audio, and an in-built TV at the end of the bath that encourages gloriously long soaks.

Hotel Review

Clockwise from left:

rooms feature bespoke wallpaper and velvet drapes; cocktails are crafted with house-made spirits; a speakeasy vibe pervades at DND; oysters at the Mercer Roof Terrace

I’m in the room working when, at around 4pm, there’s a polite knock on the door and the porter delivers a much-needed sugar lift in the form of a dainty box containing a rich, gooey chocolate, a mini madeleine and two biscuits (one of which looks and tastes like a bourbon) and a sublime square of candied jelly, all made in the hotel’s pastry kitchen, he informs.

Dinner at the Mercer roof terrace, which offers a generous sweep of the skyline from St Paul’s Cathedral to the futuristic glass tip of the Shard from its floor-to-ceiling windows, is relaxed and convivial, with a menu showcasing the best of the British Isles produce, like the spiced beetroot cured trout and haysmoked beef tartare appetisers. The gratin of cauliflower with endives, and Barkham blue delivering a satisfying creamy tang, certainly hits the spot, while the chocolate mousse with vanilla ice cream & stout, which is playfully served in a half-pint glass, is deliciously rich and velvety.

Amy Murrell

Modelled on a speakeasy with its sexy low Amy Murrell

lighting and banquette seating, Do Not Disturb (DND’s)’s big selling point is its house-infused spirits, which are aged for two to three weeks to take away the harshness of the alcohol and stored in casks behind the bar. Alongside Negronis and Hanky Pankys crafted with barrel-aged cocktails, there’s intriguing offerings such as the aforementioned asparagus number Lift Yourself – Ocho Blanco tequila, asparagus, coconut water and vinegar – which is served in a birdshaped glass and sipped through a glass straw. It might be a little difficult to drink (especially if you’ve had more than one), but it’s a cool design detail nonetheless. And while I was a little sceptical, asparagus can actually work in a cocktail – and there’s the additional bonus that these super food ingredients can give you a boost.

If you can’t resist a cutting-edge cocktail menu and are keen to acquaint yourself with the trading patterns of London’s old wine and fabric merchants, then this is the hotel for you. vintryandmercer.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Festive Fun

The 30th Macao Arts Festival is set to bring a host of cultural delights to the city this May

photo credit:

Laurent Philippe

T

he Macao Arts Festival celebrates its third decade this year with a host of exciting cultural performances designed to delight and enchant audiences. One of the highlights of this artistic extravaganza will be a music concert, “Chinese Musical Painting”, led by the Music Director and Principal Conductor of China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, Liu Jia, who together with Jia Lei, principal sheng musician of the Macao Chinese Orchestra, and Lin Jie, principal ruan musician, will present the Sheng concerto, “Peacock”, and Zhongruan concerto, “Reminiscences of Yunnan”, respectively.

Together with modern works performed by the orchestra, this melodious concert will enable music fans to lose themselves in the music of Southwest China.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Chinese Masterpieces Arrive in Macao

photo credit:

Chin Yin

Another highlight of the festival will be a performance of Richard Strauss’s “Alpine Symphony” by the Macao Orchestra and Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, which depicts the composers’ experience spent climbing a mountain in the Alps.

Conducted by Liu Jia with the soprano taken by Katrin Adel, the performance will transport the audience to experience the beautiful view from the top of the Alps.

Another don’t-miss highlight of the Macao Arts Festival is a theatre performance conducted in Macao patois, or Patuá as it is known, which is nicknamed the “sweet language” thanks to its poetic fusion of ancient Portuguese language, with a combination of Malay, Spanish, Canarese, English and Cantonese.

Performed by local Patuá language drama group Dóci Papiaçam di Macau, the show is a humorous examination of social ills that reflects on the Macanese

lifestyle and encourages the audience to think deeply.

With origins dating back to the 16th century, Patuá is now estimated to be spoken by only around 50 speakers in Macao, and it was added to UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger in 2009. For more than 20 years, Dóci Papiaçam di Macau have been preserving the language through original, humorous plays performed in Patuá by local actors. The group’s plays have become one of the most anticipated features in the annual Macao Arts Festival, and visitors to the city can enjoy the plays too as there are subtitles in English, Chinese and Portuguese.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these unique cultural performances at the Macao Arts Festival. For ticketing, hotline and website enquiries, visit www.icm.gov.mo/fam/30/en/

24 hour customer service hotline: Macau:(853) 2855 5555 HongKong:(852)2380 5083 China:(86) 139 2691 1111 E-mail:macauticket@kongseng.com.mo Website:macauticket.com; icm.gov.mo/fam/30

The Macao Museum of Art is set to exhibit an impressive range of Chinese artworks to commemorate two important anniversaries in 2019 To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of Macao’s return to mainland China, the Macao Museum of Art will hold an exhibition, “Beauty in the New Era”, that will feature masterpieces from the collection of the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC). Held from 4 May to 28 July, the exhibition will feature works from renowned modern and contemporary artists including Xu Beihong, Lin Fengman, Qi Baishi and Zhang Daqian. Almost 90 works are set to be on display as part of the exhibition, which aims to demonstrate how Chinese fine art has evolved over the past century.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Macao Unites

Travel Industry at MITE

The Macao International Travel Industry Expo (MITE) casts the spotlight on the latest travel trends and provides delegates with a platform for exchange

H

ighlighting the latest developments within the fastmoving world of travel and providing a global networking platform for those in the travel trade business, the Macao International Travel Industry (MITE) Expo is a much-anticipated show on the events calendar. Taking place on 26-28 April 2019 at The Venetian Macao, the event will deliver a plethora of networking opportunities at a B2B and B2C level and highlight the latest travel trends at a local and global level with a series of informative seminars, forums and conferences chaired by respected industry experts. Now in its seventh edition, the expo is already held in high regard. Last year’s event received recognition at the 2018 Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Association (AFECA) Asian Awards, scooping the prestigious Outstanding Consumer Exhibition Award and also won the Brand Award at the Macao Convention & Exhibition Commendation Awards.

Welcoming participants from 50 different countries and regions, 2018’s MITE attracted 550 exhibition booths and 305 professional buyers, representing an increase of 11 per cent on the number of visitors welcomed the previous year.

During the event, 27 forums, conferences and seminars were held to educate and inspire delegates, while 38 contracts were signed during the expo.

As with last year’s event, the conference in 2019 will highlight the strengths of Macao as a Sino-Portuguese platform and a major hub along the Maritime Silk Road, as well as its role in facilitating cooperation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. MITE is scheduled in April annually to provide optimal timing for industry operators to sell their summer packages in advance so as to harvest greater commercial benefits. Moving forward, event organisers hope to entice an even greater number of international exhibitors to MITE, and that the expo will become Macao’s signature international travel fair brand, illustrating the city’s commitment to becoming a globally recognised hub for leisure and tourism. http://www.mitexpo.mo/en

Puglia

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Puglia

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Puglia

P

uglia, a region best known for its whitewashed hill towns and bucolic landscapes, stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Ionian, covering 800km of ruggedly beautiful coastline. Its waters teem with exotic seafood you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and its land is bountiful and devoted to agriculture, the region’s biggest industry. Puglia’s unique geography promises low humidity and incredibly rich soil, thereby guaranteeing the best produce, from vegetables to durum wheat, to beef cattle and lamb, while its ancient olive trees – known for their generous trunks and twisting branches – produce 40 per cent of the country’s olive oil.

Italian cuisine is known for its simplicity, and nowhere more so than in Puglia; the region’s cucina povera (literally “poor cuisine”), which has always appealed to Italians who venture from afar to indulge in the region’s “slow food” dishes, is now seducing travellers from abroad. Prepared using local culinary techniques and traditions that haven’t changed over the centuries, in Puglia’s cucina povera you’ll discover the intricacy of ear-shaped Orecchiette pasta and the intimacy of Stracciatella di bufala and other artisan cheeses, which are made by hand in family-run farms.

Each area in Puglia has its own specialty. In the small town of Torre Canne you’ll find a series of outdoor “restaurants,” that look more like shacks. Don’t let their appearance deter you, as these simple eateries are known for serving up the most exquisite ricci di mare or sea urchins, which are taken from the

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Puglia

Clockwise from bottom left:

chili peppers and fruit at a local market; herbs and spices popular in Puglian dishes; the region is home to 800km of coastline

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Puglia

surrounding seas daily (take a peek behind the restaurant and you’ll probably spy a line of wetsuits hanging out to dry). It’s a no-frills experience – around eight to ten urchins are cut open and presented with fresh crusty bread, with which you soak up the urchin’s sweet yet salty juices.

The seaside towns of Monopoli and Polignano a Mare, meanwhile, are best known for their fresh catch of the day. While tourists go to eat at the latter’s over-hyped cave restaurant, locals head to Osteria di Chichibio, a local icon renowned for raw seafood that’s prepared so simply that it melts in the mouth.

But it’s not all just fishy business. Nestled in the hills above the coast are the picturesque towns of Cisternino and Locorotondo, which are known for their sweet white wines. In Altumara, the first town in Europe to receive a Denomination of Origin of Production (DOP) classification for its bread, the scent of freshly baked loaves wafts through the air from the communal wood-burning ovens, where local housewives bake bread together.

Martina Franco is not only famed for its summer opera festival but also for its local meats, which are delivered direct from the farm to small butcher shops dotted throughout the town. Each butcher is connected to a restaurant, which is crammed with

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WHERE TO EAT & STAY

Continue your culinary adventure in some of Puglia’s most prestigious properties Located in a former watchtower in Brindisi dating back to the 15th century, where charming interconnected arched passageways and open piazzas await, San Domenico a Mere (masseriasandomenico.com) offers 40 rooms and suites, some with terraces and pools. Its grand, romantic dining room, San Domenico, serves up Puglia specialities that make the most of local produce including fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil, which is made from olives grown by the hotel.

Clockwise from top left:

Puglia’s famous cheeses include burrata; prepping a sea urchin; coneshaped houses, known locally as trulli, in Alberobello

Another Brindisi-based property, Borgo Egnazia (borgoegnazia.com) offers five distinct dining options, including Due Camini for beautifully plated dishes like burnt wheat cavatelli, beans, mussels and pecorino to start, and pigeon & honey for mains. More homey is Trattoria Mia Cucina, which offers pizza served al fresco and the opportunity to attend cooking classes. Stay in one of the hotel’s magnificent villas, which are presented as three story townhouses, and enjoy facilities including a spa and golf course.

Another stylish accommodation in Puglia is seafront boutique property La Peschiera (peschierahotel.com), which is 10 minutes away from historic Monopoli. Steps away from the Adriatric, its seafood restaurant, Saleblu, is the place to sample Apulian sushi with an iced oyster Martini on the side. Panorama suites have a private plunge pool on the front terrace and the Adriatic to the back.

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communal style wood tables and chairs. Beyond, local cooks work over open wood fires, ensuring that the meat is tender, juicy and bursting with flavour.

At the UNESCO-listed heritage town of Alberobello, finish your tour of the trulli, cone-shaped houses that bring to mind The Smurfs, with a visit to a local eatery for homely and rustic dishes such as gnumerieddi (lamb intestines) and orecchiette con la rape topped with leafy green turnip tops. The pasta is made with just flour and water giving it a meatier texture – eggs were once considered a luxury and the recipe hasn’t changed in generations.

If you’re keen to venture beyond the Italian culinary clichés of pizza, spaghetti bolognaise and lasagna, then a gourmet’s tour round Puglia could be just the thing to set the tastebuds dancing, and expand your knowledge of one of the world’s greatest cuisines.

FIVE DON’T-MISS PUGLIA RESTAURANTS

Get a taste of the real Puglia at these authentic, inviting eateries

1 Expect sea urchin and squid ink pasta served in a smart setting – white tablecloths with single flowers at the table – at the stylish Giannino restaurant (gianninorestaurant.it) in Bari.

2 Based in Conversano, the two Michelinstarred Pashà (ristorantepasha.com) delivers dishes like goat’s cheese gnocchi and lamb, zucchini & saffron as part of its tasting menu.

The restaurant is also famous for its pastries: try the peanut, vanilla & cappuccino, or the fig & almond to finish.

3 Sample straightforward dishes that capitalise on local produce at Bari’s Lido Bosco Verde (lidoboscoverde.it): a carpaccio of tuna, prawns and scampi, polpette (deepfried balls of octopus in cheese, breadcrumbs and eggs) and home-made spaghetti with clams and samphire – or salicornia as it’s known here.

Clockwise from top:

traditional fishing boats in the harbour; 40 per cent of Italy’s olive oil comes from Puglia

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4Try the grilled cuttlefish noodles with baked potatoes and mint, or the orecchiette with clams and turnip greens at Gallipoli-based Il Bastione (ilbastionegallipoli.it) before finishing with a pasticciotti, a pastry filled with egg custard.

5 At Andria-based Umami (umamiristorante. com), which features in Italy’s Michelin Guide, the tasting menu incorporates local specialties such as wholemeal pasta with pork cheek and eggplant with local burrata and tomatoes.

SHANGRILA GLAMPING AT THE HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT Journey to The Hidden Valley Resort, the first boutique glamping resort located in Diqing Shangrila, Yunnan province.

The Resort offers an authentic travel experience immersing guests in one of China's last unspoiled frontiers. Visit with a traditional Tibetian family to experience their way of life and wonder along portions of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

hIDDEN VALLEY

Guests can choose to go glamping in the Tibetan tented villas or to reside in the Tibetan residence on the Resort's sprawling grasslands. The resort's adventure concierge will enhance your destination experience with carefully curated activities, designed to provide a deeper and more meaningful understanding of what defines the fabled valleys of Shangrila.

The resident chef will pamper guests with wholesome farm-totable dining experiences using seasonal produce.

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For more information please visit www.thehiddenvalleyresort.com Experience The Hidden Valley Resort by booking at reservations@thehiddenvalleyresort.com Follow us on

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thehiddenvalleyresort

Insider

Private Aviation Takes Off

You increased your membership base by almost a third last year. Can you elaborate on some other milestones over 2018?

We experienced double digit figure growth and our flights overall increased by 25 per cent – in North America, our flights actually increased by 46 percent. In AsiaPacific, we recorded a 26 per cent increase in flights. It’s our fastest-growing market, and that’s down to wealth creation. The first generation of new rich in Asia are now retiring their aircraft [and can see the benefits of our memberhip programme]. We take away the risks of being an owner, like operational risk, while still giving member access to the benefits of private aviation.

What are you most excited about for 2019?

We are awaiting delivery of a new aircraft, the Global 7500, and that’s going to be a game-changer in the industry. It can fly about four hours longer than our largest aircraft right now, the Global 6000 – about 17 hours non-stop. We’re the very first commercial operator to receive it, and all Vistajet members can book it, as every member has access to our entire fleet.

Tell us about your customers and what they are looking for Our

customers

have

very

similar

characteristics

across the board – we are seeing growing interest from millennials, and members are generally becoming younger. In the US and Europe, private aviation is also called business aviation because it’s corporate flying, and very much about time saving. In Asia-Pacific, we need more education, as in this region, private jets are still seen as only for the ultra-rich, a rich person’s toy.

But it’s very different from, say, a private yacht: it’s a time machine that can help you save time. Wherever our member are located, they fly with us for the same reason: to save time.

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You offer a subscription model to members – tell us how it works Members buy the number of hours they need to fly; our minimum is 50 hours and one member purchased up to 1,000 hours. Members pay for the hours they need without having to worry about the capital risk of purchasing a private jet, and having money tied up in a depreciating asset. We offer tailormade programmes that offer customers to engage with their passion points. Our wine programme, for example, transports customers to specific wine regions, and offers onboard blind tastings – and we’re the first private aviation company to push out a programme dedicated to young flyers.

What can passengers expect once they step onboard?

The seats are made of Italian leather and convert to a real bed. Staff receive butler training, and we collaborate with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels to give customers the best catering in the air.

As you offer a programme for children, you're obviously not just targeting business aviation clients…

No – in fact, our business is a pretty even split of private individuals and corporate clients. On about 25 per cent of flights, there are children on board. It took us two years to design our kids’ programme – they can learn a language onboard, have a themed party in the sky, and we also have kids’ menus.

Along with the arrival of the Global 7500, what else can we expect from Vistajet in 2019?

Our aim is to grow our membership base around the globe, and keep connecting customers with their passion points.

There are new programmes being launched this year, and the group’s goal is to consolidate the very fragmented private aviation market. vistajet.com

Vietnam Photo Essay

The photographer shares a smile with Hong Thi Dinh, 92, from the Hmong ethnic group

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Vietnam Photo Essay

“I drive a motorbike in Vietnam,” says travel photographer Réhahn. “It gives me an incredible feeling of freedom, riding out on my bike to explore new places and to spend time with new people.”

His motorbike sees almost as much action as his cameras, as the photographer is currently working on a long-term project to photograph all 54 of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, an adventure that’s taken him right across the country. So far, he’s photographed 49, with plans to capture more in 2019.

Originally from Bayeux in Normandy, Réhahn has lived in the coastal city of Hoi An since 2011, where he recently opened his Precious Heritage Gallery Museum to showcase his photographs of Vietnam’s tribes, alongside traditional clothing and artifacts.

Sometimes referred to as “the photographer who captures the soul”, his colourful portraits from Vietnam, India, Peru, Cuba and around the world are often the result of spending hours or days with his subjects, who, he says, “become friends or like family.”

Réhahn’s books include Vietnam: Mosaic of Contrasts (Vol 1 and 2) and The Collection: 10 Years of Photography. For more on his photography, the Precious Heritage project and museum, or for prints of his work, visit rehahnphotographer.com

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Vietnam Photo Essay

A Dip is a 76-year-old man that I spent time with in a village around 50 kilometres from Kon Tum in the mountains of Central Vietnam. He belongs to the To Dra ethnic group which is, according to experts, a subgroup of the Xo Dang ethnic group, although, according to the To Dra, their traditions and dialect are different. A Dip is the only artisan in the village who still makes traditional bamboo baskets and is also the last person to play the traditional instruments of the To Dra people. The Xo Dang people now buy their costume from the Bahnar people and sometimes wear it during festivals.

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Vietnam Photo Essay

The Dao have up to nine local subgroups.

Each subgroup has its own traditional costume, like the colour of the headscarves and the particular way of tying it, and those features help to distinguish one subgroup from another. The women use indigo to dye their costumes and also the batik technique, which consists of drawing on hemp fabric with beeswax, to create beautiful patterns.

The intricate embroidery and beading on her costume really gives you a sense of how much patience the process requires.

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Vietnam Photo Essay These two brothers, 83-year-old Chu Van Nhanh and 76-year-old Chu Van Thin, are from Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam.

They’re both Kinh, which are the majority ethnic group in Vietnam: the Vietnamese.

The Kinh reside in both urban and rural areas. This is one of the photos that’s on show at my Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An, alongside traditional costumes and other items that the people I’ve met have donated to be preserved.

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Vietnam Photo Essay I’ve enjoyed spending time with all of the 49 ethnic groups I’ve visited so far across Vietnam.

But I have a particularly special relationship with the family of An Phuoc, a seven-year-old girl from the Cham community. She’s known as the ‘girl with the cat’s eyes’ in her village in Ninh Thuan province. Her incredible azure-blue eyes make her look different from other girls in her community. Her paternal great-grandfather was French, which explains the unique feature. An Phuoc’s family weren’t initially keen on me taking pictures but by getting to know each other, we created a real bond. They shared stories with me and I listened to them talk about their culture. I came back the next day and suggested helping the family. They’re now in my Giving Back project because the photo of An Phuoc is one of my bestselling pictures. I bought a cow for the family and bikes for the girls. I visit them three times a year.

I travelled to meet the Brâu back in May 2016. It took me two days to get to their village in the Central Highlands.

Traditionally, the Brâu wear heavy jewellery that strains their ears to create long, large hanging earlobes. They use ivory or wood depending on their level of income. According to Brâu tradition, as young people reach the age of puberty, they have the four front teeth of their upper jaw evenly filed. It’s considered a coming of age ritual for them. Y An, a 76-year-old woman in Dak Me village, gave me her costume and a beautiful traditional hat she had made, for my museum. No-one in the village makes their traditional costume anymore.

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Vietnam Photo Essay

Meeting the Ro Mam was an incredible and intense experience, especially as I’d had to wait three years for authorisation to visit them.

There are now only the last 12 of their traditional costumes left, and I was honoured to receive one, along with a pipe and a basket, to showcase their culture in my museum in Hoi An. The remaining 11 white costumes are kept as treasures by the Ro Mam, in the knowledge that noone makes them anymore.

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Vietnam Photo Essay

This is a lady from the Bru Van Kieu, an ethnic group who live in a peaceful and happy village in Quang Tri province. Translated into Vietnamese, Bru Van Kieu means “people living in the woods�. No-one in the village could write their language. Also, no one makes their traditional costume anymore. They usually only wear the skirt, which is made in Laos, because the top is too expensive to purchase.

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Vietnam Photo Essay

This is an old man I met from the Ede, or E De, ethnic group in Buon Ma Thuot up in the Central Highlands. In most of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, the male costume is very simple.

But in the Ede ethnic group, the male costume is actually very elegant and filled with subtle details. The bright red piece was traditionally reserved for people with a high social ranking.

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Xin Thi Huong is a woman from the Pa Then ethnic group. She’s the wife of the chief of their village in northern Vietnam. She offered to pose for my photos in full traditional costume. Pa Then woman take a long time to get dressed because the full costume is so elaborate. The belt that the women wear has eight clusters, representing their eight native family lines.

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The La Hủ were known to be very skilled tiger hunters – I was told that La Hủ actually means “as powerful as a tiger.” The La Hủ have no written language and most of them don’t speak Vietnamese, so when I met them, we needed to call in the help of a young local interpreter, so we could communicate. According to the legend, a group of scholars once wrote the La Hủ’s ancient language on rice cakes but the language disappeared when the scholars became hungry and ate the rice cakes, although I don’t know if that’s true.

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Cambodia

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Cambodia

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T

he scene by the waterfront is best described as… chaotic.

Clustered along a long strip of wooden decking, dozens of women dressed in distinctive, floppy brimmed hats with neck-scarves attached, shielding them from the fierce sun, are shouting volubly and gesticulating wildly, as they sell their prized wares at what is one of southern Cambodia’s most popular markets. I’m in Kep, a tiny seaside town, gazing entranced as basket after basket of writhing, wriggling masses of crustaceans, with their distinctive, electric-blue coloured legs and claws, blue-and-grey speckled backs, and toothpaste-white bellies, are emptied into plastic containers. From here they’ll be sold to the throng of hungry housewives and local restaurateurs who have been here since around 6am.

Clockwise from above:

Cambodian fish amok curry; cocktails at the beach shack; stylish terrariums; swing chairs in the lobby

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With me is Sarath, one of the ‘leisure concierges’ from my hotel, Alila Villas Koh Russey, who is as absorbed in the scene as I am. He’s brought me here to explore the popularity of the area’s Blue Swimmer crabs, which are devoured daily at home by local families, prepared fresh in some of the many laid-back restaurants and crab shacks which line the beach, or bought for later consumption by avid foodies who come from as far away as the country’s capital, Pnomh Penh, a three-hour drive from here. Kep itself is a charming, if rather unassuming little place, with a generous sweep of golden sand by its bay. It had its main moment in the sun – if you’ll excuse the pun – in the early 1900s. Back then, it became a favourite weekend resort of the French, who had colonised Indochina in 1887; they renamed it Kep-sur-Mer, and built themselves some rather magnificent beachfront mansions and holiday villas. After they left the country in 1953, these were then

Cambodia

appropriated by wealthy Cambodians; today, most of them, sadly, lie in ruins, after their destruction in the 1970s by the Khmer Rouge. Exploring their grounds, however, reveals a different kind of beauty, falling prey, as they have, to the ravages of time and the encroachment of foliage – walls crumble, and porch columns are wrapped in ivy.

Happily, today Kep currently thrives, a microcosmic example of the burgeoning success/interest in this part of the country, often overlooked by travellers who make for the north, to wander in awe around the temples of Angkor Wat, or immerse themselves in the often painful past of Pnomh Penh. The southern coast has long been ripe for development, and over the past few years has started to attract luxury resort brands more regularly found in parts of the world such as Bali, the Maldives, or Sri Lanka. But to the west of the coast, and not far from the nearest airport town, Sihanoukville, both Six Senses

and Alila have opened, while slightly to the north, near Kirirom National Park, the Bill Bensley-designed Shinta Mani Wild is reinterpreting safari chic in the middle of the jungle.

Alila’s location, Koh Russey, is a tiny islet (the name means ‘bamboo island’) reached in just ten minutes by speedboat from its dock on the mainland, itself just a 20-minute drive from Sihanoukville airport.

The property is situated to the lea of this small, lush, green enclave, facing out to sea, and with its own stretch of pristine white sand – the longest private beach in southern Cambodia.

Somewhat daringly, Singaporean architect Chioh-Hui Goh’s design eschews what one might think of as a typical Southeast Asian aesthetic – lots of wood, traditional finishes – instead going for a very contemporary geometric look, featuring grids, cubic and rectangular shapes, in steel, stone and glass. And the concept works, the angular, low-slung buildings blending in beautifully with the landscape,

FEEL THE ROMANCE Sail out into the sunset or dine under the stars

Even better than watching the sun sink into the horizon from the beach, is to do it from the resort’s traditional long-tail boat as part of the Sunset cruise experience (US$300 per couple). You’ll head out into the Gulf of Thailand, passing several neighbouring islands, and watch as their lights start to twinkle as dusk sets in. Accompanied by champagne, this a magical experience to be both captured on camera, and committed to memory.

Alternatively, take romance to the next level with the Starlight dining experience (US$225 per couple). The staff will set up a table in a secluded spot on the resort, where you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner, prepared bespoke for you by the head chef.

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set among a riot of delightfully unmanicured gardens, with details such as rust-coloured girders and struts adding to the sense of the resort having been among nature here for years.

But brand new it is, with plentiful luxurious touches to indulge any modern, cosmopolitan traveller. There are 13 villas, a mix of one, two and four-bedroomed. Designed to appeal to families, or to couples who want a little more privacy, they span each side of the beach and come with butler service, private chef and their own pool.

In between are 50 ‘pavilions’, set in long, two-storey blocks. Those on the ground level have shaded outdoor showers, while upper levels feature a small private terrace. Rooms are pale and minimalist in décor, with certain local touches; headboards, for example, sport a checked design which echo the Krama, the item of clothing most worn by Cambodians, which

carries Khmer symbolism. Beyond the accommodation, and keeping the connection to the country, the terrace pool has been created to mirror the layout of Angkor Wat, when seen from above. There is a focus on wellness, with a gym, yoga suite, and spa; it’s to the latter I head after my return from bustling Kep, seeking refuge in its calming environs. Following a firm Balinese massage, I flop onto a sun lounger by the sea, and stay there until the sun sinks into the sea, leaving a shimmering orange glow behind.

Dinner that night at one of the resort’s two restaurants, Horizon – the other is the laid-back Beach Shack, whose chairs and tables are literally sunk into the sand – is a couple of those Blue Swimmer crabs, bought earlier in the day on my excursion to Kep. Prepared in a piquant, creamy sauce made with Kampot pepper – another famed local product – by executive sous chef Menghout Toek, it’s an utterly delicious dish, the flesh sweet, with a just a tang of salt.

Clockwise from top left:

one-bedroom villas have their own pool; the resort’s arrival jetty; healthy menu options include grilled fish and rice; cheese and wine overlooking the beach

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Similar to my excursion this morning to collect the ingredients for my meal, Alila has an entire programme of ‘experiences’ to choose from. The next morning, keen to explore further, I set off with knowledgeable guide, Putsa, to nearby Ream National Park, where we’ll explore the mangroves on a boat journey and by foot.

En route, we pass lush, forested landscape, with mountains rising in the distance. When we arrive, we head deep inside the jungly terrain where all is still and peaceful, with only the trill of birdsong disrupting the silence. We board a small boat for a trip along the river, interrupted by the odd butterfly darting around the mangroves’ twisted, rope-like roots. Giant clusters of ferns and palm leaves line the water, and it feels completely untouched. A small boardwalk takes us further into the forest, and we progress, trees towering above us, while the occasional monkey, moving from branch to branch, makes the leaves rustle.

It’s a special moment, in a special place, in what I’ve discovered is a special part of the world; I urge you to discover it too.

OTHER SPECIAL PLACES TO STAY Other new options in Cambodia include Six Senses and Shinta Mani properties

Six Senses Krabey Island

Just five minutes by speedboat from Alila Koh Russey is the Six Senses’ first property in Cambodia, Six Senses Krabey Island (sixsenses.com), which boasts 40 large villas, each with its own pool.

The focus of the property is the signature spa, which offers a wellnessscreening programme. Activities here include kayaking and surfskiing, cooking classes and screenings at the open air cinema.

Three hours northeast of Sihanoukville, located in a corridor between Bokor and Kirirom National Parks, lies the tented camp of Shinta Mani Wild (shintamani.com). Designed entirely by acclaimed architect and hotelier Bill Bensley, the focus here is on nature and wildlife. The property is modelled on a glamorous, colonial-style safari camp; its 15 tents are situated by either the Tmor Rung river or nearby waterfall. You can try anything here from fly-fishing to orchid-hunting and the Khmer-inspired Boulders Spa is also worth a visit.

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

A Seychelles wedding at Constance Ephelia

Constance Halaveli wedding

Tying the knot at Constance Halaveli

T Tropical

Romance Celebrate your wedding and honeymoon in style with Constance Hotels & Resorts

o celebrate the most special and important day of your life, and experience your first holiday as Mr & Mrs, you’ll need a stunning location that’s ready to enchant at every turn. Couples contemplating a destination wedding should look no further than Constance Hotels & Resorts, with eight distinct properties located within the Indian Ocean ready to dazzle the happy couple and their guests on the big day.

AN EXCEPTIONAL WEDDING

Consider a barefoot beach ceremony at Constance Lemuria in the Seychelles, where white-sand beaches and turquoise seas will deliver the perfect backdrop to your nuptials. Or perhaps you’d prefer a celebratory banquet at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius.

When it comes to your wedding day, it’s the little details you’ll remember the most… like a quiet breakfast with your beau over a glass of champagne admiring the view from your water villa at Constance Halaveli, or gazing out at

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Port Launay Marine Park from the terrace of your Hillside villa at Constance Ephelia. A soothing couple’s massage at the U Spa by Constance, meanwhile, will help alleviate that pre-wedding tension, and dinner for two under the stars at Constance Moofushi is the perfect finale to a day of celebrating with family and friends.

Once you’ve tied the knot, it’s time to create precious memories as newlyweds and enjoy some honeymoon fun with moonlit walks, cocktails and candle-lit dinners.

The perfect honeymoon

Constance Aiyana in Zanzibar sets the scene for an unforgettable honeymoon with plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature on beautiful Pemba Island, where the hotel is located.

Don’t forget to pack your underwater camera and snorkel so you can explore the emerald reef, an amazing underwater oasis, then relax back in one of 30 magnificent villas, all of which boast dreamy views of the Pemba ocean.

The Seychelles is renowned as a truly romantic destination thanks to its idyllic scenery. Constance Ephelia on Mahe Island, or Constance Lemuria on Praslin provide the perfect backdrop for your honeymoon. At Constance Lemuria, dip your toes into the soft white sand of Anse Georgette, widely renowned as one of the world’s best beaches.

Alternatively, head to the tranquil surrounds of the U Spa at Constance Ephelia, where a couples’ massage is complimentary for all newlyweds and the spa facilities include sauna, steam room and thermal pool.

Equally enchanting is Mauritius, which is home to Constance Belle Mare Plage and Constance Prince Maurice. Consider treating your husband or wife to a romantic sunset dinner at Le Barachois, the floating restaurant at Prince Maurice. After a long day, relax in a romantic bath for two in soothing lavender. Over at Constance Belle Mare Plage, the Blue Penny Cellar is a wine lover’s paradise.

Housing 38,000 bottles of wine, couples are sure to find the perfect vintage that celebrates their joyful union and appreciate the warm, friendly service.

UNFORGETTABLE ACTIVITIES

The Maldives’ crystal clear waters and perfect white sand beaches deliver another unforgettable honeymoon destination. Wake up in newlywed luxury with a champagne breakfast at Constance Halaveli, take a dip in the private plunge pool, or simply relax in the hammock while enjoying 360-degree ocean views. Newlyweds keen to dive on their honeymoon should consider Constance

Paradise found: Constance Halaveli in the Maldives

Mauritian magic: Constance Prince Maurice

Moofushi, which is located close to one of the best diving sites in the world, the South Ari Atoll, where house reef snorkelling tours and glass bottom boat excursions await. Over at U Spa, the hotel boasts bio marine spa treatments that will deliver that just-married glow.

Madagascar perfectly embodies the wild beauty of the Indian Ocean, and Constance Tsarabanjina is a sublime slice of barefoot luxury. If you love the great outdoors, opt for an exclusive honeymoon in Madagascar. Accommodation at Tsarabanjina comes in the form of beautiful, private eco-villas, surrounded by the forest. Secluded and deep in nature, this is the perfect place to reflect on your big day.

Explore the island on a guided nature walk and discover the different flora and fauna of the island, or take a more leisurely culinary adventure exploring the Malagasy cuisine at the resort’s restaurant.

Wherever you decide to tie the knot, Constance will ensure your big day celebrations – and the honeymoon that follows after – will be just as magnificent as you imagined. constancehotels.com

Sonoma

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Sonoma

I

t’s early afternoon and high up a craggy peak overlooking the vines of a boutique winery, I’m sipping pinot noir with one eye out for the resident mountain lion. The air is alive with bees from the estate’s hives, who dance among the ranks of heirloom tomato plants and race between blooming flowers.

“He used to be quite partial to the decking around the swimming pool,” says Rich Smock, who manages Kinsella Estate Vineyards & Ranch, a private slice of paradise high above Healdsburg in California’s Sonoma wine belt, pointing to a kidney-shaped pool surrounded by dark timber that’s been warped and cracked by the elements. Beside the pool, a rustic cottage the colour of grenadine and a matching Japanese tea house dating from the 1960s are surrounded by a ramshackle garden of water features and bamboo thickets and shaded by towering redwoods. The whole place conjures up thoughts of a summer camp for left-leaning adults, of love found and lost love, of skinny dipping on balmy July evenings, and of morning sunshine laced with the aroma of wildflowers. “This place has seen some serious parties over the decades,” says Smock with a twinkle in his eye. “But most of the time it’s peaceful up here in the redwoods, and we still get bears, coyotes, bobcats and even deer.”

Kinsella perfectly epitomises Sonoma, a wine region that’s been quite content to live in the shadow of the flashier Napa Valley to the east. The region is home to 450 wineries, but many are small private lots like Kinsella, where the passion for wine making is matched only with a passion for a life well lived. We continue up hill, to a larger home from the 1970s that’s popular with visiting architects and from its expansive deck the views across the foothills of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley are breathtaking.

I’ve joined Jennifer Jespersen, lead sommelier at the coveted Farmhouse Inn, to visit some of her favourite wine hideaways. Few visitors ever

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make it up to Kinsella Estate, where the valley’s loamy, metamorphic soil, a blissfully warm climate, and the insight of winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown produce outstanding organic cabernet sauvignon and zinfandel wines free from pesticides or herbicides. “Sonoma is Napa’s rustic hippie sister,” says Jespersen. “That’s what people like; instead of mansions we have family-owned farms and communes and a climate diversity from the coast to the interior unlike anywhere in the world.”

From Kinsella I head to Wren Hop Vineyards in the Russian River, where former ad man James McDonough, his father James Sr, and winemaker Dan Fishman make stunning pinot noirs and chardonnays on a four-hectare northeast plot James Jr and his partner Jennifer bought in 2008. Their wines are regularly sold out soon after release thanks to a cultlike following from across the US, and their passion for wine is contagious as we chat in the property’s intimate tasting room, the family hound, Vinnie, snoozing at my feet.

The boutique winery makes pinot noirs inspired by big punchy European reds like Amorone, Cote-Rotie and Chateauneuf-duPape, and chardonnay from the infamous wente clone to create wines with intense colour and lingering finishes, each with a label that resembles a well-loved leather book cover.

A similar passion drives the founders of

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Donum Estate, where wine meets art.

Owned by Mei and Allan Warburg, Donum is a living art gallery, where vineyards used to produce the ultimate pinor noir based on the Burgundian grand cru model lay siege to stunning works by Yayoi Kusama, Yue Minjun and Keith Haring that include a towering silver wine bottle, a giant spider and the hulk of a vintage fighter jet. Winemaker Anne MollerRacke has made some of California’s top vineyard-specific pinot noirs at Donum but you’re just as likely to visit to see the ever-expanding modern art collection that punctuates its rolling hills.

Of course, there are also large-scale wine operators in Sonoma, but even with their vast vineyards and design-savvy tasting rooms, there’s something of the rebel in wineries like Ram’s Gate, which is perched on tumbling hills on the road to San Francisco. Here, in lush paddocks wreathing a small lake, wine lovers sip in the late summer sun, while diners feast upon degustation menus on an expansive sun-kissed patio.

Food also plays a vital role in the identity of Sonoma and for some of the best in the region I check in at the Farmhouse Inn, a rustic-chic homestead with 25 glorious guest rooms and suites, an intimate spa with a farm-to-treatment table philosophy, sommelier-led wine tours, a dedicated S’mores bar with Valrhona chocolate and

From left:

the picturesque town of Jenner; Sonoma’s vineyards at sundown.

Opposite:

Sonoma’s towering redwoods

Sonoma

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vanilla bean-infused marshmallows, and a coveted Michelin-starred restaurant. One of the west coast’s most luxurious retreats, the inn captures the laid-back luxury of Sonoma to perfection. Rooms have a heavenly homely feel to them, complete with locally-sourced throw blankets, roaring wood fires and oversized soak tubs, and are accessed down stone paths that wind around fountains fringed with Japanese anemones, lavender and Sonoma amethyst.

Even if you’re not staying at the Farmhouse Inn, a meal here is a must. Executive chef Steve Litke uses ingredients sourced from owners Joe and Catherine Bartolomei’s own ranch or from local farms and suppliers to create contemporary American cuisine with touches of the Continent. The emphasis here is on origin and freshness of the produce, with dishes running the gamut from yellow gazpacho with Maine lobster, green papaya, avocado and nuoc cham to the signature trio of rabbit loin wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon, roasted rabbit rack, and confit rabbit leg.

Sonoma’s food ethos continues in Healdsburg, the region’s culinary capital. I visit one warm evening

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to find live opera being sung in the town’s gardenwreathed rotunda, Don Giovanni lingering through the ranks of ancient oak trees as fairy lights illuminate the stone paths below. I make my way past tiny wine bars, book stores and art supply shops, bound for one of Healdsburg’s hottest tables, Vallete. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and an eclectic clientele that includes mustachioed hipsters and city escapists. I order a Doc Holiday, a heady blend of Michter's Rye, Amaro, tobacco, epazote and Valerian bitters and chat to Bob Valette, father of the restaurant’s founders, brothers Aaron and Dustan. A forest fire-fighting pilot, Bob plays the role of honorary host at Valette and greets many guests by name. “I’m so very proud of my boys,” he beams. “They’ve created a restaurant with a sense of community, a place that showcases the region to visitors and which plays an important role within it.”

The brothers are clearly doing something right; the restaurant is packed to the rafters with diners feasting on the likes of Creste di Gallo pasta with baby rapini, whipped egg yolk custard and 18-month Parmesan; and honey-brined Duroc pork porterhouse with radish, hominy puree and pickled jicama. However, many are

Sonoma

just as happy opting for the 15-course ‘Trust Me’ menu that utilises the freshest ingredients sourced daily.

From left:

The Ramsgate winery offers alfresco dining, delicious nibbles and picnicking opportunites

Of course, there’s more to Sonoma than just wining and dining. The region is famed for its pristine, rugged coastline, its towering redwoods, and its wildlife, and to discover all three I venture out with Justin from Getaway Adventures, a local operator that specialises in exploring the less-visited corners of this fascinating locale. Originally from Canberra, Australia, Justin first visited Sonoma after settling in San Francisco.

Justin and I take to the Russian River in kayaks, making for the river mouth where shy harbour seals huddle together on a sandbank and the roar of the surf line echoes off steep cliffs. Pelicans and cormorants soar past silently on their way to the Pacific as we glide below through mirror-like waters.

“We came up here for a kind of honeymoon and invited a bunch of friends to a rented house in Sonoma and were immediately hooked,” says the avid outdoorsman as we pass through the tiny, eclectic hamlets and mountainside redwood forests that cling to the Bohemian Highway. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful drive where morning mist lingers in the canopy and signs point down rustic byways to artist communes, local cinemas housed in upcycled Quonset huts, organic farms and age-weathered diners.

Afterwards, there’s time to visit one of Sonoma’s most bohemian corners, Guerneville, where I meet Debra Basset in a vintage shop where the walls are adorned with LP covers for BB King and the Grateful Dead.

“I’ve watched Sonoma grow and evolve but Guerneville has always resisted change, that’s just the way we like to do things,” she smiles. “Who wants to be all fussy like Napa? We like Sonoma just the way it is, where everyone can be themselves, can live their dreams, tap into nature, and enjoy a slower pace.”

From the picturesque village of Jenner by the Sea,

I couldn’t agree more.

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Road Warrior

Adventures

on Two Wheels

What made you attempt to take on this mission and why in a sidecar?

Reece: The stories in our press [in the UK] all seemed to be negative and it made the world look like a scary place. We thought that somebody should remind people that the world is actually full of great people.

We knew that no-one would hear our stories unless we stood out from the crowd so that’s when we decided to drive around the world in a scooter and sidecar. It was completely ridiculous, and that made it perfect. As part of our mission to show how friendly the world is, we visited groups fighting modern slavery to learn more about the extent of the problem and share stories of the people helping to fight it.

What were some of the biggest challenges you had to overcome?

Matt: Neither of us are mechanically minded and there were plenty of breakdowns en route. We were left to do most of the repairs ourselves by looking up YouTube videos.

The biggest challenge was driving through a Siberian winter. The coldest temperature we drove at was -37°C and when it gets down to those temperatures nothing works and everything hurts. Exposing just the smallest part of our bodies to the cold for the shortest amount of time was excruciatingly painful.

You arrived back in Europe at the end of last year. Tell us about some of the highs and lows of your journey

Matt: Travelling the length of Africa was just awesome, the people are so friendly and super excited to see you all the time.

The landscapes are unbelievable and, of course, seeing some of the wildlife up close was awesome. Driving through the US was

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breathtaking too, there are so many iconic landmarks and places to see. At times we felt like we were driving through some sort of western film set.

Reece: Driving through Siberia certainly felt low. At times we were making really slow progress, the cold was constantly affecting the scooter and because of the conditions, it felt unsafe. But the Russian people were amazing and pulled us through it.

What were your favourite destinations along the way and why?

Reece: We so often say Sudan was our favourite country, just because of how pleasantly surprised we were. The culture was so different to what either of us had experienced before and the tourism industry is extremely minimal, meaning locals were really happy to see us. It was hard for us to even buy a meal, as people constantly treated us like guests and were honoured to have us there.

Tell us about some of the people you met along the way

Reece: The people we met are what made the trip for us. We were always offered help, places to stay and welcomed wherever we went. In Russia, it was like we were celebrities. As we had a GPS tracker sharing our live location, people were always flagging us down for a selfie or offering us a warm bed for the night and excessive amounts of vodka!

Did you break any records during your journey?

Reece: Although they haven’t been officially confirmed by Guinness yet, we have completed the longest journey by scooter

and sidecar. The previous record was 7,000 kilometres and we managed 55,000. We’ve also become the first people to ever drive around the world on a scooter and sidecar at the same time.

What kept you going when times were tough?

Reece: The words of encouragement from people back home and on the road. Many people thought it wouldn’t be possible to scoot around the world the way we did, so having a point to prove also helped.

You’ve raised more than £6,000 so far.

What will the money go towards?

Reece: We were sponsored by travel agent Flight Centre, which supported our trip from the start, so all money goes to the charities [this includes Freedom United, Utopia 56 and New Friends, New Life and Unseen UK]. We’re going to leave our fundraising page open for the rest of the year as we talk about the trip at events, schools and universities up and down the country. Once our fundraising is complete, it will be split between the charities we met en route to help them in their efforts to fight modern slavery. We hope to reach £20,000.

Would you like to do any other similar challenges?

Matt: Although we loved every minute of our 15-month journey, travelling by the same inconvenient vehicle every day for that long isn’t easy. The sidecar will remain on the road for the next year though, as we take it up and down the country to various events.

If you want to make a donation, visit asseenfromthesidecar.org

The List Iguazu Falls is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and is the largest waterfall system in the world

The World’s Most

Spectacular Waterfalls Niagara Falls

The collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York, it’s the combination of Niagara’s height and volume that takes your breath away. Head to the observation tower for unobstructed views of the white water below, and stick around in the evening, as the falls are illuminated nightly in different colours to mark significant holidays, including Victoria Day (purple) and Independence Day (red, white & blue). niagarafallstourism.com

Iguazu Falls

Located within an inland rainforest of the border of the Argentinian province or Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana, Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world, made up of 275 waterfalls or cataracts and spanning 2.7km. The most famous spot, Devil’s Throat, is 82 metres high, 150 wide and 700m long, and can be explored by speedboat from the Argentinian side. iguazufalls.com

Victoria Falls

Situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia and with an elevation of 885m, Victoria Falls

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remains one of Africa’s greatest attractions.

The noise of the falls can be heard as far as 40km away, while the spray and mist can be seen from a distance of 50km. Feeling brave? Do a bungee from the Victoria Falls bridge, or arrange a white-water rafting trip. victoriafallstourism.org

Angel Falls

With a height of 979m, Venezuela’s Angel Falls is the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, and it drops over the edge of the Auyan-tepui mountain in the Canaima National Park. The falls are located in an isolated jungle, so it’s best to view them from the air, like Jimmie Angel, the US aviator/adventurer who crash-landed his plane nearby in 1937 and whom the falls are named after. think-venuezuela.net

Tugela Falls

The combined total drop of Tugela’s five free-leaping falls is an impressive 948m, and you’ll find them in South Africa’s Royal Natal National Park. Hiking is popular here: Otto’s Walk takes you through indigenous forests and grasslands and offers a spectacular views of the falls at the end. The hike is suitable for beginners. royalnatal.info

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Hotel VIC’s new suites deliver the perfect harbourfront getaway in Hong Kong

T

here is no better way to enjoy the true spectacle of Hong Kong than by booking a hotel with views over Victoria Harbour with the inimitable skyline view in the background. One of the most elegant addresses in Hong Kong, Hotel VIC’s stylish new suites provide the perfect location for the ultimate Hong Kong getaway.

Treat yourself to some extra space by booking a night or two in a spacious Harbour View Suite, where you can entertain in style in the expansive living room, or simply curl up on the sofa and savour the spectacular views over Victoria Harbour. When nothing but the best will do, check into the Victoria Harbour Suite, where uninterrupted views of the harbour can be enjoyed from every corner. When it’s time for a sundowner, there’s no need to head down to the bar as this suite is equipped with its own private furnished balcony, a postcard-perfect spot from which to watch the sun go down over an ice-cold beer or glass of wine.

Those staying in suites can access Club VIC, an exclusive, spacious retreat where guests can set themselves up for the day with a hearty buffet breakfast, or unwind after a long day of meetings or sightseeing with an evening

cocktail in hand while taking in the views from the 22nd floor of the hotel’s West Tower, where the club is located.

Those doing business can take advantage of the adjoining boardroom, which can accommodate meetings of up to 12 people.

Keen to keep up with that fitness routine during your stay?

Guests staying at either of the new Hotel VIC suites can hit the cross trainer or pound the treadmill at the 24-hour gym – don’t miss the virtual reality flying machine for a unique workout experience. Alternatively, don your swimwear and get some laps in at the outdoor rooftop swimming pool, or simply relax in the jet pool. If you’re more interested in just kicking back with one eye on a good book and another on the gorgeous vistas, get horizontal under an umbrella on a cabana. Once you’ve finished working out, or just checking out the view, take some deep breaths and relax in the sauna and steam rooms.

Located in the up-and-coming district of North Point on Hong Kong Island and conveniently situated steps away from the MTR subway, ferry pier and other public transport, Hotel VIC’s beautiful new suites are the ideal location for a memorable harbourside vacation. hotelvic.com

Turning Left

Cathay

all the Way

duvets, pillows and cushions. The first class attendants will turn down your bed before you turn in. Each suite can easily double as a large, private working area. Passengers can keep their devices charged with the in-seat power outlet and USB port. Each suite has a Do Not Disturb and a wakeup call service button to let the crew know when you're ready to indulge again. Both can be easily activated via the video handset or main screen menu and are exclusive to first class. The IFE can be easily accessed through the crystal clear 18.5-inch personal TVs.

DINING THE LOUNGE

Cathay has its own dedicated first and business class lounge at Frankfurt Airport Terminal 2. Unfortunately, there is no separate first class section and the lounge itself pales in comparison to the airline's updated lounges in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore. Oneworld status holders can also use the Japan Airlines facility in the same terminal. Depending on the time of day, both lounges offer varied hot and cold buffet choices, although no made-to-order dining.

BOARDING

Boarding for the 12:45pm departure on CX288 to Hong Kong began at 12:15pm from Gate E2. The Germanstaffed Cathay Frankfurt team was a delight, greeting every passenger by name as they scanned the boarding passes. Once on board, there was a brief moment of confusion as my assigned seat, 2A, was occupied by another passenger. The situation was quickly resolved and soon thereafter I was offered a choice of freshly squeezed orange juice or the very decadent Krug 2004 champagne. I chose the latter.

THE SEAT

Padded with soft leather and snug fabrics, the Cathay first class suite offers superb comfort. There are six suites only, configured 1-1-1, so privacy is guaranteed. The seat transforms into one of the widest fully flat beds in the sky, with a thick mattress and 500-threadcount cotton

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Lunch was offered approximately an hour into the flight and kicked off with caviar with the traditional garnishes, a cream of mushroom soup, antipasti of grilled prawn, or prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella. This was followed by a choice of beef Wellington, Parma-wrapped pork loin, purple gnocchi with Castelmagno sauce or stir fried chicken and abalone with XO sauce. Dessert was a choice of fresh berries with cream, warm apple strudel with vanilla sauce and blackberry ice cream or a Chinese red bean soup with lotus seeds with a cheese plate of Appenzeller, Taleggio and Danish Blue lending the final culinary flourish.

In 2018, Cathay started a rotating programme of the finest vintage champagnes in the first cabin. Selections not only include the Krug 2004 but also the 2006 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, the 2007 William Deutz Cuvee and the 2002 Pipier-Heidsiec Rare.

SERVICE

The service throughout the entire flight was absolutely flawless. Margaret, the senior Taiwanese flight attendant taking care of me, was a delight. We had good banter and laughs throughout, and she managed to strike just the right balance between being professional and engaging with her passengers.

VERDICT

This was the best flight I’ve experienced with Cathay Pacific in 18 years. I arrived back in Hong Kong feeling fresh, relaxed and inspired by the flight, the culinary offerings and the friendly conversations on board. cathaypacific.com

Discover Africa

Fly daily from Hong Kong with B787 Dreamliner

Explore Africa's unique and spectacular Safaris with Ethiopian Holidays. www.EthiopianHolidays.com Get our Mobile App

https://www.evisa.gov.et

www.EthiopianAirlines.com/HK/EN

LIFESTYLE FARM-TO-TABLE

PIONEER

MICHELIN-STARRED BRIT SIMON ROGAN OPENS TWO RESTAURANTS IN HONG KONG

CELEBRATING AN ICON FP JOURNE MARKS

A TOAST TO KAVALAN

20 YEARS OF THE RESONANCE

TAIWANESE DISTILLERY MARKS TENTH ANNIVERSARY WITH LIMITED EDITION SINGLE MALTS

REVISITING ITALIAN CLASSICS

FRANK’S ITALIAN AMERICAN TRIED AND TESTED

ALCOHOL-FREE TIPPLES

FASHION-FORWARD CHEONGSAMS

FERRARI EXHIBITION

In The Kitchen

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In The Kitchen

Sea urchin custard with the restaurant’s caviar

Stout, molasses, chestnut and burnt milk

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Food Adventures

Keen to moderate your alcohol intake but don’t want to compromise on flavour? These palatable alternatives to mocktails and lime sodas might just keep you on the straight and narrow…

T

he world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip is gathering momentum, having just held a pop-up par in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX to create bespoke non-alcoholic cocktails. Use one of three spirits – Seedlip Spice 94, Seedlip Garden 108 and the newest, the citrusy Seedlip Grove 42 – to mix up your own alcohol-free concoctions. Seedlip is available in the finest bars of more than 20 cities, including the Old Man in Hong Kong. seedlipdrinks.com

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rafted using Swedish spring water and South African botanicals, Ceder’s is a range of nonalcoholic drinks distilled the same way as gin sans the alcohol. Floral and balanced, Ceder’s classic version zooms in on juniper, coriander and rose-geranium botanicals and, as with your average gin, pairs best with tonic. There’s two other versions using classic gin botanicals as their base: crisp (cucumber and camomile), and wild (clove and rooibos). ceders-alt-gin.com

T E

hose looking for a natural rehydrating lift should crack open a can of Drgn, which is infused with Pan-Asian superfoods turmeric, ginger and ginseng along with added vitamins and electrolytes. With just 80 calories per can, this citrusy drink is free from caffeine, artificial colourings and flavours and blended with Austrian mineral water. drgndrink.com

njoy the buzz of alcohol but not the hangover?

Three Spirit non-alcoholic spirit is made from plants that interact in some of the same ways as alcohol, including bitter cacao, yerba-mate and lion’s mane. Like Seedlip, it makes a great base for non-alcoholic cocktails but can also be enjoyed with soda water over ice. threespiritdrinks.com

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Food Adventures

Rob Lawson

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Top Tables go Veggie

It’s all about sharing plates at Redhouse

Ovolo Central, Hong Kong Ovolo Central’s new restaurant, Veda, is the city’s first flagship vegetarian restaurant in a hotel.

Delivering colourful vegetarian plates curated by globally renowned vegetarian chef Hetty McKinnon, must tries include the Nepalese ricotta and spinach momos served with smoked chilli and tomato achaar, miso soy ramen soup topped with Asian greens, tofu, and a pickled egg, and the baked aloo gobi cauliflower. Prefer Chinese flavours? Then dig into a bowl of its new world congee, a vegan-friendly take on an old classic made with brown rice, quinoa & shiitake and finished with spicy oil and kale chips. A vegan fig cheesecake with cashews topped with caramel sauce, edible flowers and colourful shards of honeycomb sugar, meanwhile, looks almost too good to eat, as does the dark sponge cake and passion fruit mousse. ovolohotels.com

old sCHool CHinese FlaVours

Redhouse, Hong Kong Redhouse, the sister restaurant of Lane Crawford’s Shè in Lane Crawford ifc, has opened in Lan Kwai Fong, serving up Chinese dishes made to share in a cool, contemporary setting. For lunch, there’s 35 types of dim sum, with highlights including the pink-tinted rose gold har gao, tricolour steamed dumplings with prawn, veggie & pine nuts and barbecued Kurobuta pork buns.

The roast menu includes Peking duck, which is sliced table-side, and crispy roasted suckling pig enhanced with a special homemade sauce. Doubleboiled for 12 hours in a mix of Chinese herbs, its MSG-free fish maw pot is another signature dish, as is the shredded duck rice in supreme broth. gaiagroup.com.hk Fig cheesecake at Veda

geT Your greeK on

Estiatorio Keia, Hong Kong

Estiatorio Keia’s inviting interior at H Queen’s

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Following the launch of Ichu Peru in H Queen’s, Dubaibased hospitality company Bulldozer Group has debuted Estiatorio Keia in the same building. Showcasing Greek cuisine and Mediterranean flavours, the focus is on shared dishes and modern cooking techniques. The menu was developed by executive chef Drew Andrade in consultation with Alexis Zopas, a Mykonos-based chef from the ultrahip Scorpios restaurant who has earned respect for his reinterpretation of traditional Greek recipes. The raw bar features everything from sea bream sashimi to Greek ceviche, while appetisers include saganaki cheese with ouzo and pear flambéed tableside & baby squid with Bottarga.

Mains include whole roasted lobster, rack of lamb and filet mignon, while the dessert menu features traditional offerings like loukoumades (honey doughnuts) and lemon semolina alongside a yoghurt mousse bar. hqueens.com.hk

Top Tables Save some room for the dessert trolley

Modern European Fare

Tablescape, Singapore

Tablescape, a modern European restaurant & bar located within Singapore’s Grand Park City Hall, features a comfortingly nostalgic menu of starters like steak tartare and salmon gravlax, with Norwegian fjord trout, dulcified with red wine, and smoked braised black angus short rib both sold mains.

The dessert selection from the trolley features a rotation of house-made sweets including a mango mousse cake encased in a shell of white chocolate, a raspberry lychee & almond cake, and Camembert cheesecake. The cocktail selection includes playful concoctions such as The Affair: coconut flavoured rum, house lemongrass syrup, and a tinge of pear brandy. parkhotelgroup.com

Feeling Zen

Restaurant Zen, Singapore Chargrilled Bak Kut Teh pork chop, compressed watermelon and Angelica BBQ sauce

Asian Classics Reimagined

15 Stamford by Alvin Leung, Singapore Alvin Leung, the three Michelin-starred chef from Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, reimagines Asian flavours at his latest restaurant at The Capitol Kempinski. A culmination of Leung’s favourite Asian dishes, highlights include the chargrilled Bak Kut Teh pork chop complemented with compressed watermelon alongside angelica syrup-infused barbecue sauce, and Korean-inspired spicy tuna tartare, son-in-law egg and prawn crackers, which combines the heat of home-made gochujang (Korean red chilli paste) with the cool of diced tuna. The 150-seater restaurant, which features a separate 12-seater private room, represents Leung’s second foray into Singapore, the first being Forbidden Duck, which opened last May. kempinski.com

Feeling flush or simply looking to impress? Then book a table at Restaurant Zen, where dinner will set you back S$450 (without wine!) but you’re guaranteed an unforgettable meal. Set over three floors of former shophouse Bukit Pasoh, this is Swedish chef and restaurateur Björn Frantzén’s (the only three-Michelin-starred chef in Sweden) second restaurant outside his home country.

There’s pre-dinner drinks and snacks in the living room before the main affair begins at the counterstyle dining room, with dessert either on the roof terrace (if weather allows) or back in the cosy living room in front of the fireplace. Delicate morsels like the tartlet of crustacean, ikura and fennel flowers will dance over your palate, while other menu highlights include Frantzén’s signature French toast, crispy sourdough filled with parmesan custard topped with truffles and paired with a clear oxtail consomme. restaturantzen.com Tartlet of crustacean, ikura and fennel flowers

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Restaurant Review

H

ong Kong is known for its statement-making restaurants, the big name chefs and Michelin stars, and on the flipside, kerbside snacks and street-food. So where does an Italian-American fit? At 7pm on a Tuesday, the ground floor bar at Frank’s Italian American’s is fairly packed and already lively with businessmen set free from work. In the jollity, it’s clear to see that this is less dark mafioso playground and more mama’s welcoming trattoria.

This sentiment is reflected upstairs, in a comforting dining room, all quaint dark round wooden tables and cosy glow, as well as throughout the menu.

Our meal started with a bang. The house signature is a formidable negroni packing a punch with Plymouth gin, Mancino Rosso vermouth and Campari and the perfect aperitif with some addictive fried dough Gnotto Fritto, which tasted all the better dipped in a rich red sauce. Va va voom.

Although this may not be the place for fancy foams or other wild culinary experiments, the list of firm Italian favourites is still specked here and there with some surprises. One arrived as a plump ball of housemade burrata, whose creamy centres soon oozed free of their chewy skins and mingled with tangy heirloom tomatoes and slivers of Sicilian raw shrimp – a new and pleasing element.

No homestyle Italian is complete without its pride and joy – the meatball. At Frank’s they are shaped from pork, have an earthy depth and, served large, fall joyously apart on contact. Blazing this trail, quite literally, was the spicy sausage, whose pleasant

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scorch you’ll remember and which contrasted fabulously with the pillow of fluffy polenta on which it was served. Then another surprise edition came about in the much-hyped pappardelle in vodka sauce, which had a pleasant bite, and whose impactful shitake mushrooms – honouring the kitchen’s dedication to local sourcing – really stole the show.

There are plenty more Italian staples on the menu – of note were a decadent ricotta gnudi in brown butter, and a slab of juicy chicken parmigiana (pictured). But really Frank’s is about more than just food. Dishes here are a backdrop to conversation and good times ignited by the jaunty jazz spun on actual vinyl and the hospitable waiters darting between tables. The buzz grows and the martinis flow. And isn’t that what bonafide Italian dining is?

One dish really did bring this ideal home, and it was another surprise. Chosen from a tray of traditional classics including cream-filled cannolis, pignoli pine nut cookies, and zeppole, an innocent looking creamtopped cake must have a more American heritage than those other decidedly Italian selections. But this ‘poke’ cake, an airy white number shot through with raspberry jello and finished with dollops of cream whip, held all the humble magic and charm of a children’s party on a plate.

Nothing at Frank’s is pretentious. Instead, food is considered, well-made and doled out with hearty warmth and affection. In the ingredients, the dishes, the vibe, there’s something down-to-earth honest happening. And damn, on a Tuesday night in the city, that feels mighty fine. frankshk.com; G/F 79 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 9097 9730

Spirits

Kavalan marks its 10th anniversary with a duo of limited edition single malts aged in first growth Bordeaux wine casks

It’s been just over a decade since Taiwanese distillery Kavalan released its inaugural single malt. To commemorate the occasion, the award-winning brand (280 gold awards or higher from the industry’s most competitive contests at the last count) has launched two limited 10th anniversary special editions, Kavalan Bordeaux Margaux and Kavalan Bordeaux Pauillac, both aged in first growth wine casks.

Extraordinarily smooth, the Kavalan Bordeaux Margaux has notes of caramel, fudge, molasses and creamy vanilla while caramel sauce infused with spices greets the nose. On the palate, a sweet arrival leads to a melting of buttery toffee and plump raisins, while the sweetness mingles with the gentle tart notes on the finish.

The Bordeaux Pauilliac is subtly complex, with ripened fruits of the forest, toffee apple, gentle cumin, coriander and pepper spices. On the nose, there’s soft fruits, while the palate is an explosion of fruity flavours and accompanying spices. It handles dilution extremely well at a variety of strengths, with a front of the mouth spiciness, cooked fruits, and throat-coating warmth on the finish. Limited to 3,000 bottlings each, both whiskies are presented as a gift set with two Glencairn glasses.

Impress your single malt buddies by adding one – or indeed both – to your drinks cabinet. kavalanwhisky.com

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Minibar

Liqueur with Bite

Looking to liven up your liqueur collection beyond the usual after-dinner suspects? Then try Gator Bite’s Satsuma & Rum Liqueur, which sees Bayou rum infused with satsuma oranges for a very moreish, citrusy tipple. The rum is handcrafted from Louisiana sugarcane and molasses and distilled in copper pots. stoli-group.com

The Toast of the

Dinner Party

Sublime Sherry

Considered a luxury in whisky making, sherry casks imbue the spirit with notes of deep fruit, citrus and nuts.

Berry Bros. & Rudd Sherry Cask Matured Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is blended from sherry butts to deliver a balanced expression of this uniquely engaging style.

Enticingly dark, the whisky has secondary resinous and prune-like notes, the palate is well-balanced fruit on a sherry bed, while the finish is long and lingering. bbr.com

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Minibar

Botanical brilliance

Go Sloe

Many believe that sloe gin should be enjoyed neat, but it also works well on the rocks or in a cocktail, be that a Martini or a gin fizz. Ruby rose with an amber tinge, the Berry Bros. & Rudd Sloe Gin has a nose laden with rich sloe fruit and a distinctive almond edge.

Rosehip juice and autumnal hedgerow fruit lead on to a burst of bright fruit on the palate. Lightly textured, it’s well-rounded in the mouth: sweet with just the faintest bitter note. bbr.com

This Stuttgart dry gin recently made its debut in Hong Kong at Ritz-Carlton’s Ozone, and is crafted using botanicals from Stuttgart and mineral water from Cannstatt. Winner of a gold medal at last year’s World Spirits Awards, the recipe includes 46 herbs, flowers and fruits, including rosemary and cardamom, while its fresh citrus aroma certainly makes the right first impression. stuttgartdrygin.com

All in Moderation

Targeting moderate drinkers and those keen to curtail that morning after feeling, Keel is the first vodka to contain approximately half the alcohol volume of your average bottle at 23.8 percent. Crafted in the US from Idaho potatoes and characterised by its smoothness, it has zero sugar and carbs and is just 58 calories per serving. keelvodka.com

Off the Rails

A blend of fine bourbons and whiskies inspired by the American railroad, Eight & Sand Blended Bourbon delivers rye and cinnamon on the nose and palate, followed by a touch of caramel at the caboose. Eight & Sand refers to the eighth (and fastest) notch on a locomotive's throttle and the sand used on the wheels to prevent slipping. eightandsandwhiskey.com

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Watches FP Journe

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o mark the 20th anniversary of the Chronomètre à Résonance, FP Journe has released a version with a special dial that will be produced only during 2019 before the Resonance model is retired at the end of this year. The only wristwatch in the world to feature acoustic resonance for time-telling precision, this commemorative timepiece is available in two versions: one in 18K 6N gold and another in a platinum case with white gold dial. Powered by the in-house 1499.3 calibre, it measures in at 40mm and features two dials in silver guilloche Clous de Paris that can be set on two different time zones. The 18K rose gold mechanism, its two beating mechanical hearts powering the two timezone displays, are visible through a sapphire crystal case-back.

Condensing a large double pendulum in the small space available in a wristwatch was a difficult task, and François-Paul Journe first took up the challenge with a pocket-watch. He spent 15 years perfecting his designs before launching the first resonance wristwatch, a timepiece able to withstand repeated jarring from wrist movements for greater precision.

While some may be sad to see the Resonance disappear, the watchmaker professes to have something new up its sleeve – but who knows if it will be as similarly groundbreaking? fpjourne.com

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Watches Singer Reimagined

The Chronograph Reimagined Fledgling watch brand Singer Reimagined made its debut two years ago and is riding high after winning best chronograph for its first watch, Track 1, at the Grand Prix Horlogerie de Geneve 2018.

Now it’s back with a second timepiece, the Singer Reimagined Flytrack Concept Watch, which was presented during the 2019 Geneva Watch Week and will launch later this year.

Its unique flyback seconds allows for the consecutive measurement of short time intervals: lap times, average speed or acceleration time on a race track. Its sophisticated architecture allows the second hand to be disengaged, while a heart shaped cam brings it back to the zero position. Developed with Agenhor, the handwound Flytrack calibre comprises more than 300 components.

As with Singer Reimagined’s first opus, the Flytrack Concept Watch aims at radically enhancing performance, functionality and legibility. Focusing on the essentials, it features a central display of the minutes and seconds while the hours are indicated at the periphery via an arrow shaped indicator on a rotating ring.

Highlighted in a bold orange, the passing seconds can be read at a glance.

Flytrack follows the same stylish design as Track 1, creating a distinctive brand signature. Its slightly domed push-piece at 2 o’clock allows for easy resetting of the seconds, even when driving.

For enhanced ergonomics, the crown is integrated into the case band at 4 o’clock, and the 43mm tonneau-shaped case is crafted from grade 5 titanium. singerreminagined.com

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Watches Gruebel Forsey

French Flair

Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey have made their mark on watchmaking history with a host of creative timepieces from the Double Tourbillon 30° and the Quadruple Tourbillon to the QP à Équation with its mechanical computer and the Grande Sonnerie. Limited to 33 pieces, its latest offering, the Balancier Contemporain, delivers a particularly compact showcase for its exclusive balance-wheel system. Presented in white gold and with a diameter of 39.6mm, the manual-winding calibre comprises 255 components and is endowed with a 72-hour power reserve with chronometric performance ensured by means of two series-coupled fast-rotating barrels, one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension. The movement additionally features a crown-activated ‘stop balance’ system enabling timesetting to the nearest second. Like a bit of bling? There’s also a diamond set edition with bezel, case band, lugs and crown all invisibly set with the IF/D-E quality baguette-cut diamonds, as is the the hand-engraved Greubel Forsey logo. greubelforsey.com

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Watches

Flying Colours

IWC

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t an exclusive gala evening during SIHH attended by Bradley Cooper, Rosamund Pike and Zhang Ruoyun, IWC unveiled its latest pilots watches for 2019, with the stars pairing their tuxes and evening gowns with the latest additions to this much-loved collection. Among the highlights were the Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert, featuring IWC’s first watch case made from sandcoloured ceramic (pictured) and the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Ceratanium.

Limited to 500 pieces, the Pilot's Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition Mojave Desert is inspired by the colours of the Mojave, which is home to the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The distinct sandy shade of the watch case also matches the uniforms worn

by Navy pilots and is powered by the 69380 IWC-manufactured calibre.

IWC’s first pilot's watch with a Ceratanium case, the Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Ceratanium is crafted from a patented material that’s as light and rigid as titanium but possesses ceramic’s scratch-resistant properties. Investing in one of these might just cut down on those services to polish out the scratches… iwc.com

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Wishlist

Security

Meets

Style Keep your valuables secure in an elegant safe from Buben & Zorweg If your watch collection can no longer be contained by a winder, or valued items are kept outside the home, then it might be time to consider investing in a home safe so that your most prized possessions – be that a vintage Patek or the family jewels – don’t come to any harm. German watchmaker Buben & Zorweg produces a range of beautifully designed units to stash every last dress watch and antique firearm in, such as its Illusion range.

A practical and oh-so stylish alternative to a full specification safe, the Grande Illusion Deluxe (pictured) takes its design cues from Dubai’s clock tower and is covered in fine leather and Alacantra.

This sculptural creation is unlocked by a biometric fingerprint sensor or transponder chip and crowned by an optional timepiece with a Buben & Zorweg signature movement. Fully customisable, inbuilt specifities include bullet-proof, fire-resistant, explosion-proof two-way mirror glass, GPS tracking devices and laser curtains for ultimate piece of mind. buben-zorweg.com

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Tech

Small But Perfectly Formed Sony’s latest addition to its E-mount mirrorless camera lineup, the A6400, packs advanced technology into a compact, lightweight package Smaller than your average DSLR and capturing a preview of the image on the rear screen, mirrorless cameras are having a moment right now. Packing in many advanced technologies from Sony’s full-frame range, the A6400 features the new-generation Bionz X image processing engine for exceptional image quality and the world’s fastest AD acquisition speed at 0.02 seconds. This compact device additionally features advanced real-time eye AF (it can track human and animal eyes) and real-time tracking capabilities for object tracking. The A6400 also boasts high resolution 4K video recording with full pixel readout and an LCD touch screen that can tilt 180 degrees so you can take selfies and record video commentaries to camera and see what’s on the screen at the same time. Thanks to its speed and plethora of features, this compact camera will seriously up your photo game. sony.com

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Luggage

Link up your

Luggage Vocier has launched the the world’s first configurable modular luggage system, Avant Creator of the world’s first patented Zero Crease luggage system, German luggage brand Vocier has pulled out the stops again with its new product line, Avant, the world's first configurable modular luggage system.

Featuring Interlink technology – a secure mechanical latching mechanism that also uses high-power magnets – the centrepiece of the new product line is a four-wheel carry-on case that can connect up with other products in the Avant line, including a holdall and briefcase.

Crafted from Italian leather and featuring YKK Excella zippers, the luggage brand is noted for incorporating several other pioneering designs into its luggage lines, including a full-width magnesium handlebar to increase internal packing space and improve ergonomics, and a thermoplastic hybrid shell construction with the protection of a hardshell and flexibility of a softshell.

Other innovations include a durable ballistic nylon mesh fabric inside the case that repels water and dust, and four two-wheel spinner wheels with maintenance-free Inox steel bearings. All of the brand’s luggage ranges have a lifetime warranty and 100-day guarantee. vocier.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

CenTennial celeBRaTiOn With countless shopping options nearby, plus parks and museums just a short stroll away, Conrad Centennial Singapore is one of the city’s best-connected properties sinks in the large marble bathrooms with separate bathtub and shower. To ensure the best nights’ sleep, guests can choose from the extensive Conrad Pillow menu.

Guests staying in executive rooms and suites have unprecedented access to two different lounges and suites. The Executive Lounge on Level 31 has an upscale residential ambience, accompanied by sweeping views. Offering a casual setting in a bright and relaxing environment The Lounge By The Pool is perfect for families.

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ust 20 minutes’ drive from Changi International Airport, Conrad Centennial Singapore is located in vibrant Marina Bay, a five-minute walk away from the Promenade MRT station and surrounded by more than 1,000 retail shops. From the hotel, it’s an easy stroll to the Gardens by the Bay and the heritage district of Singapore, home to some of the city’s oldest institutions and museums, as well as the iconic Merlion Park.

In 2018 the hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment, which saw rooms incorporate natural materials for an eco-friendly approach: window coverings, for example, are made from natural jute fibre. To transition seamlessly from work to relaxation, all rooms feature moveable tables and day beds, and feature a 55-inch HDTV mounted on a special crushed eggshell design wall. A motion sensor to activate electricity has been added as an environmentally friendly feature, and guests only need to press a button or tug the drapes to trigger them to close automatically. All guest rooms include double vanity

Three outstanding options for dining await guests at the hotel. Helmed by celebrity chef Ku Keung, The Golden Peony is one of the most sought-out restaurants in town and serves classic Cantonese dishes. Open 24 hours, Oscar’s offers sumptuous local and international creations, while the Lobby Lounge is an intimate place for Afternoon Tea, cocktails and live music.

In need of some R&R? The new spa comprises four treatment rooms including a couple’s treatment room, and access to the 24-hour fitness centre is complimentary for guests.

To help guests discover the rich tapestry of Singapore, Conrad Centennial Singapore offers specially curated itineraries for excursions including food, shopping, art and design, culture, family activities, and adventure through its 1/3/5 programme.

With its prime location, outstanding staff, comfort, and world-class amenities, the Conrad Centennial Singapore is perfectly in sync with the vibrant, colorful and fascinating city that is Singapore. conradsingapore.com

Style

Yi-Ming's fashion-forward cheongsams will revitalise your wardrobe

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ounting actress Coco Chiang & singer Khloe Chu among its fans, Hong Kong fashion brand Yi-ming continues to deliver a new spin on traditional cheongsam designs with two collections for Spring 2019: Hong Kong Day and Night and Yi-ming in Love with Disney Mickey 90th Anniversary.

Designer Grace Choi, a former model who’s appeared on the runway for brands including Vera Wang and Fendi, pays tribute to the Hong Kong skyline and reflections dancing on Victoria Harbour with the Hong Kong Day and Night range, utilising neon graphics set against against black and rich purples and positioning recurring neon street signs against a curve of black. With a nod to vintage chic, objects of Hong Kong nostalgia such as the 1970s watermelon ball toy, and the classic red, white and blue nylon shop canvases are spun into bold, repetitive geometric patterns, while the iconic egg tart is interpreted as bright yellow circular prints complemented by pastel blue hues.

Some of the cheongsams incorporate a strap at the bottom that can be pulled tight for a more figurehugging silhouette.

Choi incorporates the ubiquitous Mickey silhouette to commemorate the 90th birthday of the world’s most famous mouse with her Yi-ming in Love with Disney Mickey 90th Anniversary collection. For the label’s first-ever family range, the Mickey motif is featured on dress designs, jackets and shirts. yi-ming.asia Yi-Ming’s fashion forward cheongsams, jackets and shirts will revitalise your wardrobe

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Beauty Travel Purito Centella Green range

Korean cosmetics company Purito has launched a new line of cruelty free, vegan-friendly skincare, Centella Green, which harnesses the power of Centella Asiatica, which is rich in amino acids. The range is led by the Centella Green level buffet serum, which helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, calm inflamed skin and reduce pigmentation. The Centella Green level calming toner contains Asiatic pennywort extract in an enriched powder form, to improve the appearance and texture of sensitive skin. Designed for use on face and neck, the Centella Green level recovery cream contains a high concentration of Centella Asiatica to calm troubled skin. puritoen.com

Brands

That Care

Driven by demand from a new wave of enlightened consumers, there are a growing number of cruelty-free, vegan-friendly beauty brands on the market that are not only ethical but also highly effective Lab to Beauty CBD Range

The first cannabidiol (CBD) skin care collection to enter the luxury market, Lab to Beauty CBD Range is making waves in the beauty industry with its clean skin care movement centred around the potency of plants and the supernatural healing effects of CBD. The collection includes a balancing face wash, green cure mask, refreshing mist, quick fix serum, an omega fatty facial moisturiser, and CBD drops, which help relax and rejuvenate. iworldshoppingcenter.com/labtobeauty.com

Alaffia Baobab Rooibos collection

Ethical beauty brand Alaffia’s new skincare collection comprises four Fair Trade, Made Safe, naturally sourced products formulated to aid women and men with dry to extremely dry skin. The dry skin cooling gel hydration mask is the hero, a creamy gel-textured mask that provides a hydration boost in minutes. Prickly pear, watermelon and apple extracts restore skin's moisture levels, leaving a smooth and supple complexion. Other products in the range include a dry skin cleanser, dry skin day crème and dry skin oil concentrate, which is loaded with known skin boosters like melon seed, lavender and geranium oils. alaffia.com

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Tee Off

Step Out

In Style Make a statement on the fairways this Spring with G/Fore’s fashionforward golfing footwear

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ounting some of golf’s biggest names among its ambassadors including Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Brandt Snedeker, LA-based luxury lifestyle brand and golf footwear innovator G/Fore’s Spring/ Summer footwear collection, ‘Irreverent Elegance’, brings street fashion, premium fabrics and vibrant colours to the fairways. Featuring a line-up of men’s and women’s styles in classic and street-inspired designs, SS19 see the brand introduce new takes on its popular Disruptor and Gallivanter models, all of which boast a triple density foam cushion footbed, ultra-lightweight sole and bespoke cleat design for optimal on-course traction.

Women golfers can make a statement on the course with the latest edition of the Disruptor, which features a metallic silver heel tab, or the Ladies Elastic Gallivanter, a lace-free shoe accentuated with diamond rubber studs. With its pinked edge, metallic leather toe and heel cap, the Cap Toe Gallivanter is similarly stylish.

The new men’s footwear styles include a classic take on a golf staple, the Saddle Gallivanter and the Embossed Skull & T’s Gallivanter. Boldest of all is the Roses Disruptor, which features G/Fore’s signature print of the season, red and white roses on a pink background. We’re sure keen amateur golfer Justin Timberlake and confirmed G/fore fan will be keen to get his hands on a pair or two… gfore.com

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Auto

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uilt at the request of a Lambo customer, the Lamborghini SC18 is designed primarily for use on the track (while also road approved) and features extreme aerodynamics derived from Squadra Corse’s experience in competition. The racing elements start from the front hood, with air intakes in the style of the Huracán GT3 EVO, while the sides, rear feature fenders, fins and airscoops take their cues from the Huracán Super Trofeo EVO.

Lamborghini’s racing division, Squadra Crose, has debuted a one-off supercar, the SC18

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Delivering the performance of a bonafide racer, the aspirated 6498 cm3 V12 delivers 770 hp at 8,500 rpm and a torque of 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm, all handled via the ISR (Independent Shifting Rod) optimised seven-speed gearbox.

With supreme handling, the SC18 is no slouch in the looks department either, its exclusiveness underlined by the colour of the carbon fiber body in Grigio Daytona (grey), with red screen-printing to enhance its sportiness and carbon fiber bucket seats in the cockpit. The look is completed by the single nut wheels (20-inch on the front and 21-inch on the rear) with specially developed Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres and a telemetry system to measure all aspects of performance on the track. Have a vision for your own Lambo? The supercar brand says it’s open to creating other bespoke autos under the Squadra Corse brand. lamborghini.com

Culture

The Inside Track on

Ferrari Ferrari partners with City of Dreams Macao for the Asian debut of its “Under the Skin” exhibition

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hen Ferrari received its first order from a Mainland Chinese customer in 1992 (a Ferrari 348TS in case you were wondering), a new generation of fans of the Italian supercar maker rapidly rose to the fore. Aficionados of the prancing horse in Asia should consider jetting over to Macau this Spring, as Ferrari and London's Design Museum have partnered with City of Dreams to bring the Ferrari: Under the Skin exhibition to Asia for the first time. Illuminating innovations past and present from Maranello over the past seven decades, the exhibition also commemorates the 120th birthday of Enzo Ferrari in 2019. will be on display until 16 June.

Divided into six zones, Under the Skin recounts the engineering developments of Ferrari down the years through a series of exceptional cars, beginning with the the marque’s first production car, the 125 S. Among the autos set to thrill is an exact replica of the first Ferrari ever built in 1947, the 2000 Formula 1 championship-winning car driven by Michael Schumacher, and vintage racing cars including the Ferrari F40, 288 GTO and 365 GTB/4 Daytona. ferrari.com