WELLNESS ALL YEAR ROUND Avira in Iskandar Malaysia __________________
TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SANCTUARY De-stress and de-clutter your life __________________
E&O PULSE News, updates and happenings
JULY - SEPTEMBER 2014 A newsletter of E&O Property (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. ďƒŁ Copyright 2014 Eastern & Oriental Berhad All rights reserved. Address: 1 Raffles Link #01-01 North Tower, Singapore 039393 T: +65 6337 1680 | E: eospore@easternandoriental.com | www.easternandoriental.com
| SPOTLIGHT
WELLNESS
ALL YEAR ROUND A wellness sanctuary only a stone’s throw from Singapore
There has been much excitement since E&O announced its collaboration
with
the
wholly-owned
subsidiaries
of
Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited to develop a 207-acre development in Medini Central, the cultural and heritage centre in Nusajaya, Iskandar Malaysia. Medini Iskandar Malaysia in Johor, as the main southern development corridor encompassing an area of 2,217 square kilometres, is earmarked as a special economic zone capitalising on synergies with Singapore.
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SPOTLIGHT |
Artist impression of the entryway of the Avira Garden Terraces
With the stage set for the transformation of Johor
E&O Deputy Managing Director Mr. Eric Chan notes:
into a vibrant, family-friendly destination, the
“Wellness is a trending lifestyle that is taking place
masterplan for E&O’s signature iconic wellness
across the globe. The rise in cost of healthcare,
township
validation and availability of alternative treatments,
in
Medini
is
well
in
progress
to
complement this evolving landscape. Just 15 minutes from the Tuas Second Link, Avira is anchored on the wellness concept of prolonging active years by promoting physical vitality and mental clarity. This will be achieved through holistic, noninvasive programmes supported by scientificallyproven methods, technologies and diagnostics.
Living intimately alongside nature’s beauty and bounty is the core inspiration of Avira 3
| SPOTLIGHT
collaboration between eastern and western medical
Surrounded by a lush, natural mangrove forest,
approaches, and more importantly, the awareness
Avira’s expansive living space comprises terraces,
that prevention is not only better, but cheaper, than
semi-detached homes and bungalows in a gated,
cure has caused a paradigm shift.”
guarded community as well as condominiums and service
Avira is one of the very few, if any, wellness
apartments,
all
designed
with
E&O’s
signature flair.
destinations that offers a residential component. In Avira,
the
wellness
ideology
influences
the
At the core of Avira is the Wellness Sanctuary, a
masterplanning of the entire development, its
confluence of communal spaces dedicated to
facilities, services as well as private spaces within
providing wellness offerings. From soul-enhancing
homes to create a holistic environment that
treatments to organic dining, a farmer’s market to
embodies the philosophy of living in the heart of
eco-chic shopping, a holistic approach permeates
wellness all year round.
every selection.
“It is a place where people can head home to each
The development also features commercial centres,
day, to a sanctuary they can call their own and
including a retail village, dining outlets, and spa
indulge in activities that promote the wellbeing of
facilities.
their mind, body and spirit,” explains Mr. Chan.
Artist impression of the Avira Garden Terraces exterior 4
SPOTLIGHT |
Today, with new infrastructure and the completion
Iskandar, also signals good news for Avira. The
of several catalytic projects in place, the landscape
train journey between the two capital cities will
of Medini is transforming. Formerly an area with
take a mere 90 minutes, much faster than the five-
rubber and palm plantations, it is now home to the
hour drive it would require.
popular Legoland theme park resort and Britain’s famed Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios, where
Should the plan for the rapid rail take off, it is
the nine-episode series, Marco Polo, will be filmed.
expected to pass through a single jointly-run border facility, allowing passengers to pass through
Prestigious institutions such as Newcastle University
only one immigration check point in each direction
Medicine
College
of travel. The Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail is
Malaysia have also joined the list of completed
likely to provide excellent accessibility for Avira’s
milestone
residents and visitors.
Malaysia
projects,
and
Marlborough
with
Gleneagles
Medini
expected to be completed in 2015. Spearheading the Avira development are the The
highly
the
Garden Terraces, which represents an integral
a
phase of the masterplan. Wide frontages invite the
proposed high-speed rail link between Kuala
outdoors in whilst private courtyards, back gardens
Lumpur and Singapore, with one of its five stops in
and terraced decks spill over into communal linear
Malaysia
publicised
and
announcement
Singapore
governments
by of
gardens. Avira, was unveiled officially by Malaysia Prime
50
minutes from Changi International Airport
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Leaders’ Retreat 2013 in what was described as the largest
40
minutes from Singapore’s Central Business District
gathering of Cabinet ministers from both sides of the Causeway. For a private preview, please call the E&O Gallery
50
minutes from Kuala Lumpur (by air)
Singapore at +65 6337 1680 or visit the website at www.avira-medini.com.my. Click here to watch the Avira video.
25
minutes from Johor’s Senai International Airport
25
minutes from Johor Bahru
15
minutes from Tuas Second Link
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| LIVING
Turn
your home into a
Sanctuary A piece of blue sky as seen from St Mary Residences, Kuala Lumpur
“The home should be the treasure chest of living.”
Modern day life is busy! In a given week or day, there is plenty coming at
~ Le Corbusier
begin to consume us.
us in the form of information and opportunities — not forgetting stressors such as work stress, deadlines and family demands — than we can possibly comprehend, much less accept. Things just keep building up until they
The challenge in this digital age is saying “yes” to the right things and accepting the built in limitations of the human condition.
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LIVING |
Kate
Pickert
in
her
article,
“The
Mindful
Revolution” (TIME, 23 Jan 2014), notes: “In a time when no one seems to have enough time, our devices allow us to be many places at once — but at the cost of being unable to fully inhabit the place where we actually want to be.” “Powering down the internal urge to keep in constant touch with the outside world is not easy,” she adds. With so many things clamouring for our attention each day, it is helpful to have a personal space
magazines and so on, it creates a sense of chaos
where we can unwind, especially on days that we
and unease. Set aside these items in organisers or
feel stressed and tired. What better place to create
the closet so that the space reflects visual
this private sanctuary than in our homes.
tranquility.
With some tweaks and fine touches, we can easily
This could also be a time to take charge by
transform a simple, mundane space into a haven
reflecting on the “clutter” in our lives that are
where we can de-stress, relax, heal and restore.
taking up valuable space. Negative self-talk,
Here are some ideas — they are not exhaustive, but
unrealistic expectations, pessimism, inability to
they are a good start to prolonging our active
accept uncertainty — these internal stressors could
years:
be self-generated. Deal with them or release them and move on.
Get rid of clutter Start by removing clutter to create a pleasant environment. When our personal space becomes a dumping ground for accumulated mail, bags, keys,
Take charge by reflecting on the “clutter” in our lives that are taking up valuable space.
Revitalise with aromatherapy Wind down a hectic day with the soothing scents of essential oils from a diffuser or a mister. Whether it is to alter our mood, gain a sense of well-being or relieve minor health conditions, wellness experts believe that each essential oil comes with its own therapeutic benefits. An uncluttered bedroom at The Mews 2-bedroom unit in Kuala Lumpur 7
| LIVING
For example, lavender is a stress reliever while
Lighting
peppermint is a natural energy booster. Visit specialty shops to find out what works for you.
Create a pleasant ambience with candles and lamps. If the room is too bright, install a dimmer
Leave out the negatives
switch to reduce harsh lighting. Lighting in dark, windowless rooms may be enhanced with a play of
Our sanctuary should be our safe haven from the
lights and mirrors to imitate natural sunlight so
outside world. Try to leave our stresses, struggles
that the space looks inviting.
and even negative people outside. It takes a lot of resolve to do so, but if we work on it purposefully,
With these simple do-it-yourself steps, you can look
we
forward to enjoying peaceful moments in your
can learn to view things differently. As
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
Surround with beautiful things Create a beautiful environment by displaying items that have a special place in our hearts — souvenirs from our travels, a love note from someone special, precious photos, hobby items — objects that are inspirational or have a calming effect. Every item in our sanctuary should be meaningful. We can enhance this nook with comfortable furniture and soft pillows. Some soothing music would be nice.
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own private sanctuary.
E&O PULSE |
Making London home At the heart of London, one of the most exciting cities in the world, is Princes House. It is a prime property in the coveted neighbourhood of Westminster, opposite the London School of Economics. Princes House comprises a mix of residential apartments and serviced apartments ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom suites. Due to its central location, it is extremely wellconnected, with immediate access to London’s transport infrastructure
and
its
network
of
local,
national
and
international connections. Responses at private previews have been overwhelming. For more information, visit www.princeshouselondon.com.
E&O engages Penang community with Think Green The E&O Think Green initiative — an eco-centric community education programme in Straits Quay Public Park, Seri Tanjung Pinang, Penang — was officiated recently by Penang State Executive Councillor and Local Government, Traffic Management and Environment Committee Chairman YB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow. Featuring compost bays, a keyhole mulch bed, raised vegetable beds and information boards, the Think Green community food garden and composting site is a brainchild of E&O to serve as an outdoor classroom for local communities, partners and employee volunteers to come together and reconnect with nature. Through this outreach, the public can look forward to handson experience in designing and building food garden elements, and growing food together. Upcoming activities Above: The Think Green initiative by E&O; Young artists from the Seri Tanjung Pinang community putting finishing touches to their handiwork
include nature observation games, composting, germinating seeds and creating recycled DIY herb pots. Visit www.easternandoriental.com/community-relations.html to find out more. 9
| E&O PULSE
Celebrate Penang’s heritage with Lone Pine Hotel Lone Pine Hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Penang was recently accorded with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and 2014 Traveller’s Choice Award in the Top Hotels category. It also received the prestigious 2013 Gold Circle Award by Agoda.com which is only given to hotels that exemplify the best qualities of the online hospitality industry. As Batu Ferringhi’s only luxury boutique beachside hotel, Lone Pine retained its colonial spirit and idyllic charm after its refurbishment a few years ago. Now, every spacious room opens out onto
3D/2N Heritage HopAbout Package
either seafront or poolside terraces, balconies or a
RM1,100.00++ per Deluxe Room
private courtyard.
Includes:
To coincide with the upcoming August celebrations
celebrating George Town’s listing as a UNESCO Heritage Site, there will be a vibrant showcase of
Arrival welcome drinks and cold towels Deluxe Room accommodation with buffet breakfast Two George Town Heritage HopAbout tickets Complimentary Internet access, daily soft drinks, local fruits and E&O shuttle service to George Town
art, theatre and music.
For reservations and more information: Especially for E&O Passions readers, Lone Pine is proud to offer a special Heritage HopAbout 3D/2N package.
Phone : +604 886 8686 Email : style@lonepinehotel.com www.lonepinehotel.com Package valid from 1 July - 30 September 2014 Terms and conditions apply | Quote booking code: HHP
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E&O IN THE NEWS | Media: Singapore Business Review (Apr-May 2014)
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| E&O IN THE NEWS
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