Liv Magazine April 2018 by Liv Media Limited

E E K M TA H O E

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F I TN E SS N U TRITION WELLBEI N G TRAV E L E CO S PA

I’M

APRIL 2018 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m LIV MAGAZINE

Oat My Goodness Oat milk: it’s coming for your coffee

Colombo Calling

Inside Galle Fortress

C’mon Patty People Hong Kong’s best veggie burgers

Inside Rugby Week

The

The wildest three days of the year

Sweet Escape

Heavenly wellness retreats to recharge you in three days or less WIN a boozy brunch for two, a style consultation and sakura shortbread on page 18!

the l e g ac y c o n ti n u e s

APRIL 05 Editor’s Letter

LIV | NEWS 06 Wishlist

Lovely things we want right now

08 It’s a Date

Events for your diary

10 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

12 Fresh Cuts

Dining news that’s good for you

14 Cheat Day

Because #YOLO

16 Reviews

Vegan fine-dining at Shakti Dining Room, and a crafting session at Make & Do

LIV | STORIES 20 Short-Haul Wellness Breaks

Our pick of the best retreats to get you feeling fab in three days or less

28 Bunly Goodness

A roundup of HK’s tastiest veggie burgers

32 Charity Spotlight

HKRU’s Community Foundation

LIV | MORE 34 Recipe

Danielle Graham’s pickled vegetable and tofu salad

36 Pamper

Our beauty picks for this month

38 Travel

Secrets of Galle Fort, revealed

44 Macau 42

Dispatches from our sister SAR

50 Can’t Liv Without

Gym consultant and entrepreneur, Charlie Temple

Sponsored Feature

A NEW WAY OF FITNESS Ozone Fitness takes a fresh approach to client service, offering complimentary guidance by personal trainers

Ozone Fitness, located in the hip Star Street area, is an upmarket fitness centre a world apart from traditional gyms. Set in a roomy 3,000 square foot space and equipped with the latest top-of-the-line equipment, Ozone offers beautifully fitted private bathrooms, an Italian solarium and a stateof-the-art sound system, to name just a few of its features. It also boasts a heated Himalayan salt stone therapy area, located beside a calming jellyfish aquarium – a great way to calm the nervous system and soothe away stress. In addition to its upscale facilities, Ozone is changing the game by offering “assisted training” with all memberships. All members can receive fitness assessments and complimentary guidance at any time. Trainers are on hand to demonstrate how

to properly use equipment and perform moves correctly, create personalized workout plans, and track progress. “We provide a service that is more client-focused than traditional gym memberships. We eliminate the intimidation factor that prevents people from using gym equipment, in order to help our clients feel confident in the gym and achieve results,” says founder Diana Purdy. “Our ultimate goal is to make fitness a natural part of our members’ lifestyle.” Ozone also offers complimentary small group training, such as Spartan training, Get Stacked weight training, MetCon, Pilates and Hot Stone Stretching, in addition to paidfor 1:1 personal training and sports massage. It also houses the only X6 Deluxe high pressure solarium in Hong Kong.

Regular month to month membership: $2,200 / month and $500 joining fee

12-week kickstarter program + benefits: $450 / week for 12 weeks

Founding members (special offer): $1,700 / per month for lifetime of membership with 6-month upfront commitment and $500 joining fee

Daily drop-in rate: $220 Weekly rate: $600

ozonefitnesshongkong

www.ozone.fitness

EDITOR’S LETTER

FANCY A GETAWAY? Too many Hongkongers are totally burnt out, but with a mere 10 precious days of leave, how can we justify a week-long wellness retreat when there’s so many places to go and things to see? That’s why we’ve selected some of the coolest wellness destinations, for every kind of traveler, catering to all sorts of budgets. Not only do these places offer three-day programs for the weary and time-poor, they’re also less than three hours from Hong Kong, meaning that you can get a real sense of relaxation over a long weekend. Turn to p.20 for our picks. We love a good veggie burger, and these days the recipes are yummier and more innovative than ever! Check out p.28 for a selection of our favourite meat-free munchies . The beginning of April marks rugby week in Hong Kong, and as part of the celebrations, we’re taking a closer look at the HKRU’s Community Foundation, which runs sports training and community classes for disadvantaged children and at-risk groups across the city. “Operation Breakthrough” has successfully trained up local talent to represent Hong Kong in tournaments across the world, as well as improve English literacy and confidence of hundreds of kids. Learn all about it on p.32. See you in the South Stand!

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS For this month’s cover story, Zoe Belhomme scours Asia for the best short-haul wellness breaks, at prices to please everyone, p.20.

Keep it in the family with Kate Farr, who has details on a seminar about how to raise kids in our tech-filled world, p.28.

Itchy feet? Stoke that wanderlust with Kate Springer, who has news of a massive reno at The Datai Langkawi p.42.

Looking for news on the latest natual skincare treats? Rachel Read has the deets on a Songkran spa treatment, p.36.

Our resident Macau expert Sally Victoria Benson checks out a free fitness day at The Sheraton Macao, p.44.

SARAH FUNG PUBLISHER

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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI SALES MANAGER AILEEN CHAN WRITER ZOE BELHOMME SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, KATE SPRINGER, RACHEL READ, DEIRDRE GRIFFIN, SALLY VICTORIA BENSON, CARYN YAP PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2018 Liv Media Limited. The content provided here is the property of Liv Media Limited and may not be reproduced in any part without the written permission of the Publisher. The information provided by Liv Media Limited’s contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the company. The information provided by Liv Media Limited, or its staff, advertisers and contributors is given in good faith; readers should gather more information before making the decision to purchase any goods or services highlighted here. Liv Media Limited will not be held responsible for any action, omission or error resulting from actions taken on the basis of the information provided here. Please seek the approval of a doctor before following any health advice.

Retail Therapy

WISHLIST

Here's what we're crushing on this month

PACKING HEAT

Cath Kidston has moved beyond floral prints with a sleek collection of grown-up leather bags. This practical backpack offers style on the go. $1,990 from Cath Kidston.

COLOURFUL LANGUAGE

SPLISH SPLOSH

Whether you’re serving cocktails or cold water, do it in style with this Caipirinha jug from Ichendorf. $990 from Lane Crawford.

Let off some steam with this sweary (yet beautiful!) colouring book that combines jungle animals, mandalas and your favourite curse words. US$4.49 from Amazon.

POWDER KEGS

BEE LOVELY

Who’s the queen bee? You are, with this quirky honeycomb ring! $699 from Pandora.

Looking for alternatives to whey? Choose from organic hemp, pea or rice protein from Insperium Foods. $120 each for 400 grams from insperiumfoods.hk.

Retail Therapy

PALMED OFF

FACE OFF

100 percent of proceeds from sales of this shampoo bar will go to purchasing 50 hectares of Sumatran rainforest, protecting the land from the palm oil industry and providing a safe haven for endangered orangutans. $115 from Lush.

Simply wet this sustainable konjac sponge for a gentle but effective exfoliator that’ll leave your face squeaky clean. This new edition is infused with green tea for an antioxidant effect. $125 from abeautybar.com.hk.

ON THE PULSE

Calm your nerves with the Sensate. Placed on your solar plexus, it helps to stimulate your vagus nerve, leading to feelings of calm and wellbeing when you’re feeling stressed. £199. Available for pre-order at getsensate.com.

FEED YOUR FACE

Keep your skin supple and your joints lubricated by popping collagen regularly. We love The Beauty Chef’s capsules. They’re also a probiotic! $240 from gourmetskinbar.com.

Calendar

IT’S A DATE RUGBY WEEK SPECIAL! The beginning of April marks the start of Hong Kong’s infamous Rugby Week, with a whole seven days of rugby-related activities, culminating in the Cathay Pacific HSBC Hong Kong Sevens on April 6-8. Didn’t score tickets this year? Here are some other rugby events happening this week…

APR 4-5

APR 6-8

A relatively laid-back precursor to the weekend’s action, the Tens tournament sees 16 teams from both Hong Kong and overseas hit the grass at the Football Club to battle for supremacy.

Soak up the carnival atmosphere en route to the stadium at the Lee Gardens Fanwalk. There’ll be tons of family fun, including African drumming, acrobats, clowns and other entertainment.

$500 on the door. www.hongkongtens.com.

Free.

GFI HKFC 10s

LEE GARDENS FANWALK

APR 5

APR 6-8

If you’re more about the party than the rugby, you can get into the spirit of the weekend with the Hong Kong Sevens kick-off concert, featuring UB40.

Located directly opposite the stadium, The Sevens VIllage promises a more mellow atmosphere, with outdoor seating, food stalls and games for the kids. You’ll catch all the action on the big TV screen. After the final whistle each night the venue plays host to the Sevens after party, with tickets available in advance or on the door.

HONG KONG SEVENS KICKOFF CONCERT

$288-$888.

HSBC SEVENS VILLAGE AND AFTER-PARTY

Find details for all these events at www.hksevens.com

Calendar

APR-JUN

ROCK OF AGES

APR 20-22

URBAN GREENING

Singapore eco-organisation Green is the New Black is hosting its first festival in Hong Kong! Taking place at the end of the month, the event kicks off with an “Unconference” on April 20, featuring networking and talks with wellness industry insiders. After that, there’s a two-day festival of talks, screenings, food and an ecomarket with more than 70 vendors on April 21-22. The event is free to attend but additional charges apply for certain talks and screenings. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central. Registration: greenisthenewblack.asia.

Learn how to age optimally with this series of six workshops and seminars with Hack My Age. The first session on April 19 aims to clear the confusion around intermittent fasting and timerestricted feeding, teaching you to learn what to eat and how best to nourish your body to slow down aging. Other seminar topics include Secrets to Living Stress-Free (May 3), Movements to Last a Lifetime (May 10) and Sleep Better, Live Longer (May 24). Tickets $250 from www.eventbrite.hk, or $300 on the door. Alive Wellness 43-55 Wyndham St., Central, hackmyage.com.

APR 28

FIVE A-SIDE

The Women’s Five is a new women-only, five-week health and wellness programme that culminates in a fun 5k run. For those looking to better themselves, get fit, train hard and make new friends, this is a great value programme that includes meditation and mindfulness booklets, yoga videos and an online 5K run programme. Haven’t signed up for the full programme? No worries, you can still take part in the scenic 5k run through Hong Kong’s country trails. $800 for the full programmer, or $390 per person to join the 5km run only.

APR 14

MAY 13

It’s back! Hong Kong’s toughest and dirtiest obstacle race is taking place at an all-new venue. For those out for a bit of fun, the 6k Spartan Sprint features more than 20 obstacles and physical challenges. You’ll have to scale walls, crawl through mud and traverse monkey bars before you can be crowned a true spartan.

Brand new to Hong Kong, The District Race is an urban exploration adventure race that you complete in a team. With cool technology and 80 virtual checkpoints and challenges spread throughout the city, The District Race will tackle your brain as well as your brawn. There's no set course and no set distance; it is up to you to choose how you explore and collect the points within the two hour time limit.

Location to be announced. Entry $860-$1,190, depending on category. www.spartanrace.hk.

$450 if you book before Apr 14, $500 after. www.districtrace.com.

DOWN AND DIRTY

CITY CHALLENGE

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

OAT MY GOODNESS

See ya, soy! Au revoir, almond! Swedish import, Oatly, is the latest dairyfree milk alternative to hit Hong Kong, and already it’s causing quite a stir (groan) among coffee drinkers looking to make the switch. We love Oatly’s nutritious, creamy blend of Swedish oats, water and a pinch of sea salt, which goes just as well on your cornflakes as it does in your coffee. With its funky packaging, innovative campaigns and delicious pre-mixed drinks to go, such as matcha and cold-brew lattes, we’re expecting the Swedish brand to make quite a splash. Available to buy at Green Common outlets citywide at an introductory price of $34.50 per litre, or in your drink at coffee shops across Hong Kong. oatly.com. 10

Cool Stuff

SNAP TO IT

Hong Kong’s first outpost of the world’s most successful fitness franchises, Snap Fitness, has just landed in Wan Chai. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Snap Fitness offers flexible membership options that gives you access to more than 2,500 locations worldwide - perfect if you travel regularly. The Wan Chai gym includes top-of-the-range cardio equipment from Matrix, free weights and dedicated strength and conditioning areas, as well as space for functional training such as boxing, MX4 and TRX. Members also get access to a range of group training classes that run throughout the week. 223 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 6688-1343, www.snapfitness.hk.

A CUT ABOVE A BEAUTY STATE OF MIND

The brainchild of a group of local female entrepreneurs, MindBeauty is set to shake up the beauty and wellness app market. With a well-designed and intuitive interface that allows users to book a month ahead (or even at the last minute if you’re in dire need of some R&R!), the app’s aim is to save its users money and time. More than just a marketplace, MindBeauty only lists pre-vetted salons, spas, gyms and wellness services, sharing exclusive offers and discounts with users. Plus you can pay directly through the app and get instant confirmation of your booking. www.mindbeautyhk.com.

Bad hair day? Check out Shhh, a cool boutique hair and wellness salon headed up by celebrity stylist Marvin Lin. Beautifully decked out with modern and bright furnishings, this salon will have you feeling right at home from the minute you walk in the door. But this urban sanctuary offers more than just your average cut and blow dry; stylists take time to really get to know their clients and consult not just on styling but also the health and wellbeing of the hair. You can also pick up products from OMG, Marvin’s own range of professional haircare products. 94 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 2915-1001, www.shhh94.com. 11

Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

BENTO BLISS Located right at the Sheung Wan end of Hollywood Road, Ohms Cafe is a small and friendly fairtrade restaurant with a focus on vegan cuisine. This month they’ve launched a cute vegan bento box lunch option, complete with fresh organic ingredients such as brown rice, local vegetables and tofu. Every day the cafe offers a choice of two different bento boxes,

each with three dishes and rice ($58), and you can add a freshly-prepared daily soup for just $20. Ohms is also encouraging its patrons to reduce waste, and offers reusable containers for a $100 refundable deposit. 192 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, 5400-4236, www.facebook.com/ohmshk2017.

FISHLESS FEAST If you love trying innovative veggie menus, and find yourself anywhere near Kowloon Bay, you’ll want to check out Japanese restaurant Matsunichi’s new eight-course “Vegetarian Vibes” menu ($600). Devoted to showcasing some of Japan’s rare and seasonal vegetables through “Sojin Ryori,” a method of vegetarian cooking practised by Buddhist monks in Japan, the menu includes a seaweed soup, taro dumplings, as well as a selection of colourful vegetarian nigiri sushi. The highly nutritious menu then moves on to tomato tofu crafted with three kinds of tomatoes and served with a house-made vinegar jelly; and crispy tempura using vegetables prized for their medicinal effects such as nutritious maitake mushrooms. This menu is available on weekends for lunch and dinner and for “Meatless Mondays” from now until the end of May. Level 2, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Rd., Kowloon Bay, 3188-2760, www.matsunichi.com.hk. 12

Dining

GOING UP Rugby Week It’s impossible not to get caught up in the carnival atmosphere of the Sevens, with events, parties and tournaments taking place all week long.

DINE AND DESIGN Taking over the glass-walled space on the rooftop of IFC mall, Dear Lilly is a beautifully decorated restaurant serving contemporary European cuisine that pays homage to classic Mediterranean flavours. While it’s been making headlines for it dizzyingly romantic design (helmed by renowned interior designer Ashley Sutton), the food is well worth mentioning too. While we loved their take on classic comfort dishes (think rich puttanesca pappardelle and decadent choco-caramel tart), we were also impressed by their lighter and more nutritionally balanced options. Think slow-cooked octopus with roasted pepper salsa; rocket and seaweed hummus; and the interesting salad selection. Our favourite was the curly kale salad with quinoa - full of seeds, red radish and finished off with a fresh orange vinaigrette. Shop 4010, Podium Level 4, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2771-6060, www.diningconcepts.com.

Little ways to go plastic-free

We’re bringing back bar soaps, moving to loose-leaf tea and taking our own reusable sandwich bags to the bakery. Every bit helps!

Almond guilt We just learned it takes a gallon of water to grow one almond! Yikes!

Event fatigue We haven’t recovered from Art Month, and April’s looking even busier. Please... our livers can’t handle it...

GOING DOWN 13

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

MISS SAIGON? Go all out with this pretty afternoon tea at the Langham Hotel’s Palm Court. Inspired by the delicate floral scents of old Saigon and designed in collaboration with luxury fragrance brand Cochine, the Sweet Blossom Afternoon Tea includes delicate pastries and Vietnamese-inspired savoury treats that incorporate the brand’s signature scents - and they taste just as good as they look. Vietnamese cassava coconut dacquoise represents Cochine’s white Jasmine & Gardenia fragrance, while the frangipani canelé with orange blossom and pink chocolate perfectly reflects their Frangipani & Neroli line. Tuberose & Wild Fig is turned into “Girl with 14

the Tuberose,” a choux pastry filled with wild fig and Sicilian lemon compote. There’s even a little “scented candle” made from white chocolate and green cardamom mousse perched at the very top of the tower. We also love their take on traditional Vietnamese street food: the mini “Bánh Mì” brioche, features delicately sliced beef with shredded carrot, liver pâté and pickles. Yum! The tea is $348 per person or $598 for two. It also comes with a gorgeous Cochine gift set, which includes a hand cream and a miniature fragrance. 8 Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2132-7898, www.langhamhotels.com.

Reviews

TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

CRAFTING

DINING

Beginners Weave Workshop with Make and Do HK The Buzz: Run by sisters Becky and Lucy Gilmour, Make and

Do offers design inspiration, tutorials, creative meetups and crafting workshops several times a week from Three Keys, the shared craft space in Chai Wan. We tried out their Wednesday morning beginners’ weave workshop. The Class: It was a cold and rainy day when we went to the class, but as soon as we set foot in the workshop, we were greeted with a cup of tea, a warm welcome and lots of creative vibes. With weaving, you use a lap loom to pass yarn between lengths of cotton string. You can create so many different textures and patterns with simple modifications to your technique. Once you’re done, you tie the cotton so the weave is secure. Becky, our instructor for the morning, was very patient and always on hand to offer advice. The Verdict: If you find knitting a bit of a faff but you want

to scratch that creative itch, make weaving your first port of call. Once you get the hang of the technique you can go off piste and almost do whatever you want. For beginners and the non-artsy among us, the craft itself is super forgiving and you can easily cover up little mistakes by pulling a stitch across or covering it with big fluffy yarn. The Cost: The cost of this workshop is $550, which includes all materials. Three Keys Craft Space, 12 Ka Yip St., Chai Wan. To book, email make.and.do.hk@gmail.com, www.makeanddohk.com. @MakeandDoHK

Vegan fine-dining at Five Elements The Buzz: After a long soft opening, the Five Elements wellness retreat in Sai Kung is now ready for visitors. In addition to wellness classes and treatments, the spa’s Sakti Dining Room serves up healthy plant-based cuisine using innovative cooking techniques and gorgeous plating, making it one of Hong Kong’s only vegan finedining outlets. The Meal: We started with an amuse bouche of fresh

fruits infused with flower water, followed by a totally addictive kale salad topped with powdered greens, with cubes of juicy beetroot hiding under the leaves. The mains got really creative, with a roasted cauliflower on top of farm fresh tomatoes, served with a savoury mung bean and chestnut cake, topped with dehydrated chestnut chips. Dessert was a rich almond and anis seed ice cream served with almond liquorice cream and fennel. The menu changes regularly depending on what’s in season, so you’ll be surprised each time you go. The Verdict: We just loved the food here. Five Elements, which started out in Bali, is well known for its awardwinning cuisine and it’s a real treat to be able to experience it here in Hong Kong. If you’ve got a herbivore’s birthday coming up, it’s a perfect setting for a healthy, plant-based celebration. The Cost: $358 for three courses. The Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy, 81 Tai Chung Hau, Sai Kung, 3959-0000, hk.fivelements.org.

ALL ABOUT YOU WELLNESS CENTRE

PALMISTRY & NUMEROLOGY @ ALL ABOUT YOU This May, All About You welcomes celebrity practitioner Max Coppa, Australia’s most recognized expert in palmistry & numerology with 35 years’ experience. Max has written five books, and his readings are mind-blowingly accurate in personality profiling and forecasting certain situations. His schedule of services includes: • Private sessions • Workshops for business • Beginners course on Palmistry owners on numerology and Numerology for wealth & success • Workshop for parents on understanding your children’s numbers For a glimpse of how Max works, come to his free awareness talk on May 16th, where you can also receive a mini reading! To register or book please visit:. www.allaboutyoucentre.com / info@allaboutyoucentre.com

ECOSTORE

Eco-friendly cleaning products Proudly made in New Zealand from sustainably sourced plant- and mineralbased ingredients, ecostore household cleaning, personal care and baby care products make it easy for you to create a healthier and safer home. Our powerful dishwash liquid formulation cuts through even the toughest grease easily, while being kinder to your skin and to our environment. It is SLS-free and pH balanced which makes it especially suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. ecostore Dishwash liquid was awarded a 4-star rating by the HK Consumer Council this month. Find out more about our products www.ecostore.co.nz. Where to buy in Hong Kong facebook.com/ecostorehk. Contact us at ecostore@shawganic.com

IT IS COLOMBIAN

Specialty Coffee - the next big thing for work-out smoothie! Did you know coffee contains lots of antioxidants which slow signs of aging on your skin, joints, heart and brain? It is Colombian offers only the best quality Specialty Coffee beans, which contain much more antioxidants than mass-produced coffees. Only the ripe beans are selected, by hand, medium-roasted to preserve the nutrients. Cold brew your coffee and mix it in your coffee-tini smoothie before your daily workout! Sign up now for a free coffee sample and recipe on www.ItIsColombian.com Free Delivery in Hong Kong

ST FR U EE FF !

GIVEAWAYS visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!

WIN: A free-flow brunch for two at Red Sugar, Kerry Hotel

For a grown-up brunch with stunning harbour views, we just can’t get enough of Kerry Hotel’s Red Sugar bar’s new semibuffet brunch looking out on their gorgeous outdoor terrace. The free-flow drinks package includes champagne, cocktails, bellinis and a build-your-own bloody mary counter. After grazing on the appetiser bar, pick from one of four mains, including miso cod, mushrooms in puff pastry, challans duck breast or wagyu beef cheek, before hitting the indulgent dessert display featuring boozy liquid nitro ice cream. We have a free-flow set for two to give away, worth $1,276. www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry.

WIN: a personal shopping and styling Session with My French Elegance Ever fancied a helping hand with your sense of style? Or perhaps you want to get out of activewear but you’re not sure how? Style consultancy My French Elegance offers a four-hour consultation and personal shopping experience that includes a body and colour analysis, as well as style and fashion advice to help you create a new look that perfectly matches your body, personality, goals and budget. We have one session to give away, valued at $4,800 (excluding shopping fees).

WIN: A gourmet sakura shortbread and tea gift set from The Peninsula Boutique Celebrate the start of spring with this beautiful sakura-infused gift set from The Peninsula Boutique. Comprising sakura shortbread and gourmet tea bags, it’s a real treat for your afternoon tea break. The set is valued at $490 and we have five to give away. peninsulaboutique.com.

www.myfrenchelegance.com. 18

Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before April 28 to win!

Cover Story

Well Weekends There’s nothing like a wellness getaway to reset and recharge. But if you can’t spare a week or a long-haul flight, here are a few nearby spots you can get to in less than three hours, that’ll get you feeling fab in three days or less. By Zoe Belhomme and Sarah Fung

Cover Story

FOR A TRULY TAILORED EXPERIENCE

Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai Looking to get healthy in serious style? The Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai has developed a range of wellness programmes, ranging from one to seven nights, to get guests in the best physical and mental shape of their lives. There are five itineraries available: detox, rejuvenation, stress management, mini bootcamp, and golf & spa, each with a specific goal in mind. For example, the three-day de-stress programme combines hatha yoga, meditation, yoga nidra, a whopping five spa treatments, a bike tour, PT session and a healthy lunch, to get you feeling seriously zen. After a full day of pampering, you can retreat to your luxe private treetop villa and meditate or read in your sala, overlooking the Mae Rim valley’s lush green rice paddies. Prices for rooms start at THB 48,000, plus taxes. www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai.

FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH

The Farm, The Philippines Hidden within the Batangas hinterlands, The Farm is an award-winning wellness sanctuary set on a 49-hectare coconut plantation. With several accommodation options at a range of price points, The Farm offers guests an impressive selection of holistic wellness treatments developed by leading medical doctors, nutritionists, fitness trainers and yoga practitioners. If guests haven’t signed up for a specific package, they can have a consultation session when they arrive to decide which treatments they’d benefit from most. From colon hydrotherapy and vitamin infusions, to harmonising and relaxing spa treatments, this resort aims to be a one-stop wellness solution to help combat the stresses of city life. But If you’re just after a bit of R&R, The Farm’s daily schedule of free activities, including yoga, HIIT and walking tours will be sure to keep you entertained between dips in the pool. Getting to The Farm is extremely easy (although be prepared for traffic coming out of Manila) with frequent and cheap daily flights between Hong Kong and the Philippine capital. www.thefarmatsanbenito.com. 21

Cover Story

FOR CULTURE AND EXPLORATION

Navutu Dreams, Siem Reap Set in 1.5 hectares of tropical gardens, the 28room Navutu Dreams resort offers affordable luxury with a wellness twist. Just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the historic temples of Angkor Wat and only 15 minutes from the airport, this cosy resort is a great spot for exploring Siem Reap between spa and yoga sessions, made even easier by the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tuk tuk, which is at your disposal for the duration of your stay. Offering both yoga and treatment-focused retreats, guests short on time can opt for the three-night Yoga Holiday break 22

(from US$565++) that includes accommodation, breakfast, three group yoga classes, two spa treatments at the Honeycomb spa, three organic meals, two holistic healing treatments and your choice of either a private yoga class or body work session. Feeling stressed? The Detox for the Mind package (US$755.00++) includes accommodation, five daily wellness-focused activities, including meditation, yoga, shiatsu, a health consultation and much more. navutudreams.com.

Cover Story

FOR GETTING BACK TO NATURE

Phu Chaisai, Chiang Rai One of Northern Thailand’s original wellness retreats, a 40-minute drive from Chiang Rai International Airport, Phu Chaisai is tucked away in the Doi Mae Salong Mountains. An eco-retreat before it was trendy, this low-key resort was constructed from bamboo by the founder, one of Thailand’s leading interior designers who fell in love with the area’s gorgeous forest location and fresh air. Stay in a luxurious appointed bamboo cottage with soft furnishings supplied by local hill tribes; dine on simple Thai, Burmese and western dishes using ingredients grown on the resort’s own organic farm; and take time out at the Bamboo spa. The 800-acre site is ripe for exploration, with reservoirs and waterfalls onsite, Mongolian horse trekking, visits to tea plantations, guided or solo hikes, and private yoga classes all available. www.phu-chaisai.com.

FOR EAST MEETS WEST PRACTICES

Amanoi, Vietnam Set on the dramatic coastline of Vietnam’s Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi places health and wellness at the forefront. In addition to an 11,000-square-foot spa, the resort also has two beautiful spa houses that provide guests with their own specialist therapists and wellness experts, as well as private spa facilities in the convenience of their own pavilion. Think a spacious double treatment room, Jacuzzi, steam room ice-fountain and cold plunge pool. Amanoi’s extensive wellness menu combines traditional Eastern techniques and principles such as Watsu, Reiki, acupressure, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Chi Nei Tsang with the more energetic elements of Western fitness such as pilates, kickboxing and TRX, to create unique wellness programmes that help guests achieve measurable goals over a condensed period of time. Immersion programmes run for a minimum of three nights (but guests have been known to stay for up to three weeks) and are completely customisable so they’re ideal when you only have a long weekend to spare and you need to see results. It’s easy to get to as well, with four weekly flights to Nha Trang on HK Express. amanoi.com.

Cover Story

FOR FULL WELLNESS IMMERSION

Kamalaya, Koh Samui OK, this flight might be a few minutes over three hours, but you can still reap the benefits of one of their programmes over a long weekend. Kamalaya is considered one of the pioneers of wellness retreats in Asia and offers guests a premium holistic wellness experience. The tranquil resort is 45 minutes from Koh Samui Airport, on the Southeastern side of the island, and boasts an impressive range of immersive packages. From programmes that aim to restore your body and mind, through to detox, fitness and yoga plans that focus on fitness, Kamalaya specifically tailors exercise, treatments and food to the needs of each guest. But don’t expect too much lazing around the pool; the resident practitioners, personal trainers and therapists keep guests to a meticulously planned holistic wellness schedule so that results are optimised. Kamalaya is also well known for its delicious cuisine and healthy drinks so this isn’t a place you’ll go hungry. Most programmes are designed to last for five to seven days, although some, such as the Relax & Renew, the Introduction to Detox and the Personal Yoga Synergy, can be completed in just three days. www.kamalaya.com.

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FOR A REALLY QUICK GETAWAY

Mandarin Oriental Macau Macau might not be your first port of call when it comes to taking a wellness break, but The Mandarin Oriental is enhancing its healthy offerings this year with a series of visiting practitioners. On April 10-20, the hotel will host Dr Buathon Theinarrom (also known as Dr. B) and Dominique Lonchant, a pranayama breathing coach. The founder of the Sukkasart Institute of Healing Arts in Thailand, Dr. B’s signature treatments incorporate elements of Taoism, sound healing, Tibetan medicine and more to enhance your sense of wellbeing. The overnight package is $4,500++ and includes a night’s accommodation, breakfast, a 60-minute spa treatment, and a holistic wellness journey that includes a 60-minute pranayama breathing class, a 75-minute “Resting your Mind” session with Dr. B, and your choice of a 75-minute ZenNaTai treatment with Dr. B, or a Pranic healing treatment with Dominique. Plus, you’ll enjoy healthy snacks, a wellness express lunch, and a healthy set dinner. A day-pass without accomodation is also available at $2,400. The MO Macau will be running regular retreats through the year so keep your eyes peeled for more events. www.mandarinoriental.com/macau

Chemical-free skincare, the purest formulations GLOHS is a Hong Kong based, high quality, natural and organic skincare and health line, freshly handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness. Founded in 2016, we aim to formulate effective products to our clients, with every active ingredient meticulously researched, extraction methods scrutinised to ensure topical potency. We also strive to play our part to educate the Hong Kong public about firstly the harm of chemicals and preservatives around us, as well as the many benefits of natural herbs, minerals and essential oils.

THE CULTURE OF JEWELLERY AT

AUSTY LEE

The talented Hong Kong jewellery designer draws inspiration from art history and eastern philosophy for his one-of-a-kind creations.

hough it’s been established for just one year, Austy Lee Art Jewellery has already made a splash in the jewellery world for its one-of-a-kind pieces

that fuse wild colours, fantastical designs and Buddhist symbolism, using green and purple jade, emeralds, pink diamonds, tourmaline and other jewels in intricate, whimsical settings. Previously the head designer for haute jewellery brand Wendy Yue, Austy Lee has supplied show-stopping jewels for the likes of Michelle Obama, Madonna, Katy Perry and Sarah Jessica Parker. Last April he decided to branch out on his own with a petite boutique on Queen’s Road. A talented illustrator, Austy is well known in the jewellery world for his detailed, colourful sketches that bring his designs to life, and while his latest-ready-towear collection focuses on brilliant greens, personalised commissions are welcome and start at just US$3,000. “I want to know more about my customers, why they want me to design jewellery for them, and what they want the jewellery for. After an initial consultation, my

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ﬁrst sketches are ready after one week, and once approved,

or engagement bands for couples that want something differ-

the ﬁnal piece will be ready in three weeks,” he says.

ent to the traditional solitaire. “these pieces are inspired by

Austy has his own factory here in Hong Kong, working

Yin and Yang - they’re an expression of harmony, of heaven

closely with the master craftsmen to ensure they they execute

and earth,” explains Austy. “we set each half of the band

his visions. With no additional design fees, Austy is passion-

with different coloured stones, so if you want to change your

ate about making his work accessible. “I want everyone to

look, all you have to do is twist the ring.”

be able to enjoy my jewellery,” he says. “I want everyone

Harmony and balance is a big part of Austy’s work. “My

to have something they can treasure.” For clients with old

designs are gender-neutral; I want them to have a balance

jewellery that they no longer wear, Austy Lee also offers a

of masculine and feminine energy,” he says. “Many of my

resetting service, giving a new lease of life to outdated pieces clients also say that my pieces bring them good luck!” or heirloom stones.

In addition to jewellery design, Austy is also a lecturer

For ﬁne jewellery, Austy’s designs are signiﬁcantly cheap-

at Baptist University, and hopes to reignite a respect for the

er than big brands. For instance, an exquisite tourmaline in a

creative arts among his students. “There are not many new

diamond-studded square setting would sell in a mainstream

designers coming out of Hong Kong; here, we just see and

store for more than $70,000; at Austy Lee, it can be bought

copy, and try to create generic pieces that sell well. I want

for $21,000.

my students to understand art history, the history of jewellery.

For something more suited to day-to-day life, Austy’s Lee’s

Only then will they be able to create something

diamond bands start at $9,000 and are popular as wedding truly original.” Shop A, G/F, Kam On Building, 176 Queen's Road Central, 2388-0212, austyleeartjewellery.com

Burgers

Dem Buns Tho Long considered the flavourless afterthought of the burger world, veggie burgers have shaken off their “sad patty” status and are now crafted with just as much care and attention as their meat-based brethren. Here’s a few of our favourites. By Zoe Belhomme.

BEAT THE MEAT The Butchers Club Burger has been serving the Beyond Burger, a deliciously convincing meat-free patty developed in Silicone Valley, for a while now. This innovative burger is served with a slice of beetroot in lieu of bacon, vegan cheddar, tomato, pickles, vegan mayonnaise and caramelised onions. Building on its popularity, the team has now come up with a new Korean-inspired creation: The Beyond Wu Tang-Style burger ($120). Available until the end of April, the burger includes creamy (vegan!) Just Mayo, vegan kimchi, vegan cheese, and of course the burger itself, fried in Sriracha for an extra kick. Available at Butcher’s Club Burger outlets citywide, including 82 Stanley St., Central, thebutchers.club.

Burgers

JUST BEET IT

MONSTER MASH Hidden away in Sheung Wan, Veggi Monster is a healthy takeaway shop serving plantbased burgers, salads and wraps. We love their innovative Burger in Black, a hearty handmade patty made from organic black beans, minced mushrooms, truffle sauce and quinoa. The flavours are further enhanced with black charcoal bread (hence the name) portobello mushrooms, non-dairy cheese and kale. At $68 it’s also a steal.

If you love the strong, earthy flavour of beetroot, then this is the burger for you. Sandwiched between a sweet, glazed brioche, Beef & Liberty has created a hearty patty with beetroot as the star, bulked up with brown rice, kidney beans and spices such as cumin and chilli. Fresh lettuce gives the burger a crisp bite, and strong, tart goat’s cheese adds a satisfying savoury note. But make sure you have the wet wipes at the ready; eating this burger can be a messy business. The burger on its own costs $82, a side of fries is an additional $30. 3/F California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St., Central www.beef-liberty.com/hk.

G/F, Shop 1B, Cheungs Building, 1 Wing Lok St., Sheung Wan, 2886-0325, www.facebook.com/pg/ veggimonsterhk.

Burgers

MAKE SHROOM Located on Wan Chai’s trendy Sun Street, Honbo is an upmarket burger joint that celebrates local farmers, brewers and artisans. Featuring vegetables harvested in Yuen Long, Honbo’s signature vegan burger ($98) is made with roasted eggplant, mushrooms, pearl barley, cashew nuts and celeriac puree - all pulled together with the restaurant’s custom spice mix. The savoury patty comes between a burger bun topped with black fungus and red onion and a dollop of Honbo’s own sweet and spicy sauce. G/F New Sun House, 6-7 Sun St., Wan Chai, 25678970, www.honbo.hk.

GET THE PATTY STARTED DOUBLE DELIGHT Casual bar/restaurant Morrison has enjoyed high praise for its veggie burger; in 2017 it was voted the city’s best veggie burger by the SCMP. The restaurant’s signature offering features a sesame-seed-topped bun, crunchy salad and a subtly spiced patty made from potatoes, chickpeas and carrots. Riding high on its success, they’ve also added a vegan-friendly falafel burger with crunchy falafel and copious fresh salad ingredients jammed into a sweet, soft bun. A burger and fries combo comes in at a reasonable $98, but for a real bargain, head to Morrison’s on Wednesday night, when it’s buy-one-get-one-free on all burgers and beers. 284 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, 2310-9777, www.morrisonhk.com.

For that all-American fast food flavour, just without the meat, Burger Circus’ veggie burger ($98) should hit the spot. The fiveounce veggie patty, made from minced lentils, corn and mushrooms, comes topped with pickles, tomato, lettuce and miso mayonnaise, sandwiched between a sweet brioche-style bun. The lunch set comes with a generous helping of thick and salty crinkle-cut chips and a freshly-made drink. Our pick? The old-fashioned lemonade for true retro credentials. 22 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2878-7787, www.blacksheeprestaurants.com.

Community

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT:

The HKRU Community Foundation

While the Hong Kong Rugby Union may be best known for organising the Rugby Sevens, it also has a lot of community initiatives, using rugby as a tool to empower disadvantaged groups, including at-risk youths and deaf athletes. Stuart Gunn, HKRU Community Inclusive Participation Manager, tells us more about the foundation and its work.

Tell us about the HKRUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community Foundation and its mission. The foundation was established in 2013 to provide a vehicle to manage the HKRUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various charitable activities. We work with local and international organisations, such as the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Chinese University Department of Social Work, and the British Council, among others, to develop programmes focusing on health, education, disability, juvenile crime, and social inclusion. In the past four years, more than $15 million has been disbursed by the Foundation to improve the lives of Hongkongers through rugby. How do you think sport can improve the lives of underprivileged children? We believe not only that every youngster deserves the right to play sport, but that sport can be a powerful force for good in our society. It creates a level playing field where everyone can feel safe

and confident to interact with other people outside of their normal social circles. That’s why we began the HKRU Community Foundation, a multi-armed initiative to reach out to disadvantaged or at-risk youths in Hong Kong.

Rugby For Good

What are some of your success stories? There are quite a few. The players that spring to mind include Ken Encarnacion. After playing for his school and with Operation Breakthrough, he was selected to represent the Hong Kong Under 20s team at the World Rugby U20s Trophy competition. He has now played in a further three World Rugby U20 tournaments in Zimbabwe, Portugal and Uruguay. Ken’s Operation Breakthrough teammate Fong Kit-fung has gone one better, winning a full international cap for Hong Kong when he played in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series last summer. Winnie Cheung was in the first group of kids from the deaf and hearing-impaired community to get involved in rugby. She now plays for Kowloon in the Women’s Premiership, works full-time for the HKRU Community Foundation and has been selected to take part in the World Deaf Sevens in Sydney later this year.

Highlights of the initiatives offered by the Foundation:

Tell us more about deaf rugby in Hong Kong. We first started a deaf rugby tournament back in 2009 with students from the Lutheran School for the Deaf and Chun Tok School. Since then we have built a relationship with the Hong Kong Association of the Deaf and the Hong Kong Society of the Deaf, and there are around 40 boys and girls training every week. There is also now a regular exchange programme with deaf rugby players in Cambodia, and eight Hong Kong players have been selected to take part in the World Deaf Sevens competition in Sydney later this year. Many people that started learning rugby through the deaf rugby programme have gone on to join domestic rugby clubs and play regularly in the local leagues. How has local outreach in underprivileged areas changed the rugby landscape in Hong Kong? We are seeing a more diverse group of players joining local rugby clubs. Non-ethnic Chinese students, men and women from the deaf and hearing-impaired community, and youngsters from low income families are all being welcomed by rugby clubs all over Hong Kong.

• A prison outreach program at the Cape Collinson Young Offenders’ Institute • The “Rugby English Actionv Learning” programme, that uses rugby as a medium to encourage English literacy among local primary school students. • The “Don’t Drop the Ball” project in the New Territories. Part of “Operation Breakthrough,” partnering with the Police Crime Prevention Bureau, the Police Rugby Club and Standard Chartered to reach out to at-risk youths. • The “Hong Kong’s Rugby Spirit” programme that runs in 75 local primary schools, that aims to teach children the core values of “Perseverance,” “Respect for Others,” “Responsibility,” “National Identity,” “Commitment,” “Integrity” and “Care for Others,” as outlined by the Education Bureau. • The Foundation also has an ongoing Apprentice program, which sees talented youngsters who have come through Operation Breakthrough, Prison Rugby and Deaf Rugby projects offered 12-month contracts with HKRU. During their apprenticeship, they receive mentoring and support as well as the opportunity to attend training courses to help equip them for a future career in the sports industry. Learn more about the HKRU Community Foundation: hkrugby.com/pages/community.

Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

Five-Spice Tofu And Pickled Vegetable Salad By Danielle Pieta Graham, author of "On the Table at Home" Serves four Light and fresh with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, this salad is a perfect light meal or appetiser on a hot day.

INGREDIENTS: • 1 small carrot, finely julienned • 1/2 daikon (white radish), finely julienned • 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tbsp dried wakame (seaweed), rehydrated in cold water for five minutes • 1 Japanese or 1/2 telegraph • 200g five-spice flavoured cucumber, deseeded and firm tofu (or other flavoured finely julienned tofu of choice), thinly sliced • 1 tsp white sugar

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

DRESSING: • 1 tsp finely grated ginger

• 2 tsp white sugar

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS:

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES

1. To pickle the vegetables: put the carrot, daikon, salt and sugar in a bowl and mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes. Drain the vegetables and discard the liquid. Set aside the pickled vegetables. 2. To toast the sesame seeds: heat a small, dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and cook for 30-60 seconds, shaking the pan regularly, until light brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. To make the dressing: put the ginger, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, sesame oil and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside. 4. Add the cucumber, wakame and tofu to the pickled vegetables and toss well to combine. Add the dressing and mix well. 5. Divide the salad between four plates and scatter over the toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Get more healthy recipes by buying "On the Table at Home" online at onthetableathome.com or in major bookstores citywide. The book is in support of the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital Healthy Lifestyle Fund.

Pamper

READY SET GLOW with Rachel Read

GOODIES GRACIOUS ME I bring you yet more green beauty shopportunities with the launch of another shiny new Hong Kong e-store, Oh My Goodies. Dedicated to products that inspire mindful healthy living, Oh My Goodies is currently home to two boutique natural beauty brands: Ania from Singapore, and Conscious Coconut from the States. The selection is pretty small right now with only five products available, but they look like they’re good ‘uns; Conscious Coconut’s travel-sized tube of certified-organic, cold-pressed coconut oil is a multi-tasking marvel (its suggested uses include lip balm, make-up remover, body moisturiser, shaving cream and cuticle treatment), whilst Ania’s similarly all-natural African-inspired range includes a lightweight Argan Hydrating Cream and refreshing Rose Immortelle Facial Mist. Products range from $185-300; shipping in Hong Kong is free for orders over $400 ($40 otherwise), www.ohmygoodieshk.com.

Pamper

ALL THAI-ED UP Ring in Songkran, aka Thai New Year, with the Thai Songkran Spa Retreat at Hotel ICON’s Angsana Spa. This indulgent treatment includes an invigorating 30-minute Thai perfume body scrub (plus a fabulous rain-style shower in your spa suite) that leaves your skin feeling insanely silky-smooth; then it’s onto a super-relaxing 60-minute fusion body massage, which melts away all manner of aches, pains, stiffness and stress thanks to a potent blend of Thai and Swedish massage techniques. I’d been suffering with some persistent muscular niggles and twinges over the past few months, which magically melted away thanks to the healing hands (and some nifty assisted stretching!) of my therapist. Factor in some soothing cups of ginger tea and Angsana Spa’s lovely tranquil vibe, and this was the most relaxed I’ve felt in months. Thai Songkran Spa Retreat costs $1,200 and is available until April 30. Angsana Spa, 9/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui East, 3400-1052, www.hotel-icon.com.

MOROCCAN MAGIC We’ve all heard by now about the miraculous properties of Moroccan argan oil - but the Middle Eastern country actually has plenty of other skincare saviours up its sleeve. You might have spotted Nectarome goodies at some of the city’s pop-up fairs in the past, but thanks to their new Hong Kong e-commerce site Close2Origin, it’s easier than ever to get your mitts on their lotions and potions, including their signature soothing Orange Blossom Water, revitalising Honey & Rose Mask, exfoliating Lavender Mineral Salts… and yes, of course, certified-organic argan oil. The whole range is based around traditional Moroccan beauty recipes and ingredients, which have been reworked with modern scientific know-how, without the addition of parabens, paraffin, phthalates and toxic solvents. Cruelty-free, the brand is also committed to providing work opportunities for women from Morocco’s Ourika region. Products range from $280-580; shipping in Hong Kong is free for orders over $500 ($40 otherwise), www.close2origin.com. Rachel Read is a freelance writer, editor and co-founder of writing agency Editors’ Ink (www.editorsinkhk.com); she also has her own lifestyle blog, Through The Looking Glass (www. rachttlg.com) where she reviews beauty, food and whatever else she can think of. Follow her on Instagram too @rachttlg.

Travel

THE GALLE OF IT Explore Sri Lanka’s Galle Fort on foot, and you’ll find a treasure trove of art, culture and delicious cuisine. By Caryn Yap 38

Travel

Poonie's Kitchen

ew destinations really have it all. If you want to admire crystal-clear tropical seas, you might have to sacrifice top-quality dining. If you’re after a shopping and spa trip, you may miss out on seeing some historic architecture. Yet, incredibly, Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has all of this and more. Perched on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese as a military outpost in Sri Lanka. A few decades later the Dutch took over and expanded the town, filling it with grand colonial buildings with soaring ceilings and expansive verandas. But the colonial history doesn’t end there - the British took control in 1796 and held on until 1948, when Sri Lanka gained independence. All of this can be seen on a tour of the fort’s ramparts, which can easily be explored on foot. Over one side of the wall, you see into the town itself and can admire the impressive colonial architecture. On other side, there’s nothing but the Indian Ocean. You’re likely to work up an appetite walking around the fort, and luckily there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. For a light and healthy lunch, Poonie’s Kitchen is a must. Owned by former Hong Kong residents, Jo Eden and her husband, all their ingredients either come from their own farm or from organic farmers in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Don’t leave without trying the Thali Salad, which is made up of different types of vegetables, fruits and seeds depending on what’s fresh that day. The freshly pressed juices and smoothies go perfectly with the food, all of which are made from fruit grown in Jo’s own garden.

Stick No Bills

SHOP LOCAL As Galle was a trading centre for hundreds of years, it’s perhaps not surprising that it’s home to some fascinating stores. Fans of fashion and design should make a beeline for Barefoot, the brainchild of designer Barbara Sansoni. Barefoot stocks a huge variety of brightly coloured, locally-woven fabrics and clothes, as well as a range of crafts that are all made in Sri Lanka. Products in Barefoot are made almost exclusively by women, many of whom work in small workshops set up by Sansoni that are dotted around the Sri Lankan countryside. Couriers zip between these workshops and Barefoot, so the craftswomen don’t have to spend long hours travelling away from their work and families. Just a few metres from Barefoot is Stick No Bills Poster Gallery, a gallery and store selling rare travel posters dating from the late 1800s through to the early 1980s. The store has the world’s largest selection of travel posters of Sri Lanka, including multiple rare prints from before 1972, when Sri Lanka was still called Ceylon. Alongside all these vintage posters, Stick No Bills also designs and prints its own travel posters of Sri Lanka and stocks an array of postcards. A portion of the proceeds go towards numerous eco, conservation and humanitarian projects in Sri Lanka including the Sri Lankan Wildlife Conservation Society, the Galle Heritage Foundation, the Clarendon Foundation’s “Children with Cancer” project and many other worthwhile charities.

Travel

The Baths at Amangalla

produce. The chefs change the menu daily but it’s likely to feature locally-caught fish and traditional Sri Lankan curries. Yellowfin tuna is abundant in the waters surrounding Galle, so opt for that if it’s on the menu. Make sure you save space for dessert and walk over to Isle of Gelato which showcases Sri Lanka’s fresh fruits and local spices, It’s the only gelateria in the country to make all its ice creams and sorbets from scratch without using any additional colourings or flavourings - not even natural essences. I loved the zesty orange and cardamon gelato and watermelon and mint sorbetto, but for something really special, try one of the gelatos created in collaboration with award-winning Chef Peter Kuruvita - the creamy Golden Milk Sorbet, a mixture of turmeric and coconut milk; the jackfruit sorbet; or the apple wood sorbet made using local fruits -all three of these flavours are suitable for vegans.

Barefoot

SPA TIME After you’ve bought all your souvenirs, take a much-needed break at The Baths at Amangalla. Sri Lanka is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments and the spa at Amangalla combines the ancient traditions of Ayurveda with the luxury of the Aman. After a consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor to check my “dosha,” the doctor recommended I try the Shirodhara treatment to help my insomnia and bring my body back to harmony. A continuous, rhythmic flow of bespoke medicated warm oil was poured onto my pineal gland (third eye) and then slowly moved across my forehead for half an hour which was followed by a relaxing Ayurvedic head massage focusing on my marma points to stabilise my nervous system. An added bonus was that the oil was extremely nourishing for my hair too.

The Fort Printers

DINNER AND DESSERT For dinner, check out local institution, The Fort Printers, a boutique hotel set in an 18th century mansion at the centre of the fort. Over the past two centuries, the building has been a Buddhist school, a branch of the bank of Ceylon and a printing press, which was active until 2002. Now, the mansion houses 13 luxurious suites and a restaurant that’s famous for its seafood, which is either line-caught locally or from sustainable sources in the north of the country, and locally-sourced organic 40

Isle of Gelato

GETTING THERE Cathay Pacific and Sri Lankan Airlines both fly to Colombo daily. Check out cathaypacific.com and srilankan.com for rates.

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NEW YORK MARATHON Char ting a course through New York’s five boroughs and across the city’s landmark bridges, the marathon begins on Staten Island and ends in Central Park. With a supportive crowd lining the way and the satisfaction of soaking up The Big Apple’s one-off vibe, running the TCS New York Marathon is bound to be the race of your life.

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• Guaranteed entry to the marathon • 3 nights accommodation at The Row NYC Hotel

BERLIN MARATHON Charting a course through New York’s five boroughs and across the city’s landmark bridges, the marathon begins on Staten Island and ends in Central Park. With a supportive crowd lining the way and the satisfaction of soaking up The Big Apple’s one-off vibe, running the TCS New York Marathon is bound to be the race of your life.

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• Guaranteed entry to the marathon • 3 nights accommodation at Melia Berlin with daily breakfastl • transfer to the start line

• transfer to the start line

• meet & greet function

• pre-marathon dinner

• post-marathon celebratory drinks

• post-marathon celebratory drinks and official merchandise.

For any more informations, call + 852 2830 2818 | email active@flightcentre.com.hk | visit flightcentre.com.hk Terms & conditions apply, visit our website www.flightcentre.com.hk for full details.Written quote must be presented prior to booking. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Prices are per person in HKD, exclude taxes & subject to availability, and only applicable when two people are travelling together. Prices are correct at time of print and subject to change without notice. Flight Centre (Hong Kong) Limited trading as Flight Centre.Travel Agent licence no. 350062

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

TIME TO REVIVO We’re always looking for an excuse to revisit Bali - and new REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort might be just the ticket. Dedicated to holistic wellbeing, this breezy getaway opened in March on the sandy shores of relaxing Nusa Dua. You’ll find everything you need for a healthy holiday: a lap pool, yoga barn, TRX, HIIT, boxing equipment, meditation room, Balinese spa, organised wellness programmes, and NŪTRIŌ restaurant, which serves up organic and seasonal Balinese cuisine. If you’re hoping to meet other like-minded travelers, book a wellness retreat. The signature Emotional Balance and Mind Training, for example, combines a mix of yoga, reiki, chakra balancing, breathing and personal training sessions to promote physical and mental healing. From $25,360 for five nights, full board. Jl Desa Sawangan, Benoa, Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62-361-3011011, www.revivoresorts.com. 42

ANTIPODEAN ADVENTURES If you’re looking to unplug for a week, all you have to do is book a flight to New Zealand. With new direct links from Hong Kong to Christchurch via Cathay Pacific, it’s easier than ever to swing a week on the South Island, where you’ll have your pick of outdoor adventures. One day you’ll be hiking around Arthur’s Pass, the next up to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. From there, you can ogle at the the Milky Way from Earth & Sky observatory on Lake Tekapo, then cap it all off with an impossibly scenic Cessna flight to the Milford Sound. Located on the southernmost tip of the South Island, the surreal Fiordland landscape has lent itself to many films, including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogy, Jurassic Park: The Lost World and the upcoming Mission: Impossible 6. cathaypacific.com.

Travel

INCOMING: THE DATAI LANGKAWI Sitting on the northern tip of Malaysia’s lush Langkawi Island, The Datai Langkawi is set to emerge from a US$60 million makeover this July. At the hands of award-winning Paris-based design studio DL2A, the new look will showcase expanded spa facilities, the new five-bedroom Datai Estate and fresh interiors throughout. First opened nearly 25 years ago, the natureoriented estate transports travelers into a 10 million-year-old virgin rainforest, where eight Rainforest Pool Villas dot the Datai River. These wood-clad residences come complete with private pools and pretty wooden decks. Meanwhile, beach lovers will find refuge at one of the light-filled Beach Villas overlooking Datai Bay. While you’re there, don’t miss the brand new Nature Centre. In this traditional bamboo building, you’ll get to quiz the hotel’s resident naturalists and marine biologist, learn about medicinal teas, and experiment with mini laboratories for an educational experience. From $4,704. Jln Teluk Datai, 7000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia, +60-4-950-0500, www.thedatai.com.

Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert who contributes to Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, CNN, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. Follow her travels on Instagram @katespringer. Send travel news to kate@kate-springer.com

Hong Kong

Osteopathic

Association

AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO PREVENTING AND TREATI A NG INJURY ATI Knee, leg and ankle inj n uries nj Hip and pelvic injuries Shoulder, rr, elbow and wri ris ri ist injuri njur es njuri Neck and back stra r ins ra

OSTEOPATHY + SPORT Y can find your local Osteopath You on the directory of the association. www.osteopathy.org.hk

Macau

MACAU

News and deals from our sister SAR

THE TING IS... Open since 2004, Ting Ting Café is nothing new to us locals, but it’s a hidden healthy gem that many people don’t know about. An often overlooked vegetarian foodie option, it offers everything from healthy smoothies and freshly squeezed juices to several kinds of homemade veggie burgers, as well as breakfast, brunch and lunch at reasonable prices. The green kiosk is located right in the centre of the park at Praca de Jorge Alvares near New YaoHan - you can "grab and go" or enjoy your meal alfresco on the tables nearby. Opening hours are below, but if the burgers sell out (which they usually do), they close early. Praca de Jorge Alvares, Macau. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm; Sat 9:30am-7pm. +853-6387-7345.

SCALE UP On April 28, The Parisian Macao will hold the city’s first-ever vertical race up to the 37th top floor of its iconic Eiffel Tower to raise money for the Macau Special Olympics. All runners are welcome to participate in this great cause, from professional athletes to weekend warriors ready to scale Macau’s Eiffel Tower for charity. parisianmacao.com/light-thenight-run.

VIVA LA VIDA If you love living healthy in Macau, you definitely will have encountered Mana Vida, the non-profit group dedicated to sharing health awareness with the Macau community through fun events. The organisation is celebrating its one-year anniversary with “Sweat For Others” - a day-long wellness event at the Sheraton Grand Macao on April 21. Free for all to attend, there will be fitness classes, workshops, talks, team building and healthy snacks all day long. 8am-5pm, Sheraton Grand Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai. For more details, call +8536652-0872 or visit www.facebook.com/ manavidateam.

Sally Victoria Benson grew up in Macau and is the publisher of macaulifestyle.com, the city's leading lifestyle platform. She's passionate about sharing Macau's hidden healthy side and everything happening in the city.

Family

FIT FAM

with Kate Farr

This month we’re embracing dirt while overcoming obstacles, learning more about raising the families of the future, and revolutionising every aspect of parenting, from nap time to nappy change.

HOP, STEP AND JUMP Stain remover at the ready! the Spartan Race is back on Saturday April 14. This epic obstacle race offers super-active kids the chance to run, jump, clamber, crawl across challenging courses that range from 500 metres up to two kilometres in length. Suitable for kids from four to 13 years old, there are both open and competitive events, plus tees, medals and headbands for everyone who takes part. Costs: $480-580, depending on course. For more information and to enrol, visit spartanrace.hk.

FUTURE PERFECT Exploring parenting research and strategies, as well as the evolving nature of technology and its impact on our kids, the Raising The Future seminar series is a must for any parent interested in understanding how their children tick. This week-long programme of events enlists the expertise of educators, industry leaders, nutrition experts, and leading child psychologist Dr Louise Porter, to explore the nature of 21st century childrearing, and how best to support our kids as they enter a rapidlychanging world. $480 per event. For more information and to book visit eventbrite.hk.

APPY FAMILIES Proving that there’s an app for just about everything out there, Joey is a new journal and digital assistant that helps busy parents and other caregivers stay on top of family tasks round the clock. Instantly logging breast and bottle feeds, pumping, naps, medication and even nappy changes into a series of colourful and user-friendly screens, it’s also easy to add photos to notes, which are then shared securely via the app. Joey also includes helpful reminders and notifications that can be tailored to each user, making it ideal for working parents, or those who travel often, to keep in touch with their kiddo. Auxilia, the brains behind the app, are currently hard at work developing a full range of integrated family technology, which will soon turn the Joey suite into a full one-stop family hub. Free to download via iTunes, with an Android version launching soon. For more information visit joeyforparents.com

Kate Farr is the co-founder of writing and editing agency Editors’ Ink (editorsinkhk.com). She also blogs about Hong Kong family life at Accidental Tai-Tai (accidentaltaitai.com). Send your family health news to kate@editorsinkhk.com

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CAN’T LIV WITHOUT

 Where I work out: I do a mix of PT and group fitness classes. I train with Denmark Robles at 121 Fitness, and for group classes I am a big fan of The Ring (for boxing) and F45 Wan Chai (for group classes).

 What I'm listening to: Being a big fan of rap and hip-hop, I am currently listening to Culture II by Migos and anything by Meek Mill.

 My grooming essential: Tom Ford cologne. I bring it everywhere with me.

 My favourite workout gear: Nike - because they offer the best variety in workout clothing.

 My favourite app: Instagram is my go-to app for checking out new trends and staying upto-date with all my friends and people that influence me.

Charlie Temple Dividing his time between Hong Kong and Manila, Charlie Temple is a gym consultant and the owner of Platinum Fitness gym chain in The Philippines.

 My favourite workout song: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill

 My guilty pleasure: Sift’s red velvet cupcake. I purposely try to avoid Prince’s Building so I’m not tempted.

 Number-one item on my bucket list: To finish the Gobi Desert Race. I am planning to do it in 2019 with a team of friends to raise money for disadvantaged children.

 What health means to me:

 Where I go to get pampered:

Health to me means living a happy and positive life. Working out and staying healthy gives you a positive outlook on life because you feel and look your best.

I go to Gentlemen’s Tonic for haircut and shave. For facials i go to Skin Laundry for their 15-minute laser facial, and every now and again I will go to the Four Seasons for a full facial.

 Last plane trip I took:

I am currently reading “The Art of Happiness” by Howard C. Cutler, which was recommended by a good friend of mine.

To Manila, to secure the site for my third gym there, Platinum Fitness.

 What I'm reading right now:

 What I always have in my fridge: I never eat at home, so the only thing i keep in my fridge is Fiji Water and almond milk.