Editor’s Letter

I’m writing this editor’s letter from the snowy peaks of Whistler, British Columbia. Over the next few days, I’ll be subjecting myself to a slew of snowprefixed activities, such as snowboarding, snowshoeing and, the best of them all, snowangel-ing. While many around me might complain about the sub-zero temperatures and endless snowfall, I’m actually feeling pretty good about it. Yes, my right thumb periodically loses all sensation when we’re outside, and yes, I’m wearing every single pair of socks I brought with me so walking five minutes is just about bearable.

But I’ve always loved being outside, even in the winter. I consider myself very lucky to come from this part of the world, and memories of heading to the mountains for a weekender on the slopes always brings me to a happy place. That’s no coincidence, as I found out when I started to write our cover story about nature prescriptions. Being outdoors has so many beneficial effects on our physical and mental health that doctors here in BC (as well as around the world) are starting to prescribe their patients time in nature as a form of medical treatment. Learn more about the trend on p.20.

Did you know Taiwan has one of the highest rates of reported vegetarianism in the world? If you’re in the mood for a healthy weekend away, Taipei is just a quick 1.5-hour flight away and offers meditation centres, yoga retreats, hiking trails and plant-based dining options galore. Read more about that on p.38.

We also rounded up our favourite daily planners (to get organised) on p.30 and lash bars (to get fab) on p.36, hopefully helping you all feel and look your best as you go into the Year of the Rat. Gong hey fat choi, everyone! SNOW PLACE LIKE HOME

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Zoe Belhomme gets crafty with her favourite art clubs and classes for children on p.46.

Kate Springer thinks outside the heart-shaped bonbon box, with unique romantic travel adventures on p.42.

Sarah Fung has an eyeopening experience in the city’s best eyelash bars on p.36.

Sally Victoria Benson tries a decadent chocolate spa treatment and Macau’s hottest new pastry spot on p.44.

Erin Hale finds Taipei has a hidden health & wellness culture to explore on p.38.

CARLA THOMAS EDITOR

ON THE COVER Model: Jasmine Nunns Photographer: Lemontea Photography

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PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON SENIOR SALES MANAGER ANSHU RIJHWANI EDITOR CARLA THOMAS WRITER ZOE BELHOMME SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, ERIN HALE, SALLY VICTORIA BENSON PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN