Liv Magazine February 2018 by Liv Media Limited

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

Take a Hike

Hong Kong Island’s best trails

Fitness for All

Free workouts at the new Vitality Park

A Safe Haven?

How Justice Centre Hong Kong protects the city’s asylum seekers

Acai Acai Baby

New bowl cafe opens in Wan Chai

Twist and Shout

Inside our first Movement class

Let’s Talk Trash Your foolproof guide to going (almost) zero-waste

WIN sustainable accessories and beauty treats on p.18!

FEBRUARY LIV | LIV | NEWS STORIES 05 Editor’s Letter

06 Wishlist

20 Waste Not, Want Not

08 It’s a Date

26 Take a Hike

10 Hot Right Now

30 Charity Spotlight

12 Fresh Cuts

LIV | MORE

Lovely things we want right now

Events for your diary

New happenings on the wellness scene

Dining news that’s good for you

14 Cheat Day

Because #YOLO

16 Reviews

Alignment yoga at The Practice

We find out how to reduce waste at home

Hong Kong Island’s best trails

Justice Centre Hong Kong 34

32 Recipe

Honey, lemon and oregano chicken from Feather & Bone

34 Pamper

Our beauty picks for this month

36 Travel

A charitable yoga retreat on the Tibetan Plateau

44 Family

Eco CNY gifts for the kids

50 Can’t Liv Without

Jeanine Hsu, founder of niin

Retail Therapy

WISHLIST

Here's what we're crushing on this month

BLING RING

Add some sparkle with this wild ruby, rubellite and pink sapphire statement ring. $120,000 from Austy Lee Art Jewellery

LIGHT MY FIRE

Score max points this Valentine’s Day with this gorgeous gift crate. $945 (plus $60 delivery to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon) from Floristry at M&L.

TAN-TASTIC

New to Hong Kong, Ril Creed bags are made by Japanese artisans using fashion industry offcuts and sustainable materials to minimise waste. We love the “Romy” leather satchel’s simple geometric design. $2,390 from Ril Creed.

WIPE DOWN

Whether you’re traveling or rushing to a workout, these handy wipes remove makeup, cleanse, tone and moisturise in one go. $24,90 for a pack of 15 from moverorganics.com.

RAINBOW CONNECTION

This eco-friendly tree rubber mat has a microfibre finish that gets grippier the more you sweat. Mention Liv when purchasing and you’ll also get a free foam roller. $349 (orig. $799) from stayfithk.com.

Retail Therapy

VALENTINE GLOW This toner and cream combo makes your skin glow with goodness from damask rose, rose geranium, frankincense essential oils and sea buckthorn extract. The face cream is light enough to be used on your eye area. $980 for the cream and $780 for the toner from glohs.hk.

HOW SWEET

Welcome your CNY visitors with this natural wood candy box. Outside of the festive season, the trays can be removed to be used for dips, condiments and nibbles. $1,080 from Natural Wood.

PINEAPPLE EXPRESS

Looking for something sweet this CNY? These best-selling buttery pineapple pocket pies are filled with a tart, not-too-sweet jam. $135 per box from Cedele.

PANTRY ESSENTIALS

SHAKE YOUR THANG

Abs are made in the kitchen, but we could all do with a little helping hand. This “Core Strength Bundle” includes whey protein, creatine and BCAAs, with a handy shaker to mix it all up. $699 from lushprotein.com.

Hopeless cook? Make life a whole lot easier with “The Kitchen Shelf. It has recipes for dozens of creative dishes using just 10 core ingredients (plus a few more that you can pick up from the store). You’ll be cooking at home in no time. $232 from bookdepository.com.

EDITOR’S LETTER

WASTE NOT

2018 is set to be the year of zero waste. As our planet groans with trash, landfills overflow and oceans become choked in plastic, it is our responsibility to ensure that we keep our waste to a minimum. While there are many simple lifestyle changes we can all make - forgoing plastic straws for example - what does it take to become totally zero waste? We speak to Paola Cortese of LoopUnite! (p.20) for her tips on drastically reducing waste in the home. We love hitting the trails and exploring Hong Kong’s wild side, but it’s not always practical to travel to Lantau or Sai Kung, particularly if you’re only after a short hike. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite walks on Hong Kong Island (p.26), which will give you plenty of weekend inspo until the weather heats up again. This month’s featured charity is Justice Centre Hong Kong (p.30), which works tirelessly to advocate for Hong Kong’s 12,000 asylum seekers. Unable to work and with a less than one percent chance of making a successful claim, many are stuck in legal limbo. We speak to Justice Centre’s executive director to learn more about the organisation’s important work. Seriously stoking our wanderlust this month is Souljourn Yoga (p.36), a non-profit that holds yoga retreats around the world, with a focus to giving back to the commnities where the retreats are held. Next up is a life-changing experience on the Tibetan Plateau, with monastery visits, horse trekking and a whole lot of yoga, all in aid of Educating Girls of Rural China (egrc.ca). Happy new Year of the Dog to all our lovely readers. Woof!

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Looking to reduce your waste? Kate Springer gets her home audited by Hong Kong’s OG of trash reduction, p.20.

Avid hiker Zoe Belhomme gives us her top urban hikes on Hong Kong Island, p.26.

Rachel Read has the goss on Antipodes, the Kiwi besuty brand hitting Watson’s this month, p.34.

The founder of Souljorn yoga retreats, Jordan Ashley tells us all about their upcoming event on the Tibetan Plateau, p.36. Looking for some cute and eco-friendly gifts to help you ring in the Year of the Dog? Kate Farr has you covered, p.44.

ON THE COVER

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SARAH FUNG

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PUBLISHER

tumbler. $225 from The Lion Rock Press (thelionrockpress.

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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 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.

Calendar

IT’S A DATE MAR 3-4

WELLNESS FEST

Wellness festival IRIS: Your Escape returns for another edition this March. This large-scale wellness festival will see thousands descend upon the West Kowloon Nursery Park for a weekend of workouts, yoga classes, meditation and demonstrations, as well as a family zone and a marketplace where you can shop some of the city's bestknown names in wellbeing. Tickets $200 (one day) or $250 (two days). Early bird rates available. West Kowloon Nursery Park, West Kowloon. irisyourescape.com.

BOOK I

APR 14

AROO! FEB 10

RACE FOR LOVE

Rather than opting for a calorific meal this Valentines Day, sign you and your loved one up for Lantau Base Camp’s special 14k romantic trail run. This year there are two race routes to choose from: The Tough Love course comes with lots of hills and stairs, but with rewarding views from Lo Yan Shan on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula. For something a little less strenuous, the 12k Easy Love course still lets you enjoy the scenery but with a mere 400-metre elevation that’ll take you through Lantau’s gentler (but still beautiful) trails. Starting point: 9:30am, Pui O Football Pitch. $450 per team. www.lantaubasecamp.com. 8

Hong Kong’s toughest (but most rewarding!) obstacle race returns for another edition. The 6k Spartan Sprint features more than 20 obstacles and physical challenges that you have to tackle - think scaling walls, crawling through mud and traversing monkey bars - before you can be crowned a true Spartan. Can’t complete a challenge? You’ll be penalised with penalty burpees. Don't say we didn't warn you! $880. Location to be announced. Details at www.spartanrace.hk.

Calendar

FEB 12-MAR 8

DRESS TO IMPRESS

FEB 9-11

HORSING AROUND

After a successful competition in Paris at the end of last year, the second leg of premier show jumping event, The Longines Masters, is coming again to Hong Kong. Watch as top-ranked horses and the world’s most skillful riders tackle the tough indoor courses for big prizes. Tickets include access to one of the competition sessions as well as the event’s lively Prestige Village, which is bursting with entertainment, luxury brands, restaurant pop-ups and a kids club. Asia-World Expo, Lantau. Tickets $230-$1,010 from cityline. com. Use promo code LIV for 15 percent off.

Give your gently worn suits and work attire a new lease of life by donating them to Suits for Success, an organization that helps underprivileged people in Hong Kong enter or even re-enter - the workplace. All businessappropriate clothing for men and women is welcome, from suits and jackets to shirts, dresses, shoes and accessories. With your help, people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to buy smart, work-appropriate clothing will be able to dress for success and nail that interview. To donate, simply drop off your items at any Pure Fitness or Pure Yoga studio between Feb 12 and Mar 8. suitsforsuccesshk.org.

FEB 8

FREE SPIRIT

Mindful Movement is organising Hong Kong's first 80-person mass meditation and music experience in the heart of Central. Held at at contemporary fine art space, La Galerie, Paris 1839, the session will start off with a guided meditation with pranayama and yogic breathing, followed singing bowls to bring you to a meditative state. The evening concludes with performances by music therapists and vocalists. 7pm. G/F 74 Hollywood Rd., Central. Tickets $200 from eventbrite.com.

FEB 10 11 FEB

TAKE TO THE HILLS

Not paired yet up this Valentines Day? Popular dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel, is organising Hong Kong’s second Run Date, just in time for you to meet someone and line up a cosy second date for the 14th! This fun, feel-good event divides participants into pairs (this year there’s a 60-plus category) for a 5k run around the Hong Kong Science Park. The last two kilometres of the route requires runners to complete challenges with their newfound buddy - could a chance meeting blossom into true love?

Entry ranges from $480 for the 12k race up to $630 for the 50k. www.actionasiaevents.com.

RUN FOR LOVE

Action Asia’s MSIG Sai Kung 50 is known as one of Hong Kong’s most gruelling trail running races, and takes place up, down and around the hills of some of Hong Kong’s most dramatic natural scenery. If 50k sounds a bit much there are also 22k and 12k routes, all with generous cut off times, meaning you can even hike the whole way if you want. Races start from Pak Tam Chung Picnic Garden in Sai Kung.

Tickets from $350 via ticketflap.com. 9

Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

Seoul Sisters

Add some Korean flair to your workout wardrobe at K-Style Lab’s two-month pop-up in TST’s K11 mall. Among several new-to-market Korean fashion and accessory brands, you’ll find Athluna, which offers stylish neutrals and ultra-comfy leggings. We love the prices too, which range from $150-$450. Highlights include the oxblood yoga pants paired with a grey top (far right), or the constellation capris (right) for something more out-of-this world. Atrium, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, k-stylelab.com.

PARK LIFE

The Central Harbourfront is set to become the city’s number-one wellness destination with the launch of the AIA Vitality Park. The area near the newly reopened observation wheel is now a free space where the public can get fit and active, either on their own or by taking part in regular free fitness events hosted by local instructors. From tai chi and yoga to dance and HIIT, the park will partner with some of the city’s best studios and instructors to run a weekly schedule of free classes for all ages and abilities. Over the coming months, there are plans to add equipment such as basketballs and skipping ropes that people can borrow. More details and an activity schedule can be found on the website. www.hkow.hk. 10

Cool Stuff

SETTING THE BARRE

Singapore barre studio, WeBarre, makes its debut in Central this month. WeBarre brings together elements of ballet, yoga, Pilates and strength training, and puts them together into an invigorating, high intensity workout. The concept has been brought to Hong Kong by high school besties, Tina and Hairin, who say that the WeBarre system helps to build strength and sculpt the body through graceful, dynamic movements. The result is a leaner body and overall improved posture. The current schedule includes the WeBarre Fundamentals, Signature Multi-Level and HIIT. 13/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49-51 Hollywood Rd., Central, www.webarre.com.

A GREAT NEW FIT

After eight successful years out East, Reebok CrossFit Asphodel has outgrown its old walls and moved into a massive 5,000-square-foot new home in Kennedy Town. the new Asphodel boasts one of the city’s strongest and most qualified teams of specialist CrossFit trainers, and offers coaching and group classes to amateurs and athletes alike. The new facility comes equipped with the latest Rogue equipment, four lifting platforms, an ice bath and spacious changing facilities, plus ample room for stretching and mobility classes. A café is also in the works and the team at Asphodel expect to have this up and running in the next couple of months. G/F, 22 Praya, Kennedy Town, www.crossfitasphodel.com.

FEELING BOOKISH?

We just love this charitable initiative by Swire. Books for Love encourages people to donate their pre-loved books and raise money for several great local children’s charities in the process. Rather than throwing away your favourite reads, donate them at one of 39 collection points across the city between now and March 31. Swire will then sell the used books at just $10 a pop at Artistree in Taikoo Place from April 12-15. The book fair raised more than $600,000 last year, so if you’re doing a big de-cluttering drive before spring hits, now’s your chance to give your old reads a new lease of life. Learn more at facebook.com/booksforlove. 11

Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

ACAI AND CHILL It might still be a bit nippy outside, but that’s no reason not to tuck into a yummy acai bowl. Hidden away on a side street just off Queens Road East is Supabowl, Hong Kong’s first dedicated acai cafe, serving up authentic, antioxidant-rich bowls with an Asian twist. This trendy little hole-in-the-wall is the creation of San Fran-Hong Kong couple, Danny and KK, who came up with the idea after trying the bowls on a trip to Hawaii. Their little kitchen serves up their own take on the classic acai bowl, as well other slightly more unconventional options, including a special base made from luo han guo, a medicinal Chinese fruit that’s perfect for soothing a tickly winter throat. Most bowls come in at $50-$60, which is super reasonable compared to some of the other options out there. And as if we didn’t love these this little gem enough, if you bring your own container they’ll thank you with free toppings! Shop A1, 4 Swatow St., Wan Chai, www.supabowlhk.com.

EASY EATING When you’re trying to eat a bit healthier (and let’s face it: at this time of year, who isn’t?) it’s rather nice to spare yourself those pesky “what on earth am I going to cook tonight?” decisions and instead hand the reins over to the professionals. Eat Now has just launched a freshly prepared meal plan service, delivered directly to your home or office. Far from being boring because they’re good for you (each one has been designed by a qualified nutritionist), they’re also super tasty and full of quality, wholesome ingredients. The menu is freshly prepared each day and changes daily, so there’s no chance of getting bored. We also love that Eat Now offers a catering service with the same ethos, so you can serve your dinner guests a healthier option too! www.eatnowhk.com. 12

Dining

GOING UP The 2018 gym boom More fitness openings than we can count - even nightlife group Buzz Concepts is getting in on the act.

JUST THE TICKET Taking the place of the now sadly gone vegan restaurant, HOME, AHA is spread across two floors and serves up an international menu of healthy proteins and sides, as well as salads, pasta and pizza. Downstairs, AHA is set up for diners to grab and go with paninis, wraps and pressed juices to take back to the office, while upstairs the casual restaurant serves up a freshly prepared menu of hot and cold dishes (including numerous tasty vegan options) from its open kitchen. We really loved AHA’s bento-box ($88) that allows diners to pick and mix from a variety of healthy carbs, proteins and veggies. But if you’re anything like us and don’t care for all that single-use plastic, you’ll be pleased to hear that the restaurant will soon be launching an initiative where you can bring your own containers to help them reduce their plastic waste. G/F, Nexxus Building, 77 Des Voeux Road Central, www.aha-food.hk.

Healthy chuen hups

Sugary sweets and dried fruits are making way for healthier interpretations of the CNY candy box.

Ten-course Valentine’s meals Why sit in a restaurant when you can go on an active date instead? Check out the romantic races and runs on p.8.

Heart-shaped everything Sweet or sappy? Honestly, if it’s made of chocolate, we’ll eat it.

GOING DOWN 13

Say Happy Lunar New Year with Cedele Red Velvet Cake $320 Naturally coloured with red vegetable juice and baked with a subtle hint of chocolate, frosted with a light vanilla cream.

Pandan Ogura Cake $150 Dairy-free, cottony soft & light cake made with unrefined sugar & olive oil. Preservative free. A perfect tea time treat for your guests & family

Chocolate Chip Macadamia $115 Indulge in this decadent, chocolatey cookie with macadamia nuts

Pineapple Pocket Pie $135 Made with buttery crumbly crust and pineapple jam, there’s little wonder this reigns as our alltime bestseller! THE CENTER Shop 2C, Entrance Hall Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road C

ELEMENTS Shop 1026, First Level at Elements 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui

Green Tea Cookies $115 Melt-in-mouth luscious green tea cookies, made with premium Japanese matcha powder

Earl Grey Tea Cookies $115 A citrusy & floral fllo o cookie that’s that tth that’ hat h at perfect with w tea ONE BAY EAST WEST W WE ES ST T 9 ZONE Shop G03, G/F West 9 Zone Unit E6 on the First Floor, Citi Tower, One Bay East, 83 Hoi Bun Road, Kowloon 38 Cherry Street, Kowloon

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

A GREAT SENSE OF HUMMUS A new Middle-Eastern restaurant has opened up on St. Francis Street, and we can’t wait to give it a go! Promising quality mezze and great wines, FRANCIS is set to become the Star Street area’s new after-work hangout. The authentic fare from Israeli chef Asher Goldstein is inspired by Greek, North African and Italian cuisine, and includes hummus with chickpea and lamb neck ragu, baked halloumi with pomegranate molasses, or the vegetarian smoked carrots with almond and spiced honey. Be sure to check out the wine list, which offers very reasonable bottles ranging from $350-$600, making this an ideal destination for a wallet-friendly feast. 4-6 St. Francis St., Wan Chai, 3101-9521, francis.com.hk. 15

Reviews

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

WORKOUT

Alignment Yoga at The Practice The Buzz: The Practice is a new boutique yoga studio on Wyndham Street with a philosophy centred around alignment and movement. The experienced teachers are committed to helping students improve their practice through hands-on adjustments and personalised variations, which is why class sizes are limited to 12. The Class: The Alignment class always uses props to help students correctly express each position and increase the range of motion available. We went through our range of movement and great care was taken to ensure our whole body was always in the correct position. At all times we were encouraged to maintain control of our bodies and never rush out of a pose. Midway through the class we moved on to a more cardio-focused Vinyasa-based sequence which got our heart rate up. The Verdict: We love that The Practice gives you a semi-

private, premium yoga experience at an affordable price. Yes, their drop-in sessions aren’t the cheapest, but if you want guidance and support to progress your practice to the next level we think this is a great place to do it. We also love the shower area. Not only is it spacious well designed (the lockers were actually big enough to fit all our stuff), it features lovely organic shower products to boot. The Cost: Your first practice is complimentary and if you

WORKOUT

Photo: Camilla W.Photography

Movement Class at SharedSpace The Buzz: Everyone is talking about movement these days, but what does it actually mean? Not gymnastics, not parkour, movement is all about understanding the body’s natural mechanics and bringing awareness to you everyday motions. Run by movement pioneers, SharedSpace’s introductory class aims to get you thinking about how you move through life. The Class: The class took us through a variety of paired-up exercises. With no set drills, we played and experimented by putting each other in static poses, before learning how to dodge and duck each other with controlled movements. It very playful and really got us thinking about how and why we move the way we do. As the exercises became more intense, we found ourselves twisting and bending in ways we never had before. The Verdict: Suitable for all fitness levels, movement is more about understanding your body than working up a sweat. For serious athletes, listening to your body will help you in a variety of disciplines, while beginners and exercise-phobes will find it a great way to build strength and work up a sweat while having fun. The Cost: Drop-ins are $250, with packages available,

bring a friend to your second class will be free again. After that, drop in classes are $350, but packages are available.

including a first-time rate of $300 for three classes. SharedSpace also hosts free movement classes in Tamar Park on Saturdays 11am-noon.

5/F, LKF29, 29 Wyndham St., Central, www.thepracticegroup.com.

31/F, The Sharp, 11-13 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, 6687-3701, sharedspace.hk.

- All natural and organic - Handcrafted in small batches - Globally sourced ingredients - No harmful chemicals or preservatives glohs.hk

GLOHS is a Hong Kong based, high quality, natural and organic skincare line, handcrafted in small batches to ensure freshness. Founded in 2016, we aim to formulate effective skincare for our clients, with every active ingredient meticulously researched, extraction methods scrutinised to

glohshk

ensure topical potency. We also strive to play our part to educate the Hong Kong public about the harm of chemicals and preservatives around us, as well as the many benefits of natural herbs, minerals and essential oils.

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

WIN: A handbag from Ril Creed Japanese sustainable accessories brand Ril Creed has just opened its Hong Kong flagship in Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay. The brand uses sustainably sourced materials, including fashion industry offcuts, to create practical, minimalist bags with tons of style. We’ve got one “Aderyn” sustainable leather bag to give away, worth $2,590. rilcreed.com.

WIN: A hand treatment, scrub and a toiletry bag from GLOHS Looking to replace your current skincare range with organic and natural products? Newly launched local brand GLOHS offers handcrafted fresh creams and potions that are free from harmful substances. This facial scrub and treatment cream combo offers your hands and face some much-needed TLC. We have one set up for grabs, worth $930. glohs.hk.

WIN: A three-piece travel set from Gienne Tsui Skincare City living and plane rides can be hard on your skin. Ths kit, consisting of two serums and a moisturising cream, can help brighten up dull or reactive skin caused by jet lag, temperature changes, weather and pollution. It’s suitable for all skin types, but is particularly effective for those with sensitive skin or who worry about fine lines. We have three sets to give away, each worth $480. gienne.hk.

Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before February 24 to win!

Sponsored Feature

Ozone Fitness, Star Street’s new upmarket gym, is home to Hong Kong’s first and only Himalayan salt stone floor where members can relax and recover after training. We speak to the gym’s founder, Diana Purdy, about the healing benefits of the heated salt. TELL US ABOUT THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE HEATED HIMALAYAN SALT ON YOUR BODY. Heated pink Himalayan salt attracts water molecules from the air. The molecules evaporate, producing negative ions that boost your mood and eliminate airborne pollutants. The effect is similar to a Himalayan salt lamp, but on a much larger scale. In nature, the reason why you feel refreshed when you walk along the beach or beside a waterfall, especially after a storm, is because of the massive amount of negative ions that purify the air. HOW DO YOU USE THE FLOOR? Spending time sitting or lying on the heated pink salt floor can help to relieve stress and fatigue, and may also contribute to alleviating respiratory issues. In addition, the heated floor is great for stretching

and muscle recovery. We even run small group hot stone stretch classes on the floor. Members who use our salt therapy area report that they feel relaxed and “lighter” afterwards. The relaxing effects of the pink salt area can also be attributed to the beautiful colours in the Himalayan salt and the hypnotic live jellyfish aquarium that overlooks the area. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR FLOOR. We imported the stones directly from Pakistan where the Himalayan salt is mined. Visitors are welcome to come and try out the pink salt area for themselves. Check in at our gym reception or email us at info@ozone.fitness to arrange a visit. In this chilly weather, access to this heated pink salt therapy area is a welcome treat.

OTHER INFORMATION: Regular month to month membership: $2,200 / month

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

Special founding members fee: $1,700 / month for lifetime of membership (first come first served) with 6-month upfront commitment and $500 joining fee

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

All memberships include free assisted training and customized workouts Ozone also has the only X6 Deluxe High Pressure Tanning Solarium in Hong Kong - rates available for members and non-members

Hiking

Hike it Up You don’t have to journey to Sai Kung or Lantau to take advantage of the city’s great outdoors. Zoe Belhomme takes a walk on the wilder side of Hong Kong Island.

High West. Photo: Malcolm Loudon

BEST FOR HISTORY:

WONG NAI CHUNG GAP TRAIL The Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail is Hong Kong’s first battlefield trail and starts just opposite the entrance to Parkview. It loops along and down a hillside to pass an old anti-aircraft battery and a couple of pillboxes, then drops to the gap itself, ending just behind the Hong Kong Cricket Club. Along the trail are boards with information and wartime photos, telling of the brief but intense fighting that took place along the hillside as the Japanese forces overran Hong Kong’s defences. The trail is relatively easy and short but offers a great combination of nature and history. Distance: 3k 26

Difficulty: Easy

Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail

Hiking

BEST FOR VIEWS:

HIGH WEST A mere stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from The Peak, High West is a relatively tough climb of just over 500 continuous steps. Once at the top however, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the outlying islands. High West is essentially a continuation of the Morning Trail going up to the Distance: 1.5k from Lugard road and back

Peak. Once you reach the public toilets on Lugard Road - the flat circular route that goes to the Peak viewing area - you need to go diagonally across the open grassy area, past the pagoda. At the back right hand corner there is a little opening into the woodland. Follow the trail right to the top.

Difficulty: Short but challenging

Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail

Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail 27

Hiking

BEST FOR FITNESS:

VIOLET HILL AND THE TWINS If you want to get your heart rate up, there is no better hike on the island than Stage 1 of the Wilson Trail, aka the dreaded Twins. It’s short, thus efficient, but it’s no walk in the park as the endless steps pose a challenge for even the most seasoned hiker. If starting from Parkview, you first have to tackle Violet Hill before you even reach the infamous 1,000 steps that mark the start of the first twin. On a clear, day this hike offers numerous vantage points that look over different parts of Hong Kong’s Southside. If you’re feeling extra energetic, try tacking on Stage 2 of the Wilson Trail, starting from Quarry Bay, and end with a deserving beer in Stanley. Distance: 5k

Difficulty: Extreme

BEST FOR TRAINING:

THE HONG KONG TRAIL Starting from The Peak Tram Station and ending in Big Wave Bay next to Shek O, The Hong Kong Trail is 50 kilometres long and made up of eight stages. While each stage in isolation is relatively easy for regular hikers, managing the whole thing in one day is no mean feat and can take between nine and 12 hours if you don’t break into a run. As you progress through the The Hong Kong Trail, you’ll encounter all the diversity and contrast that we love about this city - cityscapes, rolling hills, historic landmarks and wildlife. Don’t forget to pack for this adventure and take lots of snacks and water. You can nip into the supermarket at Parkview halfway through, but if you’re aiming to get to the end before sunset you don’t want to be wasting precious daylight hours. Distance: 50k

Difficulty: Masochists only

The Dragon’s Back, part of the Hong Kong Trail Photo: HKTB

Violet Hill and The Twins

Hiking

RUNNING ROUTES If you’re bored of running up and down Bowen Road to rack up your mileage, there are several other flat-ish routes that are perfect for runners. For convenience, the 3k route starting from the Po Shan Road public toilets round to Queen Mary Hospital is shaded and often nice and quiet. If you’ve got a bit more time and want run beside the seashore, then the short promenade that runs between between Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay is an ideal 5k route (if you go there and back). For longer runs, section 4 of the Hong Kong trail, from Wan Chai Gap to Wong Nai Chung Road via Blacks Link, is a great option as it provides more varied topography.

BEST FOR FAMILIES:

HONG PAK COUNTRY TRAIL: QUARRY BAY TREE WALK TO SIR CECIL’S RIDE Not everyone wants to kill themselves on a Saturday morning. If you’re after a nice stroll with the family, this is a relatively easy hike that can be modified depending on your energy levels. Along the way you’ll encounter streams, boulders, lots of flora and sweeping views of Quarry Bay and Kornhill - plus you can learn some local history with the help of the informative signboards. To get to the start of the actual walk you must first complete a 45-minute uphill stroll up Mount Barker Road from Quarry Bay. Take the side road on the left at the Quarry Bay Management Centre, and follow the footpath signposted as the start of the Hong Pak Country Trail.

Photo: HKTB

Distance: 3.3k, but it’s possible to extend the route Difficulty: pretty easy 29

Community

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT:

JUSTICE CENTRE

ew are aware of it, but Hong Kong is home to some 12,000 asylum seekers, who fled their native countries as a result of forced labour, torture or persecution. With the Hong Kong government accepting less than 1 percent of asylum cases and paperwork taking years to process, thousands are trapped in limbo, unable to work, educate their families or fully integrate into society. Established in 2014, Justice Centre Hong Kong provides legal support to individuals seeking asylum, and helps to shape public policy to better support them. We speak to Justice Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive director Piya Muquit about the important work they do.

enable our clients to access their rights through legal and psychosocial support, policy, advocacy and research, while strengthening the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Tell us how you came to join Justice Centre. I am a qualified barrister and have been working in the field of human rights for over 20 years, most recently as Head of Policy and Advocacy at UNICEF UK - I joined Justice Centre in 2015. I was initially fairly sceptical about moving to Hong Kong to take up a role working with refugees, given it is a developed country not known for refugee issues. Upon doing further research however, I discovered that there is actually a significant refugee population in Hong Kong, around 12,000 at present, and the legal and humanitarian situation leaves a lot to be desired.

What are some of the major challenges faced by asylum seekers in Hong Kong? The first challenge faced by asylum seekers is being allowed to remain in Hong Kong. Since 2009, only 103 refugees have had their claim for protection in Hong Kong accepted, whilst 14,206 claims have been rejected. This equates to a less than 1 percent chance of success, compared with around 30 percent in other developed countries. Asylum seekers also have to contend with living within the limited resources they are provided with by the government. They are given a shoestring housing allowance of $1,500 a month and supermarket vouchers equivalent to $40 a day. Finally, one of the most frustrating aspects of life in Hong Kong as a refugee is the lack of financial independence and contribution they can make to society. Refugees are never given the right to work or even volunteer in Hong Kong. We have people, with proven claims and recognised refugee status, who have been here for decades, with no right to work, which can be hugely damaging to their mental health.

Tell us about Justice Centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission. Justice Centre Hong Kong works to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, survivors of torture, human trafficking and forced labour. Our mission is to

What kind of people do you help? Our clients come from a very wide range of backgrounds. Every year we typically help people from more than 50 countries! The background of our clients varies greatly

Community

but we prioritise the most vulnerable, for example those who have suffered torture, single women and families with children. What have been some of the most rewarding moments? Our most rewarding moments involve the successes for our clients. Even if they are small victories, they can make a huge difference to their lives. It is always encouraging to see a positive immigration decision, which is an achievement in Hong Kong given the low acceptance rate. What I find most rewarding are the moments that often do not receive much airtime. For example, we are assisting a torture survivor who lost contact with his family after fleeing his country. He was able to reestablish contact with his wife and children after some time, and we assisted him to ensure that they were not summarily removed upon arriving in Hong Kong. He introduced us to his family after their arrival, and he was full of joy at the simple fact that he was reunited with his loved ones. Rare moments like this make it all worthwhile. What is one thing you wish people knew about the people you help? There are a lot of myths in the Hong Kong media about refugees, and we want to change public opinion and remind people here that many Hongkongers are in fact descended from refugees who fled persecution from China during the Cultural Revolution and the civil war.

The people arriving now are no different from their grandparents or great-grandparents who fled to Hong Kong in the hopes of starting a new life for their family here. Many are highly educated and were of a high social status in their countries of origin. Tell us more about the activities you organise for the asylum seekers. We have run hiking groups for our clients and we also host events for them. For example, we held a celebration for World Refugee Day and hosted meals during Ramadan. These activities provide a valuable opportunity for our clients to interact with Justice centre staff, volunteers and supporters in a fun and informal setting. Through these programmes and events, refugees are able to overcome past traumas, rebuild their physical and mental health, and strengthen support across communities and cultures.

Get Involved

Spread the word. We would love you to encourage others to look into the reality of life for refugees in Hong Kong. Many people simply never come across Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refugee population and the more people know, the more they can help. Give money. Donations are always welcome. We are continually raising funds to support our work, including our legal and psychosocial team who aim to give Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s refugees the best chance they can of protection. You could hold a fundraiser to help support the work we do. Give your time. We run volunteer placements in our team, particularly for lawyers and those interested in policy work, and we always welcome more applications to join us. We always need interpreters so if you speak a second language, please get in touch.

Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

HONEY,LEMON & OREGANO CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS By Feather & Bone This tasty chicken dish is packed with lean protein and plenty of hidden fruit and veg, while couscous adds fibre.

INGREDIENTS: • 1/4 cup honey

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 1/4 cup parsley leaves

• 2 tbsp oregano leaves

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup currants

• 1 pack chicken breast fillets

• 1/4 cup dried apricots

• 2 lemons (juice & zest)

• 190g couscous

• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 180° C (160° fan-assisted).

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

2. Combine honey, the juice and zest of one lemon, chopped oregano and two tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken and marinade for 30 minutes. 3. Drain chicken from mixture and save the marinade. Heat a large, lightly oiled, non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until browned.

COOKING TIME: 20 minutes

4. Place chicken in a baking dish, drizzle with the remaining marinade and roast until chicken is cooked through (roughly 10-12 minutes).

5. Meanwhile, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Add boiling water, cover and set aside for five minutes to soak. Use a fork to separate the grains. Add currants, apricots, baby spinach and parsley leaves, and toss to combine. 6. For the dressing, whisk together the remaining lemon juice and zest, the rest of the olive oil and the mustard. Season and drizzle over the couscous.

For a peaceful sleep...

Pamper

READY SET GLOW with Rachel Read

THE KIWI TO GREAT SKIN New Zealand has a reputation for amazing clean air and natural beauty - so it’s no surprise that Kiwi skincare and makeup brand Antipodes, which has just launched in Hong Kong, is stuffed full of all kinds of natural goodies. Featuring sustainably-sourced organic ingredients certified by BioGro New Zealand, their products are packed with native NZ botanicals and superfoods, such as vitamin C-rich kiwi seed oil, antibacterial manuka honey, nourishing avocado oil and antioxidant-rich grape extracts. All their formulas are intensively tested in an independent lab to prove they’ve got the goods to supercharge your skincare routine, with a range of face creams, serums and oils all scientifically proven to enhance collagen, elastin and antioxidant activity resulting in more youthful, radiant skin. Products range from $119-409. Available at selected Watsons stores citywide, including Fortune Centre, 44-48 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2608-8383, www.antipodesnature.com.

TCM TREAT Whilst cupping might be all the rage amongst Hollywood celebs (you know, the Chinese therapy famous for leaving giant red circular marks all over Michael Phelps’ back), I’ve always been a bit afraid to try it myself… but if anywhere is going to convince me to give it a go, it’s the always-indulgent Oriental Spa at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. They’ve just launched an exciting new Sense of Balance treatment that combines a potent trio of TCM-inspired elements, including a stimulating 30-minute ginseng body scrub, a 60-minute Chinese meridian massage focusing on acupressure points, and a 30-minute cupping session where lightbulb-shaped jars are suctioned to various parts of your body. The treatment promises to restore your natural balance, improve your body’s energy flow and invigorate your qi. Don’t forget to arrive a little bit early to take full advantage of the Oriental Spa’s stellar heat and water facilities too. The Sense of Balance treatment costs $2,300 Monday-Thursday, or $2,600 Friday-Sunday and public holidays (plus 10 percent service charge). The Oriental Spa, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, 2132-0011, www.mandarinoriental.com.

Pamper

CLEANING UP If your New Year’s resolution was to discover more green beauty brands, then Clean Beauty just made things a whole lot easier for you. They’ve scoured the globe for the best eco-beauty products (all free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and other nasties we’ve run out of space for) and collected them into one convenient, curated concession for your shopping pleasure. Not only that, but they’ve even handily packaged a few of their favourite items into nifty seasonal selection boxes - think of it as a super-luxe beauty pick ‘n’ mix. Their latest Best of Oils box features four different natural oil blends from cult ranges SkinOwl, Lina Hanson and Évolué, all designed to help nourish, repair and rejuvenate your skin. Bingeing on a box set just took on a whole new meaning! Best of Oils Beauty Box costs $1,200 (contents worth $1,640). Available at Harvey Nichols Landmark, Central; Pacific Place, Admiralty; and Beauty Bazaar by Harvey Nichols in The ONE, Tsim Sha Tsui.

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.

CLEANSE + ENERGIZE

R E T R E AT TO WELLNESS AT KAMALAYA WELLNESS SANCTUARY ON KOH SAMUI, THAILAND Daily Pilates and yoga led by Flex Director Heather Thomas Shalabi, and Michelle Ricaille, homeopath & yoga Instructor. NEW! Yamuna® Body Rolling sessions led by Mika Childs. Restorative, luxurious treatments and sumptuous detox meals daily. email: kristine@flexhk.com

M AY 1 - 6 T H

Travel

Soul’s Journey

YOUR

Souljourn, a new non-profit yoga retreat provider, aims to bring yoga back to its roots by empowering women and girls in the local communities where their retreats are held. By Jordan Ashley

f you’re planning to go on a wellness retreat this year, take a closer look at Souljourn Yoga (souljournyoga.com). A US-based non-profit, Souljourn uses yoga retreats as a platform to raise awareness and funds for girls’ education in developing countries. The idea is to integrate the physical practice of yoga with meaningful interactions, compassion, good deeds, and - most importantly - human connection, to create lasting bonds and build a global community. A key part of the retreat is

a visit to the charities supported by Souljourn. Also included in the price is a taxdeductible donation that goes straight to Souljourn’s sister organizations, NGOs that are dedicated to improving education and employment opportunities for girls. This year, Souljourn is hosting two retreats in Asia: one on the Tibetan Plateau from May 26-June 2, and a second in Cambodia from September 21-30.

Travel

TIBETAN PLATEAU MAY 26-JUNE 2 “A Tribe Called Tibet: Yoga + Yin on the Tibetan Plateau” will be a week of contrasts, combining movement and meditation, luxury and social change, in one huge adventure. The seven-night retreat will take place at Norden Camp (nordentravel.com), which was voted by National Geographic as one of the best eco-lodges in the world. Located in the Tibetan Autonomous Kanlho Prefecture of Gansu Province, western China, and surrounded by wild pastures on all sides, each morning at the nomadic-style tented lodge will begin with an invigorating vinyasa practice, followed by an adventurerich itinerary that includes horse riding, a trip to the Labrang Monastery, and plenty more. In the evenings, participants will be guided through a restorative Yin yoga class and meditation practice.

Between the yoga, the day trips and the meditation, you’ll find plenty of time to unwind at the hotel’s sauna and spa, and also try the local cuisine. Though Mao Zedong said that “women hold up half the sky,” even in 2018, women are often left behind. In rural Western China, families work hard to educate their sons, while daughters are married off early and encouraged to work at home. That's why Souljourn will spend a day with Educating Girls of Rural China (egrc. ca), a non-profit dedicated to providing high school and university educations to impoverished young women from rural regions of Western China. The organisation believes that the path to eradicating poverty for girls and young women is through education. EGRC provides scholarships for both high school university to inspire a new generation of future female leaders.

DETAILS Duration: eight days, seven nights (two nights at Crowne Plaza (Yangzhou) and five nights at Norden Camp)

Shared Tent: US$2,490 Single Tent: US$3,150

*Price includes a US$300 tax-deductible donation to EGRC

Shared Cabin: US$2,900 Single Cabin: US$3,860

Travel

youths in Cambodia. Named one of CNN’s Heroes for her tireless work in education, her foundation has sponsored some 2,800 students across four primary schools and five secondary schools in the rural northwest of the country. The foundation’s latest project is the Girls’ Dormitory, a lodging that houses, feeds and shelters 18 of the brightest and most academically ambitious female students from remote areas of Cambodia. By giving them somewhere to stay, they are able to get the best possible education to help pull themselves and their families out of poverty. An important component to this trip is a visit to the Girl’s Dormitory to meet the students. Jordan Ashley is the co-founder of Souljourn Yoga.

CAMBODIA SEPTEMBER 21-30 “Seva Siem Reap: A Yoga Retreat of Giving, Gratitude, and Girl Power in the Kingdom of Wonder” will take participants on a journey through an inspiring yoga program, with visits to the famous temples of Angkor Wat, a trip to the Tonle Floating Village, and a tuk-tuk food tour of the local night market. Participants will wake up each morning for a daily yoga practice followed by home-brewed coffee and freshly-picked mango and dragonfruit at the simple yet charming Seven Candles Guesthouse (www.sevencandlesguesthouse.com). On this trip, Souljourn Yoga will be supporting the Ponheary Ly Foundation (theplf.org). After her father, a teacher, was executed by the Khmer Rouge, Ponheary Ly decided to devote her life to educating

DETAILS Duration: 10 days, nine nights at the Seven Candles Guest House Shared Room: US$1,850 Single Room: US$2,100 38

Price includes a US$500 taxdeductible donation to the Ponheary Ly Foundation

For any more informations, call + 852 2830 2818 | email active@flightcentre.com.hk | visit flightcentre.com.hk

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

RETREAT YOURSELF Women banded together around the world in 2017 - and the camaraderie is seeping into the travel industry too, evidenced by an influx of female-focused retreats. One such example is Travel Her Way, founded by Jodi Wei, who grew up just over the border in Shenzhen. After a transformative trip around the globe, Jodi launched the women-only adventure company, which aims to help women build lasting friendships and test their mettle. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upcoming adventures will take small groups to Everest Base Camp in April and Bhutan in May for adventures of a lifetime. www.travelherway.com. 40

Travel

GOT SOUL? Sri Lanka keeps getting cooler: Not only did the gorgeous Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala open last year, but Alila Koggala is set to debut a new wellness paradise in 2018. In the meantime, those after a healthy holiday will love Soul & Surf. Originally launched on the coast of Kerala, India back in 2010, the brand has recently expanded to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Awash in fresh white paint and minimalist decor, the 12-bedroom villa provides a holistic “surf camp,” including everything from nutrition classes to meditation, paddle boarding, private surf lessons, and yoga in a gorgeous studio that’s tucked into the jungle. From $8,697 per week, all-inclusive. Thalduwa, Ahangama, Sri Lanka, +44-1273-931282, www.soulandsurf.com.

SPIRITED AWAY Hoping to carry those New Year’s Resolutions through February? Mark your calendar: The BaliSpirit Festival is coming back this spring, running from April 2-8 in the gorgeous rice paddies of Ubud. Book day- or week-long tickets for a full schedule of yoga, music, and healthy nosh that will leave you feeling better than ever. The lineup of workshops looks particularly enticing, and special event “Breathfest” promises a deep-dive with author and instructor Christabel Zamor of Breath of Bliss Academy. Taking place on April 8, the day-long micro-festival will run the gamut from body-energizing tantric practices to dancing, singing, even cacao plant medicine in case you’ve always been curious. One-day tickets from $1,165, including daytime workshops, music, and opening party. April 2-8. www.balispiritfestival.com, +62-81-1393-9900. 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

Macau

MACAU

News and deals from our sister SAR

ALL THAT GLITTERS Not all spas are created equal, and a visit to the spa at the Banyan Tree Macau is possibly the most luxurious experience you can have in the city. From the moment you enter, you are transported into a Zen, rainforest-like setting - it’s almost impossible to believe an oasis like this exists on the Cotai Strip. Their newest promotion, the “Golden Indulgence,” is available from now until the end of February. Based on Ayurvedic herbal and mineral remedies, this treatment combines pure gold flakes to calm reactive skin and (hopefully) signal an auspicious new year. Included is a 90-minute gold flake massage, a 30-minute de-stress jade eye treatment and a 30-minute floral bath. MOP3,220 per head, inclusive of an MOP500 gift voucher. Banyan Tree Spa, 2/F, Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía de Nossa Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, +853-88836633, Spa-Macau@banyantree.com

TOP TABLES Located right next to Central Park in Taipa, Common Table is still in its soft opening, but is set to become the newest neighborhood hangout. It’s a modern European all-day diner, cafe, bakery and grocer, and everything they offer is freshly made daily in-house. The egg soufflé is a must-try and I loved their iced soy latte, with its perfect blend of acidity and bitterness. From the pantry and bakery, their croissants, muffins and matcha mousse cakes are quickly becoming favorites among regulars. No. 349-365, Avenida de Guimaraes, Nova City R/C Shop A, 853 Taipa, Ilhas, Macau +853 2885-6601, facebook.com/ commontablemacau. 42

Macau

PUT DOWN SOME ROOTS Macau has no shortage of fancy restaurants, but we can’t stop raving about ROOT. Located near the Macao Museum of Art, ROOT has its own vegetable garden and grows lots of its own ingredients, emphasizing the benefits of organic, nutritious and healthy dishes. Headed by local chef Anthony Sousa Tam, the menu changes seasonally, offering only the freshest and most wholesome ingredients. Diners can choose between two eight-course set menus ranging from MOP580 to MOP880. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert is presented in the form of three courses: a pre-dessert, a main event, and a “sweet box” to finish. Make sure you make a reservation as it books up fast. 323 Av. Xian Xing Hai, NAPE, Macau, +853-2875-0085, rootmacau.com.

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.

All About You We l l n e ss Cen t re All About You is a safe holistic and wellness centre in Sheung Wan, specialising in mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The centre provides private sessions, workshops, and practitioner training programs in Hypnotherapy, Holistic Health Coaching, Energy Healing, Couples Counselling, Palmistry, Numerology and Public Speaking. Services are provided by both resident and visiting practitioners who are hand-picked experts and trainers in their field. To find out more please check out their online schedule of events, including Meditations, Inner-Child Healing Courses, Group Healing, Hypnotherapy Training and plenty of other holistic modalities. All About You also offers a variety of healing products including crystal generators and incense for space clearing and transformation. Products are available both online and in-store where theapists can attune them to your vibration. This space embodies a vision to raise global consciousness through awareness and acceptance of oneself. www.allaboutyoucentre.com | info@allaboutyoucentre.com

Family

Festive family buys to usher in Chinese New Year. By Kate Farr

Make It Rain

It wouldn’t be CNY without handing out fistfuls of lai see, so stockpile those crisp notes now to hand out in the playground in these GOD “Lucky Panda” packets, for a humorous twist on the much-loved maneki-neko waving cat. $38 for 10 from GOD stores throughout Hong Kong.

Festive Folding

If you’re hosting a CNY dinner, keep fidgety little fingers occupied with these intricate DIY origami place cards by Printer & Co. Stay seasonally-appropriate with lucky red hearts, or embrace the rainbow with paper birds, rabbits or boats in a variety of vivid shades. $62 for 12. Buy online at printerandco.com.

New Year Cheers

These bright and beautiful ceramic zodiac animal cups by Hong Kong artist Eleanor McColl are just the right size for little people to manage, and are robust enough to withstand a few knocks too. Clearly made by a mum. $260 per pair, or $1,320 for a full set of zodiac animals. Buy online at elmccoll.com.

Padding Around

Little one feeling the chill? Wrap ‘em up warm in this padded panda-pocket jacket (try saying that quickly!) by the Sheung Wan seamstresses at Three Four Five. With an aim to reintroduce the classic Zhongshan suit into everyday use, this bright red corduroy number celebrates Hong Kong heritage in style. $580 for ages two-six; $680 for ages eight and up. Buy online at threefourfive.com.hk.

Family

Shaggy Dog Tale

The latest in children’s author Sarah Brennan’s Chinese Calendar series, The Tale of Desmond Dog is a charming adventure, recounting the story of infamous pirate queen Ching Shih, and her encounters with our waggy-tailed hero. Illustrated by SCMP cartoonist Harry Harrison, this is a great gift for kids of all ages. $99 including free shipping in Hong Kong. Buy online at chinesecalendartales.com

Puppy Love

The perfect present for a brand new bub, this Year Of The Dog bodysuit by Wobabybasics is supersoft, super-stretchy and super-cute. Ethically screen-printed using water-based ink on 100 percent organic cotton, it’s also super good for the planet. US$30 (HK$234.50) from shop.wobabybasics.com.

Well Dressed

Little Islanders’ adorable mini cheongsams start life as hand-loomed fabrics, sustainably sourced in the Philippines. The raw material is then finished by a local sewing workshop that contributes funds to grassroots community projects here in Hong Kong, making for a thoroughly ethical buy. $499-599 from little-islanders.com.

Red Card

If your pups have been brushing up on their calligraphy skills this year, set them to work crafting a heartfelt new year’s note to Grandma. This cute card by local brand Lion Rock Press should guarantee a well-filled lai see packet. $35 from thelionrockpress.com or in store at Bookazine.

Family

FIT FAM with Kate Farr

It’s probably just as well that I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions this year, as no sooner am I settled back into the post-Christmas routine than along comes the Lunar New Year holiday to send everything spinning back off the straight and narrow. This month I’m avoiding the teetering piles of Ferrero Rocher, and instead training my gaze on smart toys for budding engineers, a brand new educational toy store, and a cute way to green up those unavoidable nappy changes.

LET OFF SOME STEAM On the subject of all things STEAM-y (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths, by the way), there’s a new toy shop in town and it’s all about making learning fun. Spanning over 1,000 square feet, the 4M STEAM Concept Store recently opened its doors in Wan Chai, stocking a huge range of toys, models, puzzles, craft kits and associated supplies. More than just a retail outlet, 4M will also host a regular programme of fascinating classes and activities in a dedicated on-site workshop space. Because learning through play is always a good idea. Open weekdays 10am-7pm and weekends 11am-7pm. Shop 117, Shui On Centre, 6-8 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 3589-8200, www.4m-ind.com.

BEAM ME UP If your kids are all about construction toys, you may already heard of Unit Bricks. Designed by former Hong Kong dad Tim Stuart, these eco-friendly, ergonomic and virtually indestructible blocks are a staple buy for burgeoning builders. The newest kids on the block (groan) are the Unit Beams crane and bridge building kits, which promise hours of entertainment - particularly when combined with an existing set of the sustainably sourced wooden bricks. Time to don your hard hat and say goodbye to your living room floor… Crane Builder set costs US$65; Bridge Builder set costs US$135. Buy online at unitbricks.com. 46

Family

WIPE RIGHT The topic of bum wiping may not make for great dinner-table small talk, however it’s an unavoidable reality for those of us with small people at home. But while cloth nappies are becoming more mainstream, disposable wet wipes are also a huge environmental problem as most of them actually contain plastic. These undeniably-handy-butsurprisingly-damaging tissues never fully degrade, but over time become micro-plastic, which ends up in our oceans. Enter Sai Ying Pun’s latest eco-store Live Zero, which is stocking the super-cute Marley’s Monsters brand of reusable wipes. Designed to be used, washed and re-used over and over again, these 100 percent flannel squares are ideal for changing tables, and get gradually softer and more absorbent with time. They’re also a huge money-saver, making them a thoughtful new baby gift for eco-conscious parents. Costs $150 per pack of 12 wipes. Buy online at livezero.hk.

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

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

SoHolistic Wellness Centre for Body, Mind and Spirit A friendly healing oasis in SoHo, offering: Hypnotherapy & Counselling Reiki & Energy Healing Kinesiology

Tarot Readings Sound Healing Psychic/ Spiritual Readings

www.soholistic.asia T: 2810-8694 – all by appointment

Mobile Disco “The Oldest Swinger in Town,” DJ Fred Fung has been providing quality music entertainment in Hong Kong since the 1970s. From Motown to rock n’ roll, right up to the latest hits, his chart-toppers through the ages will delight everyone. Whether you want background music for a cocktail reception or to fill up a dance floor, DJ Fred will get the party started. Clients include: The Masonic Lodge | Hong Kong Tatler The Peter Bennett Foundation | KCC | USRC WhatsApp 9834-4320 for rates and availability.

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 What I always have in my fridge: Gherkins (the cornichon kind with pickled onions inside) and cheese for those emergency late-night cheese sandwiches.

 What I'm watching on TV: Kid’s TV show Ben & Holly (my two-year-old is obsessed!) Otherwise, when I get some “me” time, it’s Suits.

 What I'm listening to: Canadian electronic duo Bob Moses. I heard them play at Burning Man for the first time in 2013, and again at Clockenflap last year. I just love their sound.

 Number-one item on my bucket list: South America. I meant to go for my year off after high school, but went to university instead (and I still haven't made it… doh).

CAN’T LIV WITHOUT

Jeanine Hsu founder of ethical jewellery brand, niin

 What I'm reading: “When things Fall Apart” by Pema Chödrön. It’s a great book to remind you to keep opening your heart and learning as you go.

 Where I go to get pampered: As many massages as possible - either at home or at Ten Feet Tall. You get beyond pampered there, with sweets, magazines and yummy teas too.

 Where I go for a healthy lunch: During the week I go to Grassroots Pantry as it is near my shop and does a great vegetarian lunch menu.

 My guilty pleasure: Getting a mani-pedi at The Feel Good Factor on Wyndham Street. It has the best service, the nail colour lasts for ages and you are served a cup of tea with a smile. 50

 My beauty essential: Caudalie Beauty Elixir. Spray it on after finishing your makeup for an extra natural shimmer. It smells deliciously fresh too.

 I always have in my gym bag: a refillable water bottle. My favourite is S’ip by S'well, as it has a load of stylish and colourful reusable designs, from whales to pineapple prints.

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