Liv Magazine January 2019

JANUARY 2019 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . co m LIV MAGAZINE

F ITN E SS N U TRIT ION WELLBEING T RAVEL ECO S PA

FOOD for THOUGHT

TA

WIN luxe activewear, merino wool thermals and health tonic kits on page 18!

I’M KE M FR E HO EE ME !

Setting the table for a green evolution in Hong Kong’s restaurant scene

ANUARY 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

LIV | STORIES 20 Who Gives A Fork?

How Hong Kong’s F&B scene is getting serious about going green

30 Your Wellness Trend Watch

Forecasters share the hottest things to expect in wellness in 2019 36

LIV | MORE

12 Fresh Cuts

34 Recipe

14 Cheat Day

36 Pamper

16 Reviews

38 Travel

Dining news that’s good for you

Because #YOLO

Blissed out bike workouts with XYZ, and intensive mat training at Options Studio

Healthy cookie dough bites

by A Sunshine Mission

Our beauty picks for this month

A trail runners’ retreat in Costa Rica

44 Macau

Dispatches from our sister SAR

50 Can’t Liv Without

Ant Haynes, co-founder of Coastal Fitness

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WELCOME, 2019!

New Year, new you... new editor! I’m so honoured to be stepping into the very impressive shoes of Liv founder and publisher Sarah Fung as she steps away from the printing presses to grow her family by one this year.

I’m equally as excited to start connecting with readers in 2019, as well as local businesses and leaders, to continue covering the incredibly vibrant and thriving wellness scene that Hong Kong is so blessed to have.

I can’t wait to learn all about what’s happening on the wellness scene this year - drop me an email at carla@liv.media with your news, tips and pitches.

This month, we take a close look at the city’s F&B players to see who’s gaining ground on going green in their kitchens. From reducing plastic waste to clever composting schemes, I was amazed to discover how dedicated local restaurateurs are to saving the planet. Read all about it on p.20.

What would a new year be without a trend forecast? We’ve also spoken to local wellness experts on what’s trending in 2019, from mindfulness to algae’s ascent to superfood status (we didn’t see that one coming either). Find out what you need on your radar on p.30.

Best of luck to all of us with our New Year’s resolutions and intentions - I know I’ll be hard at work and growing in 2019, and wish the same to all of you.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Our writer Zoe Belhomme finds out how the local restaurant industry is leading the charge when it comes to green business, p.20.

Want to know the most exciting hotel openings of 2019? Kate Springer tells us where you need to stay this year. p.42.

New year, new spa!

Rachel Read trials the heavenly Amooma Spa in Wan Chai. Read all about it on p.36.

Our newest contributor Rachel Duffell went off the grid on Costa Rica for a trail running retreat.

Read all about it on p.38.

Our Macau columnist Sally Victoria Benson spills the beans on a new made-in-Macau kombucha brand, p.44.

ON THE COVER Peggy Chan @ Grassroots Pantry Photographer: Amanda Kho

CARLA THOMAS EDITOR

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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 EDITOR CARLA THOMAS WRITER ZOE BELHOMME SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TANYA HODGSON CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, KATE SPRINGER, RACHEL READ, DEIRDRE GRIFFIN, SALLY VICTORIA BENSON RACHEL DUFFELL PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2019 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.

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Retail Therapy

WISHLIST

Here's what we're crushing on this month

A FINE POWDER

Pep up your smoothie bowl with these colourful powders by Unicorn Superfoods. We love the blue spirulina for maximum IG points. $238 from thestore.com.hk.

CHOP CHOP

No space for a full-sized food processor? KitchenAid’s hardworking mini food processor will help you chop, blend and pulse for simple from-scratch sauces, dressings, dips and more. $680 from KitchenAid. 6

CHERRY BOMB

Get into the Chinese New Year spirit with Aveda’s Cherry and Almond shampoo and conditioner, which leaves your hair soft, nourished and deliciously-scented. $190 each from Aveda outlets citywide.

DIGITAL LOVE

Coffee snobs will love this smart coffee cup, which calibrates your preferred coffee temperature and keeps it there all day for seamless sipping. It can also send notifications and save your preferences. $1,198 from Lane Crawford.

Retail Therapy

SIMPLY PEACHY

Everyone’s obsessed with Pantone’s “Living Coral” shade and we’re channeling those peachy vibes with these gorgeous makeup brushes from Korean skincare brand 3CE. $89-189 from Stylenanda and i.t. stores citywide.

TUMI, TO YOU

Luxury luggage company TUMI has launched its first product line made entirely from recycled products. The shell of this chic backpack is made from a combination of plastic bottles and recycled nylon. $3,090 from TUMI.

QUIN IS IN

Newly launched in Hong Kong, Quin bars are raw, organic, vegan and gluten-free, making them the perfect snack to grab'n'go. $27 each or $100 for four from Green Dot Dot outlets citywide.

BLUSH RUSH

January is a month for slobbing around at home. Do it in style in this coral-pink hoodie that’s just begging to be worn through a Netflix binge. $240 from Monki.

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Calendar

IT’S A DATE FEB 1-3

BEST FOOT FORWARD The 9 Dragons Ultra is a challenging multi-day trail and ultrarunning event over the peaks of Kowloon. The first race, which kicks off Saturday at midnight, consists of an 89K trail run with a lofty 5,070 metres of elevation gain. Sunday features an entirely different 50K course with a further 3,730 metres of elevation gain. Runners can choose to compete in both races or just one.

Entry starts at $450. Book your space at the9dragons.asia.

UNTIL FEB 17

FAIR GAME It’s that time of the year again, as the annual AIA Carnival takes over the Central Harbourfront area for two months. Introducing a futuristic new look, the Carnival features new rides, games, activities, as well as food booths for the whole family to enjoy. The Great Circus of Europe is also back for another year, with two shows per day and an exciting lineup of international acts.

Carnival tickets range from $50-300.

11am-11pm daily. www.tgec.asia.

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Calendar

JAN 27

SUN RUN An event for the whole family to enjoy, the Sun Life Resolution Run is a charity race raising money for Diabetes Hong Kong. Taking place at the Hong Kong Science Park, it's ideal for running newbies. Pick from 10, 5, 3, or the family 1K run, and hang about afterwards for the carnival, with game booths and face painting for the kids. You can also battle it out in teams of five for the Corporate Cup or the Schools Cup in either the 10K or the 5K race. $320. Register at sunrun.sunlife.com.hk.

JAN 10

LOVE YOURSELF Start the new year with a bit of TLC by joining BloomMe's Self-Love Workshops.

Choose from Numerology, Aromatherapy for Anxiety, an Aromatherapy Candle Workshop - or sign up for all three! - for an enlightening evening of fun and education, with free-flow artisanal tea from Zippysparkles, and a tasty treat from NOSH. It's $95 for one workshop or $150 for three from eventbrite.com.

6-9pm, Moksa Slow Beauty, 1/F, 30 Hollywood Rd., Central. bloomme.com.hk.

JAN 21 - 25 JAN 30

START RIGHT Join the Liv Magazine team at the awesome Cordis Hotel in Mong Kok for a Healthy New Year evening to help you start 2019 right. Enjoy the hotel’s wellness facilities (including an outdoor heated pool and five-star health club) followed by an invigorating 60-minute Zumba class by XP Fitness.

You’ll also get to sample some delicious healthy treats and take away a goodie bag packed with our favourite wellness essentials. The evening will be limited to 30 guests and spaces are allocated on a first-come-firstserved basis, so move fast to secure your spot.

Doors open 4pm; fitness class starts at 7pm. Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok. Tickets $170 from ticketflap.com/cordis-zumba.

FUTURE FITNESS For the city’s entrepreneurs and innovators, the annual week-long StartMeUp Festival is not to be missed, with workshops, seminars and networking sessions taking place across Hong Kong.

Make sure you check out the Healthtech O2O Summit, which brings together industry leaders and decision-makers to discuss how to best transform the health, medical and wellness world through cutting-edge technology.

Entry starts at US$50. HKCEC, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, healthtecho2o.com.

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Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

V Lovely

Newly-launched active brand V Apparel is the latest to bridge the gap between activewear and fashion. Pair V’s lounge tops and cute sports bras (designed to show off your back) with their print leggings for the ultimate “yoga mat to lunch” look. Or for something a little daring, check out the faux-leather yoga pants that’ll have you channeling your inner Sandy from “Grease.”

We’re also a big fan of the prices, with tops around $370 and most leggings coming in at $520. Check out the full range online. vapparelonline.com.

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Cool Stuff

VEGGIE DELIGHT

Launched by a Hong Kong-based Japanese family who are passionate about plant-based lifestyles, Veggie Labo imports delicious and natural Japanese vegetarian food and pantry essentials that are otherwise hard to find. All products are imported directly from farms in Japan, and aren’t just organic but also additive-free. Fill up your basket with stir-through sauces, pancake mix, snacks and other must-haves from this beautifully curated store.

1214, 12/F, Wealth Commercial Centre, 48 Kwong Wa St., Mong Kok. Online store coming soon: veggielabo.com.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Combining luxe with top-quality MMA training, Hybrid offers a holistic approach to fitness, with group fitness classes, personal training and nutrition support all under one roof. It’s only been open for a couple of months, but this studio has already built a strong community. With some of Hong Kong’s highest-level MMA coaches onboard, it’s ideal for everyone, from beginners through to advanced fighters. Expect friendly front service desk staff, designer changing rooms (featuring L’Occitane toiletries), phone chargers and an onsite physiotherapist to help work out those twinges.

13/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, 3468 7702 , hybridmmafit.com.

Pig Out

Hot on the heels of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which brought plant-based “beef” patties to market, comes a made-inHong-Kong food innovation: Omnipork. Designed for the porkloving Asian market, this vegetarian mince is made with pea protein, non-GMO soy, shiitake mushrooms and rice, and can be used to create your favourite dishes, from juicy xiaolongbaos to spag bol and everything in-between. Initially launched with partner restaurants across the city, it’s now available to buy by the pack in Green Common, allowing you to cook it at home. $43, available from Green Common outlets citywide. righttreat.co.

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Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

DOWN UNDER OUT EAST We see you, Sai Kung. Little Cove Espresso is an Australian and Mediterranean-inspired café that’s practically worth the trip just for the coffee. The concept has been around for a while, but it has recently moved into a huge new digs, with plenty of space to kick back on the weekend - after hiking in the country park, perhaps? The café caters to all sorts, including vegetarian, vegan and grain-free eaters. Classic smashed avocado with beetroot hummus and dukkah, and coconut flour-based blueberry muffins are some of the staff favourites. It also make its own special blend of coffee, making it a perfect place to recharge.

Siu Yat Building Block A, Shop 1 and 2, G/F, Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, 9572-8560, facebook.com/littlecoveespresso.

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Dining

GOING UP Fancy Superfood Lattes Turmeric, beetroot, matcha... we want alllll the healthy hot drinks

BEARING IS CARING The festive season left you a bit sluggish? Start off the New Year on the lighter side with the help of bowls, nutrition-dense smoothies and vegan lattes at Bear’s Lab on Stanley Street. Bowls are made fresh-to-order and packed with natural superfoods including acai, spirulina, chia seeds and fresh fruit (we particularly loved the blended spinach base that we hadn’t tried before) while the cafe’s signature vegan lattes come in flavours such as turmeric, charcoal and avocado. Bear’s Lab juices are also all-natural with no artificial sweeteners and are made from fruits and vegetables that have been carefully sourced to ensure nutritional value and quality.

G/F, World Trust Tower, 50 Stanley St., 2702-0802, bearslabhk.com.

THE REAL GREEK Opening just in time to ring in 2019, Estiatorio Keia is a brand new Greek restaurant with a decidedly ancient feel to it. With an elegant decor and food inspired by Grecian culture, Keia has drummed up an authentic menu that’s perfect for sharing. Indulge in heartier Greek appetizers like tzatziki and hummus served with warm pita bread, grilled meatballs, and saganaki cheese. Or make your way to the lighter raw bar featuring a variety of fresh seafood, from tuna and salmon to sea bream sashimi and Greek ceviche. Dine like a deity this month.

2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, 2677-7737.

Luxing up our Leftovers We’re saying no to food waste by converting our festive scraps into pies, casseroles, sandwiches and soups.

Yum!

Happy Hour After-work socials are no more about sweating than sipping. Just read our trend report on p.30 for proof

New Years’ Resolutions Let’s just push those promises back to CNY...

GOING DOWN 13

Sponsored Feature

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Enrolment is now opened for the NO! 2019 Master of Arts in Buddhist Studies Be kind to yourself. Learn to create a - Dhammapada (5th intake). The academic programme sanctuary within yourself where you can is non-sectarian in outlook, and places retreat to whenever you find modern life a a premium on an objective historical perspective tad too stressful. Join us at the Buddha-Dharma Centre of the development of Buddhist thoughts. It is of Hong Kong where you can learn the teachings of also one of a handful of MA programmes which the historical Buddha and pick up the practical skills offer participants an opportunity to learn Buddhist conducive to creating the sanctuary within. canonical languages to enable them to access primary sources of Buddhist literature.

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For more information, call us at (852) 2673-0081 or email us at enquiries@buddha-dharma.org.hk.

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Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

PUNJABI FLEX When it’s cheat day, you might as well go big and aim for the stars. Michelin, that is. Black Sheep’s New Punjab Club just became the first and only Pakistani restaurant in the world to receive the prestigious accreditation - no small feat in a city with some of the most cutthroat culinary competition in the world. Their secret to success probably lies somewhere in the two genuine tandoor ovens, literally fired up to create a whole menu of hearty and authentic dishes inspired by the subdivided region of Punjab. Our favourite? The sinfully smoked lamb chops with beetroot salad and ember roasted onions, a perfect balance of spices that hits that hearty note during the cold winter months.

34 Wyndham St., Central, 2368-1223, newpunjabclub.com.

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Reviews

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

SPONSORED

WORKOUT

“Breathe” at XYZ The Buzz: This new style of class is a mix between XYZ’s

famously intense indoor cycling and meditation - not exactly natural bedfellows, but we’re game for anything!

Intensive mat training at Options Studio The Buzz: Whether you’re looking to improve your

posture, train your core or just keep fit, Pilates is a fab workout. With a strong focus on identifying, isolating and engaging various muscle groups, the scalable workout is suitable for pretty much anyone with an interest in posture and movement. The intensive mat training class at Options Studio is all about slowly building up your core strength while maintaining your form.

The Class: In this private class, we had one-on-one time with Vincent, who assessed our form and adjusted the difficulty of the exercises based on our fitness levels.

The class was a mix of intense core workouts such as the dreaded “hundred,” interspersed with stretches. This meant that no muscles were being overworked, making the flow of the class smooth and (almost) painless. After the workout, we stretched out on foam rollers to avoid feeling stiff and sore later.

The Verdict: This intimate class allowed us to enjoy

the instructor’s undivided attention and we learned a lot. Vincent provided useful advice on how to target the midsection with good form, and kept pushing us to ensure we kept up our effort levels. This class is perfect for anyone, and can be tailored to fit your level of flexibility and strength. It’s a great introduction to mat Pilates for newbies, as well as an excellent refresher for more experienced students.

Price: Private sessions: $900. Group classes start

from $225.

12/F, 16 Wyndham St., Central, 3188-8112, optionspilatesstudio.com.

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The Class: The Central studio is sleek and well equipped with helpful staff that is quick to adjust your bike for optimal form. They even provide the specialized riding shoes that click in smartly to your bike’s pedals (just don’t forget socks!) What follows is a 90-minute languid ride in a darkened room, sometimes lit only by candlelight, focusing on breath and form. The playlist is slower, packed with chill beats and down-tempo rhythms, and feels quite meditative at points. The instructor, Rhiannon, does a fabulous job getting us to breathe, relax, and leave the studio feeling refreshed.

The Verdict: We must admit, we didn’t break a sweat in

this one - but that’s the point. XYZ designed this class with specific riders in mind, namely those who might want to take it easy without entirely skipping their spin. The high intensity of regular classes, as much as they push you and leave you feeling sweaty and exhausted, might not be for everyone. This is a perfect option to keep riders coming in and staying in the habit even on low-energy days, as well as anyone new to cycling who wants to build up to the more demanding classes. Because if you’re spinning, you’re winning - even if it’s to Enya!

2/F, New World Tower, 18 Queen’s Road Central. Prices start at $270 for a trial ride, check youarexyz.com for more pricing info on package deals.

Start 2019 right with a Wellness A ernoon and Zumba class at

Cordis, Hong Kong

WEDNESDAY 30 JANUARY 2019 DOORS OPEN 3PM ZUMBA CLASS BEGINS 7:30PM Cordis, Hong Kong 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok

$170

+ $10 booking fee

BOOK NOW

• Access to Health Club facilities from 3pm onwards including the gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room • A 60-minute, high-intensity Zumba class with XP Fitness • Post-workout snacks and drinks • A wellness goodie bag to take home

Organised by:

ST FR U EE FF !

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

WIN: a set of thermal underclothes from Falke If quality is what you’re after, check out Falke, a German knitwear and activewear brand that recently launched in IFC. Just in time for the chilly Chinese New Year weather, we have two sets of merino wool and silk blend underclothes (including a shirt and underwear) up for grabs - and trust us, you’ll never want to take them off. We have a men’s set and a women’s set to give away, worth $2,400 and $2,150 respectively.

WIN: an activewear set from V Apparel Newly launched local activewear brand V Apparel makes gorgeous separates that are stylish as they are functional.

Wear their strappy bras, floaty tops and supportive high-rise leggings to a workout followed by lunch with friends for a seamless transition from lunges to lunch dates. We have a workout wardrobe up for grabs for one lucky winner, comprising a black Seoul Life backless top, a white floral bra and Beyond Beige leggings. The entire set is worth $1,260.

WIN: a Support Kit from Jahmu Tonic If you hit it a little too hard over the festive season, bring some balance back to your life with a Support Kit from Jahmu Tonic. Valued at $290, each set comprises four eight-ounce health tonics designed with a specific function in mind, from cleansing and clarity to immunity and enhanced radiance. The set also includes an immunity booster made of concentrated turmeric that you can add to your juices and smoothies for a pick-me-up. We have four sets up for grabs.

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

9 TO 6 LIFE

Wishing You All The Best In The Year Of The Pig!

This lunar new year, local wellness tea brand Canton Bloom present an exclusively designed oriental tea set: “Golden Blessings Tea Set” with all their premium tea bestsellers. There are the best tea blends in the engraved set caffeine-free floral tea, classic high mountain Oolong, Yun-nan 10-year aged Pu-erh and Taiwanese ginger black tea - with all the health benefits you need to detox from the celebrations this coming year!

For more details, please visit www.9to6life.com.

ALL ABOUT YOU CENTRE

Start 2019 Consciously

What do you think of when you hear the word “wellness”? For most it’s something to do with food or fitness, without much emphasis on mental wellness. You can do everything “right” - eat organic, have an exercise regime and an eco-friendly lifestylehowever if your mind is not at peace, you won’t see the desired results! Your mind is really the gateway to wellness! All About You Wellness Centre specializes in mental wellness offering private sessions designed to bring peace and acceptance to your mind, as well as training courses to certify you as a mental wellness practitioner.

If you would like to overcome fear, anxiety, depression, stress, addiction or insomnia, this is the place to go. www.allaboutyoucentre.com | info@allaboutyoucentre.com

SHAN STUDIOS

South Island Style

Shan Studios is a yoga and meditation studio in the Wong Chuk Hang/South Island area. They offer yoga and meditation classes for all levels, as well as workshops to deepen your practice. Whether you want a high energy vinyasa class in the morning, a relaxing mindfulness session at lunch, or just to chill, they provide a serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of the workplace. If you want more in-depth instruction, Shan Studios has two mindfulness workshops coming up in 2019 to help you make meditation a habit. info@shanstudios.com www.shanstudios.com

TRANSCEND INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

Become a Life or Executive Coach in 2019

Looking for meaning and transformation this new year? Becoming an Accredited Life or Executive Coach could be the pathway you need! Transcend International Academy offers globally-accredited coach certification programs in Hong Kong, internationally and online. Over ten years we have trained coaches that become well-versed in evidence-based skills grounded in positive psychology, cognitive behavioural approaches, mindfulness and more. They’re adaptive to modern-day challenges and able to help their clients be similarly equipped. And are skillful in helping clients create well-formed goals, capable of inspiring action that creates real change.

Chat or meet with our Senior Trainers today! www.transcend-intl.com / enquiry@transcend-intl.com

Cover Story

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Cover Story

FOOD

for

THOUGHT As the world wakes up to its mounting waste problems, businesses are making dramatic operational changes in order to reduce their environmental impact. Zoe Belhomme takes a closer look at how Hong Kong’s restaurant industry is leading the charge.

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Cover Story

I

t was in preparation for last year’s Volvo Ocean Race that local restaurant group Castelo Concepts decided to remove plastic straws from all 27 of their locations in Hong Kong. The group’s owner, Wayne Parfitt, could have just chosen to use paper straws for the threeweek “zero-plastic” event, but instead took the opportunity to make changes in their overall operations that would not only significantly reduce their output of plastic waste, but also encourage other restaurants to do the same.

If you’re anything like me, you care about your environmental impact. You probably carry around a trendy water bottle and fill it up throughout the day and complain about the plastic wrap on your bananas. But while individual waste reduction is important, even bigger shifts are needed elsewhere. From food waste to plastic packaging, Hong Kong’s F&B industry is one of the biggest waste culprits out there.

A 2012 Environmental Protection Department study showed that of the 9,300 tonnes of municipal solid waste that goes to Hong Kong’s landfills daily, almost 40 percent of it is food waste. That figure is even higher if you count all the plastic and cardboard waste generated

by F&B consumers. And the problems don’t stop at waste. Creating sustainable practices and supply chains are also major challenges for the industry globally.

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Plastic straws are increasingly being phased out by restaurants.

Cover Story

PACKING A PUNCH Excessive F&B packaging has enjoyed a high profile of late, with many restaurants, supermarkets, hotels and delivery companies pledging to change their ways and reduce or even ban single-use plastics.

Revenue in the Online Food Delivery segment in Hong Kong amounted to US$502 million in 2018 according to research company Statista, and this is set to rise. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the city’s leading food delivery companies feel obliged to help fight the war on waste. Brian Lo, General Manager of Deliveroo, says, “We are determined to contribute to reducing the amount of plastic and that means working together with our restaurant partners and customers.”

Photo by nood.

Reducing plastic waste isn’t just a consumer affair anymore. Photo by nood.

To get delivery companies and restaurants on the same page, last year all major food delivery players - Deliveroo, Food Panda and Uber Eats put a “no cutlery” option on their apps. Lo adds: “Over 1,500 restaurants have already agreed to partner with Deliveroo in our initiative to reduce plastic waste, and now 96 percent of meals are now delivered without plastic cutlery.” Deliveroo also joined the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation’s “No Straw Day” campaign and provided 100,000 free biodegradable straws to its restaurant partners to encourage non-plastic options and more sustainable practices. Uber Eats has also stopped giving out paper delivery bags to most restaurant partners.

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Cover Story

TAKE IT, DON’T LEAVE IT

Within the past few years, several high profile local restaurants have placed waste reduction and reducing excess packaging high on their agendas. MANA! uses compostable and biodegradable packaging, and even pays a truck company to transport organic food waste several days a week to the New Territories for composting. Ohms Cafe in Sheung Wan offers reusable containers to its patrons for a $100 deposit, and if you want to take away from Grassroots Pantry, you’ll have a carbon tax added to your bill unless you bring your own cups and containers.

Healthy casual diner nood food has improved its takeaway packaging by replacing plastic cutlery with wooden alternatives and serving food in cardboard boxes. Cristiane Ross, Director of Customer Experience at Pure Group says, “ We have banned plastic straws and now offer paper straws on request. We also recyle all nood and water bottles in our premises. We also offer 24

BYOC, allowing customers to get $3 off their bill when they bring their own container.”

The startup world is making moves here as well. Revolv is a new circular F&B reusable program currently running its first pilot programme in Hong Kong. The startup makes it possible for restaurants and communities to affordably reduce packaging costs, outsource washing and delivery, and mitigate plastic waste. Partner restaurants stock Revolv’s reusable takeaway packaging such as coffee cups and lunch boxes, and consumers drop them off once they’ve finished them at locations around the city.

The first pilot is taking place in Sai Ying Pun. Mariah Ernst, Co-founder and COO adds, “We see a sharing society, not a disposable culture. By making it easy for everyone to reuse, we’re eliminating the need for singleuse waste. Together we’re making a change in the way our world works and the way our world looks.”

Grassroots Pantry’s Peggy Chan

Cover Story

Maximal Concepts’ John Anthony puts sustainability at forefront.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT When food is wasted, apart from the cost implication, all the land, water, fertiliser and labour needed to grow that food are also wasted. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions are produced when transporting food waste to landfills and during decomposition. Owner and Head Chef of Grassroots, Pantry Peggy Chan is a huge advocate of sustainable practices in the F&B industry, leading by example at her restaurant on Hollywood Road. “Waste reduction is the essence of what we do.

It's almost become a competition amongst our staff to see who can maximise an ingredient’s use to its greatest lengths. In this industry, professional chefs are used to last-minute ordering and convenience. Sourcing local organic produce and to forecast occupancy often means a four-day lead time, and very skilful inventory control techniques,” Chan explains.

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She adds, “We help our farmers divert farm waste and help them generate income by turning damaged secondgrade fruits and vegetables into creative edibles like dehydrated fruit chews and chips, candied orange peels and dried mandarin peels.”

Last year, Grassroots Pantry diverted more than eight tonnes of food waste away from landfills though ORCA, a food tech device that turns food waste into an environmentally safe liquid that can be easily disposed of.

The new Maximal Concepts restaurant in Causeway Bay, John Anthony, was developed with a sustainable ethos from the start. It saves scraps such as meat, rice, noodles and fruit, and transports it to a treatment facility in Lantau, which composts the waste until it can be used as a fertilizer for crops. Inside, the restaurant features terracotta tiles that have been reclaimed from old village houses in China. The staff uniforms are produced from what’s known as deadstock - overproduced textiles that factories would have otherwise thrown away.

Other clever players that have reduced their food waste include Potato Head in Sai Ying Pun. A member of the JIA Group of restaurants, the outlet offers a range of “conscious” cocktails that use peels and cut-offs from the kitchen. Some pessimists might cry marketing ploy, but the concept still stops food waste from going straight in the bin.

Photographer

Cover Story

Table scraps are one thing, but what about food that can still be eaten? JIA Group uses Food Savior to list surplus food, allowing patrons to buy it at a discounted price. Charities such as Food Angel and Feeding Hong Kong rescues edible surplus food from supermarkets, suppliers, hotels, restaurants and bakeries, and redistributes it to underprivileged communities. Pret A Manger is another business that donates unsold sandwiches, salads and wraps to local charities at the end of the day via Feeding Hong Kong.

Sustainability and the environment have never been more central to the food and beverage industry. For some individuals and restaurants, it’s about doing the moral thing, but with the development of technology and infrastructure, sustainable practices can also make good business sense. As consumers become increasingly demanding of environmentally friendly products and services, the F&B industry will need to continue to adapt. Let’s see who can keep up.

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hat’s your new year resolution?

Have a fresh start with us by embracing the New Moon energy that supports the manifestation of our intentions while we welcome new beginnings in our lives. Experience the profound healing effects of crystal singing bowls, tibetan bowls and tuning folks which infuse purifying, restorative, and expansive energy into the chakra centers of our bodies.

Crystal Sound Healing Classes Every Wed, Fri & Sat. Schedule & Book Online: www.santispacehk.com/book-online No membership. Pay cash after class.

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5A, Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai WhatsApp: (852)-96028864

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Sponsored Feature

HONG KONG'S MOST

UNIQUE WORKOUTS Add some excitement to your workout with these quirky, unique and totally fun classes.

F

itness fanatics are hopping off the treadmill and flocking to fitness classes in record numbers. As a result, Hong Kong has seen dozens of fabulous boutique studios offering new ways to work out pop up all over the city. But rather than signing up for pricey packages at multiple studios, fitness booking app ClassPass gives you unprecedented access to hundreds of studios across the city, allowing you to access thousands of classes in hundreds of locations across 60 cities via a single intuitive interface.

Here are just a few of our favourites:

Turning Circles

Fierce Fitness and Dance

Hula Hoop Feel like a kid again with a hula-hoop class. With a little guidance, even beginners will be able to master basic (but impressive-looking) tricks, before setting a choreographed sequence to music. It’s so much fun you’ll barely notice that it’s a full-body workout that tones your core, legs and shoulders in no time at all.

Kangoo Jumps

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Try it: Turning Circles offers regular classes at Tamar Park, Admiralty.

Strap on a pair of special rebounding boots and start hopping like a kangaroo in this quirky class. Offering an aerobic workout (promising to burn 1,200 calories per class), the rebounding boots offer protection for your joints while also working your core and improving your posture. Plus it’s a ton of fun!

Aerial Arts

Try it: XP Fitness Hub, 4/F, Li Dong Building, 9 Li Yuen Street East, Central, xpfitnesshub.hk.

Try it: Fierce Fitness and Dance, Unit B, Capri Building, 130 Austin Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, fierce.com.hk.

Ever dreamed of running away with the circus? Live out those fantasies with an aerial arts class. Choose from hoops, silks or static trapeze, and from basic poses, you’ll soon learn to suspend yourself in mid-air, perform inversions and other tricks and training both your mind and body before learning how to choreograph elegant and challenging sequences.

Blacklight Boxing You might have been to a boxing class, but have you ever tried Blacklight boxing?

Taking place in a darkened room set to heart-pounding tracks, this high-octane session promises to get you working out your entire body in an exhilarating, discolike environment. With a new workout and playlist in every 45-minute class, there’s plenty here to keep you coming back for more.

Try it: Lights Out, 3/F, Block C, Sea View Estate, 8 Watson Rd., North Point, www.lightsouthk.com.

BounceLimit

Orangetheory

LED Game Night What could be more fun than working up a sweat on a trampoline?

How about a disco-tastic sweat sesh, complete with pumping music, flashing lights and plenty of neon activewear? Rebounding performing exercises on a trampoline - is a great way to take in a highintensity cardio workout while eliminating stress on your knees.

Try it: BounceLimit, 13/F, The Permberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, bouncelimit.com.

Orangetheory If you prefer a data-driven approach to fitness, you’ll love Orangetheory. A popular workout in the US with more than 1,000 locations across the world, Orangetheory is all about working at an optimum rate to ensure an “after burn” for up to 36 hours after class.

Every student is fitted with a heart rate monitor before class, enabling you to track your effort level as you perform a series of high-intensity workouts designed to maximise your Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC). The goal is to keep your output in the “orange” level to maximise the effects.

Try it: Orangetheory,23/F, Soundwill Plaza II - Midtown, 1 Tang Lung St., Causeway Bay, otfhongkong.com.

Sound Bath Fitness isn’t always about hard work; it’s important to reset mentally and emotionally too. Take it down a notch with a relaxing Sound Bath. Lie down, ground yourself and live in the present while an instructor creates a dreamy soundscape using gongs or singing bowls for a deep sense of meditative relaxation.

Try it: Enhale Meditation Studio, 14/F, The Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar St., Central, enhalems.com.

All of these classes - and hundreds more - can be booked via ClassPass, the studio booking app. Log onto classpass.com to discover some of Hong Kong's coolest boutique studios and unlock hundreds of unique workouts today!

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Trends

TREND WATCH

2019

We speak to thought leaders and fitness forecasters to find out what wellness trends to expect in 2019.

By Carla Thomas and Sarah Fung

FITNESS TRENDS WITH PAYAL KADAKIA, FOUNDER OF CLASSPASS ClassPass, the studio booking app, recently launched in Hong Kong, offering users access to hundreds of fitness studios all over the city, as well as in 60 cities around the world. On a recent visit to the city, we sat down with founder Payal Kadakia to learn more about what wellness trends we might expect to shape Hong Kong’s fitness landscape this year.

THE RISE OF THE FITPRENEUR There’s no question: boutique fitness studios are on the rise, with dozens of new studios in Central alone opening in 2018. “When we first launched ClassPass in New York City five years ago, there were only a few boutique studios that people didn’t really know about. Now there is one on every block - just as you might find a restaurant or coffee shop. As individuals bring in more unique, experiential classes, I predict that we will see more teachers become leaders in this space,” says Kadakia.

RISK OF OVERSATURATION With a growing interest in boutique gyms comes fierce competition, with tight margins and high overheads compounding the risk for entrepreneurs. “The successful studios we see are ones that have a great product that can attract loyal, long-term customers. You need to make sure that people stick with it as they tend to get bored doing just one thing. If you want people to come back, make sure your class is great. If it is, people will come back, but if it’s not, they won’t. It’s as simple as that.”

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Trends

WELLNESS FOR LIFE In 2019, we will collectively experience a shift away from the old way of thinking about exercise. “Attitudes to fitness are changing.

Workouts in general have become a way of life.

It’s about finding the mind-body connection,” says Kadakia. Exercise is no longer an obligation, a chore, or a way to “work off” bad lifestyle choices; it will increasingly be about self-care. “Rather than exercise as a metricsdriven calorie burn, we are finding that people are looking for an opportunity to physically and mentally work on themselves,” she adds. Kadakia also notes that customers are increasingly willing to travel greater distances to attend a class they find intriguing. “On average, ClassPass users travel to 30 different studios per year, which shows us that people are willing to be led by the experience offered rather than merely by convenience.”

THE RISE OF SOCIAL FITNESS Increasingly, your friendship circle will drive your workout habits, which is why social fitness apps such as Broc N Bells, running clubs and community-based workouts such as CrossFit have seen growing popularity in recent years. To this end, ClassPass has launched a “social” section that allows you to see which friends have booked in for classes near you. “If you’re on the fence about going to class, but know a friend will be there, it makes you more likely to attend,” says Kadakia. In an increasingly disconnected world - particularly in transient cities such as Hong Kong - classes provide an opportunity to make a real human connection. “Even though you’re working out with strangers, everyone feels a bit more connected and you can use that experience as a way to make new friends,” she adds.

LESS STUFF, MORE EXPERIENCES Consumer habits are shifting rapidly. Increasingly, we are rejecting the waste and clutter of consumption and choosing to invest in experiences instead. “Globally, we are seeing that people are more willing to invest in themselves.

It’s more of a priority these days than buying a new pair of shoes.” says Kadakia. “People are starting to see the value in life experiences, so we expect to see people spending more money on those things.”

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Trends

FOOD TRENDS

WITH DALAL ALGHAWAS OF BRINC’S FOOD TECH ACCELERATOR Hong Kong-based accelerator Brinc works with local entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions for everyday problems. We caught up with their head of Food Tech accelerator, Dalal Alghawas, to find out what consumers can expect on their plates and grocery shelves in 2019.

MORE PLANT PROTEIN, NEW FORMS Expect more plant-based protein - LOTS more.

The success of major plant-based protein brands like Impossible and Beyond Meat have proven what many of us have long known: consumers are demanding better meat alternatives. Expect improved technology like 3D bioprinting and High Moisture Extrusion Cooking (HMEC) that will produce even more meat-like textures, an effect produced when we’re able to manipulate plant proteins. This creates very specific scaffolding that mimics cuts of meat more naturally, as opposed to the mince variety of plant-based protein we see so much of now. That means sometime in the future, we could be seeing plant-based chicken breast or ribeye steak on our plates - talk about a game-changer.

ALGAE: THE NEWEST SUPERFOOD Seaweed isn’t just for sushi anymore; this protein-rich marine algae is also going to become a massively important part of sustainable farming practices, predicts Alghawas. It’s an incredibly environmentallyfriendly crop, needing only salt water and exposure to sun to thrive, and it’s a CO2 quencher to boot. And it’s not just easy to grow. “As for functional properties, there are several verticals to be explored with algae,” says Alghawas. “It’s high in Omega 3, making it a useful vegan fish oil or Omega 3 substitute.”

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A PUSH FOR ALTERNATIVE SWEETENERS Sure, we’ve got Stevia and agave syrup. But there’s something seriously lacking in the sugar alternative field.

“Stevia’s taste isn’t on point and there’s an extra bitterness to it. There’s a push for better sweeteners.” Food scientists are excited to do some discovering this year, and once again, it’s plants they’re turning to. Alghawas says that utilizing plants to extract healthy sugars will become a major trend this year, with sweeteners found in unassuming food items such as corn, mushrooms, and algae. This is especially good news for diabetics, whose lives could literally be on the line when it comes to safe sugar substitutes.

Trends

BIG PLAYERS GETTING ON BOARD Not to be left out of the game, major corporations are also keen to up their green profile. McDonald’s announced last year their plan for burger patties with fewer calories and 25 percent more fibre, while Nestle launched a vegan baby formula made from potato protein microparticles. Alghawas expects more giants of the F&B industry to follow this trend, with major pushes to start using cellbased meats and other alternatives in the works. Expect better quality sweeteners, more transparency in sourcing, and a broader application of food tech across their supply chain that produces healthier foods through more sustainable practices.

SPA TRENDS WITH SHOSHANA WEINBERG, SENIOR SPA DIRECTOR OF FOUR SEASONS HONG KONG Spas aren’t just for facials and massages anymore (although we’ll still happily partake!) Shoshana Weinberg of Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong tells us how spas are innovating to keep up with the push for better mind-body connection in 2019.

RESIDENT HEALERS Spirituality is stepping out of the closet, according to to Weinberg, as all kinds of spiritual therapies and their healers are becoming more mainstream and of interest to the public. Spas are responding to this by inviting leading experts in alternative therapies to do short-term residencies, anywhere from a week to several months.

Visiting practitioners could offer workshops in fields like reiki, sound healing, astrology you name it. “We’re bringing healers in their modalities into spas, which will broaden their access to mainstream and widen the net of healers and therapies out there for many.”

MINDFULNESS IN THE SPA Mindfulness is finally making its crossover, says Weinberg, as spas around the world adopt more mind-based treatments that focus on overall wellness, inside and out. It’s been a long time coming. “We’re inundated with social media and a loss of nature, we’ve forgotten that we’re animals,” says Weinberg. “With all the chaos and sensory overstimulation of the office and city, we’re multitasking too much, becoming too short-sighted, and not looking to the horizon enough.” Four Seasons Hotel Spa offers full moon group meditations that incorporate Tibetan singing bowls, crystals, aromatherapy oils, and organic copal, a sacred resin from Mexico. Weinberg believes we’ll start to see more activities based on social gatherings and resilience training, rather than singular treatments focused on individual pampering.

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Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

By Laura Williamson, author of A Sunshine Mission (asunshinemission.com) Makes 12 bites These indulgent and chewy dairy-free cookie dough bites are made with just six ingredients, making them a guilt-free snack that everyone can enjoy.

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cup rolled oats, gluten-free if necessary • ¼ cup coconut sugar • 2 tbsp cashew butter • 1 cup dates • 2 tsp vanilla extract • ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

TIME

10 mins

TIP: Can't find dairyfree chocolate chips? Bash up a bar of chocolate and add to the recipe instead.

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1. If your dates aren’t soft, soak them in boiling water for 30 mins to one hour. Drain before using.

2. Add rolled oats and coconut sugar to a food processor or blender.

3. Process until the oats reach a flourlike consistency.

4. Add cashew butter, dates and vanilla.

5. Blend until a sticky ball of dough forms. Add a little bit of water, if needed, to help it stick together.

6. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.

7. Scoop out by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set.

Pamper

READY SET GLOW Rachel Read

FEELING SPA-VELLOUS New year, new spa on the block - and AMOOMA Spa is a real beaut. This haven of tranquillity is tucked away in an unassuming Wan Chai side alley, but will instantly transport you to somewhere much more heavenly, with a gorgeously airy interior that’s all white marble, rose gold and zen vibes. They’ve got a full menu of ultra-luxe face and body treatments, including the absolutely fabulous ritual I trialled - the AMOOMA Feeling Journey.

It features an invigorating body scrub plus a relaxing massage with gorgeous balms and oils that’ll send you straight to cloud nine… the only downside is coming back to the real world at the end.

Amooma Feeling Journey costs $1,820 for 120 minutes; spa treatments range from $480-$2,820. G/F, 14 Sik On St., Wan Chai, 2111-3535, amooma.hk.

BAR NONE If one of your New Year resolutions was to reduce waste, then allow us to introduce you to Eko Savon. This eco-friendly homegrown brand specialises in solid soap and shampoo bars and features minimal, plastic-free packaging. Using only plant oils, butters, essential oils and clays, all their bars are proudly free from synthetic colours and fragrances, detergents (such as SLS), palm oil and animal products; they also offer soap-making workshops and can even create customised bars on request. Shipping on their website is free within Hong Kong and Macau on orders over $150, so there’s no excuse not to load up.

Soap and shampoo bars cost $75-120 each. ekosavon.com.

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LOVELY BUBBLY Cult New York body-care brand Soap Chérie has arrived in Hong Kong - and their bakery-inspired range of artisanal soaps and bath products look practically good enough to eat! Whilst they’re most famous for beautiful handmade soaps that look like cupcakes, they’ve got a full range of other highly covetable goodies, including bath bombs and soaks. With a focus on natural ingredients like botanical oils, their products are all vegan, cruelty-free, SLS- and paraben-free too. Soap Chérie products are currently available to buy in-person at Mong Kok’s Mannings Plus store. $50-328 each. Mannings Plus, Shop G20-22, Grand Plaza, 625-639 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok. Also available online at soapcherie.com.hk.

Rachel Read is a freelance writer, editor and cofounder 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

TREAD IN THE CLOUDS Ditch the sand and gain some altitude for a trail running retreat in Costa Rica’s mountains. By Rachel Duffell

C

osta Rica has long been a must-visit destination for its beautiful beaches and wildlife, but its extensive trails and beautiful mountains offer a road less travelled for those with a love of the outdoors.

In the capital city of San Jose, a group of women ranging in age from their 20s to 40s gather for one of Run Like A Girl’s popular adventure and wellness retreats. This particular trip focuses on trail running, which combines running with hiking across mountainous terrain.

Run Like A Girl was established in 2012 by three Canadian women - Hailey Van Dyk, Courtney Burt and Dayna Egyed - who bonded over a passion for running.

“We wanted to create a space where others could share their stories, their ups and downs, their goals, their accomplishments - a space that people felt safe

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in because our community was open to absolutely every kind of runner,” says Van Dyk. Run Like A Girl started as a Facebook page where the trio shared their runs, achievements and knowledge, but it grew into something bigger. Today, it’s become a thriving business and community, organising races, launching its own clothing line, offering adventure and wellness retreats, primarily in Costa Rica, and providing inspiration to its 100,000+ online followers.

“People feel inspired, motivated and driven to do more and be more because we have always represented ourselves as just normal women, working towards our dreams and achieving them,” says Van Dyk. “Our reach is to the everyday hero - the mum, the full time employee, the entrepreneur - whatever woman is out there, working hard and still kicking butt and reaching her goals.”

Travel

Some Run Like A Girl retreats are limited to women, while others welcome men. In our trail running group, it’s only women and they’re an impressive bunch: from a woman who has traversed all 2,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail - no small feat - to a former 5K US state champion. There are three-hour marathoners and runners who have qualified for Boston, but there are also more casual runners who tackle longer trails or tall mountains only occasionally.

Trail running has been growing in popularity for years, preferred by many to road running for the opportunity to connect with nature. It also lessens impact and stress on the body, while running on uneven surfaces and undulating terrain improves fitness faster. Run Like A Girl enlists professional trail and ultra runners (those who run distances greater than the traditional marathon length of 42.2K) to offer training - elite runner Anna Frost has hosted in the past, and there is an upcoming retreat with Canadian athlete Jen Segger featuring functional workshops and strength training.

Photos: Hilary Ann and Brice FerrĂŠ Studio 39

Travel

Back in San Jose, we set off by car. Our destination is Chakra Lodge, an eco-resort built using naturally fallen wood. Nestled in the hills between the La Amistad and Chirripo National Parks, the lodge is set deep in lush green forest with only the sounds of rushing rivers and ice-cold waterfalls crashing over rocks. Remote and off the grid, it’s so far removed that it’s reached only by a steep 5K hike over a rocky track.

The demanding hike in is the only “challenge by choice” - the motto of Run Like A Girl - that isn’t really a choice, at least not if you want that hot, solar-powered shower and much-deserved meal after your journey.

Once you arrive at the resort, what should you expect? On Day One, there’s a short run to get our legs in gear in preparation for the next day’s 11K expedition that takes in refreshing waterfalls, picturesque ridges, and views across the San Miguel Valley.

The afternoons are less strenuous - involving chill sessions by the nearby river or waterfall pool, or resting in hammocks. Every evening there’s a pre-dinner restorative yoga session that puts you to

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rest before the more vigorous sunrise flow each morning.

Day Three is about recuperating from the previous day’s exertion and preparing for the longest run of the trip - a summit attempt of Cerro Ena, a 3,126-metre mountain. But far from being sedentary, Chakra’s own adventure park is open for active recovery. Choose between climbing a massive strangler fig tree that towers over the lodge, or rappelling down waterfalls - or accept both challenges - working some other muscles before the next day’s epic ascent.

On our fourth day, we awake and are ready to go by 5:30am. The summit marks the halfway point of the 34K round trip, which includes around 2,300 metres of elevation gain. It’s steep and technical in places, but the scenery is spectacular during this eight- to twelve-hour excursion.

We reach the summit of Cerro Ana high above the clouds and it’s so clear that we see range after range of mountains, on and on as far as the Caribbean. It’s been a challenging day, and the views, rainforest and natural beauty are all things worth writing home about - though that’s for another day as Chakra is totally offline.

Travel

“One of the best things you can do here is nothing,” says Felipe Lopez, the lodge manager. “Take advantage of being unplugged. Connect with yourself, with nature and with real people.”

Retreats are also being offered in Patagonia, Peru and Iceland. Each one has its own flavour, but an escape into nature and adventure is common to all. Our trail running trip ends back on the grid in the beachside town of Dominical, where we spend time taking in some of Costa Rica’s better-known sites: swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, slacklining and even a beachfront run or two before setting off back to our various corners of the globe. All of us are taking home tales of new trails blazed, and the rewarding exhaustion that comes from getting out there and giving it your all.

JOIN THE ADVENTURE Run Like A Girl hosts running retreats to Costa Rica between November and March, offering retreats from US$2,465.

Flights from Hong Kong to San Jose, Costa Rica (Cathay Pacific and United Airlines) cost around HK$12,000. runlikeagirl.ca.

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Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

The New Year has arrived, bringing with it a slew of new hotel openings to inspire another year full of adventures. Here are a few fresh faces that we can’t wait to check out:

ROSEWOOD HONG KONG Opening this March at Victoria Dockside, in East Tsim Sha Tsui, Rosewood Hong Kong aims to bring together a residential design concept, excellent dining programs, and harbour views to die for. This will be the Hong Kong-based brand’s first foray into its hometown, so all eyes will be on this opening. rosewoodhotels.com.

RAFFLES, SINGAPORE After head-to-toe renovations at the hands of architectural consultancy Studio Lapis and interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, the iconic Raffles hotel is finally reopening in Singapore this August. The historic grand dame will welcome all-new dining concepts, including a restaurant from award-winning chef Alain Ducasse. rafflessingapore.com.

Rosewood Hong Kong

THE PUXUAN HOTEL AND SPA, BEIJING

Raffles, Singapore 42

Heading to China? Stay in style at the newly opened PuXuan Hotel and Spa. The 116-room luxury hotel boasts slick interiors inspired by the city’s heritage hutongs and uninterrupted views of the Forbidden City. Wellness enthusiasts will also appreciate the two-floor UR Spa - a minimalist, modern spa that promises tailor-made treatments. thepuxuan.com.

Travel

CAPELLA BANGKOK

Capella Bangkok

Over in Thailand, the ultra-luxe Capella Bangkok will debut on the Chao Phraya River in the second quarter of 2019. The 101-room hotel has big ambitions - think waterfront villas, sky gardens, a divine Auriga spa, a riverfront bar, and a restaurant from awardwinning Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco. capellahotels.com.

HOSHINO RESORTS’ KAI ITO, JAPAN Another hot opening for nature lovers, Hoshino Resorts’ KAI Ito recently reopened in the Shizuoka Prefecture, about 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo, following a massive facelift. Surrounded by forests and hot springs, the 30-room ryokan comes alive with locally sourced teas, massages, local seafood, and in-room cypress wood onsen baths. Heavenly!

Hoshino Resorts’ KAI Ito, Japan

kai-ryokan.jp/en/ito.

Hoshino Resorts’ KAI Ito, Japan

The PuXuan Hotel and Spa, Beijing

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

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Macau

MACAU

News and deals from our sister SAR

REINDEER GAMES Papinee, a social enterprise dedicated to children, storytelling and sparking the imagination, has teamed up with the St. Regis Macao to release a St. Regis-inspired character, Jak the reindeer. To mark the occasion, a number of fun cartoon-themed experiences for families are on offer especially for families with the luxury hotel. Their “Stay & Play with Jak” accommodation package includes a themed overnight package for two adults and two children in a Deluxe Room plus complimentary breakfast, along with tons of fun added bonuses for kids like a plush toy, personalized message, and a Jak Storytelling Kit. Packages start at HK$1,800. St. Regis Macao, Estr. do Istmo, s/n, Cotai, +853-2882-8898, stregismacao.com.

DIGITAL DETOX While the Mandarin Oriental Macau’s award-winning spa is well-reputed, it’s not just their treatments we’re gaga for. It also has a digital detox zone to enjoy after your massage to keep you relaxed and off your phone.

Enjoy some fun distractions to help you focus on mindfulness, from relaxing colouring therapy to journalling or just enjoying your own personal space in some peace and quiet. Their amazing signature therapies are not to be missed; we particularly love their Essential Traveller choices: choose from a twohour Deep Sleep to send you off to dreamland, or (if you have an out-oftown-guest) a two-hour jet lag reviver to get them in the right time zone.

Essential Traveller treatments start at MOP2,000. Mandarin Oriental Macau, 945 Av. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, +853-8805-8888, mandarinoriental.com.

KOMBOOYAH! One of my favourite places to grab a healthy meal in Macau, The Blissful Carrot now has their very own kombucha, Blissful BomBooch, available to purchase. Originally brewed just for patrons, demand from the community has pushed them to branch out. They’ve created a range of diverse flavours, available both in Hong Kong and Macau.

Choose from traditional, pineapple lemongrass ginger, blueberry hibiscus, turmeric bliss, and the list goes on and on… they also do some seasonal releases too! One 500ml bottle is priced at MOP55.

79 R. Direita Carlos Eugenio, Taipa Village, +853-6298-8433.

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.

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Family

FIT FAM

with Kate Farr

CAN I KICK IT? We’re already staring down the barrel of Chinese New Year school holidays, if you can believe it. Fear not Tinytots and Brazilian Football Academy have you covered. Tinytots offers football, basketball and multisport classes for kids aged 18 months to four years, while girls and boys aged five to 14 train with BFA. The CNY camps are held at Stanley Ho Sports Centre in Pokfulam, allowing kids the rare opportunity to run free in the great outdoors. Meanwhile, parents get a little peace while a professional wears them out.

That’s what I call win-win.

Costs vary by duration of camp. For more information and to book visit tinytots.com.hk and bfa.hk.

ALWAYS ON TIME Always look strapping this year, with local brand Chrono Cuckoo and their range of timepieces with fun interchangeable wrist straps that include dinosaurs, pizza slices and even Hong Kong-themed Star Ferry and taxi designs. No excuse to be late for school any more…

Costs: $508-774. Buy online at chronocuckoo.com.

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Family

GEEK OUT If your kids loves taking things apart just to see how they work, do not despair! Channel that engineering instinct with a Tech Will Save Us kit, featuring exciting experiments and other sciencey stuff. Kits are available for various age ranges all the way up to teenagers, and include loads of fun things to make and do. Think electronic dough, a synth, and even a DIY games console. Perfect for small boffins who love to learn.

Costs: $349-1,099. Buy online at minifab.com.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

newsletter@liv-magazine.com

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CHINOISERIE JEWELLERY Inspired by the Orient, Chinoiserie Jewellery offers an array of high-quality handmade jewellery focusing on textures and colours. Our jewellery is custom designed with precious gemstones and freshwater pearls, with 14k/18k gold-plated silver earring hooks and studs. Whilst drawing inspiration from the tradition, we aim to reinvent the past, transforming textures known to the antique world into fashionable novelty designs. We hope that through our designs, materials and textures popular in the ancient times would become timeless gems of today. www.chinoiseriejewellery.com Email: chinoiseriejewellery@gmail.com chinoiseriejewellery chinoiserie_jewellery

GOT 500 BUCKS IN YOUR POCKET? Grow your business with us. s a l e s @ l iv. m e d ia

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.

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CAN’T LIV WITHOUT

ANT HAYNES

CrossFit regionals competitor and co-founder of Coastal Fitness

One thing I always have in my gym bag: Electrolytes or hydration salts. I sweat a lot, so it’s important I replenish my electrolytes as soon as possible.

Where I go for a healthy lunch: I typically go to Castelo Concepts restaurants a lot. They’re awesome when it comes to customising or swapping items within meals.

Last plane trip I took, and why: I last flew to Bangkok in September to help coach some of my athletes at the Bangkok Throwdown 2018.  My favourite workout song: Loving my Post Malone at the moment (Better Now, Go Flex, No Option). But have always loved some college punk rock, like Blink 182 and Sum 41.

 My go-to snacks: Marks & Spencer’s snacks.

They’re the best! They also offer a lot of healthier options. Also, Pb2 powdered peanut butter, a massively fat-reduced peanut butter. Sprinkling some Himalayan salt and cinnamon on there makes it a tasty treat.  What I always have in my fridge: Branch chain amino acids drink NOCCO, and always one Coke Zero.

Number-one item on my bucket list: One day, I will conquer Everest and not just base camp!

What health means to me: For me, it’s the ability to perform to the best of my ability in my sport. Whereas for my clients and athletes, it's whatever their priority is. Whether that's being a role model for children, back squatting 150kg, snatching 100kg, or getting to 10 percent body fat.

I was at my least healthy when: I was 14 years old, playing PS2, eating three bags of spicy crisps and necking three cans of coke over three hours.

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