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JUNE 2017 | l i v - m a g a z i n e . c o m LIV MAGAZINE
Bet That Hurt
Athletes share their recovery journeys
Flexy Times Ahead The Asia Yoga Conference hits town
Chill, Dudes Acai bowls to sigh over
Just the Tonic Why we’re all slamming healthy shots
The Green Beauty Guide The future of skincare is chemical-free
WIN organic skincare, innovative water bottles and Daybreaker tickets on p.15
UNE
05 Editor’s Letter
LIV | NEWS 06 It’s a Date
Events for your diary
08 Hot Right Now
New happenings on the wellness scene
10 Fresh Cuts
Dining news that’s good for you
12 Cheat Day
Because #YOLO
14 Reviews
We check out the all-veg menu at SoHo Spice
LIV | STORIES
24 What a Pain
Athletes’ injuries and their recovery journeys
LIV | MORE 28 Freeze, Sucker
Acai bowls to keep you cool
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32 Recipe
Coconut power balls by Winston’s Coffee
34 Pamper
Our beauty picks for this month
36 Travel
Adventuring in Oman
42 Family
34
Healthy kids’ menus
50 How I Liv
Andy Kun, gluten-free pioneer
16 So Easy Being Green
All-natural beauty is having a moment. Here are the names you need to know 46 36 42
EDITOR’S LETTER
GO NATURAL Thinking about making some greener swaps? Your bathroom cabinet is one of the easiest places to start. Organic beauty has come a long way in the past few year, with ground-breaking techniques and formulations that offer luxurious products and real results. In Hong Kong we’ve seen so many new stores and brands set up shop recently that we’ve decided to dedicate this month’s cover story (p.16) to showcasing the finest green beauty the city has to offer. If you work out regularly, chances are you’ve suffered from an injury at some point. We speak to three serious athletes about their setbacks and their road to recovery, and also spoken to some experts to learn more about sports injuries and rehabilitation (p.24). Summer’s here, which means one more reason to tuck into an ice-cool acai bowl (p.28). Packed with antioxidants and low in sugar, it’s a healthy way to keep your cool and treat yourself. Don’t forget to pile on the toppings for an added nutritional boost! If you’re dreaming of getting away, read this month’s travel story, all about a dizzyingly high-up via ferrata course - a protected climbing route that you tackle with the help of carabiners and a steel wire (p.36). It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the views will take your breath away - if the sheer cliff face hasn’t done so already!
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS Spa and beauty maven Rachel Read rounds up the best natural skincare folks in the SAR for our cover story on p.16.
Chill out with a healthy (and yummy!) acai bowl this summer. Zoe Belhomme has sourced the city’s finest, p.28.
Want to try dangling off a cliff in Oman? Kate Springer did it for us - and loved it! p.36
Want to learn more about injuries? Kate Farr speaks to the experts on how to minimise your risk, p.24.
ON THE COVER Model: Rosemary V Photographer: Paul Sunga Stylist: Nadia Harilela
SARAH FUNG PUBLISHER
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Send invites and info to: Makerhive, 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town PUBLISHER SARAH FUNG SALES MANAGER AILEEN CHAN SOCIAL MEDIA STACEY MARCELO ADMINISTRATOR JASMIN BLUNCK GRAPHIC DESIGN TAMMY TAN, CONTRIBUTORS KATE FARR, KATE SPRINGER, RACHEL READ, ANDREA LO, DEIRDRE GRIFFIN, ADAM WHITE, ZOE BELHOMME PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 2017 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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Calendar
IT’S A DATE JUNE 8-11
THE BIG STRETCH
The 10th annual Evolution Asia Yoga Conference brings together world famous masters as well as up-and-coming talent and teachers from all disciplines of yoga. Not just for teachers and long-term yogis, the conference is designed to inform and inspire anyone who has an interest in yoga and wants to further their knowledge and understanding. With more than 160 classes and 45 international presenters across four days, as well as stalls and booths for yoga gear and accessories, this is the ultimate go-to event in Asia for yoga enthusiasts. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai. Prices range from $800 for a four-day lecture-only pass to $ 4,899 all-access pass that includes workshops, intensive practices and Continuing Education for Teachers. Access to the marketplace is free. www.asiayogaconference.com.
JUNE 3
WHAT A RUCK
The Sevens may be over, but there’s still plenty of top-class rugby happening through the year. The Hong Kong 15s team will be playing rivals South Korea in the last game of the Asia Rugby Championships. Japan previously beat Hong Kong 16-0 to secure the title ahead of South Korea, so Hong Kong will be out to score some points in what is sure to be a thrilling match. Free. 4pm, The Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Rd., Happy Valley, www.asiarugby.com. 6
Calendar
JUNE 15
DON'T WORRY, BE HEALTHY
Always getting sick? The Round Clinic is running an information session on how to boost your immune system. The talk will cover precautionary measures and treating common ailments on the go.
JUNE 10
BREAK IT DOWN
In celebration of the Evolution Asia Yoga Conference’s 10th birthday, morning dance party organiser Daybreaker will be popping up at the Convention Centre. The event will start with meditation, followed by a movement and yoga session and then a morning disco with live performances and special surprises. You don’t have to be registered with the conference to attend; buy your tickets at daybreaker.com. $330 (yoga + dance) or $200 (dance only). Yoga: 10:30am-noon; Dance: noon-2pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai.
Free. 6:30-8:30pm, The Round Clinic, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang. Call 2648-2612 or email info@ theroundclinic.com to book your spot. theroundclinic.com.
JUNE 15-16
TEEN DRAMA
Presented by the students and staff of Sha Tin College, “Iffy” is a musical about Iphegenia, a student who is chosen by her school to be the annual “failure” at her dystopian school. With student suicides and teen mental health a huge issue right now, this musical is one to take young people to see. All profits will go towards counselling services and wellbeing projects for the city’s underprivileged youths. $250 (adults), $180 (students). The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central. Tickets from www.hkfringeclub.com.
JULY 1
FROM JUNE 28
SAVE OUR SHARKS
Presented by the Hong Kong Maritime Museum and Parkview Arts Action, “On Sharks and Humanity” is a powerful exhibition demonstrating the relationship between art and society. Comprising 34 internationally recognised and emerging artists, the exhibition marries the worlds of visual art and humanitarian action. The exhibition aims to raise public awareness of shark conservation in Hong Kong and the Greater Pearl River Delta region. $30 (adults) and $15 (children) from hkmaritimemuseum.org. Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Pier No. 8, Central.
AHOY THERE!
Twelve boats, 500 attendees and one helluva party! Lululemon is hosting a Sweat on Ship - a massive summer junk flotilla - and all you have to do to score a place is join three community classes between May 15 and June 11. As it's Lululemon, expect on-deck workouts and plenty more surprises in store for everyone who rocks up. Register online first at tinyurl.com/ sweatonship, and then collect stamps at every class you attend. Good luck! 7
Cool Stuff
HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene
Shook to the Core
Keep cool this summer with Hong Kong’s very first floating inflatable obstacle course! Located in Tai Po Kau, Core is an aqua park that encourages you to get out, get wet and have a ton of fun, with 43 obstacles including water slides, trampolines, slip n’ slides and other obstacles. All participants will be equipped with a life vest to ensure a safe experience for all.
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$138 per session. 2 Hung Lam Drive, Tai Po Kau, 2465-3468, www.corehk.net.
Cool Stuff
Turbo Tonics
Early mornings, countless client meetings, lunches, and of course, too many late nights… Need a pick-me-up? Natural tonics packed with health-boosting ingredients are all the rage, and are perfect for busy Hongkongers. Check out Jahmu Tonic (jahmutonic.com), a caffeine-free turmeric and ginger tea inspired by the traditional Indonesian herbal elixir jamu, said to maintain healthy digestion and prevent the onset of illness. Already under the weather? Pick up Bite Me (bitemetonic.com), an all-natural immune booster from New Zealand’s Golden Bay Distillery which is packed full of manuka honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger root, cayenne pepper, turmeric and lemon. It’s available to buy online at $88 per bottle, or $528 for six, including free delivery. Retail partners in Hong Kong are coming soon.
GOING UP Gymnastics for Grownups Rediscover your springy side by learning to flip, tumble and leap.
Vegetarian goes mainstream Meat-free dishes are taking up more space on regular restaurant menus, and they’re getting more creative too! No more bowls of steamed broccoli for our veggie friends!
Lululemon’s game-changing sports bra
Everyone’s raving about the Enlite bra - comfortable, supportive and easy to get on and off.
Save our Smoothies
Ever noticed that your homemade morning smoothie doesn’t quite taste or look as good by lunchtime? When you blend fruit and vegetables they quickly oxidize, turning an unappetizing murky colour after just a few hours - and losing nutrients, too. Enter SANS, an innovative bottle that vacuum-seals and preserves juices and smoothies for several days so they taste as fresh as the moment you made them. Created from food-safe glass, SANS features an easy-grip silicone sleeve in in a variety of colours. Even better, the entire bottle can be disassembled into parts for easy hand-washing. $233. Available at Green Common and Caelum Greene, 90-92 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, sans-bottle.com.
Teeny-weeny bikinis We want something we can jump off a junk in without flashing our friends.
Bone Broth Good for you... but it’s just too damn hot. We’re popping collagen until the weather cools.
GOING DOWN 9
Dining
FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you
CONSCIOUS COCKTAILS If you’re conscious about sustainability and waste reduction, Potato Head’s new drinks menu could be right up your street. Inspired by the Indonesian cultural principle of using all elements of a plant to minimize waste, the new cocktail menu includes authentic flavours made from reused ingredients. Think citrus fruit skin garnishes, mango-flesh-infused spirits and smoked coconut husks in gloriously tropical concoctions. We love the Li Chi Pu ($115), a lychee-infused gin with grapefruit bitters topped with sparkling wine. Or try their take on the classic Dark & Stormy ($115), with blended spiced rum, peanut syrup, pineapple, lime and spicy ginger beer. Potato Head is serious about its waste reduction: anything not used in the drinks is composted and used to grow herbs for the bar. G/F, 100 Third St., Sai Ying Pun, 2858-6066, ptthead.com.
LUNAR LUNCHING Our favourite vegan-friendly restaurant in Central, Home Eat to Live, has collaborated with Animals Asia to launch its latest menu item – the Moon Bear. The delicious risotto-like dish, priced at $80, has been designed to resemble the endangered creature itself, and comes with black rice, black sesame, onions, celery, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, nutritional yeast, chili flakes and lemon juice. You can chow down on this bowl of goodness safe in the knowledge that 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards feeding bears rescued from the bile trade. 77 Des Voeux Road Central, 2777-4777, homerestauranthk.com.
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Dining
WHAT DO HEALTHY PEOPLE EAT?
Ziggy Makant, trainer, Ultimate Performance
pregnancy mode! I have a biscuit What do you usually have for breakfast? or three with my cup of tea, and As a new mum, I have whatever the my favourite cheat is a big, baby will give me time to prepare. juicy burger. It’s either some form of oats or When were you at your cereal with berries, or a cup of least healthy? Mother’s Milk tea, which is great My first three months of for boosting milk supply. university - smoking, drinking, late night cheesy chips with What’s your go-to for a Can’t face another over-indulgent Hong healthy meal? gravy. I gained close to 10 kilos Kong brunch? Packed with nourishing I always try to get some form of those first three months. and nutritional superfoods, DiVino’s protein, carb and fat with every brand new weekend menu could be Have you ever done a cleanse? meal while trying to “eat the just what the doctor ordered. With a I did a juice cleanse about four rainbow” - foods of different range of whole-food dishes including years ago to help get me off colours. Whatever I eat, the baby a satisfying three-egg omelette with caffeine and cigarettes. I stopped eats, and nobody likes a fussy kale, spinach and zucchini, or the after three days because the eater! My favourite sandwich “healing bowl” of organic quinoa, headaches were so bad - but combo is turkey, cucumber, rocket Scottish salmon, avocado, capers, I did also stop smoking. and mustard on seeded loaf with a baby spinach and pesto, the menu is handful of almonds. When was the last time you designed to replenish and restore. ate McDonald’s? Desserts also pack a nutritional What do you eat before The evening I went into labour! punch, with dishes including a rich and after working out? I asked my partner to get me a gluten-free chocolate cake with I like to have some form of Quarter Pounder and said that it berries, or Greek yoghurt parfait carbohydrate: brown rice, quinoa or would be the last naughty meal with granola, chia seeds and sweet potato about an hour or so in a long time. passion fruit. Wash everything before to fuel my session, but also down with a signature detox to leave enough time for digestion. Last meal on water or smoothie. Post-workout, I’ll have a fasterearth: what would it be? Every Saturday, Sunday absorbing carb, like white rice with Potatoes. and public holiday. G/F, lean protein and green veg. 73 Wyndham St., What are your favourite Central, 2167-8883, restaurants in Hong Kong? divinogroup.com. The Elephas does the best buildyour-own salads. It’s not just leaves, and the protein is warm. There’s also Bun Cha, a tiny, authentic Vietnamese restaurant with super-fresh ingredients, fresh coconuts and fast, friendly service.
TIME FOR SUPERBRUNCH
Do you have a cheat day, and if so what do you eat? Every day is a bit of a cheat at the moment. I’m still partly in 11
Dining
CHEAT DAY
Because life’s too short to always order the salad
WORK IT Cocktail fiends, rejoice! NYC speakeasy Employees Only - famous for its quickas-a-whip bartenders who free-pour cocktails at lightning speed - is opening its Hong Kong outpost in mid-June. In keeping with its roots an after-hours place for hospitality industry workers, you can expect an impressive late-night bar menu, including cheese toasties, the “Balkan” burger, and even the EO staff meal - a serving of whatever the chef is making for the staff to eat that night. Pictured is the “Provencal” - a cocktail that will take you to the south of France with lavenderinfused Plymouth gin, herb-infused French vermouth and Cointreau. 17-22 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, employeesonlyhk.com.
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Reviews
TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends
WORKOUT
WORKOUT
SoHo Spice Vegetarian Menu The Buzz: Tucked away on Elgin Street, SoHo Spice has recently undergone a transformation with chic new interiors, a new award-winning chef and a brand new menu. Think contemporary Southeast Asian street cuisine that draws inspiration from the hawker stalls of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and beyond. We were delighted to sample their recently-launched vegetarian menu. Chef Peter Cuong Franklin (ex-Viet Kitchen) has thoughtfully curated a menu of street food classics that will appeal to vegetarians and clean cuisine enthusiasts alike, with vibrant, flavourful dishes using the freshest locallysourced ingredients. The Experience: Highlights
of the new vegetarian menu include crispy portobello bao sliders served with pickled daikon, fresh coriander and mint; silken tofu with crispy
garlic and house-made nuoc cham sauce; and our fave, the grilled sambal aubergine lasagna with turmeric rice. If you are a meat-eater we promise you will not leave feeling unsatisfied. The dishes are hearty and packed with flavor. Those with a sweet tooth can enjoy their signature pandan coconut pancakes with caramelised coconut flakes and house made coconut ice cream; as well as grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream, rum vanilla sauce, and salted peanut and sesame. The Verdict: Chef Peter has created a menu that will satisfy vegetarians and nonvegetarians alike. The dishes are unpretentious, comforting and full of flavour. We love it! 47B Elgin St., Central, 2526-2227, www.diningconcepts. com/restaurants/Soho-Spice.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Sensory Fight Club The Buzz: MMA has become extremely popular and lots of dedicated studios have popped up around Hong Kong in recent years. The latest one is Sensory Fight Club, a concept focusing on all elements of MMA, including nutrition. The Classes: Sensory Fight Club, a stone’s throw
from Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, opened just last month and so the full complement of classes hasn’t been released yet. We joined the beginner’s 75-minute Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class for women. After a quick warm up and stretch we did a couple of rounds of HIIT circuits before moving into the martial arts component.Throughout the class we developed a number of basic BJJ techniques including self-defence, attacking movements and positions and submissions techniques. Classes are in Cantonese and English so make sure you check which one you’re signed up for. The Verdict: We really enjoyed how the class was so varied and interactive - the 75 minutes went much quicker than expected! Having some core and strength work included was a great bonus and really warmed us up for the fighting during the latter part of the class. Being MMA novices, we weren’t quite prepared for getting up close and personal with a stranger, but once you’re comfortable with the fact you’re grappling on the floor with someone you’ve only just met, we loved the competitive element. The Cost: Drop-in classes are $250 but packages are
available. You can also drop in for your own mat workout for $100 per hour. One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, www.sensoryfightclub.com.
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GIVEAWAYS visit liv-magazine.com/giveaways for a chance to win!
WIN: A Mobot foam roller bottle! Release tension and stay hydrated on the go with Mobot, the world’s first and only foam roller water bottle. It delivers hydration and massage in one portable, eco-friendly package. We have three Mobots to give away, each worth $459. shop.findingsgroup.com/collections/mobot.
WIN: An Erbaviva deodorant and bug spray set! Keep your cool this summer with an all-natural deodorant and bug spray by Californian beauty brand Erbaviva - the natural blend of eucalyptus, cedarwood, citronella and lemongrass keeps the mozzies away without the use of chemicals. We have eight sets to give away, each worth $605. www.abeautybar.com.hk.
WIN: A pass for two to Daybreaker at Evolution Yoga Conference! Courtesy of Daybreaker, we have a pair of tickets to its morning dance party at Evolution Asia Yoga Conference on June 10! The party begins with a mediation and yoga session at 10am, followed by a dance party from noon. We’ve got a pair of tickets up for grabs worth $660 in total Winners will be announced on June 7. daybreaker.com.
Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways by June 28 to win!
Cover Story
The Ultimate Green Beauty Guide Once upon a time, green beauty was hard to find in Hong Kong… but that time is long gone. Rachel Read seeks out the city’s best natural, organic and eco beauty stores, spas and home-grown brands.
NATURAL STORES
Ditch your preservative-laden cosmetics for all-natural, organic skincare.
Cabanee This local e-boutique stocks independent, international organic and natural beauty brands that you won’t find elsewhere in Hong Kong - including haircare from Tabitha James Kraan and Yarok, and skincare from Bottega Organica and 5YINA. Shipping costs $50 whatever your order size, so stock up! cabanee.com.
A Beauty Bar This local distributor of international brands carries an impressive roster of eco lines for your shopping pleasure - including organic colour cosmetics from Ilia, natural haircare from John Masters Organic, synthetic-free skincare from Esse and natural suncare from Coola. 15/F, Kin Tak Fung Commercial Building, 467-473 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2295-6072; more locations and online shopping at abeautybar.com.hk.
10/10 Hope This multi-brand boutique does all the hard work for you, cherry-picking the best natural and organic beauty products from around the world and selling it all under one roof. Ranges include cult Brit favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies, organic skincare from Grown Alchemist and Absolution, and dedicated organic baby care lines from Erbaviva. Shop B11, Lab Concept, Queensway Plaza, Admiralty, 5920-7079; more locations at hk.1010hope.com.
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Cover Story
BEYORG
Gooseberry Beauty
Founded in 2005, Beyorg is a veteran of the green scene in Hong Kong - early proof that natural beauty is a force to be reckoned with. Its luxurious boutiques sell internationally renowned organic brands Susanne Kaufmann, Amala, RMS and Nuori, amongst others; they’ve also just opened the swanky No.8 Spa in the Landmark if you’re looking for indulgent organic treatments.
This small but perfectly formed store sells handcrafted organic and natural skincare from a trio of much-loved eco brands - Fig + Yarrow, MOA and Odylique. Shipping is free on orders over $500 ($35 otherwise), with the option of free pickup from their store too.
Shop 1091B, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2882-5218; more locations and online shopping at beyorgbeauty.com.
Unit 1841, 18/F, Eton Tower, 8 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 6094-0663 (open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and public holidays), gooseberrybeauty.com.
Little Things in Life As a long-time sufferer of sensitive skin, Angela Wong started this excellently curated e-shop to share the all-natural skincare alternatives that helped cure her complexion. Brands available include organic makeup by Eye of Horus and 100% Pure, and skincare by Kahina and Sally B’s Skin Yummies. There’s free shipping on orders over $500 ($45 otherwise), or you can try the goods in-person at their showroom. Visits by appointment at 2/F, 157-159 Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 9087-3338, ltilhk.com.
Gourmet Skin Bar This super-slick e-boutique’s extensive range of natural beauty brands puts many department store offerings to shame; lines include organic lipsticks from Nudus, natural sun-care from Suntegrity (exclusively sold here in Hong Kong), scrumptious fair-trade Hurraw lip balms, and organic skincare from Cowshed. Shipping is free on orders over $500, or $50 otherwise. gourmetskinbar.com.
Skinbook With a retail space in Langham Place operating alongside an e-commerce site, Skinbook has all your natural beauty shopping needs covered – with certified organic and eco-friendly skincare from brands including Biofficina Toscana, Naobay and OLOS on their shelves. Shop K203, L2, Langham Place, 8 Argyle St., Mong Kok, +852 2866 1833; online shopping at skinbook.me.
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Cover Story
GREEN SPAS
Green beauty doesn’t have to end at home: these spas provide all-natural pampering.
Iyara Natural Therapies Spa L’Occitane This haven of calm in Star Street will transport you to the South of France, via incredibly relaxing yet highly effective facials, massages and body treatments, all done exclusively with the brand’s famed natural lotions and potions. Their shea butter massages are certain to fix any bad day! Shop 3, Star Crest, 9 Star St., Wan Chai, 2143-6288, more locations at hk.loccitane.com.
Did you know this popular home-grown spa chain has a venue dedicated to all things natural and organic? Their Hollywood Road location has a suitably eco-chic vibe and an extensive treatment menu covering face, body, hair and nails, using natural brands including Sundari and Clarks Botanicals. 2/F, 27 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2523-8700, iyaranaturaltherapies.com.
Emmanuel F Thought Emmanuel F only did hair? Think again. These green beauty long-timers have a whole spa area dedicated to delivering divine natural face, body, hand and feet, and waxing treatments – all using certified organic products from French brand Phyt’s. U/G, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2167-8280, emmanuelf.com.
Lush Spa
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What this cult British brand doesn’t know about green beauty ain’t worth knowing… and now they have a lovely jubbly spa in Hong Kong offering the ultimate in eco pampering. Gorgeous décor, unique quirky treatments (one’s inspired by The Beatles) and incredible all-natural products what’s not to love?
Sparadise
Soho Square, 21 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 3915-0638, hk.lush.com.
3-4/F, 60 Wellington St., Central, 2997-2208, sparadise.com.hk.
This organic oasis caters for all your pampering needs in style, with an extensive menu of facials, massages, body treatments, nail services, waxing and even tanning, all done with organic products. Local brands such as Native Essentials and Coconut Matter share the spotlight with established eco lines Juice Beauty and Sparitual… and the results speak for themselves.
Cover Story
Hong Kong Brands
Who says nothing is made in Hong Kong any more? These brands keep their beauty local.
Bahia Cosmetics
Bathe to Basics
All-natural ingredients sourced directly from Moroccan women’s cooperatives, recyclable packaging and highly effective results - Hong Kong-based Bahia ticks all our eco boxes. Their 100 percent pure Argan oil, rose water and Rhassoul clay elixirs are true skincare saviours.
This boutique is a haven for beauty lovers – a gorgeous Kinfolk-ready space piled high with the brand’s locally produced organic and sustainable skin, body and haircare products. Signatures include ultra moisturising cream soap bars and gentle face washes… Now that’s the kind of basic we can get on board with. S403, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8135; more stockists and online shopping at bathetobasics.com.
Available at Home Evoriginal, Room D, 1/F, 13 Yu Chau St., Prince Edward, 5281-3081; more stockists and online shopping at bahiacosmetics.com.
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We Are NO Expert
Native Essentials
Purearth
This blooming lovely local brand hand-makes all the products in its natural skincare line, including flower waters, face creams, serums and soaps. Their kefir yoghurt masks have a bit of a cult following; they’re made only once a month, so mark your diaries!
“Simple, pure, botanical luxury” – this home-grown brand’s slogan says it all really. Made in small batches with the finest freshest ingredients, this line of potent natural skincare and unique essential oil blends is a winner for the whole family.
Bringing ancient Ayurvedic wisdom well and truly into the 21st century, this stunning skincare line highlights nutrient-rich natural ingredients harvested ethically in the Himalayas – and has won rave reviews from Vogue India as a result.
Available at Eslite, Shop 1014, 10/F Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 3419-6779; more stockists and online shopping at wearenoexpert.com.
Available at Sparadise, 3-4/F, 60 Wellington St., Central, 29972208; more stockists and online shopping at nativessentials.com.
Visits by appointment at 6/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield Rd., Kennedy Town, 6080-0045; more stockists and online shopping at purearth.asia.
Cover Story
POLISH IT OFF We’ve come a long way from the dark days of nail polish, where the smell alone was toxic enough to strip paint! Here are some of the best non-toxic lacquers in Hong Kong:
SpaRitual This well-established brand of cruelty-free, vegan nail polish is all 5-free - meaning it’s formulated without harmful chemicals DBP, toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin. Available at A Beauty Bar.
Kure Bazaar A chic cruelty-free French brand that’s both 5-free and vegan; its formula is composed of up to 85 percent natural ingredients, including wood pulp, wheat, cotton, potatoes and corn. Available at The Nail Library, L/1, 10-12 On Wo Lane, Central, 2803-2290.
JINSoon Created by influential New York nail artist Jin Soon (Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan), this elegant line of high-shine polishes is 5-free, vegan and never tested on animals. Available at Beyorg.
Deborah Lippmann Manicurist to the stars Deborah Lippmann is renowned for her rainbow of lacquer colours, with a long-wear Gel Lab Pro series of polishes too (no UV lamp required!). They’re all 7-free (5-free, plus no xylene or diethylhexyl adipate either), vegan and cruelty-free. Available at Joyce Beauty, Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 3572-0364, more locations at joyce.com.
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THE GREEN GLOSSARY Sometimes it feels like you need a science degree to decipher your product labels! Here’s our quick guide to some of the most common green beauty buzzwords: PARABENS: commonly used to prevent bacteria growth in cosmetics, they’ve historically proven safer and more effective than other preservatives, but some studies have shown a potential link to breast cancer. PHTHALATES: a type of chemical with many uses, including as a stabiliser in fragrances and plasticiser in nail polish; has been linked to endocrinal (i.e. hormone) disruption. SULFATES: used as cleansing agents in skin and haircare; SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is one of the most commonly used and has a good safety record, but it can also trigger allergic skin reactions. MICROBEADS: tiny nonbiodegradable plastic particles often found in exfoliators and scrubs, which then pollute the ocean and get eaten by marine life. Banned in the US, but not in Hong Kong. ORGANIC: there are no global regulations on the use of this word - and no official certifications for organic beauty in Hong Kong - so buying can be a bit of a trust exercise; for international brands, look for organic certifications from their country of origin, like Ecocert.
Sports Injuries
! H C OU . ct of life fa l a e r o n all-to le ies are a r ju ortspeop in p , s s s e t u le io ry r h For at three se ome inju s o s t t s e t g a h d rc ys, an Kate Far r journe e v o experts. c e e r h t ir e m h t o r t ues f abou t techniq n e m e g mana
Ali Watts,
personal trainer, yoga teacher and health coach, (Ali.Fitness)
O
ne-woman powerhouse Ali Watts has a thriving personal training business (ali.fitness), and partipates in a range of endurance sports in her downtime. Earlier this year, Ali’s active lifestyle ground to a halt when she suffered a devastating accident. “I was on group bike ride one morning. Someone in front slowed down, and before I could brake, I hit the bike in front of me at approximately 40 kilometres per hour.” Taking the brunt of the impact on her head and shoulder, Ali suffered severe concussion and significant tearing to seven of her shoulder ligaments, requiring urgent surgical repair. Despite seeing an orthopaedic surgeon, ophthalmologist, neurologist, physiotherapist and osteopath, Ali continues to suffer from blurred vision and headaches, and has accepted that full recovery will be a lengthy process, “It will take around two months for 24
the concussion to disappear and my eyesight to return to normal; six months to regain unrestricted functional movement and around 12 months to return to my previous level of fitness.” Taking a proactive approach to recovery, Ali schedules regular sports massages, takes nutritional supplements to aid her recovery, and despite all the pain and frustration, maintains a positive outlook. “I’m currently creating a podcast about bringing health to fitness… in some ways it’s fortunate that I now have time to work on other areas of my business!”.
Sports Injuries
Liam Slatem, Rugby Player, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union
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ugby player Liam Slatem’s injury came about on the job, “I was injured during a rugby match. I had the ball, was tackled from the side and went over my knee.” The tackle ruptured Liam’s right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), requiring corrective surgery, followed by a lengthy programme of rehabilitation. Primarily using massage to manipulate the knee joint, Liam also underwent a few sessions of needling at six months post-surgery to assist with tight hamstrings. When it came to
getting back to the field, he explains, “It took around 10 months to regain full fitness. I could have pushed to be fit sooner, however we took our time and ensured all return-to-play protocols were performed confidently and naturally.” This measured approach has strengthened Liam’s commitment to training, “I believe having a serious long-term injury has made me focus on rehabilitation and getting my fundamental muscles and joints as strong as possible.”
Matt Clarke, runner
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eacher Matt Clarke is a committed distance runner, scoring a number of podium finishes in recent years, including twice winning the China Coast Half Marathon and placing third in the local runner category in this year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. Between 2014-16, Matt suffered from chronic tibia stress fractures in his left leg. “The injury set in over time. Initially it was a slight, dull pain in my calf which gradually worsened. It felt like my legs were being rubbed raw, and even walking was painful.” He discovered that this type of fracture is common in endurance athletes subjected to a lot of repetition. “It’s still not entirely clear why I developed these fractures, but it’s believed to be due to muscle imbalances putting undue strain on my hamstring and calf.” Matt’s recovery has required him to step away from his usual intensive training. “I took a threemonth break from running last year to overcome the
last flare-up. It took me four months to get back to normal mileage and into decent shape to compete at the front of races again.” Ongoing physiotherapy has also aided his recovery, while customised insoles have resulted in nine months without any recurrence of his fractures. Matt is now training hard for his next goal. “I feel like that I have overcome these injuries and am running close to my best. I’ve been able to consistently run mileage of 120-130 kilometres a week without getting injured, so next year I hope to break 2.30 for the Standard Chartered Marathon and be ranked number one in Hong Kong for this distance.”
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Sports Injuries
e i V t r e p x E e h T
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The Physiotherapist With a career spanning 20 years, physiotherapist Malcolm Minns of Byrne, Hickman & Partners has worked with many world-renowned athletes, treating a wide range of musculoskeletal problems and aiding sporting rehabilitation. Q Are there any sports that tend to result in more injuries than others? Yes, certain sports carry a greater risk of injury and different sports can be associated with different types of injury. Contact sports, such as rugby or MMA, have a higher likelihood of neck, shoulder and head injury, but you’re more likely to see ankle sprains and knee ligament injuries in sports that involve sudden changes in direction, such as squash or netball. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis, foot pain or anterior knee pain are seen more often in endurance sports like running and rowing.
The Sports Massage Therapist Formerly a Hong Kong Sports Institute therapist, Matthew Chiu has worked at major athletics events like the Rowing World Championships, Cycling World Series and our very own Rugby Sevens. He now delivers sports massage to tensed-up Hongkongers at Central multidisciplinary clinic, UP! Health. Q What exactly is sports massage therapy? Despite the slightly misleading name, this discipline is for everyone, not just sportspeople. Sports massage therapists have a deeper understanding of anatomy, movement and physiology than a
The Surgeon Dr. Benjamin Chow is a private specialist in Orthopaedic and Traumatology. He specialises in the treatment of knee and shoulder issues, and is himself a keen runner and swimmer, and former triathlete. Q What sort of sporting injuries do you most commonly treat? A variety, including shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tears, AC joint dislocation [shoulder separation], clavicle fractures, ACL and meniscus tears and cartilage injuries. 26
Q What are your top tips for avoiding injury? Injuries cannot be prevented – while we can attempt to reduce injuries, they will always happen. Your body adapts to the demands placed upon it with training – I use sunburn as an analogy, too much sun and you burn, a bit of exposure and your skin adapts. Do this over and over, adding a bit more each time and your tolerance to sunlight becomes much greater. The same principle applies whether you’re lifting weights, training for a marathon or starting tennis. Q What can athletes do to speed up recovery time? Nothing we do will “speed up” the actual healing of tissues but quality sleep and rest, good nutrition and gentle activity will help. Our body has evolved over hundreds of millions of years and is quite adept at self-regulation and recovery. Think about it – have you ever had an injury, cut or bruise that didn’t heal?
conventional masseur. This includes understanding how our body’s muscles function – both in our daily lives, and also during periods of intensive exercise. We offer a variety of different manual therapy techniques with the overall aim of relieving discomfort and restoring fluid mobility to our patients. Q What types of injury do you most commonly treat? I handle a lot of muscle springs and spasms, as well as chronic pain cases in the neck, upper and lower back, calves, and plantar fascia. For example, I’ll often see patients who wake up with acute neck pain and difficulty in tur
Q What can athletes do to avoid injury and manage existing problems? Adequate warm up and cool down periods are extremely important. Don’t overdo it – know your limits and make sure that you’re using the correct techniques for your specific sport. If you do pick up an injury, early treatment can be the key to successful management, and I recommend working with a physiotherapist to support good recovery.
Bowled Over With summer in full swing, it’s time to tuck into a refreshing (and healthy!) acai bowl. Zoe Belhomme rounds up a few favourites.
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ronounced ah-sigh-ee, the acai berry hails from the rainforests of South America, and is well known for its array of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, acai bowls - usually blended with frozen bananas - look and taste just like ice cream, but are in fact a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack in the hot summer months. If you haven’t had one yet it’s basically a really thick smoothie topped with whatever you fancy - fruit, oatmeal, seeds, or even peanut butter. They’re easy to make, but if you don’t have time to whip up a bowl, there are lots of places to pick up this cool superfood treat.
HOME Eat to Live
Food
Bowlin' with your Homies With a menu designed to balance body and mind through organic and wholesome plant-based foods, HOME’s acai bowl ($55) and toppings are all freshly made each morning in the restaurant. The thick and creamy base includes earthy beetroot in the blend as well as raspberries and strawberries. Give your bowl some bite with some wholesome toppings including banana chips, mixed fruits, seeds and crunchy cereals. 77 Des Voeux Road Central, 2777-4777, www.homerestauranthk.com.
Genie in a Bowl Once known chiefly for its juice detoxes, Genie Juicery has not only expanded its retail outlets of late, they’ve also grown their menu to include a range of healthy savoury and sweet dishes. Genie’s smoothie bowls ($80) are totally organic, veganfriendly and feature no artificial sugars. Unlike others versions on the market, you choose from three different blended bases before adding your other toppings - Chocolate for Breakfast, Green Scream and Berry Nice. You can choose up to four toppings from a selection including frozen raspberries and strawberries, cacao nibs, banana chips, goji berries, gluten-free granola and desiccated coconut.
Business Brekkie Mercedes Me’s version of the acai bowl features tropical fruit, your choice of fresh or dried berries, granola, coconut flakes and chia seeds. The dish is part of the restaurant’s semi-buffet style breakfast menu which is available between 9:00am and 12:00pm on weekdays. So forget the buttery croissants and toast, enjoy this lighter and healthier option during your next pre-office breakfast with clients. Or you know… have both! Entertainment Building, 30 Queen's Road, Central, 2895-7398, www. maximalconcepts.com/mercedes-me.
Available at 56-72 Third St., Sai Ying Pun. Also on offer at Hollywood Road and IFC branches. www.geniejuicery.com.
Mercedes Me 29
Food
They See Me Bowlin' Grassroots Movement If you’re looking for a more leisurely breakfast experience, rather than just a ‘grab n’ go’ option, Grassroots Pantry serves up a delicious acai bowl packed full of good-for-you foods.Their Acai Berry Cacao Bowl ($98) blends cacao powder with tummy-friendly coconut kefir yogurt, flax seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds and cranberry. 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 2873-3353, www.grassrootspantry.com.
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Mandarin Oriental
Available at the Mandarin Oriental's Spa and Cake Shop, this acai bowl is part of a tailored detox menu, Healthy Choices, created by iridologist and nutritionist Jennifer Thomson. Whether you’re fighting the effects of a late night or jet lag, the luxurious blend of acai berries, bananas, strawberries, kiwi fruit, blueberries, hemp hearts powder and spirulina will be sure to supercharge your day. 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4008, www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong.
Food
Be Yourself While most acai bases are a blend of frozen acai pulp, banana and coconut juice, Be-Juiced's version trades in coconut for apple juice, which gives it a slightly sweeter flavour. Be-Juiced was one of the first outlets to offer acai bowls in Hong Kong and they’ve managed to differentiate themselves by offering an incredible array of toppings. Build your own bowl - the small ($65) gives you two toppings and the large ($115) includes three. 45 Peel St., Central, 2668-6231, www.bejuiced-hk.com.
Try it at home!
Make your own acai bowl - it’s really easy! This recipe comes from Hemsley + Hemsley's "The Art of Eating Well" by Melissa and Jasmine Hemsley (Ebury Press 2014).
INGREDIENTS: • 4 tbs acai powder (or pulp if you can find it) • ½ a frozen banana • 1 small ripe avocado • 2 tbsp coconut oil • 150g frozen berries • 1 pitted date • 200ml of coconut water (or water)
Method: It couldn’t be much simpler. Put all the main ingredients in a blender and whizz up until smooth. Serve with the toppings of your choice. Photo: Nick Hopper
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Food
HEALTHY RECIPE
COCONUT POWERBITES By Winston’s Coffee These moreish coconut dessert balls are a great fix to beat a midday energy slump. They ditch sugary ingredients in favour of gluten-free oats and goji berries. Makes 36 bites
INGREDIENTS: • 70g coconut flakes
• 210g coconut oil
• 90g goji berries
• 20g maca powder
• 230g raisins
• 110g agave syrup
• 540g gluten-free oats
DIRECTIONS: 1. Place the raisins and goji berries in a small bowl of filtered water. Soak for 10 minutes. 2. Add coconut flakes to food processor and blitz until chunky - about half of their original size.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
COOKING TIME: 20 minutes
STORAGE: Place in tupperware and store in fridge. 32
3. Strain the goji berries and raisins. 4. Mix raisins and goji berries, chunky coconut flakes, oats, coconut oil, maca powder and agave syrup together in a bowl, until evenly distributed.
5. Flatten down in bowl and place in the fridge for 10 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll them into balls later. 6. Using scales, measure the weight of each ball at 36-38g and roll. 7. To decorate: roll the powerbites in a little leftover shredded coconut until fully covered.
Pamper
READY SET GLOW with Rachel Read
WELCOME TO SKIN-DINAVIA Dedicated to living the hygge life? Put the cable-knit jumpers and candles to one side for a minute, as I’ve found the perfect beauty brand to sate your obsession for all things Scandinavian - Meraki. Come for their deliciously chic Nordic aesthetic but stay for their all-natural clean ingredient list, which is free of parabens, colorants, SLS and nasty endocrine-disrupting substances. Made in Denmark, the range includes soaps, body wash, lotions, scrubs, essential oils and more. With scents including Cotton Haze (fresh fruit with a citrus zing) and Linen Dew (woody notes combined with mint), it all smells amazing. Prices range from $80-280. Available at Lane Crawford IFC, Times Square, Pacific Place and Canton Road stores or online at lanecrawford.com.hk.
HEARD IT ON THE GRAPEVINE Le Spa Caudalie, the French skincare brand’s boutique Central spa, has had a bit of a facelift – and it’s looking très chic. With new light and airy bleached wood interiors, they’ve upped the number of treatment rooms to four and totally refreshed their menu of facials and body massages - all of which use Caudalie’s signature paraben-free products, powered by natural active ingredients from grapes and their vines. Gough Street feels that little bit more serene already! Treatments range from $480-1,080. 3 Gough St., Central, 2319-1006, hk-en.caudalie.com. 34
SUMMER COOLAS The pollution might do a great job of hiding it, but someone’s just flipped the “summer” switch in Hong Kong. That means good sun protection is a musthave… and I’ve found you a great green alternative! Now available in Hong Kong, cult Californian suncare brand Coola is all about being natural, sustainable and locally sourced: its clinically tested products feature over 70 percent certified organic ingredients, including nourishing vitamins and age-defying antioxidants, with zero parabens, phthalates and PABAs (para-aminobenzoic acid) to boot. There’s none of that itsy-bitsy SPF 15 nonsense here either; I’ve been slathering on their SPF 50 Face Moisturiser, SPF 30 Mineral Makeup Primer and SPF 30 BB Cream with abandon. They’re all gloriously light, nonchalky, non-greasy and smell pretty great too - the ultimate sunscreen combo. Moisturiser, primer and BB cream prices range from $375-595. Available at A Beauty Bar, 5/F, Kin Tak Fung Commercial Building, 467-473 Hennessy Rd,, Causeway Bay, 2295-6072; or online at abeautybar.com.hk.
ASK THE EXPERT Homeopath
Lisa Griffiths Bsc Hom (UK)
Can homeopathic medicine help my baby with colic and reflux? This is a very common problem and causes great distress to mother and baby. In my experience homeopathic remedies, in combination with cranial osteopathy, ease the discomfort and pain with impressive speed. But most importantly for little babies, the treatment is natural, with no side effects to worry about and they are soon restored to their calm and happy state. Watching both mother and baby relax after a good remedy is one of my favourite moments!
What can homeopathic remedies do for eczema? Eczema is a deeply irritating and stubborn skin condition that is notoriously difficult to shift. It seems to have no cause and no cure, and is intensely uncomfortable for the sufferer, especially in the hot humid climate of Hong Kong. However, homeopathic remedies can, and do, provide deep and lasting symptomatic relief by 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.
strengthening the whole health of the sufferer in a totally natural way. We also have a range of topical creams that are homeopathic and natural, which further eases the stress on the skin.
Lisa Griffiths can be contacted at The Round Clinic, One Island South, Wong Chuk Hang , 2648-2612, www.theroundclinic.com. Information presented by The Round Clinic
Travel
There’s a daring new way to explore the mountains of Oman: dangling from the Middle East’s highest via ferrata climbing route. Petrified at first, Kate Springer clips onto the cabled mountain course only to discover an unexpected way to relax.
Just lean back and trust the cables, says Mahmoud Mohammed Ahmed Al-Amri, my climbing guide for the morning. That’s easier said than done, seeing as I’m on the edge of Oman’s deepest canyon and he’s asking me to dangle 2,000 metres above sea level. My legs shake uncontrollably, while my hands grip the steel cable that’s been hammered into the mountainside. This is the Middle East’s highest via ferrata, just opened at the Alila Jabal Akhdar retreat earlier this year. Meaning “iron road” in Italian, a via ferrata is a protected climbing course, where you don a helmet, harness and carabiner clips that hook onto cables secured to the rock’s surface. Each section of cable is sealed off, and you’re constantly clipping from one wire to the next, tackling one piece of the obstacle course at a time. 36
Located in the Al Hajar mountain region of Oman in the Middle East - about two hours southwest of Muscat - Alila’s new via ferrata is tucked out of sight under the hotel’s cliffside infinity pool, where more intelligent guests start their morning with Bloody Marys. Me? A cold sweat. As I inch along the mountain cables, a herd of goats prance along the rocks above me. I envy their sure-footedness and carefree confidence - they’re unfazed by the canyon abyss just inches away. Once I get the hang of the clips and cables, Mahmoud tells me about the mountain and its role in Omani culture. Jabal Akhdar (Arabic for “green mountain”) is one of Oman’s most important agricultural regions - a fact
Travel
that’s hard to believe, given its stark landscape. But the Mediterranean climate and rich soil produces a bounty each year, including everything from roses to pomegranates, berries, plums, figs and almonds. Despite its famous harvest, the area feels more like a desert, with miles of sandy stone terrain and a peppering of scraggly shrubs. Looking out across the canyon from my perilous perch, the landscape appears vast and raw – and unsettlingly quiet. The sun is soft and the air is crisp, cooling my sweat with an occasional breeze. Mahmoud and I continue to climb side by side, creeping farther and farther from the hotel. As we wrap around a sheer rock face, a challenging set of obstacles unfolds below –I spot a set of metal stairs,
what looks like a vertical ladder, and a tightrope-like bridge that stretches across the mouth of a cave. That’s exactly where we’re headed. One clip at a time, we proceed slowly and deliberately, eventually hitting a rhythm, with the sound of clicking metal as a soundtrack. Mahmoud recalls what it was like to grow up in the area, and all about his love of mountain climbing. He’s as comfortable as the goats, having spent his childhood running around his cliffside village of Hail Al-yemen. Though he is a veteran mountain climber, Mahmoud didn’t try a via ferrata course until joining the hotel. “I immediately loved the thrill of it,” he says. “With the steel cables, you can move over steep ground, which allows you to feel some exposure while still being completely safe.”
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Travel
Though by now I’m comfortable enough to look around and appreciate the canyon’s dramatic views, Mahmoud assures me it’s common for first-time climbers to feel petrified when they hop over the hotel’s fence and look down at the course. After all, it’s a steep descent, at nearly 90 degrees. While the beginning is hard to enjoy, most climbers warm up during the course. As soon as they learn to trust the equipment - and the concept of using carabiners - their confidence picks up and they learn to let go a little bit. He often watches grips relax and tension fade, as they eagerly tackle the most challenging obstacles - like a vertical stairwell composed of metal pegs. He’s right - soon enough, I’m snapping pictures and scrambling along the canyon walls like I’ve been doing this for years. As we reach the completely exposed rope walk, I lean against the cable and take in the vast ravine that stretches before me. There’s a thin steel wire and an ocean of air below my feet - and I haven’t felt this relaxed in years.
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Cool as a Carabiner
Keen to clip in and try a canyon climb? Here’s where to find a via ferrata in Asia. Via ferratas were commonly used in Italy during World War I, when these routes were used to evade enemies and transfer supplies. Since then, the sport has proliferated across Italy’s Dolomites, as well as nearby France, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. Today there are more than 1,000 courses around the world, as well as a growing following in Asia. In China, you can try your hand at a course that winds across Mount Hua in Shaanxi Province – one of
China’s Five Great Mountains. There are nearly a dozen more ferratas across the country, in places like Beijing and Yunnan. Japan boasts a course on Mt. Hoken in the Central Alps, which enables climbers to dangle above 300-metre drops. But perhaps the most famous via ferrata in Asia is in Malaysia. The course winds around Mount Kinabalu, reaching 3,776 metres – making it the highest in the world.
Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
SUIT YOUR SENSES
SUPER SUDS
If anyone knows how to craft an amazing spa package, it’s Banyan Tree. The Singaporean hotel and spa brand has a sparkling track record when it comes to building peaceful sanctuaries, complete with relaxing lemongrass aromas and warm wood surrounds. So it comes as no surprise that the Banyan Tree Phuket Spa Sanctuary’s new “Sense of Wellness” packages sound all kinds of relaxing. So what’s so special? Each of the six journeys includes four nights in a Spa Sanctuary Pool Villa (read: lap of luxury), nutrient-packed meals and massages in your private sala. From there, the journeys drill down into specific goals, such as a “Nourishment” retreat that includes detox cleanses and cooking workshops, or a “Healing Heart” programme that focuses on stretching, meditation and calming massages. In any case, you’ll enjoy unlimited Banyan Tree spa treatments - so it’s hard to go wrong.
Soap might not sound like the sexiest cause, but it can be a serious game-changer for underprivileged communities around the world. According to UNICEF, 1.4 million children die annually from illnesses that could have been prevented with access to better hygiene. And with 5 million hardly touched hotel soaps heading into landfills on a daily basis, there’s no shortage of supply. In Hong Kong, Clean the World Asia has tapped into the often-overlooked resource by partnering with the region’s biggest hotel chains to recycle soaps for families in need. Who’s pitching in? Hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula Hong Kong, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong and the Venetian Macao have sent their soaps to Clean the World’s Hong Kong factory, where 50 to 60 tons of soap are recycled each month.
Available until October 31, 2017. From $9,242. 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, Phuket, Thailand, (+66) 76-372-400, banyantree.com. 40
Learn more or get involved at cleantheworld.org.
Travel
SRI LANKA FOR LOVERS If your ideal getaway combines equal parts luxury, relaxation and adventure then Sri Lanka should be at the top of your bucket list. A refuge in the Indian Ocean, the diverse country is home to a little bit of everything, from the rolling tea hills to long stretches of coastline, surf spots, safaris, rice paddies and caves. Seeing it all can be a bit overwhelming, but relax: Jacada Travel recently launched a tailor-made two-week honeymoon programme that will make you want to get hitched, ASAP. The travel agent designs each trip to highlight the best of every corner, with stops in the culture capital of Kandy, a few nights in tea country, and a safari camp in Yala National Park. Then you’ll wind down a few low-key days at the beach before a romantic last stop at the Galle Fort - a beautifully preserved colonial town with handsome hotels, cobbled streets and charming cafes. For bonus carbon points, Jacada will pay to offset your carbon footprint, including international flights. From $35,941 per person. jacadatravel.com.
Kate Springer is an Asia travel expert who contributes to Conde Nast Traveler, Vogue, CNN, BBC Travel, Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor’s, Vice, and more. Follow her travels on Instagram @katespringer. Send travel news to kate@kate-springer.com
POPULAR IMMUNE BOOSTER NOW AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG
Bite Me Immune Booster is an all natural blend of rich Manuka Honey, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Ginger Root, Lime and Lemon Juice combined with an array of secret spices including Turmeric and Cayenne Pepper. This all natural tonic recipe has been passed down through the generations and contains organic ingredients.
www.bitemetonic.com 41
Family
Mak ng a Meal of t Dining out with kids can be a headache at the best of times, and doubly so when you’re looking for options that are both nutritious and acceptable to the pickiest of customers. If you’re tired of the same old options, these junk-free family eats are tasty and (whisper it) healthy too. By Kate Farr.
Surf’s Up
Roma Free Ma Wan, aka Park Island, is home to Hong Kong’s only full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark, and makes for a fun day trip when combined with a meal on Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach. Designed by Finnish chef and dad Jaakko Sorsa (you’ll also find him heading up the kitchen at FINDS), Café Roma’s re-launched kids’ menu offers picky little people healthier choices, with dishes such as chicken couscous salad and grilled sea bass on porcini risotto that are designed to look appealing while packing a nutritional punch. Sounds a little too sophisticated? Freshly-made pizzas, pastas and dessert classics such as banana split help you bribe your way to clean plates. L1, Shop 7 and 8, Beach Commercial Complex, Park Island, 3446-1226, caferoma.com.hk. 42
If you’re looking for a whole-family day trip, head to Pui O Beach and grab lunch at Mavericks, where the chilledout surf shack vibe and on-site skate ramp will earn approval from teens, while younger sibs will love getting their feet sandy as they eat. The “Mini Mavs” menu is packed with seasonal, organic choices, such as free-range roast chicken, pasta with fresh tomato or pesto sauce, and sustainably fished, oat-crumbed New Zealand Hoki fish fingers. Much of the produce here comes from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, with bread sourced daily from just down the road in Mui Wo - meaning you’ll be cutting food miles as well as junk. Pui O Beach, Lantau, 5662-8552, mavericks.hk.
Family
Nice To Sushi You The Happiest Hour A tried and tested family fave, Linguini Fini focuses on simple dishes made with the freshest possible ingredients. The “Kids’ Happy Hour” allows under-12s to eat for free between 4-7pm on weekdays, making after-school treats that little bit more budgetfriendly. You’ll find child-friendly staples like mac and cheese, but also tomato soup with grilled cheese soldiers, fish fillet fingers with a side salad, and homemade chicken nuggets. The focus here is on quality, although the generous portion sizes means there’ll be no complaints about quantity either. 49 Elgin St., Central, 2387-6338, linguinifini.com.
If your little one chows down on California rolls and is mad for miso, head on over to Shiro, where the attention to detail begins with the kids’ menu, which comes with instructions to fold it into an origami bird after ordering. Choose from two beautifully presented bento boxes, featuring bite-sized potions of Japanese classics including prawn katsu, vegetable tempura, and chicken teriyaki. Alternatively, the unlimited mini sushi platter offers kids a healthier take on Hong Kong’s all-you-can-eat obsession. LG1, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2117-9481; G/F, Lincoln House, 979 King’s Rd., Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, 2116-4969, shiro-sushi.com.
One Potato, Two Potato… If you’re lucky enough to have a more adventurous eater, Kaum at Potato Head in Sai Ying Pun dishes up a mix of both western and Indonesian food in small-person portions, meaning you can deliver a satay fix minus the spice. The restaurant offers a decent amount of space for kids to roam free without causing havoc, while the plush sofas are just right for curling up for a nap while parents sink a cocktail in peace (a mum can dream, can’t she?). G/F, 100 Third St., Sai Ying Pun, 2858-6066, kaum.com.
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Family
The Garden Of Eating There’s not strictly a kids’ menu, but if you’re after healthy Chinese dishes with the added bonus of some outdoor space to roam, Sohofama has you covered. Using locally sourced veggies and herbs, including some that are grown on-site in the restaurant’s own mini urban farm, you’ll find bite-sized kid-friendly favourites such as pan-fried buns and xiaolongbao made from organically-reared US pork, crispy vegetarian spring rolls and chicken lettuce wraps. Parents will want to linger a while in the garden over a plum sour cocktail, while kids enjoy a fresh juice. G/F, Block A, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St., Central, 2858-8238, sohofama.com.
Pukka Picks Saviour of healthy eating or irritating TV chef? However you view Jamie Oliver, he has brought the issue of childhood nutrition to the fore in his native UK, and now he's rolling out his healthy eating message across the world. Jamie’s Italian dishes up a Mediterranean-inspired kids’ menu made from mainly unprocessed ingredients - think beef meatballs served in a sevenveg sauce, lemon chicken lollipops with potatoes, nuts and seeds, and salmon with veggies served in a paper bag. All kids’ meals come with a cute mason jar shaker salad and drink, and even dessert gets a healthy makeover, with a fruit platter available… if you can avert their eyes from the (frankly delicious) popcorn-covered chocolate brownie, that is. 2/F, Soundwill Plaza II – Midtown, 1 Tang Lung St., Causeway Bay, 3958-2222; Shop 412, 4/F, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3758-3333, jamieoliver.com/Italian/ hongkong. 44
Rollin’ With My Homies Plant-based parents, rejoice! A kid-friendly vegan café exists – and what’s more, it’s right in the heart of Central. Launched last year, Home Eat To Live has been shaking things up in the healthy eating scene, offering creative dishes in an unpretentious setting at reasonable prices. Their Little Homies menu extends the concept to the youngest members of the family, serving up nourishing meals that are familiar enough to be eaten without too much fuss, such as vegan grilled cheese sandwiches and nachos loaded with salsa, avocado and adzuki beans. All kids’ meals come with homemade lemonade and a sweet treat for afters, and the relaxed vibe means that you won’t be too stressed about accidental spills. Shop G01 and 101, 77 Des Voeux Road Central, 2777-4777, homerestauranthk.com.
newsletter@liv-magazine.com
Family
FIT FAM with Kate Farr
This month we’re getting smart with two different #microfashion shopportunities to spruce up your kiddo’s wardrobe, plus we’re taking a look at two innovative companies using technology and science to nurture our next generation of geniuses.
BLOX PARTY New to Hong Kong is Genuineblox, an online boutique selling kids’ clothing across three distinct categories - organic, handmade or (cue Springsteen) made in the USA. The ethical lines are all sweatshop-free and made to be durable as well as stylish, with the organic range additionally produced to strict certification requirements. Cute-as-a-button options include an organic zebra-print romper with matching headband, breezy sleeveless onesies for the summer months and an adorable floralprint dress which comes complete with Red Riding Hood-style bonnet and matching doll.
Organic prices range from approximately $170-450; shipping US$10 (HK$78) for orders over US$100 (HK$780), genuineblox.com.
PRE(SCHOOL)-LOVED You know the story: children grow out of their clothes within a matter of weeks, leaving you overwhelmed by a mountain of cute-butbarely-worn outfits… not to mention considerably out of pocket. Local start-up Retykle has been working to change this narrative with its online consignment boutique that lets parents turn gently used designer kids’ wear into cash, and now they’re taking this winning format offline with their first pop-up event. Taking place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 June at Southside family members’ club Maggie & Rose, you can shop new and nearly new kids clothing at prices discounted by up to 90 percent. Retykle will also collect clothing to be sold or donated to charity at the event - so if you’ve been putting off that clear-out, now’s your chance. And with 5 percent of profits from the event going straight to HandsOn Hong Kong, this is eco-friendly, wallet-friendly shopping with a conscience.
June 9, 2-8pm; June 10, 9am-noon. Maggie & Rose, Shop 301, Lobby D, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, retykle.com. 46
Family
SMART MILK Proving that there’s now an app for literally everything, Hong Kong-based Feedi Baby has just launched an Indiegogo campaign that wants to revolutionise the way we feed infants. The Feedi is a smart dock that fits a wide range of the most commonly used baby bottle brands. It tracks the exact volume of expressed breast milk, formula, purée or water your baby consumes, collating this data into an easy-totrack chart accessed via a smartphone app. The premium version also records temperature, and the recorded information can be shared with up to five other users, making it easy to keep track.
Options range from US$49-74 (HK$382-576) with various group buy packages available, feedibaby.com.
LIVE STREAMERS And finally, if you have a budding Marie Curie or Elon Musk at home, Mochy Kid is here to quench their thirst for knowledge. Offering STREAM (science, technology, robotics, engineering, art and maths) learning kits and educational toys for kids from toddlers up to teens, Mochy kits are a great way to have fun with science, with everything from buildyour-own volcanoes complete with erupting lava, instant growing fluffy snow and forensic fingerprint detective kits. Parents can subscribe to age-appropriate monthly activity kits, with subscriptions available for one, three and six months. Best of all (in the opinion of this mum of sons) the kits are presented in an entirely gender-neutral fashion, challenging the pinkand-blue status quo of every other mainstream toy store. Here’s to raising the future of science, regardless of gender.
Individual toys from $95; monthly subscription kits from $168, mochykid.com. Kate Farr is the co-founder of writing and editing agency Editors’ Ink (editorsinkhk.com). She also blogs about Hong Kong family life at Accidental Tai-Tai (accidentaltaitai.com). Send your family health news to kate@editorsinkhk.com
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I came back to Hong Kong 10 years ago. My partner suddenly started having stomach issues and mood swings. After seeing the doctor he found that he was intolerant to wheat, as a result of IBS. From being able to eat everything and anything, to only eating steamed chicken and plain rice at home was a very difficult time - especially being in a foodie heaven like Hong Kong. I made a real effort to learn more about gluten intolerance and what he could and couldn’t have. I created dishes he loved and could safely eat. So then we thought, why not start a company to bring health to local Hongkongers? It hasn’t been easy getting Hong Kong to understand more about the gluten-free lifestyle. There's very little belief in this in Hong Kong - sometimes from the old generation's standpoint, they still think there's no such thing [as gluten intolerance]. I would recommend that people avoid ordering deep-fried dishes. In some restaurants the deepfryer has cooked foods that contain wheat products. The process of deep-frying doesn't actually get rid of what was in there before. We used to go to Chinese restaurants and order boiled chicken or vegetables, but quite often the water used to soak the chicken or vegetables, or to make rice noodles, had been contaminated by wheat noodles.
A lot of people seem to just think it’s a fad diet. Friends and family of sufferers can educate people around them about the effects [of gluten intolerance] - it’s not just something that’s in the sufferer’s mind. If you go gluten-free but don’t watch what you eat, that certainly won’t help you lose weight! Everyone’s idea of healthy eating is different. But healthy eating can be very cheap. Eat fewer processed foods, have more veggies in your diet, and exercise regularly. These are achievements in their own right. I treat myself [to dishes with gluten], but I'm not on the coeliac level. I wouldn't recommend anyone who is diagnosed to have cheat days. Having allergies or gluten intolerances could be a blessing in disguise. What it really means to go gluten-free is to not to simply eat processed glutenfree food - it's really about going wholesome. But you also have to take care of other aspects of your health, too. In the next few years I would love to see Urban Health preparing meals in schools, and perhaps even up in the air. Urban Health provides gluten-free catering as well as food consultancy services for establishments or individuals. Find out more at urbanhealth.hk.
HOW I LIV
ANDY KUN
Andy Kun is the co-founder of Urban Health, a private kitchen and catering service that also aims to spread the gluten-free gospel. He tells Liv Magazine about founding of the company, and why going gluten-free is more than just a fad diet.
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