Liv Magazine May 2019

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

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

Derby Girls

Hong Kong Roller Derby takes over

Spaliday Inn

An all-inclusive spa retreat in Vietnam

Beyond Flowers

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

SEEDS OF CHANGE :

HONG KONG'S URBAN GARDENS SPRING TO LIFE WIN dinnerware, superfood powder and a yoga brunch package on page 14!

MAY 05 Editor’s Letter

LIV | NEWS

LIV | STORIES

06 Wishlist

20 Led Down The Garden Path

08 It’s a Date

28 Whip It

Lovely things we want right now

Events for your diary

10 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

12 Fresh Cuts

Dining news that’s good for you

15 Cheat Day

Because #YOLO

16 Reviews

The Garuda Method and an anti-frizz treatment at emmanuel f

How to embrace gardening in an urban jungle

Hong Kong Roller Derby builds community through contact sport

32 Charity Spotlight

Crossroads Foundation

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LIV | MORE 34 Recipe

Vegan wild berry cheesecakes from Nordic Wild Foods

36 Pamper

Our beauty picks for this month

42 Travel

A weekend in Thailand's wellness haven, Chiang Mai

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44 Macau

Dispatches from our sister SAR

42

20 3

WE CARE BECAUSE IT’S YOUR HEALTH

At OT&P, your health and convenience is our highest priority.

We oer services from dietetics to mental healthcare, ensuring that you are always at your best. Contact us for more information.

Book a consultation at otandp.com/online-appointment

EDITOR’S LETTER

SHOWERS TO FLOWERS

It’s palpable. From the sudden ambush of aircon drip to my noticeably more perspirational upper lip - the warm and humid spring season has well and truly arrived in Hong Kong.

Even though we’re a quarter of the way through 2019, well past the season of new starts and resolutions, when this time of the year rolls around I always feel so enlivened.

I don’t know whether it’s the longer days, the profusion of public holidays, or hearing that Lemonade is finally on Spotify, but my current mood going into May is “YAS!” To my mind, this is a perfect time to harness that energy; to take that second wind of the year and funnel it into something new and challenging and just see where you go with it. Take gardening, our cover story that you can read over on p.20. Did you know that just 0.25% of Hong Kong’s farmable rooftop space is being used right now?

Community groups and technology make it easier than ever to convert an unused space into your own garden, and it’s way less work than you might think.

Speaking of germination, we’ve found a budding sport that’s also starting to take root (what? These garden puns aren’t going to use themselves up.) We checked out the city’s most badass female tribe on p.28 when we sat down with Hong Kong Roller Derby to learn more about the contact sport that keeps them coming back for more.

We also revamped our Beauty section, giving you guys more content that covers the broad spectrum of beauty-related topics - check out our advice on choosing a sunscreen this spring on p.36.

Our backpage has also had a makeover on p.50, and I’m so excited to say it’s inspired by you, the readers. We love hearing from you and seeing how health and wellness makes a difference in your best life. For a chance to be featured in print, tag us on Instagram at @liv.magazine in your most Liv-able shot - our favourite pics from every month make it back and centre. Because what would we be without you guys, right?

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Zoe Belhomme rolls up her sleeves and gets her hands dirty in HK’s gardening scene on p.20.

Kate Springer does a weekend wellness getaway in the spiritual centre of Chiang Mai on p.42.

Newest contributor Kelsey Tangel stretches herself to the limit with a review of a new Pilatesinspired workout from London on p.17.

Tanya Hodgson chats with Crossroads Foundation, a local NGO connecting people in need with goods, on p.32.

Sally Victoria Benson tries out a facial inspired

by Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Sheraton Macau on p.44.

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, KELSEY TANGEL, SALLY VICTORIA BENSON, TANYA HODGSON 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

MAMA MANTRA

These colourful “inspiration toolkits” from stationery brand kikki.K include writing prompts and inspirational quote cards, as well as a stylish notebook for musings, goal-setting or any other creative pursuits Mum might want to nurture. $150, available at kikki.K.

DRY MARTINI

Blow Mum’s mind with this trio gift set of Seedlip spirits - she won’t believe they’re non-alcoholic!

Even if she doesn’t love the idea of a booze-free G&T, she’ll surely go for the stunning ingredientinspired artwork on the labels. $448 at hkliquorstore.com.

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S HER’ T O M DAY !

IAL C E P S

WINER THINGS

Eye-catching and aerating, this curly pink decanter from Riedel hits all the right tasting notes for mums who love life’s finer things. $1,990 at Town House stores or townhouse.com.hk.

SMELL OF RELIEF

Does anyone out there work harder than mums? We don’t think so. This muscle relief gel uses aromatic lavender essential oil to calm the mind, while spicy ginger and black pepper create a warming effect that helps relieve achy muscles and joints. $365 at Lane Crawford.

Retail Therapy

HAND ME DOWN

Sure, photos are cool. But have you ever taken a handprint of your baby? This impossibly cute Mamas and Papas Imprint Tin uses clay to get a perfect keepsake for new parents, with space on the back for the date and baby’s name. $199 in-store at Baby Basics or babybasicshk.com.

MOTHER’S LITTLE HELPER

This rosy-hued Pinkster gin gets its special shade from steeped Cambridge raspberries. Perfect Instagram material for the social media mamas out there. $450 for a 700ml bottle, available online at crafted852.com.

MOMMIE TEA-REST

KNITPICKING

Give your mum the gift of a new hobby, with a DIY knitting kit from the Knitting Room that's a breeze to follow. Bonus: you might even get a new scarf out of it.

Kits start at $250, knittingroomhk.com.

Packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, artisanal loose leaf tea from Hong Kongbased tea purveyor Atelier du The is a dream to shake out and brew. You can even build a bespoke gift box, complete with steeper.

Gift sets start at $185 for two tins, or up to $445 for four. Available online at atelierduthe.com.

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Calendar

IT’S A DATE MAY 16, 23, 30 AND JUNE 6

IT’S A KINDA MAGIC

If you're a sucker for magic tricks - sorry, illusions you won't want to miss Champagne Secret, a series of events at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong that combine champagne, fine dining and spectacular close-up magic courtesy of French magician Stefan Leyshon.

Watch him perform dazzling sleight of hand and mind-boggling mentalism at the hotel's intimate Champagne Bar, accompanied by a suitably magical tasting menu - think oysters, chilled molecular soup bites, mini gourmet sandwiches and an indulgent orzo pasta served with pigeon breast. Each course comes paired with vintage Moet & Chandon champagne for a quirky evening out that's a ton of fancy fun.

From 7:30pm; $1,880 per guest. Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai. Reservations: 2584-7722.

MAY 18

BEACH PLEASE

MAY 16-19

HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

Looking to personalise your pad with something unique but can’t quite stomach the price tag of upscale artwork? Check out the Affordable Art Fair when it returns for its seventh year at the end of this month.

Over 150 local and international galleries will be displaying their wares, with pieces ranging from just $1,000 right up to $100,000. Expect traditional ink paintings, abstract canvases, stunning sculptures, editioned prints and eye-catching photography - something to suit every space, taste and budget. Tickets range from$165-300.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, affordableartfair.com.

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Get out to Shek O for sustainable beach party Blue Crush, the first of its kind, which aims to promote a plastic-free Hong Kong through the magic of music, market stalls, and all-around good vibes. Throw some shapes on the sand as DJs spin tracks on a solar-powered sound system, or peruse products from eco-conscious brands like ZeroYet100 and local charity Ocean Recovery Alliance, who will also be on-hand to spread the gospel of reducing plastic for the sake of our shorelines. The event is plastic-free, so if you BYOB, please bring glass or cans only.

Free to attend, but donations to Ocean Recovery Alliance are encouraged.

Shek O Beach, 12pm-midnight. See more event info at https://tinyurl.com/y2z5en2h.

Calendar

JUNE 13 - 16

YOGA NATION

MAY 7 - 11

GO SHORTY

The International Shorties Film Festival celebrates the region's best emerging film talent, with five nights of incredible short films. Running between 10 to 20 minutes, each night will screen four films, from comedies and dramas to documentaries. The lineup was shortlisted from more than 70 submissions from across Asia Pacific, so support local filmmakers and check out a movie or four. Tickets start at just $50, which includes a drink and snacks - beats the cinema!

Yogis of all levels unite for the 12th edition of the Evolution Asia Yoga Conference. More than just traditional yoga practices, this edition will delve deeper into other wellness and healing topics including energetic healing, yoga therapy, Qi Gong, postural alignment, calisthenics, acupressure, Tai Chi, Feng Shui and space-clearing. Aspiring to become a teacher? Evolution’s paid programmes and training courses are a great place to learn more about the opportunities in the industry.

Don’t forget to browse the latest yoga gadgets and apparel. Open to all, the conference is free to attend but paid tickets are required if you want to attend one or more of the 180+ workshops.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, asiayogaconference.com.

The Hive, 8F Cheung Hing Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town, shortiesfilmfestival.com.

BOOK IT!

SEPT 20 - OCT 6 MAY 18

THE CRAFT

Showcasing the talent of local crafters, designers and entrepreneurs, Meet The Crafters will take over The Hive in Kennedy Town for one Saturday with a marketplace and exhibition space to stimulate your creative side. With a variety of activities and workshops, attendees are encouraged to get in on the action and craft away to their heart’s content - who knows what hidden artistic talents you’ll find! If you’re more into appreciating than actually doing, support local art by browsing the market and picking up some unique knick-knacks to take home or gift.

11am-5:30pm. Free to attend. The Hive, 8F Cheung Hing Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town, 2448-9830.

OH MY DAHL-ING

If you’re a fan of Roald Dahl (and let’s get real, who isn’t) then you won’t want to miss out as Matilda The Musical makes its debut in Hong Kong this September. This Olivier-award winning musical has been making the rounds for years, from the West End to Broadway, and earning rave reviews all the while. Tickets are already on sale, and bound to get sucked up faster than a chocolate cake in front of Bruce Bogtrotter - don’t wait!

Matinee and evening shows available; standard ticket prices start at $445. Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd., Wan Chai.

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Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

CHIC-O FRIENDLY

Less is usually more and locallyfounded minimalist fashion brand Tove & Libra has hit the mark with the launch of its Spring/ Summer 2019 collection. The collection includes lightweight vests and sweaters, luxuriously soft cardigans and playful dresses that have been crafted with Hong Kong’s climate in mind - think breathability when outdoors and just the right amount of warmth in the city’s signature over-air conditioned offices. Tove & Libra uses a variety of sustainable materials such as Tencel yarns, recycled polyester and repurposed threads that were previously destined for the landfill, so it’s all eco-friendly to boot. It’s easy on the wallet, too, with most items ringing in between $500-700. toveandlibra.com

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Cool Stuff

CANUCK CRUSH

Canadian clothing brand Roots has made its Hong Kong debut with the opening of its first store in Harbour City. Paying homage to the brand’s humble beginnings inside a log cabin, this darling from the True North has introduced its range of classic outdoor apparel and leather goods to the Asian market in a 700-square-foot retail space. No time to check out the store? You can still get your Roots fix online via fashion platform, Zalora.

Shop 2504, Level 2, Gateway, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, roots.com.

PACKING A PUNCH

Struggling to pack in your daily protein? Protelicious, a Hong Kong-founded whey protein powder, is ramping up its distribution to make it easier to take home. Previously only available in small packets in select locations, 1kg packs are now available to order online. What’s to love about it? This cold-pressed protein powder doesn’t come with a chemical taste that you often find with other powders on the market.

It’s sourced from grass-fed cows in New Zealand, with no added nasties like hormones or antibiotics, sugar or fillers. Available in four flavours like True Cocoa with Valrhona Chocolate or Naturally Unflavoured, it’s also easily incorporated into most foods and beverages. protelicious.com

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Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you

VIET-NOM Tucked away on a quiet lane just minutes from Man Mo Temple, newcomer Nhậu is Chef Que Vinh Dang’s first Vietnamese concept - a homage to his heritage, culinary experience and passion for innovation. Derived from a cuisine that’s well known for its fresh ingredients and punchy flavours, this little gem promises an evolution on traditional Vietnamese favourites. The carefully designed menu features just 14 savoury dishes (many of which can be modified for vegetarians) that you probably won’t have seen at other Vietnamese restaurants before. We loved the Bánh Mì Rice Tacos, a dish that takes the flavours of the beloved sandwich and puts them in Mexican-inspired rice “tortillas” that are bite-sized and bursting with flavour. Other highlights include the Roasted Cauliflower with Caramelised Pork Koh Quet, a decidedly savoury combination of cooked cauliflower florets and caramelised pieces of pork, and the Bò Lá Lốt Tartare, a mix of minced beef and pesto made of betel leaves. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the salted coconut caramel ice cream with banana panna cotta and caramelised bananas.

12 Circular Pathway, Central, 3612-4568.

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Dining

GOING UP Zero Waste Junks As much as we love a good junk, it’s a nightmare for producing waste like single-use plastics.

Lead by example this year and bring your own eco-friendly gear, like reusable water bottles, cups and cutlery.

MEATLESS MEZZE Middle-Eastern flavours and ingredients lend themselves so well to vegetarian and vegan cuisine that it’s easy to forgo the meat. Zahrabel, a Lebanese restaurant in Wan Chai, is our newest go-to for a healthy, on-the-go plantbased lunch. This hidden gem has started serving their vegan mezze samplers packed with traditional recipes like homemade hummus, salad, falafel and tahini, at lunch time. Delicious, nutritious, and they go a long way to helping you eat your five-a-day. The meatless mezze is priced at $150, and available to order via Deliveroo or pick up directly from the restaurant in Wan Chai.

Slip, Slop, Slap Do as the Australians do, and cover up now that the sun’s come out! Head off any nasty burns headed your way with a choice sunscreen we give our top picks on p.36.

25/F, 239 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 5503-9181, zahrabel.com.

MLM Wellness

PICK AND MIX Brunch on a weekday? We won’t say no to that! Ignis by Linx’s new mix-and-match three-course lunch menu features brunch-inspired items like poached eggs over rosti, oatmeal with honey, mixed berries and almonds, or good old-fashioned avocado toast.

Choose three of your favourite dishes, keeping it light across the board if you’re watching your waistline, or dabbling in the more decadent options if you’re treating yourself. The lunch set costs $158, and is available from 12-3pm from Monday to Friday, plus a 10 percent service charge.

Lunch is served with coffee, tea or soft drink, or splash out on a fresh fruit smoothie for an extra $28.

2/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2623-0298, ignis.hk.

Friends don’t let friends get sucked into multi-level marketing schemes, and wellness is one of its biggest categories.

Get your shakes, skincare and essential oils somewhere else!

Calorie Counting It’s official: the calorie is over. This outdated metric is inaccurate and doesn’t account for a food’s complete nutrition profile.

Pass the peanuts!

GOING DOWN 13

ST FR U EE FF !

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

WIN: a spot for you and a friend at Ovolo Southside’s Yoga Brunch on June 23 Taking advantage of its beautiful outdoor terrace, Ovolo Southside’s monthly brunch series features an hour-long yoga class led by an instructor from Flex, followed by a healthy buffet-style spread. Then, pick your main (think avocado toast, scrambled eggs with burrata or a plant-based burger), before heading back to the buffet table for dessert.

Yum! We have a pair of tickets up for grabs - inclusive of a bottle of rose valued at $1,000.

WIN: A one-month supply of superfood powder from Purely B WIN: a dinnerware set from BOMSHBEE Mindful eating starts with beautiful plating, and BOMSHBEE’s minimalist aesthetic, with its contrasting textures, quite literally gives us all the feels. We have a nine-piece Tinge dinnerware set, comprising a pair of bowls, dinnerplates, salad plates, mugs, and a clay pitcher, up for grabs. The set is valued at $1,290.

Healthy guts equal healthy bodies, and superfood blend Pegaga by Purely B serves up a potent punch of of gut-boosting properties to add to your morning smoothie. Made with Asian herbs Pegaga, turmeric and papaya leaf, this antioxidant-packed powder comes with a whole catalogue of Ayurvedic health benefits, like improved digestion and glowing skin. Valued at $325, we have two sets up for grabs.

Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before May 27 to win!

Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

OUR JUST DESSERTS Traditional Chinese dessert soups just got a swish makeover at eat darling eat, Causeway Bay’s new dessert-forward dining destination. Led by Executive Chef Jason Luk, a Hongkonger with stints at Zuma outlets across the world under his belt, you can expect beautifully plated, Japanese-inflected interpretations of classic dishes such as papaya and snow fungus soup (pictured) made with mascarpone and candied papaya; or “sweet potato” - a rich chocolate cake topped with ube ice cream.

Speaking of ice cream, the Hong Kong-inspired frosty treats here include flavours such as milk ice cream spiked with chinese rice wine; zingy ginger and vinegar topped with pork crackling; and Sichuan pepper with candied bacon. How’s that for a post-IKEA reward?

Shop 17, G/F, 11-19 Great George St., Causeway Bay, 3188-8949, mingfathouse.com.

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Reviews

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

SPONSORED

SALON

Eco By Naty Disposable Diapers The Buzz: Baby Basics, Central’s one-stop baby shop, now stocks Eco by Naty disposable diapers.

Certified eco-friendly by some of the toughest green organisations out there, including FSC, ECOCERT, and OK Biobased Certification by Vinçotte, these nappies offer high performance at significantly less harm to the environment.

The Nappies: Designed in Sweden, these diapers are made with around 55 percent biodegradable materials, and the rest is made up of plant-based plastics from sustainable sources. For instance, the outer waterproof layer is comprised of maize starch and cellulose fibre, while absorbency comes from a combination of wood pulp and a small amount of super absorbers to maintain absorbency. They’re actually compostable, but unfortunately Hong Kong currently doesn’t have the facilities to process them.

The Verdict: Eco by Naty diapers get a thumbs-up from

this tired mum! They’re virtually indistinguishable from conventional brands in terms of performance, but contain far fewer chemicals. Plus, eco-conscious parents committed to reusables will find these a godsend on those occasions (flights, holidays) when a disposable diaper is a bit of a lifesaver.

Cost: Prices start at $139 for 34 nappies (size 3-6 kilos) Available at Baby Basics, Unit 701-703, 7/F, Lansing House, 41-47 Queen’s Road Central, 2311-1048, babybasicshk.com.

Anti-Frizz Treatment at emmanuel f The Buzz: Summer is around the corner, which means that the humidity is transforming our tresses into unmanageable balls of frizz. Hong Kong’s first eco salon, emmanuel f offers an anti-frizz treatment to keep those strands behaving all summer long.

The Treatment: The process begins with a hair analysis

to assess your hair type and elasticity. Next up is a protein treatment which comes complimentary with all anti-frizz and perm services. We just loved rinsing off in the shampoo area, which is decorated with twinkling LED stars. The products used are all organic, ecofriendly and cruelty-free.

The Verdict: We’re thrilled with the results. Our hair is

smooth and glossy, and styling at home is far easier now that the frizz has been relaxed. With no harsh chemicals, our nose and throat remained unbothered by the treatment, and we were particularly thrilled with the advice from Clement, our stylist, who gave us some hair care tips - we’ve been putting argan oil on our roots before shampooing ever since!

Price: The anti-frizz treatment ranges from $2,280-

3,000 with a complimentary hair protein treatment worth $1,120.

UG/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2167-8280, emmanuelf.com.

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Reviews

SPONSORED

WORKOUT

NCLA’s At-Home Gel Nails The Buzz: Gel manicures used to be something you’d have to rely on your local nail salon for to get the job done. Well, the times they are a-changin, as DIY gel nail kits you can do from the comfort of your own home are fast becoming a thing. Leading the charge on that front is LA-based beauty brand NCLA, with their line of non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free gel polishes that have been spotted on everyone from Kylie Jenner to Sophia Richie.

The Treatment: To get this SoCal, so-cool look, you’ll need a few basics: nail buffer, rubbing alcohol, a nail brush, and a mini UV/ LED lamp (available at Green Beauty Lab for $260). We start by buffing each nail gently to smooth the surface, then cleaning each nail with alcohol to remove any dust or oil. Next, we apply a coat of Touch Base base coat, and let it set by placing our nails under the lamp for 30-60 seconds. Now comes the fun part: choosing the colour. NCLA’s collection of Gelous? gel polishes are a world apart from the basic and outdated shades you’ll find in your local Nails 88. With fierce names like “I Only Fly Private” and “Swimming At The Chateau,” the shades are on point and straight off Rodeo Drive. We choose “Don’t Call Me Peachy,” a playful peach pastel that’s perfect for spring, and after a few rounds of applying coats and “curing” with the UV lamp, we’re ready for a layer of Top of the Game top coat. After 30 seconds under the lamp, we’re left with perfectly polished nails that will last us around three weeks.

The Verdict: Not only are we fans of the at-home gel nail

experience (Netflix during nails? Who would have thought!), we love the diversity in colour and the high-quality shiny finish.

Best of all, NCLA isn’t just a pretty face when it comes to nail products; their products are 7-free, meaning they’re free from seven of the nastiest chemicals like formaldehyde and DBP. Removing toxic ingredients leaves us with lacquers that are odorless, and safer on our bodies and the environment – not to mention a set of nails that would make a Kardashian jealous.

Cost: $156 per bottle.

Online at thegreenbeautylab.com or zalora.com.hk, or in-store at K11 Beauty or AEON Glam Beautique.

Garuda Method The Buzz: Combining Pilates, yoga and dance, popular

London-based workout the Garuda Method has finally arrived in Hong Kong at SELF Fitness Studio in Central.

Garuda is similar to Pilates, but with more freedom in range of motion with added yoga asana.

The Class: We start with mat exercises that are geared towards lengthening the muscles. It’s heavily Pilatesinpsired stuff, but with yoga postures and a dance component, we’re more fluid in our movement. We move on to core work and strengthening exercises, which use resistance bands, medicine balls, weights and a standing barre to target major muscles. We get subtle adjustments that are simple but produce a decided burn in smaller, hard-to-reach muscles. More advanced students can finish on the Garuda apparatus, which combines the bars and straps of the Pilates cage with the springs and sliding seat of the reformer. Owner and instructor Bonita assesses whether you’re ready for the specialised machine, and it can take a few classes of Garuda to get the hang of it. Class ends with some light stretching, and an opportunity to collaborate with the teacher about goals for the next class.

The Verdict: A thoughtful and intuitive exercise method.

Perfect for injury rehabilitation, pre or postnatal fitness, sports conditioning and increasing muscle tone. The bright studio is conveniently located in Central and the owner Bonita is super sweet and very passionate about helping you reach your fitness goals. It’s a win!

The Cost: Classes start at $360, with private sessions

available for $1000. Yu Wing Building, 10/F, 64-66 Wellington St., Central, 9175-1627.

Book online at selffitness.studio/class-schedule.

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ALL ABOUT YOU CENTRE

Renowned Psychic Returns

All About you Wellness Centre is proud to welcome back visiting international practitioner Sam Spiro! If you are interested in psychic/ mediumship development, self-development workshops, or would like to have a private reading or hypnotherapy session, she will be at All About You until May 19th 2019.

Sam’s upcoming workshops: • Psychic Medium 20 minute reading taster sessions - 6th May • Psychic / Mediumship Development Evening Vircle- 6th & 14th May • Reiki Group Practice Sessions - 10th & 17th May • Fall in love with you workshop - 11th May • Reiki Level II 2 day workshop- 18th & 19th May

To book a private session or workshop, please visit allaboutyoucentre.com | Call: 29920828 | Whatsapp: 54358119

EMMANUELF

Naturally The Best

Our spa furnishings feature natural elements of warm wood, stone and modern innovations of plant-features. Comfortable treatment rooms offer a cozy ergonomic spa bed, with a pure and eco-friendly yet luxurious atmosphere. Our eco-spa offers an extensive range of facial and body therapies, designed to provide effective, visible results. Our treatments are the perfect combination of French expertise with organic skin care products containing high levels of active ingredients. Emmanuel f choses to use only certified organic products made of 100% natural ingredients for all our spa treatments, including wax imported from France, made from natural pine resin and free of colophane to reduce allergic skin reactions.

PURELY B

A Gut Check For Better Health

Maintaining a healthy and desirable weight can be tough. When you’re juggling work, running errands and taking care of others, weight loss can often fall by the wayside. But it doesn’t always have to! Make your health a priority by adding our all-natural Pegaga by PurelyB to your daily routine. Pegaga by PurelyB is a powerful blend of three traditional Asian herbs - antioxidant-rich organic Pegaga (Gotu Kola/Centella Asiatica), turmeric and papaya leaf - that boost metabolism, improve energy levels and smooth digestion, bringing you one step closer to your health and weight loss goals.

To learn more about Pegaga, holistic health and nutrition, visit purelyb.com/hk-en. FB & IG: @purelyb.hk

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SHAN STUDIOS

Flexible To Your Needs

Shan Studios is a yoga and meditation studio that provides a serene environment tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong life in the Wong Chuk Hang area. They offer yoga and meditation classes for all levels, as well as specialised classes to learn backbends and inversions. To fit your busy schedule, the studio offers 30-minute classes during lunch time. Privates are available upon request. Please check out their website for class descriptions and schedule.

Tel/WhatsApp: 9306-6788.

Email: info@shanstudios.com.

Website: www.shanstudios.com

MILKY MUMMA NUTRITION

Perfect For Lactating Mums Brought to Hong Kong from Australia by Zig FitMama, Milky Mumma Nutrition are easy-to-assemble premix bags including Bliss Balls, Smoothies and Brownies! Including Lactation Support Products for Lactating Mothers - tasty and simple to put together, they make the perfect snack or drink, safe to consume during pregnancy and can help with colostrum production in your third trimester.

The Goddess Health Range helps support a woman at any stage in her journey nutritionally. Every product is made from raw whole foods, free from refined sugars. Enjoy 10% off your first purchase with the discount code FIRST10 at zigfitmama. com/milky-mumma.

WESTRETCH

Extending Rangevity: Stretching Is Key To A Longer & Healthier Life

Do you have muscle tightness or soreness? It’s probably from an extensive gym workout, long working hours, too much digital time or poor posture. weStretch in Central can make you feel lighter and stressfree. We provide assisted stretching, a tailored-made service to ease tight muscles in specific parts of the body. Or come by for a sports massage, which helps to drain away fatigue, reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility and prevent injuries, suitable for whether a person is an athlete or a once-a-week jogger.

13/F, Wong Chung Ming Commercial House, 16 Wyndham Street, Central. www.we-stretch.com / 2328-7000 / info@we-stretch.com

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Cover Story

WHAT LIES BENEATH:

DIGGING DEEP INTO HONG KONG’S URBAN GARDENS Once a pastime considered primarily for retirees, gardening has gone through a revival of late. More of us are donning gloves and making the most of what little urban space we have available to grow our own produce and get back to food basics. By Zoe Belhomme.

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Photo: Xaume Olleros, Rooftop Republic 21

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W

hen you live in one of the most densely populated cities in the world, finding the space to grow your own flowers, fruits or vegetables seems like an unnecessary burden. After all, in Hong Kong homes, who has room for their own wardrobe let alone a pile of dirt and some seeds? But look closely at the city’s rooftops and balconies, and a different story emerges. Green-fingered city-dwellers are literally taking matters into their own hands, growing organic produce and reaping unforeseen benefits along the way.

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE Central to the trend are organisations and groups that guide and inspire budding gardeners. These include social enterprises such as Rooftop Republic, which supports the rise of urban farming in Hong Kong.

Launched in 2015, Rooftop Republic has seen its projects and membership steadily grow over the past four years - something staff attribute to mounting consumer consciousness.

“As urbanities, many of us have no idea about where our food comes from or how it is grown,” explains Angelica Klein, Assistant Project Manager.

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“People are drawn to growing their own produce to connect with nature but it is also empowering to grow your own food and to gain the wisdom that comes with it. It’s incredible seeing the faces of kids - and adults - that pull up their very first carrot they grew from the ground.”

Surprisingly for a city so urban, there is a strong community here invested in cultivating the land for permaculture. Regular events and workshops are run by organisations such as the Hong Kong Gardening Society, Kadoorie Farm or the Produce Green Foundation, which launched its first organic farm and elderly community garden project in Hong Kong way back in 1988.

Community gardening groups also abound, all eager to share their know-how and love of the pastime.

Photo: Karin Cheng, Rooftop Republic

There are a number of official, as well as communityled, allotment-style initiatives in areas like Lamma, Lantau and the New Territories. The Permaclub in Clearwater Bay runs workshops and team-building activities with a focus on organic farming and composting, while The Hive’s CoFarm in Yuen Long has its own community garden, which runs alongside startups operating in hydroponics, aquaponics and agritech.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department also manages more than 20 community gardens where you can rent a 1.5 square metre plot for $400 for 18 weeks, with an educational course on gardening included in the fee.

Photo: Karin Cheng, Rooftop Republic

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Cover Story

IS GARDENING FOR YOU?

PLANET ORGANIC It makes sense why Hongkongers would take more interest in their food sources. Year-on-year, organic food and beverage consumption in Hong Kong continues to rise. According to research conducted by Global Organic Trade Guide, the organic industry in Hong Kong rose from US$14.1 million in 2014 to over US$17 million in 2017, largely believed to be driven by people’s skepticism of food production and the use of chemicals, pesticides and preservatives. Growing your own produce for consumption not only takes organic to the next level, but generates other benefits like reduction of packaging and reducing carbon emissions from transportation.

And the potential of urban farming in our city is huge, for anyone willing to try. According to a research study by HKU Professor Matthew Pryor, there are at least 6 million square metres of farmable rooftop spaces in Hong Kong with just less than 0.25% of it being used at present.

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From a balcony or rooftop, it’s possible to grow most foods, from lemons and tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and beetroot. Even ginger, turmeric, chilli peppers and curry plants are relatively straightforward. Herbs such as coriander, basil, chives, rosemary, mint, oregano, thyme and fennel can all be grown inside from seeds or cuttings.

Veggies like corn, okra, aubergines and sweet potatoes require minimal attention, if you have a balcony or window ledge that gets enough sunlight.

As a rough guide, most fruits, vegetables and herbs can be grown from a seed while fruit trees, such as avocado plants, are often easier to propagate through cuttings. Plants grown from cuttings will mature faster than those started from seeds but be warned - if the original plant has any traces of pests or disease, these will be passed over to the new crop.

Gareth Storey, a teacher and avid gardener based in Sai Kung, grows sweet potatoes in troughs on his rooftop. “You can source them from wet markets, plant them in the ground or a pot and they go crazy all year round,” he says. “I recently

Cover Story

harvested more than 5kg of them in one go. The amazing thing about them is, unlike traditional white potato varieties, the leaves are edible too.”

Once you’ve got the seeds or cuttings, you’ll need some top notch compost. You can always buy it, but with some time and know-how it’s also easy to make your own and add another layer to this ecofriendly value chain.

“Composting your food scraps and kitchen waste is easier than you think,” says Karen Ball, a DIY composter based in Sai Kung who started gardening when she moved to her current home which has a small garden. “All you need is a small DIY worm farm and you are on your way to helping reduce waste that would otherwise go to landfill.”

Even the city’s culinary pros have their own tricks of the trade. Moises Mehl, otherwise known as Chey Moy, Raw Food Chef at nood food, has an urban garden where he grows fresh organic veggies not easily found in Hong Kong, like habanero and lacinato kale.

“Organic fertilizers and compost [are] essential as well as good drainage because of Hong Kong’s frequent heavy rain. It’s also worth researching ‘partner plants’ that like each other, such as tomatoes and carrots.”

Photo: Gareth Storey

GREENTECH A wave of innovative greentech is also making urban farming accessible in ways previously unimagined. Potti by Superfarm is a super cute portable aquaponics system that sits on your desk or by your bed. Add in a few small fish and the system uses their faeces as a nutrient source for the plants - a complete, sustainable cycle. You can grow anything from strawberries to basil with this handy device, with a better yield and faster growth from aquaponics.

Taking it one step further is the O Garden, a French company currently raising funds for its first consumer product through a Kickstarter campaign.

This automatic and intelligent indoor garden allows you to grow up to 90 vegetables and herbs at the same time in a wall-affixed hoop. A little computer inside helps regulate the environment and ensure plants are thriving.

Potti by Superfarm 25

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TOP TIPS

TO GET GROWING 1. Grow in season. Do some research to find out what should be grown when for best results.

2. Not all plants need the same amount of light. Play around with the space you have to offer plants optimum light levels.

Photos: Gareth Storey

3. Don’t overwater. Some plants require small amounts of water daily while others prefer a good dousing once or twice a week.

4. Don’t limit yourself to boring plastic containers for potting.

You can repurpose anything from guttering and old cooking containers to gorgeous vintage porcelain to give your garden some personality. Just make sure your pot is the right size for what you’re trying to grow.

AFTER THE HARVEST At the end of the day, it’s about more than just gardening and eating the fruits of your labour. Sustainability and reconnecting to what nourishes us are issues that are attracting more and more people into the garden patch, with some pretty appetizing benefits for the mind and soul.

“I think there is something a bit primal about getting your hands dirty and creating the correct environment for something to grow successfully,” explains lifelong gardener Gareth. “There are a lot of mistakes to be made but when something grows well, the feeling is one of accomplishment and happiness - with the added bonus of having something tasty to eat at the end of it all.”

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5. Join a community garden.

Learning from other more experienced gardeners is one of the best ways to increase your skills and knowledge.

6. Be patient. Growing your own produce from scratch takes some time and dedication.

Sponsored Feature

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ocated on the bustling Cotai Strip, Shine Spa at Sheraton Grand Macao is the perfect getaway. Situated on the hotel’s third floor, this 1,700-square-foot pampering paradise has 15 luxurious treatment rooms as well as five-star facilities such as steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and a relaxation lounge where you can relax before and after your treatment.

The Beauty Zone also offers mani-pedis, reflexology and salon treatments.

Relax in its sumptuous interiors and wellness philosophy inspired by the five elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Shine Spa at Sheraton’s collaboration with premium British skincare brand, Elemental Herbology, is a perfect match. With a focus on providing optimum skin nutrition with highperformance natural extracts, Elemental Herbology tailors treatment protocols depending on which element - wood, fire, metal, earth or water - is in need of balance. The brand takes a holistic approach, with

treatments tailored according to the results of detailed lifestyle questionnaire that assesses each client’s dominant element, as well as the changing seasons.

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You can also opt to add on an additional treatment at 30% off the regular price. Offer is valid from now until December 28, 2019.

To book, email reservation.macao@ sheraton.com or call 3051-2898.

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Roller Derby

HOLY

ROLLERS

From flying skates to ferocious body checks, it’s a rollicking good time with Hong Kong’s very own roller derby.

By Carla Thomas

I

f you’ve ever strolled through Victoria Park on a Tuesday night, chances are you’ve heard Hong Kong Roller Derby (HKRD) before you’ve seen them. Follow the shouts, grunts, whistling and raucous cheers to the northeast corner of the park, and you’ll stumble onto an asphalt skating rink. It’s covered in kitted out women, manoeuvering skillfully on colourful skates.

Two of them, with panties on their helmets, loop gracefully around the track, weaving and dodging with dancers’ agility - just before a quick hip check sends one flying to the ground.

She gets up, unhurt except for maybe her pride, as her teammates break into applause and shouts of encouragement. This might sound extreme, but it’s also a highly addictive sport that’s earned a cult-like following in Hong Kong, as well as Asia.

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Roller Derby

WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY? Roller derby is a contact sport that’s been around since at least the 1930s, but most recently immortalised in the 2009 Drew Barrymore film, “Whip It”.

Games are made up of two periods of thirty minutes each, each half broken up into several mini-games that are known as “jams.” During these jams, designated players - known as “jammers” and identified by the previously mentioned unmentionables on their helmets - try to lap the players of the opposing team to score points. The contact comes in as “blockers” make attempts to stop the jammers in their tracks.

Players wear quad skates, which have two rows of two wheels as opposed to the four-in-a-line wheel design of inline skates. They’re also required to wear the full range of protective gear, from helmets to kneepads and everything in between. While injuries do occur occasionally, the name of the game isn’t actually to brutalise each other, but instead to play smartly if fiercely - a cathartic endeavour that builds mutual respect between players from different teams, leagues, cities and backgrounds.

It’s this communal admiration that keeps the players coming back. “I love turning up and seeing all the people that we know and catching up with them, seeing what they’ve been up to… and then also hitting them,” says Snooki Wong (right), HKRD President, who joined the team in 2014.

“Also, learning with these people. Somebody will be better at one trick or move, and they’ll give other people their tips. It’s this awesome environment

where everyone is just having a great time at their own pace.”

TRAINING WHEELS Started in 2013 by founder Alison Gentry, the Hong Kong team has slowly added to its roster over its five years to maintain an active membership of around thirty today. While the group is tight-knit, it’s also an easy nut to crack for new members, affectionately called “fresh meat” by more experienced players.

“I found it’s quite welcoming, quite a fun space,” says Amy Brookes, 30, who works in finance and joined HKRD in 2017, when she moved from the UK for work. “I kind of wanted to meet people who weren’t in finance. Sometimes you get stuck in your 29

Roller Derby

silos when you’re working long hours, you need to get out of it.”

No equipment? No problem, as HKRD rents skates and all the needed protective gear for $150 per twohour session. New players need only show up at the Victoria Park rink on Mondays from 8-10pm with an open mind. “We’ll teach them how to stand, how to stop, how to regain balance,” says Wong. “Some people who are more daring can even learn how to jump after the first session.”

Once players develop enough confidence and pass a “minimum skills” test, which takes about three months on average, they’re ready for the big leagues: the bouts.

It’s these that the women look forward to the most, as HKRD has partnered with teams across Asia to form the Pan Asian Spring Rollers league. Every three months, participating teams travel to a host city to play one another, jostling for points on the track then toasting their battle wounds over beers afterwards.

HOBBY TURNED BUSINESS It was one such event that gave Wong the idea to launch her own roller skate-themed business, Madame Quad. The small Causeway Bay shop, which is set to open in late May, stocks a range of roller skates and accessories, as well providing a headquarters of sorts for the HKRD community itself.

“We were all gung ho and saying how amazing it would be if we had a skate shop here. And we could sell skates and basically just like, live at the skate shop,” says Wong. “You need a place where people can gather and try on skates, a place for meetings or rollouts, where we meet and do a group skate to a location.”

The shop is the physical embodiment of a new sport that’s starting to catch on and find roots in Hong Kong, a direct result of derby devotees like Wong and Brookes who tried the sport and fell in love.

And with bouts scheduled for Bangkok and Shanghai, and a home game in Hong Kong at the end of summer, there’s no slowdown in sight - appropriate considering what these girls can do to someone who can’t keep up with the pack.

HKRD welcomes new players every Monday at Victoria Park skating rink from 8-10pm. To find out more, contact info@madamequad.com.

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Community

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT:

CROSSROADS Got a rice cooker you don’t need? Or an old laptop that’s just collecting dust after you upgraded to the latest model?

Crossroads is happy to take household items no longer needed off your hands and redistribute them to those in need. Operating since 1995, this local NGO now helps people around the world receive goods from Hong Kong households. By Tanya Hodgson.

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Q What does Crossroads do?

We take high-quality goods that are no longer wanted and redistribute them to people in need, locally and internationally. We believe that, in a broken world that sees too much suffering, we should do all we can to link those who are in need with those who can provide help.

We provide an intersection - literally a crossroads - to bring both together.

Q Who does Crossroads help primarily?

Fifty percent of our work goes back into the Hong Kong community, serving the elderly, children, families, schools, individuals, and supporting NGOs and rehabilitation centres. Many of our recipients are from low-income

Community

backgrounds. Through our Hong Kong distribution office, we receive over 15 clients or families a day, referred to us by the Social Welfare Department or Social Workers, who are in need of goods which they are not able to afford on their own.

The other 50 percent of our work goes into the international community. We have sent shipments of goods to over 90 countries. We support grassroots NGOs, refugees and asylum seekers, displaced people, community schools and church groups, among others.

We load up containers of various goods weekly, which we ship to our partners around the world. Many of our goods have helped sustain income generating projects for many communities, supported schools and hospitals to be fully equipped, provided for families and helped to keep their children in school, ending the cycle of poverty.

year. Hong Kong's Tai O fishing village was badly hit by the typhoon. Many elderly residents were greatly affected and needed assistance. Crossroads, in partnership with various groups and individuals from the community, went to Tai O to help deliver donations of needed goods. We were able to assist about 400 households.

Q What kind of secondhand goods would be ideal to donate to people in need?

We are in regular need of day to day necessities like computers, rice cookers, school stationery, fridges, footwear clothing, televisions, washing machines, and small household goods.

Q What sort of upcoming projects or fundraisers do you have lined up?

We have our summer internship programme starting in June, for students aged 17 and over. People are welcome to apply or enquire about internships at volunteer@crossroads.org.hk.

Q Tell us about one notable project Crossroads created and what it did to help.

It was an honour to walk alongside our neighbours in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut in September last

To find out more information on how to connect with Crossroads, visit crossroads.org.hk/engage or email at enquiries@crossroads.org.hk.

Q How can our readers help?

We are always on the lookout for regular volunteers, sponsors for shipments and partnerships, as well as donations for funding. People are also welcome to organise a goods collection drive, or to collect and donate items such as stationery kits, disaster kits or kitchen kits, which we use in our shipments. We also have a Fairtrade Shop & CafĂŠ at our site in Tuen Mun, and everyone is welcome to visit and shop!

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Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

Vegan Wild Berry Mini Cakes

By Nordic Wild Foods High in antioxidants, nutrients, flavonoids and vitamins, we’re simply wild about wild berries this spring season! Check out these wild berry mini cakes that are vegan, perfectly sweet yet sugar-free, and 100% irresistible. Makes 12 cakes.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy

INGREDIENTS TIME

30min (plus 1h for soaking cashews)

CRUST: • 1 cup pitted dates • 1 cup cashew nuts • 2 tbsp coconut oil

FILLING: TIP:

Lay strips of parchment paper in the muffin cups before filling them to make it easier to remove once frozen

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• 1 ½ cups of raw cashews (pre-soaked for at least an hour) • 1 large lemon • 2 tbsp coconut oil • ⅔ cup full-fat coconut milk • ¼ cup agave nectar (or honey if not vegan) • 2 tsp Nordic Wild Foods berry powder (order online at nordicwildfoods.com) or ½ cup of fresh berries

DIRECTIONS: 1. Add dates and coconut oil to a food processor and blend.

2. Once smooth, add nuts. Blend until a loose dough forms.

3. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Press the crust into the muffin tin and freeze.

4. To make filling, add remaining ingredients into the blender and mix until very smooth.

5. Divide the filling evenly among the muffin cups, cover and freeze for 4-6 hours. Once set, remove from the tin and add fresh berries, edible flowers, coconut cream or other extra toppings if you like. Enjoy!

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Pamper

THE GLOW UP

News from the beauty aisle

HOW TO….

SHOP FOR SUNSCREEN Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to slap on the SPF. Here’s a quick primer on how to protect your skin from the rays.

PICK BROAD SPECTRUM You want to pick a sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are what cause skin cancer and sunburn, while UVA rays are the main culprits in premature skin aging.

KNOW YOUR SPF

In Hong Kong’s hot sun, everyone should be using an SPF of 30 or higher. While no sunscreen filters sun rays completely, SPF 30 or above will provide around 97% protection. Do note however that double the SPF doesn’t mean double the protection; SPF 15 filters 93% of rays, while SPF 50 filters 98%.

SLAP, DON’T SPRAY

Sunscreens in a spray can may be convenient, but given the speed of application you might not cover yourself completely. For truly 36

effective coverage, lotion is the way to go.

GO REEF SAFE

Swimming in the sea? Chemical sunscreens can damage coral (sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate were banned in Hawaii last year) so pick a brand containing mineral sunblocks such as zinc. Try brands such as Sun Bum and Thinksport, and be sure to read the label.

DON’T SKIMP

Most people aren’t reapplying sunscreen regularly enough, and when they do, they’re not using enough lotion. Make sure to apply liberally every two hours, and more often if you’re swimming. Adults need around 25ml per application (a shot glass’s worth, if you happen to be on a junk) to cover their body.

SLIP, SLAP SLOP Australian Cancer Council Sunscreens These sunscreens apply like a dream and offer excellent broad-spectrum protection with no chalky residue.

Prices start at $139 for 110ml from Escapade Sports.

Elta MD These zinc-based face sunscreens are perfect for everyday use. They’re noncomedogenic and non-greasy, and work well under makeup, too. Available in clear and lightly tinted formulations.

Prices start at around $170 from strawberrynet.com.

Pamper

PAMPER

DAY SPA DELIGHT If you’re in need of a getaway but short on time, Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom is offering a sweet escape. Until May 31, guests can enjoy an hourlong massage treatment of their choice and access to the Base Camp facilities for $1,250, down from the original $1,650. After your massage, which uses the Kerry’s signature aromatherapy products to personalise the experience, guests are invited to use the harbourfront gym, wallow in the Jacuzzi or take in the skyline from the outdoor infinity pool. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Base Camp Kerry Sports, Kerry Hotel, 4/F, 38 Hung Luen Rd, Hung Hom Bay, 2252-5350, shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/healthleisure/spa.

LIV LOVES…

LIPSTICKS SARAH FUNG, PUBLISHER Christian Louboutin lip beauty oil ($610) “Don’t let the “vial of poison” packaging scare you off - It’s surprisingly wearable, glossy without being sticky and it’s animalfriendly as well.”

CARLA THOMAS, EDITOR

SKINCARE

BRING YOUR A-GAME As beauty mavens well know, Vitamin A is the key to great skin. This wonder ingredient, also known as retinol, contributes to cell renewal, helps to control pigmentation and acne, and stimulates collagen production. The downside? Strong retinoids can make your skin itchy and sun sensitive. We recently tried Environ, a plastic surgeon-designed cosmeceutical line that uses retinyl esters, which are gentler on the skin, and are seriously impressed with the results. In a week, our blackheads are clear, our complexion has evened out, and we are experiencing a glow we haven't seen in years.

The brand offers several lines, depending what results you are looking for. Youth EssentiA (which we are using) is their standard line for all skin types; Focus Care Youth+ is designed for older skin; and Focus Care Radiance+ offers a line of serums to address skin pigmentation.

Prices start at around $450 for the cleanser and go up to around $1,000 for serums.

Available at select spas citywide, including The Skin Gym and The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental. Learn more at www.environ.hk.

MAC Retro Matte in Ruby Woo ($160) “I wear this on the reg, and it almost always gets a compliment.”

AILEEN CHAN, PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Obsessed ($160) “The sheer, shiny finish with the punch of pink just lightens up a whole look.

Vibrant and lively, yet sweet and fun.”

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Travel

’ THE SPA S THE

LIMIT

If you’re considering an all-inclusive resort for your next holiday, chances are you’re after all-inclusive pampering as well. With many hotels typically charging for spa treatments outside of their package rates, it’s a rare discovery to find resorts who open up their spas free of additional cost. Kate Farr test drives one such gem in Cam Ranh, Vietnam’s burgeoning coastal hotspot.

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I

s it possible to have too much of a good thing? I pondered this while en route to Fusion Resort Cam Ranh, a wellnessfocused beachfront property that helped pioneer the all-spainclusive stay. Currently operating exclusively within Vietnam, but with ambitious expansion plans in the works, Fusion Resorts is one of a handful of hotel brands to embrace the concept of virtually unchecked spa treatments for its guests.

And embrace it they do. Each guest is guaranteed a minimum of two spa treatments per day for the duration of their stay, with additional sessions limited only by how many other people are booked in for treatments. This means that by booking your stay strategically during low season, you could theoretically spend as much time being pampered as you do in your room – a challenge I was more than ready to accept.

During my stay, I tried out two different rooms. The first is situated within The Hideaway, Fusion Resort Cam Ranh’s

Travel

poultice. Both were the perfect antidote to my budget airline flight, leaving me relaxed and ready for a great night’s sleep.

The following morning, I moved to the main resort into a two-bedroom ocean view pool villa. With a bit more space at hand than my previous room, this dune-top villa is more ideal for groups or families. The king room comes with chaises that convert to child-friendly beds, and a separate en-suite twin room to the rear of the villa. With a huge lap pool, inviting hammock, and shaded pavilion seating, the deck also faces the pristine beaches and clear blue waters that this coastal region is known for.

Speaking of the beach, it’s well worth some attention. An immaculate shoreline is dotted with tented loungers and manned by lifeguards for safe swimming. Set just back from the beach are Zen Bar, serving up cocktails and woodfired pizzas, and Fresh, a Vietnamese fusion restaurant, whose extensive menu includes plenty of vegetarian options, with other dietary requirements accommodated on request. The main resort’s pool area here is a popular spot for families looking to cool off after a long day of activities at the kids’ club. With indoor arts and craft activities during the heat of the day, and a sandy outdoor adventure playground with a small pool, this is a huge benefit for parents in need of a little downtime at the spa.

That evening I decided to venture out of the resort and catch a lift on the shuttle bus into Nha self-titled “resort-within-a-resort.” Comprised of one-bedroom private pool villas, it sits opposite a natural sand bank that separates it from the main resort, offering more privacy and its own central pool exclusively for Hideaway guests. This, along with its own restaurant, tennis courts, gym, and studio offering complimentary daily yoga, meditation and Tai Chi, gives it a more chilled-out ambience from the busier main resort.

My villa was spacious and comfortable, with the floating bathtub a standout feature of the open-plan space. After unpacking, I soaked up the tranquil setting with a quick swim, before turning my focus to the important business of testing that all-inclusive concept to its limits.

I decided to stretch out post-flight with a Head and Shoulder Relief treatment, which focused on un-knotting my upper back and included a blissful scalp massage, and an Herbal Compress Massage, which uses warmed rice and herbs to create a soothing 39

Travel

Trang, around 40 minutes’ drive away. Long since established as a popular destination for Russian and Chinese tourists, the bustling crowds and bright lights of its beachfront strip felt a bit jarring after the calm of as-yet-undeveloped Cam Ranh, which at the time of writing consists of nothing more than a handful of private resorts along its coastal strip, with plenty more under development.

Craving quiet, I was happy to head back for a relaxing bath, a good book and bed.

Waking late the following morning, I tried out the “Breakfast, anywhere, anytime” service.

Guests can arrange for their breakfast to be served anywhere in the resort, at any time of day, without pre-booking - ideal for lazy mornings that are better spent anywhere but a busy restaurant breakfast service. Being less imaginative than I’d hoped, I settled for a poolside meal within my villa, however it’s also possible to enjoy your morning toast on the beach, or anywhere else that strikes your fancy.

Suitably fuelled, it was back to the spa to continue my forensic research of the treatment menu. A reviving, if messy, Vietnamese coffee scrub left my skin glowing, while a vitamin-packed caviar anti-aging facial plumped my skin with some muchneeded post-sun moisture, courtesy of its shea butter base. Later that day, an uplifting pressure massage combined acupressure and aromatherapy into one blissful deep-tissue treatment, as a pink Himalayan salt stone therapy promised to balance my meridians with an innovative massage using long strokes with polished salt crystals.

As I packed for the return trip home, I realised that, apart from a stretch session with the personal trainer at The Hideaway’s yoga studio, and my excursion to Nha Trang, I had spent the majority of my stay in a robe. I also realised that my shoulders were relaxed substantially, well apart from their normal, stress-induced position around my ears, and my low-level back pain had gone. Enjoying a loose-limbed sensation that I hadn’t experienced for a long time, I came to an important conclusion. When it comes to relaxation, you can never have too much of a good thing.

Prices start at $250USD per night. fusionresortcamranh.com HK Express flies direct from Hong Kong to Cam Ranh International twice per week; flight time is two hours and 15 minutes.

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Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

Just a three-hour hop from Hong Kong, Chiang Mai has long been one of Thailand’s most spiritual cities.

As the former capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, the city is home to hundreds of ancient Buddhist temples and shrines. It’s also a haven for wellness travelers: From relaxing spas to plant-based restaurants, artisanal shopping and wellness retreats, here’s how to spend a healthy weekend in Chiang Mai.

DO

CHIANG MAI WOMEN'S PRISON MASSAGE CENTRE For roughly 150 baht (HK$37) you can enjoy an hour-long foot or body massage by ex-prisoners.

As part of a rehabilitation program from the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution, the Prison Massage Centre aims to support inmates with realworld professional skills so they can rejoin society.

The spa itself is beautiful - a large wooden building set in a charming courtyard, where you can enjoy Thai teas before or after a massage.

100 Rajchavithi Rd., Sriphum Subdistrict, Chiang Mai 50200, facebook.com/pages/ Chiang-Mai-Womens-Prison-MassageCentre/520002358027069

CHEEVA SPA An award-winning traditional Thai spa, Cheeva is decorated in warm interiors and local artwork. The experience is about as relaxing as it gets, thanks to serene music and tranquil service from attentive staff. Choose from an extensive menu of scrubs, wraps, facials, baths, and Lanna-style massages that promises to erase any residual stress. At the end of every treatment, the therapists will braid your hair - it’s the spa’s signature.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

cheevaspa.com

GINGER Looking for high-quality Thai souvenirs? Decked out in vibrant vintage furniture, GINGER boutique showcases artisan-made homeware, fashion, bags, and even artwork made by local talents. Many of the items are one-of-a-kind, and all are based on local traditions, albeit with a contemporary twist. thehousebygingercm.com/shop

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Cheeva spa

Travel

STAY

EAT

FREE BIRD CAFÉ A zero-waste cafe in Chiang Mai, Free Bird Café specialises in healthy, plant-based versions of popular Burmese and Thai dishes - don’t miss the green tea leaf salad and gluten-free desserts. Better yet, every meal here will directly benefit a local charity for Burmese refugees called Thai Freedom House. facebook.com/FreeBirdCafe

BIRD’S NEST CAFE Four Seasons Chiang Mai

For something a little more indulgent, this rustic cafe offers a mix of healthy dishes and “just because” treats - think Thai hash, mezze platters, incredible smoothies, single-origin coffee, and even a few Mexican dishes. All of the ingredients are sourced locally from an organic farm nearby, and the atmosphere is hard to beat with its day beds, hammocks and colourful murals. facebook.com/pg/birdsnestcafe

KHUN KAE'S JUICE & SMOOTHIE BAR A low-key, relaxed local cafe, Khun Kae’s serve up delicious sugar-free smoothies, cold-pressed juices and smoothie bowls. Ask the friendly staff to add wheatgrass, ginger or bee pollen if you’re looking for a little something extra.

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

FOUR SEASONS CHIANG MAI Starting this summer, the Four Seasons Chiang Mai will become the first dedicated “wellness” hotel among the international group’s portfolio. What does that mean for guests? The hotel’s still mum on the fineprint but it’s likely to be a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Those keen to dip a toe in the wellness world can try a one-day “wellness” itinerary just to test-drive the lifestyle. Meanwhile, multi-day retreats might include yoga, meditation, cycling, massages and organic, vegan Thai menus. Even if you don’t sign up for any of the wellness activities, you’ll still find peace and quiet at this rustic-luxe resort, which is set in the heart of a tiered rice paddy plantation about 15 minutes outside of the city. fourseasons.com/chiangmai

facebook.com/Khunkaes-JuiceBar-1689961967906460

Free Bird Café

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

DAY AT THE MUSEUM Grab some comfortable walking shoes and head out for International Museum Day, taking place this year on Saturday May 18. Organised globally since 1977, this celebratory day aims to raise awareness of the cultural importance of museums around the world by opening their doors to the public everywhere. While many Macau museums already offer free admission throughout the year, there are others that don’t - so this is the perfect day to check out options like the Maritime Museum or Communications Museum of Macao. If you plan your day right, it’s also a smart way to mix fitness and culture; start at the Museum of Macao located next to the St Paul Ruins and work your way through the city on a museum crawl!

Citywide May 18, 2019. Visit museums.gov.mo for more info.

TLC WITH TCM Shine Spa at Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel is going au naturel with a new range of facial treatments and massage packages inspired by traditional Chinese medicine.

In collaboration with British skincare brand Elemental Herbology, these facial/massage packages incorporate the five elements of TCM: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each treatment is designed to improve skin health through achieving harmony and equilibrium in the body. With combination skin, for example, a skin therapist uses products from the fire (oil control) and water (hydration) range. The treatment also includes a relaxing foot bath, a 60-minute facial, and an added foot, head and shoulder massage while your facial mask does its work. Prices start at MOP2,380 for a 165-minute treatment.

S/N, Estr. do Istmo. Reserve at +853-8113-0222 or email shinespa.macao@sheraton.com.

SECRET SAUCE Half way down Calçada do Amparo, just past the famous St Paul’s Ruins, is healthy hot spot Sauce Salaboratory.

Carrying everything from fresh salads, wraps and sandwiches, to daily soup specials, green smoothies and fresh juices, an extensive menu suits anyone looking for a light bite. And with items made on the spot, vegetarian and vegan alterations are easily accommodated. Prices start at around MOP55 for a salad, making it friendly for wallets as well as waistlines. There isn’t currently indoor seating, but grab your meal to go and enjoy on a nearby bench while you people-watch.

Shop B, G/F, Edifício Yan Hong, Pátio de Chôn Sau, Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, +853-6393-9584.

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

This month, I’ll be hiding the remainder of the Easter chocolate and turning my attention to a brand new mother and baby clinic. There’s also an eco-swimwear line to spruce up those beach days, and an innovative new class that puts your baby front and centre of a workout.

HERE COMES THE SUN Say goodbye to bobbly bottoms on your kids’ swimmers with superdurable eco-swimwear from the cleverly titled Joe Sun. Based in Hong Kong, this brand new line is made from ECONYL, a UPF 50+-protective fabric created in Italy from abandoned fishing nets. This unisex collection of trunks, swimsuits and rash vests is designed to withstand hardcore water slide action, and still look fresh on the flipside.

Costs: $247-387. Available from joe-sun.com.

PRO TIPS A new monthly series of Mama & Baby workshops are kicking off at multidisciplinary clinic Up!health in Central, hosted by chiropractor Dr Michelle Zhou in collaboration with Urban Hatch. Attendees receive one-to-one consultation with midwife Sofie Jacobs, a baby weight check-up, and the opportunity to ask for expert advice while socialising over coffee with other new parents.

Workshops also include a varied programme of health talks - the session on May 17 will feature Chinese Medicine Practitioner Stephen Ma explaining how TCM techniques can soothe all kinds of common infant health issues.

Costs: $400. Book via eventbrite.hk or visit facebook.com/uphealthhk for more information.

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P h o t o g rFaa pmh iel ry

BABY ON BOARD Certified personal trainer Kristen Handford is on a mission to help new parents in Discovery Bay carve out time for exercise - no babysitter required! Running regular baby-wearing classes at Discovery Bay beach playground, Handford’s workouts focus on rebuilding core strength in a safe and gentle way, while bubs hang out and enjoy the ride. It’s a great way to fit in a workout while bonding with your little one, and with spots limited to eight people a class, everyone gets some personal attention. Sessions are Tuesdays at 4pm, and Thursdays at 10am.

Costs: prices vary according to packages. For more information or to book, visit kristenhandford.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

Happy Mother’s Day FROM BABY BASICS!

Liv Magazine readers enjoy a special discount of 15% off their next purchase!

Offer not applicable on milk, diapers and sale items. Please show this to redeem discount.

Valid until May 31 and for one-time use only.

Unit 701-703, 7/F, Lansing House, 41-47 Queen’s Road Central, 2311-1048, babybasicshk.com.

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“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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A celebration of Creativity and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

A celebration of Creativity and the Spirit of Entrepreneurship.

Meet the Crafters 2019 is an exhibition and marketplace event Meet the Crafters 2019 is an exhibition and marketplace event which will feature a multitude of local crafting talent. which will feature a multitude of local crafting talent.

Come down for an afternoon of crafts, workshops and food!

Come down for an afternoon of crafts, workshops and food!

th Saturday Saturday 18 18th May May 2019 2019 11am-5pm 11am-5pm Makerhive Makerhive

General General Admission: Admission: Free Free for for all! all!

10/F, Cheung Hing Building 12P Smithfield Road Kennedy Town Hong Kong 10/F, Cheung Hing Building 12P Smithfield Road Kennedy Town Hong Kong