Liv Magazine November 2019

Meal prep lifehacks

Escape to Japan Wellness in Tokyo

Learning On The Job

Disabled adults find work through The Nesbitt Centre

LET'S DO LUNCH A comprehensive guide to eating well in the 852 WIN Lush bath products, organic fruit & veg and a pair of rollerskates on page 21!

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Be Prepared

E E K M TA H O E

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

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

NOVEMBER 05 Editor’s Letter

32 Bag It Up

LIV | NEWS

38 Charity

06 Wishlist

Lovely things we want right now

10 It’s a Date

Events for your diary

12 Hot Right Now

New happenings on the wellness scene

14 Fresh Cuts

Healthy hot pot options

16 Cheat Day

Because #YOLO

18 Reviews

A swish new yoga studio in Jordan and posture correction at UP!Health

LIV | STORIES

How to meal prep like a boss

The Nesbitt Centre

LIV | MORE 42 Recipe

Nordic granola from METTA Nordic 06

44 Pamper

Pumpkin spice beauty products to treat yo'self

46 Tokyo Drift

Where to slip away for a little R&R in Japan's bustling capital

50 Travel

Solo travel advice from travel specialists Jacada Travel

54 Family

Outdoors adventures perfect for the whole fam

24 Let's Do Lunch

Our neighbourhood guide the best healthy lunches in town

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46

44

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EDITOR’S LETTER

STAYING ON TRACK N

ovember is a funny old month. It’s so close to the chaos of the holiday season that it can be hard to remember you’re not quite there yet.

Christmas parties seem to get scheduled earlier and earlier every year, and it’s a perfect excuse to start slipping on those healthy eating habits you’ve been so diligent about in favour of getting into the festive mood, even before the dust has settled from your retired Halloween decorations.

I can’t pretend I think Christmas crackers in mid-November is normal, but when the holiday season strikes, few can resist. But even if you do slip up, making healthy choices most of the time will make you feel less guilty about that third serving of turkey, that second after-dinner Baileys, and that one boozy rendition of “12 Days of Christmas.” That’s why we are arming you with stacks of healthy lunch options to keep you going through the pre-Christmas weeks (and beyond!) with our first-ever healthy lunch guide on p.20, which covers all our favourite healthy lunch spots by HK neighbourhood.

If you’re really trying to watch your macros (or your bank balance), you could also try bringing your own lunch to work for the week. Prepping is essential, but easier than you think! We’ve put together a handy list of hacks to meal prep for your work week, find out more on p.28.

As you go forth and gorge yourself on healthy lunches and holiday feasts alike, remember the true spirit of the season has always been about generosity and goodness. Local charity The Nesbitt Centre is actively raising money for a phenomenally noble cause that supports adults with learning disabilities, and they could use your help ASAP. Please see more about that on p.36, and remember to dig deep, dear readers!

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Zoe Belhomme heads into the wild with her roundup of Hong Kong family-friendly outdoor adventures on p.52.

Flying solo? Kate Springer talks to solo-travel specialists Jacada Travel for their tips on where to go on p.48.

Jo Robinson makes light work of lunch for the week, with her handy guide to healthy meal prep on p.28.

Sarah Fung drops it like it’s hot pot with a crash course on healthy hot pot options on p.12.

Sally Victoria Benson sends word of two major races taking place in Macau this month on p.50.

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 DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS JO ROBINSON 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 CONTRIBUTORS KATE SPRINGER, JO ROBINSON, SALLY VICTORIA BENSON PRINTED BY GEAR PRINTING LIMITED, ROOM B, 3/F, DERRICK INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, 49-51 WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN ‘‘Liv Magazine’’ Copyright 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

CHOCS AWAY

Handcrafted in Hong Kong using just two ingredients, cacao beans and raw cane sugar, these deliciously dark bean-to-bar chocolates are packed with antioxidants for a healthy, happy tum. $50 from conspiracychocolate.com.

NOT SO ORDINARY

Cult beauty brand The Ordinary has landed in Hong Kong, bringing high tech skincare formulas to the masses with wallet-friendly price tags.

The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a cult classic for its powerful exfoliating properties. $100 From The Ordinary, Harvey Nichols.

BACK IN BLACK

This triple-milled black soap is made with activated carbon for a deep clean, while hints of patchouli, pink pepper, hyacinth and jasmine impart a delicate fragrance. Bonus points for being vegan and eco-friendly too! $58 from Mannings stores citywide or online at nestidante.com.hk.

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WILD THINGS

Learn about Hong Kong’s amazing biodiversity with this delightful game of Bingo that adults and kids alike will love. Each card comes with a fun animal fact. $280 from thelionrockpress.com.

Retail Therapy

BEE A HERO

Save the bees (and look cute too) with these adorable earrings (bee-rings?). A portion of sales goes towards protection and conservation of bees.

US$34.99 from beemission.com.

CHIC SLEEVES

Lululemon’s popular jacket gets a high-fashion makeover in its new collab with London-based womenswear brand, Roksana. Bell sleeves on activewear, yay or nay? $1,580 from lululemon outlets citywide.

EASY TIGER

Get your kicks with these “Tiger” sneakers from ASH. Part of their youth-oriented line, these pink and grey training shoes are significantly cheaper than the footwear brand’s usual offerings. $1,180 from ASH.

WOODEN IT BE NICE

Ditch the plastic highlighters and keep your note-taking green with this wooden highlighter pack. $55 from plasticfreehk.com.

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RARE SkinFuel Launch Event Duddell’s | October 21, 2019

O

ctober 21 marked the official launch of RARE SkinFuel, a premium skincare

range that uses only the finest 100% coldpressed Australian ingredients for naturally glowing skin.

The private event was held at Duddell’s, where guests sipped champagne, nibbled delicious canapes, and shimmied along to a dazzling Brazilian samba performance. As it was also founder Michelle Chen’s birthday, the inspiring entrepreneur smashed open a candy bomb cake together with her daughter Danica, and everyone got to celebrate with sweet treats.

Speaking of treats, every guest went home with a Detoxifying Australian Clay Masque, so they could experience that RARE SkinFuel magic at home!

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Calendar

IT’S A DATE NOV 22-24

ALL IN A FLAP

Hong Kong’s biggest music and arts festival, Clockenflap, is back for another year at Central Harbourfront, with an eclectic array of established artists, festival favourites and local breakthrough acts from Asia and around the world. Friday night’s headliners are noughties British indie-rock band The Kooks, while London-based indie-folksters Mumford & Sons will close out the urban festival on Sunday night. Three-day tickets cost $1,640 at the door, but if you can’t make the whole weekend, one-day tickets are also available ($970-1,050). Student discounts available, and kids under 12 are free if attending with a paying adult.

Central Harbourfront, clockenflap.com.

NOV 28-DEC 1

PAR FOR THE COURSE The city’s longest standing pro sporting event, The Hong Kong Open, returns to the Hong Kong Golf Club at the end of this month. Featuring a starstudded lineup of pro golfers from Europe, the US, and Asia, the four-day tournament gets fans an up close and personal view as they follow some of the best in the biz around this deceptively challenging 18-hole course. Family-friendly distractions will be found at the tournament village, which includes games, entertainment and F&B. Free to attend Thursday and Friday; $400 per day at the weekend. Under 21s free on all four tournament days. Hong Kong Golf Club, Sheung Shui, New Territories, thehongkongopen.com.

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Calendar

NOV 16

TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE

NOV 1-10

BOOK TOKEN

Nurture your inner bookworm at the Hong Kong International Literary Festival, taking place from November 1-10. This annual event features writers, both acclaimed and rising, from around the world for discussions, readings, signings, lectures and workshops around the city, with featured speakers like Markus Zuzak, author of the 2005 bestseller "The Book Thief". There are also some fun community events suitable for the whole family, like the Book Swap for Kids, held at the Arts & Culture Outreach in Wan Chai on November 8 and 9. Hosted by musician Emmy the Great, bring the whole fam and pick up everything from paperbacks to picture books - just bring a book to swap for it. There'll be storytelling in English and Chinese, plus a singalong at the end of each session.

Race organisers Translantau have teamed up with Eco Marine to organise a beach clean-up with some added fitness thrown in.

Starting at 9am at the Pui O Public Car park, participants will head out on a short 3km trail run or hike around the beautiful Shap Long beach in South Lantau before gathering up rubbish. The beach, which is next to a wetland that is a natural habitat for local wildlife, is currently covered with rubbish ranging from polystyrene containers, single-use plastic cups, food wrappers and beverage bottles, to name just a few. Further details on how to sign up are available on the TransLantau X Eco Marine Plog and Beach Cleanup page. tinyurl.com/shap-long-plog.

Events are individually ticketed and priced, see festival.org.hk for more info.

NOV 23-24

SOUNDING BOARD Get in the festive spirit by belting out your favourite Christmas songs at the eighth annual SoCO Christmas Carols, a charity fundraising event hosted by the Society of Community Organisation. This adultsonly affair includes free-flow drinks courtesy of British wine merchant Corney & Barrow, as well as a range of sublime canapes that will prime you for the indulgent weeks ahead. Proceeds raised go towards helping HK families living in poverty, of which there are sadly too many, so dig deep and sing those carols loud and proud for an admirable cause.

For something a little different in your practice, Fivelements is welcoming internationally recognised Bhakti yoga guru Daphne Tse for a special two-day immersive workshop into the worlds of NÄ da and Bhakti Yoga. These ancient practices promise to deepen your practice beyond the physical, expanding on the philosophical, spiritual and emotional sides of yogic practice through the healing powers of sound and vibrations. This weekend workshop runs from 9am-4pm each day and includes a healthy lunch.

$650. 6:30-8:30pm, Helena May, 35 Garden Rd., Central, ticketflap. com/sococarols2019.

$2,907 for members, $3,230 for nonmembers, fivelements.com

DEC 5

CHRISTMAS CHEER

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Cool Stuff

HOT RIGHT NOW News from the wellness scene

JOIN THE PARTY

Supermarket heavyweight Park N Shop has teamed up with Kiwi personal care brand, Ecostore, to launch a refill station at their Great Food Hall in Pacific Place. Bring your own 500ml or 1L containers (or purchase a reusable one made from sugarcane plastic there) and you can fill up with cleaning and personal care products, from cleaners and detergents to body lotions and soaps. We’ve already stanned for our fave zero-waste shops around Hong Kong, but it’s beyond exciting to see a big player like Park N Shop get onboard! Finally, this eco-conscious approach to consumables seems to be going mainstream - who will be next to join the zero-waste movement?

LG1, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, ecostore.hk.

GREEN FINGERS

What do you do when you step away from your desk for a break? Stretching? Reading? Power napping? What about urban gardening? Coworking space TheDesk has recently opened a new shared office at The Strand 50 in Sheung Wan, complete with a 1,600-square-foot urban farm and garden on the roof.

Run in collaboration with Rooftop Republic, members of TheDesk can have their own planter where they can practice growing organic produce for a small additional monthly fee, taking part in a mindful activity where you can literally take home the fruits of your labour. Subscriptions for each planter are $4,000 every four months, which comes with throw-ins such as one-on-one workshops with urban farming experts. thedesk.com.hk

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Cool Stuff

GOING UP Sophrology

PHONE A FRIEND

Who doesn’t love a bargain? Lifestyle app the ENTERTAINER has been helping customers find deals on all kinds of products and experiences since it launched back in 2014, but they’re expanding their offerings in 2020 to include some of Hong Kong’s best high-end restaurants, as well as informal, takeaway joints around the city. Buy one, get one free deals and discounts abound at fine dining spots like Michelin-starred Qi - House of Sichuan, AVA Restaurant Slash Bar, and Popinjays at The Murray Hotel.

At the other end of the scale, the new Express category helps diners save money on informal dining and takeaways around the city. Sign up for the service before December 30 and you’ll enjoy an early bird price of $288, a 50 percent discount on the full retail price. Bon appetit! theentertainerme.com

2020’s big wellness trend focuses on finding serenity in your day-to-day life. You heard it here first!

Onesies for the Gym The new frontier of activewear, or save it for the circus?

We’ll let you decide.

Lunch hour blahs Whether you want some inspo for a healthy lunch, or just need some meal prep tips, we’ve got it covered this month!

Soggy ecostraws

GROWING THE FAMILY

The popular natural family health clinic, Stanley Wellness, has finally extended its services from its original Stanley Main Street branch to a new sister premises on On Lan Street, the aptly named Central Wellness. Specialising in an integrated and functional approach to healthcare, this family clinic works with patients to address concerns holistically rather than simply treating individual symptoms. The clinic offers functional medicine with services including general practice, osteopathy, naturopathy, kinesiology, nutrition, Pilates, yoga, sophrology and more, treating a wide spectrum of chronic health issues.

6F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan St., Central, centralwellness.com.hk.

No more paper dissolving in our mouth please! Keenly Green’s tapioca flour straws are changing the game. Learn more at keenlygreen.hk.

GOING DOWN 13

Dining

Plant Pots OK, so it’s hardly bone-chillingly frigid outside, but we’ll take any excuse to gather around a bubbling hotpot broth with our besties! Here are some of our veg-forward faves. By Sarah Fung

MEGAN’S KITCHEN This long-standing, Michelin-recommended hotpot favourite is known for its unique broths and brightly-coloured fishballs, but did you know it has a separate menu that’s totally vegetarian? Pick from a Japanese miso or Cantonese veg soup base, and then pick from an impressive selection of tofu, mushrooms and fresh veg, as well as Omnipork and Beyond meat dumplings and “meatballs.” Don’t forget to load up on freshly-made noodles; there are more than 20 types to choose from.

5F, Lucky Centre, 165-171 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 2866-8305, meganskitchen.com.

THE DRUNKEN POT With its funky interiors and creative menu, you know you’re in for a good time at The Drunken Pot. You can order a variety of broths in subdivided pots, making this an excellent option for an omnivorous friendship group. Plant-based hotpotters should select the rich mushroom and truffle soup base before diving right in. You’ll find unusual veg here, including curly kale and spiralized courgettes, in addition to the typical lineup of noodles and tofu.

The sauce station is especially recommended here.

Outlets in TST and Causeway Bay. 14

Dining

FRESH CUTS Dining news that’s good for you TEALOSOPHY TEA BAR OPENS ON WYNDHAM STREET A haven of Zen minimalism on Wyndham? Yes, really! With its pale blonde wood interiors, courtyard out the back and tatami nook for tea appreciation, Tealosophy offers a quiet place to reflect over a steaming pot of gourmet tea. We can’t wait to try the lunch menu, which offers a rice set with either sakura shrimp, ground chicken or salmon flakes and mushrooms, plus the option to upgrade to side dishes or a tea jelly. It’s still in soft opening stage right now, but watch this space for more updates!

38 Wyndham St., facebook.com/tealosophyhk

ASAYA KITCHEN OPENS AT THE ROSEWOOD

THE JOOMAK Located in Harbour City, The Joomak (facebook.com/thejoomakhk) is a health-conscious Korean restaurant with a veg-forward hotpot menu. Choose the vegan prickly pear carbonara soup base, and then load up on vegetarian platters featuring fresh hand-pulled noodles, vegan corn dumplings and fresh veggies.

Shop 34, LCX, 3F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 17 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2111-0851.

BEAUTY IN THE POT Hailing from Singapore, this wellness-focused (yes, really!) hotpot chain is all about nourishing broths and healthy ingredients. After sipping your health-boosting welcome drink, take a seat at one of the sugary-pink banquettes, before getting stuck into the sauce station, which also comes with a mini-buffet of sliced fruit. The soup bases are all designed with health in mind (pick the mixed-mushroom if you want to go vegetarian), but after that the produce is pretty much the standard hotpot fare of fresh veggies, tofu and noodles. Special shoutout to the health drinks to help keep everything in perfect balance.

Oh and there’s a soft play area for kids complete with CCTV, so parents can keep half an eye on the little ones while they eat.

Shop 803, 8F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas St., Mong Kok, 3162-8238.

Asaya, The Rosewood hotel’s 6th floor wellness space, is one of the most hotly-anticipated openings among the spa crowd this year. It’s also taking spa cuisine to the next level with Asaya Kitchen. A world away from veggie sticks and gritty gluten-free cookies, this high-end dining spot focuses on sustainable, locallysourced (where possible) ingredients and innovative preparation methods to create a healthy, light and nourishing cuisine under the watchful eye of head chef Renaud Marin, formerly of Upper Modern Bistro. 6F, The Rosewood, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3891-8732, rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong

KERRY HOTEL LAUNCHES AFTERNOON TEA WITH FRENCH SKINCARE BRAND DARPHIN We love a good afternoon tea and skincare collaboration, and the latest at the Kerry hotel’s lobby lounge is deliciously decadent.

Inspired by Darphin’s gold-infused eight-flower serum, the afternoon tea set shimmers with tasty eats, from the lightly whipped burrata and tomato, the smoked salmon tartare and the duck confit croquette, to the light-as-afeather strawberry roll and of course, a basket of warm, crumbly scones with clotted cream and homemade jam. The set is available until November 30 at $638 for two, including a three-piece Darphin gift set.

38 Hung Luen Rd., Hung Hom, 2252-5237.

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Dining

CHEAT DAY

Because life’s too short to always order the salad

A BONE TO PICK Already a perennial favourite with Soho diners, Vietnamese eatery Chôm Chôm is changing things up a bit of late. Newly-enlisted Chef John Nguyen comes to Hong Kong by way of New York and Los Angeles, and he’s revamped the menu to mega-appetizing effect. Several new dishes have been added that reflect Nguyen’s Vietnamese-American background, like the innovative Vietnamese Pizza, which tops crispy rice paper with braised beef, sriracha mayo and a sprinkling of peanuts and pickles, or the Short Rib Lettuce Wraps, a heavenly plate of pho-marinated short ribs cradled in crisp lettuce wraps and smothered in peanut sauce. The real show-stopper, however, is the Roasted Bone Marrow. This arrives in full splendour, bone and all, with a side of fried toast and a whiskey shot - to be drunk out of the bone once you’ve scooped it clean.

58-60 Peel St., Central, 2810-0850, chomchom.com.hk.

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Sponsored Feature

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1/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong +852 3622 3452 WhatsApp: +852 6115 2094 info@thelifehub.com

Reviews

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

SPA

WORKSHOP

Posture Movement Correction Workshop at UP!Health

Steep Clean Treatment at bliss spa, W Hong Kong The Buzz : Pollution, makeup and day-to-day grime can lead to clogged pores that are frustratingly difficult to clean. Bliss spa at the W Hong Kong has come up with a high-tech solution: a “Steep Clean” treatment that uses a “Venus Glow” device that uses an extremely fine saline jet (thinner than a human hair) combined with a vacuum function to clear the skin and scalp of debris, from dead skin cells to blackheads and other gunk, while simultaneously stimulating micro-circulation.

The Treatment: We’re usually a bit scared of high-tech spa machinery, but the therapist assured us that this treatment would be nice and relaxing. After cleansing the water jets were applied to our skin. It was a strange sensation for the water to be immediately whisked away by the vacuum, but our skin was noticeably smoother to the touch afterwards. Following the steep clean, a collagen-boosting masque was applied, followed by some deep cleaning on our scalp.

The Verdict : Our skin felt the cleanest it’s ever been, with a noticeable reduction in stubborn blackheads on our chin and nose. As a result we also looked brighter and more refreshed, all without any discomfort. We don’t have any problems with our scalp so it’s hard to say whether the scalp treatment was equally effective. It was relaxing though! We’d love to see what effect it would have on dandruff or itchy scalps.

The Cost: $3,980 for 90 minutes 72F, bliss spa, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, whongkong-x.com.

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The Buzz: With the total world domination of smartphones, tablets and laptops, proper posture is taking a serious hit as humanity hunches and cranes over their devices constantly. Posture correction classes are popping up in cities all over the world, and UP!Health in Central is bringing the service to HK with its latest posture correction group class. We check out one of the workshops with a group of other impostures looking to get aligned.

The Class: We start off stretching the oft-overlooked neck muscles with some small, gentle movements that slowly work out any tightness in the area. We move on to some chest and shoulder openers along the wall, and are shown how to do wall angels, which both stretch and mobilize our shoulder blades as well as illustrates an imbalance we’ve never noticed before between our left and right shoulder. Using an assortment of handy props like TheraBands and foam rollers, we’re guided through a series of counted, gentle exercises that are designed to bring awareness to our muscles and proprioception.

The Verdict: Our instructor is warm and attentive, making sure to correct us as we go and explain the relevance of each exercise to our posture. By focussing on slow movements and breathwork, we get a better sense of those all-important first steps we can take to start working on SOS - saving our spines. Sure to be a hit with Central’s office workers who need a gentle push every now and then to straighten up.

The Cost: $300 11F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington St., Central, 2110-1674, uphealth.com.hk.

Reviews

SPONSORED

our tense necks on a peanut ball. Marla gives hands-on adjustments to everyone in the room to get the most out of every posture, a level of attention that’s often missed in the big box fitness studios.

The Verdict: No muscle is left unrelaxed after this total body therapeutic experience. By guiding us through our body’s tensest areas and slowly unwinding them, we leave feeling lighter, looser and full of tranquility. Our feet barely touch the ground as we make our way to our well-deserved hot shower, then head up to the cafe terrace for a cup of hot osmanthus tea outdoors in the cool November weather.

Madera might be the new kid on the block but they’re doing things like an old pro.

Theraputic Yoga at Madera The Buzz: Jordan is fast becoming Hong Kong’s surprise wellness hub.

But it’s the palatial Yoga Madera on Cheong Lok Street, that’s catching the most buzz from Hong Kong’s yogi community - and for good reason.

Opened just two months ago, the sparkling new studio is bright and airy, specialising in a wide range of relaxation practices, from yoga to singing bowls. We head Kowloon-side to unwind at one of Madera Yoga’s signature Therapy Yoga classes.

The Cost: $200 for drop-in. Class packages available, starting from $720 for 4 classes; new students receive 10 percent discount on 4-class package. One free trial class is available to the first 30 Liv readers to redeem, valid from Nov. 1-30, 2019 (all subject to availability and Madera Yoga’s final decision).

1F, Madera Residences, 19 Cheong Lok St., Jordan, 3190-9988, yoga.maderagroup.com

The Studio: Part of the adjacent Hotel Madera, Madera is noticeably enormous, especially when compared to the standard shoebox dimensions of many other yoga studios in the area. Madera’s waiting area is filled with comfortable seating and natural light, making it a decidedly chill place to kick back before you hit the mat, and the facilities are immaculate. No detail is overlooked - we’re even given a small bag of Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries to shower with, just in case we’ve forgotten our amenities at home. There’s also a super convenient cafe upstairs (open until 6pm) that serves freshly prepared healthy bites, like a delicious beetroot and quinoa salad, to refuel after your class.

The Class: There are three substantial studios at Madera, each one kitted out with top-of-the-line props and some very considerate additions to set the mood, like candles and a scent diffuser. Our instructor Marla guides us through some simple neck stretches, before moving into deeper postures that utilise the sizeable arsenal of props at our behest. We play with shoulder mobility using a strap, get deep into our back muscle fascia with the yoga wheel, and attain pure metaphysical bliss when we roll out 19

ALL ABOUT YOU CENTRE

Learn how your mind works

allaboutyoucentre.com

You may have been educated on many subjects, however have you been taught how your mind works? Understanding your mind is the most useful education you can receive; it has you understand how you receive information, the way you behave, what triggers you... And much more! The benefits are: Greater awareness; Enhancing relationships; Getting logical answers to confusing situations; & More inner-peace to name a few. All About You Centre provides this education on their Hypnotherapy Curriculum for personal and professional development. The training consists of 5 levels, and the next level 1 course is on November 9 & 10th, 2019.

To register, please visit allaboutyoucentre.com | Call: 2992 0828 | WhatsApp: 5435 8119

EMMANUEL F. LE SPA

Only the best

Time for gifting and time for self-care. Christmas is coming, we’re so looking forward to the festive vibe! To gift, we only offer the best. We invite you to enjoy our ultimate Anti-Age facial treat at 1,900hkd only.

This includes a certified organic specialised Youthful facial with Lift & firm facial massage ( total 90mins, 2,400hkd originally), not only it cleanse, balance & nourish your skin, it helps to detox, shape & promote skin elasticity. You can also combine this with your hair day to a Headto-Toes relaxation.

Purchase it as our Gift voucher and make your loved ones pampered.

LE MERIDIEN

Prompt restaurant launches express lunch menu Helmed by new Head Chef Nicolas Borteyru, originally from the south-west of France, Prompt restaurant is bringing classic bistro like French cuisine to the table to delight gourmets with a new express lunch menu. Guests can savour a healthy starter followed by a main course, starting from $128. Coffee and dessert options are available, too. Menu is available from Monday to Friday and rotates weekly.

Guests can add a supplement of HK$200 for a pool pass to enjoy swimming pool facilities throughout the day as well.

Enquiries: 2980 7417 / prompt.lmc@lemeridien.com Booking link: https://cho.pe/dineatprompthk

PGB HK

Martial Art x Movement Practice: White Crane Silat Want to start a new workout routine? How about one that unites mobility, movement, connection and mindfulness? Enter: White Crane Silat. Building upon yogic foundations, Silat takes the mind-body-spirit connection even further, featuring a dynamic and powerful movement practice (think floor work, striking and kicking combos, and flowing whole-body movements) complete with partner exercises and meditation. It’s an ancient, holistic lineage taught in a contemporary way, with individual attention, and a chill community vibe, including free tea after class as part of each session. Classes on Tue & Sat in Central, Hong Kong.

Find out more: www.pgbhk.com | Instagram: @pgbhk 20

EE F! FR UF ST

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

WIN: a pair of roller skates from Madame Quad!

Yawning at your yoga, bored at your barre? Get on four wheels and try something new, with these superslick roller skates from Madame Quad Skate Emporium! Roller skating is one of the biggest fitness trends in Hong Kong right now, with roller discos and beginners’ workshops popping up all over the city. These CHAYA Vintage Glide White Quad Skates combine retro aesthetic with new roller skate technology, making them both comfortable and stylish. If you’re not exactly a holy roller (yet), Madame Quad offers free lessons for beginners on Monday night at Victoria Park, or private one-on-one coaching for an additional charge. Valued at $1,045, we have one pair to give away.

WIN: a box of seasonal fruit and veg from Lyfegreen!

Trying to eat healthier but always find your fridge or pantry lacking?

A food delivery subscription is a simple but effective lifehack that guarantees your shelves are loaded with nutritious whole foods you can easily make a meal out of. Lyfegreen works with organic and sustainable farms in Taiwan to build handpicked boxes of seasonal fruits and veg, harvested just as they start to ripen for optimal taste before being shipped to Hong Kong. One of their Regular Veggie & Fruit Box contains a whopping 4.5kg of premium produce, with up to eight varieties of veggies and two types of fruit, including leafy greens, root veg, mushrooms - all the good stuff! Each box is worth $520 and there are two up for grabs.

WIN: a zero-waste bath and body set from Lush!

We can all agree, plastic is the worst. That’s why Lush has developed their Naked line of packaging-free beauty products that dispense with wasteful packaging entirely - making your self-care routine that much more sustainable. Pamper yourself into oblivion with one of these eco-friendly Lush bath sets, which include a Tender is the Night Massage bar, a Golden Handshake Hot Hand Mask, and a metal tin to store them in - plastic packaging averted! We have 20 of these lovely little sets, each one worth $213.

Enter at liv-magazine.com/giveaways before Nov 29 to win!

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Sponsored Feature

SPECTACULAR SINGAPORE

Not only is Singapore a foodie haven, visitors to the Lion City, before or after their cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, will be thrilled to uncover shopping delights, as well as discover that the real fun happens after hours

O

ne of the key stops for Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas’ winter sailings, Singapore has so much to offer visitors.

Whether it’s treasure-hunting through the city-state’s chic boutiques, markets and malls, or sampling cocktails at some of Asia’s finest watering holes, you’ll find an itinerary to surprise and delight.

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SHOP YOUR HEART OUT If cool cultural treasures is what you seek, make Kampong Glam your first port of call. Also known as the Muslim Quarter, Kampong Glam was traditionally home to the Malay and Arab communities, which is evident in the beautiful Islamic architecture that can be seen throughout the area. Start at the Sultan Mosque and lose yourself for a few hours exploring traditional crafts and hip design boutiques alike that now occupy traditional shophouses in the winding back streets.

Pick up a hand-blended perfume from Jamal Kazura, Singapore’s most famous perfumery; Scandi-chic homeware at Mondays Off; or fabric crafts galore at Kin Soon - Minton House of Ribbons.

Sponsored Feature

ALL ABOARD QUANTUM OF THE SEAS Part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet of high-tech, entertainmentpacked vessels, Quantum of the Seas offers an unparallelled cruising experience. Set sail on a luxury cruise experience, featuring 16 decks, 18 restaurants, and entertainment to suit everyone, from couples to inter-generational travelers. The Instagram set will be delighted with BIONIC BAR, powered

by Makr Shakr. This unique watering hole is staffed by robots that make custom cocktails with utmost precision. Want to experience a view like no other? Climb aboard the North Star, a unique observation deck that rises 92 metres above the ocean for an unparalleled ocean view. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing at the indoor skydiving and surfing adventure facilities, while the SeaPlex, with its indoor basketball court, roller-skating rink and bumper cars - is perfect for rainy days.

SHIP EXPERIENCE The four-night Malaysia cruise starts at just $3,645 per head.

5-Night Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise Singapore – Kuala Lumpur – Penang – Phuket – Singapore Departure dates: Nov 30, Dec 9, 14, 23 (Christmas), 28 (New Year), Feb 2, Mar 8, 13, Apr 4, 17 4-Night Malaysia Cruise Singapore – Kuala Lumpur – Penang – Singapore Departure dates: Dec 19, Jan 16, 24, Feb 7, Mar 18, 27, Apr 9 (Easter), 22

LIMITED TIME OFFER! Book now to get 30% off.

Booking hotline: 3018-3464 Booking center: Suite 2006, Tower 1, The Gateway, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui Website www.royalcaribbean.com.hk Or contact your travel agents

THE PERFECT COUPLE’S RETREAT With all the guesswork taken out of your holiday, Royal Caribbean lets you focus on the important things: making memories with loved ones. With 2,090 large, tasteful and luxuriously appointed staterooms, you can be assured of relaxing surroundings and a peaceful night’s sleep in every cabin category. Foodies will find plenty to tempt the palate at the 18 restaurants onboard, including partnerships with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Be sure not to miss Wonderland Experimental Cuisine, a playground of gastronomic delight, where the chef’s creativity transform each dish

into a multi-sensory experience.

Once you’ve eaten your fill, be sure to visit the Vitality spa for a re-energizing couple’s spa treatment. Feeling healthy?

A jog on the deck, a dip in the pool or a heart-pounding workout at the hightech gym will leave you refreshed and revitalized.

On the entertainment front, prepare to be amazed as you take your seat inside state-of-the-art performance venue,TwoSeventy, which offers a fully immersive experience, combining hightech digital displays with live performance, music and special effects to create shows that are out-of-this-world.

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THE ULTIMATE

HEALTHY LUNCH GUIDE Searching high and low for a healthy lunch option in your hood, but coming up empty-handed? We feel your pain. That’s why we hit the pavement hard to round up our fave midday meal spots across the city, from budget bites to bougie spreads. By Zoe Belhomme, Sarah Fung and Carla Thomas.

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Lunch Sets To Impress in

WAN CHAI Lunch sets can be a dime a dozen, but not in trendy Wan Chai. These upmarket prix fixe stand out for all the right reasons - and they’re worth every penny.

BAKEHOUSE

The pastry-lovers’ perennial favourite, Bakehouse’s weekday lunch set offers more substantial fare, such as a mouthwatering kale and avocado salad with dried figs and parmesan-pesto dressing. Mix and match courses depending on your mood ($108 for two courses; $148 for three), and make sure to save room for one of their signature tarts off the dessert menu.

MR. BROWN

Despite some steep competition, this neighbourhood smokehouse stands alone when it comes to its lunch set ($160 for 3 courses, inc. dessert).

Starters include light, spreadable bites served with fresh rye bread, like whipped mackerel or eggplant carpaccio, while mains showcase deliciously smoky flavours, like grilled chicken thigh with tahini and tomato or smoked sweet potato with feta, farro, and crunchy asparagus - bonus points for having a vegetarian dish that rivals the meat option!

14 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, bakehouse.hk.

MORE IN WAN CHAI...

Sprout Cafe Casual vegetarian buffet concept that rings in at $98 for lunch. 181 Hennessy

G/F, 9 Ship St., Wan Chai, 3101-1081, mrbrownhk.com.

Rd., Wan Chai, 2333-6207 Happy Veggies Social enterprise that hires hearing-impaired staff, serving Cantonese-style vegetarian food in a casual cafe setting. 1/F, Bayfield Building, 99 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2529-3338 GREAT Food Hall Super salads and healthy to-go options for the Queen’s Road East lunch crowd. LG, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918-9986 Cafe & Meal MUJI Ah, soothing Japanese minimalism. Get your rice and then select from various options, from grilled fish to veggies, for a perfectly balanced plate. Shop G05B, G/F, Hopewell Centre, 180 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 3971-3280 Isoya Japanese Vegetarian A vegetarian Japanese fine-dine. For the lunch set, there’s an attractive tray with small mouthfuls exquisitely presented and a nourishing bowl of noodles in broth to finish.

9F, 83 Wan Chai Rd., Wan Chai, 5500-8812

LE GARCON SAIGON

Lunch sets at this effortlessly chic brasserie will run you a bit more ($198), but for the level of freshness and quality ingredients, it’s well worth it.

Starters include a light salad and soup (both vegetarian), followed by a choice of beautifully smoked mains. The chargrilled Wagyu beef on rice noodles with fresh veggies and herbs is sublime, but there’s plenty of inventive tofu options if you’re going meat-free. Try the smoked coconut sorbet (vegan) with a shot of coffee poured over it for dessert, or an aftermeal Vietnamese coffee prepared for you tableside.

G/F, 12-18 Wing Fung St., Wan Chai, 2455-2499, legarconsaigon.com.

DJAPA

This kaleidoscopic Brazilian-Japanese restaurant on Lee Tung Avenue is hard to miss, and that’s a very good thing because the lunch sets here shouldn’t be missed. Choose from a menu of adorable bento boxes ($138) that are filled with fun Nipo-Brasileiro bites, like snapper passion fruit ceviche, edamame salad or panko mushrooms.

Shop 18-20, G/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, 2617-2900, lecomptoir.hk/djapa 25

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Power lunching in

MORE IN SOHO...

CENTRAL

POP Vegan Swankier vegan restaurant, with a two-course lunch set ringing in at $168-$188. Think cauliflower steak,

Mix business with pleasure? Don’t mind if we do!

Central is simply overflowing with high-toned, healthy lunch spots to close your next big deal.

vegan smoked “tuna” pizza, and artichoke, kale and lemon risotto. 1F, 28 Elgin St., Central, 2628-6211, popvegan.com.hk Maison Libanaise The ground floor of this Middle-Eastern spot offers

MERCEDES ME

When a client meeting runs late, but you still need to take them for lunch after, Mercedes Me’s all-day dining menu saves the day. The menu is a safe mix of European and Asian cuisine, and includes lots of light and fresh dishes. Dishes to be tried include Miso Glazed Eggplant Steak with slow roasted tomatoes, beans and coriander vinaigrette, and Seared Mahi Mahi Kerala with curry and wild rice. Three-course set menus are shockingly reasonable at $248.

G/F, Manning House, 48 Queen’s Road Central, mercedes.me/hongkong

Michelin-starred modern European restaurant Arcane has developed a vegetarian a la carte menu that most meat-eaters wouldn’t turn their noses up at. More than just an add-on for herbivores, Arcane has created a varied and innovative standalone menu, with dishes like ravioli with sweet potato and butternut squash or Chioggia beetroot with aged sheep ricotta. Lunch here isn’t the cheapest, with dishes ranging from $200-400 for a la carte and the lunch set starts at a reasonable $348.

1/F, H Queen’s, 23-29 Stanley St., Central, 2887-1113, lpmlondon.co.uk/hongkong

Fresca A true farm-to-table salad bar, with plenty of vegan options. 54-58 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2770-2282, frescahk.com Pololi Get your protein fix with Hawaiian-style poke bowls: marinated raw fish served over rice or salad. 35-39 Flaming Frango Portuguese-style flame-grilled chicken with your choice of healthy (and not-so-healthy) sides. A good one for the post-gym set. 55 Elgin St., Central, 2556-7555, flamingfrango.com BAKED South African bakery cafe, specialising in sourdough.

Shop D, G/F, 14 Elgin St., Central, 2885-2121

3/F 18 On Lan St., Central, 2728-0178, arcane.hk

Bringing a slice of French seaside town Nice to downtown HK is La Petite Maison. This spacious restaurant sits perfectly between smart and business casual, with a menu to impress - some reports say that the Tuna Nicoise is the best they’ve ever had. Overall you’ll find a vibrant menu here full of French flavours and fresh Mediterranean ingredients that aren’t guiltinducing - even after three courses.

2111-2284, maisonlibanaise.com.hk

Graham St., Central, 2755-8099, pololikai.com

ARCANE

LA PETITE MAISON

a pick ‘n’ mix of salads to go. 10 Shelley St., Central,

VEDA

Superstar veggie chef Hetty Mckinnon’s eye-catching menu at veggie/ vegan eatery Veda is chocka with South Indian-inspired dishes that will get everyone at the table talking. Start with some Kathmandu momos stuffed with ricotta and spinach and crispy quinoa arancini, before getting stuck into delectable mains of roasted aloo gobi, okra masala and semolina potato gnocchi. Do not - we repeat, DO NOT - forget to leave some space for the fig cheesecake, made from cashew milk so vegans can also get in on the fun.

Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Rd., Central, 3755-3067, ovolohotels.com.hk

CAFE GRAY DELUXE

When you need to impress that potential new client, an elegant lunch at Cafe Gray is bound to swing things in your favour. It’s not just the 49th floor views or the stylish interiors; Cafe Grey’s menu is full of beautiful dishes that are light, nutritious and won’t cause a 3pm slump. The set lunch menu is in the fine-dining price bracket, but still well-priced in our view at $415 for two courses and $485 for three. The menu changes regularly but expect to find dishes like butternut squash soup, aubergines with sumac as well as honey and balsamic roasted figs for dessert.

49/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 3968-1106, upperhouse.com

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ASK FOR ALONZO

Take it away in

QUARRY BAY With a huge office crowd in Island East, there are plenty of healthy to-go spots to choose from, whether you want to eat al desko or take it outside and enjoy the sunshine at the large open area that connects Cityplaza and Taikoo Place.

This neighbourhood Italian spot keeps things simple with its takeaway menu. Besides pastas and paninis, it also has healthy options, including a buffalo and mozzarella salad, tuna salad, or a zoodles primavera with capers and hazelnuts.

G/F, 18 Hoi Kwong St., Quarry Bay, facebook. com/askforalonzo.

FOOD LE PARC

Essentially a Park N Shop, but with an expanded food section for the lunch crowd. You’ll find Chinese soups (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options both available), a salad bar and deli counter and and healthy-looking Korean rice bowls made with brown rice and loaded up with veg. Also has Nosh healthy meal boxes.

Shop 2 & 3, G/F, Westlands Centre, Quarry Bay, 2606-8658.

MORE IN QUARRY BAY... nood food Found in Pure gyms and yoga studios all over the city, this reliable takeaway option runs the gamut for healthy

NUTSY COFFEE/BON-LICIOUS

Forced out of their previous location due to a rent hike, Nutsy Coffee has now found a home in Blueprint, Swire’s coworking space.

It serves awesome coffee, while fellow tenant Bon-Licious handled the food. Expect a regularly rotating menu from fledgling chefs; this unique food startup incubator allows would-be restaurateurs to test their concept in a shared kitchen environment.

2F, Dorset House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, 9245-2747, facebook.com/ NutsyCoffee, bonlicioushk.com.

bites; from brekky to sandwiches, salads and wraps for lunch, to savoury snacks when you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. 1/F, Lincoln House Eric Kayser French-style bakery cafe serving

CHECKCHECKCIN

Inspired by Chinese Medicine, CheckCheckCin offers healthy teas, tonics and soups to ease a variety of ailments.

Shop 144, Cityplaza, 3419-1138, checkcheckcin.com

healthy salads and sourdough sandwiches. Lobby, Dorset House Salad Stop Range of gourmet salads with a buildyour-own option. Lobby, Dorset House Pret a Manger Huge Pret opening this month, with sandwiches, salads and hot options.

NUTTEA

This small stand specialises in nut milk based drinks, but it also has a small menu of vegan meal sets available for delivery. Think nut crepes with various fillings, from avocado to apple salad, plus your choice of drink (nut mylk, banana oatmeal nut mylk or nutty latte), all coming in at $54-$62.

Shop 2, 36 Hoi Kwong St., Quarry Bay, facebook.com/NUTTEAHKTAIKOO.

Lobby, Devon House TREATS Food court in Cityplaza with lots of healthy options. Currently doing a Meat 2.0 promotion in collaboration with Green Monday. 2/F, Cityplaza

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GREENWOODS RAW CAFE

Meat-free in

TSIM SHA TSUI Call it the Dark Side if you will, but we think of Kowloon as vibrant green thanks to all its vegetarian and vegan options in culturally diverse Tsim Sha Tsui.

Open daily for lunch only, Greenwoods never heats anything to more than 41 degrees Celsius. This raw approach to cooking ensures that no nutrients are lost in the preparation process, meaning our bodies reap maximum benefit from every mouthful. Lunch is an eclectic mix of dishes inspired from different cuisines - there’s everything from raw pizza and burgers to vegan sushi and kale chips. Set lunches are all priced at $148, and come with a house speciality Green Smoothie.

13/F, 2 Carnarvon Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-2416

FUTURE BAR BY GREEN COMMON

Need your veggie food on the run? No problem, thanks to the meat-free lunches at Future Bar

by Green Common. When you don’t have time to sit down at a restaurant, this K11 Musea convenience store stocks a range of vegan produce and health foods, including grab-n-go lunches, that you can eat on the move or take back to your desk.

Shop B201-14 Basement 2, K11 MUSEA, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2151-0871

AVOBAR

Whether brunching or lunching, Avobar serves up Insta-worthy dishes centered around this mainstay of millennials. On the all-day brunch menu, there’s plenty of meat-free options like sweet matcha pancakes paired with avo butter, and deconstructed avocado toast with avo-lime jam. What’s more, the restaurant is committed to sustainable sourcing, working with more than 20 farmers across the world to bring only the best avocados to the table.

Shop B201-4, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, facebook. com/avobarhk 28

MORE IN KOWLOON...

Something Wild - The Farm Located in K11, this is a perfect pit

KAILASH PARBAT

stop after an afternoon of stocking up on wellness goodies. The menu is all

TST has no shortage of vegetarian Indian spots, but Kailash Parbat, which opened last April, has cemented its reputation as a delicious and health-conscious option. With a special focus on Indian-style street snacks, or chaats, everything is freshly made in-house here, from the semolina cups for pani puris to the rich, creamy paneer that comes marinated in Indian spices. In addition to being fully vegetarian, with vegan options also available, Kailash Parbat also offers a Jain menu, omitting onions and garlic.

about farm-to-table, with many of its

302, 3F, Multifield Plaza, 3-7 Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3428-5545, kailashparbat.com.hk

veggies to meat in all its dishes, as

ingredients sourced locally. 18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3755-4899 Ahimsa Buffet Cheap and cheerful buffet in Jordan.

It’s a shared tables and put away your own plate kinka deal, with chafing dishes filled mainly with Cantonesestyle vegetarian fare. 8 Tak Hing St., Jordan, 2668-6658 Alibi - Wine Dine Be Social Located in Cordis Hotel, this restaurant-slash-bar has a surprisingly healthy menu that’s fresh and light, thanks to its dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing. There’s a high ratio of well as a wide selection of interesting, innovative dishes for herbivores. 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok, 3552-3028

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Cheap and cheerful in

INFINITI C

WESTERN DISTRICT Trying to save your pennies? There’s loads of budgetfriendly options to be found as you head west from the central core, into the more chilled out hoods of Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town.

No gluten? No problem, at this adorable gluten-free cafe in Kennedy Town. Passionate about promoting vegan, keto and gluten-free diets, you’ll find some very reasonably priced a la carte items at lunch time, like a pea tofu ricotta warm salad ($68).

The Hudson, 11 Davis St., Kennedy Town, 3460-4996, infinitic.hk.

DETOUR

This mellow little cafe on First Street steams a mean latte, but their food menu isn’t half bad either.

Homemade labneh and dukkah on sourdough goes down a treat, and they have a delicious range of healthy sandwiches to take away - most menu items priced around $50-60.

G/F, 35-37 First Street, Sai Ying Pun, 2759-1872,

MORE IN WESTERN...

SpiceBox Organics Part health food store, part cafe, you’ll find organic hearty mains, salad and roti rolls at this K-Town gem (a second location exists in Mid-Levels). 39-45 Hau Wo St., Kennedy Town, 2191-0886, spiceboxorganics.com Green Tech Veggie Cafe New-ish addition to Hong Kong Plaza in Sai Wan serving up vegan-friendly mock meat dishes. Shop 01, G/F, 188 Connaught Road West, Sai Wan, 9161-1249 Why50 This place is all about healthy gourmet toppings on open-face sourdough sandwiches, plus great coffee. Lots of vegan options. 27 Hillier St., Sheung Wan Aziza Authentic Egpytian food that’s big on healthy fats and fresh veggies in K-Town.

Have just opened their second (much bigger) branch in Classified’s old SYP location. Shop 1B, G/F, The Upton, 345 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, 5365-6444, aziza.com.hk

12NOON

Once the best kept secret of Wan Chai’s office workers, this wellloved healthy fast food gem has finally opened its second location in Sheung Wan. They take the guesswork out of your lunch, giving you a full nutritional and caloric breakdown of all their food and juices. Salads include Teriyaki Chicken or the vegan-friendly Tofu Hana, and there’s a wide range of other soups, sandwiches, zoodlebased mains, cold-pressed juices - even a selection of healthy cup noodles!

Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Road, Sheung Wan, Shop 202-203, 2890-9848, twelvenoon.net.

FALAFEL HUT

Blink and you’ll miss it, this hole-inthe-wall in Kennedy Town serves up fresh wraps stuffed with crisp salad, silky hummus and naturally, some piping hot, housemade falafel ($60).

76 Catchick St., Kennedy Town, 6623-3297

HEALTHY CHICKEN @ ASPHODEL

Clean proteins and healthy sides are a post-gym winner at Asphodel’s new chicken spot, with chicken, salmon, tofu or mock meat available in a salad box or burrito.

Prices start at $75 for a chicken box with fresh green salad.

22 Praya, Kennedy Town.

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# Inspired

LET’S GET I N T I M AT E We speak to holistic physiotherapist and The Body Group founder, Caroline Rhodes, about her path to wellness, her upcoming “Loving Consciously” workshops, and her holistic approach to wellness.

Photo: Lisa Rayman Goldfarb Photography

E

ntrepreneur and wellness pioneer, Caroline Rhodes, evolved The Body Group over a 23-year period after she arrived in Hong Kong in 1997. With her business thriving, Caroline has now decided to pursue her true passion: helping women rediscover themselves via intimate “Loving Consciously” workshops that harness a variety of modalities to help women reconnect with their intimate selves, mentally, physically and emotionally.

Q Why did you create your Loving Consciously workshop, who is it aimed at, and what does it offer?

My workshop is aimed at women of all ages because many women, myself included, struggle with feelings of not being good enough. We know we have to feel self love and acceptance, but often don’t know how to adopt the practice. Attempts to try to take care of ourselves and our needs tend to make us feel selfish and guilty because we are accustomed to putting ourselves last. The “Loving Consciously” workshops combine five types of therapies to help release old traumas and negative core beliefs, and reintroduce practices that help to clear the negative energies and re-imprint new, positive life-affirming core beliefs.

Q What does “Loving Consciously" mean, and why is it important for women?

The root of the way we love is based on our upbringing and our perception of those experiences. We don’t have to actually experience it, we learn by observation. An infant’s brain is a super computer that processes everything around him or herself, taking in all the information. When there is a history of neglect or abuse, whether it is physical, emotional,

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# Inspired Q How do you go about clearing negative memories and beliefs?

I have had many years’ experience in the medical profession, studying many different therapies. I particularly enjoy following new findings in science and interpreting them through ‘alternative’ practices that I am very familiar with, such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). Over the years, I have used EFT to help hundreds of people find solutions to physical, mental and emotional problems.

sexual or mental, the way we feel and express love may not be nurturing. It can be hard to break these patterns. The workshop I have created is for women so that they can heal, practice self love, have healthy loving relationships and share this with their immediate family, partner and children.

Q In your workshop you talk about sex and sexual practice. Can you tell us more?

Sex is a basic primitive function, just like digestion. Our drive to procreate is very strong and hard-wired within us. It’s also a taboo subject and I’ve decided that we need to talk about sex. I’m not a sex therapist, but in my 20 years of working with many sexual and non-sexual traumas, I can honestly say that letting these memories go once and for all is powerful and allows a woman to bring a healthy and loving sexual practice into her life. Everyone benefits from this.

During the course, we clear past traumas, guilt and shame and introduce self-loving practices. I teach how to communicate your needs, how to discover what is pleasurable, and how to get what you need to be sexually fulfilled.

I also introduce tantra, the ancient Indian and Buddhist teachings of cosmic connection. We do breath work and pelvic exercises that build up powerful energy, giving rise to the birth of our desires. This can be practiced with or without a partner.

Q Why do you restrict the course to women only?

So often as women we see ourselves through the lens of the male onlooker. I want the women who participate in the course to feel totally free to be themselves, and allow themselves to be vulnerable. My course creates a totally safe, non-judgmental place where women of all ages can explore deep emotional aspects of themselves without fear of being rejected.

Q How does EFT actually work and what are the advantages?

EFT is a combination of tapping or massaging on acupuncture points to quickly release negative thoughts, even at a subconscious level. We now have research on its effectiveness and it is being used around the world in schools for stress and eating disorders. EFT is even recognized by the Veterans Administration in the US for treating returning troops in combat zones suffering with PTSD. EFT is not a placebo, easy to use and very effective.

ABO U T TH E WO R KSH O PS Held over two half-days in a nurturing, private environment, the Loving Consciously workshops are an intimate retreat for women looking to connect, heal, move on from past traumas and restore equilibrium to their lives. Using Emotional Freedom Technique, attendees will learn how to let go of inhibitions and self-doubt, as well as tap into the therapeutic and empowering qualities of sex and intimacy.

Could you benefit from the course? Read the list below and see if any of these apply to you: • Weak pelvic floor muscles • Feeling off-balance after having a baby • Loss of femininity • Loss of sex drive • Pelvic pain • Holding on to guilt or self-limiting beliefs, particularly related to intimacy and sex • Wanting to attract an ideal partner or improving a current relationship • Wanting to communicate better with men The 2019 courses are full. Please visit thebodygroup.com for other EFT trainings and future courses

in collaboration with The Body Group 31

Meal Prep

PREP RALLY Confused about how to meal prep for the week? Look no further, Jo Robinson shares her top tips and recipes to get you brown-bragging like a boss.

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Meal Prep

T

here’s no better way to pick up the habit of healthier eating than preparing your own lunch every day, leaving little to no guesswork about what’s going into your body and whether you’re getting all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. How can you prep for a week’s worth of meals with as little time in the kitchen as possible? It’s not as difficult as you’d think! Here are some general rules to help you nail the art of meal prep.

Make a plan Meal prep doesn’t start in the kitchen. It starts with a diary, and a good old-fashioned pen and paper. Make a list of everything you need from the store or market, then set aside two or three hours on a Sunday to get it all done. Even schedule it in your diary the way you would a meeting, hair appointment or workout class.

All about that base Make up a large salad which can act as the base of your meal, meaning you only need to add toppings on the day. Leaves mixed with chopped tomato, cucumber, pepper, onion and carrot will keep for days in a large covered bowl in the fridge, so each morning simply fill a lunchbox and add in some precooked protein and carbs.

Alternatively, if you like your lunches a bit more on the substantial side, cook a batch of some rice, quinoa or pasta and freeze it in portions. Once defrosted, just add in your protein and veg. (Note - when storing cooked rice, ensure it is fully cooled all the way through before refrigerating or freezing.)

Multi-task mindfully Whilst we do have to remember that we live in Hong Kong and the majority of us aren’t likely to have six hobs and a range cooker, we can multitask by doing as much as possible in one go. Peel, chop, cook and refrigerate or freeze all at once. Be sure to peel and chop enough for five days, cooking half on Sunday and the rest on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. And double up on cooking - roast some things in the oven whilst boiling others on the hob, all whilst chopping bits for a big salad.

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Meal Prep

Pick & mix

Love your leftovers

Rather than planning specific meals, plan food groups. This will give you the variety your body needs, and mixing and matching throughout the week allows you to make lunches based on what you fancy that day.

Generally, stick to three food groups: protein (meat, fish, eggs, tofu), carbohydrates (rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa), and vegetables (boiled, roasted, lightly stir-fried). Cook a couple of each, refrigerate or freeze, and then pick & mix to your heart’s content so that every day looks a little bit different.

So simple it probably shouldn’t be a tip, but so many of us can forget to cook an extra large dinner that will also double as lunch the next day.

If Sunday meal prep doesn’t go to plan, you always have the option of making a huge dinner one evening which could give you at least a couple of days’ lunches. Think pasta bake, chilli, veggie curry - all of these require minimal ingredients and can be thrown together in one pan or tray.

EXTRA CREDIT • Don’t waste ripe bananas, freeze ‘em!

Slice them, pop in a pot or bag, and use for smoothies.

• No spiralizer? No problem! Your potato peeler will make zoodles just as easily...albeit more tagliatelle-esque than spaghetti.

• Frozen fruit and vegetables are just as good as their fresh counterparts, usually cheaper, and don’t run the risk of unnecessary food waste.

• Stock up on tupperware! Try an airtight four-sided secure lock container or a collapsible silicone pot like this one ($190 from Live Zero) which conveniently compress down to half their size for simple at-home storage and post-lunch ease.

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Sponsored Feature

Eat Your Rainbow N O U R I S H B O DY A N D S O U L W I T H F LO J E W E L L E RY

A

ccording to ancient wisdom, the body contains seven chakras, or energy points, which correspond to our moods, emotions and state of mind. But while you might already be familiar with chakras, did you know that what you eat corresponds to how you feel?

“All foods have a vibrational alignment to the seven major chakras and their associated colours,” says Flora Chan, Founder of Flo Jewellery and Holistic Healer/ Teacher. “By incorporating each of the seven colours into our diet, we feed ourselves emotionally and physically as we absorb the various nutritional properties contained in the colours and nature of the food.”

Want a deeper understanding of chakras and food? Take a look at the chart below: Crown Chakra Spirituality · Wisdom · Divine Connection

Fasting, Detoxing

Brow Chakra Intuition · Inspiration · Clarity

Spices, Caffeine, Chocolates, Herbal Teas

Throat Chakra Communication · Self-expression · Creativity

Blueberries, Fig, Fruits, Soups, Juices

Heart Chakra Love · Compassion · Relationships

Green Vegetables, Green Tea, Sprouts

Solar Plexus Chakra Power · Confidence · Will

Yellow foods, Grains, Dairy Products, Carbohydrates

Sacral Chakra Pleasure · Emotions · Sensuality

Orange Foods, Soy Products, Nuts, Seeds, Fish and Seafood

Root Chakra Security · Stability · Grounding

Red foods, Root Vegetables, Proteins, Meat

Visit www.flojewellery.com/pages/Chakras for a FREE DOWNLOAD guide to chakras, as well as a discount code for Flo Jewellery’s signature Chakras Collection.

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CHRISTMAS CHEER A s the holiday season looms ahead, life seems to move a little faster every week and before you know it, it’s the New Year. This year, savour the holiday spirit by gifting your loved ones a one-of-a-kind, specially crafted work of art that will last for a lifetime, like these handcrafted jewellery pieces that feature flawless rubies, champagne diamonds and 18K gold.

Ring set in 18K Color Rhodium Red Gold with Ruby, Opals, Rose-Cut Diamonds, Onyx, Fancy Color Diamonds, and White Diamonds

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Bracelet set in 18K Yellow Gold with Rubies, Opals, and Champagne Diamonds.

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Community

THE NESBITT CENTRE Established in 1993, The Nesbitt Centre provides support and education services to adults with learning difficulties, helping them to lead more independent lives. Carla Thomas talks to Greg March, Director of Partnerships, about the centre’s mission.

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Q What does The Nesbitt Centre do?

The Nesbitt Centre supports adults with learning disabilities, providing education, employment opportunities and the tools to help them live an independent life with as little support as possible. We teach them to care and advocate for themselves, to integrate with the community and to engage their talents. We also run a “Preparation for Life� programme that prepares learners for independent living.

Community

approved and The Nesbitt Centre opened with just five families and their children in 1993. Since then it has grown and we have a day centre, two residential facilities and three high profile, notfor-profit social enterprises creating employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

Q Tell us more about the Preparation for Life Programme.

The programme teaches learners everything from work training to life skills, to future planning and even how to spend leisure time. It is individually tailored to meet every learner’s unique needs.

The experience aims to factor in all aspects of life, and is facilitated by a close collaboration between learners, family members and Nesbitt Centre staff.

Q What sorts of benefits are there to integrating individuals living with disabilities into the wider community?

It is so important that there are more inclusive employment and community opportunities for adults with learning disabilities in wider society, so that stigmas are broken down and everyone realises that we are all equal and that everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential.

Our staff at our social enterprises are amazing.

They’re diligent, punctual, have a very strong work ethic and create a very welcoming community environment at all our social enterprises.

Q Who started The Nesbitt Centre, and what was the motivation behind it?

David and Wendy Nesbitt moved to Hong Kong from Canada over 40 years ago with their young family, including their daughter, who had learning disabilities. After their daughter finished school, they found there were no English-speaking services for school leavers or adults with learning disabilities available. David and Wendy Nesbitt wrote to Chris Patten, the Governor of Hong Kong at the time, and an application was made to the Queen Elizabeth Foundation. Some funds were 39

Community

Photographer

Q What is the biggest misconception people have about adults with learning disabilities?

That just because they have a learning disability that they are not capable in some way. Actually the opposite is true. We focus on abilities not disabilities. Pay a visit to our social enterprises and centre and you will see this is true.

Q How has your organisation grown or changed in the last 25 years?

We are very proud of our not-for-profit social enterprises: Cafe 8 above the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, The Nest coffee shop at St. John’s Cathedral, and another branch of The Nest at St. Andrews church in Tsim Sha Tsui. At our social enterprises, more than 80 percent ofthe staff are individuals with learning disabilities.

Q How can Liv readers help support The Nesbitt Centre?

We are always looking for volunteers to support our

LETIZIA PREMIUM PATTERN LEGGINGS Soft touch and trendy pattern design Delicate lines and high quality materials Oeko-Standard 100 certificated Oeko-Tex warrants that the concentrates of fabrics that have passed the test and are certified do not contain harmful substances that pose a risk to human health. The more contact the fabric has with the skin (and the more sensitive the skin is), the stricter the compliance requirements are.

Main function of our leggings • Free of toxic to the skin • UPF 50+ AS/NZS 4399:1996 (Austrailia/ New Zealand safety certificated Obtain No.) • Oeko-Standard 100 certificated • Balanced silhouette of 4-way stretching • Excellent absorbency and good airflow for a fresh fit • The mesh panels hold them comfortably and sexy, making them beautiful and stand out.

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P h oCt oo m g rmaupnhiet ry

staff in running programs to help individuals with learning disabilities achieve independent living.

There are opportunities to observe, coach or offer hands-on assistance to support our learners.

We are also fundraising for our first The Nest Coffee Van! Stationed at the UBS offices in IFC, the van provides a unique opportunity for our learners to participate in a future self-employment model.

Sixty-one percent of Hong Kong’s learning-disabled adults are unemployed. This van, combined with training and education, will give adults an opportunity to run their own business and earn money in a supportive environment, with the potential to invest their earnings into future coffee van franchises. We need to raise $150,000 in order to raise money to build and operate the initial Nest Coffee Van. Want to support The Nest Van? Visit tinyurl.com/thenestvan to learn more!

O:RIN is about seeking

INNER PEACE through movement.

Karen discovered her love in mindful movement that Pilates and Gyrotonic offer after seeking refuge from bustling modern life.

O:RIN—a play on the word original—gently coaxes the body and mind back into their infant state of equilibrium. It is our hope to positively impact the heart, mind and soul of every individual who enters the studio; to tailor an experience in direct response to your personal needs. From the architecture to the expertise of trainers, we are pleased to offer you a grounding interlude of personal space, growth and beauty.

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Food

HEALTHY RECIPE

Nordic Sugar-free Granola

By METTÄ Nordic, mettanordic.com.

This granola recipe is super easy, sugar-free and has a certain exotic Nordic twist.

Makes one big jar.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY

TIME

15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS:

• 1 ½ cup large organic rolled oats

1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius, then mix the oats and peeled hemp seeds together in a big bowl.

2. Melt the rapeseed oil in a saucepan and add the Lingonberry Xylitol or other sweetener. Mix until it dissolves completely.

3. Combine the oil with the mixed oats and hemp seeds and mix well. Spread on a baking tray, then pop in the oven for 7-10 minutes until it has a nice light brown colour. Remove and let cool.

4. Once cooled, add freeze-dried whole berries, dried apple pieces and birch leaves or green mint. Stir well and taste. If it’s not sweet enough, add some Lingonberry Xylitol or Wild Blueberry Xylitol, and another sweetener of your preference.

5. Serve with natural yoghurt or milk.

• ½ cup peeled hemp seeds • ⅓ cup dried, sugar-free apple pieces

TIP: When choosing a sweetener, make sure it takes heat like regular sugar does and is suitable for baking.

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• 2 ½ tbsp. METTÄ nordic birch leaves (or dried mint) • 4-5 tbsp. METTÄ nordic Lingonberry Xylitol or Wild Blueberry Xylitol (or ½ tbsp. Stevia powder or other natural sweetener) • 3-4 tbsp. extra virgin rapeseed oil • 1 ⅓ cup freeze-dried whole lingonberries or wild blueberries

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Pamper

THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle

PUMPKIN SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

D

on’t pretend you haven’t noticed pumpkin spice season is officially upon us. No longer relegated to lattes and other allegedly coffee-based drinks, this magical medley of spices has been embraced in products everywhere - including some choice beauty finds. Here’s our roundup of our favourite pumpkin spice products to pamper yourself with this fall.

BODY SHOP VANILLA PUMPKIN BODY BUTTER

With an added oomph of Madagascar vanilla, this specialty edition body butter from the Body Shop is sweet and spiced and everything nice. It’s also made with fair trade shea butter, so you get that extra moisturising kick to tide you through the chillier months. $80, thebodyshop.com.

LUSH PUMPKIN SPICE LIP SCRUB

Between the air con inside and drier air outside, everyone’s pout could use a polish to rid itself of flaky, dry skin.

This lip scrub from Lush uses a mixture of essential oils, caster sugar and soothing pumpkin butter to add moisture and plumpness back into your poor, dehydrated lips. $105, hk.lush.com.

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DESERT ESSENCE ORGANICS PUMPKIN SPICE HAND REPAIR CREAM

With organic pumpkin and jojoba oil, this doubleaction hand cream goes to work on tired-looking hands, leaving them not just moisturised but smelling like a damn dream for hours to come. $57 from hk.iherb.com

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL PUMPKIN 24K GOLD MASK

What’s better for your skin than pumpkin? Pumpkin with 24K gold, that’s what. This sheet mask from cult K-beauty brand Too Cool For School delivers a potent shot of beta carotene and vitamin A, while the gold flakes dial up the glow on dull-looking complexions. $81.50 from lookfantastic.com.hk

Pamper

SPA NEWS

LIV LOVES… LIP BALMS STACEY MARCELO, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER John Masters Organic, Lip Calm ($105 for 4g) “This lip balm ticks all the boxes. A little goes a long way and keeps my lips moisturised with no sticky residue. And best of all, no nasties!”

GET THE GLOW Margy’s Monte Carlo founder Margie Lombard is THE beauty authority to know, with 30 years of experience in anti-aging skincare (she was one of the pioneers to introduce collagen and hyaluronic acid in facial care.) When the luxury skincare brand rolled out an age-prevention programme exclusively at The Peninsula Spa in Hong Kong three years ago, it caused quite a stir among local beauty buffs. So it feels a bit like deja vu now that they’ve launched five new treatments (two facials and three body treatment) to the lineup. We’ve only managed to try out one of these swish services so far, but what an experience it was! The 90-minute Stem Cell Revitilising Facial is an anti-aging facial that starts with a deep cleanse, followed by three facial massages using Lombard’s signature “lift-up” technique (a massage using strokes designed to remodel, drain, stimulate and lift the skin) three masks (algae, collagen and an extra-rich firming mask) and a relaxing scalp, shoulder and neck massage. One of the star ingredients used is a concentrated blend of Swiss apple stem cell extracts, which have powerful age-prevention properties. What was our verdict?

Hands down one of the best facials we’ve ever experienced!

Not only is it relaxing but it delivers on its promise of producing instantly noticeable results. Skin looked noticeably smoother, plumper and full of that oh-so-desirable collagen post-facial, and our pores have never looked smaller. At $3,500, this one’s a bit of a splurge, but worth it to get glowing pre-holiday rush.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696-6682, spaphk@peninsula.com.

JO ROBINSON, SENIOR PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Lucas Papaw Ointment ($42 for 25g) “More than just a lip balm, I use it on insect bites, cracked skin, even on the delicate eye area. One tube lasts for AGES, so at only around $50 it’s one of my best value beauty buys.”

AILEEN CHAN, PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Canvas Nourishing Lip Balm, Rose Otto ($195 for 15ml) “It smells great, rich texture and very moisturising. One of the very few that I feel on my lips even if I’ve been in a heavily air-conditioned place for a few hours.”

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Travel

LOST IN RELAXATION:

Where to Find Wellness in Tokyo, Japan

With its flashing ads, busy shopping districts, loud Pachinko arcades and more dining options per square kilometre than almost anywhere else in the world, you’d easily be forgiven for excluding Tokyo when it comes to finding a wellness escape. But if you know where to look, there’s plenty of unique relaxing experiences not found anywhere else in the world. By Zoe Belhomme and Carla Thomas 46

Travel

ONSENS As one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, Japan is blessed with more than 3,000 natural hot springs, or onsen. A visit to one of Tokyo’s hot springs is something that should be on every wellness lover’s bucket list. These three onsens and bathhouses are easily reached by Tokyo’s extensive train network.

Toshimaen Niwa no Yu Find separate male and female onsen and outdoor jacuzzis surrounded by beautifully maintained Japanese gardens at Niwa no Yu, a 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku. The water is rich in sodium chloride, a salt that’s rumoured to ease muscle pain and joint stiffness. Be advised that the resort is open to visitors aged 13 and above, so it’s not one for the whole family.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Home to six different types of baths, including one for

dogs, this option is best described as an onsen-filled theme park. Nudity isn’t required in all the baths so it’s more family friendly, but you’ll still reap the benefits from the thermal spring water. It’s open 24 hours if late-night bathing isn’t your thing, but after 2am a late-night fee of ¥2,000 is charged.

Spa LaQua Located inside the Tokyo Dome City, Spa Laqua uses sodium chloride-enriched hot spring water, making it not technically an onsen - but don’t let that put you off. In addition to a rotenburo (open-air bath) and foaming massage bath, the complex has three types of sauna, including one made from rock salt that purports to improve metabolism. There’s a range of onsite beauty treatments, from traditional Thai and Hawaiian massages to aromatherapy and Korean body scrubs. Spa LaQua is open all night, though note that there's a ¥1,944 surcharge if you stay past 1am.

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Travel

PARK HYATT, TOKYO Take the private elevator to the 45th floor at the five-star Park Hyatt Tokyo and you’ll soon realise that you’ve escaped to one of the city’s very special places. The hotel’s self-contained urban spa, Club on the Park, feels like a private sanctuary far away from the hustle and bustle below. You can easily spend a whole weekend enjoying the indoor sento and lazing around the pool facilities, but no spa weekend at this hotel would be complete without trying one of their signature massage or facial treatments. The Jetlag Treatment, inspired by ancient Japanese techniques and aromas, revitalises and restores even the most weary of travellers.

Retreat to the hotel’s tranquil pool on the 47th floor and on a clear day you’ll catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji in the distance; at night, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Tokyo’s endless blanket of twinkling lights. The gym facilities are right next to the pool and each day there’s a range of small group classes for guests to partake in. We recommend joining the Good Night Sleep Stretch class, taking things down a notch for 30 minutes before bedtime. tokyo.park.hyatt.com

WALK JAPAN Get off the beaten track with one of Walk Japan’s walking tours, which take you on guided adventures through some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery. This adventure travel company offers a range of different walks that cater to all fitness levels and terrains - including the spectacular Kumano Kodo pilgrimage - but if you’re in Tokyo and you have the time, the Izu Geo Trail is your best best.

The Izu Peninsula was once an island formed by submarine volcanic activity, and over time has forced into collision with Honshu, Japan’s main island. The result is a spectacularly dramatic landscape, filled with geological oddities against a beautiful seaside of crashing waves. On clear days, you can expect unparalleled views of imposing Mt. Fuji.

Walk Japan offers a fully-guided 7-day, 6-night tour along the Izu Geo Trail, which includes accommodation, park entrance fees, transfers, and most meals. The trek covers about 6-12km per day, an easy to moderate pace that’s just enough to wear you out, but nothing you’d need to train for. Walking groups meet in Tokyo, before heading by train to Izu Kogen to get started on your voyage. The cost is JPY¥372,000 (HKD26,800) per person, excluding flights and drinks. walkjapan.com 48

Travel

TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer

Nepal

F

rom hotels to online booking platforms, the travel industry has seen a surge in solo travel over the past few years. According to a 2019 trend report by Klook, a leading online activities-booking platform, the volume of solo travellers increased from 31 to 38 per cent in 2018. Meanwhile, Hostelworld revealed a 45 per cent uptick in female solo bookings between 2015 and 2017.

As someone who relishes any opportunity to hit the road alone, I am thrilled to see others embracing the joys of solo travel. It nudges you out of your comfort zone, makes it easier to meet new people and leaves you feeling more immersed in the destination.

And, let’s be honest, it’s a luxury to take a break from the non-stop pace of Hong Kong and the various demands on our time.

For the who, what, where, and why of solo travel, I caught up with Jess Tang, a Hong Kongbased travel designer at Jacada Travel. The bespoke travel company organises trips that focus on local communities and experiences, veering away from crowds and cliches. Here’s what she had to say:

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India

q What have you noticed about solo travel trends?

Jess Tang: Historically, women have always ventured solo, sometimes even disguising themselves as men if they were ahead of their time. Saying this, more women are taking this step - at Jacada Travel we’ve seen a 150 per cent increase since last year of women asking us to put together a solo itinerary for them.

Travel

q Why do you think that is?

JT: Travelling solo offers a respite from the demands of daily life and getting to know oneself in an introspective setting. Knowing that you will be alone during the process might naturally spark a purpose or goal; whether it’s an urge to challenge yourself through active adventure, develop newfound strengths and confidence by approaching strangers, or going on a spiritual retreat that brings you one step closer to self-discovery.

This may be subjective, but there’s something liberating about switching off other people’s needs or dramas and staying fully focused on your own thoughts and desires. There isn’t anyone you have to answer to but yourself, so spending time alone is truly a gateway to discovering exactly what you enjoy, how others might perceive you, and absorbing knowledge without any distractions. q What do you personally love about travelling solo?

JT: The feeling of freedom as you venture through the day!

Whether you have a jam-packed itinerary or have left it entirely to chance to see where the wind takes you, one-on-one local interactions will enrich your trip. For me, I’ve witnessed a genuine openness in others sharing their background and insider knowledge, simply because they admire my bravery and independence. q What are a few of the best places to travel solo in Asia?

JT: Perhaps a surprising destination on the list, but India can be perfectly safe to travel around as an independent female.

It’s so vast, and there is literally something new and different at every turn. From yoga and meditation retreats up north in the snow-capped Indian Himalayas to getting lost down the winding, colourful streets of Rajasthan, solo travel in India is something that I highly recommend.

Nepal

Indonesia

Nepal is another great option. When it comes to travelling solo, good company is always an added bonus and the Nepalese are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world. And with some of the world’s oldest Hindu and Buddhist sites, Nepal is bursting at the seams with enchanting medieval palaces, pagodas, and temples that have truly marked my memories for a lifetime. q Any other destinations you’d recommend?

JT: Yes, Indonesia! It’s tough to sum up this incredible island nation in just a few sentences. Diving is a passion of mine and the marine wildlife around Raja Ampat and the tranquillity of being out at sea is wonderful.

Escaping the city and being immersed in nature, whether it’s in the crystal waters of Gili islands or trekking up Mount Rinjani on Lombok, Indonesia is always a terrific idea.

India

Learn more about Jacada Travel: 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

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Macau

MACAU

News and deals from our sister SAR

WINNER, WINNER Macau’s only marathon, the Macau Galaxy International Marathon, is back for its 38th edition this year. This year is a tiny bit more competitive than previous years, thanks to some special new prizes introduced this year to commemorate the SAR’s 20th anniversary since handover. A week-long carnival will also be held to mark the event, including entertainment, F&B and games - so even if you missed out on registration, there’s still plenty of ways to participate in the momentous occasion.

When: December 1, 2019 Where: Macau Olympic Complex Stadium, Taipa macaomarathon.com

PRIX YOUR MIND

IT TAKES TWO

Didn’t make it to the Singapore Grand Prix? Hop a high-speed ferry to Macau and make it up to yourself! The Macau Grand Prix is back this November and it’s one of the best weekends in the city thanks to the excitement drummed up by this famously challenging circuit. Edging into an incredible sixth decade of existence, this event pits the best motorcycle, motorsport and Formula 3 racers in the world against each other. You can watch from the Guia Circuit, where entrance on race days costs as little as MOP400, but there are some great vantage points to watch from around the city. Just make sure you bring some ear plugs for the kids, as the roar can be deafening.

Fresh off its successful launch in January of this year, Lululemon have finally opened their second store in Macau. Bigger and more versatile, the newest branch has a dedicated community space for yogis and fitness fans alike to join in complementary workshops. I particularly love the Portugese-Macanese inspired design of the new store, especially the touches of classic blue elements throughout. Located in The Shoppes at Sands Cotai Central, you’ll also find Lululemon’s full collection of garments and products for running, cycling, yoga, swimming and everything in-between from this athleisure ace.

When: November 14–17, 2019 Where: Guia Circuit, Macau Peninsula macau.grandprix.gov.mo

Shop 2031 & 2242a, L/2, Shoppes at Cotai Central, Sands Cotai Central, The Cotai Strip, Taipa

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 Zoe Belhomme

WILD AT HEART Whether it’s hiking the trails, tending the garden or meeting some of Hong Kong’s local wildlife, getting out and exploring with the family is the perfect antidote to hectic city life. Here are three of my favourite ways to keep the kids entertained while you soak up some much-needed vitamin D.

CUTE CRITTERS AT KADOORIE FARM CAMPING AT ARK EDEN Run over two weekends in November and December, Ark Eden’s eco-camping experiences get the whole family connecting and exploring Lantau’s natural beauty. Cooking equipment and tents are provided for the weekend, and organisers will light a fire for you to cook dinner over and toast some marshmallows. There are fridges for families to store their own food, but Ark Eden also has a vegan kitchen serving organic dishes, including homemade pizzas that shouldn’t be missed.

Costs $680 for each adult and child. Runs on November 9-10 and again December 14-15. Pre-booking essential, contact info@arkedenonalantau.org or call 2988-5355.

Kadoorie Farm is an organic farm, garden and wildlife sanctuary with a focus on nature conservation, education, and sustainable living.

Covering almost 150 hectares of land in Tai Po, the farm features beautiful undulating scenery and lots of friendly critters to get to know. Introduce your little ones to Hong Kong’s native wildlife including monkeys, boars, civets, small reptiles and even two resident Asian leopard cats. The farm animals have all been rescued but live in as natural an environment as possible. At the end of your visit stop by the vegetarian cafe where most of the ingredients are sourced directly from the land around you. kfbg.org/eng

EXPLORING THE GEOPARK You don’t have to be a rock jock to love Hong Kong’s UNESCO global geopark - it’s a weekend adventure the whole family will get into.

With hexagonal rock columns and other fascinatingly unique rock formations, there are two options to explore the area. First, pack a picnic and hop on a sampan from Sai Kung's pier and in ten minutes you'll be at Sharp Island where you can see the rocks in all their glory.

For a more adventurous option, take a junk to one of the remote beaches and jump in a kayak to discover the area’s nooks and crannies on the water. Many companies offer day trips by kayak so you can book ahead, but if you’re just heading to Sharp Island you can book a sampan in Sai Kung.

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Family

EVENT

SHOP FOR GOOD Luxury kids consignment platform, Retykle, is a godsend for thrifty ecoconscious mums and dads who love to keep their kids dressed in designer togs.

But after almost four years of selling online and in popup stores, Retykle finally has a place to call home. Their brand new 5,000-square-foot studio space in Wong Chuk Hang will carry a specially curated edit of coveted designer childrenswear from brands including Bonpoint, Jacadi, Chloé, Moncler and Ralph Lauren, as well as a selection of fashionable, pre-loved maternity wear for mamas-to-be.

8/F, Sing Teck Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang retykle.com

GOOD CAUSE

FESTIVE GIVING Last year Box of Hope collected more than 35,000 donated boxes filled with gifts and educational items, distributing them through local charities to disadvantaged children across Asia to help them celebrate the festive period. Get on board with helping to beat last year’s total by having your little ones fill and decorate a shoe box and dropping it at one of the pickup points between November 4-8. boxofhope.org

Zoe Belhomme is our resident fitness writer and new mum. She loves working out, eco-friendly parenting, and partnering with her husband to produce some of the region’s biggest sports events at MBS Concepts. Reach out to her directly with your healthy family news at zoe@liv.media.

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THE GUIDE GYMS CROSSFIT ASPHODEL Ccomes equipped with the latest Rogue equipment, four lifting platforms, an ice bath and spacious changing facilities. There’s also a healthy cafe for some post-workout grub.

G/F, 22 Praya, Kennedy Town, 3568-7719, crossfitasphodel.com.

FLEX Flex is a high-end studio popular with the city’s fitness fans. With a full menu of group disciplines including classic Pilates and yoga, as well as classes for kids and teens, the schedule is packed with options.

3/F, Man Cheung Building, 15-17 Wyndham St., Central, 28132399; 308-310, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 2813-2212, flexhk.com.

GOJI ELITE Focuses on strength & conditioning training and martial arts but also offers more specialised classes including Olympic lifting, yoga and pre- and post-natal fitness. First timers visitors enjoy a free trial class.

1/F, Hong Kong Plaza, 188 Connaught Road West, Shek Tong Tsui, 2838-3878, Gojistudios.com.hk HAPPY KID-ULT YOGA With two premium locations in Kowloon, Happy Kid-ult Yoga provides a relaxing and welcoming environment to practice yoga and Pilates. Aside from traditional Hatha classes, the studios also run Yoga Basics classes, mellow Yin Yang, and family-friendly sessions.

19A, The Lamma City, 761 Nathan Rd., Prince Edward; Room 1018, 10/F, Hollywood Plaza, 610 Nathan Rd., Mongkok, 9765-3592, happykidultyoga.com.

HYBRID MMA & FITNESS Hybrid’s facility in the heart of Central is a cut above lots of other MMA gyms out there, offering skills training and sport-specific conditioning, DNA-testing and tailored nutrition planning that uses the latest data-driven technology.

13/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queens Road Central, 3468-7702, hybridmmafot.com.

MADERA Opened just two months ago, the sparkling new studio is bright and

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airy, specialising in a wide range of relaxation practices, from yoga to singing bowls. $200 drop-in.

1F, Madera Residences, 19 Cheong Lok St., Jordan, 3190-9988, yoga. maderagroup.com OPTIONS PILATES With over 30 classes per week, it’s no surprise where Options Pilates gets its name from. Classes are smaller and more personalised, easily adapted to suit the needs of each guest. The studio also offers preand post-natal classes for new and expecting mothers to stay active.

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

O:RIN Located in Quarry Bay, right near the TaiKoo office complex, this relaxed and spacious studio is kitted out with a huge range of equipment. And at a stone’s throw from TaiKoo Place, it’s a perfect lunchtime or post-work pitstop to squeeze in a workout.

Unit 6, 19F Westlands Centre, 20 Westlands Rd., Quarry Bay, 5726-1669, orin.com.hk.

OZONE This premium gym takes a hybrid approach to PT within its open plan space, so even when you work out on your own, trainers are on hand to advise on techniques and training methods without paying for a oneon-one session.

UG/F, Hang Tak Building, 1 Electric St., Wan Chai, ozone.fitness.

SANTI SPACE A friendly boutique yoga studio with a relaxed and earthy vibe.

Disciplines such as flow, yin, alignment and aerial are practiced in front of the studio’s vertical garden for added serenity.

5A, Lockhart Centre, 301-307 Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai, 9602-8864, santispacehk.com.

SHAN STUDIOS Shan Studios is a yoga and meditation studio in Wong Chuk Hang. They offer yoga and meditation classes for all levels, as well as workshops to deepen your practice.

902 Sun Hing Industrial Building, 46 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Wong Chuk Hang, 9306-6788, shanstudios.com.

WELLNESS CENTRES ALL ABOUT YOU CENTRE Launched by hypnotherapist Sonia Samtani, All About You specialises in mental wellness with services in hypnotherapy, coaching, healing and counseling to help alleviate limiting beliefs, habits, phobias, anxieties, depression and other roadblocks that prevent you from functioning at your best.

10A Wing Cheong Commercial Building, 19-25 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2992-0828, allaboutyoucentre.com.

BYRNE, HICKMAN & PARTNERS One of Hong Kong’s longestestablished physiotherapy practices.

Offers treatment for sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation and clinical Pilates, and can also help to treat chronic and posture-related pain.

Room 201, Dina House, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell St., Central, 2526-7533. Also has clinics in TST, Repulse Bay, Yuen Long and Sha Tin. www.byrne-hickman.com.

FIVELEMENTS This 15,000-square-foot wellness haven brings the spirit of Fivelements Retreat in Bali to support wellness seekers of all stripes. There’s a wide variety of programmes available, including yoga, movement, martial arts and dance but the urban retreat is best known for its mindfulness and holistic wellbeing sessions.

L13A, Times Square, 1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay, habitat.fivelements. com.

LIFEHUB Through diagnostic tests that explore areas like your gut biome analysis, heavy metals and food intolerances, practitioners at LifeHub gain a better understanding of your overall health to treat potential problems before they arise.

1/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington St., Central, 3622-3452, thelifehub.com.

UP!HEALTH This friendly multidisciplinary clinic offers a variety of health services including chiropractic, sports massage therapy, clinical Pilates, TCM herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, kinesiology and counselling in a fun, bright and welcoming space that is miles away from a stuffy doctor’s office.

WESTRETCH Specialising in the art of stretch therapy, the clinic’s signature 50-minute session works through the front and back of the body, as well as the limbs, to ease tightness, release localised tension and increase range of motion in the body.

Wong Chung Ming Commercial House, 13/F, 16 Wyndham St., 2328-7000, we-stretch.com.

11/F, Wellington Place, 2-8 Wellington St., Central, uphealth.com.hk.

THE BODY GROUP This physiotherapy clinic also has a huge range of complementary therapies to help you take charge of your health. Offers several disciplines of bodywork, including fascia release, cranio-sacral therapy, Chi Nei Tseng, sports rehab and relaxation massage.

14/F, Prosperous Building, 48-52 Des Voeux Road Central, 2167-7305, thebodygroup.com.

PAMPER DOLMA WAXING BOUTIQUE Quick and efficient, this clean, waxingonly salon is conveniently located in Central, and the quickest route to your hair removal needs. With over a decade of experience in high-end salons, the eponymous Dolma treats every client herself, with a strict, no double-dipping spatula policy.

Yu To Sang Building, Unit 303, 3/F, 37 Queen’s Road Central, Central; brazilianwaxing.com.hk.

EMMANUEL F In addition to its full organic salon with natural hair dye services, emmanuel f has a whole spa area dedicated to delivering natural face, body, hand, foot 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.

FLAWLESS This stylish urban day spa has been specialising in manicures, facials and makeup for eons, much to the delight of HK’s beauty fanatics. For facial treatments, the spa uses celeb fav cosmeceutical line Ultraceuticals, as well as botanical brand Aromatherapy Associates.

4/F, Seabird House, 22-28 Wyndham St., Central, 2869-5868, flawless. hk.com.

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