the magazine
volume one
2008
Lifestyle is a bi-annual magazine from Mulpha Land Bhd., published with the primary objective of keeping all Mulpha privileged guests abreast with the latest lifestyle issues and the Group’s upcoming developments. Copies of Lifestyle can be obtained from the Mulpha International Bhd. Office. For enquiries, please call (603) 7957 2233 or (603) 7955 1344 or contact Rachel Toong at rtoong@mulpha.com.my
CHAIRMAN Chung Tze Hien CEO Lai Meng
ADVERTISING/SALES ENQUIRIES Rachel Toong +603 – 7957 2233 ext 382 rtoong@mulpha.com.my
GENERAL MANAGER Ronn Yong
INTERIOR DESIGN Design Development Department Mulpha Land & Property Sdn. Bhd.
EDITOR Faridah Hanim
PRINTING Label Plus Sdn. Bhd.
EDITORIAL BOARD Rachel Toong Mulpha, Malaysia
CONTACTS Mulpha International Bhd. (603) 7957 2233 Mulpha Australia Limited (Australia) (61-2) 9268 5000 Mulpha Vietnam (Asian Fame Dev. Ltd.) (848) 930 4009
Terence Lee Mulpha Land, Malaysia Sally Morgan Mulpha, Australia & Hayman Thomas Thang Mulpha, Vietnam Karen Evans Bimbadgen Estate, Australia Elizabeth Masselos InterContinental Sydney, Australia Dush Velcek Hilton Melbourne Airport, Australia Lindsay Wallace Sanctuary Cove, Australia Karen Edwards Norwest Land, Australia Peter Lewis The Hotel School Sydney, Australia
DISTRIBUTION Mulpha Lifestyle magazine is a free publication showcasing the quality of life with a controlled circulation of 2,000 copies, offered to an exclusive database through selected distribution channels. • • • •
Mulpha Group of hotels -InterContinental Sydney -Hilton Melbourne Airport -Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove -Hayman Great Barrier Reef Residents of Leisure Farm Resort & Residences, Johor Lifestyle brand owners Professionals
Erin Millar Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Australia
Mulpha International Bhd. is a diversified conglomerate and a component stock of the Bursa Malaysia Composite Index. Listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia securities Berhad since 1983, it has shareholders’ funds of about RM2.4 billion. The Group’s focus is on real estate and property-related services and financial services, with operations and investments in Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Australia. Over the years, Mulpha has leveraged on its expertise abroad to become Malaysia’s largest real estate investor and developer in Australia, owning world-class assets that include Sanctuary Cove and Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove in Queensland, InterContinental Sydney, Hilton Melbourne Airport, Norwest Business Park Sydney, The Hotel School Sydney, Bimbadgen Estate in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley and the world-renowned and award-winning Hayman Great Barrier Reef.
Contents
lifestyle with a difference volume one
quickie
02
high life faridah hanim
sojourn
22
mission: provocateur
24
tailored to you
26
some kind of bliss
04
the big picnic
08
hot and heavy ala hilton
after hours
12
natural wonder
28
cult beauty classics
16
a play of lines, glass and columns
32
the better twin
36
eat your way to bliss
40
of paintings and stories
44
the doctors are in
46
the chef speaks
2008
Faridah
lets on to her softer side.
quickie
1. My last holiday was… In Jakarta with my whole family. My kids just love the toys sold in Jakarta malls which can’t be found in KL. 2. My most recent splurge was… Cupcakes. I get my fix from this new shop at The Curve that sells a dozen or more flavours – even green tea ones! 3. I wish I hadn’t… Eaten a lot cupcakes! (Laughs) 4. I’m currently reading… Danielle Steele’s Sisters. I love her emotive writing and I’ve got all her series. 5. My secret skill is… Decorating the house. It’s how I de-stress. Sometimes it can be just re-arranging the furniture. I get my ideas from reading Real Simple or watching Nate Berkus on Oprah.
Faridah Hanim Mulpha International Bhd Corporate Communications Manager
6. My worst habit is... That I get irritated easily. I’m practising deep breathing now so I can have more patience. It takes a lot of work but I’m getting there. 7. I love my job because… It gives me a sense of ownership and independence. I share the Company’s vision and think Mulpha’s properties are of great calibre. 8. If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing now I would be… A scientist. It’s always been a dream of mine. When others were playing house I used to have my own lab coat as a child and would fix up all kinds of experiments… dreaming of ending world hunger or finding a cure for dengue. 9. I wish I had more time to... Visit art galleries. I’m a fan of Cezanne. It’s the other way I de-stress, just looking at works of art that can sometimes mean nothing or otherwise means something. 10. People think… I’m tough, but that’s because I am firm with my decisions. There’s a huge responsibility that comes with the job and there’re so many others who depend on me carrying out my responsibility well. 11. I am inspired by… Children’s sincerity and innocence. The world is so full of hatred and anger now that sometimes I wish we could learn from them. There’s a lot that kids can teach you if you’d only watch and listen.
airways as far as the eye can see…
GOLF COURSE LAND NOW SELLING IN AUSTRALIA’S LEADING LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY Once upon a time there was a magical land known as Sanctuary Cove. 474 picturesque hectares featuring two perfectly manicured golf courses, shimmering waterways, The Marine Village, the Hyatt Regency Hotel and state-of-the-art marina facilities. Now you can experience this lifestyle on some of the last golf course land ever to be released at Sanctuary Cove. These exclusive Banksia Lakes allotments range from 743m2 to 1098m2, with golf course frontage from 19m to 24m. You’ll be one of the privileged few to live happily ever after while enjoying enchanting fairway views, just a 9-iron from the new Country Club clubhouse.
The Palms Golf Course
The Pines Golf Course
+61 7 5577 6000 • www.sanctuarycove.com
Live happily ever after.
life st yle
BIMBADGEN ESTATE
the big picnic What’s the recipe for a good day out? Take one smashing location, sprinkle with lots of sunshine and add a touch of musical extravaganza.
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bimbadgen estate
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The Hunter Valley. Its breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, majestic mountains and picturesque vineyards has long called to the romantic traveller. An aura of charm and tranquillity surrounds every nook of the region, which includes Bimbadgen Estate perched high on a hill. Yet for all that the Hunter’s famous for, something truly spectacular happens every year. In fact, it happens across all of Australia’s wineries. A Day on the Green is the much-anticipated Summer event series of the year for both locals and tourists. Tagged as the ‘Big Day Out for Grown-Ups’, A Day on the Green is a series of outdoor concert events staged in wineries around Australia and, more recently, in New Zealand. Started as a way for music lovers to enjoy contemporary music in a new environment (rather than your usual smoky clubs), revellers to this outdoor event can expect a combination of good music with all the trappings that make for a great weekend outing.
01 I t’s a huge party on the green 02 Visual excitement and stylish ambience 03 Panacea for the tired soul
Since its inception in 2001, A Day on the Green has proven to be extremely popular. After all, what’s not to like when you get to spend your day enjoying life’s simple pleasures in a no-fuss, relaxed environment while being entertained by some of the world’s top
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The Bimbadgen Estate experience sets itself apart from the rest with its stunning and picturesque backdrop. Many popular artists have graced the amphitheatre of this beautiful estate during previous A Day on the Green concerts, including popular Australian singers Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines, Ross Wilson and the John Butler Trio, along with international artistes such as Chris Isaak, Lionel Richie and Steely Dan, to name a few. This year, Bimbadgen Estate played host to the internationally acclaimed Australian vocal superstars, The Ten Tenors. A multi-platinum selling vocal group, The Ten Tenors performed on Saturday, 10th May 2008, on the eve of Mother’s Day. The crowd turned out ready to indulge their senses in fine music, food, wine and party. There were families, couples and good friends. Everyone was dressed for the occasion with just one thing in mind: to have a good time. Some were seen relaxing on a picnic rug with their Esca Bimbadgen restaurant hamper picnic, others with their home-packed sandwiches but always accompanied with a bottle of Bimbadgen’s finest.
musicians?
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Once the music started, all thoughts of food evaporated into thin air. Audiences were treated to a dazzling performance, with hits from the Ten Tenors’ Here’s to the Heroes album. They wowed the audience with the same beautiful voices, unique harmonies, charisma and stage camaraderie that first captivated the crowd when they performed last year. The crowd went wild when they were given a sneak preview of the group’s latest album, Nostalgica, to be released later this year. And it seems like the Australians weren’t the only ones who adored The Ten Tenors; the band recently visited 65 cities for 135 shows over a 27-week period in the United States. They also performed to sold-out shows in
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Spain, sang to 18 sold-out shows in New Zealand, brought the crowd down with the Australian National Anthem at the prestigious Bledisloe Cup and, was given the honour to sing at the King of Jordan’s birthday in the beautiful setting of Petra, Jordan. How’s that for first-class entertainment! This year’s Bimbadgen Estate’s show also featured two other special guests – The University of Newcastle Children’s Choir that commenced the show, and James Morrison. As one of the world’s best trumpet players, Morrison is a talented multi-instrumentalist that has had a celebrated and diverse jazz career. Not only has he played with the world’s greatest orchestras, he has also performed
for dignitaries such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and US Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton. Long after the music’s silenced, the crowd was seen still humming and singing silently. All in all, it was a perfect end to a perfect day out on the green.
04 Great acoustics for music 05 Guest artistes, The Ten Tenors 06 Everyone came out to have a good time
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bimbadgen estate
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More Musical Days Ahead
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In addition to A Day on the Green, guests can look forward to another musical event at Bimbadgen Estate. The Bimbadgen Blues, now in its 9th year, is stamping its mark on the Australian event scene. Four thousand people are expected to attend the one-day, six-hour festival on September 6, 2008. The line-up includes headline acts such as Josh Pyke, Chain, Dallas Frasca and her Gentleman, Mojo Webb, Marshall and the Fro, Paul Greene, Johnny Green’s Blues Cowboys and Christina Crofts all set to perform. “Bimbadgen Estate has a great history and is wellknown for bringing national and international musical acts to the Hunter Valley having held 22 outdoor concerts with over 80 artistes over the past 8 years”, says General Manager, Mr John Quirk. “What better way to kick off spring, and our festival season, than to relax with a selection of Bimbadgen reds and whites while enjoying the sounds of the blues”, he concludes.
Two stages will showcase Australia’s best Blues and Roots. The Estate’s prized restaurant, Esca Bimbadgen, will present an array of dining options, from hosting a VIP lunch within the restaurant inspired by the soul food of the deep south, to specially preparing gourmet hampers for two which can be pre-ordered and picked up on the day, along with Esca’s delicious event fare also available around the grounds. Bimbadgen Estate is one of the Hunter Valley’s most striking and fully integrated wineries, situated high on a hill overlooking the beautiful Hunter. It offers a unique experience for tourists in a stunning location of 30-year old vineyards with a multi-award winning restaurant Esca on site. Built in a distinctive Australian/ Mediterranean style, Bimbadgen, which means ‘lovely views’, is truly a world-class endeavour.
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HILTON MELBOURNE AIRPOR T
hot & heavy ala hilton When things get a bit down and boring back home, pack the bags – and your partner – for a romantic rendezvous that serves room service with a twist.
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hilton melbourne airport
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Whether it be married couples, or those in a long-term relationship with a significant other, it should be understood that happy and healthy relationships take a lot of work. The effort involved with deepening the connection between the couple can be enjoyed by both husband and wife (or significant other), thus developing a close intimate bond unlike any other kind of relationship. Being romantic is not just for Valentine’s Day, it is a year-round “special” occasion. And it also needs a lot of effort and thought put into it. They can range from simple ideas to walking hand-in-hand in the park, or re-creating your first date together to arranging a candlelit dinner to start off the evening. Still there are other fun and innovative ideas to spice up your romance quotient, like leaving love notes around the house or eating breakfast in bed together. And then there are simpler ways …
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If the thought of looking up tips to spice up your bedroom shenanigans is too mindboggling and asking for help would turn your ears red, book yourself and your partner into the Hilton Melbourne Airport. You’ll be guaranteed a delectable stay with room service that serves more than just breakfast steaks in the morning. The regional launch of the Hilton’s Provocateur Package (www.hilton.com/seduction) will take couples on a romantic rendezvous the likes of which they may have forgotten. Stuck in the frenetic pace of today’s world, most couples eventually end up in a relationship rut. Routine and familiarity are kicked squarely in the derriere when you sign up for the Hilton Provocateur!
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bedroom passion and Chef Mark Bowering’s aphrodisiac platter, couples can look forward to a scintillating night of love, romance and more. With Hilton’s Provocateur Package, you can bet that swinging ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign outside the door will mean more than just settling in with CNN for the night.
01 Fancy a romantic heart of rose petals on your bed? 02 Its all about romance and relationships 03 The perfect prelude to a promising romantic evening 04 Life’s little indulgences come alive
With seductive tips from Sydney’s infamous Madame Lash, that larger-than-life burlesque artiste who fascinated the Australian imagination in the ’70s and ‘80s, to inspire
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Your romantic rendezvous isn’t left just for the masters of touch and taste to orchestrate; guests get to set the stage for their pleasurable night of love too. The Hilton Provocateur’s booking survey ensures that guests personalise their intimate stay to their liking. Couples pick the aromatherapy scent that is most romantic to them and choose their favourite sexy tunes that get them grooving to the mood for love, whether it be Barry White, John Mayer or Mariah Carey. As soon as you walk into your room, you step into a new threshold of romance. You are enveloped in your own private world with scores of flickering candles lighting your way among the sea of scattered rose petals on the bedroom floor. Aromatherapy oils infuse
the room to set the stage for an evening performance that only you can script. Arousing the sense of taste is a luscious palate of fig tarts, oysters and ocean trout caviar before Bowering’s aphrodisiac menu wraps up with chocolate truffles, crab and basil tartlets, and vanilla brulee. After all, food, love and intimacy have been linked together since time immemorial. Oysters have been the sacred food of love since the time of Aphrodite while figs have long been associated with love and fertility.
bed that could either tickle your fancy or get you into a flirtatious frolic. There’s also a sexy treasure hunt thrown in, as Madame Lash ingeniously hides little pink envelopes around the room, filled with seductive tips. What’s inside will no doubt be rewarding for both partners. Saucy as they may sound, the whole experience will prove to be fun with nothing uncomfortable.
05 B ehind closed doors, excitement awaits 06 A toast to passion and romance 07 A sumptuous platter 08 All the trappings to put you in the mood for love
The succulent menu sets the scene for a sexy evening of pleasure with Madame Lash’s seductive bedroom tips. A feather tickler sits in the middle of a rose-petal heart on the
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hilton melbourne airport 08
“Hilton Provocateur is amazingly seductive. My husband and I had one of the most romantic nights of our entire marriage,” commented best-selling author and Australian relationship expert, Bessie Bardot, who recently experienced the package. So seductive and romantic in fact, that the author proposed to her husband, Geoff Barker, to whom she’s been married for 10 years, to check-in for a second time. “This package creates the perfect relationship getaway: an incredibly romantic night in with a little treasure hunt. And the prize? Remembering what you loved about your partner in the first place.” – Bessie Bardot best-selling author and Australian relationship expert
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lifestyle 01
With your packed schedule and constant demands, whether it’s work or personal, your body could do with a few hours of pampering to give it comfort. Don’t think you can afford the 60 minutes or so to reward your body with much deserved rest? Here’s something to ponder on – the more tired and wound up you are, the less productive you will be. Leave it be and before long, you’ll regret not taking that time off to give your body a break when you’re all aches and pains. Many hotels around the world nowadays come complete with magnificent spa offerings, giving you the gift of pampering the next time you’re on a break. After all, when better to indulge than when you’re on a holiday? The word spa is thought to be an acronym for the Latin phrase, “salus per aquae,” or “health through water.” Others believe the origin of the word “spa” comes from the Belgian town of
SPA CHAKRA HAYMAN
natural wonder Been working hard? Perhaps the best way to reward yourself is by giving your body, mind and soul a luxurious spa treat.
Spa, in the Liege district, which houses several hot springs and was known since Roman times for its baths. Whichever the origin, the word spa has became synonymous in the English language with a place to be restored and pampered. In Mediaeval times, basic herb medicines are often used to cure many ills and ailments, but when all else failed, good health was entrusted to the magical healing power of the spa. This often meant bathing in the magical hot waters long known for its therapeutic properties. Modern day spas have their roots in ancient towns famed for the healing powers of their mineral waters and hot springs. Still, spas of today have consolidated not just the healing powers of water to restore balance and health, but also included generations-old practices to help the body ease its way back to prime. This includes massages with techniques that have
been passed down from one generation to another, use of oils concocted from tried-andtested recipes, and healing treatments that embrace local traditions and culture. Taking a page out of luxurious spa offerings is Spa Chakra Hayman. Nestled in Australia’s premier private island destination, Hayman in the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the perfect setting for the health and spa experience. Spa Chakra Hayman is part of the Guerlain-Spa Chakra Alliance, a luxury spa network created by Spa Chakra Inc and Guerlain Paris. Here, guests can treat themselves to an exclusive selection of bespoke beauty and wellbeing programmes designed to restore wellness and balance.
01 T he magical charms of Hayman 02 Ah... what sheer bliss!
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spa chakra hayman 02
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the power of touch
water, water, everywhere
Spas provide a plethora of massage treatments as healing methods for the tired soul. A deep tissue massage brings you to a state of relaxation using long, kneading strokes and the right pressure to ease tired muscles. Shiatsu is an age-old Asian method used by the Japanese as a tried-and-tested therapy to heal the body via important pulse points. Ayurverda, an ancient healing tradition which means ‘science of life’ from India, is based on essential oils and herbal remedies to give lifelong insight into maintaining a balanced health. The popular Thai massage increases the body’s energy flow and flexibility with its yoga-inspired techniques.
Water has been the essential source of life in many civilisations. It is the most important aspect of wellbeing as water makes up about two-thirds of our body. Water is also vital for internal cleansing via detoxification and external cleansing.
When it comes to the power of touch, the father of medicine himself, Hippocrates, recommended a daily massage with essential oil as the path to good health. Why, even babies who are given massages are more active and responsive. At Spa Chakra Hayman, not only can guests find some of the more popular massage treatments, but also the Guerlain Methode, a patented facial and body massage technique performed in the Champs Elysees Guerlain Institut since 1938.
The Romans used natural hot springs and thermal baths as a means of health and wellness, initially for the benefit of wounded soldiers and battle-weary legionnaires who were understandably more stressed out than their female counterparts. They sought to immerse in hot wells and baths to heal their aching bodies and restore their health, and this primeval need for water immersion for well-being eventually evolved into a culture of social bathing.
For centuries, water has been the medium of choice to help with various body ailments and maladies as well as relief from pain and diseases. In fact, water has been used in many healing rites throughout various ancient civilisations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, Minoa and Greece.
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spa chakra hayman
The Chinese used to bathe in flower water, believed to rid them of evil spirits. The English had their baths, taken from the Roman practice of immersing themselves in natural spring water that provided many health benefits. Even the Japanese created their own pastime with their onsen and sento – not so much as to clean themselves, rather, as an excuse to get out of the house, catch up on gossip and enjoy the warm water’s therapeutic properties. Water indeed has played its part in history as the one element that can truly cure the body of ailments. Not only that, it’s the best source of total wellbeing and relaxation. Remember the last time you came back home exhausted – how did you feel after a quick invigorating shower?
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Water treatments in Spa Chakra Hayman encapsulate all these elements, whether in its Hydrotherapy treatment that combines state-of-the-art equipment to the Ocean Massage in the middle of Hayman’s beautiful tropical waters, the result is pure bliss.
of hands and feet What makes a day at the spa so wonderful are the extra bits of pampering you’re bound to experience. Spa treatment menus are varied but have one thing in common – they cover pampering from head to toe. Take the feet, for example. Ancient Egyptians practised kissing the foot as a show of gallantry while Leonardo da Vinci described them as masterpieces of engineering and works of art. When it comes to your wellbeing, reflexologists believe it’s the one place that best reflects your general health. But despite this, it’s still the most neglected part of our body. Most spas, including Spa Chakra Hayman, dedicate treatments specifically for the foot – foot reflexologies, indulgent foot rubs and massages. Even if you’re not one to seek treatment for your foot, a beautiful day at the spa generally begins with a gentle foot massage to get your soul ready for your following treatments. Hand treatments, once popular in China especially among the Qing royalty of imperial times, are a norm in spas ranging from paraffin treatments to purifying mineral ‘facials’ followed by gentle exfoliation, cuticle repair, hydrating hand or foot massage and of course, the quintessential manicure. So whether it’s needing a facial, body treatment, hand and foot therapies, hair services and massages, enjoy these precious moments as you take the time to gather yourself and give your body a treat at your favourite spa. Go ahead. Take that much needed break. Let yourself enjoy tranquillity unlike any other for the perfect harmony between body, mind and soul.
03 B e one with nature 04 A foot bath with its therapeutic water elements 05 An environment that soothes the soul 06 The healing power of touch
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leisure farm bridge & court homes
LEISURE FARM BRIDGE & COUR T HOMES
a play of lines, glass and columns Immerse yourself in the tranquillity and elegance of tropical living, albeit with a new twist.
Homes with souls. This is the story that unfolds before you at
Leisure Farm, Gelang Patah. In a world that seems to favour man over nature, a revolutionary idea took form for homes that would ‘speak’ to its inhabitants, rather than just a stoic block of brick and concrete. A timeless sanctuary designed to conform to everyday usage, combining both the language of looks and livability. The new Court and Bridge Homes of Leisure Farm promise to make living sophisticated again in its simplicity of ideas. Its architectural vision in the tropical oasis of Leisure Farm is sustainability, putting structures adaptable to the area’s natural makeup and climate. Form and function co-exist without sacrificing the essence of living, exploring people-friendly and ecologically-sound design alternatives that will make each unit timeless. These are homes that will draw even the most hardened urbanite inside, with interiors that create harmony and balance, and an ambience that offers tranquillity and more.
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01 I ntimate spaces you can escape to 02 The breeze walls provide natural ventilation 03 A courtyard that becomes both the focal point and its anchor 04 A bathroom enjoying natural light 05 Organised space for enhanced living 01
The Court House The Court House takes tropical architecture to a new level. At the heart
with distinction have been carefully thought out. Designed to suit the hot
of its existence is a central and distinctive courtyard that becomes both
and humid climate, the layout allows for maximum ventilation and natural
the focal point and its anchor. This becomes the topic of conversation,
lighting, with clever use of overhanging roofs that cast deep shade and
giving shape and definition to the home and creating a visual bridge
breeze walls for natural ventilation. The natural elements are orchestrated
between individual sections of the house.
through such modern design elements that create fascinating links
Enveloping this internal creation of calmness is the home’s cosy quarters for sleep and play. Yet, while they separate in function, they unite in form
between materials and blueprints, creating a fluid play of private and public spaces.
through an open architecture of sliding panels of timber and glass that
The Court House’s infinite sense of space blended with an artistic
lets the courtyard’s aesthetics in. In the rooms, details to create homes
perspective is tropical living at its most exquisite.
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leisure farm bridge & court homes
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The Bridge House Pushing the envelope further in layout and
Outside, a calming reflection pool leads to the
A gallery running parallel to the reflection
flexibility through design is the Bridge House.
bridge, which upon one entering the house,
pond brings you to the quiet sanctum of the
Built along the Canal Park Bayou, these
transforms into an infinity of blue that seems
sleeping quarters. As homes are no longer just
are homes where chic simplicity meets the
to kiss the horizon and opens up to the sky.
a series of enclosed rooms, the bedrooms are
needs of tomorrow. Surrounded by Leisure
At night, the waters glisten in the moonlight
dressed with sliding panels of timber and glass
Farm’s mature landscape and picturesque
creating an interesting visual repertoire while
that open to the outdoors, inviting nature in.
surroundings, the Bridge House is luxe living
during the day, its sun-kissed waters create
redefined.
playful patterns dancing across all the rooms.
Both the Court House and Bridge House feature seamless transition from one living
This single-storey bungalow smartens up to
Inside, open living and dining rooms invite
space to the next, optimising on abundance
today’s modern aesthetics by providing two
you to partake in its wonderful play of space
play of open space and light. Embracing new
separate buildings that converge as one. Yet
and zones. Unlike the segregated concepts of
thoughts and ideas of the Asian home, the
the lines that separate the two are blurred
yore, these spaces reflect the new dynamics
houses reflect the ever-changing needs of
through the creation of a clever link that offers
of domestic living, opening onto a pool and
today’s homemaker, epitomising tropical living
a seamless flow of space and invites other
deck framed by a garden with a stunning
at its best.
elements in. A glass enclosure bridge seals
backdrop of the surrounding landscape.
the union of the two, acting as entrance while adding spatial design to the makeup.
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surreal yet breathtaking landscape A Chic simplicity meets flexibility and design A lifestyle kitchen with a view of the outdoors Sun-kissed waters create playful patterns on the wall
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leisure farm bridge & court homes
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Leisure Farm Resort
Leisure Farm is an exclusive residential and
is also nestled a health farm village, leisure
gated resort development spread over a total
square, commercial and amusement centre,
of 1,765 acres freehold land in Gelang Patah,
retail shops and international school that are
Johor. Exuding an abundance of countryside
all designed to create and promote a carefree
charm with the Award-Winning Master
living and working atmosphere.
Planning Concept of MIND, BODY & SOUL in 2005, Leisure Farm Resort is cradled within the growth area of Iskandar Malaysia, which is very accessible to metropolitan Singapore, Johor Bahru City and the Sultan Ismail International Airport via the 2nd Link Highway, JB Parkway and the North-South Expressway. The development includes a 36-hole golf course, clubhouse and equestrian facilities and offers an escape to resort-styled residential living. Leisure Farm Resort, one of Malaysia’s
Covering over five precincts are villas with over 11 different architectural and interior design themes, built on bungalow lots measuring from 3,000 sq ft up to 18,000 sq ft. But amid its resort-style and laidback air of living, Leisure Farm offers double-gated security with 24-hour patrolling and a single point entry for better monitoring. Streets are designed to reduce traffic flow and to enhance the country-like feeling.
most prestigious gated resort developments, also brings a fresh new approach to world concept living. Among the opulent landscape
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The hotel’s Provocateur Package will make a romantic out of your man yet while you get to tap on your coquettish side.
high life
life st yle
hilton melbourne airport
HILTON MELBOURNE AIRPOR T
mission: provocateur Arouse your senses with an alluring night at Hilton.
Need a quick getaway to rekindle that flame of passion? Consider a night (or two) at
Hilton Melbourne Airport. The hotel’s Provacateur Package will make a romantic out of your man yet while you get to tap on your coquettish side. It’s all in the name of fun and the best part is – you can fly in, get cocooned in the room, and fly out before anyone notices you’re missing.
The Hilton Provocateur guest package is priced at AUD$435 (including GST) and includes: • Accommodation in a Hilton Deluxe King Room • A guest survey upon booking • ‘Seduction Tips’ • An aphrodisiac tasting platter, designed by Chef Mark Bowering • A feather tickler • Guests’ choice of candles and aromatic essences • Rose petals scattered throughout the room • A selection of the guest’s favourite music tracks • Buffet Breakfast for 2 the following morning • Valet Parking To book your night of passion, log on to www.hilton.com/seduction
Hilton Melbourne Airport Arrival Drive Melbourne Airport Vic. 3045 Tel : +6 3 8336 2000 Fax : +6 3 8336 2001
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lifest yle
HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE
tailored to you You’ll have everything you need, everything you want, and everything you’re looking for – delivered with the Hyatt Touch.
Holidays are a time to reconnect: with your partner, your family, or even your inner self. That’s why
at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, we’ve designed four individual holiday programmes to cater to your every desire. Our four Hyatt Retreat packages are as individual as you. Whether you want to be rejuvenated or you just want to feel like you’ve experienced complete escapism from the hustle and bustle of everyday, you can escape and enjoy the beauty that is Sanctuary Cove and the hospitality that is unmistakably Hyatt.
AMOUR ROMANCE
Balance RELAXATION
Awaken BED & BREAKFAST
Explore LOCAL DISCOVERY
Take the time to reconnect. Enjoy time for just the two of you during your stay at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. You only need each other – the hotel will provide an unforgettable setting and all the romantic touches. With the Amour Package, guests enjoy: • Full breakfast • Welcome gift • 12 noon guaranteed late checkout
Focus on yourself today. Your everyday can wait during your stay at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. Bring balance back to your life and enjoy your favourite activities. With the Balance Package, guests enjoy: • Full breakfast • AUD $100 Champions Spa credit • Tax included • 12 noon guaranteed late checkout
Rise refreshed. Ease into your day at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. There is no need to rush. Enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast just for you, when you are ready to make a move. With the Awaken Package, guests enjoy: • Breakfast for two • Tax included • 12 noon guaranteed late checkout
The world is waiting for you. Experience local life and all of its ingredients during your stay at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. With the Explore Package, guests enjoy: • Daily breakfast in The Cove Cafe • Half-day tall ship tour including lunch and transfers • 12 noon guaranteed late checkout
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hyatt regency sanctuary cove
Packages from AUD$285.00. For reservations, log on to www.sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com or www.hyatt.com
Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Manor Circle Sanctuary Cove Resort , Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia 4212 Tel : +61 7 5530 1234 Fax : +61 7 5577 8234
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HAYMAN GREAT BARRIER REEF
some kind of bliss Enchanting Hayman invites you to experience all the romance, tranquillity and adventure of an award-winning tropical paradise.
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hayman great barrier reef
How do I love thee? Well, if it’s really true love, there’s only one way to measure it; and that’s at
Hayman. This idyllic isle is the re-definition of paradise: bright blue skies, crystal clear waters and endless miles of gorgeous vista. It’s the perfect backdrop for the perfect honeymoon. And Hayman makes it even easier to plan the ultimate getaway. Your romantic Hayman escape begins as soon as you touch down at Great Barrier Reef Airport, where you’ll be transported to your own private Idaho via a relaxing cruise or helicopter or seaplane flight. Then escape into all the romance, tranquillity and adventure of an award-winning tropical paradise and one of the world’s most desirable island destinations, on your honeymoon. For an additional AUD$750 your Romantic Module includes: • A chilled bottle of French champagne and delectable chocolate plate placed in your room on arrival • A superb three-course dinner for two, including a bottle of selected wine, served in the intimacy of your private balcony • A relaxing 45-minute body massage for two at Spa Chakra Hayman The package is subject to availability and excludes New Year’s Eve. Price is inclusive of a 10% Goods and Services Tax.
Contact Hayman Reservations on Tel: +61 2 82727000 Fax: +61 2 82727099 E-mail: reserve@hayman.com.au www.hayman.com.au
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BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Cult Beauty Classics In the fickle business that is beauty, you know the product’s good when they have long staying power.
Beauty products come and go. Then there are those that are so exceptional, they
become almost legendary. Fans invest in them religiously; diehards don’t dare leave home without it. Long after the raves have died on that new miracle cream, these cult beauty classics continue to shower in mass adulation. What makes these products enjoy long staying power? Beauty pundits theorise it’s due to their performance. Marketing hype, they say, can certainly excite and lure the beauty addicts to buy the item; but if it falls short of their expectations, it’s straight to the bin and a swapping of brands. Plus, cult classics spread by word of mouth. So peel your ears to get the lowdown on these coveted cosmetics, or sample the best ten we have discovered.
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Creed Fragrance The House of Creed have been selling their unique collection of scents since 1760 and remain the industry’s best kept secret. Among those that have become their followers include royalties and heads of state. Prince Rainier of Monaco was such an admirer that he commissioned an exclusive perfume, Fleurissimo, for Grace Kelly on her wedding day. Creed maintains the tradition of old fragrance houses: essences are infused according to time-honoured methods and fragrances are still made by hand, from weighing right down to mixing the ingredients. In an industry of mass synthetics smells, Creed’s originality is like a breath of fresh air.
Aesop Primrose Cleansing Masque This quick-drying beauty mask is loved both for its beautiful scent and the fast way it restricts breakouts, blemishes and cold sores. Aesop’s all-natural, mostly botanical, high-quality skincare includes steam-distilled essential oils, cold-pressed whole oils, freeze-dried powdered extracts and liquid extractions. The mask itself is a wonderful blend of primrose seed oil, rose geranium and sage leaf and works on all skin types.
Creme de La Mer The cream’s status as a cult product is second only to the amazing story of how the concoction came to be. A burnt-victim physicist was experimenting for a miracle cure. He found it in this cocktail of sea kelp, wheat germ and essential vitamins that is now trademarked as a miracle broth. La Mer devotees swear by its rich and fine lines-smoothing cream. Proving to critics that it’s not a one-product wonder, La Mer today also includes an eye cream and a serum.
T LeClerc Powder Wonder how Hollywood A-listers often look all fresh and oh, so glowy? That’s because from Madge to J Lo, they keep the powder handy. Created in 1881 and now available in 22 shades, the rice starch formulation absorbs into the skin for a long-lasting look that’s natural, never chalky, and especially helpful in combating oily T-zones. Among the bestsellers – Banane, a yellow illuminator that instantly gives skin a visibly smooth finish.
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Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser Beauty magazines everywhere vouch to its gentleness and dermatologists swear by it. It is one of the best cleansers out there, and the best thing is, it won’t even break your purse. The cleanser cleans without leaving skin dry and it even works on sensitive skin. It also does a good job at removing make-up. Don’t let the no-scent, no-fuss formula under-whelm you; this soap-free cleanser is the cornerstone for great skin that lasts decades, thanks to its moisturising properties.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm The balm built its must-have reputation on its addictively smooth texture, notover-the-top shine, and moisturising abilities. Everyone from supermodels to mere mortals swear by its long-lasting shine. Packed with a potent mix of sweet almond oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, wheat germ oil and vitamin A, the balm also soothes, softens and relieves dry, cracked lips. Great to wear on its own or slick over your lipstick for added shine and moisture.
MAC Spice Lipliner The reason it’s a perennial favourite among beauty junkies is because it simply looks great on everyone! The neutral shade blends well with virtually any colour of lipstick or gloss. Its nude colour also means it can be used on its own for an all-natural look. Linda Evangelista, apparently, doesn’t leave home without it!
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Aveda Shampure Shampoo There’s something truly organic about cosmetics that are made using natural ingredients. Aveda has amassed legions of followers with its Shampure Shampoo infused with a calming mix of 25 pure flower and plant essences. It’s great for all hair types with a gentle cleansing effect and the aromatic oils that calms the senses is a big bonus in the bathroom! Plus, it’s a firm favourite with hairstylists.
Benefit Benetint Benetint was originally conceived in 1977 for use by an exotic dancer to enhance one of her more prized assets. These days, its combination of carmine crushed roses makes this long-wearing product last and last. This rose tinted liquid gives a waterproof, kiss-proof stain and is the ultimate allnatural beauty boost.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Japanese guru Shu Uemura first created this in 1960 after seeing Hollywood celebs clean their stage make-up with an oil-based concoction. The main ingredient in this cleanser is mineral oil, a wonder liquid that has healing and soothing properties. The oil cleanser emulsifies into water and cleans even the most stubborn and waterproof make-up. There are now five versions of the oil, including one for sensitive skin. Apparently, one bottle of Shu Uemura oil cleanser flies off the shelf every 30 seconds somewhere in the world!
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GLAMPING
the better twin What happens when camping goes luxe? You get glamping, the glamorous version to the outdoors.
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Camping is one of those awkward family
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for breakfast. Blame it on jaded jet-setters
‘Glamping’ is the new catchphrase for
traditions that every child goes through. A
or the moneyed celebrity circle – each of
vacationing in the wild; and it has changed the
good experience undeniably makes interesting
whom has truly upped the ante on modern-
way we camp altogether. Whatever you make
anecdotes to be told at family gatherings many
day camping; from taking safaris that offer
of it, glamping is the new take on outdoors.
years from now. A bad outing, well, let’s just
butlers-in-residence to outdoor adventure
And the hardest choice to make these days
say it’s great if the child comes out unscathed
camps with their in-house Michelin chefs.
from the experience.
Think Kate Moss’ camping escapade
But imagine the virtues of the great outdoors.
reported in The Sun as “muddy brilliant time
The smell of fresh, virgin forest air; nature
at Glastonbury” had her trudging through
sounds all around, a suppressed yawn as you
mud without all the frills? Think again.
luxuriously roll out of your four-poster bed from beneath your double down feather duvet. Err, hang on. Did someone say ‘four poster bed’?
Twenty-first century style camping, made glamorous by the world’s celebs, has pitched tents complete with plush duvets and leather
Well, in the age of all things supersized,
chairs, to name a few luxuries. You can even
upgraded and enhanced, it was only a matter
choose to have a mani / pedi and a Jacuzzi
of time before the old camping tradition
right there with the squirrels and chipmunks
gets its own makeover. No more sodden
peeping in.
sleeping bag nightmares or half-cooked eggs
is not which backpack to bring, but which glamping ground to best luxuriate in.
01 Y our own fireplace, in addition to electricity! 02 T he elegant alternative – luxury mountain homes 03 R ustic luxury in a tent
LAMPING
after hours glamping 03
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LEAVE THE HAIRDRYER HOME
Abodes reminiscent of a room 04 Feel right at home 05 The mesmerising lounge area 06
Posh tents mean nothing if you have to sleep while your
The posh lifestyle doesn’t just end with
hair’s still damp. At Tent City at Paws Up, Montana,
amenities. Some glamping grounds offer
USA, not only do guests get a hairdryer but tents also
typical five-star hotel services that include
have electricity to power this and everything else you
movie rooms, a library, babysitting services
desire. Bathrooms are posh, to say the least, where
and wireless internet. At Bedwell River
a hot tub offers guests the chance to relax in a warm,
Outpost in Canada, these little luxuries are
luxurious soak. You don’t have to worry about chills
considered standard, but if guests still need
since the reverse-cycle air-condition lets you adjust the
to be pampered, there’s the beauty parlour
temperature to the wilderness’ weather. As evening
with a host of treatments including pedicure,
approaches, you can either sit by the fire your butler
manicure and a hot stone massage.
built (seriously) or sink your toes into the plush Persian rugs that cover the floor.
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MEDIUM, NOT RARE
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A magnificent view from the top Amenities with your solitude in mind Tea by the lake, anyone? The cosy and inviting bedroom A moment of repose Furniture inspired by nature Reconnect with nature
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Matching these high-end campsites is the haute
with its floor-to-ceiling windows, you can enjoy the
cuisine. At some places, guests dine on fine china
outdoors from the safe havens of your ‘tents’. Sure
and silver flatware under tealight chandeliers. The
beats getting dirty, muddy and sweaty. In the world
kitchen’s gourmet chefs whip up glorious gastro
of glamping, it seems, anything is possible.
inventions, from fillet mignon to baked apples and flambé bananas, so long as you’re willing to pay.
The hospitality industry aside, glamping has also become the new buzzword among fashion retailers.
For guests at Kamu Lodge in Laos, they get to
In March this year, Marks and Spencer launched its
indulge in exotic local cuisine. That includes buffalo
Glamping collection, as the “ultimate way to enjoy
meat cooked Laos style or fish just freshly caught
the great outdoors”. Among the kitschy items on sale
from the river running next door. While Kamu is not
include a retro-print pop-up tent and a cool, fold-up
all high-class camping, the rainforest retreat is still
chair. Ted Baker, the UK clothing retail company
comfortable, furnished in bamboo furniture with
known for applying twists to their products, has
double beds, solar-heated (and private) showers and
come up with its own line of blow-up mattresses,
toilets, including electricity and a well-stocked bar.
sleeping bags and tents; complete with cuckoo clock
Still, if cooking by bonfire remains your cup of tea,
and chesterfield chair.
Sekeping Serendah in Selangor, Malaysia lets guests
What does all this mean, really, to the new breed
do just that. Its glass-and steel ‘huts’ is set in a five-
of campers? In a nutshell, it is luxury camping
acre plot of rainforest with a backyard that holds a
redefined. It is no longer a thing for the kids, it’s really
barbeque pit, an infinity pool and lounge settee. The
for the big kids.
hammocks in the rooms add a nice rustic touch and
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thai cooking school
THAI COOKING SCHOOL
eat your way to bliss When in Thailand, the best way to savour the food is by getting your hands dirty – literally.
Thai food is internationally famous. Today, one can find a Thai
restaurant anywhere – from cosmopolitan cities like London to the small towns of Madagascar. Whether they are small, familystyle eateries or large, opulent establishments, Thai cuisine has served up its global gastronomers with tantalising delights such as tom yam goong (hot and sour prawn soup), kaeng khiao wan nuea (green curry with beef), thot man pla (curried fish cakes) and tub tim krob (water chestnuts in coconut milk). Those fortunate enough to visit Thailand will find that not only does the food look good, but they taste even more delicious. From the simple streetfare that serves som tam (papaya salad) in plastic plates to the royal repast of 5-star hotels, Thai food’s distinctive character is unmistakable.
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“Thai food has many different ingredients, herbs and spices in one dish but the taste is always light.”
With Thai cuisine enjoying such popularity, a string of cooking schools has mushroomed across Thailand, catering to enthusiasts eager to discover the cuisine’s secrets. For visitors to the kingdom, this is the best opportunity to enjoy their favourite dishes as well as learn to cook them. Classes are offered at some of the best resorts and restaurants, teaching guests the difference between galangal and ginger, or kaffir and curry leaves, before mixing a mean mussaman curry paste that looks good enough to be bottled and sold in a jar. Courses can range from one-day to two weeks, giving visitors ample time to include a class while vacationing. A typical class combines a short lecture on Thai ingredients with cooking demonstrations and hands-on experience. Some, like Bangkok’s first halal cooking school, Silom Thai Cooking School, takes students to the local market so they know firsthand how raw ingredients look like before being blended, chopped or pounded with a mortar and pestle. Then, instructor Khun Nusi teaches the class to transform these fresh ingredients into homemade curry pastes, Thai staples and regional rarities like spicy mungbean noodle salad. Before signing up for a class, it’s best to research the school as ‘course’ content can differ. Some schools are styled like a ‘show-and-tell’ lecture: the instructor
01 M om Tri’s Boathouse’s Chef, Tummanoon, in action 02 ‘Students’ shopping for fresh ingredients 03 Cooks at work! 04 ‘Students’ sampling their own creations of sweet, spicy, salty and sour. 01
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gives a general overview of the ingredients before proceeding to display the typical techniques of Thai cooking. Students may have a hand at chopping and slicing, but may miss out on the whole ‘cooking’ experience. Then there are also others that are meticulously planned to suit professionals interested in the intricacies of the art of Thai cuisine, such as that at the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Art. The first vocational training centre approved by City & Guilds, its 12-day course exposes gastro-enthusiasts to over 100 recipes that cover all areas of cuisine, from soups to stir-fries and steamed dishes to desserts. The syllabus at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi’s cooking class includes the art of Thai fruit and vegetable carving aside from delicious northern Lanna dishes. Typically, Thai food is characterised by the person who cooks it. The same dish cooked by one person may differ from the other as dishes are refined to suit individual palates. A dish is a harmonious blend of the four major tastes – sweet, spicy, salty and sour. A fifth taste, bitter, joins the taste category in certain dishes, yet they all come together to an almost equal degree.
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A proper Thai meal should consist of a soup, a curry dish with condiments, a dip with accompanying fish and vegetables. A spiced salad may replace the curry dish. The soup can also be spicy, but the curry should be replaced by non spiced items. There must be a harmony of tastes and textures within individual dishes and the entire meal.
today’s Thai cuisine, with its range of textures and tastes, came to be. Thai food borrows from many cultures. Chinese influences can be seen through the introduction of frying, stir-frying and deep-frying; the Portuguese introduced chillies to the food during the late 1600s; while Indians lent their curries to the fare. But the Thais were experts at adapting these foreign cooking methods to suit their tastes – coconut oil replaced ghee, spices were toned down so curries became lighter, while soups were enhanced with fresh herbs and turned divine. At Mom Tri’s Boathouse in Phuket, Chef Tummanoon leads a two-day culinary workshop by the beach that underlines this philosophy. “Thai food has many different ingredients, herbs and spices in one dish but the taste is always light”, he says. “(The idea) is not only to know how much lime juice or sugar is needed in each dish; the goal should be a deeper understanding of how ingredients combine and create unique tastes. That’s the essence of Thai cooking you’ll learn to understand and master.”
Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. The characteristics of Thai food depend on who cooks it, for whom it is cooked, for what occasion, and where it is cooked to suit all palates. Originally, Thai cooking reflected the characteristics of a waterborne lifestyle. Aquatic animals, plants and herbs were major ingredients. Large chunks of meat were eschewed. Subsequent influences introduced the use of sizeable chunks to Thai cooking. With their Buddhist background, Thais shunned the use of large animals in big chunks. Big cuts of meat were shredded and laced with herbs and spices. Thai cooking methods were originally stewing, baking or grilling, which leaves one to wonder how
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lifest yle
AR TS & CULTURE
of paintings and stories Zainal Abidin Musa’s art is best described as pieces of participation.
“Two days in Redang, and still there was no sun. On the third morning, I woke up early, though dreams were calling me back to bed. At the beach, on the dark shores, I waited. As yesterday, all was quiet. Moments later, I smiled – there – a break in the sky. And from a higher heaven somewhere, a million shades of colours were filtering triumphantly through. In another moment, I was bathed in light!” 01
This is the story behind Zainal Abidin Musa’s seascape aptly titled, Waiting for Sunrise Over Telok Kalong, a dreamy piece of sand, sea and sky that took two days of patient waiting and two weeks of furious painting to complete. The end result was brushed in shades of blues, purples and peaches, creating a shimmering effect of a peaceful morning. There is a story behind every painting that Zainal produces – stories that are as romantic, intriguing and nostalgic as the landscape paintings he lovingly produces. They are stories of his travels around Malaysia, through almost-forgotten towns, along secret beaches, down the path less travelled, bringing him close to nature and the beauty within. And these are the stories he translates into paintings, hoping to bring to attention the surrounding beauty we often take for granted. The artist, Zainal Abidin Musa.
His passion for nature and the environment runs so deep that despite current trends favouring abstract, modern and experimental works, Zainal maintains painting scenes of the sunrise, sunset and the sea. Close friend and artist, Tengku Sabri Ibrahim, comments that Zainal “chose to ignore the contemporary excitement of experimenting, exploring and working with ‘modern’ or ‘expressive’ images and approaches as practised by many artists of today. He hung on to his romantic attitudes in reading and representing landscapes.” Zainal agrees, saying, “Let other artists make their own works and statements. My landscape paintings are simple to understand. The beauty that God has created in this world is already there. I am just conveying how I feel towards it and try to
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translate the aesthetics onto canvas in my own way without forcing my philosophies onto others. In the process, I am just enjoying the pure act of painting and going back to the very basics of what I learnt about art.” The piece, Waiting for Sunrise Over Telok Kalong, is one of many paintings of Malaysian landscapes and seascapes that the artist produces each year since his departure from an exhausting career as an advertising entrepreneur. Although he had studied fine art at Institut Teknologi MARA (ITM), he pursued a career in painting only recently, after 16 stressful years in the advertising industry.
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The change, he says, began quite by accident. On a quiet Sunday morning, after a simple breakfast of half boiled eggs, toast and coffee, he began to idly sketch the breakfast scene before him, finding the effect quite relaxing and therapeutic. “Although I had not been actively painting for many years before that, it came naturally enough to me when I was seeking some form of balance and tranquility in my life,” he later said of that life-changing moment. That breakfast scene is now immortalised in a painting called Lazy Sunday.
what he called a Sunday painter, looking for weekends to paint beautiful seascapes along the east-coast shores. The frequent painting trips allowed Zainal to associate himself intimately with nature – of his childhood rivers, of the seashells and starfishes lying on his beaches, and of chirping birds amongst his bushes and trees. He conjured his childhood memories into landscapes he rediscovered during his trips. He abandoned the advertising world, and happily repeated Monet’s I paint as a bird sings.”
Tengku Sabri, who has witnessed Zainal’s progress over the years, says, “Zainal became
From these Sunday excursions, Zainal produced enough works to be showcased in
his first, self-financed solo exhibition in 2003. Aptly titled Weekends, it was held at the New Straits Times building in Kuala Lumpur. Zainal says, “The Weekends series was developed during a particularly demanding and hectic period of my life at a time when I was juggling a business and a career in advertising. The series was partly my personal account of a period in my life as well as, on a larger scale, a response to the state of the modern world, which to me had become too complicated, too enclosed and too egocentric.”
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01 W aiting for Sunrise over Telok Kalong, 147cm x 224cm, acrylic, 2005 02 L azy Sunday, 38cm x 52cm, oil on canvas, 1999. Currently in the collection of En. Mohd. Zainal Shaari. 03 S hadows on the Water, Pulau Besar, Mersing, 139cm x 209cm, acrylic, 2007.
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Boosted by the success of his first solo exhibition, Zainal evolved from a Sunday painter to a full-time artist, which led him to travel further around Malaysia, capturing the beauty of Malaysian landscapes on canvas.
Influenced by the masters of Impressionism such as Monet, Van Gogh and Pissarro, Zainal creates landscapes that allow the audience to participate in, rather than just viewing his works.
Zainal’s paintings are often a study of light and the changing landscape: the changing colours of water at sunrise, the passage of clouds as reflected on water, the colours that congeal into shadows on sand, and the shimmering waters of the sea.
More recently, Zainal held his first exhibition for the year at Alliance Francaise in Kuala Lumpur. Called Lights on Water, the exhibition featured his works on Mersing and the islands off its coast. His paintings have been showcased at several galleries, among them, the Malaysian National Art Gallery, Jiiva Fine Art Gallery in Jakarta, ArtSeni Gallery in Starhill Kuala Lumpur, Art Accent Gallery in Bangsar, and Art Case Gallery in Ampang, as well as A2 Gallery in Penang. His works can also be viewed online at www.zainalabidinmusa.blogspot.com.
His works defy the stereotype of traditional landscape paintings, offering instead a refreshing take on the subject matter with simple compositions projecting an almost ‘silent’, meditative atmosphere. Yet, upon closer inspection of any of Zainal’s pieces, one will be amazed to find the rich intermingling of colours and strokes covering the entire canvas.
Waterlilies at Janda Baik, 04 107cm x 135cm, oil, 2007.
Sunset over Pulau Besar, Mersing, 05 105cm x 137cm, acrylic on canvas, 2007.
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fish spa
FISH SPA
the doctors are in There are new doctors in town and their remedy will leave the most relentless of skin conditions a distant memory. The garra rufa will now take your appointments.
The distinguished gentleman sat down opposite me and gingerly lowered his legs into the warm water. He spent the next five minutes peering down in fascination, then raised his head and called out, “Do you have any fish over there? It seems like they are all here!� 42
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I assured him I had more than my fair share and we both laughed. For the rest of our fish spa therapy, Amarjit Sidhu and I formed an unexpected acquaintanceship in an unlikely setting. But Alina Wahid, the General Manager of Garra Rufa wasn’t the least bit surprised. Apparently, socialising while being nibbled at is a common occurrence. “The pull of fish spas have gone beyond mere novelty, relaxation and health benefits,” she said. “It now has the trademark of a social environment emblazoned across it too. People dip their legs in, giggle and catch each other’s eye, and conversations take off. I’ve seen people networking and even holding business meetings here!” Networking and trade talk in a spa? We’ve certainly come a long way since private rooms, scented oils and chirping birds. But really, we should have spotted this concept swimming our way long before it got here. For decades, people have been making regular pilgrimages to Turkey, Syria and Jordan to surrender their tired bodies to the garra rufa fish at hot springs spa resorts. Upon returning to their native countries, they spoke in wonder of, what they dubbed, ‘Doctor Fish’ that devoured their dead skin to reveal healthy, glowing skin underneath. Those who left with serious skin
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01 T he calming ambience entices visitors 02 Truly a spa of a different kind 03 The garra rufa fish doing what they do best
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conditions, like psoriasis and eczema, returned with miraculously clear skin. Devotees of the fish spa spread the word and it wasn’t long before the garra rufa reached Asian shores, where a new fan base was waiting with open arms. Malaysia, however, is a new friend to fish spas, with most opening their doors only in the last six months. According to The Sampuoton Spa’s Director, Joe Ng, they initially didn’t even see an opportunity for such spas to flourish here. It was only after studying the Japanese market that they were convinced it would create a huge wave in the health and beauty industry. Once the concept took shape in Kuala Lumpur, the stream of customers was instantaneous and the reaction, nothing short of enthusiastic. “I liked it so much that I am considering the fullbody immersion,” enthused Melanie Sta Maria, who visited Kenko Reflexology and Fish Spa. “My legs felt and looked brand new!” This pleasure is echoed by the men, too. For Roger Tan, a regular at Kenko, it is the perfect alternative to tagging along on his girlfriend’s shopping sprees. He literally took the plunge when he noticed the new addition in the spa, and impressed with the results, he began including it as part and parcel of his massage and reflexology sessions.
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Like mainstream spas, the fish spas are also designed as places of repose, from the tranquil atmosphere to the quality of treatment. No doubt this spa is steadily climbing the popularity ladder, but it had its fair share of challenges when it first unveiled itself. The primary question on everyone’s lips was that of hygiene. Alina attested that this is one area where no effort is spared. The spas treat the water with ultraviolet sterilisers to kill bacteria and prevent transmission of infections, and the ponds are also fitted with a specially designed filtering system to control pH levels, stabilise ions and sift out large, particle-like fish food and waste. The tanks are cleaned and the water changed daily, and if that isn’t enough, Fisho Fish Spa also goes the extra mile in offering a separate pond for customers with serious skin conditions. “Infections are unlikely, yet we take our customers’ comfort into consideration,” explained Cheryl Lim, Fisho’s Marketing Manager. “But the spa is for everyone, and the only people who we advise against the therapy, are those with open wounds and fungal infections.” Most spas also place importance on their ‘employees’ comfort levels by restricting the immersion to legs, for fear that customers
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won’t be able to resist scooping up the delicate fish for a closer look. As there is more residue on hands than on feet, the risk of infecting the fish is high… and expensive. It’s an expensive business to be in, no doubt, but none of the fish spa owners have lamented their lot. Their spas have allowed them to span gender and generation, to bring a centuryold tradition straight into the heart of modern therapy. And anything that does that is destined to stay for a long, long time.
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Nothing fishy here! The check-in and waiting area little nibblers at work The A relaxing mode of networking with others
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the chef
Speaks Curtis Stone, the host of Take Home Chef, talks passionately about the show and his love for food and the surprise at being listed as People magazine’s sexiest man alive.
Have you ever come close to getting thrown out by a jealous boyfriend or perhaps a husband that didn’t like his privacy invaded by a camera crew? We did 140 episodes in 18 months, so we shot a lot of this show. It was so successful in America that they just wanted more, more, more. So out of the 140, I’ve been kicked out of the house twice. Once was because the husband had a really amazing house. He had Picasso’s on the wall and expensive furniture and artwork and he was a little bit nervous about a big crew, because we have 18 people in the crew. He wasn’t too happy about everybody in there. The other husband, I guess he was a bit jealous. He was a little bit upset with his wife and didn’t think that it was appropriate that she had another man in the house.
after hours curtis stone
What about the women, were there any who perhaps didn’t recognise you and thought that maybe you were trying to be funny or whether you were a stalker or things like that? When we first started the show, I was brand new to America and none of my other shows like Surfing the Menu had ever played in America. So when I first came over, it was a hard sell. I was in the grocery store and I was like, “No, really, I am a chef. I promise, I can cook. I worked in nice restaurants.” And then after a little while people started to recognise me, so it was much easier. But in the early days, I felt like I was trying to sell a used car. What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen in a shopping cart? I don’t know really. I found one lady recently, she was buying frozen pizza. I looked in the shopping cart and she had some beer, like five or six frozen pizzas, all of this horrible packaged food. And I walked up behind her and I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around and when she saw me, she recognised me and she said, “Oh no, no, no,” because she knew what was in the cart, and it was quite funny. We went back and I actually taught her how to make pizza from scratch. We went and got some flour and some yeast and I taught her how to make the dough and we still had a pizza night and drank some beer, but at least it was good pizza.
Curtis, you worked in Australia, England and the U.S., which of these countries have the best food culture in your opinion? Oh, they’re all so different. I really love Asian food, and every time I go back to Australia, it becomes more and more Asian. We have people from all over Asia that now live in Australia and a lot of the chefs in Australia have worked in Asia or come from Asia, so the food is really light. The ingredients that we get there as well are a little bit more in line with Asia, you know with great galangal and ginger and coriander and all of the ingredients. So I suppose the food in Australia is very light, a little bit like the Asian food. And it’s becoming a bit spicier and I love spicy food. I don’t mean to not give you an answer, but I love all of them for different reasons. I love England, because it has such a European influence, and I really enjoy European food as well. And America, America has got a place. I thought I’d hate the food when I first came here, because I thought it was going to be just hamburgers and French fries, but it’s not. And a lot of it is good hamburgers and French fries, but some of it is not bad as well. I think America is on the verge of a big food revolution. They’re going to go through a massive change quite soon. And it’s exciting to be here while they’re starting to change their ways of eating.
Are you a harsh critic when somebody else cooks for you? You know what, nobody ever cooks for a chef. That’s the worst thing in the world. I think people get a bit scared that we’re going to analyse everything. Actually, we’re the easiest people in the world to cook for, because if somebody else is cooking, we think it’s lovely. It’s very nice, because it is so rare for us. I think I’m very easy going when it comes to other people cooking.
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What do you consider a must-have in any dish?
Actually, we’re the easiest people in the world to cook for, because if somebody else is cooking, we think it’s lovely. It’s very nice, because it is so rare for us.
Oh dear, that’s a good question, I love all sorts of foods. I cook a lot with garlic, because I really like garlic. And I also love spicy foods, so I cook a lot with chili pepper. I don’t think there is anything that you have to have in every dish. I think as long as it’s got a nice balance of flavour, so I think the important things about serving a good dish, is the flavour is there, the temperature is right. So if it’s meant to be hot, it’s served hot. And if it’s meant to be a salad, then it probably should be cold. And then I think the texture is very important. To me if you have something smooth, then you should also have something crunchy, so you’ve got that contrast of texture. Just like the balance of flavour, if you’ve got something a little bit sweet, then you also need something a little bit salty. So I think if there is anything, texture is very important to me. We heard that you were one of the sexiest men, alongside Brad Pitt and George Clooney in People Magazine. So what is your take on that? When they first told me I thought, “God, if I make the top 50 in America, then America has got problems.” I called my best friend and I said to him, “Can you believe it? They put me in this list of sexy guys,” and he said “That’s it, I’m going to leave my job and move to America. Do you know the beautiful women that you’re going to meet now?” He goes, “I want to be there every step of the way.” I’m Australian and Australians are quite shy and laid back, we don’t get too excited about that kind of stuff. But it’s nice that somebody thinks that. When hosting your show, do you always come up with food ideas on the spot, or do you take some time to think about them? How we do it is I find the person that I’m going to cook with that day, and then we sort of meet and I ask them what they like and what they don’t like. And then you need to stop, we need to cut, so that we can put a microphone on the person that we found and just explain to her exactly what is going to happen. We always try to take their mobile phone off of them, so they can’t call their husbands to warn them that we’re going to be in their house. And then during that time, I’ve normally got 20 minutes or 30 minutes. So I have an assistant with me who helps me do the shopping and makes sure I don’t miss anything. And I sort of run over to them and I quickly brainstorm. I’m like, “Okay, they like seafood and they like mushrooms and they want something with chocolate. What can we do? Why don’t we do some pasta?” And then half the time I change my mind while I’m walking around the grocery store and we see different ingredients. I think that’s always a nice way to get your inspiration. Walk around the grocery store, and then when you see something that catches your eye, it might be some asparagus or a particular type of fish or type of meat. Then you see that and you’re like, “Oh I could do something with that tonight.” So you grab it and away you go, you’ve started the creative process.
after hours curtis stone
What has been your most rewarding experience so far as a chef?
What pickup line would you like to hear from a lady? Let me think; I haven’t heard one for awhile. It’s quite embarrassing, because I go to the supermarket near my home, and every time I go to the grocery store now, just to buy food for myself, people look at me like, “Oh my god, where are the cameras, where are the cameras?” The other day I was in a grocery store, and the lady who worked there, it’s a big place called Whole Foods, and where they work there is all this different type of food available. You can get sushi or some stir-fry and they actually cook it for you there, and you can eat it at the bar. I was doing some shopping and she came up and she put her hand on my shoulder and I turned around and she said, “Now who are you cooking for tonight?” And I said, “I’m not cooking for anybody.” And she said, “Okay, I’m going to cook for you.” And she took me by the hand and took me over to the place where they cook and she cooked me something to eat, which was really nice. So that was a good pickup line. So other than cooking, is there anything else that you like to do? That’s interesting. I’ve been doing some work on a range of kitchenware. At the moment we’re making pots and pans and knives and different types of chopping boards. I think what’s really interesting for me is to try and come up with ways to encourage people to cook. Because to me it’s the cornerstone of life, if you cook nice food for your family, then you ought to enjoy it together and the conversation is great, and the relationship between your family members are really strong. So I think one way to try to encourage people to cook for each other is to cook nice food on television. Another avenue that I’m sort of taking at the moment is to produce homewares that solve problems for people. So, for instance, I’m doing a big chopping board at the moment, which has got a hole in it. It’s made from bamboo and in the hole, you put the scraps. Say if you peeled an onion, you’d throw the onion skin in the hole, and the hole goes through to a little stainless steel drawer. And on the other side of the board, there are little cups that are sort of storage. So you can slice the onion and push it into the cup. So if you’re doing a stir fry, you do all of your preparation on the board. We call it a workstation, the workbench and then it makes the cooking process very easy.
I’m going to tell you two, because the first one, as chef you’re so busy in a restaurant, you’re always cooking for customers and you’re cooking the same sort of food like you always do. And then I got the opportunity, through working as a chef, to do the show Surfing the Menu, and to me that was just amazing to get out and meet producers and to really see how the food is produced on a farm or on a fishing boat or that sort of stuff. So that was an incredible experience. And I think too, through being able to do television and write books, you get an amazing feeling. I had a guy come up to me in the street about three months ago. And he said, “Curtis, I want to share a story with you. My wife never cooked fish before,” and he said, “My favorite thing is fish. She watched one of your shows and you made a really easy dish with grilled salmon and some risotto or something like that.” And he said, “She tried it that night and now she cooks salmon and she cooks sea bream and she cooks all this different fish.” And he was so excited when he was telling me, and I thought “Oh that’s so nice. I got to touch somebody and to change the way they eat.” So that really gives you a lot of inspiration, I guess. What do you think makes a great cook? Somebody that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I think that you can get any sort of ingredient and you can do a bunch of different things with it. So I don’t think you need to stick too closely to a recipe. Just follow your instincts and whatever will be, will be. Somebody that can learn from their mistakes.
Take Home Chef, Wednesdays, 8.30pm available exclusively on Astro, Channel 707, Discovery Travel & Living
So I suppose my goal is the same, but I love that sort of trying to make people’s lives a bit simpler. So in terms of how we do the cookware and brand is under name, it’s Curtis Stone. I find it really interesting, because I’ve spent some time in China, where we produce most of it. And going around to the factories and seeing how things are produced, it’s really quite amazing. So hopefully, you’ll be seeing a bit more of that soon.
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