The List #245, Nov 15, 2015

ISSUE 245 15 NOVEMBER 2015

FREE EVERY M O N T H

T H E M A G A Z I N E T H AT K N O W S

Adventures Abroad Five Amazing Holidays for the Whole Family

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CONTENTS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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HOT TICKETS Vintage Wares

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Top five destinations for family trips

GIVEAWAY

Beauty and Wellness

StyleByAsia’s Sandra Smedhäll shares her favorite local designers

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WOMEN IN FOCUS Laurence Fouchon The founder of HelperChoice on empowering women

Our picks for winter coats

RECIPES

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Kiss the Cook

Hip new delivery service Foodora means fancier nights in

HAPPENING ’HOODS Quarry Bay

What’s In

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Hot Dates

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East side story

Sense of Touch’s new facial is a touch sci-fi

Win fancy homeware, plus a post-Movember shave for the gents

FEATURE

H&M’s new flagship store and homeware line hits Hong Kong

Lookbook

DATE NIGHT

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Go Glam With the Fam

Check out Something Old markets for all your retro gifting needs

Gifts and Goatees

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WISHLIST About Town

In season: Pumpkins and plums

MRS. KNOW-IT-ALL Friday Night Flights Tricks to nab last-minute tickets

KNOW & TEL

Travel Essentials p.28

Travel Agencies p.32

Alternative Stays p.36

Wellness Retreats p.40

Winter Staycations p.44

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TH E M AGA Z I N E THAT K N OW S

HK MAGAZINE MEDIA

EDITORIAL

The List Magazine Media Ltd.

Editor-in-Chief | Luisa Tam Managing Editor | Daniel Creffield

Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: 852-2680-8888 Fax: 852-2660-5378 Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

Senior Editor | Adam White Editor | Evelyn Lok Staff Writers | Adrienne Chum, Leslie Yeh Contributors | Kate Lok, Laura Derry Southwood

PRODUCTION Senior Art Director | Pierre Pang Designers | Elaine Tang, Joyce Kwok Production Supervisor | Kelly Cheung

FINANCE Senior Accountant | Alex Fung Accountant | Winson Yip

ADVERTISING & CIRCULATION Director of Sales | Gary Wong Strategic Sales Director | Jan Cheng Senior Sales Manager | Joyce Wu Senior Advertising Manager | Kent Ma Account Manager | Fiona Lin Advertising Executives | Bonita Yung, Celia Wong Advertising & Marketing Coordinator | Yan Man Marketing Manager | Tiffany Yew Marketing Executive | Ricardo Ng

Editorial enquiry

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Copyright 2015 The List Magazine Media Ltd. The contents of The List are the property of The List Magazine Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. The List may not be distributed without the express written consent ofThe List Magazine Media Ltd. Contact the Advertising Director for ad rates and specifications.

All advertising in The List must comply with the Publisher's terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Apex Print Limited, 11-13 Dai Kwai Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, N.T. Before you decide to purchase or use the products and/or services that our magazine introduces, you should gather further information about the same in addition to the representations or advertising contents in our magazine. The contents in articles by guest authors are the author’s personal views only and do not represent the position of our magazine or our company. Please gather further information about the products and/or services before you decide to purchase or use the same.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WINTER WANDERLUST Coming up to the penultimate month of the year (where did 2015 go?), we’re getting incredibly excited at The List office for all the upcoming holiday fêtes and feasts. But before all that, I’m sure plenty of you are planning winter vacations to unwind a little after the busy fall quarter rush.

This issue, we’ve thrown together a handy family travel guide (p.20) for wanderlusting moms who want to travel the world’s most glamorous locations together with the whole brood—we’ve got perfect itineraries for you, whether you’re after a snow-capped adventure or spa retreat, where the kids will be kept well entertained.

The rest of our listings will keep you in the know for all the best Travel Essentials (p.28), Travel Agencies (p.32), Alternative Stays (p.36), Wellness Retreats (p.40) and Winter Staycations (p.44) to keep you pampered and destressed well into the New Year… or at least inspired to take a few more days off work before Christmas rolls around!

Ask any Cantonese speaker and they’ll know the phrase: “Relax a little, Hongkonger!” Hong Kong is notoriously a workaholic city, but everyone needs to recharge once in a while. For your own physical and mental health, make sure you do too. I know I will!

I’d love to hear from you! Email me with ideas, concerns or chit-chat at evelyn.lok@hkmagmedia.com.

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HOT OPENING

HOT TICKETS

MAKE A DATE Our picks for the month

November 27-December 20

ING COM UP

Old Gold Hong Kong Markets Organisation is launching the month-long Something Old, the first vintage market in the SAR, with 30 vintage enthusiasts introducing their wares, a pop-up dark room for developing film the old way, displays of impressive vintage collections, and a retro on-site barber shop perfect for those finishing off their Movember shave. Love all things old school, or just want to get some Christmas shopping done? Make sure you’re there.

Closed Mondays. D2 Place, Lai Chi Kok. Somethingold.hk

November 17-18

Liszting For More Andreas Kern, the South African half of the two musical adversaries in Piano Battle, performs solo in Liszt, HipHop, Soccer: The Classy Classic Show at the Fringe Dairy. He’ll be bringing us on an interactive journey from the likes of Liszt to hip hop and jazz, while dabbling in a bit of soccer and giving in to some propaganda. His tongue-in-cheek performance will make you forget you’re actually at a classical concert—and isn’t that the point?

Nov 17, 10pm; Nov 18, 8pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd., Central, 2521-7251. $150 in advance, $180 at the door; both include one standard drink

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way, on-site mber me

HOT TICKETS

November 27-29

December 5

Clocken In

The Market of Venice

Clockenflap is back, and the SAR’s biggest arts festival is boasting a diverse lineup that pulls rapper A$AP Rocky and indie darlings The Pains of Being Pure at Heart in to join the likes of The Libertines, New Order, and plenty more. There’s also a full schedule of arts, film, and family-friendly activities the whole weekend. Don’t miss out!

Looking for something distinctly Mediterranean? The Italian Women’s Association is hosting their 32nd iteration of Il Mercatino (or “The Market” in Italian). This charity bazaar has all kinds of fun Italian products and edibles, and all proceeds are donated to charities and hospitals in Hong Kong. Remember to bring a reusable bag!

West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon. $680-1,940 from Clockenflap.com

10am-5pm. The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Rd., Pok Fu Lam. $20 entrance fee. Parking spaces will not be provided

November 21

Siem Same But Different The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong opens their season with Charlie Siem, a British-Norwegian violinist and model who’s worked for Dior and Vogue, as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Who. He’ll be playing some Ravel and Vaughan-Williams with the CCOHK. Go for the music, stay for the jawline…

8pm. Concert Hall, City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central. $200-400 from Urbtix.hk

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THE LIST

GOODIES AND GIVEAWAYS Check here every month for beauty, travel and dining treats

PR U IZE P S TO V $2 AL ,3 UE 40 D !

WIN EARLY HOLIDAY GIFTS, PLUS A MOVEMBER PAMPERING SESSION As we gear up for the festive season, it’s high time to start thinking about your holiday shopping list. Hong Kong-based Italian lifestyle and menswear brand Iter Itineris is giving away three awesome gifts: a classic canvas coin bag (valued at $680), and two handcrafted Italian candles ($450 each), which double as coffee mugs. There's a white one reminiscent of the sea, and a black candle inspired by the forest.

Also, are you or the men in your life growing out a beard to support Movember, raising money for men’s health issues? In light of the event, new men’s grooming parlor Fox and the Barber is offering two classic shaves (valued at $380 each) to two lucky male readers—or ladies, for your dudes—to clean off that upper lip fuzz.

ABOUT THE BRANDS: Iter Itineris Iter Itineris is Latin for "the journey," which captures the essence of the human experience, past, present and future. A strong supporter of high quality Italian tailoring and unconventional Japanese fabrics, Iter Itineris combines Italian craftsmanship and the culture of innovative fashion, designing its items for the discerning, impeccably dressed world traveler.

Shop B, 1-1A Sun St., Wan Chai, 2606-1918, iter-itineris.com Fox and the Barber Newly opened in 2015, Fox and the Barber is a unique refuge for the urban gentleman, offering high quality grooming services for men, including straightrazor shaves and haircuts. Echoing the aesthetic of traditional English pubs and barber shops, it also retails a wide range of men’s apothecary products, tools and accessories from abroad.

41-43 Graham Street, Central, 2405-6880, foxandthebarber.com

Write in to Win!

WRITE IN AND WIN! What are you most looking forward to during the holiday season in Hong Kong?

Write in and tell us in 50 words or less.

Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com, with the subject line “The List Giveaway” Deadline: November 30, 2015 PSST… Big congrats to 9 lucky readers who won awesome prizes from The Woods craft cocktail bar and G.O.D. last month. We’ve contacted you directly, so don’t forget to check your emails!

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DATE NIGHT

HOT DATES Couples’ night out

Making Waves One of the more recent additions to The Pulse’s fine dining strip on Repulse Bay, The Ocean provides the perfect atmosphere for any fancy date night with panoramic sea views and tropical aquariums dotted throughout. The Ocean is all about sustainable seafood, imported daily.

With Japan-trained executive chef Agustin Balbi, sushi is a core part of the menu, accompanying other modern interpretations of wild-caught fish and shellfish.

Shop 303-304, The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd., Repulse Bay, 2889-5939, theocean.hk

The folks who brought us Pirata return with a new Spanish offering, this time taking up the ground floor space of Wan Chai’s 239 Hennessy Tower.

The Optimist is all about rustic asadorstyle grilled meats and traditional Northern Spanish dishes. Start with a few glasses of wine, before digging into their hearty and inviting menu ranging from jamon and oysters to full-fledged seafood towers, grilled fish, lobsters and hefty steaks. Vegan?

Maybe stay at home...

the recently opened wine bar and music venue, you can get cozy with your date as you dig into European-style shared plates made with sustainable ingredients, and share a bottle of organic wine. What’s most exciting about the location though is the old school vinyl collection, which you can sift through and play on the individual turntables at each seat with headphones. Not into DJing your date the whole time? Beats will be provided during the evenings by resident DJs Arun R and Romi Behl.

G/F, 239 Hennessy Rd., 2433-3324, theoptimist.hk

26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, 2323-1715, myhousehk.com

MyHouse Beats

Hipster Foodora

If good taste in music is a dealbreaker in your romantic pursuits, MyHouse just might be your next go-to spot. At

Perfect for vegging out at home on date nights in, the Berlin-based, high-end restaurant delivery service Foodora has recently landed in Hong Kong. They boast a guaranteed 30-minute delivery time, working exclusively with more than a 100 of the city’s top restaurants such as Little Bao, Check-in Taipei, Fatty Crab and Linguini Fini. For those fed up with the no-reservations policies of many of

Happy to Meat You

the SAR’s trendier eats of late, this is an awesome alternative. New customers can get $50 off their first order with the discount code: HELLOHONGKONG. foodora.hk. You can also download the Foodora app, available on iOS.

The Paloma and the Pauper Ever feel like there are too many days left until your next paycheck?

La Paloma’s weekday themed menus will definitely get you through date nights on a budget. You can treat yourself to suckling pig on Mondays for $188 with free corkage; La Paloma’s famous paella on Tuesdays for $188 also with free corkage; a free jar of sangria for every party of four on Wednesdays; and a complimentary gin and tonic for each guest on Thursdays. And come payday? It’s time to brunch!

La Paloma, 1/F, SoHo 189, 189 Queen’s Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2291-6161, facebook.com/lapalomahk

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WISHLIST

ABOUT TOWN Life in the Hong Kong Lane

Go H&M

HOT OPENING

An epic new H&M global flagship opened this October. The 47,000-square-foot, fourstory space will be filled with women’s, men’s and kids’ fashion essentials and will also for the first time bring the H&M Home brand to Hong Kong. This season it’s all about knitted textures and hand-drawn prints, so if you’re looking to perk up your home with some (no doubt affordable) autumnal flair, be sure to check out the store.

2-20 Paterson St., Causeway Bay, hm.com/hk

Kids Ahoy Hong Kong parents frustrated at the lack of child-friendly dining options in the city can now look forward to a brand new restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. Opened by mother-oftwo Erika Lam, Seas Ahoy serves up a mix of healthy dishes and American treats at smaller portions suited for children as well as plates for sharing. The family-oriented eatery not only has a spacious, sailor-themed area for kids to play, but each child is given an activity booklet to keep them entertained—as well as teach them how to order their food through road maps and stickers.

Shop G1, Mirror Tower, 61 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3956-5300

Organic Growth Adding to its first shop in Sai Ying Pun, SpiceBox Organics has recently opened a second branch of its market plus café concept in Mid-Levels. A one-stop shop for organic groceries, supplements and household goods, it’s been known throughout the years as the specialized store for gluten-free products. The new, 900-square-foot location also includes a fresh food line and café, serving up fresh almond butter, gluten-free ladoos and breads, salads in a jar, cold pressed green juices made from local veggies, and organic wine for the after work crowd.

Shop 1, Golden Valley Mansion, 137 Caine Rd., Mid-levels, Central, 2559-9887, spiceboxorganics.com

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WISHLIST

LOOKBOOK Sandra Smedhäll is the founder of local lifestyle hub StyleByAsia.com. After leaving the finance world, she started Style by Asia, reporting on the latest regional design and style news. Always championing local brands, she’s also launched Shop Local, a handy online directory of homegrown designers and artists.

StyleByAsia.com

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1. Niin necklace A Hong Kong-based designer brand that I absolutely love is Niin. The founder Jeanine makes gorgeous jewelry out of sustainable metal, shells, gemstones and even petrified wood. This necklace is from their Zayah collection, and I fell in love with it at first sight! I have been told it compliments my eyes and so I wear it all the time.

2. 18K Gold Bracelet I have a lot of jewellery and I do try to rotate it, but this is one piece that I almost always wear. This gold bracelet was inherited from my maternal grandmother, who sadly passed away from breast cancer when I was only one. I have been told she was a

4 genuinely wonderful person and I like to think that I carry her spirit around with me a little bit when I wear this.

3. Customized clutch Local Hong Kong accessories brand The Dot teamed up with fingerpaint artist Justin Y for a collection of one-ofa-kind clutches earlier this year.

I loved the motif of the Japanese Cherry Blossom, so he painted a special one just for me and you can see the branches of the tree there in the right hand corner. I love this bag and to me it is the essence of what Style

by Asia is—collaboration, creativity and inspiration!

4. Louella Odie clutch I love local designers and brands, and I do my best to wear as many of

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them as often as I can to show my support. Mother-daughter team Louella Odie’s craftsmanship is exceptional for every one of their clutches, handbags and scarves. This last one I picked up serves both as a wristlet and a clutch, and is one of my favorites!

5. Mandala artwork I am not religious in the traditional sense, but this piece spoke to me straight away. I bought it outside the enormous Boudhanath stupa in Kathmandu after coming down from my trek to Everest Basecamp a few years ago. This gorgeous traditional mandala is filled with gold and really pretty green and blue hues, and in the light of the recent tragic earthquake in the area, it is even more cherished.

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A Taste of Modern Living •••DEMONSTRATION COURSES••• Vietnamese Cookery – Special Short Course A 3-week course demonstrating six Vietnamese dishes.

By Chef Fong Mo Yee • Date: December 1, 8,15 • 3 sessions once weekly • Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon • Fee: Full Course $270 or individual lesson $95

Home Management Centre 10/F, Electric Centre 28 City Garden Road North Point, Hong Kong

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Chinese Homemade Cooking I – Two-Hour Course Students will learn Chinese home-style cooking. Those who have learnt 15 recipes will be issued a certificate.

Three recipes will be taught at each two-hour course.

By Mrs Anita Lam • Date: November 18, 25, December 2, 9, 16 • Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm • Fee: Full Course of 5 lessons $450 or individual lesson $95

For enquiry: 2510 2828 Website: www.hkelectric.com/hmc www.facebook.com/hmcfansclub

To view our course information, please scan here or download [Low Carbon App] in mobile.

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WISHLIST

BEAUTY & WELLNESS Your guide to looking fit and fabulous TRIED & TESTED

Sense of Touch The Tester: Evelyn Lok The Basics: Collaborating with Japan’s Zeal Cosmetics, Sense of Touch has recently introduced a breakthrough skincare line to all its spas. The Rehydrater La Peau line of products uses antibody technology from the medical sector, specifically ostrich antibodies, to target enzymes and bacteria that exacerbate skin conditions such as premature aging, eczema, dermatitis and dehydration. It helps to restore moisture and build up the skin’s turnover rate for younger, healthier-looking skin.

The Experience: We opted for the Hydra Age Defense Facial ($980/75 minutes) which uses the collagen-boosting “Adsorb” line that targets premature aging. It’s a classic facial that begins with cleansing, blackhead extraction if needed, and a greater focus on gentle tapping and pushing motions while applying the serum and lotion. Under the hand of Sense of

Touch’s experienced beauticians, you’ll likely drift straight to sleep from the relaxing, massage-like techniques. For those looking for a simple, cleansing facial, you can also opt for the Vital Skin Health Facial, designed for sensitive skin ($980/75 minutes).

The Takeaway: After a heavy duty rehydrating facial, our skin definitely felt plump and nourished afterwards, with barely any redness normally associated with cleansing-heavy treatments.

While the moisturizing products used do pack a punch, they’re also surprisingly mild and light on the skin, which makes it suitable for regular use in Hong Kong’s humid weather. The products are available for sale at Sense of Touch salons, and a booking of either treatment gives you 15 percent off on products.

Sense of Touch, various locations including 1-5/F, 52 D’Aguilar St., Central, 2526-6918, senseoftouch.com.hk

Become the Next Ip Man Hong Kong is no stranger to the age-old martial arts of Wing Chun, but recently opened in Central is Mindful Wing Chun, a studio dedicated to imparting the “internal” art with emphasis on a balanced posture and state of mind, as well as the self-defense moves themselves. Based on the teachings of Grandmaster Chu Shong-tin, who studied with Ip Man himself, Mindful Wing Chun is helmed bya Iranian-born Australian Nima King, who has lived in Hong Kong for over 10 years. Group, private and corporate classes are available for students of all ages, as well as a multi-level kids program. mindfulwingchun.com.hk

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WISHLIST

WHAT’S IN Monki G/F, 29 Granville Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3527-3481

Jack Wills L02, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 3105-1798

Ted Baker Shop 22116, 2/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2377-9710

Cath Kidston Shop 406, 4/F, New Town Plaza, Phase 1, Sha Tin, 2601-2068

Camel overcoat $3,880 from Jack Wills

Ombre wool coat $4,395 from Ted Baker

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WISHLIST

Khaki light blazer $700 from Monki

Navy coat $4,395 from Ted Baker

Grey tweed coat $2,280 from Cath Kidston

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RECIPES

KISS THE COOK Monthly recipes from Mango Menus

Local markets and stores are still full of pumpkins from Halloween season, and plums in particular are also ripe for the picking, so here are two recipes making the most of our local fall produce. A warming risotto is an ideal way to utilize any leftover bone broth or stock that you might have in the fridge or freezer. Stock made from bone is particularly nutritious. Rich in collagen, it is very good for our joints, nails, skin and hair, plus it helps the liver eliminate toxins. Most people reserve it for soups but you can also allow rice to absorb it in a risotto or simply use it in your rice cooker instead of water.

If you are looking for a fruitier alternative to traditional Thanksgiving desserts, try our plum tart which can be served hot or cold, and also makes a delicious breakfast.

Pumpkin and Parmesan Risotto YOU’LL NEED

METHOD

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200g pumpkin

1. Heat the oven to 200°C.

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30ml olive oil

2. Slice your pumpkin down the

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salt

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pepper

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30g butter

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½ large onion, finely chopped

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1 clove of garlic, finely chopped

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1 cup Arborio rice

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200ml dry white wine

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500ml of chicken stock (preferably homemade, or substitute by dissolving 1-2 chicken stock cubes in boiling water)

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150g Parmesan cheese, grated

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50ml single cream (optional)

middle and scoop out the seeds.

Cut the flesh into wedges and put them on a roasting tray. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for around 30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. While the pumpkin roasts, melt

a large knob of butter in a very large saucepan or Le Creuset pot and soften half an onion and a clove of garlic, all finely chopped.

6. Remove the pumpkin from the oven

and scrape the flesh from the skin.

Chop and add to the pot of rice along with the grated Parmesan.

7. Taste then season with salt and

pepper if required. The risotto may be salty enough from the stock and cheese.

8. Swirl a little cream in right at the end

for a richer effect, but this is optional.

9. Serve with more Parmesan to

sprinkle on top, and enjoy with the rest of the bottle of wine!

4. Add the rice and stir-fry for 1 minute

until it becomes transparent. Then add the wine.

5. Once the wine is fully absorbed, add

a few glugs of the chicken stock and stir until absorbed. Add a little more stock at a time, waiting for each lot to be absorbed before adding the next.

It takes around 15-20 minutes to cook the rice by which time you should have used all the stock.

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RECIPES

Plum Tart YOU’LL NEED

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220g ready-rolled puff pastry

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2 tbsp ground almonds

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4 tbsp caster sugar

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4-6 large plums

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1 egg, lightly beaten

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2 tbsp apricot jam, diluted with a small amount of water

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mint leaves to garnish

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crème fraiche, cream or ice cream to serve

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C. 2. Bring your puff pastry to somewhere between chilled and

room temperature, no warmer or it will break when you use it.

3. Lay out the pastry flat on a greased baking tray and scatter

2 tbsp of caster sugar and the ground almonds across it. Fold in the sides a little so you have a slight crust.

4. Leaving the skins on, slice your plums into eighths

(removing the stone) and order them in rows so that they overlap slightly.

5. Scatter another 2 tbsp of caster sugar on top and paint the

pastry edges with the beaten egg. Bake for around 30-40 minutes until the plums are slightly browned and the pastry cooked.

6. Prepare a glaze by mixing the apricot jam with a couple

drops of water over a low heat. Once the tart has cooled, paint the plums and pastry with it until glossy.

7. Garnish with mint leaves and serve with a dollop of

crème fraiche, cream or ice cream.

Founded by Helen Scott, Mango Menus creates unique, mouth-watering recipes that contain healthy and nutritious ingredients. mangomenus.com

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COVER STORY

Go Glam with the Fam

Having a family doesn’t mean you automatically check out of grown up hotels and check into kids’ clubs. With a bout of public holidays on the horizon, PR maven and momtrepreneur Laura Derry Southwood shares five incredible destinations to keep the wanderlust alive, even with the little ones in tow.

Gee up with the kids in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa The ultimate all-round destination, South Africa tops our list of family-friendly places to go during the winter months, especially as it’s currently summer in the southern hemisphere!

Cape Town is a fantastic place to start your journey, with theme parks and aquariums, as well as harbour boat cruises and cable car rides up Table Mountain. Drive along the coastal Garden Route and see penguins, seals and whales, stopping at beaches along the way. South Africa is a great place for family safaris given that a number of areas—Madikwe and the Eastern Cape among others—are non-malarial, giving you the opportunity to get up close to Africa’s Big Five animals without having to worry.

It goes without saying that the wine is pretty phenomenal

in South Africa, as well as affordable. While the Winelands may not immediately jump out as being family friendly, a lot of vineyards have specific family activities and attractions, including kid-friendly tastings using different varieties of grape juice. The food is also pretty spectacular throughout the country, and quite accessible for fussy eaters.

Overall, the overwhelming feeling of space is one of the greatest things about South Africa, and letting the kids run around and play as they choose is so hard to come by in Hong Kong!

Get there: Daily flights available with stops in Doha or Johannesburg.

Where to Stay: The Table Bay Hotel—opened by Nelson Mandela in 1997—is centrally located and has rooms starting from $2,160.

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COVER STORY

Quad bike through Cambodian countryside

Siem Reap, Cambodia Siem Reap enjoys ideal weather during the winter months, and is one of those holiday destinations that surprise people with just how family friendly it is. It’s so much more than just Angkor Wat—though that itself is is a pretty spectacular mustsee item on your list.

Kids can also ride ox carts through remote villages, cycle through rice paddies, quad bike through the countryside (little ones will need to share with an adult), explore crumbling ruins Indiana Jones-style, and even zip line through the trees.

Try to land a hotel with a decent-sized pool, as it’s often the go-to place to spend the late afternoon after a day of activity and exploration.

We highly recommend bringing along the Cambodia issue of Leap & Hop’s travel book series, written by Hong Kongbased author Isabelle Demenge, as it features quizzes, puzzles, treasure hunts and games revolving around the sights of Siem Reap, that will keep kids aged 7-12 fully engrossed while parents enjoy the sightseeing!

Get there: Dragonair offers four flights every week to Siem Reap.

Where to Stay: Shinta Mani Club, just a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away from Angkor Wat Archaeological Park, has family-friendly rooms from $2,208.

Koh Kood, Thailand Seeking your very own Robinson Crusoe adventure? Look no further than Koh Kood, a tiny remote island just off Thailand’s west coast.

Much of the island is the property of five-star-resort Soneva Kiri (soneva.com). More like a beach village than a resort, Soneva Kiri is populated by an ice cream parlour, chocolate room, beach restaurants, pools, under-the-stars outdoor cinema and even its own observatory.

The property’s kid’s club, The Den, sets the bar for kid’s clubs around the world, and then takes it to a new level. The club is comprised of moulded bamboo spaces that wind around creating nooks and crannies to hide and play in. The Intrepid Explorers Club has just launched and is aimed specifically at one to five-year-olds, where kids get to play while being looked after by qualified carers.

The island enjoys excellent weather during Christmas and New Year, and the property will feature a special children’s Christmas program.

Get there: Soneva Kiri offers its own flights with regular daily trips to and from Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airport.

Where to stay: Soneva Kiri has two-bedroom villa suites starting from $21,160.

Soneva Kiri’s The Den is a kids’ paradise

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COVER STORY

Let the dogs out at Whistler

Whistler, Canada Whistler is one of the most accessible ski resorts in North America, and constantly rates as one of the best resorts in the world due to its incredible variety of terrain, first-class ski schools and fantastic après ski atmosphere.

Instructors are among the warmest and friendliest we’ve come across, and are great with little beginners. There are snow forts and castles for kids to play in, as well as zip lines for the slightly older ones.

During Christmas, the whole village is festive and decorated, and there is a Fire and Ice show every New Year’s Eve—a dazzling display of lights and sounds over snow.

Get there: Whistler is about a 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver, which can be accessed by car rental, airport shuttle bus or private vehicle charters from Vancouver International Airport.

Where to Stay: whistler.com has many options for accommodation, from private chalets to hotels and ski lodges.

Fun days out in the snow at Whistler

Sydney, Australia One city that seems to have it all is Sydney.

With its own unique take on surf and turf, there is plenty to do both beachside and downtown, and with an eclectic range of restaurants to suit all tastes, big and small, as well as an attractions list as long as your arm.

Notable mentions include Woolloomooloo Wharf, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and The Royal Botanical Garden. Learn to surf on legendary Bondi beach, venture off the welltrodden path and explore family-friendly Bronte

beach with its many barbeques or check out chilled-out Manly, which has a local slogan: “Seven miles from Sydney but a thousand miles from care.”

Get there: Daily direct flights with Cathay Pacific.

Where to stay: Hong Kong’s very own hotel brand, Ovolo Hotels, has branched out to this surfer’s paradise and has two hip and happening hotels worth a visit.

Ovolo Hotels in Sydney

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COVER STORY

Airplane Etiquette Before Laura Derry had her second child, she was the selfproclaimed smug mother on flights with the well-behaved, perfect traveling tot. But when number two came along it totally transformed the way the family traveled. Laura spoke to Jasmine Chan, a flight attendant with Cathay Pacific, for top tips on how to make the flight smooth for the family.

Feeding Time

Take a Seat

At some point during the flight your child will have to eat. Cathay Pacific provides both baby and child meals, however these must be arranged 24 hours before the scheduled flight. Don’t forget to let check-in staff know if your child has any food allergies. While fresh milk is available inflight, passengers are recommended to bring their own milk formula.

If you are flying with an infant under 24 months, you can purchase an infant ticket if the child does not have to occupy his or her own seat. This comes with a 10kg baggage allowance, and the child sits with you or in a bassinet—if you are able to secure a bulkhead seat upon reservation.

Pack Up Items you may need to use during the flight include diapers, milk powder and liquids, comforters, toys, children’s medication, small towels and extra clothes, especially a light jacket. Make sure you pack your hand luggage based on your flight time and duration to factor in all your child’s needs.

Remember, the cabin crew is there to assist parent passengers in every way possible, so don’t be afraid to ask for help during disembarkation, warm up bottle feeds or watch your child while you have your meal or pop to the loo if you are traveling alone.

now

Happy Campers The change in air pressure, experienced during take-off and landing, can be painful for infants as their ear drums are not as developed as adults. Give the infant something to suck, such as a pacifier or a milk feed, to alleviate the problem.

For inflight entertainment, there is a wide selection of family-friendly movies available. For concerned parents, a parental lock feature on selected flights is available on request.

In mid- and long-haul flights, children aged three to six will be offered a children’s fun pack including stationery, games and activity books.

Planning your own custom itinerary on your next getaway?

Lightfoot Travel (lightfoottravel.com) can create bespoke travel plans perfectly suited for you and your family.

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ng Yin Cho

Street

HAPPENING ’HOODS

DAYS OUT WITH A DIFFERENCE Treasure Quarry This month, The List heads east to the up-and-coming corner of Quarry Bay for healthy bites and outdoor fun.

1. Wilson Trail Stage 2

2. Promenade

The chance to connect with nature from the midst of a concrete jungle like Hong Kong is, surprisingly, not difficult: There are plenty of decent hiking trails quietly tucked away in the heart of the city. Conveniently located right in Quarry Bay, stage two of the Wilson Trail begins at Hong Kong Parkview and ends next to Tai Koo MTR, with many chances to extend or shorten your route along the way, and fantastic views overlooking the city throughout.

Located in Quarry Bay Park, this long promenade along the harbor has been a popular choice among joggers, dogwalkers, couples and families since opening in 2012. As opposed to the tourist-packed, bustling waterfront area towards Central and Admiralty, the east side is a lot more relaxing with expansive views of the South China Sea. It is also very easy to get to, just a short five-minute walk from Tai Koo MTR station.

3. Tong Chong Street Sunday Markets Although the Island East Market has moved to Lai Chi Kok’s D2 Square this year, another market is here to fill up the Tong Chong Street space. Similar to the Island East Market, the Tong Chong Street Market is a hip street food market that features 40 stalls selling all kinds of goodies from burgers to cookies to cocktails, all created by homegrown restaurants and cafés.

Every Sunday through to Christmas.

Tong Chong St., Taikoo Place

Get there: Take Bus 6 from City Hall, Central

4. Mr. and Mrs. Fox

5. Plat du Jour

Mr. & Mrs. Fox is a recently opened F&B hotspot by Swire Properties.

The three-level bar and restaurant has a rustic, laid-back interior design and delivers different dining experiences on each floor. The first level is the home of Mrs. Fox, and serves a variety of cocktails, charcuterie and simple plates, perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner. The second level is Mr. Fox and is a quieter dining space, serving up exquisite steak and seafood. Reservations essential. The top floor, The Den, is a private dining room that seats 24. It has an adjoining terrace and is ideal for private parties and special occasions.

Plat du Jour is a cosy French bistro in Quarry Bay. You can expect a host of French classics here, such as beef bourguignon, moules marinières, steak tartare and more, on a menu consulted

by Aussie celeb chef and restaurateur David Laris.

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WOMEN IN FOCUS

THE LIST’S LEADING LADIES

LAURENCE FOUCHON “It’s providing them a tool to make their own choices.”

Last year, I gave birth to my second

daughter, and I lost all my free time.

So I resigned from my job in May, and

now I’m working on this full time.

So far, we’ve helped about 5,000

helpers find employers. They usually pay close to $8,000 in fees, so overall we’ve saved the whole community about $40 million: This is kind of a big impact!

Laurence Fouchon is the founder of HelperChoice, an online platform that helps match employers and domestic workers, and is free for helpers to use. She tells Adrienne Chum how pregnancy kickstarted her wildly successful and morally conscious startup.

I didn’t really know another way.

I think HelperChoice is changing the

My first impression was not very

mentality of helpers because it’s providing them a tool to make their own choices.

I was born in Paris. I started studying Mandarin when I was 19, and after two years I went to Beijing for a summer course.

But after starting with us, she confessed

I loved it so much that I wanted to go

to pay less than she did. I paid maybe $6,500. So we went back to the agency but they denied the whole thing.

back. But after my studies, Beijing or mainland China was not really an option.

So that’s how I came to Hong Kong.

positive. There were two benches and maybe eight to 10 helpers waiting there.

I saw all of them that day, came back the following Sunday and finally decided on one. I’m quite happy that I made that choice—she’s still with us. that she had to pay $9,000 to the agency. I was totally surprised.

It was even more striking that I had

A couple of weeks later I was on

I moved for my work, but it was more of

bed rest, but I kept thinking about this.

a cultural thing that brought me here.

I started to look into how to create

I was pregnant in 2011. I knew I was going back full time to investment banking, so I started looking for a helper.

a website to help people. HelperChoice went online around Easter 2012, and the success was quite impressive.

I went to an agency because

[dealing with these issues].

I saw that I wasn’t the only one

Quite often they’ll call or email me,

saying, “Please help me find an employer” and my answer’s always the same: You’ll have to rely on yourself.

You’re smart enough to look for an employer yourself, be interviewed and check if this employer is good enough for you and if you are going to be a good fit. Going for just any employer is not going to work.

A lot of them initially could have been proactive but because of the system they did not have the right to think for themselves, so they’re just rediscovering their own power. It’s very important to me to empower them.

Hiring a helper? Have a browse through HelperChoice’s database at Helperchoice.com.

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Sponsored Feature

A series of stories, recommendations and tips on Hong Kong from people in the know. Explore our city based on the travel experiences that interest you and get itineraries for off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Adventure Seeker

Spotlight on: Sai Kung

Let’s get physical! If you’re all shopped out, have had your fill of good food, covered Hong Kong’s main sights, and are now looking for outdoor adventures, Hong Kong won’t disappoint! Whether it’s hiking, biking or splashing around in the surf, there are plenty of options, while for armchair sports fans there are exciting sporting events that take place all year round.

Adventurers will love Sai Kung’s volcanic caves, pristine coral and remote hikes. The area is historically one of Hong Kong’s remotest rural reaches, but its rare geological and environmental treasures mean it is a popular destination. A community first settled here in the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD), which has now expanded to around 50 villages.

Sensational Sport The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens is one of the most famous sporting events in the world and the city is transformed into a rugby fanatic’s dream for one crazy weekend. You’ll also find that other big events have their slot on Hong Kong’s sporting calendar: from horse racing to badminton, golf, volleyball and tennis, to name just a few. And Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, attended by over 5,000 athletes from 10-plus countries and regions, is a can’t-miss event.

Get on Board!

As largely a series of islands in the South China Sea, Hong Kong offers plenty of opportunity for you to try a sport for yourself—with water-based activities being the obvious choice. Board sports are popular: surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, stand-up paddle boarding—Hong Kong welcomes water sports enthusiasts galore. Stanley Main Beach on the Southside and Lantau Island are particularly popular spots.

Wheely great fun A sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family on a visit to Hong Kong—and one which provides a great opportunity to experience the great outdoors—is cycling. Head up to Sha Tin in the New Territories, and you’ll find a series of designated cycle paths through picturesque surrounds. You can rent your wheels from the Sha Tin Park Bike Kiosk where you’ll find several companies hiring out bicycles by the day. Hiking also offers opportunities to see a beautifully rural world at your own pace, taking in mountains, beaches, woodland and more.

Sai Kung Kiu Tsui Park

Hit the Trail Sai Kung’s big claim to fame among hiking enthusiasts is the MacLehose Trail. This 100km, ten-stage route is not for the faint-hearted as it climbs some of Hong Kong’s highest peaks and descends its deepest valleys; but it’s really worth the effort, and you can do it in parts. Sections 1 and 2 of the trail, which pass along the peninsula and deep into Sai Kung East Country Park, are manageable for day trips.

Island life Perfect for outdoor adventurers is the far-flung island of Tung Lung Chau, a now rarely-inhabited idyll east of Hong Kong Island. The walking trail around the island

is worth it for the geological features alone, but the spot is a destination in its own right for unrestricted rock climbing and wild camping. Here you’ll also find Tung Lung Fort, which was constructed in the early 1700s to fend off pirates.

Catch of the Day After you’ve burned all that energy, it’s time to eat, drink and shop! Unsurprisingly, Sai Kung is famous for its seafood— Hoi Pong Street along the waterfront is more commonly referred to as “Seafood Street”.

Head online to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/ InsidersGuide to create your personalized itinerary for Sai Kung.

Get insights and tips on your tablet from Hong Kong Insider’s Guide

For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide

Tung Lung Chau

HKTB List FP262015 Nov_a.indd 1 Ad NovThe 15.indd

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KNOW & TEL

28-30

Travel Essentials 32-34

Travel Agencies 36-39

Alternative Stays 40-43

Wellness Retreats 44-47

Winter Staycations

Contact us: On the following pages you’ll find a huge array of practical information. We cover 120 topics a year. Tell us what you need to know!

Email: thelist@hkmagmedia.com

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KNOW & TEL

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS A family packing list by Laura Derry Southwood

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1. Heading to the slopes? Pack up a ski wardrobe from Souris Min, such

as this fleece-lined ski coat ($1,374) for your little guy. Online children’s boutique Melijoe will ship it straight to your door and there are tons of other fun styles too, including these zebra ski pants ($1,148) by Molo. melijoe.com 2. Melijoe stocks designer kids’

clothes, and its swimwear will have your little ones rocking the latest looks poolside, with adorable pieces such as this Carrément Beau swimsuit ($278) and matching swimming cap ($182). melijoe.com 3. If you are heading for hot climes then this one-tog Grobag is a safe

alternative to traditional sheets and blankets for babes. Prices start from $369 and it is suitable for ages 0-36 months. bumpstobabes.com

4. MosquitNo citronella spotzzz ($89)

will have you sleeping soundly, rather than in fear of being feasted on by mosquitos. Apply these fun stickers to any textile from beds to prams to ward off the biting buggers. mothercare.com.hk 5. A traditional swimsuit with a twist, the Konfidence floatsuit ($319)

enables young swimmers to gradually get used to swimming without aid.

Perfect for parental peace of mind while lounging poolside. mums.hk 6. Mothercare’s Jewel travel cot

($699) is well-priced and easily transportable. Suitable for infants to 2-year-olds, it pops up in a flash and the mesh sides mean that the child can see and be seen. mothercare.com.hk

7. If you’re fed up of having to wait

for your stroller to arrive at the luggage rack, then Mothercare’s XSS lightweight and ultra-compact stroller is for you. Its handy design allows it to fold up compactly to fit in an aeroplane overhead compartment.

It’s suitable for 7 months and above and costs $1,799. mothercare.com.hk 8. Tumi is tops when it comes to

suitcases. Its new super light luggage range, Vapor Lite has a full range of carry-ons to check-in sizes (from $4,580). The 20-inch International Carry-On is so light that even a 3 year old could wheel this on board. tumi.com 9. A handy highchair alternative, the Babymoov Up & Go Booster Seat

($539) is easy to use and features secure straps which can be fitted to any chair, making mealtimes much more manageable. babymoov.hk

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KNOW & TEL

Take Four: Kids’ Suitcases

$700, American Tourister

$779, Beatrix New York @ Bookazine

US$35, Skip-Hop Zoo

$495, Cath Kidston

Bookazine

American Tourister

Cath Kidston

Skip-Hop Zoo

Shop 309, Landmark Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Rd., Central, 2522-1785

10/F, Sogo, 545-563 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2573-0293

Shop 406, 4/F, New Town Plaza, Phase 1, Sha Tin, 2601-2068

skiphop.com

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KNOW & TEL

TRAVEL AGENCIES Book Your Getaway

Any Tours Enterprises

Asia to Africa Safaris

CITS Hong Kong

Any Tours arranges corporate and individual leisure travel, with services including visa applications, travel insurance, rail passes and more.

Also available are family-friendly itineraries, such as ski excursions, cruise promotions and the Walt Disney package.

Asia to Africa Safaris specializes in arranging tailor-made luxury safaris to Africa. Tours start from Hong Kong and end up in exotic locales such as Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

Stay in cottages or luxury tents and spend your days spying on big game like zebra, giraffe, gazelle, elephants, lions, cheetahs and rhinos. Tours come complete with a guide, accommodation, all meals and drinks, flights, transfers and all sightseeing fees.

Founded in 1981, China International Travel Service mainly organizes tours in China as well as around Bali, Malaysia and Thailand. It also offers themed packages such as Mother’s and Father’s Day specials, honeymoons and weddings.

2369-7251, anytours.com.hk

2525-2776, a2asafaris.com/africa

2732-5888, cits.com.hk/tc

Flight Centre Hong Kong Flight Centre provides travel deals at competitive prices, for any destination and budget. A complete travel service includes flights, accommodation, car hire, travel insurance, cruising, coach tours, holiday packages, visas and more.

2830-2899, flightcentre.com

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Hiroshima, Japan

09/11/2015 4:09 PM

KNOW & TEL

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Last Minute Hong Kong Travels

Westminster Travel

Specializing in affordable tours in Asia, Last Minute allows you to book online or at its office location. Tailor-made packages to other continents are also possible.

Established in 1973, Westminster Travel is one of Hong Kong’s leading travel agencies. It provides tailor-made itineraries with recommendations by knowledgeable and experienced staff for the best flights, accommodation, car hires, transfers and tours for a personalized vacation.

2301-3188, lastminute.com.hk

London Calling

HIS brings you to the coolest spots in Japan: including this robot-run hotel

Golden Bridge International Specializing in China travel, Golden Bridge offers a host of adventurous activities, including cycling trips, horse riding, camel safaris, trekking and eco tours around different parts of China.

Tours with Golden Bridge typically last 17-25 days.

2801-5591, goldenbridge.net

HIS HIS is a Hong Kong-based travel agency specializing in trips to Japan. They have some amazing skiing tour packages to New Otani for the winter season starting from $5,988.

3961-6996, his.com.hk/english

Kuoni Formerly known as P&O Travel, this long-established agency has five branches throughout Hong Kong. Now part of the Kuoni Group, it offers a full range of travel services, from booking flights to customized cruises, private tours and MICE tourism.

London Calling offers a range of tour packages to London to suit a variety of travel purposes. Whether you’re there for shopping, culture or sightseeing, you will have something to choose from. They also have flights from Virgin Atlantic Little Red covering travel from London to other cities in the UK such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Manchester.

2870-8733, londoncalling.com.hk

New Holidays New Holidays offers package tours to Asian destinations, such as Singapore, Phuket, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai and Beijing. Specially themed packages are also available, such as hot springs in Japan or golf in Bangkok. Air tickets to Singapore start from $840.

2313-9800, westminstertravel.com/hk

Zuji Based in Hong Kong, Zuji has become one of Asia-Pacific’s leading online travel agencies with a network of international customers. Zuji is constantly offering new packages in addition to the existing most popular ones. The company can help with travel insurance and everything from flights to car rentals.

The Zuji philosophy is “Travel Your Way”, which is why the easy-to-use and flexible online service is great for picky planners. zuji.com.hk

3118-1688, newholidays.com.hk

Sun N Sea Holidays Sun N Sea offers a number of adventure holidays along with its more leisurely travel repertoire. What’s available?

Think rafting, camping and safaris in Kathmandu, climbs up Mt. Kinabalu, safaris in Tanzania and diving in locations such as Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and the Maldives.

2926-1668, sunnseaholidays.com

2956-6888, kuonitravel.com.hk Diving in Palau

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KNOW & TEL

Asia Weather Forecast Kate Lok gives us a round-up of the best places to visit in the next few months.

NOV

JAN

DEC

FEB

November: Beach Bumming in Thailand

January: Culture in Cambodia

With the monsoon season behind us rain will start to become a distant memory in Thailand, especially nearing the end of the month. Humidity will also be significantly lower, particularly in the northern parts of the country, with temperatures averaging 23-26°C. If you have a hard time waving goodbye to beach season in Hong Kong, consider heading to places like Phuket for warm, dry days on the beach, with average temperatures of 26-28°C. Be aware that the water levels along coastal regions tend to be higher at this time of the year.

After enjoying Christmas at home with the family, fly out to Siem Reap in early January and catch the tail-end of peak season. As the New Year madness recedes, drier weather conditions will ensure those long days spent marveling at Angkor Wat—the largest religious monument in the world—are a lot more manageable. In January, the weather is quite temperate throughout the country, with low humidity and precipitation, and average temperatures hovering around 30°C.

December: Skiing in Japan

Visit Sabah just after the worst of the rainy season, which generally lasts from December through January. February is an ideal time to explore the beautiful landscape of Malaysia, with moderate temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Head up north to Sabah to explore stunning rainforests and rivers, and encounter all sorts of wildlife.

The average temperature in February is around 28°C.

December is a good month to break out the winter gear and head to one of the most popular ski destinations in the world, Niseko in northern Japan. The weather in December is relatively dry and temperatures averaging -3°C—allowing for beautifully powdery snow due to the lack of rain. It’s not yet peak season for domestic travels in Japan so there’ll be a good chance of snagging cheap accommodation at the various ski resorts there.

February: Wildlife in Malaysia

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ALTERNATIVE STAYS Best regional AirBnBs

KL’s Kepyok Malaysia

CHIANG MAI Contemporary Hideaway This house is decorated with an all-white interior, colorful tiled baths, glass panels, a garden and a private swimming pool. Located just 25 minutes north of Chiang Mai, the owner lends free bicycles and provides van services to take her guests around. It’s also within walking distance to the Mae Rim village markets, with a peaceful mountain landscape setting.

BANGKOK Quiet Townhouse Near Night Market Exactly what it says on the tin: A cozy three-storey townhouse that’s just a five minute walk from the Chang Khlan night bazaar. Equipped with a big kitchen and a comfortable living room, this place will surely make you feel at home away from home.

From $1,466 per night. tiny.cc/list-chiangmai2

From $766 per night. tiny.cc/list-chiangmai1

Piyachat Thai House This house is perfect for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the busy capital, but still enjoy all Bangkok has to offer. Located on the outskirts of the city with plenty of green surroundings, this Thai-style wooden house is conveniently situated close to subway stations that can zip you straight to the city center.

From $639 per night. tiny.cc/list-bkkpiyachat

KUALA LUMPUR Kepyok Malaysia A private tropical resort located not far from the city, this house is the perfect getaway to revive your tired soul. Surrounded by amazing wildlife and natural scenery, the space is occasionally rented out for cooking classes, detox courses, meditation sessions and yoga classes, which guests can also take part in.

Chiang Mai’s Contemporary Hideaway

From $1,297 per night. tiny.cc/list-kltropicalresort

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KNOW & TEL

Kyoto’s Japanese Garden House

Seoul’s Creative House

TOKYO

KYOTO

SEOUL

The Samurai House

Thatched House

Creative House

This rare Samurai-style apartment is conveniently located two stops away from Shinjuku. The flat is decorated with a dazzling exhibition of traditional Japanese equipment.

Fun fact: The host was once a Japanese Kendo tournament winner, and is more than happy to share her experiences with guests.

Soak up the natural beauty of Kyoto in this 150-year-old thatched-roofed, traditional Japanese house. With free parking, a hot tub and a chance to learn traditional Japanese cooking, this will surely be a winner for families with kids.

It’s an hour away from the city center, but the beautiful mountain and river scenery more than makes up for it.

From $519 per night. tiny.cc/list-tokyosamuraihouse

From $1,330 per night. tiny.cc/list-kyotothatchedhouse

This house is built like a traditional Korean house, reinterpreted into interactive and creative lodging. It is ideally located at the center of cultural and historical attractions in Seoul, such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the Dongdaemun Night Market and the Hanyang cityspace. The host provides a queen-sized bed, a balcony equipped with a barbeque set and breakfast.

Lake View Japanese Garden House

Kyoto’s Japanese Garden House

From $2,395 per night. tiny.cc/list-seoulcreativehouse

Traditional Hanok

From $5,187 per night. tiny.cc/list-kyotogarden

This is a traditional Korean apartment complete with sliding screen doors and wooden floors. Located in central Seoul surrounded by shops, restaurants and historical sites, it has free parking onsite and is a mere few blocks away from the iconic Gyeongbokgung castle.

Machiya in Kyoto City Center

From $2,125 per night. tiny.cc/list-seoulhanok

This listing is an absolute gem. Its big, spacious Japanese garden accomodates 12 people, and the cool tatami bedrooms sound like the perfect excuse for a slumber party.

A fully furnished machiya, which is a traditional Kyoto-style wooden house, this place is conveniently located in the city with free bikes provided so that you can easily access major shopping and sightseeing spots in the city.

From $1,217 per night. tiny.cc/list-kyotomachiya

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Pet-Sitting Services Ensure Fluffy is well taken care of while you’re away with these pet-sitting services Pawshake Pawshake allows you to locate verified pet-sitters in your community to care for your cuddly creature while you’re away on holiday. Search their easy-to-navigate website for host families that will board your pet, or pet-sitters who will come take care of your pet at home.

Pawshake.com.hk

Wish You Were Here Wish You Were Here offers personal and comprehensive pet care services to keep your dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds and even fish happy while you’re away from home. Dog walking services

and pricing quotes are available upon request.

6252-9821, Wishyouwereherehk.com

Royal Pets Hong Kong Managed by Tanusha Platek, Royal Pets is a collection of pet-sitters who have experience caring for all types of animals (although the service is primarily for cats and dogs). Tanusha’s team offers dog-sitting in your own home or boarding in the sitter’s house.

You’ll get an initial visit from the petsitter to meet you both, and you can request a Netcam service so you can keep an eye on your loved one while you’re away.

Royal-pets-hk.com

Cat Sitter Hong Kong Instead of removing your cat from its home, Cat Sitter’s devoted caretakers

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Princess Palace

will come to your house up to three times daily to feed, play with, and lightly groom your cat, along with cleaning the litter box and administering any medication. The company also offers a webcam service, where you can keep an eye on your cat while you’re traveling. Cat Sitter requires a face-to-cat meeting with each feline prior to any arrangement, and can help train away bad habits such as scratching furniture.

9481-9661, Catsitterhk.com

Furrenz Pet sitting service Furrenz (a combination of “furry” and “friends”) started in 2013, and now has a group of 12 reliable sitters available on call.

You can read detailed bios of each sitter on the website and you’ll go through an initial consultation with the sitter

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to make sure it’s a right fit. Services include dog-walking and cat-sitting, plus overnight stays that are priced on request for a range of animals.

Sending you snaps of your loved one, watering plants, picking up the mail and taking out the garbage are all included in the fee.

8199-9813, Furrenzpetsitters.com

Pitter Patter Petcare Your pets will be well looked after with Sophie, who has previously worked as a vet assistant and holds a certificate in Animal Studies. She provides pet sitting or dog walking services by the hour, with overnight stays priced on request. Unusually, Sophie also offers dog training and holistic pet care such as animal communication, healing and nutritional advice, and

even pet photography.

Dogotel & Spa

9632-7427, Pitpatpetcare.com

While you’re off globetrotting, you can rest easy knowing that your pooch is relaxing in luxury at Dogotel & Spa. This doggie paradise offers plenty of attentive care for all canines, with five-star boarding, doggy daycare, pampering services, organic meals and play sessions. All dogs must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding.

Ferndale Kennels and Cattery Located in Sai Kung Country Park, Ferndale is run by Stacy Tucker, who is qualified in animal husbandry and pet nutrition. Ferndale provides 33 individual kennels for dogs of all sizes with indoor sleeping areas as well as personal outdoor space for them to run around. There’s also an indoor air-conditioned cattery with space for 30 felines. Dogs and cats are boarded separately, for obvious reasons, although if you’re boarding two pets they can be kept together. Every pet is groomed regularly, and pick up service is available for an extra charge.

SX-2031, Sai Kung Country Park, Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung, 2792-4642, Ferndalekennels.com

124E Argyle St., Mong Kok, 2711-0019, Dogotel.com

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WELLNESS RETREATS Head overseas to soothe your soul

Ananda in The Himalayas Ananda is a remote luxury spa set in a former Maharaja’s palace located just at the foot of the Himalayas, right by the town of Rishikesh—where yoga originated. That makes it any self-respecting yogi’s dream retreat.

Keeping with the Indian tradition of holistic healing, it’s all based on Ayurvedic treatments here, with plenty of herbal oils and clean food to treat any of the body’s imbalances. There are also daily massages, meditation and of course yoga classes, among plenty of other fitness options. The Ananda Yoga program with a five-night stay starts from US$860 ($6,666).

The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, 249175, India, (+91) 124-4516650, anandaspa.com

Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts Especially popular with European wellness-seekers, Sri Lanka’s Barberyn is a traditional resort that uses Indian Ayurvedic healing philosophies in

its custom-tailored programs— concentrating on herbal treatments and diet to purify the body from inside out. Consisting of two beachside properties—the older one by a quieter beach along Beruwala on the west coast, and a newer one in Weligama down south—both resorts offer itineraries that cater to those seeking relief from serious illnesses such as stroke or cancer, or for those simply seeking a blissful and healthful holiday.

Room rates for the winter season start from €80 ($677), with mandatory Ayurvedic treatments at a daily rate of €80 ($677).

Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, Beruwela, Sri Lanka (+94) 34-22-76036; Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama, Sri Lanka, (+94) 41-225-2994, barberynresorts.com

Chiva-Som World-renowned luxury resort ChivaSom celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and is hosting not just one, but seven exclusive birthday packages for

different objectives, from body shaping fitness retreats to snappy weekend breaks that last between three to 10 nights. You’ll also have access to all the best amenities, with daily spa treatments selected from Chiva-Som’s most popular signatures.

Three-night “Short Break” retreat from THB25,000 ($5,459). 73/4 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, Thailand, (+66) 3253-6536, chivasom.com.

Espa, Sentosa Jonesing for a detox getaway but can’t stand being locked up for a week?

Sneak a few hours or a full day of relaxation at your next Singapore city break at Sentosa’s branch of Espa. With the famed international spa brand, you can expect the signature personalized massage treatments, as well as a whole host of facilities and relaxation areas, from rock saunas to onsen-style pools within the 10,000-square-feet grounds.

Destination spa packages from one to three nights are also offered, starting from SG$980 ($5,145).

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KNOW & TEL Tamarind Springs Around 30 minutes away from the airport at Koh Samui, Tamarind Springs is an ideal hideaway for those looking for an independent yoga retreat. It offers villa accommodation and custom packages which include access to an open plan yoga room equipped with all the essentials. While great for groups and those who prefer practicing solo, private classes can also be arranged with the on-site yoga instructors.

However, the most distinctive highlight at Tamarind is no doubt a visit to its massive rock pools and herbal steam caves, which will form a core part of your detox itinerary each day. Healthy meals and a selection of the spa’s signature massages are also included.

Contact the spa directly to arrange your custom itinerary.

205/7, Thong Takian, Koh Samui, 84310, Suratthani, Thailand, (+66) 77-424-221, tamarindsprings.com

The Farm at San Benito Recover at The Sun Siyam in Maldives 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore, (+65) 6577-8888, rwsentosa.com

Naked Stables Retreat Located in picturesque Moganshan, Naked Retreats is a wellness reserve with a focus on sustainable living.

Easily accessible from Shanghai, the retreat is a huge departure from city life, surrounded by dense bamboo forests and lush, rolling hills. You’ll stay in one of the rustic yet modern tree-top villas or cozy earth huts. There are a slew of activities you can take part in, including horseback riding, archery and morning yoga sessions, as well as wild flower arranging, hiking, tea picking, fishing, pottery and bamboo basket weaving.

Check into the ongoing detox retreat, which starts from $8,888 for a threenight’s stay, and features an itinerary packed with daily spa treatments.

37 Shangxiazhuang Village, Paitou Town, Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, China, (+86) 180-5728-3740, nakedretreats.cn.

Award-winning The Farm at San Benito is perhaps one of the most well-known luxury wellness retreats in the Philippines. Located 90 minutes from Manila in a coffee and coconut plantation, it offers six types of retreat packages for all kinds of goals, including stress reduction, increased vitality and sustainable weight loss. Its shortest program, the Detox Cleanse (from PHP71,500, or $11,838, exclusive of accommodation), is a four-night stay that includes a specially designed vegan menu, a plethora of spa therapy sessions, and daily wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, circuit training, power walks and mandala flower arranging classes.

Meditate at the Mandarin Oriental Macau

29. Having trained hundreds of students in the art of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation and Zen tea ceremony, Master Hu will be giving lectures and demonstrations on how to restore spiritual balance through these methods. Classes will set you back MOP350-550 per person, depending on if you prefer a group or private session. Participants can book guest rooms at discounted rates starting from MOP2,599, including breakfast.

Book the wellness workshops by contacting The Spa at (+853) 8805-8588 or email momac-spa@mohg.com. Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, (+853) 8805-8888, mandarinoriental.com/macau

119 Barangay Tipakan, 4217 Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, (+63) 2884-8074, thefarmatsanbenito.com

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Macau Looking for a quick wellness blast close to Hong Kong? The Mandarin Oriental at our sister SAR is inviting MO Sanya’s Shaolin Master Hu to teach a series of wellness workshops between Nov 26-

Soothe tired muscles at Tamarind Springs

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KNOW & TEL The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Recognized as one of the Maldives’ best spa resorts, The Sun Siyam in the midst of the Noonu Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, offers four allinclusive retreats hosted by on-site The Spa by Thalgo. Between the flawless Maldivian sun and sand, guests can opt for a simple Unwind Spa package, a fitness-centered Slim & Sculpt program, a healing Mukthi Ayurvedic Spa, or a Qi Revitalization Chinese Medicine package—all jam-packed with all the scrubs, massages, aromatherapy, yoga, tai chi and healthy eats you can manage. And if ever you get tired of all that pampering, you can check out a full program of leisure facilities and excursions, from diving to water sports to tennis. Packages will set you back upwards of US$955 ($7,402) for a fiveday stay.

Republic of Maldives, (+960) 656-0591, thesunsiyam.com/irufushi

Take Three: Destinations in China Forego your millionth visit to Shanghai or Beijing with these alternative Mainland trips.

Chengdu A family trek throughout China won’t be complete without a visit to the capital of Sichuan province to see the adorable giant pandas. The best place to see the cuddly creatures is arguably the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (1375 Xiongmao Avenue, (+86) 28-8351-0033, panda. org.cn, entry RMB58 ($70))—where you can get right up close and cuddle a baby panda if you so wish. It doesn’t come cheap, though: A two-minute cuddle and photo op will set you back about RMB2,000 ($2,443), but it’s all donated to panda breeding research.

Feeding time is also in the morning, usually between 8:30-10am. Aside

from indulging in red-hot Sichuan cuisine while you’re in town, you can also visit a range of ancient teahouses.

Get there: Daily flights available from Hong Kong Airlines (hongkongairlines.com) Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton in Chengdu (269 Shuncheng Avenue, (+86) 28-8358-8888, ritzcarltoncom) has a pretty sweet deal as RitzCarltons go: Rooms start from RMB1,388 ($1,624).

Huangshan For photography buffs, Huangshan’s breathtaking natural beauty will be sure to please. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, the famed “Yellow Mountains” are best

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known for their rock formations, majestic peaks and ravines, hot springs, strangely shaped pine trees and ancient roads. Keen hikers can take a day trip and walk the mountains in a day, as well as make a stop in the ancient folk villages of Xidi and Hongcun—the latter of which was the set of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Winter, aka off-season, is the best time to witness Huangshan’s famous swirling sea of clouds atop its snowcapped peaks.

Get there: HK Express (hkexpress. com) offers two flights a week between Hong Kong and nearby Tunxi Airport. From there, you can catch an hour-long bus to Tangkou, which has direct shuttle links to the enclosed nature reserve.

Stay at: There are several hotels within the Huangshan Scenic Area, which are

perfect if you’re looking to catch the sunrise or sunset.

Sanya If you’re after sun and sand while in the Mainland, look no further than “China’s Hawaii,” which is just a swift 90-minute-flight away for warm weather, palm trees, coconuts and long, gorgeous beaches. After a day of relaxing by the beach, the No. 1 Market (Diyi Shichang, 第一市場, Corner of Xinjian St. and Xinmin St.) is the place to be: Grab a seafood dinner by picking your own catch at the wet market here, and the nearby strip of restaurants will wok it right up fresh.

Be sure to try the local specialty of coconut rice: sticky rice cooked in coconut milk, inside a coconut itself.

As it gets later, the No. 1 Market turns into a bustling night market where you

can find plenty of local street snacks and souvenirs.

Get there: Daily flights available from Hong Kong Airlines (hongkongairlines.com).

Stay at: The Mandarin Oriental Sanya (2 Yuhai Rd., Sanya, Hainan, China, (+86) 898-8820-9999) has its own private beach to the east of the city, and its very own coral reef. Rooms start at RMB1,550 ($1,922).

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WINTER STAYCATIONS Home and away

Auberge Discovery Bay With its horse-drawn carriages and glass chapel, Auberge Discovery Bay has developed a reputation as Lantau’s go-to romantic getaway, but there are also plenty of themed packages on offer whether you want a couple’s retreat or a spa-tastic holiday. Looking to book something special for the holiday season? A Winter Spa Pampering package, valid on Christmas or New Year’s public holiday dates (from $3,144) includes two nights’ stay for two, daily breakfast buffet, a festive dinner buffet, as well as a 90-minute Italian Organic Candle Body Massage.

88 Siena Avenue, Lantau, 2295-8288, aubergediscoverybay.com

Cosmopolitan Hotel Easily accesible to Ocean Park, the Cosmopolitan even has a dedicated suite themed around the amusement park, offering free shuttle buses to the park from Fridays to Sundays. The hotel has also just recently relaunched

J Plus Hotel by Yoo

completely renovated family rooms accommodating up to five, and is currently offering 20 percent off its “Fantastic 4 Family” package. Rooms include personalized amenity kits fit for children, baby care products from Mustela and Johnson & Johnson, a mobile storybook library and

other treats. Breakfast is also included for the whole brood.

387-397 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, 3552-1111, cosmopolitanhotel.com.hk

Hyatt Regency Sha Tin For a family friendly getaway from the urban bustle, the Hyatt Regency Sha

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Ovolo Southside

hotel’s new board game gallery and DVD library to a whole host of selfie props. You’ll also get a welcome kit that features a boozy ice-pop kit from Lola’s Ice Pops, hot chocolate mix from Jean-Paul Hévin Chocolatier, a bottle of Joiy Sparkling Riesling and popcorn and pancake mix.

1-5 Irving St., Causeway Bay, 3196-9000, jplushongkong.com

Ovolo Southside

W Hong Kong

Tin offers a great way to explore the New Territories. A stay for two (starting from $1,760) in the ongoing Explore package includes buffet breakfast and an afternoon tea buffet for two, as well as complimentary bike rental for two hours, and late checkout at 2pm.

Dump the kids off at Camp Hyatt, which includes nine hours of non-stop arts and crafts and games for under-12s ($1,200), plus two kid’s meals.

18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723-1234, hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com

J Plus Hotel by Yoo Revamped earlier in the year, J Plus by Yoo is known for its edgy design and spacious suites, and may well be your next go-to for the best slumber party staycation in town. Lasting through to the end of the year, J Plus’s “Suite Gathering” package (from $2,800 per night) features an overnight suite stay: Rooms come with fully-equipped kitchenettes and plenty of in-house entertainment, from access to the

Having just celebrated its first anniversary, Ovolo Southside is known for its fun-loving hospitality and young, edgy design—perfect for art and design savvy couples to check in as they check out the area’s many art galleries and cafés. As Hong Kong’s first warehouseconversion hotel, it’s all loft-style rooms with high ceilings and full length windows for awesome views across the south side. Aside from basically living in hipster heaven, the best thing about a staycation at Ovolo may well be the free in-room mini bar and Lo Lounge’s complimentary drinks flow from 6-8pm every night. Rooms start from $910.

the Tai O community. Expect to have an intimate gathering though, as the capacity is limited to 30 to 60 guests.

Rooms start from $1,900, including breakfast.

Shek Tsai Po St., Tai O, 2985-8383, Taioheritagehotel.com

The Peninsula For a little bit of holiday season indulgence, a staycation at The Pen is a no-brainer. It’s offering its “Christmas at The Peninsula Hong Kong” package which includes dining credit and daily breakfast, as well as unlimited nonalcoholic mini-bar consumption for pretty much all the Mars Bars you can manage! Suite rates start from $6,580.

Those staying during the festive season will also get exclusive access to The Peninsula’s fabulous Christmas Market for luxurious canapés and festive tipples from 6-8pm on December 24.

10 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2920-2888, peninsula.com

164 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Aberdeen, 2165-1000, ovolohotels.com

Tai O Heritage Hotel Those hoping to get a dose of culture while staying in the SAR will want to check in at the Tai O Heritage Hotel, which offers plenty of themed packages for those who’d like to explore the area.

With seaside views on one side and the hotel’s striking white façade on the other, it’s hard to take a bad photo at this historic address. Plus, you can feel good about spending money on this not-for-profit property, since all proceeds go towards heritage conservation and

Tai O Heritage Hotel

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KNOW & TEL Tribute Hotels One of the newest hotels to open in the city, Tribute in Yau Ma Tei only began taking guests this month. While sporting modern fixings, the hotel is steeped in local heritage and culture, and has collaborated with some of the best homegrown creatives for a quirky, uniquely Hong Kong experience. For just a taste of what’s in store, breakfast here is served on dim sum carts, old school Hong Kong design accents are found in every corner, and come happy hour, you’ll find a host of locally brewed craft beer on its drink menus. For those looking to explore the hidden gems in Yau Ma Tei you can also check out the awesome neighborhood guide map provided at the hotel, drawn by local design workshop Latitude22N. Rooms start from $1,200.

4 Tung Fong St., Yau Ma Tei, 2858-0788, tributehotels.com

W Hong Kong A staycation with one of the best views of the Hong Kong skyline. What’s not to love? The W’s standard “Wonderful” rooms start from $3,500 a night, but there are plenty of packages on offer that come with dining and pampering deals for two. From $5,300 (valid through December 31 only) you can opt for an upgraded room or suite, which includes a breakfast for two at Kitchen, a Woobar Afternoon T set for two, plus 20 percent off on treatments over 60 minutes in the hotel’s revered Bliss Spa. Looking to train up this winter? The W offers its in-house guests free gym access, and they can also partake in the W’s personal training sessions, from $1,000.

W Hotel, 1 Austin Rd. West, West Kowloon, 3717-2992, w-hongkong.com Book at deals.whotels.com or email wreservations.hk@whotels.com

Take Five: Winter Warmers Traditional dishes for the cold months around town Snake Soup In Chinese medicine, snake is considered to be a nutritious winter food as its warming properties counteract the “yin” of the body (also snakes happen to be the fattest during this time of year).

Snake is served in many forms in Hong Kong, with the most popular being snake soup—a slightly sweet stew usually incorporating a few varieties of snake boiled with fish maw, mushrooms and spices. Try this exotic winter warmer at Ser Wong Fun in Central, a familyowned restaurant that has been serving snake dishes for more than a century.

30 Cochrane St., Central, 2543-1032.

Hot Pot It’s finally that time of year when it’s actually weather-appropriate to enjoy the city’s favorite dining experience. Is there anything more heart-warming than sitting around a steaming pot of broth on a chilly winter evening with family and friends? Hot pot restaurants are ubiquitous in Hong Kong, but Supreme Restaurant is one of our favorites, serving up a red hot Chongqing variation: chicken stew hotpots loaded with plenty of tingling herbs and spices.

18/F, Chong Hing Square, 593-601 Nathan Rd., Mong Kok, 2148-2628

Claypot Rice

Fondue

Claypot rice is one of the most distinctive winter staples in the SAR. Rice with a mixture of meat and vegetables is cooked in claypots over a coal-lit fire to retain moisture and add a distinctive smoky flavor (and a deliciously crispy rice crust). Choi’s Kitchen in Tai Hang offers a private kitchenstyle touch to their claypot rice.

Seats are limited so you might find yourself dining al fresco, but they use fresh, top quality ingredients.

Warm u of savor enjoyed chef Ma real McC fondues of their F dessert, fondue i a must-t

Shop A1, G/F, 9-11 Shepherd St., Tai Hang, 3485-0501

Sichuan Spice What better way is there to beat the cold than with tonguenumbing spicy food? Get your dose of Sichuan chili goodness at Qi House of Sichuan. “Qi,” meaning “shining star,” is a nod to the star anise, one of the most common ingredients in Sichuan cuisine.

Try the chili oil wontons and the signature scallion ginger beef, which is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Tame the heat with a cup of roselle iced tea.

2/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2527-7117

Images vi Tommy W

Tribute Hotels

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Fondue Warm up with a steaming pot of savory or sweet fondue, best enjoyed at Swiss Chalet, where chef Max Liechti guarantees the real McCoy. The luxurious cheese fondues go perfectly with a bottle of their Fendant Swiss wine. For dessert, Liechti’s original Toblerone fondue is positively sinful... and a must-try for chocoholics.

G/F, 12-14 Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2191-9197

Images via Flickr: Razlan, Blurred.ca, Tommy Wong, Pedro Cerqueria, Isaac’licious

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Follow The List on Facebook www.facebook.com/ TheList.HongKong As thanks for being loyal readers, we’ll keep you in the know: follow us to find out about the best shops, events and activities.

View exclusive discounts and win free tickets to concerts and movies, plus get the chance to be on the invite list to our own happenin’ events. Love it, list it!

The List’s very own mom-in-theknow shares her Hong Kong tips and tricks with readers.

Dear Mrs. KIA, how do I find the cheapest last minute flights from Hong Kong?—Wander Girl Dear Wander Girl, Last minute or not, there are many strategies to find the best rates for flights out, starting from the obvious Tuesday morning fanfares offered by Cathay Pacific and Dragonair (tiny.cc/ list-cathayfanfares). But these deals are usually restricted to dates and times that are hard to accommodate.

Plus, they’re normally all gone if you don’t already have your credit card at the ready by late Tuesday morning.

There are plenty of awesome apps and powerful search engines that scour the web for best rates from lesser known carriers. One of our favorites is Skyscanner (skyscanner.com), which links you directly to the flight provider so there are no markups. Momondo (momondo.com) is also a great alternative that also offers price comparisons for hotels and car rentals. Both work online as well as for Android and iOS. Lastminute.com is also quite a popular option that lists experiences such as theater tickets or theme park admissions.

Jonesing for a quick getaway without a destination in mind?

Kayak has a fun Explore function (kayak.com/explore) which allows you to drag a world map around, finding the cheapest place to fly in a particular season—it’s also

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eres Kong icks ers. particularly handy if you do have a specific destination but don’t mind mapping your own, cheaper stops to get there.

While many believe that weekend flights are often more costly, it’s not always the case.

On Skyscanner, for instance, you can opt to view flight prices for the whole month to find the cheapest date to fly out and back. Google Flights (google.com/flights) also offers a clean, no-frills search platform for you to do the same.

Lastly, it’s not crazy anymore to think that websites mark up ticket prices the longer you search: An attempt to intimidate you into making your purchase quickly, or to direct you to flight partners, who knows? But to counteract it, always search for flights while on your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode, and always close and open a new window when performing a new search.

Hope your next big adventure abroad will be amazing, rewarding and best yet, all on a shoestring.

The best kinds usually are.

Need help?

Send your questions and conundrums to thelist@hkmagmedia.com.

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PROPERTY

Going Green

Everyone of us can contribute to a better, less polluted Hong Kong so here’s a few tips that are easy to implement.

As Kermit the frog said “it’s not easy being green” but in this case, I am referring to being environmentally conscious in Hong Kong. I am happy to say that conservation issues have become more of a focus over the past few years with the rise of eco-friendly businesses and recycling collection points popping up around the city – although it’s never enough.

Here at JLL, we do our bit to be green – we have recycling bins around the office and also partner with Feeding Hong Kong on their Bread Run initiative, whereby our colleagues pick up unsold and perfectly edible food from Pret A Manger and deliver directly to Feeding Hong Kong’s food bank. This food is then donated to those in need and thereby reducing food waste in this city.

Stella Abraham Head of Residential Leasing and Relocation Services, Hong Kong +852 2846 5540 stella.abraham@ap.jll.com /JonesLangLaSalleHongKong http://stellahkrealestate.com www.jllresidential.com/hk

Stella’s 852 advice: Many high rise residential properties have recycling bins as part of the complex. If not, check out www.wastereduction.gov.hk for government collection points scattered around the city.

Buy local Hong Kong is well-known for its wet markets. Why buy ingredients that are air-freighted from overseas with a high carbon footprint when you can get fresh local meat and veggies on your doorstep? Buying at the wet market also means less packaging. Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag!

Shut it down Whether at work or at home, it’s best to turn your computer off rather than having it on sleep mode as you can save up to 40 watts per hour. Good for the environment and your wallet.

Recycle clothes Living in one of the best cities for shopping means retail therapy can get out of control! When it’s time for that wardrobe spring clean, don’t throw out the clothes you don’t want anymore. Donate to a local charity shop such as Salvation Army who can then resell these items.

Reusable water bottle About 90 percent of plastic bottles are not recycled each year and it takes hundreds or thousands of years to decompose. Invest in a resuable water bottle to take to the gym or on a hike. It makes keeping hydrated easier, greener and more cost effective.

Grow your own produce At JLL, we run a rooftop farm on top of the Bank of America Tower where our harvests are then donated to local food banks that benefit local charities. Why not try your hand at growing your own herbs and small veggies? Veggie kits are now available for homes or join a community farm initiative. Check out my blog for more of my green-fingered experiences on our farm!

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CLASSES

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CLASSES MANDARIN 漢語/ CANTONESE 廣東話 CHINESE NANNIES Play, read stories, songs, toys, fun games and guide your kids to discover the daily life…

CHINESE TUTORS For kindergarten, primary and secondary students, Experience tutoring students from GSIS, HKIS, CDNIS, KGV, Kellet, ISF, CIS… Help prepare IGCSE, IB, SAT, HSK… Please visit www.call-a-tutor.com 2572-8989

THE YOGA ROOM (YOGA & PILATES) We are a boutique Yoga Studio in Sheung Wan offering classes in Hot Yoga, Hatha, Meditation, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Candlelight Yin, Yin Yang, Detox Flow, Pre-natal Yoga, Yoga for kids, Pre-natal Pilates. We also offer yoga private classes at your home, office & our studios. Come and try our 1 free class now!

Tel: 2544-8398. info@yogaroomhk.com www.yogaroomhk.com

DANCETRINITY STUDIO All day classes for Salsa, Ballet, Yoga, Pilates, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tango, Ballroom, ZUMBA and more! See the schedule @ www.dancetrinity.com now! +852 9634-9770

宇仁龍拳 KUNG FU / SELF-DEFENSE / TAI CHI All rounded training provides ways to maintain healthy body and release stress. Adult and children classes. www.hyylk.com Tel: 2803-4603

TUTORING IGCSE / A LEVELS / IB / SAT Maths, English & Literature.

Bio, Chemistry, Physics.

Accounting, Bus Studies, Economics, Geography, History, PE, Psychology.

French, German, Spanish, Chinese.

Years 1 to 13. Key Stages 1 to 3, SSAT & UK Common Entrance 7+ to 16+.

ESF, Boarding and International Schools.

Call: Tutoring 6461-8690

CONNIE’S HEALTH STATION IN CENTRAL Paraffin Body Wrap Reduces bloating moisturizes with Vit E 45 mins Trial Offer HK$365 Tel: 6142-4466 Whatsapp: 5598-1359

PRIVATE YOGA French & English David Grunig Swiss teacher certified 500 RYT davidgrunig@gmail.com 6604-5376 www.davidyoga.org

A professional tennis coach is available for all level and all ages. Fun. Stokes production, get fit and match play. Contact Ganes 6447–0905

TENNIS COACH. MOTIVATOR. FITNESS TRAINER U.S. Certified Professional. Stroke production and match play. All ages & levels.

Call Larry 9013-8344 / www.acematchpoint.com

Mobile DJ Service for wedding, private, office parties. Offering disco, club, R&B or by requests.

Mixer provided. Enquiry 9215-8022, discjockeybill@yahoo.com.hk

For advertising rates and further information on Box Ads. Call 2565-2310.

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ENTERLIANMENT

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HEALTH & BEAUTY / HOME

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BODY MASSAGE IN CENTRAL 20+ yrs experience First Trial: HK$300 / 60 mins Make a reservation on Whatsapp 6099-8494 Cash ONLY

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE Please relax your body with us For 1 hour $450 Hong Kong dollar, Please call for an appointment Tel: 6774-6727

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HOME / ETC

HOUSE PAINTING! UK Tradesman. Fast, tidy & reliable. Call: 2815-7929, www.cdihk.com

Counseling & Parenting Support Counseling (individual, couple, family) and consultation offered by bilingual clinical psychologist (Psy.D). Sliding scale. First free consultation. http://mettahelps.blogspot.com, livemetta@gmail.com, 9147-4234.

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HIDDEN GEMS

HOLA, GOOD LOOKING Hidden in the quieter side of Causeway Bay, Hola Classic sells elegant, charming men’s clothing.

Heavy on the tweeds, it’s classic English tailoring with a little bit of hipster flair. A window in the shop opens to a tailor’s workshop, and a custom suit will cost you in the ballpark of $2,000. In addition to bespoke dapper duds, you can also find socks, ties, and plenty of cufflinks to round out your outfit.

17 Haven St., Causeway Bay, 2870-0245, facebook.com/HolaClassic

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