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Weekend in S i n g a p o r e
Seven days a weekend | anniversaryissue
12 0f 12
The year’s favourite dozens
Fancy Lunches Four midday delights
runWESTIN
Running for a good cause
Snazzy Sofas Featuring 30 sofas we love
Vernetta & Roundhouse Anniversary celebrations
Across the Straits
Divine destinations in Malaysia
13 | 04:14
THE KITCHEN TABLE PRESENTS
SUNDAY REMIX
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INCLUDES FREE FLOW OF SOFT DRINKS, COFFEE & TEA
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BOOK NOW! CALL 6808 7268 THE KITCHENTABLE.SINGAPORE @WHOTELS.COM *ONLY FOOD & DRINK PURCHASED FROM WET MAY BE CONSUMED AT THE WET DECK.WET ACCESS IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO PURCHASE THE BUBBLY REMIX PACKAGE AND CHILDER UNDER 12. + PRICES ARE IN SINGAPORE DOLLARS, EXCLUSIVE OF 10% SERVICE CHARGE AND 7% GOVERNMENT TAX
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Stars at the Awards
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Academy Awards Viewing Party in partnership with Chopard
News | Events | Promos The 22nd annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party BlackBerry’s comeback The Easter message
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runWESTIN. Work Out. Do Good. Keep fit and run for a good cause Staycation packages from city hotels to island resorts
intheTASTE 28 32 33 34 36 38 40
A Sunday Brunch with edgy flavours Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore Vernetta & Roundhouse Anniversary celebrations Fancy Lunches Reasons to take that midday break Min Jiang at One-North Balzac Brasserie & Bar Absinthe LingZhi Vegetarian
WeekendinFEATURE 42
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Running for charity
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12 of 12 Weekendin’s favourite dozens over the year 12 top inspirational quotes 12 top eco-friendly sanctuaries 12 top beauty products 12 top bars & lounges 12 top hotel personalities 12 top gadgets 12 top spas 12 top airlines 12 top places to dine at 12 top amazing art works
intheHOME 86
30 sofas we love A sofa shopping guide: picking the right shape and style
intheLIFESTYLE 100 102
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Min Jiang at One-North
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Satiation in charming surrounds
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It’s about luxury travel Lindy Andrews becomes CEO of Luxperience Return to innocence Steven Chua on heading Dhensa Boutique Resorts Kids talk Karen De Jong Again A poem by Sophie Lim
intheLIFESTYLE (Entertainment) 106 107
Movies for April Top reads of the month
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Anniversaryissue on the cover
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30 Sofas We Love Snazzy sofas that stand out
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Rang Mahal at Pan Pacific Singapore
(Image courtesy of Rang Mahal Restaurants) Published monthly by:
Beyondotcom Pte Ltd 04-06 Hudson Technocentre 16 New Industrial Road | Singapore 536204 www.weekendin.com.sg
ontheWATER 108
Extreme Sailing Series 2014
inthePINK 112
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Return to Innocence
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Steven Chua - the chairman of Dhensa Boutique Resorts
intheCHILL 114
Happy Hour Tipples Best places for affordable stiff drinks
intheSHOP 116
Shop Style Luxury leisure shopping
intheACTION 118
HSBC Women’s Champions
acrosstheSTRAITS 120
ontheWATER
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Extreme Sailing
Essential Education Mt. Sapola Speciality Oils
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Visit Malaysia Year - 2014 Marvellous Malaysian destinations Langkawi Kota Kinabalu Kuching Penang Kuala Lumpur Malacca Ipoh Tenggol Island Cameron Highlands Taman Negara National Park Perhentian Islands
The original stadium-style racing circuit
WeekendinFEATURE
acrosstheSTRAITS
Visit Malaysia Year - 2014
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Divine destinations for that trip across the Straits
Weekend in Publisher Joseph Lim joseph@expatweekend.net Consulting Partner Adam Sullivan adam@weekendin.com.sg Group Editor Avril Sullivan avril@expatweekend.net ISSN: 19053878
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Our pick of the year’s favourite dozens
Editor Editorial print | digital | film Melanie Brett (Thailand) Jo Jewel melanie@weekendin.com.sg joyin@weekendin.com.sg Carol Misson Editorial Consultant carol@weekendin.com.sg June Ng Lianne Choo june@weekendin.com.sg lianne@expatweekend.net Sub-Editor Keisha Srinivasan John Howe (Thailand) keisha@weekendin.com.sg john@expatweekend.net Fidella Low fidella@weekendin.com.sg Sub-Editor Cristabel Chia Melissa Wong melissa@expatweekend.net cristabel@weekendin.com.sg
Contributors Vernetta Lopez Louise Barker Tanya Micallef Heidi Hudson Ian McKellar Stephan Lai Rebeka Bek Jeannette Lim Alastair Carthew Leong Kai Yan Jeanie Li
Production Lim Li En Creative
Charlotte Chia
Designers
Jaruwan Satornlug Darlene Dana Pairat Thamma
Photographers
Maximilian de Kruiff Andy Sim John Tan Narongsak Phromsen Kosit Sriratanobhas
Business Development Samuel Gomes samuel@expatweekend.net Penny Jarusatree penny@weekendin.com.sg Cecilia Regalado cecilia@weekendin.com.sg Palinee Narongwongwattana palinee@weekendin.com.sg
All Enquiries info@expatweekend.net
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of Beyondotcom Pte Ltd. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information herein, neither the publisher, editor, their employees and agents can be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies or omission in whatever way caused. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Weekendin are those of the authors, contributors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
editor’s note
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A Year to Remember Depending on the circumstances, a major anniversary can put you in any number of moods and, in this instance, celebratory of course. Anniversaries are times to take stock of where you’ve been and where you’re headed. That’s why we’re very excited about this month’s anniversary issue. To commemorate the event, our feature article, 12 of 12, is a retrospective showcase of a selection of lifestyle options that brings Weekendin’s very own beloved experiences to life. Over the past year, as we’ve been putting together issue after issue, the editorial team has spent a lot of time leafing through past issues, reminiscing of how time has flown and what a blast we’ve had working together on Weekendin. I revisited my very first editor’s note (back in 2006 with expatweekend), remembering that this all started from the desire to deliver quality yet pleasurable leisure reads, for you to explore and appreciate different options for your lifestyle choices. We’ve come a long way, but I’d like to think that we carry the seed of that initial idea in most of the things we do, in how we have created a magazine that caters to your every lifestyle need. So this editor’s note, and even this milestone issue, isn’t meant to be retrospective. Instead, maybe what we’re geared up for is to continue our efforts in making Weekendin a joyful read for all within the region. Being a part of something bigger than yourself can mean taking for granted the special elements of it that no one else gets to see but you and the other people involved—the behind-the-scenes hidden levers, pulleys and trick doors that one must pull once in a while. With Weekendin we’ve got 13 issues under our belt, we’ve met and spoken to so many new and interesting people, and we’ve explored a lot of themes and different mediums of expression, thanks to our extraordinary contributors, supporters and team. I’ve also been heartened by the outpouring of appreciation from Weekendin’s readers and our partners, along with our fans and followers on our social media platforms. I must take this opportunity to thank you. You’ve helped create an incredible success, and for that I am very thankful. I’m also very excited to welcome our sister magazine Weekendin Thailand that debuts this month. We’re very proud to have the magazine grace the bookstands, cafes, homes of our subscribers and in rooms of hotels and serviced apartments in Thailand. I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce our editor, Melanie Brett who will be heading the editorial team. So while we’ve had quite a year to remember, we’ve also got a fantastic year ahead to look forward to. So join me, wherever you are reading this, to raise your glass and toast to a tremendous 2014 with more exciting reads and thought-provoking articles.
avril Sullivan Yours Truly
Group editor
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Art Exhibition at The Ritz-Carlton 1 April - 1 July 2014
With its appointment as the official hotel partner for the PRUDENTIAL MALAYSIAN EYE exhibition, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur rolls out its own satellite art exhibition to help promote and support emerging Malaysian artists. The exhibition will display selected pieces from PRUDENTIAL MALAYSIAN EYE across two levels of the hotel. The show will be complemented by a special art-themed menu and cocktail selection in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge, as well as an exclusive ‘Art Stay’ package. For more information, vist please visit our website www.ritzcarlton.com
PUMA unveils official 2014 FIFA World Cup kits
Magners Singapore International Comedy Festival
PUMA parades the official 2014 FIFA World Cup kits for its eight partnered teams heading to Brazil this summer. The home and away kits for Italy, Switzerland, Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Chile and Uruguay were all released last week.
23 - 26 April 2014 | Boat Quay
The Magners Singapore International Comedy Festival will feature a smorgasbord of the biggest and brightest local, regional and international comedy acts. It will be presented in a fringe-style format, 34 comedians, 131 shows at 10 venues over 4 nights.
All PUMA National Team shirts feature PUMA’s new football apparel innovation PWR ACTV, a first-to-market use of both athletic taping and compression within the apparel. A full range of replica products including home and away shirts, shorts and a full merchandise collection for each team will be available for purchase. www..puma.com
Bar-hop from one show to another and lap up the hilarity; the near proximity of the venues and free street entertainment will facilitate comedy lovers to move from one venue to the next, soaking up the diverse and convivial atmosphere each has to offer.
A big bag of goodies from Rakuten Rakuten, Japan’s number one online shopping mall, has arrived in Singapore, literally with a big bang... or rather, a big bag. To celebrate its launch in Singapore, the e-commerce giant brought together the best of its Japanese and local merchants’ products in an experiential showcase at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza over three days, from March 28 – 30. The event was staged to give members of the public a taste of what Rakuten has to offer on its Singapore e-commerce site (www.rakuten.com.sg). In Japan, Rakuten is a household name with more than 75 million members using its site to purchase an extensive array of items
George designed by Luca Trazzi George™ is a revolutionary new fragrance All fragrances are alcohol-free and can be diffuser system that deploys scent capsules swapped and reused many times. GeorgeTM to diffuse a wide variety of scents. A unique comes with a rechargeable lithium battery feature of the fragrances ensuring easy mobility, or he is their inspiration coming can be plugged via USB cable from journeys all around the or to a power supply unit. globe. From the refreshing Available at Takashimaya, fragrance of the ocean to the Robinson and Tangs. earthy aroma of black tea leaves, consumers are sure to find something to their liking simply by switching out the capsules! Weekendin 8
www.comedyfest.com.sg
A partnership in performance Porsche Motorsport and Chopard A legendary team in the world of motorracing, Porsche Motorsport ties up with Swiss watchmaker Chopard for its grand comeback to competition in the LMP1 Endurance World Championship with its 919 Porsche Hybrid. Born of a common aspiration towards reliability and innovation, the exceptional mechanics from the workshops, of both Porsche Motorsport and Chopard, have made their mark on their respective worlds, remaining benchmarks among devotees of motorsports and watchmaking.
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KATE TOKYO KATE, one of the top makeup brands in Japan— for eleven consecutive years—takes on its competitors with its rebranding to KATE TOKYO. Their newly launched Spring/Summer collection will feature 11 products, ranging from base makeup to the season’s latest eye colours and eyeliners that are in consistent with the brand’s edgy fashion-forward ethos. Perfecting the draw of cat eyeliner eyes would be a lot easier with the limited edition Kate Super Sharp Liner 2 that comes with an ultra-thin Cold Storage Kids Run 18 May 2014 | Gardens by the Bay 0.03mm brush. KATE Spring/Summer 2014 Collection will be available from May 2014 at selected Guardian Pharmacy, OG, John Little, Nishino Pharmacy, Sasa Cosmetics and Watsons.
Grand Suite

At imm cologne 2014, the international furniture fair in Cologne, Walter Knoll flaunts innovation and flair —premium interiors— for the living and contract market.
First held seven years ago, the Cold Storage Kids Run 2014 welcomes children between the ages of six months to 12 years-old to participate under 13 different categories. With the new venue, the race capacity will be increased to 6,000 and families can also look forward to a new category, All Dressed Up Family Fun.
Grand Suite, their new sofa range from EOOS showcases pure elegance and spaciousness. Large, soft cushions and details in saddle leather, masterly crafted—a statement for your own home.
Categories range between 800 metres to 1.6 kilometres with competitive categories available for kids aged seven to twelve. Parents with younger kids are also welcome to join in on the fun at the S-26 Stroller Family Fun for 6-month to 23-month old toddlers. This event that never fails to conjure an enjoyable time for the entire family. Registration closes on 10 April 2014.
For more information, visit www.walterknoll.de
For registration visit www.kidsrun.com.sg
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The Singapore Art Fair
27 - 30 November 2014 | Suntec Singapore Riding on the waves of the booming art scene in Singapore, another art event has presented itself to further establish Singapore as an art hub. This contemporary art fair will be the first in Asia committed to the rich artistic offerings of the ME.NA. SA regions (Middle East, North Africa, South and South-East Asia). The Singapore Art Fair will feature 60 galleries from around the world, 20 solo show booths from emerging artists. For more information visit www.singapore-artfair.com
Lunasol W Lighting Collection The Lunasol 15th Anniversary Summer Eyes, is a five-colour eye shadow set that adorns eyes with translucent luster and elegant sparkles to create a sleek yet summery defined look. The Collection features a whole range of beauty products from eye shadows, mascaras and lip gloss to nail polishes Available at all Lunasol counters from May 2014. For more information, visit www.lunasol-net.com
Oasis–Spring/Summer 2014 Dazzling pattern, prints and pretty pops of colour are what define Oasis, Spring/ Summer 2014 collection. The 20-year-old contemporary British brand has opened its first standalone flagship store at Wisma Atria that spans over 1,500 sq ft. Oasis, Spring/Summer 2014 collection showcases over 40 pieces that flaunts a myriad of florals and botanicals to marble effects, tribal motifs and graphic monochrome designs. It is dominated by contrast shades of pastel ice cream flavours alongside bold, bright hues that are sure to entice. As it is the season of crop tops and skirts, the separates, available in rich jacquards, soft denims and structured leathers, channel a demure, almost ladylike appeal while keeping the trend modern. For more information, visit www.oasis-stores.com
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Academy Awards Viewing Party The 22nd annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish in partnership with Chopard raised $5.1 million for the fight against HIV/AIDS. The gala, which took place on Sunday, March 2, at West Hollywood Park in Los Angeles, was co-sponsored by Chopard, Neuro Drinks, and Wells Fargo; American Airlines serves as the Foundation’s official sponsoring airline.
Elton John & David Furnish
Jane Fonda wearing Chopard at the VF Oscars Party Weekendin 12
Caroline Scheufele, Taylor Swift & Jaime King
Heidi Klum
Karlie
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e Kloss wearing Chopard at the VF Oscars Party
Lydia Hearst
Caroline Scheufele & Lady Gaga
Emmy Rossum
Penelope Cruz wearing Chopard
Karolina Kurkova 13 Weekendin
Latest US Craze Hits Spotlight
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GET YOUR EASTER GOODIES AT SPOTLIGHT PLAZA SINGAPURA Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way—but not without the right Easter eggs for the hunt or some adorable DIY projects. There is more to Easter than just chocolate eggs.
Make any kid’s heart sing with joy with bright-coloured plastic eggs filled with tiny treasures or bring the spirit of Easter into your home with these easy handcrafted decorations.
Level 5, Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839 +65 6733 9808 www.spotlight.com.sg
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Brotzeit®’s 8th Birthday Bash In celebration of Brotzeit®’s 8th Anniversary Birthday Party, a carnival-themed party was organised all in the name of good fun with buskers and games.
Winners of 20th Anniversary Photography Contest To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts in 2014, a worldwide photography competition showcasing vivid memories and experiences at Banyan Tree has culminated with over 3,000 photos being submitted by past guests. Three winners were chosen by an expert judging panel, and these, along with 17 other short-listed photos, will join a global travelling photography exhibition, capturing the essence of Banyan Tree and its milestone anniversary for all to enjoy.
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A ROOM WITH A YOU-GOTTA-SEE-THIS-VIEW. Millennium Hilton Bangkok is an award winning stunning ultra-contemporary hotel, with 533 guest rooms that blend welcoming warmth, sheer contemporary cool and absolute river views from every room. The hotel features four stunning restaurants, rooftop bar, a standalone spa and attractions like the Grand Palace, Reclining Buddha, Temple of Dawn and Asiatique Riverfront are just a short boat ride away. For room reservations please visit bangkok.hilton.com or call 66-2-442-2000 STAY HILTON. GO EVERYWHERE.
123 Charoennakorn Road | Klongsan | Bangkok | Thailand 10600 | | | THAILAND Š2013 Hilton Worldwide
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Miss Paris & Dandy House
Chronomat Airborne
Japanese spa brand, Shape Up House opens its first unisex spa in Southeast Asia and Singapore, Miss Paris & Dandy House offers a private couple room and five individual rooms with a total of six beds designing invigorating sophistication that Japanese interiors are preeminent about.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its flagship Chronomat model, Breitling is launching a special series with a resolutely technical and professional look. It encapsulates the entire spirit of this legendary chronograph that has become a reference in the field of pilot’s instruments, and revives the design and spirit of the original Frecce Tricolori chronograph.
Ngee Ann City #05-25
Miss Paris & Dandy House is well established in major Japanese cites as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong. One of their Signature Highlights for ladies is the 90-minute Signature Triple Burn Method that involves a three-step treatment process that effectively reduces the three different types of fats around the body—cellulite, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, resulting in a healthier slimmer body that efficiently resists weight gain. Men can look forward to smooth and lasting hair-free skin with their Epilation Treatment. Other treatments like acupoint therapy, anti-ageing facials and foot reflexology are also available.
This special series Chronomat Airborne is distinguished by its satin-brushed rotating bezel equipped with four raised rider tabs serving to count off flight times, while facilitating rotation even with gloved hands. In keeping with its aeronautical vocation, the Chronomat Airborne is fitted with an ultra-sturdy strap in black military-type fabric, secured by a folding clasp. For more information, visit www.breitling.com
Yanqi Lake Beijing
Kempinski
Hotel
For more information, visit www.miss-paris. Set to open its doors in May 2014, the com.sg. development sits on 14 square-kilometre grounds in the heart of scenic Yanqi Lake, Beijing. It includes a total of 595 guestrooms and suites with 306 rooms at the Yanqi Lake Kempinski Hotel Beijing located on the main land. A further 111 rooms at the State Guest House and 178 rooms spread across 12 Boutique Hotels are situated on a private island.
Oriental Residence Bangkok
The Peninsula Paris
For more information, visit www.kempinski.com The Peninsula Hotels makes its grand entrance into Europe with The Peninsula Paris, setting spectacular new standards in design, luxury and comfort. The century-old classic building has been meticulously restored and modernised to create the latest example of Peninsula excellence.
Upcoming events and promotions
The Peninsula Paris is located just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées in the heart of the elegant 16th arrondissement, within walking distance to some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts
Songkran Staycation Package 2014 | 7-20 April THB5,700++ to THB 15,195++ Beat the Heat this Songkran at Oriental Residence Bangkok!
Easter Celebrations at Café Claire | 20 April Centara Sandy Beach For more information, visit www.peninsula.com Enjoy Easter with an array of fun and Now until 31 December 2014 entertaining activities. Golfers can now enjoy playing the 18 holes at Engagement Fair 2014 | 24-25 May Montgomerie Links or Da Nang Golf Club, and Check out their luxurious engagement spaces then relax in an ocean-view room at Sandy and services, exclusive offerings including Beach Non Nuoc Resort Danang Vietnam chances to win free stays. managed by Centara. For more info visit www.oriental-residence.com The 2-night package (Superior Ocean View room), which includes green fees and caddie fees starts from VND 3.900.000 (USD 186) per person for twin occupancy (weekdays only).
Harley to Aleenta Hua Hin
For more information, visit www. centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cdv/ Aleenta is adding thrill to tranquillity by offering Harley Davidson transfers from Bangkok. The ultimate Easy Rider experience weaves through fishing villages, limestone karsts, national parks, farm land and off the beaten track temples, such as Khao Luang cave temple just outside of Petchaburi, before reaching Pranburi, 30 minutes past Hua Hin town. For more information, visit www.aleenta.com/ huahin/special-offers/action-package.php Weekendin 18
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Easter spread at AquaMarine 20 April 2014 | 12pm - 4pm | $68++
AquaMarine at Marina Mandarin welcomes Easter with a delightful spread, where little ones will be treated to activities such as egg hunting, face painting and balloons sculpting. On the menu are highlights from the seafood counter and chicken shawarma marinated with organic honey and ginger. Complete the meal with sweet treats like freshly made crepes and carrot scones with flower scented jams. Easter goodies such as vanilla bavarois with pear mousse cake, hot cross buns, chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs, will also be available from 1 April to 20 April, at Café Mocha (lobby level).
Carosel’s Easter brunch
For reservations and enquiries, guests can call 6845 1111 or email aquamarine.marina@ meritushotels.com.
20 April 2014 | 11.30am - 2.30pm | $68++
Easter Eggs-travaganza
Easter brunch at Carosel includes oven-roasted whole baby lamb, oven-roasted prime ribs with Yorkshire pudding and Jacob potatoes, and baked whole Branzino fish with pesto and root vegetables. Other fare includes fresh seafood like Maine lobsters, spanner crabs, freshlyshucked Canadian oysters and home-smoked salmon gravlax. The dessert list stars the Simnel cake, carrot cake with cheese frosting, blackcurrant Dundee cake with candied fruits and Easter chocolate orange tarts. Otherwise, if home is how you would like to revel in the occasion, festive takeaways are available from 14 to 20 April.
Celebrate an Easter Eggs-travaganza this 20 April with Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore. Their Easter Vintage Champagne Brunch at Green house will leave guests spoilt for choice as it offers a delicious display of more than 80 culinary presentations. Diner get to relish an array of crustaceans, including eight types of Oysters to shucked to order, Tiger Prawns and Crabs. At 1p.m. guests get a special presentation of Scrambled Organic Eggs enhanced with Porcini, Asparagus, Truffles, Mascarpone, Parsley and Red Wine Gravy to commemorate the occasion.
For enquiries and reservations, contact Carousel at 6589 7799 or visit www.carouselbuffet.com.sg.
For enquires, call 6434 5288 or email rc.sinrz. restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com
The Best for Mum
Plaza Brasserie | 1- 31 May 2014 | From $39++ Plaza Brasserie celebrates Mother’s Day with their month-long The Best for Mum buffet. For the month of May, all mums and grandmas will receive four treats: a Peach and Ginger Mocktail, a bowl of Double-Boilded Herbal Black Chicken Soup, an invitation to a complimentary culinary class by Executive Chef Jackson Goh to learn two popular Plaza Brasserie dishes, and a complimentary Father’s Day buffet voucher for one.
For Mother
Mt. Sapola | 14 April to 11 May 2014 Mt. Sapola celebrates Mother’s Day by rolling out three new gift sets designed to pamper and invigorate mothers this Mother’s Day.
The gifts include their Lime-Mint Hand Cream Check out how mums and grandmas can dine paired with a bear-shaped Cutie Diffuser created to give mums youthful-looking hands $59.90).
Shakespeare and ice cream for free at: www.parkroyalhotels.com under the stars The Merchant of Venice | Fort Canning 30 April to 25 May 2014
Häagen-Dazs partners the Singapore Repertory Theatre to stage one of Shakespeare’s most dramatic comedies, The Merchant of Venice. This annual Shakespeare in the Park production has upgraded itself into a multi-sensory experience as the audience enjoys delectable ice cream under the glittering night sky. Audiences can purchase and enjoy Häagen-Dazs’ ice-cream from booths at Fort Canning through the entire run of The Merchant of Venice. For more information visit www.haagendazs.com.sg Weekendin 20
Another product to indulge mum is Mt. Sapola’s lavender-based products, which consist of Mt. Sapola’s Home-Scent in Lavender, a tube of Lavender-Chamomile Hand Cream and a Carnation Bouquet Diffuser ($109.90). Envelop your mom with the sweet, deep Rose aroma and let it sooth her spirit and soul. The Rose Essential Oil helps to battle various mood imbalances, such as depression, grief and anger. Pair this with their Pink Tulip Bone China Electric Burner ($144.90). ww.mountsapola.com
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The new Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water Tapping on its extensive and innovative Water Science Research, Laneige brings to the market three products under its Brightening Sparkling Water range—Pop Essence, Capsule Mist, and Peeling Mask. The products utilises sparkling water that is said to revive radiance and dramatic brightness to skin, from inside out. Aside from skincare benefits, Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water range also features refreshing scent to enliven the experience. The unique scent is derived from a Citrus Aromatic line. For more information, visit www.laneige.com
Ottoman Kebab & Grill If you are looking for an authentic Turkish meal in an elegant Ottoman inspired ambience, make your way to the Ottoman Kebab and Grill in Bedok Mall. From the group that brings you successful brands such as award-winning contemporary Indian restaurant Zaffron Kitchen and casual chic Prata Wala, Ottoman Kebab and Grill is definitely a must-visit for middle-eastern food lovers.
The Missing Pan Husband and wife team, Bernard Toh and Grace Chia has ditched suits and ties for aprons and rolling pins to open up an all-day bakery and brasserie, The Missing Pan.
Helmed by experienced native Turkish chef Ali Kose, the restaurant boasts an incomparable variety in traditional Turkish delights
Tucked along Bukit Timah Road, The Missing Pan serves up organic artisanal breads and modern cuisine all day. In the morning, you’ll be drawn to the uplifting whiff of fresh breads, made on the premises without the use of preservatives, additives and flavourings. From ciabattas, focaccias, organic sourdoughs to ryes and multigrain, these breads are baked with a spin on traditional methods. 619D Bukit Timah Road | #01/02-01 Singapore 269724 | T: 6466 4377 www.themissingpan.com
311 New Upper Changi Road | #01-75 | Bedok Mall | Singapore 467360 | T: 6702 4031
Soneva Kiri’s Triple Gem Six Senses Spa treatments Soneva Kiri’s Six Senses Spa offers a trio of treatments designed to invigorate bodies and minds through a holistic healing approach. Each package is tailored to each guest’s needs by expert spa hosts to deliver highly personalised paths to wellbeing and relaxation.: • Ayurvedic Wellness Programme—from 5 nights at USD5,170 • The Sleep Well & De-stress Programme—from 5 nights at USD5,100 • The Weight Loss Programmes —from 7 nights at USD7,530
RMK Powder Soap
Banyan Tree Gallery’s The Lotus Collection features a range of body lotion, body scrub, shower gel and face mist, which are enriched with lotus leaf and flower extracts that are known for its anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also blended with moisturising botanical oils, cocoa butter and vitamin E.
The new RMK Powder Soap is created with Papaya Proteinase and nature’s own cleansing agents Amaranthus and Soapwort Extract. It’s designed to break down excess oil, dirt, and the buildup of keratinocytes and melanin on the epidermis without removing any essential moisture for a brighter silkier skin. Ideal for women with sensitive skin, the soufflé-like foam is gentle to the skin and prevents inflammation and irritation.
The Lotus Collection is available from April at Banyan Tree Galleries. For more information, visit www.banyantreegallery.com
RMK Powder Soap is priced at $46 (35g) and will be available at all RMK counters from May 2014 onwards.
Lotus Collection by Banyan Tree
For more information, visit www.soneva.com
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Blasting up the party with Jabra’s new Solemate Max wireless sneaker speaker It just got easier for party-goers and music junkies to invite their neighbourhood over and get the party started with Jabra’s new Solemate Max wireless sneaker speaker—the big brother of Jabra’s family of popular wireless speakers. This boom box-style, high-fidelity speaker has no cables to worry about and doesn’t compromise on sound quality. In fact, the Jabra Solemate Max is so powerful that no one who has tested it has dared to turn the volume up to its maximum. While loud and bassy music makes a good party, the Jabra’s Sound app makes the party even better. With a new Social Jukebox feature, users can create playlists and share them with guests through a Facebook events page. Guest can then vote for their favourite songs to be played at the party, making all of them collaborative DJs for the night! For more information, visit http://www.jabra.com
BlackBerry’s back with BES12 and Q20 BlackBerry is making a comeback this year. It has recently introduced new products and services that enables go getters and enterprises to maximise productivity, communication and collaboration. This new strategy is engineered to restore customers’ confidence in BlackBerry. Enterprises will get more secured and private mobility solutions through various systems like the BlackBerry Enterprise Service (BES), BES12 that allows quick deployment of enterprise-grade applications to BlackBerry smartphones and other mobile devices. Go getters can look out for the BlackBerry Q20 smartphone. It is an upcoming QWERTY smartphone that offers new features like a new 3.5’’ touch screen and keyboards with frets and sculpted keys without obliterating its classic BlackBerry design and experience. The BES12 platform will be available by the end of 2014 and the new BlackBerry Q20 smartphone will be available from the second half of 2014. For more information visit www.blackberry.com
New Sandisk Connect From 29 March 2014
With the recently launched SanDisk Connect™, consumers can now expand the memory on their mobile devices conveniently, streaming and storing content on-the-go without the Internet. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive is a great addition for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Kindle Fire and Android™ devices to instantly increase storage capacity. As user-friendly as a USB, the drive has a storage capacity of 64GB. The SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive is a mobile entertainment companion for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Kindle Fire and Android devices. Users can conveniently stream and store high-definition movies, browse and share photos directly from an SD card and listen to music onthe-go, all without an Internet connection. It is available in capacities up to 64GB and even has a SDHC™/SDXC™ memory card slot which not only further increases storage capacity, but also enables users to view high-quality photos on a mobile device from a camera’s memory card. For more information visit www.sandisk.com Weekendin 22
Special Easter Message What came first, Easter or the egg? Ian McKellar
Everybody’s talking about the movie Noah. A reliable prophet once said that the last days would be just like the days of Noah. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. Opinions seem to be so divided as to whether this movie is accurate or not, or whether it is even worth watching. Well, like any story it depends on what you get out of it. King Solomon, the world’s wisest man at that time, said it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting. Amazing! In other words it’s not how entertaining an event is that matters, but whether the event makes you wise or not. Does it give you reason to contemplate your future and make good choices in the light of what is inevitable, or does it numb you and keep you from contemplating your options? The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fool is in the house of pleasure. (Ecclesiastes 7:4) Could it be that the movie Noah is giving us a golden opportunity to contemplate our future? (Not that I’ve seen the movie, I have only read the book.) I remember when Mel Gibson released his movie The Passion of the Christ in 2004. Everyone was talking about it. I was having my haircut and asked the hairdresser what she thought of it. Her answer was profound. It’s the only movie I’ve seen that does not have a beginning and an end, she said. In a very real sense, the story of Noah could be said to depict both the beginning and the end of the story of The Passion of the Christ. This wicked world is bad and getting worse. We are not going to, or apparently not even able to change the course that the world has chosen. So we need a re-boot. A new start. A new world made up of new people, and God gives us all a chance to choose to be part of this new world order. Noah heard God and made a choice. We have the same opportunity today. At Easter, it is traditional to give chocolate Easter eggs. These are symbols of new life and remind us of the new life promised by God. We need to realise that God desires something much better for us. But first we must be convinced that the pleasure of wickedness is only for a season, and the distorted obsession with self, wealth, sex and power is not a good foundation to build our future upon. Not for us, not for our children, and not for our grandchildren. Today we don’t need to build an ark like Noah to escape from the world of wickedness. But we do need to put our trust in God’s supernatural provision. As Bono and B. B. King sang in When Love Comes to Town: I was there when they crucified my Lord, I held the scabbard while the soldier drew his sword. I threw the dice when they pierced his side, But I’ve seen love conquer the great divide. When love comes to town I’m gonna catch that train, When love comes to town I’m gonna catch that plane. Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down, But I did what I did before love came to town. Easter is about God loving the world and putting into place a rescue plan for all of humanity—a rescue plan just like Noah’s ark. But this time we are not expecting a flood to wipe us out; just like the fall of Rome (and many other great civilisations of the past), we will just rot on the inside and collapse in great pain and turmoil as the Barbarians at the gate plunder and destroy all that is good. It is better to build our society on a future that is caring and loving, gracious and true, without anger or vengeance, but one that is forgiving and generous. Easter is about death, and life. Christ crucified. Christ raised to life again. When we contemplate the future of this world, and the inevitable problems that we face, what should our response be? God made a way for Noah. Today God is still making a way of deliverance expressed magnificently in the Easter story. His promise is to help us and inspire us, to bring life where there is death, if we ask him to help us. 23 Weekendin
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runWESTIN. Work Out. Do Good On the 21st of February this year, Westin Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific announced the launch of the runWESTIN. Work Out. Do Good charity drive. Tied to the brand’s highly successful gear lending programme with New Balance, the campaign kicked off with a one-day charity running event. Attracting and gathering 100 running enthusiasts in the heart of Marina Bay, it gave participating runners a taste of the 5-kilometre running routes Westin had planned out for its Singapore franchise. Meandering from Maxwell Road to Marina Boulevard, across the Helix Bridge to Gardens by the Bay, and finally Marina Barrage, the routes promised runners fresh air and a good view of the city. Part of a region-wide charitable endeavour from Singapore to Tokyo, guests were encouraged to keep fit and run for a good cause. Lasting all the way to 30 April, Westin will donate a new pair of New Balance shoes to Soles4Souls, a charity that provides footwear to those in Weekendin 24
need. For Westin hotels in Greater China, New Balance shoes will be donated to Zhejiang Xinhua Compassion Education Foundation. For every 20 guests who borrows the Westin New Balance gear, or use the runWestin running route map during their stay in the hotel, one pair of shoes would be donated to the beneficiaries. Additionally, guests who take part in this charity campaign will be invited to write a personal message to the donation beneficiaries as a personal reach-out. Westin’s generous endeavours do not end there. The best penned messages will be eligible to win New Balance running shoes. Westin encourages all its guests to keep in the pink of health. Running does not stop at a one-off event. Its hotel boasts various workout facilities and signature amenities. The WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio comes with a range of state-of-the-art equipment and customised workouts for guests to keep up with, or switch up their fitness routines. This is facilitated by the New Balance gear lending programme, which provides guests with quality athletic shoes and apparel during their stay. This breakthrough gear lending programme was launched in November 2012, and elimi-
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nates the hassle of packing workout gear while travelling. For a small fee, guests can borrow a variety of New Balance apparel and shoes, and simultaneously work out in style. We are thrilled to roll out ‘Work Out. Do Good.’ in Asia Pacific, highlighting the Westin brand’s commitment to making fitness convenient for travellers with its New Balance gear lending programme, said Vincent Ong, Senior Director of Brand Management in Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Furthermore, RunWESTIN™ provides maps that feature 5-kilometre and 8-kilometre jogging routes from the hotel, whichever you prefer. Alternatively, you could follow the same route to have a long leisurely walk in the late afternoon. If you are a local who is immensely interested in this experience Westin has to offer, and happen to be a running enthusiast, why not apply for the position of the runWESTIN Concierge? Available at over 20 Westin properties in Asia Pacific, the runWESTIN concierge mainly helps turn guests’ workouts into an exploration of the locale by leading them for a run, sharing outdoor running tips and providing suggestions to improve guests’ fitness conditions. Apart from interacting with an international community of tourists, this position will also allow one to lead associates’ wellness activities, and also represent The Westin Singapore in both local and overseas marathons. Write in to careers.singapore@westin.com if you love travelling as much as you love running, and have a charismatic personality with an ability to engage and motivate others. The Westin Singapore offers a renewal opening package for its panoramic hotel stay starting from SGD345, inclusive of buffet breakfast and complimentary high-speed internet access, valid also until 30 April 2014. SPG members will receive double Starpoints® as part of the package.
The Westin Singapore | 12 Marina View | Asia Square Tower 2 | Singapore 018961 | T 6922 6888 | www.westin.com/singapore Weekendin 26
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This package includes: Free entry to Sentosa Island Free Sentosa Express tickets Free buffet breakfast at Silver Shell Cafe Free buffet dinner at Silver Shell Cafe Complimentary lunch and dinner for children registered with Cool Zone’s full day programme Three free swings on The Flying Trapeze per stay Free broadband Internet access in guestrooms and around the resort One complimentary sofa bed for the child
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Sheraton Towers From S$295++
When 2 Become 1 Valid until 31 December 2013 for Friday to Sunday only For those who yearn for some private moments with your beloved, enjoy an exclusive romantic package which includes: American Buffet Breakfast for 2 (In-room service or The Dining Room) Welcome amenity of a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit basket. Sheraton Towers Singapore | 39 Scotts Road | Singapore 228230 | T 6737 6888 www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton
Ascott Raffles Place From S$298 As an individual who expects no less than the highest standards of service combined with exclusive and luxurious living, you’ll find a ready welcome at Ascott The Residence. The Weekends Away package includes: Daily breakfast for two persons Daily housekeeping service Wired and wireless internet access 20% discount at The Royal Mail (valid on a-la carte food orders for dinner on Fri and Sat only) 2 Finlayson Green | Singapore 049247 | T 6577 1688 | F 6577 1668 www.the-ascott.com
Carlton City Hotel From S$288++ | Inclusive “Seafood & Wok” Dinner for Two and complimentary wireless broadband | From 14 Mar to 30 May (check-in every Friday)
Dine and stay at Carlton City with our TGIF staycation! Feast on all-you-can-eat seafood and opt to enhance the evening with free flow beer and house pour wines. If food comatose is experienced thereafter, sleep it off without having to commute home. Stay in a comfortable, designer-inspired Deluxe Room or upgrade the night’s rest in an Executive Room. One-night’s stay in an Executive Room inclusive of “Seafood & Wok” Dinner for Two, complimentary wireless broadband and mini bar (replenished once daily) from $318++ per room per night. 1 Gopeng Street | Singapore 078862 | T 6632 8999 | F 6632 8800 reservations@carltoncity.sg | carltoncity.sg
Summer Staycation at Raffles Singapore From S$595++ | Raffles Inc State-room or Courtyard Suite | Weekends only Suite package includes: - One night stay in a luxurious suite - Children below 12years stay (using existing beddings) for free and dine for free with their parent(s) at hotel-operated restaurants - Daily buffet breakfast at Tiffin Room - One time buffet dinner at Bar & Billiard Room or Tiffin Room - Guaranteed late check-out till 6pm - Complimentary parking - 24hour butler service - 24hour wireless internet - Welcome Singapore Sling & fresh fruits upon arrival, while children will enjoy fruit smoothies and cookies - S$500 Raffles Hotel Arcade Shopping Discount Vouchers Raffles Hotel | 1 Beach Road | 189673 | T 6337 1886 | www.raffles.com Weekendin 28
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Weekend Package at Goodwood Park Hotel
S$288++ per night in a Deluxe Room Valid on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Eve of and On Public Holidays, until 31 December 2014
Package Perks: - Buffet breakfast for two persons - Complimentary internet access - 20% off a la carte spa services and treatments at Spa Rael - 10% off a la carte hair services and treatments (except Brazilian treatment) at Georgina’s salon Terms & Conditions: - Room rates are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes - Full non-refundable prepayment is required at point of booking - Black-out dates and seasonal surcharges apply accordingly Goodwood Park Hotel | 22 Scotts Road | 228221 | T 6730 1811/44 rmresv@goodwoodparkhotel.com | www.goodwoodparkhotel.com
Regent From S$259++ | Until 29 December 2013 The Weekend Indulgence promotion for a Superior Room applies only for arrivals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Package includes: Welcome Champagne upon arrival Breakfast for two in Basilico Complimentary Internet Access Complimentary upgrade of room (for min. 2-night stay) 10% off Perfect Picnic, a customised basket of Italian picnic treats from Dolcetto by Basilico (starts from $30 per pax and advance notice is required) Please quote the promotional code: INDULGE Regent Singapore| 1 Cuscaden Road | T +65 6725 3088 | email: reservation.rsn@fourseasons.com.
Pan Pacific From S$318++ | Until 30 December 2013 Indulge yourself in a 5-star staycation at Pan Pacific Singapore. Package includes: Breakfast at Edge for two Complimentary Internet access Two complimentary parking coupons daily Includes S$40 hotel credit Complimentary late check out until 3:00pm
Pan Pacific Singapore | 7 Raffles Boulevard | Marina Square T +65 6336 8111 | www.panpacific.com 29 Weekendin
SPECIAL FEATURE
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A Sunday Brunch with Edgy Flavours Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore offers more than just ordinary brunch fare. Sundays are for sleeping in, browsing for produce at the local farmer’s market, catching up on some reading and, most importantly, for indulging in luxurious brunch amidst banter and chatter with loved ones. There is no doubt that this languorous meal was invented for those who love to linger over good food and a flute of champagne or two. For those who appreciate the benefits of a little Sunday culinary hedonism, my advice would be to head down to Edge at Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore where you can sip and sup in style. Whether you are craving classic scrambled eggs with bacon, or poached egg with truffle coulis, your cravings for a fine and fulfilling meal will be more than satisfied at Edge. Singapore—the scion of Asian consumerism, the pulsing heart of the continent, the Mecca of commerce, business and entertainment—is a vibrant and exciting city where east and west collide in a perfect spectacle of colour, style and flavour. Always several steps ahead of her regional competitors, there is always something new in Singapore. Nothing encompasses this little red dot better than the Pan Pacific Singapore. Edge is one of the many eateries at the hotel that strives to offer guests a stimulating dining experience. The restaurant takes Sundays to the edge with a brunch inspired to wow its guests’ senses. Located on the third floor, Edge offers brunch-goers a choice of exciting and tasty experiences, including seven food theatres that proudly present a la minute cuisine. From Chinese, Malay, Indian, Singaporean, Thai, Japanese, and Pan Pacific’s signature Pacific Cuisines, you undoubtedly have to bid au revoir to that diet and let loose a little. Purists will find many of their favourite local dishes unaltered, save for the modern twist of flavour here and there. Culinary adventurers will be teased by the smorgasbord of sights, smells, sounds, tastes and textures 29 Weekendin
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of cuisines from around the Pacific Rim. Tuck into a feast of prime rib, Waygu beef, suckling pig and many more at the carver’s station. Ensure to give yourself plenty of time to sample the vast variety of delicacies on offer. When it comes to Edge, you will be spoilt for choice at the myriad of tasty treats that await you. Head over to the grill for a Japanese inspired grilled Omi Wagyu steak and signature Pan Pacific sausages with delectable sauces so good they are to die for. Unhurriedly move on over to the Chinese section and feast on a medley from the basket of steamed fare. Ensure you try the steamed grouper and the chicken rice. As you load up on other scrumptious delicacies from the world’s most copied cuisine, take note of the authenticity and range of flavours that the chefs have so skillfully transferred onto a plate. Not yet satiated? Then the deli and crustacean bar will do the trick. A wide range of fresh seafood is on display and ready to be consumed by hungry brunch-goers. With three types of French and Canadian oysters up for grabs along with Boston lobster, Alaskan crab, baby scallops, regular scallops, and prawns, seafood lovers will never want to leave. On your way back to the table, do not forget to stop by the Thai station where delicious Som Tum (mango salad) and mango sticky rice await. In typical Japanese fashion, simplicity is key and Edge delivers with an excellent sushi and sashimi bar. From duck confit ravioli pasta made a la minute, to home cured salmon gravlax, everything is exceptionally flavourful especially when paired with a free flow of Verve Clicquot. My favourite indulgence would have to be the two-metre long cheeseboard that boasts 30 varieties of cheese. To the jubilation of many, Raclette, the world’s most famous melting cheese can now be found at Edge. Consumed widely in the Alpine region of Switzerland and France, Raclette is a delectable meal that has been a big part of European culture for centuries. With a light milky flavour and a silky, smooth texture, even those who are not huge fans of cheese will be delighted by Raclette. Younger and a tad softer in flavour than most other Alpine cheeses, Raclette is delicious especially when melted over potatoes, vegetables or bread.
One cannot ask for more when it comes to the dessert station. With 20 varieties of dessert, including a candy crush inspired treat, every item is memorable. The desserts at Edge are a gastronomic equivalence of swimming in a giant fountain of melted chocolate with cheesecakes, fruits, and everything else sweet and delectable within reach. No matter how stuffed you may be after the savoury meal, you must not resist digging into a gigantic multi-layer red velvet cake, or a perfectly sliced sour cream cheesecake. Although some of the desserts may look very ordinary, the flavours are certainly extraordinary, so do not let mere appearances fool you. The pear crumble paired with homemade strawberries and cream ice cream is a must-try. Overall, the entire dessert station is in a class of its own and is not to be missed. When it comes to the week’s most decadent meal, my vote is for Sunday brunch at Edge. It invites you to linger at your table and nibble at top-notch cuisines, encourages you to have a tipple or two at noon, and insists that you indulge and simply relax. Edge is an excellent venue for those who yearn to be bowled over by great service, fine food and great ambience. Brunch at Edge boasts the culinary flavours of the Pacific Rim in a vibrant surrounding and is definitely an unforgettable experience worth the splurge. Sunday Brunch is served every Sunday from 12:00pm - 4:00pm Prices: • $158++ per adult inclusive of unlimited Veuve Clicquot champagne, Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, beers and cocktails • $98++ (ages 12 - 17) inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea • $49++ (ages 7 – 11) inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea • Children below six dine for free
EDGE | Level 3 | Pan Pacific Singapore 7 Raffles Boulevard | Singapore 039595 T +65 6826 8240 | celebrate.sin@panpacific.com www.edgefoodtheatre.com 31 Weekendin
Vernetta&Roundhouse
How many anniversaries do we need to celebrate? by Vernetta Lopez
actress, radio DJ and owner of Roundhouse: Pizza, Bar & Grill
There’s the first meeting, the first date, the first kiss, the first shag, the first holiday together, the first drawer he gives you in his cupboard, the first fight, the first ‘look-thatcould-kill’ from her, the first breakup. I don’t know about you but the word ‘first’ is looking weird to me now… But of course, there’s the first engagement (there’s more than one?) and the first marriage (more often more than one!). When do we stop? I say when we stop having options on the gifts! Elements represent the gifts of nature that you should give to your sweetheart, and if you’ve missed out on the last few years, you’re about to be slightly poorer. But the good news is that the first year is Paper, so you could just give a card. Depending on what you write on the card, you will either get an aww or a really dirty look, mainly because you forgot to get a gift. Let’s face it—you need to give a gift! And a paper copy of the wedding bill does not count. The second year is Cotton. A lifetime supply of facial cotton perhaps? She’ll never run out of the ability to remove makeup or dab the wounds from throwing sharp objects at you for forgetting to get her a gift. The boys could receive a really nice teddy bear stuffed with cotton. Or skip the cotton and just do the teddy. He’ll definitely be happy with that. I should have started with the forewarning that both parties should happily agree that it’s romantic as hell to do the ‘elements anniversary’ gifts, otherwise it’s just hell.
livery of flowers arrives in front of every other woman in the vicinity to bear witness and get jealous, they are very, very pleased. And of course, I always put a disclaimer that if she really doesn’t like flowers and throws them in your face because you bought her lilies and she’s allergic, then you’re on your own. As for the fruit, a beautiful bracelet with a charm in the shape of a fruit would be nice. It won’t rot, you see. Then there’s Wood for the fifth year, Sugar for the sixth, Wool or Copper for the seventh, Bronze and Pottery for the eighth, and Willow for then ninth, and for the tenth year, Tin. The tenth year is always a bit of a disappointment unless you’re a baked beans fan, in which case; score! At this point you’re either divorced, need a tetanus shot or you’re barter trading empty cans for forks and spoons (eleventh year is Steel); either way, it might be a good idea to stick to the main anniversary, which is the wedding. It’s significant, special and a great marker for knowing how many years you have left to save up for the diamonds (60th Anniversary. I’m staying positive, here!) Whatever the reason, celebrate each other and a Happy Anniversary to you! My recommendation for an anniversary dinner menu at Roundhouse: Pizza, Bar & Grill 1. 2. 3. 4.
The third year is Leather. Easy: whips, boots, tassels; you get the idea. Yes, it’s a cowboy theme. Sure it is. The fourth year is Fruit and Flowers. Guys, women love flowers. No matter how much they complain about the price, or that it’s a waste of money, or that it’s just silly, the moment a deWeekendin 32
Start with the Tuna Tartare Portobello Mushroom or our Angus Ribeye Steak for Mains Lemon Cheesecake or Cheese Platter to share as Dessert And a Diplomatico to round off the evening
Then there’s the flower gift by year of anniversary…. No? Happy Anniversary, Weekendin! Congratulations! Cheers Vernetta Lopez
Hot and Sour Soup at Goodwood’s Min Jiang located at One-North
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lunches
What better way to spend an afternoon than having a lively meal with good company? Be it business entertainment or a casual lunch with friends, these joints offer lunches made to impress. Don’t go looking for excuses to leave work—here are some reasons to take a hiatus at mid-day for that tad bit of gratification.
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Min Jiang at One-North One would not expect to find a Chinese restaurant tucked away in a quaint one-way lane lined with specialty pubs and al-fresco restaurants, but Min Jiang at One-North holds its dignified own amongst its cosmopolitan neighbours along Rochester Park. Located at No. 5 Rochester Park, Min Jiang at One-North is the only Chinese restaurant in Singapore housed in a colonial black and white bungalow. The restaurant is the second Min Jiang restaurant opened and managed by Singapore’s Goodwood Park Hotel. Retaining the air of a grand two-storey bungalow, thanks to its contrasting black-and-white exterior, the restaurant boasts a refined and classy interior that provides an inviting ambience fitting events from memorable wedding dinners, to company luncheons, right down to a romantic dinner date for two. The feast commenced with the Min Jiang Appetiser Trio consisting of Fried Fish Fillet in Sichuan Sauce, Prawn with Wasabi Mayonnaise Sauce, and Crispy Silver Bait Fish. What I found most interesting was that the Sichuan sauce tasted very authentic while managing not to overpower one’s tastebuds as many other Sichuan sauces or soups do. The sour and spicy hints subtly open up the palate, making way for the other dishes to come, as most Chinese restaurant appetisers aim to do. The same can be said for the wasabi mayonnaise sauce that cut through the other flavours but didn’t shoot up my nose (something I often struggle with when eating wasabi). Following the appetisers, soup was served. I went with the restaurant’s signature Min Jiang Divine Sichuan Hot & Sour Soup, and it lived up to the standards set by the sauce of the same name in the preceding dish. Of course, as a soup, the Sichuan taste prevailed much stronger, packing the spicy and sour punch expected of such a brew. The shredded ingredients like fungus, tofu, and bamboo shoots complement the soup’s tangy taste with their kaleidoscopic textures of crunchy, soft, or chewy. As per the restaurant staff’s recommendations (and my enthusiasm towards roasts), we tried their house specialty – the wood-fired Beijing Duck. With eager anticipation, I watched as the staff rolled out a trolley stocked full with dressings and condiments, followed by a beautifully roasted duck, straight from their custom-made wood-fired oven. We were then served two types of roast duck pancake rolls, one being the regular roll with spring onions, homemade sweet sauce and a generous carving of Beijing duck, and the other being the Sichuan-style roll, complete with fresh Sichuan vegetables. They had an interesting side dish of the roast duck skin and icing sugar dip, which surprised me at first. Upon trying a slice, the surprise quickly changed to delight as the savoury taste of the duck skin collided with the sweet, rounded taste of the icing sugar, subtly dancing on my tastebuds after swallowing the piece.
Next came the selection of meat, and I had the Braised Mini Pork Belly with Crispy Cigar Bun. Braised Pork Belly is a popular favourite among the locals, and I had to try Min Jiang’s version in my search for the best in Singapore. The dish was expertly presented, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The top layer of skin on the meat had a springy texture to it, giving a slight resistance as you bite in. The following layers of meat were decadently soft and malleable, having thoroughly soaked in the braised sauce. The bottom layers, however, were a tad chewy, but that was effectively made up for by the rich, full taste of the gravy that had soaked in to the meat. Ending off the meal with the Assorted Seafood Fried Rice is as perfect as a Chinese meal can get. This dish very nicely brings the meal to a close with its subtle, non-overpowering hints of spring onions, prawns, scallops, and crispy silver fish. To top things all off, was their Lime Sorbet with Pandan Jelly. I must say this dessert is really made for a country such as sweltering Singapore. The lime sorbet cut through all the other tastes with its sharp, sour notes, followed up by the mellow sweetness of the pandan jelly. The bed of grass jelly it is served on has a nice cooling effect that doesn’t alter any of the tastes in this refreshing dessert. An altogether delightful dessert as the ‘icing on the cake’! Service was good, as the friendly and informed staff flashed their warm smiles while serving us, and explained any of the dishes and their ingredients at our request. Min Jiang at One-North is definitely a strong recommend if you’re looking for gratifying Chinese restaurant cuisine with just that right amount of decadence!
Min Jiang at One-North | No. 5 Rochester Park | Singapore 139216 | T 6774 0122 | www.goodwoodparkhotel.com 35 Weekendin
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Balzac Brasserie & Bar
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Behind the unpretentious front of Balzac Brasserie & Bar unveils a cosy retreat of comforting home-style French cuisine. The French bistro is into its second year of serving some of the best French comfort food there is in Singapore and has recently rolled out several other dishes that will certainly tantalise your taste buds. Using only the freshest of ingredients, the widely acclaimed chef, Chef Jean-Charles will leave aficionados of the French cuisine something to cheer about with his repertoire of his piquant concoctions, alongside a wellcurated beverage menu. The rustic décor immediately caught my attention as I was ushered into my seat – the ambience so comforting that it played a paramount role in calming me down after a seemingly harrowing walk in the midday sun. With such an extensive selection to choose from, we were left in a dilemma on which dishes to try out. Soon after placing our orders, while waiting for the appetisers to be served, we were presented with Charcuterie Platter, which was prepared inhouse encompassing a variety of meat slices including the Hand Carved Saucisson Sec, Parma Ham, Smoked Duck Breast, Rillettes De Canard and Salami served with Cornichons and Mustard. The platter was extremely savoury with each bite emitting a burst of natural goodness. This dish is a must-try for those thinking of paying a visit to the restaurant. Do note that the items on the platter vary according to the availability of the food items. Before long, I was served with the first dish of the day; the Duboi’s Lobster Bisque, which was plated with sautéed organic mini black Qwehli prawns at the side. I was pleasantly surprised by the richness of the soup and found it to be boldly flavourful and satisfying, despite it being only an appetiser. The Qwehli prawns complemented the bisque perfectly, adding a little oomph to the overall dish. This appetiser had undoubtedly whetted my appetite and left me looking forward to the following dishes to come. If you are spending the afternoon with your family or even with a bunch of friends, you may want to look out for dishes under the La Cocotte Du Partage section. Over here, you will have the option to choose from a selection of three dishes, all of which are served in cocotte – a cast iron pot with a lid. Of the three, we chose the Poulet Francais Saute Forestiere, which translates into Sauteed Free Range Yellow French Chicken served with Potato, Lardons and Onion. This dish was one of the newer additions to the menu and we certainly did not regret picking this out. The meat was tender and I soon realised how this method of cooking was able to condense the flavours of the ingredients used, eventually producing an extremely robust yet savoury dish that will definitely leave you contented and yearning for more. Not long after, the Cochon Braise Aux Lentilles
Du Puy rolled onto our table. The said dish was a concoction of Braised Spanish Pork with French Lentils and Natural Jus. It was a pity that the kitchen had run out of Lentils for the day and we had to settle for French Coco White Beans instead. Of the same cooking style to the Poulet Francais Saute Forestiere, this dish was another of the chef’s newest creations that left us speechless. Unlike many pork dishes out there, this particular piece was soft to the touch and was neither chewy nor did it leave me stuffed. The beans blended well with the juices of the pork and were not overly mushy as I had expected due to its method of preparation. Originally prepared with Lentils instead of French Coco White Beans, expect a hearty meal and watch the Lentils work its magic in retaining the natural aroma of the pork, making the dish a palatable and nutritious one. After a satiating afternoon at the establishment, our session came to a close with generous servings from their dessert menu. We settled for the following: Frasier, a portion of Traditional Strawberry and Vanilla Light Cream served in what appeared to be a wine glass; the Varlhona Chocolate Moelleux paired with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream; and the Tarte Au Citron, which is a kind of lemon tart topped with French Meringue. Those with a penchant for all things frothy can opt for the Frasier. The marriage of fresh strawberries and lightly-whipped cream rendered the dessert a delightful and a pleasantly refreshing one even after a hearty meal. The Tarte Au Citron on the other hand gave forth a tangy flavour. Together with the sticks of meringue that crowned the top, this dessert was a tantalising one with a kick of sourness and sugariness. My absolute favourite was the Valrhona Chocolate Moelleux. Similar to the chocolate molten lava cake, creamy chocolate sauce oozed out of the middle upon the cut of the fork and was simply sensational. This dish exuded a sense of elegance and was pleasingly soft and moist to taste. If you ever crave for French food or even cocktails, head on down to Balzac Brasserie & Bar with your family and friends for a jolly get-together. You will definitely be in for a treat. Balzac Brasserie & Bar | #01-01 Rendezvous Gallery | 9 Bras Basah Road | Singapore 189559 | T 6336 0797 | www.balzacbrasserie.com 37 Weekendin
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Absinthe Situated along the stretch of bars and eateries along the Singapore River, Absinthe is best known for serving classic French cuisine. The three-storey restaurant provides guests with a different ambience at every level. The first floor has a seafood bar and guests can also opt to dine alfresco style by the Singapore River. The second level was furnished with tastefully inviting décor, and exuded a sense of classy chic. The top level comprises of a dining room, two private rooms, and a private verandah that looks out into the stunning skyline of Marina Bay Sands. My gastronomical journey started at the seafood bar. To kickstart the evening, we were served the Seafood A La Carte. The platter consisted of three different types of oysters: the Royale Oyster, Wild Oyster, and the Prat-ar¬Coum Oyster along with some Tiger Prawns. Although the Royale Oyster tasted very fresh and creamy, my favourite of the platter was the Tiger Prawns. They were extremely sweet and plump, and I especially enjoyed pairing it with the ponzu dressing that came with the platter. Next, we were served the Légine de L’Antarctique, which was a Carpaccio of Antarctic Toothfish with Pear, Pomegranate and Pomelo and Yuzu Dressing. This dish was the perfect starter since it was light and refreshing on the palate. The toothfish had a chewy texture to it, and the combination of the pomegranate and pomelo added an interesting burst of flavour to the dish. Next, we had Saint Jacques, which was the Seared Hokkaido Scallops with Green Apple and Vanilla Beurre Blanc. The scallops were plump and nicely seared on the outside. The Vanilla Beurre Blanc sauce was a little on the sweet side, and reminded me of the sauce that comes with bread and butter pudding. The final appetiser was the Foie Gras Terrine, which came layered with Smoked Duck Breast, alongside with Warm Brioche made in-house, and Beetroot Confit. The Foie Gras Terrine at Absinthe had a different spin from the usual terrine served at restaurants, as the duck liver in this dish is layered with smoked duck breast. The dish was very flavourful; the foie gras was creamy and the smoked duck added a different dimension to the dish. I especially enjoyed pairing the foie gras with the fluffy brioche as it balanced out the flavours of the dish. Next up was the main course, and we were served the Canard—Absinthe’s signature French Duck Leg Confit with Sarladaise Potatoes, Mushrooms and Madiran Wine Sauce. Since my favourite French dish is the Duck Confit, I was looking forward to this, and it definitely did not disappoint. Having tried other duck
confits, I found that many times the dish might end up tasting a little too salty. However, I was delighted to find out that this was not the case at Absinthe. One bite into the duck confit left me hankering for more. The skin was slightly crispy, and the meat was tender and succulent with a smoky aroma to it. The mushrooms added a nice touch to the dish. Combined with the Madiran Wine Sauce, the duck confit at Absinthe was one of the best I have ever had. To conclude our meal, we adjourned to the al fresco dining area by the Singapore River for desserts. The al fresco area definitely gave off a more casual vibe, and I took the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful skyline of Marina Bay Sands whilst waiting for our desserts. We were served some freshly baked-to-order Vanilla Madelines which came with a serving of Valrhona chocolate mousse. This was the perfect end to our meal. The madelines were buttery and fluffy, and the Valrhona chocolate was rich and creamy, making it a perfect addition to the dessert. The combination of the warm spongy madeline and the rich Valrhona chocolate was definitely a satisfying treat for the palate. The charming interior, delectable food offerings and impeccable service makes Absinthe a great place for any occasion. If you are around the area during lunch hours, Absinthe also offers a three course set menu. I had a great dining experience at Absinthe, and I will definitely be back to sample other French dishes they have to offer.
Absinthe 72 Boat Quay | Singapore 049860 | T 6222 9068 | www.absinthe.sg 39 Weekendin
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LingZhi Vegetarian Catering to the health and environmentally conscious 21st century consumer, LingZhi brings something different to the table for vegetarians. Their ingredients are farmed organically in neighbouring Malaysia and directly delivered to the chef’s kitchen. If you trace the routes the produce go through, you will discover that not only are the farming practices sustainable, they result in high-nutrition and visibly tastier food.
Chef Martin Foo served us 7 delicious dishes from the seasonal menu, available from March to April this year. The first was a “trilogy” of organic fruits and vegetables, served with exotic beetroot juice and juicy sweet corn. If you have not jumped onto the beetroot bandwagon, the time is now. It has been linked with better stamina, improved blood flow and lower blood pressure. This dish was then followed up with an appetising carrot and turnip roll marinated with Japanese rice vinegar. Similarly refreshing vegetable rolls topped with spicy yuzu sauce and potato croquettes were subsequently served. The deep-fried croquette was my personal favourite; the crisp exterior perfectly complemented by the mango and apple salsa. You would be hard pressed to find another restaurant which strikes the perfect combination of Asian ingredients that originate from China to Japan, mixing up the sweet, spicy and sour, yet subtly offering immense health benefits. If you’ve never tried soup that tasted herballyaromatic before, try their double-broiled Nutritious Soup, which is light on the palate yet bursting with rich flavours. It acts as the perfect appetiser to start your meal, tantalising your taste buds and preparing you for the dishes to come. Afterward, we were treated to stir-fried zucchini, which came with exotic herbs such as danggui, red dates, gooseberry and cordyceps flowers. Zucchini is a summer squash low in calories, while danggui, also known as women’s ginseng, helps in detoxifying one’s blood. Then, our braised assorted wild mushrooms and eggplant arrived, wrapped in glass paper and grilled to retain the flavours. This allowed us to taste the sweetness of the mushroom and the tender texture of the eggplant. The mapo tofu was accompanied with fragrant black grain rice from Thailand, bearing a different texture and was slightly chewy. I was pleasantly surprised that this spicy Sichuan classic
was complemented by black grain, an excellent source of antioxidants which helps protect against inflammation. Our meal ended with a concoction of pumpkin paste with gingko nuts topped with coconut ice cream. The combination of sweet treats was the perfect end to our meal, a remix of classic Asian desserts including coconut as a prime ingredient, made less sinful with the knowledge that gingko helps boost one’s memory. Overall, the food served by LingZhi is an interesting blend and kaleidoscope of ingredients. They range from mushrooms and red dates to mixing cabbage with lotus roots. True to the medicinal properties of Chinese herbs and vegetables, their dishes would be suitable for the stress-laden Singaporean needing a quick timeout through a meal. They would help your body relax and detoxify after corporate hours. The collaboration between LingZhi, a restaurant under the famed TungLok Group which owns many premier restaurants in other Asian countries, and leading organic food producer Zenxin, is an exciting development purist vegetarians can look out for. Conveniently located in the heart of Singapore’s favourite shopping district, it’s the perfect restaurant you can drop by after a tiring day of work or retail therapy. With a brightly lit interior and dishes catering to the modern globalised consumer, it’s an excellent choice for a casual lunch or bringing your extended family out to dinner.
LingZhi Vegetarian Liat Towers #05-01 | 541 Orchard Road | Singapore 238881 | T 6734 3788 | www.lingzhivegetarian.com 41 Weekendin
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WeekendinFEATURE
The Anniversary issue is a visual testament to Weekendin Singapore’s exciting journey over the past year. It not only celebrates the magazine’s illustrious past, but also gives a glimpse of the magazine’s future. This 12 of 12 retrospective showcases a selection of lifestyle options that brings Weekendin’s very own beloved experiences to life. Enclosed in the next few pages, find some of our favourites from restaurants and spas, to beauty products and gadgets, to hotel personalities and ecofriendly retreats. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
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S i n g a p o r e
Seven days a weekend | SUMMERissue
Staycation
The Galapagos Islands
Don’t forget to leave the passports behind
The Taste for Textiles
Darwin’s living laboratory of evolution
Sky-high Dining
The artistic Deborah McKellar
Feasting on a whole new level
Raising the Bar
Luxurious aura at Ascott Raffles Place
Pieces with Personality
Inhale at Breathe Pilates
The LaFerrari
Must-haves for the home
The Kids are Alright
The wraps are off
Singapore Polo Club
Furniture fashioned for kids by Piccolo
Inside
Beyond equestrian excellence
Essence of the Touch
Earthly Pleasures
Complimentary cocktail from Fabrika
Spa Botanical
Hitting the right spots at CHI
Magnificent Mallorca
Statement Pieces
A Haven Worthy of Sir Raffles
Prenatal Pilates
Rooftop bars
S i n g a p o r e
Seven days a weekend | LIFESTYLEissue
Buen Provecho
Across the Straits
Spanish satiations
Golf Courses in Johor
Getaway that’s just across
Contrasting landscapes, magnificent beaches
Leisure Activities Nifty activities & other fun stuff
Vivacious Vietnam Where natural wonders await
Seven days a weekend | driveissue
S i n g a p o r e
The preferred destination
Bliss on Beach Road
The new Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Sky High Moments
Orient Delights
The Grandeur of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Great Chinese and Japanese cuisine Weekend
The Tree of Life
Spa revival at Banyan Tree Spa
Into Italian
Gastronomical treat at 5 Italian restaurants
McLaren P1
Curtains and blinds from Spotlight
Malacca
The specs are out
Drive
travelissue
Buen Provecho
Bon appétit to Spanish satiations
The Shades of Home
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Beyond equestrian excellence
Fashioned from men’s fabrics
S i n g a p o r e
Thailand
Macau and The House of Dancing Water
Singapore Polo Club
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Seven days a weekend | travelissue
Macau
His Fabrics For Her Fashion
S e p
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j u l
S i n g a p o r e
Seven days a weekend | wellnessissue
09|2013
2 0 1 3
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Weekend in Weekend in Weekend in Watch your Arms
Arm pain treatment from Dr. Prem Pillay
Running the Ritz
An interview with Peter Mainguy
Kuala Lumpur Stay experiences
Regional Getaways
Simply The Best
Golfing in Johor
S$6 (GST included)
Your Wellbeing Club Lounge WeekendIn Cover_Aug_Black.indd 1 Mag Ad.indd 1
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Seven days a weekend | holidayissue
Maldives & Sri Lanka Sublime stay at Ritz-Carlton
New on the Menu
Toothsome epicurean fare
A Party for Eight
Tips on hosting a dinner party
Spooktacular Time
5 restaurants that appease appetites and senses
Sports and Art
Hair Meet Wardrobe
Face Sculpting
Sprucing up for Christmas
Paul Oz’s two biggest passions
Chic curls from Toni&Guy
Products for highlighting & contouring
PowerSlim Studio
Trim and tone in comfort at The Spa Artisan
Breathtaking Sports
Get spooky with Spotlight
A new high with death defying activities
Langkawi
Statement Pieces
The jewel of Kedah
S i n g a p o r e
Atmospheric Dining
Gems of the Indian Ocean
The Suite Life
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N o v
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O c t
S i n g a p o r e
Seven days a weekend | livingissue
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Weekend in Weekend in Weekend in Bringing joy into your home with Spotlight
Holiday Destinations 18 magnificent choices
Simply Irresistible
The new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Up North in Malaysia
Explore Penang and Perak
Seven days a weekend | celebrationsissue
S i n g a p o r e
Celebrations It’s time to celebrate!
Feasting
5 restaurants that appease appetites and senses
Gifts to Give
Chic curves from Toni&Guy
Rest & Rejuvenate
Bringing joy into your home with Spotlight
Holiday Getaway The new Porsche
Head-turning tables & more
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Weekend in Weekend in Seven days a weekend | adventissue
S i n g a p o r e
Chinese New Year Dining Jessica Amornkuldilok
Winner of Asia’s Next Top Model
Cat Cora
Iron Chef America
New Travels Around the Globe
New Beginnings
Something to do, someone to love and something to hope for
Discover something new and special
Rolls-Royce Wraith
Pushing the boundaries of technology
Visit Malaysia Year - 2014
Sublime destinations of Malaysia
Seven days a weekend | loveissue
S i n g a p o r e
Journey Through Europe Planning your rail trip
A Cut Above
The best steakhouses in town
Resort Styles 2014
Nautical, Hawaiian Prints and Denim
At The Helm Of Cut
Chef Joshua Brown spills the beans
Cottage-style Decorating Used rattan, painted furniture and cheerful patterns
Across The Straits
A trip across Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang
Love is in the Air Enlivening Valentine’s Day
11 07 | 02:13 10:13
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INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
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t is fundamental to stay focused and motivated in trying times today. Inspirational quotes have the power to lift our spirits and motivate, helping us get through a bad week. Whenever we are feeling discouraged, these quotes give us a little dose of encouragement and the boost needed. Light your fire with these stirring quotes!
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Believe you can and you’re halfway there. -Theodore Roosevelt
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How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. -Anne Frank
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You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. -Beverly Sills
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True love stories never have endings. -Richard Bach
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‘Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all. -Alfred Tennyson Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything. -Muhammad Ali
Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. -Will Rogers
Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes. -Friedrich Nietzsche
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left. -Oscar Levant Oscar Wilde
Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much. -Oscar Wilde
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.-Aristotle
Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humour was provided to console him for what he is. -Oscar Wilde
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READS WE LOVE
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Emily Bronte’s novel set on Yorkshire’s moors is one of the great classics of 18th century literature. The tragic tale of childhood companions Catherine and Heathcliff is fraught with love and pain that haunts the house and the characters for generations. As Cathy and Heathcliff are torn apart by weakness, jealousy, class difference and Cathy’s love for the privileged Edgar Linton, Cathy is caught between Heathcliff and Edgar.
Written in 1948, 1984 prophesises what the world may come to be half a century into the future. A dystopian novel that depicts an oppressed society heavily and carefully controlled and manipulated by an omniscient government, this novel portrays a world in which individuality and freedom of thought is stripped away. The world Orwell has created is intricate and blunt in its presentation to the readers.
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We must, we must, we must increase our bust. This phrase is probably one of the most memorable quotes from the novel, a bildungsroman published in 1970. The novel centres around the protagonist, Margaret, who is caught in between the differing religions of her parents and at the adolescent age of 12, longs for a more womanly figure.
The original story of coming back for revenge, Alexandre Dumas’ novel is, in the truest sense of the word, a classic. Completed in 1844 and originally written in French, The Count of Monte Cristo still thrills the readers with brilliantly depicted characters and an exciting plot. Among Dumas’ works, its fame and popularity is rivalled only by The Three Musketeers.
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The Museum of Innocence is a novel by Turkish author Orhan Pamuk. The story revolves around the narrator, Kemal, and Füsun, and their tale of love. As they break the norms of society and class, Kemal and Füsun move towards the fate that waits for them. Kemal falls passionately in love with Füsun and creates the museum, where each item is a token or an article of his love for her.
A science fiction published in 2005, Never Let Me Go portrays a society in which cloning has been made legal and a population of clones is being brought up, made to believe that the purpose of their life is to donate their organs and achieve ‘completion’, when all organs have been donated. The unfair alienation that the clones face in the novel seems to also be a critique of racism and discrimination in society, as it serves to show that other populations are not that different from us after all.
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The classic and sometimes comical love story of Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy celebrated its 200th anniversary last year. One of the six completed novels of Jane Austen, it is also a favourite, along with other Austen classics such as Emma and Persuasion. It is a work of literature that displays in all its enchantment Austen’s razor-sharp wit, her keen perception of human nature and her signature irony.
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Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel is considered a classic of American Literature. Told from the point of view of the six-year-old Scout Finch, the novel describes the town around her and her father’s defence of a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. A novel that deals with racial injustice, human nature, and the true nature of courage.
Watership Down follows an epic journey of a band of rabbits as they overcome numerous obstacles in their quest to reach a safe habitat and establish a new home. Before reading this novel, most people tend to underestimate the quality of this book, often dismissing it as a childish fairytale about animals. However, the appeal of this novel lies in its depth and complexity – all delivered through a brave and courageous band of rabbits.
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Considered one of the greatest romance novels, The Great Gatsby is another classic that has stood the test of time and continues to win the hearts of readers. It has been adapted into film numerous times, with the most recent being just last year. The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, the newly moved in resident of West Egg and we follow his journey as he meets and befriends his neighbour, young millionaire Jay Gatsby.
This novel, although published in 1955, did not gain much recognition until 20 years later and is now considered as a masterpiece of American literature. The Recognitions follows the life of Wyatt Gwyon, a minister’s son who aspires to be a painter. Due to the obstacles and challenges his profession faces, he ends up taking part in the business of illegally forging paintings.
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The first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle, The Name of the Wind is the much acclaimed debut novel of Patrick Rothfuss. The story introduces the protagonist of the book, Kvothe, as an innkeeper living quietly in a small town disguising his true identity. Kvothe’s past is riddled with both heroic and notorious tales of his adventures, and the book is separated into two distinct timelines. 45 Weekendin
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ECO-FRIENDLY SANCTUARIES
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he environmentally sustainable accommodation initiative is fast spreading to many diverse corners of the world. Many hotels have gone green-creating, improving and altering their properties and everyday functionality to meet desired eco-friendly standards. From a coastal Thai eco-retreat to a Costa Rican jungle getaway, hotel search website www.trivago.sg and Weekendin present some of the world’s greenest retreats.
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The Andaman, Malaysia
The Andaman is located on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, in the midst of a tropical rainforest between the picturesque Cincang mountain range and the sparkling Andaman Sea. This Luxury Collection Resort takes ecofriendly practices to the next level by using substitute energy for the majority of its functions: energy efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and pre-programmed light and air conditioning settings. Motorised water sport activities are prohibited as they could destroy the live coral and contribute to water pollution. The Andaman recycles as much as possible, re-using cooking oil from the hotel kitchen as biodiesel and collecting rainwater to allow guests to wash their hands and feet. Guests are encouraged to participate in the conservation of the surroundings, with coral reef enhancement and tree planting programmes available to preserve this untouched region.
Viura, Eskuernaga, Spain
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Hotel Viura’s futuristic asymmetrical cubes are juxtaposed against the traditional Spanish village of Eskuernaga, creating a striking and architecturally fascinating design. The Rioja region is famed for its wine of the same name, making Viura the ideal destination to sample wine from the surrounding vineyards and wineries. Guests may want to explore the neighbouring 16th Century San Andrée Church, try the traditional sport of Basque pelota on the adjacent court, or hike and cycle in the shadow of the picturesque Sierra de Cantabria mountain range. Hotel Viura prides itself for its sustainable architecture and promotion of green living, even providing guests Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Australia with bicycles upon arrival.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is an award-winning eco-friendly hotel in the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world. The lodgings are specifically designed to minimise any potential interruption to the sacred Daintree Rainforest of Australia’s North Queensland, including the integration of a self-sufficient pristine water supply for guest use and hotel operations. Daintree has also gone the extra mile in environmental care by building and maintaining a close relationship with the original inhabitants of the rainforest. Guests can feel at one with nature with the property’s private waterfall, which is a significant local Aboriginal site. Weekendin 46
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Palm Island Resort, The Grenadines
Palm Island is an exclusive private island resort situated close to the southern tip of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines archipelago. This idyllic resort Song Saa Resort prides itself for its scenic natural surroundings and tranquil pace of life. To support this philosophy, Palm Island contains no telephones or televisions in their guest rooms. Although such amenities are usually a standard feature, Palm Island believes the unique natural beauty of the surrounding area deserves to be emphasised. There is plenty to distract guests here, from a total of five white sand beaches to panoramic walking trails where guests might be lucky enough to glimpse iguanas or fascinating birdlife. The area is popular among yachtsmen and divers due to the exotic sea life, reefs and shipwrecks. Guests can take a boat trip to the renowned Tobago Cays, or enjoy the fresh and locally grown Euro-Caribbean cuisine whilst dining on the beachfront.
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Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica
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Found in the secluded wilderness of Ontario, Canada, the Algonquin EcoLodge provides guests with the opportunity to completely immerse in an environmentally friendly way of life. With no electricity and no phone service, this lodge provides the ideal retreat from the gadget-abundant lifestyle. Algonquin Eco-Lodge boasts sixty kilometres of wilderness trails - summer guests can enjoy hiking, fishing and canoeing, whilst winter guests have the opportunity to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The lodge uses a variety of alternative energy sources to provide guests with home comforts without harming the environment, including battery-powered hot showers and an outdoor wood-fired sauna.
The Green House, UK
Mocking Bird Hill is a leading accommodation choice in Jamaica’s Port Antonio due to its award-winning environmentally and economically sustainable practices, plus its unbeatable location between the Blue Mountains and Caribbean Sea. From solar-powered water heating to locally produced toiletries, this hotel ensures each aspect of its functions and facilities is not detrimental to the environment. No hotel amenities are made from plastic, with bottled water provided in reusable thermos flasks and stationery in guest rooms made from recycled paper by a local women’s cooperative.
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Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Canada
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This stylish four star boutique hotel claims to be the greenest hotel in the UK and was voted the best wedding venue in Southern England. The Green House lives and breathes sustainability, using solar-powered water heating, energy efficient lighting and boasting a company car that runs on re-used cooking oil from the kitchen. This environmentally friendly ethos has been extended to the furnishings and decoration of the 32 guest rooms, which all boast locally-produced woollen carpets, wallpaper coloured with vegetable inks and wooden furniture made solely from trees fallen in storms. Suppliers to the hotel are assessed on their environmental practices and The Green House staff is educated on sustainability, meaning guests can be assured of a stay which is kind to the environment.
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PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
PARKROYAL on Pickering redefines the metropolitan skyline with a unique garden-in-a-hotel concept. It boasts 15,000 square metres of lofty sky Song Saa Resort gardens, planter terraces, waterfalls and cascading vertical greenery. The hotel’s green features include rainwater harvesting, automatic sensors to regulate energy and water usage, and solar cells that power landscape lighting. Bird-cage cabanas adorn its elegant infinity pool for relaxing guests to drink up the atmosphere and take in panoramic Singaporean vistas.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge, Canada
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Echo Valley Ranch and Spa is a unique luxury ranch nestled in British Columbia’s picturesque Cariboo region. Echo Valley offers guests a truly isolated retreat, surrounded only by forests, meadows, the stunning Costal Mountains and the nearby Fraser River. Their digital detox programme distracts guests from their phones with an alluring array of activities. These include daily yoga classes, horse riding, reading, star gazing and hiking in the 3,650-foot altitude fresh Cariboo air. Echo Valley prides itself as a leading wellness destination, boasting a combination Thai and Western Spa and offering fresh and healthy cuisine grown and produced on the premises.
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Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
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Four Seasons at Peninsula Papagayo is a premium eco-adventure nestled between golden sand beaches and the Costa Rican jungle. Guests can experience the best of both worlds by surfing in the Pacific Ocean and spotting howler and white-faced monkeys in the tropical forest. The resort has partnered with iPhone case company Uncommon to offer guests a Disconnect to Reconnect package, in which participants must surrender their iPhones for 24 hours. A list of 24 things to do without technology is provided, and the iPhones are returned after the allotted time. On the list are various unique activities and amenities offered by the resort, including a Costa Rican coffee scrub treatment at the Spa and fresh coconut water by the pool.
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Vigilius Mountain Resort, Italy
Those seeking seclusion and tranquility may want to consider Vigilius Mountain Resort, situated 1,500 feet above sea level and reachable only by cable car from the town of Lana. This exceptional five star design hotel is uniquely embedded in the mountain scenery to offer unsurpassed panoramas of the distant Italian Dolomites. The hotel is constructed entirely from environmentally-friendly materials and offers a buffet breakSongfast Saaprepared Resort with fresh, local produce, as well as yoga and pilates three times daily. The resort also has a serene spa in which couples can unwind after a day of hiking through the snow-capped mountains.
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Casa de la Flora, Thailand
Casa de la Flora is an award-winning boutique hotel situated on the edge of the Khao Lak rainforest of Southern Thailand, whose 36 cubeshaped villas face outwards toward the crystalline blue Andaman Sea. Its modernist, stylish edges constructed with concrete, stone, glass, and teak wood come together to create a truly majestic atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding natural beauty of the region. Don’t miss a trip to the Spa de la Flora, which offers world-class treatments. Environmentally-conscious guests will be delighted to take a dip in the ozone purified rain water infinity pool.
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BEAUTY PRODUCTS
s many beauty gurus will tell you, the secret to dressing well is to invest in a mix of beauty products that bring out the best in you, by not only making you look but also feel good. The perfect beauty regimen consists of stellar staples that tons of people swear by. The beauty scene in Singapore has definitely burgeoned during the past few years, with an influx of new skincare, cosmetics and haircare lines oh-so-frequently—but hey, we’re not complaining! We’ve scrubbed, slathered, and slicked on hundreds of beauty potions to bring you some picks that might leave you hooked for the rest of the year.
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Left to right starting from opposite page: Midnight Recovery Concentrate, SGD90, available at all Kiehl’s stores Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Palette, SGD100, available at TANGS Beauty Hall Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation, 30ml, SGD75, available at Bobbi Brown stores SK-II Cellumination Aura Essence, 75ml, SGD397, available at all SK-II counters POREfinist Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil, 150ml for SGD50, 450ml for SGD15, available at all Shu Uemura stores Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-con No.7 Plush Shadow in 206 The Lolita, SGD90, available at Sephora Rouge Allure in Passion, SGD46, available at Chanel counters The Regenerating Serum, 30ml, SGD460, available at La Mer counters Touche Eclat, SGD55, available at all YSL Beaute counters Sephora Upside Down Mascara in Black, SGD30, available at Sephora Tarte Coloured Clay CC Primer in Light, SGD54, available at Sephora Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish in Mayfair Lane, SGD26, available at Sephora
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BARS & LOUNGES
What constitutes to a great bar? It could be a stunning ambience to chill out or simply knock back a few pints, or maybe it’s the groovy live music. Whichever it is, lounges and bars are abundant in Singapore, and you can find them without having to hit Boat Quay or Clarke Quay. In fact, other niche areas around the island offer out of the ordinary bars with delightful nightlife experiences. These are the places where you can expect great live music, beverages and bar grub, as well as boisterous company. LEVEL 33
ONE-NINETY BAR
PRELUDE BAR
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
SOPRA CUCINA & BAR
LANTERN BAR A stylish rooftop bar and pool with enthralling panoramic views of the Marina Bay waterfront and the world-famous Singapore skyline, this urban oasis is the coveted destination for the sophisticated chic where one can relish delectable gourmet snacks, accompanied with fine champagnes, signature cocktails, wines and beverages. Weekendin 54
With the copper brew house kettles taking centrestage, all are reminded of the freshly brewed beer that flows out of the heart of LeVeL33. Contemporary design is evoked with the use of wood textures and earth tones; the wonderfully integrated interiors of the craft-brewery reconcile aesthetics, form and functionality in this elevated space.
An ode to the glamourous days of post-war Italy, Sopra Cucina & Bar is Singapore’s first traditional Sardinian restaurant. Located on the ground floor of Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore, Sopra Cucina & Bar is inspired by films like La Dolce Vita and Cinema Paradiso, with the restaurant itself a representation of the Italian love for life and pleasure.
POWDER ROOM One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas made its debut on January 24, 2014 at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. The creative partner, Javier de las Muelas, is the master of the award-winning Dry Martini Bar in Barcelona and is considered one of the most prominent cocktail masters in the world.
Herein lies a love story that begins with a 1930s Art Deco space, once home to the Kwangtung Provincial Bank. A labour of love, and a testament to passion for good food, good libations and good times, The Black Swan brings to life an iconic grand cafe and bar that is simply timeless.
An ideal beginning to a great night with friends and family, Prelude sits on the rooftop of the Waterboat House, offering magnificent views of the Marina Bay, Central Business District and the heritage Fullerton Hotel. A place of understated character, Prelude serves signature mojitos, craft beers, and comfort food for any occasion.
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Cook & Brew Westin’s latest branded concept restaurant makes its debut as one of the four signature dining venues at The Westin Singapore. A gastro-bar that is more than just a venue for the working crowd sets the stage for all who seek a balanced lifestyle. Cook & Brew serves modern interpretation of classical bar favourites and local comfort food, with a meticulously curated list of fine wines and over 100 selections of beer.
Axis Bar and Lounge By day, Axis is a relaxed lounge where you can enjoy a selection of light bites or afternoon tea served with sandwiches, scones and sweets. As night falls, Axis transforms into a chic, contemporary bar where you can sip a glass of champagne, a smooth cocktail or try a light tapas bite, with the sparkling city skyline as your beguiling backdrop.
Woods by The Wine Company First time visitors to Woods are usually wowed by the overwhelming amount of nature found there within the first few moments. While there are usually queues lining up for the seats in the al fresco area, the indoor area, designed like a cosy living room, has also been popular with those who prefer an air-conditioned alternative.
Bar on 5 The ideal chill-out spot to unwind over a host of fabulous drinks, Bar on 5 is fantastic for watching the throngs of people jostle their way through Orchard Road as you watch from 5 levels above. Prepare for a night of grooving with the resident DJ spinning the best of R&B and top 40 chart hits at its indoor and al fresco seating areas.
Graffiti Sky Bar Located on the 29th floor of Carlton City Hotel is a rooftop sky bar to greet guests with a stunning view of the city skyline as they step in. Furnished with contemporary chic indoor and al fresco seating and interpretations of modern street art to ogle at, Graffiti Sky Bar is great for a night for well deserved unwinding with great company and a tantalising cocktail in hand to either watch the sun go down or take you through the night.
The Mad Men Attic Bar Apart from savoury bar tapas and a well-priced drinks menu ranging from Sour Plum Shots to the signature Black Forest Mojito and from low-carb Australian beer Pure Blonde to Japanese whiskey brand Nikka - the key highlight always lies in the stellar live music schedule set to rock any floor. 55 Weekendin
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HOTEL PERSONALITIES WE LOVE
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A grand, plush façade of hotels is what we see, but running a top-notch hotel requires a large coordinated effort among dozens of hotel staff that even the most frequent travellers rarely get to see. This veneer of orderliness is made possible by one person, who has ‘the eye’ to see things others don’t. We shadow our favourite hotel personalities for a brief inside scoop on their demanding jobs and find out what we like about them, at work and beyond the call of duty…
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Antoine Chahwan
Katja Henke
Antoine Chahwan was born in Lebanon and is a naturalised citizen of Canada and the United States. He arrived in Singapore four years ago to head the award-winning Four Seasons Hotel Singapore as Regional Vice President and General Manager.
Katja Henke is half Swiss and half German with dual citizenship. When she was young, she spent her childhood both in Germany and Switzerland. She loves travelling, sports (especially horseback riding) and collecting elephant art of any kind.
His career with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts began in 1990 and had the fortune of working in various outstanding properties. Having worked in a few countries globally, he feels at home amongst Singapore’s melting pot of cuisines, cultures and nationalities. Together with his family, he enjoys living in a cosmopolitan environment with easy access to a host of conveniences, open spaces and verdant greenery.
Knowing from a young age that she wanted to work in the hospitality industry, she was fortunate to always have had the full support of her parents. For the past 25 years, she has been working in the hotel industry in various parts of the world including Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, USA, China, and now, Thailand. It always fascinates her to experience different cultures and lifestyles.
Secret to your success? Be open minded, flexible and transparent. Patience and persistence are also two other qualities most needed in a General Manager because when you get it right, the rewards can be immense.
Secret to your success? Being adaptable to changes and understanding and respecting the different cultures, history and traditions of team members in the work place is utmost important. I strongly believe in respect, appreciation and communications, which set the tone of how we interact with each other.
General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Whom do you admire? Any idols? Besides world-class athletes whom I admire for their tenacity, I have great admiration for my father. My father taught me to be fair, be reasonable and to always keep my feet on the ground. Favourite restaurant? I have many but there is one that I particularly like: Bistro du Vin. It is consistently good in its food quality and wine offerings, unpretentious service and they are also reasonably priced. Key plans for the property in 2014? This is our hotel’s 20th anniversary and we commenced the year with the renovation of One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas. Following its successful launch in January, we are now anticipating the upcoming renovations to our 20th floor poolside area, public areas, front door, driveway, Jiang-Nan Chun Chinese restaurant, guest rooms and suites. These will be accomplished in phases to minimise inconvenience to our guests. Weekendin 58
General Manager of The Peninsula Bangkok
Any mantra you live by? Always do things from the heart and with passion. Favourite holiday destination? Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) has quickly become one of my favourite holidays since I have moved to Thailand. The most enjoyable part about Songkran for me is the “Water Festival”. Songkran is synonymous with the act of gently pouring water on the shoulder of elders, family members and friends. At The Peninsula Bangkok, we also organise this water pouring ceremony to senior members of the hotel as well as water splashing for guests to enjoy. Favourite restaurant? It’s very hard to tell as restaurants in Bangkok are all fantastic! I enjoy exploring new places every week but I would have to say “Eat Me” has become a place I regularly visit.
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Toni Robertson
Lance J. Ourednik
Originally from Burma and of Chinese descent, Toni Robertson immigrated to the United States when she was a teenager. She served in the US Air Force as a medic for 8 years, including 4 years in Europe where she was able to enjoy her passion for food and wine. She persued her passion at culinary school and became a cook and later an Executive Chef.
Originally from New Zealand, Lance is a veteran with over 39 years of experience in the hospitality space. In a noteworthy career with Starwood spanning 25 years, he has held several key appointments across New Zealand, Australia, China, Malaysia, India and now Singapore. Most recently, he held the post of General Manager of The Westin Mumbai Garden City, where he led the team to launch the hotel successfully.
Executive Chef of Mandarin Oriental Singapore
After 10 years working for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the Executive Chef in San Francisco and then for 8 years New York, she was offered the opportunity to return to Singapore as the Executive Chef of the Mandarin Oriental Singapore where she oversees all culinary operations including five restaurants and two beverage outlets. Secret to your success? Cooking is my passion so every time I walk into a kitchen, I am inspired and excited. But I think my success comes purely from hard work. I am a female who became successful in a male dominated profession and that simply took hard work and effort to prove that I could do the job. I spent long hours in the kitchen, working, practicing and perfecting my skills. You cannot be a good chef without first being a good cook. I took every opportunity I was offered. My first job was working in a basement that was hot in the summer and bitter cold in the winter, making salads at half the pay I was offered at other restaurants because I had the opportunity to work with Chef Fernand Gutierrez at the famed Ritz-Carlton Hotel Chicago. When I was offered my first Executive Chef position, it was in South Africa in a male dominated country where women did not run kitchens. It was one of my favourite experiences in life. I took advantage of opportunities and never took a job for money. Any mantra you live by? Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and experience something different. Cooking is really an expression of the sum total of our knowledge and experience. We are influenced by everything we are exposed to. So the more we learn, the more we travel and try new cuisines, the more we experience different cultures or try new ingredients, the better prepared we are to be good chefs and create exciting cuisine.
General Manager of The Westin Singapore
A keen follower of Formula One, Lance is widely travelled and finds exploring different cultures deeply enriching. He finds Singapore a truly exciting city to work and live in, since it is well organised and safe, with great food and the perfect climate for him, as he loves the sun. Whom do you admire? Any idols? I admire and am inspired by people who have overcome adversity and demonstrated strength and resilience in the face of difficult times. One such individual is Nelson Medela. While most of us may not face the same challenges and hardship that he has had to endure, we all have our fair share of struggles and difficulties. In those moments, his words serve as an encouragement to us - The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Favourite restaurant? That would have to be Caffé e Cucina on Chapel Street in Melbourne, Australia. It is a small family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian food with a wonderful selection of wine and offers great service. Key plans for the property in 2014? To celebrate the launch of a year-long Westin Well-Being Movement, we are pleased to offering wellness-inspired activities such as Loopz™Fitness classes on weekly basis for our hotel guests. Additionally, guests of the hotel will be exposed to elements of wellness on and off-premise through a variety of channels including highly specialised, nutritious kids menus and a comprehensive online well-being portal. All these initiatives have been designed with our brand promise “For A Better You” in mind. 59 Weekendin
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Marie-Laure Fleury
Scott Swank
Marie-Laure Fleury was born in Besancon, France. She has been residing in Phuket for 4.5 years now and loves the quality of life there. Having graduated from Lausanne Hotel Management School (EHL) in 1992, she has been in Asia for over 21 years. She worked 8 years for the Peninsula Group in Hong Kong as Food & Beverage Director before joining the Sukhothai in Bangkok as Executive Assistant Manager. Three years later, she joined Trisara in Phuket as Resort Manager. The owners of Trisara subsequently bought the Boathouse on Kata Beach, one of the most iconic resorts on the island, which has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. She moved to become General Manager of this lovely boutique property in mid 2011.
Scott Swank was originally from New York and began his career with InterContinental Hotels Group with postings in Atlanta, New Orleans and Miami. His first role in Singapore was actually at Pan Pacific Singapore in 1991, where he worked at for five years, eventually becoming the Director of Rooms. In 2008, he became Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing the global operations and financial performance for all the group’s hotels and serviced suites. In mid-2011, the opportunity to return as General Manager to Pan Pacific Singapore to oversee an $80 million “transformation” came about and he jumped at this unique experience!
General Manager of Boathouse Phuket
Secret to your success? Passion, determination, and a very, very supportive and understanding husband who lets me go after my dream. Whom do you admire? Any idols? Many…where do I start? • Sheryl Sandberg – CEO of Facebook – for proving that women at the top can succeed as well as men and manage a career and a family life. • Nelson Mandela for his fight against apartheid. • Martin Gray who was a Holocaust survivor and author. His book Au nom de tous les miens (For Those I Loved), is one of the books that moved me most for his love of life, despite it all. And many more…there are so many great people on this planet! Favourite holiday destination? The Luberon, south of France, where Bryce and I got married at La Bastide de Capelongue. Favourite restaurant? In Luberon, it would be La Bastide de Capelongue by Edouard Loubet. Then there would be Agapé in Paris, Le bistrot du Sommelier in Singapore, and in Hong Kong, Peak Café and The Verandah at Repulse Bay. Weekendin 60
General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore
Whom do you admire? Any idols? Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Having spent a significant part of my life in Singapore (almost half of Singapore’s own modern history), I’ve seen the incredible changes that can be attributed to his vision. I have heartfelt respect and admiration for what his vision and leadership, and the country’s current leaders have allowed Singapore to achieve. Any mantra you live by? Live and work like there are no limits. I believe that many people hold themselves back with life or at work because they impose self-limitations. I encourage my team to brainstorm, without limitations; this often leads to wonderful insights or great new ideas. I’m also maniacal about integrity. We need to treat others the way we want to be treated and we need to care for all those for whom we are responsible in some way. Favourite restaurant? There are too many restaurants in Singapore so I’m spoilt for choice! I love cooking and for a brief time, I had my own restaurant at East Coast called “Spoon”. We were one of the pioneers of the tapas & brunch concept in Singapore. Because of this, I have to say that my favourite cuisine has to be my own. There’s nothing I love more than having the time to cook up a big meal and having friends over. And of course, I love local food! Por Kay Eating House in Tiong Bahru is one of my favourites; but then so is almost any local hawker centre!
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Peter Mainguy
Stephane Fabregoul
Although born in Canada, Peter Mainguy spent his childhood living throughout Europe, which ignited his desire to discover the world and aspiration to be a hotelier. Having spent 22 years in the hospitality industry spanning sub Sahara Africa, the Middle East and Asia, the priceless experience he acquired through working with people from different traditions and cultures are truly priceless and has led him to be more tolerant, understanding and inspired.
Born and raised in Nice, the South Eastern Coast of the Mediterranean Sea called ‘The French Rivera’, Stephane Fabregoul grew up in a beautiful place surrounded by breathtaking sceneries. In 2012, he moved to Singapore with his family to take on the role as General Manager of W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. It has been an amazing journey so far, watching the hotel take shape from the days of pre-opening to where they are now.
General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Secret to your success? I’d say passion—do what you love and love what you do. I’ve always enjoyed helping others, so pursuing a career in the service industry was a natural progression for me. I have a very competitive nature and want to be the best at everything I do, so I knew I eventually wanted to manage a luxury hotel as the General Manager. Whom do you admire? Any idols? My grandfather. He was a role model for me and excelled at everything he did – he had a great career as a CEO for a power company in Quebec, played professional baseball, was adept at carpentry and was the perfect family man. I aspire to live life to the fullest every day because of him. Favourite holiday destination? I like going back to my hometown in Maine. I am very fond of the outdoors, so Maine would be ideal because it has the four seasons, a spectacular coast and mountainous views. I still visit at least once a year and stay in my lake house – I acquired it 20 years ago and have refurbished it completely. I enjoy spending time there with my daughter and indulging in outdoor sports such as jet skiing and hiking. Favourite restaurant? I enjoy dining at Pollen at Gardens by the Bay which is within a short walking distance from the hotel; it is set amidst a landscape of exotic flora and fauna within a cool climate-controlled flower dome, creating a relaxing and private atmosphere. Brussels Sprouts at East Coast is also a personal favourite because of the al fresco, relaxing ambience and great food.
General Manager of W Singapore Sentosa Cove
Secret to your success? Every individual’s journey differs with how one gets to achieving their goals. I can’t say there is a secret to success but I can share a few things that I have learnt along the way. Passion. It is the ultimate denominator to success. Eventually, it will translate directly into the work that one produces. Curiosity. I have always been inquisitive of my surroundings. I love asking questions and finding out the answers to them. Even as a General Manager, I am constantly learning everyday. And, I truly believe that this is possibly one of the key factors that propelled me to where I am today. Learning and imparting skill sets are things that are practiced within the company. As a leader, I believe that it is important to offer opportunities to talents (employees) to help them reach their full potential. I was rendered such kindness during the earlier days and totally appreciate it. It has been beneficial to my learning process. Favourite holiday destination? Being away from where I grew up for a huge part of my life, I enjoy returning to France to visit family and friends. I spend most of my time in France on the yacht, sailing along the Mediterranean Sea and spending quality time with my family. One of my favourite islands along the Mediterranean is Corsica. It is a beautiful and tranquil island surrounded by crystal clear blue waters. I love spending time with my family and I love the sea, which makes this my perfect respite. 61 Weekendin
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Antony Page
Vitanart Vathanakul
Born in Melbourne, Antony Page attended St Kevin’s College and has been a fanatical Collingwood fan (Australian Rules football) since he was 5. He is still an overseas member of the club and goes back to see them a few times each year.
A patriotic Thai citizen, Vitanart Vathanakul loves everything about Thailand especially the lovely people, delicious food, great weather and beautiful culture. He is proud of the famous Thai smile, which has attracted people from around the globe.
Antony trained as Chef at the famous Florentino Restaurant on Burke Street before departing for Europe where he worked and studied for 5 years. He oversaw the opening of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour and was the State General Manager for Spotless Catering’s Western Australia mining division. In 2005, he joined Marriott International, and was with Melbourne Marriott Hotel prior to joining the iconic Singapore Marriott Hotel in November 2009.
At eight years old, he left for the UK to study and earned two Masters degrees from Cambridge University and London School of Economics 16 years later. On his return, he started out as a Business Development Manager and now, the scope of those responsibilities have greatly increased with his current role as the Executive Director. He is now in charge of the sales, marketing and business development of the resort and convention centre. His main priority is to develop the sales and marketing strategy of the organisation and assist the team in terms of its execution, and it has been an exciting and challenging role so far. No day is the same and every day presents a new challenge.
General Manager of Singapore Marriott Hotel
Secret to your success? I have followed the goals that I set with an old family friend as a 25-yearold in London. They kept me focused and stopped me being distracted by titles and additional short-term financial benefits. I have always had more than one mentor during my career, whom have always helped me and guided me along the way. Whom do you admire? Any idols? Norma and Jim, my two closest friends growing up. Unfortunately, they were taken from me too early; rest in peace Mum and Dad. I admire people who achieve things as a team as it is more challenging than doing it yourself. Favourite holiday destination? Boracay in the Philippines and Bali for different reasons but my girls and I seem to have fond memories from our multiple trips to these two destinations. Favourite restaurant? I spend half my salary at Crossroads Cafe, Singapore Marriott Hotel (Kidding!). Even years ago, when we were living in Manila, we would still come to Crossroads Cafe to eat and watch the world go by! Weekendin 62
Executive Director of Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH
Is there any mantra that you live by? We believe in the great importance of practicing honesty, paying great attention to detail when it comes to work, thinking of ways to prevent problems before it arises, continually innovating, exceeding clients’ expectations and being passionate with work. The mantra that I am personally fond of is the quote from Albert Einstein - Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution. Whom do you admire? Any idols? My idols would have to be my mother and father. My mother for her business acumen and for being a great parent. She has personally showed me on many occasions what it takes to be successful. I am totally impressed by her tenaciousness and perseverance in the face of adversity. For my father, I thank him for teaching me the importance of managing emotions and for always being there for me. He also has an excellent sense of humour which I have learnt from him that has enabled me to gain many friends.
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Karen Mosley
Executive Director of Entertainment, Marina Bay Sands Karen Mosley is the Executive Director of Entertainment at Marina Bay Sands. She brings over 21 years of experience in ticketing to this position in the Entertainment department at Marina Bay Sands. In her role, Ms. Mosley is responsible for driving all entertainment related events on the property ranging from performances by world- renowned artistes and Broadway shows at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands.
Andrew Donadel
General Manager of Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road and PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore
A down-to-earth guy, Andrew Donadel would not strike one as a General Manager of two properties—the Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road and PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Singapore. Not only does he give us insight into the hospitality markets of the three countries he has lived in, he also gives us a peek into what we can expect from his properties next year. One thing we have in common—he appreciates good old local fare What are the top three events that you treasure most in your mem- as much as we do. ory bank? My top 3 events during my time at Marina Bay Sands would have to be What’s the most compelling reason to work here in Singapore? the opening of The Lion King at the MasterCard Theatres, meeting the With its strategic geographical location, economic stability, excellent inKing and Queen of Bhutan and introducing them to Michael Bolton and frastructure and unique multicultural attributes, Singapore is one of the David Foster, and watching one of the most beautiful and creative theatre world’s most dynamic countries. Also, being a city-state means that eveshows—Slava’s Snow Show. rything is close and everyone in Singapore is on the same time zone. This means that the business pace in Singapore is fast and efficient. Outside of What’s the most compelling reason to work here in Singapore? the office though, the biggest reason to work in Singapore is to enjoy all The opportunity to bring world-class artistes to Marina Bay Sands making the local culinary delicacies. If you love food like I do, this is reason enough. it Asia’s number one destination for entertainment is a splendid reason to work in Singapore. Do you have a wish list for Singapore? Over the last few years, Singapore has been attracting a lot of international If you could invite anyone (dead or alive) to dine with you, who events and international artists to Singapore. This has put Singapore in would it be? the spotlight for a lot of people. My wish for Singapore is for the country It would definitely be my parents. to continue progressing the way it is and to keep drawing international visitors. Favourite activity (other than work) in Singapore? I love travelling to various Asian destinations where I usually come back Favourite weekend getaway destination? with a bird cage to add to my collection. I have approximately 20 cages It’s a tie between Bali and Bangkok. I love both of these destinations and I from all over Asia. think they both have so much to offer. Favourite weekend getaway destination? Anywhere in Thailand. Favourite restaurant? My personal favourite is Osteria Mozza, which is directly opposite the MasterCard Theatres. Mozza serves the most amazing Italian cuisine.
Favourite activity (other than work) in Singapore? The idea of brunch has rapidly caught on here in Singapore and I love checking out new brunch places in town. There seem to be new places opening every month so it’s an activity that will keep me busy for a while.
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COOL GADGETS
lthough there are countless electronics in the market, few of them are actually worth the money. With so many consumer electronics introduced over the year, we sifted through the best tech gear out there and narrowed it down to 12 gadgets that surpass looking good, and functions to assist you in a variety of aspects in your life.
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Sennheiser IE 800
Price: USD999.95 Available at: www.sennheiser.com Sennheiser is the choice brand for earphones many young Singaporeans love. This new product comes with mini inventions and improvements which audiophiles would eagerly lap up. The extra wide band (XWB) transducer system has a diameter of only 7 mm, making it the smallest extra dynamic ear canal phones. It promises distortion-free sound and a low THD, all packaged neatly into an urban and elegant design. With its scratchresistant ceramic, this pair of earphones is entirely worth the price, earning raving ratings and reviews everywhere.
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Padfone Infinity
Öko Odyssey 6-in-1 Bottle
ASUS has joined the ranks of industry giants with its innovations in the smartphone industry. Its performance matches up to its sleek metal finish, boasting a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 Quadcore CPU (2.2GHz) to provide you an unmatched user experience. This 5-incher comes with a new secondary microphone for noise cancellation, giving you a perfect, if not almost seamless recording experience. The rear 13 mega-pixel camera has is also integrated with the PixelMaster technology. With its constant improvements, ASUS is proving to be fierce competition.
This time, the phrase “all work and no play” may just appeal to you. This is suitable if you are outdoorsy and an adventure seeker who loves your backpacking and camping. This is more than just a bottle to store water, it allows you two different filtration options when you obtain water from questionable sources. Both options allow you to take out chlorine, bad taste and even colour, and works in over 140 countries. Its functionality does not stop here. Coming with a flashlight adapter that can be used as a torch or a lantern, this is the best travel companion you can bargain for.
Price: SGD898 Available at: Major distributors, including Harvery Norman and Challenger
Price: USD49.95 Available at: www.okoh2o.com
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Foreo LUNA™
Leica X Vario
Price: USD2850 Available at: ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery and Raffles Hotel Arcade
Price: SGD299 Available at: www.genevalab.com
With the LUNA™, beauty is literally in the palm of your hand. Designed in a fun size which allows for convenient exfoliation, Foreo promises younger and brighter looking skin after 3 days of usage. With their signature T-Sonic™ Pulsations, it is as if you are treated to a facial in the comfort of your own bathroom. In 2 minutes, prepare to have your dead skin cells removed and pores cleansed, and the better absorption of your favourite skincare products. Coming in 3 forms according to your skin type, the LUNA™ can be your next personal belonging.
The Leica X Vario packs a punch with its exceptionally large sensor and high performance autofocus zoom lens. It is amazing how this compact size gives an excellent scope for creative composition, bringing out the best photo quality regardless of your level of expertise. Apart from the lightweight aluminium frame and capturing a full 1920 x 1080 pixels, its audio clarity is thoroughly enhanced by its in-built wind-cut filter for videos. With its extremely user-friendly features, the Leica X Vario is one of our favourites this month.
This world’s first portable audio system furnished with a high-fidelity sound system will definitely hype you up. With its compact size, you can easily slip this gadget into your bag by snapping the clamshell case shut and bringing it onthe-go. Beneath its sleek exterior lies its speakers, amplifiers, radio and alarm clock, delivering a robust bass response below 80 Hz. With a built-in digital FM tuner and stereo Bluetooth playback, you will never be short of options when it comes to setting the tone for a gathering or a party.
Price: USD199 Available at: Sephora International, www.sephora.com
Geneva Sound System Model
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Google Smartwatch
Available at: Google Smartwatch is in the prototypical phase, but we like to stay ahead of trends. We will eagerly anticipate the many exciting inventions Google will debut over the next few years. Everyone in the online community has been chatting about Google Glass, the uber cool transformational wearable computer. While waiting for Glass to hit the Singapore markets, let’s focus on the Next Big Gadget by this tech giant, the Smartwatch. Integrated with the Android operating system and promising to “move information” with you (your wrists, to be specific), it is multi-purpose and even tells you when the bus is about to come. Move over, Apple iWatch. Weekendin 66
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Goateesaver
Price: USD19.99 Available at: www.amazon.com No, the company did not make a typo error. For males who dig growing out your facial hair, this gadget promises to save your goatee by providing a goatee shaving template. Not only is it adjustable to fit your specific face size and shape, it can also be adjusted to fit your goatee style. By shaving with that template, it saves time on your daily grooming habits and yet maintains the precise shape you want, avoiding awkward situations where your beard is uneven or crooked.
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Samsung Chromebook Price: SGD499 Available at: Courts
Google is the market leader in tech in many ways, and her collaboration with Samsung to create the Chromebook may just the next “in-thing” in the world of laptops and tablets. Taking just seconds to start up and with a built in security system that protects against viruses, it comes with your favourite Google apps... and thousands more. All your files are also automatically backed up with a cloud and sharing with multiple persons are made easy with streamlined accounts.
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Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Leica X Vario
Beats by Dr Dre is a classic brand name. It has enormous street cred with its identifiable and iconic style, worn by celebrities from Thierry Henry to David Guetta. This pair of headphones go back to basics to its humble origins, and is yet equipped with improvements like being more lightweight and comfortable. Move in tune with your music with Beats’ “nocompromise” dual-mode Adaptive Noise Canceling and surround yourself in your own world.
The Leica X Vario packs a punch with its exceptionally large sensor and high performance autofocus zoom lens. It is amazing how this compact size gives an excellent scope for creative composition, bringing out the best photo quality regardless of your level of expertise. Apart from the lightweight aluminium frame and capturing a full 1920 x 1080 pixels, its audio clarity is thoroughly enhanced by its in-built wind-cut filter for videos. With its extremely user-friendly features, the Leica X Vario ranks high in our list.
Price: SGD590 Available at: www.store.apple.com/sg
Price: USD2850 Available at: ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery and Raffles Hotel Arcade
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The Diplomat Globe: 32” Illuminated Floor Globe
Price: USD13,000 Available at: www.1ststoptravelstore.com This is a gadget well and truly worth the splurge. This is the world’s most detailed globe with over 21,000 place names. With a height of 128cm, this extraordinary globe features a touch-on illumination and ten-colour cartography. With detailed text labels of exotic destinations from South America to Bali, this globe is both aesthetic and functional. The touch on, 3-way dimmer switch for the illuminated globe is controlled by simply touching anywhere on the meridian ring.
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WELLNESS RETREATS
oing to a spa is truly a holistic mind, body and spirit experience. Luxury spa treatments are not only great for general health and wellbeing, they also bring about utter relaxation and make you feel on cloud nine by provoking your endorphins. Singapore has no shortage of good spas, but these 12 are some that we have specifically tried and tested and fallen in love with.
COMO Shambhala
www.comoshambhala.com COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Delfi Orchard aims to bring its clients to a state of utmost relaxation and zen-like clarity. Through the combination of modern science and hands-on healing, this unique spa has found a holistic way to restore you to the pink of health. Massage therapy is a key component of any holistic healthcare regime, which is why they offer it as an integral aspect to the holistic COMO Shambhala experience. The wellness massage therapies are designed to complement the yoga and Pilates experience, to provide muscle tension relief, aid injury recovery and bestow a sense of deep relaxation.
St. Gregory’s Spa
www.stgregoryspa.com St. Gregory caters to busy executives and business travellers who are strapped for time and whose tired hands constantly delve and weave into the hardy world of big business. It has earned the reputation for providing effective luxury treatments that incorporate well-qualified therapists and use of body care products from illustrious UK brand Elemis, and French brand Thal’ion. There are a tantalising variety of treatments to choose from, including the Elemis Well-Being Massage, which includes a 75-minute long adaption of Thai, Balinese, Reiki, Shiatsu, Middle East, Swedish, Tui Na, Reflexology, Hawaiian and Ayurveda, taking you around the globe without the hefty price tag.
ESPA
www.rwsentosa.com/ESPA An oasis of tranquility designed for total relaxation and recreation, ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa is a welcome change away from the daily grind. The spectacular 10,000 square metre leisure environment consists of luxurious treatment pavilions, private beach villa and garden spa suites immaculately designed for complete pampering. Signature facilities include Singapore’s first authentic Turkish Hammam, Vitality Pools, Forest Onsen-style Pools, Rock Saunas, Crystal Steam rooms, and spa café Tangerine. As Asia’s flagship ESPA, ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa is the perfect environment to indulge in naturally-based therapies combining the most effective traditional techniques and products sourced from around the world. Weekendin 68
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AWAY Spa
www.wsingaporesentosacove.com/en/awayspa Lose yourself in the rainforest design and setting of AWAY Spa, a luxury day spa showcasing award-winning signature therapies and treatments using ILA-Spa’s organic and natural products. A mosaic wall in various shades of relaxing forest greens at the entrance to AWAY Spa complements wooden sculptures and natural surfaces, leading to a magical hideaway. A decompression area, sauna, steam room, vitality pool, herbal bath, and experiential showers are warmly illuminated by hues of purple, orange, green and blue, a modern reality un-check of resplendent rest.
Remede Spa
www.remedespasingapore.com Step into a world of respite and relaxation at Remede Spa at The St. Regis Singapore. With customised treatments and a wide range of revitalising experiences inspired by water and the finest ancient rituals of the bathing art, Remede Spa pampers guests as they dwell in the epitome of calm. Amongst others, Remede’s unique features such as the Cedarwood Finnish Saunas, Eucalyptus Scented Steam Chambers and Ice Fountains have been developed to support hot and cold therapies, which have proven health benefits.
Spa Botanica
www.spabotanica.com Away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, where the sounds of traffic are a mere whisper, surrounded by lavish gardens, sits a beautiful establishment that is renowned for its high quality of service, prestige and elegance. The Sentosa is a lovely resort nestled perfectly atop a cliff with a glorious view of the South China Sea. Spa Botanica boasts itself in being Singapore’s first garden destination spa, offering state of the art facilities like the regions first mud and float pools with cascading waterfalls, labyrinths, Galaxy steam baths and Vichy showers.
Banyan Tree Spa
www.banyantreespa.com The first Banyan Tree Spa to be holistically themed around the timeless concept of the Tree of Life, it highlights the importance of preserving and connecting with nature. Each treatment room affords spellbinding views of the city skyline and the sea. As a tribute to Singapore’s heritage, Singapore’s national flower, Orchid is a unique element in the signature treatment of this spa. Artistic expressions of aesthetics and finishes of the spa honour its Asian heritage, celebrating creativity and intricate craftsmanship.
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Auriga Spa
www.auriga-spa.com Named after the constellation whose brightest star is Capella, Auriga offers guests a new wellness philosophy based on the phases of the moon. Signature treatments use natural products that reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle. Drawing from both time-tested ancient practices and the latest contemporary findings, their treatments are a blend of regional customs, indigenous herbs and authentic healing practices. The Senja Sunyi treatment is a soothing treatment that uses smoothing long strokes of Javanese massage to relax the mind and soul.
CHI, The Spa
www.shangri-la.com/singapore Luxurious yet down-to-earth, CHI, The Spa provides you with a place for personal peace and wellbeing. “Sense of Place” experiences using natural products and authentic treatments provide revitalising, therapeutic benefits. CHI, The Spa also offers treatments that reflect a true sense of Singapore, such as Tropical Treat and The Singapore Wave. Inspired by the multicultural influences and positive energy of the Asian hub, The Singapore Wave is a combination of traditional Asian massage and therapeutic massage techniques for the ultimate uplifting Singaporean experience.
Miss Paris & Dandy House
www.miss-paris.com.sg True to their Japanese roots, the spa is designed with exquisite sophistication that Japanese interiors are acclaimed for. To boot, it has a private couple room and five individual rooms with a total of six beds. The two spa concepts are already well established in all major Japanese cities as well as Shanghai and Hong Kong. One of their highlights includes the 90-minute Signature Triple Burn Method that uses specialised equipment in a three-step treatment targeted to reduce the three different types of fats found in your body – cellulite, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat. The result is every woman’s dream – a healthy and slim body that efficiently resists weight gain.
SEVIIN @ TANGS
www.tangs.com.sg/seviin A pinnacle of beauty and wellness, this 7,000 square foot urban oasis features highly coveted beauty services by Decleor Institut, La Mer, Shiseido Facial Studio, SK-II LXP Lounge, Sulwhasoo Facial Studio, and Body Bar by My Happy Feet, including a hair salon, UrbanHair Ginrich Aveda. Be pampered with world-class services at SEVIIN at TANGS, whether you’re enjoying a facial, massage or haircut. After indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, lounge in the exclusive lounge for TANGS’ preferred customers – a private sanctuary for relaxation where you can enjoy a breather away from the bustling streets outside.
Spa Artisan
www.thespaartisan.com The Spa Artisan believes in the artistry and healing experience of the human touch. An atelier built on the artisanal qualities of heritage, knowledge, craft and skill, it is to be the new spa destination that combines the oasis of a garden spa with the heritage and history of Fullerton Hotel. Coupled with the essence of natural and hand-made ingredients — The Spa Artisan celebrates the tradition of Asian spa treatments, elevated and delivered with a contemporary touch. Imagine being transported to the lush greenery and serenity of a meadow, pampered by the skilled handwork of a true artisan together with the finest all natural ingredients. All these right in the heart of the city. Weekendin 70
“LUNCH AS YOU LIKE IT” Till 30 April 2014
Let a good hearty lunch brighten up the rest of your day with Min Jiang at One-North’s “Lunch As You Like It” Degustation Menu! Choose dishes of your own liking from a list of our restaurant’s signature and popular dishes for a personalised value-for-money meal.
4-Course – $33 per person 5-Course – $38 per person
Prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes. Not valid with other promotions.
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AIRLINES
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ot all airlines are created equal, and each in-flight experience differs based on seat comfort, in-flight entertainment, cabin cleanliness and condition, quality of meals served, and service efficiency. In order to be ranked the best of the best for flying, airlines have to simulate an enjoyable experience in the plane. We have looked at a dozen of major international airlines that fly long-haul routes.
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Singapore Airlines
In-flight service, food, comfort, entertainment and value, Singapore Airlines has everything to make the furthest journey seem like the shortest and the most indulgent one for you. For those with pockets deep enough, splurge on their exclusive suites on board their A380. It offers you absolute privacy through the use of sliding doors and window blinds, a 23-inch wide LCD screen and exquisite dining options that are complemented with exclusive designed Givenchy tableware. Just 24 hours before you fly, revel in their “Book the Cook” service that enables you to pre-order and have your gourmet meal specially prepared for you. Even if you’re down in Economy class, personal space and entertainment isn’t compromised either. With innovative seat design that minimises intrusion and an ergonomic styling of the seat that maximises knee and legroom space, be ready to regale in the utmost form of comfort. Throughout the flight, explore an array of delectable options that can be found inside their in-flight menu from wine to snacks and beverages, along with 1,000 over entertainment options. At Singapore Airlines, they go beyond customers expectations to create an all encompassing experience of luxury up in the air. There is no doubt about it – indeed it’s a great way to fly.
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Air New Zealand
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Emirates
Etihad Airways
Thai Airways
Step into Air New Zealand and you’ll probably be greeted with a Kia Ora. This kiwi carrier has redesigned their Business Premier space and cabins are installed with a luxurious 22-inch wide leather armchair that coverts to a flat six foot six inches bed. One innovation that is highly popular is their Economy Skycouch who responds to the calling for those who needs that extra bit of room, be it parents with kids or couples. This “cuddle class”, combines an economy row of three seats converted into a bed with the touch of a button. The arm rests retract, the seat base extends and the seatbelts are lengthened to help customers buckle up when reclining. There is also no need to leave your seat when you’re hungry or wait when its service time. You can place an order for a snack or a drink from their on screen menu. All you need to do really is to sit back and enjoy the journey.
Emirates First Class suites offer customers a luxurious Shower Spa on their A380 fleet. The prestigious airline signature Shower Spas were created with customers’ pleasure in mind and is made complete with a Timeless Spa shower kit, made from finest natural ingredients. Seek exclusive retreat into ultimate privacy as their suites come with a sliding door, a personal mini bar, mirror wardrobe and privacy divider for central suites. Economyclass customers are treated to over 1,600 channels of programming. Under the frequent flyer programme, young children also get child-friendly rewards like toys, books and free travel. This airline is undeniably faultless and so are the immaculately groomed flight attendants who don the striking draped-scarf headgear and that prominent red lipstick. When you fly with Emirates, you know you’re in good hands.
With their clean modern lines and stylish caramel setting, Etihad has redefined luxury up in the air and is giving other airlines a run for their money. Their Diamond First Class seats are upholstered with leather by renowned manufacturer Poltrona Frau who is the supplier of Ferrari’s interiors. With a touch of the button, the seats transform into a flatbed that comes with a cosy blanket, fitted sheets, full sized pillows and loungewear. Experience their meticulous attention to detail through their adjustable headrest, footrest, lumbar support and inbuilt massage. The seats also come with a personal mini bar and an illuminated wardrobe. Etihad understands that luxury is doing things at your own time of preference, and this is why customers get to dine whenever they feel like it.
Thai Airways – the national airline for Thailand set itself to achieve the goal of being “The First Choice Carrier with Touches of Thai”. These state-of-the-art seats are electronically controlled, with 180 degrees of recline and given seven feet of freedom for guests to stretch out and feel nowhere near constrained in space. A massive programme has been carried out to expand and revitalise every aspect in their Economy Class experience. Guests can expect superior quality when it comes to space, comfort and service. Parents can also put their mind at ease as young guests are kept entertained with a range of toys, games and books. With a number of reasons for you to choose them as your first choice, it is justifiable to say that the most arduous part of the journey was probably making your way to the plane. 73 Weekendin
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Cathay Pacific
Garuda Indonesia
Oman Air
Turkish Airlines
Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong based airline that has ranked among the top several times from Skytrax. Designed by London based architects Foster + Partners, their First Class seats revolve around sheer comfort, sophistication and contemporary style. Each suite is equipped with a multi port connector and do put on their BOSE QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones which offer superb comfort and sound quality before getting entertained by an infinite number of movies and music. Amenity kits come with a brand too – male customers will get an Ermenegildo Zegna and female customers will get a Trussardi amenity bag together with Aesop products. The basic economy seats come with more storage options to hold your amenities and ports that allow you to stream entertainment from your favourite apple products onto your monitor.
Garuda Indonesia has derived a concept of service created to allow passengers to experience Indonesia at its best. Garuda offers their First Class customers a free chauffeur service to the airport that has mobile entertainment. Customers will then be accompanied with a personal butler who escorts you to the First Class Lounge where you get treated with invigorating spas and sumptuous spreads. On board the flight, you will be welcomed with all the usual suspects of the First Class Cabin like branded toiletries, personal wardrobe, an ergonomic seat, that makes you feel almost close to royalty. Economy Class customers can relax in their spacious ergonomic chair with 31 inches space of leg room. Packed with comfort and benefits, it’s not a surprise why Garuda Indonesia topped the charts for the Best Economy Class Seats in the 2013 World Airline Awards.
You might have not heard of Oman Air, but this airline is bagging in a long list of awards that you should pay close attention to. With only six seats within the first class cabin, together with a luxurious lounge area, customers are in for a treat when they fly First Class. This unparalleled level of extravagance is almost akin to flying in an exclusive private jet. Inside their First Class Mini Suite, customers are offered lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, a built in eight point massage system and a la carte dining. The in-flight dining experience begins with a premium caviar service, whilst a wide menu selection of both modern and traditional fine dining dishes to savour from. In Economy Class, the airline delivers everything a modern traveller needs to stay connected, informed and entertained.
Experience the very best of Turkish hospitality when you fly with Turkish Airline. On board the journey, the Business Class seats include an ottoman that creates a 75 inch sleeping space when fully-reclined in bed position. Customers can also enjoy a cup of local coffee while being entertained by their films and short programmes. Up a notch from Economy Class is their Comfort Class seat that is a configuration between business and economy class. This premium economy cabin offers a level up of comfort through more spacious legroom, more onboard catering and better in-flight entertainment options without bearing the cost of a business class seat. Given that athlete stars, Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi, are the brand ambassadors of Turkish Airline, who knows, you might be able to see some star-studded sightings on board the flight.
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ANA All Nippon Airways
Lufthansa
Qatar Airways
Everything in Japan is fast forwarded and cutting-edge, and ANA All Nippon Airways isn’t an exception. In First Class, ANA First Square seats are definitely state-of-the-art in all aspects. To name a few of its features; it is furnished with LCD widescreen monitors, your very own satellite international telephone, cleverly designed jacket/shoe storage that is fitted to the wall of each individual cabin and a functional storage space that enables you to keep your personal items all within reach. In Economy Class, customers are welcomed with an amenity kit, an ANA letter set and a range of snacks and beverages to choose from such as ANA’s one-of-a-kind beverage, “Aromatic Kabosu” juice that is freshly squeezed kabosu citrus fruits grown in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu. There is absolutely no reason why this airline should not be our hit list.
Whether you’re on ground or on board, expect the exceptional when travelling First Class with Lufthansa. Tailoring to your travel requirements and conditions on board, the German carrier looks into every detail and aims for perfection. Apart from the extensive range of entertainment and power sockets for your electronic gadgets, Lufthansa also provides a wide selection of newspapers and magazines on different subjects and areas of interest. This airline is constantly innovating and it doesn’t just rest on its laurels after clinching the title of Europe’s Leading Airline three times in a row. Starting from May 2014, customers can look forward to their new Premium Economy Class that gives them greater benefits like access to Lufthansa Business Lounges, wider seats with up to 50% more of space and a welcome drink upon arrival on the plane.
Enjoy Middle Eastern hospitality and 5-star service on board your flight on Qatar Airways. Pamper yourself silly and travel on First Class where the sense of space is well-utilised. Call it your own private sanctuary as you get ample space options like an ultra comfortable flat bed accompanied with Frette Linen and a duvet. Experienced cabin crew will attend to your every need and from celebrity chefs’ signature dishes to Christian Dior amenity kits, you can trust Qatar to provide their customers only with the very best. Staying on top of your game is also not an issue. Even if you’re at Economy Class, you’ll be unconditionally treated with excellent service as for an unprecedented seven consecutive years, Qatar’s cabin crew have been voted the “Best in the Middle East”. They are small touches but big on the ability to make your flight an enjoyable one. 75 Weekendin
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PLACES TO DINE AT
ruly considered a cultural melting pot, Singapore has to offer a smorgasbord of different cuisines with all sorts of mindblowing flavours. You can see a reflection of Singapore’s cultural diversity in the array of cuisines on the menu – Chinese, Japanese, Italian and Spanish amongst others. There is never a shortage of places to eat in Singapore but here are Weekendin’s favourite restaurants accumulated over the year—and what sets tongues wagging—we wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of them!
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Roundhouse Pizza, Bar & Grill
Just off Dunearn Road near Sixth Avenue, nestled within the tranquil and historical old Turf Club stables, Roundhouse – Pizza, Bar & Grill is the new Bukit Timah neighbourhood watering hole and family friendly restaurant. With great western cuisine, and plenty of space to keep the kids occupied, Roundhouse is the ideal location for a relaxing meal or a casual drink to round off the day or while away the weekend. Owned by local celebrity, DJ and actress, Vernetta Lopez and her husband Wayne Gladwin, the cuisine, including the hugely popular thin crust pizzas is distinctly family friendly, while the charcoal grilled Angus steaks and seafood plus large cocktail bar make the place adult friendly too. The bar has been extended and now is the main highlight as you enter the indoor dining dotted with large screens to watch the major sports events.
Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore
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CUT by Wolfgang Puck
CUT by Wolfgang Puck probably needs no introduction. An epitome of modern steakhouses, the place is something a true meat connoisseur will appreciate. The posh establishment presents a contemporary twist on the classic steakhouse menu from master chef Wolfgang Puck. At the helm of CUT by Wolfgang Puck is executive chef Joshua Brown, a down-to-earth guy whose food reflects his personality. CUT by Wolfgang Puck has so much to offer, that one visit may not be sufficient. Their appetisers and other entrees are comparably sublime and not lacking in standard. The establishment certainly upholds its name as one of the best steakhouses around. Weekendin 76
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At Edge, you will be treated to a vibrant dining experience featuring the authentic taste of traditional street food. Savour inspiring creations from seven open kitchens - comprising a variety of delicious cuisine including Chinese, Malay, Indian, Singaporean, Thai, Japanese and the signature “Pacific Cuisine” that takes inspiration from flavours and cooking styles of the Pacific. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey where food appreciation becomes an art form. The recently launched Champagne Brunch experience which will be available on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. For only $158++, enjoy a vast array of presentations complemented with unlimited Veuve Clicquot champagne, wines, beers and cocktails.
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Hide Yamamoto
Hide Yamamoto was named after its creator, Chef Yamamoto, who is Japanese born but trained in Italian and French culinary. Located at the Song Saa Resort Marina Bay Sands, this is his fifth restaurant to date, but his first and only in Singapore. Given his accolades and top-notch training, he hires only the most skillful of chefs whose talents are on display at this five-concept restaurant. There is a separate section for each type of Japanese delight: Sushi, Teppanyaki, Robata (Charcoal Grill), Ramen and a Sake bar, and diners can choose to sit by these respective counters to watch the chefs in action, or even opt for private rooms where you get served by your own personal chef for the night! Nevertheless, the variety provided means that diners have an almost unlimited choice of top quality and savoury Japanese dishes, which can be served as a set or as individual a la carte pieces.
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Ming Jiang, Goodwood Park Hotel
Specialising in both Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, Min Jiang at Goodwood Park Hotel can easily be described as one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Singapore. Since it first opened in 1982, the restaurant has consistently been ranked among the top restaurants both in Singapore and within the region, and is known for both its a la carte and dim sum selections. Min Jiang Chinese Restaurant keeps with the look of simple elegance through its classy muted colour scheme and subtle oriental appeal. The indoor section is well lit due to the glass windows, but there is also an alfresco setting with lush greenery for those who wish to enjoy the natural breeze.
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Dolce Vita, Mandarin Oriental
Basilico, Regent Hotel
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Situated next to Mandarin Oriental’s dazzling outdoor pool, dining there feels akin to a luxurious resort experience, bearing an uncanny resemblance to a cosy cabana. The minimalist décor, which features comfortable wooden chairs with yellow and white striped cushions, linen covered tables and a large open kitchen, further echoes the overall relaxing feel of the restaurant.
Each changing season yields a bounty of produce and ingredients at their peak. This year, Basilico, Regent Singapore’s flagship Italian restaurant, invites guests to Savour the Seasons with a seasonally driven menu that changes quarterly to reflect the time of the year. From the fresh, subtle flavours of summer to the earthy richness of fall, the daily dinner menu, which comprises of two buffets and choice of a main course, will bring Helmed by Michelin-starred executive chef Marco Pedrelli, who hails from together thoughtfully procured produce from across Italy in simple yet some of Europe’s finest restaurants, you can rest assured while you are treated to one of the best traditional Italian cuisines in town. inventive ways.
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Catalunya
All encompassing – that is what best describes Catalunya. This contemporary Spanish restaurant truly sets the bar among local Spanish restaurants Song Saa Resort with its interesting marriage of contemporary and traditional Spanish cuisine, and dishes that exhibit the techniques and finesse of an international culinary team honed at several award-winning establishments. It is no wonder that the opening of this restaurant was highly anticipated by aficionados of Spanish cuisine. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Alain Devahive Tolosa, Catalunya boasts a team trained by elBulli’s multi-talented culinary experts. Not only did Executive Chef Alain Devahive Tolosa spend a decade in the kitchens at elBulli Restaurant and elBulli Catering, he also held prominent positions in several Michelin starred restaurants in Europe, giving him umpteen culinary experience and making him one of the best at what he does.
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Toasting friendship, family and great food is what a Sunday Brunch in Singapore is all about and no one does it better than Mezza9; a genuine opportunity to forget about the hustle bustle of the working week and just take time to spoil the senses. Judging by the full house in this 400 seater, this brunch has become somewhat of an institution on Sunday morning. Perhaps it was the free flowing Champagne. The décor is welcoming, the ambience intoxicating and the buffet selection extensive enough to cover every decadent choice a discerning palate could desire; a veritable feast that required a degree of navigation to ensure one didn’t get stuck at a single station and forget the variety.
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No Menu is a family-style Italian Restaurant located in a cosy shophouse on Boon Tat Street. Osvaldo chose this location because of its setting exactly between the heritage of Chinatown, and the modern Business District. When you step inside you will feel as though you have entered Osvaldo’s home, surrounded by a living gallery of rustic heirlooms, pictures and keepsakes from the Forlino’s house in Italy. Everything there tells a story of the family’s journey. The dishes served at No Menu are created from recipes that have been handed down for generations in the Forlino family. Every dish is prepared to highlight the fresh, prime ingredients that help maintain the integrity of their rich culinary tradition.
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La Brezza, The St. Regis Singapore
Set amidst tranquil surrounds, guests can enjoy the serenity while lunching in cool comfort on weekdays. La Brezza also offers alfresco dining opSong Saa Resort tions in cosy cabana settings every evening and over the weekends. La Brezza’s menu exemplifies the use of the freshest seasonal produce in its fine trattoria-styled Italian cuisine that includes authentic specialties, from perennial favourites to contemporary interpretations. Pairing your meal with the choicest Italian wines also serves well by bringing out the unique flavours of each dish. Try the Australian Lamb Rack, crusted with kalamata olives, vegetable caponata, potatoes poached in milk and smoked pork, chianti-mustard and vincotto sauce, or alternatively, have some hearty pastas – where the chef is generous with each ingredients, bringing only top-notch creations to the table.
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AquaMarine
AquaMarine is a unique concept restaurant complemented by an alfresco dining area that beckons with an air of welcoming grace and relaxed charm. Indulge in a resplendent buffet spread of Asian and International cuisines, or an enticing à la carte menu in the restaurant. For a splendid taste of Asia, as well as delectable International cuisine, look forward to a sumptuous spread featuring perennial favourites such as Singapore Chilli Crab, Lamb Rogan Josh, Seafood Au Gratin, a mouth-watering array of desserts, on top of many others. Choose from a wide selection of à la carte dishes including local signatures like AquaMarine Jumbo Laksa and Hainanese Chicken Rice.
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AMAZING ART WORKS
othing brightens up a space better than art does. Every year, art collectors spend millions of dollars, all eager to own the world’s most sought after paintings. In contrary, the most expensive art pieces are not necessarily the best. The pieces that you choose to adorn your space with are going to be things you and your family have to see everyday, as well as what others see when they come to visit. If you’ve been doing some searching for art pieces, take a look at 12 of these impressive art works that deserve a second glance.
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Grand Surfeur
Price: unavailable Available at: www.operagallery.com
Melodrama – Acrylic Silk Screen on Linen Canvas Price: unavailable Available at: www.talkingtextiles.asia
Spruce up your home with one of Talking Textiles’ abstract pieces. Inspired by Singapore’s humid tropical weather in the day and its refreshingly cool nights, Talking Textiles has put together a series of art pieces which depicts the very temperature and weather experienced here in this little red dot in the South East Asian region. Like other works in this same series, Melodrama emits a warm vibe with great energy through its rich colours. Working with exotic colours and textures of the region, Melodrama would be a vibrant addition that will undoubtedly give character to your living room. Avid lovers of the exotic style of South East Asia may want to check out this piece or even the rest of the series at their stores. Weekendin 82
Only available for a short period of time in Singapore this year (9-23 April), this sculpture is one of French artist Mauro Corda’s finest. Born in 1960, Corda has a penchant for applying varying textures to his bronzes, from chrome to silver. Branching out to iron and aluminium materials, his art pieces revolve around the same theme - it portrays people in the most diverse roles, environments, and situations. The Grand Surfeur stands out because he experimented with resin material (a mixture of bronze and nickel) this time, the sheer radiance of the material reflecting the exuberance of young male surfers. When admiring the sculpture from the showroom, watching the light catch the sculpture at different angles and shining a new perspective each time, one cannot help but be reminded of the exuberance of youth. It all boils down to the male physique, confident on his surfboard, body perfectly angled to catch the waves at the right time. For those who have never tried the sport, balancing on a surfboard is an action that requires finesse and expertise. This is no wonder the Grand Surfeur stood out. That, and the uncanny resemblance to a certain character in a Fantastic Four movie.
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New species
Price: SGD 6,962 Available at: www.artspace.com Artist Andrea Juan has a degree in visual arts and has won numerous accolades in the various art scene. Her solo exhibitions can be seen throughout the world, from the Argentine Pavillion of Expo Yeosu (South Korea) to the Chelsea Art Musuem (New York). Juan’s bizarre “New Species” photographs are a presentation of a visually lively scene that not only eludes the many species that once roamed the frozen Antarctic tundra but also the birth of life through playful imagery in this once temperate territory. She captures the brightly coloured manmade objects, which are a collection of neon striped and balloon shaped constructions that juxtaposed against the muted landscape of the glacial setting.
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Marché aux Emirats
Price: unavailable Available at: www.operagallery.com Marcel Mouly: art implementing cubism. That is his emblem. Born in Paris, the city of love, in 1918, Mouly came from humble beginnings. His brush with art started even when he was working as a cellar man, by taking night classes at the Cours Mouly’s. His style includes influences from Matisse’s deep, bold colours and Picasso’s iconic cubism. Debuting at the Salon d’Automne in 1943, it is an honour to see one of his acrylic works in the flesh. In this painting, translated as Market in the UAE, Mouly has crossed continents and borders to depict everyday life in the exotic Arab country. With mellow pastel hues paying homage to the never-dull market in the early morning, with daily transactions of a variety of goods between veiled women, this painting does not leave out the important details. From the casual drapes characteristic of open-air markets, to the homogeneSingapore Street – Mixed Media ous plain buildings in the distance, our gaze is drawn to the activity in Price: unavailable the middle of the market. The colourful traditional garb, a contrast to their Available at: www.talkingtextiles.asia tan faces, further highlights the diversity in the activities going on in the Singapore is known to many for its multi-racial and multi-religious society market. Could this be a satirical take on the necessary conformity in their with a rich historical background since its founding days as a mere fishing everyday wear and actions? We would put our money on it. village. After much thought on how to best capture the essence of Singapore’s society, Talking Textiles have created the Singapore Silk Screened series that they feel, best represents Singapore’s ethnic diversity. Thoroughly inspired by the sights of elements such as infrastructure and everyday objects, Singapore Silk Screened is a collection that reflects the country’s diversity using stimulating visuals. Like the rest, Singapore Street is unique in its own way. With intricate prints inked onto a line of shophouses painted in the background, this piece is capable of evoking waves of nostalgia – nostalgic feelings that still rise within you when pass by quaint architecture that still reside along the streets today. 83 Weekendin
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L’entrainement
Clementines from “Still Life’s, Portraits and Parts’’
Price: unavailable Available at: www.operagallery.com
Price: SGD 1,898.70 Available at: www.artspace.com
Literally translated as the training, this oil on canvas artwork can draw many interpretations. To shed light on the abstractness of this work, one should look at Andre Brasilier’s history. An accomplished painter born into a family of painters in 1929, he started painting since young. He started his professional art career after winning a first prize in Rome at the young age of 23, and quickly expanded his exhibitions abroad to France and beyond. It is fortunate that Singapore has received a few of his best pieces, which revolve around a similar theme—transfiguration. He quotes that his work is non-figurative inside figuration, his aim in transfiguring life... to build a plastic work that helps to see and to dream. This is exemplified in this oil painting, a dreamy blend of colours in a forest. Carrying an air of lyrical charm with its vivid colours, with the air of a vision that is there but not there, L’entrainement truly provokes many reactions from the audience. What are these people - if they are people - training for? Are they huddling over something else in the distance, their bodies blocking out the sunlight? It may be our imagination, but is that another shadow lurking in the distance at the side of the painting? Probing so many questions pertaining to transfiguration of real life, it is no wonder Brasilier is so successful internationally.
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Current undergraduate, Daniel Gordon, uses photography to create images that play with the notions of artifice and authencity. His early work of Flying Pictures (2001–2004), a series of low fi-simulations of human flight had earned him recognition for his work. Gordon’s assistant managed to capture the split instant between the moments when Gordon had hurled himself into mid-air before gravity pulled him back. The resulting images obscured the lines between reality and fiction, simultaneously recording his activity and portraying an unimaginable moment. Now, instead of using himself as a model, the artist composes three-dimensional collages, that are mostly grim and grotesque portraits from old magazines and Internet printouts which he thereafter photographs. Mastering perfection in images isn’t what Gordon is after but rather his works are purposely crude and unpolished. I’m interested in showing my hand and letting people see the imperfection, Gordon says. His series of “Still Life’s, Portraits and Parts” are photographed using a 4 x 5 view camera. The images emerged out are examples of appropriation art in that the elements involved are reworked, while the subjects and compositions are inspired from renowned artists like Picasso, Dali, Matisse and Cezanne.
Chicago
Price: SGD5,696 Available at: www.artspace.com Since the 1960s, Kenneth Josephson purposes his work to call attention to the physicality of photography. The influential conceptual photographer employed techniques such as layering photographs within photographs to identify angles of truthfulness and illusion within the medium. An example of this has garnered Jospehson’s photography as conceptual in his well known photograph, New York State, 1970 from his series “Images within Images”. This image illustrates the artist’s hand extended in front of him over the ocean, holding a photograph of a sailing ship. Inspired by photography innovators Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind, Josephson discovers the detailed complexities of photography in the context of artistic practice in his work. For more than 35 years, the artist served as a professor at the School of Art Institute of Chicago and was also the founder of the Society for Photographic Education. Chicago comes from his collection of photographs meant to change the traditional interaction between an individual and printed matter. The pictured book should be seen as a standalone exploration of the physical object instead of a vehicle for words or stories. Abstractions like this, clearly exhibits Josephson’s passion in photographic experimentation, providing an alternative perspective to a conventional object of everyday life.
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Tourbillion, 2003
Price: unavailable Available at: www.operagallery.com The explosion of colours and seeming layers of many textures would draw your attention to Chu Teh Chun’s acrylic art. Born in 1920 in Jiangsu Province, Chu opted to specialise in western painting as opposed to the traditional forms of Chinese art. An impressive achievement was recorded in 1956 when he won Silver Prize in the Paris Spring Salon. With a truly international reach, from the U.S. to Israel, he is known for his distinctive style of inventing writing between poetry and painting. Afterall, if not poetry, what else to pay homage to the great literary writers in ancient China? This landscape art is hence reminiscent of this underutilised art technique. The supernova burst of colours and concentrics within triangles are subtly mixed with poetry. Like many abstract art pieces out there, Tourbillion can be interpreted in many different ways, especially factoring in the beauty and the flow of Chinese poetry.
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Lost in My Life
Price: SGD8,860 Available at: www.artspace.com Rachel Perry Welty delves into themes of identity, information and privacy as she emphasises the tension between social networks, commitments and her sense of self. Welty’s work is a combination of her meticulousness in keeping her sense of humour to instill thought and reflection on the everyday being of consuming, sorting and sifting through the clutter of information. Her projects incorporate the detritus of domestic life such as receipts, bread tags and Styrofoam cartons. She aims to shed light on the everyday details in our life. “Lost in my Life” series is where Welty has photographed herself lost amongst a pattern of white flattened boxes. Her white clothing camouflages into the backdrop where even her face has been covered by the large pile.
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Price: unavailable Available at: www.artsy.net Olafur Eliasson, the Danish Icelandic artist has weaved in his concern for social responsibility within his art. His art pieces are usually large-scale sculptures and installations that heavily play on elements like light, air and water. The “hut series” was born when he was travelling in his parents’ hometown, Iceland. It features 56 prints that depict tiny historical huts. Formally the structure was built for shepherds and now it acts as rescue shelter, hunting cabins or hiking refuges for respite. The austere yet brightly coloured huts are mounted on top of the rocky curvatures of the land that offer a glimpse into a world beyond- a world delaying in progress, with a single focus point enclosed by the enormousness of space.
Listener
Price: unavailable Available at: www.operagallery.com What an interesting medium; a painting created by colour pencils. The expression of the subject in Listener - lips pursed, eyes vacant - with pearl earrings and a loose dress, grabs attention first. From the careless arrangement of fruits, to
the plain view of the window behind her, this painting immediately exudes a deep feeling of loneliness. One could draw many interpretations of it, but our personal one is less of listening than waiting for one’s return. 85 Weekendin
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30Sofas Weekendin presents
No living room in any house, whether big or small, is complete without a sofa set. Today the range of materials and designs you get to see for sofas are amazing, all complete with stylish lines and cuts.
a patio that you are fitting the couch into. You need to see how much space you have by measuring the room itself and then once you determine the space you can spare, you can decide how big or small of a sofa you can get.
Your living room is one of the places that you spend the most time in, in your home. Yet, for some reason it is not as comfortable as you want it to be. The thing is, it is not only important to get a sofa that is comfortable, but you also need to get one that fits in the living room you are putting it, both space wise and stylistically. If you are not quite sure what to do, do not worry because here is a quick guide to getting the right sofa for your room.
Once processing what size sofa to get, the next thing that you need to do is figure out the best type of sofa to purchase. For example, maybe the room you are putting it into is going to be more of a lounging type space for everyone in your family. Then you want to get one that matches that purpose and probably what would be good idea is a corner, L-shaped sofa that offers plenty of space for people to sit and relax. Or, maybe the space you are putting the sofa is going to be used more as a game room, then the one you should be more on the firm side and provide more back support. There are a number of other options to explore, and a fast
For starters, you need to look at the actual dimensions of the room, whether it is a living room or a place to just relax and unwind like
we love
way to check them all out is to do some comparison shopping. Once you determine both the size and type of sofa you want, the final thing that you need to decide when getting the right sofa for your room is its style, whether it is more traditional looking or more on the modern side. Again, there are many options to pick from, making it a breeze to find just the one you want. If you follow this guide you will be able to get just the right sofa for your living room. As you can see, it is actually a pretty simple process and something that should not take you that much time at all. Whether you want a corner sofa or a leather sofa, here are some plush pieces to get you started.
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1. Haiku Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design 2. BM2333 Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design 3. City 4 Seat Sofa, SGD3800, available at Ark Haus
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Black Kubus 2-seater, SGD1,891, available at Fred Lives Here
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Playtower Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design
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Nest Daybed, price upon request, available at OHMM Singapore
Black Barcalona 2-seater, SGD1,475, available at Fred Lives Here LC3 Sofa 3-seater, SGD3,577, available at Fred Lives Here
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Spine Lounge, price upon request, available at Danish Design
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Wegner 3-seater, SGD1,654, available at Fred Lives Here
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Mozart 2 Seater, SGD3,490, available at Dreamweave & other stories
Poet Sofa 2-seater, SGD1,465, available at Fred Lives Here
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13 13. Cornwall L-Shape Sofa, SGD3,500, available at Originals 14. Spokeback Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design 15. 3-seater Sofa, SGD1,350 (foam), SGD1,600 (feathers), available at Originals 16. Cocoon Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design
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17. Nicole Linen Sofa 3.5-seater, SGD2,750, available at Originals 18. Miami 3 Seat Sofa, SGD2,800, available at Ark Haus 19. Sierra Sofa, SGD2,500 for 3-seater, SGD2,950 for 4-seater, available at Ark Haus 20. Donatello 2 Seater, SGD 1,880, available at Dreamweave & other stories
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21. Caroline 3 Seater, SGD2,290, available at Dreamweave & other stories 22. Loft Sofa, SGD2,450 for 3-seater, SGD2,950 for 4-seater, available at Ark Haus 23. L-shape with Stainless Steel Legs, SGD2,250, available at Originals 24. Rocky Sofa, price upon request, available at Originals
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25. Odeon 3-seater Sofa, SGD5,050, available at Domicil 26. Folsom Leather Sectional, SGD5,800, available at Ark Haus 27. Onkel Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design
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28. Iris 3-seater Sofa, SGD5,400, available at Domicil 29. No. 1 Sofa, price upon request, available at Danish Design 30. Chelsea Leather 3 Seat Sofa, SGD 4,200, available at Ark Haus
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It’s about Luxury Travel Lindy Andrews was promoted from Director of Sales and Partner Alliances to CEO effective October 1, 2013. The changes came after exhibitors and buyers hailed Luxperience 2013 in post-event surveys as a major success. She will be leading the endeavour to grow Luxperience by at least 50% in 2014, for the B2B luxury and experiential travel show which attracted 148 exhibitor companies and over 300 buyers in 2013.
Before joining Luxperience in April 2013, Andrews helped generate record revenues at Novotel Manly in Sydney and the Panthers Group of venues. She took her first agency’s annual turnover from $700,000 to $10 million in eight years. Her fun spirit allows her to be inspired to ‘get mobile’ at least twice a year for her fix of fine food and wine, festivals, art, feluccas, fabulous experiences and photographic opportunities. Q: Take us through your path that led you from Director of Sales and Partner Alliances to your current position as CEO. A: I’ve launched and developed companies in the past as managing director and CEO of those companies. Over the past eight to ten years or so, I’ve been in the business consulting industry to the travel and tourism segment as well as business events. The owner of Luxperience approached me when I was doing contract in the year before last, in 2012. She asked me to come to Luxperience but at that time, it wasn’t right. So I went in as Director of Sales, just to sort of develop the business and see where it was at and as soon as that show was over, I took over in October. Q: When you came in to the position as CEO, what was the mission assigned to you and what goals have you set for yourself? A: The mission assigned was to build this business that creates a global business exchange for global exhibitors for high end and experiential travel product and to connect them with global buyers of those products. It could be those types of buyers from trade buyers, to family office representatives, concierge companies and build that, and then put it on global stage. Australia is considered a very inspirational place to visit, but it’s not necessarily considered on a global stage. So it’s about positioning and raising the profile of the destination for sure. Facilitating business exchange is the primary focus both for the business and I. Q: Since you took over as CEO, what have been the most exciting events that you’ve worked with? A: Well, it’s about creating the most exciting events. With the flagship event that happens in Sydney in September, we are creating and innovating more events that enable more business exchanges. On the last day of the event, we are creating another opportunity for the buyers. We are bringing in all the corporate buyers to meet with the exhibitors. We have 350 corporate buyers to meet with the exhibitors over a two and
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a half day exchange. The following would be a corporate connect programme. We primarily operate one global show a year in Sydney and then pop up events in New York and London. With London happening in about three weeks, it is going to be a small intimate event. It’s taking Luxperience to the world and exhibitors to the world. Q: Your passion is exploring, experimenting and engaging lifestyles and rich cultures of other countries. So is your job a dream come true? A: It is absolutely a dream come true for me, on so many levels in fact. Firstly, it is engaging and helping to support these exhibitors to build their business and introduce them to key buyers on a global scale. For me, it’s about helping them build their business. It is about being surrounded by fantastic products everyday. It’s about being with a team that is equally passionate about facilitating these business exchanges and it’s about building a business that is fairly new. We’re only in our third year of operation and we still have so much to build over the next few years.
Q: What do you foresee to be the obstacles you will encounter as you launch new marketing strategies this year? A: Hopefully none! But there’s always one, isn’t there? The only obstacle really is getting key messages out to the right perspective partners, to ensure that they understand what value is being provided to them. So, that’s probably one. We’re getting that out now. It’s starting to happen. You’re constantly telling your story and it’s something that takes a great deal of time, energy and effort. The other might be the investment in advertising, I guess. You constantly need to have revenue to do advertising; that probably would be the main thing. Social media is pretty strong—I don’t have a lot of obstacles in marketing, so I guess it’s a good place to be. Q: What future trends are you spotting in the corporate sustainability realm and how is Luxperience embracing more sustainable practices? A: In terms of the corporate, that’s constantly evolving. I think what the corporate world is doing is developing new and innovative ways. In the tourism segment, which is not really the corporate segment, they too are constantly evolving and developing ways with our product. Our exhibiting partners like cruising expeditions and so on, are always focused on giving back to the environment in everything they do. They take nothing but they give back to the environment—waste management is taken care of, reinvesting back into the local villages or local towns. That constantly happens and they are growing and developing that. Smaller companies are particularly good at that—actively doing it and not talking about it or just throwing money in it.
Q: Was there any hint that one day you would be running a bespoke travel business exchange? A: No, there wasn’t. But it was a perfect fit for me. In fact, it was a complete dream come true, in the sense that the people I work with were about creating a collaborative environment. It was already in place, and that was the way I operate. The buck stops with me and that’s my role. I engender and encourage a collaborative environment. Everybody inputs on what we do and the decisions we make and the directions we go are valued and considered on every level. So no, there was no view of that, but I couldn’t In terms of Luxperience, it’s really important to have found a better place to be. focus. We operate on a small ship really. A lot of agencies operate remotely and everything is Q: You have shown exemplary performance done digitally. We make sure that we produce in your first agency—taking the annual one brochure a year and it is something that is turnover from $700,000 to $10 million in 8 referred to all year. We don’t produce needless years. How does this achievement assist you collateral. It is also important that we protect our in your goal to help Luxperience grow by at planet and we work with the intent of working least 50% this year? with our exhibitors so that we have the same A: All of that experience is translated now into philosophy. building another business in a more challenging environment. In terms of enabling our exhibitors Q: How do you describe your leadership style to get cut through and helping them build their and what works for you in empowering your business. You know, there are a lot of more prod- employees? ucts now in the market, there’s a lot more niche A: Empowering my employees and empowerverticals in travel now. It was a very broad term ing my team is number one in my philosophy. ten years ago and when we had the agency. We’re very collaborative and I always engender a It’s not always easy for our exhibiting partners collaborative environment. Each week, we have to get cut through and we help them do that. our “Week” meeting. The door is always open but And that’s what we think is going to benefit our at “Week” meeting, it is about discussing ideas. As exhibitors and us in order to move Luxperience I said before, the buck stops with me who makes the ultimate decision. But for the most part, I will forward.
get everybody’s input into any major decisions that need to happen and what affects the various departments. I don’t think micro managing is terribly effective at all. But if you empower them, then they come back and connect. Essentially, if they have questions, we talk about it and I would usually give them a suggestion and walk away and work with that. I would say it’s more of a mentorship than training. Q: What’s next for Luxperience? A: To pull off an extraordinarily successful event more than last year—looking at doubling the size of the show in terms of exhibitors. Our primary focus would be being innovative and launching the new events we have throughout the three and a half days. But always, always, monitoring, innovating and moving forward. Q: What aspirations are you setting to keep the momentum going in the year ahead? A: The aspiration would be for the business to have it truly positioned in the global space. We’re young and we’re getting there and I think this show is absolutely going to put our footprint on a global stage. Q: Any hindsight? A: Ah, we all live in hindsight. It is only a good thing when we learn from it and that’s how we move forward. We take what we need from mistakes and hindsight and all of those things, we learn and we move forward.
Lindy’s Lifestyle Choices Last hotel: The Retreat in Bali Favourite food and restaurant: Seabass, and at the moment, an Asian fusion restaurant, Longrain in Sydney. Favourite holiday destination: Thailand! Love the food, people, and everything about it. What is a typical weekend: Being on the water either on the boat or in the ocean. During summer, I would spend time with my husband. The one item of technology that you can’t live without: My iPhone. What is the most important life lesson you’ve learnt: There are so many. But if I had to choose one, it would be to listen.
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Return to Innocence Steven Chua, the Chairman of Dhensa Group has come a long way up by starting his career as a bar boy. He is a great story of how academic achievements do not determine one’s path to the future, but a positive attitude brings you much further in life. This down to earth man, and a father of two, has bagged himself over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and shares with us what we can expect from Dhensa Boutique Resorts located in exotic Bhutan. He also reminds us that the truly important things in life are family and finding a balance in all things.
Q: Take us through your path that led to your current position as Chairman of Dhensa Boutique Resorts. A: I’ve been in the industry for close to 20 years and I have been involved in many different aspects of the sector such as hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering. It was a great experience and I was very fortunate as I took on leadership positions in the various companies, working alongside with a lot of great people. So, I guess it was a natural progression for me. If you don’t screw up too bad, you’re given opportunities along the way and you work with a great bunch of people who collectively make projects and businesses worth it and sought after. Thereafter, I reached a point where I wanted to do something more boutique. The kind where you have a chance to shape into something that is close to your heart, close to what you truly believe what the product should be. With Dhensa and Rykadan, both gave me the latitude. The board gives us a lot of support and they’re very excited about this. It was a natural progression—no superstar story to tell—only with a few successful gigs under the belt. Q: Since you’ve been the chairman of Dhensa, what were the most exciting events you worked with? A: Dhensa is our flagship that we have just launched in December. Throughout the course, we have had many challenges and pleasant surprises, where we plot along to find out what can and can’t be done in a remote yet exotic location like Bhutan. Hosting Hollywood celebrities for their honeymoon is something that we take great pride in doing. Shortly after the opening, they’re willing to come and experience a oncein-a-lifetime honeymoon with Dhensa, the moment they hear about us. This gives us a lot of comfort, in our ability to tell and explain what we are all about. They were very happy and spent an extra night with us. We bought some local gifts and carved some wood for them to take home. That was Weekendin 102
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probably one of the highlights in the last month or so. We are anticipating another A-list celebrity in a very short time. It is starting to gain some momentum and I guess the exciting thing would be to see how we can extend this brand essence further and how to make it relevant in every aspect of this product offering.
you want to go trekking and you think that this is a sanctuary or it is a sanctum for your inspiration for your next book—you decide what Dhensa is. We don’t prescribe how you should enjoy your holiday; we just look deeper into this whole proposition, because we switch to different personas and perspectives during the day.
Q: How do you create a successful and viable business with limitations and resources? A: Well, I guess it’s making a bunch of experienced, capable people think through some of our limitations as options and doing something that is sustainable, where you can execute it on a daily basis rather than having very lofty ideas. And we’ve seen some of these in Bhutan with the other brands. The key understanding is the layout of the land, the limitations and putting a great bunch of people that has the ability to execute the whole experience out for you.
is in order, a lot of things will fall into place. Of course, there must be a balance but they take top priority. I shorten my trips and sometimes I make accommodations either for my wife to come along or with my two boys. Work elements will then be slotted in between and I try to have a work balance. I start off the day early at 4.30am, where I go for a run or bicycle ride and by 7am, I’m in the office. I look through what’s on the next few days, go for meetings, networking lunch and after that I meet people. I’m constantly meeting new people to talk and explore opportunities, as well as whoever joins the group. Evening time is family time for about three to four hours. When they go to bed, it’s back to a few hours on the computer. The next morning this cycle starts again.
Throughout your holiday period, you would have different desires and needs. We’ll like you to use Dhensa as a space to do whatever you want, and you wouldn’t be judged. It’s more of the mind state than the usual suspects of comfort, service and amenities. Those are passé and we no longer see them as highlights. The rest of the competition is doing the same thing, so what sets you apart? We study the situation and what’s required. That’s the whole core of the product offering. If guests want a honeymoon, we can suggest ways and surprise you with little I never believe in sitting five to six hours in the gifts to enhance your whole honeymoon experi- office and hoping for the best. You’ll be happier with balance and never underestimate the powQ: Why the decision to set up the very first ence rather than saying we can only do this. Dhensa luxury resort in Bhutan? er of networking. A: We wanted to do it for two reasons. One, be- Q: What do you consider to be the core capacause it is a very high-end experience, of which bility of Dhensa boutique resorts? Q: Is there a mantra that you live by? we thought Bhutan would be an ideal loca- A: It is to empower you to return to a sense of in- A: Everyday balance is important. Sometimes, tion where the well-heeled in the world would nocence. To be able to do as you wish and enjoy people procrastinate their holiday, leisure and love. It was the top destination for 2013 voted yourself in simple luxuries like a juicy burger or entertainment too much. Everyday balance by Lonely Planet. In terms of brand exposure, smoke by the chimney while you are downing a helps to keep you fresh and in a happy mood. that gives us a great platform to showcase what few beers. We don’t judge. Dhensa is all about. We get daily updates from our colleagues over Two, because of the fact that it is a very difficult there and they’re delighted that the whole location to operate, develop and sustain. That crowd is understanding what it’s about and not Steven’s Lifestyle Choices gives us a good platform to showcase our exper- like, oh I need to behave in a certain way othertise within Dhensa and Rykadan to say that we wise people will look at me funny. We even have Last hotel: Shinpamani, Siem Reap can do it, we’re there and we can execute high- artisans teaching how to carve wooden phalend experiences that some of the big boys have luses upon guests’ request, which are symbols of Favourite food and restaurant: It has to shied away from. fertility and good luck in Bhutan. be Japanese food, I like Kikunoi in Kyoto. Q: What sets Dhensa apart from other resorts? What can guests expect from their stay at the resort? A: Dhensa is a paradigm shift. It is about moving away from a traditional resort space into one that is a cerebral sphere that will invite you into the disposition that goes back to the essence of being pure and true. It allows you to regain innocence that is probably lost and forgotten in adults, whereby the simple luxury in life is actually forgotten, like the choices, the things that you do as a kid and being accepted for who you are. It’s not so much of the physical limitation of the product or the service, which is nothing wrong for traditional resorts, but we don’t prescribe. We enable and empower you to decide if Dhensa is a playground for you. For the next half a day, if
So do whatever you want to do and we will empower you. True luxury is about being able to do exactly what you wish to at that time, without being judged by societal constructions of acceptance of deviant behaviour. This is something that I truly think is the essence of Dhensa. Q: With your busy work schedule, how do you prioritise time for your family? A: They take top priority. I have two young boys and sometimes it’s tiring but they’re amazing. One is coming six and the other is 20 months old. When I was a bachelor in my younger days, a lot of work and fun was centred on what I wanted. Today, I have lots of time for my family. It’s good that the board understands this – they too have families of their own. When your family
Typical weekend with family: We don’t really plan. We just ask the boys what they’ll like to do. The younger one will come up with funny ideas and we’ll just try and accommodate as much as possible. We live free and easy and we try to have a balance of outdoor activities like movies or indoor playgrounds and there are a number of times when we just stay at home work, watching a Harry Potter movie. Favourite holiday: It has to be Japan. I love the food. My wife and I are foodies. A lot of times, we go to places and the food is just phenomenal. Even in a street stall that sells lightly roasted soy ice cream. 103 Weekendin
intheLIFESTYLE
Karen De Jong 13 Years Old
Karen de Jong is a 13-year-old 8th grader. She was born in Singapore and moved to Holland in 2004. She recently returned to Singapore and is currently studying at Overseas Family School. Her hobbies are polo training at the Singapore Polo Club, regular horse riding, playing the piano, playing hockey and doing karate. Karen has won several international tournaments in her karate category and a few local horse-riding competitions in Holland. She hopes to keep doing well both with her school and her hobbies.
Q: At what age is a person an adult? Why do you think so? A: I think a person is an adult when they have finished schooling, started a job and started to live on their own. Q: If you could change one rule that your family has, what would you change? A: The rule where I am only allowed to go out after school once a week. I think 2 or 3 times will be much more reasonable when I don’t have many assessments due. Q: What is something that makes your family special? A: My family is just special to me. Q: Of all the things you are learning, what do you think will be the most useful when you are an adult? A: In humanities, we are learning economics, which I think will be very useful when I grow up because I will need to know about it in most of the careers I am interested in. Q: Are you a good friend? Why do you think so? A: I think I am a good friend because I am quite easygoing and caring. Q: How would the world be different if animals could talk? A: I think the world would be very different since animals can sense if there is going to be a natural disaster, such as a tsunami or an earthquake. So if they could talk then they can warn people so there will be less chaos. Q: Would you cheat in a test if you knew you would not get caught? A: The answer to my teachers and parents would be: no, I would never do such thing. But my honest answer is: if I knew I had studied and I knew everything, then no. But if I didn’t study at all and knew I would fail, I would maybe cheat a bit if I knew for sure I would not get caught. Q: If you could grow up to be famous, what would you want to be famous for? A: As a little girl I had dreamt of being a singer but there was always one big problem… I couldn’t sing so I knew that would never end up well. So instead, I would choose being a model or something you can learn to do. Q: If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do? A: I would just have fun and scare people by tapping on their shoulder or talk to them so they would get freaked out since they can’t see me. Q: What is the best gift you have ever given? Why was it so special? A: The best gift would probably be the jar of liquorice I gave to my dad on Father’s Day when I was small. It said, for the best father in the word. My dad really liked it and kept it for all these years as a penholder. Q: What is the hardest thing about being a kid? A: Having to listen to your parents when they get mad and not being allowed to talk back to them because you know you will get grounded for it. Weekendin 104
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Q: If you were a teacher and the kids in your class would not listen to you, what would you do? A: I would make them stay after class or school because that is what I would find to be the most irritating punishment.
Sophie Lim
Q: Where is your favourite place in the world? A: My favourite place would be Holland because I grew up there and although the weather isn’t really good, most of my friends live there and I miss them a lot.
For everyone who’s never sure of themselves. For you, the one whose disguise is blind confidence. Well then, turn the page and start again. If you run away and hide from every problem that arises, if you chose to live in darkness, or maybe it wasn’t even a choice, turn the page. Begin anew.
Q: If you could give one gift to every single child in the world, what gift would you give? A: I would give each of them different things because not every kid wants the same thing. Q: If you could travel back in time three years and visit your younger self, what advice would you give yourself? A: I would tell myself to enjoy the life you have now because it’s only going to get a lot harder. Q: What’s your favourite holiday you’ve gone on, and what did you do? A: My favourite holiday was probably last summer when I went to horse camp in Holland, which was really fun because I got my own horse for a week. I rode everyday and slept next to the stables. Q: Favourite clothing store? A: I have so many favourite stores but if I had to choose, it would be H&M because they sell all my favourite styles of clothing like skater skirts and A-line dresses. Q: What do you like to do with your friends? A: Recently I have really enjoyed penny boarding/ skateboarding in Sentosa with some of my friends. Q: Favourite restaurant in Singapore? A: Chilli’s because I love their pink lemonade. Q: What will you do for your birthday this year? A: I think this year I will have a beach party with some fun activities. Q: What’s your favourite YouTube channel? A: I have lots of favourite channels but if I had to choose one, it would be Bethany Mota also known as macbarbie07 because she always shows fun DIYs like making room decorations, which I like to do. Q: What do you do during recess/lunch at school? A: Sometimes we play basketball and sometimes we play monkey in the middle on the field. But when I am tired, I usually just talk or walk around with my friends.
14 Years Old
Poem: Again
This is to the poets not yet published, though they’ve waited their whole life. It’s to the dreamers broken and bound to the floor. Publish yourself, get up and walk away. Turn the page. Maybe this is for the starry-eyed sweethearts swept off their feet, but kept apart like Romeo and Juliet. Erase this tale, because this is your story. Open a new book, and keep turning the page. Maybe, just maybe, you can begin again. For the obsessed, who can’t stop doing what they do. For the neglected lives overshadowed by some giant. For the overadored, standing in the spotlight no matter what. Don’t let anyone write your story. So turn the page and pick up a pen. If you are dyslexic and lonely, if you have cancer and only have three months. Live, then. Turn the page. Dictate your life. No problem should hold you back. This is for the newlyweds receiving congratulations, and also for the divorcees standing, crying in court. Wipe your tears, dance with joy. Turn the page. Smile. Maybe I know who I am, but maybe I don’t. Maybe you know who you are, who you’re meant to be. Maybe if you know, you can chase who you are, who you’re meant to be. Who’s to stop you? Run through the pages and pursue, well, you. Believe in yourself, let your disguise fall. Come back if you ran away, come step into a corner of the light. Print your own works, unchain your legs. Hold on to whatever you treasure, regardless of anything else. Trust yourself, be as much of you as you can be right at this moment, right now. Smile with your seventh heavens and smile through sadness. Find your passion, don’t care about anyone trying to hold you back. It may not be easy, it won’t be quick. But maybe, just maybe, you could turn the page and start again. Sophie Lim is a 14-year-old Singaporean writer currently attending the Singapore American School. She mainly enjoys writing poetry and lyrics (from which she and her friends produce short songs), but also likes writing reviews and personal memory stories. Sophie hopes one day to publish a collection of her poems.
We’re looking for young aspiring writers to be featured here in our monthly column. If your child has what it takes, please send a sample of his or her work to kids@weekendin.com.sg. 105 Weekendin
ENTERTAINMENT
NEXT CHANGE
MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN APRIL
Brick Mansions | 24 Apr’14 Cast: Paul Walker Director: Camille Delamarre
Oculus | 24 Apr’14 Cast: Karen Gillan, Katee Sackoff, Rory Cochrane, James Lafferty, Brenton Thwaites Director: Mike Flanagan
This film is a remake of 2004 French action film District 13. In the near future, the worse ghettos are literally walled off and among the worst is Brick Mansions. Controlled by the ruthless crime lord, a young righteous punk is determined to bring him down. When the boss retaliates by kidnapping his sister, a rescue attempt by the boy is destroyed by betrayal that gets him arrested and his sister still in captive.
Ten years ago, tragedy struck the Russell family, leaving the lives of teenage siblings, Tim and Kaylie, forever changed when Tim was convicted of the brutal murder of their parents. Now in his 20s, Tim is newly released from protective custody and only wants to move on with his life; but Kaylie, still haunted by that fateful night, is convinced her parents’deaths were caused by something else altogether: a malevolent supernatural force unleashed through the Lasser Glass, an antique mirror in their childhood home.
Transcendence | 17 Apr’14 Cast: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall Director: Wally Pfister Three scientists – Max, and the husband and wife team, Will and Evelyn – have been developing a programming code for the world’s first fully self-aware computer. When a group of anti-technology terrorists assassinate Will, Evelyn uploads his brain into a prototype supercomputer. Although she at first finds the experiment seems to have gone wrong, before too long Evelyn finds Will responding in computer form. She goes on to connect Will to the Internet so he can help make further scientific breakthroughs. Weekendin 106
Sabotage | 10 Apr’14 Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Manganiello, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Josh Holloway Director: David Ayer David Ayer directs this action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Manganiello and Sam Worthington that is loosely based on Agatha Christie’s 1939 work, And Then There Were None. A team of Drug Enforcement Administration operatives, led by John Wharton aka Breacher, is sent to bust the safe house of a drug cartel, although the main and actual motive is to pocket millions of dollars worth of loot. With the money safely hidden, the squad thinks that their secret is safe – until a mysterious assassin starts assassinating the team members one by one.
Disney’s Muppet Most Wanted | 24 Apr’14 Cast: Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Eric Jacobson, Ricky Gervais, Steve Whitmire, Dave Goelz, Matt Vogel, David Rudman, Peter Linz, Bill Barretta, Louise Gold Director: James Bobin The sequel to The Muppets sees the entire Muppets gang going on a global tour, selling out grand theatres in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations – Berlin, Madrid, London. The Muppets sort of get into a little bit of trouble when they find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit lookalike, Constantine, who is also the world’s number one criminal. Of course, mayhem ensues.
ENTERTAINMENT
Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb
In a decrepit, long-empty New York building, Lieutenant Eve Dallas’ husband begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, there are two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it. He summons his wife immediately – and by the time she’s done with the crime scene, there are twelve murders to be solved.
Editor’s Pick
The place once housed a makeshift shelter for troubled teenagers, back in the mid-2040s, and Eve tracks down the people who ran it. Between their recollections and the work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the remains. They are all young girls. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life. Then Eve discovers a connection between the victims and someone she knows. She grows even more determined to reveal the secrets of the place that was called ‘The Sanctuary’ – and the evil concealed in one human heart.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media – as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents – the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behaviour. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter – but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
Sycamore Row by John Grisham
Seth Hubbard is a wealthy man dying of lung cancer. He trusts no one. Before he hangs himself from a sycamore tree, Hubbard leaves a new, handwritten will. It is an act that drags his adult children, his black maid, and Jake into a conflict as riveting and dramatic as the murder trial that made Brigance one of Ford County’s most notorious citizens, just three years earlier. Why would Hubbard leave nearly all of his fortune to his maid? Had chemotherapy and painkillers affected his ability to think clearly? And what does it all have to do with a piece of land once known as Sycamore Row?
The Eye of God by James Rollins
The crash of a U.S. military research satellite in the remote wilds of Mongolia triggers an explosive search for the valuable cargo it holds: a code-black physics project connected to the study of dark energy, the energy connected to the birth of our universe. But the last blurry image from the falling satellite captures a chilling site: a frightening look into the future, a view of a smoldering eastern seaboard of the United States in utter ruin. At the Vatican, a mysterious package arrives for the head of Pontifical ancient studies, sent by a colleague who had vanished a decade earlier. It contains two strange artifacts: a skull scrawled with ancient Aramaic and a tome bound in human skin. DNA testing reveals both are from Genghis Khan – a longdead Mongol King whose undiscovered tomb is rumoured to hold the vast treasures and knowledge of a lost ancient empire. Commander Gray Pierce, and Sigma, joined by a pair of Vatican historians, race to uncover a truth tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, to a mystery bound in the roots of Christianity’s origins, and to a weapon hidden for centuries that holds the fate of humanity.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Force’s bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War. The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. In his boyhood, he’d been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown. In her long-awaited book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit. Telling an unforgettable story of a man’s journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of a human mind, body and spirit.
The above books are available at major bookstores. 107 Weekendin
ontheWATER
Extreme Sailing Series 2014 The Extreme Sailing Series graced the shores of Singapore from 21 to 23 February this year. A globally recognised sport organised by OC Sport, elite sailors from all over the world gathered at the Race Village held at The Promontory@Marina Bay for an unforgettable weekend. This award-winning event recognised by the International Sailing Federation included Singapore as one of its eight iconic host venues spanning three continents, including Europe and West Asia, and lasts eleven months with the same number of teams representing seven nations. Singapore’s very own Scott Glen Sydney and Justin Wong flew the Singapore flag for Team Aberdeen Singapore in this Extreme Sailing Series Singapore Act 1. For adrenaline seeking spectators, The Extreme Sailing Series, established in 2007, is known as the original stadium-style racing circuit designed for audiences. It promises to deliver stunning performances in high definition, as close to the fans as possible. Interestingly, guests are allowed to race onboard at selected timings during the races, while extensive television coverage provides on-the-dot update to sailing fans from around the globe. Valued at €27012.8 billion, it is no wonder the circuit’s premium partners include the iconic Land Rover. Not only were many world renowned skippers present for the press conference, but also teams from Russia to France, while sea captains like Roman Hagara from Austria represented the Redbull Sailing Team. There, SAP conducted an hour and a half long Sailing Analytics demo on how state-of-the-art analytics technology both enabled sailing teams to improve their performance on the water and brought fans closer to the action. Then have the offroad driving experience of your life onboard a racing boat at the Land Rover Terrapod Challenge Zone. Glamourised with live music and entertainment, the shoreside Race Village was open to the public daily with free admission – a truly one-stop destination for the whole family, promising to provide entertainment for all ages. Educational games were played at The World of Haribo, while the mature crowd wined and mingled at a doublestorey bar provided by No.5 Emerald Hill. Starry-eyed mechanic fans also had the chance to test Land Rover’s capabilities firsthand in the Land Rover Terrapod Challenge Zone. The Happy World of Haribo educated the kids on the science of sailing thrugh the use of educational exhibits. This was translated into hands-on activities where they were delighted to learn how to tie various knots and inspected many parts of the boats. The science was accompanied by boundless fun in the Happy World, which included a bouncy castle and a paddle boat pool. Other children were entertained by the colourful face-painting booth and game stalls. This truly brought excitement to kids of varying interests and personalities, engaging in activities that best suited the fun they wanted. In contrast, the older crowd relaxed with a drink, facing a spectacular view of the races from the bespoke double-storey bar. The view of the racecourse was one-of-a-kind, with the backdrop of the financial district and Singapore’s tourist icons. The Rudy Project’s Technically Cool Zone also provided the much-needed shade from the tropical Singapore sun, bringing Weekendin 108
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one closer to the high-performance action on the water. Be treated to a Land Rover off-road driving experience at the Land Rover Terrapod Challenge Zone. Made possible through the groundbreaking and innovative Terrapod, which came with an upper and lower ramp, it allowed near-perfect mimicking of the off-road rocky terrains and how the Land Rover was able to read and respond to the different landscapes on the Terrapod. This demonstration reflects how the Land Rover is truly above and beyond in its technical capabilities. Aberdeen Asset Management added more buzz to the Race Village with their very own Winch Challenge, where visitors got to race against time and get a feel of the speed and power required by the extreme sailors. Furthermore, the Promontory turned into a stunning sea of pink when Aberdeen collaborated with the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) to raise awareness of the illness. Alongside this laudable social responsibility, the races heated up with BCF’s dragon boat team, Paddlers in the Pink. They took on Team Aberdeen Singapore in an inaugural race in the bay before the main events. It was part of a larger event where many other local dragonboat teams competed in a race stretching an impressive distance of over 2000m, the first of this kind to be held in Singapore. For fans interested in the detes of the overall programme, Britain’s double Olympic gold medalist Sarah Ayton confirmed her debut in the series as the Tactician onboard The Wave, Muscat. She made history as that was the first time female sailors participated in the Singapore Act, alongside Olympic champions Pippa Wilson from Great Britain and Anna Tunnicliffe from the United States. Notably, with Gazprom Team Russia’s announcement of their participation, the line-up in Singapore was increased to 12 teams this year. 25-year-old London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Laser sailor and Russian national champion, Igor Lisovenko, skippered the Russian team.
www.extremesailingseries.com
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Discover Paradise Welcome 2014 with a Getaway to your own Private Haven
Discover Paradise Promotion Sari Pacifica Beach Resort & Spa Sibu Island, Johor 2 Nights, 3 Days @ SGD360 nett (Valid from 1st March 2014 to 30th April 2014) Package includes: Garden View for 2 pax Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for 2 pax Return boat transfer for 2 pax.
Luxury Boutique Island Resorts Elegance | Beauty | Peace | Tranquility SARI PACIFICA HOTELS & RESORTS MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
Level 7, Block A, Sazean Group, Mines Waterfront Business Park | No.3, Jalan Tasik, Mines Resort City, 43300 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia | Tel: +603 8942 8882, Fax: +603 8941 8887 Website: www.saripacifica.com | Email: reservations@saripacifica.com 3 Weekendin
inthePINK
essential Education Who would have thought that our nose had the ability to distinguish over 1,000,000 different kinds of smells, with many still having an unknowing effect on us? Smelling is said to have a direct chemical effect on our moods and, to milk this discovery are industries in the medicine, food, cosmetics and of course, aromatherapy industries. What exactly is aromatherapy you may ask? Aromatherapy is more precisely defined as the use of essential oils by skin application on inhalation. It is an ancient method that has withstood the hands of time and acts as a form of natural treatment. The aromatic and peculiar scent that plants give off as fragrance is the “soul� of the plant that can be known as essential oils. They are powerful liquid substances that hold the most precious therapeutic and nutritional properties. Aromatherapy specialist, Mt. Sapola, is committed to delivering superior natural remedies in pursuit of enhancing the overall well being of customers. Their philosophy lies in genuine quality and holistic therapy that takes into consideration the mind, body and spirit. Mt. Sapola products are free of petrochemicals and artificial perfumes and their essential oils are highly concentrated plant essences and evaporate quickly into the air, making it effective for treatment usage. Apart from the basic essentials oils that they offer, they recently launched a new range of 19 rare and precious essential oils called Speciality Oils. Due to their complex characteristics, these essentials oils used to be available only for a short period of time. Now, for the first time in Singapore, they are made directly available to scent-loving consumers and promise genuine quality with healing properties. Extracted from 14 different countries such as Madagascar, Egypt, and Canada, Speciality Oils range from the woody notes of Pure Sandalwood and Elemi, to refreshing scents of Fir Balsam and Violet Leaf Absolute. Weekendin 112
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Citrus
Elemi (Canarium Luzonicum) Country: The Philippines Scent: Fresh, lemony, peppery scent that dries out into a balsamic, green-woody and sweet-spicy aroma Properties: Energises, stimulates, strengthens and clarifies the mind, aids in meditation, encourages positivity, rejuvenates dull mature skin and reduces wrinkles when mixed into an un-fragranced night cream Yuzu (Citrus Junos) Country: Japan Scent: Citrusy Properties: Calms the body, enhances relaxation and promotes sleep, aids in anti-ageing with Vitamin C (antioxidant) and Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) for exfoliation of dead skin cells
Woody
Sandalwood (Santalum Album) Country: India Scent: Warm, soft, woody Properties: Relieves tension, promotes sleep, improves dry cough, and helpful for skin conditions such as eczema, oily skin and acne Hinoki (Chamaecyparis Obtuse) Country: Japan Scent: Lemony, woody Properties: A good decongestant for people suffering from stuffy noses, sinusitis, chest congestion and other respiratory conditions like asthma
Floral
Pink Peppercorn (Schinus Molle) Country: Peru Scent: Fresh, sweet, fruity, seductive Properties: Improves blood circulation, improves infectious conditions like cold and flu, relaxes the mind Rose Bulgaria (Rosa Damascena) Country: Bulgaria Scent: Sweet, deep floral aroma with honey undertones Properties: Acts as an antidepressant, relieves insomnia, releases anger and frustration, promotes feelings of love, reduces menstrual cramps, softens and hydrates skin
The scenting clay does not require much, there’s no need for a lighted candle or the usage of electricity. Simply drop a few drops of pure essential oil onto the diffuser and be surrounded by the aroma for the entire week. Succulent Diffuser & Bouquet Diffuser, SGD29.90 (left) and SGD33.90 (right), available at Mt. Sapola outlets 113 Weekendin
intheCHILL
Happy Hour Tipples Martini Bar
After a hard day of slogging at work, you’re looking to relax with a drink, snack on some tasty food, and crack a few jokes with friends. A good stiff drink is part of the package and helps in making you feel better about yourself – hence the incredibly apt name of Happy Hour.
To make things a little easier for you, here are our picks of the best Happy Hours in town. Go forth and make merry!
District 10 Bar & Restaurant
District 10 Bar & Restaurant Step into an unpretentious space, which has been carefully crafted to put customers at ease. Have a quick tipple outside in this open-concept bar that faces Unity Street or head inside for a cosy group dinner in a relaxed ambience. The modern European design features sleek wooden furniture, from the tables to the bar top counter, with an eco-friendly concept in mind. These pieces have been restored and refurnished from District 10’s previous location at Winstedt Road. The contemporary, modern look is complemented with touches of rustic simplicity, from the ceiling and standing fans to wooden paneling all around the restaurant. Happy Hour: Crazy Mondays, 5pm till late, $5 for Prosecco, half pint beer, and selected house pour wines District 10 Bar & Restaurant | 81 Clemenceau Avenue | #01-15/16/17 UE Square Shopping Mall | Singapore 239917 | T 6738 4788 | www.district10.com.sg
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Paulaner Bräuhaus Paulaner Bräuhaus is Singapore’s only German microbrewery and restaurant. The typical German interior décor and authentic Bavarian menu, combined with casual yet charming service, will definitely present an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Enjoy a wide range of original Bavarian dishes and your favourite Paulaner beer in a truly unique Bavarian atmosphere! To this day, the master brewer brews beers just as they have always been brewed - according to the Purity Law of 1516. Due to the short distance from the brewing vats to the glass, you can be sure their beer is always fresh from the tap. Happy Hour: 12pm to 8pm daily; Sunday to Monday: 1-for-1 freshlybrewed beers, house pour spirits & wines, Tuesday to Saturday: 20% off all freshly-brewed beers, house pour spirits & wines Paulaner Brauhaus | 9 Raffles Boulevard | #01-01 Millenia Walk | Singapore 039596 | T 6883 2572 | www.paulaner-brauhaus.com/ singapore
Opened by the same people behind the Standing Sushi Bar is Tanuki, which means Japanese Raccoon. This 80-seater martini and raw food bar takes delight in the raw pleasures of food and drink. Challenging the concept of Spanish Tapas by serving Japanese small plates, the menu consists of creative sushi rolls, fried food, sashimi and, of course, a lot more raw food. And then, there is what they are renowned for—their serving of freshly shucked raw oysters brought in from France, Canada and Japan. A good stiff drink completes the experience at this one, so at Tanuki Raw, they use a gentleman’s pour. That means 45ml of alcohol in every drink, rather than the standard 30ml most other places do. Happy Hour: 5pm to 8pm daily, classic martini selections for $10, cocktails at $11, pints of beer for $10, freshly shucked oysters at $2, and salmon sashimi at $5 Tanuki Raw | #02-03 Orchard Central | 181 Orchard Road | Singapore 238896 | T 6636 5949 | www.tanukibar.com Martini Bar
Nestled amidst a row of shophouses exuding old-world charm along Killiney Road, Porterhouse offers an exceptional dining experience for those on the hunt for quality meats, freshest produce and culinary treats. The first in Singapore to import the elegant josper charcoal oven, the casual yet elegant restaurant-bar serves a sumptuous menu of josper-grilled aged beef, meats and seafood with a wide range of sides, appetisers, pastas and divine sweets for desserts. Beyond delighting the palates of carnivores with perfectly charred cuts, they also please the Happy Hours crowd with scrumptious bar bites and a select range of wines and beers. Come wine & dine today at the main restaurant, adjoining Butcher Bar or the relaxing alfresco dining area. Happy Hour: 4pm to 8pm daily, $5 for draught beer, $7 for selected house spirits and wine
Tanuki Raw
Tanuki Raw
Porterhouse
Butcher Bar | 111/113 Killiney Road | Singapore 239550 | T 6732 5113 | www.porterhouse.sg
Martini Bar Having won numerous awards, it is the place to go for the best martinis in town. Martini bar at Grand Hyatt Singapore is part of mezza9 which is the first-of-its-kind in Asia, combining nine different dining and entertainment experiences in a single venue. With an extensive drink list showcasing over 30 handcrafted martinis to choose from, the martini bar is a haven for real martini lovers! Try one of the signature martinis such as lychee martini or 4b martini paired with a variety of light snacks, including crab cakes, chicken wings and black pepper cashew nuts. Besides the lychee martini, another highly recommended drink is the tiramisu martini, complete with the delightful flavours of a decadent tiramisu dessert. Have it on its own or with a dessert to end your meal on a sweet note. Happy Hour: Monday to Sunday, 6pm to 9pm Grand Hyatt Singapore | 10 Scotts Road | Singapore 228211 | T 6732 1234 115 Weekendin
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HSBC Women’s Champions Golf is an international game enjoyed by amateurs and professionals from all around the world who compete, attain titles and earn themselves buckets of money. The objective of the game is simple. Yield a golf club and try and land the ball into the hole with a few strokes as possible. As easy as it seems to the undiscerning eye, this sport requires absolute concentration and precision that many people have dedicated their lives trying to master to command the ball with power and balance. The sport also tugs along rules, jargons like birdies, bogeys, bump-and-run and to some countries, cost barriers. Nevertheless, golf is a game that has been around for hundreds of years and has relentlessly attracted thousands of fans at any golfing event. This year’s seventh edition of HSBC Women’s Champions held at acclaimed Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) from 27 February to 2 March was likewise, no exception.
Dubbed as Asia’s Major, the bountiful amount of US$1.4million event has attracted the top ten female golfers in the world, together with 53 other elite players. Giles Morgan, HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship and Events, said, HSBC is committed to opening up the world of golf and over the last seven years HSBC Women’s Champions tournament has emerged as a truly world-class event, becoming increasingly important for the world of golf and for the bank. Creating the best women’s golf event staged in Asia and one of the best in the world is definitely a proud event.
Photo Credit Getty Images
The beauty of golf is that you neither need any athletic skills like most games do nor do you need a standardised playing golf course
to perfect your skill. No two golf courses are ever alike and every course appeals differently to every player. The Serapong Course for this year’s tournament was deemed as one of the top five championship courses in Asia and was designed by world-renowned golf course designer, Ronald Fream. World number one Inbee Park from South Korea, remarked, The Serapong Course is the best course in Singapore and requires you to be extremely precise with bunkers and water at every turn but if you want to be the best, you have to embrace a challenge like this not shirk from it. As ever, this is a worldclass field and I’ll be going all out to win the trophy.
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Photo Credit Getty Images
Photo Credit Getty Images
Stacy Lewis practices before tournement
Photo Credit Getty Images
Lydia Ko and Amanda Tan
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Paula Creamer with trophy, HSBC Women’s Champions Round 4
Representing Singapore this year was 15-year-old local qualifier, Amanda Tan, who was the youngest tournament competitor to date. Her takehome victory was the valuable experience playing against top players such as Lexi Thompson – who won two victories last year, world number two Susan Petterson from Norway, world number six ShanShan Feng from China and world number eleven Paula Creamer from USA – who secured this year’s title after sinking a killer putt, on the 18th hole that sent thousands of supporters into a frenzy of excitement. The elated Creamer who received a winner’s cheque of US$210,000, said, I’m shaking. Oh, my gosh, this has been such a long time coming and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Colin, my caddie, my best friend, he’s been there through it all. By the end of the event, The Serapong has proved to be a challenge for many top players. Defending champion and world number three, Stacy Lewis tied in 40th place with an aggregate score of 5-over par commented, I played terribly. I didn’t hit the ball good and didn’t make any putts. It wasn’t just one part of the game. I didn’t give myself enough chances for
birdies, and then when I did get myself into that situation, I didn’t make them. Though the sun was high and merciless, the HSBC Women’s Champions still had throngs of hardcore golf fanatics and visiting families enjoying the world-class the display of golf at Sentosa. Crowds were given an opportunity to test their own golf skills at the HSBC Women’s Champions Interactive Village, which included the HSBC Ultimate Bunker Challenge, HSBC Coaching Nets, a Golf Simulator and a Putting Challenge. The Interactive Village was also a chance for spectators to refresh themselves and learn more about tournament co-sponsors including Jaguar, Official Automobile, and airweave, Official Premium Mattress Topper for the 2014 HSBC Women’s Champions. But undeniably, we all know that the undisputed star of the show was the on-course game and given that the organisers have achieved their 2008 ambition of a showdown with the top ten players in the world, we’ll be looking forward to see what else they can bring to the table in the coming years.
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across the Straits In this issue: A special feature on Divine Malaysian Destinations
You will be surprised at what our neighbour just across the Straits can offer you. Most of Malaysia’s wonderful destinations can be reached via a direct flight. All you have to do is hunker down and decide where you want to head to first.
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Deer cave at Mulu National Park in Borneo, Malaysia 121 Weekendin
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Langkawi For those who are unfamiliar with Malaysia’s geographic makeup, Langkawi is a tax-free island located on the Northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Part of an archipelago of over 100 islands, the main island of Langkawi is roughly two-thirds the size of Singapore. However, Langkawi’s geographical makeup is a far cry from the stoic concrete jungle that the little red dot offers. Roughly 75% of Langkawi is covered in lush greenery, mountains, rolling hills and an all-encompassing sense of natural wonderment. Langkawi was named a World Geopark by UNESCO in 2007, sealing its fate as a protected and treasured part of Malaysia’s past and future. What to do? Depending on how long your stay is, there are plenty of things to do in Langkawi. From lazing by the beach, to partaking in cultural excursions, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top few things that one should not miss whilst holidaying in Langkawi. 1. Langkawi River Safari Do not miss out on one of the most magical experiences Langkawi has to offer; eagle feeding. Head to the northeast of Langkawi and you will come across tours offering boat trips to the Kilim Mangrove area. Also known as Weekendin 122
the Eagle Feeding Excursion, this tour will bring you through a mangrove forest that is truly a sight to behold. The cruise will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy incredible sights of this protected 1,400 acre mangrove forest as wildlife such as monitor lizards, birds, monkeys and otters. The eagle estuary is located at the end of the boat trip, hinting that the best is undoubtedly last. 2. Dayang Bunting Island Spend the day visiting Langkawi’s surrounding islands. A popular island to head to is located on the southern part of Langkawi and is known as Dayang Bunting Island. One of the highlights of this island is the Dayang Bunting Lake, also known as the Lake of the Pregnant Lady. The lake’s name was derived from the simple fact that the unique formation of the surrounding mountains’ marble and limestone forms the illusion of a pregnant woman laying on her back. Aside from a dip in the magical lake, visitors to Dayang Bunting Island should also pay a visit to one of the island’s several caves. The most popular is Langsir Cave, or Banshee Cave. Local legend has it that the cave is home to a terrifying banshee, hence the constant screeching and wailing sounds that echo through the caves. Despite the myth that surrounds this cave, the bone chilling sounds have been attributed to thousands of bats who call this cave home.
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3. Kuah Town Known as Langkawi’s main town, Kuah Town is where you will disembark at if you take a ferry across from the mainland. Although not much of a place for beach lounging and water sports, Kuah Town is known for its shopping. Do not expect an Orchard Road replica. Instead, expect to find simple stores that sell everything from perfume to chocolate to alcohol to dining tables. 4. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls is said to be one of the island’s most inspirational works of nature. As a series of seven connecting waterfalls fed by Mount Mat Cinang, it is no wonder that both locals and tourists make it a point to head here for much-needed soul searching and adventure. 5. Black Sand Beach Known simply as Black Sand Beach or Pantai Pasir Hitam in Malay, this lovely stretch is peaceful and quiet. As with most locations in Langkawi, this beach is steeped in legend and some locals believe that the reason why the sand is black is due to a curse placed on the land by a beautiful mermaid who was angry at local fishermen for stealing from her. As with most myths, science has stripped the many legends to the bare bones as it has been proven that the black sand can be attributed to the high content of minerals due to Langkawi’s incredible geology. However, there is no harm in allowing yourself to let loose and immerse fully in the legends and stories that make Langkawi what it is. Who knows, you may just see a mermaid beckoning to you from the waves. Other famous beaches in Langkawi are Cenang Beach, Kok Beach, Tengah Beach, Datai Bay and Burau Bay.
Other sites worth visiting are the Langkawi Crocodile Farm, Laman Padi, Underwater World and many more. Where to eat? Langkawi is a haven for affordable seafood. No matter which restaurant you head to, you will be treated to a feast unlike any other. From familyrun eateries to 5-star restaurants, your palate will be teased by the infusion of Malay, Chinese and Thai cuisines. If you are not up for seafood, Langkawi also plays host to international selections. Head over to Cenang Beach and take your pick from the hundreds of local and foreign-run restaurants. Two favourites are Little Mexican Cafe for brunch and Red Tomato for pizza and mango cocktails. How to get around? It is recommended that you rent a car and drive around the island. Motorbikes, scooters and bicycles for rent are also in abundance. Another alternative is to engage the services of a driver who can also double up as your tour guide. You can either head to the information counter at the airport or speak to a taxi driver when you exit the airport for more information. How to get there? Singapore Airlines, AirAsia and Tigerair offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Langkawi (LGK). Depending on the airline and travel season, expect to pay from $110 onwards.
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Kota Kinabalu Located in East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah. Referred to as one of the fastest growing cities in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a delightful mix of old school traditionalism and modern amenities. With the South China Sea to the west and the Crocker Range to the east, Kota Kinabalu is the perfect location to head to if one loves the great outdoors. What to do? 1. Poring Hot Springs & Nature Reserve Poring Hot Springs is the most famous in the state. Located at the foothills of the towering icon that is Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Springs & Nature Reserve is located two hours outside of the city. The orchid may be Singapore’s national flower, but this nature reserve boasts more than 500 species of the flower spread over four hectares of space solely dedicated to the Poring Orchid Conservation Centre. If you love orchids, flowering season is between October to February so ensure you plan your trip accordingly. To get to the hot springs, you have to cross a suspension bridge and follow the path to a clearing in the forest. This is a relatively easy hike and you will be treated to dazzling arrays of flora and fauna. Weekendin 124
2. Manukan Island Head to Manukan Island if you have a whole day to spare. If you prefer, you can also stay the night at one of the many accommodation options. This beautiful island is only 10 minutes away by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu and is an idyllic place to head to if one is in dire need of some R&R. Ideal for diving, snorkeling, swimming and just lazing in the sun, Manukan Island is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Unlike some of Sabah’s other world-famous islands like Sipadan Island and Mabul Island, Manukan is very easily accessible and barely eats up any travel time. 3. Mount Kinabalu No trip to Kota Kinabalu is complete without making the journey to Mount Kinabalu. This mountain is the highest one in the Malay Archipelago and is a source of pride for many Malaysians. Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding national parks are home to endemic flora like the Rafflesia, and endangered fauna like the orang utan. You can either climb the mountain or take a scenic drive around the foothills to take in its beauty and majesty. Keep in mind that if you intend to climb Mount Kinabalu, planning must be made months in advance to secure a guide and accommodation at the park.
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4. Handicraft Market Formerly known as the Filipino Market, this is the place to head to if you want to get all your souvenir shopping done under one roof. You can pick up traditional handicrafts and foodstuffs here. Ensure you buy a string of freshwater pearls or two. You can also check out the weekly Gaya Street Sunday Market for more souvenirs and a chance to rub shoulders with the locals. 5. Tanjung Aru You will be treated to one of the most beautiful sunsets at Tanjung Aru beach. Head over in the evening and enjoy the beach front hawker stalls selling fresh fruits, seafood, satay, grilled chicken wings and other niblets. Down your snacks with some fresh coconut water and get comfortable on the sand for an epic end to the day. Whether you are staying at the luxurious Shangri-la at Tanjung Aru, ensure you make an appointment for a spa session to get rid of all that work stress.
a pit stop at one of the roadside Malay stalls close to the restaurant and pick up one or two traditional coconut puddings for dessert. Also head to Gayang Seafood Restaurant for more seafood, Little Italy for pasta and Wisma Merdeka Food Court for hawker food. How to get around? The simplest mode of transport would have to be taxis. Another alternative is to engage the services of a driver who can also double up as your tour guide. He will take you to all the tourist destinations and offer commentary along the way. You can either head to the information counter at the airport or arrange for one through your hotel. How to get there? Singapore Airlines and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI). Depending on the airline and travel season, expect to pay $200 onwards.
Where to eat? Salut Seafood is a local favourite so head there when you can. This renown restaurant is off the beaten path and is located in the neighbouring town of Tuaran, so you will need to drive there or hop in a taxi. A little tip is to make 125 Weekendin
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Kuching
The city of Kuching is located in the largest state of Malaysia, Sarawak. lagmites intact. You will come across bats and plenty guano, so ensure you Located on the eastern part of the country, Kuching is steeped in his- bring a torchlight and wear comfortable shoes. tory and culture. If you love nature and culture, then Sarawak is the place to be. 3. Sarawak Museum This state museum is one of the oldest in Borneo and is a must-visit if you What to do? love culture and history. The museum opened its doors in 1891 and houses plenty of ethnic and historical items from Sarawak. You will also be able to 1. Semenggoh Nature Reserve view exceptionally preserved specimens of Sarawak’s flora and fauna, as People from all over the world flock to Sarawak to visit the Semenggoh Wild- well as the Shell exhibition, where you will learn more about the petroleum life Centre. Established almost 40 years ago, sits in the nature reserve and industries of Sarawak. cares for wild animals that have either been found injured or abandoned, or were previously owned as illegal pets. Its most famous residents have to 4. Kuching Waterfront be the orang utans. Located 24 km outside of Kuching, do not miss out on The Kuching Waterfront lines the southern bank of the Sarawak River. Known the chance to get up close and personal with these clever creatures in their as the cosmopolitan part of town, the waterfront offers scenic views of the natural habitat. Besides the animals, enjoy the trails, gardens and orchards historical spots on the other side of the river. At night, the stretch comes at this nature reserve. alive with locals and tourists strolling around, catching up with friends, enjoying a brew or two, or indulging in the many eats on offer. You can opt to 2. Fairy Caves jetty-hop along the river by jumping onto the local Penambang boats. You Located an hour’s drive outside of the city, the Fairy Caves are one of the top will find a delightful mix of old and modern architecture here. things to do in the state. Clamber over boulders and rocks and make your way though the cave into the main chamber. There, you will be treated to 5. Annah Rais Longhouse Adventure a surreal and magical sight of majestic limestones with stalactites and sta- Located in the beautiful surroundings of the rainforest, the Annah Rais Weekendin 126
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Longhouse is not to be missed if you want to get to learn more about the fascinating lives of the Bidayuh, one of Malaysia’s many ethnic groups. You are welcome to stroll around the village an learn about the tribe’s lifestyle. Request for their permission before you take pictures as these are everyday people living their lives. Instead of taking a day trip, you can also opt to be a part of the village’s homestay programme for a night or two. Whilst there, you should participate in the guided treks into the forest where you will be in tune with all that mother nature has to offer. There are also plenty of stunning waterfalls located in the forest so ensure you pack your bathing suit. You may also want to head to the Mangrove Wildlife Cruise, Fort Margherita, The Astana and Mount Santubong. Where to eat? When it comes to dining in Kuching, it is not a matter of where to eat, so much as what to eat. The one thing that you absolutely cannot miss out on is the famous Sarawak Laksa. This spicy noodle soup is a little different from the laksa that is in abundance in Singapore. With a base of sour tamarind, sambal belacan, galangal, lemon grass and coconut milk, this laksa is a local favourite. Everyone has a favourite stall to head to so speak to your hotel or taxi driver and get their recommendations. If you are not in the mood for
laksa, head to the elegant Dyak for a taste of traditional ethnic food. On the other hand, Top Spot Food Court and Chinatown are great options for a delicious and unfussy meal. How to get around? It is easy to get around Kuching with public transport. Buses and taxis are in abundance, although it is recommended that you take a taxi or rent a car if you intend to head to destinations outside of the city. Your hotel can also arrange for a shuttle or tour service for you. In general, Kuching is rather pedestrian-friendly, so for the days when you just want to hang out, walking or biking is the perfect alternative to pricey taxis. How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuching (KCH). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $150.
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Penang
Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and right by the Straits of Malacca, the island of Penang may be the second smallest state in Malaysia but is the eighth most populous. Known as one of the most economically stable and important states in Malaysia, you can expect an urban yet laidback feel steeped in history and a love for food and art. What to do?
ist destinations for very good reason: the food. This zone is famous for the hawker food stalls nearby. For great eats, head on over and ensure you try Penang Hokkien Mee, Laksa, Sar Hor Fun and Char Kuay Teow. The delightful blend of Chinese, Malay and Peranakan flavours will have you heading back for more. 3. Penang Hill The highest point of Penang Hill is located 823 metres above sea level. Penang Hill is one of the oldest colonial hill stations set up by the British during their stay in Malaysia. You should head over if you love panoramic vistas and a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Jump on the Penang Hill Funicular and head all the way to the summit. A recommended time to head up is at dusk to watch the sunset and city light up to greet the night. Make a pit stop at the Owl Museum, the first museum dedicated to owl-themed arts and crafts in the region as well as Monkey Cup where you can view giant carnivorous plants from all around the world. If you are a fitness buff, you can also sign up for the guided nature treks that take place on a daily basis.
1. UNESCO World Heritage George Town George Town is the capital of Penang and houses nearly all of the tourist destinations in the state. Founded in 1786, George Town was officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique Asian and European architectural and cultural surroundings. Stroll through the heart of the city or jump on a trishaw for a tour and get a taste of a cosmopolitan vibe amidst old-fashioned manors, mansions, temples and shophouses. Khoo Kongsi, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Kek Lok Si Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, St. George’s Church and many other historical and religious sites are located within the confines of the city centre, making for the perfect walking tour. 4. Fort Cornwallis This fort was built by the British during their colonial rule in Malaysia and 2. Gurney Drive today, is known as the largest standing fort in Malaysia. Built in 1786 to proThis popular seafront promenade is one of Penang’s most popular tour- tect Penang against pirates, Fort Cornwallis also houses the second oldest Weekendin 128
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lighthouse in Malaysia. It closely resembles a ship’s mast and is an incredible sight to behold.
you have truly visited Penang. Every hawker stall is sure to have its specialty so head on over to the closest one and check out what the locals are having.
5. Batu Ferringhi Located on the northern coast of Penang, this famous beach houses numerous resorts and restaurants. Although many say that Malaysia has plenty of other beautiful beaches, there is something charming about Batu Ferringhi that makes it worth the visit. If you stay the night, make sure you check out the night market and head to the Teluk Bahang pier for seafood. Other noteworthy sights in the area are the Muka Head Lighthouse, Tropical Fruit Farm, Tropical Spice Garden, and Butterfly Farm.
How to get around? You will be pleased to note that it is a breeze getting around Penang. No matter where in the city you want to head to, you can rely on numerous modes of transportation. From the public buses, to taxis to hardy trishaws, Penang is one of the most tourist-friendly cities in Malaysia. You can also get a “Tourist Passport”, a RM20 bus card that gives you unlimited travel aboard all Rapid Penang buses. Aside from that, the city offers a complimentary shuttle service that stops by all the hotspots in Georgetown. You can also rent a bicycle if you feel adventurous.
Whilst in Penang, you may also want to head to other famous sites such as Kuan Yin Temple, Penang Botanic Gardens, Penang Peranakan Museum, Penang Islamic Museum and Penang Peranakan Mansion. Where to eat? Penang is not known as “Hawker’s Paradise” for nothing. If you feel hungry at all throughout your stay in Penang, you know that you did not do a great job scouring the streets for some good eats. Get recommendations from you hotel or taxi driver for some of their favourite places to head to. At the end of the day, you have to eat like a diehard Penang-ite before you can say
How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Penang (PEN). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $120.
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The view of the Patronas Twin Towers from the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Known by the locals simply as K.L., it is the country’s capital and hous- 3. Batu Caves es the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia. The capital Located not far from the city centre, Batu Caves is a one of the most popuis a federal territory that is enclaved within the state of Selangor. lar Hindu shrines outside of India. Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Batu Caves boasts a series of caves and temples in a limestone hill formed over 400 milWhat to do? lion years ago. Entry to the caves is free but you have to climb a flight of steep stairs and fend off monkeys looking for a snack. You can either take a 1. Petronas Twin Towers train, bus or taxi to Batu Caves. No trip to Kuala Lumpur is complete without taking some time to gawk at the Petronas Twin Towers. Towering at 451.9 metres, these gleaming 88-sto- 3. Bukit Bintang & Changkat rey structures are hard to miss. As beautiful as the buildings are from the Well known as the entertainment and shopping district of the city, Bukit Binground, nothing beats heading to the top to check out the view. You can tang is home to bars and pubs, restaurants and cafes for all budgets, and either head to the Skybridge and cross over from one tower to the next or shopping centres. Think of Bukit Bintang as the Malaysian version of Orchard head higher up to the observation deck for more breathtaking views of the Road and you will get the gist of what to expect. Hang out here during the city. day and head over to Changkat at night. This trendy street is perfect for pub crawling and swanky dining. There is no denying that Changkat is the hot 2. Kuala Lumpur Tower spot to see and be seen when night falls on the city. Another majestic structure that brings the skyline to a whole other level is the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Standing at 421 metres, the seventh tallest com- 4. Petaling Street munications tower in the world features a revolving restaurant at the very When you have exhausted yourself from all that wining, dining and dancing top that offers diners unparalleled vistas of the capital. Nothing beats stand- from the night before, embark on a shopping excursion to Petaling Street. ing at the observation deck of the K.L. Tower taking a selfie with the twin Also known as Chinatown, this pedestrian street is famous for its imitation towers as a backdrop. accessories, clothes, bags, and delicious local food. Ensure you haggle first Weekendin 130
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before forking out any cash for your highly coveted “Chanel” wallet or “Rolex” watch. If bargain hunting for bootleg items is not your cup of tea, stop at one of the food stalls for asam laksa and beef noodles. You should also look out for the stall that sells air mata kucing to quench your thirst. 5. Central Market Located a couple of minutes away from Petaling Street is one of the city’s best known landmarks. Central Market was built by the british in 1888 and was once a wet market for the city’s residents. Today, the building houses art galleries, craft stores, traditional handicraft shops and spaces for musical performances. Try out the fish spa and after that, create your own batik souvenir. This is a great place to head to if you are looking to stock up on local handcrafted souvenirs and antiques. Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, you may also want to head to other famous sites such as The Bird Park, Tugu Negara, Islamic Arts Museum and Little India. Where to eat? Like Singapore, there is good food around every corner in Malaysia’s capital city. Head to Devi’s Corner for banana leaf rice, stroll along Jalan Alor for a wonderful array of street food, Bijan for a sophisticated take on Malay cuisine, Nasi Kandar Pelita for Indian Muslim mixed rice and Lot 10 Hutong
Food Court for great hawker eats. Malaysia also plays host to a wide array of international cuisine so do not hesitate to stray from the local favourites. How to get around? As the capital, K.L. is relatively easy to navigate. With trains, monorails, taxis and buses, you will figure it out in no time at all. Just a word of caution, if you intend to take taxis around the city, opt for a taxi driver who uses the meter. If the driver demands for a fixed fare, either bargain with them or walk away. To and from the airport, the cheapest and quickest option is to jump on the KLIA Express train. How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. You can also hop on a bus from various pick up spots in Singapore such as Golden Mile Complex and Harbour Front. Rates start from $25 per trip.
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Malacca The third smallest state in Malaysia has a history that is anything but small. Once colonised by the Portugese, Dutch and British in their attempts to control the great spice route, the historical city centre of Malacca was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. With such a colourful history, you can expect gorgeous architecture, adorable pedestrian streets and an incomparable cultural vibe. What to do? 1. Fort A Famosa This historical fortress was built by the Portugese in the 16th century. The only part of the fortress still standing is the gate house. Interestingly enough, this fortress is one of the oldest surviving European buildings in Asia. You will also be able to see replicas of cannons used during that time. Albeit small, you will get the chance to get up close and personal with something that holds so much history and value.
of Dutch Square (or Red Square) where you can also visit Stadthuys, another famous building. 3. Stadthuys Completed in 1660, Stadthuys was built by the Dutch and features all the commonalities of colonial Dutch architecture. It used to be the administrative centre and in 1982, was transformed into a museum that exhibits Malacca’s colourful past. You can expect the area to be crowded with tourists, souvenir vendors and street food hawkers.
4. Jonker Street From Dutch Square, cross the bridge to Jonker Street. This delightful pedestrian street plays host to bars, clothing, art, crafts, souvenir, food and antique shops. It is recommended that you head over at night to fully experience all that Jonker Street has to offer. From throngs of people to lively vendors and great trinkets for sale, you will definitely feel alive here. On Friday and Saturday nights, Jonker Street turns into a huge night market so ensure you 2. Christ Church go on an empty stomach as there are plenty of things to munch on as you Built in the 18th century by the Dutch, this church is the oldest serving Protes- make your way from one end to the other. tant church in Malaysia. Originally painted white, the church was painted red in 1911, giving it a distinct Dutch-era look. The church is located in the middle You may also want to head to other famous sites such as the Baba NyonWeekendin 132
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ya Heritage Museum, The Orangutan House, or hop on the Malacca River Cruise. Where to eat? Malacca boasts unique and delicious specialties when it comes to food. Head to Capitol Satay Celup for famous steamboat satay where sticks of meat, seafood and vegetables are dipped and cooked in a satay gravy pot. You also have to try Gula Melaka Cendol, a widely available dessert that can be found everywhere in Malacca. Another famous dish would be Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls. Walk along Jonker Street and take your pick from the many shops that serve this specialty. For authentic Baba Nyonya cuisine that embodies everything beautiful and delicious about Malacca, head to Nancy’s Kitchen, Seri Nyonya Peranakan Restaurant, Kocik Kitchen or Amy Heritage Nyonya Cuisine and order otak otak, asam pedas, devil curry and keluak chicken curry. Other noteworthy things worth trying while you stroll around the city are coconut milkshake, popiah, pie tee and Nyonya kuih.
Malacca do not abide by the meter, either bargain before getting into one or wait for one that will use the meter. You can also opt to rent a bicycle. If you want, fork out RM40 for an hour on a trishaw. This is undoubtedly a great way to see Malacca as the drivers love offering funny anecdotes, tips and commentary on their beloved city. How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. From the airport, take a bus to Malacca. The journey should not take longer than two and a half hours and will not cost more than $25 for a roundtrip ticket. You can also opt to take an express bus directly from Singapore. Depending on the bus company, it should cost around $35 for a roundtrip ticket and will not take longer than four hours. You can also charter a taxi from the airport.
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Ipoh Thanks to the booming tin mining industry, Ipoh blossomed into a thriving city in the 19th century and today, is the capital of the state of Perak. What started out as a small mining town is now one of the prettiest cities in Malaysia. With impressive historical buildings in the city and fantastic natural wonders located on the outskirts, Ipoh is a hot tourist destination for both Malaysians and foreigners alike. What to do? 1. Lost World of Tambun Whether or not you have kids, head over for an action-packed adventure at this theme park. Boasting a water park, amusement park, petting zoo, hot springs, spa, tin valley and tiger valley, nothing is lacking when it comes to this adventurous getaway. Not only that, experience the longest man-made adventure river in Malaysia and stay at the Lost World Hotel. From the city centre of Ipoh, hop on a bus or take a taxi to the park.
surreal piece of architecture exudes mystery and charm. Believed to be haunted, Kellie’s Castle is rumoured to house multiple hidden rooms and secret tunnels. It was used as the setting in the 1999 film Anna and the King starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat. 3. Gua Tempurung Spanning 3 km long, it is one of the longest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. This river cave has a river passage that runs halfway through the hill. With incredible displays of domes, rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, Gua Tempurung is a popular go-to spot for cave enthusiasts. With the addition of electric lights throughout some portions of the cave, exploring it is relatively easy. Ensure you bring a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes if you partake in the River Adventure Tour as you will wade through the underground river that can reach up to your chest.
4. Lang Mountain 2. Kellie’s Castle Lang Mountain comprises of limestone hills and a beautiful lake and is located This unfinished castle was built in the 20th century by Scottish planter William within the Lang Mountain Recreational Park. Visitors are urged to take a boat ride Kellie Smith. Perched on top of a hill on a former rubber estate plantation, this around the lake. Various flora and fauna call this place home and if you are lucky, Weekendin 134
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You may also want to head to other famous sites such as the Ipoh Railway Station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Darul Ridzuan Museum, and Perak Tong.
How to get around? You can hop on a bus to get from point A to B, although figuring out the bus routes may prove to be relatively tough. The simplest way to get around would be by taxi although you have to negotiate a fixed fare with your cabbie. Walking and biking is also encouraged.
Where to eat? When in Ipoh, eat where the locals do. Head to Restaurant Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau for delectable Ipoh chicken rice and Hor Fun noodles. Aun Kheng Lim is another hot spot to head to if you want the best salted chicken in town. If you want something sweet, Sin Eng Heong will satisfy your cravings with delicious kaya puffs.
How to get there? Firefly flies direct from Singapore (SIN) to Ipoh (IPH) and it only takes an hour and a half. As this is the only airline that services this route, expect to pay upwards of $300 depending on the season. You can also opt to take a bus but keep in mind that although it is significantly cheaper, it will take you up to eight hours each way depending on traffic.
you will spot some of the famous residents such as eagles, snakes and a variety of orchid and fruit trees.
For authentic white coffee, head to Kedai Makanan Nam Heong and onwards to Ipoh Pasir Pinji 5 for Chee Cheong Fun with chillies, sweet sauce, green onions and sesame.
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Tenggol Island Known amongst diving enthusiasts as one of the best dive spots in Peninsular Malaysia, Tenggol Island is the place to head to if you want to indulge in some five star diving and snorkeling. Located off the coast of the state of Terengganu, Tenggol Island’s location at the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia makes it less busy than its southern counterparts. The best time to visit the island is between March and September. Keep in mind that the island is closed to visitors during monsoon season (October and February).
Island. Great weather and lush coral reefs have urged both large and small marine life to call the area home.
What to do?
3. Beaches Boasting pristine white sands and crystal clear waters, Tenggol Island is one of the few untouched islands left in Malaysia. Because the island is part of a reserve, it has been properly preserved and there are strict guidelines when it comes to maintaining the island’s natural beauty. The beaches are spotless because besides divers, not many tourists are interested in making their way to the island due to its lack of activities aside from diving and snorkeling. This is the perfect island to head to if you want some simple peace and quiet far from the madding crowd.
1. Diving & Snorkeling Most visitors to the island have one thing on their mind and that is scuba diving. With over 20 beautiful dive spots around the island, it is a diver’s paradise. With several wrecks in the area and countless coral reefs, diving here is truly the best. Between August and October, expect to see whale sharks. Keep in mind that Tenggol Island caters to advanced divers as most of the sites are affected by strong currents. Not only that, several of the dives go deeper than what beginners are used to, so ensure that you are a certified advanced diver if you do not want to miss out on some of the dive sites. Snorkeling is also great at Tenggol Weekendin 136
2. Hiking Tenggol Island is tiny so do not expect any hardcore hiking trails. If you can tear yourself away from your hammock, you can enjoy some light trekking across the island. You will be greeted by lush greenery and a somewhat rocky terrain so shoes are recommended.
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Where to stay and eat? There are only a handful of resorts on the island with Tenggol Coral Beach Resort, Tenggol Island Beach Resort and Tenggol Aqua Resort being the most well known. The only way to get from one to the other is by boat. Do not expect 5-star resorts as typical accommodation here comprises of simple and traditional wooden chalets on the beach. However, many of the resorts take pride in maintaining cleanliness and being eco-friendly so you can expect a basic yet comfortable stay. As with other island holiday getaways, all meals will take place at your respective resort. Do not expect a food courts or a strip of restaurants on this tiny island. Pack snacks, fruits and instant noodles if you are prone to snacking in the middle of the night. You should also stock up on sunscreen, mosquito repellent and toiletries. There are no ATMs or money changers on the island so ensure you bring enough Malaysian Ringgit to cover your stay. Most of the resorts accept credit cards but it is always best to have some cash on hand. Do check with your resort on their payment policies before making your way over. How to get around? There is not much else to do on Tenggol Island aside from hanging out by the beach and enjoying the water. As the island is only 3 km in length and 2 km in width, you can walk around it if you are feeling adventurous. If you wish to move to another resort, the only way to get there will be by boat. You can make the
arrangements through your resort. How to get there? One of the closest airports on the mainland is Kuala Terengganu (TGG). As there are no direct flights between Singapore and Kuala Terengganu, you have to fly via Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. From KUL, AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer flights to TGG. Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $50. From the airport, jump into a taxi and head to the jetty in Kuala Dungun. It should take you an hour. Most hotels provide boat services from the jetty to the island. It is a 45 minute journey by speed boat. If you do not mind paying a little extra to save time, opt to fly via the smaller airports instead. You can fly from Singapore (SIN) to Subang (SBZ). From SBZ catch another flight to Kerteh (KTE). Firefly flies direct from SIN to SBZ and onwards from SBZ to KTE. Depending on the time of year, expect to pay $350 and above for both legs. From Kerteh airport, the taxi ride to the Kuala Dungun jetty is only 20 minutes. 137 Weekendin
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Cameron Highlands
Roughly the size of Singapore, Cameron Highlands is where locals and tourists alike head to for a reprieve from the heat. Part of the Titiwangasa mountain chain aptly deemed the backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Cameron Highlands boasts crisp, cool and fresh air with an average temperature of 18°C. With elevations ranging between 1,100 metres to 1,600 metres above sea level, Cameron Highlands was discovered in 1885 by Sir William Cameron, a British surveyor. The Highlands are the perfect place to head to if you want to get in touch with nature and learn about Malaysia’s fascinating agriculture. What to do?
1. BOH Tea Plantation Ensure that a visit to one of the tea plantations is on your must-do list. There is no better place to start than at the BOH Tea Plantation. With a production capacity of 4 million kilos of tea a year, 70% of Malaysia’s tea export is produced here. The amount of tea produced translates to 5.5 million cups of tea per day. At the plantation, you will be treated to sweeping postcard vistas of the plantation. You can visit the factory to learn about the tea making process, learn about the company and enjoy a cup on the terrace. Do not forget to purchase several tins of premium tea to bring home as souvenirs. Weekendin 138
2. Strawberry Farms Strawberries are extremely popular in Cameron Highlands. There are half a dozen farms in the area that welcome visitors. You can pick your own strawberries and indulge in home made strawberry jam, dried strawberries and everything else strawberry-related. 3. Butterfly Farms Living in a city as cosmopolitan as Singapore, you will be hard pressed to find a park or farm where you and your kids can get up close and personal with dozens of species of butterflies (aside from the butterfly park at Changi of course). Cameron Highlands boasts two butterfly farms and you can visit them to butterflywatch. These farms are a big hit with kids as they will be able to learn about the evolutionary process from pupa to beautiful butterfly. 4. Flower Farms As one of the top producers of fresh flowers in Malaysia, Cameron Highlands plays host to numerous nurseries. At a small fee, visitors are welcome to wander through the nurseries and gardens and be in awe of all the beautiful blooms. This is the perfect place to head to if you want to teach your kids a thing or two about flora.
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5. Honey Farms There are three honey bee farms in Cameron Highlands. Visitors are welcome to check out these farms and learn about honey production and the various types of bees. These farms are great as not only are they educational, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth cravings by buying fresh pots of honey to bring home.
and dining experience complete with fireplace and outdoor parasols.
6. Hiking & Camping If you want to avoid the major touristy activities, you can choose to spend time breathing in fresh mountain air and taking in unbeatable sights by hiking. Cameron Highlands boasts beautiful trails that lead to secluded waterfalls, moss forests and rose gardens. You can also camp overnight at Gunung Irau. It is recommended that you get in touch with a tour operator as they will offer a guide and camping equipment.
How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. From the airport, you can either take a bus, taxi or rent a car and drive to Cameron Highlands. It should take you three and a half hours on the road.
Where to eat? Steamboat is very popular in Cameron Highlands and there are ample steamboat restaurants for you to choose from. The fact that Cameron Highlands is truly Malaysian means that there will be all types of local restaurants to patron. From 24/7 prata joints to delicious Chinese vegetarian classics, you will be able to find pretty much anything you crave. As the British vibe is still very strong in Cameron Highlands, you should indulge in tea and scones. Head over to The Smokehouse Hotel if you want to splurge on a premium colonial British stay
How to get around? Because of the fine weather, many people enjoy walking around Cameron Highlands. You can also catch a bus, rent a car or motorcycle, or hire a taxi.
If you want, you can also fly from Singapore (SIN) to Ipoh (IPH) on Firefly and it will take you an hour and a half. As this is the only airline that services this route, expect to pay upwards of $300 depending on the season. From there, cab it to Medan Gopeng Bus Station and take a two-hour bus ride to Cameron Highlands. You can also rent a car and drive yourself. The most affordable yet slowest option is to take a direct bus from Singapore to Cameron Highlands. Depending on the traffic, the journey will take you 10 hours. 139 Weekendin
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Taman Negara National Park Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Taman Negara is to Malaysia what Yellowstone Park is to the United States. You will come across wild animals, rare plants and flowers, ethnic tribes and life nurturing rivers in this 130-million year old area. Spanning over 1,300 kilometres of rainforest, a visit to Taman Negara National Park is something that you should do at least once in your life as it offers you a rare glimpse into the magnificent ecosystem of a tropical rainforest. What to do? 1. Jungle Trekking With trails that last for several hours to those that can go on for a whole week, there are multiple treks to suit all types of fitness levels at Taman Negara. Because plenty of preparation and skill is required when navigating the jungle, it is highly recommended that you hire a guide to lead the way. Trekking in the jungle is the perfect way to be in tune with nature and to soak in the natural beauty that is Malaysia.
You will also be treated to the sight of countless plants and animals and if you are lucky, a handful of the over 350 species of birds who call the park home.
3. Night Jungle Walk and Safari Unlike what the Singapore Zoo offers, Taman Negara’s night safari is the real thing. Wild animals roam free and you will literally be able to live and breathe the jungle. Night safaris are strictly guided and only last for an hour as it is not recommended to roam around the jungle alone at night. The takeoff point is at the Ranger’s station so let them know in advance that you want to join them. You will be able to see rare night blooming flowers, glow in the dark plants and insects and if you are lucky, larger animals like snakes and tapirs. 4. Fishing Although only certain parts of the river are open for fishing, there are over 300 different species of fish waiting to be caught. Keep in mind that you will be charged a small fee of RM10 per rod so be honest and upfront about it when you are declaring your items.
2. Canopy Walk While at Taman Negara National Park, you should also try your hand at cave exThis canopy bridge is the longest one in Malaysia and sits up to 40 metres above ploration and rapid shooting. Fitness buffs are encouraged to test their endurthe ground. Visitors are given the chance to enjoy stunning vistas of the jungle. ance by signing up to climb Tahan Mountain. This week long journey is very Weekendin 140
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physically demanding as not only does it encompass camping and strenuous hiking, you also have to carry your own food and camping equipment. Guides are necessary to help navigate the maze of jungles. If you are extremely lucky, you will catch a very rare yet magical glimpse of wild elephants, sun bears, tigers and leopards. You should also set some time aside to visit the Orang Asli Settlements. These ethnic folk practice a nomadic lifestyle and you will come across their settlements along the trails, some of which are only accessible by boat. Where to sleep and eat? Because Taman Negara is a nature reserve, there is plenty of focus on simple and basic accommodation. Do not expect any five-star spa resorts or restaurants in the area so you have to lower your expectations and be prepared to rough it out. Hostels, dorms, camp sites and basic hotels are in abundance. Simple yet hearty meals are available through the place that you are staying at. It is recommended that you bring food if you love midnight snacking. There are also a couple of restaurants along the riverside of Kuala Tahan so head over for some delicious local cuisine.
How to get there? Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. From the airport, you can hire a six-person coach and head directly to the park. Expect to pay around $250 per trip. If you are traveling in a smaller group, the cheaper albeit longer option would be to head to the city centre and catch a shuttle bus from one of several locations. The shuttle will bring you to Jerantut (the gateway of Taman Negara), where you will take a scenic three-hour long boat ride upriver to the park’s headquarters. You can also opt to skip the boat ride and head there directly by bus. Expect to pay $60 for a return bus and boat ticket. You are encouraged to head to the park’s official site to book your accommodation, guide and transport. -www.taman-negara-nks.com
How to get around? Put those walking shoes on and put your legs to good use!
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Perhentian Islands
Made up of two islands, Small Perhentian Island and Big Perhentian Island, these islands are the perfect getaway for those looking for some fun in the sun. Although the islands see plenty of foot traffic when it comes to tourists, there are only a handful of permanent residents who call these islands home. From scuba diving to snorkeling to trekking, Perhentian Islands are heaven on earth. Based on what type of holiday you are seeking, decide beforehand which one of the two islands you want to station yourself at for the duration of your trip. Located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, these islands are easily accessible by a half hour speed boat ride.
islands so it does not matter which island you choose to stay at. From a single trip to full day tours, most of these tour operators offer food, boat and equipment rental as well.
What to do?
3. Beaches Crystal clear waters and sandy beaches are two of the main things that have made Perhentian Islands so famous amongst those with wanderlust. Depending on what type of resort you are staying at, you may just be lucky enough to get a stretch of beach all to yourself. Many sun gazers choose to do nothing but relax by the beach all day long, and it is not surprising why. Just remember to bring ample sunscreen and mosquito repellent, especially if you intend to do some trekking.
1. Diving & Snorkeling Renown for housing some of the best dive sites in the world, both Perhentian Islands boast world class scuba diving. With multiple coral reefs and a freight ship wreck to explore, there are plenty of things to enjoy when one is underwater. From moray eels to turtles to several species of sharks, scuba divers have been known to rave about the diversity of marine life at Perhentian Islands.
2. Trekking Because both islands boast tropical forests, you should take advantage of that and pack your hiking shoes so that you can explore the land mass. There are several trails that run through each island and you will be treated to sights of monkeys, birds and on extremely rare occasions, the elusive mouse deer.
Many visitors have touted snorkeling at the islands to be just as good as scuba Where to eat? diving. There are many tour companies who offer snorkeling tours around both Many of the resorts offer full-board packages and it is recommended that visiWeekendin 142
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tors take them up this offer. However, there are several restaurants along Long Beach on Small Perhentian Island that cater to visitors. The same can be said for Big Perhentian Island. Abdul’s Chalet has a nightly barbeque special that is pretty affordable so head over if you can. Because everything needs to be imported, expect to pay inflated rates when it comes to food. Keep in mind that there are no ATMs or money changers on either island so bring enough cash to cover your stay. Although most of the resorts accept credit cards many of the independent restaurants and water taxis do not.
rAsia offer flights to KBR. Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $50. From the airport, jump into a taxi, bus or shuttle and head to the jetty in Kuala Besut. It should take you an hour. Most hotels will arrange for your transfer from the jetty to either island. You can also request for them to make the airport transfer arrangements for you. You can also take a 10 hour bus journey from Singapore to Jerteh. There, you can catch a 20-minute taxi or bus ride to the Kuala Besut jetty.
How to get around? You have to take a boat to get from one island to the other. These boats also double up as water taxis if you want to get to a different part of your island. Although most people prefer to stay put at their resort you can get around each island by walking. How to get there? One of the closest airports on the mainland is Kota Bahru (KBR). As there are no direct flights between Singapore and Kota Bahru, you have to fly via Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Tigerair and AirAsia offer direct flights from Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Depending on the airline and travel period, expect to pay over $70. From KUL, Malaysia Airlines and Ai143 Weekendin