Weekendin Singapore | March 2014

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Weekend in Seven days a weekend | getawayissue

S i n g a p o r e

Come Brunch with Me

Sunday Brunch - sumptuously satisfying

Go Glam

Hot new looks for the humble abode

Extraordinary Dive Sites From surreal waters to mysterious labyrinths

The Epitome of Summer Holidays The region’s best suites and villas

One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas

A stamp on personalised experience

Colour Yourself Pastel

Candy tones for Spring

Keep the Kids Occupied

Action-packed weekend for the kids

Costal Destinations

From all-to-yourself islands to hidden beach towns

12 07 | 03:14 10:13

THE KITCHEN TABLE PRESENTS

SUNDAY REMIX

EVERY SUNDAY

/ 12PM - 4PM

DELIGHT IN DELICACIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD WHILE CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY. SUNDAY REMIX GUESTS ALSO HAVE COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS TO WET (POOL) BETWEEN 3PM AND 7PM* COOL REMIX SGD 108++ CHILDREN UNDER 12 HALF PRICE

INCLUDES FREE FLOW OF SOFT DRINKS, COFFEE & TEA

BUBBLY REMIX SGD 148++

INCLUDES FREE FLOW OF HOUSE WHITE AND RED WINE, HOUSE CHAMPAGNE, SOFT DRINKS AND COFFEE & TEA

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

WSINGAPORESENTOSACOVE.COM

intheBUZZ 6 20

News | Events | Promos Latest Tech Gadgets

intheSTAY 22

intheBUZZ

HSBC Women’s Champions

6

Stacy Lewis - here to defend her title

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Luxury within a metropolitan oasis Proudly green at PARKROYAL on Pickering Staycation packages from city hotels to island resorts

intheTASTE 28 29 30 34 36 38 40 42 44

Vernetta Lopez & Roundhouse A toast to Sunday Roast Come Brunch with me Partaking in the most decadent Sunday Brunches Edge Bar and Billiard Room Basilico Greenhouse Mezza9 Lime Sunday Brunch Guide

WeekendinFEATURE 48

intheSTAY

A Metropolitan Luxury

22

PARKROYAL on Pickering - the environment’s best friend

50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66

Summer getaways Luxury villas in the region Incredible Indonesia Vivacious Vietnam Charming Cambodia Phenomenal Philippines Thrilling Thailand Magnificent Malaysia Majestic Maldives Lovely Laos Surreal Sri Lanka

intheHOME 68 72

Go glamourous Overhauling your home with hot new looks Easter egg hunting Easter supplies and DIY projects from Spotlight

intheLOOK 76 78

intheTASTE

Edge

30

A Sunday brunch like no other

Candy crush Pastel shades for Spring Bags for the modern man

intheLIFESTYLE 80 82 84 85

Moving Lenovo Meet Nick Reynolds From passion to profession Michelle Richardson on her online jewellery store Kids talk Benjamin Douglas Marshall A Day in the Life of a Frog An essay by Felicia Sng

intheLIFESTYLE (Entertainment) 86 87

Movies for March Top reads of the month

intheWATER 88

5 great dive escapes Adventurous dive sites not for the faint-hearted

intheART intheLOOK

Candy Crush

Pastel pieces for Spring

76

95 98

Art Stage Singapore i Light Marina Bay

12|03:14

Getawayissue on the cover

Six Senses Con Dao

(Image courtesy of Six Senses Con Dao)

Published monthly by:

Beyondotcom Pte Ltd 04-06 Hudson Technocentre 16 New Industrial Road | Singapore 536204 www.weekendin.com.sg

inthePINK 100 102 104

Relaxation amidst greenery at Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa Revitalising the spirit at St. Gregory’s Spa Latest beauty products

intheCHILL 106

intheHOME

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Easter Hunt

One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas

intheDRIVE 108

New order in automotive design CITROËN C4 CACTUS

intheKNOW 112

The Compassion Fund

intheSHOP 114

Preparing for Easter with Spotlight

Shop Style Luxury leisure shopping

intheACTION 116

Action-packed weekend Outdoor activities to keep the kids occupied

intheTRAVEL 120

intheTRAVEL

Coastal Destinations

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Captivating coastal destinations From Newfoundland and Labrador to Skeleton Coast

acrosstheSTRAITS 134

Visit Malaysia Year - 2014 Malaysia’s walking trails

Along the shorelines of the globe

WeekendinFEATURE

acrosstheSTRAITS

Visit Malaysia Year - 2014

134

Explore Malaysia’s walking trails

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

Luxury Villa Getaway

48

Private opulent retreats

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 Lexie Sim Melissa Wong melissa@expatweekend.net lexie@weekendin.com.sg

Contributors 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

S

Getting away with a getaway Sometimes that sudden urge grips us. We know the one—we all get it at one stage or another—the one where you want to throw in the towel, pack your suitcase and take a trip. We all get the avidity now and again—to take off on an invigorating getaway. In this issue of Weekendin, we’ve lined up four getaway features.

In ‘Getaway to Luxury’ we’ve picked some of the more indulgent getaway resorts. Flip to page 48 where we take you to delightful and luxurious villas in the region.

‘Five Great Dive Sites’ descents into the mysterious labyrinth in Mexico to the surreal waters of Iceland, magical reefs in Fiji and wrecks in the Red Sea. There are plenty of sites you can expect to see, but an even greater number of surprises on page 88.

Our intheTRAVEL section showcases the most beautiful coastal locales you can feast your eyes upon. Imagine a boating excursion to visit a puffin colony on a wild fjord, a hike atop surf-battered bluffs, a scuba plunge down a cliff of coral. ‘Coastal Destinations’ debuts on page 120.

Next is a destination in close proximity to Singapore—‘Malaysia’s Walking Trails’. Malaysia has been proactive in its environmental preservation efforts and the remainder of its vast expanse of tropical rainforests now serve as a habitat for thousands of plant and animal species endemic to the region. Till this day, the thriving forests have been munificent in giving hikers an insight of life in the wilderness.

Explore these trails on page 134.

To make the most of your getaway, plan a three- or four-day long weekend trip within a 4-hour travel radius from your home. Leave on a Thursday night or on a Saturday morning, returning on Monday rather than Sunday, to avoid traffic congestion and spend more time enjoying your trip.

When you immerse yourself in a total getaway, you’ll return refreshed and recharged with renewed vigour and an enlivened outlook. I make it a goal to do that at least six times a year.

avril Sullivan Yours Truly

Editor

intheBUZZ

Stephen Gallacher defends his title at the 25th OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic Stephen Gallacher became the first golfer in the 25-year history of the OMEGA Dubai Desert classic to defend the tournament’s title and he did so in dramatic fashion with an eagle on the 18th hole. The gallery at the Emirates Golf Club was kept guessing on the outcome until the final putt. The victor finished the tournament with a total of 16 under par, claiming the lead after it had changed hands several times during the day. The Scotsman played well throughout and held off a challenge from a surging Emiliano Grillo of Argentina.

Before Battle Stance by the World’s Best Golfers

27 Feb - 2 Mar 2014 | Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club Four of the world’s top ten women golfers displayed their warrior spirit as they dressed in martial arts attire today to launch the seventh annual HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore.

The unique event involved World Number 1 Inbee Park (South Korea), World Number 2 Suzann Pettersen (Norway), World Number 6 China’s Shanshan Feng and World Number 11 American golfer Paula Creamer.

love coming here to Singapore but make no mistake this is serious business and a challenge which lives up to its billing as ‘Asia’s Major’.

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 world class field and I’ll be going all out to win the trophy.

OMEGA is a long-standing sponsor and supporter of golf in Dubai and has been a sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic held at the Emirates Golf Club since its inception in 1989 and a title sponsor for 8 years.

OMEGA has also sponsored the Dubai Ladies Masters for the past five years. Following the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic, the watch brand now sets its sights on Sochi where, for the 26th time, it will serve as Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games.

For more information, visit www.dubaidesertclassic.com.

Dressed in their striking warrior ensembles, the golfers put on a show of strength as they prepared for one of the toughest tests in world golf at Sentosa Golf Club.

As the only LPGA-sanctioned event held in Singapore, the US$1.4 million tournament has consistently attracted stellar fields since its inception in 2008. The 2014 event proves to be no exception, with all the top ten ranked players confirming their Aiming to assert her authority as the participation alongside 53 other world world’s top-ranked player is Park, who elites. enthused: We all know how tough this tournament is so it makes a lot of sense For more information, visit for us to adopt these warrior personalities www.hsbcgolf.com. as we get ready to go into battle. We all

Surreal Triathlon in Sublime Vietnam The recently opened Banyan Tree Lăng Cô and Angsana Lăng Cô in Central Vietnam will host the second Laguna Lăng Cô Triathlon this 29 March. It will be one of the most picturesque Triathlons in the world as the Central Vietnam race includes a 1.8km swim along Laguna Lăng Cô’s stunning beach, a 62km cycle through the tropical Hue countryside and a 12km run across the resort’s golf course. Set along the pristine central coastline of Vietnam, the resorts offer guests with fully equipped facilities such as a championship golf course, award winning spas and a variety of other recreational offerings to suit whatever the mood. Just a 60-minute drive from Da Nang and with a few renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites within range, this exciting event will allow guests to enjoy the thrill of the competitive sport and at the same time, the country’s beautiful offerings. Accommodation at Angsana Lăng Cô and Banyan Tree Lăng Cô starts at USD$231 per room a night and USD$566 per villa a night respectively. Both prices are inclusive of breakfast.

For more information, visit langco@banyantree.com.

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intheBUZZ

Puma’s evoPower Boot Lo and behold Puma’s new revolutionary evoPower Boot! This latest boot has been designed to optimise kicking power and accuracy, and is one for the soccer enthusiast.

Who would have thought that a bare foot generates a more powerful kick than a booted foot? Inspired by the freedom of movement of barefoot kicking, independent experts have injected in the most advanced Puma technology to date and installed features like the Gradual Stability Frame that acts like a spine, bringing stability from the heel to the forefoot, replicating a barefoot kicking motion as much as possible. It is then reinforced through the Adap-Lite microfibre that only stretches vertically. The Accuform located on the upper part of the boot is also said to improve your kicking precision and ensure an even distribution of pressure.

Emirates Spreads its Wings Across the Atlantic Emirates will spread its wings across the Atlantic by starting flights to Boston Logan International Airport on a daily basis from 10 March 2014, as the Skytrax 2013 World’s Best Airline. This will be the airline’s 8th route into the United States, 9th into North America and 12th into the wider Americas—where new routes are operated by a GE-90 engine-powered Boeing 777-200LR. The extension of this service is said to accommodate to the growing passenger demand to the noneastern United States and to bring about greater global exposure for both countries in terms of trade, business and tourism. Being a partner with Emirates also allows you to reap in benefits.

JetBlue passengers can enjoy the privileges of travelling on Emirates flights to earn miles and vice versa.

After all that, you might want to consider placing your bets on Cesc Fabregas, Marco Reus, Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure who would be wearing evoPower to the pitch. But here’s two cents worth of advice: It’s always about the skills. www.puma.com

For information and ticket reservations, please visit www.emirates.com/th.

A Record High for Art Stage Singapore Art Stage Singapore, the flagship Asian art event, closes on a high note with an increase in overall visitorship figures totaling to 45,700 and with participating galleries reporting good sales. The 157 exhibitors from around the globe were pleased with the event. Ikkan Art Gallery that established its presence in Singapore in 2011, sold 20 works by teamLab and Naoko Tosa at a total of USD550,000. They were one of the many galleries who reported promising sales figures.

The Platforms–curated sales exhibitions met the objective of bridging understanding of the art scenes in Asia to visitors. This success was also reflected in high participation rates in the Platform Tours provided for visitors. For those who missed it, fret not. You can still explore the fair and view high profile works on Artsy.net—the exclusive online partner of Art Stage Singapore 2014.

Centara World Masters Championship 2014

Golf

From 15 to 21 June, the Centara World Masters Golf Championship 2014 at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is expected to attract more than 600 golfers from 20 countries. This is Asia’s biggest week of amateur golf and Thailand’s richest amateur tournament with over US$30,000 worth of prizes offered. Thai Beverage, Thai Airways, Coca-Cola (Thailand) and TaylorMade-Adidas Golf join title sponsor Centara Hotels & Resorts in supporting this event.

The Centara World Masters is open to all amateur golfers over 35 and those who have an official golf handicap. They will be invited to play at four of Hua Hin’s world-class golf courses, namely Black Mountain, Banyan, Majestic Creek and Imperial Lake View. www.thailandworldmasters.com Weekendin 10

www.artstagesingapore.com

intheBUZZ

District Eight Design Launch Party Cult vintage industrial furnishing brand, District Eight Design, launched an opening party where guests were treated to an array of delectable canapÊs and surrounded by impeccable vintage industrial design, with the spotlight on some of District Eight Design’s most popular pieces including the chess set and foosball table.

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“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.

Latest US Craze Hits Spotlight

w o n s e r o

t s In

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

intheBUZZ

Spring/Summer Fever at Palais 4 March to 30 April 2014

Indulge in spring and summer fever with a host of unique fashion and beauty offerings from Palais Renaissance.

With a premium selection from a treasure trove of luxurious boutiques and an all-new Beauty level at Level 3, there is no lack of options to look your absolute best while ushering in the cheerful seasons of spring and summer.

From 14 March to 30 April 2014, spend a minimum of $300* and be rewarded with a useful lightweight foldable umbrella to combat the occasional spring showers, in addition to an exclusive opportunity to enter a lucky draw. You can be one of 3 shoppers to win $2,000 worth of Palais shopping vouchers. *conditions apply www.palais.sg

RMK’s Play on Pink RMK’s new spring summer collection called Play On Pink, is here to redefine your regular make-up regime. Playing on the characteristic of pink, Director Kaori creates her first RMK collection that is a kaleidoscope of light and colour.

The trio eye palette consists of pink bases with the layering of tonal shades in holographic pearlescent and glitter that allows you to create your perfect looks for the new season. The RMK Kaleidoscope Cheeks is a bi-colour palette that contours your cheeks nicely and creates a flawless radiance. Perfect your juicy pout with the new W Crayon & Gloss Lips that is a matte lip crayon with a semi-transparent lipgloss.

RMK 2014 Spring Summer Collection is now available at all RMK counters.

Pear and Pink Magnolia collection

A playfully elegant bath and body collection that creates the aromatic impression of one of the most alluring pear varieties and the stunning pink magnolia.

Be enticed by the new bath and body collection infused with a fruity floral fragrance that perfectly creates the aromatic impression of Pear and Pink Magnolia. Let the scent of delicious fruits and delicate flowers linger beautifully on the skin.

One of the most alluring varieties, the red pear is loved not only for its crimson blush and delectable taste, but also for its juicy and inviting, perfume-like aroma. When combined with passion fruit and bergamot notes, this charming pear scent becomes deeply addictive. The scent of juicy pear is blended with a creamy lemon, floral accent of pink magnolia in a fruity-fresh signature that’s playfully elegant. With the addition of jasmine, apricot-scented osmanthus and the violet tones of orris, this harmony of precious notes brings to mind cherished riches of the natural world.

To create a revitalising daily ritual, scent, cleanse and smooth the skin with Pear and Pink Magnolia bath and body products. The aroma of juicy pear and fresh pink magnolia sets a tone that’s invigorating yet sensual and soothing www.crabtree-evelyn.com.sg

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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

intheBUZZ

Golden Leaf Garners One Michelin Star

Now till 31 Mar 2014 | Conrad

Flavours of India

6 - 15 March 2014 | Melt ~ The World Café Melt ~ The World Café spices up their culinary delights with tantalising Indian cuisine and desserts in an expansive bounty of international and local buffet spread.

Be prepared to have a sublime feast at Melt ~ The World Café as their sumptuous buffet treats span from salads and appetisers, soups, main courses, desserts to selected special features at the show-kitchen. True to their Flavours of India theme, Chef Santosh Kumar combines the use of spices, herbs and vegetables in signature dishes like Achari Macchi Tikka, pickled fish prepared in the traditional tandoor oven.

Golden Leaf at Conrad has proven to be a must-visit destination for tourists and locals with their award-winning dishes and pleasant interior design.

To add more allure, epicureans of Cantonese cuisine will be elated to know that the restaurant has been awarded One Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2014. The kitchen helmed by Chef So Kai Chiu and team is celebrating this accolade by putting together a Michelin menu that showcases some of the Michelin dishes as well as the best concoctions from the restaurant. Highlights of the menu include steamed fresh crab claw with Chinese rice wine and ginger, poached prawns with preserved vegetable and dried shrimp, and poached chicken with chicken essence.

Mango Tree with Cocktail King Mango Tree blends cuisine artistry with the skills of reputed mixologist, Joseph Boroski to bring to diners the best of both worlds.

The newly opened Mango Tree Bistrobar Plaza Senayan is interiored with a laidback contemporary setting with a signature long bar, a VIP room for 12 and a big screen AV equipment for sports and entertainment.

Highlights include the Tandoori Jhinga, succulent king prawns marinated with aromatic Indian spices and carom seeds; Dhaba Chicken Briyani, a winning combination of chicken, minted green chilli and cured, served together with fragrant basmati rice and the much loved Butter Chicken Masala.

Diners can expect Thai favourites infused with a modern touch, such as Pomelo Salad with Shrimp, Deep Fried Seabass with Mango Salsa Salad and Durian Panna Cotta.

Cocktail-wise, you get to savour concoctions like Chilli Pineapple Martini, Lemongrass Martini and other signature cocktails specially crafted by Joseph Boroski.

Melt ~ The World Cafe | Mandarin Oriental Singapore

www.exquisinethai.com

www.conraddining.com

New and Nectarious - Menu revamped at Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant, Brotzeit has ditched the old and recreated a whole new menu to please more palates. Injecting new life into the new menu are new authentic German dishes, desserts and cocktails.

Their new lunch menu offers savoury sandwiches like the Lachsbrot, a smoked salmon sandwich served on crusty sourdough bread; and the Nürnberger Sandwich, a grilled pork sausage sandwich served on crunchy greens and a homemade Brezn bun. Lunch dishes are also served in smaller portions to specially cater to the ladies.

Dinner options have been beefed up with dishes like the Lungenbraten, a perfectly grilled Australian beef tenderloin served with baked potato, smoked bacon and creamy Hollandaise sauce; and the highly recommended Lamm Haxe, a slow roasted New Zealand lamb shank that has been tenderised with yougurt for 24 hours and marinated with chilli, garlic, brown sugar and spices for a period of over three days. Cocktails worth investigating include the Coffeetini and Brisk Wind, while teetotallers can enjoy fruity creations like Sparkling Star and Virgin Vitamins. www.brotzeit.co

A Greek Feast by the Sea The latest installment to Sentosa Cove is neither a yacht nor a luxurious condominium but rather an authentic Greek Tavern offering the best of Greek culinary tradition—Mykonos on the Bay. To complete the Greek experience, the interiors are designed to echo the simplicity and freshness of the Aegean Sea. Diners are spoilt for choice as the restaurant offers a plethora of hot and cold meze (appetisers), salads and innovative dishes all whipped up in an open kitchen style featuring large grills and hot plates. Expect dishes like Gioyvetsi Garida, a Greek Short-Pasta (Risone) with Mediterranean red prawns, cherry tomatoes and saffron; Melitzanes Imam, eggplants with caramelised onion stuffing, spiced with cinnamon and soft baked feta; and homemade Baklavas that are made fresh daily.

Mykonos on the Bay | 31 Ocean Way | #01-10 Quayside Isle | Sentosa Cove Weekendin 18

intheSTAY

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

intheBUZZ

The Pelican Deck Taking advantage of the sweeping panoramic views at One Fullerton, The Pelican Deck provides an atmospheric venue for chilling out. Think fresh seafood bites, a great selection of cocktails, drink promotions and live DJs spinning, every Wednesday to Saturdays from beats of 80’s Old School Hip Hop and Funk.

Happy hour starts at 5pm and 1-for-1 promos for wines, spirits and beer on draft go on till 8pm. Pub grub includes an array of seafood bites, and when you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, give the exotic Cod’s Tongue with garlic emulsion and pork croutons a go.

Otherwise, Crispy White Bait and Lobster Po’ Boy, recommended with a drink in the other hand, are options too.

The Pelican Deck menu is available through the week from 3pm to 10pm and till 12am on Fridays for guests of The Pelican Supperclub.

The Pelican Deck | #01-01 | One Fullerton

Eden Bliss Honeymoon Package

From May 2014 | Prices start from USD$8,950 per week Love is in the air in St. Barths as luxury hotel Eden Rock launches Eden Bliss, a new package for indulgent couples. Eden Rock Hotel is located at the stunning French Caribbean, known for its sublime tranquility, pristine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

The Eden Bliss package includes a seven-night accommodation in the Greta Garbo suite, named after the actress. The one-bedroom suite is perched on a rock commanding spectacular views, a setting perfect for honeymooners. Designed to reflect the high life of 1930’s Hollywood style, the interiors are complemented with handcrafted beds and glamorous mosaic bathrooms. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a bottle of champagne and delicious canapés, lunch for two at the Sand Bar with Jean-Georges, and a car for exploration. www.edenrockhotel.com

Handmade Goodness Housed in a 2-storey shophouse at the corner of Prinsep Street, La Cuisson is helmed by local chef Kenneth Lin, who formerly trained at DB Bistro at Marina Bay Sands. Lin holds on to his mantra of handmade goodness creating hearty and rustic European dishes.

Appetisers include the flavourful Foie Gras Terrine, which has a mix of dried figs and apricot. Featured on the main course are dishes like Pork Pot Au Feu, an aromatic mix of tender pork shoulder and mixed vegetables in pork jus. A fare to share, The Lamb Duo is served with Kipfler potato gratin. Desserts include the Dark Chocolate Ganache, a heavenly mix of varlhona chocolate with white chocolate sesame mix, and green tea mousse.

La Cuisson | 44 Prinsep Street

New Executive Chef at The Peninsula Bangkok The Peninsula Bangkok welcomes Andreas Haugg as the Executive Chef overseeing the hotel’s award-winning restaurants, bars and banquets.

Known for his big smile and team spirit, Haugg brings to the hotel his expertise and rich experience in F & B. Arriving at the hotel fresh from a similar position at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Egypt, his passion for working in exotic locales has taken him to Mauritius and the Maldives.

He honed and fine-tuned his world-class chef’s skills in top hotels in Germany, the UK and the US. Besides his impeccable credentials as a chef, Andreas’s humility and desire to continually learn led him to successfully pursue a prestigious Master’s Degree in Culinary Art from Altöetingen Hotel Management School, Bavaria. www.peninsula.com Weekendin 20

intheBUZZ

The New Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto A highly-anticipated hotel launch of 2014 in one of the world’s most culturally-rich cities, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto welcomed its first guests on 7 February 2014.

Located in the heart of a city famed for its Zen temples, palaces and gardens, the riverside resort brings elegance and renowned service of The Ritz-Carlton to Kyoto, while honouring the cultural heritage of the city through design.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto sits on the gentle banks of the Kamogawa River in Nijho Ohashi, close to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori, the city’s retail and entertainment districts. www.ritzcarlton.com

Dual Accolades for Pan Pacific Singapore Pan Pacific Singapore has garnered dual accolades in Tripadvisor’s annual Traveller’s Choice Awards. The hotel was placed 8th in the Top 25 Hotels in Singapore category, and 7th in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Singapore category.

In its 12th year, the Travellers’ Choice Awards identifies the most outstanding properties worldwide, in categories such as Top Hotels, Luxury, Bargain, Small Hotels, B&Bs and Inns.

This year, Pan Pacific Singapore maintained its 8th position in the Top 25 Hotels in Singapore category while improving its overall standing by two positions in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in Singapore category to be placed 7th.

This recognition is a testament to our success in Creating Memorable Hotel Experiences for our guests, who have reciprocated with genuine and positive unsolicited feedback on Tripadvisor, which has helped us win these awards, said Scott Swank, General Manager of Pan Pacific Singapore. www.panpacific.com

Royal Cliff Voted Top Overall Ratings 2013

Fun-filled Easter Weekend at Four Seasons Hotel

Sitting on 64 acres of lush tropical greenery and offering guests magnificent views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group garners the Top Overall Ratings 2013 by online booking website, Venere.com’s users.

With the Easter weekend a much-awaited celebration for young and old, families can look forward to a traditional line-up of sumptuous meals in One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood restaurant and JiangNan Chun restaurant on April 20, 2014. The celebration is topped off with an Easter Egg Hunt in Crescent Ballroom Foyer.

Royal Cliff is a popular Pattaya beach hotel destination that has been visited by royalties, and celebrities—H.M. the King of Sweden to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other heads of states.

The property consists of four 5-star hotels with its own setting and design to cater to different guests taste: Royal Cliff Beach Hotel (Casual luxury), Royal Cliff Beach Terrace (Exotic luxury), Royal Cliff Grand Hotel (Formal luxury) and Royal Wing Suites and Spa (Ultimate luxury). www.royalcliff.com

Thailand ranked fifth in World’s Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations If one of your getaway searches was for Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui or one of the other destinations in Thailand, you might have contributed to the success of Thailand emerging as the top fifth most searched country in the world for people sourcing online for a romantic venue for their honeymoon. This was measured through searches on search portal, Google and published on Fodor’s Travel, one of the USA’s leading travel websites.

Look forward to Easter Brunch at One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood restaurant as Executive Chef Giovanni Speciale and his team whip up a lavish Easter Brunch spread with freshly prepared selections and recommendations for brunch goers.

For reservations, contact One-Ninety at 6831 7250

Thailand was ranked ahead of Belize, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Caribbean and Croatia. The country has clearly earned itself a reputation for offering extravagant travel experiences that have attracted worldwide visitors. One of the pull factors that make Thailand so alluring to couples is the growth of a number of private luxury pool villas available in all destinations. www.TATnews.org 21 Weekendin

intheBUZZ

Lenovo’s New DOit Series of Apps

Share, Secure, Sync, Snap and See with Lenovo’s new suite of apps for smartphones and tablets Check out Lenovo’s new suite of DOit apps designed to help people simplify their digital lives, allowing them to easily share, sync, protect and manage precious information on their smartphones and tablets.

Comprised of five essential apps that address the key concerns of mobile users, the DOit app series includes: • SHAREit—shares information instantly between multiple devices without network charges • SECUREit—speeds up devices and secures them from viruses and

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malware • SYNCit—backs up and restores contacts, SMS messages and call logs • SNAPit Camera—provides a powerful camera app with multiple shooting modes • SEEit Gallery—allows one-touch creative editing and efficient photo management www.lenovo.com

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Fusing Style and Performance Lenovo S-Series Smartphones

Lenovo rolls out its next generation of smartphones in its popular S-series. The new S860, S850 and S660 smartphones combine sleek design elements with quad-core performance and new features such as longer battery life for an overall impressive mobile experience. The new devices complement Lenovo’s existing portfolio of smartphones, offering consumers greater choices across multiple price points to fit both lifestyle and budget.

The high performing S860 gives mobile professionals all-day productivity, while the S850 offers the fashion set an incredibly slim yet feature-packed mobile device. The stylish S660 all-rounder, primed for media addicts seeking a blend of fashion and function, completes the trio. Lenovo, the #3 smart connected device maker worldwide, has expanded aggressively into the global smartphone market, introducing smartphones in 25 countries in the past two years.

The new S-series smartphones meet the demands of today’s mobile users coming equipped with quad-core MTK processors and running Android 4.2. The smartphones boast powerful new features, including longer battery life (S860 and S660), sharp image capture functions (S850) and Lenovo’s range of DOit apps. The devices come with dual SIM capability as well as wide-angle front cameras and flash-equipped rear cameras to snap and share amazing photos.

• S860 for All-Day, Uninterrupted Usage: Encased in a brushed metal exterior with a large 5.3-inch HD screen, the S860 meets busy professionals’ needs. It features standby time of up to 40 days and talk time of up to 24 hours on 3G connections, quad-core computing and 2GB of RAM for responsive multi-tasking among applications. The S860’s high-capacity battery even allows users to charge their other devices on-the go by using the included micro USB cable.

• S850 for Trendsetting All-Glass Design: Fashion-conscious users will favour the S850 for its remarkably thin and lightweight all-glass exterior, available in pink or white. The sleek design encases a true mobile machine with a MTK quad core processor, 13 MP rear and 5 MP front cameras for snapping and sharing high quality photos and a large 5-inch screen for watching content in high definition.

• S660 for All-Round High Performance: The compact 4.7-inch device Lenovo S660 smartphone offers three key features for value seekers: a striking brushed metal design, long battery life for all-day usage and a wallet-friendly price. A great multipurpose smartphone, it has expandable storage – up to 32GB with microSD cards – and a comfortable rear cover, making the S660 comfortable to hold and fingerprint and scratch resistant..

The Lenovo S860, S850 and S660 start at $349, $269 and $229 respectively and will be available in selected markets and www.lenovo.com starting from June 2014. www.lenovo.com

The Belair X 6-12 Instant Camera Kit Powering back to basics

Digital cameras have to make way and welcome the whole new dimension of photography—in Lomography context—with the latest Bel Air X 6-12 instant camera priced at SGD148. In other words, it is a toy camera that prints pictures on instant film.

However, even without much in-built technology, it should not be underestimated in power.

This panoramic folding camera loaded with Fuji Instax Wide film allows users to take charge of their creativity with its range of options like multiple exposures, long exposures, interchangeable lenses and hot-shoe flash compatibility. Of course, there is the perk of getting your pictures instantly with just a press of a button.

If instant gratification isn’t self fulfilling, by all means, replace the Instant Back on the Belair Instant Camera Kit with a regular 120 Film Back and you’re ready to shoot amazing medium format (6x6, 6x9, 6x12) panoramic photos. www.lomography.com 23 Weekendin

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Discover Luxury Within a Metropolitan Oasis PARKROYAL on Pickering has been a part of the Singapore skyline for over a year and till today, still draws gasps of disbelief by passers-by. This stunning hotel boasts something not many other hotels have, and that is an incredible concept that marries both modern building and nature. Just glancing at the exterior of the hotel, one can deduce that the hotel plays host to a myriad of sustainable features and was inspired by nature. The gorgeous wood panelling, glass, water and actual greenery paints a fine picture of a metropolitan building being in tune with the great outdoors. With over 15,000 square metres of lush sky-gardens that tower over four stories, cascading vertical greenery and gorgeous planter terraces, PARKROYAL on Pickering certainly satisfies the environmentally conscious guest’s yearning to stay at a luxury hotel with incredible green features.

Indulge in the PARKROYAL on Pickering and rejuvenate your body, soul and palate.

Dozens of eco-friendly facilities and features were outfitted into the building, one of which are impressive solar-powered sky-gardens, the first of its kind in the country. Other sustainable features worth mentioning are the energy conservation features that make use of automatic light, rain and motion sensors.

These play a role in rain harvesting and creating recycled water that is offered to guests in neat tumblers. PARKROYAL on Pickering is wellknown as one of Singapore’s greenest hotels and is the proud recipient of the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award.

One will be hard pressed not to notice that nature-inspired materials and textures play a huge role in the hotel’s design. An array of natural wood panelling, pretty pebbles, streaming water, and reflective glass are used throughout the design of the hotel. Interestingly, all 367 rooms at the PARKROYAL on Pickering encompass the eco-friendly mindset and boast incredible features yet to be introduced elsewhere.

When I first walked into the lobby, I was impressed by the high ceilings and rays of natural

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light that filtered through decorative plants and lobby furniture that adhered to the ecofriendly theme. After a speedy check in, I made my way to my room that was located on one of the top floors of the hotel. Of course, a magnanimous view of Singapore greeted me when I strolled down the open-air corridor from the elevator to my room. When I pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped into my very own oasis of peace and calm, I knew that I had unearthed eco-luxury at its finest.

One of the first words that popped into my head when I was fiddling with the modern touch lights was “innovative”. PARKROYAL on Pickering offers guests every modern comfort known to man. Guests need not worry about living like a hippy amidst all the chatter about it being an eco-friendly hotel. On the contrary, the latest technology and facilities are awarded to all guests. I especially loved how the nature-inspired materials and textures were not reserved for just the exterior of the hotel. Every room at PARKROYAL on Pickering features lovely wood and stone finishes that offer up an organic look and feel. Soft colours and high windows with lots of natural light give a vibrant and friendly treehouse feel to the room.

Delightful light and motion sensors as well as soft carpeting lend a hand in making the room even more cosy and comfortable.

As someone who tends to utilise the work desk quite a bit for writing and doodling, I was duly impressed by the size of the workstation in my room. With complimentary WIFI and a well-stocked bar at my fingertips, I was all set to spend some time penning down my first impressions of the hotel. First, a shower to wash off the grime and dirt of the city was in order. Although a tad small for my taste, I was very pleased with the bathroom that featured a lovely rainfall shower, plush towels and an array of delectable bath products. I especially liked the concept of having rolling doors that separate the toilet from the shower area, and the entire bathroom from the bedroom.

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After my shower, I was set on exploring this oasis of a hotel. PARKROYAL on Pickering is well known for being a magnet for tourists and business people alike. For those hoping to get some work done, the hotel offers fantastic meeting rooms and event spaces that can fit up to 800 people. So whether you are thinking of hosting an annual general meeting, or a simple cocktail party to welcome the new CFO in town, PARKROYAL on Pickering can do it all.

For those in town for play, the hotel also caters to everything and anything one could possibly need to relax and unwind. After a day of shopping, head to the fifth floor and take a dip in the infinity pool that overlooks the city. Do not fancy a swim? Well, the hotel also boasts a Jacuzzi, fitness centre and outdoor terrace.

For those who want to stretch those legs even more, take a stroll along the 300-metre garden walk and be amazed at how technology, architecture and nature can be molded so perfectly together. For those who just want to lay low and relax, hop into one of the several colourful “nests” positioned around the pool. These cabanas are divine and supremely comfortable so ensure that you bring a book or your iPad along to while the time away. A few steps away lies the award winning St. Gregory Spa that offers a myriad of luxurious treatments and therapies, so do not hesitate to pop in to make an appointment.

To satiate yourself, head to Lime, the hotel’s magnificent restaurant that features an openkitchen concept. Lime offers all-day dining but something not to be missed is the incredible Sunday Brunch spread. Housed on the ground floor just past the lobby, Lime is the perfect place to kick back with some loved ones over great food, fabulous ambience and wonderful service.

At the end of the day, it is hard to fault PARKROYAL on Pickering as the hotel and staff stay true to the concept of eco-friendliness, excellent service and luxurious amenities. Located a stone’s throw from Singapore’s famous Clarke Quay, and right across the street from the historical and cultural district of Chinatown, PARKROYAL on Pickering scores full points locationwise. With a steady stream of taxis flowing right outside, and the hotel’s close vicinity to several MRT stations, PARKROYAL on Pickering certainly is an incredible platform from which to explore the wonders of Singapore.

PARKROYAL on Pickering | 3 Upper Pickering Street | Level 5 | Singapore 058289 | T 6809 8870 | www.parkroyalhotels.com 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++ | All-inclusive Weekend Festive Staycation | From 1 Dec ‘13 to 5 Jan ‘14 The newest upscale business hotel in town, experience a Carlton City Christmas and New Year with a fresh take on international buffets, all things festive and a countdown party.

Package includes: Buffet breakfast for two Two flutes of Chandon sparkling at Graffiti Sky Bar A pair of movie tickets Unlimited WiFi access & local calls Late check-out up to 4pm (subject to availability) Terms & conditions apply.

1 Gopeng Street | Singapore 078862 | T 6632 8999 | F 6632 8800 reservations@carltoncity.sg | carltoncity.sg

Summer Staycation at Raffles Singapore From S$550++ Valid only during the Weekends from 1 September 2013 onwards.

Suite package includes: - Children below the age of 12 stay (using existing beddings) and dine for free with their parents at Hotel-operated restaurants - Welcome Singapore Slings and fruit upon arrival, while children will enjoy fruit smoothies and cookies - Complimentary breakfast at Tiffin Room on the first morning - Complimentary Buffet Dinner at Bar & Billiard Room or Tiffin Room - Complimentary in-suite internet access - 24-hour Butler Service - Complimentary S$500 Raffles Hotel Arcade Shopping Discount Vouchers - Complimentary late check-out until 6pm - Complimentary parking 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

Vernetta&Roundhouse

Let’s Toast to Sunday Roasts!

by Vernetta Lopez

actress, radio DJ and owner of Roundhouse Pizza, Bar and Grill You wake up and sunrays pour into your sleepy eyes, and what’s the first thought that pops into your head? It’s a Sunday! And what’s the next thought? Sunday Roast!

Yes! The two words that make your mouth salivate, especially if you know what you want and know what to expect. A satisfying feast to truly make your weekend complete.

Sunday Roast is a gorgeous tradition in England, where every Sunday morning, the men go to the pub for a drink, the ladies whip up a delicious roast effortlessly and the entire house fills with the aromas of roast beef, fat-roasted potatoes, and hearty gravy with, of course, the main event and no, not just the beef, Yorkshire Pudding! That may sound rather archaic but that’s how it was, although I’m pretty sure the role of the chef interchanges a lot!

Now, a main feature of any good roast is the Yorkshire Pudding, also known as Batter Pudding, and I’ve been searching for the perfect pudding for a while. It’s not an easy little morsel of deliciousness to make. It’s got to be slightly crispy on the outside, with a light, doughy texture on the inside, be strong enough to hold gravy, yet fluffy enough to eat on its own! It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savoury that pleases any taste bud!

I’ve been to different restaurants, cafes, pubs; but nothing has come close to the perfection that I was searching for to satisfying the craving.

Then I realised all I had to do was marry an Englishman! Now, please don’t think that that was the only reason for my nuptials. But it’s one of the many great ones! It was like watching an artist at work. The detail, the intensity, the heat….

Yes, I’m still talking about making Yorkshire Pudding. The hubby will always be a perfectionist Weekendin 30

when it comes to making the perfect pudding and that’s why I’m incredibly proud of our pudding, and our fantastic Sunday Roast spread!

We’ve kept it as traditional as possible but with an added touch of lux.

Roundhouse: Pizza, Bar & Grill’s Sunday Roast serves an amazing array of what’s traditional, as well as what pleases the taste buds of buffet enthusiasts.

Our Premium Angus Roast Rib-eye, Herb-Crust Salmon, Duck-Fat Roast Potatoes, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Buttered Garden Peas, Potato Mash, Roast Root Vegetables, and lashings of traditional Beef Gravy are always menu mainstays, while we rotate between Pumpkin or Wild Mushroom Soup, Half-Shelf Mussels, Marinated Grilled Vegetables, and more!

Salads are a healthy start and a satisfying Bread & Butter Pudding and Chocolate Tartlets make a delicious finale!

Oh and did I mention that it’s free flow? With either Free Flow of Soft Drinks at $49++ or Free Flow Sparkling, Red, White Wine, Beer and Bloody Mary’s at $99++!

So with rivers of free-flowing drinks, and a mile of delicious food to choose from, I recommend you to try our huge Yorkshire Puddings and make your Sundays complete with our Traditional Sunday Roast!

Happy Weekend!

Roundhouse Pizza, Bar & Grill | 100 Turf City | Singapore 287992 | T 6466 0966 www.roundhouse.com.sg

Dessert during Sunday brunch at the Bar & Billiard Room at the Raffles Hotel Singapore

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Brunch Come

with me

Partaking in Sunday Brunch every weekend is a ritual for some in Singapore, and it is not difficult to see why. The brunch scene is thriving and is a decadent affair more often than not—with the finest imported ingredients and endless amounts of champagne.

Whether you want a fancy feast or relaxed meal, the options are bountiful. Weekendin rounds up brunch venues that have aced it and given you a reason to get out of bed on the weekends.

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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 31 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 33 Weekendin

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Bar and Billiard Room Sunday Brunch in Singapore has reached such obsessive levels that it is now accepted as a regular meal, like lunch or dinner, that occurs once a week. William Somerset Maugham once said, All happiness depends on a breakfast. Whether you’re breaking your fast at the crack of dawn or at brunch time, the saying still holds true. Happiness is definitely at the heart of the Raffles Hotel Singapore, with its Sunday Brunch offering—Carving Champagne Brunch. The delightful brunch that comes with free-flowing Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve is served at the Bar and Billiard Room.

Ages before Singapore became one of the region’s more popular culinary destinations, the graceful Raffles Hotel has been satiating the palates of diners throughout the world, setting the standard for fine dining. It’s easy to see why.

Sunday Brunch at Bar and Billiard room is indulgent and seductive, and the sublime spread is down home delicious. Bar and Billiard Room can definitely be described as showcasing the breadth of Raffles Hotel’s culinary strengths with a generous menu that indulges diners with good quality seasonal vegetables and ingredients, imported seafood and produce. The interior has a 1093’s opulence feel with an air of the great Gatsby.

Going beyond the regular buffet-style spreads offered at other Sunday Brunch venues, Bar and Billiard Room features an expansive carving station featuring Black Angus tomahawk 3 ribs, slow oven baked Welsh lamb shoulder, Omaha beef tenderloin Bordelaise sauce, with potato fondant, BBQ Ibérico pork ribs, Australian grain fed prime rib on the bone, and roasted Welsh leg of lamb. The buffet spread is extravagant and extraordinary, keeping guest on their toes with varied flavours and slick presentations.

Cheerfully welcomed at the entrance, we were escorted to the comfortable yet unassuming dining room, abuzz with diners on a Sunday afternoon. Diners were clearly enjoying their brunch and banter, amongst them young and old couples, and larger groups. We were soon sitting comfortably at our table sipping crisp and refreshing sauvignon blanc, with the most outstanding oysters lustrously beckoning at the nearby seafood display.

The perfectly chilled wine that paired sublimely with the oysters titillated our palates to set our appetites in motion for the flavoursome fare that was to come—luscious and well-accompanied La Ratte potato with shaved foie gras, smoked duck breast and Mâche salad, black cod with Matelote sauce, squid risotto, vegetables

with an especially hearty sauce. From the bar, the choice of drinks includes Singapore Sling, Bloody Mary and Lighter Than Air-champagne.

The colossal choice of fare for the buffet spread includes a wide selection of antipasti, fragrant roast, Ratatouille and the decadent pan seared foie gras with celeriac mousseline amongst other delights. Fiercely committed to sourcing the freshest, highest quality ingredients spanning the globe, Bar and Billiard Room doesn’t fail to impress, delivering impeccable taste and a desire to surprise and delight guests from the moment they step into the restaurant.

The adjacent table courted us with smoked salmon, poached eggs with chorizo, mini ratatouille, tiger prawns and tuna Niçoise and cold cuts, which we gladly obliged.

The range of decadent sweets, were displayed in three sections: Hot desserts, cakes and more exquisite desserts. The desserts were mindfully created to satisfy the sweet tooth without tipping the scales. My personal favourite was the Catalan Cream, Fresh Raspberry and Cointreau Chantilly, but the Vanilla Crème Brulee, Coconut and tropical Fruit Floating Island and the Chuao Chocolate Mousse and Cocoa Nibs Crumble were just as heavenly.

Aside from the indulgent culinary feast, the service was detailed and altogether magnificent. For regular Sunday Brunchers, the Sunday Brunch at Bar and Billiard Room is surely one you should not miss.

Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Singapore | 1 Beach Road Singapore 189673 | T 6337 1886 www.raffles.com | singapore@raffles.com 35 Weekendin

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Basilico For a decadent Sunday brunch, make your way to Basilico and indulge in the spread they have to offer. Located on the second level of The Regent Singapore, Basilico is a familyfriendly Italian restaurant that offers both a la carte as well as buffet options. At Basilico, the Italian chefs emphasise on creating authentic, sumptuous and hearty Italian fare through the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Upon entering the restaurant, one will be entranced by the grandeur of the restaurant. The centrepiece, a beautiful crystal chandelier, exudes class and sophistication. Right underneath is a circle of enticing appetisers, a known hit with many customers at the restaurant.

Contrary to typical buffet layouts, Basilico has a central buffet area, which gives patrons a clear view of what the buffet has to offer. The central area houses three open kitchens – antipasto, the hot kitchen and dessert counter. Guests can opt to sit indoors, or dine alfresco style at the terrace, which overlooks the pool.

To kickstart the meal, whet your appetite at the Cheese Room, tucked away at the back of the restaurant. Specially dedicated to house twenty to thirty different types of cheese, choose from a variety of accompaniments such as truffle honey, tomatoes, apricots and crackers to pair with the assortment of cheese available. Other excellent starters include the parma ham and rock melon, a heavenly combination of the distinct saltiness of the thinly-shredded parma ham that complements the sweetness of the rock melon, as well as smoked salmon, eggplant salad and beef carpaccio.

After your fill of appetisers, make your way over to the sumptuous seafood bar, where you can find an assortment of fresh seafood such as Boston lobsters, Alaskan king crab legs, mussels, scallops and prawns. Revel in the juicy sweetness of the seafood as you savour every bite. Craving more meat instead of seafood?

Head to the live carving station as they serve up meat dishes such as the lamb rack, pork belly with crispy skin and wagyu rump. Besides meat dishes, a great selection of pastas and pizzas is also available.

One notable highlight of Basilico’s Sunday Brunch is the foie gras bar, where the chefs will dish out freshly pan-fried foie gras. This is, undoubtedly, what many patrons look most forward to while at Basilico’s Sunday Brunch.

Seared to a perfect golden brown, the rich and buttery foie gras tastes best when paired with

some balsamic reduction and applesauce. Just one bite of this delicacy will leave you yearning for more. Another highlight of the buffet would be the live cooking station where the chefs prepare Truffle Risotto a la minute. To combine the best of both worlds, plate your foie gras on top of the truffle risotto and enjoy the intense flavours of both dishes all at once.

To round off your brunch, rejoice in dessert heaven as you peruse the wide selection of desserts available at Basilico. Take your pick from macarons, creme brulee and tiramisu, to more elaborate desserts such as the Sicillian cannoli with nuts and Caprese Al Cioccolato. For those who really enjoy gelatos, you will be in for a treat. Along with the parma ham and foie gras, the homemade gelatos are also part of Basilico’s iconic repertoire. Pick up a scoop and choose from flavours such as chocolate, blackcurrant, mango, vanilla, strawberry and vin santo.

From the appetisers to the desserts, the quality of food at Basilico is hard to beat. Basilico also offers options for guests to enjoy free-flow Prosecco, champagne, or red and white wine. To end your week on a high note, make your way to Basilico for a distinctly Italian Sunday Brunch experience.

Basilico The Regent Singapore | 1 Cuscaden Road Singapore 249715 | T 6725 3232 basilicogrm.rsn@fourseasons.com www.regenthotels.com 37 Weekendin

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Greenhouse The Sunday Vintage Champagne Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton’s Greenhouse is generally considered to be one of the top brunch locations in Singapore—and it did not disappoint, with its extensive menu offering something for every palate.

As the name would suggest, the room is filled with natural light filtering in from the large windows, making the room feel light and airy. The background music is soft and mellow and we were greeted with welcoming smiles on our arrival.

Almost before we were seated, we were offered a choice of Vintage Moët & Chandon Brut and N.V. Rose champagne, instantly easing us into a decadent laidback Sunday afternoon. As well as the unlimited champagne to accompany the feast, there is also a choice of house red and white wines and selected cocktails.

It would be easy to tuck into the lovely breads on offer, the hearty Lobster Bisque or Charcuterie table but you risk missing out on the array of tasty salads including the seafood pasta salad with semi dried tomatoes or chargrilled chicken with Gorgonzola, walnut and fig.

The Charcuterie station certainly deserves a further mention, Iberico ham sliced to order, air dried beef and foie gras parfait, Serano ham and homemade smoked salmon. Somehow, I found myself returning with a little something on my plate from this station every time I got up.

Let’s not forget the seafood delights available— tiger prawns, mussels, clams and crab, the eight varieties of freshly shucked French and Canadian oysters and, of course, the Japanese selection. All of which would keep any seafood fan more than happy and returning for more.

Roasts are always a favourite of mine and the impressively displayed slow roasted whole Wagyu beef leg was deliciously served with a red wine jus, perfectly cooked vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. The herb crusted rack of lamb was equally so. Although I was a little disappointed that there were no roast potatoes on offer, the tender beef and Yorkshire pudding soon made up for it. Much as I would have liked to return for a second helping of the beef, the cheese and dessert counters beckoned!

The beautifully displayed desserts did not disappoint either, although I did find it a little dis-

concerting that the desserts are placed at the entrance of the restaurant. Once again, there are so many beautiful little works of art that the sweet tooth out there would struggle not to try one of each. The Lemon Tea Crème Brulèe was light with a lovely crisp cover and I will admit to restraining myself from returning for more.

The chocolate fountain, fresh strawberries and marshmallows and the ice cream counter are sure to delight young and old alike with various flavours and toppings that all look inviting.

Last but by no means least, and having saved a little room in our stomachs, we finished our lavish afternoon with a few trips to the cheese counter and a few top ups of wine and champagne. With a variety of more than 50 cheeses from around the world including Australia, England, France, Italy, New Zealand and Switzerland, the cheese table certainly warranted repeat visits and made for an enjoyable end to a lovely brunch.

We felt well looked after and relaxed, plates were whisked away without us even noticing and glasses refilled without request. Although there weren’t many children in the restaurant, we found all the staff to be very accommodating and friendly with our toddler.

There are few things nicer than a relaxed Sunday brunch, safe in the knowledge that there is no washing up afterwards and perhaps even of a little afternoon nap after plenty of good food and a few glasses of champagne. As the early afternoon progressed, the room was filled with happy chatter and if my ears did not deceive me, the relaxing background music became steadily louder, no doubt to keep up with the steadily louder champagne fuelled sound of content guests. The Greenhouse lived up to its name and we would happily return.

Greenhouse The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore 7 Raffles Avenue | Singapore 039799 T 6434 5288 rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com 39 Weekendin

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Mezza9

Is it wrong to start a review with a focus on gin meringues? I pondered this momentarily as we walked into Mezza9 to enjoy Sunday Brunch. There is so much to be said about the rich marshmallow-textured meringues poached in frozen nitrogen—a true gastronomical delight. Whilst we did sneak a cheeky glance when we entered, we settled closer to the fresh seafood counter and started with a flute of Perrier Jouet Champagne. 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, but there seemed to be a lot of happy faces.

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. Our first venture was to the fresh seafood platters as the opportunity for fresh lobsters, crabs, prawns, scallops and oysters couldn’t be passed up. The oysters were wonderful and as professionally shucked as anywhere I have ever been in Singapore. The freshness of each component was wonderful and married perfectly with the sauces on offer.

Whilst a visit back to that station beckoned, the freshly sliced prosciutto and an array of cheeses sidetracked us both.

There is a seemingly endless array of food stations and it was clear after 30 minutes that Mezza9 requires more than a single visit to properly appreciate its offerings. With that said, we had skipped breakfast and so were happy enough to explore as much as we could in the brief window of time and, dare I say, sobriety.

as were the homemade noodles, as well as an array of BBQ meats. The Japanese station tied with the Fresh Seafood counter as our favourite selection; the chefs there prepared a rich array of Sushi, Sashimi and a number of salads one may not necessarily have on a daily basis. There was also a wide variety of meats on sticks in all manner of sweet sauces, the sort of fare you will find readily in Tokyo. I finished my sample with a wonderfully prepared piece of eel and a crisp fresh tempura prawn. We both sat and toasted again with our bottomless champagne flutes knowing that somehow we needed to sample desserts.

So there we were back at the frozen nitrogen gin meringue station, the theatrics of it was wonderful as we watched them prepare each serving. There was a much wider variety of desserts on offer, however, there was little chance of sampling each and every dessert other than to say that it covers every taste a sweet tooth could crave for. We sampled the chocolate fountain which contained lovely rich chocolate, a bite of cheese cake, a smidge of pecan pie and too many of those frozen meringues.

My British ancestry dictated a visit to the roast beef and Yorkshire pudding station and I was not disappointed. The medium rare tender beef married perfectly with the Yorkshire pudding, which was naturally used to sop up the rich gravy. The array of Western food on offer would have satiated any such desire in any one of the city’s Western restaurants. However, in this setting, it had to compete against some very fine global food choices—Roast lamb, potatoes, wonderfully cooked vegetables and even eggs benedict if the mood dictated. The hollandaise sauce was rich and well cooked without any hint of splitting, which seems all too familiar in Singapore.

Brunch at Mezza9 may not be the cheapest way to spend a Sunday mid morning, but the attentive and friendly staff, the welcoming ambience, and amongst all, the wonderful variety of food makes this a destination you will want to return to. Free flowing good quality Champagne that never got close to being empty, naturally seals the deal. I am looking forward to welcoming some out-of-town visitors to show off my new favourite brunch venue in Singapore. I recommend a visit soon and strongly suggest that you bring an appetite, loose clothing and a taxi fare home.

Whilst I sampled and enjoyed a number of these Western delicacies, including a lovely creamy Risotto served from a Parmesan wheel, my friend decided to venture into the local fare. The rich little Siew Mai dumplings were very popular

Mezza9 Grand Hyatt Singapore | 10 Scotts Road Singapore 228211 | T 6732 1234 mezza9.sg@hyatt.com singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com 41 Weekendin

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Lime

Sunday has got to be everyone’s favourite day. What is there not to love about whiling the day away doing whatever tickles your fancy? No need to reply to pressing emails and deal with unfortunate superiors on the glorious day that is Sunday, as blue Monday is but a mere night’s sleep away. So what could possibly be one of the best ways to spend Sunday in Singapore? Indulging in brunch of course!

Here in Singapore, there is definitely no shortage of luxury hotels offering up luxurious spreads to delight even the pickiest of eaters.

Not only that, Singapore plays host to a myriad of restaurants that offer up a variety of cuisines, dishes and niblets for Sunday brunch. For a delectable taste of a little bit of everything, no where else offers Sunday brunch quite like Lime at PARKROYAL on Pickering does. Whether you want authentic Singapore laksa or pan seared foie gras, Lime has it all.

When my brunch companion and I were ushered to and seated at our table, two glasses of Lime’s speciality thirst quencher magically appeared by our sides, testament to the excellent service afforded to diners. As its name suggests, Limenade is a fizzy twist on homemade lime juice and is a definite must-try. We opted to indulge in the Sunday brunch menu with alcohol and were treated to a complimentary flow of Champagne, white wine and red wine.

As with any sort of buffet meal, I was stuck and did not know where to start. Should I nitpick at the array of appetisers, create my own salad, or immediately feast on the main courses? Being the carnivore that I am, I could not resist making a beeline for the carving station, where I loaded my plate with a delicious array of roasts.

Chicken, beef, pork and lamb were roasted and grilled to perfection and the accompanying sauces were delectable. My suggestion is to try a little bit of everything and help yourself to seconds when you have made up your mind which one you like best.

For salad lovers, you will love the little salad bar that LIME has created. Based on the build-yourown-salad concept, you can load the mixing bowl up with all your favourite greens and take your pick when it comes to the dressings. Right by that, you will find Asian salads such as Malay kerabu salad, Thai pomelo and beef salad, and so on. I can attest to the fact that everything is absolutely delicious and worth a try. I was also a fan of the piping hot fresh mushroom soup and lobster bisque. Not to be missed is the array of Mediterranean delights such as hummus, baba ghanoush, pita bread and other appetising delicacies.

Moving on to the stars of the show, Lime features three open kitchens that are put to excellent use during Sunday brunch. The first kitchen features local delicacies. You will be able to find Singapore laksa with crayfish, chilli crabs, a Tep-

panyaki stir fry section with what seems like boat loads of vegetables and mushrooms, and other local delights.

Next up is the Western kitchen, where favourites like Italian mushroom risotto and French pan-seared foie gras are freshly prepared by chefs on duty. Other pre-made tasty treats are also up for grabs, but ensure you load up on the fresh cuisine lovingly prepared by the master chefs. The foie gras was perfectly done and I absolutely adored the risotto. There is no denying that perfectly cooked risotto can be tricky to come by but Lime did not disappoint.

The final open kitchen featured seafood, seafood and more seafood. From thick slivers of sashimi to freshly shucked oysters to rosy prawns and clams, even Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market can say that they face some tough competition from Lime. Everything is incredibly fresh, making for the perfect seafood dining experience. I was especially pleased by the sashimi and fresh oysters and could not stop myself from making several trips back to that station.

Once you have eaten your fill of all the savoury goodies that the staff at Lime have so proudly prepared and served, make your way to every sweet tooth’s dream come true. The dessert area takes up an entire section of the restaurant.

On one side lies the bread and cheese platter, whereas the rest of the countertop is taken up by cakes, tarts, pastries, ice creams, fruits, sorbets and a magnificent Matcha green tea chocolate fountain. We are all used to the customary milk chocolate fountain but at Lime, not only is this fountain larger than any you have ever seen before, but the incredible thing is that it flows Matcha green tea chocolate. I was duly impressed as it was my first time seeing anything of that sort. As a fan of Matcha green tea latte and other desserts that contain Matcha, I was of course excited to eat my fill of Matcha chocolate, and eat I did.

Overall, I totally get what the fuss is all about and will gladly make my way back to Lime on Sundays to enjoy the spread. Sunday brunch is served from 12pm to 3pm. As Lime is quickly garnering a reputation as the hotspot to head to for Sunday brunch, reservations are required.

Lime PARKROYAL on Pickering | 3 Upper Pickering Street | Level 5 | Singapore 058289 | T 6809 8870 www.parkroyalhotels.com 43 Weekendin

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Clifford at Fullerton Bay Hotel

The Knolls at Capella Singapore

For a meal with a view, indulge in Clifford’s Sunday Brunch. The divine semi buffet features a delectable array of appetisers including Foie Gras terrine, salads and quiches, as well as eggs and pasta prepared a la minute, oysters, poached live prawns, Boston lobster, freshly-carved roasts, tempting cheeses, and signature desserts. Made fresh from the kitchen, the enticing choice of mains include – Braised Red Wine Lamb Shank with Garlic Gremolata and Butter Mashed Potatoes, Honey Balsamic Glazed Pork Belly with Truffle Potato Cream and Caramelised Shallots, Black Truffle Chicken with Mushroom Rice and its Consomme and Crisp Fried Cod Morsels Beignet with Saffron Remoulade and Fries.

Mediterranean Sunday Brunch at The Knolls presents Singapore culinary connoisseurs the best Mediterranean herbs, spices, olive oil and traditional recipes. Showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine, Sunday Brunch at The Knolls takes guests on a journey through the Mediterranean. Every week brings new flavours and a seasonal menu which changes each week. Highlights include an aromatic Seafood Bouillabaisse, Spanish Style Suckling Pig, leg of lamb and other barbecued meats, a selection of pasta prepared a la minute and more. As you enjoy a delicious Mediterranean brunch, take in the spectacular view of the South China Sea.

Price $148++ per adult with Champagne $118++ per adult with a glass of soft drink $58++ per child

Price $148++ with free flow of boutique wines $168++ with free flow of champagne

Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm every Sunday

Opening Hours 12:30pm to 2:30pm every Sunday

Clifford | The Fullerton Bay Hotel | 80 Collyer Quay | Singapore 049326 T 6333 8388 | clifford@fullertonbayhotel.com | www.fullertonbayhotel.com

The Knolls | Capella Singapore | 1 The Knolls | Singapore 098297 T 6591 5046 | www.capellahotels.com

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Sunday Remix at W Singapore

The Terrace at The Sentosa

Look no further than to W Singapore for the perfect idyllic spot for a weekend brunch. Head over to W Hotel at Sentosa Cove for the Sunday Remix which features the best from The Kitchen Table and SKIRT. Whet your appetites with favourites from SKIRT’s Parrilla grill and The Kitchen Table’s foodie favourites from around the world. The Sunday brunch offers delights from the Seafood Fridge, Carving and Grill Station, Ready to Wok and Roll and even a champagne option for the merrymakers. Sunday Remix tantalises with a broad menu of spicy and aromatic tandoor dishes, wood-fired pizzas, grilled meats, succulent seafood, dim sum, a raw bar and much more.

The Terrace at The Sentosa offers a gourmet Sunday Champagne Brunch and features items sourced from around the world, and signature dishes of The Cliff and The Garden. Satiate your appetite with an impressive variety of international seafood selection such as freshly shucked oysters, slipper lobsters, prawns and crabs. On January 26th, The Terrace introduced a brand new Premium Sunday Champagne Brunch. Featuring the best ingredients such as Balik salmon and snow crabs from Japan, the Premium Sunday Champagne Brunch brings a little more oomph every last Sunday of the month.

Price SGD108++ per person SGD148++ per person inclusive of free flow champagne, house red and white, and beer Opening Hours 12pm to 4pm every Sunday W Singapore | 21 Ocean Way | Singapore 098374 | T 6808 7268 thekitchentable.singapore@whotels.com | www.wsingaporesentosacove.com

Price $108++ per person $155++ per person for free flow of champagne Premium Sunday Champagne Brunch $128++ $172++ with free flow of alcohol Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm The Terrace | The Sentosa, A Beauford Hotel | 2 Bukit Manis Road | Sentosa Island |Singapore 099891 | T 6371 1414 | dining@thesentosa.com | www.thesentosa.com 45 Weekendin

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Oscar’s at Conrad Centennial Singapore

MELT at Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Aptly named the Amazing Graze, Oscar’s east-meets-west buffet brunch is one of the best in town. Their sensational Sunday Amazing Graze Brunch features an array of culinary delights such as an outdoor counter dedicated to just serving up noodle dishes like laksa, sliced fish, prawn mee, and wanton mee. Make your way through the salad section, with its amazing variety of greens, nuts, dressings, as well as dried fruits such as apple, orange, pineapple, kiwi and watermelon. Oscar’s popular Caesar salad also takes centrestage at the buffet table. Other brunch highlights are the roast beef at the carvery, the live pasta cooking station, the crustacean corner and the oyster counter offering fresh seafood.

Kickstart a languorous Sunday with a sumptuous spread of international brunch offerings featuring free flow champagne at MELT~ The World Café.

Indulge in a myriad of appetite-whetting dishes ranging from the seafood counter offering shucked oysters, Boston lobsters, tiger prawns, Alaskan king crabs and green lip mussels, to fresh Italian cold cuts, French farm house cheeses, homemade gourmet salads and an unlimited choice of appetisers. The lavish buffet also features several International stations such as the Japanese corner, as well as Thai and Chinese cuisines.

Price $80++ per person $158++ per person includes free flow of champagne, wine and beer

Price $108++ with free flow juices and soft drinks $158++ with free flow wine, martinis, beer, juices and soft drinks $248++ with free flow champagne, wine, beer, martinis, juices and soft drinks

Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm every last Sunday of the month

Opening Hours 12pm to 3pm

Oscar’s | Conrad Centennial Singapore | 2 Temasek Boulevard Singapore 038982 | T 64327481 | www.conradhotels3.hilton.com

MELT~ The World Café | Mandarin Oriental Singapore | Marina Square Level 4 | T 6885 3500 | mosin-dining@mohg.com www.mandarinoriental.com

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Getaway

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Luxury

Wherever it is, luxury villas epitomise the height of summer holidays around the world. A luxury villa gives you the best holiday you can imagine; whether you want a private opulent retreat, a family mansion or a private party palace. Lucky for us, there are many great destinations in close proximity to Singapore that are excellent choices for a short getaway. With these neighbouring tropical countries boasting a seemingly infinite supply of sun soaked sandy beaches, beautiful towns, villages and lively resorts, they have come to be some of the favourite destinations for many.

If you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to rejuvenate yourself, consider a change of scenery as we introduce you to some tranquil spots. Instead of having your holiday in another big city, take a brief respite in a beautiful villa amidst lush foliage and nature to invigorate your mind. There are literally thousands of luxury villas within the near distance of Singapore and Weekendin has taken a look at some of our favourite destinations for luxury villas.

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Ngurah Rai International Airport Denpasar (DPS) Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight Time: 2hr 45min Price: $435 round trip

The Bulgari Resort

{Indonesia travel to

incredible

Escape from the hubbub of the city and retreat to Bali where it is a fantastic place to relax and rejuvenate! With such pristine beaches and a rich cultural heritage, Bali is, in fact, the largest tourist destination in Indonesia. A chilledout getaway for families and couples, exotic Bali’s friendly people and beautiful scenery, mystical temples, colourful festivals and unique arts and crafts ensure it remains a firm favourite and does not disappoint.

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The Bulgari Resort, Bali

The Istana, Bali

Luxuriate in The Bulgari Resort, Bali, situated near Uluwatu. Perched 150 metres over the sea, the property yields spectacular breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Powered by contemporary Italian design and traditional Balinese style, architect Antonio Citterio Patricia Vel has elegantly combined rich mahogany woods and luxurious furnishings to create a peaceful hubbub away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Istana is where indulgence meets luxury. Located on the southwestern tip of Bali, the Istana private luxury villa is a five bedroom private estate resting on a large block of west facing cliff top providing unparalleled views.

From SGD1,300 for an Ocean View Villa

The resort boasts 59 villas, each of which is a private haven of between 300 to 500 square metres in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests are welcomed with cool, dark interiors that exude the appeal of Italian style.

Sink into the plush sheets of their luxurious beds that are complemented with magnificent views. Your experience gets elevated as the villas come ensuite with a patio, open-air living room, garden and plunge pool. Larger groups can opt for the Two-Bedroom Villas or the two-storey Bulgari Villa with three bedrooms, kitchen and a 20-metre pool.

For wine and dine options, there are enough to satisfy. Choose between Sangkar – a contemporary restaurant that serves up Indonesian, Asian and International cuisine or Il Ristorante that offers traditional Italian fare with creative twists. Picture worthy moments can be snapped at II Bar, where you can catch the magnificent sunset while sipping on delicious cocktails and snacking on their array of Italian inspired canapés to keep the night going.

Be pampered in utter bliss and comfort with a visit to The Spa. With superb facilities, The Spa is a holistic healing centre that offers a unique range of spa rituals inspired by Asian and European traditions. Focusing on overall wellness, every treatment combines the highest quality of products with sophisticated massage and skincare techniques. Treatment rooms are also exposed to sea breezes and ocean views. Other in-house activities consist of a fully equipped fitness centre, a Bulgari boutique and an arts and craft store.

At Bulgari Resort, you will receive the well-deserved respite you have been seeking.

The Bulgari Resort | Jalan Goa Lempeh | Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu | Bali 80364, Indonesia | T 62 361 8471000 | www.bulgarihotels.com

From SGD3,130 for Master Suites

Residing in an area named The Bukit, this five-suite estate overlooks white sand beaches and a lagoon abundant with sea life and coral, and at night, magical sunsets.

Set back approximately thirty metres from the cliff face, The Istana sits within a tremendous gated property and is composed of two swimming pools, a large dinning and relaxing bale, a games and children wing, and a private guest house containing the master bedroom, and the main house.

The games and children wing features one large room with a pool table and video game corner, with both Wii and PS3 machines. There are also three other smaller rooms and bathrooms, one of which has four bunk beds for children. One room is for domestic staff who may be travelling with guests or locally hired and given overnight charge, featuring two small beds, and another room which can be arranged to host children’s cots or other configurations.

Within the main house are a living room, dining room, TV room and lounge, and four very similar bedroom suites, apart from the master suite which stands in its own separate building. All of the guest buildings are single-storey and open-air with rich teakwood floors, inspiring a natural ambience, while maintaining and accentuating the spectacular view and modern design.

The overall style is a blend of modern architecture and traditional Indonesian detailing, with features that highlight Indonesian materials and workmanship. The artwork is a collection of primitive art and antiques from around the Indonesian archipelago, complementing the stylish blend of traditional and modern.

The Istana | Jalan Labuan Sait | Pantai Suluban | Pantai Suluban 80363, Indonesia | T +63 2 889 8261 | www.theistana.com 51 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Con Dao Airport (VCS)/ Da Nang Airport (DAD) Airline: Singapore Airlines & Vietnam Airlines Flight Time: 3hr to VCS 4hr 30min to DAD Price: $540 from SIN to VCS $310 from SIN to DAD

Six Senses Con Dao

{Vietnam} travel to

vivacious

Packed with lakes, and old world charm, Vietnam is a welcoming country that manages to combine an eclectic mix of old with new. Instead of starting your journey in the cities of Vietnam, head to the outskirts like Hoi An and Con Dao and explore their wonders. With a rising culinary scene and stunning vistas, Vietnam is quickly becoming a destination for luxury vacationers.

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Six Senses Con Dao

The Nam Hai

True to Six Senses’ philosophy of selecting remote yet accessible destinations in areas of outstanding natural beauty, Con Dao is a breathtaking location, which has been protected for decades as a national and marine park. The first five-star resort in the archipelago islands, it is contemporary in design and reflects the essence of a traditional fishing village. Passionate about supporting and protecting the environment, Six Senses Con Dao’s demonstrated commitment to sustainability has been recognised as one of the world’s top eco lodges.

Nam Hai is the go-to villa if you fancy a beach vacation which is accessible to cultural destinations. Nestled in the pristine Hoi An Beach, choose from sixty one-bedroom retreats or privately owned bedroom residences, each with a private infinity pool. Owned by GHM, which prides its Asian villas on their contemporary re-interpretation of indigenous culture, immerse yourself in the rich history surrounding Nam Hai. Choose from numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An, My Son and Hue with their pagodas, royal tombs and historic citadels.

Part of their commitment towards sustainability includes protecting the environment while golfing. ECOBIOBALL is the first and only golf ball in the world which dissolves into fish food. As soon as it is submerged in the water, the internal core that is comprised of 100% fish food gets released into the water.

After a day of visiting, return to tropical shores and choose to relax in either the expansive swimming pools or in the spa on a lotus pond. Treat yourself to gourmet Eastern and Western cuisine in the private retreats elegantly finished with Vietnamese lacquer. Other abundant recreational pursuits, including an 18-hole Colin Montgomerie golf course, await you.

Con Dao is also one of the only places in Vietnam where Sea Turtles have a safe place to lay their eggs. Together with the National Park, Six Senses Con Dao has joined the conservation and awareness of the need to protect Sea Turtles.

Pick your sensory pleasures from three unique dining venues, from the outdoor deck of The Restaurant to The Beach Restaurant which offers a range of fresh seafood cuisines. The Bar, located high above the water gardens, promises a memorable experience with live entertainment.

If you wish to appreciate your surroundings without having to break a sweat, stretch your senses and gaze upon the stars as Six Senses Con Dao invites you to become one with the universe, with the opening of the first private Astronomical Observatory to be established in the south of Vietnam.

You have the luxury of choosing at least one of the four views available in your lodging—beachfront, pool, hilltop, or the ocean. The bedroom pavilions are inspired by traditional Vietnamese garden houses and each lavish bathroom opens out into a private tropical garden with an outdoor rain shower. The airy, open environment in the day transforms with romantic gossamer drapery in the evening. The one-bedroom choice provides an intimate couple setting, while the three-bedroom pool villa is conducive for large gatherings with a courtyard for dining functions.

From SGD1,795 for an Ocean View Duplex Pool Villa

Return to rest in one of the resort’s Duplex Pool Villas, which are very spacious two-level villas with one bedroom that is located on the upper floor with magnificent ocean views plus an ensuite bathroom. There is also a large open plan bathroom on the ground floor with double vanity basins, bathtub and outdoor shower. The private infinity-edged swimming pool has a terrace with sun loungers. You’ll find all the technology you need for in-room entertainment, such as satellite TV, DVD, Bose sound system and an iPod docking station.

Six Senses Con Dao | Con Dao District | Ba Ria Vung Tau Province | Vietnam | T +84 64 3831 222 | reservations-condao@sixsenses.com | www.sixsenses.com

From SGD700 for a One-Bedroom Villa

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Nam Hai recently made it to the Gold List of the World’s Best Places to Stay in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. With its impeccable service amid lush landscaping and unobstructed views of the sea, you can place your dream holiday in the hands of this award-winning property.

The Nam Hai | Hamlet 1 Dien Duong Village | Dien Ban District | Quang Nam Province Central Vietnam, Vietnam | T 84 510 394 0000 | namhai@ ghmhotels.com | www.ghmhotels.com 53 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)/ Siem Reap Airport (REP) Airline: SilkAir Flight Time: 1hr 55min to PNH 2hr 15min to REP Price (round trip): $325 from SIN to PNH $325 from SIN to REP

Song Saa Resort

{Cambodia} travel to

charming

Cambodia is the perfect luxury holiday destination for those who really want to get under the skin of the country they are visiting. From iconic cultural sites, ancient and contemporary history, renowned hospitality, excellent food, to an undiscovered, authentic feel, which you simply can’t find elsewhere, the country has so much to offer. From villas in the breathtaking temple complex at Angkor, to the captivating natural beauty and stunningly well-preserved private island of Song Saa, each unique experience will stimulate your senses.

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Song Saa Resort

Amansara

In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia’s islands nestle like dazzling natural jewels. Song Saa Private Island lies secluded in a magnificent seascape, just 35 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. Most of the islands remain undeveloped – deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches. Walk among old-growth rainforest, watch dazzling reef fish swim under your villa or see rare hornbills land on your balcony. In this private intimate setting, you will lose yourself in the natural world without intrusions.

Not everyone can boast of being an Angkor Wat luxury resort, yet Amansara grabs this title. The former guesthouse of King Sihanouk, it is just 10 minutes from the entrance to the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the ideal base for travellers seeking to explore Khmer culture and the majestic ruins of Angkor. Siem Reap may be bustling with tourists given its UNESCO World Heritage Site title, but explore deeper into nature and you could discover its old-town charms with a colonial history.

From SGD1,794 for an Over-Water One Bedroom Villa

In Cambodia’s untouched Koh Rong Archipelago, two pristine islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, lie side by side and are connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including turtles, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish. They are known locally as Song Saa – Khmer for ‘The Sweethearts’.

Featuring luxury Over-Water, Jungle and Ocean-View villas built with sustainable materials and with the deepest respect for the natural environment, natural materials create a sense of synergy with the sea, rainforests and local culture. References to the colours and textures of Cambodia’s traditional fishing villages with pitched roofs and open plan living spaces are evident every corner you turn. But importantly, you will find every luxury waiting for you—huge beds dressed with Ploh Linen, over-sized baths, outdoor showers beside private decks and pools, bespoke handcrafted furniture made by local artisans and fully stocked bar fridges.

From SGD1,400 for a Suite

Amansara has 24 suites, and each suite offers a bathroom with floor-toceiling glass doors. Venture further and be greeted with a light-filled garden featuring a cushioned banquette. Choose the Pool Suites and each courtyard has private plunge pools for you to cool off in the day, or have a midnight soak.

Located near the main swimming pool, the circular Dining Room offers both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines, and even a walk-in wine and cheese cellar. For desserts, head to the casual lounge area, or if you’d like a change of environment, dine by the pool.

A unique amenity of Amansara is the roof terrace, which doubles up as a dining area and a place for me-time and meditation, especially at sunrise.

The spa facilities look out onto a reflection pond that is set against a sandstone relief and an ancient rain tree. You can even request for your spa treatment to be held in your suite, poolside or the roof terrace.

At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights. Other features include a large infinity edge swimming pool, spa and wellness sanctuaries positioned in the rainforest and along the shore, water sports such as scuba diving, kayaking, snorkeling and boating, and fascinating ecological programme to experience the area’s flora and fauna.

Enjoy a unique experience at Amansara, before heading out for temple excursions. At the end of your trip, you’d be both relaxed and culturally rich.

Song Saa Resort | Krong Preah Sihanouk | Cambodia | T +855 23 686 0360 | www.songsaa.com

Amansara | Road to Angkor | Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia | T +855 63 760 333 | amansara@amanresorts.com | www.amanresorts.com 55 Weekendin

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Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa

Changi Airport (SIN) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Tagbilaran Airport (TAG)/ Caticlan Airport (MPH) Airline: Singapore Airlines & Cebu Pacific Air Flight Time: 4hr 50min to TAG 4hr 35min to MPH Price: $734 from SIN to TAG $689 from SIN to MPH

{Philippines} travel to

phenomenal With more than 7,000 islands edged by white sand buffering turquoise waters filled with some of the world’s most diverse marine life, it’s hard not to wonder what to do first in the Philippines. Endless beaches of powdery-white sand, long happy hours, and plenty of water sports, makes Boracay the perfect island for amusement. Those appreciative of aquatic attractions would be excited to explore Panglao’s plethora of offerings, which has roused it from being a sleepy island. Whichever it is, the villas there make for the perfect beach destinations.

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Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa From SGD1,140 for a One Bedroom Ocean Villa

From SGD1,172 for a Balai Infinity Pool Villa

For a moment, the peace and solitude takes your breath away. Ahead, the clear blue waters from Puka Shell Beach fan out to meet the sky in an endless expanse. The foliage of Boracay’s lush hillside set in an eco-reserve, fringes your view. Arriving at the resort’s exclusive welcome lounge in Caticlan, a gracious host escorts you to Shangri-La’s private speedboat. In less than 30 minutes of cruising along the White Beach of Boracay, you will reach the shores of the first and only deluxe resort on the beautiful island.

Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa is a beautiful resort-spa in Panglao Island which is at the southernmost tip of Bohol, Philippines. It is located halfway through Panglao along its coast facing Bohol Sea and sprawls over 16 hectares of land.

The resort’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed with ShangriLa’s hallmark elegance. Nature seems to be the only companion, as her bounty fills all senses. The suites are spacious havens, with beachfront living expressed through indigenous materials, from the Abaca weave rugs to the accent lighting created with local capiz shells.

The Ocean Villa is perched on a cliff providing breathtaking views of the private Banyugan beach and a sweeping perspective of the resort’s garden, beach bar, main pool and other interesting structures on the other side of the cove. It gives the luxury of seeing the outside world from an elevated location while lounging in the privacy of your own island abode.

A two-bedroom villa with a swimming pool and garden, it is sought after by the most discerning guests, with luxurious interiors, butler service, and one-of-a-kind features offering an excellent holiday stay in Boracay.

As the sun sets, the coast of Boracay slowly becomes a golden panorama.

Hidden amongst the treetops is Rima, where you can indulge in a sumptuous dinner, the signature scene of sipping your cocktails on the beach comes to mind. Satiated, lounging in one of the cabanas at Solana will be the next ideal move. Views of the dazzling white sand and Boracay’s singular charm make it special after all.

With the night still young, head to the jewel for relaxation—CHI, The Spa. Located on a rocky peninsula looking out over a private bay, the spa village complex is indeed a sanctuary within a sanctuary.

Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa | Barangay Yapak | Boracay Island | Malay | Aklan 5608, Philippines | T 63 36 288 4988 | www.shangri-la.com/ boracay

The topography of the resort is varied with a gradually descending cliff, flat land, a ravine, caves and a commanding view of the sea. On the higher ground of the resort, you can view a mountain with lush vegetation.

Down the beach is a long stretch of white, powdery sand up to 5 kilometres, 600 metres of which is part of Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa. The name Eskaya refers to the only known indigenous people of Bohol.

The resort is boutique in style, which accounts for its exclusivity. Architecture of the building is decidedly Filipino with a splash of modern amenities. The thatched villas, or balai in the dialect, are single-detached. These are built with sturdy construction materials, but the ample use of indigenous materials for finishing like bamboo, cogon, and wood is emphasised.

Most of the villas have individual private swimming pools. The focal point of the resort is the infinity swimming pool, which definitely blends with the sea at its bluest. The spacious restaurant has a cool feel, yet a warm ambience and affords plenty of sea view. Dining can also be al fresco at the beach, at the poolside and in the garden.

Handuraw Spa is a big come-on at Eskaya. The spa is tranquil yet modern.

It offers a gracious fusion of traditional therapies and modern spa technology, a melting pot of Asian healing practices and rich European spa traditions. The landscape is naturally beautiful.

Tours are part and parcel of the Eskaya experience. One should not miss the beauty of Bohol’s countryside.

Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa | Barangay Tawala | Panglao Island | Bohol, Philippines | T +632 576 3082 | www.eskayaresort.com 57 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight Time: 2hr 30min Price: $401 round trip

Paresa Resort

Changi Airport (SIN) to Phuket Airport (HKT) Airline: SilkAir Flight Time: 1hr 50min Price: $308 round trip

{Thailand} travel to

thrilling

With hundreds of beautiful tropical islands, Thailand has no shortage of fine beach villas. The perfect selection of the most luxurious Thailand holiday villas are located right on the beachfront, surrounded by tropical palm trees and lapped by the gentle ocean breeze. Withdraw into one of these stylish hideaways and pamper yourself with a traditional Thai massage at the honoured spa which promises you a state of relaxation.

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Paresa Resort From SGD1,406 for Cielo

Perched on the seaside slopes, amid tropical forests, over azure blue waters and a picturesque panorama of the Andaman Sea, Paresa is an oasis of tranquility and unrivalled luxury. Cocoon yourself in style within a resort that is Phuket’s best-kept secret, along its most spectacular coastline at Paresa luxury Kamala resort. A secluded retreat to get away from it all and enjoy an island escape.

The 160-square metre one-bedroom Cliff villas are located on the cliff edge, with incomparable ocean views and private infinity pool. Tropical Andaman sea breezes flow through over the canterleverd infinity pool and large oceanfront sala. Relax by day by your private pool then retreat to your bedroom and terrazzo bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, free standing bathtubs for two, as more stunning Phuket sea views stream into your pool villa.

Unlike most Thai-styled resorts with stereotypical design and ostentatious architecture based on the Northern Thai Lanna-style with Jim Thompsonlike essentials, Paresa is very much understated in the true Thai sense of the word with Southern Thai cultural detail to be found in the finishes.

Built around several magnificently preserved Banyan trees, several elements of Paresa’s structural design are reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired organic architecture.

For those looking to relax on the beach, the resort drops down to Kamala Beach where you can laze on the beach daybeds and enjoy a cool drink, have a leisurely picinic and make a day of it. Or opt for a fantastic day out stopping at Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay’s famous beaches, snorkeling, swimming, or just laying on the beaches with lunch on the beach of Phi Phi Island. This in itself is a full day of island fun in the sun.

The Siam

From SGD1,204 for the Pool Villa Courtyard to SGD1,444 for the Pool Villa Riverview Find peace at The Siam with Harmony & Healing, Inside & Out at Opium Spa by Sodashi. An award-winner of 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards, the spa is a haven for renewal from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nestled among historical palaces, temples and museums in the royal Dusit district, the luxury property provides the perfect space for indulgence and pampering.

A Pool Villa Stay-4-Pay-3 Package pampers you with an exclusive wellness experience while you enjoy a four-night stay at the price of three. Valid until March 2014, this package is inclusive of breakfast and The Siam Afternoon Tea set for two.

Deeply meditative, the Chakra Balancing Treatment is a 90-minute wellness experience that brings your body’s seven main Chakras into alignment through a fluid combination of massage, specific essential oil blends and healing crystals. Working subtly on the energy centres of your body with profound effects, this truly unique experience leaves you feeling calm and in a state of harmony, resulting in an increase in overall wellbeing.

To complement this treatment, feel fully restored with a refreshing facial like Stop and Relax Facial that gives you a balanced complexion within 30 minutes. Using Sodashi products which are 100% chemical free with a sequence of timeless, anti-ageing techniques rooted in Ayurvedic healing traditions, this will reawaken your skin’s natural healing energies.

Your search for the idyllic and the refreshing comes to a halt at Paresa, where the outside world fades away and time stands still.

Paresa Resort, Phuket | 49 Moo 6 | Layi-Nakalay Road | Kamala | Phuket 83150, Thailand | T +66 76 302000 | www.paresaresorts.com

The Siam | 3/2 Thanon Khao | Vachirapayabal, Dusit | Bangkok 10300, Thailand | T +66 (0) 2206-6999 | info@thesiamhotel.com | www.thesiamhotel. com 59 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight Time: 1hr Price: $195 round trip

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Changi Airport (SIN) to Langkawi Airport (LGK) Airline: SilkAir Flight Time: 1hr 30min Price: $200 round trip

{Malaysia} travel to

magnificent

Just a few hours’ drive into Malaysia from Singapore or a short ferry ride over the border, our neighbouring country has enough to make you feel far away from Singapore’s big city. A vibrant blend of Asian cultural influences and British colonial heritage makes Malaysia one of the Southeast Asia region’s most fascinating and diverse destinations. Whether it is a peaceful or dynamic location you are seeking, most resorts are very laidback and unpretentious, providing a delightful getaway experience.

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The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Four Season Resort From SGD680 for a Garden Villa

From SGD2,428 for a Beach Villa

This resort is probably one of Malaysia’s best kept secrets, offering you one of the most unique experiences with a side of nature you may not have known existed in its northern landscape. Well endowed by mother nature, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is nestled in a 16.59-acre valley, surrounded by 280 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls.

With 91 villas and pavilions flanked by the cliffs and rainforest, the lush garden beachfront settings of Four Season Resort Langkawi incorporate natural beauty into every aspect of your experience. Breathe fresh ocean air and enjoy the miraculous views from one of the stunning villas at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, which seamlessly blend Asian influences with tropical woods and marble.

For accommodation, choose between the Garden and the Water Villa. The former is equipped with a personal courtyard, allowing you to be one with nature, with the backdrop of natural caves and the jungle; the latter overlooks a water canal and surrounds you with calming sounds from the balcony. Both villas provide beds with feathered-down duvet, a patio with private pool, private outdoor rain shower and a sunken Jacuzzi with natural geothermal hot springs water.

For the villa’s best attractions, the geothermal hot springs Jacuzzi-style dipping pools and the thermal steam cave allow you a relaxing soak, while the meditation cave allows you to completely relax in the silence of the natural granite and limestone. If you prefer something more adventurous, try out the ice bath which improves your blood circulation.

Overlooking the azure sea with the white-sand beach a step down from the deck, each stand-alone, one-bedroom Beach Villa features a quiet garden path leading to a private plunge pool and reflecting pond. The sprawling residential-style Beach Villa is exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods and heavily grained Spanish marble. Water makes up a big part of one of the luxuries of the villa. Enjoy your 12 square metre private plunge pool and reflecting pond.

Luxurious appointments include a living room boasting a daybed, oversized chairs, a 42-inch plasma screen television, CD/DVD player, refridgerated private bar, espresso machine, writing desk, high-speed Internet access and music player connection port.

Needless to say, The Banjarang Hotsprings Resorts has won numerous awards. Last year, it was awarded the Best Spa Resort by Expatriate Lifestyle, as well as TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice. With such accolades, pay a visit to Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat and experience all that the resort has to offer.

If you’re hungry for adventure, go on one of the excursions to sate your appetite. Mangrove & Eagles Safari allows you to explore mysterious forests between land and sea on this naturalist-led boat safari into the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park—home to majestic eagles, mischievous macaques, fish that “walk,” colourful fiddler crabs, shy otters and sleeping bats. Or go on a Southern Island Tour where a relaxing, four-hour cruise takes you from the quaint harbour town of Kuah – with its 12-metre eagle statue – past magnificent islands and craggy peaks, to the verdant rainforest and mystical lake of the Isle of the Pregnant Maiden. After a dip in the legendary waters, sail to a deserted beach for a picnic lunch before returning to the harbour. For water sports junkies, an extensive selection of equipment and activities are available at the water sports pavilion on the beach. An activity programme runs daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm and courses and lessons are available upon request for a fee.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat | No. 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3 | Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh | Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia | T +60 5 210 7777 | reservation@thebanjaran.com | www.thebanjaran.com

Four Season Resort Langkawi | Jalan Tanjung Rhu | 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia | T 604 950 8888 | www.fourseasons.com/ langkawi

The dining facilities are no less exotic. Pomelo, the all-day restaurant, serves special monthly menus which can be customised to your needs upon request from the Wellness Director. Grab a fresh juice or a glass of wine from the pool bar in-between activities. The magnificent Jeff’s Cellar is set in the midst of a limestone cafe, allowing you a unique drinking experience with its stylish appeal and extravagance.

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Male (MLE) Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight Time: 4hr 35 min Seaplane: 45min to W Retreat & Spa 35min to Anantara Kihavah Villas Price: $1,254 round trip

W Retreat & Spa

{Maldives} travel to

majestic

If your idea of an ideal getaway involves private villas, lazing on loungers in an overwater bungalow, or cosying up at a five-star beach resort, these breathtaking destinations are for you. Escape to tranquil settings and live in luxury with turquoise blue waters beneath your feet in Maldives’ water villas. A mere 5 hours away from home by plane, this dream vacation may not be as unattainable as you reckoned it would be.

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W Retreat & Spa

Anantara Kihavah Villas

Get away from reality to W Retreat & Spa – Maldives where it is a tropical playground in the Indian Ocean that’s perfect for relaxing, playing, and recharging for your next adventure. Connect with inner peace and go along with the pace of island life. Succumb to an inviting concept of dazzling blue waters, spectacular reefs and pristine sands infused with style and soul.

In the breathtaking Baa Atoll, only a 35-minute scenic seaplane flight from Malè International Airport, Anantara Kihavah Villas redefines luxurious space from unique perspectives on a large tropical coral island. Hide away in a private pool villa set right on the beach or perched dramatically over the water, with a crystal clear lagoon and beautiful nearby reefs to explore.

From SGD1,978 for a Ocean Oasis Villa

Slip into something comfortable in 78 private retreats, from the beachfront Beach Oasis retreats to the Ocean Oasis retreats perched above a crystal clear lagoon. The Seascape Escape suites are designed for amplified luxury, and the Ocean Haven suite is the ultimate island getaway. Spy on the island’s marine life in an over-water one-bedroom retreat perched above a transparent lagoon – do it all from the privacy of your plunge pool, your sundeck, or through the glass bottom floor. Outside, dip into the private plunge pool or hang out on the deck, where you can soak up the sun on the circular daybed or draw the curtains for a nap in the shade.

Fire up the grill for barbeque bites or cool down with a fine vintage from the wine fridge.

A glass floor in the air-conditioned bathroom creates the effect of being part of the ocean when you shower. Flip a switch so underwater lights illuminate the aqua landscape beneath the living room’s glass floors and watch what comes alive at night. Another great after-dark scene is the king-sized signature W bed, where sweet dreams happen.

Start each day inspired by a breathtaking sunrise, and bask in its glow of uplifting energy. Dive into crystalline waters and explore a colourful new world of vibrant sea life. Sip a cocktail at sunset and welcome the arrival of nightfall, unveiling an endless sky of glittering stars, heightening the island’s aura of romance and mystique.

From SGD2,870 for an Over Water Pool Villa

Anantara Kihavah Villas implements its commitment to protecting the environment and preserving local culture through education, innovation and empowerment in their adherence to the requirements of Green Globe standards.

Watch the sun dip below the horizon from your private pool villa in the Maldives, set out over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Bright, open rooms are filled with colourful island blooms and the sweet fragrance of the tropics. Sleep in the cradle of Egyptian cotton, resting on a personalised pillow. The Over Water Pool Villas are built over the water out of groove-lined timbre, with high ceilings and hardwood floors. With his and her walk-in wardrobes, wine chillers, private pools and sun decks with views of the unending ocean, these oversized villas create a peerless overwater luxury experience. Spread over 259 square metres, you feel at one with the ocean.

Rediscover what it means to relax. Or, let the stunning island surroundings invigorate you with the array of resort activities. Sail through the earth’s most stunning tropical paradise, where you can feel as though the waves belong only to you. Take up windsurfing on the placid lagoon, dive into the unexplored world of marine life in the crystal-clear waters, stroll through the markets of bustling Male, one of the world’s most unique capital cities, or explore even more undiscovered islands. Days spent at Anantara Kihavah Villas can be as leisurely or as active as you choose.

Steal away to Gaathafushi, a private island, and dream up adventures of your own. Venture down to 15BELOW and mingle over signature cocktails in an electrifying nightlife experience. Or sail away on ESCAPE, the luxurious yacht decked out for island-hopping fun.

When hungry, experience one of the few underwater wine cellars and restaurants in the world, where the resident Wine Sommelier pairs degustation menus with premium Old and New World wines.

W Retreat & Spa Maldives | Fesdu Island | North Ari Atoll, 09110 | Republic of Maldives | T (960) 666 2222 | www.wretreatmaldives.com

Anantara Kihavah Villas | Kihavah Huravalhi Island | 20215, Maldives | T +960 660 1020 | www.kihavah-maldives.anantara.com 63 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) Airline: Singapore Airlines (stopover Bangkok), SilkAir (stopover Siem Reap) Flight Time: 5hr 30min Price: $968 round trip

La Residence Phou Vao

{ Laos } travel to

lovely

Often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, landlocked Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most beguiling destinations. Caught in the middle of the two Indochina wars and long isolated from the rest of the world, the country retains a slow, rather old-fashioned charm, and its people – incredibly laidback and friendly, even by Asian standards – are undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit. Staying amidst the enchantment of Luang Prabang will be an experience so naturally steeped in tradition, history and everyday wonders.

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La Résidence Phou Vao

Amantaka

Perched over Luang Prabang, the hotel is the perfect starting point to discover the many treasures of Laos. From the Laotian Farm Experience, Pak Ou Caves, village tours to the Kuang Si waterfall, staying in this luxurious hotel would ensure that you would be thoroughly entertained by day activities before coming back to be pampered in the hotel.

Set on a large garden estate, Amantaka is housed in graceful French colonial buildings in the UNESCO protected town of Luang Prabang. The location of Amantaka is a plus point. Luang Prabang, the formal royal capital of Laos, is an enchanting city that is small enough to explore on foot. The town is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty including spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs and ancient cave complexes. The decor of this resort aligns with the town’s French colonial history. Situated just south of Phousi Hill, the resort is within strolling distance of the boutiques, fabled night market bakeries and restaurants lining the town’s main street.

From SGD887 for a Phou Vao Garden Suite

If you prefer to stay indoors, soak in the freshwater swimming pool which perches on the edge of the cliff, looking out to the unobstructed views of mountains and the valley below. Alternatively, fall in love with the boutique, where you can browse through hundreds of authentic Laotian handicrafts for some retail therapy. Then, head to The Mekong Spa, which earns the title of being the first luxury spa in Luang Prabang. Select from their full range of treatments including facials, massages and body wraps.

These treatments are unique to Laos, based on the area’s herbal remedies which are locally grown.

Accommodation-wise, the Phou Vao Garden Suites overlook the tropical garden, containing a free-form terrazzo bath. Alternatively, the Junior Suites offer two other views with their spacious windows—one overlooks the mountains and the stunning Phousy Temple, while the other a lit-up pool with a glittery night backdrop.

For a truly gastronomic delight, Phou Savanh is renowned as one of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang. Their inventive cuisine combines the colonial French influence with traditional Laotian delicacies. Dine with a view, sitting under the glow of candles and lanterns while admiring Mount Phousi. For a romantic experience, opt for the 500-candle dinner, a private dinner nestled in the UNESCO heritage garden. The flickering glow of 500 candles and the enchanting sound of live Lao music will definitely enhance the atmosphere, and top it off with releasing lanterns into the night sky.

La Résidence Phou Vao | 3 PO Box 50 Luang Prabang | PDR 84330, Laos | T 856 71 212194 | reservations@residencephouvao.com | www.residencephouvao.com

From SGD1,000 for a Suite

Amantaka offers 24 suites ranging in size from 70 to 120 square metres each. These include eight Suites, four Pool Suites, eight Khan Pool Suites, two Mekong Pool Suites and two Amantaka Pool Suites. Each suite contains a spacious interior and exterior living area, the latter shaded by mango trees with lounges and large umbrellas. Splurging on the Amantaka Suites would grant you a private relaxation sala (pavilion).

Dining-wise, choose from authentic Lao and French-influenced cuisine.

The Dining Room provides an airy colonial ambience, and if you would prefer something more casual, the Pool Terrace serves up light meals. Otherwise, the Lounge Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying a drink along with your cigar.

The award-winning Aman Spa features steam and sauna facilities with hot and cold plunge pools. Treatments range from massages and facials to scrubs and wraps, using only organic products as well as authentic Lao ingredients. Otherwise, spend your quiet time in the library, a tranquil space to catch up on your reading or to connect with the world through wifi. Uniquely, the resort has a boutique and art gallery, which showcase a variety of for-sale Lao handicrafts and artworks. Support Luang Prabang’s rich culture, and see rustic charms in the heart of Laos with Amantaka.

Amantaka | 55/3 Kingkitsarath Road | Ban Thongchaleun | Luang Prabang, Lao PDR | T 856 71 860 333 | amantaka@amanresorts.com | www. amanresorts.com 65 Weekendin

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Changi Airport (SIN) to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB) Airline: Singapore Airlines Flight Time: 3hr 45 min Drive Time: 2hr 30min to Saman Villas 3hr to Habaraduwa House Price: $802 round trip

Saman Villas

{Sri Lanka} travel to

surreal

Known for its discreet charm and bewitching natural beauty, Sri Lanka is blessed with scenic mountains, exotic culture, rich history, and world-renowned wondrous beaches. On the Galle coast where the azure waters of the Indian Ocean offer complete relaxation, beachfront resorts offer a premium experience where sights and sounds of nature reign supreme.

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Saman Villas

Habaraduwa House

Saman Villas have incorporated traditional Sri Lankan architectural styles in its design, blending it with contemporary luxury comfort. Located on a beautiful rocky promontory on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Saman Villas boasts the most stunning views of the Indian Ocean, which can be admired when you walk along the southern coastline of Sri Lanka.

The Habaraduwa House (HH) is a stunning, fully air-conditioned four bedroom beachfront villa in Habaraduwa, neighbouring the coastal town of Kogalla and in close proximity to the town’s famed Kogalla Lake. Recently renovated, the house has a large airy living room which faces a sleek infinity edged pool and ocean. Purchased in 2011 by the current owners, HH has undergone extensive renovations and improvements and is reckoned to be the best beach villa in Galle.

From SGD430 for a Superior Suite

All 26 suites and villas are uniquely positioned to offer stunning views of the ocean. The Superior Suites are located on either side of the rocky promontory, and include an open-air bathroom with an over-sized terrazzo bath and an outdoor rain shower set in a water feature. Upgrade to a Grand Deluxe Suite and enjoy your own 7-metre secluded lap pool overlooking the Indian Ocean with a sun deck and your own private sun beds.

Dining is an elegant affair with the architecturally superior restaurants.

Choose from the exotic blend of European, Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine at the Garden Terrace, or the other five dining locations. If you’d like to have a meal on a rock above the sea, or a secluded part of the beach, it’s possible.

For a spectacular sunset experience, enjoy a drink over at the Sunset Bar. The Sahana Spa Menu offers a wide array of signature treatments, from the Dark Chocolate Indulgence where you’d receive a moisturising chocolate facial, to the Coconut Skin treatment which gives you an aromatic milk bath. And if you’d ever bear to leave the villa, places of interest are a short drive away. If you’d like a taste of local markets, head to the fish market at Beruwala and witness how the night’s catch is auctioned off to retail sellers, opening at 5.30am.

Saman Villas was selected as the Best Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka for three consecutive years at the Travel & Tourism Awards. Trust your holiday destination with this resort worthy of a Hall of Fame placing.

Saman Villas | Aturuwella, Bentota, Sri Lanka | T 94 34 227 5435 | resv@ samanvilla.com | www.samanvilla.com

From SGD1,142 for the Beachfront Villa

The villa comes fully staffed with a cook and two housekeeping staff, a gardener and a pool attendant. HH is by far one of the most stylish and luxurious villas on the southern coast of Sri Lanka – the perfect holiday getaway. The Dining Ambalama is open to the elements, and provides a stylish setting for dinner or lunch. There is a lofty games room, with a large plasma screen television, footie table and a card table, with satellite TV and a vast DVD library.

Each of the four bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom, with fine soft bed linen – all overlooking the Indian Ocean. The bedrooms have twin beds and bathrooms feature the choice of an outdoor shower or a bathtub.

The beautiful, spacious, air-conditioned rooms sleep a maximum of eight guests. Beds are draped in elegant soft mosquito netting, wardrobes fitted with electronic safes, mini bars and extra pillows. Each room has an iPod dock.

HH’s experienced chef specialises in mainly western and Sri Lankan cuisine and is open to suggestions from guests. The rice and curry are the most popular amongst guests and are recommended. The kitchen is fairly flexible with mealtimes and features an abundance of fresh local produce sourced from local markets. There is no alcohol served at the villa, but guests are welcome to bring their own or the HH staff can purchase alcohol on behalf of guests.

Habaraduwa House | Galle, South Coast, Sri Lanka | T +94 77 342 9555 | www.villasingalle.com 67 Weekendin

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Go Glamourous Ditch the inertia and pledge to overhaul your dÊcor style with hot new looks, by taking inspiration from the newest trends of 2014. It is the perfect time to embrace a new look, especially when the year is still fresh. Simplicity certainly has its place, but sometimes we all crave a little glamour—and these bright, shiny and super-stylish buys are just the ticket.

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Chiave di Volta from Ergoworld, price unavailable

Loft from John Erdos, SGD2,450 for 3 seat, SGD2,950 for 4 seat

Should your budget permit, you can opt for a total makeover, although even indulging in a few simple, fresh touches will be sufficient at giving the room a lift. It is also a more sensible and inexpensive way to experiment and find out your preferences before you delve into a favourite trend and transform the entire home at one go.

Your home should be a picture of who you are, a reflection of your tastes and personalities. It is a well-known fact and accepted norm in society today that one’s lifestyle choices like the home and its environment reflects your social standing. At the end of the day, everyone strives to achieve the perfect home and lifestyle that not only becomes your comfort zone and an extension of your personality, but also a special space that can be flaunted to friends and family.

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Having fun with colour, mixing old with new, minimalism with drama for quirky and eclectic imperfection are all part of the joy of doing a home makeover. If pale colours and soft neutrals are what you are usually inclined towards, look away now because it is time to embrace an outburst of colour! The patterns and palette coming through this year are bold, cheerful and optimistic—yellow is being a stand-out shade, along with luminous accents of orange and neon pink. As daunting as the colours seem, fear not, the key word here is accent. Since they do also look great with taupe and ever-popular greys, matching with natural tones can either mellow out the bright colours or accentuate its vibrancy.

Chiave di Volta Designer Bookshelf from Ergoworld, starting from SGD2,500

Then there’s a certain kind of style—classical and understated—that never dates and only gets better. Use a neutral and honey colour palette and pick furniture that is restrained in style but provides real comfort. Mix occasional chairs with sofas for a slightly Georgian feel. Look for fabrics that incorporate the same colours or textures. Wooden legs and casters are an ageless touch as well. Then accessorise the look with timeless pieces, like woollen throws, ornate objects and figurines from Lladro and glass lamps.

If that’s all too subtle and colour rocks your boat, opt for the colourful vintage interpretation. Classic colours and graphic prints combine with retro furniture for a bright, upbeat style. Shape and colour are all important to this look. Sofas should be rounded and colours taken from the same tonal palette.

Burbank Round Table from John Erdos, SGD1,750 for Grey Glass, SGD2,850 for Marble

For a glint of glamour or a dose of dimension in your interior decorating, silver splashes add dash to any room.

Silver creates a spot of contrast in a neutral room while still blending with its surroundings and, when it comes to adding glamour without looking gaudy, silver is a safe bet. Metallic finishes in accessories and furniture can give your home a more opulent look and metallic on the chair handles or legs are a fabulous way to add shine. Too much silver can feel cold, but mixing materials and shades and making sure the fabrics add warmth balances everything perfectly. Having sheen leather on the lounge chair is great at adding dimension with pattern.

Good lighting is essential to any room, but now it can be more stylish, thanks to gorgeously executed fixtures available everywhere. Like a standout piece of jewellery, it’s the final touch that brings the whole space to life and makes it look complete. Luxe chandeliers are especially lovely, and they don’t just belong in the living room. The classic teardrop crystals on chandeliers are more traditional. Hanging that over your dining room will bring in warmth and sophistication to your home.

Crystal chandeliers not only light up your house, but also provide elegance and modishness in your home. The most interesting aspect of crystal chandeliers is that you can get them in such a wide variety of designs. Crystals aren’t your thing? No problem. There are stunning pendant lights available in every style and colour, from rustic wood, to glass to wrought iron. Just go with whatever’s calling your name.

WeekendinSierra 70 from John Erdos, SGD2,500 for 3 seat, SGD2,950 for 4 seat

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C Box from Ergoworld, available in 9 colours, starting from SGD750

LC4 Charlotte Perriand Limited Edition from Cassina, SGD21,000 LC4 CP chaise-longue by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand: a homage by Cassina to Charlotte Perriand for the occasion of the 2014 Louis Vuitton Icônes Collection

Elsa Peretti Home Collection from Tiffany & Co., Heart Box, USD250, Heart Box in black leather USD170, Frame in sterling silver USD730

Style

to steal

With these small but special changes, your room can go from blah to gorgeous! Make your home look like it belongs in a fairy tale with these tips to spice up your living space and give it a lavish look. Spend time focusing on the details at all levels of a space – from the texture on the wall coverings to the ornate carving on your candleholders – to make sure you haven’t missed an opportunity to add impact.

Kyoto Dining Table from OHMM, SGD1,600

Flamenco Flare in Green/Purple from Lladro, SGD8,500

Mondi Infiniti Soldier Relax Chair with Arm & Solid Red Oak (Detachable) , from Mondi Infiniti, Champagne, POA

Matador in Red, from Lladro, SGD6,580

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Easter Hunting

Easter is around the corner, which means it’s springtime - when the earth gets ready for self-renewal, hues of blooming flowers bring forth a burst of colour and sweet fragrance fills the air.

Havana Arimchairs, $1621, available at Danish Design Weekendin 72

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Left page Clockwise from top: Daisychain Wooden Decoration, $5.99 Daisychain Mini Easter Bamboo Basket Set 3, $14.99 Daisychain 8pcs Printed Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain Round Basket with Handle, $5.99 Daisychain 70g Shred, $3.99 Daisychain 2ct Decoration Pick, $4.99 Daisychain 8pack 2.5” Iridescent Eggs, $6.99 Daisychain 6pack 8cm Fillable Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain Create-Your-Own Foam Chicks, $16.99 Daisychain Create-Your-Own Foam Baskets, $16.99 Daisychain Felt Bunny Handbag, $5.99 Right page Clockwise from top: Daisychain Mini Easter Bamboo Basket Set 3, $14.99 Daisychain 3pack Felt Mini Egg Bag, $4.99 Daisychain 8pack 2.5” Iridescent Eggs, $6.99 Daisychain 6pack 8cm Fillable Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain 24pack 4.5cm Fillable Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain Chickens 24pack Yellow 30mm, $7.99 Daisychain 8pcs Printed Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain Create-Your-Own Foam Chicks, $16.99 Daisychain Round Basket with Handle, $5.99 Daisychain 7” Basket, $3.99 Daisychain 70g Shred, $3.99 Daisychain 2ct Decoration Pick, $4.99 Daisychain 10ct Decoration Pick, $4.99

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Tip #1: Easter egg hunt is more fun when done with company!

Tip #2: Colour code the eggs according to ages to make sure the bounty is well distributed and so even the younger or slower kids have an equal chance at getting some eggs.

Tip #3: Leave telltale bunny footprints leading to the Easter eggs as hints for younger kids.

Tip #4: Fill plastic eggs with lit glow sticks to create a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt.

Tip #5: The only thing more fun than tracking down these eggs is decorating them. Once the hidden eggs are uncovered, set up a station so the kids can colour and decorate the eggs however they desire.

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Easter is just a hop, skip and a jump away! It’s almost that time of the year again where we are not only looking forward to Spring time, daffodils and Easter lilies but also to Easter egg hunts and a good Easter brunch with the family.

Although there have been a couple of new twists to Easter egg hunts, they still retain the same idea through the years—a group of eager kids searching high and low for the multi-coloured, and well hidden, gems.

The landscape is laden with colourful eggs—bright tangerine, pale yellow, sky blue, and in a few rare and thrilling instances, shiny gold. Once the gate opens, it is pure pandemonium. The kids swarm the yard, snapping up the treat-filled eggs as quick as bunnies.

With the children busy hitting the bunny trail looking for eggs, why not relax with Champagne cocktails and a casual brunch on the porch? As the adults chat, the children amble over to the porch, proudly showing off their creations, all in agreement that they did the Easter Bunny proud.

If your kids are tired of finding boring jelly beans in their plastic eggs, why not surprise them this year with something different? It is needless to be concerned about your kids getting hopped up on sugar this Easter, all you have to do is add in sugar-free yet fun alternatives to the egg fillings.

Clockwise from top: Daisychain Easter Straw Bonnet Medium, $12.99 Daisychain Round Basket with Handle, $5.99 Daisychain 7” Basket, $3.99 Daisychain 70g Shred, $3.99 Daisychain 70g Shred, $3.99 Daisychain 8pack 2.5” Iridescent Eggs, $6.99 Daisychain 6pack 8cm Fillable Eggs, $3.99 Daisychain 2ct Decoration Pick, $4.99 Daisychain Chickens 24pack Yellow 30mm, $7.99

Bunny Money—or fake money—can be put in the eggs and used by the kids to purchase items displayed on the “bunny table.” The items will mainly be inexpensive trinkets and items they would need. A few ideas might include a whoopee cushion, pool toys, a new swimsuit, a Frisbee, stationery, and movie tickets.

With plastic eggs, you can go through the egg hunt devoid of fear that real eggs or chocolate eggs would be cracked or eaten by animals. Start buying your plastic coloured Easter eggs from Spotlight now and have a basket of fun!

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Candy Crush Sweet as sugar, pastels are the first thing we think of when it comes to Spring. For beauty observers, powdery pastels are the very quintessence of Spring fashion. The amusing thing about pastel shades is how both ends of the age spectrum seem to gravitate towards it – you’re likely to see the very young and the very old clad in cotton candy colours from minty green to lilac to baby blue!

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Pastels are a fun way of adding colour to your get-up without going full-on neon. Here are some tips and tricks you can try in order to brighten up your look without veering into garish territory:

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8 1. Tod’s Leather Cuff, SGD1,080, available at Tod’s Paragon 2. Louis Vuitton Mobil Handbag in Yellow, price unavailable, available at LV boutiques 3. Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 Collection 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 Collection 5. Faceted Silver Earrings with Purple Cubic Zirconia, SGD124, available at Pandora boutiques 6. Tod’s Signature Collection Sling Bag, SGD1,680, available at Tod’s Paragon 7. J. Mendel Spring Summer 2014 Collection 8. Silver Ring with Cubic Zirconia, SGD106, available at Pandora boutiques Weekendin 76

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1. DKNY Spring Summer 2014 Collection 2. Dior Trianon Makeup Palette, SGD125, available at Dior makeup counters 3. Goldheart Jade Pendant, SGD1,355, available at Goldheart boutiques 4. Louis Vuitton Biface in Purple, price unavailable, available at LV boutiques 5. Tod’s Chain Sandals, SGD1,070, available at Tod’s Paragon 6. Tod’s D-Cube Bag Mini, SGD1,610, available at Tod’s Paragon 7. J. Mendel Spring Summer 2014 Collection 8. Christian Dior Couture Spring 2014 Collection 9. Tommy Hilfiger Spring Summer 2014 Collection 77 Weekendin

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Modern Man Bags

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Any man of fashion knows that bags have become a necessary tool and style accessory. No longer seen as solely a woman’s item, men’s bags are masculine, attractive and ideal additions to any contemporary wardrobe. If you would like to dabble in the wide world of men’s bags, but don’t quite know which one would suit your needs best, stick with a classic type of men’s bag, and you can’t go wrong.

So rather than being bound to stuffing your pockets with everything you’ll need throughout the day, take some time to look for bags that are both fashionable and appropriate for you to lug around on different occasions. These men’s bags can be easily mixed and matched with your business and casual wardrobes.

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1.Ralph Lauren Gator Double-Handle Attaché, price unavailable, available at Ralph Lauren Marina Bay Sands Singapore 2. Ermenegildo Zegna Office and Laptop Bag, price unavailable, available at Ermenegildo Zegna ION Orchard, 3. Louis Vuitton Keepall, SGD3250, available at Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands Singapore 4. Givenchy Leather L.C. Travel Bag, price unavailable, available Givenchy at Paragon, 5. Tod’s Men’s SS14 Double Stripe Briefcase, SGD1,970, available at Tod’s Paragon 6. Ralph Lauren Soft Gents Duffle, price unavailable, available at Ralph Lauren Marina Bay Sands Singapore, 7. Louis Vuitton Atoll, SGD1510, available at Louis Vuitton Marina Bay Sands Singapore Weekendin 78

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Moving Lenovo

Born in Sydney, Nick Reynolds has lived in Singapore for the past 6 years. He is the Executive Director for Worldwide Consumer Product Launch at Lenovo, responsible for consumer innovations across PC, Tablet, Smartphone and SmartTV categories. His focus is on creating breakthrough marketing campaigns for their major products like the Yoga multimode device range and the premium VIBE smartphones.

Still a family man at heart, Nick’s favourite weekend activity is spending time with his wife and kids. As he works long hours during the week, keeping his weekends work-free to spend quality time with his family is priority. Keeping fit is also part of what he enjoys doing, as healthy living enables him to go a longer way in life. A love for outdoor sports usually leads to him having a cycling session following the ‘Changi Loop’ on the weekends or heading out for a run.

Q: Tell us about your role as the Executive Director for Lenovo Worldwide Consumer Product Launch Marketing.

A: I’ve always worked in the IT industry, in various marketing/sales/product management roles at Gateway, DELL, Apple and Lenovo over the past 16 years. I am very passionate about technology, which in itself is a very dynamic industry. Fortunately for me, working at Lenovo fuels my passion for technology – we are not only the global #1 PC maker but also a rapidly growing brand in the PC Plus market place (smartphones and tablets).

There is never a dull day at work and I am continuously evolving in my role. At Lenovo, my priority is to run worldwide marketing campaigns and launch Lenovo’s most exciting innovations into the marketplace. The fact that Lenovo makes some really groundbreaking products brings a lot of fun for me at work. Some of the interesting events we had include the launch of the Ultrabooks in New York City during Fashion Week, working with Ashton Kutcher for our latest Yoga Tablet and launching Lenovo’s new premium smartphone brand, VIBE, in Las Vegas at CES 2014.

Q: What is it like having Ashton Kutcher as a colleague? What is the most memorable exchange you’ve had with him?

A: Ashton is a really cool guy—very smart, hardworking and down-to-earth. This may surprise some people given the type of roles he has played in some of his movies. He’s extremely well connected in the Silicon Valley and has an eye for new technologies, and is an angel investor in very notable companies such as Skype, Spotify and AirBnB. The Lenovo Tablet team and I have been working hands-on with Ashton in the development of the world’s first multimode tablet – the Yoga Tablet. The Yoga Tablet has a new thoughtful design applied to it as compared to the traditional tablet – it has extremely long battery life of up to 18 hours and a unique kickstand that allows the tablet to be used in three modes—Hold, Tilt and Stand. The most memorable exchange with Aston was when we Weekendin 80

worked out of our Beijing and US Labs to develop and design the next generation of Yoga Tablet. It was cool seeing him ditch his tiny iPhone for the new Lenovo 5” Vibe Smartphone!

In 2013, we launched Lenovo’s premium smartphones in Asia Pacific with our brand ambassador Kobe Bryant, and that was a lot of fun too.

Kobe was literally mobbed by thousands of passionate fans when he launched the marketing Q: Having worked in Australia and Singa- campaign with us in more than 12 countries. pore, there must be a difference in work cul- Many people realised overnight for the first time ture. How do you deal with the convergence that Lenovo is not only the #1 PC maker in the of East and West culture? world, but also made smartphones.

A: I have colleagues in many locations such as China, USA, India, Singapore and UK. Over- Lastly, going to New York City during Fashion whelmingly, I think that the most important Week in 2011 to launch the Ultrabooks with Lething is to recognise and respect the cultures, novo’s Asia Pacific PR Team was a lot of fun. We beliefs and ways of communication of others. hosted 15 bloggers for a week showing them Being from Australia (and the West in general), the sights and sounds of New York, culminating the way we communicate is typically more di- with the launch of the Ultrabooks. rect and “transactional” in nature in business settings. However, in the East (in general), it’s crucial Q: Word has come round that you give aid to to recognise that relationship building is often the less fortunate. What sparks that compasan important factor in achieving success in busi- sion? ness.

A: Combining sports with good causes is always a good idea. Last year, my family and I raised Q: What’s the most compelling reason to money to help stop human trafficking in Camwork here in Singapore? bodia by competing in the Angkor Wat halfA: In my opinion, working in Singapore is com- marathon. We did this as part of a larger group pelling because of several factors: through an organisation called The Chain Reaction Project here in Singapore and raised $40k to •Proximity to fast growing emerging markets support the cause. Check them out at tcrp.com •Smart and skilled local workforce •World class infrastructure for efficient travel if you want to support this cause as well. I believe it is a blessing to be able to give back to the com•Ease of doing business •Very safe/healthy/pollution-free environment munity.

Q: Which is your favourite Lenovo gadget and why?

A: I use my Yoga 2 Pro every day, even on the weekends when I am not working. It looks like an ultra-thin and light laptop but it surprises everybody when I fold the hinge back 360 degrees so I can use it as a tablet to surf the web, watch movies in stand mode when travelling, and in tent mode when cooking to control the screen with just a wave of my hand. Everyone who has tried Yoga loves it. We think that multimode devices like the Yoga will really revolutionise the PC form factor, since users now have a device that can “transform” to suit varying needs and scenarios in their lives.

Q: Since assuming the role of Executive Director for Worldwide Consumer Product Launch with Lenovo, what were the most exciting events that you’ve worked with?

A: Running Lenovo’s participation in the Consumer Electronics Show annually in Las Vegas is always exciting because that’s where the latest gadgets and devices get launched. In January this year, we won a total of 61 awards, more than any other brand, with the launch of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon and our two newest convertibles— the Miix2 and the new Yoga 2 Pro.

be flexible to fit in time for exercise during the work-week, even if it means doing strength exercises or cycling on a stationary bike while on conference calls! Anything can be done as long as you have the will to do so.

Q: What do you do to unwind when you’re not working?

A: Spending time with my family is my top priority. I also get a lot of joy out of cooking and have mastered two of three Jamie Oliver cookbooks I own. Cooking for family or having friends over on the weekend is a great way to catch-up, have a good time and relax.

Q:What would your ideal holiday destination be?

A: A place that is warm and sunny (28 degrees) with clear blue water, as well as amazing sea life Q: You are an active athlete as well. Has tech- for scuba diving. nology played a part in influencing and assisting with your active lifestyle?

Q: What is your favourite way to spend time A: Absolutely! I find that technology can help a with the family? great deal in your sports by helping one to train A: My favourite way to spend time with the famsmarter. I use a Polar Heart Rate Monitor, and via ily is sharing a good meal together. It is even Bluetooth, I sync all my running/cycling/exercise better if we can visit a new restaurant in a city/ data with GPS monitor to my Lenovo Yoga PC. country that we have not been to before.

That way, I can review my weekly training stats on my PC and identify where I need to improve Q: What is your favourite restaurant to dine most. in Singapore?

A: Our favourite restaurant has been Flutes at Q: With a busy work schedule, how do you the Fort. My wife and I have been going there manage to prioritise time for your family? for every wedding anniversary and birthday for A: Family time is an early breakfast together at the past 5 years.

6.30am before work/school, and we try to have dinner together a couple of times a week. The Q: What is your favourite hotel in Singapore weekend is 100% personal time – no email on and why? weekends – so this allows time to be spent with A: Fullerton Hotel is great to meet people for a my family as well as for hobbies and exercise. drink at the Post Bar. The rooftop bar at Fullerton Bay has a stunning view and is fast becoming a Q: What are your secrets to establishing a new favourite. work-life balance?

A: I work approximately 80 hours a week, so most Q: Any hindsight? people would say I don’t have work-life balance. A: Seize the day!

I typically start at 7.30am and often finish past midnight. Apart from that, I spend half a month on business travel. This means there is a need to 81 Weekendin

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A Jewellery AFFAIR

A great testament of passion turn profession, Michelle Richardson started her online jewellery store, www.michellebrinsfordnaylor.com, named after her maiden name. Inspired by natural forms, Michelle handcrafts and designs each piece of jewellery so that every individual piece is extraordinarily one-of-a-kind. It is her fervency and high standards that make her work remarkably outstanding.

Q: Tell us about life in Singapore. How has it been?

A: This is my seventh year in Singapore. We moved from the UK for my husband’s job. I arrived and started some part-time real estate work and volunteered with some of the associations. We moved to Sentosa four years ago and really love the relaxed outdoor lifestyle here. I also find the close proximity of the sea very inspirational. Much of my work is influenced from natural forms such as leaves, shells, flowers, etc., and I prefer to produce pieces that are markedly different from the jewellery that you can purchase in shopping malls. For me it is very important that each piece of jewellery has a natural flow and organic feel.

Q: How did you start making jewellery?

A: I have always been fascinated by jewellery, but the pathway for my career started a few years ago when I picked up a leaflet at my doctor’s clinic advertising jewellery classes at JDMIS. Through them, I have had a thorough grounding in the basics and subsequently I have worked with jewellers in London, Singapore and also at my childhood home on the Isle of Wight. This summer, I will be spending a month in Florence working alongside a number of Florentine jewellers which I am hoping will push the boundaries of my creative and silversmithing skills.

Q: What led you to open your online store?

A: My love for jewellery design and silversmithing has inspired me to turn my passion into a business. I established a sole proprietorship called MBN Jewellery Design, which are the initials of my maiden name, Michelle BrinsfordNaylor.

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Q: There is a sea of online jewellers right now.

How do you feel about that?

A: When I first started planning my business, I was surprised by the number of online jewellers and jewellery sellers. However on further investigation, it became apparent to me that many of these sites simply purchase finished/semifinished jewellery from China, Vietnam, India etc and then repackage it as their own. Very few jewellers appear to be selling their own work and designs which is how I feel my jewellery stands out. None of my clients are likely to find themselves at a party where someone else is wearing exactly the same piece.

Q: Do you yourself wear the pieces that you make?

A: Wherever possible, I tend to make sure that I am only wearing jewellery that I have made as I believe that this is the best way of advertising my work. I have no ambition to open a physical store as my work is very much one off, limited edition items or commissions. Therefore, I do not have huge quantities of stock which would be required if I was to have a physical store.

Q: Describe your client base. Where are they mainly from?

A: Through my website www.michellebrinsfordnaylor.com and Facebook page, I am starting to accept commissions online. This aspect of the business is in its infancy and so most of my commissions come from personal recommendations

and networking. I also sell my jewellery at fairs and open houses throughout Singapore. Information on the events I will be attending will be on my website and Facebook page.

absorbed in my studio and really do not notice time passing. Frequently I forget to eat lunch and only really appreciate the time when it gets dark around 7pm. I live, breath, eat and sleep jewellery – it has become my passion and is definitely One of my quirkiest commissions was from a something I will continue to do as long as I am good friend of mine who asked me if I could physically able. I wish I had found it 20 years ago! make a silver replica of her Labrador dog’s nose as a key ring for her husband. At first I was a bit Q: What else do you do outside of this online sceptical, but it worked out really well and can business? be seen on my website. I hope to do more of A: Outside of work, I handle the usual daily these in the future because these are truly one chores, but I like to find time to cycle on Sentosa off pieces. and of course socialise with friends!

Q: Any plans that you’ll set up a physical store one day?

A: I regard myself as an artist and I do not aspire to mass produce my work. I much prefer to enjoy the variety and challenge of producing individual jewellery whether it be by commission or pieces that I am inspired to make. My golden rule is that I will never release or sell any item of jewellery that I would not be happy to wear myself or be associated with.

Q: Where is your favourite place for Sunday brunch?

A: Because I am so fond of Sentosa, I do not look to stray from its shores unless I need to do so. Happily one of the best places for Sunday brunch that I have found is at Capella. I enjoy the fact that it is a relatively small restaurant with a pleasant open-air vista and excellent food.

Q: If you could jet off to anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?

Q: Can you walk us through a normal day for A: If I was given the opportunity of jetting off anyou? ywhere I chose, it would always be the Maldives.

A: A normal day will start with me being a taxi driver and taking my husband to work. After that I exercise and then the rest of the day is spent in my studio assisted by my two Siberian cats – Frankie and Freddy. For me, the joy of jewellery making and design is that I become totally 83 Weekendin

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Benjamin Douglas Marshall 9 Years Old

Benjamin was born in New York, USA and moved to Singapore 3 years ago. He has a strong interest in music and movement, and has excellent pitch. He enjoys singing, dancing and performing in various productions and shows a tremendous amount of dedication to each project he takes on.

Benjamin is in Year 4 (Primary 3) at Tanglin Trust School and is in their Gifted & Talented program. He is well liked and respected by his teachers and friends. He enjoys various sports at school such as swimming and football and likes reading, music, karaoke singing and playing computer games in his spare time.

Q. At what age is a person an adult? Why do you think so?

A: I think a person is an adult at 16 years old, as you can start to drive and get a driving license.

Q: If you could change one rule that your family has, what would you change?

A: The rule I’d change is my bedtime rule. I would go to sleep at midnight.

Q: What is something that makes your family special?

A: My family is special to me as they look after and care for me.

Q: Of all the things you are learning, what do you think will be the most useful when you are an adult?

A: I would say English as I can use it all the time, speak properly and write well.

Q: Are you a good friend? Why do you think so?

A: Yes, I think I am a good friend because I care and look out for my friends.

Q: How would the world be different if animals could talk?

A: The world would be a better place if animals could talk because we would have more ideas and more friends!

Q: Would you cheat in a test if you knew you would not get caught?

Why or why not?

A: No, I would not cheat in a test because I would not feel happy about getting a good grade without putting in the effort.

Q: If you could grow up to be famous, what would you want to be famous for?

A: I want to be a famous pop star and work in the entertainment industry.

Q: If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?

A: I would hang out in my older brother and sister’s rooms and see what they are up to on their computers and read their text messages!

Q: What is the best gift you have ever given? Why was it so special?

A: I made a paper origami cake for my mother’s birthday and it was special because it made her so happy.

Q: What is the hardest thing about being a kid?

A: The hardest thing about being a kid is getting up early and going to school everyday!

Q: If you were a teacher and the kids in your class would not listen to you, what would you do?

A: I would buy an air horn and sound it out loudly to get their attention.

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Q: Where is your favourite place in the world?

A: My favourite place has to be New York City, where I was born.

Q: If you could give one gift to every single child in the world, what gift would you give?

A: I love phones so I would give each kid a gold IPhone 5s!

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 start learning my timetables for Math!

Q: What five words do you think most describe you?

A: Happy, sporty, risk taker, caring and musical Q: If you could invent something that would make life easier for people, what would you invent?

A: I would invent a robot that could help around the house and drive our car.

Q: If you could make one rule that everyone in the world had to follow, what rule would you make? Why? A: I would ask everyone to stop global warming as it hurts the planet. It is changing our weather patterns and upsetting the polar bears!

Q: What’s your favourite holiday you’ve gone on, to where and what did you do?

A: My favourite holiday has to be South Africa over Christmas & New Year 2012/2013. We spent New Year’s Eve on a game reserve with family and friends, going to the safari to watch the wild animals, with lots of swimming, eating and dancing after.

Q: Favourite clothing store?

A: My favourite clothing store is Ted Baker Kids in London, as my Grandma always sends me cool t-shirts from there.

Q: Favourite item of clothing?

A: My favourite item of clothing is my new green & blue onesie (a one piece suit), which lots of kids are wearing in the US & UK. Q: Most annoying habit?

A: A habit that annoys me is when people do not listen when others are talking.

Q: What is your pet peeve?

A: My pet peeve is when I see people picking their teeth in public places.

Q: What do you like to do with your friends?

A: I love to go with my friends to AMPED - the indoor trampoline park on the East Coast and jump around and laugh with them for an hour.

Q: Favourite restaurant in Singapore?

A: My favourite restaurant in Singapore has to be Smokey’s at Joo Chiat where I just celebrated my 9th birthday, as they have great ribs and steaks.

Q. What did you do for your birthday this year?

A: I had a great birthday party at Laser Ops at Plaza Singapura with my classmates. It is a cool indoor laser tag place that glows in the dark and we had pizza and cupcakes to celebrate.

Felicia Sng

9 Years Old

A Day in the Life of a Frog

A calm and peaceful morning, the cool breeze made the grass sway to a rhythm. The low activity and the warm sun made Freddy the slimy frog drowsy. Freddy was resting on floating lily pads, and he had forgotten that today was Sneaky the snake’s birthday. Suddenly, Freddy said in a terrified voice, “Oh no! I am late for Sneaky’s birthday party! I still don’t have a present for him.” So Freddy decided to give Sneaky a lily pad to be his new blanket.

After finding a clean lily pad for Sneaky, Freddy headed off to Sneaky’s house which was made of sticks. While hopping from lily pad to lily pad, Freddy was tired and hungry because he had not caught any insects for his meal. ‘Splash!’ Freddy jumped into the water upon hearing footsteps. Freddy saw a big shadow and it is Jack the mischievous boy.

When Freddy was trying to go to the party, Jack saw him and scooped him up from the pond. Jack held on to Freddy’s legs and shook him vigorously. Freddy feared for his life and struggled fiercely to break free.

Suddenly, Freddy felt giddy but he did not give up, he croaked loudly for help.

Immediately, Sneaky the snake came to rescue Freddy. Sneaky slithered towards Jack trying to scare him off. Jack screamed loudly and dropped Freddy. He fled from the scene. Freddy said happily, “I’m free, I’m free!

Thank you for saving my life, Sneaky. You‘re my hero!” Sneaky replied, “I thought you had forgotten my birthday.” Freddy explained, “I was bullied by mischievous Jack, that’s why I was late. Here I have a present for you!” Sneaky thanked his friend for the thoughtful gift. Together, the two best friends can finally have a birthday party.

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.

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ENTERTAINMENT ontheWATER

MOVIES TO WATCH NEXT CHANGE OUT FOR IN MARCH

Noah | 27 Mar’14 Non-Stop | 06 Mar’14 Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Douglas Booth Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Corey Stoll Director: Darren Aronofsky Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Subject to divine visions foretelling the end of the world, Noah attempts to tell his people to cease their mistreatment of the earth in order to be saved. No one listens to his warnings, and Noah and his family are cast out to fend for themselves in the wilderness. Noah approaches a race of giant six-armed angels known as the “Watchers” to rally them to his cause.

Labour Day | 13 Mar’14 Cast: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Tobey Maguire, Gattlin Griffith, Clark Gregg, James Van Der Beek Director: Jason Reitman Set in 1987 over the late summer holiday weekend, Labour Day opens with divorced, depressed single mom, Adele clothes shopping with her 13-year-old son, Henry. They encounter a large, fearsome man – who also happens to be bleeding badly and against all judgment, they give him a ride. As the police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story and their options become more and more limited.

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During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding that he instruct the government to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes.

300: Rise of an Empire | 06 Mar’14 Cast: David Wenham, Rodrigo Santoro, Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Callan Mulvey, Jack O’Connell, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson Director: Noam Murro Noam Murro directs this prequel and sequel to the 2007 film 300, Zack Snyder’s fictionalised retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas leads 300 Spartans into battle against Persian “God King” Xerxes and his army of more than one million soldiers.

The film covers the Battle of Artemisia which was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states and the Persian Empire in September 480BC, in the straits between the mainland and Salamis, an island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens.

Divergent | 20 Mar’14 Cast: Shailene Woodley, Ashley Judd, Kate Winslet, Miles Teller, Theo James, Ansel Elgort Director: Neil Burger Divergent is a thrilling adventure set in a future world where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities—Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave) and Erudite (the intelligent). Tris Prior is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group.

When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late.

ENTERTAINMENT

Dust by Patricia Cornwell

Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta has just returned from working on one of the worst mass murders in U.S. history when she was awakened at an early hour by Detective Pete Marino. A body, oddly draped in an unusual cloth, has just been discovered inside the sheltered gate of MIT and it’s suspected the identity is that of missing computer engineer Gail Shipton, last seen the night before at a trendy Cambridge bar. It appears she’s been murdered, mere weeks before her trial of her $100 million lawsuit against her former financial managers, and Scarpetta doubts it’s a coincidence. She also fears the case may have a connection with her computer genius niece, Lucy.

Editor’s Pick

In Dust, Scarpetta and her colleagues are up against a force far more sinister than a sexual predator who fits the criminal classification of a “spectacle killer”. The murder of Gail Shipton soon leads deep into the dark world of designer drugs, drone technology, organised crime, and shocking corruption at the highest levels.

Longbourn by Jo Baker

In this irresistibly imagined belowstairs answer to Pride and Prejudice, the servants take centrestage. Sarah, the orphaned housemaid, spends her days scrubbing the laundry, polishing the floors, and emptying the chamber pots for the Bennet household. But there is just as much romance, heartbreak, and intrigue downstairs at Longbourn as there is upstairs. When a mysterious new footman arrives, the orderly realm of the servants’ hall threatens to be completely, perhaps irrevocably, upended.

Jo Baker dares to take you beyond the drawing rooms of Jane Austen’s classic—into the often overlooked domain of the stern housekeeper and the starry-eyed kitchen maid, into the gritty daily particulars faced by the lower classes in Regency England during the Napoleonic Wars—and, in doing so, creates a vivid, fascinating, fully realised world that is wholly her own.

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson

On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious Al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed group. Less than twenty-four hours later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive.

This is the story of fire team leader Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, and the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. But it is also, more than anything, the story of his teammates, who fought ferociously beside him until he was the last one left— blasted unconscious by a rocket grenade, blown over a cliff, but still armed and still breathing. Over the next four days, badly injured and presumed dead, Luttrell fought off six Al Qaeda assassins who were sent to finish him, then crawled for seven miles through the mountains before he was taken in by a Pashtun tribe.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest—to find out if he is capable of true love. Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical – most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert In The Signature of All Things, Elizabeth Gilbert returns to fiction, inserting her inimitable voice into an enthralling story of love, adventure and discovery. Spanning much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the novel follows the fortunes of the extraordinary Whittaker family as led by the enterprising Henry Whittaker – a poorborn Englishman who makes a great fortune in the South American quinine trade, eventually becoming the richest man in Philadelphia.

Born in 1800, Henry’s brilliant daughter, Alma (who inherits both her father’s money and his mind), ultimately becomes a botanist of considerable gifts herself. As Alma’s research takes her deeper into the mysteries of evolution, she falls in love with a man named Ambrose Pike who makes incomparable paintings of orchids and who draws her in the exact opposite direction – into the realm of the spiritual, the divine, and the magical. Alma is a clearminded scientist; Ambrose a utopian artist – but what unites this unlikely couple is a desperate need to understand the workings of this world and the mechanisms behind all life.

The above books are available at major bookstores.

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great

Dive Escapes Diving is by definition otherworldly.

Sometimes you get to experience the placidity and peacefulness that a luxurious hour’s worth of air provides and other times a diver doesn’t have time to let their mind wander but must focus on the dangers at hand—rushing currents, low visibility, treacherous environments like wrecks or caves. Although these adventures do indeed sound interesting, they are for the dedicated or the extreme, not the dabbler.

From the mysterious labyrinth in Mexico to the surreal waters of Iceland, magical reefs in Fiji and wrecks in the Red Sea, there are plenty of sites you’d expect to see, but an even greater number of surprises.

Read on to find out which dive sites to add to your diver’s bucket list.

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Red Sea, Egypt

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Diving in the Red Sea, Egypt With several famed dive sites to its name, the Red Sea will undoubtedly trigger your senses with over 1000 species and 150 coral types. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned divers alike, eye-catching views of the tremendous community of the marine biodiversity are guaranteed for all.

The world-renowned Elphinstone Reef would be an excellent option to include in your itinerary. Raved for its shark dives, you will have an opportunity of a lifetime to get a glimpse of both worlds – species such the Grey Reef sharks, Silky sharks and Thresher sharks, amongst the rest; as well as Giant Morays, Groupers, Angel Fish and a spectacular display of colourful hard and soft corals, fans and gorgonians.

Doing away with the corals, another famous dive site is the SS Thistlegorm wreck, located just a boat ride away from Sharm el Sheikh. Residing in the depth of the Red Sea since its destruction in 1941 during World War II, what lay as a remnant of the past has now become a point of attraction for many divers worldwide. As you glide across the wreck, the unmistakable figures of lorries, trailers, motorcycles and even weaponry stand solemnly in situ.

If exploring the Thistlegorm wreck is not enough for you, you will certainly be gratified with the other wreck dives at the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef on the Northern coast of Shadwan Island. Five wrecks reside there making the area one of the most frequented dive sites in Egypt. The oldest wreck within the vicinity, the Carnatic is now outfitted with soft corals and hydroids and is inhabited by Sweepers, Glassfish and Batfish. A swim through the wreck will present clearly that the once sturdy cargo ship has now been reduced to a rotting remnant that many aquatic creatures call home.

Dive Sites Mentioned: Elphinstone Reef, Thistlegorm Wreck, Sha’ab Abu Nuhas reef Weekendin 90

Cenotes, Mexico

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Diving in Cenotes, Mexico Known for its rich geographical history, Mexico is home to thousands of cenotes. A dive there will guarantee you a mystical otherworldly experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Before delving further into this otherworldly adventure, you must first have a gist of what cenotes are. A cenote (pronounced in Mexican Spanish [se-no-te]) is a type of freshwater-filled limestone sinkhole. More often than not, the cenote is connected to an underwater cave system, creating an image of a labyrinth during a dive.

Unlike the normal dive, cenote diving is one of the most difficult and potentially dangerous type of diving there is around. For those who want to stretch their limits, you might want to consider bringing diving a notch higher by navigating around the underwater labyrinth, guided only by streams of sunlight. To start off, cenote diving can get disconcertingly tight in certain areas. In such an enclosed space, it would be a rather daunting dive for beginners as waves of claustrophobia and anxiety take their reign.

Do not be misled into thinking that the high content of freshwater will guarantee you a clear view of the surroundings. Silt and other sediments as well as darkness that plague certain areas of the cenotes may hackle your vision. These factors are enough to leave you feeling disorientated and lost. On a lighter note, as long as you have an experienced guide and abide to the guidelines, you will definitely enjoy your time diving in the cenotes.

site would make the perfect stepping-stone for those on a virgin trip to diving in the cenotes. The waters are teeming with marine life, a sight that you will not expect amongst the creeping stalagmites and stalactites.

Also within the same region, experienced divers will ultimately be put to the test at Angelita. Although the dives take place in the open waters, a thick layer of hydrogen sulfide at around 30 metres deep, clouds visibility in the sinkhole. Due to its dense chemical property, you will notice that this layer of chemical substance distinctively separates the fresh water from the salt water below, which resembles the flow of a real river. Scattered with leaves and toppled trees as well as other signs of vegetation, the depths of the sinkhole emulates the eerily ghastly appearance of an underwater riverbank.

Located right in the heart of Sac Aktun (White Cave) in Tulum, which is the second longest underwater cave system in the world with over 215km mapped passages, the Gran Cenote is one of the more frequented diving destinations in Mexico. With adequate space within the collapsed limestone, you will get the opportunity to enjoy a large dive area in the comfort of the penetrating sunlight. The interiors are adorned in shades Dive sites mentioned: Gran Cenote, Angelita of white, emitting a one-of-a-kind magnificence unlike any other dive. This

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Sabah, Malaysia

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Diving in Sabah, Malaysia Famed for its numerous pristine beaches and world-class diving spots, the Malaysian region will leave you spoilt for choice on where to head out for a day of scuba diving. A couple of Malaysia’s famed dive sites are enclave residents to the state of Sabah. A serene facade immediately greets you the moment your speedboat approaches the island and a wave of absolute calm simply takes its reign over you. The cool crystalline waters emit an enchanting glow that will seem beckoning even to the weariest souls.

As you don your diving gear, be prepared for a day of captivating sights at Mataking Island. Beneath the waters is the place of residence for a wondrous array of marine life. You can anticipate spotting the figures of pelagic sea creatures such as torpedoing schools of Barracuda, Trevally, Giant Clams and the Giant Frogfish. On rare occasions, you may even get to catch a glimpse of the adorable Pygmy Seahorse and keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Orang Utan’ crab along the reef.

The rich marine biodiversity of fish and corals and the like that are found in the island’s vicinity has captivated many photographers worldwide; you might want to bring along a camera too to capture that moment of magnificence.

Alternatively, you may want to consider exploring the waters in the next island, which is home to the largest barrier reef in Southeast Asia, teeming with marine life. With wall dives of vertical drops to more than 500 metres, and a plethora of species of rays and sharks, a trip down would guarantee a dive of a lifetime with much to marvel at. As an array of sea creatures present themselves at full force, grab the opportunity to take a breather off your busy schedule and revel in the grandeur of nature’s creations – a realm that ought to be explored to the fullest.

Dive sites mentioned: Mataking, Sipadan Weekendin 92

Fiji

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Diving in Fiji Along with the other many top-notch diving destinations around the world, the vicinity of Fiji is also crowned with the magnificence of alluring marine life that flourish beneath the pristine waters. Also known as the Soft Coral Capital of the World and home to the Great Astrolabe Reef, Fiji is home to 333 islands and atolls with a diverse underwater seascape unparalleled to any other.

A splendid array of corals takes centrestage in Taveuni and will definitely not disappoint those who are looking for an eye-opening dive. With waters around Taveuni and the Koro Sea packed with incessant amounts of nutrients, expect to see a colourful spectacle of corals and other marine life that gives Fiji its reputation as The Soft Coral Capital of the World. It is at this very area where you will find the revered Rainbow Reef, a trusted place of refuge for its approximately 1500 and 390 species of fish and corals respectively.

Do not be misled by Kadavu’s understated popularity. The island holds residence to The Great Astrolabe Reef. Adorning the seabed are hard coral outer reef slopes and soft coral drop-offs draped in a mesmerising kaleidoscope of shapes and colours.

Another site that holds much prominence is the world famous Shark Reef, located along the South Coast of Viti Levu, an experience which will indefinitely send chills down your spine. Do note that a certain number of dives must be clocked in prior to this shark dive and novices are not allowed to participate due to safety concerns. As the guides take their place to hand-feed these ferocious creatures, you will soon find yourself encircled by sharks of various sizes encompassing of species such as Bull sharks, Tawny Nurse sharks, Tiger sharks and the Sicklefin Lemon sharks, just to name a few.

Dive sites mentioned: Taveuni, Kadavu, Viti Levu

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Iceland

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Dive in Iceland Are you game enough to explore a frontier like none the other? Unrivaled to any other, this dive site in Iceland will enthrall even the most experienced of divers. Labeled as one of the top dive spots in the world, descending into the Silfra fissure will give a surreal experience of touching the sides of the North American and Eurasian continents.

What renders this dive a breathtaking one other than this unique feature is its incredible visibility of over 100 metres. You will be amazed by the elements that make the enveloping scenery so extraordinary. The very water that you will be in is the melt water from the neighbouring Langjökull, which has permeated through the magma for up to a century before emerging from the Thingvellir Lake.

Another esteemed site adored by many is Lake Kleifarvatn, the resting place of Iceland’s underwater hot springs. To get there, a drive surrounded by the magnificent sites of the volcanic landscape with rolling hills and peculiar lava formations awaits. The region of Kleifarvatn is also rumoured to be housed by trolls and elves. After disembarking on your dive, you will soon arrive at a large crater that holds these hot springs. Over there, you will find an unceasing flow of air bubbles and warm water and even feel the tremble of the rocks due to the buildup of pressure.

Turn up the heat at Strýtan with the underwater geothermal chimney as the main attraction. Absolutely unique and the only one of its kind in the world, you will be able to witness the hot water sprouting from this 55-metre tall thermal chimney, giving an almost comforting warmth while in the water. Despite the higher temperatures, marine life are still flourishing; cods accompanying your descent down the chimney as well as anemones and the like that seek refuge in the depths of the seafloor.

Dive sites mentioned: Silfra fissure, Lake Kleifarvatn, Strýtan Weekendin 94

intheART

Held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre from the 16 to 19 January, Art Stage Singapore recently celebrated their fourth edition. The flagship Asian art event of the region, Art Stage Singapore connects the world to the best of Asian contemporary art.

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This year, Art Stage Singapore presented art in context with its country and regional Platforms at its 2014 edition of the fair. Seven country and regional Platforms – Southeast Asia, India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Australia – featured artists’ works curated to fit into the contemporary art landscapes of each country or region. The Platforms provide the audience with a contextual understanding of art from Asia Pacific by showcasing a total of 70 exciting projects from the region, presented in a pseudo museum exhibition layout.

The fair presented more than 158 galleries, of which 75% were based in Asia Pacific. In order to promote dialogue between Asia and the West, as well as amongst countries of the Asian region, galleries were handpicked from Asia and Western countries whose works greatly complemented each other. Collaborating with many leading international curators, Art Stage Singapore had curators develop the artworks for each of these country and regional Platforms.

To name a few from the various country Platform curators are Aaron Seeto from Australia who is the Director of 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Charles Merewether from Central Asia who believes that art like all the arts is inWeekendin 96

tegral to the growth of a culture, of a city and the country, and Huang Du from China and Bose Krishnamachari from India who are independent curators. Their respective galleries represent the artworks by artists at the Platform exhibitions.

Presenting a whopping 31 works from the region, the Southeast Asia Platform was the largest Platform of all. Some featured artists included Jane Lee (Sundaram Tagore Gallery) whose 50 Faces work was sold at USD66,000, Jeremy Sharma (Michael Janssen Singapore/Berlin), and Donna Ong and Robert Zhao Renhui (Primo Marella Gallery) from Singapore.

Not forgetting, emerging and established artists— Sam Jinks (Sullivan + Strumpf ), Jasper Knight and Isabelle Toland (Chalk Horse) at the Australia Platform, and Askhat Akhmediyarov and Saodat Ismailova at the Central Asia Platform—too had their fair share of work exposure at other Platforms. The Continuous Gate by Joko Dwi Avianto and Urban Street Night Club by Lim Sokchanlina from Cambodia are works of large scale installations which were featured as well.

With a high percentage of returning galleries coming together in Singapore for the fair, it has proven that Singapore is one step closer to better positioning itself as an international art hub

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for the regional art scene and playing a major role as part of the global art calendar with global galleries, collectors and art professionals.

In order to create a museum that is far more than just a destination for art, it has also held a series of public talks, workshops and tours, which has done its work right in engaging the community. Conducted by professional guides, the one hour-long Platform Art Tours were available at 13 different times over the four days of the fair where visitors had the freedom to choose between three different Platform Art Tours covering selected contemporary artists from the respective country or region.

The fair’s feature installation at the Entrance Arch titled The Continuous Gate allowed visitors to get upclose and personal with artist Joko Dwi Avianto. They were introduced Calongcong, a traditional Sundanese weaving method also known as Anyaman, using bamboo strips that formed part of the installation.

The highly dynamic art scene was also complemented with a pop-up bookstore at the fair by Page One, which had offered visitors a handpicked selection of art and design titles to be in line with the fair’s aim to educate and inspire.

- www.artstagesingapore.com 97 Weekendin

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i Light

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he third edition of i Light Marina Bay is set to return in March 2014 with art and activities for all, taking the biennial sustainable light art festival to a new level. A light art festival powered by an energy-saving campaign, i Light Marina Bay 2014 will run from 7 to 30 March 2014, and promises a spectacular showcase of light and colour along the Marina Bay waterfront. The festival will feature innovative and sustainable light art installations from Singapore and around the world, along with this year’s chosen theme, Light+HeART. The aim of this event is to encourage sustainability through the showcase of sustainable light art installations that are thought-provoking and inspiring yet light-hearted. Therefore, the most recent edition is about creating unique, happy and heart-felt installations to delight the audience while driving home the sustainability message.

As part of the efforts of the event, the unique festival will be powered by energy savings from the Switch Off, Turn Up campaign that runs in tandem with the three-week festival. The campaign was first introduced since 2010, during the first edition of the festival, in a bid to encourage stakeholders such as properties and buildings around Marina Bay to switch off non-essential lighting and turn up air conditioning temperatures during office hours. This year’s campaign will coincide with Earth Hour Singapore ‘lights-off’ activities, which will take place on 29 March 2014.

The event will showcase a mix of art and light installations from the region and afar, including creative collaborations between local and international artists. Visitors can expect over 25 stunning large-scale outdoor installations by artists from 11 countries, such as China, Philippines, France, New Zealand, United Kingdom, The United States of America, as well as local artists in Singapore. The event is also a platform for emerging local artists to showcase their work. The festival’s curatorial team is helmed by the award-winning design team from ONG&ONG Pte Ltd. Mr Tai Lee Siang, Weekendin 98

Group Managing Director of ONG&ONG, expresses that the art works displayed at the event were all handpicked and of the best quality so that they challenge perceptions and carry strong messages of sustainability and conservation, which are key to what i Light Marina Bay is all about.

To enable visitors to have an enjoyable experience, this year’s event will include chances for interaction between the audience and the displays, and visitors may even create and literally become a part of the artworks.

One such interactive installation is Livelight by Oz Collective, a group of architects and artists trained in architecture at the prestigious Ecole Speciale d’Architecture. Representing the collective is Alexandre Pachiaudi from Paris and Quck Zhong Yi from Singapore. Livelight is a canvas for live light painting, and their large interactive installation will allow the public the use the LED torchlight from their mobile devices to paint and draw on a projected canvas, creating fascinating displays.

Another installation to look out for is The Guardian Angels, by French visual artists Maro Avrabou and Dimitri Xenakis. The artwork pays tribute to gardens, plants, and calls attention to the protection of the environment with a beautiful set of watering-lanterns. It also pays tribute to gardeners and artificially created nature indirectly. The watering-lanterns in the installation symbolise environmental protection, as well as a suggestion to give a second life to a used object.

Besides the light art installations, a full array of activities and programmes are lined up for visitors at i Light Marina Bay 2014. The public can look forward to a dazzling and engaging experience with free-guided tours, bazaars, as well as educational talks and workshops over the three-week festival. i Light Marina Bay will open at night from 7 to 30 March 2014, 7.30pm to 11pm, around the Marina Bay waterfront. Admission is free.

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Nestled in the quiet enclave of Bishan Park, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa offers guests a tranquil and exotic resort ambience while they indulge in their spa treatments.

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pon entering, the friendly staff greeted me at the counter and handed me the necessary forms to fill up before my treatment. They also kindly explained to me that I was about to receive the Tropical Java Lulur, one of their Signature Garden Packages. The treatment aims to beautify and soften one’s skin. At this point, I was extremely excited to start on my spa treatment as everything in store sounded wonderful.

After changing into the robes provided, I headed to the lounge area, where guests can help themselves to a cup of ginger lemon tea and some biscuits while they wait for their therapist.

I’m not usually a fan of the taste of ginger but I really enjoyed how refreshing the drink tasted.

As I finished my tea, I met with my therapist, Julie, who brought me to the room where my treatment was taking place. The nature theme of the spa was apparent, as the room came equipped with a private outdoor shower and garden bath amidst lush foliage. The treatment started with a full body exfoliation using a spe-

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cial blend of turmeric and rice powder, which scrubs and removes the dead layers of the skin.

The next step was a full body yoghurt wrap, which nourishes and brightens the skin even further. Julie then informed me that the yoghurt wrap would be left on for twenty minutes, and I took it as a cue to take a short nap before the next step of the treatment.

When I awoke, Julie took off the plastic wrap and explained to me that I would have to step outside to the outdoor bath area to wash off the scrub and the yoghurt wrap before taking her leave. I was a little apprehensive about showering outdoors at the beginning, but that all changed when I stood under the warm shower.

Showering outdoors while being shrouded by greenery was definitely an interesting experience, and for a moment I felt like I was transported to a tropical rainforest. Guests who enjoy being in touch with nature will definitely appreciate the outdoor showers and baths Aramsa Spa has to offer. Once I was done, I noticed that my skin felt immensely soft and smooth.

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I proceeded back to the room for the third part of my treatment—the Aramsa Touch massage.

Before starting, Julie unabatingly explained to me that this was Aramsa’s signature massage, which was a combination of eastern meridian techniques and western classical lymphatic drainage to improve blood circulation and muscle tone. With light to medium strokes, this therapy promotes a sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Based on Julie’s recommendation, I chose the Moroccan Rose flower skin massage oil, as it smelt the best and was also nourishing and hydrating for the skin. The Aramsa Touch massage lasted for an hour, and it was indeed a much-needed relief for my tightened muscles.

My favourite part of the massage was when Julie worked her skillful hands on my stiff neck muscles, easing the tension off of it.

The last part of the Tropical Java Lulur treatment was a warm outdoor flower bath, infused with ginger and lemongrass juices. Laced with petals of rose, jasmine and frangipani, the outdoor bath looked very inviting. This time, I felt more comfortable stepping into the outdoor garden knowing that I had complete privacy. While soaking in the tub, Julie came in with a cup of

ginger lemongrass tea and some biscuits for me to snack on. The outdoor bath was definitely a great way to conclude the entire treatment, and left me feeling immensely relaxed and satiated.

Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa is a great place to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul after a long week at work—not just under the expert hands of the therapists but amidst the green serene surroundings as well.

Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa | Bishan Park 2 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 | Singapore 569931 T 6456 6556 | enquiries@aramsaspas.com www.aramsaspas.com 101 Weekendin

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Be pampered at one of Singapore’s top award-winning spas.

St. Gregory at PARKROYAL on Pickering is not to be missed by spa lovers.

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Amidst the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s busy Chinatown district towers a unique building that is hard to miss.

With its beautiful facade that boasts lush four-storey tall sky-gardens, planter terraces and cascading vertical greenery, one cannot help but wonder what lies in wait at PARKROYAL on Pickering.

On the fifth floor lies the hotel’s pride and joy.

Aptly known as the wellness floor, this hotel-ina-garden invites guests to bask in the sun by the infinity pool and to take a leisurely stroll along the 300-metre Garden Walk. Those who are not up for breaking a sweat are invited to pamper themselves silly at the hotel’s gem of a spa. St. Gregory is an inviting sanctuary where guests and spa goers alike can relax, rejuvenate and escape from Singapore’s sweltering weather.

I was treated to the 75-minute Elemis WellBeing massage. As someone who loves a good massage, I was really looking forward to the treatment at St. Gregory. Countless magazine,

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online and word of mouth reviews had ingrained in me that St. Gregory is a spa not to be missed. Upon checking into the hotel, I simply had to see for myself.

As is standard procedure at most luxury spas, my therapist, Jasmine, had me fill out a form with my personal information and basic medical history before beginning. Right after, she took my blood pressure to ensure that I was as healthy as I claimed to be. While waiting for my treatment room to be prepped, I was treated to a cup of floral tea to relax my body and mind.

Minutes later, I was led through the reception area to my treatment room. Each room is adorned and decked out with all the necessities that one could want and need at a spa. From a personal sink to lockers, to a built-in shower to plush towels and bathrobe, there was everything I could possibly need to elevate my basic spa experience to a divine one. I was impressed with the attention to detail given to the treatment room. Most spas offer a shared shower,

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if any at all, but St. Gregory at PARKROYAL on Pickering is all about luxury, and they definitely lived up to that mantra.

As mentioned, I was treated to the Elemis WellBeing massage. Designed to be more than just a massage, this treatment combines the unique Ten Cultural Touches of Elemis with the Welcome Touch and Awareness Journey. Jasmine started off by giving me a light body brushing meant to enhance and strengthen the therapeutic effects of the massage oils. According to her, this is an Eastern technique practiced for centuries and is aimed to revitalise the spirit.

My session encompassed a full body massage as well as scalp massage. I was pampered from top to toe and I loved every single second of it. Jasmine’s soft and experienced hands really did a great job as by the end of my massage session, I was satiated beyond belief. The entire session lasted for 75 blissful minutes and overall, St. Gregory truly deserves the award that it won.

As I gazed out at the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool whilst sipping on a cup of floral tea, I realised that I had just experienced one of the best massages ever.

All the spa treatments at St. Gregory make use of Elemis and Thal’lion products, two of the best that the industry has to offer. From a simple scalp massage to an indulgent facial, St. Gregory proudly offers it all. Whether you are looking for traditional therapies or one of the spa’s signature treatments, you will not be disappointed with the quality and level of professionalism offered. Ranging from $40 and above per treatment, indulging at St. Gregory does not come cheap but I have to say, it is worth every dollar spent.

St. Gregory Spa | PARKROYAL on Pickering 3 Upper Pickering Street | Level 5 Singapore 058289 | T 6809 8870 stgregory.prsps@parkroyalhotels.com www.parkroyalhotels.com 103 Weekendin

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Liquid Laser Serum and Cream, 30ml

A More Ageless and Lifted Look Launching in April 2014, La Mer brings 50 years of innovation and craftsmanship to its new Lifting and Firming Mask. Everything about this mask is concentrated; carefully chosen to bring the ultimate Lifting and Firming activity. This serum-strength sculpting mask helps accelerate skin’s ability to recapture its youthful resilience by supporting natural collagen production.

THE FERMENTS La Mer’s legendary Concentrated Miracle Broth intensifies the natural renewal process, providing the energy to help skin focus on repair. A potent level helps soothe and transform the look of skin.

The new Concentrated Lifting Ferment penetrates skin with a blend of powerful brown algae, marine peptides and active marine plant stem cells, known as the pure concentration of life.

Enhancing skin’s support structure, this carefully crafted ferment helps increase skin’s density and elasticity, filling in natural shape for a visibly sculpted look.

A PERFECT NIGHTCAP While the mask is a perfect pampering experience 24 hours a day, at night, skin is resting and naturally recovering, making it an ideal time to use reparative skincare. The Lifting and Firming Mask works with skin’s own renewal process to visibly increase density and restore elasticity, for an agelessly more lifted look.

THE RITUAL A luxurious step in the skincare ritual, this pampering mask is accompanied by a sumptuous brush for smooth application. Massage in immediately and allow for penetration for ten minutes before following with your La Mer moisturiser.

THE LINE-UP For optimal results, the Lifting and Firming Mask works in synergy with two La Mer lifting treatments. The Lifting Contour Serum elevates contours and transforms definition, helping to resculpt the look of facial features. The Lifting Intensifier is a targeted spot treatment, instantly tightening skin’s surface and ‘training’ it to maintain a firmer, more lifted appearance.

Available at TANGS Orchard - $330 TANGS Orchard | 310 Orchard Road | Singapore 238864 | T 6737 5500 | www.lamer.com.sg

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A Singapore-grown brand, Jet Concepts’ specially formulated Liquid Laser Serum and Liquid Laser Cream contain more than 70 ingredients including caviar, apple stem cells, hexapeptides, active hyaluronic acid, fermented resveratrol and more.

The Jet Liquid Laser was created with four basic requirements – protect, repair, regenerate and revitalise (PR3 Technology) – to effectively reduce the detriments of skin ageing. Also known as the cornerstones of all Jet Concepts anti-ageing products, they battle wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, rough and clogged skin fervently to reverse the hands of time.

The results? Visibly luminous, smooth and tight skin that is free of fine lines and wrinkles!

PROTECT Protection from cell death and fine lines and wrinkles using peptides and antioxidants REPAIR Repairs skin that is dehydrated and can no longer function using hyaluronic acid, apple stem cells and hexapeptides REGENERATE Boosts skin’s rebuilding function with peptides and fermented resveratrol REVITALISE Injects life into skin with caviar Liquid Laser Serum, $238: To protect and repair the skin Liquid Laser cream, $238: To regenerate and revitalise your skin Jet Concepts | Wheelock Place | 501 Orchard Road |#03-03 | Singapore 238880 | T 6733 7055 www.jetconceptskin.com

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Whether it’s first to the North Pole, first to invent the telephone or first to take flight, “firsts” are always unique; but Kiehl’s Since 1851, the 161-year-old skincare company, doesn’t always aim for first. The chemists at Kiehl’s aim to provide its customers with products that are cutting edge, yet able to stand the test of time. There was Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion – the iconic toner formulated in the 1963. And Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, a Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions formula that the company’s chemists formulated after developing the highly efficient Activated C. Kiehl’s formulates using advanced science that’s demonstrated to be effective first and foremost. Now, the venerable New York company continues the tradition with the introduction of Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream SPA 50/PA +++, $68.

ADVANCED AND FOCUSED In a market flooded with BB formulas – many offering five, six even ten benefits in one – Kiehl’s drew on its historic skincare expertise to bring customers a true innovation. The first BB (the abbreviation for “blemish balm”) was developed by renowned German dermatologist Christine Schrammek in the 1950s and prescribed to patients to help conceal post-surgery imperfections while nurturing and healing the skin.

With today’s advanced skincare science, Kiehl’s chemists focused on this same essential functionality – concealing imperfections while providing continuous treatment that helps reduce skin discolouration.

Kiehl’s is pleased to present its first BB cream, offering immediate natural-looking coverage and longer term clinically-demonstrated skin tone correction.

In a consumer study, after application, immediate results include: • Instantly conceals flaws and blemishes while providing a natural, nude finish • Leaves skin looking naturally luminous • Provides a poreless finish • Conceals fine lines and wrinkles • Has a lightweight feel and texture on skin • Does not feel greasy on skin • Does not look “cakey” and provides buildable coverage • Skin appears more youthful After consumer trials, respondents agreed that: • It wears and hydrates all day (8 hours) • Maintains even skin tone throughout the day • Colour stays true all day • After as little as 4 weeks (evaluation on bare face), clinical results showed significant skin tone correction: • 35% improvement in skin brightness/ radiance • 32% improvement in the appearance of skin smoothness • 18% reduction in the overall appearance of imperfections • 28% improvement in overall skin appearance • 26% improvement in skin hydration • In a consumer study, after 4 weeks: • 79% saw a reduction in the appearance of dark spots • 88% saw visibly more even skin tone • 85% saw a diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles • 90% saw brighter, more radiant, more luminous skin • 90% felt their skin appeared healthier

THREE TRUE COLOUR SHADES, CAREFULLY FORMULATED “THE KIEHL’S WAY” Formulated with sensitive skins in mind, yet effective for all skin types, Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50/PA +++ is available in 3 shades – fair, light, natural. It offers instantly even skin tone coverage, true colour hues and hydration all day.

All three shades are: • Fragrance free + Paraben free + Mineral oil free Dermatologist and allergy tested for sensitive skin • Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores

Available at all Kiehl’s stores: Robinsons Raffles City T 6338-3457 VivoCity T 6376-9017 TANGS Beauty at TANGS Orchard T 6732- 5394 Tampines Mall T 6785-7610 Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City T 6732-9695 ION Orchard T 6509-8941 Plaza Singapura T 6454-3457 Parkway Parade T 63461276 Bugis Junction T 63369022 Great World City T 67353755

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ONE-NINETY BAR 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.

At One-Ninety Bar, the guest is the focus of the experience. From handcrafted classic martinis to signature cocktails, the team of highly skilled bartenders trained by Javier de las Muelas himself puts their stamp on a highly personalised experience for the customer. Nestled in a quiet enclave of the hotel, the bar exudes a sophisticated yet approachable vibe for one to chill and have a drink at.

As I made myself comfortable, I was offered a drink and was told that it was named after the movie Amelie. With a drink in hand, I took in the surroundings of the bar. A long marble bar takes centrestage indoors. Behind it, shelves are lined with liquor bottles, signature infusions and Droplets, an aromatic collection of naturally flavoured liquids created to enhance cocktails and food, created by Javier de las Muelas. I was then introduced Weekendin 106

to the Show Pantry, where one can find a variety of sweet and savoury delicacies, available from morning to afternoon, such as ham and cheese croissants, yogurt and granola trifle, bagels, as well as cakes.

After finishing up my drink, I was introduced to the bar’s very own outdoor Terraza, where guests may choose to immerse themselves in a resort-like setting amidst greenery. Contrary to the indoor area of the bar, the Terraza was much quieter and exuded a more laidback vibe, perfect for patrons who prefer dining alfresco style. I was handed another drink, and this time, it was the Singapore Sangria, which turned out to be my favourite drink for the night. I later found out that the drink was inspired by tropical fruits found locally, a truly artful amalgam of Singapore and Javier’s Spanish roots. To top it all off, an exclusive cigar bar is available at the Terraza for cigar aficionados.

As I made my way back to the main area of the bar, I had the fortune of sampling a few of the bar bites that One-Ninety Bar had to offer. Besides serving up handcrafted martinis and signature cocktails, One-Ninety Bar also offers a bar-to-table menu for guests to choose from. The menu fea-

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tures gourmet offerings such as wood-fired focaccia with truffle mascarpone cheese, crispy calamari with wine and chipotle aioli, wagyu mini sliders with onion marmalade and horseradish mayo, house-special fried chicken with Habanero chilli fire sauce, and a charcuterie board with spicy Chorizo, Lomo and Iberico ham. My favourite bar bites were the calamari and the wagyu mini sliders, as they complemented my cocktails perfectly.

Possessing great ambience and stellar cocktails, One-Ninety Bar by Javier de las Muelas is a fabulous place to unwind after a long day of work, and also makes for a great place to have a drink and catch up with long lost friends.

One-Ninety Bar | 190 Orchard Boulevard | Singapore 248646 T 6831 7671 | one-ninetybar.sin@fourseasons.com 107 Weekendin

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CITROËN C4 CACTUS NEW WORLD, NEW IDEAS! The world is changing and so are consumer expectations, shifting at growing speed. And cars? CITROËN has an answer to the questions of the day, a real alternative to the compact hatchback: the CITROËN C4 CACTUS. In the fiercely competitive C segment with its apparently immutable design cues, the CITROËN C4 CACTUS stands apart with a unique design that is both functional and attractive. It is an original vehicle that meets a specific challenge: to bring customers more of what really matters.

The CITROËN C4 CACTUS heralds a new order in automotive design: more design more comfort more useful technology …with optimised cost of ownership!

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To solve the equation, CITROËN has adopted an original approach, which is to place greater emphasis on what really matters to customers.

Adopt technological innovations reflecting decisive choices in design, comfort, convenience and running costs: • Airbump, an innovation by CITROËN. Useful, attractive and customisable, this graphic feature enhances vehicle design while protecting the bodywork.

• A fully digital, intuitive interface and airy, connected driving position with controls grouped around a 7-inch touch screen, fitted as standard.

• Wide sofa-style seats at the front • Front passenger airbag transferred to the roof (Airbag In Roof technology), a world exclusive that creates more room and storage space for the front passenger.

• A panoramic glazed roof with advanced heat protection to let the light in while protecting passengers from the heat.

Cut running costs by doing away with the superfluous. By combining an optimised platform with efficient latest-generation engines, CITROËN has been able to reduce the weight of its new vehicle by 200 kg compared with a CITROËN C4. Result: driveability and low fuel consumption (just 82g of CO2/km or 3.1l/100 km for the diesel version and less than 100g of CO2/ km for the petrol version).

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More design means reconciling looks and function, identifying the ideal volumes and extending the pursuit of efficiency to the slightest detail.

The CITROËN C4 CACTUS has unique styling that is both memorable and easy to identify, like all the cars that have made their mark on their times. A design that features: • pure, smooth surfaces, • flowing lines with no aggressive edges, • a floating quarter-light and roof, • a high-tech light signature with daytimerunning LED lights and headlights built into the Airbump, • visual features that each highlight a given function (protection with the Airbumps and wheel arches, transport with the roof bars, and light with the large panoramic glazed roof and advanced heat protection).

Airbump: a CITROËN exclusive Airbump sums up the fundamental purpose of design: to combine style and function. Fitted on the sides and bumpers of the CITROËN C4 CACTUS, they add graphic structure to the pure, smooth lines. Available in four colours (Black, Grey, Dune and Chocolate), they can be matched with the ten body colours and three choices of interior ambience (Ambience Stone Grey, Pack Habana Inside and Pack Purple Inside) to offer a wide range of possibilities for customisation

Above all, they provide real day-to-day protection. The supple TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) skin comprises air capsules to absorb impacts. The Airbump requires no specific maintenance and directly contributes to cutting vehicle servicing and repair costs. This attractive, functional innovation makes city driving a more relaxing experience.

The proportions of the CITROËN C4 CACTUS are optimised for styling, space and driving comfort: • a 2.60m wheelbase (equivalent to a CITROËN C4) placing the emphasis on space, • the dimensions of a compact hatchback (length: 4.16m, width: 1.73m), • an ideal profile in terms of styling with 1/3 glazed areas and 2/3 side panels.

• optimised height of just 1.48m for improved aerodynamics, • shorter overhangs placing the wheels in the four corners.

More Comfort The first way to increase comfort is to free up space for the driver and passengers, to declutter the cabin for a friendlier, more relaxed ambience.

The low dashboard with its horizontal lines creates more space for the front passenger, with generous, easily accessible storage. This result was obtained by adopting a fully digital inter-

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face and optimising the driving position layout: • passenger airbag transferred to the roof (Airbag In Roof technology) and deployed over the length of the windscreen, rather than in the dashboard as usual, • control buttons replaced by a 7-inch touch screen grouping all vehicle functions (air conditioning, media, navigation, parameters, telephone, connected services and driving aids), • conventional instrument cluster replaced by a digital screen, • on versions with the ETG clutchless gearbox, the conventional gearlever is replaced by the “Easy Push” system. This simplified control function comprises a “D,N,R” selection knob on the lower fascia and steeringwheel paddles for changing gears manually.

the ambience, which should be both relaxed and elegant. The clean design lines of the cabin showcase the interior styling. The overall effect suggests the theme of travel, with a nod to the world of luggage design: • door handles that take the form of leather straps, bringing to mind luggage trunks, and a storage compartment with hinge fittings and a pattern in relief on the top part of the dashboard, • seat upholstery, door trim and dashboard in a choice of three colours: Ambience Stone Grey, Pack Purple Inside and Pack Habana Inside.

The wide front seats also reap the benefits of this new architectural approach, with a sofastyle design for a more comfortable, user-friendly ambience.

A fully digital, intuitive full touch driving interface Fitted as standard, a 7-inch touch screen with seven sensitive buttons gives access to a full range of modern vehicle functions (depending on version): • automatic air conditioning, • media (including the digital radio, audio streaming, connection of mobile appliances, and functions to store music and display photos), • navigation (perspective view of maps, speed limit display, taking account of traffic conditions and enabling you to select

At the rear, passenger knee room is similar to that on the CITROËN C4. For an equivalent wheelbase, the CITROËN C4 CACTUS provides the same amount of space for more compact exterior dimensions. It is just 4.16m long, for easy driving and handling in the city. It also provides generous boot capacity of 358 litres.

The second way to enhance comfort is through

More Useful Technology Easy to use, connected and accessible to all, the technologies featured on the CITROËN C4 CACTUS focus on motorists’ real needs:

• •

• •

the most fuel-efficient route), driving aids (display of reversing camera, Park Assist, programmable speed limitercruise control), a telephone (hands-free function via the Bluetooth connection, directory access, display of profile photos and double call management), connected services (CITROËN Multicity Connect portal via a 3G connection), parameter settings (including an interactive onboard manual).

All these controls are grouped on a single screen in order to be continuously available.

The CITROËN C4 CACTUS can also be connected to the CITROËN Multicity Connect application portal, controlled from the 7-inch touch screen with a 3G connection. A range of apps designed for the road make life easier for both driver and passengers: • use the “Fuel” app to find the nearest and/ or cheapest service station; • look for a hotel or restaurant with the “Yellow Pages” or “Trip Advisor” apps; • check the “Michelin Traffic” app for traffic information • or the “Coyote” app for alerts on high-risk zones.

All these applications are fully integrated with the driving interface. They can thus take account of all vehicle-related information (position, speed, route, fuel level, etc.).

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The Compassion Fund

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n the event of a crisis, such as a death, an accident, or a bout of sudden illness, the entire family unit will undoubtedly be affected in many ways. Besides having to cope with the emotional and mental stress that comes along with the unfortunate crisis, the family may also have additional problems on their plate, such as having limited resources and or support to cope. In such situations, families who are unaware that help is available are in danger of spiraling into poverty or developing other chronic family problems. It also affects the younger generation, as teenagers are at risk for dropping out of school.

Established in 2009 as an independent and non-profit charity, Compassion Fund aims to render early and timely assistance to families who are in financial crisis due to the death, accident or illness of a family member.

Their vision is to support and uplift vulnerable children and their families in crisis. Compassion Fund believes that through giving prompt assistance to families during their time of need, it helps them to avoid family disintegration and reduces the chance of them slipping into the throes of poverty. By providing immediate assistance at the point of need, it allows the family to develop more long-term solutions as they grieve.

Beyond financial aid, Compassion Fund also offers crisis counseling and referrals to community resources such as the Family Service Centres and Community Development Councils for longer-term support.

Ever since their establishment, Compassion Fund has been responding to vulnerable children and assisting through a series of holistic approaches. By working with schools, the Fund is notified when a student from a low-income family meets with a crisis. One example of this is the case of Mdm Soh, who was referred by her son’s Primary School when her husband passed away from a heart attack. As Mdm Soh had to look after 3 boys aged 10, 11 and 13, the loss of her husband had a big emoWeekendin 112

tional and financial impact on the family. Compassion Fund assisted Mdm Soh with $600 each month, for a duration of six months, to cover her immediate household needs. Mdm Soh was also referred to a Family Service Centre for grief support and pocket money for her 3 school-going children. Through the aid rendered by Compassion Fund, Mdm Soh then managed to secure full time employment to support her children.

In order to identify more low-income families who are in need, school counsellors, teachers, principals and social workers are encouraged to refer families who may benefit from the Fund. Compassion Fund receives an average of 6 to 8 cases monthly, mainly through Primary and Secondary Schools. Last year, Compassion Fund helped more than 140 children and their families and disbursed around $113,000 through private donations and support from Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) Fund. Families in need are given between $300 and $800 for up to six months to help meet the challenges of the crisis.

Besides giving out financial aid and providing counseling services, Compassion Fund has an annual nation-wide fundraising effort, ShareA-Meal. The annual fundraiser encourages students and corporates to donate the equivalent amount of what they would spend on their lunch. Proceeds of the fundraiser will then go towards helping vulnerable families when they most need assistance. Share-A-Meal reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to help the disadvantaged.

This fundraiser is purely voluntary, and the aim of the fundraiser is to provide students with the experience of giving in a small way to the worthy cause of helping their fellow students. This year, Share-A-Meal will be held on 7th April.

For more information on Compassion Fund, visit their website at www.compassionfund.sg.

intheKNOW

Travel

Insurance explained

When you travel abroad, be it for work or leisure, the last thing you want to worry about is incurring hefty medical expenses or financial losses should any unexpected events occur. The right form of travel insurance is essential for all travellers as it gives you a peace of mind while you travel in a foreign land. But with such a vast range of policies in the market today, how do you know which is the best one for you? It is imperative for you to understand what kind of travel insurance best suits your needs and provides the best form of protection in the face of unpredictable events.

So begs the question—What does basic travel insurance cover? To break it down, travel insurance can be categorised into three different groups—travel related coverage, medical coverage, and personal accident, death and disability coverage.

Travel related coverage Trip Insurance is pretty straightforward and does exactly what the name indicates. It covers you in the event should you require canceling, delaying or interrupting your trip. Additional coverage to look out for would be loss of baggage, travel documents and personal liability coverage.

Personal Liability coverage protects you from any legal liabilities when overseas. Say for example, you run into an accident overseas and accidentally damage someone’s property, Personal Liability Insurance will cover you should you be legally liable to pay compensation, or any legal costs incurred.

Medical Coverage Medical Travel Insurance will cover you if you fall ill or become injured during the period of your travel. There are many unfortunate instances that could land you in a hospital during your holiday or business trip and bills could easily mount up to more than the entire cost of your trip. To counter this problem, choose a policy that will reimburse you for hospitalisation, surgery, treatments and follow up treatments.

Do note, though, that most insurers will not cover for pre-existing conditions and illnesses. Also, do consider getting extra coverage especially in countries with higher medical fees, as those are the ones more likely to burn a larger hole in your pocket in the event of any unfortunate incidents.

If you are planning to head to a rural or remote area, it is highly important to consider Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance before your trip. Without coverage, out of pocket expenses could easily set you back from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Personal Accident Coverage Personal Accident Insurance provides lump sum payout in the event you become permanently disabled or when a death is incurred due to an accident during the trip. Payout will be based on the plan you pick up and benefit levels can vary depending on the policy.

Types of plans available If you are a frequent traveller, it is more economical and convenient to take up an annual travel insurance policy that will cover you for multiple trips. However, if you only travel once in a blue moon, take up a single trip policy. Family plans are also available for single or annual trips.

Look around at the different policies the market has to offer and conduct some research to find out which policy suits your needs and situation. In order to have a better idea about the different types of policies available, the best option would be to hire an insurance agent to advise you accordingly as he or she will be the most equipped to answer your pressing questions and help in administering your claims should the need arise. For more information on travel insurance, contact Arumugam Kumaran, AFC, kumaran@jpara.com, www.jpara.com

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SHOP

Luxur y Leisure Shopping 24 purse-emptying reasons why retail therapy is important

Givenchy Antigona Black Bag, , SGD2,507.90 available at www.ssense.com

Versace Studded Bracelet, SGD631.80 available at www.versace.com

I-Mego Throne Gold Headphones, SGD165.90, available at www.i-mego.com

Vintage 18k Gold Rolex Day-Date with Rare Lapis Lazuli Dial, SGD26,164.20, available at www.modaoperandi.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Haircalf Satchel, SGD1,269.90 available at www.shopbop.com

Clive Christian No.1 Perfume Spray, SGD1,184.73, available at www.nordstrom.com

KORA Luxurious Rosehip Body Oil, SGD267.30, available at www.nordstrom.com

LG Full HD Cinema 3D Smart LED~55�Inch, SGD4,899, available at www.gaincity.com

Thierry Lasry x Kelly Wearstler Sunglasses SGD708.40, available at www.kellywearstler.com

Etro Paisley Calcutta Wallet, SGD545.40 available at www.oneworldavenue.com

Miss Lanvin 40 Porcelain Doll, SodaStream Genesis Soda Maker, SGD895, available at SGD168, available at www.luisaviaroma.com www.estore.tangs.com article by Frances Fuller Founder of Rainbow Healing System and Certified Aromotherapist

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Philips Air Fryer XL, SGD479, available at www.courts.com.sg

Black Lexie Amoire, SGD2,738.20, available at www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

Fan Like Stud Earrings in Dusty Rose, SGD287.60, available at, www.shopbijou.com

Dior Eye Designer SGD76, available at www.beautyfresh.com.sg

Bare Minerals Purely Nourishing Moisturiser, SGD51.60 available at www.feelunique.com

Fornasetti Guitar Chair, SGD6,949.10 available at, www.farfetch.com

Armand Diradourian Mulberry Cashmere Blanket SGD508.70, available at www.shopkitson.com

Raimond Pendant Light, SGD2,364.90, available at www.conranshop.co.uk

Ulysse Nardin Royal Ruby Tourbillon, price unavailable, available at www.thehourglass.com

Veronese Opalino Vase, SGD2,702.40 available at www.yoox.com

LUSH Dream Cream, SGD41 available at www.lushsg.com

Juicy Couture Rhinestone Drama Necklace, SGD285.30, available at www.oneworldavenue.

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intheACTION

An Action-Packed Weekend For those who worry that your child may get hooked on video games, some activities out of the house may remedy those habits and leave your kids yearning for more. Through sport, children learn to inspire themselves and others. It is always a better decision to get kids away from computer games and bring healthy, dynamic activity into their lives.

Inquisitive as they are, children will always be intrigued by new sights and are constantly on the ball trying out new things. Getting them involved in new experiences from a young age will indefinitely mold them into innovative beings in the future, enabling them to discover their strengths and passions as well as to take a breather off their books from school.

On many occasions, many of us grow up feeling fearful about trying out new things. Perhaps you may still remember the constant nagging of your overly protective parents, always cautioning you to be careful when playing outdoors and coming up with a list of do’s and don’ts, and we eventually develop a fear for many things.

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As parents, initiate the first steps into bringing your children out of their comfort zone. Accidents do happen, but it should not stop you from letting them explore the outdoors. Despite being a small country, Singapore has its share of activities that cater even to the young.

If you have not been spending quality time with your children, why not do away with the books, computer games and toys and try out some of these activities to get your kids sweating it out this weekend? As much as the activities benefit your little ones, the time spent may leave you with some important takeaways too. Here are some activities to keep your child occupied over the weekends – a period of fun-filled learning to forge closer parent and child relationships.

Tire the Kids Out

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Encouraging kids to get back to ‘climbing trees’, to try and succeed, Centaurs’ multi sport camps for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 offer an energetic and exciting way to spend the holiday. They run, climb, build, communicate, carry, push, decide, lead, help and have masses of fun, while being guided and advised. Interacting with their peers and elders, they develop skills that will help them throughout life.

Away from studying and being outside, kids learn about themselves and about working with other people. The sports programmes are created to offer everyone a chance to have a go and do more than they thought they ever could. Kids of various levels of fitness and skill are able to join.

The camp day runs from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday. All non-residential camps are based at the Turf City Pitches. External activities are offered on the Tuesday and Thursday of each week and these vary from camp to camp. Drop off and pick up will be at the Turf City pitches each day, including external activity days.

The cost for a full 5-day camp week is $695.

Discounts are available for Centaurs Rugby members and if more than 1 camp week in any one holiday period is attended. A packed programme of sports includes rugby, soccer, handball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, Capturethe-flag, Aussie Rules and many more. - For more information, call 6468 9851.

3.JWT KIDS GYM

2.FOREST ADVENTURE

1.CENTAURS SPORTS CAMPS

For a start, check out the high elements course

by Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir. Your children from as young as five years old can venture beyond their comfort zones and conquer their fear of heights through a variety of rope courses and even an exhilarating zip line.

Posing both physical and emotional challenges, parents play a significant role in providing encouragement and enforcing support for their little ones. Parents are invited to accompany their child on the course especially if they are below 6 and a little nervous or first-timers. Alternatively, a path under the course allows parents to follow their children from the ground.

Better yet, be an inspiration to your child by participating in their Grand Course where you will be exposed to similar challenges on a larger scale. - For more information, visit www.forestadventure.com.

JWT Kids Gym Singapore is one of the pioneers in the non-competitive, children’s fitness industry. It offers a safe and stimulating environment – a place where children can develop their skills and most importantly, have fun while learning. Versatile programmes are aimed at helping children aged 4 months to 9 years old develop and practice their physical skills (building of stamina and endurance), fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility and sport preparation. Using modified children’s fitness equipment and trainers, JWT Kids Gym helps children learn the fundamentals of gymnastics and various sports through a combination of structured games and free play.

Kids need a night out once in awhile too... and that’s where Kids Night Out comes in to play—literally! This is a special evening for children 3 to 9 years of age to let it all hang loose. Just drop your kids off in their pajamas at JWT and they’ll have the best time of their week.

You provide the kids, blankets or sleeping bags, and JWT provides the pizza, drinks, and not forgetting—the fun!

After building forts, playing games and running obstacle courses with friends, your child will enjoy story time, arts and crafts, and then wind down with a Grated movie. Best of all, you enjoy some well-deserved time off too. - For more information, visit funnergym@jwtkidssingapore.com 117 Weekendin

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The Tennis Club was established in 2011 in Singapore with the aim of providing comprehensive tennis coaching services for all ages and all levels for tennis players.

They have highly qualified coaches that are constantly keeping up to date with the changes in tennis, helping them to attain the relevant coaching qualifications and teaching experience they require to deliver quality lessons.

Junior development is one of their specialties, with many programmes and classes aimed at developing juniors from the age of 18 months upwards—in Tots courses and Junior courses— to tournament standard and above. - For more information, visit www.thetennisclub.com.sg.

Mana Mana Beach Club brings a 12-year track record of beach club and watersports operations to Singapore. The beach club offers the best options for both seasoned and social watersports enthusiasts offering a range of facilities to members, general public and those visiting Singapore.

The beach club offers regular watersports courses and programmes for adults and children, equipment rental, storage facilities, alfresco dining with bar, events function room, beach volley ball court, dip/ dive pool, gymnasium, resort standard shower facilities and a proshop.

6.SKATE WITH US

Their programmes cater for children as young as 6 years old, giving them exposure to dinghy

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sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and windsurfing.

Although there is a term break programme for kids to get busy and active during the holidays, you don’t have to wait till then to get started and experience the variety of water sports.

The kids can make friends and sail every week on Saturday or Sunday. For the ages 7 to 14, kids can choose whether they want to kayak, surf, SUP, etc. - For more information, visit www. manamana.com.

Saturday/ Sunday Junior Sailing 10:30-12:30am $280 (members) $325 (non-members) for 4 sessions.

5.THE TENNIS CLUB

4.MANA MANA BEACH CLUB

Skate With Us is the first and only skate school for kids. The only skate school in Singapore to develop a Comprehensive Skating Programme for Pre Schoolers and Children between 3 to 12 years of age, Skate With Us is now an official partner with NTUC First Campus (Formerly known as NTUC Childcare), providing quality, creative and safe inline skating lessons to preschoolers in Singapore.

Under the Sports Education Programme, the Singapore Sports Council endorses their Skate Programmes. A specialised curriculum is offered to children below 12 years old. Classes are kept small and trainers are pre-selected and well trained to work with children of all ages.

At Skate With Us, they understand that children learn differently, so together with their Montessori Partners, they have developed a Born to Skate Programme for juniors age 3 and up! The programmes are uniquely designed to meet the learning needs of children and they believe that children should learn through discovery and active engagement. - For more information, visit www. skate-with-us.com.

Born to Skate Programme $95 for 4 lessons for adults and children aged 8 up $165 for 4 Lessons for children aged 3 to 7 years old (Pee Wee slots)

STRONG FOUNDATIONS, SECURE FUTURES

WORDPLUS TRAINING SERVICES

From nursery to secondary school aged children

Give your child a headstart by enrolling him in a Wordplus programme. The Wordplus approach to learning is to begin stimulation and instruction early so as to maximise on your child’s formative years. The methods used have been proven successful with both local and Asian expatriate children. Let your child experience the fun of learning through our selection of courses designed to cater to every stage of your child’s development and growth.

All courses include the following features: • • • • •

Small classes for closer monitoring Lessons structured to cater to a child’s short attention span Creative approach to training of essential skills Exposure to a wide selection of books Games to make learning enjoyable

Bukit Timah Centre | 170 Upper Bukit Timah Road | #05-54 | Bukit Timah Shopping Centre | Tel: 6463 6536 | www.wordplus.com.sg Ad_84_Wordplus.indd 1

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Coastal

Destinations Summer beach vacations are an annual ritual of many in different countries. And for most of us, these youthful memories of our childhood are what keep those trips vividly etched in our minds—shell collecting, the scent of salty air, the slap of the cottage screen door, the scary height of a big breaker, and grains of sand on the porch, on the picnic mat, and in the bathing suit.

The reasons that compel us to visit and explore coastal destinations vary—we go for rest and relaxation: To stroll the endless beach of a barrier island, build sandcastles with the kids, gaze over a hazy Adriatic from the holiday villa with the arbour of scented jasmine. We go to watch the beach scene: over cotton candy on the boardwalk or over a drink at a seaside bar. We go for adventure: the boating excursion to visit a puffin colony on a wild fjord, the hike atop surf-battered bluffs, the scuba plunge down a cliff of coral.

Embark on the first step of your journey by browsing through the next few pages, and prepare yourself to be lost and found in the most beautiful coastal locales you would have laid your eyes on.

Bring your camera, enjoy the lovely coastline and leave behind only your footsteps in the sand.

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Newfoundland Avalon Peninsula Newfoundland and Labrador is located on the eastern edge of North America. Sharing the same latitude as Paris, France, and Seattle, Washington, this capital is just three hours from Toronto, four from New York, and five and a half from London by plane. To put things in perspective, Newfoundland and Labrador is a little smaller than California, slightly bigger than Japan, and twice the size of the entire United Kingdom.

With the North Atlantic Ocean at their doorstep, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to Iceberg Alley, one of the best places in the world to view icebergs. Just off the coast, the meeting of the cool Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream creates an abundance of marine life that attracts thousands of whales, and provides rich nesting grounds for millions of seabirds.

western world the next. This is a land of rich history and natural wonders: stunning coastlines, breaching whales, icebergs, and some of the most incredible skyscapes you’ll ever see.

With a temperate climate, Newfoundland and Labrador is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking in the late spring, summer and fall, as well as sports like snowboarding, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places to see and appreciate nature in all its glory. Dramatic coastlines, sweeping barrens, thick boreal forests, ancient rock formations, teeming seabird colonies, tiny alpine blossoms, and rich marine life are all part of our diverse natural heritage.

From the island’s rugged south coast and maritime barrens, through the islands of Witless Bay and Baccalieu and the Tablelands of Gros Morne NaWhere Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago, this place is home to the old- tional Park, to the Torngat Mountain ranges, the natural, wild beauty of est settlement and the oldest city in North America, but is the youngest this place surrounds you at every turn - largely untouched and unspoiled. province of Canada. A vast land, with a relatively small population, Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the friendliest people you’ll ever From vibrant cities to quaint, historical outports, mountain ranges, rivers, meet. Here, you can immerse yourself in wilderness solitude one day waterfalls and winding coastlines, there are always fascinating places to see and embrace a vibrant culture at the cutting edge of the contemporary and countless things to do.

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Wales Pembrokeshire Coast Over 180 miles of seashore, blue seas and green countryside, gorgeous gardens and world-class beaches, Pembrokeshire might have been purpose built for making waves and walking, watching wildlife and going green.

An island of sheltered bays, exposed headlands, offshore rocks and shaded inlets, all painted with the graduated colours of lichen, the best location is The Wick—a sheer cliff carved with ledges that are ideally suited to nesting seabirds and easily viewed from the opposite cliff.

ity from Neolithic times to the present.

In its entirety the Coast Path represents a formidable physical challenge — its 35,000 feet of ascent and descent is said to be equivalent to climbing Everest — yet it can also be enjoyed in shorter sections, accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with the small coastal villages strung out along its length offering welcome breaks and added enjoyment.

There are also some remarkably quaint towns and villages to explore, rest, refresh and recuperate in; essential for getting your breath back after experiencing some of those views!

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail twists and turns its way through 186 miles of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain.

From St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, the trail covers Island-hopping is something you just have to do in that part of the world. almost every kind of maritime landscape from rugged cliff tops and shel- Visit or sail around Caldey (off Tenby), Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm tered coves to wide-open beaches and winding estuaries. (off the Dale Peninsula) and Ramsey (off St Davis). Boat trips and sea safaris introduce you to the amazing marine wildlife—seabirds of all kinds What makes the Pembrokeshire Coast Path so interesting is the variety of (including the Pembrokeshire Penguin aka puffin) plus seals, dolphins and landscapes you pass through on your way along it, ranging from steep even whales. limestone cliffs, undulating red sandstone bays, volcanic headlands and flooded glacial valleys. Lying almost entirely within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park—Britain’s only coastal national park—the trail displays an array of coastal flowers and bird life, as well as evidence of human activ123 Weekendin

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New Zealand Tutukaka Coast Natural beauty abounds on the Tutukaka Coast: Rocky shores, and pristine white sand beaches, stunning coastal bush walks, and the incredible Poor Knights Marine Reserve. With cuisine, art, accommodation, shopping and activities to suit almost everyone, it’s no wonder that the Tutukaka Coast was voted as one of the ‘Top Ten Must-Do’s in New Zealand’.

Bay. With parking directly next to the beach, whether you’re a surfer or just enjoying the view, Sandy Bay is great entertainment.

Any time of year and all times of the day, the beaches of the Tutukaka Coast will take your breath away. Ever present on the horizon is the fabulous Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve - snorkel trips, paddle boarding and kayaking amongst schooling fish. The Poor Knights marine reserve and HMS Tui/ HMS Waikato wrecks are dive destinations off the Tutukaka Coast. Dive boats depart daily and with hundreds of sites to choose from, the options are extensive. Several dive companies operate from Tutukaka Marina. Either hire full gear or just the equipment that you need on the day. PADI dive courses, refresher dives and underwater photography are all available for you to immerse yourself!

There are so many beaches to choose from, each with individual character and beauty, with over 26 beaches in our stretch of coastline, you will be guaranteed to find one to yourself. There are white sandy beaches such as Matapouri Bay, Woolley’s Bay, Whale Bay and Whangaumu Bay. There are calm inner harbour pebble beaches such as Pacific Bay, Kowharewa Bay and Church Bay (accessible via Tutukaka Block Road). There is the famous surf beach, Sandy Bay. And that’s only to get you started! Roads and pathways lead to many of the beaches, whilst others are accessible via the coast by The Tutukaka Coast offers walkers and coastal scenery lovers of all fitness climbing around the rocks at low tide. levels and ages an extensive range of spectacular and world-class short to long walks. The panoramic scenery is breathtaking, the beaches pristine and Sandy Bay and the Ngunguru Bar are the Tutukaka Coast’s most popular often secluded and the native New Zealand bush superb. Whether you have surfing spots. You can hire boards and take lessons through Tutukaka Surf 5 minutes or several hours available, there is a walkway for you on the TuExperience based in Tutukaka Marina. Beginners, families, groups and expe- tukaka Coast. rienced surfers are all welcome. Surfing competitions take place at Sandy Weekendin 124

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Chile Chilean Fjords Strikingly rich in natural and historical attractions, the narrow fjords on the west coast of Chile penetrate deeply into the mountains of the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, a major part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is the largest of the protected areas in Chile and with no large rivers in the area, the fjords drain water from outlet glaciers of the ice-capped, storm-swept elevations. It is a large area of uninhabited islands, deep sounds, breathtaking glaciers and narrow passages. Because of its rugged geography and the remoteness of the area, tourism in the park, as yet, has scarcely been developed.

Comprehensive expeditions afford a unique opportunity to visit the gorgeous landscapes of the Chilean fjords. It surely is a different world, a paradise of forests, ice and sea, a place where visitors are astonished by the rich variety of flora and fauna, especially if they have the option of getting closer in motorboats. Many continue their trip to take in the last great wilderness left on Earth, Antarctica.

astounding natural wonders at hand make for an unforgettable experience.

A voyage through Chile’s fjords is an exhilarating experience. It offers the traveller extraordinary sights of untamed natural beauty as well as an interesting history. After a morning at sea, arrive at the stunningly beautiful Caletta Tortel, a remote Chilean village built on the shores of the Baker River. As there are no roads in the town, a series of boardwalks connect the community. Use a cruise to explore the mouth of the Baker River, navigating the small channels, and landing at the Isla de las Muertos, where 135 graves tell a sad story of exploration and exploitation.

Against a backdrop of spectacular peaks, the fjords and islands of the Chilean coast are home to dolphins, whales, seals, and Magellanic penguins.

Exploring onboard a cruise and on foot, pass below walls of blue glacier, skirt tiny islands thick with vegetation, and discover hidden lakes and waterfalls.

The stunning scenery of the Chilean coast’s southernmost section being discovered by the travel industry means that cruise ships now navigate its mountain-flanked channels and inlets in increasing numbers, making it a cruise-ship destination. Combining the comfort of a cruise ship with the 125 Weekendin

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Hawaii Napali Coast The Napali Coast nourishes the soul with its famous majestic coastline, featuring emerald green pinnacles towering along the shoreline for 17 miles. Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the Napali Coast features panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in these valleys existing only on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.

With only approximately 10 percent of Kauai accessible by car, the rest of the island can only be explored by hiking, air tours and kayaking. The only land access to this enchanted area is via the Kalalau Trail—an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach, crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. This is one of the most challenging, and sometimes even treacherous, Kauai hikes with narrow sections and muddy topsoil from rainfall. Many hikers choose to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp Weekendin 126

at the beach of Hanakoa, and then heading to Kalalau the next morning.

But even non-hikers can enjoy the amazing scenery of the Napali Coast.

Boat tours depart from Port Allen on the West Side and during the summer months, guided kayaking trips can give you access to awe-inspiring views of the sea cliffs, while air tours can show you scenic Napali areas that aren’t accessible by land or water.

Kokee State Park also features some of the island’s best hiking trails. On Kauai’s shoreline, you can discover a variety of hidden beaches. From Mahaulepu Beach east of Poipu Beach Park, where George C. Scott portrayed Ernest Hemingway in the film Islands in the Stream, to the North Shore’s Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach), Kauai’s beautiful beaches are always a joy to discover.

You can also find hidden treasures in Kauai’s small towns, from the art galleries of Hanapepe to the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Centre in Waimea Town. Sail the Napali Coast or explore its hidden sea caves by cruise. Or to really try something new, go on an outdoor adventure by ziplining above Kauai’s rainforests or mountain tubing in Lihue’s irrigation channels. You’ll see that some of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets can be found on Kauai.

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Oman Batinah Coast North of Muscat lies the Al Batinah region, which stretches along the coast beyond the capital all the way up to the UAE border. This was once the most vibrant and cosmopolitan region in Oman, thanks to its wealth of natural resources and proximity to the great civilisations of Mesopotamia and, subsequently, Persia, although the gradual emergence of Muscat as the country’s principal city and port led to a steady decline in the Batinah’s economic fortunes, and things are a lot quieter now. Away from the main coastal highway, most of the region is pleasantly comatose, with a sand-fringed coastline, dotted with fishing boats and old forts and backed by endless date plantations.

before you reach Sohar, Oman’s former commercial capital and still the largest town in the north, although there are disappointingly few physical reminders of its long and illustrious history.

Inland from Al Batinah, Al Dhahirah region covers a wide and largely featureless expanse of desert. Few tourists make it there, unless transiting between Oman and Al Ain in the UAE via Al Dhahirah’s main town, Buraimi, home to a pair of fine forts and with a lively mercantile atmosphere. Further down the road lies Ibri, home to yet another fort and the remarkable old mudbrick village of As Suleif, while clusters of Bronze Age tombs lie scattered around the nearby hills at Bat and Al Ayn.

At the southern end of the region lies the personable town of Seeb, within hailing distance of the capital and international airport, and sleepier Barka, home to a fine fort, the absorbing old Bait Na’aman and occasional bullbutting contests. Both Seeb and Barka make good bases from which to explore the Batinah’s main attraction, the so-called Rustaq Loop, a fine drive between the coast and the foot of the Hajar mountains, taking in the superb forts at Nakhal, Rustaq and Al Hazm, with numerous dramatic wadis shooting off into the hills en route, offering myriad off-road opportunities. Back on the coast, the Sawadi and Daymaniyat islands offer some superb diving, although otherwise there’s not much to detain you 127 Weekendin

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British Columbia Gulf Islands So you’ve decided it’s time to see what all the fuss is about when it exploring as you like – either actively (hiking, biking, kayaking) or in more comes to the Gulf Islands — but how do you decide which ones to relaxed fashion while bird-watching, beachcombing or catching rays in a see first? deckchair.

The southern Gulf Islands stretch along Vancouver Island’s eastern coastline from Saturna near the Canada-U.S. maritime border north to Gabriola offshore from Nanaimo. A half dozen of the larger islands are full-service vacation destinations for weekenders and long-stay visitors. Several hundred more smaller, uninhabited islands serve ocean kayakers, pleasure boaters, seabirds and slumbering colonies of sea lions.

Maybe you’re attracted to Mayne Island’s storied history as a stopover point for miners en route to the Fraser River Gold Rush in the late 1850s; or the immense beauty of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve areas; or the colourful non-mainstream culture of all the islands and their residents.

Inhale the fresh air and scenery. Snap photos of apple orchards, sheep-filled fields, fishing harbours and the panoramic views from cliffside hiking trails.

The islands share West Coast natural beauty and weather, and a culture Wander through rare Garry oak ecosystems or hang out with the regulars in forged from generations of independent-thinking residents, yet each has its coffee shops and pubs while learning best-kept island secrets direct from own character, history and amenities, which are readily discerned through a the source. visit or two. They range substantially in size, population and services, but all of them offer safe, rural environments and a sense of getting away from it Whatever you seek and whatever you discover, once you’ve seen the Gulf all — not that they don’t hum with activity on weekends during the height Islands for yourself, you’ll stop wondering why they’re such a celebrated part of visitor season. of the world.

Getting there by ferry or floatplane is part of the adventure and practical proof that you’ve made the great escape. Settle in to the welcoming embrace of a B&B, inn, resort or campground, then do as little or as much Weekendin 128

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Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Costa Rica’s Caribbean province of Limon runs 125 miles (200 km), from the northern Nicaraguan border to the southern border with Panama. Exotic nature reserves, such as the famous Tortuguero National Park, beckon adventurous travellers to explore overlooked areas with beauty and wildlife, while alluring southern beaches allow visitors to relax in an easy Caribbean vibe. With a mesh of Tico and Afro-Caribbean culture, Limon Province displays a unique side of Costa Rica.

The smooth alluvial plain, which extends westward from the Atlantic coast to the mountain ranges of Costa Rica’s heartland, provides an ideal location for the villages that dot Highway 32’s descend from the Central Highlands. Banana plantations envelop much of the surrounding terrain, as do thick rainforests, which grow in density with every step northward. The region’s climate is undoubtedly sustained by Costa Rica’s highest annual rainfall averages. It’s no wonder that some of the most ecologically diverse parks in the country are located in Limon’s northeast (Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre, Barra del Colorado, and Parque Nacional Tortuguero.) Here, swampland encompasses such an immense area that parks such as Tortuguero are only accessible by plane or motorboat.

South of Puerto Limon, the Talamanca Mountain Range makes its way toward the coast. The region derives its name, Talamanca, from these overbearing mountains, which forever cast their shadow on the coastal hamlets below. In this area, Cahuita National Park, with its translucent blue-green water, hosts a great coral reef for those interested in snorkeling or scuba diving. The Jamaican roots of Cahuita’s inhabitants heavily influence the easy-going culture of this costal village.

Further south, Puerto Viejo prides itself as the best surfing spot on Coast Rica’s Caribbean. Its reputation is well-deserved thanks to fabulous surfs that barrel their way along the shore. Puerto Viejo’s tiny coastal hamlet is popular with the alternative crowd, as well as surfers. The nightlife presents an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, Tico, and foreign culture that mesh together at the town’s discos.

Perhaps the greatest draw for visitors to the province of Limon is a distinct multiculturalism that’s unique to the region. Approximately one-third of the population is black, primarily of Jamaican descent, and many indigenous Bribri and Cabecar people live among the Talamanca areas. Limon’s multicultural dynamic can be found up and down the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

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Nova Scotia South Shore South Shore traditions are shaped by the sea. Starting at Peggy’s Cove with its world-famous lighthouse and ocean vistas, the coastline continues dotted with over 25 proud lighthouses that stand guard over charming fishing villages and island-studded bays all along the South Shore, secluded coves and inviting beaches that offer countless outdoor adventures including sea kayaking, sailing, surfing and diving.

Then move inland to Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site for outstanding hiking, biking and camping.

these artists with masterly chefs who prepare some of the province’s finest culinary offers for a truly memorable South Shore experience.

Celebrate the timeless romance of the sea. The Lighthouse Route journeys through an unforgettable landscape of coastal beauty and historic charm that has captured the hearts and minds of travellers for generations. Imagine the landscape as it was when Champlain and de Monts first arrived four centuries ago. Follow shoreline roads past rugged, wave-carved headlands and tranquil, island-studded bays. Discover historic towns and weathered fishing Fishing and shipbuilding were the industries that created many of the scenic villages where legends of the sea come alive and the rhythm of life moves towns and villages along the South Shore. Lunenburg’s distinctive historic in harmony with the tides. waterfront with its bright red buildings beckons visitors to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous schooner Bluenose II. Shelburne honours its boat building past by crafting dories and building boats at the Muir-Cox Shipyard just as they have since 1820. Privateer Days in Liverpool pay tribute to maritime history with a vivid re-enactment of a battle between townspeople and privateers from the American Revolution who were infesting Nova Scotia’s waters.

For centuries, the beauty of the South Shore has inspired artists, writers and musicians. Numerous festivals and theatres bring to life colourful characters, stories and music that capture the spirit of this dynamic coastal region. Pair Weekendin 130

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Australia Broome From fiery red ochre cliffs contrasting with bright turquoise waters to pearl diving sagas and dinosaur footprints – the history of Broome is as captivating as the scenery. Where the sky meets the land, the desert meets the sea, where white sands, red rocks and cobalt blue waters come together; on a peninsula not more than 15km long, there rests the town of Broome. Often referred to as the southern gateway to the Kimberley, this tropical seaside town simply oozes charm and character. Yet it’s not just the spectacular setting, but also warm winter days and balmy summer nights that make Broome Tours a one-of-a-kind holiday destination.

the Savannah Way between Broome and Darwin via Kununurra; and the 660 kilometre Gibb River Road.

Derby, east of Broome, is the base for exploring the Buccaneer Archipelago – a thousand or so islands scattered across the Timor Sea. The Kimberley is larger than the states of Victoria and Tasmania put together, and driving distances between major towns are long, so you’ll need to plan plenty of time for your visit.

Kununurra, or ‘big water’ in the local Aboriginal language, is more than 1000 kilometres from Broome. Here you’ll find the mysterious beehiveBroome is an exotic pearling town at the western gateway to The Kimber- shaped rock formations of the Bungle Bungles in World Heritage-listed ley region of Western Australia, with a history and culture as vibrant as its Purnululu National Park, the rugged gorges of the Mitchell Plateau and landscape. Situated in the state’s far north, a two and a half hour flight from Horizontal Falls and the amazing Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art, Perth, it’s an oasis of colour, culture and characters. some of the oldest on earth.

Here you can shop for exquisite Broome pearls or rare pink diamonds, or The vast blue skies, fiery red soil and rugged bush landscape of Broome ride a camel into the sunset along the pure white sands of Cable Beach. and its surrounds bring to life the best of the Australian outback.

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Italy Cinque Terre Cinque Terre is a piece of the Ligurian Coast, only 15 miles long. It consists of 5 villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. The villages are connected by a train track that finds itself a way along the coast through many tunnels. The walking trail that connects the villages is very spectacular, with many magnificent views on the coastline.

The Ligurian, solitary and private by nature, also possess an innate stinginess. Although frequently subject to ironic comments, such parsimony comes from the prudence of those who for centuries have had to produce their food from the tiny strips of land available between the sea and the mountains. This land, however, produces the most flavourful basil, exceptional olive oil, and due to the richness of algae and strong currents, the tastiest fish. Ligurian cooking is dense with flavours and aromas, resulting from combinations rather than mixtures. A sublime example is the cappon magro or thin capon. It’s a laborious construction in the form of a pyramid made up of six or seven types of both fish and vegetables cooked separately and then built layer by layer on a base of crackers and covered with a rich sauce based on olive oil and anchovies. The element of Ligurian cooking is olive oil that comes from those tortured trees clinging to the hills that fall almost perpendicular to the sea.

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The wine of Cinque Terre is primarily a white wine and made from the grapes of the vineyards along the slopes of the mountains of Cinque Terre. Some vineyards are still being cultivated, for the specialists, with Bosco, Albarola and Vermentino grapes. The specialty is the SciacchetrĂ : liquored wine with 18% of alcohol. It is made by drying the grapes for a few months in a very dry place. The wine is at its best after some further years of ripening with a piece of Gorgonzola.

Higher up in the hills, in the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, you can find back the peacefulness and quietness, with even more spectacular views on the coastline. There is a dense network of hiking trails, connecting each of the villages with the trail along the top of the hills behind (going up to 800 metres). A walking holiday in Cinque Terre is recommended especially in the spring or in the autumn when it is cooler.

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Namibia Skeleton Coast Skeleton Coast North is perhaps the greatest wilderness area in Af- The whole area contains just two small camps, the iconic Skeleton Coast rica. This private concession includes the northernmost 400km of Camp and the more basic Skeleton Coast Research Camp, both of which the Namibian coastline up to Angola. It is an utterly wild and savage can only be accessed by light aircraft. place whose beaches are littered with shipwrecks and whalebones.

Inland from here, the area around the village of Purros, which in itself is a Certainly this coast has proved to be a graveyard for shipping. The most fabulous part of the world, is open to public access and contains a number famous incident was that of the Dunedin Star, a substantial supply ship of accommodation options, the most upmarket of which is Okahirongo which ran aground in 1942 when sailing out of Cape Town. Over one hun- Elephant Lodge. It is 55km from the skeleton coast and around 200km dred men, women and children managed to make it to shore in lifeboats, south of the Kunene River in the north of Namibia. Often described as one but then faced an terrible ordeal trying to survive in the desert whilst wait- of the last true wilderness areas, the Kaokoveld is home to the nomadic ing for help. The rescue mission has a real tale of misadventure, leading Himba tribe as well as uniquely desert adapted elephant, lion, black rhino to the wreck of another ship, two plane crashes and an overland convoy and giraffe. getting lost in the desert.

This is a great location for beachcombing. Although there are generally fewer shipwrecks these days, the wreckage of earlier events still litters the beaches. In some places it is possible to walk amongst wind-worn detritus and pick out all manner of interesting items including old Victorian bottles, sections of old wooden sailing vessels, brass plates with cabin numbers, portholes and stair spindles, and not to mention a whole range of more modern fishing tackle.

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across the Straits In this issue: Special features on Malaysia’s Walking Trails You can say that Malaysia is evolving into one of the region’s travel hub in recent years. Flagged off by The Right Honourable Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and graced

by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Visit Malayia Year (VMY 2014) took off with a momentous bang earlier last January. Thousands witnessed the extravaganza of Malaysia’s vocal powerhouses and a dazzling display of fireworks, hence hailing the start of a year round of activities and festive galore. Having received several accolades and yielding in a number of international awards to date, Malaysia is fast-becoming as one of the prime destinations regionally as well as internationally to visit.

Ranked on the top ten list of the Friendliest Country in the World by Forbes Online in 2012, you will be made to feel at home by the warm reception of the locals there.

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Langkawi’s Kilim River

A view from Canopy Walk

One of many amazing creatures that live in Malaysia’s forests

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Like any other developing nation, Malaysia had also fallen prey to environmental degradation over the past decades. The country has been plagued by logging and cultivation practices that have been detrimental to the forests’ biodiversity. Despite the wreckage of life in these habitats, Malaysia has been proactive in retaining a relic of its history through its environmental preservation efforts in the bid to reduce the damage done by the rigorous nation-building plans. The remainder of its vast expanse of tropical rainforests now serve as a resting place for thousands of plant and animal species endemic to the region. Till this day, the thriving forests have been munificent in giving hikers an insight of life in the wilderness.

Having divided its territories between two regions, one being Peninsula Malaysia and the other in East Malaysia located on the Bornean island, one can find a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna on both frontiers. Beginning on the Eastern front, Borneo holds residence to not only Indonesia and Brunei, but also the states of Sabah and Sarawak, both of which reside within the Malaysian territory. Occupying an area of more than 75,000 hectares in the Northern region of Sabah, the Kinabalu National Park lies in a blanket of green, housing wildlife within the foliage that are waiting to be uncovered by the curious

traveler. Activities such as the Via Ferrata are at your disposal should you wish to set yourself up for new challenges. On the other hand, Sarawak possesses another set of experience unparalled to any other. Known for its extensive cave systems, many have ventured far from all over the world to get a first-hand experience within the walls of these natural wonders.

With 11 states and two federal territories to its name, Peninsula Malaysia is also abundant in its share of hikes and trails. For those living in Singapore and want to spend an adventurous weekend away from the office, make Johor your stop for the weekend and gear up for a day of trekking the forested trails at Gunung Ledang, which is also known as Mount Ophir. Reportedly deemed as the oldest rainforest in the world, you will find Taman Negara as you progress further up in the North into the state of Pahang. With such richness in its geographical diversity, caving is also predominant in Perak as well, where scores of people visit the famed Gua Tempurung every year. Even Selangor has received much recognition for its popular canopy walk, which hangs at a height of 30 metres above the ground. Head on down to Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Taman Negara or the Kilim River in Kedah for bird watching opportunities.

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The forest is host to a diverse variety of creatures, including this spider that can be found in the National Parks

Kids having fun at Poring Hot Springs

Relax and unwind at Poring Hot Springs

With so much to explore in the jungles and nature trails in Malaysia, you will never know what you will find even if you think that you have reached the cul-de-sac. From setting foot upon the muddy paths, cruising down the river or wading through the caves, to scaling the walls of Mount Kinabalu, there is always something for every adventure seeker regardless of your physical capability. Malaysia’s richness in biodiversity is certainly a blessing that should be preserved in the future years to come.

Kinabalu National Park

Home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, Sabah is not only recognised for its lush herbage, but also for its mountain ranges. One of which is located in the heart of Kinabalu National Park, Mount Kinabalu, which is one of the most prominent geographical features in the Malay Archipelago. A resident of the Crocker Range, a trip up this towering 4,095-metre tall mountain would be a captivating one as the enveloping rainforest propels you into another dimension of luxuriant blooms and foliage. The journey in the wilderness leading up to the mountain will be one to unveil a copious number of species of plants and animals that are endemic to the

The majestic view of Mount Kota Kinabalu

forests. While scaling Mount Kinabalu, you will stumble across many species of birds that are native to the territory including the frequently spotted Mountain Blackbird. As you tread upon the grounds of the park, be sure to keep on a look out at your surroundings. You may occasionally get a glimpse of reptilian figures, and arthropod species. Although a better part of brute creation are night dwellers, sightings of the Bornean Gibbons and Leaf Monkeys are not impossible. Venturing slightly off the beaten path, you will find several other species of pitcher plants endemic to the Sabah rainforests alongside the illustrious Nepenthes Raja.

Poring Hot Spring

Deriving its name from a species of giant bamboo that flourishes in the vicinity, Poring is found nestled amongst the rich verdure at a distance of 40 kilometres away from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. You may want to make a stop here to check out their famed hot sulfur spring bath, a feature which was first developed during World War II. Encompassed by its placid surroundings, the open-air baths topped with hot spring water is an ideal destination for those worn out from a day of trekking. Alternatively,

Natural waterfall at Mount Kota Kinabalu

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Traveling down stream in Sarawak’s Mulu National Park

The Pitcher Plant commonly found in Malaysia’s National Parks

Enjoy the beautiful sunset in Miri

hang around the turf by exploring the 43-metre intermediate route takes up to 5 hours, ending Langs Cave tall canopy walk and visit the renowned Rafflesia, the journey with an exclusive view of the sights At just a stone’s throw away from the Deer Cave, the largest flower in the world. encompassing Kinabalu National Park. the Langs Cave offers a slightly different experience. Being smaller than the resident Deer Cave, the latter has walls bedecked with long shawls Pushing Your Limits Caving in Sarawak One activity adored by many is the Via Fer- Also situated in the Bornean region, the state of with layers of rim stone pools, creeping stalagrata (‘Iron Road’ in Italian), where the mountain Sarawak holds residence to the famous Gunung mites and stalactites adorning the cavity. Unlike paths are outfitted with a series of rails, cables Mulu National Park in Miri. Its superlative beauty the former, the bats here are at viewing distance and rungs against the rock face. With more than and caving experience here is one unparelled and small white cave prawns are cloaked in 300 of such routes worldwide, none can be com- to any other in the region and its caves are a pools of water entrenched in the grounds of the pared to Mount Kinabalu’s route, which boasts favourite among for tourists, cavers and geolo- cave. Take a break from the exhausting hike by the highest of its kind in the world. The highest gists alike. For the leisure traveler, suit up for a seeking refuge at the Bat Observatory during the point starts at 3,400 metres and ends at an as- day of exploration at any of the four show caves, evenings to catch the colony of bats taking flight tounding 3,800 metres. Mount Kinabalu’s routes mainly the Wind, Clearwater, Deer and Langs from the Deer Cave. Perk yourself up by having have been thoughtfully conceived to accom- Caves. A hike along the Rainfall Discovery Walk some refreshments that are on sale each aftermodate to people even without the relevant will lead you to the world’s largest cave passage noon. mountaineering experience. Those with little or – the Deer Cave. Upon entering, you will notice no climbing experience are also presented with the loads of huge boulders scattered around Watch the Bats take to the the opportunity to scale the rock faces that are the archaic riverbed that was once carved by usually achieved by the professionals. To par- the turbulent waters. Hanging from the colossal Skies ticipate, one has to be able to hike up to 3,200 scalloped walls are a 3 million strong colony of As evening approaches, settle yourself at the metres in 6 hours; be at least 10 years old; 1.3 Wrinkle Lipped bats with birds occasionally glid- Bat Observatory for the highly-anticipated bat metres tall; and of course have the determina- ing into the depths of the cave. The path pro- exodus of the twelve species of bats that hold tion to overcome the obstacles at great height. gresses further until you hear the thunderous fall residence in the Deer Cave. As you await in anticThe beginner’s route will take you about 2 to of water reverberating in the distance from the ipation of the nightly flight of the bats together with the rest of the audience, you will be kept 3 hours to conquer the granite walls while the Garden of Eden.

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occupied with a screening of the bat activity from within the remoteness of the cave via the MULU BAT CAM. It is a remote controlled, closed circuit TV system which brings you virtually up close and personal with the millions of bats residing in the Deer Cave. As the sun inches closely towards the horizon, Bat Hawks take up their roost on the cliff face, marking the beginning of dusk. The much-anticipated wait comes to a close when large ring-shaped formations take to the skies across the woodlands in a spiraling fashion.

Clearwater Cave

When in the vicinity, you have to make a trip down to the Clearwater Cave, the longest cave systems in the world with a subterranean route of over 170 kilometres. Huge logs residing on the banks and chocked away under massive boulders are a testament to the power of the raging subterranean river. You can even get an opportunity to cool off from the heat by taking a dip into spotless waters with the fish located at the cliff face or recline into the lush greenery at the Clearwater picnic site.

World’s Largest Cave Chamber

The forest trails in Selangor offer a cornucopia of wonders for you to discover and will not leave you disappointed

Being known as the largest cave chamber in the world, this next name will definitely ring a bell to many. Living In the heart of Gunung Mulu National Park is the gargantuan Sarawak Cave Chamber. Capable of housing 10 jumbo jets, the chamber replaced what used to be considered as the largest underground chamber in the world - the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Trekking the Sarawak Chamber is no easy feat and poses a challenge for even the most seasoned of cavers. Taking off at dawn, you will tag along the Summit Trail for approximately three hours before reaching the mouth of Good Luck Cave. Your real adventure begins from here as you tag along a rocky trial with rock faces rising to as high as 50 metres on both sides with an accompanying 800 metre river channel in order to reach the chamber. After traversing the rocky terrain and overcoming a steep boulder slope, you will soon be presented with a close-up view of the murky darkness of the world-famous chamber. In the light of high water levels, your tour may be redirected to a trip to the Drunken Forest.

Gunung Ledang

Peak of Gunung Ledang

A popular destination among many climbers and fervent lovers of nature, Johor’s Gunung Ledang is an ideal place for beginners who are setting foot on a mountain trial for the first time.

Ask any of the locals here and you may be in for a treat or two with some of their popular legends and folklore. Legend has it that the Princess of Gunung Ledang declined the marriage proposal by the Sultan of Melaka. It was rumoured that the Sultan was unable to meet the impossible demands of the Princess which included seven 139 Weekendin

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Surrounded by a forest reserve brimming with a variety of towering tropical trees, the Lata Kekabu rainforest waterfall is the perfect stopover for those who want to get a slice of nature.

The canopy walk in Pahang is a crowd pleaser, offering an all-inclusive view of life in the rainforest canopy.

jars of women’s tears, seven trays of mosquito hearts and seven bowls of the Sultan’s son’s blood. As a result, the latter has since sought refuge in the mountain and has been living in the hidden cave till this day. Your climb will be led by a trail leading up to the peak. Stay alert to your surroundings as you make your way up as you may occasionally catch a glimpse of giant butterflies and brightly coloured spiders going about their daily routine amongst the lush flora.

At a height of 1,276 metres above sea level, you will have the opportunity to get a picturesque view of the Straits of Melaka. You can even retreat into the serenity of the Sagil Waterfall for a picnic.

An Extraordinary Glimpse of History

Spanning across the states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, Taman Negara is reputed as the oldest tropical rainforest in the world with an estimated age of 130 million years old. Beneath the splendid spread of evergreen lies several of Malaysia’s endangered wildlife species and also a manifests a massive variety of insects. This haven is widely known for housing mammals such as the Malayan Tiger, Asia Elephant, Sumatran Weekendin 140

The caves of Gua Tempurung compromise of five huge domes that resemble coconut shells, this natural limestone cave is the largest in Peninsula Malaysia and morbidly beautiful within

Rhinoceros as well as the Crab-eating Macaque.

The bird species are manifold, rendering the park the perfect place for bird lovers to capture that photographic moment of a lifetime, or even get the rare opportunity to spot the Malayan Peacock-Pheasant. Every year, many tourists flock in numbers to Taman Negara for their river cruises and jungle trekking experience. In addition, the canopy walk is a crowd pleaser, offering an allinclusive view of life in the rainforest canopy. For those with a zest for adventure, you may want to consider spending the night at the humble huts that are built on elevated ground above. These residences provide excellent opportunities to observe animals going about their daily lives in their natural habitat.

world. Over the years, amazing speleotherms such as stalagmites, stalactites, rim stone, pools as well as calcite crystals form the grandeur magnificent limestone cave. Within some parts of the cave, walkways have been built for visitors to enjoy a pleasant stroll while taking in the majestic sights. In addition, an underground stream flows 1.6 kilometres through the cave consisting of various water levels at different stretches, ranging from ankle deep to chest high. Visitors who are up for a challenge can choose from a selection of guided tours that cater according to your interests and levels of fitness. The most grueling route would lead you to the underground stream, overcoming rocky paths as well as crawling through water and rocky holes. Avid cavers can gear up for an adrenaline-pumping time through these series of obstacles. The limestone Perak’s Wonders cave is home to many life-forms such as fish and For a thrill seeking adventure and an absolute bats. It will be a sight to behold during the matsurreal experience, why not muster your gut and ing season from March to May. embark on a caving tour at Gua Tempurung?

Comprising of five huge domes that resemble coconut shells, this natural limestone cave is the Treading on the Beaten largest in Peninsula Malaysia and morbidly beauPaths of Perak tiful within. Although it is more than 400 million Surrounded by a forest reserve brimming with a years old, this cave is still able to retain its charm variety of towering tropical trees, the Lata Kekato attract numerous tourists from all around the bu rainforest waterfall is the perfect stopover for

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Nature at it’s best at Canopy walk

Being a part of the Bintang Hijau mountain range, the forest park attracts visitors with its meandering stream and a 18-metre tall waterfall

The limestone cave of Gua Tempurang is home to many life-forms such as fish and bats

those who want to get a slice of nature. Situated 10 kilometres from Lenggong town and about 3 kilometres away from the scenic Chenderoh Lake, this nature park is being watched by the Perak Forestry Department. Being a part of the Bintang Hijau mountain range, the forest park attracts visitors with its meandering stream and a 18 metre tall waterfall. Concrete walking paths have been carved out and trials are well-marked so that visitors can trek the grounds of this lush tropical forest with ease. The adventuresome can stray from the marked paths by scaling the waterfall or even explore further off the riverbanks to discover more of the jungle. Catering to trekkers from all walks of life, the area provides visitors with a number of sightseeing and picnic spots that fringe the forest river, making it a great place to recline in the comfort of the unruffled foliage. Lata Kekabu is equipped with a multipurpose hall which can be used for conducting meetings and the like. Also, a campsite has been erected exclusively for those seeking an alternative kind of accommodation.

Captivating Selangor

The 200-metre long canopy walkway at FRIM can be found suspended at 30 metres above ground

level at FRIM in the heart of Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve. Constructed in 1992 for the purpose of the scientific study of flora and fauna, visitors will be offered a sweeping view of the forest and the Kula Lumpur region from a distance. Complemented with a waterfall and a river that cuts through the forest, this back-to-nature experience will leave visitors feeling refreshed and the desire to discover more. There are four jungle tracks to choose from: Keruing Trail, Rover Track, Engkabang Trail and the Salleh Trail, with the latter two being more popular amongst tourists.

Visitors will need to to purchase a ticket from the souvenir counter before proceeding with the trails. For those who wish to know more about the plant species that inhabit the forest can pick up a brochure to bring along during the trek. Get up close and personal in the wilderness by setting camp at FRIM but do remember to seek permission from the relevant authorities prior to the trip. Apart from being closed on Mondays and Fridays, the canopy walkway is opened to the public from 9.30am to 2.30pm, where registration closes at 1.30pm.

A bridge at canopy walk

Bird Watching in Selangor’s Forests

Formerly a mangrove forest, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, which is also known as Taman Alam, is the resting place for many of its plant and animal species. Located only half an hour away from the city, this forest enchants many with its resident and migratory birds alongside other animals like the Silvered Leaf Monkeys and Otters. Covering an area of 497 acres of secondary forest, the territory is managed under a cooperative arrangement with the Selangor State Government. Sitting in the heart of the forest is a man-made lake controlled by sluice gates and serves as a feeding ground for many of the birds species here.

Surrounding the lake are viewing huts and towers with views of birds, predominantly the waders and water birds. Zealous bird watchers would deem this place a paradise as a headcount of over 100,000 from about 30 species were previously recorded to converge at the forest during the peak of the bird watching season. Unless you are a seasoned hiker, a guide is necessary to help navigate you into the depths of the forest.

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Little Girl in Blue - One of the many murals by Ernest Zarevic in Penang

clearly marked trails, with paths ranging from 30 to 80 minutes long. Broadways have also been established to allow visitors to have easier access to the mangroves.

ranti and Merawan Baru. Interestingly, Penang National Park is the only known place in Penang where the red, paper-like barked Gelam trees thrive. In addition, this park is exclusive to Malaysia, comprising of six different types of habitats: a Meromictic Lake, wetlands, mangroves, mudPenang’s Untouched Beauty Previously known as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve flats, coral reefs as well as turtle nesting beaches. within the local community, the 2,562 hectare of land has since evolved into the modest Penang A Laidback Weekend at Kedah National Park. The smallest national park in Ma- If you think that you had enough of getting dirt laysia was gazetted in 2003 and now houses 46 splattered all over during your trek, seek an alterspecies of birds such as the Great Egrets, Stork- native cruising the waters at Kilim National Park Billed Kingfishers and the White-Breasted Water- in Langkawi. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see hens. A total of 417 plant and 143 animal spe- the lush mangrove forests blending in so effortcies were recorded during an expedition back in lessly with the isolated stretch of beaches and the year 2000 by the Malaysian Nature Society. blue lagoons. As the boat meanders through the Apart from trekking through the forested envi- river, you will soon be exposed to the ecosysron, you can also fish or even take a dip into the tems and natural wonders of the park. Some of water. Lying within the park’s borders is the un- the tour operators will make a pit stop along the touched Pantai Kerachut Beach. It is at this very river where they will feed the species of Eagles, beach that communities of Green Turtles nest including the White-Bellied Fish Eagle, Gigantic from April to August, and the Olive Ridley from Sea Eagles and the Brahminy Kite. Have your September to February. The hatchery was estab- trip planned in the months of March and Seplished in 1995 and is now run by the State Fisher- tember to get the best of bird watching during ies Department together with the Department the migratory period. Soon after, the boat sails of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) and the further downstream where the view of the AnForestry Department. You can also find some of daman Sea emerges. You will then depart from the finest hardwood trees here, particularly Me- the Kilim River through The Hole in the Wall. The Weekendin 142

Kilim River in Langkawi National Park

latter name was derived from a narrow opening between the walls of the limestone cliffs that link the river to the open sea. Within this narrow gap lies a sheltered area for a fish farm and the mooring of yachts. Visitors will have the chance to get up close and personal with the marine life by hand-feeding sea creatures such as Groupers, Lobsters, Blue Spotted Stingrays and the Bat Fish, amongst others. There is even a floating restaurant in the vicinity where you can pick your own lunch or dinner menu from approximately 50 cages of seafood. When you are travelling along the Kilim River, you have to pay a visit to Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave). Beginning on a boat ride down the river, you will soon have to alight and make a move along a wooden walkway before arriving at the cave. You will soon be greeted by the prominent figures of massive stalactites and stalagmites – some of them resembling strange figures of otherworldly creatures. Adorning the walls and roof of the cave are the figures of age old seashells, which is a living proof that the area was originally submerged at the sea bed. If you feel that exploring on foot is still the way go, enjoy a leisurely walk along the longest canopy trail in the world atop the 950-metre long Tree Top Walk in Sedim River Recreation Park.

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