Weekendin Singapore | May '14 | Familyissue

M a y

2 0 1 4

Weekend in S i n g a p o r e

Seven days a weekend | familyissue

The Best Hideaways in Phuket A Getaway with the Kids

Whimsical accommodation for the family

Meet the Moms

Getting to know some marvelous mothers

Family Dining

Great spots for the kids

Summer SOS with Spotlight Brilliant blinds and creative curtains

Indie Bookstores

Quirky places for a good read

10 07 | 12:13 10:13

Through the Years

Family time then and now

intheBUZZ 6 17

News | Events | Promos Latest Tech Gadgets

intheSTAY 18

intheBUZZ

6

Celebrating Calvin Klein In town, celebrities at Calvin Klein Concept House

21

Creating new and exciting childhood memories The Ritz Kids family staycation Staycation packages from city hotels to island resorts

intheTASTE 24 27 28 30 32 34 38 42

An enlivened Atrium with zing and grandeur The Atrium at Pan Pacific Singapore Vernetta & Roundhouse On the importance of family Plate Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar Kid-friendly places around town Dining options for the family Enchanting Quayside Isle Seclusion at Dempsey The Grandstand, the family lifestyle destination

WeekendinFEATURE 44

intheSTAY

Ritz Kids

18

New family memories for the kids

46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60

Traversing the globe on a family getaway Whimsical holiday destinations for the kids Atlantis Paradise Island Resort Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Club Med Cancun Yucatan Hard Rock Hotel Bali Hilton Wailoloa Village Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Londolozi Game Reserve Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort

intheHOME 62

Summer SOS with Spotlight Bring life to your home with customised curtains and blinds

intheLOOK 68 70

Corporate chic Ramping up the work wardrobe Go nude Makeup essentials for a natural, polished look

intheLIFESTYLE 72

intheTASTE

Atrium

24

Dining amidst a visual spectacle at Pan Pacific Singapore

76

Growing up with time: A nostalgic walk Family time then and now Meet the Moms Getting to know some marvelous mothers

intheLIFESTYLE (Entertainment) 86 87

Movies for May Top reads of the month

intheWATER 88

Aqua Expeditions Cruising in luxury in Asia

intheART 90 92

A splash of colour From Shakespeare to Salvador Dali Embrace nature with Nikon The compact D7100 14|05:14

inthePINK 96

intheHOME

62

Summer SOS with Spotlight Customised curtains and blinds

Red wine indulgence at Spa Luna

Familyissue on the cover

Luzerne | Chanoyu (Image courtesy of Luzerne)

Published monthly by:

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

intheCHILL 100

Quality over quantity Bowmore Distillery’s new luxurious line of single malts

intheDRIVE 104

intheLOOK

68

Corporate Chic

Dressing up for the office

The raging bull Lamborghini Egoista

intheKNOW 108

Indie Bookstores Quirky places for a good read

intheSHOP 110 112

Shop style Luxury leisure shopping The modern legacy of Luzerne

intheACTION 113

Exercise in style Essentials for your workout routine

intheTRAVEL 114

intheTRAVEL

114

Peace and Poise

Part one of our coverage of the best hideaways in Phuket

118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132

Peace, Poise, Phuket The best hideaways in Phuket part 1 Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Trisara Anantara Phuket Villas Centrara Villas Phuket Sri Panwa Indigo Pearl The Bell Pool Villas Resort

acrosstheSTRAITS 134 141

Visit Malaysia Year - 2014 Malaysia’s festivals A new look into Johor Quick getaway to Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour

WeekendinFEATURE

acrosstheSTRAITS

Visit Malaysia Year - 2014

134

Explore Malaysia’s festivals

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

A Getaway with the Kids

44

Whimsical accommodation for the family

Editor Editorial print | digital | film Melanie Brett (Thailand) Jo Jewel melanie@weekendin.com.sg joyin@weekendin.com.sg Carol Misson Editorial Consultant carol@weekendin.com.sg June Ng Lianne Choo june@weekendin.com.sg lianne@expatweekend.net Sub-Editor Keisha Srinivasan John Howe (Thailand) keisha@weekendin.com.sg john@expatweekend.net Fidella Low fidella@weekendin.com.sg Sub-Editor Cristabel Chia Melissa Wong melissa@expatweekend.net cristabel@weekendin.com.sg

Contributors Vernetta Lopez Louise Barker Tanya Micallef Abigail Smith Ian McKellar Richard Mayne Rebeka Bek Jeannette Lim Alastair Carthew Carly Mackelvie 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

I

It was Only Yesterday I can’t believe it is May already! The last 5 months has just flown by and we’re nearly half way through the year. My grandma was right when she told me at a young age “time goes by faster the older you get” We lead hectic, busy lives, and the one thing we never seem to have time for is ourselves. This situation escalates as we work harder to meet the challenges of the new economy. Time truly is the most valuable commodity we have… it is simply irreplaceable. As time goes by, as we grow older, the more we value time, whom we share it with, and how we wisely “spend” it. In this issue of Weekendin we celebrate life and we honour family. intheLIFESTYLE features a snapshot of how life was back in the good old days and now, how family activities have transformed over the years. Although technology has made activities not as simplistic as the days of our fathers, we have discovered some in today’s life that are just as entertaining and can still be as enjoyable for a fun family’s day out. Flip the pages to find out more.

However if you are looking for a life beyond theme parks and decide to traverse the globe on a family holiday, our feature story may have what you are after. We have found the perfect hotels, ideal outings, and dozens of surefire ways to keep both parents and kids happy at some of our favourite grown-up destinations.

Whether you’re going on vacation together or just sitting down for a meal, do enjoy the moments you spend with your family. Even if your schedules are varied, set some time aside regularly for family time-not only will it help keep your family close, but you may also find that it’s a great stress reliever!

avril Sullivan Yours Truly

Group Editor

intheBUZZ

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 at Marina Bay Sands On 27 March 2014, Marina Bay Sands and thousands of fans welcomed the star-studded cast of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as part of the film’s global media event. The itinerary included a red carpet event at the skating rink and a press conference at MasterCard Theatres. Leading up to the red carpet event, activities began from 10am at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The public had an unique opportunity to take a photo in a specially constructed inverted room which made them appear to be suspended from the ceiling. Hundreds of youth were also invited to see the stars up-close at the Skating Rink and attend the press conference, as part of Sands for Singapore, Marina Bay Sands’ Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and Director Marc Webb walked the red carpet to deafening cheers from the enthusiastic crowd. This is the first global film event for a Hollywood movie to be held in Singapore and at Marina Bay Sands. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opens in cinemas on 1 May.

Singapore Jazz Festival

by Richard Mayne Singapore welcomed a host of artists and visiting fans to the Lion city to celebrate the wonder of Jazz at this City States Inaugural Jazz Festive from 27th Feb to 2nd March. The Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre came to life with Thursday night’s festival gala opening featuring an all-star international big band led by James Morrison, followed by a dynamite performance by Jamie Cullum. The eclectic mix of fans ranging from the formally clad to those ready to party, wonderfully exemplified the universality of Jazz’s appeal.

The concert opened with a rich array of brass instruments played by Aussie Jazz legend James Morrison who was backed up by a world class all star band who were given the opportunity to shine along side this consummate entertainer. James Morrison clearly demonstrated his versatility on stage seamlessly switching instruments mid song, showcasing his mastery of the trumpet, the trombone and mini saxophone. Alistair White from the band gave a solo on the trombone as did Alan Barnes on the Alto sax – both showed the clear and talent of the back up supporting Morrison. In between bellowing out these wonderful pieces, James Morrison entertained the crowd with some light amusing banter, which kept the evening light hearted and enjoyable. Singapore’s own Louis Soliano’s local legendary status was celebrated when he was awarded the Sing Jazz Lifetime Achievement presented by Acting Minister Lawrence Wong after he gave a truly stunning display on the drums.

Johnson once said, Jazz is restless, it won’t stay put and it never will – these words appeared on the cover of the program and are so wonderfully applicable to dynamism of Cullum’s artistic creativity. In terms of headline acts, this certainly felt like the main event; Jamie Cullum has an energy that lights up the room, and a talent that fully engages the audience. He has been able to bring Jazz to the masses by seamlessly blurring the boundaries of jazz, pop and rock and with over 5 million copies of his music sold, his genius is unquestionable and well worth the ticket.

For over 90 minutes Jamie Cullum displayed such an exuberance of energy whilst performing songs from his latest album Momentum.

The music seamlessly fused jazz into numerous other genres creating a type of Jazz that welcomes everyone as was clearly evident from a glance around the audience, as bodies moved in time with his unique sounds. Besides masterfully playing the piano, Jamie created music by plucking the strings inside, and even belting out a tune using the wood as a percussion instrument whilst singing and beating some crazy notes all in the name of Jazz.

The energy in the room was dynamite, and for the last few songs he invited the audience down to the front of the stage to run around, dance, and take photos.

For the five days of the Jazz Festival Singaporeans and visitors After the first set and a brief intermission, Jamie Cullum came on celebrated, danced and enjoyed Jazz. We are already looking forward stage bringing his unique take on Jazz. Famous Trombonist JJ to Jazzfest 2015.

Weekendin 6

intheBUZZ

The World’s First Watch Made from Fairmined Gold Fairmined gold is ethical gold extracted

by Artisanal and Small-scale miners.

Chopard’s workshops have now turned to the metal that supports responsible certified miners to produce the L.U.C Tourbillon QF Fairmined, an elegant tourbillon model with a nine-day power reserve. After finding initial expression in the realm of Haute Joaillerie, Chopard’s ethical commitment is now embodied in Fine Watchmaking.

The main parts of this watch (case-back, case and bezel) are entirely made of Fairmined gold.

Colin Firth visits Chopard’s workshops in Fleurier

For more information, visit diary.chopard.com.

Andy Murray’s 77 Tennis Superstar Andy Murray spent 77 minutes at the Hour Passion store on Oxford Street in central London, taking time off his busy training schedule to meet his fans. At Wimbledon last year, Andy became the first British man in 77 years to win the singles title. Rado, Andy’s official watch partner, provided a specially branded cab to take Britain’s most famous sportsman from the famous Queen’s Club in West London to the Hour Passion store in the heart of the West End. After walking the green carpet, Andy was greeted by Rado CEO Matthias Breschan in the store, which had been decorated with eye-catching visuals of the Rado HyperChrome Court Collection—including the HyperChrome Court Chronograph with green details, which Andy wears.

Vespa Appreciation Night Vespa unveiled the Vespa 946 in Singapore on April 4th, in a cosy dining establishment. Only releasing six 946 bikes in Singapore this year, they were quickly snapped up by eager buyers. In appreciation of these buyers, Vespa threw an appreciation night at the National Service Resort & Country Club at Changi. Hosted by a lovely emcee and serving Italian food for the whole night—including a Prosciutto e Melone con UvaAcetoBalsamico—the diner saw a gathering of managers in Vespa, distributors, media, and the buyers who made the right decision to purchase the coveted, highlyheld vehicle. In order to thank them for their purchase, the buyers also received an 18k gold-plated plague in the order they purchased the vehicle. If you are interested in getting yourself a Vespa, you will have to wait for next year.

Sofitel to Debut in Sentosa The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa will be unveiled as Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa in the second half of 2015. Currently undergoing major refurbishments, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa is expected to cater to all markets as a destination hotel, a luxury destination for regional & international leisure travellers as well as a weekend gateway for local leisure travellers. It will also offer an extravagant wedding venue in Singapore, with a grand ballroom and terrace with sea view and extensive landscaped grounds.

Look out for Thai-German model/actor Mario Maurer and Thai actress/model Poyd Treechada, who will share their favourite Thai attractions from 4pm to 5pm on 31 May. On the same day, the TEOUT Thai Music Showcase at The Coliseum™ will feature Tata Young, and popular Thai rock bands Endorphine and Big Ass. Purchase your tickets at all Sistic counters, starting at $69. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge and will run from 30 May to 1 June, 11am to 7pm.

Through Eyes Of Us Thai (TEOUT) Exhibition is a travelling photo exhibition showcasing the hidden, side of Thailand captured by budding Thai photographers. This exhibition hopes to showcase a side of Thailand still yet unknown to visitors. The official opening ceremony will be held on 30 May at 7pm at the Bull Ring, Resorts www.artstagesingapore.com World Sentosa.

Weekendin 8

Westin Singapore, Wong Li-Lin & Loopz® Westin Singapore is sparing no efforts in ensuring that guests get a rejuvenated stay with them. Their recent collaboration with Loopz® Fitness is part of the Move Well pillar that introduces guests to a whole new way of exercising through weekly classes available. Helmed by celebrity star Wong Li-Lin, Loopz® Fitness incorporates straightforward body exercises with a resistance band made of high grade cell yarn and latex. This exercise regime may seem simple and ineffective, but you would definitely beg to differ once you have tried and tested it. Loopz® was designed on the basis of bridging no time with make time by creating Fitness Moments that all could do either on the spot or on the go, regardless of age and fitness level. There is now no longer an excuse to lead a non-healthy lifestyle as Loopz® redefines that by making it possible for everyone to exercise every day.

For more information, visit www.loopzfitness.com.

intheBUZZ

Celebrating Calvin Klein’s Expansion A multi-brand event took place in Singapore to celebrate the Calvin Klein brand across Asia with a one-of-a-kind architectural installation. Special guests included actors Ziyi Zhang, Louis Koo, Dakota Johnson, Ryeo Won Jung, Jordan Masterson, Alex To and Ice Lee. Guests were treated to musical performances by The Misshapes’ DJ Leigh Lezark and DJ Geordon Nicol in the event that employed technology to engage event guests in the interactive experience.

The Misshapes

Calvin Klein Concept House Weekendin 10

Italo Zucchelli & Louis Koo

Kevin Carrigan & Wong Li-Lin

Zhang Ziyi

Dakota Johnson & Francisco Costa

Italo Zucchelli, Joshua Prince Ramus & Francisco Costa

Calvin Klein Concept House

IMAGE CREDITS: © 2014 Moky Mok, Jacky Ho, Victor Ng, Anton Chia, Tom White Photography

Ryeo Won Jung

Calvin Klein Concept House

From Drab to Fab

Transfrom your home this Summer with Spotlight’ s very own custom corner, where customers can choose from curtains to blinds, and even children-print curtains.

Make your space an oasis with Spotlight the custom made curtains and blinds specialist

Level 5, Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839 +65 6733 9808 www.spotlight.com.sg

Exclu s

fo r W ee

n Rea d ndi er ke

ely v i

FREE

Site-measure* for Weekendin readers

WORTH $50

s

Spotlight has the widest range of choice in terms of fabric in Singapore, and with all their fabric being imported, you can be sure that this Australian brand will deliver in terms of quality.

*to claim offer, quote “Weekendin� when booking an appointment for your FREE Site-measurement

intheBUZZ

Impakt Executive Knockout This amateur white collar boxing tournament, held on Friday, 4th April at M hotel, promised six bouts, four men and two women, with differing weight categories. The proceeds of this inaugural boxing showdown, organised

by Impakt Gym Singapore, would be partially donated to ONE Singapore, a non-profit organisation which believes in creating a world where no one is poor. This donation is part of Impakt’s many efforts to give back to society, which includes mentoring kids from disadvantaged families for free.

For more information, visit www.impakt.com.sg.

A Brush of Batik | 11th April to 28th December 2014 Catch Asia’s first, large-scale exhibition of Batik Altar Cloths at the Peranakan Museum. The exhibition, entitled Auspicious Designs: Batik for Peranakan Alters, displays Batik altar cloths that are unique to the Chinese Peranakan community in Java and presents bright, imaginative cloths along with traditional Chinese cloths, which throws greater light on the cross-cultural influence and local adaptations of the cloths.

With 36 altar cloths on display, along with 34 other Peranakan objects, the exhibition consists of five sections: Altar cloths in context, Early origins, Stylistic Diversity, Motifs and Designs, and Rituals and altar cloths.

MYKITA 2014 Spring/Summer Optical Collection

Splash of Summer Making a splash this season is what may well be the party of the month. Endless Summer – Tropicana will be held at the WET® pool deck at W Singapore on May 4th. Bring out your summer best and party at the poolside from 2pm to 8pm. The party brings out the fun and glamour and invites people to great music, delicious eatables and a fun time with friends.

Endless Summer – Tropicana will feature both resident and international DJs such as Mr. Has, Oliver Osborne, Patrick Oliver and Seng Wei, who juice up your afternoon with eclectic rhythms and the world’s best beats. Those who attend can look forward to an evening filled with champagne, delicious nibbles and even mini massages at the party. A chance to have fun with friends as you party with pals and watch the sunset over Quayside Isle, this party is also a chance to welcome and bask in the season of the sun. www.wsingaporesentosacove.com Weekendin 14

MYKITA releases its 2014 Spring and Summer Optical Collection. Model LUELLA plays with illusions. At first glance, users might be fooled into thinking that the bulky acetate frame is heavy. However, in reality, the frame has been fashioned out of the lightweight and flat stainless steel MYKITA concept. The massive appearance is enhanced by a sombre colour scheme and thick temples. This frame is available in Jet Black, Burgendy or Basalt colours. www.mykita.com

English Dawn Gardenia

White

Timely for Mother’s Day, The Body Shop is releasing a new limited edition collection of the English Dawn White Gardenia fragrance, joining the best-selling Scents of the World Fragrance Collection.

The Body Shop English Dawn White Gardenia Eau De Toilette and Fragrance Mist is made using 100% organic Community Fair Trade (CFT ) Alcohol from Ecuador.

Apart from this new fragrance line, other Mothers’ Day gifting ideas include the luxurious collection of shower bathing goodies including the Moringa, Satsuma and Shea gift sets priced from $19.90 onwards. www.thebodyshop.com.sg

0">

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

Epicurean Moments for Mum

St. Regis Singapore | 10th - 11th May 2014 It’s the month of the year where you get to pamper your mother with a rewarding gastronomic treat. And as always, St. Regis Singapore is an excellent venue to celebrate Monther’s Day with their selection of delightful brunch spreads and special menus created for the celebration of mothers and loved ones.

Yan Ting - Mother’s Day Dim Sum Brunch | 10 to 11 May From $98++ Brasserie Les Saveurs - The St. Regis Champagne Brunch | 11 May From $148++ LaBrezza - Mother’s Day Prosecco Brunch | 11 May From S78++ www.stregis.com

Smile for Mother’s Day

The Ritz-Carlton | 5th - 11th May 2014 From S78++

Mother’s Day Brunch at Catalunya S148++

Enjoy true Catalan festivities over a sumptuous Sunday brunch that starts with a stunning selection of Spanish cured meats, breads, cheeses, seafood, stews and fruits presented at various food stations.

This Mother’s Day, Pastry chefs at The RitzCarlton, Millenia Singapore will be baking 7,000 Valrhona Chocolate and Banana Cakes for Smile Asia Week. This initiative by the Ritz-Carlton Hotels across Asia will help raise funds for Operation Smile, an international children’s medical charity which helps to give children with facial deformities a reason to smile again. Smile Asia Week, which will be held from 5th to 11th May 2014, will involve pastry chefs from across the region creating specially-crafted cakes to raise funds for Operation Smile. Ideal for celebrating special occasions such as Mother’s Day, anniversaries and birthdays, the website allows friends and family to send a cake to their loved ones within Asia and have it delivered. Part of the ongoing commitment by The Ritz-Carlton to expand global citizenship through its Community Footprints programme, this charity drive supports a worthy cause in Operation Smile which has treated more than 200,000 children in 51 countries, free of charge since 1982.

With Mother’s Day coming up, these cakes may be the ideal way to spread the smile. www.ritzcarlton.com

Guests can expect Catalunya signatures such as the suckling pig, veal shank and lamb thigh presented and carved at the table, and culminating in a breath-taking presentation of a flaming saltcrusted whole fish.

All Mums will get to receive a complimentary bottle of Rose Cava worth $100 and an exclusive Vanity Trove Beauty Box worth $200, featuring items from Elizabeth Arden, Belif and many more. www.catalunya.com.sg

Pamper Mum with Häagen-Dazs $82 | until 23 May 2014

Indulge mum with the Heart of Perfection, Häagen-Dazs’ luscious strawberry ice cream cake, dedicated to all mothers this special day. Embraced within a string of pink chocolate coverture hearts ,a strawberry ice cream dome is coated with a smooth white nougat finish.

Frozen raspberries and strawberries are topped on the cake to add a burst of juicy freshness. haagendazs.com.sg Weekendin 16

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Pan Pacific Singapore May 2014

Pastry Chef Philip Lee has created eight durian desserts to be indulged in at Edge for the Mother’s Day Buffet Dinner and at Pacific Marketplace for Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Buffet. The new desserts not to be missed by any durian aficionados are the Durian Pengat, Durian Cake, Durian Puff, Durian Crumble, Durian Pudding, Durian Cheesecake, Durian White Chocolate Cake and the Durian Milk Chocolate Tart. The Buffet Dinner at Edge promises to be a vibrant culinary experience with presentations from seven live food theatres, including seafood on ice, sashimi, sushi, Asian and Western roast meats, local delights and even exotic Thai dishes. Highlights also include signature Pan Pacific sausages, Stingray with Special Sambal or Salt-crusted Salmon with Dill Cream Sauce. In addition, all mothers will receive a stalk of flower and a welcome glass of Champagne. Participate in the Mother’s Day Look-Alike Contest and stand to win a Sunday Champagne Brunch for Two. Apart from the dinner buffet, the durian desserts can also be enjoyed in the Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Buffet at the Pacific Marketplace. Spend a cosy afternoon sipping on a cup (or cups) of tea while indulging in the extensive variety of petite sandwiches offered.

Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet at Edge 9 to 11 May 2014 | 6:30pm to 10:30pm From $88++ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Buffet at Pacific Marketplace 10 and 11 May 2014 | 3:00pm to 5:00pm From $48++ www.panpacific.com

intheBUZZ

Lenovo’s New Multimode PC concept – Yoga Customers today are spoilt for choice when purchasing personal computers, often deliberating for hours on whether to buy a desktop, laptop or tablet. With so many gadget options, it can be a challenge. Thankfully, with Lenovo’s new multimode PC concept, you can now combine the best of all the different PC types to create the ultimate computing machine for your needs.

Launched in 2012, Yoga boasts 4 versatile modes—tent, stand, laptop and tablet. Since then, Lenovo has released other multimodes and the first-of-its-kind Yoga Tablet that was coengineered and launched by celebrity, Ashton Kutcher. In order to find the perfect multimode for you, Lenovo has paired horoscopes to devices. For the active and adventurous, the Yoga 2 Pro would be an excellent match. The many modes of the device (tent, stand, laptop or tablet mode) will certainly keep up with your bustling lifestyles. Passionate and high-achieving individuals, on the other hand, will find a flawless match in the Yoga Tablet. The first tablet to boast 3 usage modes, its 18-hour battery life and great connectivity options will lend an adequate hand to achieving your high ideals. Quick to act and highly intellectual people will appreciate the Miix 2, an 8-inch Windows 8 tablet with a PC processor. Its five-finger multitouch technology allows for convenience in all tasks from jotting down a new idea to surfing the Net. For those striving for consistent and uncomplicated lifestyles, a splendid companion to aid in this strive is the Flex multimode laptop its unique, thin and light design flips 300 degrees from laptop to stand mode making it a breeze to use.

For more information, visit www.lenovo.com.

New App is Set to Give Hair Advice Based on the Weather How’s Your Hair uses the Weather Underground’s API to tell you exactly how the forecast will affect your hair. This creative app is the brainchild of freelance web designer and developer Gab White, and gives advice such as weather to bring an umbrella, wear a hat and even whether they should bother straightening their hair. Usage is simple: just type in the city, province or state name (no abbreviations), and users will be given the weather forecast in relation to hair conditions. In addition, the app will also let users know the forecast for tomorrow – perfect for those who style their hair in the evening.

For more information, visit www.gabwhite.com.

Enjoy Music and Freedom with Jabra’s Rox Wireless Stereo Earphones The Jabra Rox Wireless earphones are inspired by inear monitors used by professional musicians to hear themselves perfectly when performing on stage.

Similarly, these earphones are designed to bring fullspectrum sound and maximum bass performance in rich Dolby stereo. Despite being only 19g, it is extremely durable, comfortable and resistant to water and dust.

Users can enjoy music streaming and talk time of up to five and a half hours, and a standby time of eight days on a single charge.

The earphone’s exclusive power-saving magnet automatically activates the power-saving mode when ear buds are clipped together and not in use.

Other features include Bluetooth 4.0 and Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology for easy one touch pairing, and an EarWingsTM option which locks the ear buds in place for an undisturbed music experience. The Jabra Rox Wireless retails at $168.

For more information, visit www.jabra.com.

17 Weekendin

intheSTAY

The Ritz Kids Family Staycation Having received an invitation to The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore to experience their new Ritz Kids programme, we set off from home happy in the knowledge that we could escape to a little luxury for a day or two. Arriving at the hotel we were greeted with a wide smile from everyone we come across, especially when our toddler was spotted. To me it’s the small things that count and each staff member that we encountered was happy to assist, from helping us with car seats and holding doors open to checking in, all were genuinely friendly. After a speedy check-in at the reception desk, we were swiftly taken up to our room where we completed the painless checking in process.

We stayed in a One-Bedroom Millenia Suite and were left almost breathless by the simply magnificent views of Singapore from every window, even the luxurious bathroom looked out over the Singapore Flyer, parts of the Formula 1 race track, and out to sea.

A staycation at the Ritz Carlton isn’t complete without visiting the Greenhouse for Sunday Brunch

Once settled, our toddler was quick to spot a few little treats that were especially for her. A Ritz Kids canvas tote bag came complete with bath amenities including Kodomo bath gels, shampoo, powder, a toothbrush with toothpaste, a rubber duck, and although she was too big for it, a baby bath was also provided and it quickly became a new toy to play with.

There was also a kid’s bathrobe and slippers, probably for slightly older children but a nice touch enjoyed by our toddler nevertheless.

A good sturdy cot was ready and waiting. It came with lovely linen, a cot liner for smaller babies, a pillow and a quilt, which helped her sleep perfectly well during the duration of our stay. The premier suite with a separate bedroom and living area is ideal as we were able to let her sleep in peace in the bedroom while we were able to chat away or watch television without disturbing her.

As the weather was lovely we decided to spend the afternoon by the pool. The Ritz Carlton provides a few poolside toys including floating monkeys and giraffes for the little ones to sit in as well as a few kick boards. There

Weekendin 18

are lots of greenery around the pool providing shade if necessary and suppressing the sounds of the busy road outside. We enjoyed a lovely late afternoon lunch by the pool, with a great kids’ menu, as you would expect. The time seemed to disappear as we relaxed and enjoyed our family time together and we almost forgot that we were right in the centre of a busy bustling city.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner in the Greenhouse. The buffet has something for everyone in the family and we all had a few return visits to the various food stations, but the ice-cream counter a particular favourite! The room is light and airy, and once again, all of the staff were smiling and happy to help with anything they could.

Although we chose not to use one, the hotel provides a baby-sitting service at $25 per hour for a minimum of four hours. Preferring instead to stay in with our toddler, we watched a film and appreciated the amazing night views from our room with huge images splashed onto the ArtScience Museum walls and the water display.

We enjoyed in room dining the next morning before taking a stroll along the river. The hotel is in a great location for easy walking access to Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, the Merlion Park and much more. After walking off our breakfast and working up a bit of a sweat, we headed back to the hotel to spend the rest of the morning relaxing by the pool.

The Ritz Kids initiative was launched in December 2013 by the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C and Jean–Michel Cousteau, at hotels and resorts around the world, the idea being to involve children between the ages of four and 12 during their stay at the hotel. Whether you are visiting a city or a resort hotel, The Ritz Carlton’s children’s programme is designed to expose kids to an array of environmentally focused experiences, encouraging them to interact with and experience the world around them. Created by Ocean Futures Society exclusively for

intheSTAY

19 Weekendin

intheSTAY

the Ritz Carlton, their environmental expertise allows them to create experiences based on four key pillars, water, land, environmental responsibility and culture.

At the time of our visit the full initiative for ages four to 12 had not yet been rolled out but was due to begin shortly thereafter and this is what visitors at the Ritz Carlton Millennia can look forward to. The Singapore experience will begin with a warm welcome at checkin with an arrival folder consisting of an activity book, stickers and crayons, to encourage children to explore the sights and sounds of the hotel. In their rooms, welcome amenities like mini edible books of kueh lapis (a popular layered cake) or the classic combination of milk and cookies with a tic-tac-toe twist handcrafted by the Ritz Carlton’s chefs awaits their arrival.

Young guests can also look forward to: • A dedicated refreshment station with beverages and snacks for young guests as their parents’ check-in for the stay.

• A special Ice Cream Pass that will entitle young guests to a complimentary scoop of ice cream daily during their stay.

• Mini bathrobes and child-sized bedroom slippers are provided for the comfort of their young guests.

• Complimentary child-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste are also available, and guests are also welcome to request a dermatological shampoo, bath foam and powder. And a fun rubber duck is waiting for them for a fun-filled bath time.

• To encourage creativity and interaction, new weekend activities include creative sand art design, balloon sculpting and movie sessions.

• Special activities such as cooking and baking classes will take place during school holidays.

• The experience does not end upon checkout, as each young guest will be gifted with a Polaroid memento that recalls fond memories of their vacation at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

The idea of a holiday or “staycation” in the city that you live in seemed an odd concept when I first heard about it, but having enjoyed a couple now, I think it’s a great option, especially with small kids as you don’t have to factor in waiting around in airports, the flights, food to take for the journey etc. The Ritz Kids programme is designed to create a unique and memorable experience for the hotel’s younger guests. Being a city hotel, this is by no means the kids club concept that you would get at a resort, but I think it’s a wonderful idea and I certainly hope that it proves to be a successful initiative for the group. Before having children of my own, I perhaps would have baulked at the idea but I know now the importance of involving your kids wherever possible and allowing them to engage in new adventures and experiences can only enrich their young minds. Let’s hope that it proves successful enough to drag them away from their electronic devices for long enough to create some new and exciting childhood memories.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore | 7 Raffles Avenue | Singapore 039799 | T 6337 8888 | www.ritzcarlton.com Weekendin 20

intheSTAY

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

21 Weekendin

intheSTAY

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 22

intheSTAY

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 23 Weekendin

intheTASTE

The Atrium

One of Singapore’s most iconic hotels, Pan Pacific Singapore is a prime landmark in the heart of Marina Bay. After its $80 million makeover last year, it has established itself as one of the most stylish and popular hotels in Singapore. The makings of this world-class brand come from the hotel’s 790 luxurious rooms, innovative and new dining concepts and a unique Pacific Club on Level 38. Recently, more zing and grandeur has been fashioned with the enlivened Atrium.

Weekendin 24

intheTASTE

Atrium’s 44-metre long bar, the Longest bar in Asia

Scott Swank, the general manager of the hotel affirms, (We) ensure the delivery of quality hospitality experiences synonymous with the Pan Pacific brand, thereby (being) a premier hotel of choice for discerning business and leisure guests. That promise of a top-notch and hospitable welcome is realised when you first arrive at the lobby. With integrated mobile check-in technology, you can skip the tedious reception at the counter and be served straight away. All transactions are performed conveniently with a state-of-the-art iPad while guests relax at the handmade timbre pods with adaptable booth-seating arrangements.

Atrium – Alluringly refashioned Taking centrestage at Pan Pacific Singapore is Atrium, a visual spectacle with a gorgeous collection of seating pods that hover above a reflection pool, and against this backdrop you can select from an impressive boutique wine list,

Signature cocktail, the Juniper Swizzle at The Atrium

25 Weekendin

intheTASTE

craft beers, and a selection of uniquely concocted Pacific cocktails by expert mixologists. The inclusion of a sumptuous 44-metre long bar, the longest in Asia where guests can chill and enjoy a drink with tapas, adds extravagance to artistry. The service afforded was especially noteworthy and the team should be applauded for their dedication. The staff that attended to us, indulging our every request, was certainly well trained and passionate about her job. We were delighted with the extensive menu, which several dishes were recommended.

Sea-riously, No Squidding sandwich

We were served the ‘Sea-riously, No Squidding’ sandwich, which consists of handpicked Stone Crab, on charcoal squid ink bread. The delicious combination of the succulent crab and its accompaniments were nicely balanced and well thought of. The Mini Wagyu Sliders was just as tantalising. The Mini Sliders were presented to us shortly after the sandwich and it was simply flavoursome. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture bursts with flavour and I would consider this probably one of the best meat dishes I have ever savoured. Best enjoyed medium, meat lovers should definitely order this specialty. Tapas at Pan Pacific Singapore would not be complete without their famous homemade grilled sausages, notably Emmentaler Cheese, a fairly coarse blend of pork, filled with original Emmentaler Cheese; Chorizo, a Spanish classic, flavoured with Red Wine; Pork Wienerli, finely blending pork with an original spice blend from Germany; Pork Bockwurst, featuring smoked pork with an authentic spice blend from Germany.

Cocktail lovers will be glad to know that Atrium hosts a top-notch mixologist, who can concoct the meanest of mixes. We recommend the Juniper Swizzle, which is a concoction of gin, rose petals, cardamom, pink grapefruit and lemon juice or the Rhubarb Fizz, a tangy brew of barsol pisco, homemade rhubarb puree, mint leaves, lemon juice and seltzer. The combination of cocktails and tapas is a match made in heaven. With a focus on lightness and intensity, temperature, colours, flavours and textures, dining at the Atrium is undoubtedly a magnificent experience.

Other Dining Options The vibrant dining concepts go above the Atrium. Ascend the lift to level 3 and be greeted with a culinary journey that will titillate more than just taste buds.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Hai Tien Lo, allows you to enjoy traditional Cantonese dining in a contemporary background. After all, this captures the best of Singapore − staying true to the country’s rich and diverse food heritage while flaunting modern lifestyles. Local recipes that have been savoured through the generations are re-interpreted to suit modern, discerning palates. Hai Tien Lo is renowned for its Trio of Treasures and Lobster in Lemon Butter Sauce, and Chinese gourmet favourites. Recently, the restaurant’s Dim Sum chef, Lee Siaw Cheen introduced a new weekday a la carte dim sum lunch buffet that features 20 varieties of dim sum. Diners get to sample small bites of each delicacy.

Mini Wagyu sliders

Edge, a delightful restaurant with a theatrical and interactive dining theme showcases seven live food theatres that take diners through the best fare in the South Asian region and the Pacific Rim. Here, you are invited to sample delectable Asian and Pacific cuisines, from Indian to Thai to Japanese. For a taste of exotic oriental freshness, Edge’s signature Pacific Cuisine dishes are inspired from fresh catches around the Pacific. Diners get to experience the preparation of food up close and aromatic by the restaurant’s entertaining and talented chefs, surely a satiating experience. An epicurean experience not to be missed is the new extensive four-hour Sunday Champagne Brunch. Aside from an enticing seafood selection boasting briny fresh Fines de Claire and Tsarskaya Oysters, Boston Lobsters and Alaska King Crab, diners are pampered with unlimited alcoholic beverages including Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, cocktails, draft beer and local beverages.

Pan Pacific Singapore is well sited in the heart of Marina Bay with close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and concert halls, exhibition centres and places of interests. A wonderful accommodation choice, guests are not only treated to a 5-star stay experience but can also delight in superb fine dining at the hotel’s award-winning restaurants. The next time you step into Pan Pacific Singapore, don’t forget to indulge in a Pacific cocktail in one of the floating pods of Atrium.

Weekendin 26

Atrium | Pan Pacific Singapore | 7 Raffles Boulevard | Singapore 039595 | T 6826 8240 | celebrate.sin@panpacific.com | panpacific.com/singapore Rhubarb Fizz

intheTASTE

Family

by Vernetta Lopez

actress, radio DJ and owner of Roundhouse: Pizza, Bar & Grill

As we celebrate the theme of family this month at Weekendin, I’m going to let you in on all my families. Yes, that’s right; all of them.

You do realise that you have many families, right? Some by choice, some not. There’s your biological family, then there’s the work family, as well as the group of friends who seem to have been in your life since your first lollipop.

Roundhouse Pizza, Bar & Grill really is a home away from home and that’s where my other family is! Seeing our team grow together and become a tight-knit family as they make the restaurant a comfortable, friendly and relaxing place to hangout and come home to, just makes the heart squeak a little ‘aw’.

It’s great to have them as family! And even the regulars who come by after work, the couples who have their date night, the families having their weeknight dinner are all family. I’ve had many over the years!

There’s my Under One Roof family, where the main cast members like Koh Chieng Mun, Moses Lim, Nicholas Lee, and Andrew Lim are like real family. Moses even gave me a gold trinket when I got married; just like a daddy would!

Leaving Class 95 after 12 years was like saying goodbye to a home I grew up in. But I’m happy at the new abode! Easing into the Gold 90FM studio was like wearing my favourite pair of socks, except they smell way better! They’ve welcomed me with such open arms and we’re growing day by day as a radio family.

Then of course, there’s my wedding planning family, and as I look at the new crew and the young-uns who’ve joined us over the years, it’s like watching a little litter of kittens grow bigger and bigger! Plus they’re that cute!

Then there’s who else... oh yeah my real fam-

ily! My amazing mom, who always used to give me a brand new bedroom. How? I’d come from school and she would have re-arranged things around; it was great! It was like coming home to a makeover, bedroom edition! My awesome dad who is a handphone collector/trader/ techno-wiz who once owned 15 grandfather clocks at the same time! There’s my rockin’ sister who has been my cheerleader and confidante and keeps my feet on the ground with a reality check ever so often! My fantastic brother-in-law who is my personal trainer and doesn’t mind it when I growl I hate you! when my abs are burning and by the way, he loves doing music videos on his handphone! Then I have the sweetest niece and nephew an aunt could ask for and my darling and loving husband, the man I can’t live without and who puts up with all my flaws - I have many of them!

Being at the restaurant more often than not, though, is where I get to see families of all sizes come together for all kinds of celebrations. This is Singapore, where food is the central theme for any celebration, but then, that’s global, isn’t it? Think of any celebration and food is an integral ingredient.

Humans are a communal type of creature. We seek the company of others, we are drawn to social gatherings and being ‘alone’ is mostly seen negatively. Although some alone time is probably what the average mom needs most of the time!

So celebrate your family, whoever and whatever they may be and cherish them. When you don’t have one, that’s when you know the value.

Roundhouse Pizza, Bar & Grill 100 Turf City | Singapore 287992 | T 6466 0966 www.roundhouse.com.sg 27 Weekendin

intheTASTE

Weekendin 28

intheTASTE

Plate

In the historical district of Tanjong Pagar, Carlton City Hotel Singapore is a property that allows guests to relish in an upscale, stylish experience that international and leisure travellers can easily relate to from the moment they check in. Designed by renowned interior design company, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) – the hotel’s concept is punctuated with contemporary finishing touches and handpicked designer furnishings that can be seen through its grand lobby and spacious guestrooms.

Positioning itself as a business hotel, the 386 exquisitely appointed rooms and business suites all reflect a timeless statement in design, space, sophistication and comfort. In addition, a high degree of accessibility with integrated Wi-Fi connectivity provides convenience for the technology savvy and urbanites.

Discerning travellers can easily find everything they need. This encompasses an appetite to satisfy, or a mid-day treat to indulge – Carlton City Hotel has dining options to appease every conceivable palate. The Trading Floor at the lobby level is where guests can choose to either kick-start their morning with their mandatory cup of coffee or discuss business dealings over cocktails in the evening. Also at the same level is Tuxedo. The elegant decor resembles traditional European coffeehouse that lulls you into a sense of relaxation while enjoying your favourite brew or pastry. It offers guests a selection of sandwiches made from freshly baked bread as well as delicious, delicate French croissants, rich baked cheesecake and signature specialities like lobster pie and Tuxedo cake made with Valrhona chocolate.

Surrounded by lush greenery, Plate at Level 3 provides a comforting dining experience that is creative and engaging all at the same time. The all-day dining restaurant has an ala carte menu that offers generous portions of cuisine choices from local classics to all-time favourites from the grill. Recommended items include their Chef’s Creation Open-faced Wrap and Wagyu Burger.

Local touches like the Hainanese Chicken Rice Set and Singapore Laksa can be found too.

Another reason to visit Plate – by this month, guests and epicureans get to enjoy something new they have brought to the table – a sumptuous dinner buffet happening every Friday evening themed “Seafood & Wok”. As the name suggests, diners get to savour Freshly Shucked Oysters, Green Mussels, Tiger Prawns, Snow Crab Claws, Scallops and Cray Fish – an absolute crustacean galore. The spotlight would nevertheless be on the Boston Lobster, served either Thermidor-style (baked to perfection with cheese) or with the city’s famed Chilli Crab Sauce. The dinner buffet also offers an extensive range of variety of all-you-can eat food stations including

Japanese staples and fresh sashimi, carving and ‘live’ cooking stations, piping hot mains, dessert and cheeses.

Whet your appetite either with fresh salads, tossed with a dressing of your choice or superior Asian and Western soups. There is no need to go on a local food hunt around town, as Plate gives diners nearly a dozen options of Singapore’s hawker favourites like Hokkien Noodles, Yang Zhou Fried Rice and Wok-fried Spare Ribs with Black Beans. Contemporary Western mains such as Braised Beef Cheek with Port Wine and Baked Seafood Thermidor are options as well.

Desserts do not fall short in array at this buffet scene. Strawberries with Port Wine Sabayon, Blueberry Panna Cotta and other desserts like an international cheese selection of ice cream and cakes will leave diners spoilt for choice. Also, what is a dessert station without a luscious halfmetre tall chocolate fountain with fresh fruits and pastries to dip with on the side?

In accompaniment with rolling out its first allnew dinner buffet, guests should take advantage of The TGIF! Room Package that is available for check-ins on Fridays only. It covers guests with a one-night stay either at a Deluxe Room or Executive room with “Seafood & Wok” dinner for two together with other perks, depending on your room choice.

For a more chilled laid-back vibe, Graffiti Sky Bar at Level 29 greets guests with a sublime city skyline and has a good enough selection of meticulously crafted cocktails that leave you in a state of bliss.

Be it simply looking for a place to dine or commemorating a celebratory affair, everyone can find something that appeals to their palate and their culinary creations fulfils it beyond satisfactory. If food comatose is experienced thereafter, forget about commuting home. Check-in and you can be guaranteed that sleep, too, would be a pleasant one.

Plate Carlton City Hotel Singapore | 1 Gopeng Street | Singapore 078862 | T 6632 8888 | www.carltoncity.sg 29 Weekendin

intheTASTE

Weekendin 30

intheTASTE

Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar One thing that first struck me about Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar was its ridiculously convenient location. Located at the bottom of Dorsett Residences, in the outskirts of Chinatown, it has ample parking space and a taxi stand right outside.

Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar classifies itself as an American style diner, which is not something you see around a lot in Singapore. With jazz music playing from the sound system, ambient lighting and a burning candle on every table, the atmosphere is earthy and relaxed. Amidst all this cosiness in the cafe-restaurant, they even have bar-top seating if you’re looking to catch up over a few drinks.

drinks. Apart from tea and coffee, Roosevelt’s Diner and Bar serves sodas, juice and smoothies, and cocktails like Elderflower Gin Fiz. It also boasts an impressive collection of house pours including spirits, white wines and fortified wines.

The Scanavino Moscato d’Asti from italy and Durvillea Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough from New Zealand that we savoured was light on the palate and had a fruity aftertaste, a perfect complement to our meal. During their happy hour This cafe-diner has an all day menu before 6pm, from 5pm to 9pm daily, they have a 1-for-1 probut having arrived past that timing, we were motion, when customers are said to enjoy their given the dinner menu. The signature mains are beers with the popular fried chicken wings.

- true to the American diner setting - the burgers, served with a generous portion of fries. They Our meal ended with a savoury dessert - the include Teddy’s Classic Bacon Cheeseburger and Apple Forest Berries Crumble, which was one the Candied Bacon Beef Burger. We tried the lat- of the best crumbles I’ve ever tried. After waitter, which is one of the diner’s signature dishes. ing for the dessert to cool, the sensation of the The buttered brioche buns are paired with sur- warm crumble against the cold vanilla ice cream prisingly sweet bacon and blends in harmoni- was pure heaven. The crumble was also a good ously with the sweetness of the burger that mix of a selection of fresh berries, baked to percomes from caramelised onions and cheddar fection. Healthier options such as the Flourless cheese. This taste package is completed with the Chocolate Cake are available too. homemade - yes, homemade - beef patty. Personally mincing the meat, the patty is marinated What is a diner without the classic American fawith 7 secret spices daily. The pickled vegetables vourites, a milkshake or a float? We were served in between give this burger a tinge of tanginess. the Roosevelt’s Salted Caramel and Malted VaAnother main we tried was the Southern Fried nilla Bean. The latter was a secret blend which Chicken. Despite being deep fried to a golden included Horlicks, producing an interesting brown, the inside of the chicken was soft and concoction I can’t quite put to words. The salted tender since it was marinated overnight with caramel milkshake was simply decadent, a very fresh milk. This dish came with a signature side refreshing drink which serves as an alternative to of the diner, the House Triple Mash. A “heavenly dessert. Or you can have both like we did. Who mash” of pumpkin, potato and sweet potato, it says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? made for an interesting culinary experience as I attempted to differentiate all three ingredients. Roosevelt’s Diner and Bar has family-oriented This was served with refreshing corn salsa, leav- options, such as cutlery for kids and even a kids ing a great aftertaste. menu. If your children love a good Grilled Ham & Cheese and Bolognese Penne, this diner is the Other signature dishes include the BBQ Baby place to go. Catering to a variety of lifestyles, fuBack Ribs, which comes in two serving sizes. One ture promotions include ladies’ night. With a reof the favourite dishes among customers is the laxed setting and personal art hung around the seafood pasta, which we gladly tried. The pasta diner to furnish the area, this is the destination to is a classic dish for the less adventurous eaters, go if you’re looking to unwind and simply appreand didn’t disappoint. The prawns and fish were ciate champagne in an American diner setting. If fresh, served with a delicious tomato topping. you can’t spare the time to enjoy the wonderful For small eaters or appetisers, customers’ favour- setting of the restaurant, takeaway options are ite sides are the Truffle Fries and Jalapeno Bacon available, packed conveniently in big brown paMac & Cheese, the diner’s modern take on an per bags. Living up to the “urban all-day diner” American classic snack. It was one of our per- tagline, start or end your day at this chic eatery sonal favourites, served piping hot with a tinge today. of spiciness. The melted cheese on top felt like we were eating a variation of everyone’s favour- Roosevelt’s Diner & Bar ite pizza, but this time with macaroni.

331 New Bridge Road | #01-02 Dorsett Residences | Singapore 088764 | T 6538 3518 | info@ Our meal was complemented by a selection of roosevelts.com.sg | www.roosevelts.com.sg 31 Weekendin

intheTASTE

When it’s time to bring the tireless little ones out for a meal, entertainment facilities, a warm environment and kid-friendly menus suddenly need to be considered. You find yourself with the tormenting task of finding a spot that would keep the whole family happy and satisfied.

Although many cafes and restaurants in Singapore have special children’s menus and provide special high chairs for toddlers, some places go out of their way to make children welcome. We have picked out great places at Quayside Isle, The Grandstand, and Dempsey Hill that will not only please the kids but also the rest of the family.

EAT NOW W H E R E TO

WITH THE FAMILY

Q UAYS I D E I S L E . D E M P S E Y . T H E G R A N D S TA N D

Weekendin 32

intheTASTE

33 Weekendin

Q intheTASTE

uayside Isle

Quayside Isle is part of the integrated luxury enclave at Sentosa Cove, which comprises The Residences at W Singapore, W Hotel Singapore, and a quaint self-sufficient village called Quayside Isle. It is the sole F&B and retail destination within the luxury waterfront precinct. The remote and unique location of Quayside Isle guarantees an enchanting experience for the family with numerous gastronomic selections and a gorgeous setting. Patrons can expect a mix of international cuisines, comprising Mediterranean, Italian, Spanish, Belgian, Australian, American and more. Take the family for a mini getaway at Quayside Isle.

Paradiso Restaurant & Bar

This friendly family restaurant brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Singapore with dishes inspired by the cuisines of Italy, Greece, and France. Inspired by and blending the various cultures of the nations along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea, Paradiso aims to provide a romantic, intimate ambience untouched by the stress of city life. City-dwellers will fall in love with the homely yet elegant interior, a combination of rustic-chic furnishings and iron-wrought dĂŠcor, which further adds to the laidback atmosphere of the restaurant. The food at Paradiso is simply bursting with intense flavours, with an abundance of seafood, grains, Weekendin 34

beans, herbs and fresh fruits. This restaurant also has a kid’s menu and a performing magician on Sunday nights.

Adults and children alike are guaranteed to enjoy their time at Paradiso.

Paradiso Restaurant & Bar | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-03 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 6694 5428 | www.paradiso.com

The remote and unique location of Quayside Isle guarantees an enchanting experience for the family with numerous gastronomic selections and a gorgeous setting.

intheTASTE

Solepomodoro Trattoria-Pizzeria

The Solepomodoro Trattoria-Pizzeria offers an authentic Italian dining experience with its home-cooked Italian recipes, custom-made Italian furniture, lighting and fixtures. The restaurant also boasts a traditional pizza oven, specially tailored in Italy by one of the oldest pizza oven manufacturers, and a glass-enclosed wine cellar holding thousands of bottles of wine directly imported from Italy and other parts of the world. This restaurant also boasts many children-friendly features, such as its kids’ menu, a bright and lively colour scheme appealing to children, and a play corner, furnished with colourful furniture, toys and even a four-wheeled car and three-wheeled “motorcycle” for the little ones!

Solepomodoro Trattoria-Pizzeria | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-14 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 6339 4778 | www. solepomodoro.com

Miska Café

Miska Café was conceptualised as a café that promoted the ‘Art of Living’. It strives to be a neighbourhood gathering place that served not only as a dining place, but also for people to interact, bond, and relax over its mouth-watering food. This Mediterranean influenced café has a creative menu all made fresh with quality ingredients.

Apart from having a brunch menu till five in the afternoon, it also offers a kids’ menu. Families looking for a laidback and warm bonding session will surely enjoy a dining experience at Miska Café.

Miska Cafe | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-07 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 6339 0903 | www.sentosadining.com.sg

Saint Pierre

This French bistro, originally located in Central Mall, is well-known for its authentic French dining experience, focus on organic produce, as well as seafood and vegetarian options for patrons. After moving into their new premises at Quayside Isle last year, celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant has added Saturday Brunch and English Sunday Roast to the bistro’s repertoire. The Saturday Brunch is available every Saturday from 11.30am to 3pm, and at S$38++ per person, patrons get to enjoy the full set of refreshing fruit choice, main course, assorted bread basket and a cup of warm coffee or tea. The English Sunday Roast is priced at S$68++ per person (S$38 for children between 4 to 9 years old) and offers all-you-can-eat starters and a choice of roast and dessert. In addition to the scrumptious food, children can also do a bit of cupcake decorating or marzipan sculpting under the tutelage of the kitchen staff.

Saint Pierre | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-15 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 6438 0887 | www.saintpierre.com.sg

Picotin Express

For a relaxed dining experience accompanied with a beautiful view, families should consider Picotin Express. Boasting one of the best views among the luxurious selection of restaurants in Quayside Isle, families get to enjoy the sea breeze while savouring Picotin’s well adored European fare. This restaurant is open both for dine in and delivery in its neighbourhood 7 days a week. Families will enjoy the casual familyfriendly atmosphere as well as the available Kids’ Menu. This 90-seater bistro is also available for bookings for corporate functions and parties.

Picotin Express | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-06 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 64384747 | www.picotin.com.sg 35 Weekendin

intheTASTE

Weekendin 36

intheTASTE

Brussels Sprouts Situated alongside Quayside Isle lies Brussels Sprouts, a casual dining bistro boasting authentic Belgian Cuisine and in particular – beer and mussels. This family-friendly eatery is furnished with an outdoor play area for children and high glass walls which allow for radiant natural sunlight to illuminate the restaurant as diners partake in hearty Belgian fare.

Part of the Emmanuel Stroobant Group of restaurants, the Brussels Sprouts on Quayside Isle is the third outlet of the franchise. Exquisite food, warm ambience and gorgeous views, Brussels Sprouts is sure to deliver a well-rounded dining experience.

High glass walls, racks of beer bottles, upturned yellow umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and the distinctive colour scheme of yellow and black makes up the interior of Brussels Sprouts.

At first impression, I thought the establishment exuded warmth and welcome, a design which was successfully both family-friendly yet polished and sophisticated.

For starters, I was served a flute of Lindemans Kriek. The lambic beer, boasting 25% real fruit, proved to be tangy yet light, with the ‘bitter’ quality of alcohol completely erased by the natural sweetness of the kriek fruit. This drink, tasting more like alcoholic fruit juice than beer is friendly for the palate and highly recommended for those who dislike the slightly bitter taste of beer.

With a thoroughly whet appetite, I moved on to the appetisers of Toast Cannibal, Croquettes Aux Crevettese and Portobello Grilles. The Croquettes Aux Crevettese (grey shrimp croquettes) and Portobello Grilles (grilled portobello mushrooms with tarragon butter) were my favourites.

Made with lobster bisque soup as a base, the croquettes had a crispy outer crust and a warm soupy filling. The Portobello mushrooms were succulent, refreshing and lightly seasoned; ensuring the natural taste of the mushrooms were not overpowered.

Next up in the menu were the famous Belgian mussels, Moules Frites. I was presented a sumptuous spread of three flavours, ranging from a very originally Belgian flavour, the Vin Blanc (onion, parsley, butter, celery, leek, white wine), to the localised Laksa flavour (chilli, laksa leaves, garlic, shallots, dry shrimp paste, coconut cream) and even the Fromage Bleu (blue cheese, bamboo shoot, mushroom, cream). All mussels were served with a bucket of fries and the server also encouraged me to eat the mussels ‘European Style’, by using the mussel shells as tongs. The servers of Brussels Sprouts were well-informed and courteous, responding to my questions about the food and beer without any problems and engaging us in friendly conversation throughout our meal. The mussels certainly lived up to their reputation, proving to be fresh and refreshing, and even the more adventurous

flavours such as Laksa and Fromage Bleu were not too overwhelming. To go with the mussels, I was served Celis White, a Belgian wheat beer with a crisp, floral taste. The restaurant boasts about 200 brands of Belgian Beers and the glasses they are served in differ with the brand – this close attention to detail contributes to the authentic Belgian dining experience of Brussels Sprouts. With so many brands to choose from, diners are also more than welcome to ask for recommendations from the servers.

A highly recommended dish for families is the SAUCISSES, a platter of assorted sausages (chorizo, chipolata and kurobuta) served with daily stoemp. The chipolata sausages in particular are perfect for children with its favourable and palatable flavour. In addition to the stoemp, a mixture of mashed potatoes and carrots and leek, with its slightly sweet flavour is a sure winner with children. Parents can thus rest assured that their children eat their vegetables. Parents can also order from the Kids Eat section of the menu, available for children aged 10 years and below, and can add S$5 for free flow of soft drinks and a single scoop of homemade ice cream. Kids also eat free on all weekends and public holidays – another reason to stop by at Brussels Sprouts for some precious family time.

My time at Brussels Sprouts ended on a sweet note, with dessert of a classic Crème Brulee and Chocolate Fondant (molten belgian chocolate cake with vanilla ice-cream). Both treats are made by the Chef and were a perfect way to end the night after the savoury food. I also got to try the Lindemans Pecheresse (green apple flavour) and the Mongozo Mango after it became apparent that the fruity beers were more to my palate, another telling of the impeccable service of the restaurant with their observant and personable staff.

The scenic views of the yachts on Quayside Isle and the serene isolated location of Sentosa Cove will certainly be a treat for families. Dine at Brussels Sprouts and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Brussels Sprouts | Sentosa Cove | 31 Ocean Way | #01-01 | Quayside Isle | Singapore 098375 | T 6684 4344 | www.brusselssprouts.com.sg 37 Weekendin

D intheTASTE

Formerly the British army barracks, Dempsey Hill is one of Singapore’s most active and busy scenes today. A favourite for Singaporeans and expats alike, this place is a hub of lifestyle retail and dining. Situated in Tanglin Village, Dempsey includes the restaurants at Dempsey Hill and will leave you spoilt for choice with its variety of fine dining restaurants. From Spanish cuisine to prime steaks, from luxurious restaurants to gourmet bistros and cafés, Dempsey has a lot to offer.

empsey

A favourite for Singaporeans and expats alike, this place is a hub of lifestyle retail and dining.

Don Quijote

Named for the eccentric chivalric knight and famous literary character, Don Quijote at Dempsey Road specialises in authentic Spanish cuisine. One of Singapore’s tapas restaurants, Don Quijote boasts classic Spanish dishes like paella, fresh seafood and steaks. It provides the guests with the best of the cuisine using the freshest ingredients in a wide variety that will excite the taste buds. Once done with the food options, you can select from a sizable range of wines, cocktails and Sangria to complete your adventure in Spanish dining. With delicious food and variety, this is a great place for the family meal and for discovering Spanish cuisine.

La Forketta

Established in 1993, this restaurant serves the best of homemade fresh pasta and authentic pizza. A must for Italian food lovers, the comprehensive menu serves nothing but authentic Italian food prepared with premium ingredients. Their pastas are wholesome and made in homemade style for the enjoyment of diners. The luxurious dining experience isn’t limited to just the food but the drinks as well, which features a list of exquisite Italian beer and wines specially sourced from boutique wineries. With a menu ranging from pastas and pizzas to cakes and coffee, La Forketta may be the perfect place for a family dining adventure.

La Forketta | 9 Dempsey Road | Singapore 247697 | T 6475 2298 | www.laforketta.com.sg Weekendin 38

Don Quijote | 2 Dempsey Road | Singapore 249668 | T 6476 2811 | www.don-quijote-restaurants.com La Forketta

intheTASTE

PS Café

PS Café or chopsuey café is a pleasant restaurant to discover and experience on Dempsey Hill. With an excellent range of both vegetarian and meat options of well-made food, this is a lovely space which is great for a weekend brunch. Select from its diverse choice of salads, main courses and desserts for a satisfying meal on a relaxed afternoon. Situated just next to the greenery which gives the outdoors a great view and setting, with both an indoor and an open concept, as well as consistently good food, the PS Café is a popular spot at Dempsey Hill for families and friends.

PS Cafe | 28B Harding Road | Singapore 249549 | T 6479 3343 | www.pscafe.com

Culina

Culina is one of Singapore’s leading purveyors of gourmet foods and wines. A visit to this outlet at Dempsey is an opportunity to experience and taste the food produce as well as the wines. One of Singapore’s most renowned wholesale meat distributors, Culina stands out because of its gourmet bistro and retail concept.

Whether you’d like to try the salads offered or you’d like to choose your steak at the counter, or check out the selection of canned goods, Culina makes it possible for you. Engaging and suitable for a relaxed meal with friends or family, Culina is worth a visit.

Culina | 8 Dempsey Road | Singapore 247696 | T 6474 7338 | www.culina.com.sg

The Disgruntled Chef

The Disgruntled Chef is a restaurant and bar opened by Chef Daniel Sia, who was formerly from The White Rabbit. The menu is divided into small plates like baked bone marrow and crispy lamb short ribs, and big plates like roast chicken and slow cooked veal cheek. With an ambience that includes an outdoor setting for the more casual and relaxed experience as well as the indoor setting for a more luxurious one, the restaurant offers a wide range of creative cocktails and attentive service. For a family outing at mealtimes, this restaurant is a great find.

The Disgruntled Chef | 26B Dempsey Road | Singapore 247693 | T 6476 5305 | www.disgruntledchef.com 39 Weekendin

intheTASTE

Weekendin 40

intheTASTE

Margarita’s

There are not many restaurants in Singapore that specialise in Mexican cuisine and still fewer restaurants that prepare the food in a homemade style. Situated on Dempsey Hill, Margarita’s seems to be a restaurant perfect for a family meal. Even with the wide choice of family restaurants in Singapore, Margarita’s is worth a visit.

If you are searching for a good restaurant experience or for a place to have a weekend family meal, Margarita’s restaurant may just be the perfect place. Among Dempsey Hill’s string of restaurants, Margarita’s specialises in Mexican cuisine, which is prepared in its special homemade way. The comprehensive menu offers an exciting variety including favourites such as platters of fajitas to Portobello mushrooms to burritos. Whether you are game for spice and chili or whether creamy and cheesy flavours suit more to your taste, you will find enough to please your palate. Order from the sizable range of drinks or share a platter of scrumptious nachos with the family. Whether you would like to choose an alcoholic drink, or if its too early in the day and you rather lay low, you will have a variety to choose from. You can start off with quesadillas which set the tone for the rest of the meal, followed by fajitas or burritos or both. Piping hot food is served with generous helpings of accompaniments that complement the dishes. With its simple and satisfying style of food, Margarita’s is a delightful dining experience.

One of the best things about being served a meal at Margarita’s is the people that serve it.

The service is very dedicated and attentive, as they bring you hot pans of steaming vegetables or ask you if you’re having a good day. They are receptive of food preferences—if you’d like a vegetarian menu or if you would like your food to be less spicy—and instantly give you the best options and alternatives. To my pleasure, the wait staff are enthusiastic with their recommendations, which tend to be really good and dependable. They urged me to try the restaurant’s namesake Margaritas that come in a huge jug which can be shared. If you’re picky with your flavours, or are conflicted as to what to order for dessert, they will be eager and helpful.

At this restaurant, your service will be lively and friendly, and make the process of deciding what to eat and ordering a pleasure.

As with all the best restaurants, Margarita’s makes sure it maintains an ambience that matches its style. At night time, the outdoors area is well lit with soft light. Indoors, the walls are brightly coloured in an earth style and covered with paintings that you will love to look at while the food arrives. Even the music adds to the general atmosphere and gives you the tone of the place. The restaurant is not overly flashy or showy, adding only what will complement or enhance the dining experience of good food, while providing an ambience that seems special and comfortable at the same time. This is what makes the restaurant a perfect setting for a number of occasions, from an evening for two, to a family meal, to a get together for a group of friends. It is what gives you the feel of the restaurant, and lets you soak in the setting.

With attention to detail and design, Margarita’s unites ambience and excellent food through the theme of Mexican cuisine.

If you are on the quest for a fine dining family restaurant, Margarita’s should definitely find itself on your list. With quality food that appeals to everyone from the Mexican cuisine connoisseur to the discerning foodie to those who want to chill out over the weekend with family or friends, this restaurant can cater to all. With its dedicated service and satisfying dishes, Margarita’s unites a relaxed ambience, delicious food and friendly service to give you the complete Mexican fine dining experience.

Margarita’s | Block 11 | Dempsey Road | #01-19 | Singapore 249673 | T 6471 3228 | www.dempseyhill.com 41 Weekendin

G intheTASTE

Nestled at the heart of Bukit Timah lies The Grandstand, a newly renovated lifestyle mall that fits perfectly with the lush surrounding ambience. This charming 1 million square feet property is home to an eclectic mix of retailers, dining and services outlets, kids’ enrichment centres and a car mall. Experience a refreshing retreat at Bukit Timah’s Largest Family Lifestyle Destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dio Burgers

Do It Ourselves Burgers is founded on the simple principle that when people indulge in their love of burgers, they have only one thing in common: it must be big and juicy.

They provide a free-flow of self-served fresh produce, sauces and soda drinks to customise your big, juicy burgers. The burgers range from the luxe rich ground wagyu with whole lobes of seared foie gras, crisp premium ocean-caught threadfin fillets, juicy ground beef chuck tenders, tender smokey chicken breast and thigh fillets, soft tender pulled pork, all accompanied by the signature brioche bun. Just order the basic patty and bun, top it up with your favourite sauce and garnishes, and enjoy your burger any way you want it!

All burgers are freshly made when ordered and beef patties made from freshly ground beef, meaning that no preservatives are Weekendin 42

randstand

used in the burgers.

Choose from 3 base options – brioche bun, wholemeal bun or crab-free lettuce wrap. As a family restaurant, they provide well-rounded entertainment for kids and adults with fun and wholesome TV shows and movies all day long on the pair of 55-inch screens and surround sound.

Dio Burgers | 200 Turf Club Road | #01-09 The Grandstand | Singapore 287994 | T 64689308 | www.dioburger.com.sg

Experience a refreshing retreat at Bukit Timah’s Largest Family Lifestyle Destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

intheTASTE

Slappy Cakes

Slappy Cakes is a fun, make-your-own (MYO) dining concept for friends and families to make their own pancakes. The MYO concept allows diners to customise their pancakes using builtin griddles at their table with chosen tubes of batter to continue the fun. Choose from five different batters such as Whole Grain, Buttermilk, Peanut Butter, Zuchinni and Chocolate. Its menu reads like a decadent wishlist, featuring a wide array of sweet and savoury “fixins” laid out in gravy boats for one’s adding pleasure.

diner – with its distinctive orange theme and warm, family-friendly ambience – transforms the Grandstand into a vibrant and eclectic fiesta of food. For those seeking something outside pancakes, Slappy Cakes also provides an all-day breakfast menu ranging from $13.50 to $18.50.

The all-day breakfast menu comprises of popular Eggs Benedict to Classic Breakfast.

Slappy Cakes | 200 Turf Club Road | #01-20/21 The Grandstand | T 6465 1814 | www.slappycakes. com.sg

An all-time favourite with children, diners can craft their own designs and watch their imagination come to life at Slappy Cakes, liberating the creative potential of the young and the young at heart. The Oregon-based American

Omakase Burger

Ask a child what his favourite food is and the chances are he would say burgers. Fast food has always been a hit with children, but bringing your kid to a fast food joint need not be worrying, especially when they commit to superfresh, high-quality ingredients. They work with some of the best local suppliers in town to ensure you get the freshest product possible. The meats also come straight from the farm and never see the inside of a freezer.

Omakase Burger specialises in authentic American ‘smashed burger’-style beef burgers.

Handmade patties ground fresh every morning in-store with their own proprietary blend of

premium USDA Choice-grade cuts, they smash their burgers into the ultra-hot griddles for a crisp, caramelised crust that seals in tons of big, beefy flavour. Paired with themodern, chic décor and casual ambience, they provide the ultimate burger experience that you were always looking for but never knew where to find.

Omakase Burger | 200 Turf Club Road | #0105 The Grandstand | Singapore 287994 | T 6763 2698 | www.omakaseburger.com

VeganBurg

At VeganBurg, every ingredient is bursting with wholesome and natural, real flavour; every bite is not just a set of nutritional value numbers – it’s a step towards an environmentally sustainable diet; every meal is a contribution to Mother Earth in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases. Now everyone can indulge in fast food that is healthy and ethically prepared. The Kiddie Meal is a great way for fussy kids to enjoy a fresh healthy meal with vegetables, without having to stress or worry. The meal of yummy corn mayo sammich with wholemeal buns splattered with a bunch of fries and franks is healthy fun for the little ones.

VeganBurg | 200 Turf Club Road | #01-32 The Grandstand | Singapore 287994 | T 6462 1281 | www.veganburg.com

43 Weekendin

We’ve found the perfect hotels and dozens of surefire ways to keep both parents and kids happy at some of these amazing resorts filled with off-the-chart family fun. Let the games begin!

Weekendin 44

WeekendinFEATURE

traversing the globe on a family

getaway A family vacation goes beyond a visit to the theme park. Finding a holiday destination that would please the entire family used to be a feat, but now, familyfriendly resorts provide a multitude of options. Parents can keep their tots entertained, relax with their spouses, and simply enjoy what the destination has to offer – all from the creative comforts of African safaris, lost continents and even a mountain playground. Modern family resorts have upped the ante in entertainment: swimming with dolphins, petit chef programmes and even travelling in canal boats are real-life resort activities.

45 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 46

WeekendinFEATURE

Clockwise from top Catch a great white shark swimming in the Ruins lagoon, give a dolphon an eskimo kiss, test your nerves down the serpant slide, or give way to the hammerhead sharks as they glide through the shark waterway.

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort Imagine vacationing on Paradise Island from the perspective of a child – an enormous underwater world of sea creatures and “gazillions” of magic marker coloured fish; a playful universe of fountains, waterfalls, waterslides and swimming pools; buried treasures on unending beaches; entire rooms full of delicious to eat treats; dazzling lights and fantastical shapes, huge intriguing spaces, instant smiles and new friendships. For kids, ‘tweens and teens the resort isn’t simply a place to play with Mom and Dad, it’s a wondrous expedition of the mind and imagination—a trip into fabulous new worlds to be explored and understood. This resort surpasses many at suiting children’s love of discovery, with its incomparable ruins of an ancient lost world populated by schools of sharks and manta rays; with waterslides and water rides, beaches and swimming pools, its remarkably diverse play activities.

The $850-million Atlantis Resort recreates the infamous lost continent, filled with adventure and intrigue. This mecca of family fun features over 20,000 guest rooms, 38 restaurants and countless activities, including 11 exhibit lagoons and over 50,000 animals such as sharks, lionfish and stingrays. Water enthusiasts can visit miles of beaches, take a dip in one of 11 pool areas, or play on 7 different water slides. Leave your fears at home, as the Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith slide features a 60-foot drop into an acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-infested lagoon.

Your kids won’t want to miss their chance to dive into Paradise Island’s kids club, Atlantis Kids Adventures. Resort guests ages 3 to 12 are invited to choose their own adventure within themed spaces designed specifically for children’s Atlantis imagination and enjoyment. Hosted by a staff Adventure Guides ready to help with culinary lessons, interactive electronic art, theater, outdoor play – and more.

Morning and Afternoon Adventure’s allow kids three to five to become detectives, pirates and wizards and enjoy splashing in the sun and kids 6 to 12 to experience beach and backyard blasts, being on the cover of a magazine, interactive games, stage performances or joining a three ring circus. Evening Adventures allow kids 3 to 12 to take on a challenge, join in a candy carnival, Pirates in Paradise or a sleepless slumber party! Each night features a new adventure that will leave you wanting more! Atlantis Kids Adventures is a place to let imaginations run wild, where kids will never know what they may learn and discover!

Atlantis Paradise Island Resort One Casino Drive | Paradise Island | Bahamas | T 1-242-363-3000 | reservations@atlantis.com | www.atlantis.com 47 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 48

WeekendinFEATURE

S

tep into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic.

Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Escape to an 11,000-square-foot pool with an exciting waterslide and gently sloping, zero-depth entry point similar to that of a natural watering hole. Surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms, Uzima Pool includes a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas.

You can also cool off at Samawati Springs Pool, which offers a thrilling waterslide, 2 whirlpool spas and Uwanja Camp—an animal observation site-themed water playground with squirting Venus flytraps, a rope bridge, water cannons and more. Samawati Springs Pool is located just a short walk away at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village.

Simba’s Cubhouse, the children’s activity centre, is where your little cubs can be dropped off and entertained with movies, games and more while you and your mate celebrate some alone time. At this supervised Children’s Activity Centre, kids 3 to 12 years of age will be kept busy and entertained. In a fun, secure environment staffed by caring Disney Cast Members, your little ones can get into Sony PlayStation™ video games, play with toys, make arts and crafts— and even make new friends!

lect a meal and a snack for your little one. Choices include Chicken tenders, Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Mini hamburger or cheeseburger, Hot dog, and Macaroni and cheese.

Stories, songs and more keep the kids entertained and provide a memorable way to cap off your day. Gather around the campfire for lively storytelling, spirited sing-alongs and tasty treats. For grumbling tummies, refreshments are available for purchase at most locations—or you can bring your own!

Blankets or something to sit on are also welcome so that you and your crew can get nice and comfy.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 2901 Osceola Parkway | Lake Buena Vista | Florida 32830-8410 | T (407) 938-3000 | www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

With dinner, Disney movies, snacks, nightly themed activities and cool keepsakes, it’s an evening they’re sure to rave about for days to come. Food is part of the fun at Simba’s Clubhouse and is included in the cost of your child’s visit. When you check in, you may se49 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Club Med Cancún Yucatán For families looking for an exotic getaway wrapped in culture and history, Club Med’s Cancun Yucatan resort has something for everyone. The Yucatan Peninsula boasts one of the richest archaeological zones in the ancient Mesoamerica world, with a coastline dotted with beautiful white sand beaches.

This coming summer brings new transformations to Cancún Yucatán. On a prime location lined by 3 white sand beaches alongside world’s second largest coral reef, the ultimate family escape, offering the broadest array of water and land sports and direct access to the Ancient Mayan wonders.

This award-winning destination is already on a prime strip of the Caribbean Sea and a stone’s throw from Mayan archeological sites. With this stylish redesign and expansion, the fun and comfort of every action-packed family vacation is maximised.

The environmentally-friendly all-inclusive family resort safeguards the beauty and majesty of the land while providing the perfect escape from the chilly season. Enjoy your carefree vacation amidst the sumptuous amenities, natural beauty and a relaxing atmosphere that make this unique family resort as breathtaking as it is adventurous.

Enrich your vacation experience by participating in daily water aerobics and plenty of beach activities where you can learn to how to wakeboard, water ski or windsurf.

Take the plunge under the sea and take a scuba diving lesson, the thrill of underwater exploration will be an unforgettable adventure. Take a lesson in acrobatics and test the limits of gravity as you leap and bound at the trapeze school. The caring and high-energy team is dedicated to making your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Inspired by nature and the local environment, Club Med has developed a new children’s club concept for children. These children clubs are unique creations designed around a theme specific to the resort, where children can experience the joys of travel and discovery, just like their parents.

Childcare services like Mini Club Med for ages 4 to 10 years old and Club Med Passworld for ages 11 to 17 years old help to take kids off their parents’ hands. In Cancun, dedicated areas are located under the restaurant and sport activities and games are orgnaised.

A baby corner in the main restaurant and babysitting services are available to ease the burden of parents with little ones. Fun activities like Pyjama Club where parents can have the opportunity to have a complete evening without the kids, Baby Gym where babies can explore movement on a fun circuit created specially for them, petit chef programme, and sport activities like little basketball, little golf, little soccer, and petit tennis help to keep the kids occupied and interested.

Club Med Cancún Yucatán Punta Nizuc 77500 | Estado De Quintana Roo Cancun | T (52) 998 881 82 00 | sales.singapore@clubmed.com | www.clubmed.com.sg Weekendin 50

WeekendinFEATURE

51 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 52

WeekendinFEATURE

F

amily holidays always translate to lots of fun for kids at Hard Rock Hotel Bali. The more people you travel with, the more likely you may all want to do different things. This goes double for kids. With this in mind the Lil’ Rock Kids Club was created to keep kids occupied with all kinds of fun, guided play. They can do some Lego building, Play Doh modeling, treasure hunts, even learn some Balinese dances, all supervised by experienced staff.

Hard Rock Hotel Bali Truth be told, any Hard Rock Hotel would easily win the hearts of kids of all ages. But Hard Rock Hotel Bali has a special touch that makes it all the more extraordinary.

If travelling with the family, check in to the Luxury Kids Suite for more space and an eclectic living room—the ultimate choice for a perfect family getaway. This accommodation is a suite room featuring one deluxe master bedroom with King Size bed, LCD TV and mini TV and mini HiFi, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower facilities, suite bathroom with bathtub and shower facilities, one living room with two day beds, and a dining table. Kids will enjoy the additional kids room (ideal for young children below 12 years old) complete with Play Station 3 and other children’ entertainment and toilet amenities. The living room is complete with home theater system, LCD TVs, mini HiFi, dining room, and separate kids toilet and shower.

humble giant. You can even go on an elephant safari ride through forest areas.

For the adrenalin junkies, there is Bungee Jumping that offers a spectacular view over Kuta Beach from the top of the 45-metre Bungee tower. Or you can sail away on a cruise to Lembongan Island, just 23 kilometres off Bali’s east coast and is well-known for its marine life and crystal clear water, where you can enjoy an array of water sport activities, such as banana boat, snorkeling, parasailing adventure or scuba diving.

For something really different, you may like to watch the beautiful sunset on a horseback ride along the beach or discover a traditional village, enjoy tranquil riverbanks and lush rice paddies.

Hard Rock Hotel Bali Jalan Pantai | Banjar Pande Mas | Kuta | Bali | Indonesia | T +62 361 761 869 | bookings@hardrockhotels.net | www. bali.hardrockhotels.net

For added family adventure, Hard Rock Hotel Bali and Bali Adventure Tours can arrange a variety of off-site adventures during your stay. Nature lovers can enjoy rafting excursions on the spectacular Ayung River, Bali’s longest river while sport junkies can gear up for a great cycling trip on a route that offers spectacular views of Mount Batur volcano at Kintamani. Jumbo-sized fun awaits you at the Elephant Safari Park where you can interact, touch and hand feed elephants and truly appreciate the status of this

53 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 54

WeekendinFEATURE

Hilton Waikoloa Village Enjoy a magical, up-close personal encounter at Dolphin Quest, the only dolphin attraction of its kind on Hawaii, the Big Island. Guided by marine mammal experts, you’ll be truly captivated and amazed.

Touch, feed, play, swim and learn with dolphins on a magical personal encounter, guided by marine mammal experts in the tropical lagoon at Hilton Waikoloa Village®. Programmes such as “Dolphin Family & Friends” where you can bring your ohana (Hawaiian for ‘family’) to play with their dolphin ohana, for fantastic family fun and an extraordinary and memorable family experience, and “Kids Quest” which is a high-energy adventure for kids featuring a face-toface dolphin encounter filled with laughter, discovery and hands-on learning, and super-fun Hawaiian-themed activities and games, will be a memorable experience.

adults. Enjoy the best Mai Tai cocktails in the resort at Kohala Pool Bar. Keep nourished all day long with a selection of wraps, sandwiches and salads, as well as refreshing drinks to help you cool off. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with the kids.

Hire snorkeling equipment from the Ocean sports kiosk or join one of the daily introductory lessons. Or stay fit by attending one of their Aqua Aerobics classes every morning at 11:30am. Or stay put and relax for the day in your own personal cabana at Kona Pool, Kohala Pool, Main Lagoon or along the ocean towards Buddha Point. Cabana rental purchase includes personal concierge service, cold Oshibori towels and more.

To get around the resort, kids will love cruising the resort on the magical mahogany canal boats along tranquil waterways or taking one of the Kids will be kids – and at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, they are given their Swiss-made air-conditioned trams, which operate all day for guests’ conown place to have fun at Club Keiki. They’ll enjoy a myriad of fun-filled venience. experiences, make new friends and come back to you with an exciting new story each time. And if they’re happy, you’re happy! Offering day or night camps, Club Keiki provides a safe and fun environment with diverse Hilton Waikoloa Village programmes and things to do for keiki (that’s Hawaiian for “children”) ages 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive | Waikoloa | Hawaii 96738 | T 1 808 886 1234 | 5 to 12. Crafts, games and water activities are all geared toward a central info@hiltonwaikoloavillage.com | www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com theme that changes daily. And since the camp counselors enjoy telling stories of the islands and teaching children about Hawaiian culture, past and present, your kids might even learn something along the way.

Discover kid-friendly sparkling pools at Hilton Waikoloa Village®, featuring wild slides and a winding river. Slide down a 175-foot twisting waterslide, meander along a winding river or take Aqua Hula lessons in this waterlovers’ paradise. Cool off after a swim at one of the Pool Bars with tropical drinks and cocktails or choice of delicious sunshine snacks for kids and

Clockwise from top Swim through the cascading waterfall in the main pool, sip tea or find serenity koi watching at the Imari tea room, get sun kissed on the deck chairs or while swimming, water slides turn any holiday from fun to super fabulous!

55 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 56

WeekendinFEATURE

O

ffering 3,240 vertical feet of award-winning terrain enjoyed by all skill levels of skiers and riders, Snowbird boasts Utah’s longest ski season and annually averages 500 inches of low-density powder. Four lodges conveniently nestled in Snowbird’s pedestrian village provide guests with easy access to the facilities, all within easy walking distance. Heated outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs set the perfect stage for viewing the surrounding snowcapped granite peaks.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Winter activities go beyond skiing and riding through Snowbird’s 2,500 acres.

Explore the backcountry via snowmobile and snowcat skiing tours or on snowshoes. When it’s time to warm up, The Cliff Spa, shopping, swimming, live entertainment and après-ski specials are sure to hit the spot.

Keep the kids busy with a whole array of activities. Camp Snowbird is a state licensed childcare facility and the staff are there to serve Snowbird’s youngest guests, from 6 weeks to 12 years. They provide an array of age appropriate activities to ensure a wonderful camp experience.

The day camp offers children a fun environment to play and be creative.

Available are both indoor and outdoor activities, including arts & crafts, games, free play and more. Hot lunches, as well as morning and afternoon snacks are provided daily. Children should come to camp with outdoor clothing, boots, waterproof gloves, a hat, extra socks, sunscreen and eyewear. Babies aged 6 weeks to 23 months are taken care at the Nursery, where well-trained staff offer a loving and nurturing environment for the little ones in their care.

track then gravity takes over. Firmly secured to the track, the cart’s speed is controlled by the driver. The speedy descent back down 160 vertical feet includes two horizontal loops, a tree-lined straightaway and then swooping turns back to the base station.

New to snow skiing? Don’t fret. With a staff of ski and snowboard instructors as diverse as the mountain, the Snowbird Mountain School has a lesson perfectly suited to your ability and interests. Specially-trained pros are ready to help your child explore the mountain playground.

Skiers and riders are grouped by age and ability to experience Snowbird’s terrain and challenges of the child-friendly areas.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort Highway 210 | Little Cottonwood Canyon | Snowbird | UT 84092 | T (801) 933 2222 | info@snowbird.com | www.snowbird.com

An exhilarating ride like no other in Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Snowbird Mountain Coaster is 3,120 feet of twists, turns, screams and shouts. Passengers (up to 2 people per cart) board the Mountain Coaster near the base of the Peruvian chairlift outside the Snowbird Centre and are pulled to the top of the 57 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 58

WeekendinFEATURE

Londolozi Game Reserve Families travelling with kids who want an unusual itinerary of adventure-packed experiences and fun can try out visiting a safari and staying at one of their lodges or private villas. Given the expense and logistics of flying halfway around the world with kids in tow, tapping into the expertise of a safari expert is particularly advisable.

With extreme heat and humidity comes an increased risk of malaria.

If travelling with babies or young children, it’s advisable to avoid malarial areas—choosing one of South Africa’s malaria-free resorts will bring peace of mind.

interaction, bonding, and learning.

Stay at one of their lodges – Pioneer Camp, Founders Camp, Private Granite Suites, Varty Camp, and Tree Camp. While the exclusive Pioneer Camp caters more to honeymooners and the Private Granite Suites and Tree Camp do not accommodate kids under the age of 16, Founders Camp and Varty Camp are guaranteed to give the kids a memorable time. Enchanting, intimate and child-friendly, Founders Camp is ideally situated to provide an insider’s view of the secrets of river life.

Londolozi is situated on the Sand River in the very heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This reserve in turn forms part of the Greater Limpopo Londolozi Game Reserve Transfrontier Park, a vast and growing area, currently covering 6 million Sparta Farm | Sabi Sand Wildtuin | Mpumalanga | T +27(0)13 735 5653 | acres and incorporating the famous Kruger National Park. This rich, wild news@londolozi.com | www.londolozi.com wonderland assures exceptional game drives and a true wilderness experience.

Breeding herds of elephant and buffalo roam throughout the Londolozi area, while white rhino and lion concentrations are amongst the highest recorded on the African continent. However, it is the truly remarkable relationship which has developed over three decades between wild free ranging leopards and ranger and trackers which makes Londolozi worldfamous. There is no disputing that viewing the leopards of Londolozi is one of life’s truly treasured experiences.

A Londolozi safari is about engaging all the senses and participating in the journey, so that you come away charged, enlightened and ready for the next adventure. At Londolozi, their approach to children is more of a philosophy than a programme, where game drives become a time of family

Clockwise from top Stunning view from the infinity pool, the magnificent Granite Suite, watch the sunrise from the deck, a family of elephants casually making their way through the land 59 Weekendin

WeekendinFEATURE

Weekendin 60

WeekendinFEATURE

T

he Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a five-star resort that is a destination in its own right, with a unique layout and architecture. Visitors arriving at the resort will be impressed by the grand structure of the hotel. The main building holding all the rooms of the resort is separated and structured as two ‘cliffs’ which are connected by rope bridges. In line with this adventurous theme, the resort also has its very own waterpark, The Lost World, which boasts a cavern in which a jungle with a river and waterfalls can be found. Guests who prefer golden sands and sparkling waters can go down an exclusive pathway connecting the hotel to the beaches of Wong Amat Beach in North Pattaya.

Centara Grand Mirage Resort This close proximity to Wong Amat Beach means that 555 ocean-facing rooms and suites are available in this 18-storey hotel, all offering comfortable living areas ranging between 42 and 326 square metres. Guests staying in a Club room or a suite, or upgrading to Club level get to enjoy exclusive privileges including access to the Club Lounge where five meal presentations are served daily, and patrons get discounts at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree and two hours meeting room use per day. All rooms and suites offer a host of in-room amenities and services, such as individually controlled air-conditioning, ceiling fan, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe, IDD telephone line and wireless internet access.

In particular, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is the desired destination for families who are looking for a relaxing, luxurious stay in which both children and parents can find activities and entertainment to their liking.

The key to the perfect family retreat starts with the accommodation. Centara offers family residence with bunk beds or even a spacious suite, the latter offering plenty of room for groups of families travelling together – perfect for a gathering with relatives!

Families with children too young to ride the waterslides at The Lost World can instead enrol their children in the Camp Safari, where children aged 4 to 9 years old engage in fun and creative activities all while under the guidance of trained professionals. Each child is given a Camp Safari Card and is tasked to complete a number of adventures in order to receive a sticker. Once all activities are completed, the child is awarded a special prize. Children unable to complete all activities during their stay can continue their quest the next stay at Centara Hotel & Resorts with a Camp Safari. Babysitting services are also available upon request.

Centara also offers many facilities for adults, including a sports centre, two tennis courts, rock climbing facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centre with aerobics, yoga, Pilates and high and low impact classes. Ladies can indulge in beauty treatments at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, which has 24 single and double treatment rooms, one of which is dedicated to Vichy applications, hot and cold plunge pools, a sauna and a steam room.

With so many in-house facilities available for people of all ages, everyone in the family is guaranteed an enjoyable stay without even leaving the resort. However, for those who are keen to travel around Pattaya, a scheduled hourly shuttle service connects to Central Festival Pattaya shopping and lifestyle centre. Considered Pattaya’s most popular shopping destination, this complex has a range of 300 shops, including international and regional fashion brands, a cinema with 10 movie theatres and a vast array of dining outlets. Guests should also take the chance to visit the Pattaya Floating Market which is only 30 minutes away by road. Visitors will get the rare chance to experience a bygone lifestyle and savour freshly cooked Thai delicacies, offering a refreshing change of pace.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya 277 Moo 5 | Naklua | Banglamung | Pattaya 20150 | Thailand | T +66 (0) 3830 1234 | www.centarahotelsresorts.com

The Lost World waterpark has twelve waterslides, a cliff jumping platform for younger patrons and five pools, including a children’s pool, infinity pool and adults-only pool. The close 230-metre Wong Amat Beach also offers an array of water sports activities such as sailing and kayaking, and even a dive centre. Guests looking for relaxation and serenity can visit the Jacuzzis and a quiet zone where you can snooze in peace and work on your tan.

61 Weekendin

intheHOME

Weekendin 62

intheHOME

SUMMER SOS with spotlight

At some point, you may feel that your home lacks character or fails to represent you anymore, and all it is is a dull-looking facade. You feel that everything needs to be changed. If you have a problem making the best out of your home, you can consider customising your curtains and blinds at Spotlight and that can help you bring the house to life. Finding the perfect curtains requires some sense of expertise, especially when it comes to choosing fabric, determining measurements to ensure that they fit perfectly, or whether you want them automated.

63 Weekendin

intheHOME

T

he entire process of redecorating a house can prove to be overwhelming for many people. As you consider various ways of transforming your space into a more attractive place, you will discover how complicated and detailed redecorating a room can be when you need to choose what kind of curtains and blinds you want and you are overwhelmed by the variety of products available. That is where the professional help of Spotlight will come in handy, as the experts are able to advise you what fits your apartment or house and recommend the best. Spotlight has the widest range of choice in terms of fabric in Singapore, and with all their fabric being imported, you can be sure that this Australian brand will deliver in terms of quality.

Gone are the days of buying a pair of readymade curtains off the rack and hanging them up only to find them ill-fitting, or in a shade contrasting to that of the room’s interior. Customers can now custom make their own curtains and blinds, and maybe even a combination of both – as is the trend now. Spotlight has its very own custom corner, where customers can choose from curtains to blinds, and even children print curtains. Every princess room needs a pair of pink pastel curtains! Choose from the best-selling, modern roller blinds to the more unique rattan or bamboo blinds. In fact, you can even do a combination of both to further personalise your room. With Spotlight’s customisation services, your curtains are certain to be uniquely you. Just simply provide Spotlight with the measurements, or if needed, Spotlight will be more than happy to come down and measure up your windows for you, for a small charge of 50 dollars which will be refunded if you purchase an entire package of more than 2000 dollars. Spotlight’s in-house sewing team is made up of professionals who have more than 30 years of experience under their belts, so customers can rest assured that their curtains will come out looking gorgeous.

To go with that perfect pair of curtains or blinds, don’t forget an equally flawless rod or track.

Weekendin 64

“For customers looking for something a little different, something urban and chic, we suggest trying out the automated curtains and blinds.”

Spotlight boasts an impressive array of more than 30 tracks available. However, if you are unable to find one to your liking (which is pretty impossible), or if you see a picture online and you just must have a similar one, customers can print out photos of their desired rod or track and Spotlight will do their best to see if they can find a similar one for you. Due to space constraints, Spotlight is unable to display all of their items.

As such, if you really want a specific look, we recommend printing out a photo of your ideal piece and showing it to one of the friendly staff at Spotlight.

For customers looking for something a little different, something urban and chic, try out the automated curtains and blinds. Unfortunately, Spotlight is unable to provide you with your own Jarvis, but you can certainly channel Tony Stark!

With just a press of a button, watch as your curtains and blinds open and close by themselves, saving you the trouble of drawing them at daybreak and at night. The motors for the automated curtains and blinds are made in Europe and have a one-year warranty. They are suitable for all curtains and blinds, but use different tracks.

Customers can choose from all the various types of curtains Spotlight offer and roller and roman blinds.

intheHOME

65 Weekendin

intheHOME

Weekendin 66

intheHOME

In addition, Spotlight also offers 12 different kinds of sewing tops, and an array of accessories to connect the curtains, from joiners to brackets. Feel free to check with any staff for the full range!

Spotlight has a wonderful offer in store, exclusively for Weekendin readers – The ‘Free SiteMeasure’. With this offer, customers can get their windows measured for free without having to pay the $50 fee. Have it easy as Spotlight professionals personally do the measurements and fitting for you at your abode. All you have to do is go to Spotlight for a quotation on how much furnishing your windows will cost. Simply quote ‘Weekendin’ while booking your fitting, and voilà. Now all you have to do is look forward to elegant, easy and effortless curtains and blinds framing your windows.

Level 5, Plaza Singapura | 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839 | T 6733 9808 | www.spotlight. com.sg 67 Weekendin

intheLOOK

1. Crafted in Italy from smooth calfskin and finished with polished metal accents, this roomy Ralph Lauren Saddle Weekender Bag fits everything you need while exuding elegance.

Available at The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands.

2. Creating a powerfully sleek appearance, Saint Laurent’s PatentLeather Oxford Shoes are the epitome of Parisian sophistication. Available at Paragon.

3. This handsome pair of Burberry London Fox Cufflinks features a realistic interpretation of a fox. Slip them through your cuff to give your suit a touch of British panache. Available at ION Orchard.

4. The official footwear of the preppy lifestyle, the Ralph Lauren Penny Loafers has become an indispensable part of any stylish warm-weather wardrobe.

Available at The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands.

5. Look chic yet feel comfortable in the Slim Fit, Cotton-Linen Houndstooth Sport Coat by BOSS from their latest Spring 2014 Collection. Available at Paragon.

6. Create a standout look with The James/Sharp Super 120 Italian Virgin Wool Suit by BOSS with a textured windowpane check design but in an earthy tone. Available at Paragon.

7. Go for a slim-fitting silhouette with Ralph Lauren’s Purple Label Custom-Fit Deco Suit for a fashionable take on a classic suit. Available at The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands.

8. Hardy Armies’ Single-Breasted Ink Wool Peak-Lapel Jacket can be matched with a white waffle-cotton short-sleeved polo shirt for a flawlessly casual yet refined summer look.

Available at China Square Centre.

Corporate Chic In the corporate world, it is necessary to dress to impress. But a corporate outfit does not necessarily mean boring black and white ensembles.

The great thing about a corporate wardrobe is that it requires only a few classic additions to create endless combinations that will make you look chic enough to wow the office. The key point is to invest in quality and classic garments that will stand the test of time, as well as having the versatility to be worn with different pieces.

Weekendin 68

9. Ramp up any work outfit with a statement piece like limited edition Brietling Bentley 6.75 Midnight Carbon.

Available at Palais Renaissance.

10. Whether you’re travelling for business or off on a well-deserved holiday, the handsome and versatile Tod’s Double Stripe Briefcase will make the perfect travel companion. Available at Paragon.

11. Embodying luxurious cool, the Jimmy Choo Radnor Suede and Leather Fringed Loafers in Purple gives an edge to a plain ensemble. Play it up a notch with a matching purple tie. Available at Paragon.

12. Tod’s Leather Ankle Boots is the perfect accessory to complete a formal yet versatile look, adding value to the choice for elegance, style and modernity. Available at Paragon.

intheLOOK

2 3 4

1

10

11 9

12

8

7

6

5

69 Weekendin

Go nude

intheLOOK

9

4

5

Want to look polished but not overly made-up? The key is to use flattering shades that are soft, muted, and simply gorgeous, so that the final look is natural and fresh. Remember to conceal dark under-eye circles, use mascara to open up the eyes, and use a nude lipstick to seal that natural makeup look. Here are a few natural makeup essentials you need to make room in your cosmetics box for.

8

7 2

1

3

6

1. Giorgio Armani Luminuous Silk Foundation, SGD73, available exclusively at DFS Galleria Beauty Hall 2. Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette, SGD83, available at Sephora stores 3. Chanel Brow Kit, SGD99, available at Chanel beauty counters 4. NARS Foreplay Orgasm Cheek Palette, SGD68, available at NARS cosmetics counters 5. Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, $50, available at Lancome counters 6. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #02 Sensual Silk, SGD45, available at YSL boutique at ION Orchard 7. Chanel Vitalumiere Eclat Comfort Radiance Compact Makeup, SGD93, available at Chanel beauty counters 8. Lancome Artliner 24H, SGD42, available at Lancome counters 9. Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector, SGD44, available at Bobbi Brown outlets Weekendin 70

intheLIFESTYLE

: e m i t h t i w p u g n i Grow d lk

ic Wa g l a t s o N A

ue to its limitations in size, everyday life in Singapore can get rather mundane. Taking the same route to and back from work, or following a strict schedule of when to pick the kids up from school and drop them off for tuition can make life sorely uninspiring. Then again, if we put in the effort to take the extra step of switching up some things in our lives—and make better lifestyle choices—then we might gain back that spark that was missing and keep our everyday routine fun and exciting.

Part of this month’s feature, we take you on a nostalgic trip back to past as we introduce you a few popular pastimes that families of the older generations did while growing up, and at the same time, list down modern day activities and delightful brunch places that ensure a jolly good time for everyone in the family.

There was a period where games meant more than just iPad apps, when the children of Sin-

Weekendin 72

intheLIFESTYLE

ack in the b d e s s a p as the years. r yday life w r e v e v e o w d o e h rm of nd ve transfo snapshot a a h s u o ie e have fou y it w v e , ti iv c re a fo y e il We g b m s s ow, how fa are not as simple a ill still be a w d n a g day and n in in ow as enter ta activities n t s h g ju u re o ut. a h lt t A ily’s day o ’s life tha m y a fa d n to fu in for a some enjoyable

gapore enjoyed traditional games for its simplicity in the 80s. This is the period where life is much simpler and everything is about pure fun.

No Internet, no Xbox, no iPad, no cable television… just the company of friends and siblings being entertained by a game or two. Traditional games are a significant part of our cultural heritage. They reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our forefathers in creating their own games by using inexpensive materials for their pastimes and recreation. Though simple, these games have cultural and social value as they encouraged children to exercise their ingenuity and help develop their social skills, especially in fostering team spirit in school and in the neighborhood.

The way family time is spent now is different as well. A multi-cultural melting pot with a turbulent history, Singapore has much more to offer than shopping and skyscrapers. Scratch away at its surface and you’ll find a lot more than a globalisation success story, and a vibrancy you weren’t expecting. In fact, you’ll find it hard to fit

in all the markets, natural wonders, nightlife and cuisine it has to offer, and probably leave wishing you’d seen more.

At the same time, brunch has been a trend in Singapore for many years now, and is considered as a common family activity during the weekend. Hotel brunches are the most decadent feasts you can find and are the best to kick-start the Sunday, with a gratifying feast along with a flute or two or champagne. You spend the meal relaying between stations of grilled meats, fresh seafood, salads, and dessert.

We give you a snapshot of how everyday life was passed back in the day and now, how family activities have transformed over the years.

Although activities are not as uncomplicated as before, we have found some in today’s life that are just as entertaining and will still be as enjoyable for a fun family’s day out.

“Part of this month’s feature, we take you on a nostalgic trip back to past as we introduce you a few popular pastimes that families of the older generations did while growing up, and at the same time, list down modern day activities and delightful brunch places that ensure a jolly good time for everyone in the family.”

73 Weekendin

intheLIFESTYLE

Remember the good ol’ times? Go back a couple of decades to where life was a lot slower, simpler and the only distraction was probably a television broadcasting black and white films.

Technology and gadgets had not come into existence, and fun was defined by a couple of uncomplicated games played with good company. Take a trip down your childhood memory lane as we share some simply delightful compendiums of games and hobbies that families used to do.

by a player. Before it falls, she has to pick up another bag from the ground. Different throws have received distinctive names over the years, such as riding the elephant, peas in the pod, and horses in the stable.

The game is believed to have originated in Ancient Asia, during the Siege of Troy in 1184 B.C..

Still played today, although not that commonly, modern versions of the game consist of six points, or knobs, proceeding from a common base, and are usually made of metal or plastic.

This game is said to increase the eyesight, memory power and build concentration and aiming skills. Five stones is more popular among girls and is played with one hand.

Five stones Hopscotch Five stones is an an-

cient game that has existed for generations. The game is played by two or more players, using five small stones as its name suggests. The winner is the first player to successfully complete a prescribed series of throws, which, while of the same general character, differ widely in detail.

The objective is to complete a set of eight steps without dropping any stones. The simplest prescribed throw consists of tossing up one stone, and picking up one or more from the table while it is in the air until all five stones have been picked up. Another throw consists of first tossing up one stone, then two, then three and so on, and catching them on the back of the hand. Sharp reflexes are needed to play batu serambat or five stones. Tiny cloth bags stuffed with beans, sand and rice are tossed in the air

Hopscotch is a popular playground game that can be played with several players or alone.

Usually played by children, the game requires players to toss a puck or game piece into numbered spaces of a pattern of rectangles outlined on the ground and then hop or jump through the spaces to retrieve the object. This has to be done without losing balance or stepping on the lines of the framework.

Requiring some dexterity and physical prowess, the game was popular among children in Singapore in the mid-twentieth century. Back when playgrounds were lined with sand and not padded with foam tiles, the hopscotch framework was built into playgrounds and drawn in paint in school courtyards. Singapore students played the game during recess or before and after school, using almost anything they had on hand for pucks, ranging from their wallets to packets of tissue paper.

Present Day Outdoor Excursions Family excursions used to mean going to the local longkang (storm drain) and using hand nets to scoop up tiny fishes or going to agriculture farms to pick fresh fruit or harvest crops. Compared to the past, family culture has certainly changed, developing into more complex and lavish affairs. The definition of fun takes on a whole new meaning and outdoor excursions are now harder to plan than ever, with children of today exposed to media and no longer as easily satisfied as before. Here are some outdoor activities that are sure to tickle your children’s fancy and ensure an enjoyable time for everyone in the family.

Universal Studio Singapore

This Hollywood movie theme park opened its doors in 2010 and has enjoyed much success since. The first in Southeast Asia, this park boasts Weekendin 74

24 attractions, 18 of which are unique to Singapore. Many of the rides are unrestricted to kids, such as Dino-Soarin’, King Julien’s Beach PartyGo-Around and Magic Potion Spin. Apart from these milder rides, children surpassing 92cm can also try out Enchanted Airways and Canopy Flier for more of a kick. Those above 102cm are even allowed access to Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, one of the most popular rides in the park. Parents who are hesitant on allowing their children participate in such risky rides can opt for shows instead, such as The Shrek 4D Adventure which plays every 15 minutes or Sesame Street’s “When I Grow Up”, a musical style show in which characters talk about their dreams.

Parents and children are sure to enjoy their day out in Universal Studio Singapore, as they step into the world of Hollywood, with thrilling rides, specialised themed shops and mascots roaming around. - www.rwsentosa.com

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork presented in a creative embellished manner. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling of memories, thoughts and even ideas.

The origin of scrapbooking could be alluded to the late 15th century English practice of commonplace books. These were a way to compile information that included recipes, quotations, letters, poems and more. Each commonplace book was unique to its creator’s particular interests. Modern scrapbooking is often credited with turning scrapbooking from what was once just the age-old scrapbook hobby into the actual industry containing businesses devoted specifically to the sale and manufacturing of scrapbooking supplies. Stationery supply stores today are replete with choices of card papers; mount boards and binding options, turning scrapbooks into ornamental visual diaries.

Chapteh

Chapteh is a traditional Asian game which requires players to keep a weighted shuttlecock in the air, usually using their feet, although other parts of the body may be used, except for the

River Safari

River Safari is the newest addition to Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s parks. This $160-million attraction features over 6,000 animals including 40 threatened species. Inspired by the most iconic rivers around the globe, visitors embark on an adventure of the Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Murray, Mekong and Yangtze rivers. The pristine Upper Seletar Reservoir serves as a backdrop, further adding to the authenticity of the experience as the park is surrounded by trees and elevated above a natural river. Other attractions include the Giant Panda Forest, Squirrel Monkey Forest and the enchanting Amazon Flooded Forest. The park is also child-friendly, renting out strollers for infants and toddlers at S$9 and holding adequate diaper changing facilities and nursing rooms, which are paired and spread out evenly on a total of 4 different locations around the park. Children will definitely enjoy watching

intheLIFESTYLE

hands. The idea of the game is to keep the shuttlecock airborne for as long as possible by kicking it. The winner is the player who manages the most number of kicks.

The chapteh consists of feathers attached to a rubber or plastic sole. The player starts by kicking the chapteh (usually with the in-step), either with one leg or alternating with both legs. He continues to count each kick until he misses. When he misses, he stops playing and surrenders his turn to the next player, and waits for his turn to come again. The next player starts kicking and counting until he misses. The game continues until either all the players have completed an agreed number of turns, or one player has reached the targeted number of kicks. The player who has the most number of kicks, or who reaches a hundred kicks first, wins. In team play, a circle is drawn for each team. A player steps in and starts kicking the chapteh until he misses. The next player on the team takes over. This continues until all the team members have had their turns. The team which scores the most number of kicks after all the players have had their turns, wins the game.

Apart from the excitement derived when people compete with each other to see who can keep the chapteh in the air the longest, the game also provides health benefits. Not only that, it also improves hand-eye coordination. This should give us sufficient reason to start digging out the old chaptehs we have stashed in some remote corner.

the rangers feed the animals during scheduled timings. In particular, families can look forward to the manatee feed times, a chance to escape the heat and enter the air-conditioned Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit, where visitors can sit and view the manatees in the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. Apart from watching these adorable mammals feed, a ranger will also give a short presentation, educating children and adults alike on not only the manatee but other freshwater creatures. An excursion to the River Safari will certainly be a novel experience for everyone in the family as you get to witness firsthand unique river animals and learn more about them. - www.riversafari.com.sg

There are a variety of names given to this game, for example, chatek or capteh in Singapore and some parts of Southeast Asia, sepak bulu ayam in Malaysia, sepak kenchi in Indonesia, and larong sipa in the Philippines, to name a few. However, despite the different terms, the methods of playing chapteh is still largely similar.

Kuti Kuti

A traditional Malay game made popular since 1940s, two players ply their skills and accuracy by trying to deftly flip their pieces of colourful plastic tokens to land on top of their opponent’s. When that happens, the winner will claim the opponent’s token as his own.

The earliest versions of kuti kuti pieces were simple, round discs with a limited number of colours. Later versions of the kuti kuti pieces were made of brightly coloured transparent plastic shaped as objects or animals such as elephants, monkeys and birds. Bottle caps and rubber bands could be used, but little transparent plastic in the shapes of elephants, camels, birds and other animals were the favourites among children.

In the past, packets of kuti kuti pieces were often sold at mamak shops (Indian shops). In the 1980s, tidbits such as “Kaka” (puff snacks) had token kuti kutipieces packed in each packet to entice children to purchase the goodies.

Today, kuti kuti is still manufactured and sold in heritage shops in Singapore and Malaysia.

tive juices, as well as satisfying your saccharine cravings. Customers are given a 50 x 50cm or 60 x 80cm canvas, unlimited acrylic paint, sponges, brushes and paint palette. One free beverage from Arteastiq will be supplied and customers can also order alcoholic beverages to help stimulate the flow of creative juices. The jamming studio allows up to 30 people in total, and has hosted various groups of people from couples to families to birthday parties! For those who are not as artistically inclined, fear not for Arteastiq also provides workshops where customers are guided from start to end, helping to create pieces to be proud of. Other highlights include their unique weekday specials with different offers for every day of the week, and also special deals for and parties of more than 10 people. Set Painting Lessons at Arteastiq students in the luxurious mandarin gallery, Arteastiq will For the artistic and sweet toothed, a day out at prove to be a treat for the family. - www.arteastiq.

Arteastiq’s tea lounge is sure to promise an encom joyable time, providing an outlet for your crea-

Cooking Classes at ToTT’s

ToTT, short for Tools of the Trade is designed with the family in mind, boasting many child-friendly facilities such as the Lil’ ToTT play area, a Bake&Go corner, and a cooking school that conducts classes for participants of all ages. Cooking class participants have the opportunity to master a variety of cooking styles and techniques ranging from 20-minute cupcakes to handmade pasta.

Families with young children not quite ready to cook can bake together instead, personally creating handmade cookies in less than 30 minutes using ready-made dough at just S$12.85 per batch. Each batch of dough is sufficient for around 30 cookies. Children are also encouraged to be creative in their making through the provision of various toppings such as nuts and raisins. ToTT’s also provides hands-on cooking classes for families with older children, all taught by top culinary experts. The individual workstations even have a discreet built-in step, ensuring that the younger kids can easily reach the countertop. - www.tottstore.com

Bukit Timah Saddle Club

The Bukit Timah Saddle Club offers the widest range of equestrian facilities available in Singapore. Families can look forward to the $10 children pony rides every weekend from 10.30pm to 1pm. A lead rein walk on welltrained horses, parents can set their minds at ease as children try their hand at horseriding for the first time. For children who end up discovering a love for horses, parents might even want to consider signing them up for pony camps or enrolling them in pony club. The former is a 3-day camp held during the school holidays, and the latter is an international voluntary youth organisation for all those interested in ponies and horse riding.

Apart from learning how to master horse riding and educating members on how to look after and take proper care of their animal, members will also learn useful skills such as sportsmanship, loyalty, strength of character and discipline. - www.btsc.org.sg

75

intheLIFESTYLE

We believe in the power and fortitude of women, and that is why we are dedicating this feature to all the mothers of the world—the inspiring mum, the working mum, the stay-at-home mum, the mother-to-be, and all other mother figures! These are women who devote their lives to being a nurturer, teacher, and friend; people who have experienced a different kind of love. You can always count on your mum to be there for you, to comfort you through the most trying of times and be there to share in all of your greatest moments.

In honour of Mother’s Day, we turn to the mums who make parenting look easy, and they tell us the highs of motherhood, heartwarming stories and how the perfect Mother’s Day should be spent!

Weekendin 76

Mother Knows Best!

intheLIFESTYLE

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

I have always had a great relationship with my mother, so I would like to think I am bringing up my daughter in a similar way. She also moved me to another country when I was a similar age to Kiara and was a working mum so we have those similarities and she always told my sister and I that we could do anything we wanted to. I try to instill the same message in my daughter.

Gaynor Reid

Director of Communications Accor Asia Pacific Born in South Africa, Gaynor spent her first years in Amanzimtoti, a small beachside town. She moved to Sydney when she was ten and remembers being disappointed because there were no kangaroos or koalas greeting them at the airport. An ex-journalist, she worked for the Sydney 2000 Olympics where she got to interview Nelson Mandela, a real highlight of her life.

After that, she got a job with global hotel group, Accor, as their Media Relations Manager. She moved to Singapore in early 2013 so she could take the role of Director of Communications for Asia Pacific as Accor was growing quickly in the region. Accor have 565 hotels across APAC and will open a new hotel almost every week this year. Her husband, Andrew, and daughter, Kiara (now 9) were not too keen on coming to Singapore at first but now both say they don’t want to leave.

How do you juggle work and raising your daughter?

It is always a struggle to balance working and raising children. I worked part-time for the first eight years of Kiara’s life and this role in Singapore is the first time I have worked full-time since she was born, which is a challenge. We are lucky because we have a livein helper and my husband has quite flexible hours so it’s easier in Singapore than it would be in Sydney. That said, you always feel like you can’t give 100% to either your child, your job or your husband – let alone time for yourself.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

The hardest decision about working is not being there for a lot of Kiara’s school events – swimming carnivals, sports days, etc – but I know that I am a happier person when I work because I love my job. At home my first focus is always Kiara and we spend a lot of quality time together when I’m back from work, on weekends and holidays.

What is a relaxing day for you?

The perfect day of relaxation would be spent at our pool, with Kiara and I next to each other on sun loungers, dropping into the water to cool off, and reading in between. We also like to bake together and we even have matching aprons that we wear.

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Absolutely. The first time I had to travel for work was when Kiara had just taken her first stum-

bling steps and I wanted to stay home so that I could see her master the art of walking. I cried into the shoulders of the concierge of our hotel in London because I was missing her so much.

Especially because we only have one child, I hate being away from her. When she cries when I am leaving on a trip, it makes me feel like I am abandoning her. Sadly I think mothers always feel guilt one way or another.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

The best thing about being a mother is feeling this incredible love that I never knew I was capable of until having her. I feel like my heart expanded when she came into our lives and every day she brings such joy and laughter to our world. It’s great to have someone to think of before yourself and of course I am enjoying reliving my own youth and seeing the world afresh through her eyes. When she gives me a hug or a kiss, it makes every sleepless night worth it!

What is something you miss about life before having kids?

I miss lazy Sunday morning sleep-ins. Kiara is an early bird and she wakes me up at about 6am regardless of whether I’ve been out the night before or not. I also miss the spontaneity of going out with my husband whenever and wherever we felt like it.

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

My biggest pet peeve is that everyone judges you when you are a parent and feels they have the right to comment on your choices. I went back to work for one day a week when Kiara was one year old and I was told by a stay-athome mum that she loved her daughter too much to even think of leaving her to work. I would never judge another mother’s choice on whether she wants to stay at home or work. We all make the decisions that suit our own family.

I also hate that parents can be quite competitive. A mum recently told me that I was not doing my job as a mother because my daughter only does two co-curricular activities, whereas her child does one per weekday and two extras on weekends. Personally I want my daughter to enjoy being a child without filling every minute with activities – I think it’s important for kids to have time to play, read and relax as well.

Any advice for future mothers?

My best advice to mums is to go with what feels right for your family. Don’t worry too much about what other people think because I think instinctively we all know our kids better than anyone else and we know what works for our own situation. I also always say to new mums that when they are up in the middle of the night feeding, they should not think of it as lost sleep time but extra cuddle time. I used that mantra a lot with Kiara and it somehow made me feel better.

77 Weekendin

intheLIFESTYLE

Wong Li-Lin

Local Actress, Host and Founder of Loopz Fitness Wong Li-Lin is the everyday wellness person. She is a local actress and host, and is inspired by family, body, gut and mind. Her background and passion in dance, movement and fitness led to her founding of Loopz® Fitness, where easy and functional workouts are created for you to do anytime in your day. Li-Lin is also a happy single mom of two delightful kids – Sage, 9, and Jonas, 8.

friends and smiles.

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

No. It is only in hindsight that I can see the circumstances in which my mother raised us as being very different from mine with my children today. However as a child all I understood was that our parents ruled with an iron fist, no questions asked which meant no voices heard and that they stirred from an emotional space so we had to lie low and not ‘wake the giant’ so to speak.

I can see how much easier it is to rule with an iron fist but it runs counter to my basic tenet that respect is accorded to all, no matter their age. This means listening even when I want to yell, just do as I say. I believe that parents are a safe place where children can be themselves.

Therefore, fear should not exist. And I do all the things necessary to allow such values to flourish in my household.

How do you juggle work and raising kids?

I’m a single mom who relocated back to Singapore, and am getting back on my feet, so balancing work, maintaining stability for the children and the demands of both work and family takes mindfulness, deep breaths, good Weekendin 78

It’s never easy, especially for a mom whose work is never done. But one foot in front of the other is all we can manage.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

Breaking the pattern and habits, not just for myself as an individual and professional but also for the children who are so used to seeing me at home, is a difficult thing to manage.

However, doing something I so truly desire is both liberating and enriching.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

When I don’t have to do a thing like cleaning up the house or reminding kids of their chores!

What is the funniest or cutest thing your kids have ever done for you?

They do many sweet things - often funny and cute. I have had hand made mailboxes stuck on my door and mini booklets wrapped in tin foil.

Kids favourite lunch?

Pasta.

What is a relaxing day for you?

When I can lounge on the sofa, read, have a Bellini and not move.

Have you ever thought gosh I cant do this?

Of course. I have noticed a pattern to my reflexive aversion to spreadsheets in particular and am working on that.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

The love, kisses and the lessons.

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

Taking 10 minutes to wipe, re-wipe and wipe the butt clean again.

What is something you miss about the life before your kids?

Yes... definitely late nights and sleep ins.

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

That we often sound like our own parents.

Any advice for future mothers?

Cherish your days living only for yourself!

intheLIFESTYLE

Marie-Laure Fleury General Manager The Boathouse Phuket

Originally French, Marie-Laure Fleury has spent the last 21 years in Asia. She is married to an Australian and they have two children, Maxim who is 7 and a half and Chloe who is 5 and a half.

In April 2006, fate took Marie and her husband to Bangkok where she took a new challenge at The Sukhothai Hotel and worked there for 3 years, alongside GM George Benney. During their time in Bangkok, their 2 babies were born. They moved to Phuket when their little girl, Chloe, was only 6 months old and when Marie started to work for Trisara. Two and a half years later, the owners of Trisara purchased one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in the south of Phuket, namely Boathouse, and offered her the position of General Manager. It reopened at the end of 2011 with a complete overhaul and facelift, and has recently been rebranded Boathouse.

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you?

I guess in many ways we reproduce a lot of the same schemas our mothers raised us with, as we realise the value in them when growing up and when becoming mothers ourselves!

I have a lot less time with my kids than my parents had with us as they were off with us all weekends, all school holidays and were home by 5 or 6pm latest at night which is quite different from a hotelier’s life. However I have the pleasure of living in Asia where help is tremendous.

This means the little time I have with them is precious and of great quality as I don’t have to worry about taking care of anything else at home as our nanny does all the running of the house for me!

ing prepared by hubby and kids, and a full fun adventure day altogether concluded by a glass of wine at sunset and the smell of slow cooked lamb in the kitchen is what sounds like the ideal Mother’s Day!!

How do you juggle work and raising kids?

Yes it is a struggle to juggle both raising kids and work, but as mentioned, living in Asia means we are able to afford fantastic help which is extremely precious and has helped us balance it all off. Of course I would like to sometimes be more present in their lives, but I like to think I do my best and that we are all happy as a result. There is always a way you can look at it from the perspective of the glass being either half full or half empty... Of course things could be better, but I could also be a single mum, or have a job that takes me away on travel more often and then as a result, I would see the kids even less.

What is something you miss about life before you had kids?

Being able to plan things selfishly, a trip trekking around the Annapurna mountains in Nepal, the 100km trail of Adelaide Hills, etc.

There are so many other adventures like this I would love to do still but feel I can’t because of my life right now and where it is at.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

The best thing is that I love my job and I was able not to give it up to raise a family. The hardest thing is to wonder whether I could do a better job at raising them if I didn’t have to work? But then I wouldn’t have the joy of working and being who I am... So feeling tormented and often guilty is the worst part, feeling content and having a sense of achievement on all fronts is the best part.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

Being woken up by the smell of breakfast be-

What is the funniest or cutest thing your kids have ever done for you?

I bought a new green dress recently, to which Maxim thought I was still wearing my pyjamas at breakfast (although I confirm I do not have any green jammies) and Chloe said, Mum you look like a big green frog. Guess the dress was a hit!

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Typically, yes every time I have started a new job. That’s perhaps the side of women that always think they are not up to the task involved, and of course they are, but they just seem to doubt themselves a lot more than men ever do!

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

Recently in Australia, Maxim disputed his nationality. Being ½ French from mum, ¼ Australian and ¼ German from Dad, Maxim just wanted to be 100% Australian full stop... That made me laugh! Chloe started to sing the Thai National Royal Anthem in the back of the car when in Australia on the way to Coonowarra wine region. She knew all the words and tunes and that was quite amazing!

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

Having to put in strict rules which are not welcome by the children, namely rules about the usage of iPads, computers, YouTube. The kids are surrounded by it all and mums and dads are up against technology, school requirements of homework using computers, iPads, etc. We forbid the usage of iPads and games during weekdays and restrict if to an hour a day on weekends, yet are always compared to other parents being a lot more lenient with their children by our kids.

Any advice for future mothers?

Don’t think there will be a perfect time for you to have children, that you must wait until you have so much in a bank account, or that you must be at such point of your career. Follow your heart and your instinct and it will all work itself out! And enjoy every minute of it, as it is so true what I heard my parents say for years – they grow up so, so fast.

79 Weekendin

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you?

I probably am raising my daughter in a similar way to the way I was brought up. I think the difference is that my mother was quite a bit younger than I am when she had children and since having my own child, I have found out that my mother perhaps wasn’t as confident and sure of herself in the beginning – understandably. My mum was lucky that both sets of grandparents lived nearby and were on hand to help out. We don’t have that luxury, unfortunately, but I would like to think I have a good grounding to base my parenting skills on. I would say that my husband and I were raised in a similar style and, so far at least, we appear to have similar views in the way we go about raising our daughter.

Louise Barker Stay-at-home Mum

Louise Barker and husband, Paul, have been in Singapore for three years now.

They lived in London prior to Paul being transferred here. She was born in Zimbabwe and her family moved to South Africa when she was seven. After finishing school and working for a few years, she moved to London where she lived for 14 years and met Paul at work. They fell pregnant about five weeks after arriving in Singapore and this is where Chloe was born. Chloe turned two in January and has probably travelled more in those two years than her parents did in their first 15 years as kids! As Paul travels a great deal for work, they enjoy their family time together on the weekends. Their families visit as often as possible and they try to split their holidays between family and exploring parts of Asia while they can.

Weekendin 80

How do you juggle social life and raising your daughter?

Once children arrive, I think your social life changes. My social life now could probably be described as meeting other mums for coffee or lunch with toddlers in tow, rather than meeting for a glass of wine at lunch or after work. And I guess once you become a mum, your social life depends on baby sitters and the amount of sleep you may or may not have had the night before! As a couple, we still try and have date nights as well as try and catch up with friends either together or on our own. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t!

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to stay at home?

I never made a conscious decision to stay at home; the decision was kind of made for me when we moved over here. But I feel extremely lucky to be able to be a stay-at-home mum. I know that if we were back in England, I would have to go back to work, so I try to make the most of it. I love doing everything with Chloe, watching her grow and develop and I am happy that I get to help her learn new things every day. That’s not to say that there are days when I think that going to work would be easier than being at home with a toddler!

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

The perfect Mother’s Day for me is to have Paul and Chloe with me and to do something that makes us all happy. The things I enjoy the most are the simplest things, like spending a few hours by the pool or going for a nice walk together.

Kid’s favourite lunch?

Sushi or a peanut butter sandwich that Chloe will painstakingly help me make.

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Yes, sleep deprivation is torturous and there have been days when I’ve just wanted to cry, especially if my husband is travelling and I’ve been awake with Chloe half the night and still need to get on with normal daily tasks. All you want to do is go back to sleep. But thankfully every other day makes up for those truly awful days.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

The best thing about being a mother is being able to love this little person so much and to watch them grow and develop their own personality. One of my absolute favourite things is to have those little arms wrapped around my neck so tightly; it’s like a different level of love that I never knew was possible.

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

After getting frustrated with Chloe recently for doing something I had asked her not to do over and over again, I finally said to her in a raised voice, how many times do I have to tell you to come out of there? She turned to look at me and happily answered, eight! I could do nothing but smile at her.

What is something you miss about life before having kids?

I miss being able to go out without wipes, nappies and snacks in my bag! And I miss being able to have a full conversation sometimes! I often find myself calling a friend later in the day to finish a conversation we had started earlier before being interrupted by someone running off or falling over or wanting something.

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

I hate the guilt that seems to go along with being a parent. Perhaps it’s a first time mum thing, I don’t know. But I find myself constantly questioning the decisions I make. I think other mums, myself included, can be critical of each other at times too.

Any advice for future mothers?

My advice for a mum-to-be would be to trust your instincts and do what works for you as a family. If that means having your child in bed with you sometimes, then so be it! Oh and download the Wonder Weeks app!

intheLIFESTYLE

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you?

Yes, there are some styles I took from my mother, like training the kids to be able to do things by themselves, be selfdisciplined and to have manners. But partly, I do it my own way too, like reasoning, and encouraging more creativity. I read many books about raising children and how to develop their brain, encouraging their creativities, their EQ, and how to draw out and use their talents.

They are encouraged to spend their free time on sports and art activities, and on travelling.

Kanokros Sakdanares Corporate Director of Marketing Communications Centara Hotels & Resorts

From Ayutthaya province, the old capital city of Thailand, Kanokros graduated with a BBA majoring in Public Relations and Advertising from Ramkamhaeng University and a MBA majoring in Marketing from Srinakarinwirote University in Bangkok. After graduating, she went to the UK to study English for one year.

Her current job is Corporate Director of Marketing Communications at Centara Hotels & Resorts, where she is responsible for overseeing public relations, and the company and brand images for 67 properties both in Thailand and overseas. She has been working with Centara for 10 years. Having spent almost 25 years in the industry, she has gotten Best PR Award for Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau from Starwood. She is married to an architect, and has two daughters, Chanyapat Wongvekin (Kamkaew), 17 years old, and Kita Wongvekin (Fasai), 12 years old.

How do you juggle work and raising kids?

To work full-time and to be able to look after two daughters, you must use magic in time management! It’s lucky for me that I had the opportunity to work with Centara, where I work during office hours, so after work I can head home or go straight to their school to pick them up. Also, the company allows you to start early and finish working early to avoid traffic, so I send my kids to school daily and reach the office before 8 am and finish at 5.30 or 6 pm. Sending my kids to school and picking them up allows me to have a good chat with them, and teach them by talking about things we see around us on the way to school. Sometimes I have to work in the evening, attending events or entertaining the media, but it doesn’t happen too often.

Also, I have two days off during the weekend, 13 days public holiday per year and an annual holiday, so I can balance my working life and spend time looking after the family. At night, after sending the kids to bed and I’ve relaxed, with today’s technology I can answer emails that come from overseas at night time, so I’m ready for the new work that arrives in the next day’s morning. My working days are always time effective and I must do things fast, so I can be supermom, and don’t have to leave the office late. Apart from that, I’ve managed for my daughters to go to schools that are close to my office, within walking distance or a five-minute drive, so I can see them quickly

if necessary or they can walk to see me if their school finishes before I finish my work. Also I can pick them up from school. Of course when they were younger, they finished school two or three hours earlier than me, and at that time I needed to have a nanny for them, but under my supervision.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

I have a wonderfully satisfying career in a business I love, and I feel my work makes a significant contribution to the company. Plus I have made many good friends at work. I also earn a salary that enables my family to enjoy a standard of living that might not otherwise have been possible. The decision to continue my career after having children was never really in doubt - my husband and I had discussed this before our first child was born. It is of course not easy to leave them and go to the office, but they are well taken care of, they go to good schools, they have lots of friends, and my family life is very balanced and satisfying.

What is a relaxing day for you?

Having a massage or spa treatment, going to a salon, and enjoying nice food with my two daughters and my husband. Or watching our kids having fun in the water park at Centara Grand Mirage in Pattaya, or jet skiing on its beach. The hotel is less than two hours from Bangkok, so it’s an easy weekend break. This is a great advantage of working for a hotel company.

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Many times! But I have a very understanding husband, my kids are growing up now, Centara is very supportive, and my bosses and my colleagues all understand if I get down and they help lift my spirits. So yes, there are always the difficult times, but nothing that has made me despair. Each time, if things get difficult, I have learned and improved with the experience.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

You know what you do things for. Also there is the happiness of seeing your children’s development and growing up. You feel proud seeing how much you can do for your loved ones.

Something they have done to make you laugh?

When Kamkaew was four and a half years old and I gave birth to Fasai, my close friend visited me at the hospital. Kamkaew took her to see Fasai through the glass at the nursery. When my friend looked at the other babies, Kamkaew asked, are you visiting my sister or visiting other people’s babies? She sounded so serious!

Any advice for future mothers?

Don’t worry! You can do it! It’s fantastic to be a mother.

81 Weekendin

Melanie Brett

Editor Weekendin Thailand Having been brought up in Tokyo and Hong Kong, when Melanie’s husband, Ben, came home one cold English Autumn evening to say that he had been offered the opportunity of a job in Bangkok, she jumped at the chance! Four months later, they were on their way and their adventure in Thailand had begun. It is now her third year residing in Bangkok. The saying, time flies when you’re having fun is definitely applicable!

Her children, Annabel and Rory, are now 10 and 8 respectively and are happily settled into their exciting new life. This has helped allow her to take up the exciting challenge of working again, as Editor for the Weekendin Group’s newest magazine, Weekendin Thailand.

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

I think that this is a very hard question to answer as the world has changed so much from when I was growing up – my children can’t believe that I didn’t have a mobile phone as a child, never mind the internet or laptop!

I think that although the basic principles are the same, I have had to adapt them to take the modern world into account.

How do you juggle work and raising your kids?

Occasionally I do badly and drop a ball I am juggling! Team work is the key - I am extremely lucky to have a fantastic helper and driver who are willing to step in when I can’t be around, children who are (on the most part) understanding, a husband who steps in when he can and an understanding boss!

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

Hardest thing was getting the confidence to work again, and the best thing was finally regaining that confidence.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

It would be perfect to simply lie in, and then spend a relaxed day with the family. If a lovely lunch can be sneaked in, so much the better!

What is the funniest or cutest thing your kids have ever done for you?

Both of them saying that their dad and I were their favourite people – don’t think that can be beaten.

Weekendin 82

Kids’ favourite lunch?

Rory definitely loves a cucumber and salami sandwich at any time of the day and Annabel loves macaroni & cheese.

What is a relaxing day for you?

One with no set plans, when you can just go with the flow. Doesn’t happen very often with children!

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Of course, I think everyone has. Long term sleep deprivation at the beginning was a really hard thing. Also, sometimes when your child is really unhappy, the worry can be overwhelming and you can’t see the wood for the trees.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

Experiencing things through your children’s eyes and being able to relive parts of your childhood with them.

What is something you miss about life before having kids?

Having a waist!

Something they have done to make you laugh?

Some of the things they say are hilarious and the great thing is they always see the funny side too!

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

Changing sleeping patterns – I naturally wake up earlier now. Makes having a lie-in tricky!

Any advice for future mothers?

It’s an old favourite – enjoy every minute you can as the time when they are little goes by so quickly. That and don’t forget, once they are teenagers you’ll be dragging them out of bed!

intheLIFESTYLE

Are you raising your kid in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

Yes, though not always consciously. My mum did practically all the house chores herself and my siblings and I did none; now my son does only very few and small chores.

When I was a child, I stayed mostly at home because my mum was too busy with the chores and taking care of 3 kids. I rarely bring my kid downstairs to play with the neighbourhood kids.

Kwok Kar Peng PR Manager Levitate PR Agency

Kwok Kar Peng, 37 is a PR manager at Levitate, a PR agency. Born and raised in Singapore, she has one son named Josiah, aged 6. Not only do her heartwarming stories reflect the joys of parenting, they also show her dedication as a mother and the nobility of a mother’s love. Through it all, she shares that the one important virtue necessary in raising children is patience.

How do you juggle work and raising your son?

It’s not balanced equally; at least I’m still learning how to do it.

And I continue to feel guilty on most days about how I didn’t play with my son, or read him a few books, or teach him something academic, or do his stretching exercises, or do my household chores on any particular day.

Something always has to give; and for now, it’s money. One important thing I did recently was to work shorter hours so I could have more time with him and at home. I changed careers late last year. I was previously a newspaper correspondent, and I switched to PR because my current boss – also a mum – allows me to work shorter hours, which in turn means a smaller salary.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

Leaving him at the childcare centre for at least 8 hours on weekdays was a hard decision; I still get separation anxiety sometimes. Some people think it’s better for kids to stay at home with a grandparent. However, it’s also a good decision because he’s learning a lot at the centre and has company. Someone’s feeding him healthy food and making sure he has his shower and nap and that he brushes his teeth.

They go on regular school excursions too.

He also seems to be able to adjust to a new class environment rather quickly and doesn’t cry when he goes to a new enrichment class outside his childcare centre.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

It’d be when my husband and I are old and healthy, my son has grown up a healthy and good man, and hands me a healthy grandchild.

I’m looking forward to being a grandma; I don’t take it for granted that I would still be alive when my son starts his family.

What is the funniest or cutest thing your kid has ever done for you?

When he shows me the drawings he made in the centre, where he writes, I love you mum.

Kids favourite lunch?

One would be spaghetti.

What is a relaxing day for you?

It would definitely be on a weekday that I don’t have to work. It would start by taking him to the centre in the morning, buying breakfast back and watching TV at home (best if cable is showing my favourite shows like Law & Order, Bones, Grimm, Medium).

What is the best thing about being a mother?

Having a real purpose in life.

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

This is part funny and part heartwarming. I had a splitting headache one night in March, and the husband was away at work. So I told Josiah I was sick and had to rest, and if he could shower on his own, switch off the lights in the kitchen, living room and bedroom, and come to bed. In between dozing off, I remember him telling me with his best attempt to roll his eyes (he’s a very dramatic boy) how he had to shower in cold water because he was afraid he would burn himself with the hot water.

He also kissed me a few times, brought me a bottle of Vitagen, and did everything I asked him to, which really surprised me because he had never showered on his own before and he must have taken some time to figure out which switches to click on. I learnt that he can be independent if I give him the opportunity to.

What is something you miss about life before having kids?

Hard to choose just 1 thing! I’ll mention two: having a social life, whether it’s to go windowshopping, out with the husband or friends, or having a holiday overseas; and having money all to myself. Since he was born, money has gone to getting a domestic helper (we had one only for the first year), his childcare fees, his enrichment course fees, his toys (oh he has so many toys!), and his health supplements.

Any advice for future mothers?

Stay patient with your kids. I’m not a patient person to begin with.

83 Weekendin

Zinola Moodley

Systems Implementation Manager Mondelez International

Zinola Moodley, a South African who has been living in Singapore for the past 2 and a half years, has a little girl with her husband, Lionel Moodley. Zoey Reese will be 18 months old next month. Zinola is currently working for Mondelez International as a Systems Implementation Manager, but has found the perfect balance in working and spending time with her family.

Are you raising your kid in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

I have a fantastic mother! Although I might not do everything exactly as she did 30 years ago, I do try to embody something of her spirit - strict with clear boundaries when needed but also allowing space for exploration and discovery.

How do you juggle work and raising your daughter?

Work-life balance is tough, for working moms and dads alike. At the moment, my focus is on my family, especially with a little daughter at home. We try to have breakfast and dinner together as a family to get that time together to connect everyday.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

The hardest, of course, is being away from Zoey, especially when I have to travel for 3 to 4 days. I really miss not being there for her. But I also find some purpose in my job and like that I’m contributing into others’ lives as well.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

I love watching Zoey experience something Weekendin 84

new for the first time.

The wonder and amazement in her eyes makes me appreciate it all the more. So I’d love to experience the zoo or go to a safari for the first time with her.

What is the funniest or cutest thing she has ever done for you?

The cutest thing is when she gives me a big hug, trying hard to squeeze me as tight as she can, and gives me a big kiss on the cheek.

Kid’s favourite lunch?

Not very exciting, but Zoey really likes scrambled eggs with tomatoes and mushrooms.

What is a relaxing day for you?

Waking up after 8am, making flapjacks for breakfast for the family, reading some books and going for a swim. Bliss!

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Probably after the first 2 months, when my mom and sister had just left and it was just the hubby and I. I thought, how are we going to do this without having our family around? But luckily we have a wonderful church community who supports us and are there for us here in Singapore.

What is the best thing about being a mother?

It’s a two-way thing - this unconditional love that you feel for your child is amazing and you

know, no matter what, you will always love this little human. But you also get this undivided love and devotion from this little person who trusts you and relies on you wholeheartedly. It can be a scary thought but it’s also wonderfully deep.

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

We were watching TV and she didn’t like the show that was on, so she went to the screen and started swiping the screen like it’s an iPad! What is something you miss about life before having kids?

This is going to sound obvious, but definitely a full night’s sleep!

Write something she has done to make you laugh.

When we start eating and she doesn’t like her food, she shakes both her hands and says, all done, like that will magically make the food disappear from her plate!

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

When well-meaning people try to tell you how to raise your child.

Any advice for future mothers?

To raise kids you need grace, grace and more grace! It’s also okay to roll with the punches.

Some things will go perfectly according to plan... But most things won’t! Enjoy the precious moments any way!

intheLIFESTYLE

Are you raising your kids in the same style your mother raised you? If not, did you make a conscious decision to raise your children differently?

More or less the same easy-going style except my mother claims I spoil my children more than she did us.

Somsri (Susie) Hansirisawasdi

General Manager Thailand GHC Asia

Susie was born in Yangon, Myanmar and migrated to Thailand with her family of five siblings in 1966. She is married to Sawang Hansirisawasdi, and have been blessed with two children: Chakrit (Bart), age 31, currently First Vice President, ASEAN II Team, Wholesale Banking Group, CIMB Thai Bank Public Co., Ltd.; and daughter Panissara (Bibi), age 26, currently working as a columnist for a website and independent publications. She retired from Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok end of December 2013 after a total 13-year tenure as Director of Public Relations, and joined a boutique PR Agency, GHC Asia, Bangkok Office as General Manager Thailand from January 2014. GHC Asia Bangkok Office currently has a portfolio of respectable clients such as Montara Hospitality Group, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd., TripAdvisor, etc. GHC Asia’s head office is located in Hong Kong with offices in Singapore, Beijing and Shanghai as well.

How do you juggle work and raising kids?

Having grandparents living close by and having a good, trustworthy nanny (who had served my grandmother in Myanmar and who followed us to Thailand as domestic help and who is still with us now serving the children when they come home on weekends) makes it easier to continue working a full time job without interruption in my over 20 year career. I would also like to mention and give credit to my much better half – my husband – who had “charted” the course of the children’s education from kindergarten and primary to University levels in the UK (he himself went to the UK for secondary education and the USA for University): Bart has a Bachelor Degree in “Manufacturing Engineering” from Nottingham University, UK; and two Masters Degrees in “Accounting Finance” and “Business Studies” from City University, London.

Bibi graduated from Roehampton University, UK with a Bachelor degree in “Nutrition”; and a Master Degree in “Food Management” from University of Surrey, UK. My husband is indeed a proud father (so am I of course) – said all the hard work to pay for their education was all worth it.

What is the hardest thing and best thing about the decision you made to go to work?

By working, one gains a wider, more international perspective and knowledge, and learn to get along and survive in both a business and social environment, and gain experience and wisdom from lessons (both good and bad) learnt along the way which in turn could be shared with the children.

What’s the perfect Mother’s Day for you?

Just having a family lunch or dinner, chit chatting and cracking jokes (mostly by father) and

teasing each other.

What is the funniest or cutest thing your kids have ever done for you?

On my 60th birthday my son gave me a Louis Vuitton shawl and daughter a Coach handbag.

Kids’ favourite lunch?

Home cooked Burmese food (not by me I’m afraid).

What is a relaxing day for you?

Just staying home and reading back issues of newspapers after our usual brunch comprising boiled rice and condiments.

Have you ever thought gosh I can’t do this?

Not that I can remember. Positive thinking even in dire circumstances is key. What goes up must naturally come down; and nothing lasts – good or bad – so why stress yourself out right?

Time heals everything – sooner or later I guess.

Bottom line is I do my very best and if that is not good enough, so be it!

What is the best thing about being a mother?

Unconditional love and to being there for the children whenever they need you; and they know it; and not taking them too seriously. The children love you too albeit “in their own way”.

Tell us a funny “guess what my kid did” story.

When he was in his pre-teen years, every time we bought him a pair of tennis shoes for sports, my son would keep wiping the soles after wearing them and this went on for quite sometime.

What is something you miss about life before you had your kids?

There is none that I can think of, as both my husband and I are “home bodies” and we have had nannies to look after both children when they were young.

Something they have done to make you laugh?

A few years ago my son must have gone to see a fortune teller who must have told him his mother had an incurable disease or something, so he was pestering me for months to go for a check up at the hospital. Luckily, to his relief, I finally got a clean bill of health from the doctor!

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?

Can’t help worrying about them and even panicking at times when they don’t answer your phone calls. Having a Group Family LINE helps to be in touch!

Any advice for future mothers?

Ensconce yourself in happy motherhood from beginning until delivery. Giving birth to a child – your own flesh and blood – is the best feeling in the world. It is indeed indescribable – one of the miracles of life.

85 Weekendin

ENTERTAINMENT ontheWATER intheART

MOVIES TO WATCH NEXT CHANGE OUT FOR IN MAY

Mindscape | 8 May ‘14 Cast: Mark Strong, Taissa Farmiga, Brian Cox Director: Jorge Dorado

Edge Of Tomorrow | 5 June‘14 Cast: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton Director: Doug Liman

Mark Strong plays a man with the extraordinary ability of entering people’s minds and manipulating their memory. Viewers are thrown into a whirlwind of hypnotic psychological thriller when he takes on a case of a troubled teenager (Taissa Farmiga) who turns out to be brilliantly manipulative. A dangerous game of seduction and betrayal, this debut feature of Spanish filmmaker Jorge Dorado is a must watch.

An epic action movie, Edge Of Tomorrow depicts a war in which aliens have invaded Earth and has engaged humankind in an unrelenting assault and no military unit is able to beat them. Major William Cage, an officer who has never been in the battlefield and is dropped into what turns out to be a suicide mission. He finds himself caught in a time loop where he is forced to engage in a meaningless brutal suicide mission over and over.

Disney’s Maleficent | 29 May ‘14 Cast: Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple, Lesley Manville Director: Robert Stromberg

Blended | 5 June‘14 Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kevin Nealon, Terry Crews, Joel McHale, Abdoulaye Ngom, Jessica Lowe, Braxton Beckham, Bella Thorne, Kyle Red Silverstein, Emma Fuhrmann, Alyvia Alyn Lind Maleficent is a retelling of the classic film Sleep- Director: Frank Coraci ing Beauty from the viewpoint of Maleficent, the villain who curses Aurora to eternal sleep. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play single parThis film explores the factors that cause her ents who agree they never want to meet each other originally pure heart to become one of stone. As again after a blind date which ends disastrously. DraAurora grows, she is caught in the middle of the ma ensues when they separately sign up for an excitseething conflict between the forest kingdom ing family vacation in Africa, where they are stuck sharshe has grown to love and the human kingdom ing a suite in a luxurious safari resort for a week. that holds her legacy.

Weekendin 86

Bad Neighbours | 8 May ‘14 Cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco Director: Nicholas Stoller A young couple with a newborn baby find themselves entangled in conflict with their newly moved in neighbours who turn out to be a fraternity house. An intensive conflict between the two parties ensues. Be prepared for much fun and laughter in this comedy film directed by Nicholas Stoller.

ENTERTAINMENT intheART

I’ve Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins Clark

The latest book by the queen of mystery once again proves to be a thrilling and engrossing read. We follow the protagonist, Laurie Moran whose husband was brutally murdered five years ago. Both Laurie and her eight-year-old son, Timmy, still suffer trauma from the violent incident of the past, with Timmy unable to forget the last words of the blue-eyed murderer, Tell your mother she’s next, then it’s your turn..

Now Laurie is dealing with murder again, as the producer of a true-crime, cold-case television show. As the filming progresses, she once again gets tangled in drama as the participants are revealed to each hold secrets of their own. Unknown to her, a pair of blue eyes is also watching the events unfold.

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

The Husband’s Secret is a gripping story about a woman who reads a letter not meant to be read. Cecilia Fitzpatrick is leading a highly successful life, a devoted wife and mother, a high-flying business woman and an active member of her community.

However, her seemingly perfect life is brought to a crash when she discovers a letter written by her husband, one which is only supposed to be read after he dies. The contents of the letter reveal deep dark secrets about her husband and her life takes a dramatic turn.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

This bestselling British novel by Jojo Moyes will be an emotional typhoon of a read.

Lou Clark is a 26-year-old woman who ends up being the caretaker of Will Traynor, a quadriplegic who was hit by a motorcycle two years ago and no longer has a will to live. Deciding that the only way for Will to care about his future is by taking an interest in hers, she plans character-building activities they can undertake together for her benefit. Me Before You is a beautiful novel not only about love but also how to redirect a life after being pushed off course.

You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Grace Reinhart Sachs is the author of You Should Have Known, a book in which she admonishes women for not listening to their intuition and advises them to always trust their instincts and examine their first impressions of men for signs of trouble later on. Living the high life, she has a devoted husband, an adorable son, and is a pediatric oncologist at a major cancer hospital. However, trouble ensues when weeks before her book is published, she finds her life ruined, with her husband gone missing and in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only an uncovering of terrible secrets. Left behind in the wake of a public disaster and aghast at failing to heed her own advice, Grace must try her best to recreate life for her child and herself.

The above books are available at major bookstores.

87 Weekendin

ontheWATER

AquaExpeditions Expanding its luxury cruises to the Indochina region, Aqua Expedi- which, along with panoramic windows similar to those of the Aqua Ama-

zon, include 8 Design Suites on the first deck and another 8 Design Suites on the second deck. Both cruises offer nature-based tours where you can explore and wonder at colourful Amazonian birds and animals from the Amazon manatee to the three-toed sloth. With English-speaking naturalists as part of the crew, these cruises provide guided tours through the last great unexplored region in the world with the advantage of returning to Aqua Expeditions has already made a mark in the luxury cruise scene with the comfort of a floating five-star hotel. its cruises through the more remote and rich natural areas of the PacayaSamiria Reserve and its tributaries in the upper Amazon River. The first Following the success of the Amazonian cruises, the company is launchcompany to introduce five-star cruises to the Amazon River in Peru, it has ing a new vessel and cruise to the Asian region as well. The Aqua Mekong, a luxury vessel like the Aqua Amazon and Aqua Aria, will be spacious enough to be grand, and also small enough to be intimate, so that the trip The Aqua Expeditions’ flagship vessel, the can be a getaway, a family vacation and a tour all at once. This sophisticated small ship, unlike those of the other Aqua expeditions, will be cruising Aqua Amazon, has 12 suites with outsidethe Mekong River between Cambodia and Vietnam. The boat itself will facing panoramic windows so that passengers on hold 40 passengers in 20 Design Suites. As with the Aqua Aria, guests can can bask in the beauty of the river and its choose whether they want to stay on the first or the second deck. Howmagnificent surroundings from the comfort of ever, unlike the Aqua Aria, they can also choose whether or not they want a balcony. Whether you would like the special experience at the top deck their suite. exercise room overlooking the river, or you would like to be pampered at the spa, this ship has got you covered. It even has ten bicycles, which can two luxury river expedition vessels called the Aqua Amazon and the Aqua be taken, free of charge, if you should like to explore the area indepenAria. Both the vessels are small ships, which hold a relatively small num- dently when on shore. With facilities and social areas including boutiques, ber of people to enhance the experience and provide better service. The a private screening room, indoor and outdoor bars, an observation deck Aqua Amazon hosts only 24 passengers while the Aqua Aria can carry 32 and a plunge pool, this ship may just bring the ultimate cruise experience. on board. The Aqua Expeditions’ flagship vessel, the Aqua Amazon, has As with the other cruises, no effort was spared at enhancing the pleas12 suites with outside-facing panoramic windows so that passengers can ure the cruise provides through its details. Everything from the décor to bask in the beauty of the river and their beautiful surroundings from the the cuisine will be designed to complement the experience of the cruise comfort of their suite. The Aqua Aria holds 32 passengers and has 16 suites through Asia. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, the architects Noor drew their intions is launching its third luxury vessel in September 2014. Established by founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro, Aqua Expeditions is an adventure travel company, which offers boutique small ship cruises. Though hitherto limited to cruises through the Amazon River in Peru, the company is bringing its trademark small ship cruise to Southeast Asia.

Weekendin 88

ontheWATER

The Cruise

spiration from local cultures and traditions for their design, including from Vietnam, where the ship was constructed. To add to the authentic experience, each of the suites will be decorated in Asian style, using fabrics and materials found locally.

Joining the culinary team as will be Michelin starred Chef David Thompson. This appointment by CEO and Founder Francesco Galli Zugaro is in keep with the practise of working with celebrated chefs, as with the Executive Chef of Aqua Expeditions’ Amazonian cruises, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. Regarding the selection of the Aqua Mekong’s David Thompson, Galli Zugaro commented, As Asia’s top ranked chef on ‘San Pellegrino World 50 Best Restaurants’, David is the perfect fit for the exclusive Aqua Mekong.

With his unique culinary experience and first-hand knowledge of Asian ingredients and palates, we will be able to provide guests with the authentic culinary experience they expect from the Aqua Expeditions cruise.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive menu that is influenced by the culinary traditions of Mekong River culture. As Executive Chef, David Thompson says, The food will be based on the cooking of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the countries which depend on the Mekong River. I look forward to setting sail. Local ingredients from the Khmer Kampot Pepper to the Mekong River Prawns will be present in the dishes, which will be part of the Southeast Asian cuisine, so that guests can truly gain a taste of Southeast Asia. The Aqua Mekong will operate 3, 4 and 7-night itineraries that will run from Siem Riep down to My Tho with a stop in Phnom Penh.

With its daily river and shore excursions, the Aqua Mekong may give you the model water safari experience.

Aqua Expeditions T 6270 4002 | M 9128 7519 | www.aquaexpeditions.com

89 Weekendin

intheART

A Splash of Colour Top down: Angel Boligan: A master of cari-

cature, illustration and cartoon, Ángel Boligan brings out his humourous political and social satire for his first exhibition in Asia..

This year, along with spring came a great many events and happenings in the Arts scene in Singapore. This is a colourful time for the Arts. From Shakespeare to Salvadore Dali, this season is an exciting time. With exhibitions from international artists to literary arts and film events, arts buffs can take their pick.

Dukkha A noteworthy event in Singapore’s art sphere was the exhibition by Thai artist Uttaporn Nimmalaikaew. The exhibition, entitled Dukkha: The Imagery of Suffering, was the artist’s first solo exhibition in Singapore. Having already made a mark as the winner of the Sovereign Asian Art Prize in 2006, Nimmalaikaew has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s leading contemporary artists. With his use of mixed media and his innovative approach to traditional techniques, Nimmalaikaew brought out his unique style through his exhibition. In Dukkha: The Imagery of Suffering, he used layers of canvas with figures printed or hand painted on each layer, so that the image seems to shift with movements of the viewer in a mesmerising display.

the Buddhist philosophy, and crafted his exhibition around the idea of “dukkha” or the suffering caused by constant change and the unavoidable truth of life. The ethereal portraits of his family members from different walks of life held one in raptures and, despite the title, seemed hopeful rather than morbid.

This exhibition contains 36 carefully selected pieces of his hard-hitting yet humourous works which will resonate and are especially relevant in Singaporean society. The exhibition addresses a diverse range of topics, including issues such as healthy life, ecology, men household chore integration, and new technology.

The bewitching and enthralling nature of the works came from the themes that the artist wove through the display. Addressing and meditating on the themes of sorrow, change, death, transience and mortality, which are universal to the human condition, the artist opened up a window to perspective on life. - www.yavuzfineart.com

The artist himself is one of the most awarded and recognised graphic artists in the world.

Over his vast career, he has won over 139 international awards including Best Cartoonist of the Year 2012, given by the prestigious international group, Cartoon News Centre. With his razor sharp insight into society’s flaws and the morbidity of modern life, he creates works that are disturbing, melancholic and humourous at the same time using surreal cartoons.

Angel Boligan Another event in the visual arts to watch out for is the exhibition by Ángel Boligan. A master of caricature, illustration and cartoon, Ángel Boligan brings out his humourous political and social satire for his first exhibition in Asia. Supported by the Singapore Environment Council and the Embassy of Mexico in Singapore, his exhibition is entitled Introspective of the Outside World. Using unique combined techniques of It is not just the technique but the themes of the pencil and watercolour, Boligan captivates the artwork that captivated the audience. Deeply audience and conveys his sharp commentary on influenced by his faith, Nimmalaikaew explored society and its flaws.

Weekendin 90

The Introspective of the Outside World exhibition will be held at the PRINT Gallery of the Singapore Arts House from 21 May to 29 June 2014.

-www.theartshouse.com.sg Salvador Dali For the first time in Asia, the Redsea Gallery featured the Pierre Argillet Collection of works by the Surrealist genius, Salvador Dali. The exhibition included over 100 works, including etchings and tapestries. Every artwork in this unique ex-

intheART

Clockwise from top: Dukkha (first and second image): The Imagery of Suffering, using layers of canvas with figures printed or hand painted on each layer, so that the image seems to shift with movements of the viewer in a mesmerising display.

William Shakespeare is one of the biggest contributors to English Literature and Drama.

Salvador Dali: Having previously been exhibited in places such as the Musée Boymans at Rotterdam and the Isetan Museum of Art at Tokyo, the Salvadore Dali Pierre Argillet Collection arrived in Singapore for the very first time.

hibition has been authenticated and signed by Salvadore Dali himself. Having previously been exhibited in places such as the Musée Boymans at Rotterdam and the Isetan Museum of Art at Tokyo, the Salvadore Dali Pierre Argillet Collection has arrived in Singapore.

The exhibition offered the audience a unique window into the friendship between Slavadore Dali and his famed publisher and collector, Pierre Argillet. The exhibition was introduced by Pierre Argillet’s daughter, Christine Argillet. Ms. Argillet was able to offer her personal insight into the artist-publisher collaboration between her father and the Surrealist master, having spent a great deal of her childhood in the presence of Dali. As she said, “This presentation is a tribute to the work of my father, Pierre Argillet, as an extraordinary publisher of the Dada and Surrealist group.

This collection reflects his constant endeavour and his close collaboration with the artists of these two movements, especially Salvador Dali. My goal is to have this collection presented in the finest galleries and museums throughout the world. Together, the artist-publisher worked together over a long career, and remained friends until Dali’s death. “

included series such as The Hippie to the Poems 2. of Mao Zedong, both series which link the work of Dali to Asia and the East. - www.redseagallery. com William Shakespeare 450 years ago, in April 1564, William Shakespeare was born. Possibly the most famous English playwright and poet in the world, Shakespeare is one of the biggest contributors to English Literature and Drama. He wrote a number of plays of various genres including comedies and tragedies, and later, even tragicomedies. He even made up a number of English words. His plays explore appealing and universal themes, which continue to make his plays relevant today. Having been translated and adapted in various languages, his plays are still studied and performed the world over.

3.

4.

5.

6.

In celebration of the 450th birth anniversary of the Bard, the Arts House, which itself celebrated 7. its 10th anniversary this year, is organising an event that will appeal to fans of literary art and film alike. The Arts House will present screenings of film adaptations of several of his plays.

The exhibition itself featured a number of se- 1. ries such as the Mythologies and Les Chants de Maldoror. The highlights of the exhibition also

Much Ado About Nothing: One of Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, Much Ado About Nothing finds itself in a modern-day setting in this film by Joss Wheedon.

Twelfth Night: Or What You Will: A classic case of Shakespearean comedy with mistaken identity and gender confusion, the play provides a slightly modern take on the adventures of a young girl when she takes on the appearance of her twin brother.

Omkara: Omkara is an Indian crime drama film adapted from Shakespeare’s Othello, set in Meerut, a town in Uttar Pradesh.

Romeo + Juliet: An abridged modernisation of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet.

Hamlet: Set in contemporary New York City, this film adaptation of Hamlet utilises modern technology, such as surveillance bugs and video cameras, in the plot.

Titus: An adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s more obscure plays, Titus Andronicus, this film shows Anthony Hopkins as Titus portraying the downfall of a Roman general.

Richard III: The film depicts the rise to The screenings run from 7 April to 24 May at the power and reign of Richard III, and was criti- Screening Room of the Singapore Arts House. cally acclaimed for its use of special effects. www.theartshouse.com.sg 91 Weekendin

intheART

Embrace Nature with

NIKON

Photography is the beauty of life, captured. Time will never stand still and those moments that bring us such joy become memories in an instant. To capture such a moment and record it forever is truly monumental. Be it a loved one’s birthday surprise, your baby’s first smile, or a mesmerising sunrise, these are the moments that matter the most. The thing about photography is that they capture a moment that is gone forever and impossible to reproduce. Savour life intensely by capturing your fun times with Nikon

The D7100 is a compact, lightweight camera (W × H × D: approx. 135.5 × 106.5 × 76 mm; weight: approx. 675 g*1) that offers superior portability. It is loaded with features that enable excellent subject detection and is capable of reproducing the finest details. 7100 is a compact, lightweight camera (W × H × D: approx. 135.5 × 106.5 × 76 mm; weight: approx. 675 g*1) that offers superior portability. It is loaded with features that enable excellent subject detection and is capable of reproducing the finest details.

The D7100 also offers a number of new functions that improve camera operations for a more intuitive and efficient shooting experience, including Spot White Balance, a white balance preset manual option that allows users to choose a specific subject from which white balance is measured while shooting in live view. It is also equipped with an array of RGBW that enables more effective accumulation of light, a large, 3.2-inch high-resolution TFT LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle and an button that enables direct access to frequently used functions.

Weekendin 92

intheART

While memories remain ephemeral, pictures are forever. Capture your memories and your moments of today for tomorrow.

Photos captured on Nikon DX-format D7100 digital SLR camera 93 Weekendin

intheART

The high density of the 51-point AF system accurately detects the intended subject for superior tracking performance, and cross-type sensors have been adopted for the 15 most frequently used focus points at the centre of the frame. In addition, the cross-type centre focus point is fully functional and compatible with lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8. This means faster, more precise autofocusing with a variety of conditions.

The D7100 is also equipped with a new crop image area, 1.3× DX crop, which increases the angle of view by approximately 1.3× compared to the standard DX-format viewing angle.

This effectively increases the focal length to an equivalent angle of view of approximately 2×*2, enlarging distant subjects. In addition, the 51 focus points cover the entire image area when the 1.3× DX crop is enabled for quick and accurate subject detection for moving objects with high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 7 fps*3.

Weekendin 94

intheART

D7100 Primary Features

Supports lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 and offers a 51-point AF system for faster focus The 51-point AF system built into the D7100 utilises the new Advanced Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module covering broad range of the frame for increased accuracy in subject detection. Cross-type sensors have been adopted for subject detection and to track moving subjects rapidly.

In addition, the camera is able to focus automatically with extreme accuracy, even in lighting measuring just −2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C), roughly equivalent to moonlight.

What’s more, the centre focus point (cross-type) supports autofocusing for lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8. This allows users to enjoy ultra high-speed AF shooting with a compact and lightweight system when paired with a telephoto NIKKOR lens with a maximum aperture of f/4 and a teleconverter (2×).

51 focus points covering the entire frame that bring distant subjects closer. The 1.3× DX crop achieves high-speed continuous shooting up to approximately 7 fps*1.

The DX format effectively increases the shooting angle of view to an equivalent of approximately 1.5× the actual focal length of the lens*2. The new 1.3× DX crop image area increases this effect by an additional 1.3× for a total effective increase in angle of view to approximately 2× lens focal length*2, making distant subjects appear closer. What’s more, when the 1.3× DX crop is enabled, the AF system’s 51 focus points cover the entire frame, and high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 7 fps*1 is possible for quick and accurate detection of the intended subject.

D7100 features a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, 24.1 effective megapixels, and the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine optimised for high-performance without a optical lowpass filter The D7100 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor, 24.1 megapixels and no optical low-pass filter. It supports a broad range of standard ISO sensitivi-

ties, from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, as well as further expansion to an equivalent of ISO 25600 (Hi 2) to capture sharp, clear images with effective noise reduction. In addition, when paired with NIKKOR lenses equipped with Nikon’s advanced optical technologies, the D7100’s high pixel count achieves sharp, well-defined rendering with a sense of depth. The EXPEED 3’s high performance image-processing engine maximises the potential of the high pixel count for faithful reproductions of details.

The compact and lightweight Nikon DX-format camera is strong, yet extremely light and portable Despite its advanced performance and a number of new functions, the D7100 is a compact, lightweight camera measuring approximately 135.5 mm wide, 106.5 mm high and 76 mm deep, and weighing just 675 g*. As an entire system, the Nikon DX format, which includes DX-format lenses, offers excellent portability. The magnesium alloy adopted for the top and rear covers of the D7100 ensures great durability, and the sealing of individual components ensures a high level of water and dust resistance. These aspects make the D7100 the perfect camera for a broad range of uses, from casual, everyday shooting to fullscale photography.

Increased usability and improved operation • A new button enables quick access to frequently used camera functions • A new Spot White Balance option measures white balance using a specified portion of the frame • A high-performance optical viewfinder utilises a glass pentaprism and offers approximately 100% frame coverage • OLED display element • The 3.2-inch, 1229 k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle features a new RGBW array Supports 1920 × 1080/60i and 1920 × 1080/30p movie recording The combination of NIKKOR lenses, an imaging unit without an optical low-pass filter and the EXPEED 3

image-processing engine enables sharp, high-resolution images along with movie recording. The Multi-area mode Full-HD D-Movie function not only supports the standard DXmovie recording, but also the new 1.3× DX crop image area. The 1.3× DX crop option brings distant subjects closer with movie recording.

In addition, the stereo microphone built into the pentaprism enables high-quality stereo sound. The D7100 also supports stereo sound recording via connection of the optional ME-1 stereo microphone.

Supports the new WR-1 Wireless Remote Controller (available separately) The D7100 supports the WR-1, a highly functional transceiver that enables verification and adjustment of settings*1, as well as control over remote shooting. The WR-1 uses radio waves and supports 15 channels for communication over a maximum range of 120 m*2 between multiple WR-1s. Not only can one WR-1 be configured as a transmitter and a second as a receiver*3

to control one remote camera, but multiple WR-1s can be configured as receivers for remote controls over multiple cameras. A number of remote shooting options are available, including simultaneous release and synchronised release*4, as well as interval timer shooting and a division of multiple cameras into groups for separate control over each group. Remote control is also possible using both the WR-R10/ WR-T10 together.

Other D7100 Features •

• • • •

Release time lag of approximately 0.052 s*1 and highspeed continuous shooting at up to approximately 7 fps*1*2 Extremely durable shutter that has passed testing for 150,000 cycles Built-in flash equipped with a commander function Double slots for SD memory cards New Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D15 (available separately)

95 Weekendin

inthePINK

Tucked away in the lush tropical gardens of the Amara Sanctuary Resort is the obscure Spa Luna where peacocks roam freely outside. Inside the spa, the lovely aromas of essential oils wafted in the air. The warm therapist very quickly whisked my to a private waiting room where I savoured a cup of ginger tea while having my treatment explained to me in great detail.

The treatment room, needless to say, met my expectations. In fact, the room was bigger than expected, with 2 treatment beds and a private shower room. While changing into the robe provided, it was good to note that there was a locker in the room where I could lock up my jewellery and personal items, setting my mind at ease. There were also plenty of towels, a hair comb and toiletries available for use. The steam room is just across the corridor and was very clean with the aroma of essential oil burning.

Since one of my favourite pastimes is drinking wine, I was excited for my Vintage Red Wine Body Wrap treatment. I found it immensely interesting to be having red wine on my skin rather than in my belly. My therapist, Serene Tan, was very pleasant and knowledgeable. I was well looked after Weekendin 96

and I felt good in her care during her treatment. Although her pressure was a good balance of firm and gentle, she still checked if I was enjoying the treatment throughout.

The treatment starts with half an hour in the steam room, which helps the skin purge the toxins through sweat and open the pores for the products to penetrate more easily. It is also a nice way to start the relaxation process for the rest of the treatment.

Once I was back on the treatment bed, my body was scrubbed to help prep the skin by removing dead skins cells. This was my favourite part of the treatment. The scrub is made from red wine grapes, red rice grains and olive oil. Fortunately, the consistency of the scrub was not too harsh and felt more like a salt than a grain, making me very impressed with the texture. Serene did a thorough job of scrubbing me down, and it felt invigorating!

I was then helped into the shower. The scrub washed off very easily, leav-

inthePINK

Red red wine

ing my skin feeling tingly and very soft. The bouquet of the scrub was very the body wrap’s bouquet was very much the same as the scrub, as they kind on the nose with strong hints of fruits and berries – there were no both have the element of red wine grapes. Soon it was back on the bed for strong tannins! the final stage of applying body lotion. This was applied all over my body with long firm stokes – a nice massage that I didn’t want it to end!

For the Body Wrap, Serene applied the mud like body mask all over my body, then wrapped me in a plastic sheet and zipped me into an electric Feeling very relaxed, revitalised and with skin feeling 10 years younger, I blanket. The temperature was very warm but not too hot. Feel free to in- was taken back to the private waiting room and given a dessert of sweet form the therapist on your tolerance for the heat so that it can be turned barley soup to enjoy, which was a very nice way to end my treatment. down if it gets too hot. This was left on for 20 minutes. I was given a fantastic pressure point head massage for the first 5 minutes, then she put a cool I can honestly say this is one of the nicest body wrap I have tried and benwet towel smelling of lemon grass on my forehead. I was left on my own efited from. There were a lot of steps involved, making time go by too to relax for about 10 more minutes, before Serene returned and repeated quickly, but it was good and satisfying. I am pleased with the products – the head massage,, replaced the wet towel, checked on the temperature they smelt delicious, not overpowering, and felt luxurious, not cheap and and left me again to bake away! thin in texture as some are. This is a great product for Singapore as skin gets very dehydrated and it’s hard to keep moisturised in the humidity. My Again, I was helped back into the shower to wash off the body mask, soft skin actually lasted for a few days after! which, again, came off very easily. My skin was now glowing and feeling incredibly soft and supple. With a nice consistency that wasn’t too thick, Spa Luna | Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa | 1 Larkhill Road | Sentosa Island | Singapore 099394 | T 6884 9303 | www.sentosa.amarahotels.com/ 97 Weekendin

inthePINK

summer loving

B

right, bold colours are all the rage this summer. Be it a vivid strong lip or light soft look that you wish to rock for the day, Laneige’s Water Drop Tint can achieve it with a refreshing range of ten long-lasting and vibrant colours. Its unique Water Fitting Formula (also known as Ethylcelluose) that imparts and prevents moisture from evaporating gives lips a “wet” effect that is fresh and alluring without feeling sticky. Apply this naturally and flawlessly with the water drop-shaped tip applicator for a luscious pout.

Weekendin 98

inthePINK

BEST BEAUTY TIPS FOR MAY May welcomes the beginning of Singapore’s sweltering summer and with it new beauty challenges. We dish on some of our favourite insider remedies that will leave you dancing on the street.

Feed Your Skin with Vitamin C

Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate (75ml Jumbo) SGD120. Available at all Kiehl’s outlets Vitamin C helps to stimulate skin’s own rate of normal exfoliation for a radiant look. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C work to neutralise free radicals and prevent the signs of ageing. Vitamin C is proven to stimulate collagen production to prevent the formation of wrinkles. Introduced in 2005 as one of the first formulas in our Kiehl’s Dermatologists Solutions Collection, Dermatologist Solutions Powerful Strength Line- Reducing Concentrate continues to receive rave reviews for its efficacy around the world. Formulated with a high concentration of 10.5% Pure Vitamin C (LAscorbic Acid), known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to improve the skin texture and skin tone, this treatment will benefit skin in three ways with continued use: • Resurfaces skin to visibly improve skin’s tone, texture and radiance.

• Noticeably decreases the appearance of marionette lines, crow’s feet, and sub-orbital wrinkles • Defends against oxidation and free radical

Freedom from Frizz

Repairing Macadamia Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (250ml), SGD17.90. Available at Watsons Even the most hair-conscious of us can take for granted our hair’s resilience. Consequences known, we brush, tug and sizzle our delicate manes and pile it up with chemicals, colour and re-colour. Disharmony caused by the environment, pollutants and a myriad of other things can leave our hair stressed, damaged, and missing that inner glow. Not the best regimen for a Zen princess. Correct damaged, dull-looking hair starting with your wash. The lightweight Shampoo revives damaged strands, softens hair and is safe on colour. It rids the hair and scalp of dead cells, build-up and pollutants to reveal its natural lustre. Macadamia Oil and Bamboo Extract hydrate and promote a strong and healthy hair follicle.

Brighten Up!

Pop Essence (100ml), SGD50 Peeling Mask (3 sheets), SGD18. Available at Laneige Boutiques Does your skin feel rough and dry? Do people say your skin looks dull and tired? Does your make-up get blotchy on your skin? If your answer is yes to these questions, it’s time to give your skin a “perkme-up” with the new Laneige Brightening Sparkling Water range.

Tapping on its extensive and innovative Water Science Research, Korea’s leading Young Premium Total Beauty Brand and K-Beauty Expert, Laneige, launches three efficacious products under its Brightening Sparkling Water range, namely, Pop Essence, Capsule Mist, and Peeling Mask, using sparkling water to immediately revive pure radiance and dramatic brightness to skin, from inside out.

Baby Your Skin

Super Multi-Corrective Cream (50ml) SGD90. Available at all Kiehl’s outlets Did you know that younger skin and aged skin behave quite differently? When damaged, young skin takes only 6 hours to recover and repair itself. Alternatively, aged skin takes over 30 hours. As we age, our cells also age and become less resilient to internal and environmental aggressors. The result is loss of elasticity, wrinkles and rough texture. Kiehl’s chemists took this same ‘complete’ approach in their battle against the signs of ageing skin. Instead of focusing on the individual concerns related to aging skin, Kiehl’s took a multi-functional approach by targeting multiple key signs of ageing. With Kiehl’s cutting edge formula and proprietary tri-active technology, Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream is clinically demonstrated to simultaneously lift, firm, visibly redefine skin contours and re-texturise skin within 2 weeks with double efficacy shown within 4 weeks.

Honey, I Shrunk My Pores!

Micro-Blur Skin Perfector (75ml Jumbo) Available at all Kiehl’s outlets Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is one of our favourite pore minimisers. It contains Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA), which helps the dead cells to sloth off while closing up the pores. This cream actually hides large pores as soon as you slather it on. You can see immediate results as your pores close up. It never clogs your skin and leaves it looking dewy. Kiehl’s is a great brand that has been providing women with skin care options for years. It is a reliable brand so you can count on the fact that the product will perform!

The formula contains light reflectors to visibly transform skin, creating a smooth, pristine complexion. With Lipo Hydroxy Acid (LHA) and lentil extract, this skin care formula also provides long-term results, helping to refine skin texture, diminish lines, and reduce the appearance of pores when used daily. Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is an elegant formulation, engineered as a waterbased emulsion to make it unexpectedly lightweight on skin. The result is a healthy-looking finish and a texture that isn’t heavy or waxy on the skin. Offering immediate benefits, this Kiehl’s formula can be used day and night. It is non-comedogenic, therefore it will not clog pores. It is sheer upon application, and is suitable for all skin tones.

99 Weekendin

intheCHILL

Weekendin 100

intheCHILL

Quality Quantity over

Bowmore Distillery springs a new luxurious line of single malts

101 Weekendin

intheCHILL

Bowmore, one of the world’s most prized and beloved whiskies, presents an exclusive range of luxurious single malts for globetrotting whisky connoisseurs. Reserved solely for the discerning traveller, the new travel retail range will be make its presence at global airports.

of nature forces, Bowmore has ingeniously perfected a remarkable trio of whiskies that subtly establish provenance, tradition and craftsmanship. In every whiff and every taste, the spirit of Islay and the exceptional quality of Bowmore is ever so apparent and unmistakable.

Widely known as Scotland’s Whisky Island, Islay is home to eight of the world’s finest distilleries and is a destination for whisky aficionados around the world. Founded over two centuries ago in 1779, Bowmore was the first distillery on Islay (and the second oldest in Scotland) and is the most perfectly balanced of all the island’s single malts.

BLACK ROCK Black Rock, an incredibly rich single malt, shines as the star of this distinguished travel retail range. The regal name is inspired from the jaggy outcrop that is distinctly visible in Bowmore’s bay, a prominent form that rises majestically above Loch Indaal. Just as nature’s robust power has sculpted the Islay’s Black Rock, the beauty of nature has similarly helped shape the single malt whisky to its current stature.

Upholding its commitment towards its connoisseurs and collectors, Bowmore has created a premium giftable range that pays tribute to its heritage – Bowmore Black, Bowmore Gold and Bowmore White, which are some of the world’s most collectable single malts. We are delighted to present this new range of luxurious single malts, exclusively to Travel Retail and Duty Free. Matured in the finest oak casks, these whiskies have been hand selected for their unique character, allowing us to bring Islay to life for the discerning traveller around the world, says David Wilson, Global Sales & Marketing Director, Morrison Bowmore Distillers.

The luxurious new travel range is one that encompasses distinctive natural elements of the magical whisky island of Islay. Drawing inspiration from this enchanting unique environment that celebrates a rich diversity Weekendin 102

Matured in predominately ex-Spanish sherry casks, the decadence of the dark amber Black Rock lies in its delicate balance of peat smoke, treacle toffee and orange. At the very first encounter, one can expect a welcoming whiff of classic Bowmore smokiness infused with a wonderful concoction of raisins, pepper, cocoa beans and burnt orange. (40% ABV, 1 litre) GOLD REEF Gold Reef captures in one bottle, the captivating golden glow of the sun’s rays reflected off the coral seabed – a picturesque sight of glorious hues that local divers off the coast of Islay would find endearingly

intheCHILL

familiar. Matured predominately in 1st fill ex-Bourbon casks married with sherry casks, the satisfyingly smooth malt treats the privileged drinker to a tasteful symphony of vanilla, zesty citrus fruits and sea salt. (43% ABV, 1 litre)

Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

WHITE SANDS White Sands (17YO), the pièce de résistance of the range pays homage to the stunning beaches of The Big Strand and Laggan Bay, just south of Bowmore. As the name suggests, this seven miles stretch of coast is a beautiful portrait of the most pristine white sands created naturally by the ebb and flow of time. This luscious bottle of warm antique gold offers a harmonious aroma of rich treacle toffee and ripe fruits neatly bound together by warm peat smoke. (43% ABV, 70cl)  With the new and sensational travel retail range, Bowmore invites the astute whisky connoisseurs to a sensory voyage of discovery into the extraordinary home of Islay. Wherever the worldly traveller seeks and explores, the taste of Islay can now follow.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand- turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours. It is this combination of ABOUT BOWMORE Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

103 Weekendin

intheDRIVE

Lamborghini Egoista The Raging Bull

Weekendin 104

intheDRIVE

Lamborghini is marking its 50th anniversary with an exclusive concept car. The one-off single-seat supercar is appropriately christened Egoista — Italian for “selfish”. Inspired by jet aircraft, the Egoista features a 5.2-litre V10 that makes 600 horsepower. This car was created by an elite team led by De Silva, with Alessandro Dambrosio heading the exterior design and Stefan Sielaff the interior.

The radically shaped bodywork is shaped to resemble Lamborghini’s famed “raging bull” logo. According to the company’s hyperbolic press release, the exterior design boasts the stylised profile of a bull preparing to charge, with its horns lowered.

105 Weekendin

intheDRIVE

The body is made from a special anti radar material, as are the rims, which also have been fitted with carbon-fibre plates to improve aerodynamics.

Among the car’s distinctive features are two rear flaps that activate automatically at high speed to increase stability and LED “clearance lights” in place of traditional headlamps, with a pair of xenon lamps hidden behind the front air intakes.

The Egoista sports the usual Lamborghini hardware, notably a 600-horsepower 5.2-litre V10.

More unusual is the car’s aluminum and carbonfibre cockpit, designed like a tailor-made suit for the driver, according to Lamborghini. Designers have fitted a head-up display, a racing seat with a multi-coloured four-point safety harness and a removable steering wheel to enable easier entry and exit.

The automaker apparently has no intention of building and selling the Egoista.

2014 Lamborghini Egoista Interior A racing seat with a four-point harness and a head-up display dominates the interior. Despite the racing-like restraint system that would be expected to keep the driver pinned to the seat in the unfortunate case of an accident, airbags are included as well. Getting in and out of the Egoista can be described in painstaking detail, and rightfully so considering this process includes removing the steering wheel, popping open the canopy, standing up on the seat, climbing to rest on the car’s bodywork, and slinking to the ground. Hand it to the brand, however, for focusing on the bright side of the ordeal: The Lamborghini Egoista requires a pilot more than a driver, a real top gun.

Weekendin 106

2014 Lamborghini Egoista Exterior The exterior is characterised by two fundamental aspects: its architecture, and the materials used. The design is determined by a highly muscular structure, in which empty and solid areas fit together with strength and vigour. The bodywork is dominated, on its sides, by the stylised profile of a bull preparing to charge, its horns lowered. The bull is driving towards the front wheels, conferring a futuristic dynamism and lines, which are already, in themselves, highly aggressive.

The one off ‘egoista’ uses LED clearance lights that look more like an aircraft than road car which determine its position not just on a single plane. Two white front lights, two red rear lights, a red flashing light in the upper part of the tail, two orange bull’s eyes as side markers, and a further two lights on the roof, red on the left and green on the right. The vehicle seems almost like a four-wheeled UFO as the body is made from a special anti radar material, and the glass is anti-glare with an orange gradation. The rims are also made from anti-radar material flat and rough embellished with carbon-fibre plates to improve their aerodynamics.

The upper part of the vehicle does not have aerodynamic appendages, but rather flaps integrated in the bodywork profile, which act automatically depending on the driving conditions.

Two rear flaps activate automatically at high speeds to increase stability, while a series of air intakes on the back of the engine hood provides

the cooling airflow to the powerful V10 power plant. While the front of the vehicle has a profile intended to increase downforce, the rear is fully open with the mechanics in view, reducing weight but also with the result of creating a more aggressive look.

Finally, hidden behind the front air intakes at the base of the join between the central body and the two side sections, are two powerful xenon headlamps, two eagle’s eyes able to scan the darkness for great distances. As it is made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon-fibre, the vehicle has no-walk zones, duly marked like on airliners.

2014 Lamborghini Egoista Engine Designed by Walter de Silva, the Egoista is simply one of the most extreme and radical exotics to have ever existed. It is powered by a 5.2-litre, V10 with 600 hp, but while that’s rather tame compared to other recently released supercars, and the single-seater is designed for pure driving pleasure.

The upper part of the vehicle also features active flaps integrated in the bodywork that move depending on the driving conditions, providing a balance between drag and downforce. Two rear flaps activate automatically at high speeds to increase stability, while a series of air intakes on the back of the engine hood provides the cooling airflow to the V-10 engine.

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

21/3/13 1:45 PM

intheKNOW intheKNOW

Read between the lines Calling all bookworms! If you’ve been hunting for good books to read, and are looking for a change, take a look at these bookstores.

Slightly off the beaten path, these more indie bookstores might just be the shift from the mainstream that you need. Begin an adventure of discovery of these bookstores which range from quirky indie bookstores to stores that specialize in ebooks. With summer coming up, so is the chance for summer reading. If you’ve been searching for places to hunt for summer reading or are planning a book-buying spree, these bookstores should find themselves on your list.

Booklovers who want to take a break from the more mainstream bookstores in Singapore can head to these haunts for a different variety and a pleasant afternoon. With summer speeding down the track, these might be great places to scavenge for good summer reading. Off the beaten path, these bookstores do justice to their niche content and customers, and are definitely worth a visit.

Books Actually Tucked away on one of the more obscure parts of town, Yong Siak Road is home to two of the few “indie” bookstores that Singapore has to offer. A few streets away from Tiong Bahru Plaza, the surroundings of the bookstores have a tendency to look like the places you find yourself in when you are lost, when actually, they serve as the more artistic part of the neighbourhood.

The first bookstore to find itself on your path is Books Actually. Stepping into the bookstore, you will find yourself wondering which part of the store to browse through first. Certainly not lacking in variety, Books Actually houses items from a Charlotte Bronte themed sling-bag, to records difficult to find elsewhere. Committed to promoting and supporting local talent, the store contains the largest collection of Singaporean literary publications, and is a great place to discover the local literary scene.

Weekendin 108

The experience of exploring the bookstore brings as much a sense of discovery as finding it does. Once you make it past the quiet and unassuming entrance, you are greeted with an array of everything from rarer book titles, to piles of contemporary fiction, to vintage stationery. The act of making your way through the shelves and exploring the trinkets and items along with the eclectic range of books makes browsing through the store an adventure. - Tiong Bahru | No. 9 Yong Siak Street | Singapore 168645| T 6222 9195 | www.booksactually.com

Woods in the Books Once there, a short saunter down the street will bring you to another hidden gem of bookstores in Singapore, Woods in the Books. A picture book shop, this one specialises in picture books of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for a coffee-table book or children’s stories, for postcards or pop-up books, you can find a variety to suit your taste.

The store even houses comics and graphic novels, so that book-buying becomes a group activity that is fun for the whole family. With its unique variety of handpicked books, Woods in the Books is perfect for gift-shopping, or even simply a walk down memory lane to childhood. Similar to

intheKNOW

Books Actually, this store creates an ambience suited to flights of fancy and innocence that its books tend to inspire. Charming, quaint and slightly eccentric, Woods in the Books creates an environment that matches it content. Apart from Tiong Bahru, Woods in the Books can also be found at Millenia Walk. Tiong Bahru | No. 3 Yong Siak Street | Singapore 168645 | T 62229980 | woodsinthebooks.blogspot.sg

Littered with Books Even the name of Littered with Books is suggestive of a booklovers haven. This intimate bookstore invites the reader in as soon as he or she steps through the door. This store sits between the shophouses at Duxton road and is a spacious two-storey colonial house itself. It houses a sizable collection of both fiction and non-fiction titles. Ranging from children’s books to cookbooks, Littered with Books makes sure that variety isn’t something that its customers will lack. Everything from the sofas to the lighting is set with the reader in mind. This is great place to hunt for books that may not be found in more mainstream bookstores or to simply browse and thumb through titles. With careful attention to detail, this store exerts itself to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is characteristic of independent stores.

A perfect place to cosy up on a rainy day and lose oneself in books, Littered with Books should make it to your weekend visit list. - Tanjong

Novel Haven The first of its kind in Singapore, Novel Haven is a completely unique haven that does not actually sell books. Instead, it provides the perfect ambience and environment for everyone from the weekend recluse to the book lover who just wants to read. It is an ebook club, which allows customers to read their favourite books from their in-store Kindle e-readers. Since it is an ebook experience, guests can reap all the advantages of ebooks, such as procuring a title before it has reached Singapore, or getting an obscure title that won’t be found in other bookstores. Everything from the lighting to the cosy reclin- Pagar | 20 Duxton Road | Singapore 089486 | T 62206824 | www.litteredwithers to the cushions and blankets make this a satisfying and enjoyable reading books.com experience for those who go there, whether you are a member or just a onetime visitor. With its variety and ambience, Novel Haven may suit everyone from children to the serious reader who has been searching for that one book to read for a long time. - Tiong Bahru | 46 Jalan Bukit Ho Swee | #01-890 | Singapore 1600046 | T 6272 0996 | www.novelhaven.com.sg

109 Weekendin

intheShop

SHOP

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

Petite Golden Stainless Steel DoubleWrap Lexington Three-Hand Watch SGD 370, available at www.michaelkors.com

Go Pro Camera HERO3 SGD 375, available at www.amazon.com

Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker SGD 299, available at www.store.apple.com

Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist, 100ml SGD 82, available at www.estore.tangs.com

Dualit速 NewGen Canvas White 2-Slice Toaster SGD 188, available at www.crateandbarrel.com

DVF Sutra Mini Laced Canvas Crossbody Bag SGD 370, available at www.dvf.com

Chloe T-Strap Ankle Strap Sandals SGD 871, available at www.barneys.com

Tumi Alpha Long Wheeled Garment Bag SGD 1,103, available at www.tumi.com

Coach Lexington Leather Mixed Material Commuter SGD 1,045, available at www.reebonz.com.sg

Salvatore Ferragamo Gem Classic Cufflinks SGD 490, available at www.reebonz.com.sg

Johnny Ramli Gold-Plated Sterling Balenciaga Gold-Plated Silver Antonieta Necklace Leather Cuff SGD 199, available at SGD 710, available at www.shopthemag.com article by Frances www.cloutshoppe.com Fuller Founder of Rainbow Healing System and Certified Aromotherapist

Weekendin 110

intheShop

Comme Des Garcons Luxury Leather iPad Case in Orange SGD 670.14, available at www.forwardforward.com

Maison Martin Margiela Leather Travel Bag SGD 1,937, available at www.stylebop.com

Prada Spazzolato Shopping Top Handle SGD 2,890, available at www.cloutshoppe.com

Saint Laurent Kitten Ankle Strap Pump SGD 1,048, available at www.ysl.com

Paul Smith Calf and Lambskin Credit Card Holder SGD 225, available at www.eshop.club21global.com

Miu Miu Top Handle Bag in Black and Turquoise SGD 2,816, available at www.store.miumiu.com

Burberry Mink Detail Leather Gloves SGD 1,925, available at www.sg.burberry.com

Lavin Paper Bag Pochette SGD 1,735, available at www.barneys.com

Burberry London Patterned Trafalgar Umbrella in Camel SGD 432, available at www.stylebop.com

Givenchy Cone Pendant Earrings SGD 1,120, available at www.net-a-porter.com

De’Longhi Prima Donna SGD 3,999, available at www.harveynorman.com.sg

HERMĂˆS Eau des Merveilles SGD 175.36, available at www.sephora.com

111 Weekendin

intheShop

The Modern Legacy of Luzerne It’s been over 65 years that Luzerne, a homegrown Singapore brand with a quiet but successful global footprint worthy of close observation, has been designing and producing choice tableware of superior quality and durability for hotels and restaurants. The company was amongst the first with technical breakthroughs and material advancements and is widely recognised as a pioneer in perfecting traditional bone china without the use of animal bone ash. The Luzerne vision stems from a deep respect for history as well as handicraft, harnessing the skills of craftsmen, designers and artists.

With a desire to move into modern world without breaking with the past – the concept of making it to last but never boring and always beautiful, Luzerne will be presenting select pieces at MAISON&OBJET ASIA 2014 from their wide collections, to demonstrate how one can add visual appeal and sophistication without sacrificing functionality to everyday tableware.

Luzerne will also be curating an art installation for MAISON&OBJET ASIA 2014. Whimsical and one-of-a-kind, “Plate Trees” is made out of 32 specially designed show plates that speaks of the creativity of the brand. Quintessentially timeless and enduringly modern, Luzerne will be presenting 7 artfully placed themes – Wonderland, Chanoyu, Chinois, Evolution, Summit, Jubilee and Gold Splendour. These themes are just but the starting point of a carefully considered canvas for a elevating the standard of home life filled with objects of beauty. - www.luzerne.com Weekendin 112

intheACTION

1 Nike Three-D

4

Women’s Vest, SGD50, available at all Nike stores

2

2 Nike Kinect Training

on Xbox, SGD39.99, available at www. nike.com

3 Puma Faas 300 v3

women’s, SGD119, available at all Puma stores

1

4 Lululemon Flow Y

Bra, price unavailable, available at Lululemon Singapore

3

5 Lululemon Hot Towel

Mat, price unavailable, available at Lululemon Singapore

6 Puma Running Night-

Cat Jacket, SGD129, available at Puma stores

exercise chic

7 Puma Running Night-

The roaring crowds, the adrenaline rush, the hurt of defeat and the celebrations of joy all paint the picture of the wonderful, exciting and glamorous world of sport. But one of the most important aspects to sports in the modern era is the presence of top-notch sportswear brands.

Cat Short, SGD49, available at Puma stores

8 Lululemon Flow Y

Bra, price unavailable, available at Lululemon Singapore

One of the most motivating things when it comes to starting training is buying new sportswear. Quality sportswear is always a great tool for most people who want to keep fit with style and optimum comfort. Find out what we think is essential in your workout routine.

6

9 Lululemon Drishti

Yoga Tote, price unavailable, available at Lululemon Singapore

5

10 Puma Mobium Elite

v2 women’s, SGD179, available at all Puma stores

9

7 8

3.JWT KIDS GYM

10 113 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

SIGHTS TO THAI FOR Few islands can boast of such a bounty of sandy beaches and clear waters, which explains why Phuket is one of the biggest islands in Thailand that is constantly teeming with tourists.

The island is the quintessential place for fun for jet-setters with Patong beach considered as “sin city”, but there are other areas such as Mai Khao and Nai Yang that offer absolute tranquility and a slower pace of life. With a slew of hotels and beach resorts ranging from very basic and decent backpackers accommodations to the premier resorts that are luxurious, sophisticated and world-class, Phuket plays host to many foreign tourists each year, being crowned as one of Asia’s favourite holiday resorts.

With an endless list of recreational activities to do such as diving, snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing, rock climbing and the more listless pursuit of sunbathing, there is no short of things to do

Weekendin 114

that Phuket can and will offer unconditionally.

Away from the seedy town of Patong, things are rather different and give you good reason to stick to the island instead of wandering off to Phi Phi or James Bond island. These luxury hideaways set the mood with lots of open space created by sliding glass doors that very likely lead out to a private plunge pool or the sea. Then of course, there is the beachfront dining experience and the most luxurious spa treatments.

These quiet escapes are perfect not only for romantic couples and honeymooners, but for families as well. We’ve gone in search of the best of what Phuket has to offer and consolidated what we’ve found in this two part feature on Phuket’s best hideaways.

intheTRAVEL

115 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

Freedom beach

Sino-Portuguese architecture

Tiger Kingdom

Places of Interest Make full use of your time in Phuket by visiting these few places of interest that are highly popular and worth exploring.

Diving and Snorkeling

Tiger Kingdom Tiger Kingdom gives visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with several Indochinese tigers, varying between ages and sizes. The place is home to tigers that have been raised by Sino-Portuguese Architecture hand in captivity since birth and it is a clean and Along the streets of Thalang, Dibuk, Yaowarat, attractive setup located beside the Go-Kart track Ranong, Phang-Nga, Rasada and Krabi, visitors in Kathu. can get a glance of the beautiful architecture offerings. The most ambient in town would be Soi Activities Romanee. Other noteworthy places would be Young or old, these are the top three wonderful Thailand’s oldest foreign bank; Standard Char- activities that should be experienced when in tered Bank, the Thai office and the old post office Phuket. building which now houses the Phuket Philatelic Museum.

Diving and Snorkeling Deep sea diving in Phuket is one of the activities Freedom Beach that many have come to the island for, especially Voted as Winner of Tripadvisor’s 2014 Choice when its enviable central location is surrounded for Beaches, the Freedom Beach at Phuket is a by crystal clear water with spectacular reefs and tranquil and secluded area that is away from the rock formations. Awesome dive spots that should hustle and bustle of the city. It may be one of the be visited and requires visitors to fork out more in less accessible beaches to visit as it requires a ten- money would be Similan Islands, Koh Phi Phi and minute ride by long-tail boat. The travelling time Koh Lanta. There’s also another option with the however does not match the stunning reward many operators in Phuket that take divers to dethat visitors get of the turquoise sea and peaceful cent and closer sites around the island such as Koh relaxation.

Raya Noi and Koh Raya Yai to the south. Snorkeling Weekendin 116

is best done so along Phuket’s west coast. Mask, snorkel and fins can be rented at a cheap rate for the day.

Spas and Thai Massages At every corner of Phuket, there are bound to be massage shops. Thailand’s concept of spa uses ancient traditional method of natural healing through herbal baths, massage and meditation that are derived from holistic therapies practiced for centuries. Swanky spa sessions that include Thai massages as part of their packages can be found at major hotels and resorts and are an indulgent treat but are definitely worth it and hard to go wrong.

Surfing Phuket is also a surf destination. The best waves arrive between June and September with annual competitions held in Kata and Kalim. Whether you’re an aspiring surfer or a veteran, you can find a number of surf schools and surf rental shops offerings to best cater to your needs.

Festivals Ranging from spiritual to light hearted and joyous festivals, note down these months on your travel

intheTRAVEL

calendar and celebrate these upcoming festivals with the locals.

Baba Peranakan Festival (June) The Thai Peranakan Association in Phuket old town will host the yearly mass wedding ceremony in Baba or Peranakan style. Although this day would forever hold a special meaning for the lovebirds having their wedding in a traditional Straits Chinese style, the event is open to all who are keen to witness and help celebrate this beautiful festival. It is also an opportunity for visitors to explore two of Phuket’s grandest vintage SinoPortuguese mansions used for the wedding.

Kathu Festival (July) The Kathu Street Culture Festival is a new event that commemorates the Kathu tradition and culture of Thai and Chinese passed on to future generations. It is starting to gain popularity and draws the attention of a bigger crowd as each year goes by. This festival entertains spectators with stage shows of martial arts and lion dances, live music and exhibitions and street stalls selling Chinese influenced local treats. The people also don on their best Chinese-style attire as well as Phuket traditional costumes during this festive period.

Surf’s Up!

Similan Island

Phang Nga

Phi Phi Island

Outside Phuket Those with the luxury of time should take the opportunity to explore the islands outside of Phuket. Only a few hours away, these three islands are guaranteed to treat you to a view of unrivalled natural beauty of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Phang Nga Belonging to the mainland province north of Phuket, visitors can reach Phang Nga either by a bus from Phuket to Phang Nga town and then boat from Tha Don Pier or directly by boat from Po Bay on the northeast side of Phuket. At Phang Nga, the more renowned features of this land would be Ko Phing Kan, which is better known as “James Bond Island”. The island was once used as a location setting for The Man with the Golden Gun and is one of the most popular day excursions from Phuket as its spectacular rock pinnacles beautifully surround the area. For the adventurous, there are sea-canoeing tours available that are one the best ways to experience the area.

Phi Islands where these two small islands of exquisite beauty have been famous either as a day excursion from Phuket or as a base for a few days of snorkeling and lazing on the beach. The bigger of the two islands, Phi Phi Don is shaped like a lopsided butterfly. The smaller Phi Phi Le Island is uninhabited and is home to the spectacular sheer cliffs where birds’ nests are harvested. The island has to be toured by a boat for a marvelous view of its idyllic bays, hidden coves and other sites such as Viking Cave – a cave with stalactites and ancient wall paintings of sailing ships. There are many modes of transportation to access Phi Phi ranging from converted fishing boats to luxury cruise ships.

Similan Island Nine Similan islands form a national park at the northwest of Phuket. The island is arguably one of Thailand’s finest scuba-diving spot where visitors can find crystal clear water and colourful coral. Trips to Similans are offered by various tour operating companies in Phuket.

Phi Phi Island 30 miles east of Phuket, visitors can arrive at Phi 117 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

Splendorous Sanctuary at the

There’s a rhythm that relaxes your soul where the aura of tranquility flows from the sanctuary to your senses. A feast for your eyes and your spirit where harmony and luxury are the personifications of the haven that is Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary. The hallmarks of one of the most desired destinations in the world is crafted through the thoughtful blending in of nature with clever, orchestrated architecture and luxury endowments.

Designed to privilege guests with an absolute wellness escapade, Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary is the perfect destination preferred by discerning travellers from across the globe.

A sense of verve takes hold once you step into the grounds of Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary, sited next to Bang Tao beach and to the west side of the 600 acres Banyan Tree Phuket. The property is located within the 1,000 acres of tropical parkland of Laguna Phuket. Laguna Phuket is Asia’s first integrated destination resort of deluxe hotels and villas sited along an eight kilometre stretch of unspoilt beach at Bang Tao Bay.

Weekendin 118

intheTRAVEL

B

Banyan Tree Phuket was created as South East Asia’s first luxury garden spa resort, with villas nestled along Bang Tao Bay in the Laguna area of Phuket. This Laguna complex is home to a cluster of five luxury hotels, six palm fringed lagoons, 600 acres of parkland and three kilometres of pristine beach.

Banyan Tree Phuket is venued around the Laguna affording 150 villas built in symphony with the lush terrain that is landscaped with mature trees and lotus ponds.

A buggy ride along the property’s meandering path led me to the entrance of my private spa villa as my mind and body went from work stress mode to placidity. The serenity of the resort was enlivened with heartening hospitality from the staff who were so willing to please with friendly smiles. Upon stepping into the villa’s compound through the majestic wooden doors, a private garden flaunted a 3.5m by 11.5m alluring pool with a Jacuzzi to the side and a Thai Sala flanked by mature palms, lotus ponds that encircled the villa and garden features. At the edge of the villa, verdant greenery verge the lagoon affording a picturesque view of the luscious surrounds. My immediate itinerary was already decided at that point—luxuriating in the cool waters of the pool with tea laid out at the Sala.

I entered the 550 square metres Spa Villa and was immediately drawn to the seamless flow between the sumptuous interior and expansive outdoor spaces, its harmony enhanced by the floor-toceiling glass windows. The attention to detail was remarkable with each aspect of the villa—amenities, interior finishes, bedding, upholstery, bathroom, etc.—in 5-star standing. Designed to sit on a lotus pond, the bedroom takes centrestage with doors adjacent to the main door, the living area to the left and walk-through wardrobe leading to the spacious bathroom to the right. The sublime view of the garden is visible at every corner of the villa allowing the flow of tranquility for the senses throughout the stay. Rejuvenation comes early when you experience a stay at Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary.

With the spirit assuaged by the gorgeously appointed spa villa, it was time to savour the culinary delights, so well reputed of the resort. Rhythm of water is prevalent throughout the property. My scrumptious breakfast at Water Court was framed by pebbled pond against lagoon and verdant greenery, transforming even breakfast time into an experience or inspiration of sorts. This openair restaurant overlooking the lagoon in the surrounds of water and greenery provides a delightful start to the day. Its vast Asian and Western breakfast buffet avails until late morning, and a variety of a la carte dishes with a wide selection of Andaman and imported seafood for savouring in the evenings.

For lunch I sampled exquisite Japanese delicacies like sushi and sashimi at Tamarind Restaurant.

Their Japanese Master Chef Shiraishi has been practising the art of Sushi for more than 40 years.

Fresh and succulent, the sashimi teased my palate with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and chewier bites. The outdoor setting of Tamarind allows guests to continue soaking up the essence of the resort and enjoying the flow of the stay.

booked a spa session at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa that designs result-oriented treatments ranging from therapeutic massages tobeauty and body treatments. The pioneer of tropical garden spa concept with its Eastern therapies and holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony, Banyan Tree Spa Phuket (the first Banyan Tree Spa) opened in 1994. All their therapists are extremely well trained, and together with the invigorative products used in the heavenly confines of the spa, a session will leave you in celestial throne. My aromatherapy massage session completed the indugling satiation for my stay at Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary.

My dinner experience was a flavourful one at the world renowned Saffron, Banyan Tree´s signature restaurant that concocts zesty Thai Cuisine in an elegant indoor setting. It was an enjoyable evening for me where great service and great food further uplifted my stay at Banyan Tree. Sala Terrace (seafood), Banyan Café (international snacks) and Lobby Bar and Wine (cocktails) provide the other In a hectic world where life circumvents around wine and dine options. being on top in the business arena, an escape to Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary is a tremendous treat Those who want to enliven their dining experi- for anyone who needs recharging and pamperence further can treat themselves at Banyan Tree’s ing. 20 years on, Banyan Tree Phuket celebrates famous Destination Dining options—from a Long it’s 20th anniversary this year and the resort reigns Tail Boat Dinner cruise to a romantic dinner in the supreme, and is still the benchmark of all luxury middle of the lagoon. Enjoy fine Thai or Western resorts on the island. cuisine artfully prepared by their talented culinary team while being entertained with traditional Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary | 33, 33/27 Moo 4 music.

Srisoonthorn Road | Cherngtalay | Amphur Talang Phuket 83110 | T +66 76 372 400 | phuket@banBanyan Tree Spa yantree.com | www.banyantree.com/en/phuket To heighten my experience at Banyan Tree, I

119 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

Buzz Bliss and

AT JW MARRIOTT

My expectations for the usual polished service, world-class fare and elegantly appointed guest room were expectably met when I checked in at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. The buzz was immediately felt with my first step into the 265-room property as the resort enjoys a vibrant guest mix with visitors from continents apart. Availing six restaurants (serving international, Italian, Japanese, Thai, pastries, steak and seafood) and five bars, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is probably the only resort in Phuket that indulges its guest with so many culinary choices.

As I was led to my sea-view room to the south of the resort’s verdant greenery, I could see the Marriott efficacy across the various disciplines of the property, from front office to landscape, and housekeeping to F&B. Magnificent pools fringed by delightful botanic, ponds and water features sprucely verge the rooms sited across the resort’s grounds and sandy beach with the Andaman Sea in full glory. Guests can stroll along 17 kilometres of natural beachfront with the Sirinath Marine National Park and sea turtle nesting area in close proximity.

Weekendin 120

intheTRAVEL

T

he well-appointed rooms, aside from the usual top-notch Marriott amenities and elegant furnishings, afford practical creature comforts for the modern traveller. I’ve never been disappointed with the quality of the rooms at JW Marriott and sleep is always an indulgent one with their silky, blissful bedding. There are eight luxury, one-bedroom, seaside suites and their crème de la crème Royal Villa that flaunts two-bedroom villas, a living/dining pavilion and a private pool.

After unpacking, I changed and sauntered over to the patio to enjoy a cuppa alfresco style while soaking in the lovely sunshine and enjoying the vista of the turquoise water. These are the best moments of a trip where you loosen up and luxuriate in the way that best sates your soul. The vast activities from the well-facilitated resort are your only distraction from the calm as there are simply so many enjoyable options that avail at JW Marriott. For the moment, I was too reposed to be engaging in any strenuous activities, preferring to continue embracing the serenity that the comfortable room instills. In the realms of relaxation with spirits in tranquility, I was in the mood for further pandering. With rejuvenation in overdrive mode, and after a quick lunch at Siam Deli, I proceeded to Mandara Spa for an hour of sublime indulgence.

Adding Rejuvenation to Recreation Mandara Spa has always been one of my favourite spas and I just had to treat myself to one of their wonderful treatments. The essence of the spa comes from the healing massage artistry in Bali, passed down through generations, which now avails in 70 Mandara Spas across the globe.

The spa’s therapists and aestheticians are expertly trained to master the healing arts to deliver deft strokes and invigorating touches to resonate body and soul. Mandara Spa’s desire is to pass this healing knowledge on to all guests seeking solace and relaxation. They have been spot on so far as every therapeutic treatment that I’ve experienced at this superb spa has been body and spirit transforming ones. I was graciously greeted at the reception and could immediately sense the peaceful ambience within the walls of the spa as I sat down to select an essential oil for the aromatherapy massage. Sweet aroma, soothing sounds, intimacy of lighting and a gracious smile all add up to create the perfect prelude to the treatment.

Having experienced the Mandara Touch previously, I was looking forward to the hour-long Balinese Massage that employs the authentic massage style of ageless tradition. With my mind in a tranquil state, the therapist swiftly got into action. Soon, the gentle rhythm of soothing massage strokes that glided therapeutically across my body swiftly transformed the session into an invigorating experience. The application of massage oil together with palm pressure and stroking technique brought relief to tension, improving blood flow and conjuring waves of relaxation.

Conscientious attention is paid to every element, meal at Ginja Taste. to allow customers to enjoy the total spa experience.

The 68-seat Ginja Taste is a Thai restaurant that serves flavoursome Thai fare. This remarkable resWhile Mandara Spa offers 300 different treat- taurant that has drawn epicureans with their outments throughout the world, the menu at each standing cuisine is built in the style of a traditional spa is tailored to that resort’s theme, design and Thai Sala. Diners can choose between an indoor clientele. The company’s philosophy is to have air-conditioned dining area and an outdoor patio a three-part menu, incorporating one-third Ba- for al fresco dining. Aside from pleasing the pallinese treatments (in keeping with the roots in ate, the breathtaking views of the sun setting over which Mandara was found), one-third traditional the Andaman Sea makes dining at Ginja Taste a and classic techniques (stemming from Europe memorable one. or Asia), and one-third indigenous or native to the land in which the spas are located. While the Resident manager, Ashley Lai, together with Kemenus may differ from location to location, the walin Sukumjittanon were wonderful hosts, so spas all have in common an emphasis on beauty, down-to-earth and heartening to enjoy a meal rejuvenation and a uniquely indulgent and exotic with. The stay was made special with their superb experience with an East-West flavour. company.

Dining Pleasures After blissful session at Mandara Spa, sunset brings another set of experience and i was hyped to extend the invigorative time after sun down.

The sunset cocktails at Out of the Blue Drink delightfully kick off a night of atmospheric wining and dining where guests are pampered with culinary choices and ambient venues. After a gorgeous time chilling out over cocktails at Out of Blue Drink where the setting sun bid adieu to the picturesque ocean vista, I had a most satisfying

Nestled in a tropical haven just 15 kilometres north of the Phuket, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is an excellent holiday destination for those seeking plenty of buzz and a good dose of bliss. Guests decide whether they want to engage in active recreation or relax in idle tranquility, both wonderful holiday experiences by the Andaman Sea. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa | 231 Moo 3 | Mai Khao | Talang | Phuket 83110 | Thailand | T +66 76 338 202 | www.jwmarriottphuketresort.com 121 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

ESCAPE INTO THE

Lap Luxury of

Located on the unspoiled northwestern coastline overlooking a private bay, Trisara is the epitome of private luxury. Not only does the serenity of the resort provide a perfect escape from the hassle and stress of city life, the 48 individual pool villas and twenty private residences are surrounded by forty acres of lush greenery and landscaped gardens, offering a getaway in its truest sense. Known in Sanskrit as “The Third Garden in Heaven�, Trisara has been offering perfect private luxury to its discerning guests relentlessly over the past nine years. Consistently voted as one of the finest resorts in Phuket, the world-class standards and services offered promise a pristine private luxurious getaway.

The vast property includes 48 one- and two-bedroom hotel pool rooms, pool suites and pool villas, as well as twenty magnificent privately owned two to six bedroom residences. The gently sloping contours of the resort allow guests in all villas to embrace wide ocean views, beautiful sunsets and soothing sea breeze from the Andaman Sea. Each private villa and residence is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering seclusion and a true sense of privacy. With such exclusivity comes quietness and hence the fear of being alone, but all those worries can be eliminated since the resort is well secured with only one protected and guarded road entrance.

Weekendin 122

intheTRAVEL

T

he rooms and villas come replete with private infinity pools that embrace views of the Andaman Sea. Featuring teak sundecks and outdoor showers, these rooms make for the perfect private resort experience. The interiors of the villas also truly ring luxury. Complete with oversized bathtubs, air-conditioning, TVs and complimentary Internet connectivity, the rooms promise incredible comfort and more. These rooms can be rented by couples or families alike and offer an unprecedented private accommodation.

The residential villas, located on both the northern and southern headlands, go a step further with the exclusivity and offer a fully operational kitchen with dedicated staff including a private chef. Large swimming pools and living and dining pavilions face either the oceanfront or magnificent landscapes of the Thai shoreline, offering a breathtaking experience. Some villas come equipped with a small gym, a private cinema or a bar, overall providing a complete experience.

Should you wish to wander out of your comfortable abode for the night, the resort offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained through your stay. If you want to go discover the city, private half or full day cruises to nearby islands including the Phang Nga Bay can be arranged by the resort.

You can also go for an early morning tour of the local fresh market where you could have a traditional Phuket Breakfast. Or get close to mother nature with an elephant ride in the island’s most significant rainforest at the Khao Phra Teaw National Park or a short walking tour around the old town in Phuket city to explore the historical architecture, little shops, local restaurants. If you prefer to stay within the resort, you could take advantage of the spa, take Yoga classes in a private beachfront yoga sala or take Thai cooking classes.

Get your adrenaline pumped up with the wide variety of water sports at the resort. Coastal cruisers are available either by the hour, for half a day or for the full day. You can hire these to go snorkeling, coastal cruising or fishing right off the resort’s jetty. Alternatively, you can also approach the friendly staff to arrange a trip for you to the many beachfront restaurants, beach clubs or hotels on the west coast. We recommend Trisara’s affiliated resort at Kata beach—Boathouse and ReKaTa Beach Club.

Food options at the resort are endless and enough to keep you satiated. The Deck offers all day dining with authentic Thai dishes and International cuisine in a casual outdoor restaurant.

Trisara Seafood serves the freshest produce from the Andaman and the Mediterranean seas, paired with wonderful wines from their award winning wine cellar. The bar is ideal for admiring the spectacular sunset, while savouring creative Asian & Western tapas of which they specialise in. They, too, offer a wide variety of wines in addition to numerous classic as well as creative cocktails. If

you are spending a weekend at Trisara, do check out the Sunday Brunch at the beachfront which boasts fine wines, exquisite tapas, live cooking stations and Phuket’s best desserts all accompanied by a fantastic jazz band.

The resort will introduce to you Thai Hospitality in its truest sense. The service is quick and impeccable and truly suited to your every need. Their passion about service, food and attention to detail is truly eminent in every facet of a stay at the resort.

The resort thus makes for a perfect spot for a romantic getaway for two, a relaxed family vacation or even a big gathering for a private event such as a wedding.

Marking its 10th anniversary in 2014, Trisara presents various offers and hosts special events through the year. Thai residents get special “Thai Resident Rates”, enabling residents of Thailand to enjoy 30% off from the normal seasonal rates from January 15 to October 31, 2014.

offers a complimentary, hassle free fast track immigration service for all guests arriving or departing on international flights. Guests will be escorted to the VIP queue and get an exclusive treatment as soon as they land via a Premium Line that will speed up Immigration and Baggage Claim. A hotel limousine will await them outside for their short 15-minute drive to the resort.

What’s more, the short drive from the Airport is an introduction to every aspect of the real Phuket —winding through villages, jungles and beaches before arriving at the resort.

Make your way to this exclusive resort for a truly luxurious and private getaway. Whether you spend a short weekend or a whole month there, it will be enough to rejuvenate you and offer the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

Trisara | 60/1 Moo 6 | Srisoonthorn Road | Cherngtalay | 83110 Thailand | T 66 76 310 100 | www.trisara.com

For the benefit of international guests, the resort 123 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

LYING IN THE

Euphoria Bliss of

The hype surrounding Patong or the sleaze along the walking street, while might be entertaining for some, would truthfully not amuse everyone. Anantara Phuket Villas is one such place that is located miles away from the ruckus. Situated along the quiet beach of Mai Khao with hardly any activity in the vicinity, I was pleased to be trapped in this haven of luxury. In fact, I was glad that I had the opportunity to enjoy and fully utilise the amenities in the resort without the distraction of outside activities.

The pool villa itself was enough to keep me occupied. Luxuriously appointed with a huge pool, outdoor bath placed strategically right next to the pool (can be used for hot and cold therapy), a cosy outdoor sala with a daybed and a huge en-suite bathroom featuring indoor and outdoor rain showers. The terrazzo bathtub for two is inlaid into the 33 square metre private pool, edged by a hardwood sundeck with loungers for guests to bask in the sun comfortably should they want to avoid the public pool.

Each villa’s sala features cushioned seating for lounging and a dining table, alongside an additional mini bar.

Weekendin 124

intheTRAVEL

T

here is even allowance for some sneaky skinny-dipping in this extremely exclusive oasis of a villa if you’re in a spontaneous mood. The entire villa is protected by wooden fence that affords the perfect amount of privacy and blissful seclusion. The villa wraps around the pool, and the sliding bedroom and bathroom doors accentuate free flowing space and provide direct pool garden access so you can easily jump in if you want to.

Designed with Thai inspired architecture and décor, each sanctuary features handpicked artwork and rich textiles. The living space is not only furnished with creature comforts like a chaise longue, daybed, writing desk and dressing table, but also modern comforts including an LCD TV, DVD and iPod dock with surround sound, as well as WiFi, an espresso machine, a personal wine cellar and mini bar.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or to relax, Anantara has enough facilities to keep you covered. The honoured Anantara spa provides rewarding wellness journeys. The Tree House, aptly named for the spiral staircase winding around an old Banyan tree, offers lofty resort and sea views, an evolving ambience and menus ranging from lunches, specialty coffees and teas, to evening meals, as well as Thai style tapas and cocktails.

Spending a late afternoon reclined on a daybed with a refreshing cocktail in hand and an uninterrupted view of the magnificent sunset to boot has to be one of the best ways to spend a holiday. The Infinity pool bar serves light snacks and drinks, convenient for anyone lounging by the pool or frolicking on the beach. Then there is Sea.Fire.Salt.—serving delectable seafood cuisine in a sophisticated setting, a remarkable venue for spending the night over exceptional food, great company and a Salt Sommelier at your service.

Though the expanse of the resort might seem initially intimidating, the innovative use of green bicycles that you can simply hop on should you see one along the way, helps inject that element of resort fun while helping you get around the compound.

Anantara Spa Phuket offers a haven of calm and serenity where you can leave behind the stresses of everyday life and begin to synchronise the subtle energies of your being. The treatment menu draws on the physical, spiritual and mystical influences of Thailand’s precious lotus flowers. The Anantara Signature Massage combines East and West in purpose-designed massage movements applied with blended oils to stimulate circulation and deeply relax muscles. Meanwhile, reflexology clears blockages of energy that could otherwise cause illness, returning the body to its optimum condition. This was definitely a much-needed therapeutic massage that left me in a state of calmness for the rest of the day.

Hunger pangs usually start to hit me a short while after a spa treatment, with no exception this

time. Each evening, the signature beachside restaurant Sea.Fire.Salt. tempts guests with seafood specialties that are cooked on the barbeque and on Himalayan salt bricks, with the distinctive flavours enhanced by recommendations from the resident Salt and Wine Gurus. Start the meal with an ice cold bucket spilling with fresh seafood, and move on to a whole barramundi fish grilled to perfection on a salt brick. Allow the Salt Sommelier to recommend all kinds of gourmet salts to complement each dish—the Porcini salt was sublime—and trust the Wine Sommelier to present only the best of the best wines.

Sticky Rice, and bring home the recipes, was an eye-opener. We needn’t have worried about the cooking making us hungry, as we had the chance to savour each dish prepared by our very own hands.

By night, the compound transforms into the like of the setting in TV series Survivor, with lit torches adorning the bridge, pathways and between villas. Each evening a torch lighting ceremony of long drums and bells parades through the resort’s spectacular Bill Bensley designed grounds and across the lagoon’s scenic walkway, announcing the start of a romantic night to come.

Learn the techniques behind one of the world’s most popular cuisines with a Thai cooking class. Anantara Phuket Villas | 888 Moo 3 | Mai Khao | One of the most memorable times spent there Thalang | Phuket 83110 | T +66 76 336 100 was being able to bring home newly acquired www.phuket.anantara.com cooking skills that can be used to impress loved ones in future. A hugest fan of Thai cuisine, learning how to prepare classics like Tom Yam Goong, Green Curry Chicken, Beef Salad, and Mango 125 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

MAKE YOUR DREAMS

Memories Remember to

The Centara brand offers guests an experience to luxuriate in premium settings in city-centre locations and beach and island destinations. Across the brand, the hotel style varies—guests can choose from family oriented beachfront resorts to romantic beachside hideaways, residential settings and opulent villas. Be it for a relaxing retreat or a venue to commemorate a special occasion, each Centara hotel offers the very basis of what defines a comfortable stay such as a spa, a fitness centre as well as fully equipped meeting rooms and garden venues. Focusing on providing a memorable experience and offering great value and comfort for anyone who comes and stay with them, Centara aims to exceed expectations throughout all their properties in Asia. And this is especially true, because this experience was felt and reflected with Centara Villas Phuket.

Weekendin 126

intheTRAVEL

C

entara Villas Phuket is situated on the west coast of Phuket and is enclaved by a lush natural tropical backdrop.

A 45-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and guests are welcomed to the four-star property that is home to 72 spacious Thai style villas that are all blessed with an enviable stunning view of the Karon Beach. Just a five minutes’ walk away, the Karon Beach can be easily accessed. Also, located not too far off would be some of Phuket’s tourist hotspots such as Simon Cabaret, Patong Beach and Bangla Night Street.

With four categories of accommodation to choose from, guests can find one that suits their needs best. Each ocean-facing villa is designed to echo a soothing and unique Thai atmosphere through the use of clean lines and subtle touches of lightwood. They are all furnished with necessities such as a mini bar and satellite TV. To further enhance the inviting escape, it has a large balcony that opens out into the gardens and the sea beyond. For a more intimate and exclusive experience, opt either for the private pool or spa villas that comes ensuite with a Jacuzzi. Guests staying at these villas would enjoy concierge services and nightly complimentary cocktails served at your terrace during sunset hours.

Within the confines of the property, there is no lack of recreational activities. Soak up the sun at their outdoor two terraced swimming pool with cascading waterfall while snacking on nibbles and refreshments by the pool side. For absolute rejuvenation, make an appointment at Spa Cenvaree – a wellbeing sanctuary that creates treatments that revolve around the pillars of Mind, Body and Soul. The spa strives to bring these three entities into harmony and balance. Guests can find an extensive range of massages, detox programmes and spa journeys for couples in treatment rooms with Jacuzzi.

In addition, the resort is also an ideal venue for business meetings with their function rooms and Meet at the Cliff meeting room that is fully equipped that fulfils all your requirements. Venturing out to the nearby islands to either dive or fish can be arranged from the hotel. Just a short drive away, golf enthusiasts can play at several 18hole international standard golf courses.

Due to its picturesque hillside location, the scenic sea view can be appreciated at their two dining restaurants. The Cliff Restaurant is the resort’s all day dining restaurant that serves up a unique Mediterranean-Asian fusion style cuisine. Cliff Bar would be great to catch the sunset and relish in happy hour cocktails or after dinner drinks and specialty coffees. Another dining facility would be Bayview Restaurant & Bar that offers a more casual dining scene and satisfies your craving for authentic Thai delicacies and international cuisine. Or else, guests could by all means take advantage of their 24-hour in-villa dining service for convenience.

Overall, it’s no surprise why this resort has been raved about by many and is almost fully booked year-round. Should your next destination take you to Maldives, Mauritius, Pattaya or Koh Samui, looking for an accommodation with the Centara brand with always be a safe option.

Centara Villas Phuket | 701 Patak Road | Karon Beach | Muang | Phuket 83100 | T +66 7628 6300 9 | www.centarahotelsresorts.com

127 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

FIND

Yourself Cape at the

Sri Panwa is one of Phuket’s best kept treasures, perched high atop Cape Panwa and commanding breathtaking views of the Southeastern tip of Phuket itself. The villas sit 40 to 60 metres above sea level, boasting panoramic 300-degree ocean sights.

Run by the young Vorasit Wan Issara and his energetic team, they balance the family tradition of excellence with what modern travellers want, presenting you one of the best holiday escapades you can bargain for.

Weekendin 128

T

intheTRAVEL

he 52 villas, having terra cotta exteriors unique to Thailand, are fitted with contemporary tropical interiors. These are designed to provide comfort that is as close-to-home as possible, from the bed linen to the handcrafted furniture. It is perfect for both relaxing in the day, and throwing a party with the ambient music system at night. Scattered throughout 40 acres of lush surroundings and offering accommodation of maximum privacy and superior service, Sri Panwa offers a wide range of hotels and pool villas. Its bedroom Private Villas all feature a 12-metre infinity-edge swimming pool and an outdoor bathing area overlooking the Andaman Sea, a perfect honeymoon spot. The walls are mostly glass, allowing you to wake up to a stunning sunrise from your bed, or admire the sun setting after a long day.

Sri Panwa’s facilities range from a fully equipped fitness centre and gym to tennis courts. A daily team of private tennis, pilates and fitness instructors are also available. There are seven golf clubs in the area, and golfing activities can be quickly arranged, the closest being 20 minutes away at Red Mountain. If you’d prefer to throw a cocktail party, Baba Poolclub is the place for guests to be entertained. Sprawled across 5,000 square metres, it features yet another infinity-edge lap pool, a Game Room, Baba88 Disco and Baba Space for functions. For those who have always wanted to learn to cook the famous Tom Yam Goong or Green Curry from Thai cuisine, Baba Hot Pot is the chain’s personal cooking school which offers exciting classes.

If you’re one to venture out of the hotel, Sri Panwa is a choice destination for boating. This is especially since 8 beautiful islands in the Phuket archipelago surround the resort. Be spoilt for choice when it comes to water activities with the beach at your disposal, from cruising to beach-hopping to scuba diving. Alternatively, spend a memorable afternoon on a private yacht, going up north to the stunning PhangNga Bay or the Phi Phi Islands.

Excursions are tailored according to your wishes and what you want out of the holiday, including speedboat excursions to the outlying islands, exploring Phuket nightlife, safari adventures and even elephant trekking.

After one whole day of excitement and exploration, unwind by treating yourself to a gourmet selection of food in Sri Panwa’s many restaurant offerings. Baba Soul Food, the main restaurant, offers an unmatched dining experience when you enjoy your dinner while looking out at the sun setting near the Andaman Sea and its surrounding islands. Using only the freshest ingredients and local cooking styles, the Baba team promises to “cook with their soul”. The other dining venue is located in the Baba Poolclub, which offers an elaborate breakfast buffet. The most recent addition to these is Baba Nest, an entertainment-cumdining-avenue located high in the sky. A cocktail bar atop a rooftop deck, it allows you to exchange

conversations over quality cocktails with the sun Sri Panwa’s own Herb & Vegetable Garden for you to immerse yourself fully in the local culture. From setting in the background. traditional Thai, Balinese and Indian massages to The menu at BabaQ is broken down into four full body wraps, you can do it with your significant main cuisines: Japanese, BBQ, Italian and basic other or even request for it to be performed in the Thai hotpot. From the freshest sashimi in Phuket comfort of your own villa. to the over 100 BBQ and grill combinations to choose from, the elaborate menu offers quality Among numerous accolades, Sri Panwa has been food that would not disappoint. Hot Pot dining, a voted as the World’s Hotel with the Best View by family-shared style of cooking and eating at your Beach Tomato UK, and is described as “one of the table is unique to Asia. It is up to you to choose most seductive hotels in the world”. Make a trip what ingredients and sauces to add to your per- there to draw your own verdict. Afterall, seeing is sonal hot soup bowl, and then share the person- believing. alised taste with the people eating alongside you.

Finally, zone out at Cool Spa which offers a senso- Sri Panwa | 88 Moo 8 | Sakdidej Road | Vichit | ry experience within the secluded rainforest. With Muang | Phuket 83000 | T +66 76 371 000 | chill@ six spacious waterfall treatment rooms, a private sripanwa.com | www.sripanwa.com salon, a floating yoga deck and a juice bar, allow yourself to bask in the healing rituals and modern treatments. The ingredients used are fresh local products, including coconut and tamarind. A selection of them are carefully handpicked from 129 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

AMIDST

Resplendent Luxury Tin—which was discovered hundreds of years ago and greatly grew in value, becoming a form of currency until as late as 1932— is the inspiration of Indigo Pearl. Wichit Na-Ranong, owner and Managing Director of Indigo Pearl Resort is the descendent of the Na-Ranong family, which played an integral part in Phuket’s success as a tin mining centre and the island’s subsequent wealth.

In tribute to his ancestry, tin mining became the personal source of inspiration in the creation of the resort. Currently there are only three tin mining sites still active in Phuket, and few of the island’s inhabitants know about their rich industrial past. Indigo Pearl serves as a striking, poetic reminder of the enriched and colourful past of Phuket.

Weekendin 130

intheTRAVEL

T

he resort offers an array of accommodation options. Guests can choose from a serene stay at the private pool villas, to a chic urban stay at The Pearl Shell Suites or even the ultimate luxurious stay at the scenic Bensley Suite, homage to the renowned Bill Bensley design, with unique art pieces framing a private pool.

A common problem guests staying over at hotels have is adjusting to sleeping on a foreign bed, which is why Indigo Pearl has made an extra effort to ensure guests achieve a good night’s rest. And what better way to customise a sleeping experience into one you’re familiar with than choosing a specific pillow from the pillow menu which consists of 7 different types of pillows, ensuring that your sleep at the resort is optimised.

Guests should also try out Black Ginger, a luxurious Thai restaurant within the hotel. Constructed on a floating platform, the restaurant has a unique interior of contemporary design and old wood charm. Tourists will get to partake in authentic Thai staples such as Som Tam, Tom Yum and Panang Curry, and even more unique ones such as crispy fried shrimp, a rare southern delicacy, and battered cha-plu leaves drizzled with sweet chili sauce.

Those wanting something different can try out Rivet Grill, an immaculately designed grill house serving special cuts of Black Angus Tenderloin and seafood fresh from the tank. A hidden gem, this restaurant serves the most mouth-watering Tableside Seared “Hot Rocks”, with delicate slices of premium meat like wagyu beef striploin and Australian lamb loin seared to your own liking of doneness on a sizzling cast iron griddle. Completely value for money, the Chef’s Tasting Menu consists of four courses of appetiser, “hot rocks”, main, and dessert, each with their own options to ponder over. This restaurant also has a chic lounge upstairs called Rebar, which offers an extensive list of New World wines and after-dinner drinks.

Another unique feature of the resort is the cultural activities offered. Apart from Thai cuisine classes and language classes, guests can also take a short trip to the local Nai Yang temple and encounter monks making their morning rounds for offerings of food. Larger groups will take the hotel bus while groups of 4 or less can opt to cycle instead. For those keen to do some shopping at an authentic Thai market, sign up for the Weekend Market activity. The resort will provide transport to Naka weekend market, Phuket’s largest market famous for the colourful variety of mouth-watering local delicacies, and of course, bargain prices!

Visitors will be given 2 hours to freely roam the market, and can even enlist the aid of the friendly Indigo Pearl staff for assistance. An added bonus of this tour is the route back, in which the bus will take a slight detour to Phuket Old Town. Crowded with traffic in the day, the small heritage streets clear up at night to reveal quaint architecture of a bygone era. Be sure to bring your cameras along

to capture scenes of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Apart from these short activities, guests who have time leftover during their vacation can sign up for the day expeditions at the resort. In line with the theme of the resort, choose to go for the Phuket Mining Tour, which will bring guests closer to Thailand’s rich past. This cultural tour starts with a drive to Kathu District and Phuket’s Mining Museum, a Sino-Portuguese style building which stands as testament to Thailand’s colonial past.

Differing from conventional museums, visitors will travel around on a traditional wheel cart. Visitors are certain to leave the museum well-informed and learned about Thailand’s past. A stay at Indigo Pearl Resort Phuket guarantees to be a culturally enriching experience, giving patrons rare insight to Thailand’s past and local life.

Indigo Pearl | Nai Yang Beach and National Park | Phuket 83110 | Thailand | T +66 76 327 006 | www. indigo-pearl.com 131 Weekendin

intheTRAVEL

INDULGE YOURSELF IN

Luxury Privacy and

The five-star Bell Pool Villa Resort promises you a living area of luxury and complete privacy. Located on the west coast of Phuket, in between the beaches of Surin and Kamala, it is perched alongside the pristine turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Each of their pool villas has uninterrupted 360 degree tropical jungle and scenic mountain views, allowing guests an unfettered experience of Phuket.

Weekendin 132

intheTRAVEL

T

his resort offers a total of 16 pool villas of 4 types. All come with a private en-suite bathroom with bathtub and a spacious living area with western kitchen appliances. This allows you to have amenities that resemble your home as much as possible, with the added luxurious space for other events to be carried out. It is especially handy for functions and parties. The Honeymoon Private Pool Villa is the most basic and suitable for couples, fitted with a romantic outdoor rain shower for fuss-free relaxation. The Luxury Private Pool Villas come in 2 and 3 bedrooms, with the living area boasting a home theatre system for entertainment in functions, and the large tropical garden topped off with a private swimming pool and sala for pool parties. Finally, the Presidential pool villa, with the outdoor dining area, private terrace and large tropical garden, allows a convenient option for larger groups of friends or extended families travelling together.

The unique point of this resort is its emphasis on privacy, and its commitment in seeing it through.

The spa treatments, yoga and cooking classes and dining menus are all offered in-villa. This allows you to have a true getaway and be at ease with yourself again, indulging in relaxation by yourself or with your loved ones, in this precious getaway.

Because of this, a 24-hour butler service is available, including even babysitting services with trustworthy professionals.

The menu, apart from offering international favourites like pizza and pasta, also offers local flavours. Appetisers include the Thai Appetiser Combination, boasting spring rolls, chicken satay, pandan wrapped chicken in a variety of sauces.

True to authentic Thailand cuisine, Tom Yam Goong soups and Panang Gai curries would test your tolerance of spiciness. Pork ribs are cooked in Chiang Mai style with black soy sauce, while Phad Pak Nam Man Hoy stands for vegetables boiled in oyster sauce. The Thais are notorious for their desserts (also known as sweets), most notably the Khao Niao Mamuang, which is mango wrapped in sticky rice and coconut cream, and the lemongrass Panna Cotta. If you plan to have something light while lounging by the pool, poolside snacks such as club sandwiches and sliders are available.

The menu also includes a cocktail and wine list for you to sit back and enjoy a refreshing fruit shake or cocktail in your own private terrace.

Regardless, if you choose to dine outside of the villa, the newly opened Zhong Lounge & Restaurant promises to “seduce” guests’ all five senses the moment they arrive. With an extensive food and drinks menu that enhances the ‘chilled out’ atmosphere, Zhong Lounge & Restaurant has a vibe that is reportedly unmatched in Phuket. In line with the rest of the pool villa resort, Zhong is adorned with oversized bells, tassels, a red and black colour scheme and chinese-inspired wooden doors for that oriental look.

If you are one to explore the treasures of Phuket

beyond the luxuries of the resort, half and full day private tours are available. Or, with a map, you could hop onto the next free shuttle to Kamala and Patong Beach, where daily island-hopping trips and tours are readily available. Widely regarded as one of the best beaches on the island, Kamala Beach is a sweeping 2.5km stretch of beautiful white sands and crystal clear aqua waters.

Around the area are Patong and Surin Beaches, the Phuket FantaSea Show, Jungceylon Shopping Centre and Phuket Town. They are also family attractions, promising entertainment and joy to the whole family.

exfoliation, or a body mask to decongest your skin cells for smooth and beautifully toned skin. Even facials and manicures are available. Since The Bell Spa understands your need for a full body relaxation, packages for different needs are available, incorporating the best of many treatments. They range from Pearl of the Andaman to Mother-toBe, yes, even expecting females can bask in a safe Special Reflexology Foot Massage specially tailored for pregnancy.

The perfect resort for you to hold your dream wedding or even an impressive business meeting, The Bell Pool Villa offers many packages to suit your varied needs. It has also earned its place in the Luxury Hotel Awards, so you can be assured that your accommodation is in good hands whenever you visit Phuket.

The spa products used are made in Thailand, using natural plants. 100% pure essential oils are used to create original and exotic aromas that exude a Thailand flavour. The traditional Thai massage is, interestingly, performed without the use of oil, yet is as equally effective in relaxing your muscles and The Bell | 41/31 Moo 5 | Baan Hua Khuan | Soi re-energising your body’s flow. After a long day of Bell | Kamala 83150 | Thailand | T +66 76 279 914 | activities, indulge in a deep body scrub for proper www.thebellphuket.com 133 Weekendin

acrosstheSTRAITS

across the Straits In this issue: Special features on Malaysia’s Festivals Given that Singapore is the world’s most expensive city to live in, slipping into holiday mood to take a break from this highly dynamic and fast-paced country surely can’t be that difficult for anyone. Everyone has differing perceptions of what constitutes a holiday, but one common ground of the word stays: the ultimate feeling of sheer comfort and relaxation during the trip. To my surprise, I found this during my weekend getaway to Johor. Although Johor might not come to mind for a quick getaway destination – which is true because you’re greeted by dilapidated shophouses, littered grounds and chaotic traffic – this city is starting to inch forward very quickly into urbanisation.

with the support of Weekendin 134

acrosstheSTRAITS

135 Weekendin

acrosstheSTRAITS

Noteworthy Events in Malacca May

Upcoming: Malacca River Fiesta Date: 24 May 2014 – 23 Jun 2014 Venue: Malacca Taking inspiration from the San Antonio River Festival in USA, Melaka International River Festival starts from 24 May 2014 stretches for almost a month. The festival aims to promote Malacca, with greater emphasis on the Malacca River and monorail that travels from Spice Garden to Dataran Hang Tuah. Spectacular highlights include water sports fiesta, dragon boat competitions and decorative floats parade.

June

Upcoming: Pesta San Pedro Date: 23 – 29 June 2014 Venue: Portuguese Settlement, Ujong Pasir A fiesta celebrated by descendants of Portuguese fisher folks. It showcases everything Portuguese from music and dance performances to demonstration of decorative fishing boats and food like the famous “Devil’s Curry”.

July

Upcoming: Malacca World Heritage City Celebration Date: 07 July 2014 Venue: Malacca City Malacca Malacca was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage City in July 2008. The anniversary of this historic occasion is celebrated with a host of cultural activities and an array of delectable traditional cuisine that is unique to the state. As the celebration takes place, the well-preserved heritage buildings, cultural enclaves and local attraction spots will be swarming with tourists for all over the world.

Malacca

Malacca was hailed as one of the busiest trading ports in Southeast Asia long before Kuala Lumpur was a malaria-ridden swamp. Over time, it lost ground to Singapore and became a sleepy backwater. This was a blessing in disguise as it preserved many of Malacca’s ancient architecture and old ways of life. Listed in 2008 as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca has become notably one of the busiest tourist hotspots in Malaysia. The alluring charms of the city comes from its mixed Malay, Chinese, Indian and European heritage and the peaceful villages that resides among the state’s tropical forests, farmlands and beaches. Throughout the years, this cultural mix has developed variations on traditional cuisine, including the delicious renowned Weekendin 136

Malay-Chinese Nonya food, which is a reason good enough for anyone to come and visit. A day trip to the city does not do justice for this quaint fascinating city. Take time off and spend at least a three-day-two-night stay where it is only then that the city fully reveals itself to travellers.

Climate Throughout the year, Malacca’s weather is hot and humid. Rainfall levels and intensity depends on the time of the year. The state features tropical rainforest climate and allows all-year-round visitation due to its relatively stable weather.

Rainfall usually occurs between October till March and drier months start from May till July.

September

Upcoming: FISE World Series 2014 Date: 4 – 7 September 2014 Venue: Dataran Pahlawan Mall One of the world’s biggest sporting events that covers disciplines like skateboard, BMX and mountain bike.

October

Upcoming: Fabulous Food Malaysia Date: 01 Oct 2014 – 31 Dec 2014 Venue: Throughout Malaysia Savour a diverse range of delicious cuisine! First organised in 2009, this programme showcases the diversity of Malaysia cuisine for a period of three months. It is divided into the following segments: Malaysia International Gourmet Festival, Asian Food Heritage Trail, Street Food Festival and Restaurant Food Festival. Selected hotels will feature specialties, cultural shows and handcrafts from the various states in Malaysia and around the world.

acrosstheSTRAITS

Noteworthy Events in Pahang June

Upcoming: Fraser Hill International Bird Race Date: 21 – 22 Jun 2014 Venue: Fraser’s Hill, Raub, Pahang Malaysia has no lack of destinations when it comes to bird watching. However, Fraser’s Hill is ideally known as a paradise for more than 250 species of birds and has been recognised as the best place for bird watching in Pahang.

During certain seasons, enthusiasts can view some of the rarest bird species from Middle East and the eastern part of Asia. It is known to be an extraordinary experience, which is unique to Fraser’s Hill and difficult to encounter elsewhere. The Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race draws birders from countries like United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa and other countries. Bird lovers can enjoy other activities lined-up for this event such as interactive seminars, workshops and exhibitions on nature, wildlife and photography. It also aims to promote ecotourism.

August

Upcoming: Hari Raya Open House Celebration Date: 16 August 2014 Venue: Kuantan, Pahang Expect cultural performances with traditional delicacies served to guests.

September

Upcoming: Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge Date: 12 – 24 September 2014 Venue: Kuala Rompin, Pahang An annual offshore “Catch and Release” fishing competition to promote fun, competitive activity while spreading the awareness of preserving species.

Upcoming: Malacca Malaysia Day Celebration Date: 16 September 2014 Venue: Nationwide Malaysia Day is held on September 16 yearly to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation on the same date in 1963. Celebrations are held at various parts of the country.

November

Upcoming: Malaysia Year End Sale 2014 & 2015 Date: 15 Nov 2014 – 04 Jan 2015 Venue: Throughout Malaysia The year is not complete without the 1Malaysia Year End Sale, a grand shopping event that wraps up the year with a bang. Shoppers can expert an interesting line-up of fashion-related events, entertainment and nationwide shopping promotions.

Pahang

Pahang is home to some of the country’s greatest destinations. It is bordered by 209km of sandy beaches and the sublime tropical island of Tioman. A three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur leads you to the national park of Taman Negara where elusive elephants and tigers can be spotted in the jungle. From Singapore, clear blue waters of Pulau Tioman is only four hours away. Cherating is also an incredibly laid-back pit stop that shouldn’t be missed by visitors heading down from the east coast from Terengganu.

Climate Pahang shares the same tropical climate with the rest of Malaysia. Monsoon season starts around June which lasts till October. Average daily temperature hovers around a balmy 32 degree Celsius throughout most of the year. The recommended time of the year visit would be during its dry season from November to June, where it’s also highly suitable for snorkeling and diving.

137 Weekendin

acrosstheSTRAITS

Noteworthy Events in Sarawak June

Upcoming: Rainforest World Music Festival Date: 20 – 22 Jun 2014 Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Bringing renowned world musicians from every continent and indigenous musicians from the mythical island of Borneo, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings all the creators of music onto the same stage.

For the fifth consecutive time, this international music festival has been voted as one of the 25 best international festivals by acclaimed world music magazine, Songlines. Taking place in the midst of lush greenery, the whole day affair starts from midday informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts followed by evening performances on stage. The festival experience is made complete with a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, souvenirs and CDs by performing artists. The Rainforest World Music Festival has been attracting more than 20,000 tourists from countries such as Australia, US, UK, France and Japan.

Upcoming: Gawai Dayak Festival Date: 1 – 2 June 2014 Venue: Sarawak A unique harvest festival that is a must-see for locals and tourists as the occasion is celebrated by the state’s indigenous people in their traditional costumes.

September

Sarawak

Sarawak also known as “The Land of the Hornbills”, is the largest of the 13 states of Malaysia and extends across the North Western part of the island of Borneo. Although there are various states in West Malaysia that are predominantly Malay, Sarawak has the most diverse population groups in the country. Its terrain of mountains and thick rainforest covers three-quarters of the land which makes Sarawak one of the best options for an adventurous holiday. Visitors in Kuching can spot orang-utans, killer crocodiles and the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia. If heartpumping action is more of your scene, travellers can visit amazing bat caves or extraordinary rock formations of Gunnung Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Sarawak, however, Weekendin 138

takes tourism at its own pace, playing on its rich colourful tribal culture instead of developing high rise buildings and large shopping malls.

Perhaps this is why many flock to this state, seeking rejuvenation and returning back home with a slice of nature.

Climate Rainy seasons runs from the end of October to March. The end of dry season may pose difficulty for coastal boats to travel due to low river levels.

The best time to visit is from March to June. Like elsewhere in Malaysia, the temperature is fairly constant where it hardly ever drops below 20 degree Celsius.

Upcoming: Sarawak Regatta Date: 12 – 14 September 2014 Venue: Tebingan Kuching Watch exciting races between traditional longboats that differ in lengths and the number of paddlers.

Upcoming: Borneo Arts Festival Date: 19 – 21 September 2014 Venue: Sarawak Featuring 27 competitions and shows related to Performing, Contemporary and Traditional Arts.

August

Upcoming: Independence Day (Hari Merdeka) Date: 31 Aug 2014 Venue: Throughout Malaysia Hari Merdeka (Independence Day) commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957. It is celebrated on August 31 each year.

acrosstheSTRAITS

Noteworthy Events in Penang June

Upcoming: George Town Festival Date: 7 June – 7 July 2014 Venue: Esplanade An array of cultural performances, traditions, arts and dances planned out to celebrate its unique living and multi-ethnic cultural heritage.

Upcoming: Penang Bridge International Marathon Running Clinics Date: 15 June 2014 Venue: Taman Bukit Jali In conjunction with Penang Bridge International Marathon, the organisers hold a series of running clinics to provide information on how to improve performance and individual’s training style.

Upcoming: Ramadan Bazaar Date: 29 June – 27 July 2014 Venue: Komtar, Pedestrian Walk and along the streets A month-long bazaar that offers a sumptuous array of local delicacies, festive cookies, clothing and religious items.

July

Upcoming: Penang Durian Fair Date: 1 – 31 Jul 2014 Venue: Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau & Penang Times Square The acquired taste of durian may not be accepted by some, but for those who absolutely love the King of Fruits, they should not miss the Penang Durian Fair that is overwhelmingly popular among the locals. Penang-grown durians are considered to be among the best in the world due to its unique landscape and cooling weather. Visitors as far as Singapore and Hong Kong come to visit this town during the season to sample the fresh durians that are categorised according to grades, along with delicacies made from durians. Held at Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau, visitors can indulge their tastebuds with the legendary Ang He, Hor Lor, Muscang King and more at the fair.

December

Upcoming: Penang International Jazz Festival Date: 04 Dec 2014 – 07 Dec 2014 Venue: Batu Feringhi, Penang Batu Ferringhi will be transformed into a jazz theater with the highly anticipated Penang Jazz Festival this December. Be mesmerised as renowned local jazz musicians belt out melodious traditions. It will also be a platform for aspiring jazz musicians to showcase their talent.

Penang

Nicknamed “Pearl of the Orient”, Penang is situated at the North West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Previously, Penang used to be a waterway between Asia’s two halves and the outlet to markets of Europe and Middle East. Penang is a marriage of the East and the West, embracing modernity and retaining its roots of traditions and old world charm. Within the cosmopolitan city, visitors can find well-preserved heritage buildings that reflect the harmonious multiracial population. Regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang captivates visitors with its beautiful coasts and luscious cuisines.

Climate Penang’s sunniest months are in June and July and from December to April. Rainy season is in September and October, but rainfall is at its minimal in January to February as it is shielded from the effects of the northeast monsoon.

139 Weekendin

acrosstheSTRAITS

Noteworthy Events in Putrajaya

May

Upcoming: Redbull Air Race Date: 17 – 18 May 2014 Venue: Putrajaya Lake Get ready to be awed at this event as pilots have to beat the hands of time and navigate through a challenging obstacle course and complete tight turns known as “Air Gates”.

Upcoming: XTERRA World Tour Championship Race Malaysia Date: 03 May 2014 – 04 May 2014 Venue: Putrajaya XTERRA-Off road version of the triathlon (swim, mountain bike & trail run) has hundreds of events in 14 countries and is still growing. The typical XTERRA comprised of the following discipline: 1.5km swim; 30k mountain bike; 11km trail run. This year XTERRA World Tour includes 23 countries i.e. South Africa, New Zealand, Philippines, Guam, Costa Rica, Saipan, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Greece, Switzerland, Canada, France, Sweden, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Republic Czech, Japan, England and Denmark.

The races are open to both pro and amateur competitors. Top-ranking amateurs are awarded an XTERRA title and entries to the XTERRA World Championship in Maui. This is the 2nd year XTERRA in Malaysia and second country in South East Asia to host this event.

June

Upcoming: Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade - Magic of the Night Date: 14 – 22 June 2014 Venue: Tasik Marina, Putrajaya A dazzling evening can be enjoyed by all at the annual International Tourism Night Floral Parade. Organised by Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, the event is in conjunction with the Putrajaya Floria Festival which displays the best of Malaysia’s and international landscape and horticulture industry. Held at Putrajaya Lake, visitors can enjoy a glittering showcase of decorated floats, mainly flora and fauna aesthetics that are brought in from the different states in Malaysia. This event successfully puts Malaysia on the map as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

October

Upcoming: FIA Formula-E Championship Date: 18 October 2014 Venue: Penang The world’s first fully-electric racing series that will compete in ten leading cities. Round two will be held at Putrajaya where drivers will go head to head racing for the fastest laptime.

Weekendin 140

Putrajaya

About 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur and close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, this cyber satellite city is Malaysia’s proud celebration of the millennium and a way to claim its place as a country with advanced technology.

As a showcase of marrying urban planning with architectural ambition, Putrajaya is an impressive place to visit. Its heart is a 600-hectare artificial lake that supports an ecosystem of aquatic plants, reptiles, frogs, and fishes, fringed by landscaped parks that are both educational and entertaining.

Climate Weather here is fairly the same as Kuala Lumpur.

Temperatures range from an average low of 23 to an average high of 33 degree Celsius. It is during the months of March to September, that the weather takes on a drier and warmer side. There is also no actual rainy season even though the months of November and December welcome a higher rainfall average.

acrosstheSTRAITS

A new look into

Johor

Given that Singapore is the world’s most expensive city to live in, slipping into holiday mood to take a break from this highly dynamic and fast-paced country surely can’t be that difficult for anyone. Everyone has differing perceptions of what constitutes a holiday, but one common ground of the word stays: the ultimate feeling of sheer comfort and relaxation during the trip. To my surprise, I found this during my weekend getaway with Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour, Johor. Although Johor might not come to mind for a quick getaway destination – which is true because you’re greeted by dilapidated shophouses, littered grounds and chaotic traffic – this city is starting to inch forward very quickly into urbanisation. The area that Traders Hotel is located is their starting point for proclaiming its want of a bigger share in the tourism pie.

141 Weekendin

acrosstheSTRAITS

The 283-room Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour, is the third Traders Hotel in Malaysia managed by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll realise that the property is modelled after a coastal concept. It features protruding dynamic curvature lines that resembles the movements of waves. Sand stones are reflected in the carpet and warm, earthy tones of large brown sofas occupy the area aiming to create an all encompassing welcoming ambience.

After a little freshening up, I resisted the inviting bed and went back down for a group tour of the hotel. On-site facilities, meetings rooms and ballrooms are state-of-the-art, with the various settings all luxurious in space and made complete with contemporary furnishings. Guests can expect a rooftop infinity pool, a fully equipped Health Club with a harbour-facing gymnasium, an open Jacuzzi, a landscaped rooftop garden that exposes you to a view of the city skyline, a business centre and basement parking bays. The The Deluxe room that I checked into had all the property does not cater only to business travelusual suspects of what constitutes a clean and lers. Families and holiday seekers could definitely modernised room. It was also emblematic of find some form of respite here. the hotel’s overall concept with fish ornaments on the wall pointing towards our room’s view of Around the area, you can find alfresco restaurants the harbour. Like all the other stylish guestrooms and retail outlets that sit on the promenade of the and suites, my room came equipped with neces- marina. Parents would have no qualms keeping sities that a newly constructed hotel would have their children entertained as neighbours to this such as a 40-inch television, IDD dual direct line hotel are Sanrio Hello Kitty Land and The Little Big with voice mail, motorised day and night curtains, Club, which is home to characters like Thomas and in-room safe deposit, a mini-bar and hairdryer. Friends, Barney and Bob the Builder. Otherwise, a Thereafter, like what many would do, I tapped family affair can also be spent at LEGOLAND® Maonto their free Wi-Fi Internet access that’s availa- laysia, located only a few minutes away from the ble throughout the hotel and checked in to flaunt hotel. Kota Iskandar, Johor state’s new administramy joyous retreat for the weekend. tive centre, might also be a nice addition to your itinerary, either for those seeking a more informaWeekendin 142

tive stay or design-savvy travellers. Visitors could tour the place, watch parliament debates at the State Legislative Assembly Hall and be rewarded with their Moorish-Andalusian architecture, surrounded by lush gardens and waterscapes.

My day then came to a close with a delectable buffet treat at their all-day dining restaurant, Harbour Cafe. It serves up an international fare of Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Western and Malaysian favourites – a one-stop culinary adventure. The interior of the 250-seater restaurant is beautifully decorated and complemented with kitchen equipment such as jars of olives and tin cans on display that pleasantly helps to elevate the casual dining experience to a trendy one. Harbour Cafe truly knows how to leave guests spoilt for choice, with each cuisine offering up a good range of variety. It would be best to head down on a Friday night and try their Seafood Buffet which offers a plethora of fresh crustaceans such as oysters, mussels and Alaskan crabs, as well as delicious dishes like the salt baked salmon, scallops and mussels gratin, and curry laksa.

If a buffet does not win you over, worth a visit would be the SkyBar Bar and Restaurant at the

acrosstheSTRAITS

pool deck. By day, it is a pool outlet and by night it turns into a chill-out lounge and grill that serves appetising food such as steak, seafood, delightful cocktails and desserts that you could enjoy while watching the spectacular sunset.

My stay here also fixed my long overdue trip to the spa. At Traders, the massage therapists are trained by Shangri-La’s Chi Spa trainers. I was treated to a 60-minute Aromatherapy treatment and was in good hands. Their attentiveness to the precise amount of strength and your overall comfort attributes to a pleasant, relaxing experience. The service, needless to say, was impeccable.

You can easily reach Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour in less than an hour and a half. With more and more Singaporeans splurging on weekend getaways, why not ditch mainstream stays and explore the possibility of crossing the border and opt for a hotel in Johor for rest and relaxation instead.

Traders Hotel Puteria Harbour | Persiaran Puteri Selatan | 79000 Nusajaya | Johor Darul Takzim | Malaysia | T +60 7 560 8888 | www.shangri-la.com

Around Johor Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour has enough facilities to keep you occupied for the day. But if you’re here to do a bit more exploring of the city, visit these few places to experience something truly local.

Pansar Tani FAMA The Farmers Market in Johor is one of the biggest markets in town. This market teeming with locals usually starts bright and early on a weekend.

Tourists would be in for a treat as they can find fresh local produce at irresistibly cheap prices and a variety of goods from fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and red meat to flowers, medicine and handicrafts.

FAMA | Bangunan FAMA Point | Lot 17304 | Jalan Persiaran 1 | Bandar Baru Selayang | 68100 Batu Caves | Selangor

coconut buns are a must try and are absolutely worth the wait.

13 Jalan Tan Hiok Nee | 80000 Johor Bahru | Malaysia JB Bazaar With more than 370 traders at JB Bazaar, this hotspot has become a venue for many business activities like a night market, pasar karat, bazaar lambak and Luton van. Located at Legaran Segget and stretching along the street of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, the bazaar buzzes with life into the wee hours of the night and is also a place for young aspiring entrepreneurs to set up shops of their own and showcase their collections every month. From clothes, food, antiques to fashion accessories and toys, tourists can expect to find almost anything.

Jalan Segget | 80000 Johor Bahru | Malaysia

Hiap Joo Bakery This little bakery is an old establishment that has been around since 1919. Till date, it still uses its old traditional method of using a charcoal oven to bake their delicious buns, cakes and biscuits.

Hot favourites such as the banana cakes and 143 Weekendin