Jetsetter Summer 2020 Issue

THE MAGIC

OF MACAO GET READY FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT

RIPE FOR CALI VINTAGES

CELEBRATING NATURE A NEW BIG 5

FIVE VINEYARDS TO VISIT IN NAPA AND SONOMA

HANGING IN HANGZHOU

FOR WILDLIFE

CRAFT COCOA

VICEROY BALI

(Puer)

(Dahongpao)

2/F, The Tea House, Building No.6, Fortune Plaza, 7 DongSanHuan Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P.R.China

北京市朝阳区东三环中路七号院六号楼二层，茗滙天下

年的光辉

PREMIERE CHOICE OVER YEARS

Building No.6, Fortune Plaza, 7 DongSanHuan Middle Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P.R.China Tel: +86-10-8588-2888 Fax: +86-10-8588-2889 Email: leasing@millenniumresidencesbeijing.com www.millenniumhotels.com

EDITOR'S NOTE

A

s we head into July, many of us find our travel plans are still somewhat tentative and plenty of uncertainty remains about when we can return to any semblance of normal. While magazines, social media platforms and other media enable us to explore destinations virtually, nothing can quite beat the buzz of boarding a plane, train or boat and the elation of arriving at your destination, whether it’s a regular haunt or somewhere you’ve never visited before.

With long-haul travel still a risky business, this issue we’re exploring the wonders of Macau, the former Portuguese colony reachable by ferry in an hour, or 15 minutes by chopper from Hong Kong. Beyond the gleaming casinos, visitors can don their hiking boots for cool coastal walks on the sleepy island of Coloane or get their cameras at the ready for Instagram-friendly lanes like Travessa da Paixão, a charming cobblestone street lined with colourful colonial buildings.

The Venetian Macao has also opened an immersive art exhibition with art collective Teamlab.

Find out more on p46.

Denis Fahy

denis@jetsetter-magazine.com Publisher

Helen Dalley

helen.dalley@jetsetter-magazine.com Managing Editor

Nick Walton

Contributing Editor

Jean Sicard

jean.sicard@jetsetter-magazine.com Reporter

Don Pierre Riosa

don@jetsetter-magazine.com Art Director

Paul Lo

paul.lo@jetsetter-magazine.com General Manager (Shanghai)

Tammy Fong

If you love wildlife photography, then check out our feature on the New Big 5, an international initiative set up by journalist Graeme Green to highlight the threat of extinction faced by many species that also invites the public to vote for their top five. Supported by wildlife charities globally and a host of big names including primatologist Jane Goodall, the project is being promoted with a series of arresting images from renowned wildlife snappers including Ami Vital and Art Wolfe. Find out more on p36.

tammy@jetsetter-magazine.com Travel Industry Relationship Director

Elsewhere in the issue, keen wine drinker Robyn-Tucker Peck presents her five best vineyards in California’s world-renowned Napa and Sonoma regions (p76) and there’s a review of Zurich’s finest hotel, Atlantis by Giardino, by Nick Walton (p64).

laurence.james@jetsetter-magazine.com Chief Representative Europe

We hope you’re holding up in these extraordinary times. It’s been a tough few months but hopefully we’ll be able to hit the road again soon…

Fatima Cameira

fatima@jetsetter-magazine.com Marketing Director

Laurence James

Darryl Scott

d.scott@jetsetter-magazine.com Advertising Director JETSETTER is registered as a newspaper & periodical.

Helen Dalley Managing Editor

Robyn-Tucker Peck brings more than 30 years’ magazine experience working in London, Chicago, Hong Kong and Vancouver for magazines including Cosmopolitan, Tatler and Homes and Gardens. Her experience in the luxury industry worldwide has given her an expansive story telling capability, working with companies in the aviation, yacht and fashion industries. A big fan of California vintages, she presents five mustvisit vineyards in Napa and Sonoma on p76.

Nick Walton

Jetsetter’s contributing editor, Nick Walton is a Hong Kong-based travel journalist and magazine editor with 18 years’ magazine and newspaper experience.

The former travel editor of the South China Morning Post, he is group managing editor for Artemis Communications titles, which include Alpha Men Asia, Explorer and The Art of Business Travel. For this issue, Nick reviews Zurich’s grand dame, Atlantis by Giardino, on p64.

JETSETTER is published by Jetsetter Ltd JETSETTER is printed by Jetsetter Ltd Suite A:14/F Bangkok Bank Building, 28 Des Voeux Rd, Central, Hong Kong Level 20 HKRI Centre Tower 2 288 Shimen 1st Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China 200041 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-5706 Valley Cottage, NY 10989 USA Tel +852 28557885

jetsetter.hk

Jetsetter Magazine

Jetsetter.hk

All rights Reserved: Copyright and distribution rights are reserved exclusively for Jetsetter Ltd, their partners, associates and affiliates. All materials published remain the property of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. All information contained in this publication is from a reliable source. Jetsetter Ltd does not make any guarantees to the accuracy of the information contained.

David Veksler/Unsplash

CONTENTS SUMMER 2020

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36

76

88

Graeme Green

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64

88

Hanging in Hangzhou

Zurich’s Urban Hideway

Less is More

CITY GUIDE

The best lakeside lodgings, natural beauty spots and book shops in the Eastern China city much beloved of Marco Polo

36

FEATURE

The New Big 5 of Wildlife There used to be a big five of wildlife for hunters. Photo journalist Graeme Green created a new big 5 that celebrates wildlife & wildlife photography

46

FEATURE

The Magic of Macao Check into the city this Summer for cool coastal walks, interactive art exhibitions and Insta-friendly streets

62

HOTEL REVIEW

Nick Walton checks into the Atlantis by Giardino, once a popular haunt of rock royalty including ABBA, Eric Clapton and Elton John

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INSIDER

A Boutique Safari Experience The Wild Insight Safari Company enables bush-bound travellers to dictate the pace and direction of the tracking and snapping

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ROAD WARRIOR

Easy Rider

Author of Meditation by Motorcycle John Metzger says biking can help you find those elusive Nirvana moments

HOTEL REVIEW

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With just 25 secluded thatched villas, Viceroy Bali is one of Ubud’s most exclusive properties, says Helen Dalley

California Sippin’

Unrivalled Luxury in Ubud

IN THE KITCHEN

Chef Vicky Lau of Tate Dining Room talks fine dining in a post-pandemic world and single ingredient menus

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Gourmet Wellness Eats Helen Dalley samples an upscale take on health-conscious cuisine at Rosewood Hong Kong’s Asaya Kitchen

THE MAGIC

OF MACAO WHY NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT

RIPE FOR CALI VINTAGES

CELEBRATING NATURE A NEW BIG 5

FIVE VINEYARDS TO VISIT IN NAPA AND SONOMA

FOR WILDLIFE

FEATURE

Robyn Tucker-Peck sips and swirls her way around Napa and Sonoma’s finest vineyards

HANGING IN HANGZHOU

CRAFT COCOA

VICEROY BALI

Photo of Macao courtesy of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)

experience family beach vacation in Cam Ranh

Enjoy memorable moments at MĂśvenpick Resort Cam Ranh, a stylishly intergrated family resort.

Explore the resort’s world-class facilities such as Cam Ranh Rope Park featuring 150 obstacles in 3 levels, Swiss Village with in- and outdoor activities and night entertainments including karaoke, bar, 2 kid clubs completed with giant water slides, 5 F&B outlets, 1,100 sqm spa with 23 treatment rooms, as well as 500 well appointed seaview rooms and pool villas.

Book Family Fun Offer with half board included and get additional 20% discount on F&B services and Rope Park ticket, 30% discount on Spa treatments.

For reservation, please call +84 258 3985999 or email resort.camranh.reservation@movenpick.com *Terms and conditions apply Plot D12 ABC | Cam Hai Dong | Cam Lam | Khanh Hoa 57615 | Vietnam

movenpick.com

constancehotels.com MAURITIUS

• SEYCHELLES • MALDIVES • MADAGASCAR

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Check into the Mandarin Oriental Dubai for superb views of the city's famous skyline

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ROOM WITH A VIEW

ARABIAN

HEIGHTS

The Skyline View Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai captures the Emirate’s gleaming skyscrapers in all their glory

I

f only a room showcasing stellar vistas over Dubai will do, then consider booking into the Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Dubai’s Skyline View Suite, which boasts breathtaking views of the city’s famous concrete canyons. The centrepiece of this is naturally the Burj Khalifa, which towers above everything else around it at 830m, including the distinctive sail of the Burj Al-Arab hotel (321m) and the second and third tallest buildings in the city, Marina 101 and the Princess Tower, which measure in at 425m and 414m respectively.

Once you’ve witnessed the sunset and the illumination of the skyline from your private balcony, then soak up the cool, contemporary ambience of the suite, where modern pieces are coolly juxtaposed against the floor-toceiling windows. A separate living room and large dining area provide plenty of space from which to savour the Emirate’s vertiginous skyline, while the hotel’s dining options include Beluga for a refined caviar experience once you’re ready for dinner. Looking for some R&R? Hammamii therapies like the Za’atar Detox reign supreme at the spa. mandarinoriental.com

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INTRODUCING

EMBRACE ECO LUXE

IN SANYA Sanya’s 1 Haitang Bay is a celebration of nature and sustainability

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Eco-conscious travellers will appreciate 1 Haitang Bay’s green approach

itting in a prime location on Hainan island’s shoreline, 1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya, the first Chinese resort from luxury US-based brand 1 Hotels, is a celebration of nature and sustainability that draws its design inspiration from the rugged beauty of China’s sunny southern isle.

A contemporary ambience pervades across the 294 rooms, suites and villas, with unpolished, locally sourced volcanic basalt stone and wood providing the backdrop to natural furnishings including tree stump stools, live-edge timber desks, rattan rugs and bespoke artworks crafted out of sun-bleached driftwood.

In addition to utilising reclaimed, locally sourced materials, the hotel’s eco-conscious approach is evidenced by its solar water heating system, use of skylights and clerestory windows to maximise natural light and vertical landscaping & trellising to provide shade and natural ventilation systems.

Incorporating reclaimed timber and steel from old fishing boats, the hotel’s seven dining and drinking venues include Chinese fine dining restaurant Green House, and Noodle House, which serves up hand-crafted noodles inspired by dishes from Guangdong and Shanxi. Fancy a post-dinner cocktail? Order up your favourite tipple at rooftop lounge Sky Bar and pair it with sushi, skewers and tapas. Guests can also rejuvenate at the Bamford Wellness spa, where holistic treatments utilising natural restorative ingredients are on the menu. 1hotels.com

INTRODUCING

AMAN GOES URBAN Aman New York brings the brand’s renowned serenity to the centre of Manhattan

Aman New York will be home to a three-storey spa and underground jazz club

H

oused in the Crown Building, the first home of the Museum of Modern Art, Aman New York partnered with architect Jean-Michel Gathy to restore this design icon to its original splendour for its first property in the Big Apple, which is set to open later in the year.

Built in 1921, the Crown Building presides over the midpoint of Manhattan on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street overlooking Central Park.

Rising 26 storeys from the boutique-lined street, the windows and terraces gaze out on the world’s most recognisable skyline.

Stressed-out urbanites can chill in the heart of the

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city at Aman Spa, a tranquil 2,300 sqm space situated over three storeys. Open to guests, residents and Aman Club members, a dramatic 20 metre indoor swimming pool surrounded by fire pits and daybeds is its serene centrepiece. Check into one of two spa houses, where double treatment rooms, sauna & steam rooms and an outdoor terrace with cabana, daybed and fireplace await.

If spas aren’t your thing, then head over to wraparound Garden Terrace overlooking Central Park, pull up a chair at Italian restaurant Arva, or dine at Nama to sample Aman’s interpretation of Japan’s washoku dining tradition. The hotel will also house a wine library and subterranean jazz club. aman.com

INTRODUCING

OSAKAN ALLURE Design-conscious travellers will adore the stylish ambience of Zentis Osaka

J

apan’s Palace Hotel Group, which owns the Palace Hotel Tokyo, is poised to launch a new hospitality brand, Zentis, with the first hotel opening in Osaka in the third quarter of this year.

Situated near the riverside area of Dojimahama and the business entertainment district of Kita-shinchi, the 212-room property is a member of Design Hotels, with contemporary interiors courtesy of UK architects Tara Bernerd & Partners. Japanese food & beverage operator Café Co, which owns Tokyo’s one Michelin-starred Craftale, will operate the hotel’s restaurant, bar and lounge.

Zentis Osaka features contemporary interiors designed by UK architects Tara Bernerd & Partners

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The 16-storey property’s contemporary feel flows from a natural colour palette of raw materials, including exposed brickwork and timber beams. Taking inspiration from the modular design of bento boxes, the guestrooms feature polished wooden floors, muted tones and splashes of mustard while the walls are adorned with commissioned pieces from a local artist.

At dining venue Up Stairz, executive chef Shinya Otsuchihashi will be cooking up Hokkaido scallops and premium Japanese beef alongside French classics. The hotel also has a lounge & outdoor terrace and 24-hour fitness centre. zentishotels.com

We look forward to creating more memories like this with you.

Follow us and keep the wanderlust alive. hotelnikkobali Our Partner in Cleanliness, Health and Safety Program

Jalan Pratama No.68X, Nusa Dua, Bali - Indonesia www.hotelnikkobali-benoabeach,com

INTRODUCING

Alma houses its own science museum, amphitheatre, convention centre and cinema

VIETNAMESE DREAM

W

Mega resort Alma debuts on Vietnam’s South-Central coast

ith Cam Ranh positioning itself as an upscale alternative to nearby Nha Trang on Vietnam’s SouthCentral coast, it might be time to book into Alma, an independently owned and operated luxury resort breaking new ground in a peninsula that first found fame as Southeast Asia’s greatest deepwater harbour.

The sheer scale and size of this 580-room resort is pretty breathtaking, with 74 acres of beachfront, 14 F&B outlets, 12 beachfront swimming pools, a science museum, waterpark, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre and art gallery lining up alongside a water sports centre, 18-hole putting green, spa, gym and yoga room.

The design hits a contemporary note with a

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neutral palette of whites, earthy colours and soft blues accentuated with minimalist decor. Floor-toroof glass panels usher in an abundance of natural light, with each room offering spectacular vistas of Long Beach, where sampans and coracles ply the waters.

The 12 pools cascading down to the beach include a 75-metre beachfront pool for laps and an adultsonly pool. Families will adore the Splash water park, which features a lazy river, wave pool, water slides, and two American-style food trucks.

Seating 400, Alma amphitheater hosts live concerts and cultural shows, while the 70-seat cinema airs three films daily. Keen to acquaint yourself with Vietnamese art or get creative on your hols?

The art gallery sells works by local artists and holds art classes. alma-resort.com

unfettered paradise

Inspired by natural elegance lifestyle on a private luxury island, a resort with a barefoot chic spirit.

Kanuhura Maldives Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives T +960 662 0044 sales@kanuhura.com.mv

INSPIRE

A SOCIALLY

DISTANCED STAY An Ubud resort launches an extended stay package amid the rice paddies

A

s Bali enters its first phase of opening up for travel, boutique bolthole Tanah Gajah, a Resort

by Hadiprana, has launched a 14-day package, Extended Stay for Greater Value, for those keen to enjoy a long postpandemic break in laid-back Ubud. With just 20 villas spread over six hectares amid lush rice paddies, each villa is secure in its own little world of space at a time when social distancing is the overriding priority.

“As we move into a new normal we believe travellers will prefer to stay longer in one place, and will look for boutique properties that have personalised service and allow for less contact with other guests,” says the resort’s GM, Deasy Swandarini.

Guests can make the most of Bali while keeping their distance by booking an early morning trek through the rice paddies with a private butler, savouring a floating breakfast in their villa or at the main pool or ordering a picnic-style bento-box lunch for a blissful dining experience amid the property’s trees and sculptures.

The resort has introduced new health protocols, with hand sanitiser available at all outlets, and distributed to each guest along with a reusable fabric mask. To curb social contact, the butler is the guest’s main point of contact and there is limited interaction with other staff throughout the stay.

Extended stays at resorts with lots of space: is this the new normal for travel?

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The 14-day Extended Stay for Greater Value offer is available to book until 31 August for stays until 31 March 2021 and includes breakfast, complimentary mini bar on welcome and daily laundry (up to six pieces per person) free wifi, plus access to the gym, swimming pool and tennis court. tanahgajahubud.com

INSPIRE

THEHIGH

LIFE Aman’s two distinct jet experiences will whisk you away to unrivalled luxury and seclusion

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Book the trip of a lifetime with Aman Jet Expeditions

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ith solitude and social distancing now the name of the game, travelling by private jet to a farflung location is becoming increasingly attractive for those keen to escape the pandemic. If only the best will do, Aman Private Jet and Aman Jet Expeditions offer high levels of privacy and comfort aboard its Bombardier Global 5000 to the resort group’s secluded destinations globally.

With space for 12 passengers, journeys are curated by the Aman Jet concierge according to individual preferences, while trips can take in single or multiple destinations. Ready to chill?

Bali & Beyond offers passengers the chance to build a bespoke Indonesian itinerary including up to five Aman destinations including its trio of Balinese retreats. The Secrets of China combines stays at Amanfayun, Amandayan and Amanyangyun, while Indochina Past & Present takes in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Combining a spiritual Bhutanese escape with a blissed-out Phuket beach break, From the Himalayas to the Sea incorporates a minimum seven-night journey through Amankora’s five lodges, and a three-night stay at Amanpuri.

Aman will additionally offer several guided private jet expeditions in partnership with Remote Lands on an Airbus ACJ318 for up to 16 passengers.

Upcoming trips for the Aman Jet Expeditions include Venice to Utah (16 February-1 March 2021), Kyoto to Greece (16 April-2 May 2021) and Bali to Luang Prabang (9-24 May 2021). aman.com

CITY GUIDE

HANGING IN HANGZHOU

Marco Polo once described it as, “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Jetsetter rounds up the best hotels, beauty spots and book stores in this East China city that’s just an hour from Shanghai on the bullet train

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CITY GUIDE

LAKESIDE LODGINGS

GET BACK TO NATURE

BE A BOOKWORM

Savour blissful views at these hotels

Appreciate the surroundings with these activities

Get inspired in the city’s bookshops

Situated on the east shore of the iconic West Lake within walking distance of Hubin, Hangzhou’s business & entertainment hub, the city’s Hyatt Regency has become Grand Hyatt Hangzhou (grandhyatt.com), and recently debuted an extensive 18-month refurb. The 388-room hotel was revamped

by P49 Deesign, and rooms feature, textured wallcoverings with subtle Chinese design elements appearing in furniture and wall art.

Part of the West Lake scenic area, Prince Bay Park is famous for its spring tulips and flowering gingko trees in the Autumn.

History buffs can visit Zhang Cangshui and Zhang Taiyan’s tomb and memorial hall, while the park’s manicured lawns are a popular spot for a picnic.

For centuries, Hangzhou has inspired writers, poets and philosophers. Harbook presents a contemporary take on the book store with metallic panelling for shelves and an LED light installation in the ceiling. The store also houses a café and a showroom for Danish contemporary furniture brand Normann Copenhagen.

Canopy by Hilton Hangzhou Jinsha Lake (hilton.com) overlooks the largest manmade park in Hangzhou, best explored on two wheels – the hotel offers free bikes to guests. There are 196 guest rooms and six suites, each equipped with canopy beds that draw inspiration from traditional wood screen panels. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the Geli Café & Bar. Designed by renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon Azure Qiantang (theluxurycollection. com) boasts 205 guest rooms and 20 suites overlooking the Qiantang River. Dining options include Lan Ting for an elevated Chinese dining experience on the 23rd & 24th floor, while the spa provides Ayurvedic treatments and couple’s massage.

Ten minutes’ walk from West Lake, Midtown Shangri-La Hangzhou (shangri-la.com) is part of the Kerry Centre complex and a good option if you want to be in the middle of the city.

first and only wetland, Xixi National Wetland Park has an 1,800-year history, and it’s possible to explore on foot, gondola, speedboat or electric bike.

Highlights include the plum villa, a group of traditional farmhouses once frequented by the literati in the South Song Dynasty, and the Hazy Fisher Village.

China’s

Renowned as one of the most important production bases of West Lake Dragon Well tea in China, the steep terraces of the Longjing Tea Fields are home to a tea culture village where visitors can watch tea leaves being hand-roasted and appreciate the finer details of the Chinese tea ceremony.

Another of West Lake’s most celebrated spots is Ping Hu Qiu Yue , which literally translates as Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake. It’s a great location for a boat trip and you can see the three lanterns pictured on the one yuan note from this spot.

A similarly inspiring space is Hangzhou Zhongshuge, which features a transparent glass curtain wall, mirrored panels and integrated vertical shelving for displaying books. Geometric seats and tables offer stylish spaces for relaxed reading, and a dedicated space for children features a merry-go-round, train and pirate ship.

Another good option is the Xinhua Bookstore in Liangzhu district, which was recently designated a world cultural heritage site by the UN. The bookstore is located in a cultural and creative park, with cool white spaces punctuated by archways designed to resemble a wormhole.

One of Hangzhou's largest book shops, Boku Super Bookstore is situated over three levels and offers books in Chinese, English and both languages combined alongside toys, games and art equipment in addition to a small cafe.

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WILDLIFE

A NEW BIG 5 OFWILDLIFE The New Big 5 project is an international initiative established to celebrate wildlife and wildlife photography. Project founder Graeme Green tells Helen Dalley it’s imperative we act now to prevent mass extinction

Critically endangered, there are less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in Indonesia

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WILDLIFE

Steve Winter

A

rdent wildlife fan and professional photographer/ journalist Graeme Green came up with the idea for the New Big 5 project while on assignment in Botswana. While there, he reflected that the old big 5 – African animals that hunters most wanted to kill and display as trophies – seemed increasingly irrelevant and outdated. With the world’s wildlife populations in crisis and more than a million species currently at risk of extinction, he was keen to create a New Big 5 to underline the urgent need to save these animals. He made the initiative global, so it could include polar bears, pandas and penguins alongside elephants, tigers and other African wildlife.

The public can vote for their big 5 on the website newbig5.com, making their final selection from a list that includes 48 different animals. The results will be announced later in 2020, says Green, who thinks the initiative makes for a “pretty good pub debate.”

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WILDLIFE

On this page Bad Boys of the Arctic, Hudson Bay, Manitoba, Canada Opposite Silverback mountain gorilla, in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The voting is being driven by an arresting selection of images, including Marcel van Oosten’s female leopard sat atop a termite mound in Zambia and a pair of affectionate lion brothers captured by the project founder in Kenya. The results so far indicate there’s a couple of species who Green assumed would be safe bets that might not make it, while one or two outliers have emerged as favourites with voters. As for his own choice, “I’m a huge fan of lions. They are just so powerful.

You’d think that they would be a safe bet to make the top five but there’s no guarantee.”

The New Big 5 project is supported by more than 100 of the world’s leading conservationists, photographers and wildlife organisations, including primatologist Dr Jane Goodall, photojournalist Ami Vitale and the

Thomas D. Mangelsen

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WILDLIFE

Nelis Wolmarans

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WILDLIFE

Cheetah mother and cub, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya

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WILDLIFE

Graeme Green

World Wildlife Fund. Green thinks he’s been able to drum up so much support as it’s a simple premise that doesn’t require a huge amount of explanation. “We’ve got the big international names but there’s also local charities supporting us – it’s not just the usual familiar faces.”

He believes that photography can encourage people to treat wildlife differently and make more informed choices. “Photography can be a very powerful communicator. If people are confronted with a controversial photo of, say, a refugee, it can make a difference. Seeing a photo might be the first point of contact that someone has with an issue. Hopefully these images are a reminder of what’s at stake.”

Marina Camo

Infant elephant and herd in Ethosha National Park, Namibia

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WILDLIFE

Art Wolfe

Graeme Green

After voting for their big 5, Green hopes that the public will be encouraged to support wildlife by donating to charities, backing campaigns and spreading the word on social media to put pressure on governments globally to protect wildlife.

He urges travellers to support eco-tourism initiatives and to avoid selfies with animals, along with any places offering entertainment where animals are part of the show, be that bears on bikes or performing monkeys.

Green says the next 10 years are critical if we don’t want to loses some species forever. “People don’t know how bad things are. There are only 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild, while African lions have dwindled from 200,000 to 20,000 in just 50 years. The message is that animals are not fine and many face a real threat of extinction.” Bolstered by the success of his project, Green hopes to roll out a Big Five of the oceans and a Big Five of birds at a later date. But for the moment, he remains curious – and excited – over which animals will make the final cut. newbig5.com

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WILDLIFE

Zhi Zhinong

Clockwise from top left: Bear with cubs, Lake Clark, Alaska; affectionate lion brothers, Naboisho Mara Conservancy, Kenya; golden snub nosed monkeys, Yunnan province

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WILDLIFE

Alejandro Prieto

From top: Jaguar in La Papalota reserve, Nayarit, Mexico; arctic fox, Pyramiden, Savalbard, Norway

Marco Giaotti

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MACAO

THE MAGIC OF MACAO

Make time for these eight unmissable hotspots on your next visit to Macao

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MACAO

Admire the Portuguese Spirit of Senado Square The heart of old Macao and still a hub for city life today, Senado Square is a must for all visitors: newcomers can admire the distinct and beautiful Portuguese architecture, while returners can explore the alleyways leading off the square and investigate new shops and restaurants hidden behind colourful facades and shuttered windows.

Listed as part of the Historic Centre of Macao UNESCO World Heritage, the square was built at the end of the 16th century and the floor is tiled with Portuguese stone in a distinct black & white wave pattern. The right side of the square is dominated by the Post Office building, which takes its cues from Western classicism, and the neoclassical Rencitang building. In addition, the square is home to one of the oldest and most important public structures in Macao, the Municipal Services Department Building, whose interior walls are embedded with historically valuable stone carvings.

Take in Two Lakes and One Tower Macao Tower, Nam Van Lake and Sai Van Lake come together to present one of Macao’s most popular tourist spots at the southern tip of the Macao peninsula, with attractions including the largest manmade water fountain in Asia and extreme sports activities from one of the city’s landmarks, an elegant tower that stands 338m tall.

Designed by New Zealand architect Gordon Moller, Macao Tower delivers stellar viewing opportunities of the Pearl River Delta from its observation deck and revolving restaurant, while adrenalin junkies can sign up for bungee jumps and sky walks. In the evening, visitors flock to Nam Van Lake to admire its illuminated fountains, which can shoot up to 80m high, and laser performances, or stop for a bite to eat at Sai Van Lake Square, which sits just below the tower.

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MACAO Get Back to Nature on the Coastal Trail If you want to admire rugged rock formations and sweeping coastal views, head for the Long Chao Kok Coastal Trail on Coloane Island, a 1,200m linear trail that starts from Rua de Hac Sá to Long Chao Kok and ends at Chuk Wan villas.

Don’t miss, too the dragon claw stone on the southwestern shore of the Hac Sa beach, and see if you can spot others like ape man stone, lizard stone and eagle stone. Stay for the sunset and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of photo opportunities from this beautiful, laid-back spot.

Cross the Hong KongZhuhai-Macao Bridge Hailed as one of the most important infrastructures to be built this century, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge connects three bustling metropolises via the world's longest bridge/tunnel sea crossing in the world.

Covering a length of 55km, it first opened to traffic in 2018, bringing the major cities in the Pearl River Delta much closer to one another.

The bridge provides a convenient transportation network for citizens of the three cities and has also delivered a boost for the tourism industry.

Why not take a trip to the neighbouring cities via the bridge during your stay in Macao?

Alternatively, just admire its impressive structure as it snakes across the Pearl River estuary.

Take a Walk Down Love Lane Macao is a great city to explore on foot, with charming side streets and characterfilled alleyways at every turn. If you’re in the mood for love, take a stroll down Travessa da Paixão, a short cobblestone street known to locals as Love Lane. Measuring in at less than 40m, it’s a popular spot for wedding photoshoots, thanks to its pastel-pink and yellow buildings, which are coolly juxtaposed against green doors and window shutters. Instagrammers love the charming architecture and warm colours, which provide the perfect backdrop for a selfie or two.

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MACAO

Get a Lofty Perspective at Penha Hill Head up to Penha Hill, also known as Bishop’s Hill, for stellar 270-degree views of Macao’s South Bay and the Inner Harbour and the chance to acquaint yourself with the Our Lady of Penha chapel and the former home of the bishop of the catholic diocese of Macao. First constructed in 1622 by Augustinian missionaries and rebuilt in 1935, this grand gothic-style church is included on the Macao Heritage List. In the courtyard, there is a marble statue of Our Lady of Lourdes looking out to sea, but the biggest draw is the peace and quiet afforded from this lofty spot almost 62m above sea level.

Step Back in Time at Coloane Fishing Village No trip to Macao is complete without venturing over to the island of Coloane, which is home to Hac Sa beach, the 1920s Chapel of Francis St Xavier and beautiful temples like Tam Kung, a Chinese temple dedicated to god of seafarers Lord Tam. This historic port dates back to ancient times and its charming Chinese and Portuguese architecture has served as historic backdrops for film and TV crews.

Stroll Down the Street of Happiness Known as Macao’s Happiness Street, Rua De Felicidade is a bastion of old-school charm with its distinctive red shopfronts, shuttered terraces and traditional lanterns. One of the most photographed thoroughfares in the city, it’s often described as a living fossil of culture, but is also a popular place to eat and shop, being dominated by old noodle houses, traditional Chinese restaurants and dessert shops, Portuguese-style eateries and souvenir shops selling local delicacies like peanut candy.

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The teamLab SuperNature exhibition at the Venetian Macao takes guests on an immersive art journey

eady for your mind to be blown? Then check out teamlab’s SuperNature exhibition at the Venetian Macao, a three-dimensional, 5,000 sqm interactive space described as a “body immersive” museum that aims to explore new perceptions of the world and the continuity between people and nature.

The creative brainchild of art collective teamLab, visitors influence and become one with the art during their visit to the exhibition.

Through the experience of transcending the boundaries between the body and the artwork, it hopes that people will redefine their perception of the boundaries between the self and the world and recognise the continuity between people and nature.

There are 30 artworks in all, one of the most impressive being The Infinite Crystal Universe, a smart take on pointillism that seeks to express the universe through accumulated light points spread infinitely in all directions.

The presence of people and their location within the work affect these three-dimensional elements, which in turn influence and are influenced by other elements in the space. As more people arrive in the space, the artwork continues to evolve.

Another similarly arresting artwork is The Valley of Flowers and People: Lost, Immersed and Reborn, in which the seasons change gradually across the installation space. A seasonal year of flowers blossom according to the changing seasons, and the place where they grow gradually moves. The flowers bud, grow and blossom before their petals begin to wither and eventually fade away. If a person stays still, the flowers surrounding them grow and bloom more abundantly. If viewers touch or step on the flowers, they shed their petals, wither, and decease.

Visitors can also be prepared to be wowed

by Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space — Flattening 3 Colours and 9 Blurred Colours, Free Floating. The space is filled with spheres of free floating light, and when people move through or strike them, the spheres change colour and the space shifts between a collection of spheres forming a three-dimensional space and a flat colour wall.

Depending on the degree of entanglement of the spheres, and wind and pressure changes, the shape of the space itself will change, empty spaces becoming high density, spheres simultaneously rising to the ceiling.

Also part of this cutting-edge exhibition is a series of light installations collectively

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named Light Sculpture – Plane, a collection of light planes that reconstructs space and creates threedimensional objects. As with the artworks, visitors become immersed in the three-dimensional objects and the space.

The teamLab Athletics Forest, meanwhile, is a creative physical space that trains spatial recognition ability by promoting the growth of the hippocampus of the brain. It is based on the concept of understanding the world through the body and thinking of the world three-dimensionally.

Other attractions at teamLab Supernature include Multi Jumping, which features a flexible surface that enables multiple people to participate at the same time. You sink, or jump higher than usual, or leapfrog over people nearby as they jump higher and higher.

Kids will love A Table where Little People Live, an installation that sees little people run across the tabletop where they sit or stand. Kids are encouraged to interact with the little people by placing objects on the table. As each new object is being introduced, the little people’s movements change, and they interact with the objects by jumping, climbing, and sliding onto them.

A visit to a gallery or exhibition will never be the same again once you’ve immersed yourself in the complex, three-dimensional world at teamlab SuperNature at the Venetian Macao. teamlab.art/e/macao

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MACAO

O CHILL WITH

MUSIC AND MARKETS Music lovers and market-goers alike will adore HUSH!!

Full Music

ne of the most anticipated annual music events in the region and held in high esteem by Asian musicians, HUSH!! Full Music is an important cultural brand for Macao that’s been running for more than a decade. From now until August, the city will dance to the beat at several city locations as residents and visitors tune into performances from bands and artists across a diverse range of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, folk and electronica.

Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau and Municipal Affairs Bureau, HUSH!! Full Music will showcase eight music performances online at the Macao Contemporary Art Centre, Macao Science Center Square, Ponte 9 rooftop and the city’s cultural hub, Senado Square.

But it’s not just about the music – the HUSH!! x Creative Industries Flea Market, held on 18 & 19 July from 3pm-9pm at the Macao Science Center Square, will serve as a showcase for Macao creatives. Set against a sonic backdrop of inspiring, feelgood performances, the market will feature around 100 stalls selling local handicrafts alongside drinks and snacks. Grab a drink, check out some shows and see the sun go down with HUSH!! Full Music. If you want to take part, sign up for music workshops or enter the event’s music short film competition. facebook.com/hushfullmusic

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MACAO

TEMPTING MACAO OFFERS Experience the city in style thanks to some exclusive offers with Macao Ready Go

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n your next visit to Macao, be sure to log onto Macao Ready Go e-platform to explore exclusive hotel discounts, dining offers, retail markdowns and other leisure & entertainment offerings to make the most out of your stay.

The Cotai Strip is home to some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands and lodging experiences.

Now with Macao Ready Go, you can upgrade your stay with a whole host of tempting offers. Enjoy Bed and Breakfast Packages or Special Summer Packages at 5 star hotels with up to 20 per cent discount.

From creamy Portuguese egg tarts to crispy pork chop buns, Macao is heaven for foodies. To delight your appetite, Macao Ready Go e-platform also includes mouthwatering offers at some of the most esteemed eateries in town. From Special Lunch Sets

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and Dinner Packages, diners can also enjoy discounts at many Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and Western restaurants.

Those ready to shop ‘til they drop in Macao’s luxury malls, meanwhile, can take advantage of attractive retail discounts, including up to 90 per cent off in the mega brand sale at hotel resorts outlets.

There are also plenty of entertainment offers to enjoy with Macao Ready Go including admission discount for indoor and outdoor attractions, and relaxing sessions at selected spas at a discounted price.

If all that sounds simply irresistible, scan the QR code below or visit macaoreadygo.gov.mo to enjoy the offers.

MACAO

MUSEUM TREASURES GO ONLINE

A new app, Macao Museum VR/AR, enables users to explore exhibits in greater detail

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ith museums and cultural spaces being closed in recent months, many have gone online to view exhibition spaces and pieces can a cultural fix. In recognition of this emerging trend, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has launched a mobile app, Macao Museum VR/AR, delivering a virtual tour of the Macao Museum so visitors to learn more about the museum’s collections and the city’s rich history.

The app utilises augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) so users can enjoy the permanent exhibits along the tour route as if they were actually inside the museum.

With the VR function, users can enjoy an immersive 720-degree panoramic view of the first, second and third floors of the Macao Museum and the beautiful scenery of Mount Fortress Garden. The AR function, meanwhile, enables users to make selected museum pieces rotate 720 degrees to further appreciate them. Visitors can additionally scan the QR code next to the exhibits for more information and enjoy a self-service guided tour.

The app is free to download by entering the search term “Macao Museum VR/AR” in the App Store and Google Play or by scanning the relevant QR code. Those wanting to know more about the app before downloading it can watch an introductory YouTube video by searching “Macao Museum VR/AR”. macaumuseum.gov.mo

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WELLNESS

COMO UMA CANGUU DEBUTS FIVE-NIGHT FITNESS CAMP

POST-PANDEMIC WELLBEING After a tough few months, it’s time for a little self-care, whether that’s virtual sessions with Six Senses or a staycation at the Mandarin Oriental…

A SPIRITUAL OVERHAUL AT ANANTARA HOI AN Looking to rebalance energy, improve the flow of breath, and build mental & physical strength?

Then consider Anantara Hoi An’s new healing and well-being experiences, which incorporate Hatha & Kundalini yoga with Reiki. Hatha is considered the foundation of all yoga, while Kundalini delves deeper into liberating the body's energy and driving it through the body's seven chakras to promote devotion, power and mental control. These new wellness experiences are comprised of a series of short and long asanas, or yoga postures, along with the use of meditation, mantras and pranayama exercises to control breathing. Kundalini is a natural mirror technique, heightening self-awareness and subsequent positive life changes. anantara.com

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If you’re keen to bring yourself into peak fitness this Autumn, there’s still time to book a place for Como Uma Canguu’s Five-Night Fitness Camp, which is being led by worldclass boxers Darren Barker and Ryan Pickard. The intensive programme takes in a variety of daily exercise in a range of modalities, including HIIT, yoga and cardio. For those looking for a way to improve their fitness swiftly and effectively, this might be just the programme. When Barker and Pickard have finished putting you through your paces, kick back and enjoy the resort, which is serenely situated on Bali’s south coast on the beach. Once the fitness classes are over, enjoy a much-deserved massage at the resort’s spa before checking into the Como Beach Club, which offers some of the best sunset views on the island.

Step outside the resort to sample Canggu’s renowned café culture, or grab a board and try your hand at surfing. comohotels.com

WELLNESS

LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAUNCHES WELLNESS STAYCATION Want a wellness break without stepping on a plane? The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong has debuted an Urban Wellness Reboot, a staycation designed to help guests recharge and find equilibrium, which is available until 31 August 2020.

The Urban Wellness Reboot attends to guest’s wellness and relaxation needs with programmes such as personal training, spa treatment and group yoga classes alongside discounts on dining and extra spa treatments. The staycation includes a one-night stay in the designer guestroom with complimentary room upgrade, early check in at 10am, breakfast, 60-minute personal training session and a 60-minute spa treatment of your choice. There’s also unlimited group fitness & yoga classes (up to seven per day), nutritious welcome and turndown amenities, plus 25 per cent discount at Amber, SOMM, MO Bar and PDT and 25 per cent discount on selected spa treatments. Package guests can also enjoy a late check out at 4pm. If you want to share your spa experience, there’s a second guest supplement charge of HK$1,500. mandarinoriental.com

SIX SENSES OFFERS VIRTUAL WELLNESS SESSIONS We’ve all been missing our spa treatments and wellness time. So, what can we do when grounded at home? Six Senses has launched At Home with Six Senses, so guests can tap into remotely from their homes. Every week, the group’s properties have been sharing content via its social media platforms from Meditation Chanting in Bhutan and Wellness Wednesday from Zighy Bay. Further video, tutorials and articles have been shared via its corporate and resort social media channels, newsletters and the brand’s official website.

The luxury hospitality brand has also rolled out another initiative, Friends of Six Senses, which encourages people to open their minds to future growth and possibilities while providing practical tools to calm fears. Guest speakers include Stan Tatkin, an expert on human behaviour and relationships, along with the best-selling author Dani Shapiro. Performance coach Ben Greenfield and wildlife & literacy activist Boyd Varty have also led sessions, which take place each Sunday on Facebook Live @SixSensesSpas. sixsenses.com

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HOTEL REVIEW

UNRIVALLED LUXURY IN UBUD One of the most seductive hotels in Ubud, the Viceroy Bali is popular with honeymooners while private pool suites also make it a solid family option, says Helen Dalley

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amily owned and operated – rare for a five-star getaway – The Viceroy delivers the Bali that most of us have been dreaming of these past few months as we’ve watched our suitcases gather dust and put holiday plans on hold.

Comprised of 25 secluded thatched villas perched on the edge of the Petanu River Valley with a stunning infinity pool overlooking the steamy jungle ravine, it asserts its upscale credentials by being home to the only helicopter pad in Ubud.

Highflyers can arrange a direct transfer from Ngurah Rai airport, or explore the neighbouring islands by chopper.

Grand, extraordinarily picturesque and discreet, there are rooms to suit traditional and modern tastes: Terrace Villas are the picture of contemporary chic, while the Vice Regal Villas embrace a more traditional Balinese style and are

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considerably roomier. I’m lucky enough to stay in both during my stay with my family of four, but the oh-so-chic Terrace Villas are a clear favourite, with a bale (small Indonesian pavilion) stylishly perched over the infinity pool boasting stellar views over the jungle. I spend most of my time, nose in a book, seeking solace from the sticky heat in this welcome shade before jumping into the pool to splash about with the kids, who are perfectly happy to stay in the pool for two or three hours at a time.

With three-piece sofas and ornate teak tables, the Vice Regal villas are much more spacious than the 150 sqm Terrace Villas at 280 sqm for the one-bedroom option and 320 sqm for the twobedroomed villa. Fashionistas will adore the walkin wardrobe while candles in the bathroom usher in the romance. I love the writing desk perched at the side of the pool and the kids have fun playing on the grass encircling the villa.

HOTEL REVIEW There are two restaurants, Aperitif and Cascades, the former of which is situated in a standalone building adjacent to the hotel, with executive chef Nic Vanderbeeken taking culinary influence from the Old Spice Islands and combining it with modern flavours and cooking techniques: think Papua Crab poached in buerre blanc with gulai (Indonesian-style curry sauce) poured tableside, plus a high-end take on that classic hawker favourite, Rojak. The other restaurant, Cascades, serves elegantly presented fusion fare like Bebek Betutu (Balinese-spiced confit duck leg) and a heavenly a la carte breakfast including light-as-a-feather pancakes. Initially, my husband and I feel slightly conspicuous with two young children amid this honeymooner’s paradise, but the staff soon make us feel welcome, handing out colouring books and crayons with every meal. Once the kids are in bed, I pull up a stool during sunset hour at the Viceroy Bar and watch the sun sink behind the palms over a Ping Pong cocktail, a heady mix of vodka and passion fruit sherbet: forget your phone and drink in the view.

Clockwise from left: main pool in the evening; writing desk in the Vice Regal I villa; infinity pool in the terrace villa; vegetarian & veganfriendly restaurants abound in Ubud

If you’re staying more than a night or two and are keen to sink your teeth into other dining options, Ubud town is only a 10-minute shuttle away: try the Luxe Barbeque and Grill for Australian black angus steaks and Blanco par Mandif for seven or nine-course tasting menus. There are plenty of more virtuous choices, like raw food cafe Seeds of Life for spicy buffalo wings made from cauliflower and tempeh satay bites, or Sayuri Healing Café for Mexican raw lasagne.

It’s Bali, so yoga is naturally on the menu: rise early and book a private session or go DIY and simply meditate by the pool.

Gym bunnies can keep up with their routine at the gym, but a leisurely swim in the main infinity pool, or a few lengths in the privacy of your villa seems to make more sense given the sublime surroundings. The Lembah Spa keeps itself busy with demand for couples’ treatments, with the traditional Balinese massage, characterised by its firm finger and palm pressure, the most popular. The spa is closed when I visit, but a short walk out of the resort to the neighbouring rice paddies, all dazzling green, delivers a special kind of natural therapy. Unable to resist despite its obvious cheesiness, I pick a fallen frangipani from the floor, stick it behind my ear, and head back to the bar for a sundowner. viceroybali.com

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HOTEL REVIEW Clockwise from left: the terrace overlooks the city skyline; double room; fine dining at Ecco; Zurich’s ancient skyline is intersected by the river Limmat; dining at Hide & Seek

W ZURICH’S

URBAN HIDEAWAY If you’re headed to Switzerland’s commercial capital, there’s really only one place you should be resting your head, says

Nick Walton

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ith a grand hilltop location overlooking the city, Atlantis by Giardino was the place to see and be seen in the 1970s, with the hotel seducing more than its fair share of celebrities, power brokers and musicians including Muhammad Ali, Shirley McLaine and Eric Clapton alongside state leaders and royalty. Today, thanks to its postwar modernist architecture, world-class dining, elegantly appointed guest rooms and iconic indoor swimming pool, the modern incarnation of Zurich’s most famous hotel continues to catch the eye of the jet set in Zurich to visit their money. While it’s temporarily closed until 31 December, it’s never too early to plan your trip to one of Switzerland’s most extraordinary hotels.

Located amid landscaped grounds at the foot of Uetliberg, Zurich’s highest peak, with forested mountain behind and the sprawl of the city below, Atlantis by Giardino offers an urban retreat vibe, with spectacular views from guest rooms. Downtown Zurich is only 15 minutes away by hotel shuttle or the local train, which stops just down the slope.

Minimalist yet infinitely elegant, the hotel features iconic period architecture by architects Hans and Annemarie Hubacher and Peter Issler, including an acclaimed marble spiral staircase that connects the three wings and sublime interiors by The Gallery HBA: think glassencased fireplaces, cool objets d’art including a pair of imposing brass lions, and leather, mohair & timber furnishings. Black & white photography, meanwhile, captures the visits of the good and great.

HOTEL REVIEW

Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash

The hotel’s 95 guest rooms and suites are a blissful balance between residential and luxury. Dressed in beige leather, turquoise, copper and dark timber with modern, custommade Italian furnishings by Molteni, my junior suite featured twin balconies, a spacious work desk, flat screen televisions, complimentary non-alcohol minibar and a cavernous bathroom with polished stone bath and walk-in shower with Dipiù Spa toiletries. If you love nothing more than space, Atlantis by Giardino is also home to Europe’s largest suite. At 1,975 sqm, The Royal Residence comes with its own elevator and garage access, a dedicated Rolls-Royce Phantom, sweeping balconies with views of the lake, eight opulent guest rooms, living rooms, sitting rooms and an elegant dining room that sits 20.

One of the hotel’s two restaurants, Hide & Seek produces local and seasonal cuisine with contemporary flair, with many dishes taking their influences from timeless Ayurvedic practices – smoked quinoa with parsley, lemon stock and horseradish; aubergine mousse with thyme, onion, lime and crunchy soya flakes; glazed Bernese Oberland lamb knuckle with white kidney beans, bell pepper foam and mint; and one of the best beef tartars we’ve ever had. It also features an elegant cocktail lounge with a roaring fireplace for those chilly Swiss nights and an expansive terrace for the warmer evenings. The bar, which is backed by striking vintage safety deposit boxes in a nod to Zurich’s banking industry, has a staggering spirits collection, but we suggest you go local with

a gin and tonic using organic Swiss Breil Pur gin, made with hand-picked botanicals from the alps, including alpine rose, chocolate mint and juniper.

For something more upscale, pull up a chair at Ecco, a multiaward winning fine-dining restaurant with two Michelin stars and 18 Gault Millau points. Dedicated to the aromatic cuisine of acclaimed German chef Rolf Fliegauf, which is executed by executive chef Stefan Heilemann, the restaurant delivers seasonal ingredients and plenty of inspired technique, complemented by an impressive wine selection. Highlights of the menu include salmon trout and pink gamba passion fruit with sweet potato and mint; North Sea cod with butternut pumpkin, yellow curry, and kaffir lime; and bison filet with parsley root, morels and bone marrow.

Keen to get acquainted with Zurich’s great outdoors? There’s plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, and the hotel offers complimentary bike hire. If you’d rather just relax, make a beeline for the Ayurvedic by Giardino spa, where treatments include herbal and oil scrubs and the AVEDA Stress-Fix Body Massage, a whole body ritual that combines classic massage, deep-tissue techniques, and foot reflexology. If you’re looking to just collect your thoughts, make for the hotel’s stunning indoor pool, one of the country’s most famous, or, if the temperature is right, the 25-metre outdoor pool, which also has its own bar. giardinohotels.ch

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

THE MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE: A LOOK INSIDE THE MELTING POT

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alaysia has emerged as one of the region’s leading digital innovation and outsourcing hubs, building and attracting international companies with its infrastructure, diverse talent pool and beautiful landscape. With more than 100,000 expats in Kuala Lumpur, voted as the #2 city for expats by InterNations, this vibrant Southeast Asian melting pot is as multicultural as it gets.

The people heavily value kinship between ethnicities, called Muhibah’ in Malay, which has been a foundation for the continuous development of the country. It has matured into a sweet spot for a multifaceted society, competing as one of the top economies in Asia with its consistent economical and industrial growth, and its rich mix of influences with remnants from the colonial age. This wonderful country is home to a mix of warm, welcoming people, world-class dining, and unforgettable experiences.

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN According to CEO World magazine, Malaysia is the best place to invest or do business in 2020. This small country is strategically located between two market-giants of Asia- India and China, which enables businesses to expand in all directions within the Asian market. Over the last two decades, it has seen an influx of small to medium size enterprises along with global giants such as DHL, Shell, IBM and HP sweep into the landscape and set up offices. Malaysia is also recognised as one of the preferred destinations for outsourcing and attracting talent and business from all over the world.

Because of the country’s attractive natural and business environment, Malaysia brings tremendous value to the relationships between a company and its people, translating to a higher-quality experience, enthusiastic employee engagement and higher retention rates.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

omnichannel customer support through native speakers of over 25 languages. It is also one of Malaysia’s largest Japanese employers.

COMBATING CORONAVIRUS

A LAND OF LANGUAGES

Amid the spread of COVID-19, customer and employee loyalty are more important than ever. During the uncertainty, Everise’s Malaysian team pulled together 90 per cent of its agents, or champions as the company prefers to call them, and migrated them to a safe and secure work-at-home solution in less than two weeks.

Next-gen BPO (business process outsourcing) company, Everise, is leading the industry with its multilingual hub situated in the core of the melting pot, Kuala Lumpur, delivering cost effective native language support from happier, more motivated agents.

Moving forward, Everise believes that the optimal outsourcing strategy is one that is both globally distributed and blended between work-at-home and bricks and mortar.

This innovative crisis-resilient approach is another reason Everise is disrupting its industry.

There are thousands of beautiful beaches, a large expat community from around ASEAN, and 60 international airlines ready to jet set travellers to over 100 destinations. Being a beautiful and ethnically diverse region of the world and encompassing a combination of good infrastructure, strong government partnerships and warm weather, Malaysia is at the top of the list to attract multilingual talent.

Currently, Everise has a presence in the United States, Guatemala, Ireland, Philippines, Japan, and Malaysia, with its global headquarters in Singapore.

NATIVES SERVING NATIVES Cross-shoring is a unique “natives-serving-natives” support operations model that offers customer lifecycle management services by native speakers at a lower cost, without compromising on the customer experience, delivered through a multilingual hub.

Traditionally, businesses who want to grow in Asia needed to setup customer support operations in each country they entered. Everise’s Multilingual Hub, Globee, solves this challenge by enabling companies to efficiently scale their business across each unique market.

Some of the world’s most valued brands leverage on its state-of-the-art multilingual hub offering full proficiency

Find out more about engineering a home-based CX solution to get you through this crisis and the next one, visit weareeverise.com or email sales@weareeverise.com

INSIDER

A BOUTIQUE

SAFARI

Stephen Mortimer (left) and Graham Cooke hope to be leading safari trips again early next year

EXPERIENCE

The Wild Insight Safari Company allows bush-bound travellers to dictate the pace and direction of the tracking and snapping, as founders Graham Cooke and Stephen Mortimer tell Helen Dalley How are you coping with the pandemic and what plans do you have to get back on your feet?

There’s optimism that we may be able to lead trips in October and November, but it may be January or February 2021. The natural safari environment and the wide open spaces means we’re able to socially distance well on trips. But we also have a duty of care to look after guests and staff.

Our partners will introduce temperature screening and other health and safety measures, like hand sanitisation. The industry is doing what it can to create a lower risk environment.

What do you offer that’s different to other safari tour companies?

We limit trips to six people unless it’s one family group, and we stay in the same place for six nights, so we’re an intimate model.

Many people prefer that more boutique approach, and within our model, there’s no crowded dining rooms and people always have their own personal space.

We wanted to break away from the checklist model, and we go out on foot and teach people how to track animals. Being in the bush puts things back into perspective and encourages them to focus on what’s important. Our guests have made major life decisions about their relationships and their career during their trips with us. Some guests

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have been close to tears when the trip came to an end.

reveals far more. It’s about slowing down to the bush’s pace.

You offer a fully tailored service.

Explain how that works and what services you can offer

You talk about camps needing to be “spiritually luxurious” – what do you mean by that?

We’re not about rushing around to see as much as you can. It’s more about having an in-depth, knowledge-based connection that you don’t find on large trips. If someone just wants to look at birds, or leopards, we can focus on those personal preferences.

We bring a lot of knowledge to the table – Graham has been a guide for more than 35 years and has advised on nature documentaries – and a guide is such a huge part of the safari experience. Graham is one of a very limited number of guides with such a depth of understanding. Since we set up 18 months ago, we’ve had a lot of repeat business.

What do people like most about your trips?

It’s the freedom and flexibility – if you just want to walk around one morning to try and catch a glimpse of an animal, you can do that. If a guest has seen some tracks or heard something in the night, we can talk to them over coffee about following up on that. Some operators focus on covering as much ground as they can and driving long distances, but sometimes sitting and waiting

Luxury comes in a few forms – we don’t compromise on a comfy bed and hot water, but there’s often no wifi or phones, and we rely on paraffin lanterns for light at night.

Spiritual luxury is about feeling part of the environment you’re in. If people want a penthouse similar to what they’d find in Hong Kong or London, that’s not the venues we choose – it’s not the city in the bush.

Some of the camps have no fences, so you could be sat around the campfire and see a hyena closeby, or an elephant making its way to the camp.

The natural world is in crisis. How can people help to protect it?

If you don’t appreciate it, you don’t understand it, so there needs to be more education and effort to create a different mindset and change people’s thinking. Storytelling is big part of it – someone like Sir David Attenborough, for example, promotes understanding and has a great relatability. We need to ask questions like, ‘how can animals better serve us alive?’ to prevent poaching, for example. We’d also like to see the natural world be more part of children’s education. wildinsightsafaris.com

ROAD WARRIOR

trade, it’s a short book, and it took me much longer to write than I thought. I had a lot to say and needed to pack it all in to an efficient “how-to.”

Tell us about some of your favourite journeys on two wheels and why?

Colorado is my home state and I know the roads and the best route strategies. I’ve had the best holidays riding all day, for four days at a time, through the most technical roads with the most complicated navigation, to find the most twisty roads, from which to tempt the most elusive Nirvana moments.

MEDITATIVE MOTORCYCLING Author of Meditation by Motorcycle, John Metzger, says riding on a bike encourages you to find inner peace and live in the moment. Post-pandemic, he anticipates biking will become much more popular, as he tells Helen Dalley

The pandemic has seen individual activities involving far less social interaction take precedence. Do you expect this to be a long-term change?

Yes. The pandemic will permanently change our behaviours in that we’ll always be more aware of unsanitary, unhygienic situations and avoid them. We’ll choose more individual sports both to participate in and watch.

To what extent can motorcycling provide a sense of wellbeing?

Motorcycling requires social distancing. It forces you to be alone within your own space and mind. Unlike other activities, the danger and attention it demands forces you to live only in the moment and not allow your thoughts to drift toward the anger at the past and fear of the future.

Do you expect motorcycling to be more popular in a post-pandemic world?

Yes, as it’s so naturally individualised in terms of experience and physical space. When you

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want to take a break, it’s now far less likely to be with a plane, train or boat. Driving your own car is better, but often you are driving somewhere where there will be other people.

On a motorcycle, you are not necessarily going on holiday to get somewhere. The process and means of getting there is the holiday.

You say motorcycling is the best way to find those elusive “Nirvana moments” in a high-pressure world.

Can share some of your own?

I’ve found many Nirvana moments, all compressed into hard-to-get-to places and slivers of time. They include riding mountain pass after pass in Colorado, the tail of the dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains [along the Tennessee-North Carolina Border], the Ortega highway in southern California, the Adirondacks in New England, the Ozarks and the Oregon coast.

What advice can you offer to motorcyclists keen to attain their own Nirvana moments?

This kind of riding – long-distance sport touring – is not for everyone. It takes a long time to develop the skills and experience.

The only way to achieve this is time in the saddle.

What inspired you to write your book, Meditation by Motorcycle?

I developed a mental approach, even a riding style and criteria, and wanted to share it with like-minded motorcyclists. I’m a writer by

What makes travelling by motorcycle so special for you and how did you get into it?

It’s been a lifetime calling, starting from when I saw Easy Rider as a kid in 1968.

How would you describe your perfect motorcycle trip?

I’ve developed a very specific regimen based around the concept of long-distance sport touring and taking in the best roads according to twists, turns and sightseeing, and carefully designed routes that avoid traffic and towns.

I like riding with small groups of five to seven, or within a series of small groups of this size that can spread out from each other.

We stop for gas, jerky and energy drinks at convenience stores and scenic overlooks for photos. We crash at a hotel, get up and do it again.

Are you a fan of meditation and mindfulness when you’re not on your motorbike?

Yes – Thich Nhat Hanh was right: mindfulness is an effective way to live in the moment and be present at all times. But it's not always easy to achieve in day-to-day life.

That’s why motorcycling’s inherent risks and demand for the rider’s attention make it such a good choice for recreation and means of detachment from the daily grind.

Would you like to write another book?

If so, any ideas on what it would be about yet?

I’m writing a book about the coming rural renaissance, which I started before covid.

So now it’s becoming more about a rural revolution, where people move out of the cities and into rural areas, and economic & lifestyle revival.

JET FEATURE NAPA & SONOMA VINEYARDS

Guests enjoy a glass at Domaine Carneros in Napa.

Partly owned by the Taittinger family, it is renowned for its premium sparkling wines

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NAPA & SONOMA JET VINEYARDS FEATURE

CALIFORNIA Sippin’ California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma County produce some of the world’s most quaffable vintages.

Robyn Tucker-Peck selects five of the region’s best vineyards

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he pandemic has seen supermarket sales and social networks thrive as we stayed at home to work, eat and socalise. Many have headed outdoors more to escape the monotony of the same four walls, and for those living in apartments, walks in the fresh air, trying to replicate favourite restaurant dishes and cracking open a much-loved vintage have all helped make life more bearable.

Lockdown restrictions and social distancing have naturally muted F&B sales as the world came to a standstill. This has certainly been a challenge for the iconic wineries in California, but they continue to attract visitors and offer high standards of hospitality while employing more stringent hygiene standards and open to the public by reservation only.

Almost three-quarters the size of France, California supplies a vast majority of US wine production. This wine loving state accounts for nearly 90 percent of production in the US and is one third larger than that of all Australia.

If California were a separate country, it would be the world’s fourth largest wine producer. Today there are more that 1,200 wineries in the state, ranging from small boutique wineries to large corporations with distribution around the world. The wine regions are often divided into four main regions, North Coast, Central Coast, South Coast and Central Valley, with Napa and Sonoma, two of the most recognisable regions, falling under the North Coast.

I’m a huge California wine enthusiast and couldn’t think of anything better than two weeks in Napa or Sonoma sniffing and swirling wines against some spectacular backdrops. A trip to Cali may seem like a big commitment right now, but why not plan ahead to visit the state’s stand-out wineries when you can?

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SAMPLE ULTRA-PREMIUM SPARKLING AT DOMAINE CARNEROS

omaine Carneros was founded in the Carneros appellation of Northern California by the Champagne-famous Taittinger family and produces ultra-premium sparkling wines and limited production pinot noirs. Intent on staking a future in California’s promising wine industry, the Taittinger family purchased a 138-acre vineyard in the heart of Carneros in 1986. The appellation that spans the southern tip of Sonoma and Napa valleys, Carneros’ cool climate is ideally suited for cultivating exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, perfect for producing the elegant, balanced wines that Domaine Carneros is now known for. The Taittingers selected Eileen Crane as its founding winemaker. While directing the first vintage, she was also tasked with overseeing the planning and construction of the winery. Eileen is not only one of the industry’s pioneering women, but also the most knowledgeable American sparkling wine producer with more than 40 years’ experience. While Domaine Carneros is not solely owned by Tattinger, it remains in a partnership with its founding French legacy and today, over 30 years later, Eileen’s pursuit of excellence in viticulture, winemaking and hospitality has made Domaine Carneros a ground-breaking California winery.

The 18th century château-style building was completed in 1989, architecturally inspired by the historic Château de la Marquetterie owned by Champagne Taittinger in France. Situated atop a knoll and overlooking endless

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Domaine Carneros’ sparkling wines are aged for a minimum of three years for added complexity and mouthfeel rolling vineyards, the elegant property is an iconic Northern California landmark.

Sustainable farming is of great importance to this winery with the installation of owl boxes in each vineyard to control rodents, plus cork recycling, solar panels and fish friendly farming certification all in place. This offers farmers access to expertise on such problems as erosion and soil loss, stream bank failure and water quality degradation.

The sparkling wines produced by Domaine Carneros are aged for a minimum of three years for added complexity and mouthfeel. They are elegant and balanced sparkling wines with tiny beading, subtle fruit aromas and a long finish. The most famous of these is the Le Rêve (French for “the dream”), a highly respected tête de cuvée. This fine sparkling wine crafted from 100% estate grown Chardonnay and is frequently named America’s Best Sparkling. domainecarneros.com

NAPA & SONOMA VINEYARDS

EMBRACE A GRAND MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE AT CASTELLO DI AMOROSA

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taying in Napa, from Domaine Carneros it’s a 45-minute drive to Castello di Amorosa. After decades of studying medieval castles in Italy, Dario Sattui, a fourthgeneration winemaker, built this architectural masterpiece over a 14-year period. Building began in 1994 and was inspired by a 13th century Tuscan castle winery with high walls, five defensive towers, and 30 acres of estate vineyards.

Roman-style cross-vaulted ceiling, the Grand Barrel room is arguably the single most impressive barrel room in the US. The vineyards surrounding the castello are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo and Sangiovese grapes, which produce low yields and intensely flavoured wines.

Currently producing roughly 30,000 cases per year, its wines are sold exclusively at the winery, directly to the consumer.

The castello evolved to include 107 distinct rooms, 95 of which are used for winemaking or wine storage, eight levels (four above ground, four below), a great hall with hand-painted Italian frescoes, defensive fortifications, ramparts, a drawbridge and moat. The castello also has an armoury, secret passageways, courtyards, a church, stables, and an outdoor oven for baking bread. Constructed with an ancient

Its reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Il Barone 2015 was described as, “a hearty, concentrated red wine, firm, robust in tannin and toasted oak, with high-toned red cherry & plum accented in chocolate, tobacco and leather, finishing in earthy dried herb and black pepper” by wine critic Virginie Boone, who awarded it 90 points in Wine Enthusiast magazine. castellodiamorosa.com

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SAMPLE MICHELIN- STANDARD FARE, SALUMI AND CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED VINTAGES AT DEL DOTTO

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taying in the Napa region and heading 20 minutes down the St Helena highway from Castello de Amorosa is the Del Dotto Family Wineries and Caves. Owner Dave Del Dotto has spent 25 years acquiring vineyards in some of the best American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and is well-respected across the industry. A family name in winemaking since the 1400s, Del Dotto envisioned a grand 12th century Venetian palace in homage to the family heritage. Almost 20 years after purchasing the property, he opened the Del Dotto Venetian Estate to the public back in 2007.

This 437-acre estate organically farms several varietals including Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Franc, and its Vineyard 887 – St. Helena Appellation has regularly received 96 to 98 points from esteemed wine critic Robert Parker thanks to its lush, fruity

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Del Dotto envisioned a grand Venetian palace dating back to 12th century berries and easily accessible tannins on the palate.

The winery embodies Del Dotto’s philosophy that wine tasting should be a full sensory experience.

He launched a robust culinary programme led by chef Joshua Schwartz, formerly of Michelin-starred restaurants the French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon and Bouley. With the help of chef Tony Incontro, Del Dotto has additionally adopted a robust salumi programme, offering house-cured salumis made using traditional Italian techniques and artisanal practices. deldottovineyards.com

NAPA & SONOMA VINEYARDS

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SAVOUR INTRIGUING HIGH-END BLENDS AT INGLENOOK

nother Napa gem, Inglenook is bestknown for its Cabernet Sauvignon and premier wine, Rubicon, whose blend varies each vintage but is always predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon. Inglenook also make a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, and a complex white blend called Blancaneaux, made up of Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. All the wines are estate-produced from Inglenook’s organically farmed vineyard, which comprises 235 acres.

Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum as Napa’s first estate winery, Inglenook boasts an illustrious heritage, from Gustave Niebaum to John Daniel Jr. then Francis Ford Coppola. Its three principal stewards have shared a strong sense of vision and an unwavering passion to create a wine estate that harks back to the European tradition. In 1879, Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum purchased the Inglenook farm and the first vintage was released in 1882 under the name Inglenook. In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola purchased 1,560 acres of the Inglenook estate, including the Niebaum mansion. In the French tradition, he joined his name with Niebaum’s and the property became the Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery. In 2011, the Coppolas acquired the iconic Inglenook trademark and the celebrated estate has been known by its original name ever since.

Tastings take place at Inglenook’s open, breezy courtyard, or inside the spectacular historic stone chateau Coppola family honours Inglenook’s rich heritage by building on its legacy of innovation and forward thinking, and, most critically, producing internationally acclaimed wines.

Tastings can take place alongside Inglenook’s iconic fountain in the open, breezy courtyard, or tucked into a cosy private cellar or salon inside the spectacular historic stone chateau. Inglenook offers private luncheons and dinners, crafted by chef Alex Lovick, who draws upon the bounty of the organically farmed estate to create memorable courses that pair perfectly with the estate’s wines. inglenook.com

Francis Ford Coppola took on the task of reuniting Inglenook with its prestigious past and has patiently reassembled the jewels of the crown. Today, the

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BOOK A PRIVATE VIRTUAL TASTING AT FERRARI-CANANO

ur Cali wine tour ends in Sonoma county in Ferrari-Carano, which is one of my favourite vineyards. I first came across FC back in 2000 when I sampled a full-bodied, rich, oaked Chardonnay. Today it continues to produce amazing wines and you can book your 30-minute private virtual tasting from the comfort of your own living room with one of its hospitality team via Zoom to sip and chat through some favourite FC wines.

founded Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Ground was broken for the winery in 1985, and the first wines bearing the Ferrari-Carano label were released in 1987. Those first wines were a 1986 FumĂŠ Blanc and a 1985 Alexander Valley Chardonnay. Today, Ferrari-Carano produces those wines alongside a variety of other white and red wines, including Pinot Grigio, Siena (a Sangiovese-based blend) and Merlot from Sonoma County, and three dessert wines: Eldorado Gold Eldorado Noir and Baci.

Ferrari-Carano was recently sold to Foley Family Wines. and Second generation Italian Americans Rhonda Carano will bolster its position in the US$15 and over price tier while and her late husband, Don, who passed away in 2017, significantly enhancing its grape growing and production were introduced to the beauty of Northern Sonoma capabilities. ferrari-carano.com County in 1979 while searching for wines to enhance the wine lists at their Eldorado Hotel and Casino in downtown Reno. They eventually purchased a 60acre parcel in the Alexander Valley. The vineyards that were part of that property piqued their curiosity about winemaking. They began taking classes on enology and viticulture at the University of California. The wine they made in their barn was bottled under the Carano Cellars label and given to friends and family before appearing on Eldorado’s wine lists.

Realising the potential that the area held the Caranos began to acquire additional vineyard land and in 1981

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The Staunton provides stunning vistas of the Hong Kong skyline

Relish lively entertainment at the vibrant SoHo in the neighbourhood

LIFESTYLE

VICKY LAU RAISES THE STAKES AT TATE DINING ROOM

WELLNESS CUISINE REIMAGINED ASAYA KITCHEN REVIEWED

BEAN-TO-BAR CHOCOLATE

ZERO HALLIBURTON LUGGAGE

ARTISAN FACE COVERINGS

IN THE KITCHEN

LESS IS MORE Chef Vicky Lau of Tate Dining Room talks fine dining in a post-pandemic world, zooming in on one ingredient and what it’s like to be a chef in the male-dominated world with Helen Dalley

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IN THE KITCHEN Your single-ingredient-focused Saturday lunch menu at Tate Dining Room has had themes of eggs and rice. What was the reasoning behind that?

In order to study something in depth it is always a good idea to focus on a specific topic. Working with a single ingredient encourages you to study its history and how the ingredient has evolved. We are keen for guests to appreciate specific ingredients.

New measures introduced by the government to protect health and safety include restaurant occupancy limited to 50 per cent and tables placed 1.5m away among other regulations. This must have had a big impact on your business. What are the reasons you are staying positive?

We are all creatures of habit, change is hard. The world that we know is shifting, some restaurants will shut and some will alchemize and adapt. We stay positive because we believe in gastronomy being one of the most important parts of culture and also people always look for unique experiences to break their daily routine.

Will fine dining ever return to normal or has the pandemic changed it forever?

Fine dining itself has evolved over the years: it is not only about formality and starched tablecloths but also a celebration of passion and loved ones.

The environment is created to indulge and enhance the dining experience with each other. Fine dining has also helped to benchmark how far can we push a dish in terms of art, craft and science. It is important to continue to study that to push things forward and not only rely on what our ancestors have created.

You opened Tate Dining Room in 2012. How do you think your culinary approach has changed over the past eight years?

Throughout the years, I’ve been giving more and more support to local farmers and incorporated more local produce on my menu. Globalisation should be on pause and we must source more locally and support local farmers.

You received your Michelin star in 2013. Was that a gamechanger?

For sure it helped in terms of giving ourselves confidence, and it’s also quality assurance for our guests. Ultimately, I believe Michelin is here to help business.

Most chefs, particularly in the world of fine dining, are male. Why do you think this is still the case – and how can the industry encourage more women to enter the restaurant business?

There are only a few female chefs in the kitchens in Hong Kong. This could be due to the fact that chefs aren’t valued for their craft, or it could be because women are discouraged to pursue this career because of the physical conditions of working in a professional kitchen. Over the last few years, though, I’ve seen some changes in Hong Kong. With the increased number of awards, chefs are now being recognised and appreciated for their work. I’ve seen an increasing number of female chefs working in traditional Chinese kitchens. And at Tate, we have a female to male ratio of 3:1. To encourage more women to join the industry, we have to change people’s perception of chefs.

You have a degree in graphic communication, and your dishes are very aesthetically pleasing. What prompted the shift to cooking?

Graphic communications help me to redefine my style of plating.

I like to create beautiful things, and each dish is like a present. I like my guests to receive each dish like a gift and enjoy eating it.

Why is Hong Kong a good place to be a chef?

Hong Kong is where I grew up and I have a lot of memories rooted in this place. There are a lot of resources here, and plenty of inspiration to design my menu. tate.com.hk

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FOOD ADVENTURES

CRAFTCACAO We’ve had the craft beer revolution, now watch out for the bean to bar trend currently sweeping the world of chocolate…

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ong Kong’s Conspiracy Chocolate, which sources its dak lak cacao beans from a Vietnamese farm, is making its name for itself with flavours like fermented ghost pepper, Kashmiri chilli and raspberry timut, with all bars handcrafted in its Sai Ying Pun workshop by founders Celine Herren and Amit Oz. Watch out for its chocolate making workshops so you can join the bean-to-bar revolution yourself, or purchase bars from one of its stockists, which include Eric Kayser and Sweet World. conspiracychocolate.com One of the most celebrated examples of bean-to-bar cacao in New York is Mast Chocolate, which produces handcrafted organic slabs of loveliness laced with lavender, almond butter and olive oil among other ingredients, and uses less sugar in its recipes than most chocolatiers. This family business sources its beans ethically from an organic cocoa organisation in Tanzania, and you can buy bars at retailers including Dean and Deluca or visit their market/café in Mount Kisco, which is slated to open soon. mastchcocolate.com Aussies are renowned for their sweet tooth, and Melbourne has plenty of great craft chocolate options to keep this discerning market sweet. Owned by brothers Harry & Charlie Nissen, Hunted & Gathered sources its cacao beans directly from co-ops in Central and South America, and there’s a shop/ cafe adjacent to its factory in Cremorne selling pastries and hot chocolate. Stock up on single origin bars and peruse its inclusion range, which includes fennel seed, mint & cacao nib and cherry & almond. huntedandgathered.com.au Switzerland is renowned for its chocolate globally, thanks to the dominance of big brands like Lindt and Toblerone, but you’ll also find artisanal bean to bar manufacturers in Geneva, like Orfeve, which “ripens” its chocolate for two weeks in a cellar like a fine wine. Its tablets are crafted from cacao sourced from Madagascar, Venezuela, Peru and the Solomon Islands, with strengths ranging from 75 to 90 per cent. It’s available at retailers including Aux Gourmets and Carasso Morges stores and can also be purchased from the Beau Rivage hotel. orfeve.com

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FOOD ADVENTURES

Hong Kong’s Conspiracy Chocolate utilises freeze-dried raspberries in its bars, which are all handcrafted in Sai Ying Pun

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TOP TABLES

SAVOUR STELLAR VIEWS AT HARBOURSIDE GRILL

Looking for a new alfresco dining location Kowloon side? Then consider the Harbourside Grill Bar Terrace at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, which offers 180-degree vistas of the city skyline from its 65-seat dining room and 8o-seat terrace.

Helming the kitchen is executive chef Armand Sablon, who trained under Marc Haeberlin at three Michelin-starred Auberge de l’lll in Alsace. His menu includes USDA-certified premium ribeye from Creekstone Farms cooked in a Josper Grill. The beef is also presented as steak tartare prepared tableside and served with grilled sourdough. Other menu highlights include Hokkaido scallops with slow-cooked crispy pork belly, curried cauliflower purée, capers and raisins, and saltbaked celeriac served with roasted garlic, confit leeks and truffle vinaigrette for the veggies. harboursidegrill.com.hk

TASTE OF

SUMMER Savour Summer flavours and long sunny days at these new hotspots in Hong Kong

UPSCALE KOREAN DEBUTS WITH HANSIK GOO

Chef Mingoo Kang, of two-Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant Mingles, has debuted his creative take on authentic Korean cuisine with Hansik Goo, his first eatery outside Korea.

With bold interpretations of Korea’s diverse culinary culture, from traditional home cooking to dishes once reserved for royalty, chef Mingoo is renowned for his use of jang, the traditional fermented soy sauces at the heart of Korean cuisine.

Highlights of the eight-course tasting menu, designed to be shared family-style, include Dubu Wanja, a modern take on Korean meatballs made from tofu, crab meat and diced courgette with anchovy & crab stock and a pine nut sauce. Samgye risotto cleverly combines traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup and Korean fried chicken, while the Barbecue Duo (jang-marinated pork and chicken) is cooked sous vide for maximum tenderness. For dessert, guests can dig into Omija, a sorrel sorbet with omija berry juice, or Garu, mixed Korean grains ice cream with crispy puffed rice. hansikgoo.hk

YAKINIKUMAFIA BY WAGYUMAFIA MAKES OVERSEAS DEBUT

With a mission to introduce authentic Wagyu to the world, Tokyo’s Yakinikumafia

by Wagyumafia has opened its first restaurant overseas in Hong Kong.

Chef/owner Hisato Hamada says the restaurant offers its signature Wagyu with more affordable cuts to experience the versatility of the ingredient.

Straight from auction houses in Japan, Yakinikumafia Hong Kong serves the same beef used in Yakinikumafia’s seven restauarants in Tokyo. Cutting-edge butchering techniques, coupled with menus that showcase different cuts, ensure all parts of the cow are used.

By sourcing directly from farms, diners can enjoy premium Wagyu at competitive prices, including single breed Ozaki Wagyu from Miyazaki prefecture, of which Wagyumafia is the exclusive contractor and distributor in Hong Kong. yakinikumafia.hk

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TOP TABLES

HONBO OPENS THIRD JOINT IN BASEHALL HONG KONG

Hankering after a premium burger? Then rock up to Central’s new high-end food joint Basehall and check out Honbo’s third outlet in Hong Kong, which has created a Basehall Burger to mark the occasion made with a 4oz beef patty, pickles, sweet onions, and a slow-cooked egg yolk.

Founded by Montreal-raised Hongkonger Michael Chan, this independent burger brand’s patties are crafted from local beef brisket and served in preservative-free potato & milk buns made by a local artisanal baker. The brand also uses hydroponically-grown lettuce from Yuen Long in its burgers.

Eco-conscious eaters, take note: there’s compostable food packaging and cutlery, water fountains and waste decomposters at Basehall, which has also partnered with food assistance programme, St James’ Settlement to distribute leftover food to worthwhile causes across the city. There are nine other food outlets, including Roti Tori, a Japanese-inspired rotisserie chicken spot by Yardbird Hong Kong, and Co Thanh for authentic Vietnamese dishes. basehall.hk

DISTRICT 8 OPENS AT ELEMENTS HONG KONG

Love a bistro? Then check into District 8 at Elements’ Civic Square. Featuring indoor and alfresco seating, the restaurant takes its inspiration from the street side bistros of Paris’s iconic 8th arrondissement with design drawn from Parisian café culture, including contemporary French wallpaper and a wooden feature wall.

The restaurant offers an elevated steak frites experience with signature premium steak cuts from various freerange farms in Australia. All steaks are served with Café de Paris sauce, charred onions and frites. There’s also moules marinieres, pork and pistachio terrine, and king prawns on the menu.

Pair your dinner with a Parisian-inspired cocktail like Beef It, a marriage of Wagyu beef fat-washed bourbon, smoky whisky, burnt honey syrup and bitters garnished with house-made Wagyu jerky. district8.com.hk

EXPERIENCE INDIAN STREET SNACK CULTURE AT CHAAT

Chaat brings a bold rendition of India’s street snack culture to a refined setting on level five of Rosewood Hong Kong, and joins tapas-inspired restaurant Bayfare Social and American charcoal-grilled meat specialist Henry within one of the city’s hottest gastronomic social hubs.

Chef de cuisine Manav Tuli, who earned the first Michelin star for an Indian restaurant in London with Tamarind, re-imagines his favourite childhood street snacks growing up in central India, which include homemade paneer cheese and pav bhaji. Utilising a trio of authentic tandoor ovens, the menu pays homage to the rich culinary lexicon of India’s central states and Bombay coast, the northern Punjab and Kerala in the south.

The focal point inside the restaurant is a custom-made wall mural by the Hyderabadi contemporary artist Kandi Narsimlu, whose giant figures on colourful backdrops bring Indian streets to life, and reference the ritual of roadside chaat, which forms part of the cultural fabric of towns and cities. chaat.hk

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

WELLNESS CUISINE GOES UPSCALE

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Rosewood Hong Kong’s Asaya Kitchen offers a discerning take on health-conscious cuisine, says Helen Dalley

e all know that eating a nutritious, largely low-fat diet is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle. But restaurants serving tasty, healthy food are, alas, still few and far between in Hong Kong, particularly on the fine dining front. With a plethora of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Asaya Kitchen is trying to carve out a niche as a gourmet wellness restaurant. Initially set to be a vegan restaurant, it was eventually deemed too much of a hard sell to persuade Hong Kong diners hard-wired to seeing meat on every menu to try something so different from what they’d usually go for. Instead, the kitchen has opted for Mediterraneanstyle dishes – there’s a nod to the healthy Japanese diet too – that includes fish (but no meat) and a host of creative vegetarian & vegan options that you’re unlikely to have seen before.

The kitchen is helmed by executive chef Renaud Marin, whose CV includes as stint at the two-Michelin-starred La Palme D’Or at Cannes’ Le Martinez Hotel. He opened his first bistro concept restaurant, Cochin, in Hong Kong in 2014, before moving to Rosewood to head up Asaya.

From its location on the sixth floor of Rosewood Hong Kong in the heart of Victoria Dockside, the restaurant offers a chilled-

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out, intimate vibe and outdoor seating for breezy Hong Kong nights. Designed to be a social space, the main dining area gives the feel of an expansive home kitchen, leading out to the dynamic al fresco Poolside Bar with stellar views over the outdoor infinity pool and harbour. For an alfresco extension to Asaya Kitchen, the Poolside Bar features a broader selection of comfort foods, and a (yes, alcoholic) cocktail list of organic and small batch spirits alongside plant-based burgers.

Service is zippy and enthusiastic, with staff keen to highlight their own personal favourite dishes. Based on their recommendations, we order the mushroom tea: confit organic egg yolk, soba noodles sweet corn & peas. Once served at the table, there’s a bit of drama as we need to pour the broth from a teapot before savouring the dish’s rich, almost meaty flavour. Another standout dish is the semi-dried tomato tartare, which uses bulgur wheat salad and crispy pitta bread to mimic the look and texture of this classic French dish. While die-hard meat eaters are unlikely to be convinced, it’s a bold and imaginative take on a bistro favourite. The sharing dishes are equally healthy: we opt for the cauliflower cocotte, which sees cauli paired with cumin, walnut, herbs and an egg dressing.

My companion orders the roasted whole fish from the Shun King fisherman, which

underlines Asaya’s commitment to local suppliers. Served with black rice, green salad and a herb gremolata, he appreciates the sublime freshness of this plate, the careful balance of flavours and considered seasoning.

Recent additions to the menu such as grilled kai lan with ricotta, hazelnut and seasonal truffle, meanwhile, demonstrate Marin’s dedication to local ingredients as well as suppliers, and elevate this humble green to a whole new level.

After such a healthy, low-fat meal, there’s still ample room in our stomachs for dessert, so we order the roasted ‘Victoria’ Pineapple, a feel-good sweet that sees tropical fruit topped with coriander honey, yogurt sorbet & coriander cress. Reasoning that such a dish is good for us, we also sample the kumquat compote (raw chocolate, basil and puffed bread), an intriguing mix of textures and flavours that curbs that cocoa craving more successfully than we dared anticipate.

After our dinner, we take a glass of wine (there is an extensive wine list alongside the kombucha and chia drinks) and gaze down at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade and Avenue of Stars. Pleasantly sated without the uncomfortable feeling that all too often accompanies too much rich food, we resolve to come back again very soon to sample more dishes from Asaya’s ever-changing seasonal menu. rosewoodhotels.com

SPIRITS

ARARE DRAM Johnnie Walker has debuted a limited edition whisky to commemorate master blender Jim Beveridge’s 40 years of service Collector’s item: only 398 bottles of Johnnie Walker Master's Ruby Reserve have been released

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ohnnie Walker has debuted the launch of a new Scotch whisky, Johnnie Walker Master's Ruby Reserve, which honours master blender Jim Beveridge's 40 years of exceptional craft.

Made from some of the finest Scotch in the Johnnie Walker reserves, Beveridge, who was recently awarded an OBE for his services to Scotch, selected eight drams that evoke his earliest whisky-making memories. All the whiskies used to create Johnnie Walker Master's Ruby Reserve are at least 40 years old and only 398 bottles have been released.

For this celebratory limited edition, he chose vintages from the ‘ghost’ distilleries of Cambus, Carsebridge, Pittyvaich and Port Ellen, which are balanced with highly-aged expressions from Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore.

Dark chocolate, plums and cherries are found in the aged expressions of Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore while the soft aromatic sea salt notes of Talisker and Port Ellen help create a full-bodied whisky. For a final luxurious flourish, this refined whisky is presented in a hand-crafted golden-red Baccarat crystal decanter.

In addition to marking Beveridge’s ruby anniversary in 2020, Johnnie Walker will be celebrating 200 years with the opening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, a visitor experience in Edinburgh. johnniewalker.com

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WATCHES The Vanguard Racing Skeleton is designed with F1 aficionados in mind

RACING LINE

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Franck Muller’s Vanguard Racing Skeleton takes its design cues from F1

nspired by the breakneck speed of motor racing, the Vanguard Racing Skeleton in carbon captures the look and feel of an F1 driver’s cockpit with a cool interplay of racing red, black and white on its dial.

angular outlines of individual numerals. An engraved “second” atop the smoked sapphire crystal denotes a novel 60-second counter sub dial. This end measures elapsed seconds on an unconventional hazy subdial, which affords a view of the gears, wheels, screws and jewels.

The inner bezel is demarcated by a black & white minute track, while the inner chapter ring is emblazoned with red & white minute markings to resemble a race circuit. Beneath this track lies the intricately skeletonised date disc, stripped down to leave only bold

The black rubber strap is topped by a layer of Alcantara suede, the same fabric lining drivers’ bucket seats to combat side slipping while racing. Don’t fancy carbon? The watch is also available in 18k rose gold, stainless steel or titanium. franckmuller.com

WATCHES

DIVE DEEP Doxa’s Sub 300 Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers reconnects two legendary brands

The Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers is limited to 300 numbered pieces

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elebrated for its patented rotating bezel and considered to be the first purpose-designed diver's watch for the general public, Doxa’s Sub 300 has been reinterpreted in forged carbon. Limited to 300 numbered pieces, the Sub 300 Aqua Lung US Divers reconnects Doxa with the aquatic equipment brand that embraced the Sub concept in the early days through an official partnership signed to coincide with this product premiere.

With a diameter of 42.5 mm, the watch features a pressure-resistant titanium chamber and a screwdown crown to protect the movement. All dive-related markings have a superluminova coating to ensure optimum readability during dives under low visibility conditions, while the COSC-certified automatic movement ensures a power reserve exceeding 40 hours.

Carbon has not only been used for the case but also on the dial, which is distinguished by its bright yellow minute hand. The watch is fitted with a black soft rubber strap, which features a with a black PVD-treated folding clasp featuring the exclusive “Doxafish” symbol. doxawatches.com

2/F Queens Entertainment Building 30 Queens Rd. Central, Hongkong

WATCHES

BREAKING BOUNDARIES Limited to 10 pieces, the Corum Lab 2 flies in the face of watchmaking convention

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he Corum Lab 02 came into being after the manufacture’s development team challenged themselves to create a timepiece with a flying tourbillon and a flying gear train.

Building a movement not sandwiched between the mainplate and bridge was a technical conundrum, and the watch required a much longer axis for the gear train. Without having a top bridge, it needed ball bearings instead of rubies on the mainplate to add stability. The entire movement was then placed on a fully transparent sapphire plate to allow for great visibility and gives the appearance that the elements are all floating in space.

The Lab 02 is powered by the calibre CO300, which consists of 416 individual components, each skeletonised and finely finished. Each piece is hand-assembled, with a flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock, with flying wheels that track the hours, minutes and seconds, and the bridge set directly onto the mainplate.

The timepiece is further equipped with a grand date function at 4 o’ clock and its power reserve indicator (55 hours) is visible via a sapphire glass on the side of the case at 8 o' clock. Because of the extremely complicated nature of this 45mm watch, just 10 pieces have been made, each identified by a specific plate number on the barrel. Customers can choose the colour of gold, the diamond cuts and settings and can add gemstones to make this an even more bespoke creation. corum-watches.com

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WATCHES

THETIDE

IS HIGH IWC debuts its first watch fitted with a tide indication, the Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide

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reated in the late 1930s, IWC’s Portugieser is one of the brand’s most iconic timepieces, combining the stylistic features of a pocket watch with the high precision and easy readability of a nautical instrument.

Inspiration for the highly functional dial came from the deck watches IWC was producing for the British Royal Navy at the time.

The manufacture has recently added several new models to the Portugieser family, including the first watch fitted with a tide indication, the Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide (Ref. 344001). The timepiece features a tide display that keeps you informed about the next high water, thanks to a special wheel train that translates the rhythm of the hours into the constantly shifting chronological sequence of high and low water.

Another special feature of the Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide is the double moon phase display, which has been extended to include a special inscription and provides information about the strength of the current tides. iwc.com

The Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide is IWC’s first watch to indicate the arrival of the next high and low tide

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WISHLIST

The SL-1210GAE turntable is limited to 1,000 pieces globally

PUT THE NEEDLE

ON THE RECORD Technics’ SL-1210GAE limited edition turntable commemorates the 55th anniversary of the brand

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ooking for something special to play your vinyl on that could end up being a collector’s item? Then consider the Technics SL1210GAE Limited Edition direct drive turntable special model, which is limited to only 1,000 pieces globally.

Based on the internationally acclaimed Grand Class SL-1200G, the turntable is made in Japan with a significant level of hand-made processes to guarantee its quality. The top panel features a special badge, which is inscribed with a unique serial number to signify its status as a 55th anniversary model.

Conventional analogue turntables have problems with degradation in sound quality caused by factors such as minute speed vibration during

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rotation called “cogging.” In the SL-1210GAE, the use of a coreless direct-drive motor with no iron core eliminates this. In addition, the twin-rotor construction reduces the bearing load while maintaining high torque. Both of these features enable reproduction of the warm, exquisitely detailed sound etched on analogue records.

Another highlight is the High-level Balance Adjustment, which counteracts degradation in sound quality. The balance of the turntable is adjusted at the factory using high-precision balance adjustment equipment for every item.

The specially developed zinc insulator features αGEL, a soft gel-like material with excellent shock absorbing properties for vibration damping characteristics and long-term reliability. A strobe light on-off switch, meanwhile, enables the listener to concentrate more effectively on the music, especially in a dimmed environment. technics.com

TECH

A

dding to its robust line up of digital cinema cameras, the Canon EOS C300 Mark III is equipped with a newly-designed 4K dual gain output (DGO) sensor and DIGIC DV 7 image processor and features internal cinema RAW light recording.

Like the full-frame EOS C500 Mark II digital cinema camera, it employs a modular design and an optional interchangeable lens mount so you can customise according to the needs of each project.

CINEMA

PARADISO The Canon EOS C300 Mark III cinema camera is a super 35mm modular workhorse The EOS C300 Mark III digital cinema camera is modular and customisable

Looking for a crisp, clear picture? The DGO imaging system captures high dynamic range content by reading out each pixel through two separate gains. One gain prioritises saturation in highlight areas while the other suppresses noise in the shadows. Equipped with Canon’s latest video imaging processor, the DIGIC DV 7, the camera achieves more fluid and efficient recording of 4K and HDR and can process high-speed video recording, including 4K at up to 120p.

Optional accessories include the EVF-V70 electronic viewfinder, SU-15 shoulder support unit and EU-V1 and EU-V2 expansion units, the former of which allows for gen-lock, sync out, remote use and ethernet connection. The EU-V2 expansion unit features those functions plus a V-mount battery connection, two analog XLR audio ports and 24v DC Out. canon.com

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MUSIC TO

YOUR EARS Steer your way to some fun with the Super73’s R-series range of electric bikes

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s audio specialists Sennheiser celebrate 75 years in 2020, it has launched the Momentum True Wireless 2, the second generation of its acclaimed earbuds. Taking wireless earphones to new heights of performance, enhancements include Active Noise Cancellation, refined ergonomics and a seven-hour battery life that can be extended to up to 28 hours by charging on the go using the supplied case.

The Active Noise Cancellation feature ensures high-fidelity sound even in noisy environments, while the Transparent Hearing feature lets you blend in outside ambient sound at a touch so you can have natural conversations in comfort without removing the earbuds.

The Momentum True Wireless 2’s 7mm dynamic drivers create outstanding stereo sound with deep bass, natural mids and clear, detailed treble. Thanks to the built-in equaliser and Smart Control App, the sound experience can be tailored to your preferences.

Refined for all-day wearing comfort, the earbuds are 2mm smaller than the previous model to improve ergonomics for the best possible fit. In addition to the classic black edition, they are available in white, with coordinating fabric finishes on the slim charging case. sennheiser.com

The Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation for highfidelity sound even in noisy environments

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LUGGAGE

BUILT

TO LAST Zero Halliburton’s 22 Continental Carry On combines durability with style

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uggage has found itself pretty redundant for the first half of the year, but now travel restrictions are being lifted, it might be time to treat yourself to a new case. If you’re looking for a long-term piece to accompany you on the road, aluminium cases are always a good bet. One of the best new models to hit the market in this resilient metal is Zero Halliburton’s 22 Continental Carry On, a distinctive piece featuring all the riches of the US brand’s International Carry-On case only with extra room – two more inches, to be precise.

The textured brushed aluminium exterior features a pattern that minimises the appearance of vertical scratches, while a coated leather top and side carry handles with luxe handstitched detailing add a stylish touch. Inside, the sumptuously lined interior encourages organised packing with zip in or out separator, wide-panel-tie down straps with air flow mesh to hold clothes in place, and full clip closure compression panel with extra mesh pocket to stow smaller items.

Other impressive innovations include the ergonomically designed three-stage telescoping handle, patented chassis for smooth handling and rubber-lined 360-degree ball-bearing wheels for added traction and shock absorption.

The case is available in black, bronze or silver. zerohalliburton.com

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STYLE

Face masks are given are stylish twist

by Hong Kong-based artist/designer Leanne Claxton (pictured left)

MASKED

CRUSADERS Make your mask a fashion statement with these stylish face coverings

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e know we will need to wear masks for the foreseeable future as we go about our daily lives. If you want to add a splash of colour to your face the next time you loop a mask over your ears, consider purchasing one from Hong Kong-based artist & fashion designer Leanne Claxton, whose cool face coverings showcase her signature floral artworks alongside vibrant mono shades including violet, orange and aqua.

Claxton, who is famed for her silk scarves and other accessories like umbrellas and cosmetic bags, has utilised scraps and samples of silk from her studio to create face masks to help us stay safe in style. She is keen to stress that they aren’t medical masks but feature an inner pocket in which you can insert a medical mask for extra protection.

The masks all feature a cotton lining and elastic adjustable straps and are available in two sizes: medium (17.5cm x 10cm) and small (15cm x 9cm). The artist/designer advises hand washing the masks with a light detergent so they can be reused again and again. leanneclaxton.com

“I must confess

that I like your book as it encourages more international co-operation in various forms!”

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has received considerable critical attention from the infrastructure, political and media worlds. Most reports and articles on the subject are confused at best, when they are not completely misinformed or contradictory. To date there has been little agreement on the number of BRI projects, amounts spent, dates, and geographical distribution. A global information warfare campaign of mis-information, dis-information, and intoxication is currently at play about the BRI, which direct result is to confuse the situation even more...

This book critically examines what China’s BRI is about, clarifies the confusion, and answers many questions.

It includes a first-time-ever-published list and statistical tables of all the BRI projects up to December 31st, 2018. This work also demonstrates how instrumental the BRI is to globalization, which in itself is conducive to humanity’s evolution.

It describes humanity’s five key choke points, and apprehends how China and the BRI are addressing them.

“It is an excellent, comprehensive and detailed treatment of the Belt and Road Initiative. This book is far more useful than almost anything written on the topic.” Parag Khanna, Author of Connectography, New York, USA “I trust this book would provide a good road map for policy makers and infrastructure developers in any developing countries amidst complex geo-political circumstances.” Dr. D. J. Pandian, Vice President and Chief

Investment Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Beijing, China

BEAUTY TRAVEL

HELPING HAND Keep hands soft and smooth from all that washing with a hard-working cream Glossier Hand Cream Described as being somewhere between a lotion and a crème, Glossier’s simply named hand cream contains antioxidant-rich extracts of rosemary leaf, echinacea, sunflower and rice bran to soothe and soften skin, while meadowfoam seed oil and fermented coconut fruit extract help lock in moisture. Another key ingredient, glycofilm pollustop, helps form a film against skin-stressors.

It’s lightly scented with Glossier You, which is typified by its fresh, clean notes. The rounded corners and easy-to-squeeze body is finished off with an attached, flip-top lid for easy, one-handed application. glossier.com

Coconut Matter No More Blues Hand Balm A blend of jojoba oil and wild virgin coconut oil, this heavy-duty salve from Hong Kong beauty brand Coconut Matter helps repair dry, irritated or cracked skin, while the lavender and mandarin fragrance is wonderfully soothing. Rich in Vitamin B and E, it can help ease the effects of eczema and rosacea.

Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans, the balm can be used on lips, feet, knees and elbows in addition to hands. coconutmatter.com

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Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm Readily absorbed into hands upon application, Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique hand balm contains a concentrated blend of botanicals and skin-softening emollient ingredients to deliver impressive hydration to hands and cuticles.

The balm’s non-greasy after-feel makes it ideal for frequent use, particularly for hands or feet that are dry and distressed. Apply to clean hands as often as desired, paying close attention to cuticles.

For best results, use in conjunction with Aesop’s cleansing counterpart, Resurrection Aromatique hand wash. aesop.com

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Offering all-day care for severely dry, active hands, this heavy-duty cream is ideal for those who work with their hands, such as physicians, chefs and couturiers thanks to its thick, rich formula. It contains a blend of botanical oils (avocado, eucalyptus and sesame seed) as well as natural wax derived from olive oil to further soothe, moisturise and condition skin. This blend of select ingredients enables skin to absorb water from the air and form a protective barrier against moisture loss without being greasy. kiehls.com

TEE OFF

READ THE GREEN The traditional paper yardage book just got an upgrade with Golflogix’ Green Books

Golflogix’ Green Books helps players read the green better and improve their game

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rofessionals and amateurs alike have long relied on printed yardage books to guide their decision-making before they take a shot. However, the cost of mapping the contours of each green down to centimetre accuracy has prevented all but the top courses from gathering this data independently.

Enter Green Books, a green-reading guide designed to help the everyday golfer to play smarter, which was created by Golflogix, the company behind the most downloaded app in golf history. Combining detailed 3-D imagery, including yardages, with the green-contour data that the majority of professional golfers use in competition, these durable and waterresistant Green Books are available for more than 14,000 courses in the US.

The topographical guides include three views of every hole. Quick-view heat maps outline the green's undulations and provide large, easy-to-see arrows which help golfers identify the areas to avoid when planning approach, pitch, and chip shots. A second, close-up perspective of the green highlights the subtle changes in elevation and direction often undetectable to the naked eye. This printed guide also features yardage book-quality colour images of every hole with 50-yard grids to help plan tee shots and avoid major hazards.

You can also download info on more than 35,000 courses globally via its app, including Hong Kong Golf Club, Discovery Bay Golf course and Shek O Golf & Country Club. golflogix.com

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AUTO The V12 Speedster utilises elements from the DBS Superleggera and Vantage to create its own unique platform

BUILT FOR SPEED

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Aston Martin’s V12 Speedster will delight two-seater fans looking to go full throttle

reated by its bespoke customisation service Q by Aston Martin, the V12 Speedster draws inspiration from the brand’s rich racing history and aeronautical design. Limited to just 88 examples, this two-seater sports car is aimed at the brand’s most demanding and enthusiastic customers, says Aston Martin Lagonda president and group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer.

The V12 Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform. Featuring multilink rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, it also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre

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lock alloy wheels and carbon ceramic brakes.

Powering the V12 Speedster is Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre twin turbo V12 engine, with a peak output of 700hp1 and 753Nm1 of torque. Front midmounted, the all alloy, quad cam 48-valve engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential driving the rear wheels. It can accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h).

Orders are now being taken for the V12 Speedster, with pricing starting at £765,000 (HK$7.28 million) including VAT and deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021. astonmartin.com

CULTURE

GET INTO

THE GROOVE Tennessee’s National Museum of African American Music will riff on the pivotal role African Americans play in the country’s music scene

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n a Summer where Black Lives Matter protests have gathered momentum globally, it seems fitting that the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will open in downtown Nashville this September. Historically, Tennessee was the centre of the Great Migration, when approximately six million African Americans left the South with their musical traditions in tow to relocate to large cities of the Northeast, Mid-West and Western states.

With a giant black & white portrait of guitar god Jimi Hendrix standing tall over the facility’s entrance – he was part of the Nashville music scene in the early stages of his career – the facility will encourage visitors to discover the central role African Americans have played in creating and shaping all genres of American music.

Familiarise yourself with the Black community’s contribution to American music at NMAAM

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From classical and country to jazz and hip hop, NMAAM will integrate memorabilia and interactive technology to share the untold stories of more than 50 musical genres and sub-genres.

Galleries include Crossroads – How Blues Changed the Music World and One Nation Under a Groove, which documents the history and influence of R&B, a genre that continues to fuel the development of American music, and the birth of the civil rights movement. nmaam.org