Asia Dreams / March-April 2015

ISSN 2089-872X

WIN A 2 NIGHT STAY AT BALI’S BEST NEW HONEYMOON DESTINATION

Join #LondonCalling Program and Get a Chance to Win a MINI Countryman #LondonCalling is calling you to win lots of prizes*. Buy your Garuda Indonesia ticket to London or Amsterdam at www.garuda-indonesia.com or Garuda Indonesia ticketing offices with your MasterCard, get the chance to win a MINI Countryman, 2 flights to London, 4 flights to Singapore, 6 flights to Bali and official GA-LFC training kit jerseys.

For more info visit www.garuda-indonesia.com/londoncalling *Booking & travel period January 29- June 30, 2015 Terms & conditions apply

Supported by:

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Love is in the air...

M

arriage is arguably the oldest institution in the world. It is a beautiful union of two souls so in tune with each other they vow to live as one until the end of time. Sadly, some believe that this magical love affair exists largely in fantasy. Throughout history and on to today’s world, we’ve seen marriages often as a formality, or sadder yet, a tool used to strengthen alliances, gain favourable influence, a show of status, or whatnot.

Fortunately, there are still some people, including myself, who still believe in the true ideals of marriage. The many romanticized notions within weddings— exchanging vows, expressions of commitment and affection, the ceremonial blessings, the first few minutes of pure rejoicing after sealing a lifetime contract—may be different across cultures and geographies and, while some may find them cheesy at best, the essence of all this captivates me, heartwarmingly overcoming my soft insides. And I think we can all agree that an ounce of good feeling goes a long way in life.

Lenny Marlina Tanu PUBLISHER

And so, in celebrating this God-given arrangement, this issue of Asia Dreams is dedicated to help you, in some ways, to create the perfect wedding and honeymoon. Even if you’re not looking to tie the knot any time soon, or have already been there, we hope the essence of what we’re sharing can help uplift your spirit with sincere joy.

At the heart of our content, we talk about city weddings and tropical weddings and how both, regardless of your preference, offer distinctively beautiful merits to be celebrated. In the following Honeymoons section, we’ll take you on a journey to Bali, Hong Kong and the Maldives and show you why they make excellent honeymoon destinations. In fact, regardless of the occasion, these alluringly stunning places deserve you and your loved one’s attention.

Our lifestyle sections, as usual, cover a lot of different things to check out during your downtime. Some of these include the latest movies to check out in a cinema near you, as well as cutting edge gadgets and a review of the innovative Acqua Perla Spa within Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak.

This time around we’re inspired by Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s General Manager Ana Henriques and The Plantation Grill’s Robert Marchetti, two enigmatic individuals who were kind enough to sit down with us and share insight on their unique roles in the hospitality sector today.

If you’re expecting me to recite a poem, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you for fear of turning this page into a whole article with rhyming sentences. Instead, allow me to start you off with a quote from one of my favourite authors: “Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

I ASIADREAMS

MARCH - APRIL 2015 PUBLISHER Lenny Marlina Tanu lenny@exquisite-publishing.com TECHNICAL ADVISOR Kevin Coyle k.coyle@exquisite-publishing.com EDITORIAL TEAM / CONTRIBUTORS Refa Koetin Heidy Zainuddin Meliana Salim Amanda Luxford Christian Galbraith Stacy James GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Yohanes Sutomo Helmi Nursyah Aulia Karya Nugraha BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Adhika Wicaksana Dely Waty SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Putri Desianti CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER Evy Mariana Tanu ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS Sugianto Susanto PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTORS Daniel Tam Jonathan Wicaksana CIRCULATION Fairuz Zahrah Yuan Ferry Kusnadi Melky BALI (Head Office): Ruko Sunset Indah I Jalan Sunset Road No. 89 Kav.7 Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361 - Indonesia Tel: (+62 361) 215 6622, 759 184, 765 399 Fax: (+62 361) 759 180 JAKARTA: Citylofts Sudirman, Floor 20 Unit 2020 Jalan K.H. Mas Mansyur Kav. 121 Jakarta Pusat - Indonesia 1220 Tel: (+62 21) 2995 9805, 2555 8436, 2555 8463 Fax: (+62 21) 2995 9806

II ASIADREAMS

Photography by: Daniel Tam

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES BALI: (+62 361) 759 180, 765 399, 215 6622 JAKARTA: (+62 21) 2995 9805, 2555 8436, 2555 8463

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES sales@exquisite-publishing.com EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES info@exquisite-publishing.com DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES circulation@exquisite-publishing.com SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@exquisite-publishing.com www.exquisite-publishing.com www.asiadreams.com www.beautiful-bali.com www.exquisite-taste-magazine.com

www.facebook.com/Exquisite.Publishing @Xquisite_Media

ASIA DREAMS Magazine is published under license for EXQUISITE PUBLISHING. Opinions and information expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. EXQUISITE PUBLISHING takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the statements from our advertisers in any section of the magazine. The publishers and the printers accept no responsibility for the contents herein. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. EXQUISITE PUBLISHING reserves the right to modify or develop additional or revised statements to our disclaimer at any time as deemed necessary to better serve our demographic.

24 wedding with a view

CONTENTS MARCH - APRIL 2015

Easter in Bali

32

47

Kenzo “Homme Night”

III ASIADREAMS

20/

ASIA NEWS

38/

FAST LANE

42 /

MOVIES

46 /

SCENTS

48 /

FASHION

58 /

THE ROMANCE EDITION

66 /

City Weddings

74 /

TROPICAL Weddings

Get the latest update on the finer things in life around the region. Highlights include the opening of Villa Karang Putih and wine-tasting with Etienne Hugel at Cut Catch Cucina.

The Mercedes AMG C63 redefines the AMG line with innovation. Find out what sets it apart from the rest.

Four of the most anticipated movies coming out in March-April: Cinderella, Anarchy, Furious 7, and Insurgent.

Complete your wardrobe with these new and popular fragrances, including Cartier’s La Panthere and Kenzo’s Homme Night.

Check out the latest trends in fashion and our fashion spread on the glamorously chic collection of Ted Baker.

A celebration of love, this cover themed section will help you decide where to host your special day as well as the best locations to start your new life together on honeymoon.

Featuring some of the most prestigious wedding venues in Jakarta and Singapore, these city weddings leave lasting memories.

Here we bring you some of Bali’s best wedding venues in luxury hotels such as Ayana Resort & Spa and Semara Luxury Villa Resort.

HUJAN LOCALE. A HEDONISTIC HARVEST OF INSPIRED ASIAN FLAVORS

OPEN 12PM - 11PM JALAN SRI WEDARI 5, UBUD, BALI 0361 849 3092 www.hujanlocale.com

MALDIVES IN LOVE

93

CONTENTS MARCH - APRIL 2015

88 / Honeymoons

Recognizing the significance of honeymoons, we’re offering three great destinations: Bali, Hong Kong, and the Maldives.

106 /

Inspiration

114 /

Culinary Journey

118 /

GOURMET

128 /

SPA

132 /

DESTINATION

IV ASIADREAMS

Our inspirational figures this time around are Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Ubud’s General Manager Ana Henriques and The Plantation Grill’s Robert Marchetti.

123 COMFORT FOOD FROM THE HEART

Follow the successful street-food chef Will Meyrick around his latest culinary creation in Ubud: Hujan Locale.

Check out some of our favourite restaurants in the region this time around—Holy Crab, Butcher’s Club, and Bo & Bun.

Find out the invigorating delights of the new Acqua Perla Spa within Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak.

Find out what we think about two of the finest luxury hotels in the region: The Westin Kuala Lumpur, and Grand Hyatt Singapore.

133 A STYLISH STAY

SOCIETY

HYDRATION INNOVATION Presenting their ground-breaking novelty collection in a preBaselworld soiree, hydro-mechanical watchmaking brand HYT invited valued clients and Jakarta’s elite to an evening of sociable delight at Artoz wine bar from 7PM onwards. HYT CEO Vincent Perriard himself attended the presentation and enjoyed the rest of the evening as he rubbed shoulders with friends of the brand and affluent fine watch enthusiasts from the city and beyond. The guests enjoyed a fine selection of canapés and refreshing beverages as they took in the authenticity and innovativeness of HYT watches. This pleasant event was held on February 3rd, 2015.

HEAVEN-SENT T I M E PI E C E S On February 4th, 2015, Cartier boutique at Plaza Senayan was decorated with celestial objects masterfully transmuted into stunning timepieces. The presentation of the Ballon de Cartier Collection received a stellar reception from prestigious invitees attending the event. Refreshing cocktails and bite-sized treats accompanied the guests as they discover the collection that is a distillation of the Maison’s own watchmaking style.

20 ASIADREAMS

NEWS

HILTON SOUTH EAST ASIA F&B MASTERS GRAND FINALE At DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Jakarta - Diponegoro

Bar Cup

Barista Cup

Culinary Cup

Sommelier Cup

In a monumental feat of organisation, the inaugural Hilton South East Asia F&B Masters Grand Finale was held at the newly opened Jakarta DoubleTree by Hilton in early February, to coincide with the regional General Managers Meeting. The fantastic event was the culmination of weeks of intense local, regional and national competition encompassing all 26 Hilton Worldwide properties across Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

talent we have in the region, while also raising the bar of our F&B offerings. It is not merely a competition to find the best chef or barista in our portfolio. It’s more about acknowledging the talent within our team and helping them develop further. The contestants are getting practical and theoretical tutelage, while being put in real life situations with actual guests. It’s accelerated learning that is helping them hone their skills and creativity in their chosen craft.”

The goal of this ambitious and exciting project is to identify the brand’s rising talent and with four categories: culinary, barista, sommelier and bar, it offers the young competitors a stage to showcase their considerable flair and talent under the watchful eyes of the judges and the group’s movers and shakers.

The four winners were Imran Sabawi from Hilton Singapore in the Barista Cup, from the Conrad Maldives; Kamal Malik took the honours in the Sommelier Cup; Lersak Jamkadsin representing the Millenium Bangkok Hilton won the Bar Cup, whilst Pisuttha Nu-ked from the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok captured the coveted Culinary Cup.

The competition was down to just 20 finalists to battle it out over two days at the hotel to produce four winners who, apart from the trophy and status, took home some fantastic prizes. The winner of the Culinary Cup, for example, will enjoy a trip to Tokyo to include kitchen time in both the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Conrad Toyko and at the fabulous Tsunohazu, a multifaceted dining floor at the Hilton Tokyo.

The competition was extraordinarily tight with only a single point separating the winner and runner-up in two of the four categories.

The winners were announced at a Gala Dinner, where General Manager Markus Kaliss and his team displayed why the DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta - Diponegoro is rapidly becoming a venue of choice for events and corporate entertainment in the city.

William Costley, Vice President Operations – South East Asia, Hilton Worldwide sums up the motivation and expectations perfectly. “The Hilton SEA F&B Masters helps us develop and celebrate the amazing

22 ASIADREAMS

Well done to all involved and a special Exquisite Publishing cheer to the winners, whose careers we will follow with interest! www.jakarta.diponegoro.doubletree.com

NEWS

ARTS & CRAFTS IN CANDLES As the lights switch off and the dim candles are lit, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan, invites the hotel’s young guests from their rooms and the restaurant to gather in the lobby on Saturday, 28th March 2015 at 8.30PM. Starting with ‘The 60’ candle-lighting ceremony, the kids can then express their artistic creativity with an exclusive colouring set of the Ritz Kids’ Water, Land, Culture, Environmental Colouring Book by Jean-Michael Cousteau and be educated with an Earth Hour story-telling for 60 minutes in beautifully dim surroundings.

The aim of these edutainment initiatives is to educate the young generation on the importance to the Earth of saving light energy.

Along with the fun activity, the Ritz Kids participants will also enjoy live entertainment as they indulge in special Earth Hour cookies and beverages. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Jakarta/Default.htm.

A WOMAN’S WORTH Celebrating International Women’s Day, The Stones Hotel in Legian, Bali, has its own way to pamper the ladies. The whole month of March is dedicated to women. From 1st to 31st March, exclusively for ladies dining at the Stones Kitchen, the Big Fish Bar & Grill, or The Long Rice Table, one complementary dessert will be given for every purchase of a main course.

And on 8th March, The Stones’ training room will be revamped to become “The Stones Ladies Lounge” with complementary manicure and pedicure treatments and also a reflexology booth.

There will even be a quick make-up course available, which most ladies will doubtless put dibs on. The Ladies Lounge also opens on that day from 10AM to 8PM. This means the ladies can spend time getting their nails done during their break time, or before working or pampering themselves with reflexology after work. After their treatment, they can head to the refreshment corner for some tasty treats and cooling beverages. www.stoneshotelbali.com.

ENERGY OF THE BALI MOON Hotel Tugu Bali presents a new treatment in the Warong Djamoe Spa called the “Purnama and Tilem Massage”. Purnama is Balinese for “full moon” and tilem means “new moon”. These two days are very special according to Balinese belief. The treatment begins with a small blessing ceremony by the sea with blessed water from the Batu Bolong Temple. You are then led to the outdoor area of the Warong Djamoe Spa. The massage itself uses frangipani oil, begins with long, soft strokes that are inspired by the soft caress of moonlight and the crash of waves and gradually becomes stronger, before they are replaced with strong, rotating circles using wrists and knuckles, depicting the energy of the full moon. The massage ends with softening long strokes that are followed by a tranquil herb and frangipani bath and a closing ceremony using blessed water.

To enhance your Purnama and Tilem Massage, Hotel Tugu Bali offers the Rejuvenating Healthy Spa Menu. It is recommended to eat from this light menu before or after the Purnama and Tilem Massage, instead of taking a heavy meal. This 90-minute treatment is available for IDR810,000++ per person (for treatment only) and IDR1.17 million++ per person (including light dinner menu). www.tuguhotels.com/hotels/bali/

24 ASIADREAMS

A PERFECT ESCAPE An ideal choice for those looking for luxurious facilities, peace and tranquility in a beautiful surroundings with personalized service and excellent food MAYARESORTS.COM

NEWS

wedding with a view

Imagine waking up to the gentle lull of the Indian Ocean, stepping out into the warm Bali sun, taking in 180 degrees of uninterrupted sea view with the friendly seaweed farmers waving “Selamat pagi!” to you from down below on Pandawa Beach…

Welcome to Villa Karang Putih—your very own lavish getaway from the rest of the world.

Villa Karang Putih is as secluded as it gets, its property sprawling across 13,500 sq.m. atop dramatic cliff-top land in Ungasan, overlooking the white sand beach of Pandawa on the southern coast of Bali.

Bought last August by PT. SidoMuncul TBK

(a renowned herbal industry company in Indonesia) and refurbished in November 2014, the new owners have a strong vision to promote Villa Karang Putih as the island’s leading wedding venue with a capacity for more than 1,000 guests.

Villa Karang Putih boasts a total of 11 stunning bedrooms housed in three separate luxury villas: the Karang Nusa, the Karang Dua and the Karang Putih, each designed with a sophisticated interior and equipped with a full kitchen, a private swimming pool, plush bedding, bath amenities and a dedicated butler. On-site facilities and services include a helipad, a tennis court, mini-golf, mountain

bikes and yoga mat rentals, free daily usage of a seven-seat luxury car (for eight hours), a complementary barbecue party for 22 and 24-hour security.

The Karang Nusa—the first villa as you enter the complex—features three beautiful bedrooms, one main swimming pool, two plunge pools, an in-house spa room and a manicured tropical garden perfect for an intimate party of 120.

The Karang Dua features two spacious bedrooms, an ocean-view pool with a natural wooden deck and a garden that can accommodate up to 200 standing guests.

The villa oozes a beach house vibe that is reflected in its crisp furnishings and stylish interiors.

The Karang Putih is the masterpiece villa with an unparalleled panoramic ocean view visible from its living room, dining room and six ultra-chic bedrooms, as well as an indulgent 21m pool and a meticulously landscaped garden fit to host up to 500 standing guests.

Villa Karang Putih is well on its way to set a new definition for luxury private villas and spectacular wedding venues in Bali. Now that you’ve decided on the venue, we wait with bated breath for our wedding invitations! www.villakarangputih.com

26 ASIADREAMS

NEWS

On 2nd February at a special wine dinner at Cut Catch Cucina, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort’s signature restaurant, we had the pleasure of meeting Etienne Hugel, a 12thgeneration torchbearer of the family-owned Hugel & Fils, a pioneering winemaker in the small French region of Alsace.

Established in 1639, Hugel rose to fame during the 18th and 19th centuries for their winegrowing skills and for the uncompromising way in which they cultivated their vineyards. Bringing with him the cherished, distinctive yellow bottles of 1639 Gewürztraminer and Riesling, the jovial

Etienne shared his family’s winegrowing passion over a tasting session on the Cut Catch Cucina terrace.

At a delectable dinner prepared by Chef de Cuisine Maxie Millian following the wine tasting, two of the dishes on our degustation menu were paired with Hugel’s fine wines.

The 2009 Gewürztraminer is strong, spicy and fruity, a perfect accompaniment to the decadent entrée: pan-seared foie gras sprinkled with spiced brioche and raisin crumble, foie gras dust and caramel walnuts, finished with dollops of apple purée and star anise orange jus.

The next dish, a succulent butter-poached lobster tail with squid ink tagliolini, red pepper marmalade and bisque emulsion topped with a seaweed crisp, was balanced with the elegant Hugel 2012 Riesling, a dry wine with great finesse, often paired with Alsace’s seafood specialties.

The golden rule of the Hugel family is that “the wine is already in the grape.” Alsace, being the driest wine region in France, has a climate that allows grapes to ripen slowly to full maturity, resulting in aromatic wines with an unparalleled intensity. In Hugel’s unique production process, all grapes are handpicked and, instead of pumping, the presses are filled by gravity. After slow crushing, only the first part of the juice is preserved to merit the famous yellow label.

At Hugel, the art of winemaking has been passed down through generations of wine growers and wine merchants, from father to son, since 1639. The Hugel family is on a mission to resurrect Alsatian wines and regain the reputation and prestige they enjoyed when the family business was founded. www.hugel.com www.sofitel.com

28 ASIADREAMS

NEWS

BOUTIQUE BALI VINEYARD CELEBRATES FIRST RELEASE

30 ASIADREAMS

Bali is not exactly the place you would imagine stumbling upon a verdant boutique vineyard, yet thanks to a clever partnership between Balinese and Italian partners, Cantine Balita launches its first commercial rosé in March. On 10th February, a select group of the island’s hospitality insiders were treated to a five-course degustation and wine-pairing dinner, offering a sneak preview of Cantine Balita’s rosé and red wine selections at the elegant Bella Cucina, InterContinental Jimbaran’s signature Italian restaurant.

plans to align the distinctive brand with premier restaurants and hotels across the island. Based in the lush hills of Seririt in north Bali, featuring sweeping views of the ocean, consulting specialists from Italy began experimenting on the land in 2009.

Recognized as Bali’s first vineyard to cultivate top-quality Italian grapes, incorporating the best of Italy’s wine traditions and expertise, Cantine Balita

Approximately five test batches of rosé and three test batches of red have been produced to date in accordance with strict Italian winemaking standards. www.cantinebalita.com

Due to its stunning location and unique operation, the vineyard is currently devising a plan to expand its facilities to accommodate a wide variety of agri-tourism activities as well as open a multi-faceted showroom in Kerobokan to facilitate wine tasting events.

CALENDAR

NYEPI Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence that is celebrated every Saka New Year according to the Balinese calendar, which falls on March 21st in 2015. On this sacred day, Balinese Hindus practise absolute silence, fasting and meditation. Observe Nyepi and contemplate in style with unique offers from Bali’s best getaway destinations.

COMO Shambhala Estate

The Royal Santrian

Embrace the new beginning of the Balinese New Year and Easter with a stay at the COMO Shambhala Estate and experience COMO’s Cleanse or Rejuvenation programme. Seek wellness from the inside through cleansing and detoxing, or rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit with beauty and spa treatments. Enjoy a 20% reduction from the published rate for Indonesian residents and KITAS holders.

For more information and to make reservations, please email res.CSestate@ comohotels.com

Celebrate Nyepi Day with a luxurious two-night stay in a deluxe pool villa and enjoy serenity by the sea at The Royal Santrian between 15th and 25th March.

This Silent Escape Package, priced at IDR8.35 million++ for two nights, is valid for Indonesians and KITAS holders.

Special privileges include return airport transfers, daily breakfasts, afternoon tea, a complementary set lunch and dinner and a replenishing one-hour spa treatment for total body, mind and spirit indulgence.

To reserve, please email reservation@ theroyalsantrian.com.

32 ASIADREAMS

Semara Luxury Villa Resort Spend the Day of Silence in your own private slice of paradise at the Semara Luxury Villa Resort. A five-bedroom villa starts at USD1,543++ per night for 10 persons and a suite starts at USD357++ per night for two, valid for a minimum of two nights from 20th to 22nd March.

This offer includes daily breakfasts (suites only), a personal chef and butler for eight hours per day (villas only), VIP entrance to Finn’s Beach Club, a complementary 20-minute Body Temple Spa voucher per person and access to the resort’s facilities. Book now at reservations@ semararesorts.com.

Alila Villas Soori

The Chedi Sakala,Bali

Conrad Bali

Refuel, appreciate and reconnect in serenity at the Alila Villas Soori. Choose from the Mountain Pool Villa (USD477++), the Beach Pool Villa (USD537++), or the Ocean Pool Villa (USD607++). Rates are applicable nightly for two persons between 1st and 31st March for a minimum stay of three consecutive nights and include daily à la carte breakfasts and one dinner for two, return airport transfers and access to resort facilities. For more information, please email soori@ alilahotels.com.

Great news for Indonesians and KITAS holders! From 20th to 22nd March, The Chedi Sakala presents its 3 Days/2 Nights Nyepi Package at IDR2.75 million net, which includes two nights in The Chedi Suite, daily international buffet breakfasts and one buffet dinner for two, access to the health club and 25% off the Ancient Balinese Massage treatments. For more information and reservations, please email reservation@chedisakala.com.

Connect with Bali and reconnect with yourself with Conrad Bali’s Nyepi in Batik Package. Stay from 19th to 22nd March and enjoy a selection of tailor-made cultural activities. The package, starting at USD265++ per room per night, features a two-day Batik Workshop for one by the Guru from the Iwan Tirta Private Collection, a piece of batik made by yourself, daily breakfasts for two, return airport transfers, free meals for children under 12 and access to the Kura-Kura Kids Club. For bookings and inquiries, please send an email to reservations@conradbali.com.

Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa and Maya Sanur Resort & Spa

Peppers Sentosa Seminyak

Check into the Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak and enjoy the Silent Hideaway Nyepi Package valid for domestic guests and KITAS holders. The resort’s Deluxe Room is available at a special nightly rate of IDR1.3 million++ (for a minimum of two nights), which includes daily breakfasts for two, free access to the Kids Club and a 10% discount on food at the Pool Bar and the Seminyak Kitchen. Upgrade to the Deluxe Pool View Room for only IDR100,000++ per night. To reserve your room, please email reservations.seminyak@courtyard.com.

Celebrate the serenity of Nyepi by staying at the Maya Ubud or the Maya Sanur.

At IDR1.75 million net per room per night, Maya’s Nyepi Package includes accommodation for two in a Superior Room at Maya Ubud or in a Deluxe Garden View Room at Maya Sanur, daily buffet breakfasts, one-time lunch for two on Nyepi Day and free late check-out until 3PM on departure day. This offer is valid for Indonesian residents only and for stay between 20th and 22nd March. For reservations, please email reservations@ mayaubud.com or reservations@ mayasanur.com.

Indulge in the luxurious comforts of a private villa at Peppers Sentosa Seminyak with its enticing Nyepi Package. When you book a minimum of two nights at Peppers between 18th and 23rd March, take advantage of its reduced nightly rates, which include daily breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner and a relaxing 60-minute massage for two. Choose from five villa categories designed to provide you with the ultimate silent getaway. Please visit www.pepperssentosaseminyak.com for more information.

The St. Regis Bali Resort Celebrate this peaceful moment in the privacy of The St. Regis Bali Resort and delight in culinary indulgence during your two-night stay. The St. Regis Suite starts at USD360++ and Gardenia Villa starts at USD900++ per night, valid only for local residents and KITAS holders from 20th to 22nd March. This Silent Day Package includes a buffet breakfast on 21st March and a Sunday brunch on 22nd March for two at Boneka, a 24-hour on-call butler service and return airport transfers. Please visit www.stregisbali.com for more information.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Stay stylishly silent at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort with its Silent Day Package Special priced at IDR3,025,000 net per room per night, including daily breakfast for two, one buffet lunch and a buffet dinner on 21st March at Kwee Zeen for two and a generous 50% savings on a PURE facial at the So SPA. For reservations and more information, please email H9078@sofitel.com.

The Ubud Village Resort & Spa The Ubud Village Resort & Spa is where tranquility meets tradition.

At IDR4.96 million net, the resort’s 3 Days/2 Nights Nyepi Package includes a two-night stay at the Private Garden Pool Villa, daily à la carte breakfasts, daily high tea, one set menu lunch and one set menu dinner for two on 21st March, a 10% discount on spa treatments and food at the Angkul-Angkul Restaurant and a late check out until 2PM. This package is valid for Indonesians and KITAS holders staying from 20th to 22nd March. For reservations and more information, please email reservation@theubudvillage.com.

tanadewa luxury villas & spa Welcome to tanadewa, a paradise within paradise, perfect for pampering and restoring your mind, body and soul with its special 3 Days/2 Nights Nyepi Package priced at USD599 net for two.

Stay from 20th to 22nd March and enjoy daily breakfasts, two set lunches, two set dinners, daily snacks for two, a first-served mini-bar (two soft drinks and two beers), a 10% discount on room service and 25% off Spa treatments. Please visit www.tanadewa.com for more information.

Uma by COMO, Ubud Uma by COMO, Ubud has designed a lively two-day schedule to make the most of this unique tradition, starting on the eve of Nyepi on 20th March with a barbeque of street food fares including suckling pig and Balinese cocktails at the Pool Bar, followed by a day of Balinese cuisine and cookery classes on 21st March with chefs from the Kemiri Restaurant. Guests will also be treated to a traditional ogoh-ogoh parade of papier-mâché effigies. For bookings and more information, please email dining.uma.ubud@ comohotels.com or call (+62) 361 972 448.

ASIADREAMS 33

CALENDAR The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali From Good Friday, 3rd April 2015 to Easter Sunday, 5th April 2015, registered resort guests under 8 years old get to hunt for hidden eggs and join the Great Egg Race to win prizes.

Beachfront gourmet picnic baskets, including chocolate Easter bunnies and eggs, are available from the Mulia Deli.

Don’t miss the spectacular Easter brunch with free-flow wine at Soleil (featuring all-you-can-eat Alaskan king crab, lobster, a Mediterranean and Pan-Asian buffet, a live grill and many other Soleil selections). For more information, please contact reservation@themulia.com or call (+62) 361 301 7777.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Easter in Bali.

Have your chocolate Easter egg and eat it too with our picks for Easter festivities!

Double-Six Rooftop After a massively successful New Year’s Day party on the Double-Six Rooftop, one of the world’s largest rooftops has now secured the acts for its next big party on Easter Sunday, 5th April. Take in the sunset, enjoy the tiki-inspired cocktails and dance in style atop the hotel with sweeping views of Double-Six Beach. The sexy rooftop playground is hosting a huge party featuring a line-up of worldclass DJs: Roger Sanchez, Riva Starr, D Ramirez and Carl Kennedy. Come out and play! For more information, please visit www.doublesixrooftop.com.

tanadewa luxury villas & spa Experience the magic of Bali by staying at the tanadewa luxury villas & spa this Easter. Between 1st and 30th April, get an additional 10% discount on tanadewa’s Best Available Rates. When you book a minimum of four nights, enjoy a complementary Easter dinner for two. Take part in the egg painting competition and stand a chance to win spa or food and beverage vouchers.

Visit www.tanadewa.com for more information.

W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak Indulge in Eggstravaganza Sunday Brunches at W Retreat & Spa Bali’s FIRE and Starfish Bloo on Easter Sunday, 5th April. Bring your kids along for a movie and an egg hunt at the ICE Garden. The brunch spreads boast traditional Easter roasts with all the trimmings, extensive premium shellfish bars and a backyard barbeque of prime US and Australian beef, lamb chops and other picnic favourites. Starfish Bloo’s brunch menu goes a posh step farther with a live-seafood-on-ice grilling station, a South American ceviche bar, Osetra caviar and champagne.

Price starts at IDR750,000++ per person, with a 50% discount for kids 3-12 years old and free for the under 3 year olds. For reservations, please email b&f.wbali@whotels.com or call (+62) 361 473 8106.

34 ASIADREAMS

Uma by COMO, Ubud This Easter weekend, Uma by COMO, Ubud will host three exciting events: a special Easter barbeque at the Pool Bar on Good Friday, featuring a three-course tasting menu at IDR350,000++ per person, or à la carte dishes from IDR65,000++ and Easter cocktails starting at IDR75,000++, live music at Uma Cucina on the Saturday night and a morning Easter egg hunt at Kemiri and an Italian Easter brunch at Uma Cucina with free-flowing drinks on offer on Easter Sunday.

For bookings and more information please contact dining.uma.ubud@comohotels. com or call (+62) 361 972 448.

Easter

CELEBRATIONS IN JAKARTA Hotel Borobudur Jakarta The Bogor Café in the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta has prepared a lavish Easter Brunch buffet for you and the whole family, offering scrumptious delicacies such as exquisite pates and terrines, prime roast rib, Peking duck, spit-roasted fresh Norwegian salmon and homemade pastries. There’s a special dessert buffet for the children, an array of sweets and also kid’s activities like cupcake decorating, egg painting and colouring Easter bunny pictures and many more. This special Easter buffet brunch can be enjoyed on 5th April 2015. It's available for IDR378,000++ per person for adults (including coffee or tea) and IDR228,000++ per person for children. For further information please contact (+62) 21 380 5555, ext. 73400.

Hotel Gran Mahakam The Hotel Gran Mahakam invites you to celebrate Easter with family and friends on 5th April 2015. Easter Sunday brunch can be enjoyed on Le Gran Café (IDR398,000++ per person for adults and IDR198,000++ per person for kids) and at the AOKI Japanese Cuisine (IDR299,000++ per person for adults and IDR198,000++ per person for kids).

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the Hotel Gran Mahakam offers lots of fun with a performing magician, prizes, egg hunts, hand art painting and many more activities.

Easter time at the Hotel Gran Mahakam will surely give you joy and happiness together with family and your loved ones. Please call (+62) 21 720 9966 for reservations.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan Spend the Easter long-weekend holiday in The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan in a spaciously luxurious room. Easter long-weekend holiday prices start from USD195++ per night and include a breakfast buffet at the Asia Restaurant for two persons. The Asia Restaurant presents the lavishness of our traditional Easter Brunch. Embracing a truly joyful royal Easter with ‘Easter Fun!’, the kids will experience exciting activities from the adventurous egg-tastic hunt to a creative arts and crafts session. Glistening with the tasteful glow of this bunny affair, the celebration starts on Friday, 3rd April. For more information and Easter reservations, please call (+62) 21 2551 8888.

Le Meridien Jakarta Celebrate Easter or simply make the most of the weekend with family or friends gathering for a laid-back, long-lasting delicious lunch at La Brasserie Restaurant for Easter brunch on Sunday, 5th April 2015 from 11.30AM to 3PM. Enjoy Le Meridien Jakarta's lavish traditional Easter from around the world where the family can choose from our extensive selection of sumptuous buffet brunches. Available at IDR295,000++ per person, including free-flowing juice, ice tea, soft drinks and coffee or tea and 50% off for children 4-12 years old. While parents enjoy their meals, children are welcome to participate in a wide range of fun-filled activities, such as egg hunting, egg painting and creating their own éclairs and other games. For further information and reservations, please call (+62) 21 2513131.

ASIADREAMS 35

ADVERTORIAL

HSBC OUTLOOK 2015 ADDRESSED MANY QUESTIONS AND ANALYSED MARKET-CHANGING FACTORS TO ASCERTAIN WHAT LIES IN STORE FOR INDONESIA’S INVESTMENT GRADE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

A

fter powering through a number of domestic events in 2014, both negative and positive, investors are anxiously looking at Indonesia’s investment market with great expectations. The inauguration of the new president in the second half of 2014 was met with great response, but both foreign and domestic investors are currently on the edge of their seats as they await the sovereign structural reform policy and what impact it may have on the country’s general investment scene.

To navigate ahead, an informative seminar was held by HSBC Indonesia, entitled “HSBC Outlook 2015: Ascending Indonesia through Structural Reforms”. Reflecting the value of the bank’s philosophy to focus on the most important economy in the world, namely its customers’ own, the seminar was primarily a tribute offered by HSBC Indonesia to their most valued Premier customers.

The event was held at the fabulous ballroom of the newly opened Fairmont Hotel Jakarta on 4th February, 2015, and saw three respectable authorities on the panels: Eddy Handali, CFA Director

36 ASIADREAMS

of PT Fitch Ratings Indonesia; PT Ashmore Asset Management Indonesia’s Director Arief Wana, and Bank Indonesia’s Director of Economic and Financial Policy, Doddy Zulverdi.

HSBC’s own experts included Senior Vice President and Head of Wealth Management Steven Suryana, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Diza Larantie, Head of Marketing Maria Sukrisman and panel moderator Limiati Purnomo.

The seminar established early on that, according to various concrete financial reviews, as well as credible sources, the recent happenings in the financial industry over the last year had had a relatively positive impact on Indonesia’s economic growth.

Eddy Handali of Fitch Ratings remarked that the agency was hopeful when looking at Indonesia’s economic growth in 2015,

which showed an overall continuation of gradual improvement streaks in credit profiles and credit fundamentals that had started with the post-political reformation era of 1999 to 2004. Up to the present day, Eddy emphasized that some of the key concerns that foreign investors in particular were anticipating were “investment access, Indonesia’s tax earnings, eradication of corruption, and infrastructure management, all highly vital in driving down logistical expenses.”

Arief emphasized that Indonesia’s ability to retain its Investment Grade status showed that the international financial community placed faith in the country’s positive political and economic developments, which led to “both foreign and domestic improvement of liquidity”. Arief also stated that the regulator’s (the central bank) trend of lowering interest rates allowed more room for the private sector to leverage capital, which could, in turn, lead to more economic improvement.

While affirming that the domestic economy was expected to improve in 2015, Doddy also spoke of several factors to watch out for that could impede the economy, one being low global support manifested domestically through a number of factors, including the deceleration of China’s economy, which is Indonesia’s primary economic partner. Another factor preventing international support is Indonesia’s low capability to supply manufactured goods, such as electronics, textiles and automotive components, which are in high demand, particularly by the United States, which is the sole engine sustaining global economic growth at this juncture.

ASIADREAMS 37

Shifting again to highlight the silver lining, Doddy was confident that the central bank would be able to control inflation at a low level thanks to the declining global prices of oil and other commodities. Investors needed to remember that Bank Indonesia’s mandate was to contain inflation and maintain the stability of the Rupiah exchange rate, against the USD in particular.

The central bank’s representative pointed out Bank Indonesia’s resolve to stabilize Rupiah exchange rate volatility to prevent a drop in export values. In turn, the government’s structural policies are expected to encourage exports from manufacturing instead of mined goods, so that Indonesia’s exports have added value.

Upon the disclosure of this information, the question remained: How should investors proceed with their investment strategy in 2015?

Arief conveyed that Ashmore was taking a very optimistic stance on financial market growth, especially in the second semester of 2015, as they considered the current state of government restructuring and reformation as a very rare situation. “Investors would do well to seize this moment to enter the market, as potential growth may not be as significant at this point in the second semester.”

The panel then shared two profound strategies essential for retail investors in the capital market, namely performing an assessment by calculating time horizons against risk appetite, then deciding

38 ASIADREAMS

on investment in equity, Government bonds, or a combination of both. When investing in equity, investors need to be aware of the differentiation between blue chip (big capitalization) and smallmedium capitalization stocks. Small-mid cap stocks, commonly known as second liners, are more volatile than blue chips and usually take a longer time to realize full potential. Thus, investors considering small-mid cap stocks are advised to ensure a longer time horizon and the ability to bear volatility.

In terms of risk, blue chips have relatively lower risk compared to second liner stocks. Given decent fundamentals in company performance, small cap stocks might just have a few surprises in store, and it should be noted that there are still a number of underappreciated and under-valued opportunities within second liner stocks that remained “undiscovered”.

The panels likened Indonesia’s current state of economic progress to “an unpolished diamond” that has yet to show its finest qualities.

The capital market is decently attractive and is heading towards progressively better levels.

The Q&A session of the evening sparked a lively discussion in which differing opinions went head-to-head and produced ideas and conclusions surpassing those previously thought of by both the inquirer in the audience and the experts on the panel. All of HSBC’s Premier customers at the seminar were more than satisfied with

the knowledge they gathered in the evening and most were anxious to delve even deeper to translate potentials in the capital market to their investment portfolios in 2015.

In conclusion, host Diza Larantie conveyed that HSBC, as a trustworthy financial partner, would strive to offer necessary guidance and informative advice to suit the needs of their investing clients. Despite the overall economic situation, HSBC’s global network of experts aims to constantly assist their Premier Customers to remain on track with managing their personal economy, wealth and beyond.

ASIADREAMS 39

FAST LANE

HIGH PERFORMING ATHLETE Thanks to the way it handles and the quality of the interior, the Mercedes AMG C63 is one highly desirable car with very distinct edges.

40 ASIADREAMS

T

he recent deprivation of its “Benz” designation won’t likely stop the new AMG’s C-class derivative in shaping up to be one of the most fascinating beasts ever to roar out of Affalterbach. Mercedes enthusiasts can still recall how AMG announced the departure of the now-legendary naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V-8: its final sanctuary is the outgoing C63 AMG coupe, which remains on sale for the 2015 model year. Thus, the new C63 sedan adopts the M177 twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8— essentially the same engine as the M178 is found in the AMG GT—in two strengths.

The basic C63 is rated for an awesome 469 horsepower, while an uprated S model variant drops 503 onto its sled, with official sources saying that the take rate on the AMG cars’ optional horsepower-raising packages was so high that it decided to basically turn those into their own trims.

The maximum torque of the model is rated at 479 or 516 lb-ft and is served up on a plateau that stretches from 1750 to 4500 rpm. As for the S, the M177 rides on dynamic engine mounts like those of the AMG GT, which adjust their stiffness according to driving style to either isolate engine noise and vibration (softer), or minimize engine movement (firmer).

ASIADREAMS 41

The sprint from zero to 60 mph is said to take four seconds in the C63 and 3.9 in the C63 S. Top speed, as ever, is governed at an easily attainable 155 mph. These figures are especially remarkable considering the new car’s much more reasonable drinking habits, as Mercedes claims the car is 32% more efficient than its predecessor. If that number carries over to EPA testing, the new car’s combined mpg figure would be nearly 20 mpg.

Power is shuttled through the AMG's Speedshift seven-speed automatic, essentially a regular automatic with a clutch in place of a torque converter. It boasts "acoustic upshift and distinctive doubledeclutching feedback", which is to say it helps the car sound super awesome—doubly so when the optional performance exhaust is specified.

In this day and age, an AMG is no longer limited and labelled as a straight-line beast. As is already demonstrated by its predecessor, this rear-wheel-drive—that’s right, no 4MATIC business here— performance sedan is intended to shred twisty backroads and

42 ASIADREAMS

racetracks. The multilink front and rear suspension setups have been heavily massaged to keep the car planted and body roll to a minimum. That includes a wider track, a heavy dose of aluminium, an available three-stage adjustable setup and AMG-specific (and as-yetunspecified) tuning. A mechanical locking rear differential is standard; the S version gets an ultra-quick electronically locking diff.

The standard C63 is fitted with 245/40R-18 front and 265/40R-18 rear rubber, while the S moves up to 245/35R-19 and 265/35R-19 meats. Of course, the vehicle's character can be optimized by means of chassis modes that variously affect steering and throttle response, engine noise, the electronic dampers and the ESP stability-control system.

And, in what is the most excellent news, the ESP can be turned off entirely.

In terms of appearance, the C63 more than reflects the classically luxurious elegance of a glorious Merc. The heavily modified front end is particularly noticeable, with wider fenders that jut forward by more than two additional inches. The car itself is 0.6 inches broader than the regular C-class.

A deck lid spoiler defines the rear, along with a multi-finned diffuser and four chromed exhaust finishers. Inside, Mercedes-AMG has fitted this compact sedan with bespoke trim and materials, including a clock with IWC branding. When it arrives, the C63 S will be available in the “Edition 1” spec, which will bring special matte-black wheels with red rims, a wheelbarrow full of blacked-out trim pieces (mirror caps, window trim, exhaust finishers, etc.), red grille and mirror accents, and matte-grey rocker stripes. Inside, the Edition 1 gets black leather seats with red diamond stitching, red seatbelts, a flat-bottom faux-suedewrapped steering wheel with Edition 1 badging and more.

Following the excellent cars that were the C32 and C55, we can safely say that the C63 joins a line of AMG firsts to be thoroughly and comprehensively re-engineered to suit its market. Furthermore, it is unmistakable that the C63 represents a step-up by Mercedes, both in design and engineering commitment, compared with its predecessors.

While the 6.3-litre V8 engine very much remains the centrepiece of the car, it is no longer the dominant factor. Just about every other part of the C63 that moves – and plenty of things that don’t – has been redesigned and the result is a more complete car that feels entirely separate from the rest of the C-class range.

We believe the C63 is one of AMG’s finest moments to date. It has a sense of completeness to its dynamic repertoire that has fallen short on many previous Mercedes AMG products.

Apart from being shatteringly quick and beautifully made, it’s also just a thunderously good car to drive, so much so that it more than compensates for the “just okay” elements that are the ride and the range. All in all, the C63 remains an intoxicating and desirable car in any of its body styles. There's a lot to like about a roomy and versatile estate that goes and sounds like a C63.

ASIADREAMS 43

MOVIES

MOVIES

Before Midnight Release date: 13th March Walt Disney Pictures brings one of the most popular fairy tale classics to life in the live-action Cinderella. Although we’ve seen a number of successful fairy tale spin-offs lately (Hansel & Gretel, Snow White and the Huntsmen come to mind), Cinderella pretty

Rules of the Trade Release Date: 13th March Academy Award nominees Ethan Hawke (Training Day) and Ed Harris (Pollock) lead a cast of powerful actors, the likes of Milla Jovovich, John Leguizamo, Penn Badgley, Anton Yelchin and Bill Pullman, in a gritty story of a vicious war between dirty cops and an outlaw biker gang. Premiered at the 71st Venice International Film Festival late last year, Anarchy is a modern-day adaptation of a Shakespearean play entitled Cymbeline. If some of the big names are any indication, audiences can expect fast-paced action and some level of violence, combined with some great on-screen performances.

44 ASIADREAMS

much sticks to the classic tale, albeit with several added variations. It all starts as our young protagonist Ella, portrayed by Lily James (Downton Abbey), embraces her new stepmother and two new sisters in support of her loving father. However, our childhood reminds us of the unfortunate events that ensue. Several other big names, such as Saoirse Ronan, Alicia Vikander and Gabriella Wilde, were considered to play Cinderella.

Meanwhile, Helena Bonham Carter (Les Miserables) plays the evil stepmother and Richard Madden, famous for his portrayal of Robb Stark in the hit series Game of Thrones, plays Kit, the Prince Charming. Whatever generation we belong to, Cinderella is a story that we can all relate to, not only because of its pertinence to our everyday lives, but also because of the conservatively beautiful notions of courage, hope and love.

Wheels of Vengeance Release Date: 3rd April The production of this seventh instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise came to a halt following the unfortunate accident of lead star Paul Walker, but after some necessary

Insurgent Release Date: 20th March Insurgent follows the events of the first movie in the Divergent series and focuses on Tris as she searches for allies and answers to long-overdue questions in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago with only Four as company.

Shailene Woodley (The Fault in Our Stars)

rewrites and deciding how to best proceed in a respectful manner, the filming of Furious 7 was wrapped up on 10th July, 2014. The story is set after the events of Tokyo Drift, as Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and the crew after the death of his brother, Owen Shaw. Deckard is played

by Jason Statham (Wild Card, Transporter)

in his first-ever role as an antagonist.

International names such as Djimon Hounsou (Seventh Son), Tony Jaa (Ong Bak) and Ronda Rousey (The Expendables 3), join returning cast members, such as Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson.

and Theo James (Underworld: Awakening) reprise their roles as Tris and Four, along with Kate Winslet, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Naomi Watts and a number of other cast members who are also reprising their roles.

As a leading actress, Shailene Woodley has become increasingly better at her game and audiences are anticipating an even better performance, especially since she

has done multiple movies with some of her counterparts in this movie. Shailene was in The Spectacular Now with Miles Teller and in the hit teenage romantic film The Fault in Our Stars with Ansel Elgort. Fans of the book are surely looking forward to the thickening plot of this second instalment of the Divergent franchise.

ASIADREAMS 45

MUSIC

the sound of music

The American Queen of Pop, the one and only Madonna, is back with her 13th studio album, Rebel Heart. Following the December leak of more than two dozen demos of songs from Rebel Heart, it is scheduled to be released on 6th March 6, 2015 by Interscope Records.

It’s one of the most highly-anticipated music albums of 2015. There are a few genres in this album; it does not sound like the comeback album of the rebel we know Madonna to be.

According to Billboard, this is Madonna’s most ambitious project in more than a decade. The first single is “Living for Love”, which includes background vocals by the London Gospel Community Choir and Alicia Keys on the piano. The song entitled “Bitch I’m Madonna” features the phenomenal Nicki Minaj, offering the best dance recording in this album to that point. You can also hear Kanye West rapping out in “Illuminati”. Songwriters and producers like Diplo, Avicii and Savan Kotecha are also involved in Rebel Heart. This album could be Madonna’s finest in almost a decade.

The latest news and happenings in the music industry in Jakarta and beyond.

Find out more as we review Madonna’s latest album and a list of scheduled concerts.

Keep the beat on!

Make sure you don’t miss the upcoming concerts!

6 6-8 8

Jakarta, Indonesia

Sunblock Annual Party: The Best Trance and Progressive Tunes at the Colosseum Club.

Java Jazz Festival at JiEXPO Kemayoran featuring Christina Perri, Chaka Khan, Jessie J, Incognito and many more.

Hammersonic: Jakarta International Metal Festival, Lapangan D - Gelora Bung Karno, featuring Lamb of God and many more.

14 14 25 26 28 31 46 ASIADREAMS

Become One: Jakarta Electronic Dance Music Experience at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) Centre in BSD City featuring Dash Berlin, Avicii and many more.

The 5th Music Gallery 2015 at Skenno Hall Gandaria City.

One Direction at the Stadium Utama Gelora Bung Karno Senayan.

Lenny Kravitz World Tour 2015 Live in Jakarta at Istora Senayan

2PM: World Tour Go Crazy in Jakarta at Istora Senayan.

MEW Live in Jakarta at Skenoo Exhibition Hall.

7

Singapore Air Supply’s 40th Anniversary Tour at the Star Theatre.

22 23 10 18 21

Charli XCX Live in Singapore at The Coliseum™, Hard Rock Hotel® Singapore Resorts World™ Sentosa.

Meghan Trainor: That Bass Tour at The Coliseum™, Hard Rock Hotel® Singapore Resorts World™ Sentosa.

Hong Kong Ed Sheeran Live in Hong Kong 2015 at AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10, Lantau.

One Direction: On The Road Again Tour 2015 Live in Hong Kong at AsiaWorld-Expo Arena, Lantau.

Pitbull Live in Hong Kong 2015 at AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10, Lantau.

LUXURY

WATCH THE TIME Adding watches to your collection of accessories can easily bring a new look to your wardrobe. Watches are about more than just telling time. They bring an added sense of your personal style to any ensemble.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Lady Daring Red Launched last January, TAG Heuer came up with a very exclusive edition of the Aquaracer Lady 300m, the “Daring Red”. The special feature of this watch is the alligator strap made to match Maria Sharapova’s tennis outfit at the 2015 Australian Open. Equipped with a Ronda quartz movement, the Daring Red edition of the Aquaracer Lady is water resistant down to 300 meters.

Sharapova was wearing the “Daring Red” at MS Collins, the trendiest night club in Melbourne, Australia, making her look both glamorous and edgy.

Givenchy Seventeen Givenchy has issued a new version of its “Seventeen” line in a black and gold colourway, limited to 500 pieces, each boasting a unique numbered engraving on the case back.

Designed by Riccardo Tisci, this luxuriously minimalist timepiece comes with two interchangeable straps, one in grosgrain nylon and the other in calfskin leather. The timepiece’s sports Swiss-made quartz movement is encased in a stainless steel and scratchproof sapphire glass housing.

Corum Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Flying Tourbillon Finely crafted haute horlogerie, yet robust and practical, the Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Flying Tourbillon was crafted as a masterpiece for the wrist. Put simply, it was designed to be strapped on and enjoyed every single day. The essential detail that embodies the history of the Admiral’s Cup is the chapter ring with its 12 nautical pennants. Positioned as the hour markers, the pennants are a subtle reminder of the nautical heritage of the Admiral’s Cup. Finished with a fine straight graining, the base plate is visible through the smoked sapphire dial with a red gold galvanized Corum logo at nine o’clock.

ASIADREAMS 47

SCENTS

FOR HER

“Rogue” by Rihanna

Cartier “La Panthere”

Capturing the mischievous nature that lies within every modern woman, Rogue by Rihanna has a bold yet flirty composition.

Every element of the fragrance reflects Rihanna’s dynamic spirit and relentless passion and strength. This eau de parfum is announced as flirtatious and sensual oriental, containing accords of lemon blossom, cyclamen, jasmine, rose, plum and suede over a base of musk, woods, patchouli, vanilla and amber. With a chic yet edgy aesthetic, Rihanna designed the bottle to reflect her personality.

Defined by gentleness, the delicate surprise of flower and musk, a triptych of emotions that evoke the personality of the panther. This perfume is a symbol of freedom; it represents a woman who is independent, graceful and rebellious.

Mathilde Laurent, the perfumer chose to explore the majestic, radiant gardenia for a sensual and delicate femininity and to evoke the captivating and effortlessly seductive woman, she chose a velvety mellow musk. Available in eau de parfum30, 50 and 75ml.

PRETTY BOTTLES AND GORGEOUS SCENTS ARE SIMPLY A MUST HAVE FOR ANY DRESSING TABLE. MAKE A STATEMENT WITH THE BEST SELLING FRAGRANCES. SHOP THE MOST POPULAR SCENTS OF THE MOMENT FROM THE CLASSICS TO THE NEW FROM OUR LIST!

Kenzo “Flower in the Air” A fresh look at the poppy scent, Flower in the Air is the new emblematic fragrance that inspires the freedom to follow new dreams. The fragrance is a modern and light floral, created by Alberto Morillas. The top notes include fresh accords of raspberry and pink pepper. The heart includes dazzling rose, magnolia and gardenia, placed on the elegant white musk base. This eau de toilette is available in 30, 50 and 100ml. (and eau de toilette as well).

Antonio Banderas “Her Golden Secret” Her Golden Secret from Antonio Banderas develops strong and seductive fruity notes in the beginning, mixing zest of bergamot, mandarin, apple and peach. The heart introduces a union of gardenia and orange blossom refreshed with drops of blackcurrant zest, on a base of woody notes of patchouli and cedar, along with tonka, vanilla and musk. The star of Her Golden Secret is the Spanish actress Paz Vega, a woman of authentic beauty, true sex appeal and a strong personality.

48 ASIADREAMS

FOR HIM DSquared2 “Intense He Wood” The celebration of a perfume that marked an era in the modern olfactory landscape. An extraordinary fragrance, timeless, unique, inimitable, today rediscovers its original version in a strong, virile and sensual reminiscence of the genuine sentiment of the Caten twins for their homeland, Canada. Intense He Wood unites the ideal of sensuality with a strong and determined character. An intense essence capturing the harmonious accord of air, water and wood.

Kenzo “Homme Night” Kenzo launches Kenzo Homme Night as the new version of the original Kenzo Homme from 1991. The new flanker is more sensual and romantic in respect to the previous editions. The scent is described as playful, intriguing and energetic. It opens with fresh accord of grapefruit mixed with spices such as cardamom and coriander. Its tart heart of geranium and wormwood, with a touch of mango, is offset by a warm and seductive base of tonka bean, vetiver and guaiac wood. It’s a sensual and energizing fragrance, available as 50 and 100ml eau de toilette.

Pitbull “2Nite” An unexpected twist from rapper Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, has launched his debut fragrances called “2Nite”. This eau de toilette is available for men and women. Citrus top notes give a burst of energy to the fragrance while warm spices and a sensual background of rich woods and musks exude confidence.

With bergamot, mandarin, cardamom, sage, violet, woods, verbena, vetiver, musk, tonka bean and amber serving as the background.

ASIADREAMS 49

FASHION COLOURFUL EFFECTS

Roberto Cavalli

Moschino

Chanel

Louis Vuitton

Balmain

STRIPES TEASE

SUMMER BREEZE Another fine season of fashion is underway.

The spring/summer collections are highlighted with brands that caught our attention. Straight from the runway, we take you to a preview of the Spring/Summer 2015 collections.

Gucci

IN BLOOM

Christian Dior

50 ASIADREAMS

Dolce & Gabbana

Marni

BLUE INVASION

Fendi

Lanvin

Bottega Venetta

ABSTRACTION

ARE YOU READY TO BE PART OF THE TREND? With dozens of fashion designers showing their latest collections around the world, there are so many trends that stand out. A constant for this spring/summer season is bright colours mixed with patterns. There are a lot of outfits you can easily mix and match for daily wear.

Elie Saab

Stella McCartney

Valentino

LEATHERISTIC

Prada

Saint Laurent

Miu Miu

ASIADREAMS 51

FASHION

BRITISH GLIT Z These formal-wear collections are filled with perfect pieces for a beautiful English summer with touches of modernretro take on glamour, style and the sophisticated clothing of the 1970s. This glimpse of elegance for the new season could be your inspiration for Spring/Summer 2015.

All photos are courtesy of Ted Baker London. The models are wearing ready-to-wear clothing and accessories from Ted Baker London's spring/summer 2015 collections. Photographs were shot in the United Kingdom. For more information and to shop online visit www.tedbaker.com.

52 ASIADREAMS

As the collection goes from a wedding in Oxford to a royal event in London, infuse some glamour into your day with a beautiful white dress like this one. It is sure to put you in the spotlight!

“ELEGA NCE IS THE ONLY BEAUTY TH AT NEV ER FA DES.” - AUDREY HEPBURN -

ASIADREAMS 53

A woman is as good as her style. Ted is delighted to introduce his latest creations in a style enhanced with dazzling details.

Perfectly lady-like in royal shades: what's not to love?

“YOUR DR ESSES SHOULD BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO SHOW YOU'R E A WOM A N A ND LOOSE ENOUGH TO SHOW YOU'R E A L A DY.” -EDITH HEAD-

54 ASIADREAMS

The men’s collection offers structured and sophisticated minimalism with decadent fabrics and opulent textures. It showcases soft spring pastel colours combined with Ted’s signature tailoring for a modern touch.

ASIADREAMS 55

Simple and elegant, these dresses from the women’s collection are perfect for spring events. Part of the premium collection is designed with wedding guests in mind. Don’t take your eyes off this beautiful two-piece. The tulle skirt and embellished collar has added the perfect amount of sparkle.

56 ASIADREAMS

ASIADREAMS 57

With the British summer, there is no reason not to have this stunning suit.

Ted Baker London presents a luxurious menswear collection with strongly textured fabrics: a smart-yet-stylish look in formal pieces.

58 ASIADREAMS

Think glamorous summer nights out in a classic silhouette, this low-neck shift dress is about to command attention!

“A WOM A N’S DR ESS SHOULD BE A LIKE A BA R BED-WIR E FENCE: SERVING ITS PUR POSE WITHOUT OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW.” -SOPHIA LOREN-

ASIADREAMS 59

60 ASIADREAMS

THE ROMANCE EDITION

Editor’s Picks: Our top choices for elegant bridal wear from Spring 2015’s most inspiring designers and the most dazzling bridal rings to celebrate your love with.

ASIADREAMS 61

EDITOR’S PICKS : BRIDAL WEAR

Dream Marchesa is a brand based in New York that specializes in high-end women’s wear. British-born Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig have built a fashion empire defined by elegant evening wear and one-of-a-kind couture designs. This spring 2015 collection is full of grandeur and romance, presenting styles and silhouettes fit for every bride. Ethereal and feminine gowns are shown in Chantilly, corded and re-embroidered laces. www.marchesa.com

The Carolina Herrera bride always leaves an unforgettable impression, with tulle layered over embellished Chantilly and Guipure lace, over silk chiffon, supple corseting, hand-stitched seaming detail. Placed laser-cut lace motifs and embroideries all follow the feminine form. The spring 2015 bridal collection is about softness and grace; the effect is romantic and sensual. www.carolinaherrera.com

62 ASIADREAMS

These top bridal designers have made a tremendous impact on celebrities and famous weddings. Their designs are coveted by women around the world. Here’s a sneak peek for your wedding dress inspiration from their spring 2015 collections.

Vera Wang is a born tomboy who wears only black, yet she became the world's foremost wedding dress maker. For her spring 2015 collection, Vera Wang went seriously dark and edgy.

Sumptuous silk Carmeuse, corded lace, detailed appliquĂŠs and intricate construction make bold statements in all of her designs: a haunted look, mixing her simple airy style with a seductive edge. www.verawang.com

Inspired by mythological goddesses and ancient worlds, these elegant wedding dresses are divinely beautiful. The Jenny Packham bridal collection for spring 2015 features Grecian influences with soft colours, netted veils and laces. The collection features something for every taste and size, focussing on flattering hemlines and shapes, as well as including capes and cover-ups. www.jennypackham.com

ASIADREAMS 63

EDITOR’S PICKS : BRIDAL RINGS

As two become one, a ring is an ideal symbol to seal the deal—a true reflection of a loving relationship. How far would you go for love?

Turning a promise into a commitment means more than giving the finest you can give. The first step one can take is to take one’s pick from this splendid collection of rings, which are inspired by love and perfection—two very crucial emotions that often define the fulfilment of a lifelong promise.

Traditionally, an engagement ring feature diamonds (or a single diamond) and is worn only by women. In other cultures, both men and women wear matching rings. In some cultures, engagement rings are also used as wedding rings.

64 ASIADREAMS

The three-banded rings from the Trinity Twist series dramatically dabble in the ephemeral as collector’s pieces and inspired feats of creativity. They are virtuoso jewellery, a spectacular cocktail of draped sautoirs, black and white or coloured variations, ceramic and diamond rings and dappled panther pieces. The icon is extravagantly sparkling and represents one’s innermost affection.

Trinity Pearls Ring

Trinity Crash

Trinity Ring

Trinity Pearls Ring

Trinity La Belle

Trinity XL Ring

Trinity Ring

Trinity Ring ASIADREAMS 65

These intimate pieces celebrate a union of style and craftsmanship in a display of exquisite carats. At once wedding rings, solitaires and evening jewellery, these rings make an impression on every occasion. They are adornments for the skin that sparkle with femininity and elegance. Each one artistic and delicate, these are the modern-day incarnations of the Cartier style, from floral to abstract and from the golden age of cocktail rings to the dazzling whirl of the Trinity.

Solitaire Ballerine

Diamond Ring

Trinity Ruban Solitaire

Solitaire DĂŠclaration

Diamond Ring

Diamond Ring

The icon, dramatically strewn with precious stones finished with golden sensations layered one over another, lends a radical allure of bold glamour. As is Cartier, the screw symbol is engraved at regular intervals on jewels daringly decked out in black and white, multiplied across the full range of the heart’s emotions, in bold contrasts of grey gold and yellow gold.

Love Ring with coloured stone 66 ASIADREAMS

Love Ring set with stones, Black Ceramic

Double ring from the Love Collection

ASIADREAMS 67

City Weddings

Jakarta

HOTEL MULIA SENAYAN, JAKARTA ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS HOTELS IN JAKARTA, HOTEL MULIA, OFFERS A WIDE SELECTION OF SUITES THAT CAN BE EASILY TRANSFORMED INTO WHATEVER KIND OF SPACE YOUR SPECIAL DAY NEEDS.

68 ASIADREAMS

L

ocated strategically in the heart of Jakarta, the five-star 40-storey Hotel Mulia Senayan offers 996 beautifully decorated rooms and suites to satisfy the needs of both business and leisure travellers. With a panoramic view of Jakarta’s ever expanding skyline and scenic city lights in the evening, any guests staying at the hotel for your wedding at the Hotel Mulia will experience a wondrous start to their trip.

For the wedding itself, the magnificent Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Mulia is

arguably Jakarta’s largest, with 2,500 sq.m. of unobstructed space that can easily accommodate up to 4,000 people, allowing no boundaries to your creativity when it comes to creating that highly memorable special day. The Grand Ballroom is easily accessible via its own entrance, or from the main hotel lobby, offering convenience to your valued guests and loved ones. In addition, 17 other meeting and function rooms of various sizes are available to support whatever you need to ensure a successful and merry event.

Most notable, however, is the extensive selection of available catering packages for weddings at the Hotel Mulia. With around half

a dozen renowned high-end restaurants, such as The Café, il Mare, and Table8, the flavours of the Hotel Mulia are very well known among the elite of Jakarta and beyond.

Wedding packages available at the Hotel Mulia include a wide range of international, Western, Indonesian, Oriental and Authentic Asian Buffet menus with a free flow of drinking water during the event, complementary one-time food tasting for 15 persons with five selected buffet menu items and three food stall menu items, two function rooms for families and wedding committees,

In addition to several other mouth-watering delicacies that are sure to leave a lasting memory for your guests are Braised Whole Six Head Abalone and Sea Cucumber in Yellow Stock, Pan-fried Beef Cubed with Black Pepper Sauce, Wok-Fried Fragrant Rice with Crab Meat and Leek in XO Sauce and Baked Fillet of Alaskan Black Cod in Honey Sauce.

This particular Chinese Set Menu Wedding Package is priced at IDR1,748,000++ per person and, including the amenities and benefits mentioned above, also features a champagne glass fountain with two bottles

a two-night stay in the Royal Suite for the bridal couple on the day of the event and a one-night stay in two Royal Suites for parents of the happy couple on the day of the event and many more lavish amenities.

of sparkling cider for the toasting ceremony, a glass of soft drink or flavoured iced fruit tea as per buffet order, 50 meal boxes for the wedding committee and a free flow of Chinese tea all night long.

The above-mentioned benefits are available with the Peony, Freesia, or Tulip wedding packages, which start at IDR608,000++.

As far as city weddings go, neither the bride and groom nor their important guests will easily forget a grand and elegant wedding at the Hotel Mulia that marks the start of a long, prosperous life filled with love and joy.

(Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta; Jalan Asia Afrika Senayan, Jakarta, 10270, Indonesia; T: (+62) 21 574 7777; www.hotelmulia.com)

Our favourite pick from the Hotel Mulia’s wedding packages is the new Chinese Set Menu, which includes a cold-cut combination of Chilled Prawn in Thai Dressing, Roasted Duck, California Roll and Crispy Shadow Beef, and the mouth-watering Dried Conch and Cordyceps Flower.

ASIADREAMS 69

City Weddings

Jakarta

THE RITZ-CARLTON JAKARTA, PACIFIC PLACE AS THE CAPITAL CITY OF A GROWING NATION, JAKARTA OFFERS MANY VENUES TO ACCOMMODATE WEDDINGS. ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN IS THE RITZ-CARLTON JAKARTA, PACIFIC PLACE. CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE IN AN AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL LUXURY VENUE.

S

trategically located in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) and easily accessible from anywhere in the city, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place offers you a premier venue and is on the top of the list for a wedding reception. The spacious ballroom measures 3,600 sq.m. with a pre-function area of 3,800 sq.m., providing a total of 7,200 sq.m. of space to work with and accommodating up to 10,000 guests for a standing reception, or 2,200 for a sit-down banquet. The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place’s ballroom is arguably the biggest in Asia.

The Grand Ballroom can be conveniently divided into smaller venues, enabling the hotel to host seven different events at the same time. It is located on the fourth floor of the Pacific Place Mall. The Grand Ballroom

70 ASIADREAMS

offers guests a trendy and elegant setting with a richly glamorous gold and red nuance in the carpet and walls, sparkling grand chandeliers hanging from pillarless ninemeter-high ceilings and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place can also host related activities, including bridal showers, bachelor parties and farewell brunches. Focus on the big picture as capable wedding advisors assist you with every detail you’ll need on your special day. In The RitzCarlton Jakarta, Pacific Place you’ll experience personal service and warm hospitality from the fine Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton. (The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place; Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), Jl. Jendral Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Jakarta, 12190, Indonesia; T: (+62) 21 2550 1888; www.ritzcarlton.com/ JakartaPacificPlace)

FAIRMONT JAKARTA THE GRAND BALLROOM OF FAIRMONT JAKARTA – PART OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS HOTEL BRANDS – OFFERS A LAVISH PLACE TO TIE THE KNOT.

B

oasting a magnificent view of the Jakarta skyline, the newly opened Fairmont Jakarta is currently the one luxury property everyone’s talking about. The hotel opened its doors on 21st January 2015, completing a full complement of high-end shopping, entertainment venues, offices and apartments in the hotel’s surroundings.

In terms of weddings, including the prestigious 1,200 sq.m. Grand Ballroom, Fairmont Jakarta offers a total of 3,500 sq.m. of function space, all of it equipped with modern features that would ensure absolute joy and merriment on a day when you and your significant other get to be king and queen.

The perfect choice for large-scale luxury weddings, the Grand Ballroom is equipped with features such as energy-efficient multi-color LED ceiling lights with which guests can choose their preferred color ambience of white, blue, purple, pink or green, a spacious foyer more than 500 sq.m. in size, as well as its own dedicated drop-off entrances on each side of the foyer that give guests direct access to the Ballroom foyer

without having to enter from the hotel’s main lobby.

The luxuriously contemporary design of the 1,500-pax capacity Grand Ballroom comes with an 8-meter high ceiling with no pillars, providing a spacious feel and flexible configuration for wedding decorators to transform the venue into the preferred nuptial themes of the wedding couples.

Wedding buffet packages are available starting from IDR550,000++ per person for the Ballroom or IDR580,000++ per person for the Grand Ballroom, inclusive of an extensive menu selection of Indonesian, Chinese or International options. Other benefits include complimentary food tasting for up to 10 persons, complimentary usage of a function room for the Blessing or Tea ceremony with refreshments and snacks for up to 20 persons, a two-night stay in a Bridal Suite for the couple and many more. For wedding inquiries, contact One Heart Wedding by Fairmont Jakarta at (+62) 21 2903 6722 or info@oneheartwedding.co.id.

(Fairmont Jakarta; Jalan Asia Afrika No.8 Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta ,10270, Indonesia; T: (+62) 21 2970 3333; www. fairmont.com/jakarta/)

ASIADREAMS 71

City Weddings

Jakarta

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, JAKARTA EVERY COUPLE CRAVES A BEAUTIFUL AND UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING. UNDERSTANDING THIS, THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, JAKARTA OFFERS A VARIETY OF WEDDING PACKAGES TO MEET ANY COUPLE’S NEED.

A

s one of the city’s most soughtafter venues for the grandest of weddings, the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta offers some attractive reception packages and venues for couples planning to tie the knot. The elegant Grand Ballroom is as high as six metres with a foyer area of 709 sq.m., creating a majestic and romantic impression.

The Indonesia Room can hold a smaller wedding of 350 to 750 guests in its 595 sq.m.

For a private party of up to 200 guests, the oriental Lotus Ballroom can be an option.

The classic Ceria Room is a nice venue for couples who love the feel of nature, boasting a location in the garden and pool area ideal for 200 to 500 guests. Last, but not least, the Poolside Garden is an outdoor multifunction poolside area in the hotel’s lush garden that

72 ASIADREAMS

adds a fresh new look for your wedding.

There are four packages for a buffet-style reception. The Elegance package features the use of the Ceria Room, with prices starting from IDR468,000++ per person. The Glamour package features the use of the Ceria Room and garden, with prices starting from IDR488,000++ per person. The Indulgence package features the Indonesia Room, with prices starting from IDR518,000++ per person. The Extravaganza package features the use of the Grand Ballroom, with prices starting from IDR548,000++ per person.

For couples desiring Chinese indulgence, the Double Happiness package is available starting from IDR508,000++ per person, the Magpie package starting from IDR628,000++

per person and the Dragon Phoenix package at IDR888,000++ per person.

All eyes are set upon the entrance as the bride and groom walk down the aisle.

Wedding receptions will always be a time to remember, but the most important thing is the commitment to be together until the end of life. A memorable wedding reception will leave footprints not only for the bride and groom but also for all the guests. There is an old proverb saying life is colourful. Bring your own colours into the celebration of your wedding at the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta.

(Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta; Kota BNI Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta Pusat, 10220, Indonesia; T: (+62) 21 2922 9999; www.shangri-la.com/jakarta/shangrila/ weddings-celebrations/)

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL JAKARTA THE JW MARRIOTT HOTEL JAKARTA INVITES FUTURE BRIDES AND GROOMS TO CELEBRATE THEIR DREAM WEDDINGS AND IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN A CELEBRATION THEY WILL CHERISH FOREVER IN AN EXQUISITE BLEND OF CHARM AND ELEGANCE, ALL IN THE MARRIOTT WAY.

T

he JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta is equipped with 23 function rooms in various sizes to accommodate your wedding.

For a grand wedding option, we suggest the Dua Mutiara Ballroom that can hold up to 1,500 guests (standing) and offers a wedding package that starts at IDR335,000,000++ with a minimum of 800 persons. For those who prefer a more private wedding setting, the luxurious Sapphire room (220 sq.m) can host up to 300 guests for a standing party and up to 23 tables (10 people each) for a sit-down dinner. Equipped with an outdoor area that gives a unique feel to your party, the JW Meeting Centre offers the perfect venue for couples who prefer a more intimate wedding with a grandiose touch.

The JW Meeting Centre can host up to 500 guests in reception style.

At these venues couples can choose between the Eternity and Immortality packages. Emphasizing the exclusivity and elegance of a set menu style, the Eternity package offers three superb Chinese set menus that start at IDR11,500,000++ per table of 10 persons, with a minimum of 400 persons. Relish a wide array of authentic Cantonese dishes! All are specially prepared

by Executive Chinese Chef John Chu and his culinary team. The Immortality package is available for those who prefer a buffet style reception. This package would perfectly cater up to 300 persons, with prices starting at IDR135,000,000++. There is also the Infinity package available from IDR400,000++ per person with a minimum of 600 persons.

Marriott understands the uniqueness and importance of each wedding -- it has to be

flawless and immaculate. With that in mind, from 17th to 19th April 2015, the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta, together with Tonny & Lifetime, presents the “Infinite Wedding Moment�, a wedding fair for future brides and grooms.

This will be the ultimate one-stop shop for wedding needs, featuring up to 40 exclusive vendors ranging from wedding organizers, decorations, souvenirs, photographers, to bridal shops. Whether you are planning a majestic wedding, or an intimate reception with close relatives, these wedding specialists are ready to ensure your big day will be the ultimate moment of your life. (JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta; Jalan DR Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Kav E.1.2 No. 1&2, Kawasan Mega Kuningan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia; T: (+62) 21 5798 8888; www.marriott.com/ hotels/event-planning/wedding-planning/ jktjw-jw-marriott-hotel-jakarta/) ASIADREAMS 73

City Weddings

Singapore

DIVE INTO THE OCEAN IN THE UNPRECEDENTED THEMED AREAS AND UNIQUE EVENT VENUES AT THE S.E.A. AQUARIUM AT RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA SINGAPORE. MAKE A MEMORABLE DAY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE WORLD’S LARGEST AQUARIUM.

H

ome to thousands of fish and other species of marine life in habitats spread out through 42.8 million litres of water, S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums – where guests will be mesmerised by the endlessly changing oceanic panorama and fascinating marine life under the sea, as they journey through the seas and meet the vibrant inhabitants of the vast ocean.

Imagine it all being transformed into a dining hall with raining glitter, tiffany chairs, beautiful flowers, underwater-themed decorations, starfish and shellfish trinkets. Guests will be able to follow the fascinating journeys of the larger denizens of the deep, from the majestic manta rays and sharks to such rarely sighted creatures as goliath groupers and Napoleon wrasses. The menu can be also be specially customised by experienced chefs. This wedding celebration costs about SGD2,288++ per table with a minimum of 20 tables.

With a capacity for 240 people, this wedding reception could be so intimate, with invitations for your closest friends and beloved family members. The Ocean Gallery offers an elevated perspective of the amazing blue planet through one of the world’s largest aquarium viewing panels. You’ll get the chance to closely see a magical underwater world that changes every second. Grand in scale, innovative in design, this three-tiered gallery offers an unparalleled immersive venue.

Where the sky meets the sea is where you’ll experience an underwater dream wedding that will remain in your memories forever! (S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore; 3 Lim Teck Kim Road, #09-01, Genting Centre, Singapore, 088934; T: (+65) 6577 8888 ; www.rwsentosa.com)

74 ASIADREAMS

A

t one point in your life you will meet someone who will enchant you and convince you to dedicate your life to that person. It’s every woman’s dream to hold a beautiful wedding with a gorgeous white gown, big wedding cake, hand bouquet, long veil and a walk down the aisle to the hand of her Prince Charming.

If you’ve ever dreamed of doing something different, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore would be the perfect answer for it.

WHETHER IT’S THE BEAUTY OF APPEARANCE, LANDSCAPE, OR A SPECIAL MOMENT, BEAUTY LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION. THE IMPRESSION WILL LAST AND BE REMEMBERED AND DISCUSSED AFTER YEARS HAVE PASSED. HOLDING A WEDDING IN GARDENS BY THE BAY WILL CREATE A MOMENTOUS WEDDING WORTH REMEMBERING. At 1,200sq.m., it can accommodate up to 1,100 guests for standing cocktails, 800 guests for theatre-seating and 700 guests for a sitdown dinner (with a long table or banquet set-up). Whether it’s a wedding with a unique theme, or a white wedding, there is no need to speculate about the weather because an air-conditioned hall set inside the Flower

Dome offers cooling comfort without having to sacrifice a day-time garden party feel.

It’s time to ask your significant other to “take my hand and grow old with me.”

(Gardens by the Bay; 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore, 018953; venue.hire@gardensbythebay.com.sg; www.gardensbythebay.com.sg)

Located in the heart of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay offers a unique setting for a memorable wedding. Nestled within its Flower Dome - the largest glass greenhouse in the world - is the Flower Field Hall. This indoor space, which overlooks the changing Flower Field display on one side and the spectacular Marina Bay skyline on the other, never fails to captivate guests with its picturesque backdrop of perpetual spring.

Specially programmed LED lights add to the enchanting setting by cycling through a rainbow of colours. Absorb the romantic ambiance; imagine walking hand in hand, or dancing with your loved one, and share the happiness with family and friends in a surreal moment seemingly out of fantasy.

ASIADREAMS 75

Tropical Weddings

Bali

THE 90-HECTARE CLIFF-TOP AYANA RESORT AND SPA BALI, WITH ITS IMPRESSIVE 1.3 KM OF PRIVATE CLIFF AND PRIVATE BEACH COASTLINE, IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO SAY, ‘I DO.’

76 ASIADREAMS

EDITOR’S PICK:

T

he expansive and luxurious AYANA Resort and Spa and RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA offers eight stunning wedding venues conveniently located within one lavish cliff-top complex!

Truly blessed, the bride and groom can choose to tie the knot in the beautiful lush gardens of a private villa, or at the spectacular cliff-top venue, SKY, or possibly the stunning Kisik Jetty is more to their liking? There is also a range of traditional settings, such as the Balinese Bale Kencana, the Asmara Gazebo, plus the extraordinary Astina and Tresna Wedding Chapels.

Whatever style and location fits the wedding of their dreams, the highly experienced and dedicated AYANA Resort and Spa Bali and RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA team will ensure the special day is a magical and memorable occasion – be it small and intimate, or lavish and spectacular.

Why the AYANA Resort and Spa Bali?

For many the 90-hectare cliff-top AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, with its impressive 1.3 km of private cliff and private beach coastline, is the perfect place to say, ‘I do.’ With its large choice of intimate and spectacular venues, fantastic restaurants, the world famous Rock Bar, the incredible Spa on the Rocks, a pristine private beach and a range of luxury rooms, suites and villas, it’s a very special place where exceptional hospitality and luxury is the norm, making it the perfect choice for many honeymooners too…. (AYANA Resort and Spa and RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA; Jalan Karang Mas, Sejahtera Jimbaran, Bali, 80364, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361702 222; E: info@ayanaresort. com; W: www.ayanaresort.com)

Of all the smaller venues, I really love the Kisik Jetty. Perhaps it’s the cool sea breeze, or maybe it’s the exclusivity and intimacy that, being the only private pier in Bali available for hotel wedding ceremonies, this wonderful location offers? Whatever the reason, it is a beautiful and popular setting to join in marriage and, like much of the AYANA, is incredibly photogenic. For larger events and perched high above the Indian Ocean and private beach with seemingly endless views over the tropical waters, SKY is a dramatic open-air space designed specifically for grand occasions. The gardens accommodate around 1,000 guests, although its design means smaller parties can also fully enjoy this idyllic location.

To the south is a large open field, whilst at the northern end of this manicured venue we see a delightful amphitheatre with views over South Kuta. In the middle of the lush landscape is a sea-facing deck that hangs over the ocean and beach below.

The deck seats around 80 people and is accessed by sweeping steps set amidst lush flora and multi-tiered fountains. SKY is a perfect location that can be dressed to suit any event and is supported by the onsite bridal preparation villa with options for entertainment and dining.

If that’s not enough, its choice of quality accommodations, private beach, general facilities, dining and high levels of service means it’s a haven for honeymooners and holidaymakers alike.

ASIADREAMS 77

Tropical Weddings

Bali

CAPTURE TIMELESS, SIXSTAR MOMENTS HIGH ABOVE THE INDIAN OCEAN OVERLOOKING BALI’S EXOTIC BUKIT PENINSULA, LOVINGLY REFERRED TO AS “BILLIONAIRE’S ROW”.

SEMARA ULUWATU FEATURES A MULTITUDE OF GLAMOROUS VILLAS AND EXCLUSIVE VENUES TO HOST YOUR DREAM WEDDING.

O

ften sought after by the world’s most exclusive couples, including supermodel Jennifer Hawkins and her groom, Jake Hall, the Semara Luxury Villa Resort Uluwatu redefines sophisticated elegance with its breath-taking clifftop retreat. Whether you plan to host 12 or 150, Semara’s expertly trained staff is ready and waiting to execute all of the details, from sourcing the most succulent tropical floral arrangements, to finding just the right live music or DJ to encourage your guests to dance the night away.

Featuring the ultimate destination wedding experience, treat your loved ones to an

78 ASIADREAMS

extended holiday in paradise, ranging from a couple of unforgettable days to a week-long indulgence that will keep guests talking for years. Due to its convenient accessibility and stunning beauty, Semara Ulutwatu provides a premier opportunity for brides and grooms who refuse to settle for second best. For recently engaged couples, there’s no time like the present to book your wedding festivities at Semara Uluwatu as the wedding planning team has extended 2015 pricing into 2016.

Treat your inner circle to the experience of a lifetime by reserving the entire compound, offering your closest friends and family the opportunity to live the iconic Bali lifestyle in six unique pool villas. Showcasing

is what appeals to you, why not lure your guests down the dramatic limestone cliffs and onto the pristine white sands adjacent to Finn’s Beach Club? Whether you’re sporting a bikini and silk sarong, or the latest creation from Vera Wang, Semara Uluwatu’s exclusive beach is an unmatched wedding venue on the island.

From pre-wedding brunches to champagne receptions and post-wedding cocktail parties, Semara Ulutwatu’s catering staff and restaurant venues are internationally trained to provide you with world-class service and an exotic range of season-driven menus. Choose from the freshest seafood, hand-selected from nearby markets, as well as locally grown organic produce and the very best imported specialities including Australian beef, European cheeses, foie gras and caviar.

To ensure that everyone in attendance is ready to support you in a relaxed, stress-free

EDITOR’S PICK: No destination wedding experience is complete without a frolic, or two, upon an idyllic white sand beach. Situated just beneath the villas at Semara Ulutwatu, accessible via a unique inclinator that descends the property’s breath-taking limestone cliffs, Finn’s Beach Club is designed to impress your wedding party with chic, sustainable architecture, a tantalising menu, refreshing signature cocktails and an unparalleled oceanfront setting that begs for leisurely afternoons of pure bliss.

contemporary architecture nuanced with authentic island touches, pamper the ones you love with exquisite furnishings, stunning swimming pools, awe-inspiring vistas and unparalleled service. Allow your guests to wander through lushly landscaped tropical gardens, linger beneath extravagant rain showers in open-air en-suites and host intimate in-villa soirées leading up to the big day.

For an intimate exchange of vows, choose to host your special moment in Villa Tamarama, where an open-air pavilion has been designed to accommodate wedding ceremonies overlooking the magnificence of Bali’s turquoise seas. If beachfront bliss

ambience, treat your guests to a customised spa programme at Semara Uluwatu’s onsite Body Temple Spa. Whether you need to be energised, detoxed, or rejuvenated, Body Temple’s top quality range of products and expertly trained therapists work together to create results. From Indonesian inspired, full-body massages, to the latest in premier nail pampering, choose from a variety of spa locations including the trendy Seminyak and Canggu areas as well as the tranquil Bukit Peninsula. For the ultimate in exclusivity, book your treatments within the privacy and opulence of your villa. (Semara Luxury Villa Resort; Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Bali, 80362, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 848 2111; www.semarauluwatu.com) ASIADREAMS 79

Tropical Weddings

Bali

WHETHER LAVISH OR SIMPLE – EVERYTHING IS FOCUSED ON MAKING YOUR WEDDING OR HONEYMOON UNFORGETTABLE.

L

ocated on the Tanjung Benoa peninsula, close to Nusa Dua, The Royal Santrian is a select and private beachfront resort with just 17 Deluxe Villas and 3 Royal Villas set within 2.5 hectares of beautifully manicured tropical gardens where, along with its sister hotels in Sanur, it offers a range of excellent wedding and honeymoon packages personally tailored to suit the needs of its discerning guests.

The most popular beach or poolside package at the exclusive Royal Santrian is the Royal Orchid, which is designed for up to 30 guests and includes everything the bride and groom might possibly need, including two nights in a superbly appointed Deluxe Villa.

At the other end of the scale is their lavish Extravaganza, which caters for up to 200 wedding guests either on the private beach, or in the expansive garden lounge adjacent to the chapel. Expect nothing less than pure perfection as the highly experienced team will attend to every last detail, including providing a range of delicious dining and entertainment options. The vast experience and near magical ability displayed by the Royal Santrian staff and planners means that they can also be very flexible and comply with just about any request. Want something different? Just ask!

80 ASIADREAMS

For honeymooners, love is well and truly a kindred spirit at The Royal Santrian - so why not take advantage of the honeymoon package that will include a romantic candlelit dinner and a spa ritual to nurture your

But perhaps what is most special about this secretive venue is the continual attention to detail where they recognise that it is the small personal touches that make the difference. The Royal Santrian also partners with some of the

body, mind and spirit? The villas also feature a 24-hour personal butler who will anticipate your every need and desire, making your stay perfect.

very best hair stylists and make-up artists on the island to create lavish or simple wedding and reception concepts – everything is focused on making your wedding or honeymoon unforgettable.

Long associated with luxury weddings and honeymoons, the tropical island of Bali throws up an abundance of beautiful locations to make your wedding vows memorable, irrespective of your party size, and to seal them with a romantic honeymoon to remember.

From the moment you arrive, this venue impresses. The large stylish reception with its open Balinese style and local arts interplaying with a contemporary design opens onto a photogenic sundrenched tropical paradise surrounded by private villas, a spa, a pool, the beach and the very popular All Spice Restaurant.

The resort facilities are fabulous and, in addition to the All Spice Restaurant, they feature the Martini Bar, Spa and a salon geared towards wedding preparations. The large infinity pool and Jacuzzi overlook the palmlined golden sands of the private beach and make an ideal spot for relaxation.

Why Nusa Dua? Boasting a number of exceptional hotels, villa rentals, spas and restaurants, it has carved out a reputation for quality accommodation, but in a more relaxed setting than one would find in Seminyak or Kuta, for instance. With the opening of the new toll road it is also an excellent base from which to explore both the north and south of the island. The location and facilities within The Royal Santrian offer guests the option either to stay ensconced within for total relaxation, or to venture out to sample the culinary and cultural delights this wonderful island has to offer. (The Royal Santrian; Jalan Pratama Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 778 181; www.theroyalsantrian.com)

The air-conditioned All Spice restaurant also features a relaxed outdoor space adjacent to the kitchen, from where Executive Chef Budiyono conjures up food that is first class.

With delicious dishes from Thailand, Japan and France, plus a host of classic Western cuisines, the menu is impressive and the food excellent.

ASIADREAMS 81

Tropical Weddings

Bali

AN IDYLLIC BEACHFRONT WEDDING AT THE ST. REGIS BALI RESORT COMES WITH THREE PROMISES: A PRISTINE WHITE SAND BEACH EXCLUSIVELY SET AGAINST THE AZURE INDIAN OCEAN, A REFINED BESPOKE SERVICE WITH EXCEPTIONAL STAFF AND EXQUISITE VENUES WITH UNMATCHED AMBIENCE.

EDITOR’S PICK:

U Pop the celebratory champagne and toast the wedding of your dreams at The St. Regis Bali Resort’s stunning beachfront Cloud Nine Chapel. A chic timber terrace featuring a high ceiling adorned with Swarovski crystal chandeliers, the Cloud Nine Chapel sits beyond a tranquil pond of soothing, cascading water fountains with glorious ocean views. With a magical ambience straight out of a fairy tale, the stylish chapel is designed for an intimate, sophisticated ceremony with 30 seated guests.

82 ASIADREAMS

ncompromising in luxury and bespoke hospitality, The St. Regis Bali Resort embodies a seductive island romance with its prestigious seaside address in Nusa Dua. The five-star resort’s 123 magnificent suites and one- and twobedroom villas offer spacious hideaways for your wedding guests, each open and airy with soaring ceilings and mahogany wood floors, decorated with Balinese art and equipped with lavish amenities and the latest technology.

The legendary St. Regis Butler Service, the most advanced of its kind in Asia, headed by world-renowned chief butler Carlos Constanzo, boasts an impressive client list of Hollywood A-listers and international heads of state.

Choose to say “I do” in the resort’s spectacular Cloud Nine Chapel, barefoot on the private beach, or in the Amphitheatre surrounded by lush gardens. No request is too small or too extravagant for the resort’s personal wedding specialist. Rest assured that your

nuptial planning is in the seasoned hands of professionals dedicated to provide you with all the necessary elements to create a memorable, captivating wedding, perfectly polished and fine-tuned, right down to the smallest detail.

For a truly opulent holiday in paradise, experience The Strand Villas. Spanning across 604 sq.m. with direct access to your very own powdery white sand beach, The Strand Villas are one-of-a-kind in Nusa Dua. Enjoy posh Egyptian Ploh linens in the master bedroom, relax in the shades of an authentic bale bengong (Balinese relaxation hut) or take a stroll along the endless coastline. Designed to reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage with an uninterrupted view of the ocean, The Strand Villas are perfect for hosting a romantic dinner after the ceremony with your loved one.

(The St. Regis Bali Resort; Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua, Lot S6, PO Box 44, Nusa Dua, Bali, 80363, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 8478 111; E: events.bali@stregis.com; www.stregisbali.com)

WHETHER YOU DECIDE TO ARRIVE AT YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY ATOP A MAJESTIC SUMATRAN ELEPHANT OR VIA A SOPHISTICATED JAGUAR S-TYPE, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE AT THE ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK & LODGE.

N

ever failing to deliver an unforgettable nuptial event, from pre-wedding pampering at the beautiful Safari Wellness Spa to glamorous reception dinners at the lakeside Park Restaurant, couples have the option to choose from a myriad of ceremony and reception events amongst the park’s 3.5 hectares of pristine tropical parkland and surrounding unspoilt natural forest. Situated north of Ubud in the historic village of Taro, the 25-room safaristyle lodge offers the perfect combination for romance and adventure, seamlessly fusing elegance with the thrill of the wild.

For brides that prefer a more traditional take on exchanging their vows, a dramatic four-post Javanese ceremonial gazebo is an ideal place to take advantage of Bali’s magnificent sunsets or morning solitude.

Designed to accommodate up to 250 guests, the White Wedding experience includes all of the classic bells and whistles, such as a luscious gourmet cake and a sit-down reception dinner complemented by flickering candlelight. Your wedding planner is stocked with all of the necessary accoutrements, including bejewelled wedding gowns and contemporary tuxedos.

A favourite amongst international guests from around the globe, the Balinese wedding experience never fails to impress even the most discerning family members. Offering

EDITOR’S PICK: Located just a few miles from the Elephant Safari Park, overlooking a lush river valley, the park’s owners have built a five-star restaurant, spa and adventure destination that is a must-do during your wedding extravaganza. To treat your bridesmaids (and groomsmen, too!) to the ultimate Asianinspired spa experience, Shinto Spa is touted as the only authentic Japanese spa in Bali.

Located on the ground level of the five-star Ubud Adventure Centre, the spa’s interiors are traditional and edgy as renowned works of Japanese art mix effortlessly with bamboo linens, sliding shoji doors and upscale product lines such as Pevonia. Expect to find a unique combination of luxurious treatment suites, individual mani-pedi and reflexology pods, deep onsen-style bathtubs for two and a tranquil outdoor deck that features relaxed beanbag-style seating and unparalleled views.

As of April this year, a helicopter option will be available to fly directly to the Elephant Safari Park & Lodge.

a full range of traditional Balinese dress and gilded head costumes designed for him and her, this magical and extremely photogenic option indulges your wedding party with the rich cultural heritage of the Island of the Gods. Colourful umbul-umbul flags mark the day with a special commemoration, while regally costumed Balinese flower girls never fail to produce ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from onlookers. Exchange your vows within a romantically draped gazebo before commencing your new life with a celebratory champagne toast.

For a prestigious experience that will certainly make a lasting impression, why not book all of the resort’s private villas to create a truly exclusive ambience. Your personal wedding planner is on hand to make all of the necessary arrangements, including pampering your guests with a customized spa treatment plan or getting their adrenaline going with an exhilarating river rafting excursion in one of Ubud’s stunning river valleys. Host a pre-wedding bash at Mammoth’s Head Bar, Terrace and Lounge, setting the stage for perfection with a breathtaking view of the surrounding parklands, or tickle the childhood fantasies of your guests with a unique experience that gets everyone up close and personal with the resort’s playful elephants. (Elephant Safari Park & Lodge; Jalan Elephant Park Taro, Tegallalang, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 721 480; www.elephantsafariparklodge.com) ASIADREAMS 83

Tropical Weddings

Bali

A TIRTHA BRIDAL WEDDING IS A UNIQUE EXPRESSION OF PERSONALITY, DREAMS AND STYLE, A ROMANTIC, ELITE CELEBRATION OF THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE IN TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND SOPHISTICATED CONTEMPORARY GRACE ON THE ENCHANTING ISLAND OF BALI.

84 ASIADREAMS

I

t’s your wedding day. What lies ahead is a day full of love, promises and affection in the company of your loved ones.

Imagine reciting your vows high up on the dramatic cliff-top of southern Bali, in a magnificent art-glass wedding chapel, an architectural masterpiece with the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. It is a magical place for a fantasy wedding like no other.

Tirtha Bridal is every bride’s wedding wonderland. Founded in 1998 by Japanese husband-and-wife team Koji and Yuka Koreyasu, Tirtha Bridal is the island’s pioneering and most innovative wedding planner, offering one-stop custom wedding services, luxurious facilities and two exclusive venues for both intimate nuptials and lavish parties.

Tirtha’s first wedding venue, Tirtha Uluwatu, was launched in 2003, quickly gaining international acclaim for its visionary design and revolutionary concept. Tirtha Uluwatu evokes a sense of grandeur in a 6,000 sq.m.

EDITOR’S PICK:

The ancient Sanskrit word “tirtha” means “holy water” in Balinese, a name that was selected for its stunning location near Uluwatu Temple with an infinite view of the Indian Ocean and reflected in its sleek, contemporary water-themed design. True to the theme, tie the knot in the most romantic yet avantgarde way with Tirtha’s Water Wedding. Walk down the aisle and seal your happily-ever-after atop Tirtha Luhur’s purposely built natural green stone altar floating dreamily on the infinity pool against the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.

The second venue, the intimate Tirtha Luhur, was introduced in October 2005 and features a luxurious 3,000 sq.m. three-bedroom private villa with a wedding pavilion, interconnecting indoor and outdoor dining spots, a guest lounge with a cloak room, a swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, a well-stocked bar and a relaxation gazebo.

cliff-edge resort cocooned in tropical gardens and exotic water features. The property boasts an impressive, award-winning wedding chapel, an Uluwatu day suite for the bride and groom, a lounge area, a powder room and lockers for wedding guests, a beautiful dining room and a spacious lawn for outdoor dinners.

Tirtha Bridal’s mastermind, the effortlessly elegant Yuka Koreyasu, has worked with more than 5,000 wedding couples since 2003, bringing each couple’s tailor-made dream wedding to life through unrivalled service and uncompromising devotion. “Listen carefully to what your heart is saying. What do you want your day to be all about? The secret to a successful wedding includes taking the time to define your personal style,” revealed Yuka.

Whatever your wedding story is, let Tirtha Bridal’s experienced team work its magic and

spoil you with a five-star planning service right down to the smallest details. With an insider’s knowledge of the latest wedding trends and special access to the island’s best suppliers, Tirtha’s wedding consultants are well-equipped to address any request you may desire. Tirtha’s on-site Bridal Boutique provides everything from gowns, tuxedos, accessories, stationery, wedding favours and gifts, to services such as floral and entertainment consultants, hair and make-up stylists and photography and video.

Catering is trusted to the talented hands of culinary artist Hiroyuki Meno, Tirtha’s executive chef who hails from prestigious Michelin three-star restaurants in Tokyo. Chef Hiroyuki is more than delighted to personalize your wedding menu, be it a five-course wine dinner, or an extravagant buffet spread, rest assured it will be a memorable evening of gastronomic delight.

If you plan to wed at a Tirtha Bridal venue in 2016, be sure to reserve before the end of this year. After 12 incredible years, Tirtha Bridal is planning for the general renovation of its resort starting in December 2015. Under the capable hands of renowned architect, Glenn Parker, Tirtha Bridal’s original architect in 2003, the renovation will focus on the dining area, the lounge deck and the building of a staged deck on the cliff for a fabulous photo corner and sunset experience. The resort is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2016 with a refreshed look, ready to provide an enhanced magical experience for brides and grooms in every facet.(Tirtha Bridal; Jalan Uluwatu, Br Dinas Karang Boma, Desa Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 847 115; www.tirthabridal.com) ASIADREAMS 85

HONEYMOONS : TRAVEL

Fly First Class with Garuda Indonesia to your honeymoon destination and arrive fresh, rested and ready to enjoy a new experience of love.

Garuda Indonesia’s First Class offers comfort, luxury and excellent service to ensure a delightful journey for couples.

86 ASIADREAMS

W

hat comes to mind when you hear the word “honeymoon”? You will probably think of a world full of luxury, top-of-theline, once-in-a-lifetime, romantic experiences with your loved one. The idea of travelling first class on your flight certainly goes with that special romantic occasion, no matter the destination or cost. Flying first class is a great way to begin your honeymoon. Going first class seems like a natural choice for newlyweds. Garuda Indonesia’s First Class will make sure you never miss a precious moment with your loved one. All of the seats’ adjustable dividers for middle suites can easily be opened to allow for intimate conversations. The suites are arranged in a

In Garuda Indonesia’s new First Class suite, the food is up to the highest standard and the crew is fantastic during the flight. The food looks great with a professional chef on board, the seat is within industry standards and, of course, a great set of friendly and attentive crew members makes your honeymoon trip more memorable! Garuda Indonesia has been awarded the airline with “The World’s Best Best Cabin Staff” by Skytrax on 2014 World Airline Awards. It definitely can make you feel like royalty.

1-2-1 layout – the middle pair has a slideup screen for privacy if you’re flying solo, but it also makes for a good companion arrangement when you’re a travelling couple.

and other European countries, and the honeymoon has only just begun! Or if you prefer spending time around Asia, Japan would be a good choice. Fly first class to Tokyo and enjoy the cherry blossom season and take home with you an unforgettable moment for the rest of your life.

In July 2013, Garuda Indonesia officially opened a First Class service on its Boeing 777300ER aircraft, offering eight passenger seats in First Class. This is definitely a bold move by the new management of the airline, which has been working very hard to transform the airline into one of the best in the world.

Garuda Indonesia is now aiming to become one of Southeast Asia’s premium airlines.

Garuda Indonesia First Class is available for the Jeddah, Amsterdam, Tokyo and London routes.

As two of the favourite destinations for honeymooners, Europe and Japan promise exciting and romantic experiences. You can fly to Europe via Amsterdam, explore the Netherlands, and then fly to London

Garuda Indonesia has been named a 5-Star Airline by Skytrax, the world’s leading airline and airport review specialists. This prestigious recognition is testament to the many improvements consistently carried out by the company over the years, which have eventually led to its transformation from a little-known entity among the world’s

ASIADREAMS 87

airlines into one of the best airlines with a top-tier 5-star ranking. Garuda Indonesia really has impressed us with its experience and achievements, and its new First Class will really suit your honeymoon trip.

Cabin of Comfort The suite is designed to be luxurious. You’ll find the ergonomic seats to be very spacious and comfortable, elegantly designed for optimal comfort, with an 82-inch pitch and 22-inch width that can be converted into a luxurious fully flat bed (180°) with mattress, duvet and pillows, it is also equipped with an ottoman, allowing passengers travelling long-haul flights—such as couples on their way to their honeymoon destination—to feel refreshed when they arrive. Inside the new Garuda Indonesia Boeing 777-300ER are eight luxurious private suites, each lending an exclusively intimate atmosphere to your trip.

There’s also a hidden table fit for fine dining that can be adjusted to become a table for two.

88 ASIADREAMS

Dining Experience Garuda Indonesia’s own qualified Chef-onBoard is ready to prepare special dishes that suit any couple’s needs or cravings. The on-board chefs are proud Indonesians handpicked from international five-star hotels and restaurants all over the world and brought back home by Garuda Indonesia to indulge the First Class guests with their skills.

First Class passengers can enjoy an extensive selection of world class champagne, wine, sake, whisky and liqueur, or simply feel the warmth of Indonesian single-origin coffees, world premium teas and Garuda Indonesia’s signature juices. First class passengers will also be able to choose between selections of meals from an exclusive menu, freshly prepared at an altitude of 40,000 feet. Garuda Indonesia is confident that you’ll enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in the skies.

You and your spouse can also request a special meal with 24-hour reservations prior to your flight departure through your First Class Agent.

Entertainment on Board You’ll have personal in-flight entertainment with a 23.5-inch LCD touch screen, equipped with a remote control and noise-cancelling headphones. There are 35 feature films, 10 channels of sitcoms and television shows, 48 music albums, 25 interactive games and video-on-demand to choose from. The inflight magazine has a children’s section and passengers are able to access live television from six stations, including CNN International and BBC World, on the entertainment screen.

To keep your mobile devices or laptops primed, each seat comes with power jacks to recharge your Mac and PC devices.

Complimentary Wi-Fi access on-board lets you surf the web, chat and email at 40,000 feet.

Amenities In terms of on-board amenities, you’ll find an elegantly boxed LOEWE branded amenity kit, as well as a dental set. The accompanying LOEWE products within the amenity kit include a 10ml unisex bottle of Agua de Loewe eau de toilette, 40ml tube of non-oily body balm and a 2ml revitalising eye contour.

More Privilege The exclusive experience begins on the ground with limousine pick-up offered on selected routes between Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi) and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and also to and from Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. On the day of travel, Garuda Indonesia will provide couples with a Limousine Service from their doorstep to the airport and from the airport back to their home. This service is available through a reservation made at least 24 hours before departure time.

At the airport, first class passengers are assigned a personal First Class Assistant who will take care of boarding and immigration procedures, as well as escorting them to the first class lounge. You will enjoy the best service before the flight in a luxury First Class lounge with exclusive facilities. Here you will enjoy a spread of food and beverages, Wi-Fi and invigorating reflexology room.

As soon as you arrive at your honeymoon destination, you will be swiftly assisted by a

First Class Assistant who will take care of your baggage claim and the immigration process.

And with a private limousine* ready to take you to your destination, your First Class experience continues beyond your flight.

Please call (+62) 21 2965 5777 to find out more about Garuda Indonesia’s First Class or make a reservation through www.garudaindonesia.com/firstclass. *Certain services are only available in certain destinations ASIADREAMS 89

Honeymoons

Maldives

90 ASIADREAMS

WHY HONEYMOON HERE? There are plenty of beautiful places to honeymoon after a couple’s perfect wedding and the Maldives are at the top of the list for honeymooners around the world. The Maldives are considered to be among the most exclusive wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world. They offer unique ways to say “I do” in this sought-after tropical paradise and unforgettable experiences and moments of leisure. The blue beach, tropical atmosphere, sea breeze and ocean view will create extraordinary memories for a lifetime. This island offers you a fantastic range of unique holidays, cruises, activities, attractions and much more with special touches to make your honeymoon trip extra special! The Maldives have won so many awards and will always be one of the ultimate destinations.

ASIADREAMS 91

FOR AWARD WINNING-ROMANCE Home to whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the only resort to span two islands in the Maldives and it can be reached by a 30-minute seaplane flight across the islands. It’s a perfect choice for romance. Barefoot luxury meets unpretentious style at this luxury resort which now offers couples the unique opportunity to have exclusive use of their very own private island paradise for their island inspired wedding. Reached by a 30-minute seaplane flight, adult-only Rangali Island boasts 50 romantic water villas, accommodating up to 100 guests. The island has three restaurants, an over-water spa, and an infinity-edge pool and is fringed with sugary soft white sandy beaches and crystal-clear aquamarine seas.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provides newlyweds or honeymooners with a complementary fruit basket and champagne upon arrival, a half day excursion of their choosing and a three-course candlelight dinner. This spectacular resort offers three different resort experiences on two islands; guests can enjoy the quintessential Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island while also having access to the facilities of the larger and livelier main island, which is linked to it by a 500m bridge. The third resort experience is at the Spa Retreat, an over-water spa destination that operates as a resort-within-a-resort.

Recently awarded “The Best Water Villas in 92 ASIADREAMS

the Maldives”, “The Best Suites in the World” and “Best Spa Resort in the Maldives” and included in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2013 Gold List of the Best 100 Hotels in the World and the World’s 10 Best Beach Hotels.

Dining at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an unparalleled epicurean experience that paves the way for innovative resort dining, underpinned by the uniqueness of each outlet including the country’s first purposely designed authentic Chinese restaurant - Ufaa

by Jereme Leung, undersea dining in Ithaa (rated the most beautiful restaurant in the world, New York News Daily, 2014), awardwinning wine and cuisine in Vilu Restaurant

and Bar, organic spa-cuisine in Mandhoo and the regions first wine cellar built two meters underground featuring up to 20,000 bottles of wine and 1,400 labels.

For relaxation, guests can find bliss in the resort’s two spas, enjoy an extensive range of excursions, diving and water sports options snorkel the resort’s vibrant coral reef which is just steps from the beach or simply celebrate the art of doing nothing in a million different ways on the world’s most perfect beaches.

(Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; Rangali Island, 20077, Republic of Maldives; T: (+960) 668 0629; www.conradmaldivesrangali.com)

areas for guests who like to sit back and simply enjoy the moment.

FOR HIP HONEYMOONERS Beside being a honeymoon destination, the Maldives are also well known as a hip island hangout. Choosing your own holiday pace goes hand in hand with choosing your favourite bar, club and restaurant and being refreshed with every type of cuisine, evening drink or entertainment. There are dozens of fabulous island resorts that boast a range of night-time entertainment and the after-dark venues can stay open all night long!

On the 40-minute sea plane flight from Malé Airport you will see many beautiful sights, but none as beautiful as the paradise that is the Kuredu Island Resort and Spa with more than 3km of white sandy beaches to explore, a turquoise lagoon and luxury accommodations. It is situated in an area famous for an exotic abundance of coral reefs on the north reef of Lhaviyani Atoll, an area known for its unrivalled beauty and tropical

marine life.

Kuredu is famous for its bars and picturesque views. Lounge on the powdery white beaches, swim through the warm crystal clear waters and relax under airy thatched bungalows to live your fantasy vacation. The entertainment here provides a lot of relaxing activities.

If you are planning to experience the nightlife in the Maldives with shady hideaways from the midday sun, then the first suggestion would be the Babuna Bar on the Maldivian island of the Kureda Island Resort and Spa. The island has many bars and entertainment facilities and it also happens to have the largest bar in the Maldives, with a large U-shaped bar, plenty of tables and chairs, darts, table tennis and a dance floor. The atmosphere is lively and has plenty of seating

The Babuna Bar, located close to the main pool area, is mainly known as being the chief entertainment venue on the island. The Babuna Bar is where everyone’s at on Friday night when the traditional white parties rock the island. Don’t miss live band performances, evening animation and the lazy-boy loungers that work best with a Kurumba in hand.

The Babuna Bar affords comfortable venues with a wide selection of drinks and snacks available.

Beside the Babuna Bar, there are also other options to visit. The Akiri Bar offers a romantic evening. The Pool Bar specialises in cool cocktails like margaritas and daiquiris.

Make the Sangu Bar a pit stop on your walk around the island and a must-visit place for sundowners. The Raalhu Bar is a comfortable bar to chill-out in at Kuredu’s Ocean Watersport centre. The ‘O’ Bar offers luxury entwined with a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. The Golf Bar quenches your thirst with a cold beer or a soft drink after your golf practice. Not to be missed is Sai Kotari, the romantic tea house. Situated at the end of Kuredu harbour, Sai Kotari offers exclusive and fresh Ceylon tea in nine different flavours and a variety of coffee cocktails from dusk till midnight. (Kuredu Island Resort and Spa; Maldives Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives; T:(+960) 662 0337; www.kuredu.com)

ASIADREAMS 93

FOR SOPHISTICATED ISLAND LOVERS Share the beauty of alluring coastlines ringed with soft white sand, crystalline water and sunshine in spades with your spouse. A honeymoon is a time to indulge in the very best and that includes your accommodations.

At Constance Moofushi you can explore many things together. Enjoy your honeymoon in a luxurious way in a stunning location, with super-premium spirits, an international wine list and meals, as well as snorkelling and Dhoni boat excursions.

Constance Moofushi is situated on the South Ari Atoll and is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. It combines Crusoe Chic Barefoot elegance with the highest standards of the Constance Hotels Experience service.

After a few days spent lying back in the sun, there’s plenty to offer beyond the island. For couples looking for the freedom to build their own holiday in their own way, or seeking some activities and wanting to know more about the island, Constance Moofushi goes out of its way to entertain honeymooners, offering free windsurfing, kayaking, pedal boating and snorkelling excursions (equipment included).

If you want total seclusion, take a boat trip to a deserted island for just the two of you

94 ASIADREAMS

and spend the day lying on the sands, taking romantic strolls along the beach, or bathing in crystal waters to experience in full the romance of the Maldives. For an extra cost, you can set off in a dhoni and be dropped off at your own private island for a full or half day, go on a sunset cruise, seek out dolphins on a speedboat, visit a local village, go night fishing, hire a private boat or embark on a diving trip. It’s a great way to spend time together.

This luxurious resort is also perfect for lovers of fine dining, from the exquisite sand-floored Manta restaurant to the bar overlooking the ocean, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to eat or where to enjoy cocktails or an iced tea. The theme of the Manta restaurant changes daily so that you can enjoy a wide variety of menus, including premium brand drinks, an international wine list and a select menu of sparkling wine. Guests are spoiled with the all-inclusive features, which means that buffet meals at the sandy-floored Manta restaurant, sunset cocktails at either of the two casual, feet-in-sand bars and other extras, such as one 90-minute boat excursion per person, per stay, are included. (Constance Moofushi; South Ari Atoll 00200 Republic of Maldives; T: (+960) 668 1010; www.constancehotels. com/en/hotels-resorts/maldives/moofushi/)

ASIADREAMS 95

Honeymoons

Hong Kong

The multitude of thriving individuals strutting about, living many kinds of lives in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong has an undeniable feel of romanticism to it that is both compelling and beautiful.

96 ASIADREAMS

WHY HONEYMOON HERE? With more than 7 million people living in just 426 sq.m. and dubbed as one of the most densely populated places on the planet, it is understandable why some honeymooners won’t pick Hong Kong as a destination to celebrate their love. However, look past the everyday crowds and glimpse the philosophies of its expansive high-rise skyline and deep natural harbour and you’ll find yourself one step closer to understanding life.

Hong Kong is a bustling, vibrant, cosmopolitan city filled with all kinds of life amongst its dramatic buildings, diverse businesses and busy boats. From high-end malls and traditional markets to upscale restaurants and sleepless street food, there isn’t much you can’t find here and, when you think about it, it’s really rather romantic. And, in fact, this isn’t all you can find in Hong Kong.

LOW RES

WHAT TO SEE While most days are tourist days at The Peak of Hong Kong, the views across the skyscrapers to the sea and the neighbouring islands are spectacular and well worth the crowd. The best way to reach The Peak is to take the Peak Tram from Garden Road in Central, with a small additional cost to reach the very top. The best time of the day to visit the peak is at dusk, when you can marvel at the city view bathed in all its neon glory as night falls. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from (tactfulness is necessary when choosing a place), but one of our recommendations is the Peak Café.

The night life of Hong Kong is teeming with fun activities and extravagant parties, but for a taste of something that is both upscale and different, visit the Happy Valley Races at the city’s famous Sha Tin track.

Ringed by a 360-degree concrete backdrop of skyscrapers, the track is a vibrant place where established local executives, successful

expats and celebrities rub shoulders for the entertainment of horse-race watching and wagering.

Any respectable traveller visiting Hong Kong for the first time would not want to miss a Star Ferry journey across Victoria Harbour.

Named one of the top 50 journeys of a lifetime by National Geographic, get romantic on board the ferry as you soak in the fabulous view of flashy high-rises, massive cranes, old tenement blocks and soaring silver skyscrapers grasping the skies, accompanied by a bottle of fine champagne shared with your new life partner.

Land on the opposite side of the harbour and you’ve arrived at Kowloon, a shopping heaven of giant malls, markets and restaurants from Nathan Road to Granville Road decorated by individual outlet stores with all of their uniqueness and a jumble of neon signs.

ASIADREAMS 97

INTIMATE ACCOMMODATIONS

Honeymooners deserve the finest service and attention to ensure the moments the couple share turn into sweet memories that will last a lifetime. Hong Kong has some of the most romantic locations for guests having destination weddings, who are on their honeymoon, celebrating their anniversaries, or simply escaping from everyday life. These are only some of the hotels and resorts in Hong Kong that frequently offer special rates and packages for two, along with special welcome amenities and turndown services, reservations and activities for couples, with accommodations and facilities above and beyond a standard guest room.

The iconic Hullett House Hotel is a designoriented, all-suites hotel that occupies an elegant colonial-era structure maintained to perfection. The suites, which range in size from 800 to 1,100 sq.ft., feature spacious private terraced balconies with sweeping views of Hong Kong’s famous skyline and serene gardens below. With each suite individually designed to reflect a unique period in the city’s history, the Hullett House Hotel offers a refined and elegant experience

98 ASIADREAMS

that is reminiscent of Hong Kong’s vibrant past. For an extra heritage treat, each suite at the Hullett House is named after one of Hong Kong’s numerous bays, in deference to the building’s history as the former Marine Police headquarters. (Hullett House Hotel; 1881 Heritate, 2A Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong; T: (852) 3988 0000; reservation@hulletthouse.com) On the waterfront overlooking Victoria Harbour and the financial district, the Four Seasons Hong Kong redefines luxurious romantic excellence in a city renowned for exceptional accommodations and services.

As part of the prestigious International Finance Centre, it offers unrivalled links to Hong Kong Station, with the famed Star Ferry only a short walking distance away. The hotel’s strategic location and wall-to-wall windows offer stunningly panoramic views of the city, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon and the Peak.

The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is happy to craft your own personal honeymoon experience, which can include champagne breakfasts in the privacy of your guest room or suite, romantic candle-lit dinners to be enjoyed in the room, or in one of the restaurants, or in one of the hotel’s exclusive private dining rooms, a relaxing message, or a private tour of Hong Kong in a Bentley. (Four Seasons Hong Kong; 8 Finance Street Central Hong Kong; T: (852) 3196 8888)

The InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong offers a unique waterfront location in Kowloon’s prime shopping, business and entertainment district, providing unrivalled views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island, unparalleled service and facilities, as well as superb dining options for honeymooners who seek to experience the whole package. The hotel is also renowned for its personalized service and superb restaurants, all with panoramic harbour views.

The most recent addition is “SPOON by Alain

Ducasse”, featuring modern cuisine inspired by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse.

Recognized as one of the best spa hotels in Hong Kong, complete your honeymoon experience in I Spa and enjoy a wide spectrum of unique treatments complete with an exclusively private sauna, steam shower, Jacuzzi and massage facilities.

(The InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong; 18 Salisbury Road Kowloon, Hong Kong; T: (852) 2721 1211; hongkong@ihg.com)

ASIADREAMS 99

Honeymoons

Bali

IMAGINE AN IDYLLIC TROPICAL ISLAND WITH GREAT NATURAL BEAUTY, MAJESTIC VOLCANOES, A DEEP GREEN JUNGLE CANOPY, JAW-DROPPING COASTLINES, LUSH RICE TERRACE FIELDS, CHARMING LOCALS AND A CAPTIVATING CULTURE. THE “ISLAND OF THE GODS” SEDUCES WITH ITS DRAMATIC TRANCE DANCES AND SACRED CEREMONIES, ITS VIBRANT ARTS SCENE AND ITS HEDONISTIC, LUXURIOUS COLLECTION OF HONEYMOON RESORTS, ROMANTIC SPAS AND DECADENT CUISINES. THIS IS BALI: AN ISLAND OF SUN, SAND, SURF AND SPIRITUALITY MADE FOR LOVERS AND LOVE-SEEKERS.

SEMINYAK

WHY HONEYMOON HERE? Wine, dine, shop and sleep your honeymoon away in Seminyak’s labyrinth of private luxury villas, sexy beach clubs, foodie hotspots, chic boutiques, decadent spas and sinful nightlife nooks. Lovingly dubbed “Bali’s Little Europe”, the vibrant little hub exudes a chic cosmopolitan ambience that brings in international jetsetters, wellheeled fashionistas and hip honeymooners.

100 ASIADREAMS

ROMANTIC DINING With its classic yet contemporary environment, sacred location and unsurpassed views over the Indian Ocean, Chez Gado Gado has rightfully earned its beachfront spot as a culinary icon on Seminyak Beach. While its backbone is Balinese, the casual, fine-dining ambience of Chez Gado Gado was aptly named after a tasty local dish with a recipe that varies island-to-island, chef-to-chef, or possibly even nightly. It’s a medley, a

mix of vegetables, and a playful mutt, always doused in delicious peanut sauce.

With a great array of modern cocktails, a distinctive wine list and a world-class panMediterranean cuisine, Chez Gado Gado guarantees a memorable sunset experience overlooking the dramatic seascape on Seminyak Beach. (Chez Gado Gado; Jalan Camplung Tanduk 99, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 736 966; www. gadogadorestaurant.com)

HIS AND HERS SPA TREATMENT Be the king and queen of the Island of the Gods for a day and experience an authentic Indonesian spa utilizing the best-kept ancestral secrets of healing treatments and holistic remedies in a rare oasis. Inspired by the Ramayana, an eternal love story between Rama and Sita, the “King and Queen of Bali”, the Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa offers a special Honeymoon Package for lovebirds seeking a truly romantic royal treatment. The treatment

starts with a welcoming foot ritual, a guided couple’s hydrotherapy session in a bioenergized Aquatonic pool, a self-applied sensual scrub combined with a herbal sauna, a traditional Balinese massage, a boreh mask and a herbal bath. The package also includes Balinese snacks and refreshments for two.

(Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa; Jalan Camplung Tanduk No. 5A, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 731 648; www. easterngardenmarthatilaarspa.com)

ASIADREAMS 101

DREAMY OUTINGS For a truly unforgettable beachfront experience to share with your loved one, saddle up and canter on horseback toward the setting sun along the black sand beaches of Canggu, just 10 minutes from buzzing Seminyak.

With Bali Island Horse your trusty stallion will take you alongside the crashing surf, crossing creeks and rivers and passing temples before stopping at a bat cave for some exceptional cliff-top views. (Bali Island Horse; Jalan Kunti, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 731 407; www.baliislandhorse.com)

INTIMATE ACCOMMODATIONS Live up a chic honeymoon at the DoubleSix Luxury Hotel Seminyak, a stylish hotel that is redefining contemporary luxury travel along the iconic shores of Double Six Beach. Fusing authentic Balinese service with 21st century amenities and mesmerizing ocean vistas, an aesthetic collection of suites gives honeymooners something special to choose from. Choose from a heady 102 ASIADREAMS

collection of Hermès bath products to create a personalised spa experience as the flat screen television above the bathtub keeps you entertained.

We suggest a leisurely sunset stroll along the endless coastline of Double Six, a playful splash at the edge of the 120-metre swimming pool with a frozen strawberry

daiquiri in hand or head up to the world’s largest Rooftop Bar, boasting Seminyak’s most spectacular coastline views. “Living it all” is the hotel’s motto from the minute you arrive to the last sip of champagne within the hip Double-Six Owner’s Lounge before departure.

(Double-Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak; No. 66, Double Six Beach Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia; Tel: (+62) 361 730 466; www.double-six.com)

JIMBARAN WHY HONEYMOON HERE? The Jimbaran Bay area offers a long stretch of white sandy beach that, unlike some of its neighbours, is very calm with few waves, letting you dip and enjoy a relaxing swim without worry. The bay boasts a collection of smart international hotels with plenty of fun and romantic activities that are perfect for honeymooners.

The highlight of Jimbaran is its beachside sand-in-your-toes style seafood restaurants, with fresh lobster costing no more than GBP5. Local fishermen realised some years ago that they were no longer able to make a sustainable income just through fishing, while at the same time competing with world-class hoteliers and restaurateurs in the area. These seaside restaurants, with most

of their dining tables nestled in the sands overlooking the horizon, are the right choice to savour honest seafood cuisine while enjoying the view. It is highly recommended to visit the restaurants at the romantic time of sunset, where decent musicians sometimes come over and play your favourite serenade for a very small price.

HIS AND HERS SPA TREATMENT Stunningly located on rocks amidst the sparkling Indian Ocean, begin your honeymoon in style and spoil yourselves with lavish spa treatments at Spa on The Rocks, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. Surrounded by the sea, each of the two spa villas has been ingeniously designed to blend with the environment. Experience the sound of waves gently lulling you beneath, feel soft sea breezes drift into your private villa and be invigorated by the scent of refreshing ocean mist whilst pampering yourself with the ultraindulgent two-and-a-half-hour Diamond Miracle treatment. Your dream experience starts with a therapeutic foot soak, Coral Algalea Body Scrub and a sensual ocean splash rose bath using petals from 500 red

roses. A Balinese Massage using oils bound with elements of silk and pearl precedes a La Mer facial using a precious formula of sea quartz and pure diamond dust. The finale to this spectacular treatment is a fabulous feast of strawberries and chilled champagne served in sparkling crystal flutes. Diamonds, silk, pearls and champagne: what better way to pamper yourself than with the world’s most precious, luscious elements, in the most breathtaking setting? (Spa on The Rocks, AYANA Resort and Spa Bali; Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 702 222; www.ayanaresort.com).

DREAMY OUTINGS Sail away from Bali to Nusa Lembongan Island aboard Aristocat–Bali Hai Cruises’ luxury sailing catamaran. Enjoy a day trip, or an overnight stay in the pristine Lembongan Bay at Bali Hai Cruises’ private Beach Club, where you can relax on golden sand, lie back in the shade of tranquil gardens, or cool off in a lagoon pool. Upon arrival at the Hai Tide Beach Resort, you will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch grilled at the poolside cabana, followed by a guided village tour of this small unspoiled island, home to seaweed farmers.

The Aristocat sailing cruise offers an array of water sports activities, including banana boat rides, pool volleyball, snorkeling and

semi-submersible coral viewers. Other water sport options include a parasailing adventure that will take you high above the water for a bird’s eye view of the island and scuba diving with the in-house dive team, Bali Hai Diving Adventures. Certified divers may travel further afield to experience life beneath the waves in this vibrant ocean channel between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. And when the day is done, the Aristocat luxury catamaran makes a leisurely cruise back to Benoa Harbour, arriving as the sun sets on another glorious day in Bali. (Bali Hai Cruises; Benoa Harbour, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 720 331; sales@balihaicruises.com; www.balihaicruises.com) ASIADREAMS 103

INTIMATE ACCOMMODATIONS Belmond Jimbaran Puri is a haven for romance. Honeymooners can enjoy complete privacy. Every luxurious cottage and villa features its own walled garden and terrace.

Laze on the twin hammocks under towering trees. Wander through the lush gardens.

Take a sunset stroll along Jimbaran Bay’s sands. Share a spa treatment in the specially designed spa terraces. Make it an evening to remember with a Duo Moonlight Romantic Dinner on the beach. The resort is wellsituated on Jimbaran Beach, with a good amount of shore to call its own. Even within the deeper facilities of the hotel, you can still hear the sound of crashing waves, as well as chirping and cooing birds in and around the complex. (Belmond Jimbaran Puri; Jalan Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 701605; www.belmond.com/jimbaranpuri-bali)

wide variety of romantic activities, including private moonlit dinners on the beach, in the secluded gardens, or in your own villa, spa treatments for two, private tours and islandwide cultural and adventure activities. Some other romantic couples’ activities to choose from include the Love and Connectivity spa treatment, Couples’ Cooking School, an Island

Gazebo Candlelit Dinner and Mountain High Romance experiences at the resort’s sister property, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan in Ubud. (Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay; Jalan Kawasan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran Bay, Kuta Selatan, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 701 010; www.fourseasons. com)

One of the world’s most romantic destinations, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is a paradise for couples.

During your honeymoon, special experiences throughout the resort and beyond make for a truly memorable start to your new life together. Assisted by the hotel’s wedding and honeymoon specialists, you can enjoy a

NUSA DUA If you’re looking to spend your honeymoon in an enclave where you can enjoy unadulterated indulgence and a perfectly manicured Bali, Nusa Dua is where you want to go. The antithesis of loud and lively Bali, the area is home to soft white sand beaches and the most exclusive hotels and resorts, offering a full service hospitality

WHY HONEYMOON HERE? with international standards, guaranteed to pamper your honeymoon experience all the way.

Nusa Dua is a hotbed of luxurious beachfront honeymoon suites, golf resorts, world-class restaurants and R&R. Expect nothing but the best. While surfing and diving are popular

activities for more active visitors to this beach destination, there are plenty of other couple activities to do outside Nusa Dua. Trek up the many steps to the Mother Temple, Besakih and combine sightseeing with muscle toning, as an example. You can also visit an array of spas, galleries and boutiques for those who prefer less exertion. Local barong performances can be admired at Batubulan.

ROMANTIC DINING An icon in the culinary scene on Bali, Kayuputi is the multi-awardwinning speciality beachfront dining restaurant at the esteemed St. Regis Bali Resort. Serving up refined Asian-influenced haute cuisine, along with a stellar wine selection, amidst an unrivalled setting of cosmopolitan elegance and some of the most romantic cabanas on the island, dinner at Kayuputi might just be the highlight of your Bali honeymoon. (Kayuputi; The St. Regis Bali Resort, Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua Lot S6, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 8478 111; www.kayuputirestaurant.com) 104 ASIADREAMS

HIS AND HERS SPA TREATMENT

Exclusive to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, the sensual Remède Spa at The St. Regis Bali Resort is one of the most romantic spa experiences in the world. From champagne and Bloody Mary, to luxurious throws and fully customised treatments, the Remède Spa surpasses all expectations, helping you to escape to a sanctuary of pure indulgence and relaxation. The Honeymooner Spa Ritual is the perfect way to kick off your honeymoon and prep your skin for the Bali sun, starting with

the signature foot bath to relax the feet and prepare the body for the Remède Customised Massage. Next comes a Remède Customised Body Scrub featuring delicious scents of jasmine and tuberose flowers, finishing with a luxurious flower petal bath accompanied by chocolate-dipped strawberries. (Remède Spa at The St. Regis Bali Resort, Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua Lot S6, PO Box 44, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 300 6716/6717; www.stregisbalispa.com)

INTIMATE ACCOMMODATION For well-groomed honeymoon accommodation, consider staying at The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, featuring private pathways to secluded gardens and super-exclusive hydrotherapy pools surrounded by lush landscape. The Exquisite villas at the Mulia Villas combine intimate settings with ultra-luxury services and

amenities to craft an unparalleled island experience for those seeking to transcend conventional tropical getaways. Even in the wee hours of the morning, a highly trained personal butler will be waiting with a buggy outside your villa to take you to breakfast.

After an invigorating spa treatment, the same butler will be ready back at the villa, having

already filled the Jacuzzi with warm water and bubbles. These are only small examples of the kind of service offered at the Mulia Villas that will give you all the convenience you need so you can focus on celebrating your love. (The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas; Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia; T: +(62) 361 8467777; www.themulia.com) ASIADREAMS 105

UBUD As the art and cultural heartland of the island, Ubud is a unique place of tranquility, natural beauty and unequalled romance.

Throughout history, the hilly town has drawn congregations of princes, artists and travellers. Blessed with iconic rice terraces,

WHY HONEYMOON HERE? emerald landscapes, ancient temples and spiritual rivers, Ubud truly embodies honeymoon bliss.

While Ubud is the perfect place to relax, unwind and watch the rice grow, nature

lovers and active lovebirds will appreciate the outdoor opportunities for trekking, biking or bird-watching, while art enthusiasts will feel right at home in the artists’ villages, museums and galleries.

ROMANTIC DINING For an evening to remember in tropical paradise, amidst the soft glow of candlelight under the starry skies of Ubud, opt for a special “100 candles” romantic dinner right by the Ayung River at The Samaya Ubud. Enjoy a specially created six-course tasting menu with a wine-pairing option, delivered by your own server for the evening to cater to your every whim. Advanced booking is essential, as this extraordinary dinner is only offered to one table per night. (The Samaya Ubud; Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 973 606; www.thesamayabali.com) When you walk through the Balinese doorway of Mozaic Restaurant, Lounge, Workshop & Catering you are entering Bali’s finest, multiple-award-winning modern fine dining oasis. Impress your loved one with chef-owner Chris Salans’s six-course surprise menu that masterfully combines the most

precious and finest seasonal ingredients of the world with the unique and interesting flavours of Indonesia in a romantic fairytale-like garden setting. This is the epitome of a true gustatory adventure, an unrivalled dining experience not to be missed in Bali.

(Mozaic Restaurant, Lounge, Workshop & Catering; Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 975 768; www. mozaic-bali.com) Located just over the Campuhan Bridge and a stone’s throw away from the Ubud Palace,

bridges is easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in town for a casual fine dining experience. Start your special evening with an aperitif and canapés at a private table on the suspension bridge. Move on to the elegant dining terrace on the lower level, with a serene view of the river below, and select from an indulgent menu of Asian and Western delicacies complemented with fine wines from its very own Divine wine cellar. (bridges; Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 970 095; www.bridgesbali.com)

HIS AND HERS SPA TREATMENT COMO Shambhala Retreat at Uma

by COMO, Ubud offers Asian-inspired treatments including massages, facials for restorative skincare and bodycare such as the Javanese Royal Lulur Bath. Begin with the COMO Shambhala’s Indonesian massage using traditional Javanese essential oils which incorporates rolling and long kneading strokes to renew the body. A body scrub then follows with aromatic mixed spices preceding the application of cooling yoghurt and a flower-filled bath. Open-air treatment rooms, rustic stone walls, tropical landscaping, sleek 106 ASIADREAMS

bathtubs and chic design details set the stage for the ultimate spa experience. For men, try the PURIFY for Men facial treatment that includes a back cleanse followed by a relaxing and purifying back and scalp massage.

The treatment concludes with an express

facial using COMO Shambhala’s PURIFY skincare products. (COMO Shambhala Retreat at Uma by COMO, Ubud; Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 972 448; www.comohotels. com/umaubud)

design your thrilling honeymoon itinerary.

From whitewater rafting or river kayaking on the scenic Ayung River to jungle trekking and mountain cycling, Bali Adventure Tours offers five-star service from start to finish, as well as world-class facilities such as the Bali Elephant Safari Park where you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants and ride them through the Balinese jungle. (Bali Adventure Tours; Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, Pesanggaran, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 721 480; www.baliadventuretours.com)

DREAMY OUTINGS Ubud’s natural wonders and breathtaking landscapes inspire a myriad of outdoor adventures and recreational activities. If you’re a couple of adrenaline junkies, you might want to contact Bali Adventure Tours, the island’s seasoned tour operator, to custom-

INTIMATE ACCOMMODATIONS Maya Ubud Resort & Spa sits between the Petanu River valley and the verdant rice fields to the west, just a one-hour drive from Bali’s international airport. Comprising a 10-hectare slice of paradise, the resort features 108 luxury guestrooms and private pool villas surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, a stunning award-winning spa hidden among lush forests, dining venues offering international and regional dishes, as well

as healthy spa-style cuisine and recreation facilities, including two swimming pools, a tennis court, a golf putting green, a yoga pavilion and a gym.

For that ultimate honeymoon hideaway or romantic interlude, the resort offers an unforgettable three-night package that includes a luxurious breakfast in bed with sparkling wine, an in-villa flower bath, a half-

day countryside tour, a spa indulgence and a romantic candlelight dinner. While you’re there, here’s a different and creative way to enjoy some fun time together: a couple’s cooking class. Under the guidance of a professional Balinese chef, you will learn to prepare and cook five popular Indonesian dishes in just one hour, followed by a leisurely lunch. (Maya Ubud Resort & Spa; Jalan Gunung Sari Peliatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 977 888; www.mayaubud.com)

EDITOR’S PICK:

Perched above the Tjampuhan Valley with scenic views of steep hills, lush paddies and forested volcanoes, Uma by Como, Ubud is home to 46 exquisite sun-drenched rooms, suites and villas cocooned within lush tropical gardens. For the ultimate in privacy and indulgence, stay in one of the three spacious 94 sq.m Uma Pool Villas with an infinity plunge pool and a panoramic view of the verdant valley and meandering river below.

Fresh, expansive and airy, the inside is just as impressive with lavish comforts such as a tranquil daybed, roomy seating and living areas, a king-size bed with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linen, a fine goose-down duvet, a double-vanity bathroom with a massive shower and bath and COMO Shambhala’s signature bath amenities and comfortable terraces. (Uma by Como, Ubud; Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Banjar Lungsiakan, Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia; T: (+62) 361 972 448; www.comohotels.com/ umaubud)

Embrace your inner Ubudians with a private couple’s yoga session at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa. Touch is a fundamental sense for any romantic relationship; it is an intimate exchange of personal energy.

When you do yoga as a couple, this union has the potential to extend beyond the physical to the spiritual plane, through centering a partner’s energy via concentrated touch. This is a great bonding experience in a magical setting.

ASIADREAMS 107

INSPIRATION

108 ASIADREAMS

Meet Ana Gorjão Henriques, the new General Manager of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve soon to open in Ubud, Bali. With more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hotel industry, Ana is a true visionary, a passionate leader and the perfect embodiment of a Ritz-Carlton Lady who fully embraces the values and philosophy by which the Group operates.

Q: Sincerest congratulations on the upcoming opening of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud! How are things coming along up there and when is the property likely to open?

A: The construction is progressing very well. A lot of the areas are almost ready—the villas, the suites, the restaurants. It’s all looking very nice. Let’s say we are at 80%. We are hoping to open in the summer of 2015. It’s very exciting!

Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you got to where you are today.

A: I’m Portuguese, 47 years old. I have always enjoyed organizing things, cooking, taking care of my friends and family and entertaining them. I went to a prestigious hotel management school in Portugal and during my internship I quickly realized that this is my passion.

Upon graduation in 1991, I started working as a cost controller and assistant general manager at a four-star hotel in Lisbon.

I worked for a total of 12 years in sales and marketing as a manager and then a director at numerous five-star properties in Portugal, including The Orient-Express, the Four Seasons Hotel, The Ritz Lisbon, the Pestana Palace Hotel, the Praia Del Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort.

Eventually I became the Hotel Manager and, soon after, the General Manager of Penha Longa when my predecessor left.

Then I started to look at “what’s next”. My predecessor was already in Asia at that time, a region that was experiencing tremendous growth and when asked if I’d be willing to move, I said yes and ended up as the General Manager of Phulay Bay, The Ritz-Carlton’s first Reserve in Krabi, Thailand, for two and a half years. It was a very challenging but highly rewarding experience. After that, I told my vice-president of my next wish: to stay longer in Asia, to continue working at a Ritz-Carlton resort and to open a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. He then presented me to the owners of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and here I am!

ASIADREAMS 109

Q: Having worked with the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Group for more than nine years, what do you think really sets the group apart from its competitors?

A: At The Ritz-Carlton our company motto is: “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.” It’s all about our people, attention to details and giving our guests exceptional experiences that they will remember for life. It’s what sets us apart from other companies.

We are opening Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, and there is also an upcoming project to open a Reserve in Tanah Lot in three years. There is no better place to open a Ritz-Carlton Reserve than Ubud—the culture, the ceremonies, the Balinese way of living—all of which will be recreated in Mandapa.

Q: What were your impressions when you first visited Mandapa as the new General Manager and when you relocated to Ubud, Bali, from Thailand?

Every time we recruit new Ladies and Gentlemen, we have an orientation to introduce them to The Ritz-Carlton philosophy. It’s rewarding to see them growing, knowing everything by heart and truly living and breathing it. A lot of it cannot be taught; The RitzCarlton Culture comes from talent and the heart. For me, The RitzCarlton way is the only way. They breed it from the top to the bottom.

A: When I saw the property for the first time in May 2014, I was totally overwhelmed by the beauty of the place, by the forest, the river and the rice fields and by what the project would become. We have 270 degrees of riverfront view! It’s beautiful. I love nature. The architectural concept is to recreate a Balinese village in all aspects. I didn’t know what a Balinese village was at that time. The understanding came later after I moved here and started to see what a real Balinese village is.

Q: Your new property Mandapa, is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Could you please explain the key elements that differentiate a RitzCarlton Reserve from a Ritz-Carlton Hotel?

Q: What are the key elements of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, that you hope will give the property a competitive edge over other hotels in Bali?

A: The Ritz-Carlton Group has more city hotels than resorts. The idea of opening a Reserve came from our President. When he was coming up with the name, he thought about a very exclusive bottle of wine.

The concept of a Reserve is that it has to be a small and intimate resort with a maximum capacity of 100 rooms and, most importantly, it’s about the location, the local culture and its people. We try to reflect all of these in all of the resorts, focusing on attention to details and creating an experience of a lifetime for our guests.

A: We are still working on a lot of the concepts, but essentially, it’s all about the experiences. We are recreating a Balinese village, bringing the essence of Ubud—its traditions, culture, craftsmanship, museum and art—into Mandapa. We will organize painting workshops and cooking and offering-making classes, encourage our guests to participate in rice harvesting and involve them in the local temple ceremonies.

110 ASIADREAMS

Q: How would you compare managing Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, with any of your other hotel experiences?

Q: How would you describe the current state of Bali’s hospitality industry? What are some of the emerging trends that you see?

A: It’s all about attention to details and the proximity to our guests.

In Thailand, (and it will be the same in Mandapa), I was out on the property a lot, greeting guests at every check-in with our butlers, building close relationships and creating special experiences for them.

We were so close that, at times, we became friends and on several occasions, as the guests were departing, some of our butlers cried!

The connections and the special bonds we have with the guests are what make their stay truly memorable.

Down south, new restaurants are opening and competing in luxurious experiences and exciting food and beverage concepts. In Ubud, the trend is all about wellness and spirituality. There are things here that you can’t find anywhere else in the world: its friendly people, the yoga culture and the healthy lifestyle. It’s comforting to see Ubud growing that way. You see these people with very good vibes going about town and it’s contagious. You just have to go with the flow.

Being around a lot also allowed me to better manage my teams. The more they saw of me, the more approachable I became. It’s our “opendoor policy”. The stronger the management interaction, the more you get out of everybody. It’s walking the talk.

Q: What do you perceive as the biggest challenge for Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve?

A: An opening is a challenge in itself, hopefully a good one. The competitors are challenges too. On one road we have five big names and we are the new kid on the block, which is nice, but it can also be challenging to explain what a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is. Even with the two Reserve properties we have in the world, it’s a concept that a lot of people still don’t understand. We need to push it, put it on the map and spread the word!

The other challenge is more immediate. We are currently facing a lot of different problems: travel alerts for Indonesia, the conflicts in Russia and economy problems in many countries around the world.

If it continues this way, it’s going to be a challenge to open in such an environment. Challenge is a strong word. Let’s call it an opportunity.

Q: Most general managers are men. What is it like working in a male-dominated field and what advice do you have for young women who aspire to this top job?

A: To be honest with you, I don’t see a big difference. I have always had very good relations with men, maybe even better than women.

It’s definitely still a man’s world and I think the main reason is (and I believe it’s the biggest one), at one point, ladies have babies. They feel the need to put their family and babies before their career. I think that’s a mistake. You can still have a family and a career as long as you have good support for the family.

There are 88 Ritz-Carlton properties in the world, but there are only nine female general managers. In Asia, I’m the only one. At The Ritz-Carlton, there are career analyses and management evaluations several times a year and each time we help them get to where they want to be by providing the appropriate training and coaching, if needed.

If you’d like to move forward in your career, my advice is to be strong, persistent and be the best in what you do. Don’t give up, be straightforward and ask for what you want. Everything is possible and everyone at The Ritz-Carlton is eager to help make it happen.

Q: How have you changed since you first started out in the luxury hotel industry?

A: I think it was a normal progression; I have grown and evolved with different phases of my life and my positions—maybe in terms of my attention to details, my sense of luxury and my way of living—but apart from that, it’s just a way to mature and to grow with my team.

Now as a general manager, I have become more tolerant, more patient and closer to our Ladies and Gentlemen. I was not aggressive, but sometimes I was too straightforward with my team. I’ve matured a lot. The biggest change in me is probably adapting to all these new experiences and seeing what can make me better.

Q: If you weren’t working in the hotel industry, what would be your dream job?

What I do is my dream; it’s really what I feel happy doing. The long hours are challenging sometimes, but I don’t care! I love my job. At the hotel management school, there were 50 to 60 of us every year and today most of them are no longer in the hospitality industry. A lot of them gave up due to the tough working conditions. For me, it’s my passion. I don’t see myself doing anything else.

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography, were you to write one?

A: I would not write a book about myself, but perhaps a book about stories within the hotel industry. We have so many unbelievable stories! The problem is that I’m very bad at recording them. I have them in my head, but I will need to start on paper. That I would write, but not a book about me.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud, Bali, 80571, Indonesia T: (+62) 821 4450 8787 www.mandapareserve.com

ASIADREAMS 111

INSPIRATION

ASIA DREAMS MEETS ROBERT MARCHETTI AT HIS NEWLY OPENED BISTRO, THE PLANTATION GRILL, IN DOUBLE-SIX LUXURY HOTEL, SEMINYAK.

F

ollowing on from the success of the hotel’s other outstanding new restaurant, Seminyak Italian Food, The Plantation Grill by Robert Marchetti has finally opened its doors following months of anticipation. Unsurprisingly, Asia Dreams is thrilled at the prospect of dining at Marchetti’s exciting New York-inspired seafood and meat grill and spending some quality time getting to know one of the region’s most creative and inspirational restaurateurs.

After the pleasantries, a cocktail or two and a guided tour of the opulent new bistro, it’s down to business…

Q: Although newly opened, The Plantation Grill, like Seminyak Italian Food before it, is the talk and toast of the town – are you happy with how it’s going so far?

A: Yes, I’m very happy, it’s actually working really well for us ... and we’re having fun! I’m all about selling sensory experiences, creating something that triggers your brain and so, yes, I’m really comfy with

112 ASIADREAMS

what we have created here at Double-Six. Look around; I wanted all the spaces to be a social and fun experience offering great food and drinks - that’s exactly what we have created.

Q: The Plantation Grill looks amazing, the sounds and smells, the glitz and glam are fabulous... but for you, what’s it all about really?

A: Most of all I want dining out to be a sociable experience that feeds your senses. The visual impact from the action and flames at the grill as you come in, the décor, the smell of the food and drink, the sound of the upbeat music, the chatter and laughter of our customers, even the feel of these leather chairs add to the tactile interest. I create indulgent combinations that flatter and stimulate, so that’s what The Plantation Grill is all about.

We also offer big menus with lots of choice, so regular visitors have a range of dishes they can always enjoy, or new ones to try, and I want it to be accessible to everyone, from grandmothers to kids. There’s no kids’ menu, of course, but the food served can be enjoyed by kids

too – we can do a small minute steak, hand-cut fries, a piece of fish, for example. If they are here, I want them to eat well and enjoy it; and I never forget the kids are my next generation of clients!

Q: To create a restaurant like this must be a complex and complicated affair - so how does an extraordinary concept like this begin?

A: Sure it’s complicated, but for me it starts simply with the menu.

In fact, that’s always the anchor point for all my work in restaurants and bars. But it must be a democratic menu, a menu that works for all. I don’t put items on there that people don’t understand, or use descriptions and words because they are flashy or make you feel important. When I write a menu, I think, “Is my mother going to be able to navigate this?”

The right menu is an important element of success, and serving a wide audience can be very tough. If you want to have lots of regulars, you also have to maintain the right balance between new items and the sacred dishes that will never come off the menu. Here, the prawn cocktail, the profiteroles, the dry-aged T-bone, lobster thermidor, they will never come off; then we play with the seasonal items to create variety and expand the sensory experience.

The concept is simple really; it’s the detail that’s complicated. As soon as you walk in, I want you to see and smell the grill because the aroma and the flames involve people emotionally, so in this way the food is always the design brief, the first item on the agenda.

Q: The attention to detail seems incredible, are you involved in every aspect?

A: Yes, as well as the physical restaurant design I’m also into minute detail, such as spacing between tables and lighting levels, the shoes, the jewellery, the clothes and all the decor and accents. It was all custom designed and made to achieve my vision of what The Plantation Grill would become. Restaurants to me are the whole package - just look at this hand-stitched rug we’re bringing in [showing us a photo]. It’s taken four months to complete and will be the only colour in the black and white bar. Justine Missen designed this rug for us, and created the paintings in the Sling Bar too; but I always know what I want and give a really clear and full brief to my design team.

Q: That must be incredibly refreshing, and yet challenging too, for the people who work on the design.

A: Well, I always work with people who are elastic and who can understand my vision; and we have a lot of long-term collaborators – photographers, decorators, sculptors, for example, who buy in readily to my vision.

Everything is a challenge. Even the leather bar chairs we’re sitting on were made from scratch. I drew them and provided complete style specifications. To be the best, you have to do this in Indonesia; there’s no catalogue and so everything in The Plantation Grill is custom made; it took us two years to get here!

So the key to success is good creative collaborations. I bring all the right people aboard and work with friends to create individual concepts. You can’t design one of these and then copy it and make

ASIADREAMS 113

Pan Fried Crab Cakes Avocado, Lemon & Lime Aioli, Palm Heart, Wild Green Kangkung, Chilli

another five; the detail involved would drive you insane. Take the Plantation Girl theme – it’s a story, it grabs your interest, but it takes time and is unique.

Q: The overall design concept and realization is quite stunning, but where did idea come from?

A: Honestly, I’ve had this idea in my head since I was 24.

I get a lot of inspiration from movies and the two key movies for this place were Goodfellas and Tropicana. When the central character walks into Tropicana and in the middle of the room there’s the table with the cloth, the waiters snap into role, the champagne bucket is bang in place – it’s clubby, it’s fun, It’s classic theatre and it’s total engagement.

I always think all the best restaurant scenes are in films and that set designers design the best restaurants. Think about it, when Woody Allen does a restaurant scene, you want to know where that restaurant is - you want to be in that scene, you want to be at that table.

So here at The Plantation Grill, every detail, from the coasters to the costumes, is the same, we think like a set designer... Look, the coaster says this is elegant, the boys’ shorts say this isn’t fine dining, the table lights say everyone has a tan and is beautiful. Everything has a story that had to be manufactured and brought to life; it’s all in the detail.

For example, we found this cork material and Justine and I did a little design to print on it [the coaster] and suddenly you’re telling a story, it’s interesting and not just some water in a cheap glass.

Jamie, my music director, asked me if I thought all the people coming in would get the story I’d just spent an hour telling him by coming in to The Plantation Grill, and I told him yes, absolutely, they don’t need to know all the steps, they’ll simply get the magic.

The idea is, you can come in here and have a couple of drinks and a steak sandwich, which by the way is magnificent! You’re part of the story...

Q: The last few years have seen you involved in a large number of projects not only here at Double-Six. How do you maintain the focus and above all the originality?

114 ASIADREAMS

Beef Tenderloin/Fillet Thick Cut, Grain Fed, Black Angus Eye Fillet 200g, Basil Salsa Verde, Aged Balsamic

A: In project terms, I’ve actually been very selective about what I’ve said yes to. In the last three years, I’ve opened four or five restaurants and eight bars. There were a range of venues within venues – restaurants, bars, lounges, cafes and clubs. If you’re really disciplined about how you spend your time, like me, you can do all this and still have plenty of time for yourself.

As for originality, I just continually have ideas. If I got on a plane tomorrow, by the time it landed I would have a bunch of thoughts and they would go into a working file for a later date. I make notes and take photos of things that catch my eye; it might be a really cool thing but not suit what I have on the go now. Instead it will be perfect for something in the future. My menu ideas are usually from bad food experiences. “It’s just a bowl of mussels! Damn it..... I’m doing mussels!”

Q: It’s all really intense yet you seem very relaxed. How does Robert Marchetti unwind?

Q: Any last thoughts about the future? Another Plantation Grill in Jakarta perhaps?

A: When anyone asks me if I’m going to do another of these somewhere else, I just say let’s get this right first and then move on. The fun factor is the most important thing, plus it has to be with people like Kadek, where there’s total trust.

As for projects, I love movies and Stephen Sonnnenberg is my favourite film director; he sums up his film making really succinctly, saying, “Every time I make my next movie, I think it’s going to be my first failure.”

Truth is, I think that it’s healthy, depending on how you deliver it, to have that sense of anxiousness about whether you can pull it off or not.

Richard Branson’s quote is: “If your next project doesn’t scare you, then it’s not big enough.”

A: I have plenty of time to do anything I want because it’s how I’ve structured my business. I have nobody telling me how to do things and where to do them. I produce results and do so my way, which is something I learned from cooking.

Small restaurants take as much work as a big one, the way I work, and when I committed to this, I said to Kadek that if we’re going to do this we have to think like restaurateurs, not hoteliers – none of the brown and beige and so I’ll say it again, let’s get this right first and then move on.

Just today, I was up early for a call to America, so I had a swim and then meditated. After that I surfed and had a massive breakfast when I got home. After that I went out to a friend’s canteen and had another breakfast, came home and worked. Followed that with a late lunch with another friend, before I went home again, had a sleep, then a swim, before heading here for this evening.

Robert Marchetti The Plantation Grill Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak, Fourth Floor, No 66 Double-Six Beach Beach, Bali, 80361, Indonesia T: (+62) 361 734 300 E: reservations@plantationgrillbali.com www.plantationgrillbali.com

Craig Yallop, Robert Marchetti and Jamie Hogg

ASIADREAMS 115

CULINARY JOURNEY

I

t’s raining chefs in the lush hills of Ubud, Bali. Asia’s beloved Street Food Chef, Will Meyrick, has transported his “chef-incrime” Palm Amatawet, together with Chef Tim Bartholomew, to the kitchen of Hujan Locale, his latest culinary baby in the centre of town.

Following a string of successful Asian restaurants—the award-winning flagship Sarong and its younger sister Mama San in Bali, the E&O (Eastern & Oriental) in Jakarta and the second Mama San in Hong Kong— plus a second print run of his cookbook “Sarong Inspirations” and starring roles on Indonesian TV programs, Chef Will shows no signs of slowing down.

116 ASIADREAMS

Hujan, meaning rain, is created out of Chef Will’s desire to return to the art of slow grassroots cooking in smaller restaurants.

At Hujan, Bali’s tropical rain symbolizes good fortune and prosperity, refreshing its farms and fields and nourishing its residents with nature’s bounty. Adopting the foundand-foraged culinary movement, Chef Will sources his seasonal ingredients sustainably from local farmers with whom he has fostered close relationships over the past three years.

Hujan’s menu is a tribute to the rain and the abundant harvest bestowed upon the island, featuring a simple fusion fare of east meets west, merging Chef Will’s love of Asian food with his Scottish background as well

as showcasing Indonesian cuisine with his signature style. Everything is made in-house whenever possible.

We recommend starting with a round of Hujan’s creative cocktails. Try the coconut mojito, the cucumber martini, the brem Negroni, made from fermented glutinous rice mixed with gin and Campari, or the carrot swizel, a concoction of vodka, lemon, vanilla, chilli, Thai basil and homemade carrot soda served artfully with a handful of wafer-thin carrot candy.

Expect adventurous, generously portioned starters such as the crispy chilli and fennel pig’s ears, the heritage black pudding served on a betel leaf, the wood-roasted bone

marrow topped with breadcrumbs and gentlemen’s relish, the Portuguese squid ink rice with crispy calamari (continue reading for the recipe) and the Sri Lankan cured scallops with mint, shredded coconut, lime juice and salmon roe.

The mains read like comfort foods sourced from the earth and oceans. Some of our favourites include the roasted sea bass with house-smoked pork belly, the crispy Sumatran duck with spiced cassava leaf curry, the melt-in-your-mouth slow-braised soy beef cheek with wasabi green pea risotto, the scrumptious honey-roasted pork hock with highland black pudding and the delectable hand-rolled tagliatelle with chorizo duck egg, parmesan and truffle oil.

Save some room for the best bread-andbutter pudding in town served with whiskey and maple syrup ice cream, or sample other popular desserts such as the dark sticky bourbon and cola pudding with rum and raisin ice cream, the orange and chocolate Oreo cheesecake and the lemon and passion fruit curd tart.

The space is granted a slight edgy vibe with provincial-meets-urban touches of linear drawings, vintage botanical prints, a large distressed mirror with studded brass pins, an eye-catching centrepiece of M.C. Escher’s “Palm” and a photograph of “Morning Rain” by renowned Indonesian photographer Hengki Koentjoro.

The interior of Hujan has the nostalgic feel of an inherited French-colonial mansion with an old-world Asian charm in the Vietnamese countryside. The revamped two-storey lofty space reflects an understated tropical elegance with its beautiful wooden shutters, recycled teak panelling and a cool greenand-grey colour palette enlivened with splashes of pomegranate and citrus.

“There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather,” said John Ruskin. Embrace Bali’s rainy season. Smell the freshly showered earth, listen to the rhythmic raindrops falling on Hujan’s French-style windowpanes and relish a drizzly evening of gastronomic debauchery.

ASIADREAMS 117

∙

∙

What’s Eating Will Meyrick Chef Will Meyrick lives, breathes and eats street food and there is no better chef to bring Indonesia’s diverse cultures together through cuisine. We checked in with The Street Food Chef at the newly opened Hujan Locale while waiting out the torrential rain.

∙

∙

Q: What brought about your fifth restaurant, Hujan Locale?

A: We are working closely with local farmers, honouring the relationship. Hujan is all about that. Apart from that, I see that Bali is now saturated with Asian cuisine. Hujan is the manifestation of my desire to come back to my roots. Yes, we have Asian dishes on the menu for lunch, but we also offer hearty European comfort food for dinner.

Q: How did you decide on the found-andforaged concept?

A: This is one of the things we want to develop to honour the farmers we work with.

We see their lives every day and they inspire us. It’s about using what is available around you. In this case, we are trying to use local ingredients that are not used all that much and what is available locally, rather than getting imported ingredients. We really wish we could go local completely. We use the produce from our own livestock farm, but the demands of tourism still force us to substitute imported ingredients.

Q: Tell us more about your relationship with the local farmers.

A: The farm we have in Jatiluwih is run and managed by local farmers. We supervise and educate them. It has been fun. We support each other. Now we have pigs and chickens in our farm. I hope in the near future we can develop the farm further with them.

Q: What makes Hujan Locale unique?

A: The design of the interior has a light and airy feel. The overall concept is to make you

118 ASIADREAMS

feel like you are in the countryside. You can see botanical ingredient prints on the plates, as well as the enamel plates that remind me of those used by farmers at their homes during my childhood in ‘70s and ‘80s. And of course the food itself, you’ll find some classic dishes like gentleman's relish: homemade blood pudding and bread-and-butter pudding, which I used to have at home when I was a child.

Q: What do you collect?

A: Cameras and applications, also gadgets.

Q: What is your all-time most memorable meal?

A: I’ll never forget the taste of the bats and rats I had in Sulawesi.

Q: What is your secret culinary weapon?

Q: What do diners need to try when they visit Hujan Locale?

A: A griddle plate.

A: The wood-roasted bone marrow, the pork cutlets and the bread-and-butter pudding.

Q: What are you most proud of in your professional life?

Q: Please share with us your most memorable Hujan Locale moment.

A: The growth of my staff.

Q: What else is up your chef’s sleeve?

A: What I love about Balinese culture is that anyone can join in their religious ceremonies.

Just before we opened Hujan, we had the blessing ceremony and I was sitting there with my mom, my wife and my children, also Wayan the owner of the restaurant and all the staff, including the Muslim and Christian ones. It was amazing!

Q: Now that you’re spending more time in Ubud, what have you discovered about the town?

A: We are opening another Mama San in Kuala Lumpur this year and two more restaurants in Bali. I have a goal of growing the business until I’m 40—that’s one and a half years away. Then I will focus on working with farmers and growing the culture side of the food, together with the local as well as international communities.

Q: What is your favourite rainy-day activity?

A: Cooking at home with my children.

A: Ubud is very small. Everybody knows everybody. There’s a bigger chunk of international market here compared to Seminyak. Hence, we created an Asian lunch menu, a Western dinner menu, as well as Spanish pizzas. So the restaurant has something for everybody—a little quirk you cannot find in other restaurants.

Hujan Locale Jalan Sri Wedari 5, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia T: (+62) 361 849 3092 E: reservations@hujanlocale.com www.hujanlocale.com

Portuguese Squid Ink Rice with Crispy Calamari and Gremolata Aïoli ~

Squid ink rice

Method

i n g r e d ient s :

To make the squid ink rice, sweat off the shallots and garlic until soft. Add in the rice and cook until translucent. Deglaze with white cooking wine, add thyme sprig and bay leaves and reduce. Add in chicken stock, squid ink and unsweetened condensed milk.

Bring to a boil, cover with foil and steam until the rice is cooked. Stir-fry the black rice with extra garlic, shallots, Tabasco sauce and unsweetened condensed milk. Dust squid in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry it until crispy.

2 cups Balinese rice - 8 shallots, chopped - 8 cloves of garlic, chopped ½ cup white cooking wine - 2 bay leaves - 1 sprig of thyme 3 tbsp squid ink - 1 ltr chicken stock - 2 tbsp Tabasco sauce ¼ cup unsweetened condensed milk - 1 small squid, cut into rings

P a r s l e y M a yo n n a i s e i n g r e d ient s : ½ bunch parsley - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard - 8 cloves garlic, grated 1 tbsp lemon juice - 1 egg yolk - ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup salad oil - 2 tbsp salt - 1 tbsp pepper

Gremolata i n g r e d ient s : Lemon zest, chopped* - Garlic, chopped* Parsley, chopped* - (*equal parts)

G a r n i sh : Lemon wedges

To make the parsley mayonnaise, in a blender, blend egg yolk, mustard, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper until combined. Slowly pour in the oils until a thick mayonnaise is formed. Add chopped parsley and blend until combined into mayonnaise. It should be green in colour. Check seasoning and adjust to taste.

To assemble the dish, place squid ink rice in the bottom of the bowl and the crispy squid on the top. Garnish with gremolata, lemon wedges and dollops of parsley mayonnaise.

ASIADREAMS 119

GOURMET

Buddy up, hide your mobile devices, secure a bib, roll up your sleeves, ditch table manners and dig in! Welcome to the holy grail of a Louisiana seafood boil right in the heart of Seminyak, Bali!

Bring your appetite and a sense of adventure.

-

120 ASIADREAMS

G

et ready for an interactive (and rather therapeutic) dining experience where making a mess is encouraged, if not guaranteed. Give your therapist a miss and pick up a mallet or a shellfish cracker instead. Whack them, crush them, pick them, suck them and lick them.

Whatever you do, don’t ask for plates or utensils. This is The Holy Crab, where crabs and seafood are dished up Louisiana-style— boiled, doused in a secret sauce and served out of plastic bags onto the paper-lined tables.

The Holy Crab hails from Jakarta, founded by seafood lover, executive chef and owner Albert Wijaya. Having anchored itself firmly as the big city’s leading Louisiana-inspired seafood restaurant, Albert decided to cast his net farther east, landing on the island of Bali’s most coveted dining stretch in Petitenget, Seminyak.

“The combination of world-class seafood and traditional Louisiana cooking techniques together with a chic yet comfortable dining vibe are just some of the key factors that will set The Holy Crab apart,” says Albert.

“The choice of seafood that we offer will range from your everyday-affordable local selections to imported exotic crabs, ensuring that our menu can be enjoyed on all occasions.”

Newly opened in January 2015, The Holy Crab’s extensive menu, offering fresh and rare seafood flown in from North America as well as sourced locally, reads like a sailor’s dream: Dungeness crabs, Alaskan king crab legs, Alaskan snow crab legs, mud crabs, local blue crabs and other shellfish like Canadian lobsters, shrimp, crawfish and

clams. Don’t miss the special bar snacks of crab cake, shrimp roll, crab roll and lobster roll, only available in the new Bali location.

The true secret of the hugely successful crab house lies in its homemade signature sauce, a spicy Cajun combination of ground cayenne pepper, paprika, lemon and garlic, thoughtfully adjusted according to your spice tolerance—from mild to Holy Moly.

Tame your tongue afterwards with The Holy Crab’s best-selling lemonade or a frosty beer.

Housed in a cosy two-storey building, Albert’s second restaurant is relaxed and cheeky at times, with just the right amount of nautical notes and a colour palette inspired by the US flag—black-and-white chequerboard tiles are paired with whitewashed brick walls; retro red wooden furniture is balanced with snug blue American diner booths. Newbies

to crustaceans need not be intimidated by those claws: just refer to The Dummies’ Guide to De-Shelling prominently painted bright red on the wall for a quick tutorial.

Did you know that lobsters breathe and listen with their legs and that clams have no eyes, ears or noses? There is no shortage of curious marine facts, or of the quintessential southern hospitality here. Delicious nautical nosh, faultless service and a frivolous atmosphere—it seems like it’s smooth sailing ahead for The Holy Crab. Dining should always be this fun. Let the crab feast begin!

The Holy Crab Jalan Petitenget No. 50, Badung, Kuta Utara, Bali, 80361, Indonesia T: (+62) 819 0122 2722 www.theholycrab.co.id

ASIADREAMS 121

GOURMET

Brace yourself, Bali. The Butchers Club Burger is officially open, sizzling up Seminyak with its signature dry-aged burgers, dubbed by gourmands and food critics as the best in Hong Kong.

Y

ou know your meat is in good hands when a restaurant boasts a dedicated off-site dry-ageing facility, practises nose-to-tail butchery and sources its Black Angus beef from its own farm in Australia.

The Butchers Club started out as a dedicated dry-ageing specialist in Hong Kong and has since grown into an empire with the openings of The Butchers Club Deli in Wong Chuk Hang in April 2014 and The Butchers Club Burger flagship in Wan Chai June 2014.

The new Bali location is the brand’s first international venture with a few more in the pipeline for Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai and even as far as Sweden.

Located just off the main Petitenget road in Seminyak, The Butchers Club Burger is housed in a relaxed 1,200 sq.ft. indoor space and has a cool 500 sq.ft. outdoor patio with a generous parking lot. The venue oozes a tropical island vibe perfect for a quick bite, a casual night out, or a fun private party.

Double Happiness Burger

122 ASIADREAMS

The Butchers Club Burger’s founder and co-owner Jonathan Glover, who is also a self-taught butcher and fishmonger with a love of food, warmed us up with a chart tour of the different beef cuts. Beautiful secondary cuts of rump, chuck and brisket are first dryaged for up to 45 days and marinated in The Butcher’s Club Burger’s secret sauce before passing through an old-fashioned grinder.

Original Burger and Duck Fat Fries

“We think Bali is the perfect space to launch the first of our international outlets,” says Glover. “The market is truly international, filled with holiday-makers, expats and long-staying guests who, we are certain, will agree with the foodies of Hong Kong in thinking that ours are the best burgers they have ever tasted!”

The official menu is refreshingly fuss-free with only one signature beef burger—a medium rare, dry-aged Black Angus beef patty topped with mature cheddar cheese, glazed bacon, tomatoes, pickles and an onion spread, sandwiched between homemade Scotch

Wu-Tang Style Burger

baps—and thick-cut, triple-fried, duck-fat fries, as well as a limited edition Secret Menu with rotating specials accessible through a QR code. Every burger is freshly made-to-order in front of the customer in the open kitchen.

Notable secret specials of the day include the intimidating Double Happiness burger, the crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-theinside Captain Ahab barramundi burger, the legendary flavour-packed Wu Tang burger (spiced up with kimchi and sweet potato tempura) and, a favourite with the ladies, the healthier option of the patty-less veggie burger with grilled halloumi cheese, rocket

Captain Ahab Burger

leaves, oyster mushroom and tomatoes. Wash it all down with ice-cold Bintang beer or some bourbon to aid digestion.

Could this be the best burger restaurant in Bali? It certainly is a carnivore’s dream. Follow the beef buzz, get your meat fix and enjoy an evening of burger bonanza!

The Butchers Club Burger Bali Jalan Cendrawasih, Lingkungan Umasari, Kerobokan Kelod, Badung, Bali, Indonesia www.butchersclub.com.hk

ASIADREAMS 123

GOURMET

It was not easy, but we have found the best pho in Bali. This elusive classic Vietnamese beef noodle soup is a signature of Bo & Bun, a new Asian eatery specializing in Vietnamese comfort food and Southeast Asian cuisines, well-worth the parking hassle on the busiest street of Seminyak.

124 ASIADREAMS

C

o-founded in September 2014

by Balinese beauty queen Ines Putri Tjiptadi Chandra (formerly crowned Miss Indonesia 2012) and her partner, Bo & Bun is a full-blown love-in-action: the love of eating, the love of cooking, the love of experimenting and the love between two beautiful young talents. As they took us on a narrative journey through how they fell in love with Vietnamese cuisine in Australia, it became clear that food is at the very heart of their cultures and that cooking and eating are their shared passions.

The “Try Everything!” is made-to-share and includes half portions of the bestselling Bao Gao Pork Belly (twice-cooked pork belly marinated in hoisin sauce and sandwiched between steamed buns), the Pandan Chicken (Thai boneless chicken wings wrapped and fried in pandan leaves), the crispy Vietnamese spring rolls, the fresh Vietnamese rice paper rolls and the spicy Korean fried chicken wings—all served with three assortments of house-made sauces.

“Our menu is small, only 20 to 25 dishes.

We are not trying to be authentic because we are not. These are foods that we like to cook and eat ourselves,” Ines readily admitted. “This restaurant is built for locals living in Seminyak; it’s not a tourist trap. We want them to come here regularly for their weekday meals.” A brief scan around the French-inspired interior confirmed that they were right on target. Bo & Bun has become the talk of the expat town and attracted a steady local following.

The secret to Bo & Bun’s signature “12-Hour Pho” main dish lies entirely in the broth. A combination of quality beef bones, oxtails and bone marrows are slow-cooked for 12 hours until all the juices are extracted, leaving behind a rich, hearty soup base.

At Bo & Bun, they take it a step further by keeping the stock intense and limiting the yield, never once diluting it. The aptly named pho is served piping hot with rice noodles, thinly sliced tenderloin, meatballs, beef shanks, sliced onions and coriander stems with a side of fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, chilli and lime.

Reading the menu left us licking our lips in anticipation. Stimulate your appetite with a nice cup of iced Vietnamese drip coffee while you wait. To start with, take your taste buds on a trip to Vietnam, China, South Korea and Thailand all in one course.

If you crave a light main, try the Bun Bao Xao, a true Vietnamese salad consisting of a choice of lemongrass marinated protein (pork, chicken or tofu) glass noodles, pickled carrots and jicama, fresh vegetables and herbs, fried shallots, peanuts and

Vietnamese spring rolls served with nuoc cham dressing.

For a quick bite on the run, try the Banh Mi Thit, which is essentially a French-inspired Vietnamese baguette of lemongrass chicken or pork, pickled carrots and jicama, cucumber, pate, mayonnaise, coriander, sliced chilli and fried wonton skins. A vegetarian option is available as well.

Other notable mains, which we will return to sample, are the lemongrass marinated and grilled pork chop with broken rice, and authentic Thai dishes such as the Thai green curry and pad Thai.

The owners of Bo & Bun have chosen to focus on the art of making good, simple, fresh food, respecting the original flavours of Vietnam and Southeast Asia, yet they are not afraid to challenge them and inject their own innovative touches. With its simple concept, honest-to-goodness comfort fare, friendly service and cosy ambience, this hole-in-the-wall is a new force to be reckoned with!

Bo & Bun Jalan Raya Basangkasa No. 26, Seminyak Bali, 80361, Indonesia T: (+62) 859 3549 3484 E: boandbun@eatcompany.co www.eatcompany.co

ASIADREAMS 125

GOURMET

A Californian Classic Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, deceptively sweet, this is a perfect wine to drink with red meat dishes.

A

rwana, the signature restaurant at The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa property in Nusa Dua, Bali, recently reaffirmed why it is one of the island’s most popular resort-based culinary destinations when it presented the scrumptious Beringer Wine Dinner.

Jointly hosted by the charming and engaging Nicole Carter – International Brand Ambassador of Beringer Vineyards, Aris Supriyanto – Executive Sous Chef, and Yudhi Suryawan – the First Sommelier, they delivered yet another evening of fine wine and delicious plates fit for a king.

126 ASIADREAMS

Beringer has been producing wines in Napa Valley for around 140 years and has the distinction of being one of the oldest vineyards in California, as well as the oldest to have seen continuous production, defeating the era of prohibition by supplying sacramental wines.

Its history dates back to 1868, when Jacob Beringer sailed from his home in Mainz, Germany, to begin a new chapter of his life in New York. However, after hearing that the rocky hillside soil and fertile valley floor resembled that of vineyards back home in Germany, Jacob made his way to the Napa Valley where, in 1975, along with his brother

Frederick, they purchased 215 acres of land that has today become one of the region’s most successful wineries.

The evening opened with delicious canapés and cocktails accompanied, as dusk fell, by a fire dance. The beachside restaurant, beautifully and lavishly dressed for dinner, was buzzing with anticipation before Yudhi Suryawan, with a chime of his bell, called the guests for dinner.

After a bit of history from Nicole and an introduction to the chef and sommelier, it was down to fresh Pacific oyster with mango chilli relish amuse-bouche served

Editor’s Wine Picks Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Beringer Sparkling White Moscato

Paired with delicious steak, this full-bodied ruby-red was a delight presenting as sweet, creamy and lush, with the classic black fruit, mineral and chocolate notes for which this wine is rightly prized. Well structured, dense and yet gentle, it finishes with very big tannins.

Deceptively sweet, this is a perfect wine to drink with red meat dishes.

The Sparkling Moscato is a casual easy to drink sparkling wine with a surprisingly well-developed flavour, a nose with terrific fruits and a very fresh lasting fruity bite. Above all it is a fun drink and with its stylish bottles also offers a celebratory twist. Apart from being an excellent drink, I also chose this wine because of its 8.5% alcohol content which makes it a perfect tropical climate party wine for the ladies.

with Beringer Founder Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2012. Wonderfully fresh and with a heavy citrus nose, the pairing was lively and enjoyable.

The seafood theme continued as Chef Aris presented char-grilled scallop and quail eggs followed by Tasmanian house-smoked salmon and Alaskan king crab served with the immensely quaffable Founder Estate Pinot Noir 2012.

The scallop paired with Napa Valley Chardonnay 2012 and served with sweet corn purée, lemongrass-infused beurre blanc and fresh herb salad was an interesting and

creative combination with neither the food nor wine being dominant.

After a welcome break and some more from the hosts, it was onto the foie gras au torchon served on toasted brioche with green grapes and Merlot reduction, toasted pine nuts, wild arugula leaves paired with Napa Valley Merlot 2011, before the delicious main course composition of slow-braised duck and Black Angus beef, with green asparagus, oxtail and porcini mushroom ragout, truffle celery purée, natural jus served with the impressive Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.

Closing a perfect evening with a Williams pear iced soufflé in raisin Cognac espuma,

almond crumble, vanilla-orange Shiraz syrup, candied orange peel served with a Sparkling Classic Moscato the hosts bid us farewell.

Fabulous value aside, dinners such as these are a wonderful way to experience excellent wines and fine dining in a luxurious setting and are ideal to celebrate any special occasion or to compliment your holiday.

Arwana Restaurant The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Kawasan Pariwisata, Nusa Dua Lot N2, Bali, 80363, Indonesia T: (+62) 361 300 5635 www.thelagunabali.com ASIADREAMS 127

GOURMET

UNLIKE OTHER RESTAURANTS WITH SINGLE THEMES FOR THEIR CUISINES, LETTER D CUISINE & BAR OFFERS A MODERN TWIST ON ASIAN FOOD WITH MOSTLY INDONESIAN AND THAI CUISINE ON THE MENU. THE PRICE RANGE IS QUITE HUMBLE FOR SUCH A PRETTY VENUE.

O

wned by the famous Degan Septoadji, known for his role as a judge in Master Chef Indonesia, Chef Degan proudly presents his new restaurant in Gandaria, Jakarta. The Letter D Cuisine & Bar represents his culinary journey. Each dish is an expression of his extensive travels around the globe, coupled with wave upon wave of exposure to different cultural culinary influences, adding up to a world of unique, palatable local and international tastes. He is 128 ASIADREAMS

determined to absorb all that he can of both the culture and cuisine of every country in which he cooks. That’s why this restaurant has so many varieties on the menu. At Letter D Cuisine & Bar you will find Western, Asia, Italian and Indonesian cuisine.

Humbly greeted by the chef himself and Nike Kurnia, his wife who manages the place, they explained about Chef Degan's creations.

As an Indonesian, Chef Degan has been around the globe to

learn and explore the culinary world, yet his calling is to make Indonesian cuisine well known. Through his dedication to the culinary world, he opened Café Degan in Bali, which offers true Indonesian cuisine. Five years later, he opened Letter D Cuisine & Bar in January 2015.

One of the must-tries is Chef Degan’s signature creation, the flavourful Salmon Lodeh, a super-moist slow-roasted salmon fillet on a bed of vegetables in coconut broth. Lodeh is an authentic Indonesian cuisine with coconut milk and vegetables, sweet and tasty. The savoury, slightly sweet coconut milk is blended perfectly with the delicate salmon, taking this traditional dish to the next level. It is such a brilliant dish. There are a few more selections from the grill that will suit your taste buds.

The refreshing Seared Prawn Avocado is a nutrient-packed salad with a tomato-parsley salsa, quail egg and a citrus-honey vinaigrette. Talay Pao is another one to try. It’s a dish from Thailand containing assorted pan-seared seafood with garlic, chilli, coriander, fish sauce, lime, asparagus and green beans. It was beautiful to look at as it is quite colourful on the plate and tastes fresh. This dish is served with a bowl of hot steamed rice, which makes it just perfect. As for the dessert, a cake would be perfect! They offer a different cake each day and you can also find Tanamera coffee here. Or if you love Indonesian cuisine, you can order Bubur Sumsum.

This two-storey restaurant is quite spacious. The first level is dedicated for dining and is non-smoking, while the second floor is for the bar, serving cocktails, beer and wine until past midnight on weekends. This floor is a smoking area. You can also dine on the second floor. You can see their semi-open kitchen as you enter the main door.

Unlike some restaurants that prefer to have different concepts or themes on each of their floors, the Letter D Cuisine & Bar has almost the exact same setting on every floor; the restaurant keeps it simple, yet unique, with a bit of an edgy style. The room is dominated by wood and the floor with a classic pattern.

The service was very polite and friendly and very well trained.

This restaurant surely controls the quality of food and all the ingredients, with the chef himself making sure of that. What a wonderful dining experience!

Letter D Cuisine & Bar Jalan Ahmad Dahlan No. 16, Gandaria, Jakarta Selatan, 12130, Indonesia T: (+62) 21 7278 5111

ASIADREAMS 129

SPA

A JOURNEY OF THE SENSES Embark on an exquisite adventure of sensual delights along Bali’s only Sensorial Hydro Trail and a holistic body-and-mind detox at the Acqua Perla Spa, a chic new spa in Seminyak that is taking wellness and beauty standards to new hedonistic heights—Double-Six style.

130 ASIADREAMS

who proceeded to brief me on my 2.5-hour itinerary: a Sensorial Hydro Trail, a foot ritual, a 60-minute Balinese Microcosm Massage and a chakra balancing treatment. I had arrived in spa heaven.

The Acqua Perla Spa is a peaceful sanctuary designed to absolute perfection by Fabrice Garrigues, borrowing inspiration from the tropical beachfront and the therapeutic element of water. “I wanted to share the passion to take visitors through a peaceful journey,” he said.

The marine theme is alive and flowing in its minimalistic, fluid interiors with blue and white accents, mosaic walls, bubbling water displays with motion colour mood change and eccentric sea-themed glass art pieces by Ron Seivertson, Bali’s long-term resident and hot-blown glass artist. The lighting of the spa is set to change every three hours according to the mood of the day: blue in the morning, yellow in the afternoon, amber at dusk and purple in the evening.

The contemporary wellness space features state-of-the-art equipment, unique facilities and luxurious amenities: his and her changing lounges (with lockers, private changing rooms, showers and vanity corners), an indulgent Turkish Hammam, a nail lounge, two beauty rooms for waxing and facials utilizing premium spa brands boasting 100% natural ingredients (Valmont, Elemis and Babor), an exquisite hair spa lounge with a posh hair spa sofa, four double suites (one with a Vichy shower), two single treatment rooms, a fully fitted fitness studio and a recovery lounge filled with comfy loungers, soon-to-be-revealed resonance chambers and the highlight of the spa—the island’s one and only Vitality Hydro Trail—which I was about to experience.

A

day at the spa is something to look forward to, especially when it hints of a little water adventure. Upon arrival at the Acqua Perla Spa, an elegant spa located in the Double-Six Luxury Hotel in Seminyak, I was ushered into a white consultation cocoon and served a refreshing herbal drink and a cold towel.

“Today you will be experiencing the Detox and Soul Body Balance treatment designed to detoxify your body and rebalance your soul,” said a charming spa consultant in greeting,

After selecting my preferred massage oil, answering a few general health questions and changing into my swimsuit, a friendly therapist led me to the entrance of the Sensorial Hydro Trail veiled by a frosted glass door. The 30-minute detox journey resembled going on a dark ride in a shamanistic funhouse with components of fairy tales and added health benefits. It consisted of seven different clusters alternating hot and cold hydrotherapy, fully guided by the vocals of my therapist from a dry distance.

I entered a mysterious tunnel, treading lightly on the first cluster on a soft grassy floor with ten mini water fountains bubbling up between my legs. Beyond a metal chain curtain, I walked into a MoroccanASIADREAMS 131

132 ASIADREAMS

style “cellulite cave” with a warm, pebbled acupressure riverbed lit in cool blue. I sat on a throne, allowing the strong pressure of the water jets to massage my lower body, (hopefully) melting my cellulite away. I imagined myself as an enchanted Alice in Wonderland and a slightly confused Princess Jasmine as I looked up to admire the (artificial) twinkling starlit sky.

When the water turned blue, I moved on to a volcanic steam cave where I was encouraged to rub my body with crushed ice from a glass bowl—an experience I initially found strange but surprisingly invigorating. In the fourth cluster, I stood under a strong waterfall, letting it pound on my tense neck and shoulders. Next, I strolled back and forth between an alley of water jets blasting hot and cold streams.

Following a fruit-and-chi-water refreshment and a foot cleansing, I was treated to the Balinese Microcosm Massage derived from an ancient technique of cross friction, long strokes, thumb and palm pressures to improve circulation and relieve muscle tensions. The treatment came to a close with my very first chakra balancing: seven discs were strategically placed on the energetic centres of my body from the Kundalini Chakra to the Lotus Crown Chakra for 20 minutes.

With each disc, I was asked to imagine a specific colour of the rainbow.

In the recovery lounge, with my physical wellbeing restored, energy balanced and spirit awakened, a sense of calmness washed over me. As I sipped on my ginger tea, admiring the setting sun on Double Six Beach, I thought to myself, “I could stay here all day.”

Acqua Perla Spa No. 66 Double-Six Beach, Seminyak, Bali, 80361, Indonesia T: (+62) 361 849 9189 (direct line) E: reservation@acquaperlaspa.com www.acquaperlaspa.com

The final clusters involved walking through a misty rainforest of vines and lights and surrendering on a stone bed in the glitzy Hammam for a head-to-toe Cendana Scrub Exfoliation Therapy. After a quick rinse, I was led to a small room where a huge wooden bucket labelled “cold water” hung high with a dangling rope. Someone has a wicked sense of humour! I was rewarded for being brave with a soothing 10-minute steam on the purple glass mosaic bench of the Hammam.

ASIADREAMS 133

DESTINATION

Designing your perfect island getaway is a breeze when you’re staying at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, a seaside resort that epitomizes the best of Balinese cordiality in a stylish urban ambiance.

O

n a glorious Saturday afternoon, the grand lobby of the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana buzzed with the arrival of tourists from all walks of life: love-struck honeymooners keen to bask in the sun by the rooftop infinity pool, business travellers excited about their much-needed beach getaways and family and children eager to get to the neighbouring beach for a swim.

Conveniently located between Kuta and Legian Beach, a stone’s throw away from Bali’s bustling shopping, entertainment and recreation hub, the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana effortlessly pairs contemporary design aesthetics with Balinese hospitality, creating a chic urban oasis that showcases island living at its best.

There is an extensive array of leisure and dining facilities including three swimming

134 ASIADREAMS

pools (the garden pool, the stunning rooftop infinity pool and a kid’s pool), an upscale French brasserie called The Deli and the Balinese Sembilan Restaurant serving up contemporary Balinese cuisine.

The beachfront resort comprises 351 spacious rooms and stylish suites, each featuring a private balcony and modern amenities that allow guests to “disconnect from business, not from the rest of the world”. Watch your favourite TV shows, Skype your loved ones overseas, join the daily activities (choose from yoga, boxing, fruit carving, gym classes, Tai-Chi or Bahasa Indonesia lessons) or stay in shape with the in-room fitness and yoga kits.

Upon entering our Deluxe Ocean View Room, we were instantly drawn to the balcony beckoning us to take in the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. On the lounge table there was a welcome

fruit basket, a gift box containing a pair of Balinese statues and a couple of boxes of chocolates. Partnering with Pod Chocolate Bali, the island’s sustainable chocolate maker, the resort treated us to some artisanal chocolate delights. What a lovely gesture!

Later that afternoon, as the rain clouds started rolling in, we opted to spoil ourselves with a 30-minute hydro vitality pool session and a 90-minute Balinese massage at the Tjakra-7 Spa. Located in the heart of the resort, the spa is housed in an individual oval-shaped building, cleverly draped in lush cascading greenery and beautifully surrounded with manicured gardens. The concept of the Tjakra-7 Spa is simple: let the body’s own energy be the natural source of healing and well-being.

The spa menu includes its signature Tjakra art movement massage, Tibetan singing bowls, shirodhara, traditional body wraps

and scrubs and indulgent hydrotherapy treats such as a Vichy shower, herbal steam and, the highlight of the spa, a hydro vitality pool. Outfitted with the latest technology and equipment, every treatment is designed to transfer positive bio-energy to the body via water, air and sound.

Our session began in the serene enclosure of the chi-positive hydro vitality pool, with a therapist verbally guiding us as we meandered our way through several massage stations. Each station is armed with strong water jets targeted to stimulate specific parts of the body. This workout allegedly aids in lowering overall body acidities, relieving muscle tension and improving blood circulation and skin texture.

space” with hot ginger teas, healthy snacks and heated blankets.

Our stay at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana couldn’t have been better. We enjoyed each other’s company, recharged our batteries, experienced new things and came home rejuvenated and refreshed!

Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana Jalan Melasti 1, Legian, Bali, 80361, Indonesia T: (+62) 361 762 500 E: h6556@accor.com www.pullmanbalilegiannirwana.com

After we dried off, our therapists led us to a double treatment room for a truly relaxing massage. The experience came to a blissful end on the posh loungers in the “chill-out

ASIADREAMS 135

DESTINATION

The glitz and glamour of Macao has always been in the spotlight for us. As one of the rising stars of Asia, Macao will surely give you a terrific enduring moment to remember! Explore Asia’s very own Las Vegas with the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central.

A

world full of entertainment is something that Macao promises you. For adventure, history, leisure, cuisine and many other attractions, you’ll get what you need for your holiday.

Whether you’re visiting with family, spouse, friends, or even by yourself, it’s a one-stop entertainment destination for people of all ages. It’s the perfect escape for those who are looking for a getaway.

A Modern Touch Designed with leisure travellers in mind and combining modern facilities and worldclass services, the Sheraton Macao Hotel creates experiences that guests always remember and want to tell their friends and family about. With 3,896 stylish, warm and welcoming guest rooms and suites, the Sheraton Macao Hotel is the largest hotel in Macao and also the largest Sheraton in the world.

It is located only minutes away from Macao International Airport and within Sands Cotai Central. Guests can enjoy easy access to the full range of facilities and services provided by the integrated resort and its interconnected properties, The Four Seasons Macao and The Venetian Macao.

The Shoppes mega-mall offers shoppers a staggering 600 duty-free retailers to choose from, complete with entertainment by lively and engaging street performers. The CotaiArena™, CotaiExpo™ and the Venetian Theatre provide a constant and diverse flow of entertainment to suit all tastes, from concerts and sporting events to plays and

136 ASIADREAMS

other cultural performances. Add to that a truly international selection of dining options and Sheraton Macao Hotel guests will find everything they’re looking for is all under one roof at Sands Cotai Central.

The impressive rooms and suites, many with views of the Cotai Strip, are spread across the Sheraton Macao Hotel’s distinctively designed two towers: Sky and Earth.

Each guest room features the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed, designed to improve circulation for a great night’s sleep, an LCD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity and more, giving guests the opportunity to work, relax or socialize.

Guests are also welcome to choose between Asian, Italian and international cuisines at Xin, Bene or Feast: Xin is renowned as the only

fire. The Shine Spa incorporates much of local culture into the therapy. The experienced therapists at Shine Spa will personalize treatments for each guest according to his or her Zodiac sign, favourite season, colour, flavour and the time of day he or she is most active. Guests not only discover their elements, they also have the opportunity to experience treatments that are perfectly tailored for them.

Family-Friendly Fun Prime among the differences at the Sheraton is that while many other hotels have attempted to recreate opulence and luxury in equal measure, the Sheraton stands out through its extensive experiential family programs, staying true to the brand’s core values that centre around moments shared with family, friends and loved ones. This has certainly contributed towards the growing numbers in family tourism that are flooding the small peninsula.

Asian hot-pot restaurant in Macau offering an array of Asian ingredients and the freshest of seafood, Bene is a warm and welcoming trattoria, serving traditional dishes from Italy, while Feast is a vibrant, all-day dining restaurant offering international buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For high tea or drinks, the tropical oasis-inspired Palms Lobby Lounge is a relaxing retreat, where guests can also stay connected with free Wi-

Fi through the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft.

Heavenly Treatment Indulge yourself with a pampering in the spa.

Spa-goers will definitely be in their element with a luxurious spa treatment. The Shine Spa is a relaxing oasis featuring luxurious, tailormade treatments that apply the five elements of Feng Shui: water, metal, earth, wood and

Currently in association with DreamWorks, the animation studio is leading the family experience at the Sheraton Macao courtesy of the DreamWorks Themed Family Suite Package. Amenities branded with children’s favourite DreamWorks characters lend a further soft touch to the room, enhanced by the DreamWorks Shrekfast, a vibrant breakfast scene set away from the usual breakfast venue with a stage upon which DreamWorks characters, including DreamWorks mascots Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and the cast of Madagascar, make dancing appearances and provide photo opportunities for the youngsters to enjoy. The cast also makes regular scheduled appearances around the hotel and its complex for photo opportunities.

Keeping in theme with a kid-friendly focus in mind, the two swimming pools, Sala and Jaya on the fourth floor, are perfect for adults, kids and families with cabanas and daybeds to lounge around in. Finishing off the child-friendly experience is a Kid’s Zone that provides daycare and entertainment for children of all ages from toddlers to teens, with outdoor movie screenings by the pool, which are a particular highlight in summer.

Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macau SAR, P.R. China T: (+853) 2880 2000 E: sheraton.macao@sheraton.com www.sheratonmacao.com

ASIADREAMS 137

DESTINATION

L

ooking at a city break but fancy something a bit different? If so, why not let the fabulous Westin Kuala Lumpur extend its wonderfully warm welcome and ease you into the weekend vibe with their mix of comfort, facilities and charming service.

Stylish and elegant, the spacious 443 guest rooms and suites offer splendid views over the city and a level of comfort epitomised by the signature Westin Heavenly® Bed. Along with the outstanding pool, the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio provides more than enough opportunity for physical exercise under the guidance of highly trained staff.

138 ASIADREAMS

It’s all about location and the Westin is not only topped up with terrific in-house pools, bars and restaurants, it is ideally positioned in the bustling Golden Triangle offering easy access to the city’s most fashionable shopping malls, chic restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

If you just want to hang around the hotel, the choice of dining options is extraordinary.

Take authentic Cantonese cuisine at Five Sen5es - gorgeous dim sum to the opulence of abalone; or head to the contemporary Italian Prego and order a la carte, or why not indulge in the Bubbalicious Champagne Brunch? Try all day dining at Splash – the poolside restaurant, or enjoy the comfort of the Living Room, where a plethora of Asian and international dishes are served up in a chic, contemporary setting.

>

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN KL

<

EDITOR’S KL COFFEE AND BAR CHOICE:

EDITOR’S KL EATS PICKS:

I adore all things Latin and so, unsurprisingly, my personal favourite dining option was the Qba, open from 5PM. Head downstairs into the charismatic Latin grill and wine bar with its sultry cigar lounge to enjoy steaks, classic tapas, signature cocktails, fine wines and music in an authentic Cuban setting – perfecto!!

KL is an upcoming destination and is easily accessible from just about anywhere in the region. With a modern and expanding transport system, KL is easy to explore either independently or using certified travel guides. So the next time you feel like a break, why not check it out?

The Westin Kuala Lumpur 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang · Kuala Lumpur, 55100, Malaysia T: (+60) 3 2731 8333 www. thewestinkualalumpur.com

The city is bursting with coffee houses and bars, and Aku Cafe and Gallery is one of my favourites.

It’s just so easy to kick back and relax with sumptuous coffee and homemade cakes in a space that might easily be a 1970s’ movie set. Found in the city’s small but bustling Chinatown, the upper two floors are an ArtSpace where artists are currently exploring the local heritage.

Check out the Sheraton Imperial’s impressive award-winning Cantonese Celestial Court. The Sunday all-youcan-eat Dim Sum is truly fantastic – creative, delicious and set in a wonderful Oriental setting, it comes highly recommended.

Another award winning restaurant, Prime at Le Méridien KL, overseen by vivacious Executive Chef Antoine Rodriguez, is a carnivore’s heaven.

Although the plates are weighted towards beef, there’s a large selection of other dishes - personal choice, the Wagyu Prime Rib. Bijan is a chic restaurant aiming at the happening crowd and tourists who want classic Malay cuisine without trawling the city to find it.

Offering a blend of home cooking and creative evolutions of traditional dishes backed by tremendous service, it is understandably very popular. The Rendang kambing was sensational!

Located in the Bangsar Shopping Centre, we encounter what might be best described as a gentlemen’s club – the intriguing Mr. Brooks. Enter through the secret door in the makeshift garage housing a vintage Sunbeam Alpine Convertible and explore a secluded dark oasis where signature cocktails and sprits flow freely into the night.

For something more lively, check out Saturday Night Fever at the Mai Bar atop Aloft KL SEntral. It’s a funky place with red LED lights, vibrant seating and beanbags, and a great Kuala Lumpur city skyline view. Add to this a fabulous cocktail menu and dance music and it’s a perfect place to chillax.

ASIADREAMS 139

DESTINATION

140 ASIADREAMS

T

he Grand Hyatt Singapore welcomes you to your home away from home—an oasis of tranquillity that offers the comforts of home in one of the busiest cities in the world.

Situated adjacent to the region’s largest shopping and commercial district and just a 30-minute drive from Changi Airport, the Grand Hyatt Singapore is a haven of convenience.

Staying Vibrant There are 677 guestrooms—including 46 suites—in the Grand and Terrace Wings, all of which come with luxurious amenities and cutting-edge technology befitting the hotel’s name, which is synonymous with outstanding leadership and innovation. Contemporary and chic in design, the rooms create a warm and relaxing ambience for both business travellers and leisure guests. Room service, personal butlers, a Business Centre and Guest Services Officers are available 24 hours a day.

In keeping leisure shoppers appeased, the lobby of the hotel houses five specialty boutiques including Bang & Olufsen, Richard Mille and Royal Insignia. Other luxury brand names, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Prada and Donna Karan, are literally only steps away from the hotel, with an even larger variety of shops just a stone’s throw away.

Spanning 7,246 sq.m of recreation grounds designed by the Super Potato team from Japan, the hotel also offers a wide array of in-house activities for guests opting to spend their leisure time closer to home. Facilities include the rejuvenating Damai Spa, a Fitness Centre, a swimming pool, tennis and badminton courts, a studio and a poolside barbeque restaurant.

ASIADREAMS 141

142 ASIADREAMS

displays the makings of Chinese, Malay and Indian delicacies. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed by the poolside restaurant, Oasis, or afternoon tea or evening cocktails taken at 10 SCOTTS.

projects include Level 1, an exclusive venue ideal for an intimate private meeting or social gathering themed after a modern contemporary art gallery, and the mansioninspired Level 2 that features an integrated

A Place of Inner Peace Embodying every aspect of the word, the Damai spa (direct translation of the Malay word for “peace”) incorporates a blend of natural materials from the region, while a play of neutral colours, subtle textures, mood lighting and personally selected sounds contribute to the total experience. Damai is the first spa to utilize a timber that has undergone a scientific DNA-based, legal tracking system, which also scored well recently on a Greenpeace report.

show kitchen. Level 3 showcases 2,786 sq.m of highly flexible space featuring natural daylight and high ceilings.

Speaking of which, the Grand Hyatt Singapore’s culinary offerings are among the innovative attractions of the hotel, offering a wide spectrum of tastes, sights and sounds.

At mezza9, the hotel’s trendy award-winning lifestyle restaurant, guests are indulged with authentic Asian and Western cuisine with nine different dining experiences from Sushi, Yakitori and Western grill to Thai and Chinese open kitchens.

Featuring 11 all-encompassing treatment rooms, the treatments at Damai incorporate exclusive spa products from the June Jacobs Spa Collection. Each treatment room has its own water feature in a nature-inspired setting. A couples’ room features an indoor stone tub overlooking a private outdoor water terrace with an open skylight, while a wet treatment sanctuary comprises a specially designed Chinese aji stone bed and healing area based on water therapies. Guests can even customise the music selection to be played during their treatments using a dedicated iPod, preloaded with music, which is placed in each room.

The hotel’s long-standing Italian restaurant, Pete’s Place, remains popular after a quarter of a century, featuring a salad bar, pastas, wood-fired oven pizzas and Sunday brunch.

For a more Oriental and regional cuisine, visit StraitsKitchen, as the live show kitchen

Contemporary Venues The Grand Hyatt Singapore has opened its newly revamped Level 3 event venues designed by Super Potato—completing the hotel’s remodelling project with this final piece of the puzzle. Previous expansion

The largest of the three floors of event venues, Level 3 is suitable for any type of dream wedding one could think of, ranging from 10 to 2,200 guests. The five residences, which have a combined area of 887 sq.m can hold up to 300 guests for dinners and up to 650 guests for receptions. They showcase unique light wood feature walls while floorto-ceiling windows allow natural sunlight to stream in, providing a relaxed atmosphere for all.

In late February 2015, the Grand Hyatt Singapore held a wedding showcase where couples-to-be were offered the chance to get to know the hotel’s team of experienced wedding planners and be the first ones to view the newly launched event venues on Level 3. Guests were also treated to sample the food menus, view creative floral arrangements, catch a private bridal gown showcase by Le Grand Wedding, as well as enjoy an array of exclusive offers that will be available only on the day of the showcase.

Grand Hyatt Singapore 10 Scotts Road Singapore, 228211, Singapore T: (+65) 6738 1234 F: (+65) 6732 1696 www. singapore.grand.hyatt.com

ASIADREAMS 143

Subscribe Now! And win a two-night stay in a One-bedroom Villa including breakfast for two at The Royal Purnama.

Featuring 35 one to four-bedroom villas and pool/Jacuzzi suites surrounded by lush plantations on one side and glittering dark crystal sands on the other, The Royal Purnama offers a perfect setting of tranquility and elegance. Committed to serving the needs of discerning, sophisticated travellers and with an over-16-years-of-age policy, The Royal Purnama is the perfect choice for honeymooners and couples seeking a refined atmosphere of total peace and relaxation.

The Royal Purnama Art Suites & Villas is also complemented by a gourmet restaurant offering Balinese, Asian, and Continental cuisine, a rejuvenating spa that brings local healing properties, a beach club with freeform swimming pool, and a Stonehenge wedding garden. The entire concept of this prestigious property is based on impeccable, friendly service combined with international, natural-modern design philosophies. Serene and peaceful, The Royal Purnama redefines the standards of a tranquil holiday incorporating a complete invigoration of the soul.

144 ASIADREAMS

Name : Mr/Ms/Miss .......................................................................................................

Address : .....................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................

City : ............................................................ Postal Code : .........................................

Country : ......................................................................................................................

Phone : ....................................................... Fax : ........................................................

E-mail : .........................................................................................................................

INDONESIA • Half year ( 3 issues ) • Full year ( 6 issues )

IDR 140.000 IDR 270.000

SINGAPORE • Half year ( 3 issues ) • Full year ( 6 issues )

SGD 26 SGD 50

HK, MALAYSIA AND OTHERS • Half year ( 3 issues ) • Full year ( 6 issues )

USD 35 USD 70

Please send the completed subscription form for payment instructions by scanning and emailing to: info@exquisite-publishing.com

Scan and email the payment proof to info@exquisite-publishing.com.

Subscriptions can also be made by telephone to (+62 361) 759 180 or by email to circulation@exquisite-publishing.com. The fund transfer should represent the full payment amount, excluding any applicable bank charges and deductions.

ASIA DREAMS is a bi-monthly publication distributed throughout the Asia Pacific region. Please note that our minimum subscription term is 3 issues (6 months).

Jalan Pantai Purnama, Purnama Beach Sukawati, Gianyar, 80582, Bali, Indonesia Telephone: (+62) 361 849 3706 reservations@theroyalpurnama.com www.theroyalpurnama.com

EXQUISITE PUBLISHING BALI (Head Office): Jalan Sunset Road No. 89 Kav.7 Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361 - Indonesia

JAKARTA Citylofts Sudirman, Floor 20 Unit 2020 Jalan K.H. Mas Mansyur Kav. 121 Jakarta Pusat 10220 - Indonesia

www.facebook.com/Exquisite Publishing @Xquisite_Media

ASIADREAMS 145

LAST WORD

“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”

- George Sands

The May/June 2015 issue of Asia Dreams Magazine will feature the cover theme “Luxury Holiday Getaways”

146 ASIADREAMS

ASIADREAMS 147

148 ASIADREAMS