Asia Dreams / September-October 2015

DESIGN & WELLNESS SOME OF THE MOST INSPIRING PROPERTY AND SPA DESIGNS IN

JAKARTA SINGAPORE HONG KONG THAILAND BALI

LUXURY EXPERIENCE CATHAY PACIFIC

FASTLANE BMW X4 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

INTERVIEWS WITH ANDRA MARTIN SYLVAIN PASDELOUP JASON YANK

ISSN 2089-872X

IDR 50,000 SGD 9 RM 25 USD 6 HKD 60 AUD 7

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

FOLLOWING The Lines OF PERFECTION

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ere at Asia Dreams, we take great pride in revealing the numerous stunning and luxurious properties that we have been privileged enough to experience across the region — sumptuous villas, divine spas, cutting-edge restaurants and sensational hotels. Many of these display striking individual characteristics and have intriguing tales to tell. Thus, for this late summer edition of Asia Dreams, we take a closer, in-depth look at their architectural, design and wellness aspects, featuring a bumper crop of two cover themes!

Our primary cover theme is a grand celebration of Art, Architecture & Living in restaurants and hotels that in our opinion represent some of the finest offerings of distinctive architecture and design aesthetics in the region. Superb examples cover the Merah Putih restaurant and the Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali and The Peninsula Hong Kong and Indigo Pearl Thailand hotels.

Additionally, we interview prominent Indonesian architect, Andra Matin, who designed the award-winning Potato Head Beach Club Bali.

Our secondary cover theme is all about Beauty, Spa & Wellness. With today’s modern, fast-paced lifestyles, spas and wellness are part of a booming industry worldwide, but especially so here in Asia — a region internationally recognised as a world leader in wellness and where the balance of mind, body and spirit — and pampering — has been practiced for centuries. Take a look at our indulgent reviews of some of the region’s finest spas, salons and wellness centres, including Willow Stream at Fairmont Singapore, COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali and The Mandarin Spa, Hong Kong, as well as an in-depth analysis from beauty and wellness expert, Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto M.D., Ph.D., MBA, Crystal Clinic Jakarta.

Elsewhere, we continue revealing more of the Asia Dreams exquisite world of luxury, lifestyle and property. For our aptly-named Luxurious Experience, we join the jet-set and become highflyers, literally, experiencing exclusive business class travel on Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific, once again reminding me why it is one of my favourite airlines to fly with.

We also highlight more of the region’s fabulous hotels, with St. Regis Singapore and Fairmont Singapore hotels under the spotlight. In our regular round-up of News, we keep you fully updated with all the exciting happenings in the region, highlighting in this edition the launch of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Ubud, Bali and Park Hotel Alexandra in Singapore. Our design theme even permeates into the Fast Lane, with a hand-picked selection of imminentlylaunched automobiles — such as 2016 BMW X4 — showcasing edgy design details.

We hope, dear reader, this has been quite the insightful and revealing edition of Asia Dreams!

Lenny Marlina Tanu PUBLISHER lenny@exquisite-media.co.id

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

PUBLISHER Lenny Marlina Tanu MANAGING EDITOR Refa Koetin EDITORIAL TEAM / CONTRIBUTORS Heidy Zainuddin Tenissa Tjahjono Amanda Luxford Christian Galbraith Samantha Coomber Louise Henderson Photography courtesy www.shutterstock.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Yohanes Sutomo Aulia Karya Nugraha BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS Dely Waty Putri Desianti CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER Evy Mariana Tanu ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS Susanto Vira Hadi Putra CIRCULATION Fairuz Zahrah Yuan Kusnadi Ketut Sri Dono Iswandi Nanta

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES BALI: (+62) 361 759 180, 759 184 JAKARTA: (+62) 21 5793 9423, 9653 8988, 9653 9299 Hotline: (+62) 851 0515 6622 ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES sales@exquisite-media.co.id EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES info@exquisite-media.co.id DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES circulation@exquisite-media.co.id SUBSCRIPTIONS: info@exquisite-media.co.id www.exquisite-media.co.id www.asiadreams.com www.beautiful-bali.com www.exquisite-taste-magazine.com www.celebrate-jakarta.com

PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTOR Anjar Tanjung

BALI: Ruko Sunset Indah I Jalan Sunset Road No. 89 Kav.7 Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361 - Indonesia Tel: (+62) 361 759 180, 759 184 (+62) 851 0515 6622 JAKARTA: Jalan Bendungan Hilir Raya No. 12B, Jakarta Pusat - 10220 - Indonesia Tel: (+62) 21 5793 9423, 9653 8988, 9653 9299

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www.facebook.com/Exquisite Publishing @Xquisite_Media ASIA DREAMS Magazine is published under license for EXQUISITE MEDIA. Opinions and information expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. EXQUISITE MEDIA 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 MEDIA 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.

CONTENTS 24

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BE BUBBLY AT NIKKI BEACH

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TRAVELLING THE WORLD IN STYLE WITH CATHAY PACIFIC

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THE DRAC PACK IS BACK

SPORTY PACKAGE, ELEGANT DELIVERY

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SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

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NEWS Take in some of the latest happenings and updates from around the exquisite world of Asia Dreams: luxury, lifestyle and property. Just in: the launching of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and the Melbourne Cup at Canggu Club.

FASTLANE

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MUSIC

45 •

MOVIES

CALENDAR Honouring the Mid-Autumn Festival, famous for mooncakes, check out the latest deals and promos offered by properties and hotels in and around Jakarta this time of the year.

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LUXURY EXPERIENCE We join the jet-set and become high-flyers experiencing exclusive and luxurious business class travel on Hong Kong-based, Cathay Pacific airlines.

The upcoming BMW X4 is both sporty and sophisticated. Read all about it! Also, these cars with outstanding design innovations will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Keep up to date with the freshest items from the music industry, as well as concert schedules and our latest pick of the hottest new music albums.

Get the latest upcoming movie release dates and insights on late summer films in our Movies section. Watch out for the second instalment of Maze Runner and Ridley Scott’s upcoming sci-fi thriller starring Matt Damon.

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

NO GYM, NO EXCUSE

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INNOVATION Getting fit is no easy feat, especially when your daily activities won’t let you keep that gym schedule. But no more! These get-fit iOS and Android applications help you keep up a healthy exercise routine whenever, wherever you have a few minutes to spare.

HOME Check out the new Duravit ME by STARCK to decorate your living space with a touch of elegance and sophistication.

THE FALL COLLECTION

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LUXURY

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STYLE

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This time around we present an exquisite collection of accessories in shades of blue — Kimberly Mcdonald, Stephen Webster and many more.

Taken from Ted Baker’s latest Autumn Winter 2015 collection, the prints and patterns of this alluring collection reflect the melancholy of the season, like the beauty of falling leaves on cobblestone pathways.

COMFORT ALWAYS ON

THE QUALITY BEHIND COMFORTABLE BATH TIMES. With authentic Italian designs, made with independently manufactured spare parts and components, Ariston delivers high quality comfort through its water heaters.

A long lasting water heater, courtesy of the Titanium Enamel Coating and anti-rust Durability heating element.

Andris Slim 30L

For more information: www.ariston.com

Safety

Completely safe for everyone with the protection of double action Thermostat and Electric Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB).

Andris R

Andris RS

Comfort

Friendly interface and dense polyurethane insulation that keeps the water warm equals to a more meaningful bath time.

Andris Lux

HOT WATER | RENEWABLE

CONTENTS •

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ART, ARCHITECTURE & LIVING

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INSPIRATION

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SPA, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Celebrating the region’s wondrous architectural accomplishments, these fine hotels and restaurants are designed to instill a sense of awe at what some of the region’s most brilliant minds can accomplish. Destinations such as Merah Putih, the Double-Six Rooftop and The Peninsula Hong Kong are unquestionably remarkable in both design and aesthetics.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2015

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This month, we are truly inspired by prominent Indonesian architect, Andra Matin, who designed the award-winning Potato Head Beach Club, in Seminyak, Bali and Sylvain Pasdeloup, new General Manager of the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, in Bali.

The essence of wellness is to live a balanced life of fitness and soundness of mind. A visit to our favourite spas in the region, as seen here, will help to accomplish just that. We have in-depth reviews of gorgeous spas and beauty centres such as the Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Aramsa Spa at Sentosa and a special insight from wellness expert Dr. Takahiro from Crystal Clinic Jakarta.

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ANDRA MARTIN

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CULINARY JOURNEY

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WINE EXPERT

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GOURMET

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DESTINATION

LIVING IN FRENCH LUXURY

EPITOME OF REFINEMENT

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Keep up with wandering Chef Will Meyrick on his ongoing culinary journey — this time to Penang, Malacca and Sumatra as he unearths even more culinary treasures and prepares them with modern style.

Get up close and personal with Astrolabe’s committed and determined Managing Director Jason Yank. Also in this section: tasting notes and pairing recommendations of some of Astrolabe’s finest wines.

Our mouth-watering spread of the hottest restaurant establishments in the region for this edition feature SPICE by Master Chef, Chris Salans, Happy Chappy and rebranded Hog Wild, all on the island of Bali, Thai I love you, in Jakarta and the acclaimed JAAN, at Swissôtel The Stamford, in Singapore.

We enjoy a well-earnt break at some of the region’s most luxurious properties at the chic Beji Villas in emerging hotspot, Canggu, in Bali and multiple award-winners, The St. Regis Singapore and Fairmont Singapore, located in downtown Singapore.

NEWS

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,

IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

The recently opened Mandapa, a RitzCarlton Reserve, is located in Ubud, the spiritual and cultural heart of Bali for thousands of years, and is the best address along the water, close to the Ayung River with a 270-degree view of the verdant rice paddies and forest.

An intimate hotel of only 60 villas and suites, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, features two swimming pools, a luxury spa and active excursions to awaken the soul.

Specializing in intimate residential-styled

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meetings, executive board retreats, leisure focused incentives and private celebrations, Mandapa promises an unforgettable encounter with this spirited land. To truly experience the magic, one must simply be willing.

Overlooking the river or the lush valleys, the 60 luxury villas and suites blend natural beauty with local artwork.

jungle meets the majestic Ayung River, rice terraces and temples.

Precisely a month before the hotel’s official grand opening, Mandapa, a RitzCarlton Reserve, hosted a vibrant event and presentation at The Ritz-Carlton Secluded from the distractions of daily life, a Jakarta, Pacific Place. The event saw loyal weekend retreat at Mandapa will help you to guests getting a closer look (if they hadn’t already) of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, discover the peace of mind, body and soul while enjoying refreshing cocktails and that will reconnect, reenergize and reignite ideas. The Mandapa experience is a sensory scrumptious canapés. www.mandapareserve.com. journey to wellness and nature, where lush

The best kind of stories are those you find yourself in.

Firecracker street food flavours.

Late night antics fuelled by prohibition-style cocktails.

We can’t promise that lunch won’t turn into dinner and dinner won’t turn into drinks.

Let Mama reveal herself to you. Dish by dish.

Moment by moment. No embellishment required.

NOW OPEN IN KUALA LUMPUR. SEE YOU THERE.

jl. raya kerobokan no.135 br taman, bali +62 361 730 436 info@mamasanbali.com www.mamasanbali.com www.facebook.com/MamaSanBali

NEWS

Park Hotel Alexandra’s Doors Now Open!

Park Hotel Alexandra opened its doors to guests on June 2015 in Singapore. In the midst of an urban district with easy access to both business and leisure destinations, it is a peaceful oasis on the fringe of Singapore’s Central Business District.

Inspired by its garden landscape, Park Hotel Alexandra is designed in natural woods, earthy shades and prints that embrace a botanical theme and provide a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere for guests throughout their stay. Situated only 10 minutes away from Orchard Road and Sentosa and 30 minutes from Changi International Airport, the hotel offers easy access to the best of civilization. For shopping needs, the adjacent Alexandra Central, a three-storey mall connected to Park Hotel Alexandra, offers a host of fashion, dining and lifestyle outlets for guests to explore.

The hotel boasts 442 elegantly furnished guestrooms and suites overlooking the lush greenery of Singapore’s woodlands. There are six room types available to guests: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Premier Room, Crystal Club Room, Executive Suite and Park Suite.

All are fitted with the latest modern conveniences, mini bars and complimentary wireless access. The suites showcase lavish touches, including a grand living room, designer furniture and state-of-theart sound systems. Park Hotel Alexandra also offers four bright and spacious function rooms for meetings and private events. www.parkhotelgroup.com/alexandra.

at Peppers Seminyak

Peppers Seminyak, a luxurious all-villa resort in Bali’s trendsetting Seminyak neighbourhood, is now in full swing hosting its all-new Sunday Pool Sessions.

Hosted poolside at the signature restaurant, The Laneway, this season’s Sunday Pool Sessions are one of Bali’s most idyllic weekend rituals, an informal and fun barbecue afternoon for all the family, commencing at 11AM. The Laneway’s culinary team has created a super-delicious menu of favourite grills and sides, besides a healthy children’s menu, catering to the most discerning palates. From the sizzling BBQ out on the pool terrace, light, summery and beautifully seasoned a la carte selections include premium Australian striploin steaks, Squid Skewers, succulent Grilled King Prawns served with hummus and saffron yoghurt, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Grilled Blue Swimmer Crab and Vegetable Kebabs showcasing Bedugul’s finest produce. Beverage selections feature cocktails from selected weekly sponsors combined with special promotions — such as Sailor Jerry’s rum cocktails — besides in-house signature cocktails, which cover refreshing Afternoon G & Tea, with gininfused lemongrass and camomile.

Whether lazing by the azure swimming pool, sitting up at the shaded bar counters, or keeping cool within the air-conditioned dining-room, enjoy the chilled sounds of The Laneway’s in-house DJ and weekly international guest maestros. For the ultimate family day out, little ones are fully engaged and entertained by the pop-up Cheeky Monkeys kid’s activity centre. www.peppersseminyak.com.

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NEWS

Giddy-up for Bali’s

Best Lawn Party!

Melbourne Cup Day is Australia’s most famous Tuesday. At 3PM AEST, on the first Tuesday in November, Australians everywhere stop for one of the world’s most famous thoroughbred horse races — the Melbourne Cup. This 3,200-metre handicapped turf race is also one of the richest and most challenging and is so important that since 1877 this “race that stops a nation” has been a public holiday for Melbourne. In Bali, your best place to celebrate the beloved Melbourne Cup Day is at the revamped Canggu Club, the island’s premier entertainment and sporting venue, set on a sprawling four-hectare estate in Canggu.

Bali’s biggest and finest Melbourne Cup Lawn Party returns once more, this year, on Tuesday 3rd November 2015, with the Canggu Club’s manicured grounds transformed into a gala affair set to rival any track-side action.

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Whether you are racing enthusiasts, seeking a cracking good time, or Spring Carnival fashionistas — Melbourne Cup Day is also recognised as an urban fashion parade — Canggu Club provides a sensational day out whatever your preference. Indulge in the Nicolas Feuillatte Marquee, a swanky sit-down affair delivering delicious canapés, a three-course lunch on the lawns and three hours of free-flow Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne, Heineken beer, Babich wines and soft drinks. For those who prefer to mix ‘n’ mingle throughout the day, the Cocktail Party presents the chance to sip chilled Chandon bubbles, Babich wines, or icycold Bintang beers, and nibble on gourmet canapés. While taking in all the fashion action and runway parades, patrons get the chance to win fantastic prizes for being the day’s best-dressed. Gates open at 10AM and

the Nicolas Feuillatte Marquee and Cocktail Party free-flow packages commence from 11AM. Multiple screens throughout the venue mean no one will a miss a single moment of race day action, while exciting postrace entertainment, supplied by Australian rock legend Jon Stevens from Noiseworks (supported by Marina Sidik and New Energy), guarantees fun throughout the afternoon and evening until 8PM. Additionally, Bali’s best Melbourne Cup Lawn Party is all done for a good cause, with Nicolas Feuillatte and Canggu Club proudly supporting Sole Men, an Indonesian non-profit foundation helping Bali’s disadvantaged. So, giddy-up and book your spot now. Tickets (from IDR 900,000, including early bird specials) are on sale at Canggu Club’s reception or on their website. www.cangguclub.com.

NEWS

BE BUBBLY AT NIKKI BEACH BALI

Located at the world’s hippest hotspots — from Miami Beach to St. Tropez, and opening soon in Dubai, UAE — the ultra-glamorous Nikki Beach is a global, multifaceted luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand, with the first and original beach club concept combining music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art elements.

Naturally, this legendary global beach club-restaurant is now established on the happening island of Bali, as Nikki Beach Bali: a multifaceted, luxurious beachfront venue right on Nusa Dua beach — part of the five-star Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort.

A fabulous beach club where many enjoy sultry Bali days, the impossibly trendy Nikki Beach Bali has recently extended its operating hours, launching a new weekly night-time event series that not only enhances the Nikki Beach experience post-sunset, but also offers a refreshingly new and exciting alternative to Nusa Dua’s evening dining and cocktail scene. Amongst the special mouth-watering options, a highlight is the all-new Bubble Q on the Beach, hosted every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 6PM to 11PM under the stars on Nusa Dua’s pristine sands. Harking back to a classic era of vintage chic, Bubble Q offers a special chef’s barbecue menu

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and house-made sauces. “Cravings” feature such naughties as Toasted Marshmallow and Grilled Strawberry Skewers with bittersweet dark chocolate sauce. As usual at Nikki Beach events, Bubble Q comes served with signature Nikki Beach live entertainment, unique ambience and Bali’s sexiest crowd. If you’re here on a Thursday night, alongside Bubble Q, indulge in further treats, with the exclusive Mules & Mojitos Happy Hour and an unlimited Freshly prepared dishes barbecued over charcoal fires cater to all tastes, covering locally free-flow of signature Mojitos and spicy Moscow Mules from 6PM to 8PM (IDR500,000 sourced organic Butterflied King Prawns in ++ per person). lemon and garlic sauce, Beef Brisket crusted with peppercorns and slow-cooked for 48 Life is short, so get down to Nikki Beach Bali hours, Ginger and Lemongrass Swordfish and be bubbly!

Steak and vegetarian options, accompanied www.nikkibeach.com/bali. by perfectly suited barbecue trimmings with a selection of hearty flavours, freshest catches and grilled meats and, as the “Bubble Q” name suggests, a selection of the finest specially priced Champagnes, with premier labels such as Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Cristal Roederer Vintage, for Champagne Specials by the glass or bottle, as well as Rose Champagnes and more.

NEWS

PAINLESS HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT

ZAP has been a pioneer in hair-removal since 2009 and is known for a painless process, offering a completely safe, quick and different technique using advanced technology that is very popular in many countries around the world. The technology used by ZAP has received international certifications such as the FDA and CE and is handled by doctors and professional therapists.

As Dry As Bali’s own label for waterproof dry bags, Azurbali, is well known for its quality and uses.

It has been expanding its bag collection since its establishment in 2011 and now there are five styles, including Sling Dry Bags available

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The distinguishing trait here is, of course, its permanent results. The treatment is completely painless and very comfortable.

Basically, ZAP gets rid of the roots of the hair, preventing future growth. In some cases, more than one visit might be needed for permanent results. ZAP offers a number of other treatments for the body, from the face to the legs, and provides other beauty

in medium (10L) and large (15L) sizes and 11 bright colours; Tote Bags; Ultralight Dry Bags available in small (5L) and medium (10L) sizes; Pouch Bags and Backpacks in extra large (30L) size.

With 100% quality imported waterproof material and a high level of durability, the bags won’t rip or tear and there are no stitched seams, making them the ideal outdoor gear and the perfect companions

treatments such as photo facial and face rejuvenation. ZAP also offers its own beauty products from sunscreen to underarm whitening cream. With ZAP, it is time to say goodbye to unwanted hair and start flaunting your glowing skin! www.zap.co.id.

for travelling. You can put your things inside an Azurbali bag and you are ready for water sports or outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Your items, especially gadgets, will stay dry even if the bags are submerged briefly in water.

Azurbali is available in retail shops in Bali. For a complete list of stores and to make online purchases, please visit www.azurbali.com.

CALENDAR

Mooncake DELIGHTS

Mooncake LUXURIES

The Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon! To welcome its joyfulness, ShangriLa Hotel Jakarta is delighted to take part by presenting an assortment of 17 pleasant variations of mooncake at the hotel’s signature Cantonese restaurant, the Shang Palace. The mooncake comes with new variants such as durian, green tea ganache, Sichuan pepper chocolate and caramel and ginger. Classic variants including red bean paste, white lotus with single yolk, white lotus paste and red lotus paste. www.shangri-la.com/Jakarta.

In commemoration of the annual Mid-Autumn Festival, TABLE8 presents an exclusive selection of mooncakes with “the art of giving” as the theme. Hotel Mulia Senayan’s TABLE8 serves Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines. Homecooked dishes and street foods are popular choices at the Chinese restaurant.

A variety of Chinese teas is also available as an accompaniment to the dishes.

Enjoy the festivities of the Mid-Autumn Festival with family and mooncakes.

Reservations are recommended. www.thetable8.com.

• CALENDAR

HANDCRAFTED Mooncake WITH TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS It is the first time for The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a festival celebrated annually by the Chinese people on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. To honour the long-life tradition and to ensure that you are going to have a memorable experience on this special occasion, The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place presents its mooncakes, with four traditional flavours, crafted specially by the dedicated culinary team. To order the mooncakes please call (+62) 21 2550 1888. www.ritzcarlton.com/Jakarta.

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MONCAKES •

MAJESTIC Mooncake The festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China can also be felt in Jakarta. Taking part in celebrating this popular event, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta presents to guests the finest homemade mooncakes with a great selection of flavours and tastes. Remarkably well-known for its exquisite Chinese cuisine, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta’s Teratai Restaurant presents unique varieties inspired by tropical fruits and snow skin (snowy) mooncakes, crafted specially by the restaurant’s Chinese chefs. The mooncake selections include the delicious pandan, green tea, black sesame snow skin mooncakes, and many more! These mooncakes presented in brand new elegant red-gold packaging are available to order not only at Teratai, but also at Borobudur Gourmet, the mini mooncake shop and all outlets at Hotel Borobudur Jakarta from 7.30AM to 9PM daily. www.hotelborobudur.com.

ADVERTORIAL

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME The elegant furnishings, grand marble floor and granite countertops of the JW Marriott give guests an extraordinary feeling of five-star ambience and great services, offering an exquisite and royal touch of true Oriental hospitality.

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s one of the most reputable fivestar hotel chains in the world, the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta is known for its luxurious property.

Strategically located at the centre of the business district in Mega Kuningan and within walking distance of shopping areas, the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta has become a welcome addition to Jakarta’s food and beverage scene with its famous Sailendra Restaurant and Pearl Chinese Restaurant.

As one of the top buffet restaurants, with an ample variety of food, the Sailendra Restaurant serves cuisine from all around Asia, as well as Western specialties and desserts. Food delights include tandoori, satay, noodles, sushi, pizza, roast duck, pasta and Thai food. Sailendra has a Western-local combination kitchen, a bakery

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and a patisserie with a lounge area and a walk-in wine cellar. Guests can enjoy the open kitchen concept and the fun ambiance.

Meanwhile, Pearl Chinese Restaurant brings the best of Cantonese cuisine to the heart of town. Situated on the second floor of the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta, Pearl is a true jewel in fine Cantonese dining. Specialties of the house include Beijing duck, abalone, bird’s nest soup and a wide variety of fresh seafood. Pearl is also popular for its dim sum buffet and offers a large selection of dim sum delights, such as Char Siu Bao (steamed bun with barbecued pork), Shrimp Shu Mai and Taro Ball, every Sunday and on public holidays.

The JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta offers a special promotion for HSBC card holders. Only for

HSBC Signature and Premier card holders, enjoy a complimentary buffet meal at Sailendra Restaurant every Wednesday and a complimentary dim sum buffet meal at Pearl Chinese Restaurant every Sunday. Meanwhile, all HSBC card holders can enjoy 10% off at Sailendra and Pearl Chinese restaurants from Monday to Friday. Experience sumptuous dining at the Sailendra restaurant and the Pearl Chinese restaurant with this special promotion from HSBC. JW Marriott Hotel 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/travel/jktjw-jwmarriott-hotel-jakarta/

EXPERIENCING LUXURY INDULGENCE

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here are eight types of rooms and suites for you to choose from during your stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta. All are equipped with modern amenities and fantastic facilities. To tantalise your taste buds, the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta welcomes guests to the Cinnamon Restaurant, which provides international all-day dining. For those who crave Cantonese cuisine, experience

URBAN ELEGANCE

Exquisite and exclusive are two words that describe The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan. For those who seek the finest experience, this is the right place to stay. The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan invites all guests to stay and visit. With a rich culinary experience to offer, guests are welcome to taste food from the varied menus and buffet of the hotel's all day dining restaurants.

Indonesian, Western, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and international cuisines are featured in the ASIA Restaurant. Try the contemporary fine

Conveniently located in Jakarta’s golden triangle, home to the offices of international corporations, the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta offers excellent services and a first-class team that will take good care of every guest.

Xin Hwa, or if you’re in the mood for French authentic cuisine, Lyon would be the right choice. Interested in experiencing all this in one of the best luxury hotels in Jakarta? Book the Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta now with your HSBC card. All HSBC card holders get 20% off at Cinnamon Restaurant, Xin Hwa and Lyon Restaurant from Monday to Sunday, 25 percent off the Best Available Rate for a Deluxe Room (valid for a stay from Friday to Sunday

or on public holidays) and last, but not least, guests can also enjoy pastries for 20% off at The Mandarin Cake Shop.

Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2993 8888 E: mojkt-reservations@mohg.com www.mandarinoriental.com/jakarta

Luxurious comfort in the middle of a bustling city with special treatment and pampering the Ritz way.

dining LOBO Restaurant that offers premium steaks, modern European dishes and tapas.

Enjoy a special offer from HSBC at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan. HSBC Signature and Premier card holders will get buy 1 get 1 buffet meal at the ASIA Restaurant from Monday to Friday and 30% off food at the LOBO Restaurant every day. All holders of HSBC cards enjoy 25% off at the ASIA Restaurant and 20% off food at the LOBO Restaurant, as well as a special price for weekend room packages: IDR1,850,000 per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Mega Kuningan Jalan DR. Ide Anak Agung Gde Agung Kav. E.1.1 1, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2551 8888 www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/jakarta

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LUXURY EXPERIENCE

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TRAVELLING THE WORLD IN STYLE WITH

CATHAY PACIFIC

Air travel was originally a luxurious experience, but over the years it lost its sparkling allure as it became commonplace. Cathay Pacific has rectified this by anticipating and providing everything a traveller could need from the airport to the destination. Whether you are flying on business or for pleasure, Cathay Pacific business class has it all.

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he Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific will celebrate an impressive 70 years in the air in 2016, a remarkable achievement for any business. Currently operating more than 150 aircraft to almost 190 destinations around the world, Cathay Pacific is renowned for its smooth service.

Business has developed steadily; 18 years after it was founded, the airline celebrated flying its 1 millionth passenger; nine years later, in 1973, it was carrying 1 million passengers a year — a figure that now, in 2015, is exceeded every month.

This phenomenal achievement has been marked with continued attention to detail, ensuring that the fleet stays young, service is exemplary and advantage is taken of business opportunities.

Passengers on any airline have the same interests — a comfortable flight so they can arrive at their destination alert and fresh.

Cathay Pacific has carefully studied what exactly this entails, analyzing and striving to anticipate passenger needs , even before the passenger is aware of them.

AT THE AIRPORT Flying Business Class with Cathay Pacific is a pleasure. Business class check-in is easy and if you are flying from Jakarta, Indonesia, you are escorted from the dedicated check-in desk directly to the dedicated immigration desk, where an immigration official quickly processes your documents and you can go directly into the lounge.

If you are flying from Hong Kong, you have a choice of four business class lounges disbursed throughout the airport: The Wing, The Bridge, The Cabin and The Pier. Designed to ensure passenger comfort and business productivity, these lounges range in seating capacity from 167 to 467 people.

All offer individual workstations, some with computers and printers, and a range of freshly prepared food and drink from the bakeries, noodle bars, The Long Bar, the Coffee Loft and delis, providing passengers with whatever refreshment, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, they could possibly desire.

The Wing and The Bridge also have the special pod-like Solus chairs, each with AC power and a small desk that make them ideal for business travellers who just need to

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charge their phone and polish off a few last emails before boarding.

For those who have had to rush to the airport from a busy day, there are spacious shower suites providing a private sanctuary to freshen up before an onward journey, while all lounges provide free local calls, incoming and outgoing local and international faxes, photocopying, document printing, Wi-Fi and the loan of adaptors so you can wrap up all those last-minute details before relaxing on your flight.

While The Wing and The Bridge are light and airy and buzzing with passengers coming and going, The Cabin offers a more private, relaxed experience, ideal for those who need to focus or whose body clock is on evening time. The only announcements made in all lounges are for flight delays or gate changes, providing an area away from the normal cacophony of a large airport. The Bridge, the newest of Cathay Pacific’s airport lounges, features a gorgeous luminous reception wall made of Venetian glass tiles, as well as a bar that offers views across the airport.

If you are flying into Hong Kong, you have the option of utilizing the Arrival Lounge with its buffet, work stations and showers, ensuring you can go directly to your business meeting without wasting any time.

CABIN COMFORT Cabins on long-haul flights provide business class passengers with plenty of room and are set out in the 1:2:1 herringbone design, ensuring privacy and a clear sense of space.

Cathay Pacific claims, completely accurately, that the cabin has been designed around passengers’ needs to sleep, dine, work, read, watch TV or simply relax. Seemingly every detail has been carefully considered and passengers’ needs anticipated and provided for throughout. There are even sprays of fresh orchids in the cabin.

Personal space has clearly been deemed important for the airline’s passengers. All the seats are wing-back, providing a private cocoon that makes it easy to forget you are actually sitting with more than 30 other people. If you are in one of the central rows of seats, aside from being able to slide your chair forward so you can chat over a glass of wine or collaborate on business with your travel companion, you can also keep your chair back and deploy a small screen to assure your privacy. The window seats, meanwhile,

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are angled to provide a perfect view out of the cabin windows.

Whether your seat is slid forward or not, the easily accessible seat controls allow you to deploy it to your most comfortable position.

The back and footrest have independent controls, or you can just push the flatbed button and stop the seat at wherever feels most comfortable for you. Ultimate comfort is, of course, achieved with the seat fully flat at a generous 82 inches, with a useable width of over 26 inches and additional space at the sides so that your knees and arms have plenty of room, even if you sleep on your side.

Whatever position you end up in and however much you might fidget during a long flight, the ergonomic seat is always comfortable, leaving you feeling fresh at your destination.

All seats have direct aisle access and plenty of storage space, meaning you can settle yourself into your seat with everything you need directly to hand, bag tucked into the side pocket, smaller items in the storage locker and shoes in their own storage area.

DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT Food and drink menus are distributed for a fully informed choice and drinks are served before take-off, with Billecart-Salmon brut champagne, wines, juices and water brought around on a tray. Cleared prior to take-off, the drinks tray returns as soon as the plane levels off, while the meal is prepared. With linen cloths draped over the seat tray, silver cutlery and Narumi china, it is hard to remember you are dining on a plane. The salmon is thick and meaty, the spicy scallops and prawns richly satisfying and the drinks list extensive, ranging from illy coffees, various teas, spirits and wines, to liqueurs, port and cognac.

Sated, it is time to peruse the entertainment on the 15-inch monitor. With a good selection of recent and popular movies, various language options, TV shows, music and games, as well as plenty of sockets to run electronic devices, the flight passes quickly and in comfort. The cabin crew is unobtrusive, but always there with an extra drink, to answer questions and to help ensure your flight is a pleasure.

With fresh orchids in the cabin, soothing tones of green, brown and champagne, original artwork, fresh linen and fine china, along with impeccable service, travelling business class with Cathay Pacific is a treat. www.cathaypacific.com

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FASTLANE

F

SPORT Y PACK AGE, ELEGA N T DELI V ERY

rom what we’ve seen in recent international automotive festivals, the X4 purposely hones down the rear end of a more traditionally shaped sport-utility vehicle, to give it a more stylish stance. At first look, the X4 does a better job of smoothing out its roofline compared to the X6. This is certainly one of the pluses that we enjoyed seeing and testing.

Inside, the X4 offers a similar design to the X3, with aluminum and wood trim — or a choice of an M Sport or an xLine package. The M Sport adds special paint choices, interior trim, bigger wheel-and-tire

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combinations and sport seats; xLine does the same visual change-up, with a glossier bent. As is expected from any BMW, the X4 feels at its best in Sport mode, where the electronics set up swifter steering responses and a tauter ride feel. The X4 gets BMW’s variable-ratio sport steering standard; it has a relaxed on-center feel, good stability at higher speeds and, we think, a little more feedback than the stock Servotronic units in the X3s we’ve driven.

Stop/start is standard and sometimes can send shivers through the X4, but it helps lift gas mileage, which is rated by the EPA at 20/28 mpg or 23 mpg for the turbo four,

19/27/22 mpg for the turbo six. Like the X3, the X4 has an ECO PRO mode that can shut off the car’s gas when the driver releases the throttle, allowing it to coast. In overall footprint, the X4 isn’t quite identical to that of the X3. It’s still a three-seater in back, but BMW has sculpted the seat cushions to give preference to two passengers. Passenger space remains fine for adults in front and the second-row seat suffers only marginally from the headroom issues you’d expect in a lowroofed X3 spin-off.

Cargo space is made slightly more compact, but still checks in at 17.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, or 49.4 cubic feet behind the

With its slicked-back roofline and choice performance upgrades, the upcoming BMW X4 is set to outplay the Porsche Macan or a Range Rover Evoque, by appealing to their markets full on.

front seats — that’s roughly enough to haul home a sofa table. It’s accessible via a power tailgate, with an option for Smart Opener — the system that uses sensors to detect a foot waving under the rear bumper, which triggers the tailgate to open.

No official data is yet available for the X4’s safety aspect, but since the X3 has been a reliable safety performer, we can expect the same, if not more, from the new BMW X4. What we do know so far is that it does include plenty of airbags and options for adaptive cruise control, a forward-collision and a lane-departure warning system and BMW’s bank of 360-degree, surround-view

cameras. Parking Assistant lets the X4 steer itself into parallel parking spots while the driver attends the controls as a backup.

BMW’s iDrive and the high-contrast, wideview screen are standard on the 2015 X4, while navigation is an option. When it’s fitted, the iDrive controller also gets a touchpad surface, so destinations and other inputs can be entered as handwriting. All X4 variants also get paddle shift controls, sport steering, rear parking sensors and a leather steering wheel. BMW Apps are among the available features; Apps connects smartphones to deliver streams from Pandora, Rhapsody and Stitcher, among others.

Other standard features include a syntheticleather interior, steering-wheel multifunction controls, a power tailgate, wood trim, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, Bluetooth and USB connections and power front seats. Major option packages include the M Sport group (with sport seats, sport steering wheel, aero kit and higher top speed), the xLine group including 19-inch wheels and gloss trim, a rear-view camera, surround-view cameras and blind spot monitors, adaptive cruise control and a tech package that bundles navigation, a headup display and real-time traffic and data services. www.bmw.co.id.

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FASTLANE

Det ails IT’S I N THE

Lincon Continental … The new Lincoln Continental is a concept that will start production in 2016. Several sources suggest that the new Continenal won’t ride on the MKS/Taurus platform, which is also shared with the Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex, but rather on an enlarged version of the CD4 platform, which underpins the Fusion and MKZ.

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Since the invention of the first steam powered automobile in 1768, the automotive industry has always been a medium for engineering marvels and innovative designs. Today, the tide of progress continues, and we’re excited to show you some of our favourite upcoming cars with edgy details to watch out for.

Other confirmed facts also indicate that it will use a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, a slightly enlarged variant of the 2.7 Nano. However, we hear that the 2.7 will be a base engine, at least in the United States. Asia releases will likely receive an even smaller four-cylinder option. The exciting bit is that the Continental is rumoured to use the same trick all-wheel-drive system employed in the new Ford Focus RS.

Our favourite innovative feature? The epic 30-way power seats, which have an equally impressive 50 engineering patents associated with them. While specifics are still kept under tight wraps for now, we can safely say that even passengers with the weirdest seat peeves can find comfort in this new luxury power car.

Range Rover SV Autobiography … Talk about finer details, the upcoming Range Rover SV Autobiography has a knurled, milledaluminium detailing on the pedals, armrest adjusters and rotary shift knob. The rear seat features power-deployable tables, as well as a

beverage cooler, deep-pile mohair mats and solid aluminium coat hooks. Nothing says “business class” like tiny tables that deploy from next to your ultra-luxurious SUV’s comfy, reclined rear perch with no effort at all. To be produced some time in the next year, the

Range Rover SV Autobiography’s trays kick things up an extra notch by deploying under their own power at the press of a button. It’s like having your very own mini butler as the electronically deployed tray sets itself above your lap, ready to hold your glass of bubbly.

Cadillac CT6 … This prestigious vehicle is Cadillac’s first-ever CT6 Sedan, which launched it on a bold journey that sets a higher standard for excellence. Innovatively engineered and exquisitely crafted, the CT6 combines advanced technology with breath-taking design. An entirely new, lightweight vehicle architecture for a superb driving experience that is agile, solid and secure is matched with an available 3.0L V6 Twin-Turbo engine. Every journey delivers the utmost comfort and convenience for all with an optional Bose® Panaray® Sound System, individual climate control and extended comfort seats with five massage settings. The result is a daring expression of ambition.

The Cadillac CT6’s fusion frame provides greater control, handling and stability, making the core of the CT6’s agile performance an entirely new, lightweight vehicle architecture that is one of the world’s most advanced body structures. Its innovative fusion technologies combine aluminium and high-strength steel into a single frame for quieter acoustics.

Meanwhile, its increased rigidity provides superb and precise handling.

In addition, the CT6 has an active chassis system that combines a responsive and efficient all-wheel drive, seamless fourwheel steering, three performance driving modes and Magnetic Ride Control to deliver impressive manoeuvrability and performance.

The icing on the cake is a rear-view mirror that transforms from a reflective surface showing what’s behind you into a 1280×240-pixel TFT LCD screen that spans nearly the entire surface.

At the flick of a switch, this screen streams your entire aft view without obstruction — no rear pillars, no headrests, no back-seat passengers.

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MUSIC

B EATS V I B E S Music speaks louder than a scream! No matter where you are, music will always be a part of your life’s journey. See the latest updates on concert dates around the region and the latest music albums for your listening pleasure.

Leona Lewis “I Am”

John Grant “Grey Tickles, Black Pressure”

David Cook “Digital Vein”

Leona Lewis is scheduled to release her fifth studio album, titled I Am, on 11th September 2015 through digital retailers. I Am is the British singer/songwriter’s first album under Universal Music’s Island Records UK and Def Jam. This album features 10 songs, while the deluxe edition comes with five extra songs.

The first single, “Fire Under My Feet”, was already released on 28th June this year. Leona describes this album as empowered, earthy and authentic.

Fantastic news from the former Czars frontman, John Grant! His third solo album, titled Grey Tickles, Black Pressure, is going to be released on 2nd October 2015, John Grant has officially announced. Fans will expect moody and angry songs spiced up with humour and wounded pathos in this third album by the American singer/songwriter.

Time goes by real fast and fans of David Cook will have to wait no more for his third studio album, titled Digital Vein. This highly anticipated new album of the American Idol season 7 winner will be available on 18th September 2015. This album features 12 tracks in total (seven tracks are brand new).

UPCOMING CONCERTS

YOU BETTER JOT DOWN THESE UPCOMING CONCERTS IF YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THEM!

I N DON E S I A EVE N TS

INT ERNAT IO NAL EVENTS

23 rd September | Maroon 5 with Dirty Loops perform at Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE).

4st October | Robbie Williams performs at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore.

19st October | DJ Da Queen performs in Bali, Indonesia – a part of her ASIA Tour.

4st November | Imagine Dragons start their UK tour at London’s The O2, in support of Smoke + Mirrors.

8st December | Joseph DiDonato performs at Mata Elang International Stadium (MEIS), Taman Impian Jaya Ancol.

7st — 8st November | Taylor Swift performs at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore.

20st — 23 rd November | It’s The Ship 2015 featuring Kaskade, Ferry Corsten, Goldfish, Will Sparks, Peking Duck, Noorly, TWRK and Alex Adair in Singapore.

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28st November | Sam Smith returns to Australia for his summer tour beginning at the Perth Arena.

MOVIES

MOVIE TIME |

M A Z E R U N N E R • H O T E L T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2 • T H E M A R T I A N • S E C R E T I N T H E I R E Y E S

|

NEW UNIMAGINABLE CHALLENGE | Release Date: 18th September 2015 Following the impressive success of the first chapter, The Maze Runner is back. In the new sequel, Thomas and the other Glades meet new survivor groups in the outside world after successfully escaping from the maze. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a deserted landscape with new threats and unimaginable obstacles that go beyond the obstacles in the maze. In Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, Thomas is portrayed by Dylan O’Brien (Teen

Wolf) and Teresa is played by Kaya Scodelario (Clash of The Titans), both returning from The Maze Runner. This sequel was supposed to adopt a “wait-and-see” policy. However, since the reviews of the first movie were insanely good, this sequel had a green light two weeks prior to first movie premiere.

THE DRAC PACK IS BACK | Release Date: 25th September 2015 This comedy-adventure movie is back with a sequel. The hotel has changed for the better, or it appears so. It is now welcoming human guests. The monster-only policy is not as hard-and-fast as before. But Drac’s got things to worry about. His grandson Dennis, the halfvampire, half-human, is not showing any signs of being a vampire and when Vlad, Drac’s dad, visits his family at the hotel, things get worse.

In Hotel Transylvania 2, the main characters are still voiced by the same actors. Adam Sandler (Grown Ups, Click) voices Dracula and Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place, Spring Breakers) voices Mavis. The new character in the movie, Vlad, is voiced by Mel Brooks, who directed the comedy Dracula: Dead and Loving It in 1995.

BRING “THE MARTIAN” HOME | Release Date: 2th October 2015 Based on a best-selling novel with the same title, The Martian is a story about Mark Watney, an astronaut abandoned by his crew on Mars because he is presumed dead after a fierce storm. Watney, however, has survived the accident. Alone and stranded on the planet he is not familiar with, Watney must find a way to signal to Earth that he is very much alive and he needs rescue.

Meanwhile on Earth, NASA and a team of international scientists are putting in their best efforts to bring “The Martian” back. Will this

appear-to-be-impossible rescue mission be accomplished and “The Martian” return home safe and sound?

Mark Watney is impeccably portrayed

by Matt Damon (Interstellar), along with deservedly well-known actors such as Kate Mara (Fantastic Four) and Jessica Chastain (Interstellar). The movie was shot in a red desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan. All NASA-related matters in The Martian have been approved

by NASA as true representations.

A SECRET BEHIND A BRUTAL MURDER | Release Date: 23th October 2015 Starring some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as Julia Roberts (Mirror Mirror, Eat Pray Love), Nicole Kidman (Grace of Monaco), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave) and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Secret in Their Eyes focuses on the lives of two FBI investigators, Jess and Ray, and their district attorney supervisor Claire. After finding out that Jess’ daughter has been cruelly murdered, the team begins to split apart. Spending 13 years searching for the murderer, the team finds a

new lead that can solve the case and bring closure, but along the way a shocking and unspeakable secret with destructive effects is to be revealed.

The movie is a remake of the 2009 Argentine movie El Secreto de Sus Ojos. Originally, Gwyneth Paltrow was supposed to play the lead role, but she quit and Nicole Kidman took over.

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INNOVATION

NO GYM, NO EXCUSE

NIKE+ TRAINING CLUB We all strive to get those buns of steel and washboard abs at some point of our lives, and in today’s increasingly fast-moving world, we need to make the best of our time to get fit as well as improve our mindfulness. These intuitive apps could go a long way to help you.

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This is the easiest way to feel in control of your fitness destiny. The app offers more than 100 workouts crafted by Nike master trainers for people of all fitness levels. Whether your fitness goal is get lean, get toned, get strong, or get focused, the app will offer easy-to-follow workout plans that are well balanced and includes plenty of rest days depending on your workout intensity. Each individual workout comes with beautiful video tutorials, which makes Nike+ Training Club fantastic even for beginners looking to catch up.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Once you have a Nike+ Profile, you can easily add friends and more trainers to get motivated, obtain advice, share your achievements, take photos and share them, go for new challenges and more.

MOVES

7 MINUTE WORKOUT

Moves is a handy-dandy app that does what it says and more — it automatically tracks your everyday exercise, commuting and time spent in important places. All you need to do is carry your phone in your pocket or bag with the app activated and at the end of the day you get to see your activities like on a storyboard.

With more than five million users and counting, the 7 Minute Workout app is dubbed the number one fitness app in 127 countries. Don’t have an hour every day to visit the gym and burn some cals? Say no more. All the fundamental exercises in this app will only take — you’ve guessed it — seven minutes before or after your normal activities to keep your metabolism going and that calorie furnace burning.

The app also offers a complete exercise diary with nearly 100 activity types, with other unrecognised activities easy to add. In detail, Moves automatically tracks fitness activities such as walking, cycling and running, as well as recognizes places in your daily life, plots your routes on a map, counts your step and shows calories burned for any activity or for the entire day.

Seeing your everyday life in a new way can motivate you to move more. Set simple goals — e.g. 10,000 steps a day — and start with small changes that can lead to a fitter lifestyle and healthier habits.

The exercises are based on high intensity circuit training proven to be safe, effective and efficient in improving your muscular and aerobic fitness. All you need is a chair and a wall for some workouts and seven minutes every day. Depending on your work condition, you can even easily exercise in the office. The app is voice prompted, which enables you to complete the entire workout without looking at a timer or your device.

SWORKIT

RUNTASTIC SIX PACK ABS

No gym? No time? No problem! Sworkit is designed with busy people in mind with high-intensity bodyweight workouts that you can make last as short as five minutes and as long as an hour. An in-depth personalization feature lets you choose the style of exercise you’re seeking: i.e. strength, cardio, stretching, or even yoga. Every workout set is super easy to follow with high-quality videos and a countdown clock of the number of reps you have left. Advanced fitness buffs can also go ahead and use the app to create custom workouts.

No matter who you are, getting six-pack abs is a daunting task. But strengthening your core has never been easier, thanks to Runtastic Six Pack. The app lets you choose your avatar trainer — Daniel or Angie — that will interactively show you effective and efficient workout programs that last anywhere from 10 days to almost a month. One of the reasons we favoured this app is how the virtual trainers show off the moves in a slow-motion-enabled video, which means you learn each exercise right the first time around and avoid injuries.

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HOME

M O D E R N D ES IG N S , PERSON ALIZED TOUCH Duravit ME by Starck is a collection that satisfies the desire for pure aesthetics and can be introduced into all manner of style worlds to create the greatest possible range of individual designs.

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T

he idea of Duravit ME by Starck is to create a modern, yet timeless bathroom series that is everrelevant and continuously adapts to modern styles. The designers at Duravit seek to achieve this by reducing its design entirely and focusing instead on the users’ personality and individuality, which allows for better personal connection between the users and the products. Simply put, ME by Starck is a new bathroom series

by Duravit and Philippe Starck that appeals to every style — pure, elegant, natural or raw. With ME by Starck, everyone is his or her own designer. Each product can be highly personalized to great detail, ensuring total satisfaction and efficient use of space. Various sizes of bathtubs, shower trays, toilets, bidets, washbasins, furniture basins, washbowls and

vanity basins are available, with optionally matching siphon covers, pedestals or vanity units, as wall-mounted or floor-standing versions with chrome feet. All products are perfectly tuned with one another and perfectly complement every character — especially yours.

Minimalist design is the art of focusing on the essentials. It is the ability to lend a sensuous essence to elementary items while placing the individual and their sense of style at the focal point. It is a challenge that Philippe Starck had met and handled with great success time and time again. With his new ME by Starck range for Duravit, the French creative designer has succeeded in designing a collection that satisfies the desire for pure aesthetics and can be introduced into all

manner of style worlds, to create the greatest possible range of individual designs.

In addition to concentrating on the design, Philippe Starck and Duravit also focused on innovative technology. New developments have made it possible to reduce the weight of the toilets and bidets in the range, resulting in attractive, sleek, self-contained components without attachment niches at the sides. The open design of the flushing rim resulting from the rimless technology offers additional convenience, as does the connection with another new item, the SensoWash Slim shower-toilet seat, which features precision hinges that are very easy to remove. This means the ceramics can be thoroughly cleaned with ease. www.galleria.co.id.

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LUXURY BROOKE GREGSON at Net-A-Porter

JENNIFER MEYER at Net-A-Porter

14-karat rose gold opal necklace (USD1,907.64).

Evil Eye 18-karat gold turquoise, lapis lazuli and diamond ring (USD3,743.65).

STEPHEN WEBSTER at Net-A-Porter Forget Me Knot 18-karat white gold multi-stone earrings (USD16,262.47).

Blue L E G I

N

Coming in different shades of blue, such as periwinkle, cerulean and baby blue, these precious gems augment your look with a touch of elegance that is sure to boost your self-confidence. Stylishly cut and polished especially for women, these seductively soothing earrings, rings and necklaces are excellent additions to your jewellery collection.

MELISSA JOY MANNING at Net-A-Porter 14-karat gold opal drop earrings (USD603.43).

LARKSPUR & HAWK at Net-A-Porter Olivia Button rose gold-dipped topaz necklace (USD889.86).

MELISSA JOY MANNING at Net-A-Porter KIMBERLY MCDONALD at Net-A-Porter 18-karat blackened white gold, opal and diamond earrings (USD16,620.53).

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14-karat gold, opal and hemimorphite ring (USD851.79).

IN : TIME

Find a great selection of the finest luxury watches from the latest collections of the world’s high-end brands that our editor has picked to review: from a classic look with a leather strap to glittering diamonds.

• ∫or Men

HUBLOT

MONTBLANC

BIG BANG UNICO ITALIA INDEPENDENT BLUE

TIMEWALKER DATE AUTOMATIC

Combine the expertise of a master of materials with style and the result would be the Hublot Big Bang.

This 45-mm-diameter timepiece in bright, shining blue Texalium® is on a denim bracelet pierced with titanium studs. Featuring an interchangeable strap with a “One Click” system, the watch comes with a perfectly matched pair of sunglasses. This exquisite timepiece is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and is also available in grey. For more information please visit www.hublot.com.

A look that is elegant, masculine and timeless at the same time is something that Montblanc offers to you: a modern interpretation of a chronograph for young professionals. The 4mm black alligator leather strap tapers slightly towards the buckle.

Among its many features, the watch is powered by an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve, has a scratch resistant domed sapphire crystal and is water resistant down to 30 metres.

Please visit www.montblanc. com for more details and to shop online.

• ∫or Women

DELACOUR

OMEGA

THE LEAP/S SNOW

CONSTELLATION LUXURY EDITION

This infinitely radiant limited edition timepiece is very glamorous in its fully set version. The Leap/s Snow was made to enchant all eyes that spot it. Diamonds of more than 3.25 carats and some approximately one-carat sapphires (pink, blue or yellow) were carefully selected and placed skilfully on this timeless watch, making it more precious.

The pink gold case holds a diamond-set dial, making this timepiece sparkle and shine on your wrist. For more information please visit www.delacour.ch.

The 35 mm Constellation Luxury Edition timepiece with the Co-Axial calibre 2403 is available in brushed 18-carat red or yellow gold and has a dial covered in glittering diamonds. More than 260 full-cut diamonds and a distinguished white mother-of-pearl pattern make it extremely luxurious.

On the bracelet’s distinctive butterfly clasp is a unique diamond with an engraved black OMEGA logo. The result is a perfectly shaped mark engraved forever in the diamond. To find an Omega store, please visit www. omegawatches.com.

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SCENTS

be Discover the new scents that will perfect your looks — from a sophisticated, floral and aromatic musk, to fabulous ingredients that will augment your colourful personality.

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Paco Rabanne 1 Million Cologne

Seductive, elegant and charming are the words that describe this eau de toilette. 1 Million Cologne is the new freedom of tone. A fresh marine accord, combined with a cocktail of citrus fruit and cardamom, echoing a warm and incredibly masculine scent of spicy leather, is enlivened with tonka bean as crafted by renowned perfumers Olivier Pescheux and Michel Girard.

Terre d’Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche

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An elegant white cap brings a note of surprise, pure and casual, which covers the sliding cap of the Terre d’Hermès bottle, becoming its signature. Jean-Claude Ellena, the perfumer, wants the bottle to seem to surge upwards in an ultra-slim shape, a crystalline stalagmite.

It is made of top notes of orange, citrus and water, middle notes of geranium and woody base notes of patchouli and cedar.

ƒor her

Jimmy Choo BLOSSOM

Perfumer Louise Turner successfully created Jimmy Choo Blossom.

Opening with a lively blend of juicy red berries, the sweetness is softened by a subtle squeeze of citrus. The resplendent fruits make way for the delicate rose and sweet pea extracts that follow, bringing a sophistication.

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BEAUTY DIOR ADDICT FLUID STICK

URBAN DECAY NAKED SMOKY

Beauty isn’t always about gorgeous hair and perfect French-manicured nails. There are also some edgy innovations and exotic ingredients. Our editors have handpicked five of the favourite and best-selling beauty products that you should try!

With a single sweep, you can get a perfect contour for your lips. The endurance of classic lipstick combines with a glossy and shiny formula. Available in 19 amazing colours that will suit any appearance. It contains water for lightness and moisturizing, providing an immediate fresh effect and an addictive comfort for maximum results. (www.sephora.com).

Urban Decay’s eye shadow palette has become one of the most must-have items.

And recently, the company just launched a new range called Naked Smoky with 12 delicious shades. This palette doesn’t just create ordinary smoky eyes, but it’s the essential tool to create a new look and setting trends. (www.urbandecay.com and www.sephora.com).

KANEBO IMPRESS GRANMULA CREAM

TALIKA LIGHT DUO+

SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE

This exquisite product is one of the famous premium anti-ageing creams.

Kanebo Impress Granmula Cream B focuses on treating skin, integrating revitalization and giving a brightening performance to build flawless skin without leaving a sticky finish. For use before bed time. (Available at all leading department stores in Indonesia).

Inspired by aerospace research, Talika has made a tremendous technological miracle for skin ageing, a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Talika Light Duo+ is clinically proven to reduce redness by 66%, 32% of wrinkles in 28 days and 46% of dark spots in 60 days. For the first time, Talika combines a powerful antiageing multi-program light into one single device. (www.talika.com).

The legendary facial essence from Japan, known as miracle water, helps your skin look smooth, radiant and renewed every day. The unique moisture booster is made of more than 90% Pitera™ (found in the natural fermentation process in sake distilleries), which contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. (www. sk-ii.com and www.sephora.com).

HOT COSMETICS

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STYLE

THE FA L L

COL LECT ION •

A metamorphosis of artful prints and wondrous patterns gives a nod to water colours and still life scenes on linings and fabrics in Ted Baker’s Autumn Winter 2015 collection.

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— Ted’s outerwear is a modern marvel with reworked leather bombers, biker jackets and parkas for gents.

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— Ted explores treasures from days gone by with 60s and 70s-inspired pieces for women and men in touchable lux fabrics.

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— A dash of charisma and eccentricity features in the men’s collection. The jacket and coat is a rare wonder with black velvet and gold — A mainstay piece in any permanent collection.

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— The silhouettes of the season come in the form of a beautiful lace and printed skirt, decadent ombre jacquard dress and a breathtaking ballerina skirt so beautiful time appears to stand still.

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— So let Ted take you on a journey of discovery this season with treasures, curiosities and curations that begin to tell a story…

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• All photos are courtesy of Ted Baker London. The models are wearing ready-to-wear and accessories from Ted Baker Autumn/Winter 2015 collection. Not all look in this pages is available in store. For more information and shop online, please visit www.tedbaker.com.

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ART, ARCH ITECTU R E & LIVI N G

¡ Throughout the ages, humanity has always strived to build bigger and better. From the pride and joy that is our home, to our streets, public facilities, offices and even sewers, architecture influences all aspects of the built environment and brings together the arts, environmental awareness, sciences and technology. Architecture elevates our way of life and defines our existence. By combining creative design with technical knowledge, architects create the physical environment in which people live, which in turn, influences quality of life.

Ahead you’ll find modern-day architectural marvels around us in the form of hotels, restaurants and spas in Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Bali that entice their guests and ever-push the boundaries of design and style. These unique structures make invaluable contributions to the quality of life, public health and sustainability of any given region.

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Jakar ta

RAFFLES JAKARTA

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pened in March 2015, Raffles Jakarta is an oasis in the middle of the city. It’s a place for art, history, literature and artefacts in this modern metropolis. A place where you can find art and ideas, business and leisure. Standing tall in the Ciputra World 1 building and strategically located in one of Jakarta’s golden triangles, where you can find a business district a doorstep away, shopping areas and culinary scenes are also easy to access.

Raffles is linked to the Ciputra Artpreneur Centre in the Lotte Shopping Avenue. An art museum, exhibition gallery and 1,200-seat theatre where most of Hendra Gunawan’s (one of Indonesia’s greatest painters) artwork is displayed. Raffles’

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Standing tall in the Ciputra World 1 building in Central Jakarta, Raffles shares the manifested creativity of many inspiring artists, inviting guests to experience the art with Raffles’ luxury.

contemporary interiors, also inspired by the spirit of Hendra Gunawan, are by leading firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and combine with elegance and Raffles’ heritage. You can find touches of classical detail throughout the rooms and in every corner of the hotel.

Raffles presents the highest level of comfort and luxury in its 129 guest rooms (from 60 sq.m.) and 44 suites (up to 390 sq.m.). All rooms are spaciously designed with sliding panels that separate the bedrooms from living rooms. From the large windows, guests can see vibrant city views. Also, the legendary butler will assist you 24-hours a day, providing impeccable and warm service.

• Favourite Feature: The Writers

Bar is a must-visit place. This bar is a sanctuary where a fine wine, or a Raffles Jakarta signature cocktail, Jakarta Sling, is something to savour. Away from the bustle of the city, the bar is a haven to enjoy a midafternoon repast or your favourite drink.

The Writers Bar was created in tribute to the writers who have stayed at or written about Raffles Hotels around the world.

Raffles Jakarta Ciputra World 1, Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio, Jakarta 12940, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2988 0888 E: jakarta@raffles.com www.raffles.com/jakarta

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Jakar ta

THE HERMITAGE HOTEL, MENTENG - JAKARTA A stunning art deco building from 1923 that transformed into a nine-storey luxury hotel full of history and elegance.

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his building was originally a Dutch telecommunications office, or a “Telefoongebouw”, during the Dutch occupation of Indonesia. After Indonesia’s declaration of independence, the building was used as a government office for several decades and after changing hands several more times, it was transformed into a luxury hotel in 2014, one affiliated with the Leading Hotels of the World (LHW). It is the only hotel in Jakarta with this prestigious endorsement.

Indonesian heritage. In the lobby, there are three original artefacts that belong with the building and its history: an old telephone, a storage cabinet and two massive maps of Batavia from a past era.

This five-star boutique hotel consists of five types of rooms: deluxe rooms (40 sq.m.), executive rooms (50 sq.m.), junior suites (60 sq.m.), executive suites (70 sq.m.) and presidential suites (170 sq.m.). It is well designed for business or leisure. The hotel has four outlets for guests to enjoy: L’Avenue Restaurant has a chic ethno-bistro concept with international flair; the Hermitage Located in one of the jet-set areas, the Lounge is the indoor all-day venue for exclusive neighbourhood of Menteng, The casual bites, complete with a bar, wine and Hermitage offers memories and history through the design, interior and architecture cigar room; the cool, al fresco Courtyard Café serves patisserie, which is ideal for of its 90 rooms. It perfectly blends the afternoon tea and light bites; and lastly La colonial era with modern touches and

• Favourite Feature: Each room has a

living room that separates the bedroom from the rest of the living area. Select room types have their own working rooms, living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms complete with bathtubs. Another special touch is the luxurious Hermes amenities found in every room.

Vue Bar, located on the ninth floor, affords a panoramic rooftop view. All staff are friendly and give an excellent, warm service to every guest.

The Hermitage Hotel, Menteng – Jakarta Jalan Cilacap No. 1, Menteng, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 3192 6888 E: info@hermitage.co.id www.hermitage.co.id

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Jakar ta

ARTOTEL JAKARTA If you want to know what it’s like to be surrounded by awe-inspiring murals, Artotel Jakarta will give you the answer. To bring art closer to life, so it can be enjoyed by everyone, Artotel Jakarta offers a one-of-a-kind staycation experience.

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rtotel Jakarta offers a fresh twist to every visit: comfort and convenience that combine top-notch art from young and talented emerging contemporary Indonesian artists. Artotel Jakarta is an art-inspired urban boutique hotel featuring original designs and concepts.

Whether you’re on business or holiday in Jakarta, Artotel Jakarta will ensure you have a great experience with art while staying there.

Locally recognized as Indonesia’s Leading Design in the ITTA Award 2014-2015, this hotel will amaze you with murals, paintings and designs. From the moment you enter the lobby, you’ll see many artworks on display.

Friendly rates don’t stop Artotel Jakarta from delivering excellent, warm service offering

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various recreational opportunities and it is located near shopping areas and close to landmarks in Central Jakarta.

The 107 rooms are fitted with alarm clocks, 32-inch LED flat screen TVs with international channels, iPod docking stations, exclusive Artotel bedding collections and equipped with Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machines. For a comfortable stay in Jakarta, guests can choose from three different concept types: studio 20, 25, and 40.

Dinner is served at RoCa Restaurant on the lobby level. Guests can choose whether to sit inside the restaurant, or outside in the smoking area. On the seventh floor, there’s BART, which is short for bar At the Rooftop.

It’s a place for having good times while enjoying cocktails and the sunset.

• Favourite Feature: One of the

talented artists who contributed to Artotel Jakarta is Ykha Amelz, known for her amazing artwork in fashion magazines and commercial art for numerous brands. She painted the second floor with a dinosaurs mural, ideal for guests with children. It’s like looking at your child’s drawings on the wall.

Artotel Jakarta Jalan Sunda No. 3, Menteng, Jakarta 10350, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 3192 5888 E: info@artotelindonesia.com www.artotelindonesia.com

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Jakar ta

ENMARU

JAPANESE RESTAURANT Luxuriate in a traditional Japanese ambiance with exquisite Japanese dishes.

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ocated on the 46th floor of a skyscraper in the heart of Jakarta, The Plaza, ENMARU Japanese restaurant offers a fine dining experience in a modern and lively

ambiance.

Inspired by the richness of Japanese architecture and culture, the restaurant boasts Japanese décor throughout. The materials, which include a rustic metal plate,

• Favourite Feature: Izakaya dining style. Enjoy the delicious meal in the Izakaya style while seizing the view of bustling Jakarta. bronze-tinted stone and mirrors are very Japanese. The emblems and patterns used are typically Japanese, emphasizing an extremely authentic Japanese atmosphere.

The restaurant adopts the traditional interior design of an izakaya restaurant in Tokyo, Japan.

AMBER

CHOCOLATE & BAR

ENMARU Japanese Restaurant The Plaza, 46th Floor, Jalan M.H. Thamrin, Kavling 28-30 Jakarta 10350, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2992 2448 E: enmaru@altitude.co.id www.enmaruindonesia.com

• Favourite Feature: Amber consists of three distinctive concepts: a pastry boutique, a library and a sky lounge. Each of the three possesses a pleasurable atmosphere that will keep you comfortable for hours. The Amber Pastry Boutique will treat you with the sweet wonder of pastries and dessert, while the Amber Library will surround you with books and delicious foods, while the Amber Sky Lounge is a place to unwind with a marvellous bar concept and a 360-degree view. pastry boutique, the second floor is the librarythemed diner and the third is the rooftop bar.

Amber offers you delightful sweets: scrumptious cakes, delightful cookies and lots of desserts in a unique ambience.

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ith a chandelier and a beautifully designed interior, Amber’s aesthetic side is more than sophisticated. The whole building is divided into three floors and each floor has a different function. The first floor is the

You can feel the exclusivity and class throughout the pastry boutique, with duochrome black and white blended with the chic and classy interior.

Amber is sophisticated on so many levels. Aside from the wide selections of pastry and desserts, Amber also serves European cuisine on its second floor. Guests can choose to have their meals on either the first or second floor.

Amber Chocolate & Bar Jalan Senopati Raya No. 61, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2904 4412 E: marketing@amberchocolatebar.com www.amberchocolatebar.com

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Sin gap o re

PARKROYAL ON PICKERING Everything about PARKROYAL on Pickering is beyond impressive!

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part of the PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts portfolio, PARKROYAL on Pickering, a PARKROYAL Collection hotel, has become an iconic landmark in Singapore since opening in early 2013. Situated on bustling Pickering Street in the heart of Singapore, the hotel is distinguished for its incredible architecture.

Standing elegantly between Chinatown and the Singapore River, PARKROYAL on Pickering exudes modern architectural interpretations, both physically and culturally.

PARKROYAL on Pickering adopts a hotelin-a-garden concept, the first in Singapore.

With more than 15,000 sq.m. of lush gardens, waterfalls and planter walls constituting more than twice the land area of the hotel, PARKROYAL on Pickering is already a charm, even without mentioning its impressive architecture.

PARKROYAL on Pickering was designed by

world-class architects WOHA. From the outside, the hotel’s tall towers of green-blue floor-to-ceiling windows are a showcase of aquamarine mosaic.

Entering the lobby, guests will immediately notice the high ceilings with inverted tiered levels, a design inspired by the rice paddy terraces in Bali. Aiming to bring nature inside the hotel, the lobby is surrounded by mirrors and glass to maximize the natural light. If the exterior is inspired by the adjacent Singapore River, the design of the seating areas is inspired by nearby Chinatown. The beautiful green marble reminds guests of jade and the Orient.

Bringing nature to view, the hotel’s ballroom and several meeting rooms have been cleverly positioned to offer guests a view of the park, again, from the floor to the ceiling.

The wellness floor and pool terrace are just as remarkable as the other parts of the hotel.

Featuring a two-storey waterfall, a 300-metre

• Favourite Features: Skygardens and corridors. On the way to their rooms, guests are offered outdoor corridors lined with plants or walkways set within the four skygardens, providing a calm and tranquil atmosphere. garden walk and an infinity pool with view of Pickering Street, you may never want to leave.

The amazing design of the guestrooms and suites is important as well, to complete the experience of staying at a hotel, although some people may say that the rooms are only used to get some rest. To ensure that guests experience the best stay, every room features elemental wood and stone finishes, creating a relaxed and light ambiance.

PARKROYAL on Pickering 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore, 058289.

T: (+65) 6809 8888 www.parkroyalhotels.com/Pickering

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Sin gap o re

WANDERLUST HOTEL Wanderlust Hotel invites you to walk the unconventional path where a radical hotel experience awaits.

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ocated in Little India Street, Singapore, Wanderlust Hotel is a spotlight for a unique concept.

Situated only 10 minutes away from the cosmopolitan stretches of Orchard Road and the Central Business District, it offers easy access to the bustling, colourful street life of Singapore. This fourstorey boutique hotel has 29 rooms, featuring different themes on each floor.

Start a journey in Wanderlust Hotel in its ground floor lobby designed by Chris Lee and Cara Ang of Asylum, as the contemporary edgy design steals your attention. Traditional French restaurant, Cocotte is also in the lobby.

The second floor, or "Eccentricity" level, offers 11 capsule-like rooms designed by William Chan and Jackson Tan from phunk studio.

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Those who love their pantone charts will definitely love this floor. Guests will find neon signs of song titles on the walls inside their rooms, in the rainbow corridor and out to an al-fresco deck where a customised Jacuzzi bursts into a myriad of colours.

Walk along a black corridor lit by the glow of neon signs and step into the nine rooms clad in contrasting white on the third floor. The "Is it just Black and White?" level by Tai Lee Siang and Chua Soo Hoon of DP Architects uses paper as its inspiration. Five rooms are known as Origami and the remaining four, Pop-Art. Or if you would like to know how it feels to sleep with friendly monsters as companions, you might want to book a room on the fourth floor, which offers a "Creature Comfort" theme designed by fFurious team for lonely

• Favourite Feature: Aside from

different design interior concepts on each floor, Wanderlust Hotel also offers different concepts in every room. Wanderlust makes every guest reconnect with a small part of childhood and once again, be enchanted by the sensation of exploring new and unique places.

travellers. It features nine loft rooms with five varying cute themes: Bling, ASCII, Space, Tree and Typewriter.

Wanderlust Hotel 2 Dickson Rd, Singapore, 209494.

T: (+65) 6396 3322 E: WLH-Res@unlistedcollection.com www.wanderlusthotel.com

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | H o n g Ko n g

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

The Peninsula Hong Kong is the epitome of style and glamour, from the classically styled, understated building to the myriad venues within.

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he Peninsula Hong Kong is many things to many people and is generally acknowledged as one of the world’s finest hotels. The marriage between the hotel’s 87-year history and the demands of the contemporary world is seamless. The building and decor may pay tribute to a glorious past, but there is nothing fusty or old-fashioned about the service and facilities.

The Peninsula welcome, for the "meet and greet" service, starts from disembarking the flight, when you are greeted by a buggy to whisk you through the vast airport to immigration. You are then escorted to collect your bags and handed over to your chauffer for a chic airport transfer in one of the fleet of 14

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Rolls-Royce Phantoms, all of which come with Wi-Fi and a room service menu should you wish to order a meal to be served as soon you arrive in your room.

Alerted to your arrival by the chauffeur, the iconic pageboys, in their sparkling white uniforms, usher you into the hotel for check-in.

VIP guests are met as soon as they enter the hotel by a guest relations officer, who whisks you past the Chinese door gods and guardian foo dog, straight up to your suite for in-room check-in.

The new 30-storey tower not only provides the hotel with 132 additional rooms and suites, a stunning Roman-style indoor swimming pool, an opulent spa and two helipads, but also

stunning views directly over Victoria Harbour from many of these facilities, including the 107 sq.m. Deluxe Harbour View Suites. These stylish rooms offer unparalleled comfort.

In the living area, the desk is angled to look directly over the harbour, there is free-form art inspired by Chinese ink paintings, Italian designer furniture and an entertainment centre with a 3D television. The suite has a spacious dressing room and gorgeous marble bathroom with a sunken deep-soak bathtub from which to enjoy views across the harbour and out to Macau, as well as a walk-in shower and bespoke amenities by Oscar de la Renta.

The bedroom also has a full entertainment centre, two armchairs to gaze out at the view and a massive bed. All the room controls are centralised and accessed from easy-to-

understand digital tablets, allowing you open or close the curtains, control the lights and temperature, choose music or TV channels, order room service, call the valet, ask for more water, ask for your room to be made up, or even check on your flight status.

Apart from the luxuriant materials used throughout, little things that show the hotel’s exquisite attention to detail include, a portable nail dryer, the renowned “shoe box”, which is accessible to staff from outside your room, in which you can place your shoes for cleaning and in which your daily newspaper is delivered, LED panels at every doorway to control lighting and air-conditioning, a multitude of chargers and world plug sockets subtly hidden and easily accessible at the desk and by the bed and free VOIP phone calls to anywhere in the world — to name just a few! It is fortunate that the rest of the hotel is so elegantly stylish that it begs to be discovered, or you could easily stay in your room for the entire trip.

Breakfast is served buffet-style in The Verandah and a la carte in The Lobby, which has been gloriously restored to its original design.

There are soaring cream pillars, cream walls, a sweeping staircase, beautiful intricately

gilded mouldings on the ceiling and 76 different gargoyle faces, creating a supremely elegant setting. With thick linen tablecloths, silver tableware, sparkling glassware and fine china dishes, eating in The Lobby, whether a breakfast, the wildly popular Afternoon Tea or a light supper, is both glamorous and gracious.

The concierge desk, situated in The Lobby, looks exactly as it did when it served as the world's first city-based airline check-in counter, but nowadays it is home to the human version of Google. Whatever you need to know, the concierge staff is ready to provide the answer, quickly and efficiently.

In fact, service throughout the hotel is impeccable. Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures and a busy international hub that sees people from a hugely diverse range of cultures visit the hotel. In this challenging environment, the staff remains professional, friendly and seemingly able to interpret just the right way to interact with everyone, regardless of their cultural background or language.

Many of those employed at the hotel have been there for more than 15 years, with the longest serving racking up 58 years of service.

This continuity allows for traditions to be

• Favourite Feature: The Rolls Royce

Phantom airport transfer is sublime. The ride is as smooth as silk, the interior is understated perfection and everyone you pass on the road looks on in admiration.

What better way to arrive in gracious style?

maintained and the many repeat guests to be remembered and recognized on return visits.

The style of the dining venues and facilities throughout The Peninsula is harmonious but varied, with each venue having its own unique ambience and decor, from the cosy, dark-wood The Bar to the Swiss chalet-style of Chesa restaurant. However, the underlying theme throughout is absolute dedication to excellent service, timeless elegance, a warm welcome and absolute luxury. The Peninsula fully embraces its heritage and long history, but has its eyes very firmly on longevity and exceeding the expectations of every generation. In this, it fully succeeds.

The Peninsula Hong Kong Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

T: (+852) 2696 6682 www.peninsula.com/hongkong

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | H o n g Ko n g

THE MIRA HONG KONG

A stylish and sophisticated hotel stands out in the heart of Hong Kong.

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ith the intention of acquainting Chinese society in Hong Kong with a new and different kind of modern cultural lifestyle, the owner of The Mira Hong Kong, Martin Lee, has successfully brought hotel standards to a completely new level.

Conveniently located in Tsim Sha Tsui, the heart of the entertainment, dining, commercial and shopping district in Hong Kong, and within walking distance of the Mass Transit Railway and the Star Ferry, The Mira Hong Kong directly connects all parts of the metropolis.

Setting foot in the hotel, the unique and exceptional design of the ground floor lobby will catch the eye of the most discerning traveller. Home to six restaurants and bars, the outstanding design continues throughout the hotel’s public and event spaces. For instance, the Cantonese restaurant, Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, brings out the essence of old world China blended with the fierceness and fabulousness of modern Hong Kong, in

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a simply extraordinary way. The main colour of the restaurant is emerald, representing the familiar Chinese elements and connecting with the greenery of Kowloon Park outside, while the beautiful sliding doors feature Chinese coins floating on a sea of green lacquer. Up at the fifth floor, a contemporary.

European restaurant, WHISK, also features a unique setting. While enjoying the dishes, guests are offered views of the hidden outdoor terrace lounge, Vibes; a spectacular chandelier of hundreds of glass orbs raining upon Cuisine Cuisine located below; and a beaming light fixture at the modern, main dining room decorated with platinum silver finishes and chocolate browns, enhanced by the ebonised wood wall panelling.

The third floor function rooms, which are suitable for social and business meetings, are presented in a distinctive and sophisticated way. One of the most unique design elements of the function rooms foyer is the installation comprising a bronze vessel water feature, a grouping of polished steel spheres suspended in the air and a colossal cylinder clad in metallic rings. The contemporary design

• Favourite Feature: MiraSpa. The

beautiful and stylish spa was designed by a famous Hong Kong architect William Lim. The spa boasts 18,000 square feet of unique, comfortable, cocooning space and offers contemporary design with deep pile carpets and mirrored ceilings throughout.

theme throughout the specialty suites, each with a private terrace, and the award-winning spa boasting a stunning infinity pool will leave the most restless guest feeling pampered.

The Mira Hong Kong, the first member property of Design Hotels™ in the city, blends bold design concept and cutting-edge technology. The inimitable interiors and architecture of the hotel are the contributions of the creative brains of Colin Cowie and Charles Allem with the aid of USD65 million.

The Mira Hong Kong 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

T: (+852) 2368 1111 E: reservations@themirahotel.com www.themirahotel.com

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | T hailan d

INDIGO PEARL

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ver the past two decades, Indigo Pearl has successfully positioned itself among the very top resorts. The resort takes pride in its status as one of the most-sought destinations for guests from all over the world. Designed by worldrenowned architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, the resort reflects Phuket’s heritage as a former highly regarded tin mining centre and has an intriguing and distinctive atmosphere that will certainly blow every guest’s mind away.

design of the restaurant and the serving of the most contemporary cuisine will surely last forever.

The resort has six luxury suites and private pool villas. It does not matter which suite or room you choose, the best stay in exotic Thailand is guaranteed. For instance, the elegantly designed D-BUK Suite is heaven.

Rich woods and bold colours throughout the room complement natural lighting. Staying in the D-BUK Suite, guests are offered vintage furnishings enriched with subtle touches of industrial artistry. What is more, the suite is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens.

Indigo Pearl offers guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience in six uniquely designed restaurants. Rivet & Rebar, for example, ensures Pampering yourself at the resort’s Coqoon Spa, is highly recommended. Nothing beats that all diners will have unforgettable dining the feeling of indulgence at a designer spa experiences. The memory of the artistic

A fusion between historic details and chic elegant design can be found at the distinctive Indigo Pearl.

• Favourite Feature: Black Ginger

Restaurant. Have a magical dining experience at Black Ginger, a restaurant that floats magically on the softly lit lagoon.

Get ready to be impressed by a modern masterpiece of ancient Thai architecture!

that offers solitude and a posh ambiance.

Situated in the lush rainforest and tropical gardens of Phuket, Coqoon Spa features tree house rooms in "The Nest", opulent spa suites and individual treatment rooms.

Indigo Pearl Nai Yang Beach & National Park, Phuket Thailand, 83110.

T: (+66) 76 327 006 E: info@indigo-pearl.com www.indigo-pearl.com

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | T hailan d

INIALA BEACH HOUSE

For transcendent experiences of luxury and hospitality.

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ocated conveniently near Phuket, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand and arguably the world, luxury hospitality has been brought to a completely different level to the island by Iniala Beach House.

suites) and one fantastic penthouse; each has been deliberately designed to ensure that guests experience the best stay ever. If you look at Villa Siam, it features uniquely sculpted beds and sofas that bring to mind a temple stupa and silkworm cocoons, an inspiration from Thai culture and nature.

It would be hard to believe that the spectacular Iniala Beach House was once severely damaged when the disastrous tsunami hit in 2004. The nearly destroyed house was rebuilt by its owner, Mark Weingard, with a vision: to make every room extraordinary, yet practical and comfortable.

With imagination, creativity, innovation, inspiration and the talents of 10 internationalcalibre designers, Mark has accomplished his vision. Iniala Beach House features three stunning beachfront villas (each with three

Have a world-class dining experience at Iniala’s signature restaurant, Aziamendi. The wonderful restaurant was designed by Spanish designers "A-Cero". Overlooking the Iniala garden, Aziamendi promises a most romantic and intimate ambiance.

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Iniala Beach House believes that health and wellness are two important aspects in one’s life. Whether you want to get pampered or get fit, Iniala provides both. Indulge yourself in a posh private massage room designed the

• Favourite Feature: Iniala Penthouse.

The sensation of the penthouse’s floor melting away under your feet should not be missed. The floor has been artificially created with memory foam beneath to make you feel as if you were walking on a desert.

Thai way. Or train at the beautiful Natai Beach.

Those who prefer indoor activities can use the spectacular gym designed by Ramon Urbeda.

The gym features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a tailor-made Thai boxing ring.

Iniala Beach House 40/14 Moo 6, Baan Natai, T. Khokkloi, A. Takuathung, Phang-Nga, Thailand, 82140.

T: (+66) 76 429 430 E: reservations@iniala.com www.iniala.com

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

Designed to be the island’s most environmentally and sustainability committed resorts, Alila Villas Uluwatu is also recognized as one of the most luxurious and contemporarily stylish.

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anked amongst the World’s Top 100 Resorts, by The Robb Report 2014, the multiple-awardwinning Alila Villas Uluwatu is the "brand-defining" flagship resort for the Alila brands’ ultra-luxurious Alila Villas concept, marrying luxurious yet sustainable design and architectural aesthetics in spectacular locations. Designed by acclaimed Singaporean architectural firm, WOHA, Alila Villas Uluwatu's architectural framework has been designed and constructed in accordance with EarthCheck standards, with the 65-villa resort following dedicated environmental and social sustainability framework and design principles, without compromising on style or luxury – rather, creating an ultra-contemporary, cutting-edge five-star-plus property.

WOHA’s design mission was to create a resort reflecting the local natural environment; thus landscape and architectural forms are inspired by the surrounding Bukit landscape on Bali’s southern coastline, recognized by its wild savannah landscape and rocky terraced fields.

Alila Villas Uluwatu’s ultra-private villas are generously arranged, set apart in tiered

terraces on an elevated plateau rolling down to towering limestone cliff tops, where the main resort facilities are located. The architectural design of the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas was inspired by the traditional Balinese compound – the home designed as a collection of pavilion forms. Thus, the sumptuous villas are a connected series of places to relax. Interior design comes integrated with the architecture, seamlessly flowing from inside to outside, complemented by walkways and bridges that connect striking relaxation cabanas and private pools to spacious areas.

The villas' contemporary, open-plan interiors are enhanced with earthy, natural tones and traditional island accents, with locally sourced and environmentally sound materials such as wood, stone, rattan and bamboo seamlessly balancing the rugged natural surrounds.

Like all Alila Hotels, Alila Villas Uluwatu embraces Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles and was the first hotel in Bali to be awarded the highest level of ESD certification and the prestigious Gold Certification level from EarthCheck, widely regarded as the world’s most scientifically rigorous environmental

• Favourite Feature: Villa roofs are

all flat and level and combined with each villa’s individual tiered positioning allow for unobstructed panoramic ocean views. Combining traditional Balinese elements with modern aesthetics, each roof is covered with low-tech, volcanic batu chandi rock providing not only cooling insulation, but promoting natural vegetation and the ability to blend in with the savannah landscape.

management programme. The island’s leading eco-friendly resort, Alila Villas Uluwatu is recognized for its progressive environmental practices incorporating in-house measures such as energy-efficient lighting, minimization of water consumption, recycling of solid waste and heat pumps for water heating.

Alila Villas Uluwatu Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 848 2166 E: uluwatu@alilahotels.com www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

THE ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK & LODGE AT TARO The beautifully appointed Elephant Safari Park & Lodge offers a blend of luxury accommodations and delightful amenities, including a museum and educational centre, excellent on-site dining and spa and a range of extraordinary elephant activities.

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he beautifully appointed Elephant Safari Park & Lodge offers a blend of luxury accommodations and delightful amenities, including a museum and educational centre, excellent on-site dining and spa and a range of extraordinary elephant activities. With an emphasis on elephant conservation, its physical design mirrors something one would perhaps expect in Nairobi, but built with a clear and definite Balinese influence and style.

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Around a 20-minute drive north of Ubud, in the ancient village of Taro, the Park Lodge is surrounded by rolling tropical rainforest and rice fields and is reached after driving through some wonderful Balinese scenery and villages. Entering the park’s large car park, with its abundance of Balinese shrines and elephant statues, visitors gain just a hint at what’s behind the park's walls.

After entering via the gated reception, the first thing that will strike visitors is the

extremely well-manicured and mature landscaping. The 3.5-hectare Elephant Safari Park is beautiful, colourful and lush, but above all it is a practical and safe haven for the 31 Sumatran elephants that call it home.

The concept is low-rise, with a heavy emphasis on nature — dark woods, natural stone and earthy colours are dominant throughout. The jewel in the accommodations crown is the huge and exclusive two-bedroom Taro Suite.

Located at the corner of the lodge, it offers spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Elephant Safari Park.

stunning place to stay and is unsurprisingly popular with honeymoon couples and couples seeking an elegant, exclusive and extraordinary experience.

The design of the private butler-serviced Taro Suite is an elegant fusion of space, facilities and airy Balinese-inspired style.

With a private bar in the lounge, this stunning suite offers guests a spectacular opportunity to relax and enjoy their stay with unrivalled views of the elephants at work, rest and play.

In common with all the wonderful rooms, however, be it the Park View or Paddy View rooms, one feels the most memorable feature will be the simple gate found on the balcony outside your door. Why? Well, it’s from here that guests will mount their own private elephant transport.

Inside, the high sloping, open-beam roof adds to the capacious feel of the room and with air conditioning and ceiling fans the lounge and bedrooms are always cool and a perfect place to relax. A popular design feature is the 20-metre-long terrace with a mid-height palisade and comfortable seating.

With expert guidance, you mount your beautiful elephant before joining the elephant caravan on its winding path through the local tropical forest. After dismounting, there is a chance to meet your elephant at the drop-off zone, where the photo opportunities will make the experience even more unforgettable.

With two separate marble stone bathrooms, featuring a shower and a Jacuzzi bathtub overlooking the park, the Taro Suite is a

As well as a lounge bar, a restaurant and a very interesting museum that includes a fossilized mammoth, the Lodge also features

• Favourite Features: With an emphasis on elephant conservation, its physical design mirrors something one would perhaps expect in Nairobi, but built with a clear and definite Balinese influence and style. This creative fusion creates an altogether unique design that leaves a lasting impression that adds an extra invaluable experience to visitors looking to get more attuned with nature. On the other hand, the subtle Balinese infusion remains palpable and exudes a welcoming ambience to those enjoying their time in Bali. the Safari Wellness Spa with its therapeutic massage, body, beauty and hair treatments.

With all this and much more, it’s easy to see why the Elephant Safari Park Lodge is such a favourite.

Elephant Safari Park & Lodge Jalan Elephant Park Taro, Taro Village, Tegallalang, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 898 8888 www.elephantsafariparklodge.com

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

MAYA SANUR RESORT AND SPA The sloping frontal feature is dominated by five modern kul kul bell towers, with which Hendropurnomo pays homage to the Tanah Lot temple and to the rich cultural heritage of the Island of the Gods.

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lready creating something of a stir locally, the recently opened prestigious and visually imposing Maya Sanur Resort and Spa invites guests to experience what they refer to as a “heightened synergy between authenticity and the 21st Century”. In fact, as grandiose as this might at first sound, for those who take their holidays within the individually designed, leafy and water-rich complex, or for the walk-in guests who take advantage of some of the best eateries in Sanur, the experience is precisely that.

It is under the kul kul that two of the resort's restaurants are found — to the right we find GRAZE, the all-day eatery that, among other things, offers a dazzling selection of cakes and teas, whilst to the left nestles KUU, the resort’s highly acclaimed and extremely authentic Japanese kitchen and dining space. The resort’s third restaurant, REEF, is found beachside, which with its floating curtained platforms provides an ideal sunset dining location and offers an excellent international and Indonesian menu.

The airy restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch.

Stretching from the town’s main street to the delightful golden tropical beach, the linear footprint has clearly influenced both the scope and physical design of the Maya Sanur Report and Spa. The chief architect, Budiman Hendropurnomo of Denton-CorkerMarshall, has created something quite unique, a structure that feels authentically Balinese and yet promotes modern living with its functional fusion of outdoor-indoor spaces, materials and decor. Arriving at the Maya Sanur Resort and Spa, one enters through a dramatic portecochere draped in lush, hanging greenery. The sloping frontal feature is dominated by the five modern and imposing kul kul bell towers, with which Hendropurnomo pays homage to the Tanah Lot temple and to the rich cultural heritage of the island.

The general resort architecture is beautiful and features abundant wood-water-stone, with pools and the long lagoon being major features, but perhaps the single most memorable design elements are the oversized fish baskets that provide privacy to the room balconies and decks of the Lagoon Wing. At night the lagoon wing and adjoining lagoon pool are particularly spectacular, with mood lighting extenuating the architecture and water features.

The same theme is taken up throughout the public spaces, such as in the spa, where the soft lighting, wood and the centralized pool create a relaxing ambience.

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The rooms have not escaped the thoughtful stylization, either. They are plush yet unpretentious, perhaps bordering on minimalist

• Favourite Feature: The imaginative

use of subdued lighting throughout the resort is fantastic. As the sun sets the lighting gradually comes to the fore and transforms an already beautiful design into something quite spectacular.

and, as one would expect, feature quality furnishings, linens and electronics. The rooftop garden is quite outstanding and an impressive use of space. A linear grassed feature bordered by colourful indigenous plantings tops the accommodations wing and offers a beautiful panorama of the calm blue lagoon and beyond to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. With small pavilions and a larger decked space, it is perfect for group activities, including weddings.

At the Maya Sanur Resort and Spa, Budiman Hendropurnomo has created a modern destination that is true to its Balinese heritage. It is attractive and yet remains wholly functional.

It is, as he would suggest, the perfect synergy between Balinese authenticity and the 21st Century.

Maya Sanur Resort and Spa Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 89M, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 849 7800 www.mayaresorts.com/sanur

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

THE LAYAR DESIGNER VILLAS AND SPA Inspired Italian design pays homage to both Indonesian traditions and Bali’s ultracontemporary villa living.

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ptly named, The Layar Designers Villas and Spa is a spectacular boutique villa resort in Seminyak, designed with strong aesthetic principles

by Italian architects and developers. This one-off villa enclave grew piecemeal for years on a vast plot of land until launched in 2013; hence, why each of the one, to four-bedroom villas is unique in terms of space, configuration and design; all 23 villas however feature cutting-edge, ultra-contemporary design and chic interiors. The private villas' sheer size and scale – starting from 100 sq.m. – is a standout, considering the downtown location. Set within private landscaped gardens with a generous-sized pool, all lend a rare uncurbed sense of space and openness. This comes

partly achieved by a central garden area that works as a green buffer amongst the villas and by an elevated setting. The villas' emphasis on privacy is further helped by bedrooms that face out to discreet mini-gardens. The Layar celebrates that quintessential Balinese outdoor lifestyle with extensive open-plan, living-dining spaces – some split-level – which seamlessly merge with a stone terrace and pool. Luxury appliances contrast with quality natural materials sourced across Indonesia, contributing to a tropical contemporary, yet organic look. The Layar’s three and fourbedroom villas are architectural showstoppers, providing the ultimate in sumptuous tropical living, but similar to the others, showcase a faultless fusion of inspired architecture.

• Favourite Feature: In Bahasa, "layar"

means "sails," which reflect The Layar's most distinctive architectural feature. Each villa incorporates two high-pitched, angled and overlapping roofs, suspended aloft by hardwood pillars, which dramatically taper to the ground – evocative of a traditional sailing boat's rigging. Striking, semi-open living spaces are sculpted beneath these sloping planes.

The Layar Designer Villas and Spa 10X Jalan Pangkung Sari, Seminyak Bali, 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 733262 E: bookings@thelayar.com www.thelayar.com

DOUBLE-SIX ROOFTOP The crowning glory of Double-Six Luxury Hotel, Seminyak, Double-Six Rooftop offers magnificent sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, combined with an ultra chic, stylish design

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ouble-Six Rooftop majestically sits atop the Double Six Luxury Hotel and, sprawling across a vast floor space of 1,700 sq.m., ranks as one of the world’s largest rooftop bars.

Lofty at 15m above sea level, this semi-open bar also offers unparalleled ocean views across Seminyak’s Double Six Beach and Kuta bay.

The surrounding edges of the bar have been designed in such a way to allow for unobstructed 180-degree views of the ocean and horizon.

Additionally, the overall ultra-contemporary design results in one of the island’s most stylish

bars; chic but with earthy tones of woods and stone, topped with a magnificent roof, formed in the shape of white sails.

Undoubtedly, the focal point is a 5m circular fire pit grill offering unique United Flavours of Satay grilled over coconut shells and wood. This fire pit grill not only creates a stunning centrepiece and “fiery” effect, but also showcases the signature sensational Indonesian satays.

With innovative, locally inspired cocktails, mellow vibes from international DJs and an array of casual cuisine curated by famed restaurateur Robert Marchetti, Double-Six Rooftop is the perfect

perch to watch sunsets over the Indian Ocean and beyond.

• Favourite Feature: Sprinkled across

the vast floor, a series of funky “floating” pods, sunken into the floor and encircled with timbers, is the best sunset perch and drinking spot for groups of friends.

Double-Six Rooftop Double-Six Luxury Hotel, 66 Double-Six Beach, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 734 300 E: reservations@doublesixrooftop.com www.doublesixrooftop.com

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A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

MERAH PUTIH Designed by forward thinking architect Charlie Hearn, Merah Putih at Seminyak brings exquisite traditional Indonesian cuisines together under a literal roof of sophisticated rain catchers.

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rom biodegradable paper straws to its rain-collecting roof, Merah Putih Indonesian Restaurant at Seminyak marries eco-friendly innovations with exceptional Indonesian cuisines from across the archipelago.

Merah Putih conceptualizes a world within a world. The boundaries between inside and outside are quite defined with a ceremonial approach and snippets of the whole complex. We adore the private dining pods and how they combine edgy wooden web design and soft, artistic lighting. The result is a chic and artsy cluster of private spots suitable for any dining occasion. To further enhance its already impressive aesthetics, the indoor gardens add a spark of intimacy

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that provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a discreet dinner for two.

The main dining area seats 110 people and beneath its high ceiling guests are free to choose between Merah Putih’s traditional or modern cuisine sections served family style.

The centred placement of serving plates encourages sharing — the best way to enjoy the restaurant’s Indonesian delicacies the way they are meant to be enjoyed.

The cosy and sophisticated bar at the front of the restaurant offers today’s most popular classic cocktails plus a range of signature creations inspired by indigenous fruits growing in Bali’s northern mountains. Bites and light meals are also available sharingstyle to complement your evening.

• Favourite Feature: The fabric rain

catchers provide a number of benefits for Merah Putih, including fresh water collection, lighting, defining spaces and providing a roof and ceiling. This hardware stands out in the form of an aesthetically pleasing translucent roof column that channels rainwater to the restaurant’s water-flow system. UV filters purify and recycle said water, allowing Merah Putih to independently have its own water without extracting precious groundwater deposits.

Merah Putih Jl. Petitenget No.100, Kerobokan, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 846 5950 E: info@merahputihbali.com merahputihbali.com

A RT, A R CH ITEC T U R E & LIVI N G | Bali

POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB Offering great food and a highly compelling spot to chill, the Potato Head Beach Club welcomes a wide range of guests from families and beach goers throughout the day, chic drinkers and diners at sunset and through the evening, to the international party crowd until the wee hours.

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ince 2010, the Potato Head Beach Club has offered far more than a simple, homely beach club. The property includes a 500 sq.m. lawn, two bars, two restaurants and an infinity pool with views to the sparkling Indian Ocean and beyond.

Decorated by PTT Family Founding Partners Ronald Akili and Jason Gunawan in tandem with the knowledge of leading architect Andra Matin, the Beach Club’s varied interiors are marked by the use of contemporary furniture and art alongside antiques. With more than a nod towards its beachside location, antique maritime artefacts are to be found throughout.

The main and the most casual offering of culinary delights can be found at the Potato Head Beach Club restaurant, whose menu of

international comfort food can be ordered on the daybeds bordering the pool as well as in the main restaurant area. Authentic Indonesian cuisine can be found at Lilin where the vibrant colours and flavours of recipes gathered from across the vast Indonesian archipelago are matched only by the uniquely designed al fresco space. Long wooden communal tables are the setting for Lilin’s innovative menu inspired by the traditional home- and street-cooked food of Indonesia. The added outdoor terrace offers further fantastic ocean views for cocktails and light bites.

The cocktails served at the Potato Head Beach Club’s two bars, as well as in the restaurants and at the daybeds, have been created by world-renowned mixologist Dre Masso.

Inspired by the venue’s ocean-side tropical

• Favourite Feature: Occupying a large

ocean-side parcel of land in Seminyak, Bali’s premier destination area, the Potato Head Beach Club was designed by the acclaimed Indonesian architect Andra Martin. The entrance is dominated by a towering elliptical façade of mismatched 18th century teak window shutters collected from across the Indonesian archipelago.

location, Dre’s cocktail lists make great use of Bali’ s incredible fruit, spices and herbs.

Potato Head Beach Club Jalan Petitenget 51B Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 473 7979 E: phbc.reservation@pttfamily.com www.ptthead.com

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INSPIRATION

Andra Matin:

EVER SHINING,

NEVER DEMANDING

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rom airports to public facilities to high-end luxury properties, Andra Matin is a renowned architect recognized internationally. Asia Dreams sat down with the man himself as he shared stories of his ascension to the industry and his ideals of constantly giving his best without expecting anything in return.

as something unique and I am constantly refreshed by every task I get.

Q: It has been more than 30 years since you officially became an architect. How has your passion for architecture evolved since then and what is your secret to continually coming up with fresh and inventive ideas for your design concepts?

A: Since I was little I’ve always had a penchant for planning. I loved to play with toys and build things out of them. I remember having an uncle whose house I really liked because the rooms are arranged neatly. So to think about it now, I realize I already had that awareness since I was little, but it wasn’t until I took an academic potential test in high school that I decided to study architecture and become an architect.

A: I think I am constantly passionate about architecture, as I see it more as a hobby than a profession. People can choose different things as their hobby, whether it is swimming or golfing, and it is about treating it as an amusement rather than an obligation. That way it is always a delight to do my job as an

architect. In architecture there is an aspect of exploration as we are constantly challenged by different things every day. Over the years I have learned that the more we delve into it, the more we realize how little we know.

There is so much out there to grasp and I am learning every single day.

I try to apply different approaches to every task I get, a different entry point to every project. In one project we can start by developing the building programmes, in another we can start by the context.

That way I can experience each project

Q: Growing up, had you always known that you wanted to be an architect or was there a turning point in your life when you began to realize that this is where your heart truly lies?

attentive to the tropical climate – something I didn’t have quite the opportunity to do previously. The design was a wooden box with louvers that provided light and proper shading and allowed cross-ventilation. Luckily the client agreed and we went ahead with the project.

After the project was completed, I still didn’t have the conviction that I would make it as an independent architect. It wasn’t until the building was awarded by IAI and several new job offers followed the completion of the Leboye office that I gained a slight conviction that my work was appreciated and I could deliver something new to the year 1999.

Q: Was it difficult to start up your own independent studio at first?

Q: Can you tell me about your very first design project as an independent

A: It was not particularly difficult because the process of starting up the studio itself was

architect and how it felt to surpass that significant milestone?

quite simple. The challenging part was the fact that it was 1998 and the country was in crisis. Many people had to struggle to keep their jobs and I in turn resigned from my job.

It was a tough decision to make, but I had the conviction that if I could survive that crisis, the following years would be much easier.

A: My first project was the office for the graphic design company Leboye in Kemang.

It was a house that was to be renovated to fit an office on the second floor, with space available for rent on the ground floor and a multifunctional space that connects the two.

The concept was simple, but as it was my first independent project, for the first time I had the freedom to do a design that I envisioned.

My preference has always been towards something modern, poetic, while being

Q: Do you mind sharing a bit of insight regarding your design idealism?

A: I believe in putting maximum effort and minimal expectations. Quality is foremost in importance. There’s a saying: “Be like the sun –

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constantly shining without expecting anything in return.” It’s about creating a standard for our own to be as close as possible to the ideal, while submitting to whatever the outcome is.

I also believe in process; nothing good comes instantly. There’s a Japanese saying: “Today has to be one step farther than yesterday.”

When I designed my first project, I never imagined having the opportunities that I now have to design public facilities, or to be featured in publications. It was just never in my expectations. Things come through process.

Q: Out of all your many projects, can you name and describe three that you are most proud of and why?

A: The first one I would say is my house. I spent about 10 years of not living in my own house, so it is more about being able to finally live in a house that I own and designed. The other two: I would say I am most proud when my design can benefit the public, or when it is a cultural project. I don’t think I can name any particular public and cultural facility project, as they are still in progress, but those are what I hope to achieve through my designs.

Q: Would you mind telling us about some of the projects you’ve recently done and/ or are still doing?

A: I am currently working on a residential project situated on a 400 sq.m. piece of land with 32 existing palm trees. We are trying to maintain as many trees as possible, while taking inspiration from the vernacular architecture that is the "rumah panggung". So the main activity will take place on the second floor. The idea is to create architecture that can coexist with nature.

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The project is still in progress, but I find it quite unique. We are also working on an airport in Banyuwangi. I find it quite interesting because it is a public building and it is quite a long process to be able to convince the government officials to approve the design. The building takes the shape of a modified traditional Osing house from Banyuwangi, an effort to create a design that is modern while still rooted to its cultural context. The project is also still in progress.

Q: Over the years you’ve worked a lot with concrete and the colour gray. Do you mind sharing what this is all about?

A: Concrete is a highly durable material, while the colour gray has a calming and serene quality. I have a liking towards something that is simple yet serves multi purposes and I think gray is a subtle colour that does a lot of things. It is neutral, it camouflages dust and it goes with almost everything.

Q: A lot of people associate architects with seclusion, workaholism, limitless creativity and lots and lots of dollar bills as remuneration. What are your thoughts on this view?

A: I personally don’t think so. Each profession has its ups and downs. Good work precedes financial reward, but money is never the ultimate goal.

Q: Writers sometimes experience writer’s block. Does this happen to architects as well, What do you usually do to get over it?

A: Yes. It can be simple things such as taking and editing pictures, or it can be travelling.

I regularly travel as it brings me so much refreshment.

Q: I know someone who must have his pet cat in the room when he works and another who must do his work outdoors. Do you have any personal work peculiarities such as these you’d like to share?

A: I like to have my phone with me everywhere I go. Visuals highly appeal to me; I love scrolling through image feeds (such as Instagram or Pinterest). It can also be magazines or books, but my phone is the most convenient.

Q: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

A: I don’t think I will ever retire from architecture, but in 10 years I see myself working more leisurely, maybe in someplace secluded (I imagine 10 years from now the Internet will be ubiquitous) and I will have more time to do more travelling.

Q: What advice can you give to budding architects who are trying to pursue this passion and make a name for themselves in the industry?

A: Be consistent, have character and stay rooted.

It is important that we create things that are true to our visions and our identity and be persistent about it.

Q: What do you like to do to unwind?

A: I like to travel, read books, listen to some music, watch films and spend time with my loved ones.

INSPIRATION

Connection

T HE FRE NCH

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his April, Frenchman Sylvain Pasdeloup took up the position as general manager of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, a French heritage-instilled five-star resort in the upscale Nusa Dua resort complex — Indonesia’s first Sofitel property (the French hotel group ACCOR’s most luxurious brand) and Bali’s only French luxury hotel brand. Prior to this prestigious General Manager position, Sylvain was hotel manager of this 415-room beachfront resort and part of the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua pre-opening management team. He also brings to the table a successful track record and a wealth of experience, from food and beverages to operations, as well as a few hidden talents, managing a diverse range of markets throughout Europe, Australia and Asia with international luxury hotel brands. At age 33, this hospitality dynamo also happens to be one of the youngest hoteliers to be appointed to the most prestigious helm position at an international five-star resort. With Sylvain, there is nothing “lost in translation” here!

Q: How special is it to work in Indonesia’s first Sofitel property and Bali’s only French luxury hotel brand as a Frenchnative general manager?

A: I’m from Toulouse, southwest France, so yes, it is pretty special, although I’ve enjoyed a long stint with French Sofitel properties worldwide for several years. I always had aspirations to be a general manager (GM), but it wasn’t a plan. I was hotel manager at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, plus with my prior hospitality background had plenty of experience and as part of the pre-opening management team I worked with Goran Aleks, the GM and personal friend, since the start.

When Goran left his GM position for Macau as ACCOR Vice President, Operations South China Luxury Upscale Brands and the opportunity arose for promotion, I took it.

I’m delighted I got the opportunity and GM position I feel lucky doing a job I passionately love on a day-to-day basis; it’s fascinating and far from “clocking in, clocking out”.

My background is actually more on the operational side, so I’ve discovered an unexpected new passion!

Q: How do you — and others — view your relatively young age as a newly installed GM? Do you see this as a positive and refreshing addition to this prestigious position?

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A: I believe I’m Indonesia’s youngest general manager in a five-star and youngest for Sofitel Asia Pacific properties. This doesn’t worry me at all. I think it’s a positive factor.

Besides, I always seem to be “young for the job,” such as the youngest F&B director in Australia. So far in my role as GM at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, the feedback from guests has been great, believing that the resort has a young and dynamic team.

Actually, our team here offers a rounded balance of maturity and experience, all contributing something positive.

Q: Now that you are GM, how do you intend to make your mark at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort and what plans and changes do you have in store for its continued success?

A: Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is very exciting. There’s always something developing here and I’m never in my comfort zone. Around 18 months old, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort is relatively young as a resort; it generally takes around three years to “stabilize” a hotel, so there’s a lot to accomplish. We have just opened a new wedding and events space, the “Jewel Box”: a stunning all-glass beachfront venue.

Weddings are a lucrative business in Bali and we have great potential for weddings in our resort, not just for our Australian and

Japanese markets, but also for new emerging markets. I believe there are a lot of great new potential markets to explore, especially developing areas such as India and the Middle East; this is particularly so with the UAE, now that the Middle East-based airline Emirates has commenced daily flights to Bali direct from Dubai. (Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort hosted the launch event!) We are also developing long weekend escape packages for our domestic Indonesian guests — our leading market. As they are extremely social media savvy guests, this offers huge potential. We are also developing an allinclusive lifestyle and sports membership programme with a French “art de vivre” concept (typical of Sofitel properties) for outside guests, overseen by a lifestyle concierge.

Q: With its authentic French flair and heritage, how does this and other elements make Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort a stand-out from the upscale Bali crowd?

A: Guests love our unique blend of French and Indonesian culture and service. In all Sofitel properties, staff greet guests in French (“Bonjour!” and “Bon Soir!” etc.), but here in Bali they also greet in both French and bahasa Indonesia — no one else does this!

The resort is massive, but we are known for our personal touches and attention to the

smallest of details. As a Sofitel hotel, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort carries the brand’s signature French sophistication and French heritage, which we like to highlight.

Thus there is an emphasis on culture and arts.

And as an upscale French resort, a cultural link with French designer brands is important — we are planning fashion shows and events showcasing these world-class designers.

F&B is a major signature here and at all French Sofitel properties. High quality F&B options focus on catering to diverse guests' global tastes. However, our in-house restaurants include a French bias, with our breakfasts and celebrated Weekend Brunch focusing on French favourites.

Q: Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort partially opened two months early to host part of the APEC Summit 2013; how significant was this APEC experience for the resort and what impact did it make on the subsequent events market?

A: I was part of the management team that planned and managed the APEC Summit 2013, hosted for the first time in Bali; we partopened two months early in October 2013 solely to host some of this prestigious event — our new events facilities were recognised as superior. Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort hosted the president of Indonesia and 22 heads of state during the APEC Summit 2013.

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Obviously, this was great exposure for us, successfully hosting a world event and showcasing our great facilities before opening, besides being officially endorsed by the Indonesian delegates — we accommodated the Indonesian president during the summit.

Our team coped well with this operational challenge, gaining self-confidence from day one as host, with our exceptional facilities backing up our reputation.

Events amount to around 30 percent of business, with Indonesia our main market. We attract both corporate and leisure travellers, but aim more for social events and are increasingly evolving as a family resort.

Q: Do you think being part of the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort pre-opening team helped you with the responsibilities that now go with being a GM at the same resort?

A: Yes! Actually, it helped that I have overseen the openings of two Sofitel properties. I was part of the pre-opening management team as executive assistant manager at Sofitel Mumbai Bandra Kurla, the ACCOR group’s first and flagship property in India. And at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, I was part of the preopening management team as hotel manager, from January 2013. This was quite an initial challenge as the resort was still a construction site and we had a deadline looming for hosting some of the APEC Summit 2013, for which we had to partially open, then close again, before officially opening in December 2013.Our team successfully managed the construction and opening of the property in less than a year — my operations experience helped a great deal. Actually opening for the

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APEC Summit 2013 in October gave our resort team a great advantage. If we are capable of pulling this off with our inexperience as a new resort, we are capable of anything! Despite the stress and challenges of hosting APEC before opening the resort, it was also fun and my team bonded incredibly well; in fact, it made the team stronger and created team loyalty.

Under these circumstances, normally staff would have quit, but since the resort opened, 99 percent of the team are still here! I’m lucky to have built up a strong team that is so dynamic and enthusiastic. After two and a half years at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, I am still learning.

However, being a hotel manager is different from a GM. There are new and different challenges and rather more responsibilities.

A hotel manager tends to run the show from behind, while the GM is more exposed out front, assisting his team. Overall, being a hotel manager has been a natural progression to becoming the GM here, not only beneficial for my career, but also for the resort’s sense of continuity.

Q: You were instrumental in the development of Cut Catch Cucina’s brunch concept — now ranked as one of the world’s 10 Best Brunches by Conde Nast Traveler 2014. Is cuisine a passion and how did you get involved with this?

A: Yes, cuisine is a big passion of mine: My Diploma in Hospitality Management in 2001 at Lycée Hôtelier of Occitanie, Toulouse, France, incorporated cooking, plus I was assistant F&B manager at Hyatt Regency Paris CDG, France and Sofitel Jin Jiang Oriental, China

and director of food and beverages at Sofitel Brisbane Central and Sofitel Gold Coast, Australia. Here at SBNDBR, I have worked closely with our Australian chef who is also passionate about cuisine.

When I arrived in Bali I noticed there were not so many Sunday brunches hosted on the island and different style brunches offered huge potential. We decided to work on a new-concept brunch, essentially with a French food and flair focus. As hotel manager, I got involved in research, food presentation and food tasting. Launched in Cut Catch Cucina, this celebrated Sunday Brunch became so popular it’s now also on Saturdays, the only Bali brunch hosted on both weekend days.

Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best 10 brunches worldwide, I’m even more proud — especially as we were up against some major established properties.

Q: How do you find the lifestyle in Bali and how does it compare from previous hospitality roles in India and China?

A: You learn to adapt to wherever you are.

India and China are in their own ways both challenging professionally — very different from Bali. I find Bali has a special and unique aura. It’s quite relaxed and difficult to get angry or upset here. Even though I’m essentially a city person, Bali is my dream destination; I’ve long been familiar with the island, flying in from wherever I was working, for holidays every few years before 2003. I love the warmth of the people, food, environment and strong cultural identity. For me, both professionally and personally, Bali is “flavour of the year” for the next few years. www.sofitel.com

BE AU T Y, SPA & WELLNESS · We’ve all experienced the nuisance that haunts us after a long day of tiring exercise, or the sleep deprivation brought about by back-to-back overtime at the office.

Low attention span, exhaustion and mood drops are only some of the negative repercussions from failing to maintain our overall wellness.

Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential. This is a life-long process of moving towards enhancing your physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental well-being. While the process is life-long, what we do in our everyday lives — as well as what we do to rejuvenate ourselves — contributes to our health in the long run.

In complementing the primary theme of this issue, the following pages contain our favourite picks for places you can go to reinvigorate and balance out your life.

These spas around Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Magelang and Bali are not only aesthetically therapeutic, as they offer a plethora of healing packages and treatments that will help you regain your peace and fitness.

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Jakarta

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BEAUTY IS YOU DR. TAKAHIRO FUJIMOTO M.D., PH.D., MBA Everybody desires a beautiful look, especially women. For those who love to indulge themselves with beauty products and treatments, Crystal Aesthetic Clinic is delighted to take you to the next level.

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rystal Aesthetic Clinic was founded in 2007 in Menteng, Jakarta, in collaboration with Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto M.D, PhD, MBA. With international standards and premium services, the clinic is considered one of the best laser centres in Indonesia. Owned by Yety Tjandra, together with partners Sebastian Gunawan and Benson Agus, Crystal Aesthetic Clinic is a place for everyone to enjoy premium beauty treatments, such as Brilliant Laser, Long Pulse Ndyag, Micro Needle RF, Ulthera, Crystal Power Slim, Hollywood Peel and Botox&Filler. Yety Tjandra was inspired by her own experience. She often went overseas for beauty treatments and found that

treatments and accommodations were very expensive. That being so, why not bring the state-of-the-art technologies and aesthetic innovations to Indonesia?

a fractional CO2 laser system with the ability to provide amazing results and to reduce wrinkles, small and large acne scars and dark marks on your skin.

As one of the fastest growing beauty clinics in Indonesia, Crystal Aesthetic Clinic is well-known for its laser treatment from the laser master himself, Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto.

The renowned technologies offered are Thermage CPT and SmartXide DOT. Thermage CPT uses radio frequencies for an anti-wrinkle treatment. Clinically proven to help smooth and improve skin with a non-invasive and nearly pain-free treatment to help tighten the skin for an overall rejuvenated appearance. SmartXide DOT uses

Crystal Aesthetic Clinic always provides information about its available treatments in advance, from products to the possibility of side effects, to make patients feel comfortable and secure. All treatments are carried out by doctors who have mastered the techniques and procedures to guarantee maximum results. In addition to Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto, dr. Kartini Ong, dr. Eddy Karta, dr. Andy Salim and dr. Phery Cendres also endeavour to provide the ultimate services at Crystal Aesthetic Clinic.

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Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto plays an extremely important role at Crystal Aesthetic Clinic.

As the number one anti-aging doctor in Japan, he has rich experience and extensive knowledge. He was awarded “Best Beauty and Anti-Aging Doctor 2013-2014”. Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto ensures that all of Crystal’s doctors are trained in Japan to maintain consistent standards and enrich their knowledge about the use of lasers. Only doctors with official certificates issued by Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto himself are granted permission to join Crystal Aesthetic Clinic. What’s more, Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto regularly visits Indonesia every three months to keep updated on the latest information and to provide training to all of Crystal’s doctors.

Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto holds PhDs in medicine and engineering. In Japan, he is widely known as a director of Clinic F, one of the most famous laser skin clinics. He’s steadily building a solid reputation among Japanese people living overseas as a top laser anti-aging specialist in Asia. His dedication has inspired a lot of people to be more successful and to make tremendous innovations in technology.

Q: We notice you studied aesthetic lasers and followed up on research in the area.

Would you mind sharing a bit about what inspired you to study this field and to have your own beauty clinic?

A: The world of optical microscopy, engineering and electronic equipment began to grasp my attention when I was very young. It inspired me to become a scientist when I grew up. I was also inspired by my grandfather, who was an M.D. and known as a pioneer pain clinician in Japan.

After obtaining my medical degree, I joined the Department of Anaesthesiology in the University of Tokyo, where i was involved in research on somatosensory stimulation and autonomic nerves. Subsequently, I began to conduct my own research and focused on laser treatment. From that moment, I noticed lasers for aesthetic uses and started my very own clinic to prove to myself that I had what it took to become successful. At the present time I am conducting research on a laser-assisted drug delivery system, a new treatment option of the 21st century, at a graduate school of pharmaceutical science.

Q: What is the most challenging obstacle you wish to overcome in the scientific field of lasers?

A: The laser machine was invented in 1960.

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However, only some parts of the machine were used in the field of medication and there was no advanced technology innovation to reveal the benefits. In the 1990s, the laser machine was used for surgery and I thought it could be used for human skin. In the future it could be used not only medically, but also for aesthetics. This challenged me. Was there something more I could do with this laser?

The answer was yes. I started to conduct my research on developing lasers for aesthetic needs. The research was conducted for years, until I achieved the results I expected.

aesthetic lasers) that you’ve handled recently.

Q: Can you share some interesting facts about aesthetic lasers that most people don’t yet know?

Q: What are some of the most trendy treatments in terms of aesthetics among both your male and female patients these days?

A: Just like any other treatment or medication, either for aesthetics or medical reasons, everything comes with good and/or side effects. We (the doctors) are obliged to explain all the side effects, or the worst scenario, from the very beginning, prior to the treatment. Most of the time, however, my concern is that patients usually have no idea who the doctor or the specialist is, who is handling their treatment, their background or medical history/record, whether they have a good reputation and much more. It is our duty to make sure that patients know who will take care of their treatment.

Q: Tell me some of the most interesting cases of dermatology (in terms of

A: Almost all of the cases were similar: everyone wanted to look beautiful and flawless. I recall 10 years ago when you could not get rid of birthmark or scar, when there was nothing you could do with your pimples and ageing skin. But now, with rapid hightechnology innovation, there’s nothing you cannot do. Even now there’s certain infrared light that is able to change human DNA, so you can look younger than before.

A: Most of my female patients want to have brighter skin and they are too concerned about whitening, while my male patients are more into ageing and wrinkles.

Q: What do you think of the Indonesian market with respect to the aesthetic laser method?

A: As one of the developing countries with the highest population in Asia, the dermatology industry in Indonesia is predicted to grow continuously because nowadays more people are becoming more aware of aesthetics and dermatology. In the future it will be bigger and more promising.

Q: Pioneers and experts, you are one of them, continue to invent new treatments in dermatological healing. Given your advanced background in biomedical technology, have you ever considered or are you currently trailblazing other treatment methods aside from lasers?

A: I am also interested in pain management.

Pain is one of the side effects of laser treatment. However, it turns out that no matter what, I will keep going back to lasers.

So I would probably say that lasers are my life. It’s my passion and I am proud to say that I have been dedicated all my life to it. It’s all about lasers, lasers and lasers.

Q: I’m sure your career can be pretty exhausting some days. What do you like to do when you have the opportunity to unwind?

A: Due to my tight schedule, family time becomes more important to me. I usually just stay at home and play with my kids. Or sometimes I listen to my favourite classical music and opera. For me it’s so relaxing and I can release all the stress I have endured.

Crystal Beauty Clinic Jalan Kendal No. 23, Menteng, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 3190 3768 / 78 E: doctor@crystalclinic.cc www.crytalclinic.cc

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Jakarta

SPA AT HOTEL GRAN MAHAKAM Most women long to have quality personal time and enjoying a relaxing beauty treatment is one way to have it. For those seeking pampering, or to maintain their overall health, the SPA at Hotel Gran Mahakam offers its latest treatment — a luxurious oxygen therapy called OxyLUXE.

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f relaxation is what’s on your mind, head to a spa that can give you what you want – as well as a full body treatment and a splendid time with yourself. There’s no need to fly overseas to find a good quality spa or beauty treatment. Jakarta has a broad range of spas especially for those who want to relieve city-living stress. One of them is located in Gran Mahakam Hotel, a fascinating boutique hotel in South Jakarta.

With its European baroque-style architecture, Gran Mahakam provides a warm and comfortable ambience. The SPA is located on the 6th floor. Once you set foot in the spa, you will smell the calming and fragrant aroma emanating from the entrance. The treatments range from the Mahakam Signature Massage — a combination of massage techniques — to manicures and pedicures. You can also find

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treatments for kids. All are administered by professional therapists.

For those who would like to maintain their beautiful skin, appear youthful or keep their overall health, the SPA at Hotel Gran Mahakam has introduced its latest treatment, OxyLUXE. Recognised in the World Luxury Spa Awards Winner 2014, Hotel Gran Mahakam offers a new innovation that keeps the body fit, fresh and beautiful. OxyLUXE is a method for applying 100% pure oxygen into the body by entering a modern and stylishly designed chamber. You may feel like you're sitting inside a private jet and throughout the procedure you will experience air pressure as if you’re in an airplane. The treatment lasts for 45 minutes inside the chamber to maximize the level of oxygen in the blood cells. There will be a feeling of freshness after

• Favourite Feature: Other great benefits from the OxyLUXE treatment are that it can increase the amount of oxygen inside the body, maintain immunity, reduce depression and headaches, improve sleep quality, help problem skin, improve stamina and increase collagen production, which is responsible for the appearance of fresh skin.

the treatment. You’ll experience an improved quality of sleep and an enhanced appearance of the skin.

SPA AT HOTEL GRAN MAHAKAM Jalan Mahakam I No.6, Blok M, Jakarta 12130, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 720 9966 E: info@granmahakam.com www.granmahakam.com

BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Singapore

AURIGA AT CAPELLA SINGAPORE Come out of Auriga Spa feeling renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated.

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eing the first spa in Singapore to be awarded the Forbes Travel Guide five-star status, Auriga Spa redefines wellness philosophy to provide guests the ultimate treatments. Set in Capella Singapore, one of the most lavish resorts in Singapore, Auriga Spa features four signature treatments that reflect the varying energies of the lunar cycle.

The four signature treatments are The New Moon, The Waxing Moon, The Full Moon and The Waning Moon. The spa features nine experience rooms surrounded by private gardens in 12,000 sq.ft. of contemporary

Asian space. A vitality pool with an ice fountain, a herbal steam bath and organic pharmacy products are just a few of the numerous amenities offered by the spa.

Unknown to many, the name Auriga is derived from the brightest star in the constellation of the same name. In addition to the signature treatments, a series of relatively new French treatments called Charme D’Orient is offered by Auriga Spa. Using Argan Oil from selected areas in Morocco as the main ingredient, Charme D’Orient promises beauty, radiance and youthfulness.

• Favourite Feature: Beauty Inside and

Out. Pamper yourself with a top-to-toe halfday spa experience. The treatment includes a whole body exfoliation and massage, an express manicure and pedicure and a special spa meal at Auriga Spa’s Cassia Restaurant.

Auriga at Capella Singapore 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore, 098297.

T: (+65) 6591 5023 E: spa.singapore@capellahotels.com www.capellasingapore.com www.auriga-spa.com

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Singapore

WILLOW STREAM SPA AT FAIRMONT

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anctuaries within the prestigious Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, each of the accolade-heavy Willow Stream Spas reflect the energy of their surroundings in some of the world’s most beautiful places, while providing the Fairmont’s unique brand of luxury and outstanding service. Ensconced within Fairmont Singapore — a pioneering Asian Fairmont property — the acclaimed Willow Stream Spa provides a sanctuary of wellness and luxurious pampering, a total relaxation and rejuvenation getaway in the heart of Singapore.

Sprawling across 50,000 sq.ft. and two floors,

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One of Asia’s largest and most lavish spas, awardwinning Willow Stream Spa is an urban sanctuary in the heart of downtown Singapore, determined to reenergize city dwellers with amazingly relevant treatments and therapies.

the magnificent Willow Stream Spa is one of Asia’s largest spas, incorporating 23 private treatment rooms (with two couple’s suites equipped with private Jacuzzis, plus an aromatherapy steam room), a fully equipped fitness centre with cardio theatre, a strength training area and fitness studio, VIP suites, a relaxation lounge with personal headsets, a landscaped zone with two free-form swimming pools, a pool bar and cabanas, six tennis courts and a restaurant. To enhance the spa experience and the treatments’ benefits, spa-goers are encouraged to use the spa facilities pre-treatment — which can include alternating between the steam room, sauna, whirlpool and cold plunge pool.

Singapore’s Willow Stream Spa offers far more than mere treatments (and these are at least an hour long because “there are no shortcuts to an outstanding spa experience”): it helps spa-goers escape their fast-forward, crazy world in Singapore to a quieter spot where they can recover and reenergize and provides a personal escape to find their energy — which Willow Stream Spa believes is important to help everyone flow through life, rather than fight it. Thus, energy renewal is a key mission at this Willow Stream Spa. They also pride themselves on creating experiences that reflect the needs of Singapore’s visitors and locals alike, with

• Favourite Feature: Willow Stream Spa offers unique experiences

reflecting Singapore’s super-busy urban lifestyles, whether after a long day of meetings, shopping or socializing, or just from being stressedout. Multi-Tasking Experiences – designed for spa-goers who demand results, but don’t have a lot of time – include High “Heals”, a fabulous multi-faceted treatment designed for stiletto wearers who need to get “healed,” featuring a foot soak, heal treatment, classic pedicure and shimmer leg application, and even head, neck and shoulder

authentic, innovative, savvy and energizing spa treatments administered by professionally trained spa therapists. Great emphasis is also placed on the quality of spa products used, during treatments and also post-treatment, for bespoke home-care programmes. Besides the signature Willow Stream Collection, the main product used is the exceptional Kerstin Florian International range, contributing to the purest, premium holistic treatments.

Brimming with boundless energy, Singapore embodies the finest aspects of both the ancient East and the West and Willow Stream Spa reflects this, with luxurious treatments originating from both these two contrasting cultures. Reflecting old Singapore, some

massage, to alleviate problem areas created by carrying large designer handbags! Evening Soiree provides the perfect spa date night for busy couples, with side-by-side body exfoliations, aromatherapy massage, mini-hydration facials and hydrotherapy mineral baths a deux, while Customized Massage Experiences feature Shopper’s Relief, a deeply revitalizing, relaxing yet detoxifying massage designed for the power shopper who needs a special treat after serious retail therapy– don’t forget to hit the lifestyle boutique on the way out!

treatments are based on traditional spa rituals, such as Shirodhara-inspired Peace & Quiet, a traditional Ayurvedic healing therapy administered to impart deep relaxation and a tranquil state of well-being, or the signature Willow Stream Elements, based on centuries-old European spa Kur rituals, offering a rediscovery of the restorative power of nature’s elements.

even the opportunity to give back to Mother Nature: The Generosity Massage donates 10 percent of all proceeds to the Garden City Fund, contributing to their efforts to conserve and enhance the greenery that surrounds Singapore, the Garden City. Whatever treatment you choose, you are guaranteed to find your energy, Singapore-style, and leave Willow Stream Spa totally reenergized.

Other spa experiences are specifically designed for stress relief, fabulous skin, or pure pampering, such as the indulgent Singapore Luxury facial, an all-in-one beautiful, pampering and aromatic experience. For any eco-warriors, there is

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Singapore 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, 189560.

T: (+65) 6431 5600 E: willowstream.enquiries@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/singapore/willow-stream

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Singapore

ARAMSA SPA Founded on the belief that Nature is the greatest healer, Aramsa, The Garden Spa, infuses universal natural remedies with botanical extracts from the earth and sea and funnels into it a delivery beyond reckoning.

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ocated amidst the lush greenery of a national park, Aramsa Spa has 17 uniquely designed treatment rooms, each presenting an eclectic mix of contemporary design and seamless spaces in harmony with the garden ambiance that brings the outside in. The all-natural design of Aramsa Spa ensures a tranquil reconnection to nature’s serenity — perfectly conditioning your mental state for maximum rejuvenation.

Fully drawing from the natural healing powers of this serene setting, one of the most popular treatments at Aramsa Spa is the exotic coconut treatment. This treat starts with a full body rub with warmed coconut oil infused with flowers and spices.

While your body is wrapped in the warm coconut oil, your scalp is treated to a gentle relaxing massage with an invigorating sea salt scrub. The whole experience is rounded off with the tropical Huna Huna Massage —

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an ancient Hawaiian massage technique.

An even more refreshing session can be experienced by taking the signature tropical Java lulur treatment. Originated in the royal palaces of Central Java, the luxurious ritual called Lulur is specifically prepared for the ladies. Lulur literally means coating the skin, and is practiced to beautify and soften one's skin. The treatment starts with a full body exfoliation using a special blend of turmeric and rice powder, which scrubs and removes the dead layers of skin, revealing the soft, supple skin below. A full body yoghurt wrap then follows, nourishing and brightening the skin further. Next comes an infused blend of therapeutic oils, with which the therapist will perform Aramsa Touch massage — a modern mixture of eastern meridian techniques and classical western lymphatic drainage to improve blood circulation and muscle tone.

Last but not least, guests enjoy a warm outdoor flower bath, infused with ginger

• Favourite Feature: All spa treatment rooms include individual garden courtyards and outdoor showers or baths. Guests are encouraged to experience being one with Nature in the complete privacy of their garden space with spa packages that allow them to use the outdoor showers and baths.

Aramsa's unique garden design has been recognized by the Singapore Institute of Architects as the winner of the Commercial Projects division 2008. and lemongrass juices, and laced with petals of rose, jasmine, frangipani and other seasonal aromatic blossoms. This pampering finale concludes the whole treatment, leaving one ultimately relaxed and satisfied.

Aramsa Spa 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 Bishan Park 2, 569931, Singapore.

T: (+65) 6456 6556 E: enquiries@aramsaspas.com www.aramsaspas.com

BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Hong Kong

THE MANDARIN SPA From jade accessories to wooden screens and a plethora of impressive arts, The Mandarin Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong takes you back in time to the Orient of the early 1900s to experience a timeless selection of pampering treatments.

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he Mandarin Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong takes on a decor influenced by the sophisticated style of 1930s Shanghai. Offering a personalised journey towards optimum well-being and relaxation, the spa’s tranquil setting and sublime treatments will take you back to a different era of leisure.

Guests are invited to arrive 45 minutes before their appointment time to make the most of heat and water facilities, which soothe muscles and loosen limbs to prepare the body for a deep therapeutic experience. Upon arrival, your symbolic step away from the outside world begins with the exchanging of shoes for slippers. Following a consultation with your therapist, your packaged or personalised treatment will then begin.

The Mandarin Oriental Signature Spa Therapies offer nearly two hours of soul

therapy developed in consultation with Chinese medicine specialists and master aromatherapists with the single purpose of addressing guests’ increasing desires for simple, effective and authentic spa experiences.

Private consultations help guarantee that guests receive exactly the right treatment to contribute to their well-being.

If you prefer to enjoy a more direct approach, the Oriental Harmony provides four professional hands working in perfect unison in harmonizing your senses. The treatment begins with a soothing foot bath in purifying waters, leaving the feet soft and supple and the mind relaxed. The next two steps are delivered with synchronized time and movement — a warm scrub that smoothes and replenishes the skin, and a harmonious massage that balances the body. The treatment concludes with a simultaneous head and foot massage leaving the mind uplifted, the body energized and the skin exotically fragrant.

• Favourite Feature: Spa goers who wish to explore a more secluded and exclusive path can enjoy The Mandarin Spa’s private suites and couples rooms designed with atmospheric sculptures, scents and lighting. In addition to classic treatments, there are therapies unique to the facilities of these luxurious suites that cannot be enjoyed elsewhere, such as the full-on, three-hour Mandarin Suite Experience, which includes things like warming ginger, mandarin oil, a tensionrelieving steam shower, two-hour Time Rituals, a complementary fruit platter and a healthy Asian-inspired meal.

The Mandarin Spa Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong.

T: (+852) 2825 4888 E: mohkg-spa@mohg.com www.mandarinoriental.com

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Hong Kong

THE PENINSULA SPA AT THE PENINSULA HONG KONG Pampering and wellness have never been so luxuriant. Opulent surroundings, highly trained therapists, holistic treatments for mind, body and soul and a marrying of ancient and modern techniques — what more could a body want?

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he Peninsula Hong Kong is the epitome of elegance, firmly based on both Asian and Western traditions, while fully embracing the most modern values. Providing for its guests' every need, The Peninsula Spa is a palace of pampering, luxurious in an understated manner, with rich colours and textures, dark Chinese furniture, silk pillows, clusters of thick cream candles, bundles of fresh orchids, glass walls encasing lush, green bamboo and the gentle sound of water trickling as a background to restful music.

Spread across three floors, guests check in at the reception, fill in a short form to determine their health and note any particular concerns for the therapist to be aware of, as well as determining their dosha, or Ayuverdic, body type, and are swept away to the changing rooms.

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The 9th floor is the heart of the spa, where the heat therapies, treatment rooms, Asian tea lounge and relaxation room are found.

Guests are encouraged to come early so they have time to use the crystal steam room, sauna and cooling aromatherapy tropical rain shower, as well as the gorgeous relaxation room with its thickly padded, electronic beds with their own personal headphones, views of the harbour and healthy drinks and snacks.

Even before your personal therapist appears, you feel relaxed and cocooned in a world of your own.

My therapist collected me from the relaxation room and escorted me to the richly opulent treatment room, where I was greeted with yet another stunning view of the harbour — through a fine privacy screen, of course!

While my feet were soaked and scrubbed with a Tulasi Detoxifying Scrub, my treatment was explained and questions asked to see if

there were any areas to avoid or that needed extra attention, such as my strained back and exhausted feet that had spent the previous day walking around Hong Kong. As my back was sore, the Kunzea intensive massage blend oil was added to the treatment, to warm and soothe the strained muscles.

The Sattva by Simply Peninsula treatments promise blissful relaxation while combating fatigue and draining toxins. My chosen treatment from this range, the 100-minute Vedic Aromatherapy Full Body and Facial Marma Therapy, combined lymphatic drainage and remedial massage — ideal for my recovering back muscles — with an emphasis on the primary marmas, the pressure points believed to connect body and mind.

Meanwhile, a traditional bronze Kasa bowl massaged the warm Vedic aromatherapy Mogra Calming Blend oil I had chosen into my skin to withdraw toxins and heat from my body.

Whatever the theory, I settled on the thickly padded, fully automated spa bed, took a deep inhalation of the warm Mogra Calming Bath Soak and let the strong hands of my highly skilled masseuse and the thick, scented oil calm my mind, soothe my muscles and ease the knots, eventually leaving me limp and relaxed. Even with knotted muscles before the treatment, there was no pain. The gorgeous fragrance of tuberose, mogra and Indian rose accompanied the facial massage, which eased my congested breathing and left me thinking of English summer gardens while the rest of my body was massaged.

The Peninsula Hotels has worked with leading Ayurveda aromatherapy specialist Subtle Energies for more than a year to develop the Sattva by Simply Peninsula products and

treatments. The oils are sense-provoking, aromatic essential oils from the Vedic flora pharmacy, hand-blended and of the highest quality.

• Favourite Feature: The Peninsula Spa not only offers wonderful treatments but also encourages and supports you to seek overall holistic wellness. With use of the thermal facilities and relaxation areas, you can while away hours in centring your soul.

They are used in “bespoke treatments with the aim of purifying, rejuvenating and harmonising the body, mind and soul like never before”. I can certainly attest to feeling wonderful as I floated out of the treatment room.

relaxing pampering available at The Peninsula Spa lasts much longer; I strongly advise you to make sure you have plenty of time.

Advised to leave the oils on for at least a couple of hours, if possible, the Zen-like Asian Tea Lounge and the relaxation room beckoned welcomingly, both offering light snacks and delicious healthy drinks, as well as plenty of water. The treatment itself may have lasted 100 minutes, but the indulgent and

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA at The Peninsula Hong Kong Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

T: (+852) 2696 6682 www.peninsula.com/hongkong

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Magelang

MESASTILA MAGELANG The evolution of wellness at MesaStila is based around the integration of many facets of wellness and experiential activities, driven by a pledge to focus on traditional, local, wholesome experiences.

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ocated in the middle of a culturally rich land that brings out the magnificence of the environment, the people and the real essence of Java, MesaStila Magelang has 23 unique villas set within an area of 22 hectares of outstanding natural beauty; surrounded by cooling highland-air, eight mountains, tropical gardens and lush vegetation.

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MesaStila encompasses six elements: nutritional excellence, culture and adventure, physical wellbeing, emotional and spiritual awareness, eco and environment, and education and information. MesaStila offers a distinctly Javanese experiences, with Indonesia’s traditional Pencak Silat martialarts; Javanese wellness therapies; coffee scrubs; Jungle-Gym & TRX training, an array of organic, healthy fare and Javanese food, and the services of skilled local healers.

Built within a charming coffee plantation producing up to seven tons of coffee a year, the true magnificence of MesaStila is in its spectacular setting and its Hammam Spa. This Turkish style Spa at MesaStila Magelang is the only one in Asia, and offers four couples treatment rooms, a beauty salon, and separate male and female Hammam areas, each consists of warm and cool rooms, a cold plunge pool and a steam room.

Thanks to the property’s close proximity to

the hills laden with fresh oxygen-producing trees and pastures of lush thickets, visitors of Hammam Spa are bound to enjoy an extremely invigorating wellness experience.

The spa menu includes Jade and Tuina facials, Tibetan singing-bowl rituals, and body treatments inspired by classic and contemporary healing rituals from Asia and the Near East, while the signature service includes the enlightening Turkish Hammam experience, which combines steam therapy, gommage, soapy cleansing, massage and hair wash, followed by a restorative Javanese traditional massage.

In addition to spa services, daily sunrise yoga at the SasanaYoga Pavilion is available for all

levels. Fitness and adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy the fitness centre, a jungle-gym, TRX, aqua-fit, power walks, more intensive jungle and mountain treks, as well as an abundance of trail running, road cycling and mountain-biking. For a more dynamic and physically challenging activity, the traditional martial art of Pencak Silat is taught by a highly-regarded local instructor and is fit for all ages and fitness levels.

MesaStila demonstrated its unique and innovative concept by winning a coveted category at the 2012 Asia Spa Awards — Holistic Treatment of the Year. This paid homage to the luxury standards, originality, ecological awareness, and excellence in spa services.

• Favourite Feature: HAMMAM

RITUAL - Arabian Nights. From steam session, body exfoliation, soapy cleanse, hair & scalp treatment, rose water splash to traditional Javanese massage and refreshments, this treatment is perfect for those with the desire to depart radiant, warm, calm and refreshed.

MesaStila Magelang Desa Losari, Grabag, Magelang, Central Java 56100, Indonesia.

T: +(62) 298 596 333 E: intouch@stila.mesahotelsandresorts.com www.mesahotelsandresorts.com

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

BODY TEMPLE SPA The Body Temple Spa is the brand new luxury spa and salon at Bali's beloved Canggu Club and it provides a one-stop beauty shop for head-to-toe pampering.

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he Canggu Club, located in the heart of Bali's coolest neighbourhood, has long been renowned as a favourite lifestyle destination for all things luxurious on the island. Yet despite this already stellar reputation, the club recently raised the bar even higher with an incredible revamp to become The “New” Canggu Club, complete with the Splash Water Park, Bounce Trampoline Centre and Strike Ten-Pin Bowling. But perhaps the most indulgent addition to this superstar

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lineup is The Body Temple Spa, where hair, nails, body and soul get the full Canggu Club treatment.

Situated on the lower level of the four-hectare estate, one step inside the spa reveals a panorama of chic marble and a plush vibe.

Softening this contemporary design, large shaggy rugs and an assortment of fluffedup cushions make the space feel warm and homely, as if a five-star villa has met an internationally acclaimed beauty parlour.

The spa manager, with years of experience from as far away as the Maldives, offers a warm welcome and a friendly smile as she explains the different face and body treatments available. Only the finest products are used here, from THÉMAÉ and Debussy in the skincare range, to Shellac and OPI manis and pedis performed in the dedicated beauty salon.

For me, it is the signature THÉMAÉ Purity Radiance Facial that's calling, promising a deep

cleanse and intense relaxation. As I'm guided towards my private treatment suite, sweetsounding tunes, ambient lighting and the scent of freshly laundered linens lead the way.

The massage table beckons and so, with eyes closed and a soft chime to signal the start of my treatment, the indulgence begins.

A gentle cleanse prepares my skin for the 90 minutes of rejuvenation that follow. A foaming gel together with a specialty THÉMAÉ exfoliation brush scrubs away any impurities to reveal the radiance beneath. Not once, not twice, but three times my skin is purified with a different cleansing treatment. It's like an orchestra of different temperatures and textures to really target my pores and wholly combat my problem areas. Smooth and silky.

Warm then cold. Scrubbed and polished then steamed and pressed.

Soothing strokes and subsequent kneading ignites my pores and loosens any tension in my temples, imbuing me with a sense of calm. Delicate balms derived from tea extract, macadamia and even some with a hint of citrus are massaged into my shoulders, arms and hands, a refreshing break from the usual greasy oils. I can almost feel the moisturising antioxidants seeping into my skin. The treatment moves to a close with a fresh spirulina and algae mask, followed by a soothing hydration cream and an invigorating spritz of a Four Tea elixir body mist.

The chime sounds again to mark the end of my purification, but by now my skin feels alive.

My face is tingling with nourished goodness, while my hands can't seem to stop stroking my balmy arms that have never felt so soft. Indeed, there are many reasons why The Canggu Club

• Favourite Feature: At Body Temple

Spa, it's not only your skin that gets the five star treatment. The Body Temple Hair Salon, as past of the spa, specialises in blonde hair thanks to Australian stylist, Hayley, who has rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous as a stylist for Australia's Next Top Model, Project Runway, The Biggest Loser and X Factor. Tresses in Bali have never been so fabulous...

has been such a hit with Bali's luxury lifestyle enthusiasts and the Body Temple Spa makes for one more.

Body Temple Spa New Canggu Club, Jalan Canggu Club, Banjar, Tegal Gundul, Canggu, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 848 3939 ext. 132 E: reservations.cc@bodytemplebali.com

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

SPA AT PEPPERS SEMINYAK

Award-winning luxury spa at Peppers Seminyak offers a broad range of treatments, from anti-ageing facials to detox massages, but is most renowned for its exceptional wellness programmes for long-term results.

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nsconced within the luxurious Peppers Seminyak all-villa resort in Petitenget, Spa at Peppers Seminyak is a nature-inspired day spa and wellness retreat with a diverse and extensive menu of detoxifying, pampering and stress-releasing treatments administered by well-trained therapists and specialists. Treatments create an exquisite sensory experience, while addressing specific personal needs and promoting healing, balance and beauty.

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The Spa Treatments section features holistic body treatments covering scrubs, teen spa range and massages. The latest addition, launched at a special introductory price of IDR600,000++, is a 90-minute traditional Hot Stones Massage. Therapists work with warmed, smooth stones to massage over the body to gently release stress, promote deep relaxation and increase circulation for an overall sense of grounding — a wondrous alternative to deep tissue massage. Beauty + Aesthetics offers multi-hour spa packages and aesthetic beauty treatments, which

include Facials and Body Treatments from premium British skincare brand, Elemis (renowned for their highly acclaimed, antiageing products and regimes).

Spa at Peppers Seminyak, however, arguably stands out for its exceptional holistic wellness programmes, endorsed with such accolades as Asia’s Top 10 Wellness Resorts

by CNN Travel, with highly sought-after Reiki and Theta Healing Master and certified nutritionist, Meli, as a star component.

Healing Treatments incorporate Reiki

therapies and various aspects of Theta Healing to facilitate instant change in personal belief systems and help clear past emotional issues to overcome fear, anger and resentments that block goals for moving forward. Life Coaching counselling follows similar lines, with, again, Meli looking at different aspects of your life, helping you achieve anything from dream career goals to finding a soul mate.

The three-hour Detox Package incorporates a Detox Facial, Detox Massage, releasing toxins and increasing blood and lymph circulation to strengthen the body’s immune response, and Colonic Hydrotherapy, while Holistic Nutritional Consultations reveal how current lifestyles and emotional histories determine bad eating habits and counselling provides long-term nutritional education, interrelated with healing.

Wellness Escapes throughout the year are a Spa at Peppers Seminyak signature, offering a gentler, more realistic (and less scary) approach to standard retreat set-ups. These “escapes” allow ample downtime, holed-up

in a secluded, luxurious villa resort complex in the heart of Greater Seminyak, yet achieve the same long-lasting, life changing results as any hard-core retreat — essentially bringing health and balance back into our lives, while creating better lifestyle choices.

Three or seven-day Wellness Retreat Packages offer three specific programmes customized to individual goals for life-changing results: Bringing Back Harmony (stress release), The Way to Beauty (healthier, sexier and leaner for life) and Pure Rejuvenation (cleansing and detox journey).

All, however, incorporate a painless balance of private healing, natural cleansing and balancing sessions, nutrition workshops and counseling (with full-board healthy meal plans or supplements), cooking classes, lifestyle coaching, beauty regimes and spa treatments, plus outdoor walks, yoga and meditation sessions. The on-site wellness and health coach is the inspiring guide through this life-changing experience — even offering follow-up support once back home.

• Favourite Feature: Peppers Seminyak

is an island pioneer for its Juicing Cleansing regime, whereby all meals and drinks are replaced by six, raw organic cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices daily for a three- or seven-day complete cleansing programme (or one day for novices). Depending on nutritional and juicing experience, these come in options of Beginner, Intermediate, or the more hard-core Expert Cleanse. Hydraulic, cold-pressed juices are the closest thing to raw, pure fruit or vegetables, feeding your body the correct level of intact nutrients, vitamins and enzymes, resulting in balance, weight loss, well-being, body cleansing and detoxification and more. Juice Cleansing can be incorporated in Wellness Escapes, villa stays, or private home cleansing with home delivery – the first in Bali offering this service.

Spa at Peppers Seminyak Jalan Pura Telaga Waja, Petitenget, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 730 333 E: spa@peppersseminyak.com www.peppersseminyak.com/en/spa.html

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BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

AWAY ® SPA AT W RETREAT

Award-winning AWAY® Spa, at beachfront W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, promises to take you up, up and away to another stratosphere and a whole new spa experience.

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ithin the ultra-stylish W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, set alongside Petitenget Beach, AWAY® Spa offers cutting-edge, sophisticated stuff, bucking traditional Balinese spa trends and is justifiably the recipient of numerous international awards, including Best New Spa 2011 (Asia Spa Magazine) and Best Newcomer and Most Unique treatment (Condé Nast Johansen’s Spa Awards for Excellence, 2015).

As Starwood’s flagship W Retreat, this is the largest globally branded AWAY® Spa, covering a colossal 1,500 sq.m. of ground-floor space; with just seven treatment rooms, the spaciousness speaks for itself. More super-slick urban than beachfront retreat, AWAY®’s sensational allwhite and futuristic-style interiors resemble a vast spaceship.

W’s Spa’s “detox and refuel” concept brings traditional Asian therapies bang up-to-date with a mood-boosting menu of custom-made recharging and reinvigorating treatments.

The innovative menu features three themed concepts reflecting different personalities:

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“Glamour & Glitz”, “Fit & Fabulous” and “Serene & Soulful”. Interrelated Massage and Bodyworks treatments, with highlights including heated bamboo rollers, fresh ginger packs and white ginseng and sandalwood serum, are preceded by “Preludes”, 10-minute warm-up sessions incorporating Wushu breathing and stretching, Tantric Meditation, or Warrior martial-arts.

“What Men Want” covers spa-tacular grooming routines and treatments specifically designed for males, while A La Carte options include exceptional anti-aging facials from Priori (featuring Coffeeberry Natureceuticals), diamond dust body polishes, 24K gold wraps and Red Carpet Packages – Premiere (6.5 hours) offers Hollywood-style makeovers for superimportant nights out.

Spa products made with 100 percent natural ingredients are exclusively designed for Bali’s AWAY® Spa menu, custom-blended to match individual treatments. Never taking itself too seriously, AWAY® Spa epitomizes the playful W experience and encourages glamour, fun and escapism, whisking you “away” to another stratosphere. The spa is entered via a contemporary-style wishing well and inside

• Favourite Feature: Unlike any other

spa in Bali, AWAY® Spa is open 24/7, which means spa-goers have the option to be soothed or reenergized at any hour. The “Midnight Delight” promotion (from 11PM to 9AM) is perfect for Seminyak’s postpartying excesses, jetlag or insomnia. This round-the-clock indulgence is backed-up with W’s branded worldwide “Whatever/ Whenever®” service, promising whatever you want, whenever you want it.

reveals a fully-stocked CHILL Bar, a glitzy beauty salon and complimentary facilities (best used pre-treatment to relax the body and maximise the spa session benefits), with a Detox Chamber wired with pure oxygen masks and a decadent Wet Area, incorporating a herbal steam room and hot stone and cold jet vitality pools.

AWAY® Spa W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, Jalan Petitenget, Petitenget, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 473 8106.

E: awayspa.wbali@whotels.com www.wretreatbali.com/en/awayspa

BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

VIETURA ARTISAN OF ANTI-AGING Bali’s groundbreaking Artisan of Anti-ageing offers cutting-edge beauty procedures without the cutting.

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his August, the Vietura Artisan of anti-aging celebrates its one-year anniversary and still leads Bali’s aesthetic beauty clinics with its renowned 100 percent, non-invasive, non-surgical procedures matched with gradual progressive treatments, for instant yet long-lasting results. With its comprehensive approach to wellness, combining aesthetic procedures with integrative medicine and lifestyle coaching, Vietura’s focus is on full-body medical detoxification, anti-ageing and body sculpting with weight management.

Highest quality is assured: Vietura is ensconced in the five-star Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort and employs internationally trained professional nurses, doctors and renowned wellness experts, while its highly regarded sister establishment, Vietura at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, is Asia’s first aesthetic institute and Manila’s top clinic. With its 12 treatment rooms and top-notch aesthetic technology, equipment and salon products, the luxurious and sparkling clean Vietura underlines a no-nonsense, progressive approach to looking and feeling fabulous.

Vietura’s philosophy is “Measure, Mentor, Monitor”. Rather than getting quick fixes, patrons receive ongoing guidance and care to reach their goals with long-term benefits.

Treatments and services are preceded with an in-depth doctor’s consultation, with advice imparted on available treatments, procedures and inclusive interrelated packages personally adapted to a customer’s age, needs and timeframe. Now you can get slim, firm-up your jaw line, or whatever else you desire, at extremely competitive prices.

Consultations (which can be brutally but beneficially honest) incorporate two high-tech machines: Skin Analysis, which scientifically photo-analyzes facial skin and epidermis health, and Tanita Body Analysis, which prints out results measuring BMI, body fat and metabolic age — an invaluable indicator of skin and body health progress. The cuttingedge techniques without the cutting-skin treatments include Carbon Laser, for tightened skin and fine-line reduction, and Lipocryo, the ultimate same-day fat removal technology that freezes fat cells and progressively eliminates them. Other exceptional procedures cover Platelet Rich Plasma, fillers, Power Cell Face Lift (a non-invasive face-lifting and tightening

• Favourite Feature: Sofitel Bali Nusa

Dua Beach Resort has launched three Art de Vivre lifestyle wellness programmes (with or without accommodations) that offer the resort’s finest health and wellbeing services and facilities — including the So Spa, a fitness centre and Vietura — tailored to the specific needs and preferences of individual guests. The "Revieal," "Rejuvienate" and "Revieve" packages all feature signature Vietura treatments.

technique for saggy skin and premier signature facial) and the Carboxy Active Therapy Mask.

An alternative to liposuction, the best-selling Mesolipo therapy promises no scarring and fast healing time. Nutrition, lifestyle and wellness coaching are also available, besides inside-to-outside treatments, including the island’s first-ever Colonic Hydrotherapy bed.

Vietura Artisan of anti-aging Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Lot 5, Kawasan Pariwisata BTDC, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 849 2888 E: bali@vietura.com www.vieturabali.com

ASIADREAMS 111

BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE

Award-winning COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud offers a world-class and luxurious residential sanctuary for holistic wellness and long-term healing and change.

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OMO Group’s first residential health retreat and flagship property for acclaimed holistic health brand COMO Shambhala, the COMO Shambhala Estate, is an acclaimed retreat for change focusing on 360-degree holistic wellness. Multiple accolades include “Best Destination Spa” by Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Spa Awards 2013 and one of Bali’s two “Healing Hotels of the World”.

of the world’s best practitioners and experts in holistic health. The experienced team of specialist therapists and consultants include a resident dietician, Ayuverdic doctor and two Oriental medicine consultants, both licensed acupuncturists for Japanese and Chinese practices.

The Estate signature is a series of committed holistic Wellness Programmes, tailored to an individual’s needs, offering comprehensive lifestyle and healing programmes with a results-driven agenda. Specifically themed High above the rainforested Ayung River for different purposes — Ayurvedic, Cleanse, gorge outside Ubud, in a spectacular Be Active, Stress Management, Rejuvenation setting of an ultra-private, 10-hectare and the acclaimed Oriental Medicine — estate, guests are immersed in a positive, these are bespoke retreats for three, five or holistic, healing experience and a secluded seven nights, devised for each guest and sanctuary for peace and harmony, with incorporating full-board with personalized luxurious facilities and villas built into jungle dietary regimes, related treatments and clearings. The Estate is where all types come therapies and daily activities, including yoga, to work through issues, discover personal potentials and face new challenges refreshed, jungle gym and estate walks. Half-board daily rates, with wellness-related inclusions reinforced with a nurturing, professional for a gentler wellness introduction are also sensibility by staff who provide inspiration and support at every stage. Proactive holistic available. In addition, Ojas Spa offers Asianinspired and Western holistic treatments wellness, combining modern science with administered by healing therapists — ancient healing, is key, working with some

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• Favourite Feature: Accessed by 300plus steps down to the Ayung River, the ultra-secluded Kedara (‘Water Gardens’) reveal open-air treatment pavilions engulfed by jungle foliage and a sacred water source, fed by a natural spring. The latter contributes to the Estate’s healing energy and vitamin-rich water supply; guests can participate here in authentic purification ceremonies for spiritual cleansing and healing.

including an extensive Ayurvedic menu — available to outside guests, while the destination-worthy, restorative GLOW restaurant focuses on healthy, raw and vegan food, adapted to guest’s nutritional needs and showcasing the Estate's organicallygrown ingredients.

COMO Shambhala Estate Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 978 888 E: cse@comohotels.com www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate

BEAUTY, SPA & WELLNESS | Bali

EASTERN GARDEN MARTHA TILAAR SPA Indonesia’s leading spa brand, Martha Tilaar, promises to bring out your inner and outer beauty, from top to toe, and draw you closer to Mother Nature the traditional Indonesian way.

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ounded by Dr. Martha Tilaar more than 40 years ago, Indonesian spa brand Martha Tilaar has more than 54 Day Spas across Indonesia, including Bali’s Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa in Seminyak. Martha Tilaar’s main passion is preserving Indonesia’s unique heritage and nature, plus reviving ancient beauty secrets, especially those from Java.

The spas recreate ancient Asian and Indonesian treatments that offer a natural solution for today’s modern, fast-paced lifestyles; these include Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal practices, but mainly, traditional Indonesian massage techniques and beautifying rituals that have been researched and redefined. Combined with a strong connection to nature, these holistic therapies and rituals are celebrated in Martha Tilaar’s spas to heal, beautify and relax busy spa-goers.

From an early age, Indonesian girls enter into a life cycle of beauty care lasting until old age, which contributes to both inner and outer beauty and greater life balance. At the Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa, the signature “Authentic Indonesian Spa Treatments” focus on this traditional inner-outer beauty

philosophy — Rupasampat Wahyabiantara — where a series of rituals combine bathing and beautification traditions throughout the female life cycle with nature. The signature Kendedes Princess Ritual (two hours) highlights Javanese beautifying and grooming rituals practiced for centuries and even today. An hour-long massage combines intense Javanese and Balinese massage techniques to soothe tired muscles, with rich fragrant oils nourishing the skin, while facial acupressure improves the blood circulation for a beautifully glowing face.

Traditional Javanese body scrub, lulur, is administered to Royal Java brides before their wedding day for marriage-ready skin that is velvety-soft, lightened and gently sanitized.

The freshly made exfoliating paste, containing rice flour mixed with ground turmeric, cloves, sandalwood, tamarind seed, cinnamon and other indigenous herbs and spices, is lavishly scrubbed all over the body for 20 minutes.

A relaxing herbal bath incorporating freshly boiled dried herbs and spices, including clove and lime leaves, sandalwood and turmeric, improves blood circulation and skin vitality and precedes a uniquely Indonesian ritual, herbal steaming (ratus). This feminine care treatment has been long-practiced to improve the health

• Favourite Feature: Preserving

Indonesian traditions, Martha Tilaar’s ownbrand cosmetics blend a modern scientific approach with indigenous products. The custom-made natural spa products, Dewi Sri Spa, are exclusively made in Indonesia, with age-old rice-based formulas inspired

by Kampoeng-style techniques utilizing locally sourced plants, herbs and spices – many, plucked from their own “Eastern Gardens” across the archipelago.

of a women’s intimate area, leaving everything freshly scented. Ratus is administered sitting on a bamboo frame directly over a mini-burner of dried medicinal herbs; an all-encompassing batik skirt helps contain the herbal steam flowing upwards. Ratus can be booked as a separate treatment taken twice monthly.

Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar Spa 5A Jalan Camplung Tanduk (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 731 648 E: asstspa-manager@ easterngardenmarthatilaarspa.com www.easterngardenmarthatilaarspa.com www.marthatilaarspa.com

ASIADREAMS 113

CULINARY JOURNEY

—•— Will Meyrick’s culinary travels are a thing of legend and provide more than just the inspiration for the signature dishes found throughout his epicurean empire.

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Q: Will, your culinary travels are a thing of legend and provide the inspiration for the signature dishes found throughout your epicurean empire. A very simple question to begin with: How did it all begin?

A: I’ve been travelling since I was a teenager.

People and their different cultures and ways have always fascinated me and when I started travelling through Asia, I just fell in love with it. It really was a completely new experience for me. I spoke only English and found that food was the easiest tool to bridge the cultural gaps.

Since then, well I cannot stop exploring, including the culinary side of travel. Later I came to realize that there were so many beautiful cultures hidden under the homogeny of the "modern" world umbrella.

This is what motivates me to travel more, meet more people, learn the culinary culture and bring authentic recipes home, to promote these gastronomic gems to a wider audience.

Q: Your most recent journey, through Penang, Malacca and Sumatra, must have been extraordinary; why did you choose those particular destinations?

A: I had been before and recalled only too clearly just how rich in diversity their vibrant cuisine cultures are. These destinations, well, they are melting pots with so many ethnic groups. For me, the countless variety of dishes really shows the harmony between the cultures. Malays, Arabs, Indians, Chinese and a few other influences, too, are all thrown together in a unique blend. The result was that one brand-new culture, which we now call “Peranakan”, developed.

It is no accident to acknowledge that this is why Kuala Lumpur is now the home of the third Mama San restaurant.

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Q: How much and what preparation goes into one of your gastronomic forays?

A: A little research: That’s it really and apart from that, I make sure I have clean and fully functional cameras, empty memory cards, phones and a pad to make notes.

Q: Wow! Is that all? So typically, on a trip like this, how long do you travel for?

A: I can go from a-few-days-squeezedschedule to one or two months. There really is no typical in my life. I take off when I can and go for as long as I can.

Q: Do you have set goals or even recipes you aim to discover?

A: I do my research, gathering ideas and basic understandings as a framework, but most of the time I end up following up the stories told to me by the people that I meet.

Q: The diversity of Asian street food is incredible; so how do you choose what to use and what not to use?

A: I really value authenticity and as long as it’s not poisonous, then I use exactly what is supposed to be used. But taking the recipes to my restaurants, well this means taking them

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to the next level. For example, our restaurants have very strict quality and hygiene standards — this applies to ingredients as well as the process of the cooking. Therefore, we develop the recipes to meet our standards.

Q: How authentic are the dishes you serve up, compared to the food you encounter?

A: Always authentic, with no compromise; however, we do have our own twists to elevate the original dish to extract its full potential.

For most of the time our influence can also be seen in the way we serve the dishes.

Q: How do you convince people to give up their often secret family recipes?

A: This is actually the most interesting part of every food journey I take. I should say, it’s really just a matter of how you approach and interact with people. Most Asian kitchen doors, especially in Indonesia, are pretty open to strangers like me; you just have to show them that you are comfortable in their environment and with their hospitality.

Q: The big question: What delights can we expect from your recent trip and, maybe more important, where will they be available?

A: We have already put one Nyonya or Peranakan dish on Hujan Locale’s menu. Check out Pangek Ikan using barramundi. We also have some local Sumatran dishes that are getting popular now, such as Sie Itek aromatic duck curry and Acehnese prawn curry.

Q: You have been working with Exquisite Media for a while now. So how is that working out for you?

A: I’m pretty happy with the footfall and so far, according to my excellent PR team, it’s never hard to discuss things with you. Not only that, your layout has always been visually "exquisite", which, in my opinion, is as important as the content, especially for features like this.

Q: Where next?

A: I’m really not sure. I’ll surprise myself, no doubt, and let you know once I know.

I believe when you’re genuine, like we are, people will always see that and when they are Will, as always it has been a real pleasure to comfortable, even with a language and cultural chat about your travels and extraordinary food.

I look forward to hearing about your next gap, they will gladly share their secrets. adventure.

SAMBAL · JANTUNG PISANG ·

Ingredients:

Garnish:

20 regular sized banana blossoms - steamed for 30 mins (use the small bananas + heart) 1/4 cup cucumber cut to matchsticks 1/4 cup sliced belimbing wuluh 1/2 cup wing bean, blanched and sliced 1 tbsp torch ginger, julienne 1 tbsp sliced lemongrass 1 tsp lime leaf, julienned 1 tbsp julienned large red chilli 1 tbsp sliced shallot 2 pcs kalamansi juiced ebi powder

5 pieces of shrimp peeled, deveined, blanched 1 tsp sambal belacan 1 tbsp coconut milk sugar for seasoning salt for seasoning

5 lemon basil leaves

banana blossom leaf lemon basil

shallot, fried

Method:

Sambal Belacan: 1/2 tsp large red chilli, deseeded 2 pcs red curly chilli, whole 1 tbsp raw shrimp paste 20ml of kalamansi juice squeezed from approx five kalamasi 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp sugar Pound all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle

• In a mixing bowl, mix kalamansi juice, ebi powder, poached prawns with the sambal belacan. Set aside.

• In another mixing bowl, mix all the vegetables gently and pour in the sambal belacan mixture.

• Mix thoroughly but rapidly to avoid any wilting • Finally add in the coconut milk, salt and sugar for seasoning.

• Mix in the lemon basil at the last moment.

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WINE EXPERT

ASIA DREAMS CATCHES UP WITH JASON YANK, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CO-OWNER OF ASTROLABE WINES

Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about what he does best – Asia Dreams catches up with Jason Yank, managing director and co-owner of Astrolabe Wines

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earing degrees in Marketing, Communication and Design as well as Human Resources, Jason Yank boldly jumped into the burgeoning wine industry in 2004. His viticultural journey began on the ground as he tried to garner as much vineyard exposure as possible. After four years in Ormond Nurseries, Jason joined Astrolabe as General Manager. His affection for Marlborough wine has rightfully granted him recognition as one of the most prominent figures in the New Zealand wine scene.

Currently one of the shareholders and Managing Director of Astrolabe, Jason Yank drives the ship with conviction to ensure the success and integrity of the brand.

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Q: It’s a real pleasure to meet a leading figure from the Marlborough Wine region. But a Brit in the New Zealand wine industry! How did that happen?

A: In a round-about way really: born in London, educated at the University in Amsterdam, where I met a Dutch girl who’d grown up in NZ. We visited NZ several times, fell in love and I emigrated from UK to NZ in 2004. I have never looked back!

Q: In just a couple of words, how would you describe yourself?

A: Committed, enthusiastic, passionate, driven, loyal and loving.

Q: Born in the UK, educated in Amsterdam and with a CV that includes time working in the Marks & Spencer lingerie department — how did you acquire the knowledge required to run a very successful winery?

A: After we arrived in 2004, I asked the right questions to the people I thought knew the right answers, or at least they knew more than I did! I listened well and I tried to remember most of it.

Pre-emigration, back in the UK, my soonto-be father-in-law was keen to export his own family label into the UK and, prior to leaving London, had asked me what and who

I knew. Now, at that time, I was involved with Investment Banking IT recruitment, in the City of London — I drank wine, of course, but really knew nothing. In fact, it was as I introduced the wines to potential clients, I realised how little I knew and also how interesting the industry was.

We first moved to Marlborough, which in itself is a major cultural challenge from growing up in London — having moved to Amsterdam at 18 years old, followed by 12 months of backpacking, then back into my role as a lingerie manager at Marks & Spencer both under- and post-graduate — then the recruitment job — it was all bright lights and big city living. Then suddenly here I was in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough: our closest neighbour 5 kilometers away and the nearest supermarket a 35-minute drive!

Q: Extraordinary, Jason, and what an upheaval?

A: Yes, indeed. Get a plan, I was told, and so I decided I would take the journey from plant to bottle.

Q: So by this time you had already decided the wine industry was for you?

A: Yes, I knew where I wanted to be, but had very little understanding of where my transferable skills would lend themselves best. So I decided to start in the vineyard as a labourer for a season: working the vines, cutting the grass, lifting the wires, picking the fruit and then pruning the vines. It seemed like a perfect foundation. I’d follow the 2005 harvest fruit into a winery and my next role was as a cellarhand during the 2005 vintage — a brilliant experience. I loved it. I worked as many hours as I could, worked in as many areas of the winery that I could and just couldn’t soak up enough info…Just so much to learn and so much fun, too. So there I was, 12 months later: no money, but buckets of experience and at the start of what would prove to be a most magnificent and enjoyable journey. I still look back and see those early decisions and the people I met at that time to be pivotal points in my success.

Q: No money, but buckets of experience — so what came next?

A: I was truly fascinated with growing things — fascinated and intrigued by the vineyard cycle. I went for an interview with a grape propagation nursery here in Marlborough that was looking for a business development

manager in a national role in NZ. I went along and was simply captivated: plants, vineyards, travel, wine tasting, wine people and grape growers.

Wow, what an opportunity! I got the role and, it must be said, I had a very helpful tailwind since New Zealand was in midst of an enormous growth phase of new vineyard plantings. Vineyards were popping up in every nook and cranny; suitable viticultural regions in New Zealand were being explored, from way up north beyond Auckland, south and east through Hawkes Bay and Gisborne to the bottom of the North Island in Martinborough, through the South Island’s Marlborough, Nelson, Waipara and the Central Otago regions. I had a cracking time. Another key development factor in this role was that I was surrounded by people with a huge knowledge base and who were always keen to share this information when asked and I soaked it like a sponge.

Q: How did you get involved with Astrolabe?

A: Back in 2004, having had our feet on Kiwi soil for about three weeks, we were asked to join a dinner with a load of winemakers and wine industry people. “Bring a wine!” I was told, but what should I bring? I asked someone I knew and she promptly told me that Sauvignon Blanc was the grape best associated with my new home region and of the Sauvignon Blanc, “Take an Astrolabe — Best Sauvignon Blanc out there. You’ll never be disappointed with an Astrolabe,” she said.

High praise, I thought, and at the dinner party, I placed the wine on the table and one guy there turned, saw the wine and asked who brought the Astrolabe. “I did,” I said. “Great choice, dude!” And that was that. My love affair with Astrolabe began.

So in 2008, Simon Waghorn, founder and chief winemaker of Astrolabe, asked me for a beer. This wasn’t unusual for a Thursday in Marlborough; often a group of us would meet for "Thirsty Thursday" drinks after work. But on this Thursday, we met earlier and had a chat. Simon was seeking a general manager for Astrolabe Wines. He thought I might be interested in applying. He was right. In 2012 I became a shareholder and managing director and now I manage and run my favourite wine brand and company and I love it!

Q: Is there a winemaking philosophy that underpins what you do at Astrolabe?

A: Yes and I think that can be summed up best by what we say on our material: “Astrolabe creates wines of focus, purity and balance, expressing the full intensity of aroma and flavour possible in Marlborough’s ideal landscape and climate.” So basically, what I always say is that we produced balanced wines that give you a sense of place.

Q: From my experience, Astrolabe Wines are always excellent. How do you ensure the ongoing quality?

A: We have contracted access to some 40% more fruit than we currently require. This gives us the options in the winery or at the blending bench to "pick the eyes out" of each fermented batch of grapes/juice/wine to ensure we have absolutely the best examples for that given vintage and sub-region of Marlborough.

Blending excellent components from amazing vineyards is really a fabulous experience.

Q: Astrolabe crafts a remarkable selection of excellent wines. Is there a particular wine that really stands out for you?

A: This is always a tough question and remains a tricky one, but best answered on the spot.

Right now, it’d be a clear tie between the 2013 Kekerengu Coast Pinot Gris and the 2014 Province Sauvignon Blanc.

Q: What’s open right now in your kitchen?

A: Cannonball Wines 2012 Chardonnay from California, Astrolabe Pinot Noir 2013 and I have a new 2015 Astrolabe Rosé and 2012 Angels & Cowboys Proprietary Red waiting for me this evening.

Q: Since the first Sauvignon Blanc crop in 2002, the label’s rise has been meteoric.

What do you think gave Astrolabe that something special in the beginning?

A: The early recognition gained at some key global shows certainly put Astrolabe on the map. The IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) in London was one, and twice, in three years, gaining the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc was a terrific boost. Now, with our launch in the USA, the Wine Spectator has been consistently scoring our wines at +90 points and that certainly helps to build a brand in a relatively infant market.

Q: The growing Asian markets are a major factor in the 21st Century for New and Old World growers. Are the new markets

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driving changes to the characteristics and balance of the wines you craft?

A: Not to answer this in an arrogant way, but no, the markets are not driving a change in the balance or character of the wines. We are more aware that certain markets are more interested in certain styles. For example, we have four styles of Sauvignon Blanc: we have Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Albariño and a few other white wines together with our only red, Pinot Noir. The markets we are in appear to be interested (at our positioning in the market) in the wines and our interpretation of that variety from our region. The more commercial styles are more market-driven and have a far greater reach over a larger number of people and their palate choices. So, in fact, we chose to work in markets that we feel are most suited to our wines.

Q: How is Astrolabe getting its wines onto the wine lists of some of Indonesia’s best restaurants and bars?

A: We have an amazing partner in Indonesia in PT Pantja Artha Niaga, based in Jakarta.

Knowing the people, the market and expectations of the brand is something that we have tried to understand and it seems to be working. Like us, the restaurateurs and wine influencers in Indonesia clearly feel that the styles are appropriate, groups we work with in Jakarta, Medan and Bali and throughout the archipelago are superb. I have spent time in the market, learning what is working and what could work. The Asian and Indonesian markets are very dynamic. The influences are broad and that has an impact on what may have historically worked and what may well work in the future. For me, being in Marlborough, New Zealand, it is vital that I get into Indonesia and learn. “Being there is everything” and I truly

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feel there is no substitute for that effort.

Q: What is an astrolabe and why did the founder choose that as a name?

A: An astrolabe is a navigational device whose name translates as “star taker.” It was used to determine their position by the stars. Simon chose the name Astrolabe because of the historic ties with Marlborough. It’s about the voyage, discovery, the journey and experience.

Our Astrolabe logo is based on a motif of the instrument. As well as being a navigational instrument, L’Astrolabe was the name of the ship of French explorer Dumont d’Urville who explored the Marlborough coast in 1827.

Q: Where are your biggest markets currently?

A: Indonesia and the USA are our two single biggest export markets at this time and both are relatively new (only 5 years old). Canada is growing along with Australia and, of course, the home New Zealand market. Europe, Scandinavia and Asian markets like Singapore, Japan, Thailand, China, Philippines and Malaysia are growing more slowly.

Q: 2015 is officially an El Niño year — how will this impact on your wines?

A: During El Niño, New Zealand tends to experience stronger or more frequent winds from the west in summer, typically leading to drought in east coast areas and more rain in the west. In winter, the winds tend to be more from the south, bringing colder conditions to both the land and the surrounding ocean. In spring and autumn, south-westerly winds are more common.

How does this affect the wines? The growing

season is warmer and drier, so the pressure on our scarce resource of water is hard.

The grapes may well be smaller in size, but therefore the intensity of flavour is greater per grape, so the fruit we have may well be less in volume, but will not lack flavour, complexity and interest.

Q: What do you think the future holds for the label?

A: That is a great question. I have a yearning to grow the brand internationally and the desire for steady, sustainable and meaningful growth is a regular topic at our board meetings. We have some very good channels of distribution globally right now and that serves only to expose Astrolabe to more people. The ease and affordability of travel mean that many people experience Astrolabe away from their home only to return and enquire directly to us. That is a lovely thing and is exactly how we started in India, Holland, Slovakia and in the USA. Someone tried the wines, often in Indonesia on holiday, returned home and followed up. Social media, cameras and smart phones have made everything more accessible and the associated information consumable.

Q: What does Jason Yank do to relax and for fun?

A: My family, friends, exploring wines, skiing, fishing, relaxing at home and going to new places — not in any particular order — just depends! I carry a moto: “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” If I ask myself that question each month, it inspires me to look for something or somewhere new to go, see, taste and experience.

MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 The winemaking process involves harvesting grapes in cool evening conditions, de-stemming and lightly pressing them with minimal skin contact. Clear, cold-settled juice is then fermented in stainless steel vats at low temperatures, using neutral wine yeast strains to allow powerful fruit flavours to dominate. The resulting wine is a pale straw green with highlights and aromas of lemon grass, lime peel and elderflower, with background notes of white currant and red pepper. Best enjoyed when young and fresh, it nevertheless has the potential to age gracefully. It pairs well with poultry and seafood — green-lipped mussels in particular.

PROVINCE MARLBOROUGH PINOT NOIR The process starts with hand-picking the fruit to de-stem, crush and cold-soak it for five days before fermentation at warm temperatures with wild yeast in small open-top vats. The Pinot Noir is aged in French oak Barriques for 11 months. The end result is a bright deep garnet wine with a savoury ripe dark and red cherry aroma with a touch of smoky oak. The first sip reveals a full-bodied wine with plum, brambly fruit and dark cherry flavours. The oak integrates nicely with the fruit and combines well with the silky and linear tannin structure. It pairs excellently with venison, lamb, wild game and game fowl, or seared tuna and swordfish.

AWATERE VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley owes its powerful fruity notes to the use of neutral wine yeast and cool harvesting conditions. At first look, it is a pale straw colour with green highlights and blackcurrant, lime zest, lemongrass and elderflower aromas. This Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with summer salads and salmon and seafood, particularly green-lipped mussels.

It is best served chilled and while young and fresh, but will age gracefully beyond 2017.

KEKERENGU COAST PINOT GRIS 2013 The fruit is hand-harvested and whole clusters are pressed to minimize phenolic extraction. To further preserve the essence, only free-run juice is used and fermented with full grape solids at a low temperature to impart a rounder texture. Its pale-gold appearance is brimming with ripe pears, light peach and quince fragrance, with a hint of dried tropical fruits and nougat. It is best served lightly chilled or at a cool room temperature along with poultry, roast pork, light game, mushrooms or pasta.

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GOURMET

ADD SOME

L

With its “Gastrobar – Local Flavours – Funky Drinks” mantra, SPICE by Chris Salans has now burst forth in Ubud, already living up to its promise of bringing an exciting new culinary experience to this tourist destination with an unabashed gastronomic homage to the archipelago’s dazzling flavours and produce.

aunching his third restaurant in Bali this July, Master Chef Chris Salans is already contributing to Ubud’s increasingly sophisticated development as the island’s hot new culinary destination, with an innovative “Gastrobar, Local Flavours, Funky Drinks” concept and progressive servings of a casual and affordable eatery fit for foodies, infused with a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere. Hardly surprising, given that the American-French Chef Salans is arguably Bali’s top culinary ambassador, the recipient of awards that include World Gourmet Summit’s 2014 MANITOWAC Restaurateur of the Year and the creative force behind the prestigious Mozaic brand.

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TO YOUR LIFE

First impressions of Salans' latest venture hint at a deviation from his other restaurants: a gourmet all-day eatery with a more affordable, accessible cuisine concept for the masses — positioned right on central Ubud’s main street, a striking standout with its ultramodern, hip café-format encased in glass.

Within this surprisingly intimate restaurant (seating a maximum of 35) SPICE promises diners an eclectic and exciting culinary odyssey of taste, touch, smell, sound and sight, immersed in Bali‘s environment, culture, ingredients and aromas — yet in a contemporary, informal space.

SPICE challenges conventional dining experiences in several ways. Its small space is dominated by a gleaming, open kitchen

edged by a bar counter that dissipates any barrier between diners and chefs (and is great for express dining and singletons). Diners sit up at the counter directly facing an interactive culinary theatre, watching the Chef de Cuisine and his kitchen team at work. Alternatively, several sleek wooden tables alongside the floor-to-ceiling glass frontage offer voyeuristic street-side views of Ubud life.

Referencing the name and inspired by Balinese and Indonesian traditional markets and abundant bounty, spices such as black peppercorns are presented in bowls as table-top centre pieces; shorn bamboo trunks double as cutlery holders, while rustic-style terracotta pots hang upside-down from the ceiling. Nighttime SPICE emanates a pretty

Crispy Seared Chicken Breast in an exotic local fruits and vegetable salad with sambal kecicang

Beef Carpaccio, Rendang, Mushroom & Parmesan

Kind Snapper Carpaccio Tamarind Croutons & baby Lettuce in Rujak Dressing

Kalamansi Margarita

glow courtesy of suspended light installations made from recycled wine and liquor bottles.

The cutting-edge menu, born from Salan’s exceptional creativity, presents amazing Balinese and archipelago ingredients and flavours — a key focus here — seared with Western modern cooking techniques and presentations, plus Asian influences. SPICE utilizes practically all quality, locally sourced fresh ingredients and produce — where possible, organic and sustainable. The select, simple menu is divided into self-explanatory sub-sections, wherein each dish highlights a native ingredient, showcasing the superb range of flavours and how these ingredients can be presented in diverse ways even to international gastronomic levels.

Dishes come plated-up in small portions designed for sharing; diners are encouraged to order several plates — two to three dishes are recommended per person — off a tickbox order form handed back to waiting staff.

Presented on locally crafted Kevala tableware and wooden platters, the dishes arrive in fluid sequence as soon as they are whipped up in the kitchen, contributing to a casual grazing experience.

Constantly adapting to produce availability and seasonality and changing tastes, menus are liable to evolve and change. On our visit, we sampled dishes from all sections, starting with “Raw” and its wafer-thin Beef Carpaccio, with an east-west hybrid of mushrooms, parmesan and rendang and a small bowl of tangy, tuna tataki, diced in sambal kecicang with tempeh crackers. Among “Breads & Sliders”, the Breaded Red Snapper with sambal matah and wakame bread stood out, while “Fins & Shells” indulged with a luxuriant slipper lobster with tempeh, infused with curry leaf butter. My favourite tastes, however, came with “Harvested & Farmed” and the crunchy goodness of the Seasonal Organic Vegetable Salad, with quinoa, finely sliced

shallots and fresh spring vegetables drenched in suna cekuh dressing, and from “Two Legs + Four Legs,” with Beef Brisket, fat noodles and local herbs swimming in tasty kluwek broth (the rice-flour udong noodles, alone, worth the drive to Ubud); equally tender, Crispy Pork Belly in turmeric dressing and dukkah spice also deserves a mention. Not-your-standard Sides cover Tapioca Root Fries, while funky beverages cleverly showcase local flavours and fresh Indonesian ingredients for an exotic kick. Signature cocktails cover refreshing Kemangi-Cucumber Gin & Tonic, while Young Coconut Glass and artisan coffees are some of the softer options.

SPICE by Chris Salans 23 Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 479 2420 E: info@spicebali.com www.spicebali.com

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GOURMET

HOG In The Limelight

Beef Ribs

You’ll be just hog-wild, not just over the infamous wicked ribs and brutal martinis, but over all the delicious developments going down at Hog Wild in Bali.

A

fter several years of being “naughty but nice” in seaside Batu Belig, this year, this pedigree Piggy has been rebranded as Hog Wild in Bali (with the same original team), evolving as bigger, better and even more untamed.

Celebrating this and reflecting its growing popularity, this beloved street-side eatery has morphed from a “warung” into a bonafide restaurant, its semi-open interiors expanded with additional dining space. Highlights are the outdoor seating at the front and back garden terrace area, complete with a small fishpond and louvered roof — ideal for groups.

Big bench-like wooden tables are great for families, friends and communal dining, while

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smaller tables cater to couples. Hog Wild in Bali's semi-open pig pen has also been renovated as brighter and bolder, timbered Wild-West style with a ramshackle rustic chic look and decorated with wild piggy art works, homemade krupuk lamps and giant flying pig mobiles. Check out the relocated black and white hand-painted bar, stretching the length of the front dining room with a broad bar counter inviting singles to mingle.

But what’s in a name? Hog Wild in Bali's overall concept hasn’t changed: still fun, informaland buzzy, with everyone here to have a good time and pig-out on the delicious home-cooking. Undeniably, the wicked ribs and grilled dishes are the culinary trademark of Hog Wild in Bali, cooked out front on the streetside barbecue grill. The

infamous full rack of pork ribs is the most popular dish, practically falling off the bone and smothered in a secret barbecue marinade. But there are many other mouthwatering dishes that cater to all tastes.

Alternative grilled dishes include tenderlicious beef ribs, grilled chicken, pork chops (lean and juicy in a tangy sauce) and seared sashimi quality tuna steak. Indonesian favourites number among them crispy duck (bebek goreng). Plus there are soups, salads and sides featuring mashed potatoes, hand-cut fries and sweet potato chips, plus homemade sweets.

Similar to the premises, with its increased popularity, the menu too has evolved, with something for everyone and everything

Sop Buntut

Wild on the Beach

Arak madu, Caipirinha, Caipiroska

Banana Split

affordably priced. New dishes include Beef Shish Kebab, with grilled, grain-fed Australian beef, cube-skewered with vegetables, and piquant Green Mango Salad, infused with red chili and drenched in a sweet-sour dressing — a tart complement to all that protein.

lime juice and fresh sugarcane juice. Order these and you’ll be shaken and stirred with an impromptu "shake, shake, shake" dance from the super-friendly bar staff, shaking their cocktail shaker at your table or bar — even James Bond didn’t get this service.

Archipelago specials cover Beef Rendang á la Padang, a beef dish simmered in coconut milk (on Fridays) and, of course, Bali’s iconic Babi Guling (whole suckling pig) for a maximum eight diners. Hog Wild in Bali is also known for its legendary “Brutal Martinis,” including Lychee, Gin or Vodka Martinis (yes, these are brutal, so eat first and don’t drive home). New additions to the originals are still brutal, but with new flavours: Apple, Rujak, Wild Sugar Martini and Hot Piggy Martini, a very spicy little number, with Tequila-infused chilli,

Daily drink promotions include all-day specials, and Wild Women Wednesday from 5 to 7PM — buy one cocktail, get one free.

Especially customer-friendly, Hog Wild in Bali provides drawing kits, a foosball table and “piggy-jiggie” dances for little ones, plus an ATM and extensive parking on-site. Hog Wild in Bali only accepts walk-ins — and in busy times and high season, diners are likely to wait for a table — but offers a spacious, semi-open waiting lounge with direct bar access. Diners are handed a personal disc pager that lights

up when a table becomes available. Hog Wild in Bali also caters for parties and celebrations, including hen and bucks nights and, so that guests can continue the wild-life back home, even have their own “Oleh-Oleh” souvenir shop next door, retailing an amazing array of piggy-themed knick-knacks for the beach, kitchen and home. Previously naughty, now wild — lap-up the tasty changes at Hog Wild in Bali.

Hog Wild in Bali 41 Jalan Batu Belig, Batu Belig, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 847 6722 E: mail@hogwildinbali.com www.hogwildinbali.com

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GOURMET

ENTER

THE DRAGON Discover plenty of double happiness and more at Happy Chappy, Seminyak’s hot new Chinese bar and restaurant.

E

nter Happy Chappy, a sprawling bar and restaurant recently opened in Seminyak and not only will you be wowed by one of Bali’s most beautifully designed dining spaces, but you will easily guess what food you should expect. With its sumptuous, traditional-style Chinese interiors, diners are transported back to old China, starting at the entrance with a stunning large Buddha statue standing in a water feature to the carved dark wood throughout, offset by plum-hued walls. The huge attention to detail features Chinese art works and characters carved into wood, down to the glistening Peking ducks suspended in the kitchen windows.

The Dragon’s Den Bar (open 11AM to 1AM), with adjoining garden terrace, again oozes a bygone China, courtesy of a carved dragon snaking atop the solid wood bar and the classic Hong Kong Kung Fu movies screened continuously. Unique Signature Cocktails each come infused with premium regional teas and ingredients, labeled with iconic Chinese names such as Big Boss Drunken Tea, Enter the Dragon, the Dragon’s Den (refreshingly fragrant with vodka-infused lemongrass tea) and the China Doll (spicy with Szechuan pepper syrup). Or try the Lucky Beer imported from China. All are well priced, but Double Happiness Hour (daily 6PM to 7PM) offers a 30 percent discount off alcoholic beverages.

Open for lunch and dinner, Happy Chappy’s extensive menu is Australian and USChinese cuisine tweaked for Western palates and is very affordable, showcasing dishes from the Chinese culinary heavyweights, the

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Szechuan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Canton regions. Large dining tables spread across the vast dining floor, complete with “Lazy Susan” turntables, are perfect for families and groups and positively encourage sharing the large or small portion options.

Chopsticks at the ready for excellent value, the Dim Sum Platters (fried or steamed), are presented in large bamboo steamers with steamed dumplings, including flavoursome Xailongpao, pork “soup dumpling” and the classic entrée, Sang Choy Bau. Other notables cover a Mongolian beef stir-fry with succulent tenderloin and juicy capsicums, Roasted Hong Kong Pork Belly and Traditional BBQ Peking Duck served two ways, including classic crispy skin duck rolled in mini-pancakes. Select live seafood

Lunch set menus

from fish tanks within the vast open kitchen for Hong Kong-style steamed lobster or garupa, rounded off with Ginger Jelly with Lemon Sorbet — a tangy, palette-cleansing dessert. Don’t miss Friday Crab Night and the weekend Dim Sum Trolley (11AM to 2.30PM), served traditional-style on steel trolleys and with Hong Kong Babi Guling set menus.

Kiddies' menus and takeaways are also available. No wonder we’re all “happy chappies”!

Happy Chappy Bar and Restaurant 62 Jalan Braban, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 361 474 1956 E: info@happychappychinese.com www.happychappychinese.com

GOURMET

Tom Yum Goong

Morning glory with shrimp

TOGETHERNESS BEST ENJOYED WITH

AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE

F

Cherish the bond and capture the moment by taking a culinary journey into exquisite Thai cuisine at Thai I Love You.

ollowing a huge success in serving authentic Thai cuisine for more than 16 years, The Jittlada Group has finally opened another Thai restaurant, called Thai I Love You, in the Central Park mall.

To maintain a consistency in serving the best, Thai I Love You selects only the freshest ingredients prepared with secret recipes brought directly from Thailand for its irresistible dishes. Spring rolls and fluffy catfish with mango salad, for example, are two piquant appetizers. Served with the famous Bangkok chilli sauce, the spring rolls will immediately arouse the appetite. The mango salad coated with catfish may not look too pleasant from the outside, but not long after

grabbing a bite, diners will realise that the dish is hard to resist. The catfish’s crispiness and the sour mango salad are a perfect combination.

Excellent appetizers are only the beginning.

High-in-demand main courses at Thai I Love You include Garlic and Pepper Beef and Morning Glory with Shrimp. The beef’s tenderness and secret tasty sauce as an accompaniment will leave taste buds asking for more. The Morning Glory is perhaps the most popular dish at Thai I Love You. Served with grilled terasi for a pleasant smell, even those who are not fans of vegetables will absolutely love this exquisite dish. Enjoying Thai cuisine is not complete without the

famous Tom Yum soup; one of the favourites at the restaurant is Tom Yum Goong.

Thai I Love You presents a contemporary concept. Cement, bricks and wood form the restaurant’s typical characteristics. All guests are treated as if they were coming into your own home, the CEO of The Jittlada Group, Lucky Soebyantoro, believes. Adorned with Thai ornaments, Thai I Love You reflects Lucky’s passion for Thai arts. The restaurant is best visited with friends or family.

Thai I Love You Central Park Mall, LG Floor, Unit 143-144, Jalan Letjen S. Parman Kav. 28, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia.

T: (+62) 21 2920 0510

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GOURMET

LIVING IN

FRENCH LUXURY

Guests are promised an intimate ambience, the finest collection of modern French cuisine and excellent service by JAAN, a restaurant that celebrates its new ranking of 74th in The World’s Best Restaurants 2015 sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.

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S

ituated conveniently on the 70th level of the Equinox Complex, Singapore’s most exciting dining and lifestyle hub, located in Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore, JAAN, which is also ranked 11th in Asia’s Best Restaurants 2015, will leave diners stunned from the very first moment they enter the restaurant and gaze upon the dazzling Murano crystal and silver free-form chandelier that adorns the entire length of the ceiling. In addition to the remarkable design that JAAN is delighted to offer, is the spectacular views of Singapore’s skyline and scenic landscape

which are ready to be the guests’ perfect partner during their experience dining on Artisanal French cuisine.

A stunning interior and the breath-taking views surrounding a restaurant are not perfect without tantalising dishes. The dishes served at JAAN, a 40-seat restaurant, are prepared

by S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2015 Southeast Asia winner, Chef de Cuisine Kirk Westaway.

With the freshest ingredients presented in the beautiful and hard-to-resist dishes, a dining experience at JAAN will certainly be unforgettable. Culinary tradition and creativity

Majestic Irish Oyster

Langoustine Cannelloni

are reflected in the restaurant’s exceptional dishes and outstanding presentations.

New menu highlights at JAAN begin with Langoustine Cannelloni composed of Langoustine Tartar and Jelly, Citrus Caviar and Uni. Inspired from seasonal ingredients which are the best produce arriving in town is Farmer’s Harvest or be impressed by the “Majestic” Irish Oyster served with Artichoke and ‘Oscietra’ Caviar.

Other notable dishes include Crayfish Zucchini and Forest Pigeon with Polenta.

Diners can then end off their dining experience with a sweet indulgence of Roasted French Peaches with Vanilla Ice Cream.

There is an exquisite selection of wines available at JAAN with approximately 500 different labels of Old World and New World vintages.

Lastly, we should not forget about the restaurant’s services as excellent services play an important role in making one’s culinary experience memorable. The dedicated

team of service staff at JAAN believes that impeccable services contribute to a perfect dining experience. Instilling this principle in their work, the team endeavours to provide exceptional services to guests.

JAAN Level 70, Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 178882, Singapore.

Tel: (+65) 6837 3322 www.jaan.com.sg

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DESTINATION

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EPITOME OF REƒINEMENT

The St. Regis Singapore offers guests unparalleled service, luxury and the refined traditions of the legendary hotel brand, right in the heart of downtown Singapore.

S

ince the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the prestigious St. Regis — the premium hotel brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts — has been synonymous worldwide with refinement and timeless elegance, offering an uncompromising level of bespoke and peerless service to discerning guests.

When staying at The St. Regis Singapore, the exclusive tone is set even before check-in at

this multi-award-winning five-star-plus hotel.

The St. Regis Singapore views each guest as an esteemed VIP who deserves the ultimate in memorable luxurious experiences. So, arriving at Singapore’s Changi Airport, I am quickly transported away in one of the hotel’s fleet of customized Bentley cars, exclusively set aside for chauffeuring guests in the height of style.

Like the others, this St. Regis Continental

Flying Spur Bentley has been meticulously personalized to reflect The St. Regis standards — even sporting the trademark corporate colours. Inspired by the 1957 four-door Continental Flying Spur, interiors are a classic mix of leather hides and wood veneers, while bespoke comforts include chilled drinks and towels from the rear cabin’s wine cooler, deep pile carpets and an entertainment suite. Our Bentley sweeps into the grand entrance of The St. Regis Singapore, located in Singapore’s leafy

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diplomatic quarter and within walking distance to Orchard Road. Ushered into the stunning lobby, it is immediately apparent that The St. Regis Singapore is a residential abode of refined sophistication, inspired by heritage and tradition and oozing oldschool classical elegance. The lobby-lounge presents several elements that are distinctive St. Regis trademarks familiar elsewhere in the hotel (and in other hotels worldwide): handcut crystal chandeliers, centre-piece floral arrangements, hand-picked art pieces and a sweeping staircase.

My white-gloved, personal butler escorts me to my room for a private check-in, my first encounter with the legendary St. Regis

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Butler Service — part of the impeccable staff service. As an unparalleled symbol of uncompromising and consistent luxury, The St. Regis is the only hotel in Singapore providing full butler service to every guest, whatever room category, believing everyone equally deserves the same high standards. The ever on call, yet unobtrusive butlers provide flawless personalised attention, from the unpacking of luggage to the delivering of freshly brewed coffee, besides anticipating guests’ unique preferences prior to arrival (my butler had prepared a complementary afternoon tea, anticipating that I would be hungry after my flight). The St. Regis’ understated elegance permeates throughout the 299 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites.

All are generously proportioned and exquisitely furnished, evoking a sense of opulent modern sophistication, revealing spacious French marble bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs, crystal chandeliers, customized furniture and soft plush furnishings, besides ultra-modern amenities.

The St. Regis’ Suite Society offers guests a sumptuous suite collection that includes the highest in every sense: the magnificent Presidential Suite, resplendent on Level 20, providing a grand living room, dining hall, personal gym and executive office. An extensive balcony provides panoramic views over the Botanical Gardens.

Customized revitalizing experiences include world-renowned pedicure treatments by French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. Among The St. Regis Singapore dining establishments, the signature Brasserie Les Saveurs offers modern interpretations of classic French gastronomy set in sumptuous European elegance. Whether for epicurean lunches, romantic dinners, The Grand Astor Afternoon Tea, or The St. Regis Sunday Champagne Brunch, dine amongst gorgeous Art Deco glass ceilings, chandeliers, silver service and alcove tables discreetly draped with velvet curtains — the most refined spot for breakfast.

Elsewhere, head to the acclaimed Yan Ting, one of Singapore’s premier Chinese restaurants, or the Astor Bar, named after The St. Regis’ American founder John Jacob Astor IV. Unwind here over live jazz with a Chili Padi Mary, a modern, Southeast Asian adaptation of the original St. Regis signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary. As you would expect from The St. Regis Singapore, even here elegance abounds, with Picasso’s Toros Series of 10 lithographs lining the bar walls.

REAP THE BENEFITS

BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL The St. Regis Singapore boasts some exceptional stand-out features, including one of Southeast Asia’s finest and largest private art collections — offering exclusive access to museum-quality art in opulent residential surrounds. The collection showcases more than 70 original works of art, including sculptures, paintings and prints, hand-picked — and many specially commissioned — to complement the elegance of the hotel’s graceful interiors and fine settings.

Representing both Western and Eastern influences, world-renowned artists include

Chen Wen Hsi, Georgette Chen, Fernando Botero and Pablo Picasso. Art pieces adorn not only public spaces, including restaurants and the poolside, but also many of the luxurious accommodations for an enhanced guest experience. Guests can enjoy a complimentary curated 30-minute “The Art of Living” tour of some of these art works, exclusively conducted each evening by The St. Regis butlers. Multiple award-winning Remède Spa is The St. Regis’ first premium branded Remède Spa outside of the US; its unique theme of interactive water elements features a sensorial lounge with aquarium, an outdoor tropical spa garden with a Jacuzzi pool and eucalyptus-scented steam chambers.

The St. Regis Singapore is classed mainly as a business traveller’s hotel, but even that covers VIP models, fashionistas and designers as the official hotel for Singapore Fashion Week, 2015. Part of the Starwood Group, hotel guests here can utilize Starwood Preferred Guest Pro (SPG Pro), an all-new, comprehensive loyalty programme that offers meetings and corporate travel professionals Starwood Preferred Guest elite status, upgrades and Starpoints for B2B business booked at any Starwood property worldwide. SPG Pro has recently unveiled its latest offers and initiatives aimed at delivering increased benefits and convenience to members.

These include its first members-only benefit in the form of a new “ProMeetings App” via mobile devices (currently being piloted at selected properties) and the “Choose Your Own Rewards” and “Triple Rewards” loyalty offers. More details can be found at www.spg.com/pro.

The St. Regis Singapore 29 Tanglin Road, 247911, Singapore.

T: (+65) 6506 6888 E: stregis.singapore@stregis.com www.stregissingapore.com

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DESTINATION

FA IR MONT SINGAPORE

As if the magnificent Fairmont Singapore could get any better, this acclaimed Singapore Hotel, known for its luxurious interiors, exemplary service and style, has undergone a major revamp, re-emphasizing a commitment to pay homage to Singapore’s old culture and heritage.

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uxury brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for its continuous ability to deliver memorable travel experiences and personalized and thoughtful service and for its one-of-a-kind properties connecting guests to the very best of its destinations worldwide, reflecting each locale's energy, culture and history. Guests are treated to an extraordinary and luxurious local experience, created by combining unique architecture and structure and distinctive design and décor combined in one exceptional location. A Fairmont Hotels & Resorts pioneer property in Asia, the upscale Fairmont Singapore is no exception,

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strategically positioned amidst Singapore’s business, shopping and entertainment districts and continuously favoured by the sophisticated and savvy traveler — be it for work or leisure. Its numerous accolades include the Forbes Four-Star Rating from the esteemed Forbes Travel Guide for a fifth consecutive year, recognizing the Fairmont Singapore’s exceptional levels of luxury and outstanding service. Regarded as private sanctuaries, Fairmont Singapore’s 769 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites indulge guests with a wealth of carefully chosen amenities, while the Executive Club, “a hotel within a hotel,” offers exclusive privileges for discerning leisure and business travellers.

Fairmont Singapore also boasts a wealth of high-class facilities and services, supported by an award-winning team of staff; these include a diverse collection of 15 F&B venues that include stand-out restaurants with international flair and locally inspired cuisine, plus spirited bars and lounges, the palatial Willow Stream Spa offering the ultimate in luxurious pampering and the Raffles City Convention Centre, which provides 70,000 sq.ft. of world-class, cutting-edge meeting and function space, including a vast pillar-free ballroom that accommodates up to 3,200 guests and 27 fully equipped, multi-sized meeting rooms.

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BACK TO TIMES OF OLD True to the Fairmont brand philosophy, however, throughout this stylishly contemporary property, Fairmont Singapore remains committed to embracing the unique culture, traditions and heritage of this fascinating locale while maintaining luxury and relevance. With an aim to heighten the overall level of guest comfort whilst enhancing the Singapore experience, Fairmont Singapore embarked on a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation project, starting in August 2013, transforming various spaces throughout the hotel, including all guestrooms in the North Tower.

This major project (by award-winning design companies Hirsch Bedner Associates and EDG) not only breathed new life into this landmark hotel, but also embraced and imbibed in Fairmont Singapore’s rich heritage and personal connection with the locally celebrated culture. This revamped design has been largely influenced by the unique Peranakan culture of the early Straits Chinese immigrants who settled in Southeast Asia, whose adoption of local customs and traditions resulted in a unique hybrid culture that is still part of Singapore’s heritage — with newly renovated spaces collectively featuring a modern Peranakan interpretation and highlighting a vibrant amalgamation of design elements that are distinctly and authentically local.

Republic design and manufacturing firm renowned for its contemporary light fittings and architectural glass installations. Titled “Playing with Wind” and measuring 3.5m in height, this magnificent chandelier illuminates the lobby with an assembly of 800 Bohemian crystal glass balls, each individually handblown to perfection.

With this, a refreshing slew of new furnishings, plus the adjoining all-new, stylish and modern cocktail bar, Anti:dote, guests can expect a brand new welcoming experience in the lobby, coupled with technologically advanced enhancements, such as the launch of new wireless check-in facilities. Singapore’s heritage has particularly influenced the personality

of Fairmont’s guestrooms and suites — and even more so now. Constituting the majority of rooms (totaling 371) in the revamped North Tower, the newly launched Fairmont Premier Rooms have been specially designed with elegance and a comfy residential feel, imbued with modern amenities and innovative features. Simultaneously, they incorporate stylish accents of Singapore's heritage, drawing inspiration from Peranakan culture.

The overall design is timeless and classic, with charming hints of iconic Peranakan elements injected into the room’s visual aesthetics, balanced with a contemporary, fresh flair.

Culturally inspired design elements inducing a nostalgic feel include bespoke carpets and curtain sheers representing a bold interpretation of Peranakan lace and plantation shutters designed as windows Boasting an overall neutral, earthy colour dividing the bathroom and bedroom. Ultrascheme, the hotel’s vibrant new lobby comes contemporary elements, however, include adorned with an intrinsic compilation of art a leather-clad work desk, a rain shower installations that stunningly illustrate the innovation that aerates and pulverizes water vivacious mix of cultures inherent in this for a finer spray and signature room amenities cosmopolitan metropolis. The lobby’s focal piece is a striking chandelier designed by Petra such as a NESPRESSO coffee machine. Staying Dickova and created by Lasvit, a leading Czech true to a unifying theme throughout the

revamped North Tower, the lift lobby and guest corridor areas strikingly showcase figurines illustrating historical scenes captured in still frames — masterfully depicting daily life of times past, while other heritage-inspired elements include traditional local snacks transformed into three-dimensional art pieces and bespoke patterned carpets revealing hints of ethnicity with traditional design motifs.

Guests are thus invited to experience the refreshed, restored and redefined Fairmont Singapore and celebrate this exciting milestone in this landmark hotel — now shining with even more brilliance and ramping up its homage to Singapore’s unique heritage, culture and history.

Favourite Feature:

Displayed above each bed headboard in all guestrooms is an art piece created by local digital artist Andre Tan. Featuring one of three designs and a variety of colour tones, this exceptional art piece is a fine example of Fairmont Singapore’s overall presentation of the Lion City’s past and present in the property. This bedroom centerpiece art work contains a remarkable depiction of common sights from Singapore’s past, fused with traditional Peranakan batik patterns, while cohesively combining with elements of modern-day scenes and sights in Singapore’s vibrant metropolis.

Fairmont Singapore 80 Bras Basah Road, 189560, Singapore.

T: (+65) 6339 7777 E: singapore@fairmont.com www.fairmont.com/singapore

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DESTINATION

A Slice Of Heaven IN THE HEART OF CANGGU

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Fringed by rice fields and just footsteps away from the rolling waves of Berawa Beach, Villa The Beji in Canggu, Bali, is a breathtaking sixbedroom villa estate that's reserved a slice of heaven in a five-star setting.

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panorama of emerald green sets the scene at Villa The Beji: Canggu's six-bedroom estate-like villa complex from the luxury VillaNa collection. Ensconced by tropical foliage and just footsteps away from the black sand beaches of Berawa, a stunning expanse of manicured greenery, giant palms and flowering frangipanis is home to this fivestar retreat. Comprised of 11 separate pavilions, Villa The Beji feels less like a single residence and more like a grand estate of luxury cottages. Each pavilion is neatly positioned around a 27-metre lap pool, fringing a perfectly pruned lawn

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that affords a picturesque spot for an intimate wedding or an extravagant event.

ever seen, sunk directly into the marbled floor underneath open-air canopies.

Open and breezy, each room resonates a distinctly Balinese vibe, with gorgeous teak wood furnishings and tall vaulted ceilings. And yet, there's an unmistakeable feng-shui feel, one that suggests there's been a Japanese influence here. There are sliding panelled doors and a subtle symmetrical theme throughout the entire design. Large and clean open living areas are dramatically splashed with black and red accents and palatial en-suite bathrooms are centred on some of the largest bathtubs I've

But perhaps the most striking feature of Villa The Beji, besides its sheer vastness, is the immaculate attention to detail throughout. No matter how great or small, every feature of the villa has been thoughtfully designed in the most purposeful way. Whether it is to create a feeling of privacy and seclusion, to maintain a grand and luxurious feel, or to host large families, honeymooning couples or a party amongst friends, the versatility of the villa is astounding, thanks to the masterful design.

Take the different lounging areas, for instance.

Indeed, the villa can accommodate up to 14 guests at one time, but the number of lolling spots almost doubles this number, creating different "pockets" for socialising or relaxing.

From the oversized sofas and daybeds in each room, to the poolside loungers that are as wide as they are tall, lazing the day away at Villa The Beji is as easy as slipping into the crisp white linens that dress the grand four-poster beds.

about the world-class restaurants, beaches and boutiques just minutes from the doorstep.

There's a full-sized tennis court with adjoining basketball hoops and football net, as well as a private gym with state-of-the-art exercise machines. Or for cosier entertainment, there's even a second-floor cinema and gaming room that's been gorgeously appointed to feel like a five-star living room, one that you might expect to find in a presidential residence.

And for the times when simply lying around isn't on the itinerary, the outstanding number of facilities at the villa almost makes you forget

And finally, to complete the ultimate villa experience, a discreet team of professionals is always on hand to complement your stay. From

the sunset soirees and private dinners cooked up by the in-villa chef, to the housekeepers that seem to invisibly fluff up every cushion and keep each room continually stocked with ice cold water, a stay at Villa The Beji serves up a true slice of heaven, right in the heart of Canggu.

Villa The Beji Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Bali 80361, Indonesia.

Tel: (+62) 361 474 1472, 811 399 7717 E: booking@villanabali.com www.villanabali.com

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Subscribe Now!

And win a two night stay in a One-Bedroom Deluxe Villa including one hour spa and breakfast for two persons at The Royal Santrian Luxury Beach Villas.

The Royal Santrian in Nusa Dua is an elegant haven by the sea, a collection of luxury villas designed to fulfill your desires for seclusion, comfort and the good life. The resort’s 2.5 hectares of lush tropical gardens slope gently down to a sparkling white sand beach. In these verdant and peaceful surroundings, you are invited to indulge in a taste of truly royal Balinese hospitality. Whether ensconced in one of the three Royal Villas or the 17 Deluxe Villas, at The Royal Santrian you will find all the amenities you would expect from an exquisitely luxurious home away from home. The sizeable private pools and open-air gazebo with dining area offer a living space in which to spend relaxed days and romantic evenings, with conscientious staff on call and ready to attend to your every desire. Within the villa, the tasteful fittings and furnishings surround you with the comfort and convenience that will enable you to fully savour the relaxing atmosphere of this oceanfront setting. Five-star amenities include world-class dining, a luxurious spa and the Sun Deck — a perfect place to relax and watch the world go by on the beachfront.

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LAST WORD

“The most incredible architecture is the architecture of Self, which is ever changing, evolving, revolving and has unlimited beauty and light inside which radiates outwards for everyone to see and feel.”

- Allan Rufus

The November/December 2015 Issues of Asia Dreams Magazine will feature “End of year Wrap-Up: Hot Lists, Best of 2015”.

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WORLD’S BEST CABIN CREW 2015

Our commitment to excellence has recently been acknowledged for a second consecutive year with the prestigious award, World’s Best Cabin Crew 2014 & 2015.

www.garuda-indonesia.com or contact our call centre on 0 804 1 807 807

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