LUXE Travel Magazine South East Asia

LUXE TRAVEL

MAGAZINE

VOL.04

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CONTENTS p 3.

CONRAD, MANILA

p 7.

FIVELEMENTS, BALI

p 11.

CHEF LI INTERVIEW

p 15.

BLOSSOM, SINGAPORE

p 19.

NUAGES SPA, LÁO CAI

p 23.

BLISS SANCTUARY

p 31.

FAVOLA, CHIANG MAI

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Provided By Conrad, Manila

CONRAD

MANILA, PHILIPPINES

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Situated within the bustling Mall of Asia Complex, Conrad Manila is the premier haven for smart luxury amid panoramic views of Manila Bay and its famed sunsets while being just minutes away from the domestic and international airports, business and leisure districts.

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Provided By Conrad, Manila

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EXPANSIVE CITY & BAY VIEWS

WITH AWARD WINNING DINING

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Provided By Conrad, Manila

The hotel features 347 well-appointed guest rooms with expansive city or bay views, award-winning dining options, including Brasserie on 3, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant and China Blue by Jereme Leung, the hotel's premium Chinese restaurant that features a modern interpretation of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Conrad Manila also offers a unique wellness experience through the Conrad Spa, has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and innovative function spaces including a stunning 2,300m² outdoor veranda.

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FIVELEMENTS RETREAT, BALI

BALI, INDONESIA

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Provided By Fivelements, Bali

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DEEPLY ROOTED IN

ANCIENT TRADITIONS OF BALI

Nestled on the banks of the sacred Ayung River, Fivelements Retreat Bali is an award-winning ecoconscious wellness destination deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Bali.

The retreat offers a sanctuary to embrace authentic Balinese healing, epicurean plant-based cuisine, and transformative sacred arts practices.

The 20 eco-luxury suites were inspired by the beauty of Bali blending in harmoniously with nature, the soothing river and vibrant jungle.

Provided By Fivelements, Bali

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Featuring nine Riverfront Suites with private bath houses and 11-Hillside Suites with private plunge pools.

The Wellness Sanctuary features a collection of therapies administered by specialists in massage and bodywork, intuitive healing and energy, and beauty spa wellness.

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BLOSSOM MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL

SINGAPORE

CHEF LI EXECUTIVE CHEF, BLOSSOM Commanding the kitchen of BLOSSOM Restaurant is Head Chef Li from Hong Kong. With 35 years of culinary experience and having helmed the kitchen of Michelin Star Restaurants, Chef Li presents diners with the essence of authentic Cantonese cuisine infused with contemporary flavors for the modern palate.

COULD YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY UP TO BEING THE HEAD CHEF AT BLOSSOM? I started as a kitchen apprentice in a restaurant when I was 15. I slowly worked my way up and was given the chance to head the kitchen of the restaurant.

At the age of 45, I went to Shanghai to widen my exposure and gain more insights while helming the kitchen of a Michelin Star Shanghainese restaurant.

At 50, I returned to Singapore to assume the position of head chef at BLOSSOM Restaurant.

WHERE DID YOUR PASSION FOR FOOD ORIGINATE FROM? When I was younger, my family was not well to do, and I was not academically inclined. It was relatively difficult to look for a job back then, but I saw the opportunity in the food and beverage industry, for food is a necessity. Hence, together with my friends, we decided to apply to be kitchen apprentices.

Whenever I taste a dish that is disappointing, I would challenge myself to cook a better upgraded version of it. And when I succeed, it gives me a sense of accomplishment. My drive and passion comes from always creating new dishes and for all people to enjoy the food.

WHEN CURATING A MENU, WHAT ARE THE MAIN POINTS YOU FOCUS ON? My focus would be acquiring the seasonal ingredients that are available.

Utilizing the best resources, I would create and invent dishes that are tailored to the palate of our customers.

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WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON BLOSSOM? Singapore was affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 in late February 2020 right after the Chinese New Year celebration. Subsequently, a circuit breaker lockdown was imposed and no dining-in was allowed. We acted on it by shifting our business model to online ordering and to curate set meals for families to dine in the safety of their homes. Every time our Government announced a new measure, we will introduce new menus to cater to the situation.

We also utilize the time during lockdown to re-train our staff and to improve our menu with new dishes. As the majority of the Singapore population is now fully vaccinated, we are ready to welcome them back with set menus for 5 pax and present them with a freshly curated menu.

OTHER THAN YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES, WHAT OTHER ATTRIBUTES ARE VITAL AS A HEAD CHEF? I place emphasis on working well with my colleagues, to be a good mentor to my team members and to have patience when guiding them. I listen to the needs and requests of my Director and the customers, to ensure that the best interest for BLOSSOM Restaurant is met. Most importantly would be the passion for cooking - to bring out the best of each ingredient.

DURING YOUR JOURNEY, WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT RECIPE FOR SUCCESS? The recipe for success would be hard work and humility, resilience and passion.

I invest my time and effort to continually improve myself and to make each teaching moment a learning experience. I persevere when faced with challenges and my passion for culinary drives me to continually invent new recipes and dishes.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE DIFFERENTIATING FACTOR THAT AIDS IN THE SUCCESS OF BLOSSOM? We have an extensive selection of Chinese dishes, varying from authentic Cantonese dishes to oriental flavors of the Chinese regions to cater to the palate of the locals and tourists worldwide. Our flexibility and accommodating nature in customizing our dishes to cater to the requests of our customers and in-house hotel guests makes BLOSSOM Restaurant extraordinary.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR BLOSSOM? There are plenty of opportunities for BLOSSOM Restaurant in the South-East Asian region and we are looking at expanding overseas when global travel fully resumes. Currently, as international travels gradually opens up, we are excited to welcome back guests from worldwide to dine with us.

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BLOOMING

WITH PRECISION

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SIEW MAI WITH CRAB ROE FROM BLOSSOM

Provided By Blossom, Singapore

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Provided By Blossom, Singapore

Provided By Blossom, Singapore

BLOSSOM, a contemporary Chinese restaurant nestled in the lobby of the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

The kitchen helmed by our award-winning Chefs, will present diners with modern interpretations of the finest Cantonese and regional Chinese cuisine – a delectable balance of traditional, modern flavors and techniques.

BLOSSOM’s elegant interiors are a refined juxtaposition of oriental objects which are accentuated with contrasting materials, to reflect subtle luxury and accents.

BLOSSOM’s architecture, décor, innovative menu and flawless service makes it the perfect venue for any occasion and is guaranteed to bring its diners a great dining experience.

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NUAGES SPA HOTEL DE LA COUPOLE

LÀO CAI, VIETNAM

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Provided By Nuages Spa, Láo Cai

Located on the 7th floor of Hotel de la Coupole - MGallery, Nuages Spa is designed as an oasis of serenity among the clouds of Sapa.

Nuages is decorated in cream and black, with a nod to the refined glamour of 1920s and ‘30s French haute couture, creating a peaceful and tranquil ambiance.

Nuages boasts haute couture cares with traditional Red Dao wisdom to heal explorers and mesmerise the appetite for luxury à la française.

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A SPA BOASTING 1920’S

FRENCH COUTURE 22

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BLISS SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN

SEMINYAK, INDONESIA

Once you open the doors to the purpose designed wellness retreat, one of the quietest sanctuary locations await.

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BOHO CHIC MEETS

SANCTUARY BLISS

Provided By Bliss Sanctuary for Women

The gorgeous Seminyak Villa has been completely renovated and furnished by The Founder of Bliss Sanctuary, Zoe, merging their unique Luxury, Boho and Sanctuary feel and has been very popular with the Bliss guests with an amazing vibrant location yet so peaceful.

It’s located in a mostly quiet cul-de-sac away from the tourist attractions but still within walking distance to shopping strips/cafes/beach clubs as well as the beach.

The décor is contemporary luxury beach bohemian with added features like an infrared sauna, onsite yoga studio and mineral healing pool water. Featuring outdoor ensuite bathrooms fitted with large stone baths for a luxurious soak surrounded by tropical gardens.

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BY WOMEN FOR WOMEN

ZOË WATSON FOUNDER, BLISS SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN Bliss has now seen countless women through its doors, and like Zoë, guests often leave with a changed perspective on their lives. All of that thanks to the renowned founder and creator. Using her own personal journey and hurdles to fuel the passion for the Bliss Sanctuary for Women. We have a chat to Zoë about what it takes to run such a beautiful destination.

COULD YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY UP TO OPENING BLISS SANCTUARY? In 2008 I had a car accident which sent my health into a spiral of migraines and chronic fatigue and chronic pain which I later found out was Fibromyalgia.

At the time I was working in media and was State Sales Manager for an Australian Media company. I was so burnt out I needed to take some time out which i did but it was short notice and i couldn’t find anything for women only, which was all about rest and relaxation where i didnt have to partake in rigorous activities or be a part of a group.

That’s where the idea of Bliss Sanctuary For Women was born and after researching and finding nothing but retreats where you needed to better yourself somehow, i knew creating beautiful sanctuaries for women traveling on their own without being alone where they could do whatever they wanted whenever they wanted to do it, whilst having the flexibility to swap and change and have someone do it all for them; was a winner. And something women needed in their life.

From here it grew and grew and so many happy women absolutely love the experiences we created just for them. It is so special to take time out for ourselves and be truly cared for and nurtured without being told what to do or have to make constant decisions and that is the measure of a true sanctuary experience.

Also they absolutely loved Bali and our unique sightseeing experiences with our personal drivers where you are allowed to go wherever you want, not to follow a group allowed our guests to see and be part of the Bali experience in a way that was tailored to them.

By having small numbers of 5-6 at any one time we can truly unlimited food, unlimited yoga, unlimited massage and unlimited sightseeing with personal drivers plus a heap of different package inclusions. This simply can’t be done with large groups.

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WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR THE SANCTUARY ORIGINATE? My own experiences of wanting freedom whilst feeling safe and supported traveling on my own. Travel can be really hard work so I wanted to create something that took all the stress away and made everything easy, because that’s what I wanted.

I also know that the headspace we are in when we book travel can be so different when we arrive so flexibility is so important and often it’s not offered without jumping through hoops or paying extra. So my own drive to make things as easy as possible in life to support my own health and wellness is something I wanted to bring to other women.

FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE, WHEN DID YOU START PRIORITIZING WELLNESS? I have always been very fit and active since I was a teenager whilst also living with a lot of pain. When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia they thought I’d had it since I was 15. So I was always looking at alternative health and wellness to help me with my own journey from seeing chiropractors at 15 to alternative health choices, learning about food and my body in biology at school onwards.

I was open to trying all sorts of ways to help better my own health from Chinese medicine, massage, acupuncture, herbs to naturopaths to energy healers.

It never occured to me that anything isn’t helpful or we should only go to a medical doctor. I have always been one to look at all aspects and form my own opinions. So from a young age my life was wellness focused without me really thinking about what wellness was to me.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE KEYS TO WELLNESS? Balance. It really is that simple. When we get out of balance whether it is emotionally, through what we eat, our lifestyle etc then our body naturally rebalances. Sometimes this creates symptoms we need to address. Even if we live crazy lifestyles we can still balance them through stress reducing meditations or physical activities or whatever works for us. Wellness is supporting the balance in our lives to help us live a better quality of life.

WHAT WERE THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON THE SANCTUARY? Indonesia completely closed the borders to International tourists, so we have not been receiving guests for 2 years. Although this has been devastating, I have kept 40 staff employed and supported through this time and kept our sanctuaries beautiful and ready for guests right away. We renegotiated rents and created a win win scenario for everybody which I’m really proud of and Bali is set to open unhindered to tourists any day now. (not sure when this is going to print but we are expecting 1st April all open but still waiting on official word from Indonesian Government).

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE IS FOR WELLNESS SANCTUARIES? They are about to explode! Which is an amazing thing.

Since opening Bliss we have seen so many retreats adopt our flexibilities and ways of doing things creating a better experience for guests and many now call them sanctuary retreats which we started. I love this as it means more and more people are able to have these amazing experiences with more and more focus on each individual guests needs over group logistics. I truly believe whilst retreats are amazing they are a bit like school camp and always focussed on people bettering themselves somehow.

The more sanctuaries that are created to simply ‘be’ and truly relax and create space, that’s where the magic is. Reconnecting to ourselves in our own way is so beautiful and those businesses that are heart based and not just chasing the dollar are open to creating amazing spaces and amazing experiences that truly cater to the individual. The larger they are the harder this is to achieve which is why i think so many small but luxurious beautiful sanctuaries will be created in the near future. What an amazing new platform for authentic and ethical wellness tourism.

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FAVOLA AT LE MÉRIDIEN

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Favola, an authentic Italian restaurant that showcases the genuine flavours in a contemporary yet soulful environment. Their highest aim is to serve food that is true to tradition and origins, made from the highest quality ingredients and partnered with the fine details of Italy’s culture of cuisine, with professional services in a friendly atmosphere.

Contemporary, upbeat dining experiences attract hotel guests, discerning travellers and local residents alike. Genuine rustic recipes and signature original creations are expertly crafted from the freshest local and imported ingredients, including Royal Project organic produce.

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AUTHENTIC ITALIAN NESTLED IN CHIANG MAI

Favola’s menu reveals simple yet classic Italian fare. Savour oven baked pizzas, homemade pastas served family style, appetizers, salads, delicious main courses, and special recommendations, as well as gourmet seasonal menus.

All secrets are revealed by the open kitchen, where a counter displays fresh herbs to be infused in dishes cooked à la minute. Interactive gastronomy continues with a highly knowledgeable wine pairing service, courtesy of the showpiece glass walk-in cellar, which houses a progressive repertoire of over 1,000 bottles, along with the largest grappa selection in town.

2022 LUXE GLOBAL AWARDS ANNUAL GALA EVENT

We are so excited to announce that the inaugrual LUXE Global Awards Gala Event will be taking place on the 12 of November. th

THE CHEDI LUŠTICA BAY, MONTENEGRO 12

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NOVEMBER 2022

The Chedi Lustica Bay is a luxury 5-star hotel located on the magnificent Montenegrin coast, 13km away from Tivat, within the Luštica Bay’s emerging residential and holiday resort.

SAVE THE

DATE.

IN THE NEXT EDITION...

Situated at the most privileged location of Fira, on the cliffs of the caldera with unlimited views of the famous volcano, the sunset and the whole island, only a few steps away from the centre of Fira, but still with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Athina Luxury Suites is the place to stay in Santorini.

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A MASSIVE THANK YOU OUR COLLABORATORS

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