ORCHID FLOWER

from Anantara Journeys Second Edition

BRAZIL

Orchid Guru Prem Pemathilaka

Sri Lankan-born Prem has been cultivating orchids and landscaping for some four decades, and holds the beloved position of Orchid Guru at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, where he tends to 1,200 plus blooms. The 25 orchid varieties under his care include Mokara (which can bloom yearround and are common as houseplants ); Dendrobium (which tend to form clusters of flowers along long stems); and Cattleya, which is the epitome of the fragrant scent we associate as ‘orchid’.

Along with the 1,200 plants within his blissful ‘workshop’ (above), Prem also propagated the 2,000 or so blooms around the island. He tends to his plants in many ways, including talking to them, as sound vibrations have a positive impact on plant growth. Indeed, taking a tour with Prem, guests are encouraged to join in the soothing talking experience, while tea or chilled Champagne, is served among heavenly scents.

Anantara’s ‘Gurus’ offer in-depth knowledge to guests in their chosen field of excellence

Colour Trends Vibrancy Is Back

Orchid Flower was chosen by the world’s leading consumer trend forecaster, WGSN, as the Colour of the Year. This vibrant shade represents an energising intensity which effuses a sense of escapism and positivity. The saturated magenta hue with a purple base tone is popping up all over the latest fashion and beauty collections, while providing a welcome burst of colour throughout stylish interiors.

Splashes of orchid pink in the Presidential Suite at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Thailand (left), and at Anantara Angkor Resort, Cambodia.

Mulberry

Mini Bayswater shoulder bag. Signature Mulberry silhouette with Postman’s Lock gold hardware, branded key fob and two top handles in pink heavy grain. Soft gold interior. US$990 mulberry.com

Simple Things

Alpaca double faced throw (108x130cm) in vibrant orange and deep pink from 100% baby alpaca wool. Irresistibly soft and warm. US$380 simplethings.ie

Margot Mckinney

Purple sapphire orchid earrings. 18k yellow gold, purple sapphires 7.47cts enhanced with diamonds 3.66cts, pink sapphires 3.87cts, purple sapphires 1.46ct, orange sapphires 0.19cts, and pink tourmaline 0.28cts with a detachable pair of rhodolite garnet drops 12.94cts. POA margotmckinney.com

Gucci

Baume à Lèvres –No More Orchids 2 Hydrating, lightweight, no-stick lip balm. US$44 gucci.com

Rosantica

Ghizlan Lumière mini-fringed tote. Lustrous pink satin with a rim of crystals and layers of multicoloured fringing. US$740 rosantica.com

@nhow / #petsofnhow

What’s your pet’s favourite treat?

@nhowamsterdamrai

Lord Lou

The Amsterdam-based luxury pet brand’s Antoinette rounded dog bed. Hand-carved oak wood baroque feet, with superior resistant, high-grade furniture fabric in anthracite for the base and matching padded pillow. Hand-finished with over 100 brass upholstery nails. US$350 lordlou.com

Valentino

VIP – VERY IMPORTANT PAWS

Pets are given VIP status in all nhow hotels across the world. nhow is a bold hotel brand with interiors by the likes of Karim Rashid (nhow Berlin), Rem Koolhaas (nhow Amsterdam RAI), and Matteo Thun (nhow Milan). Each is inspired by the city it resides within, and offers unique elements to make your stay reassuringly surprising. nhow-hotels.com nhow Amsterdam RAI, (top) and nhow Berlin