TREASURED PLACES,TREASURED MOMENTS

wonders of gaya

Gaya Island Resort’s beguiling
natural treasures

enigma & intrigue
England’s history as seen
through Threadneedles Hotel

12 things

Make the most of a day atSydney Harbour Marriott HotelLOVE IN VERONA

robertocoin.com

ROBERTO COIN BOUTIQUE

G15, GROUND FLOOR - THE STARHILL 181 BUKIT BINTANG ST, KUALA LUMPUR - TEL: +603 2141 9669
INSTAGRAM: @MY.ROBERTOCOIN - FACEBOOK: @MY.ROBERTOCOIN

CONTENTS
life events

18

16

The smart set brainstorming on thenext big thing can level up on theircreative game and brace for impact at
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, a memberof the Autograph Collection Hotels.

life on the cover18

At Gaya Island Resort, nature’s
resplendent beauty becomes youreveryday salve, refreshing your spirit at
every turn.

life feature
26

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s classic
wing is set to enthral guests again after acomplete refresh that takes nothing awayfrom its original charm.

32

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur elevatesthe art of afternoon tea with its very own
certified tea sommelier.

42

42

For its ardent guests, The Estates at
Pangkor Laut Resort is a chance torekindle themselves with a lush andwondrous world, far from themadding crowd.

46
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

46

The Majestic Malacca is on a mission to
restore and celebrate a most rare andprecious cuisine, inviting its guests tobe a part of its preservation through animmersive culinary journey.

8

FLYKLIACONTENTS
life feature
60

Muay Thai at The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui is the panacea tofabulous feasting.

64

A typical Niseko Village culinary
summer is informed by the conceptof Shun, the celebration of seasonal
produce at its peak.

72

The surprising history of Dutch
delftware pottery.

60
50

58

Tanjong Jara Resort is the perfect
starting point for a dive excursion to
explore an extraordinary
underwater realm.

78

The extraordinary lives of six
women and their books beckon in
Mecklenburgh Square.

54

Cameron Highlands may be hometo the strawberry but only
Cameron Highlands Resort explores
the extent of its delicious andmagical properties.

56

As the first co-working space in
Malaysia to be housed within aluxury hotel, JW Mezzanine takes
your business to a whole new level.

74

Indulgent luxuries and nature
co-exist harmoniously at the chichaven that is MUSE Saint-Tropez.

64

58

A classic cocktail gets a gourmet
twist at AC Hotels by Marriott.
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

life style
30

YTL Life showcases the glamorous
style of Tom Ford amid the eleganceof The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur,
which recalls all the high points of
the legendary hotel chain.

10CONTENTS
life feature
84‘Taking the air’ in the surroundings ofthe city of Bath, Somerset.

86

In Edinburgh’s famed Princes Street,the dandy of blended Scotch whisky
keeps striding on.

88

88

Visitors to Melbourne Winter
Masterpieces are in for a rare treat
with an extensive exhibition tracing
more than 70 years of Picasso’s prolificartistic journey.

92

Gaze upon humpback whales in all
their natural glory off the coast of
Queensland at Cape Moreton.

106

With the reopening of
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, webring you the soul-stirring retelling ofa stay at the resort in the days before
the pandemic.

98

106

life moments
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Sydney’s gorgeous beaches, parks,
incredible architecture, rich heritageand dynamic blend of cultures set it
apart from other metropolises.

portfolio of life
112

The world of YTL Hotels.

12

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief KENNETH TAN (k.tan@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor JACQUELINE DANAMARTArt Director WANNAPHA NAWAYON
Picture Editor KENNY NGUYENCONTRIBUTORSALIZA KASSIM, ANDREW LECI, BARRETT HO, BIBIENNE YEOH,
CHIN MUI YOON, CHINTOO, ETHAN CHU,
EZRA T, GEORGE YONG, JUNE MONG-LOFTIN, LAW SOO PHYE,MINDY TEH, SHALINI YEAP, TIEN CHEW, WANG WEI-YU

PRODUCTION
Production Director ANNA TSIRELNIKOVAPrepress INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES
Printer PERCETAKAN ZANDERS SDN BHD (205766A)
16 Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

ADVERTISING SALES
Sales Director VENIS LOO (v.loo@imv.com.sg)
Sales Manager XANA LAI (x.lai@imv.com.sg)

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
Finance Manager SOH HUI YING (h.soh@imv.com.sg)
Finance Executive NADIA ZUHARI (n.zuhari@imv.com.sg)

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPRESIDENTMICHAEL VON SCHLIPPE

PUBLISHED BY

PRODUCED BY

YTL HOTELS & PROPERTIES SDN BHD
8th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza
55 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES SDN BHD
B-7-13A, Gateway Kiaramas
1 Jalan Desa Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

14a note from tan sri ( sir ) francis yeohI

designed to ensure that the natural terrain and flora would
be preserved as it has been for centuries before. Together,
these villas form The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort, the ideal
retreat for those who seek an escape from urban realities. On
the slightly larger island of Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali returns to life, offering physical rejuvenation and spiritual
tranquillity away from the tourist throngs.
Read on and you’ll find so much more to enjoy: Muay
Thai at The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui; Kristang cuisine at The
Majestic Malacca: homemade strawberry jam at Cameron
Highlands Resort; an immersive whisky experience just a
20-minute stroll from The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh; andthe highly enjoyable green season at Niseko Village, wherea day of horseback riding is rewarded with a bowlful of freshuni don at one of the speciality restaurants. And through allthese rich experiences in the company of family and friends,
we hope that YTL Hotels has contributed, in some way, to yourown journey of discovery.

15

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEn our search for new adventures both near and far,
we discover so much of ourselves. This brings tomind a Mark Twain observation: “Broad, wholesome
and charitable views of men and things cannot be
acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth
all of one’s lifetime.”
In this issue of YTL Life, we bring you the new stories offamiliar places, with an insider’s view of exciting discoveries
at and around our properties. Our cover story reintroduces
you to Gaya Island Resort’s fascinating wonders; its age-old
rainforests, native populations of flora and fauna, including theteeming marine life. Located off Borneo’s northeast coastline,
Gaya Island has the good fortune of being gazetted as a nationalpark. And it is this lush return to nature that has attracted even
Dame Judi Dench to visit, where her inner conservationist
described her adventure as “the most extraordinary time of
my life”. We invite you, dear reader, to also do the same at
Gaya Island Resort; to wake up to birdsong, enjoy a relaxing
walk along the beach, kayak into the cool mangrove forests,
bask in glorious sunsets and luxuriate with a delicious meal inthis most surreal of landscapes.
Over in Australia, where winter is gradually giving way tospring, you can take in the decades-long body of work by
Pablo Picasso at the National Gallery of Victoria, a 15-minutetram ride away from the Melbourne Marriott located at thefringe of the city’s art precinct. The Picasso Century exhibition
allows you to discover over 70 masterpieces by the Spanish
artist and icon, inspired by his adventures and muses. In
neighbouring New South Wales, the Sydney Harbour Marriot
is the perfect launchpad for you to rediscover the city, now
open after a fairly prolonged period of border controls. You’ll
find many familiar and some new pursuits; a picturesquefisherman’s village in Watson’s Bay and a backstage tour of theworld-famous Sydney Opera House.
Those with a penchant for idyllic island vacations will takegreat pleasure in two of YTL Hotels’ finest. At Pangkor LautResort, we bring you nine singularly awe-inspiring villas, eachwith its own unique characteristics which was intentionallylife events

BUSINESSUNUSUALhere’s why the meeting spaces at
hotel stripes kuala lumpur should beon your radar for your next event.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

T

he smart set brainstorming on the next big thing can level up on theircreative game and brace for impact at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur,a member of the Autograph Collection. Studio S/T/R/I/P/E and amultifunctional space called The Snug offer a fresh perspective on
how we conduct business. Their modular settings can accommodatea wide range of configurations, from U-shape to banquet-styleseating, in an industrial-edged ambience. Think cool interiors, colourful beanbags,
a collaboration-friendly atmosphere and an unmistakably dynamic can-do energy.
There’s plenty to ignite and inspire: poolside breakout areas, a walk around Hotel
Stripes’ vibrant, trendy neighbourhood, and handcrafted cocktails at Man Tao Bar.
Take the corporate pressure off, get the right side of the brain ticking and find the
fun in ideation again. Then, translate those sparks of genius into action at Snug, theperfect event-ready venue to host your latest bespoke venture. Thank us later whenyour unicorn starts sprouting wings.

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life events

This page: cosy with stripped-back walls giving it an industrial edge, The Snug on level 2 is an inspiring multifunctional space for one-of-a-kind events.
Facing page: unwind after a full day of meetings at rooftop bar, Man Tao, which offers unrivalled views of downtown Kuala Lumpur.

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17

life on the cover

isl a nd ofn at ur a lwonder s
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: guests candiscover the exceptional botanic
reserve at Gaya Island Resort or
explore the hidden wonders ofthe marine world, all under theguidance of the resort’s resident
naturalist or marine biologist.

18

life on the coverWords by KENNETH TAN

19

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at gaya island resort, nature’s
resplendent beauty becomes
your everyday salve, refreshingyour spirit at every turn.

life on the coverT
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

here’s something about Sabah that relaxes
the world-weary traveller. Life here takes onan unhurried pace, perhaps a consequenceof the solemn repose of Mount Kinabalu, thehighest peak in Borneo rising 4,095m above
the sea and visible from almost any vantage
point in Kota Kinabalu. This sense of certainty is a rhythmic
beat that calms the soul.
That ineffable feeling that all will be well becomes evenmore pronounced as you step onto the speedboat at
Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu and, within 10 minutes,
arrive at the idyllic paradise of Gaya Island Resort – a five-starproperty and member of the Small Luxury Hotels. Located in
the heart of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island
is largely gazetted as a national park, which protects andpreserves its unique, native populations of flora and fauna.
Upon leaving the pier, guests fall into a lull of the jungle’ssoothing rhythms, with the morning warbling of birdsong,afternoon riffs from mangrove cicadas and an evening
serenade of wildlife from the rainforest canopy. All aroundthe resort, a sense of theatre pervades; a monitor lizard
doing languid laps in the stream, its speckled band flecked bysunlight, while a long-tailed macaque grooms her youngling
as it impatiently waits to rejoin its monkey friends at play. Up
overhead, a white-bellied sea eagle soars towards its treetop

eyrie, with its white breast indicating its relative youthfulness(adults develop brown patches).
At the nearby mangrove forests, where the resort’s seniornaturalist, Justin Juhun, leads morning kayak tours, one
is likely to spot great egrets, horseshoe crabs and even an
oriental pied hornbill. The experience is almost surreal, withthe journey taking guests through a natural amphitheatre
carved out by running streams and time. The air is cooler andricher as mangroves are 10 times more effective in recycling
carbon and producing oxygen versus the rainforest.
Juhun, whose conservation work at Gaya Island Resort wasrecognised with a platinum award for CSR leadership at the2018 Global CSR Summit and Awards, is a true-blue Sabahan,
growing up in Tawau with a father who had plenty of animal
lore. Graduating with a degree in hotel management, Juhun
then set out on his naturalist path: undertaking orangutanconservation, wetlands management and training in the UK
before returning to Sabah to serve at Gaya Island Resort.
He describes his office as a “treasure island” due to its
breakaway from Borneo, thus leading to its unique genepools and evolutionary results. “No other island in Sabah hasproboscis monkeys. It is one of the seven wonders of Gaya
Island, which also includes the mangrove forests, red giant
flying squirrels, bearded pigs, fireflies, elephant foot yam andthe boobook owl.”

20

life on the cover21

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: thisbeachfront resort blends
harmoniously with thenatural environment andfeatures a collection ofhillside villas with views
that range from mangrove
forests and the surrounding
canopy to the outline ofMount Kinabalu.

life on the cover

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE RESORT’S OPTIONS OF VILLAS,
BAYU, CANOPY AND KINABALU,
ARE CAPACIOUS AND OFFER WARM,WOODY INTERIORS TO KEEP THATCONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS.
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life on the cover

Gaya Island, thelargest of five islands
forming the Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine
Park in Sabah, hasbeen a forest reserve
since 1923.

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life on the cover

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page, clockwisefrom top: proboscis
monkeys; villas
overlooking the South
China Sea; great egrets;
marine biodiversity;
resident naturalist,
Justin Juhun.
Facing page: a richtapestry of spa
programmes at Spa
Village reflects thecultural healing
traditions of Sabah’s
indigenous people.

24

life on the cover
Juhun also leads the morning nature walks which takeguests deep into the mother forest of Gaya Island, where
the shy and endangered proboscis monkeys are occasionallyspotted. The trail wends its way through towering hardwood
trees and a diversity of flora, from strangler figs and elongatedrattan to vermillion-coloured fungi.
Back at the resort, hourly boat transfers to Tavajun Bay– a tranquil strip of beach further out – reveal the Gaya
Island Resort Marine Centre helmed by the resort’s marine
biologist Scott Mayback, who specialises in coral restorationand turtle rescue. Over the past six years since the centre’s
establishment, Mayback and his team have overseen 20
individual turtle rescues and undertaken the planting of over
1,200 coral slabs on the seabed.
The coral planting which Mayback conducts starts witha guided snorkelling exploration for guests, who will thenemerge from the waters with bits of coral that will become
the foundation of new reefs. These fragments – which growat a pace of two centimetres per year – are attached to a
concrete slab to encourage greater multiplication of the reefs
over time – one of the most important breeding habitats forfish, providing refuge for over 25 per cent of all marine life.
The crystal clear waters of Gaya Island are conducive to thegrowth of corals, and Mayback is also experimenting withmicro-fragmentation of corals to accelerate reproduction
rates up to 47 times to re-establish reefs around the island.
At one end of the resort, the Spa Village, enrobed by
the rainforest’s greenery, is a great way to unwind – withmassages and natural therapies designed to soothe andrelax. And because time seems to become elongated at
Gaya Island Resort, ladies may opt for the Unduk Ngadau
treatment, named after the Kadazandusun beauty pageant
held at the end of the harvest festival in Sabah annually. It

is an indulgent three-hour session comprising a body scrub,hair mask, indigenous massage and a facial.
As with every Spa Village within the YTH Hotels fraternity,each centre offers one-of-a-kind regimens inspired by thehealing culture of its location using fresh local ingredients.
The result, in the case of the Gaya Island Resort spa iteration,is an authentic treatment that marries age-old traditions –such as the rice scrubs and masks of the Kadazandusun andthe age-old practices of the Bajau sea nomads – with modern
approaches to rejuvenate body and soul.
The resort’s options of villas, Bayu, Canopy and Kinabalu,
are capacious and offer warm, woody interiors to keep thatconnection to the outdoors. The two-bedroom Suria Suiteis perched on the hillside and spans over 188sqm, with fulllength windows and balconies that open up to vistas of
the South China Sea. And, of course, for the in-between
moments, there’s always the plethora of dining options
at the resort ranging from its Feast Village which offers aperfectly grilled tuna steak with hints of pepper and salt to
the Japanese-styled Omakase which has a chef’s table andserves nabeyaki and shabu-shabu under the evening sky.
Couples will love the dreamy candlelit dinners with theexquisite seafood at Fisherman’s Cove as they dine to thelullaby of lapping waves, while Tavajun Bay caters to bigger
groups of families and friends with a barbecue lunch. At
the main resort’s pool bar and lounge, lazy afternoons arecomplemented by the bossa nova sounds of a different kindof warbler – perchance a chanteuse like Cecilia Dale – and achoice of international and local favourites, from pizzas andtuna tataki to curry laksa and banana fritters, paired with adeliciously cold glass of wine.
For more information, visit www.gayaislandresort.com

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life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page:
professionally trained
butlers manage yourstay from wake-up to
lights-out.
Facing page: locatedin the Majestic
Wing, The Drawing
Room is an elegant
private lounge withthe perfect touch ofcolonial nostalgia.

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life feature

heritage
revivalWords by MINDY TEH

27

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the classic wing at themajestic kuala lumpur
is set to enthral guests
again after a complete
refresh that takes
nothing away from its
original charm.

The eponymously named original wing of The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a member of theAutograph Collection, is ready to welcome
guests after a complete refurbishment. Those
who return time and again to this part of thebuilding will note that its many charms harking
back to Malaysia’s rich history have remained intact, while
modern, even state-of-the-art, creature comforts have been
discreetly added.
The Majestic Wing makes up part of the original hotel
established in 1932 that is now gazetted as a national heritagesite. The combined neoclassical and art deco styles that havecome to define the colonial era extends beyond the hotel
façade, informing the exclusive set of suites (and one room)with deep and rich wood furniture, cream-and-white linensand opulent drapes. Tufted carpets are laid over rich timberflooring while a chequered tiled bathroom showcases clawfoot bathtubs and separate showers.
Those lucky enough to land themselves in The Straits
Room will discover a graceful, inviting space with its timelesselegance. The Colonial Suite is a step up with its separate
living room and bedroom, while the Governor Suite provides
a spacious, luxurious stay. The two largest suites, both named
Majestic, provide respite within a gorgeous, refined setting

life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

spread over 100 square metres each. The spacious bedroom
within each suite features a beautiful walk-in wardrobe thatrecalls days when ladies and gentlemen had maids andbutlers tending to them hand and foot. An open-plan living
area in which to lounge on comfortable sofas, an elegant
dining area and a guest powder room offer the ultimate inluxurious indulgence.
The glamour of 1930s refinement awaits at The Smoke
House with a full range of services including a lounge andbar, a private dining room with a chef on call, cigar room,
bespoke tailor and the world’s oldest gentleman’s barberand a Royal Warrant holder to the late HRH The Duke of
Edinburgh, Truefitt & Hill.
The perfect place for a tipple and chat sees the single
monikered Johnnie tending bar since the hotel’s renaissancein the new millennium. Available here are a full range of
cocktails from a bygone era. The Stengah, for example,
consists of equal parts whisky and soda water (Stengah is anabbreviation of Setengah or half in Malay) and is served overice. Once the drink de rigueur across the British Empire in the
1900s, the Stengah is begging for a welcome revival on a hot,humid day. The Gin Pahit has translated well into the modern
age. It was brilliantly conceived by an unlikely source, theRoyal Navy, for its sailors to make the Angostura bitter (pahit
is bitter in Malay) that was used medicinally, more palatable
to them. The Gin Pahit’s place in literary history was sealed in
the many stories written by colonial writers including William
Somerset Maugham.

28

life feature
The Code 55 and 2 Bulat is a house classic that deserves
literary mention, not least because its name is a hilarious
colloquialism with an equally funny story behind it. To findout more, order this refreshing cocktail of beer, lemonade,gin and whisky, and have Johnnie come over for a chat. Other
Malaysian classics include the renowned Junglebird which
was created in the 1970s at Kuala Lumpur’s Aviary Bar, theStraits Sling – a tarter version of the Singapore Sling – andthe East India Cocktail which made an appearance in HarryJohnson’s definitive New and Improved Bartender’s Manualfrom 1882. The East India Cocktail perfectly mixes cognac,
maraschino liquor, Cointreau, raspberry syrup and angostura
bitters into a drink that still translates well in the 21st century.
Those looking to light up their prized Fuentes will be given
velvet smoking jackets to wear to protect their tuxedos or
gowns. This elegant attention to detail is a rare service thatis much appreciated. For even more personalised service, theSmoke House Gentleman’s Club membership comes with
benefits that include a monogrammed jacket.
As always, the Majestic Wing’s mainstay, the Colonial Cafe,
serves classics including the famous Hainanese Chicken
Chop and an updated prawn cocktail, while the legendary
Soliano family take turns at the grand piano. The Library alsopresents welcome repose with a good book, while thosewishing to hold a private soirée can do so at the beautiful
Orchid Conservatory. One thing is for certain, it is easy tolose oneself in a relaxed and elegant past that is celebrated
in its full glamour here in this wing.

This page, from top: enjoy a Stengah, Gin Pahit
or Sling just like the planters of old at The Bar;
the Straits Room exudes the hotel’s eleganceand timeless style.

For more information, visit www.majestickl.com

Facing page, from top: The Smoke House
embodies the decadence of the 1930s; The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur includes theoriginal 1932 building.

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29

life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEMETROPOLITAN CHIC30

life style

Location: THE RITZ-CARLTON,KUALA LUMPUR
Producer: EZRA T
Photography: CHINTOO
Styling: ETHAN CHU
Styling assistant: PENGUIN CHIN
Hair: MEI CHOI
Make-up: YUAN
Models: POLLY P/WU MODELS
AND ALESSON PEREIRA/ICON
MODEL MANAGEMENT
Items not credited aremodels’ own
On her: Tom Ford silk
jersey corset top andglossy skinny pants
On him: Tom Ford
cashmere turtleneck
sweater andcotton chinos

31

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the glamorous style of tom ford comes alive withthe presence of its first flagship boutique locatedat the starhill. ytl life showcases the luxury fashionlabel in the elegant surroundings of the ritz-carlton,
kuala lumpur, which recalls all the high points of thelegendary hotel chain.

life style

On her: Tom Ford
modal bra
On him: Tom Ford fluid
velour shirt
Facing page:
On her: Tom Ford liquid
sequin shirt
On him: Tom Ford fluid
velour shirt

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life style

33

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: thisbeachfront resort blends
harmoniously with thenatural environment andfeatures a collection ofhillside villas with views
that range from mangrove
forests and the surrounding
canopy to the outline ofMount Kinabalu.

life style

On her: Tom Ford
micro costa mini dress.
On him: Tom Fordwashed Oxford shirt
and brushed zipped
cotton blouson
Foreground: Tom FordBox bag in chalkFacing page:
Tom Ford knitwear
glossy dress

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life style

35

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Gaya Island, thelargest of five islands
forming the Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine
Park in Sabah, hasbeen a forest reserve
since 1923.

life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

36

life style

Tom Ford micro costa
mini dress and Box
bag in chalk

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life style

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life style

This and facing pages: thisbeachfront resort blends
harmoniously with thenatural environment andfeatures a collection ofhillside villas with views
that range from mangrove
forests and the surrounding
canopy to the outline ofMount Kinabalu.

Facing page:
On her: Tom Fordjersey zipped dress
On him: Tom Fordwashed Oxford shirt
and bistretch suit39

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn her: Tom Fordknitwear glossy top
and stretch wool
jogging pants
On him: Tom Fordwashed Oxford shirt
and cotton chinos

life style

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life style

41

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn her: Tom Fordjersey zipped dress
and 001 mini tophandle bag
On him: Tom Ford
cashmere turtleneck
sweater, Prince ofWales check jacket andbistretch suit pants

life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

return to eden
for its ardent guests, the estates atpangkor laut resort is a chance to rekindle
their love for a lush and wondrous world,
far from the madding crowd.
Words by MINDY TEH

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43

life featureA

t The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort, themischievous high-pitched call of the oriental
pied hornbill signals that all is well in paradise.
These friendly birds, faithful companions
and guardians during one’s stay, drop byintermittently to say hello. Their presence lends
the estates, and the island, an almost mythical air as ardent
guests rekindle memories of the lush and wondrous world
they’ve come to love and have now eagerly returned to.
There is little wonder that those familiar with the charmsof The Estates are so beguiled. Nine exceptional private
sanctuaries preside over a verdant million-year-old rainforestand shimmering emerald waters that teem with life, a veritable
Eden on Earth. The great opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti, wasmoved by the island’s stunning vistas to the point of tears.
“This place is enchanting, it is paradise here,” he famously
said. “This morning when I wake up, I went out, I was really
moved, almost crying to see how beautiful things has done
God. Because this is really paradise.”
Much has been made about the great care that has beentaken to preserve the magic of the island. The tenet set by its
guiding light, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, was to “tread lightly upon
the land”. To that end, the creation of The Estates adhered to
an intuitive and increasingly rare architectural sensibility thatis designed to complement and blend rather than overwhelm
its surroundings. An island-wide dictum, for example, ensuresthat all plants more than 15cm in diameter are given the sortof protection and immunity rivalling that of a distinguisheddiplomat’s. The levelling of hills is forbidden and structures areformed according to the lay of the land. Roads, too, follow old
trails or are cantilevered into the hills, allowing flora and fauna
to continue to thrive underneath.
The reverence and respect accorded to the land follow in
the footsteps of the indigenous tribes that once made thearea their home and have long understood that the path toleast resistance is the true way to happiness. Challenges are
met not as obstacles but as opportunities for creativity and at
The Estates, it is not unusual to see a staircase built around aboulder, a tree growing out of a custom-built hole in the roof
or swimming pools formed around natural ponds.
Each estate is sequestered in its own oasis and possesses
a defining feature and character that guests find irresistible.
Favourites are quickly identified and visited often. At Estate
One, for example, a sweeping vista of the beach on the
secluded bay welcomes the weary technology wunderkind
whose stay includes relaxing soaks in either one of two openair jacuzzis centred within beautiful walled gardens and whose
bedroom showcases a magnificent fossil wall.

Clockwise from top: Pangkor Laut’s hornbill community provides plentyof chance encounters; a 270-degree panorama of rainforest and sea from
Estate Eight; a path from The Estates wends its way towards the beachwhere Pangkor Laut Resort’s overwater chalets are located; Estate Four
offers two bedrooms, with living and dining pavilions around its pool.

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Estate Two’s accessibility to the winding shoreline, charming
carved wooden bridge leading to remarkable prehistoric
foliage and natural freshwater pool make for perfect photoopportunities and memorable moments that a C-level
executive and her friends on a girls-only trip would cherish.
Estate Four, meanwhile, highlights two private pavilions fora newly wedded couple, one built seemingly over the waves,creating a stunning visual effect, while the other is a private
oasis screened discreetly with bamboo.
The marvels continue at Estate Five. Built under a canopyof rainforest trees, it is the only estate with a spacious wooden
deck purpose-built with a magnificent 270-degree panoramaof rainforest and sea, perfect for barbecue evenings or an
intimate engagement party with friends. Estate Six, meanwhile,
attracts dynastic families with its long open lawn, a communal
lap pool and uniquely, a hot spa. Each of its three bungalow
bedrooms has a private balcony or veranda with views of therainforest when one feels the need to retreat and recharge.
Estate Seven is a spectacular sight. Built on staggered levels
closely following the topography of the land, it is the largest
and hilliest of all nine estates, with its bungalow bedrooms
enjoying the most secluded and expansive of spaces. Here,couples can relish alone time in their personal garden space,reconvening with the rest of the party during meals.
Eight is a lucky number and this estate benefits from being
perched on the edge of a hill so that all three of its bedrooms
offer beautiful views of the sea. Estate Eight is also formed
under a natural rainforest canopy surrounded by tall, ancient
trees with nothing less than dramatic sunsets to fill yourevenings by an infinity pool shaped like a delicate lotus flower.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese onsen, Estate Nine’s
hot spa pavilion is designed to be a communal bath where
guests can enjoy a convivial soak over a cold bottle of Akita’s
best sake. It is an experience made exceptional because of thesurrounding rainforest and an impressive natural rock gardenof ancient monoliths that present fascinating talking points forthe estate.
The many splendours of The Estates at Pangkor LautResort are nothing if not for the exceptional level of service
guests enjoy during each stay. With two butlers per estate
in attendance and a personal chef, all requests are seen to
perceptively, even preternaturally. Expect the finer points
remembered beyond birthday dates: how you like your coffee
and eggs, which pillows suit, what flowers you enjoy at thetable, who prefers which bedroom, and more.
The attention to detail is remarkable and one of the reasons
why guests return time and again to this paradise. The Estates
at Pangkor Laut Resort remain unparalleled as a tropical retreat
for the discerning. As one of its other famous devotees, Dame
Joan Collins, puts it, the estates are “utter heaven”, foundnowhere else on Earth.

For more information, go to www.pangkorlautresort.com

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KRISTANG
TREASURES
the majestic malacca is on a mission
to restore and celebrate a mostrare and precious cuisine, inviting
its guests to be a part of its
preservation through an immersive
culinary journey.
Words by MINDY TEH

Facing page: the Kristang Culinary Journey invites guests of The Majestic Malacca
to discover a lesser-known side of the city.

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life featureThis and facing pages: learn
about each ingredient andthe history of each Kristang(Portuguese-Eurasian) dishwith one of the chefs fromThe Majestic Malacca.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEI

f history is best traced through one’s gastronomy,
then nowhere is this more evident than in Malacca. Its
remarkable heritage, made colourful and diverse by
its rich history as the heart of the spice trade, can bediscerned through a wonderful melting pot of flavours
and influences drawn from the Malays, Chinese, Indian,
Persians and Turks. Yet, one cuisine has become markedly
elusive and rare.
The food of the Malaccan-Portuguese, or Kristang, reflects
a 500-year-old history that has seen this small ethnic groupevolve its own culture, even patois, that is different frommodern-day Portuguese. The Kristang way of life and byextension, the food, is fast becoming a vestige of a bygone
era as the Malaccan-Portuguese emigrate or intermarry,
assimilating into other cultures. There are now only 1,200
inhabitants of the city’s Portuguese settlement and thecommunity is struggling to maintain its identity.

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Determined to help restore and celebrate Kristang culture,
The Majestic Malacca is arguably the only establishment of
its kind in the city to weave its customs into its own storied
tapestry. Its Comprador, Alvin Kessler, himself a native
Malaccan son and part of the Kristang community, keeps aclose eye on proceedings, ensuring that the integrity of theculture is upheld and maintained.
Of particular focus at the hotel is Kristang cuisine with its
mélange of Portuguese, Dutch, Indian and Chinese tastes
and textures, showcased in all its glory at The Mansion, thehotel’s colonial-style restaurant located on the first floor.
Drawn from the once closely guarded family recipes, therestaurant features crowd-pleasers such as Kari Debal but isalso keen on introducing lesser-known dishes to its guests. Try
Kristang Amostrador to start, a platter of appetisers including
Inchimintu Karangezu (baked stuffed crab with vegetables,
chicken and prawns), Cincalok Fretu (crispy fritters infusedwith fermented krill) and Karing-karing Fretu (crispy fried silver
threadfish). Other notable dishes include Kari Seccu (slowcooked beef and potatoes in a dry Portuguese curry) and
Soy Limang Terung (lightly fried aubergine in soy and lime
gravy). Doubtless, The Mansion has garnered an appreciative
audience both near and far with the former being a testament
to its delicious authenticity.
Those looking to deepen their insight into the MalaccanPortuguese experience can join an immersive culinary
programme specially created by the hotel. The Kristang
Culinary Journey begins with a visit to the local market led
by Chef JR Rodolfo Balaqui, whose passion for the food wascultivated under the tutelage of Kristang exponents. So
proficient is Chef JR that only he is entrusted with the bakingof the hotel’s famous sugee (semolina) cakes, the celebrated
Kristang cakes that take hours to prepare. Fazeh de Casa, theKristang (and quite possibly, original) version of Malaysia’s
favourite coconut caramel, kaya, is also made at the hotel
under Chef JR’s supervision
Freshness of produce is an uncompromisable aspect of
this nuanced and vivid cuisine, an essential first step to good
Kristang cooking. The Malaccan market is indeed a revelation,
where even fellow Malaysians will be taken by its vivacity andsheer variety of produce. Just-caught stingray, squirming eelsin buckets, live shellfish and more are displayed alongside
foodstuff found only in the city, including the prized buah
keluak and the Kristang condiment of fermented krill, cincalok.
Chef JR’s exacting standards ensure that only the freshest
ikan tenggiri (mackerel), chicken and vegetables make the cut
and soon, these ingredients are prepped and ready for thecooking class that follows the market excursion.
The two recipes featured, Kari Debal and Sambal Fish
Binagre, offer a glimpse of the cuisine’s origins and cooking style
as well as its colonial cross-currents. Immediately discernible
is the use of vinegar – a throwback to its Portuguese roots –rather than the tamarind paste of the Peranakans and Malays.
Candlenuts also feature greatly, perhaps a way of replacing
the chestnuts that the Portuguese used in their cooking. A
quick scan sees Goan influences (black peppercorns, mustard

seeds, cloves and fresh nutmeg) as well as Malay (lemongrassand galangal) in these dishes. Neither dish employs the santan(coconut cream) or belacan so beloved of the local Malay and
Peranakan communities – the richness of the Kari Debal isderived purely from the flavour of its meats melded with the
fresh, deep tang of spices.
Cooking these dishes is enough to whet the appetite andthe ultimate tasting of them brings a new-found appreciation
for Kristang cuisine as one savours its wonderful array of tastes
and textures. Hope springs eternal for its welcome resurgence.
The Kristang Culinary Journey is available upon request and comprises
a market visit, lesson with a master chef and a food tasting. Returntransfers, light refreshments, hats and aprons are provided. Children
aged 12 and below join at no additional cost. For more information, go
to www.majesticmalacca.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: as a PADI Dive Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort offers afull range of programmes for guests aged 10 years and above.

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the life
aquatic

tanjong jara resort isthe perfect starting
point for a dive excursion
exploring an extraordinary
underwater realm.
Words by MINDY TEH. Photography by SOO PHYE

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life featureA

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEs above, so below. In Dungun, Terengganu,
the bucolic, coconut tree-lined seascapes ofTanjong Jara Resort are a glorious promiseof what lies beneath the deep blue watersof the South China Sea. Scenic vistas and anarchitecture that references a 17th-century
Malay palace provide an idyllic mise en scène at the resort,
while the warm and communal culture of the Malays is felt fromthe minute of your arrival.
The resort’s many inviting lounge areas, a relaxing spa
treatment or a dip in the pool may tempt you to spend yourentire stay without even venturing out. Yet, for those eager
to get back out into open water after a two-year hiatus, thesiren call of the sea soon beckons. The resort is the perfectplace from which to begin an epic dive excursion and explore
Terengganu’s underwater majesty.
The scuba community heads out to Pulau Tenggol,
an island located in the state’s Marine Park, 26km off thecoast of Kuala Dungun. Named for the fact that it looks likea person perched by a cliff, Tenggol is the last in a seriesof islands strung like jade pearls that include the equallystunning Perhentian and Redang. The island had managed tostay undetected for decades and was used only as sanctuary
by local fishermen during stormy weather. Its location was so
closely guarded that some still refer to it as The Lost World.
A 45-minute boat ride transports you to the island’s shores
anchored by a natural bay and characterised by 244m-tall52

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cliffs. It is the bay’s warm, cocooned waters that provide anurturing home in which sumptuous coral gardens bloom
and grow, attracting an impressive marine biodiversity.
Tenggol is exceptional for its outstanding range of divesites and divers enjoy 18 stunning locations around theisland, with seven more on the satellite islands close by. Eachlocation presents a remarkable and memorable experience.
Snorkellers can enjoy the calm coral gardens of shallower
waters, while seasoned divers can look forward to deeper
dives, some sloping gently down to 20m below sea level. The
most accomplished divers welcome the thrill of exploring a
shipwreck in the deep or the challenge of drift dive, letting
the currents sweep them through a free-form, Zen-likeunderwater discovery.
A different world, strange and new, awaits. Garden eels
weave quickly away from sight, while turtles coast peacefullyby, seemingly oblivious to the alien presence in front of it(that’s you, diver!). Swim alongside a school of groupers or
spy on a cluster of clownfish. Delight in the many electrifying
shapes and neon shades of the nudibranchs. Sea anemones
wave a colourful welcome, while the spectacular green
shade of wrasses catches your eye. Butterflyfish striped likeunderwater tigers, parrotfish with holographic, chrome-likebodies, and large snappers make regular appearances.
The tunnels and crevices found at Tokong Laut, one ofTenggol’s more popular sites, sees batfish and fusiliers while
massive jackfish and kingfish make their presence known. At
The Highway, advanced divers keep their eyes peeled for a
glimpse of the elusive ghost ornate pipefish or, if they are
lucky, the imposing figure of a spotted whale shark.
So entranced are you that you’d be hard pressed to surface
and break for the lunch prepared by Tanjong Jara Resort’s
chef. But break you must. Your delightful meal over the tableon Tenggol means a chance to go through your best photos
and humblebrag before heading out to sea again, fuelled by
the desire to behold even more stunning treasures.
Tanjung Jara Resort’s carefully tailored courses cover a vast spectrum toinclude all manner of dive excursions, courses for children, awarenessprogrammes on fish identification and coral reef conservation, evenrescue and first aid courses. All include certification and manuals, andare taught by qualified PADI instructors. For more information, visit
www.tanjongjararesort.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: from exploring
the reefs off Pulau Tenggol todiscovering the beauty and wildlife of
the Marang River on a half-day cruise,
guests at Tanjong Jarang Resort canchoose to actively engage or justpeacefully absorb all the destination
has to offer.

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Strawberry jam and plump strawberries are thestars of the English Afternoon Tea served at the
Jim Thompson Tea Room along with oven-fresh
pastries, delicate sandwiches, homemadescones, clotted cream and fine teas from
Cameron Highlands.

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the artof the sublime
cameron highlands may be home to the strawberry but
only cameron highlands resort explores the extent of
its delicious and magical properties.

W

Words by BARRETT HO

hen William Shakespeare wrote inHenry V: “The strawberry grows…
wholesome berries thrive andripen best, neighboured by fruit ofbaser quality”, he was not merely
expounding the virtues of the fruit
so much as referencing it as the king of berries. Its distinct andexceptional fragrance, sweet yet slightly tart taste, purported
magical and medicinal properties as well as its sensual, velvety
texture ensure its rightful place in art and literature, delicious
recipes and remedies. It is the only fruit where its seeds are
exposed as if to boldly proclaim its lushness.
In Malaysia, its rareness was once only found at Cameron
Highlands, where it was cultivated by its most skilled farmers
who were able to tend to its fragility. These days, thanks toadvances in science, the strawberry has become a ubiquitoussight in the Highlands with a better genus that allows it toflourish where it is late spring all year long.
The strawberry’s qualities are celebrated at Cameron
Highlands Resort, where it plays a starring role in a garden ofearthly delights ranging from its integral place in a colonial
high tea right up to its use as a remedial source in a range of
spa treatments, even making a cameo appearance at dinner.
A BOUNTY OF FLAVOURSThe experience begins with the resort’s famous jam, whichis painstakingly prepared on the premises. “There’s nothing
to hide,” says Chef de Hote Edward Chung, who heads theculinary team at Cameron Highlands Resort, when asked thesecret to really good strawberry jam. At first glance, it is a
spartan list of ingredients, which consists of lemons, sugar
and strawberries.
Even its deceptively simple preparation belies the labourof love it goes through. In fact, its process is meticulous, evenmeditative, with a melding of these ingredients in a pot overthe smallest of flames, slow-cooked and stirred gently witha wooden spoon every 10 minutes for 10 hours until the jam
turns the colour of rich damson. All in, it takes up to threedays to make a batch of strawberry jam. No gelling agentsnor preservatives go into its making and the jam takes on

For more information, go to www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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a slightly runny yet flavourful texture that’s packed with richbursts of fruit.
At the Jim Thompson Tea Room, the strawberry jam holds
court when English Afternoon Tea is served. The tea room isnamed for Cameron Highlands’ most famous denizen, JimThompson who, depending on who you talk to, is at turns a
smuggler, a Cold War spy or a revered entrepreneur famous
for reviving Thailand’s silk industry. Here, a delectable tiered
array of sweet and savoury offerings await.
Start with oven-fresh treats including tartlets and mini
trifles, followed by traditional cucumber and egg sandwiches,
while smoked salmon sandwiches add a modern twist to theproceedings. Tea, of course, comes courtesy of the heritage
plantations that dot the Highlands. Leave the scones, baked
to golden perfection, for last and slather them with rich jam
and clotted cream, paired with fresh strawberries. Be sure to
take your time for this afternoon ritual as Thompson himself
would have done and lounge unhurried within the resort’s
elegant confines, styled like that of a colonial plantation.
Dinner time sees the strawberry appearing, uniquely, in asavoury dish, elevating the Ice Plant Salad that comes withgrilled white prawns. The crisp, crystalline ice plant, grownon the Highlands, has started to appear on the menus of finedining restaurants. Its hint of sea salt and crunchy texture
are the perfect accompaniment to the sweet fleshy prawns,
highlighted by the presence of fresh, luscious strawberries
and drizzled with a piquant strawberry sesame dressing. The
dish is a welcome prelude to a main of chargrilled AustralianAngus sirloin steak served with Highlands mushrooms, basil
mash, asparagus and wild garlic butter.
Strawberries make a sweet encore at the end of dinner andfeature in two classic English desserts, Eton Mess and Trinity
Cream. The former is an updated classic with strawberries
and cream served in a cognac glass with bite-sized meringue
swirls. The latter is perfumed with BOH lemon and mandarin
tea and served with a strawberry salad and coconut tuile.

life featureThis and facing pages:
the all-new JW Mezzanine
offers flexible workspaces
with a difference.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

trade upas the first co-working space in malaysia tobe housed within a luxury hotel, jw mezzanine
takes your business to a whole new level.
Words by ALIZA KASSIM

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life featureThe concept of the co-working space has been taken up a notch with the introduction of JW Mezzanine, the firstsuch space in Malaysia that is housed within a luxury hotel. It’s an inspired concept that adds to the fluid natureof the way we do business today, but with the exceptional service that the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is known
for. That means access to the hotel’s impressive meeting rooms and event spaces as well as impeccable service
even while you’re taking your stakeholders through your new multi-platform venture or strategising on the next
seven-figure breakthrough. Equally advantageous is JW Mezzanine’s location at The Starhill, one of the city’s mostluxurious malls, providing endless, creative ways to conduct your business. Seal the deal at the gym, take the client to lunch at The
Starhill’s acclaimed restaurants or celebrate that new merger with a sundowner at The Alchemy or The Cellar bars. Being literally
at the centre of it all also means you will have your finger on the pulse of the city while you align and connect with a network oflike-minded business mavericks. Like you, your new work space is always-on.
For more information, visit jwmezzanine.com

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gin o’clocka classic cocktail gets a gourmet
twist at ac hotel.
Words by ALIZA KASSIMTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: there’san AC Lounge at every AC
Hotel in Malaysia for guests toenjoy the chain’s signature gin
and tonic accompaniedby lamb tapas.

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this is an excellent thirst quencher. The lounge also servescomplimentary tapas in the form of AC Hotel’s classic handshaved lamb prosciutto on buttered baguette, harking backto the chain’s Spanish roots.
Both cocktail and tapas go so well together that
subsequent orders are a requisite, as your hours spent
here are made well and truly happy.
For more information, visit ac-hotels.com

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in and tonic aficionados, rejoice! The classic
cocktail is given its due with a generous
one-for-one offer from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at
AC Lounge in AC Hotels in Kuala Lumpur,
Kuantan and Penang. The signature ACGT
is a well-crafted gin and tonic employing abase of Tanqueray 10 with its fragrant botanicals of angelica,
juniper, chamomile, coriander, grapefruit, licorice and citrus.
Garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a thin slice of orange,

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getting a kickout of you
muay thai at the ritz-carlton, koh samui isthe panacea to fabulous feasting.
Words by ANDREW LECITHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui offers a range of outdoor and cultural discoveries.

T
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he Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui has no less thanseven food and beverage outlets, each with
its own style and conceptual identity. Chillingin the fabulous resort is required, which means
contemplating the next time you’re goingto engage your taste buds and discover ifanother new hole in your belt is required for the inevitablewaistline expansion.
Salvation, however, is at hand, but it involves a little bit of
bargaining with yourself. The result, though, may provide thekind of guilt-free dining experiences for which vacations on
tropical islands were invented.
We’re talking about Muay Thai (or Thai boxing as it is also
known) and while there is every possibility that it’s not evensomething you thought about participating in when signingup for some Ritz-Carlton-inspired rest and relaxation, theactivity comes highly recommended.
Firstly, it will provide just about the best workout imaginable– just think of all the calories you’re going to be burning andhow delicious it will be to replace them later.

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Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, can learn the art of Muay Thai under the guidance of a trained instructor at the resort’s dedicated ring.

putting together combinations of movements that you didn’t
even think yourself capable of.
It’s difficult to imagine a better place than The RitzCarlton, Koh Samui to start a Muay Thai ‘career’ – okay, notmany guests will contemplate turning professional after a few
lessons, but it’s enjoyable enough (and sufficiently effective)
to become part of a regular exercise regimen. The facilities
are exceptional – as you would expect – with a proper, fullsized boxing ring and first-rate equipment. There’s a special
feeling as your coach tapes up your hands and helps you withyour gloves, almost invoking a gladiatorial spirit that will get
you through the rest of the day (and night) on a high.
Blowing off steam while exercising every part of your body
is a wonderful way to spend an hour – even when on vacation– and it will probably make your next meal an even moresavoury experience.

For more information, go to www.ritzcarlton.com

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Secondly, it’s enormous fun. While it might appear
to be based on combat and the attendant aggression,it actually focuses on self-defence. More importantly
though, the practice – known as ‘the art of eight limbs’– seeing as you use two parts of all four that you possess– leaves not a sinew unstretched nor a muscle untoned
after a satisfying session. And one will most definitely
be provided for you by a gentleman member of The
Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui team.
Accomplished Muay Thai exponents themselves, you
might imagine that it’s a tad boring for them to inaugurate
the newbies in the martial art. Not a bit of it. You get the
impression, instantly, that they love the sport and want
guests to love it as much as they do.
There are the rudiments to get through, of course, but thetechniques are surprisingly easy to learn, and even the mosthapless rube will derive pleasure from the satisfying thud ofglove, shin or even elbow on pad. The heart will pound witheach blow as you realign your body (as per instructions) in
preparation for the next one, and before you know it you’relife featuresummer’sbountyTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life featurea typical niseko village culinary summer
is informed by the concept of shun, thecelebration of seasonal produce at its peak.
Words by ALIZA KASSIM

Facing page:
Lake Shikotsu wasformed by a major
eruption that led to thecollapse of the mouthof the volcano.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page: savouring
tender Wagyu.

life featureThis and facing pages:summer in Niseko is allabout relaxing while
enjoying the great
weather and a calming
outdoor lifestyle withactivities such as fruitpicking and hot-air
balloon rides.

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N

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iseko’s reputation as a winter wonderland isequalled by its enchanting summers. In its
warmer months, the surrounding countryside
dramatically changes from pristine white tostunning green forests. At Niseko Village,
which comprises Hilton Niseko Village, Green
Leaf, Kasara townhouses and Higashiyama Niseko Village, a
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Mount Yotei sits resplendently in the
background, foregrounded by pastoral landscapes andbright yellow sunflower fields, a mirror of the colourful cropof Hokkaido’s freshest produce.
“Summer turns Niseko into one large greenhouse,” says
Niseko Village’s resort director Panch Ratnavale. Indeed, it is
the perfect season to experience the age-old ethos of Shun– that food should be savoured in its proper season and at
the peak of its perfection. The area is made bountiful by a
40,000-year-old explosion of a trinity of volcanoes resultingin Lake Shikotsu, the eighth largest lake in Japan, and rich,fertile soil. The lake’s famed red salmon, known locally as
chippu, is a popular feature at the dinner table and guests areable to witness its conservation in the form of the traditionalsalmon wheel to help the fish swim upstream to spawn. The
lake’s crystal waters are also perfect to observe other marine
life from the comfort of rowing boats.
The culinary journey starts by the lake where food stalls
offer plump grilled scallops, corn-on-the-cob dripping in
butter, Yubari melon ice cream, glazed mochi and Hokkaido’s
renowned milk. Yet, nowhere is Shun more present than at
Niseko Village, where the freshest ocean delicacies andfinest fruit and vegetable harvests are highlighted throughexciting culinary savoir faire.
Visitors at Sisam and Goshiki, for example, will be especiallytaken by the creamy umami-rich unagi (sea urchin), Japanese
flying squid and juicy surf clams, their flavours coaxed andheightened by the chefs. Ikura from the eastern sea coastof Hokkaido and grilled herring are present at the themed
buffets at Yotei (named for the mountain that it faces) andcasual dining at Yang Shu Ten. At The Crab Shack, Kaizen
Nabe, a pot of sheer seafood deliciousness in kombu dashi(kelp stock) is a firm local favourite.
Live squid sashimi perhaps presents the purest form of
Shun with an unsurpassed flavour profile, while crab remains
a coveted seafood. The sweet flesh of the native Hanasaki (orblooming flower) crabs are best sampled grilled or in teppou
soup. There are also the clean, sea flavours of snow crabsashimi, horsehair crab miso and blue king crab tempura to
be had.
On the table at some restaurants is the exceptionallymarbled, melt-in-the-mouth Hokkaido Tokachi Wagyu.
The perfect accompaniments to the meat, of course, arecrunchy asparagus, new potatoes and sweet yellow pumpkin.
Hokkaido’s famous local Japanese soup curry is available at
Two Sticks, which also serves a novel Tandoori chicken soup
curry with local potatoes, eggplant, peppers, pumpkin,mizuna leaf and egg.

life feature“SUMMER TURNS NISEKOINTO ONELARGE GREENHOUSE.”

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Niseko’s pristinelandscape makes it
an enticing choice forvisitors to Japan.

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Hokkaido’s reputation for producing exceptional dairy
produce means creamier milk and the richest of butters.
Artisanal cheese maker, Niseko Cheese Kobo, does one
better, producing award-winning cheeses including Momiji,
the Mimolette cheese that won gold at the Japan CheeseAwards in 2014 and was served in Japan Airlines’ first-classcabins throughout 2018.
The acclaimed tofu at Wakimizu No Sato, too, deservesa mention. Its signature soy blend, Yũzuru, is made from aseemingly elementary yet exacting blend of beans native
to Hokkaido and crystal clear spring water that flows under
Mount Yotei. It is the water, rich in minerals such as magnesium,that is the secret to the tofu’s silky-smooth texture. Sugoi
tofu, finished in soy milk for a creamier consistency, is highly
sought after, while novel items such as tofu doughnuts andsoy milk matcha pudding are certain to delight the palate.
The winding roads will lead guests to the many fecundorchards in Yoichi and Niki, within driving distance of
Niseko, where they can pluck fruit directly off the vineor tree and enjoy their sweet, juicy ripeness on the spot.
Cherries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches and plums arein abundance throughout the summer months and are adelightful treat for the whole family.
Visitors can bring home some farm-fresh goodness should
they be lucky enough to be present for the Niko Niko Niseko
Village Festival. Here, shoppers can select from a wide arrayof produce from local vendors at the village square. The
festival includes live entertainment, crafts and games forchildren and more. Families can also enjoy Niseko’s bounty
outdoors with casual barbecues.
Thankfully, summers are mild and evenings cool in Niseko,
ideal weather for nature walks or horseback rides exploring
the bucolic countryside before or after a day of feasting. A
hot-air balloon ride lets guests take in Niseko’s scenic summer
landscape just as the sun rises. For those with adventure on
their minds, a treasure hunt is the requisite family activity as
is mountain biking on the trails, white water rafting and zipline guided tours. Climbers and hikers, meanwhile, need afull day to conquer Mount Yotei with a five-hour workout tothe top, an additional two to circle the volcanic crater andfour hours back down. The longer days and flowers in bloom
makes summer the ideal season for the climb.
Niseko Village and its golf courses provide golfers withpanoramic views while they walk off a hearty breakfast.
Niseko Village Golf Course is a consecutive winner of Japan’sBest Golf Courses at the World Golf Awards for three years
running, while Niseko Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72
course designed by Arnold Palmer. Both courses hold plentyof tournaments and activities that guests can take part in.
In fact, Niseko’s summer calendar is packed with otheractivities including trail runs, classic bike races and the
Tanabata Fireworks Festival with a display of over 1,500
varieties. We say, best to work up an appetite.

For more information, visit www.niseko-village.com

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There are many ways
visitors can immersethemselves in the Niseko wayof life including (clockwisefrom left) riding horses,savouring tender Wagyu,
golfing or simply enjoying
the clean air.

life featureforeign queens,spies and pirates
the surprising history of dutch delftware pottery.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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The excellent location of
The Hague Marriott Hotel(left) ensures guests caneasily explore top attractions
such as the Royal Delft
Museum, which offers
exhibits and workshops
chronicling the history of
Dutch delftware.

A

Santa Catarina off the coast of Johor in the Straits of Malacca,
and auctioned off the haul of 100,000 pieces in Amsterdam.
But it wasn’t until an English princess, Mary Stuart, married
Dutch Prince William of Orange in 1677 that delftware evolved
into a luxury object of desire by her lavish royal commissions.
She and her French interior designer decorated Dutch palaces
with elaborate flower pyramids and vases, which resulted in
the largest and most technically advanced delftware everproduced. It became the high point of delftware production.
Even though Louis XIV of France ordered pieces of Dutch
ceramics, delftware fell out of fashion in the 18th century.
In the present day, however, the Argentine-born Queen
Máxima, Dutch queen consort of Willem-Alexander of
the Netherlands, has made delft relevant again. Since she
became queen in 2013, she has helped create an elaborate
delftware dinner service for use at Dutch state functions.
For more information, visit www.thehaguemarriott.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEt The Hague, which earned its moniker ofbeing the Royal City by the Sea by virtueof being the royal capital and the seat ofadministrative power, there is a sense ofhistory being created. The large sidewalk
cafes at its popular square are dominated bypoliticians and power brokers who gravitate towards the city’s
unique position as the seat of government as well as being thehost of the International Court of Justice and the International
Criminal Court. It is also home to The Hague Marriott Hotel,
which has become a second-home to discerning travellers with
its central location, modern fitness centre, 24 venue spaces
and proximity to leisure, cultural and historical attractions.
A mere 20-minute taxi ride way is the Royal Delft Museum,the starting point for your amble through the city of Delft
which traces its lineage to the house of Orange-Nassau,
being the home of Jan Vermeer and of course for its now
iconic blue pottery.
The exquisite blue-and-white ceramic delftware that hascome to epitomise Dutch craftsmanship has had its share oflouche episodes in its estimable 400-year old history. Two
foreign queens of the Netherlands had, and continue to have,an influential role in raising the profile of delft ceramics. But
before they came along, the trail of blue and white involvesa town in Jiangxi, China, in the 14th century, Persepolis,
the capital of Persia, caravans plying the Silk Road, a Dutch
16th-century undercover spy and finally high seas piracy
sanctioned by the Dutch maritime empire in the 17th century.
Jan Huyghen van Linschoten was employed by thePortuguese and sent to India in 1596 where he saw exquisite
Chinese porcelain being sold in Goa, a Portuguese colony.
Van Linschoten became an inadvertent spy when he helped
break the Portuguese monopoly of porcelain by publishingsecret charts and navigation guides for the Dutch to reach
the East Indies. In 1603 the Dutch seized the Portuguese ship

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life featurea tropezian
sanctuary
indulgent luxuries and nature co-exist
harmoniously at the chic haven that ismuse saint-tropez.
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For more information please visit www.muse-hotels.com

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La Tente by Spa Village at
MUSE Saint-Tropez offers afull range of indulgent treatments.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEUSE Saint-Tropez paints a picture of great serenity. Tucked ina tranquil section of Ramatuelle and near Place Des Lices, anenchanting three-acre garden cradles the luxe hotel in nature’s
embrace. This greenery is the brainchild of Sophie Agata
Ambroise, a landscape architect renowned for creating Bulgari
Hotel’s garden in Milan. A total of 160 varieties of plants thrive
in MUSE’s award-winning self-sustaining garden, filling the lush expanse between thegreen pine forest and the azure sea with Mediterranean colours.
The coastal town’s rise to fame can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s, whencelebrities of the day fell in love with Pampelonne, one of the most popular beaches
in Saint-Tropez today. It is charming that the boutique hotel’s 15 suites made actresses
from the golden age of Hollywood their muse, capturing their glamour and class inthe mood and look of their spaces. After all, the name of the hotel, MUSE, is an ode
to the daughters of Zeus; the original muses who each embodied a different formof artistic inspiration. Guests at this stylish escape will find their suites named after
the muses who inspired the space, making the rooms a little unique from each other.
Some suites feature the option of a private garden or a wooden terrace, in some you
can take a plunge in a pool or indulge in personal spa services.
Soft earth tones with cool stone floors and marmorino wall finishes make up thesuites’ decor, in keeping with MUSE’s architectural philosophy of simplicity and chicdesigns. Inside, the custom-made beds fit for movie stars are really masterpieces fromone of France’s oldest manufacturers, Henryot. This furniture maker’s creations canbe found in the royal court at Versailles.
Calm and tranquillity permeate this boutique hotel and highlight the pleasingly
laid-back glamour of the French Riviera. Here, every detail is meticulously curated forthe guests’ enjoyment, no doubt, a nod to the muses who brought art and beauty to
the hotel’s architectural elegance. Amid idyllic settings, MUSE Saint-Tropez awaits,
ready to enchant anyone who walks through its doors.

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rooms of theirown in bloomsbury
the extraordinary lives of six women and their books
beckon in mecklenburgh square.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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From 1920 to 1921, crime writer and translator, Dorothy
L Sayers, also stayed at 44 Mecklenburgh Square when
she arrived in London as part of the first cohort of women
graduates from Oxford. Better known as the creator of thefamous upper-class sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey, Sayers’ writing
influenced TS Eliot as well as DH Lawrence. The first sentenceof Gaudy Night, considered to be her greatest novel, begins
with the sentence: “Harriet Vane sat at her writing table andstared out into Mecklenburg Square.” In fact, Sayers credits
the Square as a metaphor for intellectual independence.
In 1926, the linguist, classicist and translator, Jane Ellen
Harrison, came to live at 11 Mecklenburgh at the age of 76. It
proved to be a refuge from her academic life in Cambridge,
an institution with which she wrestled for 25 years to give hera job (they finally did when she was 48). Her Cambridge peer
and friend, Gilbert Murray, on the other hand, was offered a
professorship at the tender age of 23.
Eileen Power probably lived the longest in Mecklenburgh
Square at number 20 when she moved here in 1931. Her
home soon became a magnet for economists, aspiring
politicians and reformers. She was not only a respectedeconomic historian at the London School of Economics but
also earned respect when, travelling in China and India, she
dressed as a man to cross the Khyber Pass (British law did notallow women to cross it).
In 1939, Virginia Woolf and her husband, Leonard, moved
in to 37 Mecklenburgh. Unfortunately, a German air raid in
September 1940 destroyed the couple’s home. Looking out
over the destruction, Woolf said: “I want my books and chairs
and carpets and beds. How I worked to buy them – one byone.” To read more about these women and their lives on thisBloomsbury square, Francesca Wade’s 2020 book Square
Haunting is highly recommended reading, while a walkthrough the Bloomsbury neighbourhood will perhaps elicit
a feeling of history.

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he 50-room The Academy on Gower Street
and the Georgian-era Mecklenburgh Square,are bookends for a lively, gender-advancing
and genre-breaking period. In the early 20th
century, the popularity of the local book clubs
in the area, known as Bloomsbury, gave rise toa class of educated women who sought independence and, inthe process, gave the world a new genre of literature.
The perfect starting point for guests at The Academy
would be its library sitting room, from where one can explore
the historically rich and pretty Mecklenburgh Square and its
private garden a short 15-minute stroll away.
The square and garden are part of Foundling Estate, oneof two residential squares planned in 1790 by Samuel Pepys
Cockerell, and named after Queen Charlotte who, before her
marriage to King George III, was Princess of MecklenburgStrelitz. In the early 20th century, some of the elegant
Georgian houses in Mecklenburgh Square became home toopen-hearted and open-minded women determined to forge
lives (and careers) of their own, often independent from amale partner.
Number 44, for example, was home to such women.
In 1911, poet and novelist Hilda Doolittle (better known
as HD) left her home in Philadelphia for Europe. Fiveyears later, she found herself at 44 Mecklenburgh Square(rather than living with her first boyfriend Ezra Pound).
Writing to her lesbian lover Bryher (who bore the pseudonymof Annie Winifred Ellerman) with whom she had an open
relationship for years, she said: ’Can you see how London atleast left me free?’For more information, visit www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

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Threadneedles Hotel (left)
and Broad Street in the
19th century.

in search of henry viii’s
first ministerand anne boleyn’s nemesis.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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walking
throughthemists oftimelife feature

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homas Cromwell was Henry VIII’s chief
minister who oversaw England’s break with
Rome, the fall from grace of Anne Boleyn
and the dissolution of the monasteries. Whatthen, does Cromwell have in common withThreadneedles Hotel in present-day London?
Well, quite a lot surprisingly. And it has much to do withfinance, a state treasury, a smart accountant and a rags-toriches-to-spectacular-downfall story.
Let’s start with Threadneedle Street where the five-star
hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection of iconic
hotels, is located. It’s in the historic Square Mile between
Bishopsgate at its north-east end and the Bank junctionin the south-west, and is one of nine streets that converge
at Bank. There are a lot of financial firsts associated withThreadneedle – the street. For starters it is famed as the siteof the Old Lady of Threadneedle – the nickname of the Bankof England which has been situated here since 1734. And up
till 2004, so too was the London Stock Exchange.
In the 17th century, merchants and captains of ships
and industry used to congregate in English coffeehouses
to exchange maritime gossip. In 1744, the Baltic Exchange(a membership organisation for the maritime industry)
was founded in the Virginia and Baltick Coffee House on
Threadneedle Street. (In November 2016, the Singapore
Exchange acquired the Baltic Exchange but it remains
headquartered in London.)82

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Before 1598, Threadneedle Street was part of Broad Street(now Old Broad Street). Which brings us back to Cromwell.
There is little trace left of his childhood growing up poorin Putney, but the enigmatic subject of Hilary Mantel’s Man
Booker Prize-winning novel Wolf Hall, we are told, escaped
his boyhood by running off and settling first in France,then Italy and the Netherlands. He was a sailor’s help, anerrand boy, a soldier, a trader and finally an accountant fora Florentine bank. When he eventually returned to England
he was a self-made man. His talent as a fixer and a shrewd
but discreet agent attracted the attention of Cardinal Wolsey
and Henry the VIII.
The first half of Wolf Hall describes Cromwell setting up
his home in the north of the City of London in a tenement
belonging to the religious order of the Augustine Friars. The
main gate of Cromwell’s residence, Austin Friars, was on
the junction of Throgmorton Street and Board Street. In the1520s, it was the largest and most palatial private house in
the City, and Cromwell favoured the neighbourhood as it was
popular with Italian and German merchants.
Historians believe that Cromwell, as Henry VIII’s First
Minister, orchestrated the fall of Boleyn who was queen forthree years before she was executed in May 1536. It is said
that Cromwell ordered a swordsman, instead of an axewielding executioner, as a final gesture to her status. But bylate July 1540, the tide had turned against Cromwell. Henry
VIII was about to marry his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, andCromwell was to be beheaded as a traitor and heretic. It wassaid that as soon as Cromwell was arrested, his possessions
were confiscated by Henry VIII to pay off the family of his
fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, when he annulled their marriage
after six months.

Although Cromwell’s house no longer stands on Broad
Street, it witnessed one man’s rise to greatness as well as
his dramatic fall. Within the walls of Austin Friars, debates
took place that changed the course of English history andthe English Reformation was championed. Could the plot tobring down Boleyn have started there as well?
If not a man for all seasons, Cromwell of the City of London
is surely the man for his season.
One hotel, and a double beheading? This is how a fivestar stay at Threadneedles Hotel can throw up enigmaticand surprising stories to enrich your London sightseeing
experience. Cromwell would have certainly appreciated theheritage of the hotel built 300 years after his death – it wasformerly the head office of the London, City and Midland
Bank and is the City’s oldest surviving premises of a jointstock bank.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEARBY• A chic Cantonese dim sum teahouse in the City with French
petits gateaux for dessert – Yauatcha City, Broadgate Circle,
London EC2M 2QS, Monday to Wednesday noon to 10pm;
Thursday to Saturday 12.30pm to 10.30pm, closed Sunday
yauatcha.com/city• Seasonal contemporary Indian cuisine with a cocktail bar
for aperitifs – Mint Leaf Lounge, 12 Angel Court, Lothbury,
Bank, London EC2R 7HB, Tuesday to Friday noon to
3pm, 5.30pm to 11pm; Saturday and Sunday 5.30pm to 11pm
www.mintleaflondon.com/city

For more information please visit www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

Below: elements of Threadneedles Hotel’s financial past can be found at Champagne Bar (left) and Dome Lounge.
Facing page: Thomas Cromwell ruthlessly dispatched those who stood against him and King Henry VIII, notably his royal master’s
second wife, Anne Boleyn (top) and a view of Broad Street in 1797 by the 18th-century artist, Thomas Malton Junior.

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life featuregeorgianperambulations
taking the air in the surroundings of bath.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINECThe Georgian period ran from 1714 to 1830, marking thereigns of the British Kings George I to IV. When this periodbegan, there were only a few hundred houses in Bath andthese were largely confined within its medieval city walls.
But it was transformed very quickly within 100 years into thecity Austen was writing about. If you have 90 minutes andwant to follow in the footsteps of the Georgians, the Walk
to the View stroll starts at Kingston Parade in Bath Abbey.
You will amble through grand streets, public gardens, along
the canal and past Holburne Museum on to the meadows ofBathwick Fields for a stunning view of the city and Somerset
countryside, covering a total of approximately five kilometres.
The longer Bath Skyline Walk is a four-hour adventure thatencompasses tree-lined paths. Starting from Bathwick Fields,
you will cross the road to Cleveland Walk at Bathwick Hill.

atherine Morland in Jane Austen’s Northanger
Abbey said: “I really believe I shall always betalking of Bath when I’m at home again – I do
like it so very much… Oh! Who can ever be tiredof Bath?”And young Catherine was absolutely right as
Bath in the 18th century was at its most fashionable. However,attending the endless social circuit of balls, ‘taking the waters’
and gossiping at teatime can be exhausting. When the ladies
and gentlemen of high society needed a respite from thestrict etiquette of polite drawing rooms they proceeded
to take the air in Bath’s tranquil surroundings. Guests of
The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel can do the same via the
Skyline Walk. The concierge recommends two versions: theeasy Walk to the View and the longer Bath Skyline Walk.

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Enjoy the stunningviews along the BathSkyline, which is just afive-minute drive fromThe GainsboroughSpa hotel (below).

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Here, you’ll see Sham Castle Down, enter Bathampton Woodand arrive at the elegant pillars of the Balcony and Rainbow
Wood Fields. This is a tranquil spot by a placid pond to takea rest. Once you get to Smallcombe Wood, you would likely
pick up the scent of flowers in the warmer months, which also
indicates that you’re near the end of your walk – bringing you
back to Bathwick Hill. You can pick up a Skyline Walk leaflet
from the Priory Park’s visitor reception or ask your concierge
at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel.
As Mrs Allen in Northanger Abbey said to Catherine: ‘Ifadventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, shemust seek them abroad.” Or, perhaps, in these times, she canseek them on the Skyline Walk in the right romantic company.
For more information, visit www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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life featurejohnnie’s story
the dandy of blended scotch whisky keeps striding on.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN AND WEI-YU WANG

This page andfacing page, below:
explore the flavours of
Scotland at Johnnie
Walker Princes Street.
Facing page, top: The
Glasshouse Hotel islocated in the heart of
Edinburgh city centre.

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life featurepacking, thus broadening a whisky empire into the further
reaches of the world. In 1902, a top illustrator, Tom Browne,
created the Striding Man figure for the brand – a dandy in abright red coat, riding breeches, top hat and walking stick –and Johnnie’s been striding on ever since.
At Johnnie Walker Princes Street, visitors may expect
a guided tour with Alba, a raconteur par excellence, and awhisky theatre that utilises an inventive audiovisual show
(animator Christina is a superb touch at the visual aspectsof storytelling). A touch-and-taste technique is employed
to transport guests around the four corners of Scotland andshowcase the different flavours and characteristics of whiskythat the regions produce. It’s a wonderful evocation of theroles played by Scotland’s distinctive flora, climate, soil andwater to make whisky. In one room, guests were taken aroundthe four seasons and the whisky characteristics which arecompatible with them.
The Johnnie Walker experience also very quickly dispels
some whisky-drinking myths. As Alba might say: “There’s noright or wrong way to drink whisky. It’s okay to drink it with
ice; it doesn’t have to be drunk neat; and yes, you can drink
blended whisky with a mixer.” But what they do emphasise isthat it’s important to choose your glass, inhale the bouquet,savour the taste and take your time.
Before visitors start their experience, a Flavour Quiz helps
discern their taste profile: fresh, smoky, fruity, etc. They thenreceive a corresponding coloured wrist band for a bespoke
highball or old-fashioned cocktail. They are then offeredchoices of rosemary, candied ginger, sun-dried tomatoes,
dried rose petals and more to have as garnishes, opening up
new and unexpected flavours.
And what if whisky has never been your thing? Not a worry;
this experience is still for you – the Johnnie Walker hosts makethe most delicious and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails
which you would still enjoy, the performance included.

J

ohn Walker, born in 1805 in Kilmarnock insouthwestern Scotland, was among the many
Scottish grocers and merchants in the 19th century
who blended, bottled and sold their own whiskiesin their shops. They were not distillers but many
went on to found blended whisky brands. In early
September 2021, the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky brand –bearing the name of Johnnie Walker – opened a massive visitor
centre in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh: an eight-storey,
71,500 sq ft edifice that celebrates its 200 years of history andthe liquid craft that is so beloved by consumers worldwide.
The project took four and a half years to realise and is thehighlight of Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch whisky
tourism – the largest single amount ever put forward for thatindustry, which attracted a record 2.16 million people in 2019.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the space in which Johnnie
Walker now resides, is many decades old. It was once
occupied by the now-defunct Binns department store, andmore recently House of Fraser. The ‘B’ emblem on the side of
the building and its cantilever clock (that was fully restored aspart of Johnnie Walker’s renovations) are well-known sights
in historical Edinburgh. The torch has been passed, and thecity now has a new landmark that pays homage to Scotland’s
most renowned export.
This new home to the bestselling Scotch whisky brand in
the world lies a 15-minute drive away from The Glasshouse
Hotel, Edinburgh, a beautifully restored chapel that preserved
its 140-year-old gothic façade with its 20 suites named after
specific Scotch whiskies. Naturally, guests of The Glasshouse
Hotel will be able to have the concierge book their ticket andtaxi for a visit to the latest whisky attraction in the city.
Once they’ve arrived, they begin the Journey into Flavour
immersive experience, which takes them back to the origins.
They see John, a farmer’s son who became a grocer andbegan blending his own whisky to achieve a richer and moreconsistent flavour. In 1857, his son Alexander came up withthe slanted label and the square bottles to ease shipping and

For more information go to www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

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Melbourne Marriott
Hotel is a short walkaway from the Theatre
District, shopping hub
and top attractions suchas the National Galleryof Victoria.

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visitors to melbourne winter masterpieces 2022
are in for a rare treat with an extensive exhibition
tracing more than 70 years of the spanish artist’s
prolific journey.
Words by MINDY TEH

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held over 100 days in the city, The Picasso Century promises
an extensive chronology tracing more than seven decadesof the Spanish artist’s journey and its evolution. Over 70
masterpieces by Picasso are on display including paintings,
sculptures, drawings and ceramics. Exclusively developed for
the NGV by Centre Pompidou and Musée national PicassoParis, the exhibition was curated by the noted scholar of
20th-century painting, Didier Ottinger, who is also Deputy
Director of Centre Pompidou.
Visitors gain a deeper insight into Picasso’s process in
dialogue with his contemporaries, friends, muses, lovers
and wives. The maestro kept company with an impressive
list of intellectuals, artists, models and the literati, andthese diverse encounters and relationships steered him
through notable periods, from his Blue Period to cubism
and surrealism. The likes of Guillaume Apollinaire, Georges
Braque, Alberto Giacometti, Françoise Gilot, Valentine
Hugo, Marie Laurencin, Dora Maar, André Masson anduests of the Melbourne Marriott Hotel will
be happy to note that it is a mere 14-minutetram ride or a pleasant 20-minute walk awayfrom the city’s Art Precinct, where the National
Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is located. The hotel’s
selection of rooms includes some with private
garden courtyards and others with a hot tub and cinema or
pet-friendly facilities. Dining options cater to a wide rangeof tastes, from farm-to-plate dining at the signature Country
Bred at Lonsdale to contemporary cuisine featuring the finest
locally sourced produce at Essence.
Art lovers will be thrilled at being this close to the NGV.
Founded in 1861, it is the oldest gallery in Australia andhouses a vast treasury of more than 76,000 works that spanthousands of years. It also hosts a wide range of events, suchas The Picasso Century, a world-premiere exhibition thathighlights the works of Pablo Picasso. Organised as part ofMelbourne Winter Masterpieces, a series of major exhibitions

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life featureThis and facing pages: the spacious guest rooms at the
Melbourne Marriott Hotel (above, far left) are the perfectbase from which to explore the National Gallery ofVictoria (above) and The Picasso Century exhibition.

For more information, please visit www.melbournemarriott.com

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The final section of this comprehensive display sees
Picasso’s impact on the international art world post-1945
with his artistic output in the 1950s and 1960s positioned
alongside those by Francis Bacon and Willem de Kooning.
The inclusion of a 2009 video entitled I See A Woman Crying(Weeping Woman) by Rineke Dijkstra coaxes viewers toreflect on Picasso’s pioneering efforts in pushing art into themodern age, with their effects continuing to be felt and seen
well into the 21st century.
NGV’s younger patrons have not been forgotten. A freechildren’s exhibition, Making Art: Imagine Everything Is
Real, features immersive hands-on activities and multimedia
experiences. Kids create their own works of modern art
through collage, poetry and more while learning about someof the leading European artists showcased in The Picasso
Century including, of course, the maestro himself.

Dorothea Tanning lent a greater perspective on Picasso’s
genius and inadvertently shaped his work.
The beginning of the exhibition examines Picasso’s
significant artistic developments including cubism, themovement formed together with Georges Braque thatradically transformed 20th-century art. Picasso’s place ininterwar Paris among peers such as André Breton, Georges
Bataille, Aimé Césaire, Alberto Giacometti and Gertrude
Stein is also highlighted. The exhibition pays particularattention to Picasso’s surrealist phase, presenting works fromthis period alongside those of Kay Sage, Max Ernst, Salvador
Dalí, Giorgio de Chirico and Masson.
The maestro’s impact on the art world reverberated
through his contemporaries and The Picasso Century also
showcases over 60 works by his peers, artists rarely exhibitedin Australia. These include works by Natalia Goncharova,
Julio González, Wifredo Lam, Suzanne Valadon and Maria
Helena Vieira da Silva.

life featuresong of the se agaze upon humpback whales in all theirnatural glory off the coast of queensland atcape moreton.
Words by TIEN CHEW

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Brisbane Marriott Hotel’s lobby featuresexquisite marble flooring and sandstone pillars.

Brisbane’s beautiful Moreton Bay.

For more information please visit brisbanemarriott.com.

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Photograph by Mark Lobo.

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markings, battle scars or the black-and-white colouration on
the underside of their tails. It is said that observing individual
humpbacks over a period of time rather than a larger number ofwhales may produce a greater watching experience. This formof observation lets you learn a whale’s personality, movement
patterns and interactions with its kin. Should you want to hear
whale song, the ship comes equipped with state-of-the-art
underwater microphones.
Humpbacks may be the main draw to Cape Moreton’s waters,
but a supporting cast of bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead
sharks, dugongs, manta rays, turtles and other marine life keeps
this aquatic theatre exciting. The presence of such diverse
wildlife indicates that Moreton Bay Marine Park may rival theGreat Barrier Reef itself.

he feeling is almost indescribable the firsttime you see a pod of humpback whales
surface from the depths of the shimmeringblue. If you’re lucky, you may spot a motherand her calf dive, spout or blow, or delivera playful tail slap. From June until October,whale watching season descends upon Queensland as theselarge creatures migrate from the Antarctic to warmer Australianwaters in search of plankton, krill and small schooling fish.
Redcliffe Jetty, about 45 minutes away from the Brisbane
Marriott Hotel in the city centre, is your gateway to Cape Moreton,
where around 18,000 humpback whales swim through annually.
The best way to see these majestic mammals is on the cruiser
named Eye Spy – a custom-designed low-noise catamaran
purposefully built for whale watching. To ensure greater viewing
success, a small Cessna 172 plane, also whimsically named Sky
Spy, is used to pinpoint the whales’ locations.
With keen eyesight, or a sturdy pair of binoculars and lots ofperseverance, you can identify individual whales by their unique

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luxe it up
there’s always more to one’s stayat the westin perth. here are fiveexciting activities to try.
Words by BIBIENNE YEOH

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The 40km-long Great
Ocean Drive is a loopthat starts and ends inEsperance, covering
sights such as stunningbeaches andpastoral landscapes.

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he Westin Perth is setting a new standard
for contemporary design as well as luxury
accommodation options in Western Australia.
Designed in collaboration by Melbourne’s BAR
Studio, Hassell and BGC Development, the28-storey building boasts high ceilings and fullheight windows that make the most of the bright Australiansunrays shining through.
The spacious guest rooms – 368 in total – and lounge
areas exude understated elegance thanks to the furniturepieces, curios and handpicked accessories that were speciallyselected for these spaces. Art plays a vital role in the interiors,with over 2,000 works by local artists in the grand hallways
and guest rooms. The generous range of accommodation
options range from deluxe rooms to the grand Presidential
Suite, all with sweeping views of Perth’s surroundings.
Its location, overlooking the popular Hibernian Place
precinct, is only a stone’s throw away from the city’s bustlingcommercial hub and the Heritage Centre. While that’s enoughfor most, there are plenty of things that you can do besides
staying within the city limits. If you’re looking to expand yourtravel itinerary beyond the poolside and spa, here are fiveactivities that will get you exploring more of what Perth andWestern Australia have to offer.

1. GO ON A SCENIC HELICOPTER RIDE
Esperance has a lot to offer when it comes to natural
attractions and has one of the best beaches in Australia.
What better way to appreciate the sweeping crystalline bays
and pristine national parks of this paradise than an aerial tour
with HeliSpirit. Taking off from the helipad at the Esperance
foreshore, you will fly around the coastline and Middle Island’s
famous bubblegum pink saline lake, Lake Hillier. Hover overthe lush Recherche Archipelago, shocking blue waters ofCape Le Grand and sprawling Cape Arid national parks.
Cape Arid is home to 1,100 floral species and 160 species ofbirds – most of which are threatened or endangered. If you’re
lucky, you might even catch a view of migrating whales. Yourpilot will land on Middle Island, where you can join a guided
walk to the edge of Lake Hillier. This three-hour, 15-minuteexperience costs A$1,295 per person.

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2. CHARTER A YACHT TO ROTTNEST ISLAND
From blue lagoons to vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life,
Rottnest Island is every water lover’s dream with a brilliant
selection of snorkelling and diving spots. The island is just
19km off the coast of Fremantle and is surrounded by the
glistening Indian Ocean. Here, you can swim, surf, snorkel
and fish to one’s content. Charter the Super Yacht Paradiseand drop anchor at any of the 63 secluded beaches and20 sandy bays to soak in the sea and the sun. You can also
ramp up the action with the luxury yacht’s jet skis, kayaks
or inflatable party island. When exploring Rottnest, looking
out for quokkas, which is the only mammal that is native tothe island. Spotting one of the happiest animals on Earth isalways a welcome treat.

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3. EXPLORE THE MARGARET RIVER REGION
Located in the southwest corner of Western Australia, theMargaret River region is known for its restaurants and art
galleries, and more famously, its wines. Sauvignon Blanc
and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted among an extensive
menu of varietals, with many of the wineries here offering
tours and tastings. A Touch of Glass Tours has a generous
range of luxury tour packages. Indulge in a chauffeur-driven
wine tasting experience at four wineries including a private
tasting at Vasse Felix, the founding winery of the MargaretRiver region, followed by a decadent three-course luncheoncomplete with two glasses of wine. You will also have theflexibility to fully customise your itinerary, with 150 wineries
to choose from. You can even opt for olive oil, cheese or
chocolate tastings. A luxury full-day private charter starts
from A$550 for up to seven guests in a Hyundai Imax vehicle.

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4. DINE AT ONE OF PERTH’S TOP RESTAURANTS
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for yournext meal around the city, starting with The Westin Perth’s
Garum (left), a Roman osteria where you can enjoy modern
Italian classics. Venture out and you will discover Wildflower
on the fourth-floor rooftop of the State Buildings with its
stunning view of the city skyline and Swan River. Its menuschange six times a year to reflect the indigenous Noongar
seasons highlighting ingredients unique to Western Australia.
Expect innovative dishes like Wagin duck breast cookedwith quince, liquorice root and anise myrtle or Nannup
chestnut prepared with local mushrooms, black garlic andacacia. There is also an extensive wine list. Petite Mort, astylish European restaurant that has become synonymouswith Perth degustation and nouvelle cuisine, is also highly
recommended. Sample its intricate menu, which is heavily
inspired by French cuisine, from the pork belly with pomelo
and avocado to the roast duck served with fig and buttermilk.

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For more information please visit www.westinperth.com

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5. REJUVENATE WITH ANCIENT INDIGENOUS HEALINGAT BODHI SPA
At The Westin Perth’s Bodhi spa, you can partake in agorgeous selection of wellness treatments. As a holistic
wellness destination, Bodhi welcomes you with an eightmetre water feature to relax your mind and calm your soul. Its
treatment and steam rooms are where you’ll melt away urban
realities and your journey towards rejuvenation includes time
to relax at the fifth-floor terrace with views of the city. Bodhi’streatments are inspired by ancient indigenous healing which,combined with the finest Australian botanical spa products
and the nurturing, practised touch of its spa consultants,
help to make this urban retreat extraordinary.

life moments

12 things to doin and aroundsydney harbour
marriott hotel atcircular quay

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the capital of new south wales has gorgeous beaches,parks, incredible architecture, a rich heritage and a
dynamic blend of cultures from all over the world.
and in the heart of this bustling city is sydney harbour
marriott hotel at circular quay, with its unrivalled
location and lovely views. within minutes you would
arrive at destinations for sightseeing, shopping,entertainment or business needs. here are 12 places inand around the hotel that you can visit on foot.
Words by CHIN MUI YOON

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1. SILVESTER’S
Discover an award-winning global culinary
journey at this restaurant, located within
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular
Quay. Chef Raphael Szurek, who worked
at two of the most famous three-starred
Michelin restaurants in Paris – Four Seasons
Hotel George V under Philippe Legendre
and Grand Vefour under Guy Martin – isknown for his creative, contemporary
Australian cuisine (not to mention one of thecity’s most impressive buffet breakfasts).
His globally influenced menu features the
freshest seasonal and sustainable local
produce, such as Fraser Island Spanner
Crab and WA Fremantle Octopus. Over
100 sommeliers curated premium winesfrom some of the most renowned vineyards
in Australia and worldwide to complement
the menu.

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2. CIRCULAR QUAY
A 10-minute walk from the hotel
takes you to Circular Quay. Thisis Sydney’s main ferry terminus
and is tucked into the heart of
Sydney Cove, where the first fleetof ships from Britain arrived in
1788. Today, it is a central meeting
point and gateway to the Sydney
Opera House, Sydney Harbour
Bridge and The Rocks. It’s a hiveof activity as a transport hubwith ferries, trains and buses
providing access to attractions inand around Sydney. In addition,
restaurants and cafes around the
Quay offer waterside dining andopportunities to observe life.

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3. BARANGAROOAn ambitious urban renewal project transformed
what was previously a container terminal into a hubof dining, shopping and entertainment in 2021.
Barangaroo is named after a Cammeraygal woman
who, along with her husband, mediated between her
tribe and the British in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The area is accessible on foot from the hotel via
Wulugul Walk or via ferry, stopping at Barangaroo
Wharf. Barangaroo House, with steam-bent charredtimber on its stunning, curved exterior, offers many
dining and shopping choices.

4. BARANGAROO RESERVE
A significant part of the Barangaroourban renewal project is thisunique, landscaped park with over
75,000 native trees and shrubs amid
sandstone blocks extracted on site.
These blocks were also used tocreate the Cutaway art and festival
space. Renowned environmental
educator Clarence Slockee leads
tours with Barangaroo Aboriginal
Cultural Tours that will shed lighton the area’s historical and cultural
significance and stories of theEora Nation that once lived where
Sydney now stands.
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5. MRS MACQUARIE’S CHAIR
The breathtaking views of Sydney
Harbour are a primary focus formany visitors. However, one of
the most spectacular sites was
discovered in 1810 by Governor
Macquarie’s wife, Elizabeth. She
loved the view from that vantage
point so much that she had aseat chiselled into the rock fromwhich she could enjoy one of themost, if not the best, complete
views of Sydney Opera Houseand the perfect arch of Sydney
Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s
Chair is an extension of Sydney’s
Botanic Gardens, making for ideal
afternoon picnics followed byspectacular sunset views.

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6. THE STRAND
English architect John Spencer designed thisbeautifully restored Victorian building in the mid1880s. It is located between Pitt and George streets
and is one of the city’s earliest places to be lit byelectricity. The 104m-long arcade soars three storeys
high with a glass ceiling for natural light anchored byhandcrafted cedar staircases at each end.
Restored after a devastating fire in 1976, The
Strand today celebrates its 135th anniversary. It
offers an assembly of Australian designers and a richarray of edible delicacies. Well-known Sydney namesthat have been trading for decades include Strand
Hatters, Coomb’s Shoe Repair & Service and The
Nut Shop, while cult Australian skincare brand Aesop
has a charming store here. For a refresher, sip freshly
brewed coffee at Gumption by Coffee Alchemy,winner of the highly challenging Australian Barista
Champion title and inaugural Australian CuppingChampion title.

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7. SYDNEY TOWER EYEThis is the second tallest observation
tower in the southern hemisphereand offers a bird’s-eye view of thissprawling city and its surrounding
suburbs extending to the west andsouth. Perhaps taking in the view
from above would enable one to seejust how beautiful this city is where its
peninsulas extend beyond the blue
waters. Sydney Tower offers various
priced experiences, including visits
to its observation decks or dining at
the revolving restaurant.

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8. WESTFIELD AND DAVID JONESAs a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, Sydney offers terrificshopping for everyone. Westfield Sydney is locatedin the central business district and is a 10-minute
walk from Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular
Quay. Here you’ll find top designer brands, including
Chanel and Christian Louboutin, as well as leading
Australian lifestyle brands. Across the road is David
Jones, a quintessential Australian department store
which opened on this spot 95 years ago. It offers
designer labels, homeware and a wide variety ofbeautifully packaged food that make lovely gifts.

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9. THE WHARF
Catch a performance at this lovingly restored home of
the Sydney Theatre Company at Pier 4/5 on HicksonRoad in Walsh Bay, easily accessible on foot from thehotel. The Wharf houses the Company’s offices andrehearsal studios for its productions led by its artistic
director, Kip Williams.

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10. MUSEUM OF
CONTEMPORARY ART
Sydney’s waterside home ofcontemporary art beckons
on Circular Quay. The airyinterior houses a theatrettethat seats 120, an interactive
education centre, a rooftop
café and a sculpture terrace.

11. WATSONS BAY
The way to appreciate this capital is to take aferry ride over its sapphire waters. Go a little
further afield via a 20-minute ferry ride from theCircular Quay terminus to this laid-back, lovely
escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As theferry pulls away from the quay, you can truly
experience the wonders of waterside living andmarvel at how beautifully designed the city is.
At Watsons Bay, the second stop after Rose Bay,
spend a few hours completing the circuit walkthat takes you from the picturesque fisherman’svillage around South Head with dramatic
cliffside views of Sydney and the Pacific Ocean.
Finally, arrive at the historic Hornby Lighthousewith its distinctive red and white stripes before
turning back to catch the next ferry.

For more information, visit www.marriott.com/sydmc

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12. SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TOURS
A must-see for every visitor, this iconic landmark was designed by Jørn
Utzon and took 14 years to build, from 1959 to 1973. It’s one of themost famous opera houses in the world and was declared a UNESCOWorld Heritage site in 2007. But beyond making a quick visit forphotos, join one of its official tours to inspire a deeper understanding
and appreciation for this building from an architectural or historic
perspective. In addition, the Backstage Tour allows access to areas
cordoned off to most tourists as they are reserved for the numerous
celebrities and stars holding performances here.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages:
Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali invites
guests to take arejuvenating plunge
into the pool or explore
at their personal pace.

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THE RE AL BALI
REDUXWords by KENNETH TAN Photography by MANGO LOKE107

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with the reopening of spa village resort
tembok, bali, we bring you the soulstirring retelling of a stay here in thedays before the pandemic. it is a storyof the people who make up the resort
and of the lives they lead, each of whom
represents a vignette of the real bali —a land where happiness and authenticity
rule in equal measure.

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he village of Tembok is located in the idyllic
northeastern corner of Bali. This area stood as
the easterly gateway to the city of Singaraja, oneof the key cities of the 12th-century Balingkang
kingdom. Today, Singaraja continues to be theclosest city for Tembok locals who occasionallymake the one-hour journey for its shops and, for those looking
to further their academic pursuits, the university.
Back in Tembok, you find yourself among a pastoral
landscape of palm forests, coconut groves and a village
community who greet visitors with a smile. Looming in the
distance are Mount Bator and Mount Agong, two of Bali’s
most famous volcanic peaks, with the latter being the island’s
highest point of elevation at 3,031m above sea level.
This area of Tembok bears some unique features in
topography that are dissimilar to Bali’s southern regions. The
mountain ridge which divides the island protects Tembok
from much of the south’s familiar rainfall, resulting in nearcloudless skies on most days save for the wetter months ofDecember and January.
It is also here where one finds the charming Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali and its 27 deluxe rooms with two suites
and two villas (which come with individual plunge pools).
Here, in this adult-only resort – a minimum guest age of 16
is enforced – the day brings birdsong, a constant sea breeze

and the scents of garden life: ylang-ylang, jasmine andfrangipani. To arrive here, you undertake a transformative
two-and-a-half-hour drive from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport
located in the island’s south. The resort’s comprehensive
pick-up and drop-off package ensures that your journey
begins at the airport’s arrivals lounge, where you meet one of
the resort’s six drivers. Your journey will take you past densely
packed districts and along a northeasterly coastal road.
Highlights along the way include salt-making sites, temples
and the century-old Ujung Water Palace where Balinese andEuropean architecture meld into the spectacular residenceof the former raja of Karangasem.
By the time you turn into the Tedjakula-Tianyar
thoroughfare, which runs through the area of Tembok, thatsense of discovery would have been greatly heightened withthe sight of a quaint village seemingly lost in time. Here,an assortment of brick homes is interspersed with eateries,
shrines, sundry shops and smallholdings. You would invariably
notice that the people here possess an unhurried aura about
them, a sense of ease of themselves and their lives.
At Pasar Tukad Eling, the market which serves the local
community, live ducks and chickens are sold alongside
freshly caught mahi-mahi and yellowtail tuna, as well as
incredibly sweet Harum Manis mangoes, all representative of
the produce from the surrounding land and sea. That same108

life featureThis page: age-old Balinese
traditions provide a calm andreclusive environment for relaxation,
recovery and self-discovery.
Facing page: suites are generous
with stunning views while the villas
are private sanctuaries of peace.

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freshness is translated into the healthy farm-to-table cuisine
prepared at Wantilan, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali’s
restaurant, where the day’s menus are written up following
the morning market run.
Executive Chef Mohamad Rizal brings his understandingof cosmopolitan cuisine from over a decade of service
at Fairmont Dubai to the food served here. The Balinesedelicacy of bebek betutu is prepared from over 20 herbs andspices, marinated over a spring duck, and then slow-baked inbanana leaves. The result is a toothsome meal infused withheady flavours of galangal, cumin and cilantro. “It’s important
to strive for a balance of the salty, spicy, sweet and savoury
tastes,” Rizal explains. “Fresh ingredients are key of course,
and we work closely with the local farmers and fishermen on
a contracted basis to obtain the choicest selections.”
There’s an undeniable sense that Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali is connected to the core of this original way oflife, where much of what happens at the resort mirrors thebest practices of the villagers nearby. At the spa, the mineralrich black sands from the adjoining beach – a result of ancient
volcanic flows – are used in some of the treatments to dispel
arthritic pains and low spirits, in the same way villagers would
sit with their feet in the sand as a means of detoxification.
Yuyun Cindarsih, the resort’s Spa Manager, had helped
design the spa menu by sourcing 100 per cent local organic

life feature
ingredients, from yoghurt, honey, lime and cucumber juice
to local flora.
She has combined this chemical-free base with local
traditions which have proved to be effective remedies acrosscenturies. “For the locals, the traditional ways are always
the first option before visiting the doctor,” Yuyun states.
Boreh, a warming body mask, is used to restore vitality toweary bodies in the same way the locals do. “A lot of what
we practise today is taught to us by Tembok’s late respected
healer Ka Tis, who handed down the recipes of using local
herbs, coconut oil and also his healing techniques.”
In time, one realises that it is a sense of belonging andpurpose which becomes the gateway to the happinessexuded on the faces of the resort’s members of staff, many ofwhom originate from Tembok. Sika, a 42-year-old recreation
officer, has lived his whole life in Tembok, growing up in afishing family. As one of the original members of staff at theresort, he has relished the regular income which employment
brings over the uncertainty of the day’s catch. He is up before
the crack of dawn, preparing the resort’s boat – a traditional
two-seater vessel fitted with outriggers called a jukong.
His familiarity with the sea means you will find yourself in the
choicest spot to contemplate the coastline, backgroundedby majestic peaks. Through the water, you will spot fields ofphosphorescent plankton (which attract whales in December
and January). Most curiously, Sika and his ilk are able topinpoint exactly where to locate the boat, to prepare for the

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing pages: the essence of
the Balinese culture is woven throughthis resort, which is set against
a dramatic landscape of sacred
mountains and ultramarine waters.

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dramatically charged encounter with schools of dolphins,
numbering in the hundreds, which emerge from the warming
waters with aplomb.
A deep and abiding love for the land can be seen in
the faces of the groundskeepers at the resort, who gather
frangipani blossoms to scent guest rooms. Throughout
the day, various members of staff offer incense and floral
offerings at the resort’s shrines.
Not far from the resort, Les Waterfall serves as apurification point for locals on religious days of celebration.
The cool waters, cascading from a height of five storeys, offer
invigorating and natural hydrotherapy.
Once a year, when the moon waxes full, the Pujawali
festival comes about, a thanksgiving ceremony for the ocean
goddess, Baruna. At a temple dedicated to her, a 10-minute
walk by beach from the resort, a fiesta of celebration is in fullswing, with a mangku – a temple priest – offering songs andprayer in Sanskrit and Balinese.
Made Arjaya, 40, is the youthful village leader of Ngis
(estimated population 2,400), a village in the vicinity ofTembok. He spent half of his life growing up here and theother half driving a cab in Bali’s southern districts. “Thespirits are old here in Tembok,” he observes. “We celebrate
tonight because the ocean has given us so much, everything,to our lives.”
Made, who also possesses a cosmopolitan outlook by
virtue of having developed many friendships through work,

hopes that visitors to Tembok will see the “real Bali”. For him,
this notion of a real Bali rests in the deep-rooted culture,
respect for customs and heartfelt relationships which thepeople share in Tembok.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the smiling eyesof Gede, 29, the resort’s guests relations manager, who has
been tasked to help organise the Pujawali tonight. Gede
has shown up in his finery with wife Kadek Sri Widiasih, his
five-year-old daughter Putu Angela and infant son Kadek
Deo Honesta. He had had to take two days off work to help
with preparations and temple decorations, with his father
pitching in on security detail and mother on the gamelan –the traditional Balinese orchestra.
That sense of togetherness, for many, will be the enduring
memory of anyone who visits Tembok. From the smilingladies in the market to the pleasant-mannered villagers andmembers of staff, one has clearly stumbled into a guilelessland. Fauzi Abriansyah, the resort’s room division manager,
a Javanese who has spent 10 years at the resort, has long
noticed these charms at Tembok. “People are friendlier,the environment is calmer and you can feel that everyone islooking out for each other, understanding that they can only
be happy when everyone around them feels the same way.”* This story first appeared in YTL Life’s winter 2018 issue.
For more information, visit www.spavillageresort.com

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set within tunku abdul rahman marine park,
gaya island resort is a jewel located off thecapital of sabah, kota kinabalu. golden sandy
beaches and crystal clear waters teeming withmarine life are compelling attractions, while
its spa village offers opportunities to sample
authentic borneo-inspired therapies.

this luxurious resort is set on a private
tropical island on the straits of malacca.
villas either fringe the hillside or are
gracefully balanced on stilts over water. anaward-winning spa village offers world-class
treatments derived from chinese, indian andmalay healing traditions.

gayaislandresort.com

pangkorlautresort.com

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evoking the splendour, the romance and thenostalgia of one of malaysia’s oldest hill
stations and its grand colonial heritage,
cameron highlands resort with its luxurious
rooms and award-winning spa village is the bestplace to take in the area’s rolling hills, tea
plantations, rose gardens and strawberry farms.

tanjongjararesort.com

cameronhighlandsresort.com

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tanjong jara resort on the east coast of
peninsular malaysia embodies the essence ofmalay culture and traditions. facing the southchina sea and surrounded by the lush green
beauty of the local countryside, this resort
reveals a quieter but equally attractive side
to malaysia.

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nestled within the embrace of a private sun-kissed
bay, the ritz-carlton, koh samui is surroundedby oceanfront beauty and quintessential
experiences that artfully reflect the samui wayof life. this makes the beautiful property an
ideal setting to embark on wellness programmes,
cultural immersions or culinary journeys.

located in kuala lumpur’s golden triangle
business district, this stylish luxury hotel isconveniently positioned for upscale shopping,dining and entertainment. it is home to an awardwinning spa, and gourmands will be delighted by
the indulgent afternoon tea experience as wellas li yen’s stellar chinese cuisine.

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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hotel stripes is malaysia’s second autographcollection hotel. it combines a modern vibeand historical references to its location in
one of kuala lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods.
with contemporary guest rooms and suites,
the hotel is a convenient base to explore themalaysian capital’s many attractions.

jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

stripeskl.com

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located along bukit bintang road at the heart ofkuala lumpur, jw marriott is ideal for businessand leisure travellers. with world-class
shopping and dining nearby, this conveniently
located hotel with its extensive range offacilities is one of the city’s finest.

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the starhill dining celebrates culinary sophistication, bringing to diners fresh, seasonal andglobally inspired dining experiences with a diverse spread of gastronomic creations servedby the tastemakers, each with a unique food programming. the starhill dining’s collection of
captivating dining and entertainment concepts includes shook!, kuala lumpur’s choice restaurantthat continues to fuel the imagination; luk yu tea house that embraces a poetic chinese heritage;
the alchemy featuring gin botanicals for every season; the popular jogoya restaurant; and finearabic cuisine at tarbush lounge.

thestarhilldining.com

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PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I KUALA LUMPUR I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCAGAYA ISLAND I TEMBOK, BALI I

HANGZHOU I BATHI

STARHILL I KOH SAMUI

spavillage.com

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the spa villages celebrate the healing culture of the region in which each is built. each spa
village has its own character and authenticity, honouring local healers and traditions that havebeen passed down the generations.

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situated on pansea beach, one of phuket’s
most private stretches of sand, the surinoffers a perfect slice of thai beach life. thecottages and suites are built into a carefully
conserved
landscape.
fromsumptuous
cuisine to watersports, the surin combines
idyllic tropical charm with the warmth of
thai hospitality.

black volcanic sand, the majestic mount agung,the deep blue of the indian ocean and themystical balinese way of life come together
in style at spa village resort tembok, bali.
located in the north of the island, the resort
is a haven of wellness, where guests can enjoy
all the benefits and pleasures of spa life amid
tranquil surroundings.

thesurinphuket.com

spavillageresort.com/tembokbali

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fully restored to its former glory, thiselegant 1930s property marries history withworld-class hospitality. dining options include
hainanese favourites at colonial café as well as
an interactive dining experience at contango,
while the rooms are a blend of contemporarystyle and old-world finesse.

majesticmalacca.com

majestickl.com

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regarded as the cradle of malaysian history,
malacca in its heyday was a port city thatwelcomed spice traders, sultans and warriors.
soak up the magic and the history at the majesticmalacca, the city’s finest hotel, built in the
1920s and furbished with interiors indicativeof the city’s rich culture.

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this luxury boutique hotel is considered oneof the best places to stay in edinburgh, withcosy contemporary interiors, warm scottish
service and consistently spectacular views of
the city centre and calton hill from the hotel’s
two-acre rooftop garden.

this former victorian bank has been transformed
into a discreet, boutique-style hotel, crowned byan elegant stained glass dome, an unexpected findin the city’s heart. hotel threadneedles exudes
grandeur in a thoroughly modern way, while service
is polished; it’s also unpretentious amid the bustle
of square mile.

theglasshousehotel.co.uk

hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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monkey island estate is located on a picturesqueisland in the river thames in the historic villageof bray, berkshire. set across seven acres, theproperty features 41 exquisite rooms designed by
the award-winning new york-based champalimaud
design as well as six private residences.

theacademyhotel.co.uk

monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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situated in bloomsbury, the academy hotellondon comprises a collection of five georgian
townhouses combined into one charming luxury
hotel. this rejuvenated 50-guest room/suite
boutique hotel juxtaposes timeless glamour
and a contemporary take on townhouse living.

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the gainsborough bath spa offers the only
natural thermal spa within a hotel in the
uk. the hotel is a moment’s stroll from bathabbey, the high street stores on milsom street
and the roman baths, which makes it a choicelocation from which to explore the city and its
nearby attractions.

a glamorous and private hideaway in the southof france, muse saint tropez is all about thehigh life. located in ramatuelle and surroundedby forests of umbrella pines, this boutiqueproperty features just 15 suites, each of whichis named after famous ‘muses’.

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

muse-hotels.com

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portfolio of lifethe 368-room westin perth is located in therevitalised east end of perth known as thehistoric heart of the city, close to shopping
malls, elizabeth quay and the vibrant swan
river precinct. the hotel is the cornerstone ofhibernian place, featuring a lively and eclectic
mix of bars, cafés and restaurants.

ytlhotels.com

westinperth.com

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the eastern & oriental express epitomises the
grandeur, luxury and romance of rail travelfrom a bygone era. journey amid the trappingsof old-world opulence across three countries,
through the entire length of peninsularmalaysia, on a route connecting the southeast
asian metropolises of singapore and bangkok.

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the melbourne marriott is centrally located,close to the city’s theatre precinct, shopping
districts and chinatown. featuring world-classservice, all 186 well-appointed rooms and suites
are modern and elegant. facilities include
a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, signature
restaurant and vibrant lounge.

the 563-room sydney harbour marriott is set
in the heart of circular quay, overlooking
the harbour bridge and opera house. guests
will find themselves near dining, fashion andentertainment hotspots. the sydney harbour
bridge, opera house, the rocks and hyde parkare all moments away.

marriott.com.au/melmc

marriott.com/sydmc

124portfolio of life

centrally located near the hague city centre andthe north sea coast, the hague marriott featurescontemporary style with a warm ambience. the306 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites
are thoughtfully appointed with stylish design
accents and complimentary wi-fi. many of thecity’s attractions are located nearby.

brisbanemarriott.com

thehaguemarriott.com

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the brisbane marriott, with 267 rooms and suites,
is ideally placed between brisbane’s cbd and thefortitude valley hub. with a stunning backdropof the brisbane river, story bridge, kangaroo
point cliffs and city skyline, the hotel is close
to shopping, riverside dining, the commercial
district and cultural attractions.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

higashiyama niseko village, a ritz-carlton reserve, sets a communion with nature with every elementof the experience. hokkaido’s seasons transform the unique landscape, setting the scene for
unforgettable adventures into the soul of niseko. the first ritz-carlton reserve to grace japan,
higashiyama niseko village resides at the base of mount niseko annupuri, with panoramic viewsof mount yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges. embrace a new level of bespoke luxury inhokkaido with the exquisite refinement of a ritz-carlton reserve to return to each day.

ritzcarlton.com/higashiyamanisekovillage126portfolio of life

niseko-village.com

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the heart of niseko village is its main pulse, where paved intimate walkways are flanked bycontemporary shopping and dining options. just moments from niseko village’s award-winning
hotels, residences and lifts, its slopeside location allows for seamless ski-in, ski-out accessbetween mountain adventures and indoor diversions. both modern and traditional interweave,
evoking a genteel lifestyle at the village with its authentic japanese machiya architectural setting.
après-ski is excitingly redefined at niseko village.

portfolio of life

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR.

AC HOTEL KUANTAN.

AC HOTEL PENANG.

located in kuala lumpur, penang and kuantan, malaysia’s ac hotels feature a modern harmonious
design where guest rooms and flexible, open spaces are optimised for a comfortable andeffortless stay. with a contemporary approach to business and leisure, facilities include the ac
lounge, which is ideal for creative meetings and where drinks and tapas selections inspired by
local flavours are served throughout the day.

ac-hotels.com

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w w w.y t l h o t e l s . c o mhome of the tastemakers

the starhill dining
a universe of epicurean pursuits under one roof.

C
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

entred in the Home of
the Tastemakers, The
Starhill Dining celebrates
culinarysophistication
at its most elegant.
The
diversespreadof gastronomic creations brings
fresh, seasonal and globally inspired
experiences to diners, who are served
by our collection of captivating dining
and entertainment concepts. The
unique food programming at The
Starhill Dining is interpreted by ourtastemakers, who are vivid storytellers
possessing a wealth of expertise in
their respective fields.
The Starhill Dining offers an
epicurean journey that is curated
to satisfy the most discerning taste
buds. Tempt the palate with innovativeinternational cuisine at Shook!, discovera poetic Chinese heritage at Luk Yu Tea
House, enjoy a fresh feast of Japanesedelicacies at Jogoya and savour fineArabic cuisine at Tarbush. You will
also discover the Hairy Crab season at
Shanghai, savour winter specials from
Hokkaido through Yukibana at Shook!
and encounter the refinement of the
Ritzy afternoon tea.
Be it an evening sundowner or atipple with friends – try a perfectly
stirred Martini at The Alchemy – there’s
always something to discover at The
Starhill Dining’s bars and lounges.
Oenophiles can linger over a rarevintage at The Cellar, which takes pridein stocking the city’s most prestigious
wine collection that includes highly
sought-after Old World vintages andalso New World icons. The stars of The
Cellar are undoubtedly its unrivalled
Opus One collection, a magnificent
vertical flight of wines that span from1980 to 2008, and the exclusive verticalcollection of the largest and finest
Château Mouton Rothschild of every
consecutive vintage from 1945 to 2005.

130“BRINGINGPEOPLETOGETHER
THROUGH MY
FOOD IS A
REFLECTION OF
WHO I AM.”– CHEF MO,
SHOOK! MASTERCHEF ANDGROUP EXECUTIVE CHEF
OF YTL HOTELS –The Starhill Dining’s
gastronomic journeysatisfies the mostdiscerning taste buds.