YTL

Issue Twent y S i x

T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Spread of Love

Pleasures of aHighland Pique-Nique

Life on Gaya Island

Y T L

New Journeyof Luxury

L u x u r y

T h e

Of Nature
and Nurture

Debuting theKasara Brand

M a g a z i n e
PP 15585/10/2012(031264)

MUSE Bath Townhouses • Highland Hot Pot • Fall for Niseko

Contents
20Life Events

8 A round up of parties andevents in world of YTL.

60

34
28 A experience to savour at Gaya
Island Resort's Marine Centre.

Life Bites

34 The French Riviera's mostglitzy fishing village is a greatplace to be famous in.

Life on the Cover

40 Discover what it's like living
within so much history with
the MUSE Bath Townhouse.

54

Life Report

50 Inject a dose of wicked fun
and games into your weekend
with a Murder Mystery Dinner
amidst the mist-swathed hillsof Cameron Highlands.

60

16 Hot happenings at YTL Hotels.

20 Nostalgia and tradition is
the order of the day in the
picturesque highland hideway of
Cameron Highlands Resort.

Life Feature

18 YTL Hotels launches its all-new
Kasara brand, a collection ofunique and luxurious hotels,
resorts and residences.

44 Niseko's 'green' season comesin every colour imaginable.
66 Meet the talents behind a new
reality TV show, who set thestandards for the 12 contestants
seeking to be Fit for Fashion.

52 Spacious suites and great
views enhance the businesstravellers' experience at
Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul.

64

72Life Profile

74 Embrace the UNESCO World
Heritage site of Malacca infashions that are timelessly
chic yet beautifully
au courant.

Formula One champion
Felipe Massa shares his
favourite things.

84 Fragrances and skincare topamper yourself with.

Life of Luxury

86 The restorative healing
techniques at Spa Village
Tanjong Jara have been
handed down for generations.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur celebrated the spirit ofsports during the recent 2014
Laureus World Sports Awards.

Brighten up your every day with fabulous timepieces
and gems.
Fashion and accessories
that help you make theperfect statement.

Spa Life

Life Cuisine

90 The new hot pot menu at
Cameron Highlands Resort’s
Gonbei Restaurant is a gourmet
experience to remember.

74
94 The talent and namebehind Uncle Lim’s Kitchencelebrates an auspicious
80th birthday.

Life Guide

98 Wati Sharron Hopley,
Resident Manager of Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali,
offers a guide to visitors to
the famed island.

Portfolio of Life106 Explore the world of
YTL Hotels.

Editorial Team
Editorial Director
Izan Yusuff Wilson
Editor-in-Chief
Diana KhooSub Editors
Christy Yoong
George Wong      
Editorial AssistantMichelle Liong
T h e

Y T L

L u x u r y

M a g a z i n e

Published By
YTL Hotels
11th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza, 55,
Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Produced By
Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd(Company No. 7408-K)
Lot 7, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Section 13,46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7952 7000
Fax: +603 7960 0151
E-mail: ytllife@bluinc.com.my

Colour Separation By
Pioneer Graphic Scanning

38, Jalan SS26/11, Taman Mayang Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Printed By
Percetakan Zanders Sdn Bhd
No.16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara,
47180 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia

Art

Creative Director
Eireen Ooi
Art Director
Sheila Cheah
Graphic Designer
April Young
Photographers
Yong Keen Keong, Edmund Lee

Chief Executive Officer

Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin

Sales

General Manager
Loo Kit Choong

Publishing Services
Production Manager
Lim Kian Heng

Assistant Production Manager
Kong Ah Kuan
Traffic Executive
Noor Aini Zainal Masri

Contributors
Ong Chin Huat, Keith Mundy,
Jan Yong, Kenneth Foo,
Felicia Lee, V Durga,Your eyes lock with a Proboscis monkey’s for the first time.
It makes a strange noise.
And you don’t know whether to stand in awe or run.
Your moment awaits.
A Y T L L U X U RY R E S O R T

For enquiries or reservations, please contact YTL Hotels Travel Centre at travelcentre@ytlhotels.com or call +60 3 2783 1000

www.ytlhotels.com www.gayaislandresort.com

A Note fromTan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
The YTL Hotel experience is multi-faceted but eating well is certainly
a given. I am pleased to say we have recently reinforced that notion
with Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Shook! Restaurant winning gold in thecity’s prestigious Mayor’s Tourism Awards, recognising our efforts,
not only as an esteemed restaurant of culinary repute, but also as
a destination that does its part in reinforcing Kuala Lumpur, andMalaysia, as a global gourmet capital. After all, Shook!’s uniquedining concept was the first of its kind in the country and is theperfect reflection of Malaysia as a vibrant and multi-faceted
destination. If you have yet to try it, I strongly urge and invite you to
do so post-haste.

Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
Managing Director,
YTL Corporation

Further afield, in Beijing, at the annual Gourmand World Cookbook
Awards, YTL Hotels also did all of us proud by picking up three
awards at the prestigious event, which is likened to the Oscars
for cookbooks. Attended by award-winning authors, publishers,
culinary television personalities and top industry professionals,
I am grateful for yet more awards and honours; this time for
Zwei Freunde, a joint effort between the celebrated Michelinstarred Johann Lafer and Wai Look Chow, YTL Hotels’
corporate executive chef, and A Perennial Feast by Kim Inglis
and acclaimed photographer, Jacob Termansen.
This quarter also marks the beginning of yet another exciting
journey for YTL Hotels. Having just launched the all-new
KASARA brand in the region, we are proud to announce
yet another unique collection of luxurious hotels, resorts
and residences targeted for Asia and beyond. In tandemwith this is also the unveiling of The Village, a new retail,food and beverage development, that will add further
vibrancy and energy to Niseko, giving each guest andvisitor the luxury of even more choice, enjoyment andexperiences than ever before. After all, this is in line withwhat we at YTL Hotels have always set about to achieve– unforgettable leisure experiences that are out of theordinary. I invite you to discover the new verve of Niseko
this winter.
God bless.

1

Fostering Ties
2

The perfectly formed private island of Pangkor Laut proved to be theidyllic location for a short getaway, hosted by YTL Corporation’s Executive
Director, Dato’ Yeoh Soo Min, together with her husband, Dato’ RobertTan, for lady members of Malaysia’s diplomatic corps. The party travelledby car from Kuala Lumpur on the short three-hour journey to Marina Island
Pangkor on the west coast, where they were transferred, deftly and instyle, by private yacht to the island. A welcome lunch was laid out at theRoyal Bay Beach Club, followed by a sunset cruise and dinner at theaward-winning Fisherman’s Cove restaurant.

1. All smiles at Pangkor Laut Resort’s jetty. 2. HE Maria Isabel Rendon, Ambassador ofArgentina to Malaysia. 3. Dato’ Robert Tan, Philippe Garnier, HE Judith St George, HighCommissioner of Canada, Dato’ Yeoh Soo Min, Feodor Ozarenov, HE Lyudmila Vorobyeva,
Ambassador of Russia, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, UN Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Representative to Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, HE Maria Isabel Rendon and
HE Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France. 4. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough and
HE Martine Dorance. 5. Philippe Garnier and HE Martine Dorance.

3

4

5

5

1

2

Private Island
Gourmet3

It was an unforgettable gastronomic
journey for members of the Perakchapter of the Confrérie de la Chaîne
des Rôtisseurs as they came together forfood and wine at the luxurious Pangkor
Laut Resort recently. The three-daytwo-night event, inclusive of a stay in a
Hill Villa, daily breakfast, spa treatments,
sunset cruise and customised dining
experiences, kicked off with lunchat the Feast Village. From the sandy
paradise of Emerald Bay, members of the42

Cove restaurant, accompanied by selectwines. The evening saw guests dressedto the nines and the night was punctuatedwith joyful toasts. For the Chaîne gang, thecelebration brought them closer together
and also underscored the notion thatfood was truly the best way to experience
the soul of a destination such as Pangkor
Laut Resort.

international gastronomic society weretreated to a specially crafted barbequedinner by the resort’s new Executive Chef,
Stevie Jones.
On the menu was a spit-roasted wholelamb that celebrated the Chaîne’s origins
as an association of roasters in 1248.
On the second day, a leisurely loll at
the pool and beach culminated in adelectable dinner prepared by Chef dePartie Jérémy Blanchot at the Fisherman’s

1. Wendy Lewis, Elizabeth Lee and Ming Ho.
2. Doris Heer and Klaus Heer. 3. Stevie Jones and
Jérémy Blanchot. 4. Ajmal Khan, Mubina Khan,
Wendy Lewis and Ken Lewis. 5. Ming Ho andChristina Leveille. 6. Gwee Sze Kiat andSerene Seah. 7. Dato’ Steve Day and Datin Su Day.

5

6

7

life events //Photography Ian McIlgorm

life events //1
1(Sports) Stars
In Their Eyes
Playing host to the exceedingly prestigious Laureus WorldSports Academy Dinner, held for the first time in SouthEast Asia, was The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The
dinner is part of the annual Laureus World Sports Awards.
A stellar line-up of sporting stars had travelled to Malaysia
for the event, which included the Awards Ceremony itself
as well as a unique football challenge match, the Laureus
All Star Unity Cup. Players included Johan Cruyff, Fabio
Capello, Christian Karambeu, Hidetoshi Nakata, Quinton
Fortune, Steve McManaman, Ronald de Boer, Gaizka
Mendieta, Paulo Ferreira, Antonios Nikopolidis, Luis Millaand Victor Baia. Several young local players experienced
an unforgettable day when they got a chance to rub
shoulders with famous former international footballers in
the football friendly at the Royal Selangor Club. Tan Sri
Francis Yeoh, Managing Director of YTL Corporation, said:“It is indeed a great honour for Malaysia that Kuala Lumpur
has been chosen as the host city for the prestigious 2014
Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony. It is an exciting
chapter for both Laureus and the country.”

Ode ToThe Press

2

The traditional art of printing is alive again, thanks to support from Yayasan
Sime Darby. The Royal Press was recently awarded a RM1.76million grant by
the foundation to set up the country’s first printing press museum. The threeyear sponsorship will help establish one of the world’s rarest polyglot presses
in the historic enclave of Malacca.
3

5

Other key exhibits in the museum — which occupies a double-storey
shophouse along Jonker Walk — are the silent letterpress and linotype
machinery, liquor bottles with old printed labels, bus tickets and ancientinvoices. Historian Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Khoo Kay Kim joined
print veterans, their family members and other guests to witness the historic
moment in the 75-year-old printing industry.

452

1. Ee Soon Wei and Ben Quah, General Manager of The Majestic Malacca. 2. Nancy Chan andProf Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Khoo Kay Kim. 3. Vincent Ee, Ee Joo Guat and Leong Juan Lai.
4. Eddin Khoo and Arifah Sharifuddin. 5. Ee Mei Chin and Melissa Chan.

1.Ilie Nastase, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh and Nadia Comaneci.
2. Back row: Marvin Hagler, Sean Fitzpatrick, Mark Spitz, Edwin Moses,
Tony Hawk, Dawn Fraser, Morne du Plessis, Mick Doohan, Steve Waugh,
Yaping Deng, Daley Thompson, Robby Naish and Michael Johnson;
Front row: Nadia Comaneci, Tan Sri Fancis Yeoh, Bobby Charlton andIlie Nastase. 3. Michelle Moses and Michael Johnson. 4. Daley Thompson
and Sean Fitzpatrick. 5. Dr Edwin Moses and Tan Sri Fancis Yeoh.

12

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

6

3

4

13

life events //1

The 50th anniversary of the British Malaysian
Chamber of Commerce concluded in grand stylewith a gala dinner held at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur. Close to 1,000 guests attended thedinner, including prominent industry leaders andpoliticians. The evening also witnessed the supportof both Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun
Razak, who launched the Bilateral Trade Support
Initiative, and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
David Cameron, who penned a message to honour
the occasion. Guests feasted on a lavish gourmet
meal, before they were entertained by a series of
performances, ranging from duets to drum shows,as well as an impressive sand art show highlighting
the bilateral ties Malaysia and Britain have sharedover the years. The surprise presence of former
Manchester United star Andy Cole stole the show,
as he presented the Barclays Premier League
trophy to the Prime Minister, witnessed by Chairmanof the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce,
Dato’ Larry Gan, and Minister of International Tradeand Industry, Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, ending
the anticipated night on a suitably high note.

2

4

5

50 Great Years
1.Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, HE Simon Featherstone, British High Commissioner, Dato’ Sri Mohd
Najib Tun Razak and Andy Cole. 2. Datin Caroline Gan and Dato’ Larry Gan. 3. Rajiv Bharatan, Joanne
Webster, Prof Paul J Loosley, Jennifer Chan and Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Khas. 4. Dr John Rogers and
Dr Shyamala Rao. 5. Teh Leong Kok, Puan Sri Beth Rahman, Tan Sri Razali Rahman, Diana Khoo andOsman Morad. 6. The sand artwork, showing bilateral ties between Malaysia and Britain by sand artist
Loong Bee is presented to the Prime Minister, marking the official launch of the Bilateral Trade Initiative
Support. 7. Gail Featherstone, HE Simon Featherstone, British High Commissioner and Andrew Sill.
8. Mansor Tun Abdul Aziz and Emran Ismail. 9. WM Jauhari Ismail and Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin.
10. Dato’ Khadar Merican and Datuk Mike Krishnan.

6

9

4

3

4

2

14

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

7

8

10
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

6

15

life bites //

04

02

01

03

01

02

YTL’s Shook! Shanghai restaurant won
yet another award during Shanghai
R e s t a u r a n t We e k . O c c u p y i n g t h epenthouse level of The Swatch Art Peace
Hotel, the restaurant sits pretty amidst theproperty’s chic interiors and Renaissancestyle architecture and design. Organised
by DiningCity , the leading international
restaurant guide, Shook! Shanghai won
the accolade of third best restaurantfor dining in the cosmopolitan city often
referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’. This
adds to its already well-decorated cap,
as it had previously been rated the top
restaurant in Shanghai by leading travel
website, TripAdvisor.

With only 3,500 wild tigers left in the world,of which around 300 are Malayan Tigers,
now’s the time to come together for Inspire– The Majestic Tiger Reception & Dinner,
to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 3 October
2014 at The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur. An impressive fundraising eventin aid of the charity Save Wild Tigers, theevent will be graced by HRH the Sultanahof Pahang and will have a special Crystal
Tigress, created by Lauren Baker using
over 50,000 Swarovski crystals, auctioned
off that evening. International visitors andcelebrities aboard the special Eastern &Oriental Tiger Express train journey will also
be joining the dinner, including UK fashion
personality Gok Wan and Professor Dato’
Jimmy Choo.

Shook Wins Again

Hear Me Roar!

06

05

03

04

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali’s
unspoilt, magical north at the Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali over a rejuvenating
journey known as the Senses Retreat
Experience . Based on a minimum fivenights’ stay, this uplifting renewal getaway
includes daily meals, a welcome footbath ritual, a daily deluxe 50-minute spa
treatment, a 25-minute Heaven on Earthmassage in an outdoor balé, a cooking
lesson, a celestial Starlight Gazing
experience, as well as tours of Old Bali, an
art village or to Tegalaland and Kintamani,
all of which will return you to your real life
uplifted, renewed and totally rejuvenated.

Celebrate the American Thanksgiving
holiday in style at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur where a special Thanksgiving
Dinner will be held at The Lobby Lounge
on 27 November, 2014. Amidst the hotel's
elegant interiors, sit down to an exclusive
five-course set menu tailored especially by
the Executive Chef with turkey, naturally,
playing the role of the main course. You
can, of course, expect all the traditional(and delicious) trimmings that accompany
the big bird. The menu is priced at
RM140++ per adult for the set menu
only while it is RM185++ if paired with thehouse wines. The children's menu will be
priced at half that of the adult's, beverages
excluded. Get ready to give thanks!

Treat For The Senses

Gobble, Gobble

05

06

Relive the halcyon days of colonial Malaya
at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
with Colonial Café’s Sunday Curry Tiffin
Lunch . This indulgent set, which starts
in September, includes classics such as
Hainanese chicken curry, mutton varuval,
egg masala and fried fish masala. The set
is complemented by accompaniments
including mango chutney, fish puttu ,salted egg, marinated cucumbers, toasted
coconut and banana slices. The mealends perfectly with a serving of sago gulamelaka , salted lassi and masala tea. All
you need now to complete the colonial
experience would be a gin pahit at the
nearby bar since there's no tea dance
party to crash.

Yes, we do realise Valentine’s Day is along way away but who said love has
to be celebrated on just one day eachyear? Treat the special person in your life
today to a romantic getaway on one of
Malaysia’s most perfectly formed private
islands, Pangkor Laut Resort. From justRM1,250++ per room per night, enjoy aromantic candlelight dinner at the awardwinning Fisherman’s Cove or a sunset
cruise aboard an Oriental teakwood
junk. Bliss out over a deluxe 50-minutespa treatment for two while you feelenergised after an exhilarating jungle
walk with the resort’s resident naturalist.
Ask for the Romantic Retreat package
when booking.

A Touch Of Tiffin

Love Is In The Air

For more information on YTL Hotels’ events and promotions, go to www.ytlhotels.com

16

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

17

life feature //Luke Hurford, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for YTL Hotels.
“All these elements will continue to create a world-class alpine
destination, with the unique touches of Japan and Hokkaido subtly
interwoven with contemporary Western comforts and sophisticateddining and entertainment.”

Kasara Niseko Village
will offer a world-classalpine destinationthat combines subtle
Japanese touches andcontemporary Westernsophistication.

Que
Sera Kasara

YTL Hotels launches the all-new Kasara brand, a collection ofunique and luxurious hotels, resorts and residences, the first ofwhich is scheduled to open this December, amidst the snow, skiand sublime alpine setting that is Niseko, Japan's premier
year-round integrated resort, in Japan’s north.

18

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

With over 20 luxurious properties and travel experiences to
its name, including the award-winning Pangkor Laut Resort in
Malaysia and The Surin on Phuket’s perfect Pansea Beach in
Thailand as well as the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express thatchugs gently along from Singapore through Peninsular Malaysia
and up to Bangkok, it’s safe to say that YTL Hotels knows a thingor two about what the world wants when it comes to the leisuremarket. Hence, it recently unveiled its hugely-anticipated Kasara
brand – a new collection of unique and luxurious hotels, resorts
and residences in exotic locations that looks set to complement
YTL Hotels’ existing portfolio beautifully.
The first Kasara experience may be enjoyed this winter as the Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse opens on 1 December 2014. “The Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse and new retail and dining experiences
are the realisation of the first stage of the unique and exclusive
developments under YTL Hotels’ Niseko Village masterplan,” said

Its very name, Kasara (Sanskrit for ‘lake’), conjures up images ofserenity. And visitors privileged enough to visit the first property in
the Kasara collection in Niseko Village this winter will be welcomedwith a unique experience that encompasses luxury, comfort
and enjoyment, all the while embracing the pursuit of shibumi– a Zen term that denotes aesthetic ideals in art, architecture
and landscaping, as well as great refinement. Eight exclusive
townhouses, each crafted in an honorific nod to Edo period heritage
homes, stand gracefully at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri,
making it the perfect base from which to enjoy all the exhilarationof Hokkaido’s white season. The ski runs and lifts are a heartbeat
away, while the village, a new shopping and dining experience, isjust, literally, around the corner. Add to this the warming comfortof the geothermal onsen (hot springs) that abound in the area andyou might find it making good sense to invest in a townhouse forthe family. “Niseko Village has evolved to become Asia’s hottest
ski destination over the past 10 years and it excites us to push
it to even greater heights with Kasara Niseko Village. Asia’s bestaprès-ski experiences – powder snow, Michelin-starred food andbeverage options and, now, tasteful retail and residential additions– we are bound to deliver an experience that is on par with thebest resorts in Europe and North America,” adds Hurford.
For those who will experience (and fall in love with) the Kasara brandthis winter, do know that other locations for the brand include Koh
Samui in Thailand and Pulau Tiga in Borneo. Watch this space.

Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse is already taking short- andlong-term bookings for the 2014/15 winter season, beginning
at USD2,000 per night for a three-bedroom townhouse. These
residences will also be available for exclusive preview and
immediate ownership. For further information, visit www.kasara.com
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

19

life on the cover //life on the cover //HighlandFling

In the genteel and tranquil surrounds of the Cameron Highlands Resort,nostalgia and tradition is the order of the day in this part of Malaysia
known as ‘the little corner of England in Asia’. Ong Chin Huat checks
into this picturesque highland hideaway and experiences a picnic set
among the rolling hills of a tea plantation which takes his breath away.
Photography Sam T

When Mary Alexander, our personal guide, drives down the slightly steep and winding
rocky trail that leads to our picnic spot at the BOH Tea Plantation located in Sungei Palas,
Cameron Highlands, she does so with such effortless dexterity, you’re confident she
knows this neck of the woods like the back of her hand. “This whole area is private andnot open to the public,” Alexander says as soon as we turn off the tarred road and entera dirt one. “It’s owned by BOH Plantations and only accessible to guests of the Cameron
Highlands Resort who book the Signature Picnic Experience.” At 1,500m above sea level,
and a cool and refreshing 23˚C, the plantation is the ideal spot for a picnic.

One of the great
pleasures of ahighland getaway
would be to indulge
in a luxurious picnic,
surrounded byemerald-hued tea
plantations, preparedto perfection by theteam at Cameron
Highlands Resort.

Our day at the Cameron Highlands Resort starts with breakfast in the resort’s elegant
Dining Room. Offering a cascade-style breakfast with a wide selection of freshly baked
pastries, fruit, cereal and yogurt, the hot items on the menu are also a temptation – withaged Brie de Meaux, smoked salmon and chives omelette, corned beef hash topped
with fried onions and two fried eggs, and buttermilk pancakes layered with rich apple
compote, crisp pineapple fritters, honeycomb nougat and thick double cream looking
the most appetising. We were also in luck that morning as the chef prepared a spécialité
du jour for the early risers – cronuts! Lightly fried with oozing strawberry custard, thispastry, (a cross between a donut and a croissant) definitely set us off on the right footfor the day.
Genteel and tranquil, this quaint resort boasts a colonial ambience with a mock Tudor
façade, making it both a nice nostalgic weekend sojourn as well as a welcome escapefrom the hustle and bustle of the city. With its arched French doors, wooden-beamed
ceilings and marble fireplaces, the Cameron Highlands Resort is both charming andinviting, comfortable enough to curl up on one of its deep leather sofas with a goodbook and a cup of warm tea or, if you are feeling more adventurous, sign up for oneof the many fascinating activities on offer. With the tagline, ‘Trails, Tales and Traditions’,

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

21

Friendly yet unobtrusive
service makes this cozyresort an ideal place tounwind and recharge; theJim Thompson Lounge
is the perfect spot to
end your day in; enjoying
the house specialty,a Strawberry Daiquiriin front of a crackling
fireplace always helps.

attached to its name, the resort doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the diversity oftrail excursions on offer. Among them, the Jim Thompson Mystery Trail, retracing theactual steps the Thai silk king took on the fateful day he disappeared, sounds themost compelling.
Today, however, we decide on something more educational and civilised – the Signature
Picnic Experience . This exclusive experience comes highly recommended and it fits
our mood perfectly – not too strenuous or physically demanding. We are picked up by
Alexander and transported to the BOH Tea Centre in Sungei Palas, about 30 minutes
away. When we arrive, we wander around the plantation among the tea bushes andlearn how tea is grown, harvested and produced. With a cantilevered café perched on ahillock, with sweeping views of the tea gardens and valleys below, the BOH Tea Centre
is a focal point for many tourists who come to these highlands. At the adjacent tea
factory, we are escorted around the processing plant to see, first-hand, how tea leaves,which are freshly harvested from the nearby tea plantation, are brought in and processed
into the final product. The first stage of withering, followed by rolling, fermentation, drying
and, finally, sorting transforms the green shoots into dry, dark brown tea leaves that are
packed in air-tight canisters, ready for sale and consumption. A shop which sells all thedifferent varieties of BOH teas, as well as other tea paraphernalia, is located in the tea
centre and is also a major attraction as some blends, such as the light and flowery Palas

22

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

23

life on the cover //life on the cover //Nothing is more civilisedthan the time-honoured
tradition of English afternoon
tea, which has becomea daily ritual at the Jim
Thompson Tea Room.

“Genteel and tranquil,
this quaint resort boasts
a colonial ambience witha mock Tudor façade,making it a nice nostalgic
weekend sojourn.”

Supreme or the robust Bukit Cheeding No 53, are only available here. A tea-tasting isan eye (and palate) opener, as the subtle aromas and tastes of different grades, varieties
and characteristics of BOH tea are revealed.
At around noon, we leave the BOH Tea Centre and head to our secluded picnic spot
located at a scenic locale – the edge of a bluff with commanding views of the green
hills and valleys surrounding the area. Alexander manoeuvres her vehicle carefully andtackles the sharp bends on the single track trail. “If a tractor comes the opposite way,
we will have to reverse all the way back to the bigger road,” she tells us. Luckily forus, there was no tractor in sight. When we arrive, Rimal, our butler, greets us, hand onheart and with a huge smile. He has already laid out a sumptuous spread on the carpet,complete with flowers and strawberries. Settling down on the rug, we grab the comfy
cushions scattered about to prop us up while we admire the serene vista in front of us.
Overlooking verdant tea bushes and the lush valleys below, the differing green shadesof the tea bushes, Alexander tells us, is indicative of the areas which have been recently
harvested – the darker ones have older leaves and thus have been recently harvested,whilst the lighter greens still have young shoots.
Our attention is soon distracted by the delicious fare laid out before us. Assorted pastries
and cakes, a selection of sandwiches – smoked salmon, tuna, egg and watercress, andcream cheese and cucumber – all prove too tempting and are quickly demolished.
Freshly baked scones, clotted cream and the Cameron Highlands Resort speciality,
home-made strawberry jam, proved to be the most popular as are the vegetarian wraps,
potato salad and, for dessert, fresh highland strawberries served with a chocolate dip.
Of course, being in the heart of the BOH Tea Plantation, the obvious choice of beverage
was the Cameronian Gold Blend tea but there was also a chilled bottle of Laurent-Perrier

24

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

25

life on the cover //Brut champagne to quench our thirst. There can’t be many other experiences to rival
sipping bubbly al fresco in the cool and temperate climes of Cameron Highlands, witha gentle breeze blowing and the soft warmth of the sun shining. With the added bonusof the breathtaking views of the undulating hills and valleys of the plantation in front ofus, this is definitely an experience to be savoured and treasured, something not to berushed through.
As much as we would have liked to stay on, our picnic came to an end and it was timeto head back to the resort. Afternoon tea at the Jim Thompson Tea Room beckoned
but, having just indulged ourselves, we decided to forgo it. With its rattan chairs,chinoiserie table lamps, potted orchids and Jim Thompson fabric-covered cushions,the room re-creates the atmosphere of a well-appointed living room of an English
country cottage, albeit on a larger scale. An elderly couple sit on planter chairs andsip tea, while a few youngsters play snooker in the corner. Some guests are distracted
by the Jim Thompson boutique located nearby, while the melodic tinkling of ivories by
Richard Clayderman in the background adds to the relaxing ambience.

Enjoy going on the
Cameron Highlands
Resort's Signature
Picnic Experience in the
BOH Tea Plantations
where you can wander
idyllically around thetea bushes, visit thetea factory to see
how tea leaves areprocessed and thenhave a sumptuous
picnic in a private andsecluded part of the tea
plantation, overlooking
the sweeping hills
and valleys.

It must be the cool highland air which whetted our appetite because, by eight, we were
famished. Chef d’hôte Danny Lau’s new menu for the Dining Room is mouth-watering,to say the least, and consists of a nice blend of English, Italian and local dishes. Withan emphasis on fresh and flavourful ingredients, special mention has to be made of the
Udang Masak Lemak – large and succulent fresh water prawns gently simmered withlocal bamboo shoots in a spiced lemongrass and fresh coconut gravy. Also, the colonialclassic, Pot Roast, which contains 600g of Australian Black Angus beef brisket served“There can't be many otherexperiences to rival sipping bubbly
al fresco in the cool and temperate
climes of Cameron Highlands.”
with garlic butter jersey potatoes, highland vegetables and hydroponic salad – which
serves two – shouldn’t be missed, with the tender meat falling off the bone and a melt-inyour-mouth texture. Other noteworthy dishes include the white cod fillet oven-baked withsaffron infused mayonnaise and the maltose and honey-glazed sea bass.
After dinner, we adjourned to the adjacent Reading Room. With old photographs of scenes
from the surrounding area framed on the walls and Persian carpets lining the wooden floor,
the place was too cosy to ignore, so we decide to have our digestifs here instead of
the Highland Bar. Gerard the bartender recommends the Strawberry Daiquiri as it’s the
speciality of the house and one of the most popular beverages from the extensive menu.
When it arrives, bright red in colour within a voluptuous margarita glass, we are secretly
relieved that we skipped dessert. Sweet with the tartness of the strawberries coming
through, we toast each other in front of the crackling fireplace and enjoy the remaining few
minutes of what must be the most perfect of days.
Cameron Highlands Resort is located By The Golf Course, 39000 Tanah Rata,
Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. For further information,please visit: www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

26

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

27

life feature //The Great
Outdoors
Gaya Island Resort is all that you expect anisland resort to be – sandy beaches, diverse
activities, unique culinary experiences and thepleasure of doing nothing at all. Seeing a turtle
swim out into the sea, however, turned out
to be the highlight when Christy Yoong
came to stay.
It turned out to be a perfect day after
all. Earlier in the morning, rumbling darkclouds and squalls of rain threatened to
put a damper on the day. Later, though,it became sunny, with clear blue skies,
exactly the kind of weather you’d wish
for while on Gaya Island Resort. Located
off the coast of Sabah’s capital, Kota
Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort is situatedwithin the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine
Park. Spread out along the island’s
Malohom Bay, the resort sprawls out
on the hillside, its 120 villas and twobedroom suite blending into the rainforest.
Across the bay, the silhouette of Mount
Kinabalu caps the horizon.
Gaya Island Resort isspread out amongst therainforest, overlooking
Malohom Bay. Acrossthe sea, Mount Kinabalu
dominates the horizon.

28

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The sun-kissed outdoors is where
Gaya Island Resort reveals its fullest
promise. The 40m pool, with its private
relaxation chambers, floating cabanas
fronting the beach and bar, offers bothdiversion and repose as you bask inindolence. If this is too languorous,
the resort has any number of speciallydesigned PURE activities that allow
you to immerse totally into the naturalenvironment. Choose from Discovery(land and marine excursions likenature walks, snorkelling explorations
and scuba diving adventures), Vigour(kayaking, paddle surfing and power
walks), Creativity (craftworks, dance andstorytelling) or Balance (spa, meditationand yoga).
Of course, you don’t need the sun toenjoy the resort’s myriad attractions.
Spa Village Gaya Island, for example,
is a haven integrated within the island’s
mangrove forests. Its treatments,
utilising the finest and freshest local
ingredients, reflect the healing traditionsof Sabah's many indigenous people,
including the Kadazandusun and Bajau
sea nomads. The stunning yoga theatre

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

29

life feature //and library-with-a-view offer intrinsic
discoveries amidst tranquil surroundings.
There is also culinary gratiﬁcation to be had
at Gaya Island Resort. The all-day Feast
Village offers cuisine from the Asia-Paciﬁcregion, while Fisherman’s Cove, on theresort’s rooftop, is a fine-dine restaurantthat serves fresh seafood against abreathtaking view of the sea and Mount
Kinabalu. Local cuisine comes to the fore
with unique experiences like the Sinagang
Steamboat, a hotpot of fish broth withvegetables, meat and seafood beloved by
the Kadazans, and the Bajau Laut Beach
Barbecue, inspired by the seafaring tribe
and enjoyed under the stars.
One of the more unique experienceson the resort, however, is its marine
conservation activities. The Gaya Island
Resort Marine Centre plays its part in
the preservation of the Tunku Abdul
Rahman Marine Park through educational
programmes, coral reef restoration andturtle rescue. The latter operates a Turtle
Hotline as well as undertakes rescue andrehabilitation of injured or sick sea turtles,
the first of its kind in Malaysia. Guests
to the resort are welcome to visit andvolunteer at the marine centre, located on
Tavajun Bay, a private beach that’s a ﬁveminute boat ride away. And today was a
big day for the team at the marine centre– and everyone connected to the resort.
In April this year, a female green sea turtle
was recovered by the Sabah Wildlife

30

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Department and, emaciated and sufferingfrom septicaemia, it was transferred to
the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre.
Under the care of Scott Mayback, theresort’s resident marine biologist, the turtle
was treated and kept under constantsurveillance. And now, nearly three months
later, Ninja, as she had been named, wasdeemed ﬁt to be released.

Clockwise, from right:
Scott Mayback, Gaya
Island Resort's resident
marine biologist, watchesas Ninja returns to thesea; the resort's Marine
Centre rescues andrehabiliates sea turtles, aswell as encourages coral
propagation; the Spa Village
offers treatments that reﬂect
the wellness traditionsof Sabah's indigenous
people; enjoy both local
and international ﬂavours at
Gaya Island Resort.

The clear, sunny day drew a large crowdthat included resort guests, students fromthe nearby Kampung Gaya School andstaff from wildlife bodies. After speeches
from Mayback and Dr Nathan Sen,
Assistant Director of the Sabah Wildlife
Department, describing the circumstancesof Ninja’s discovery and treatment, both
helped carry the turtle to the beach. Aftera false start – perhaps she was intimidated
by the large crowd – Ninja slowly but
surely paddled out into the open sea.
Watching her swim away was a poignant
moment: the entire act of rescuing,
treating and releasing was a deceptively
simple one. Since she is estimated to
be only between seven and 10 years
old and green sea turtles generally live
up to 80 years, Ninja could, potentially,
have more than half a century aheadof her. It is a sobering thought that she
could, perhaps, return to these shores
in 50 years’ time, a matriarch, even,of a species currently identified as
endangered. Here, then, would be alegacy that Gaya Island Resort could
choose to be most proud of.

“The Gaya Island Resort Marine
Centre operates a Turtle Hotline
as well as undertakes rescue
and rehabilitation of injured
or sick sea turtles.”

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE31ADVERTORIAL

strong hands, Ann does me a huge favour
by unblocking any barriers to my blood
circulation, and this practice is essentiallya part of the Excellent Donna Massage,
which I get at the end of my visit.
Did I happen to mention that Donna
Spa’s services are so specialized that it
takes a while to get everything ready?
Yes, it’s that meticulous and indulgent,so much so that it is best for visitors tomake reservations. Nonetheless, walkin customers can still enjoy a cup ofcomplimentary warm ginger tea or a hot
steam bath while waiting for their turn.
The steam bath is a small pod of a room,
almost futuristic with tiny neon lightsthat change colour every now and then –definitely a plus point as it is both hypnotic
and soothing. Of course, guests canchoose to shower after this, but unlikea sauna, the steam bath is remarkably
refreshing and energizing.

Relax and Recharge
at Donna Spa

Jade Park,
Miss Scuba Malaysia 2013.

I

f you’ve ever stepped inside thepristine corridors of Starhill Gallery,
you’d notice that the premium
complex boasts an entire floor
devoted to making anyone feel rightat home. Called the “Pamper Level”, it
is no wonder that some of its tenants
are visited by international as well as
local celebrities. In fact, one of the spa
treatment centres there, Donna Spa,is frequented by VIPs such as actress

Dato’ Michelle Yeoh, international designer
Jimmy Choo and F1 driver, Nico Rosberg.
Even though we live in Kuala Lumpur’s
modern and cosmopolitan areas, someof us still prefer the ‘old ways’, so Donna
Spa’s healing treatments – which havebeen around for more than 4000 years –fits in perfectly. Today, I am treated tothis experience by Ann.
Ann, like all of Donna Spa’s therapists,
is from the island of Java in Indonesia,
and has benefitted from the health andbeauty knowledge passed down throughcountless generations. “There,” Ann says,pressing a particularly painful spot on theback of my shoulder. “Wind.”“Villages in the country were far awayfrom any hospital,” explains John Chin,

Director of Donna Spa. “So due to thislogistic inconvenience, the emphasis wasplaced on staying healthy. Now in moreadvanced times, these techniques areused to relieve stress, fatigue, insomnia
and, of course, ‘wind’.”‘Wind’ is when cold air enters the bodyand pools into small pockets. This inturn affects people who spend theirdays darting in and out of air conditioned
environments; in other words, it affects
anyone who spends any amount of time
travelling or working in a hot country.
This ‘wind’ can also be a hard knot
blocking the body’s circulation. “All ourorgans depend on blood circulation,”says John. “So if you keep your blood
circulation normal, your health is in good
hands.” With her skillful fingers andReluctantly getting up from the steambath, I am taken to one of their privaterooms with a jacuzzi. There we start witha hot herbal compress that ‘makes the
body softer’, which is a very popular(and welcomed) treatment amongst
long-haul travellers.

Wanting to indulge myself further in morenatural goodness, I chose avocado fromtheir wide selection of scrub flavours,
which was also the Donna Spa specialty.
The scrub goes on cool and damp, a little
rough to touch. Ann lets it dry for several
minutes then does a proper rub. The
scrub residue is then rinsed off in a lovely
milk and rose petal bath, leaving my skinbaby smooth.
Back to the Excellent Donna Massage –it is a combination of acupressure, longtherapeutic strokes and deep thumb therapy.

The massage was not only wonderful; it
was relaxing, invigorating and something
I’d been looking forward to for a long time…
Until Ann found some ‘wind’ accumulated
in my back, shoulders, neck and head –I was a veritable human hurricane!
Not to worry, I’m still alive as Ann got
rid of most of it but John says I’ll haveto come back a few more times before
my circulation is running at full capacity.
Nonetheless, I left Donna Spa feelingrefreshed, energized, excellent andready to take on the world!

S20-27, Pamper Level, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Reservation Tel : 603-2141 8999
Website: www.donnaspa.net

life feature //Celebrity&
St Tropez

1. Poster for the first of the 'Gendarmeof St Tropez' film series. 2. The French
actress Brigitte Bardot in evening dressin the 1950s. 3. While it may look like asleepy fishing town, St Tropez in thesummer is undeniably glitzy.

The French Riviera’s most glitzy fishingvillage is a great place to be famous in.
Text Keith Mundy

1

A bombshell hit St Tropez in 1956 andchanged everything. A blonde one,called Brigitte Bardot. As a rebellious
teenager with a pile of tousled hairand a provocative body in the film
And God Created Woman, the sultry
young actress became an overnight
sensation around the world, and soon
St Tropez, the movie’s sunlit location,
became world famous too, a magnet
for sun and fun-seekers.
A lovely old fishing village on the
French Riviera, St Tropez was notentirely unused to glamour. It had
been the 'in' place amongst Frenchcreatives for some years, as well asa favourite of the more discerningbourgeoisie. But all was very low key– little hotels to stay in, and a few
cafes and restaurants.

2

The writer Guy de Maupassant had‘discovered’ the village in 1887 whilesailing the coast in his yacht. With its
little harbour encircled by tall houses in
the Genoese style, St Tropez looked
immensely attractive from the sea,
drawing Maupassant to sail into port.
He wrote of sardine scales glistening“like pearls on the cobblestones” anda town that was a “charming, simple
daughter of the sea”.
Another yachtsman, the painter Paul
Signac, took shelter in the harbour in
1892. Wandering about the narrowold streets, he was enchantedand decided to stay. The setting
was idyllic: the southern curve of asheltered gulf, a clear, bright light on
the blue waters, the mountains of
the Esterel rising on the far side, the334

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

35

4

7

5

pink and ochre walls of the houses
catching the golden evening sun.
A pointillist painter in the manner ofthe more famous Seurat, building
impressionist pictures out of little dotsof colour, Signac invited other artists
to join him, and many came to visit
and paint for a while, most notably
Bonnard and Matisse, who later
carved huge reputations.
That’s when word began to spreadthat there was a charming little village
beside the Mediterranean, where you
could rent a room for almost nothing
and while away summer days in thesun. There were no rich foreigners
spoiling the Provençal authenticity, likeelsewhere on the Riviera; all was downhome and unpretentious. By the mid1920s, the bestselling novelist Colette
had taken a villa on the neighbouring
Canebiers Bay, prompting summer visitsfrom other leading lights like the playwright
Sacha Guitry and filmmaker René Clair.
The Paris beau monde soon began
turning up in their Hispano-Suizas andBugattis, their chic swimsuits and beachpyjamas, but outside of high summer, St
Tropez remained a Provençal idyll. The
working harbour sheltered tall-masted
sailing barges and hardy fishing ketches,with few pleasure yachts. Up to the early
1950s, St Tropez was still a quaint place
inhabited by sunbeaten fishermen andwomen in black.

Into this Provençal paradise came thenew bohemian crowd from Paris, theexistentialists of St-Germain-des-Prés.
The chanson singer Juliette Gréco, themulti-talented Boris Vian, the philosophers
Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir– that famous ménage à deux which
often became trois – all these and morecaroused and debated at café tables,
favouring the tiny La Ponche beach andits fishermen’s harbour over the port,
which they considered too bourgeois.
Picasso sipped his pastis on the terrace,"his eyes deep black, seeming to capture
everything as only a ferocious animal
knows how", a habitué recalled.
The Bar de la Ponche became animatedby a gang of young Parisian bohemians

4. Sunset at Senequier, a longstanding harbourside café.
5. Roger Vadim's 'And God
Created Woman' made both
Brigitten Bardot and St Tropez
internationally famous.
6. Paintings for sale on the quay.
7. Brigitte Bardot eventually
made her home beside
Canebiers Bay in St Tropez.
8. Open-top convertibles andSt Tropez go together.

36

6

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“Afer the release of And God
Created Woman, St Tropez
became a summertime
magnet for everyone.”gathered around 19-year-old Françoise
Sagan, suddenly famous for her 1954
novel, Bonjour Tristesse, which told anamoral tale of someone very like her
on a Riviera summer holiday. It was asuccès de scandale in France andaround the world – and Sagan, with
her new wealth, set out on a life of
fast cars, drink, drugs and gambling,coming to St Tropez each summer
trailing a shocking reputation behind her
Jaguar XK140.
The tremors that Françoise Sagan
sent out, however, were as nothing to
the waves that Brigitte Bardot made.
Filmed entirely in St Tropez, And God
Created Woman – a tale of a wild
young girl who upsets all the locals
with her rebelliousness and tantalises
all the men with her natural sensuality– was a worldwide smash in 1956.
The most sensuous scene was on awild beach where Bardot has been
washed up after her boat sank.

Her new brother-in-law, played byhandsome hunk Christian Marquant,saved her. Her soaked dress clinging
to her lithe body, she provoked him
into taking her to the sand dunes as
the waves crashed ashore.
Nothing like this had been seen in
the movies before and, together withall the other scenes where Bardot’s
insouciant natural sexiness threatened
to burn the screen, especially theclimactic mambo dancing scene with
Afro-Cuban musicians in a harbourb a r, A n d G o d C r e a t e d Wo m a npacked cinemas around the world. In
the United States, it was one of thehighest-grossing films, and Bardot
became an American obsession.
Where was this beautiful place that
this sexy wide-screen melodrama
had played out, people asked? Fromthat moment on, St Tropez was asummertime magnet for everybody,

8from celebrities to campers. Bardot
actually made her home beside
Canebiers Bay at a villa called La
Madrague, which instantly became atourist attraction. With this sun-bronzed,
devil-may-care actress as its iconic
spirit, St Tropez became a byword for
sensuality and star quality, the must-beseen-at resort of the Swinging Sixties.
The yé-yé heartthrobs of French pop
music as well as the stars of Frenchcinema flooded in each summer.
St Tropez in the 1960s was the hippest
place you could ever be. Renting avilla in the hills just above the town –where today you find the MUSE Saint
Tropez hotel – was especially cool, as
you can see in two films by French
New Wave directors, Eric Rohmer’s
La Collectioneuse (1967) and Claude
Chabrol’s Les Biches (1968). Most
evocative of all was La Piscine (1969),
in which Alain Delon and Romy
Schneider, glamorous superstars of

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

37

life feature //9. MUSE Saint Tropez offers unsurpassed
luxury away from the bustling village.
10. Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger withhis new bride Bianca Peréz-Mora Macias
at the Chapel of St Anne.
11. Unwind at the MUSE Saint Tropez after
a day out. 12. Claude Chabrol’s 1968 film,'Les Biches', was set in St Tropez.

12
French cinema, played out a summer
drama of passion beside their secluded
swimming pool.

10

St Tropez was a place where Parisianchic and swagger met the laid-backMediterranean with more sparks thananywhere else on the Riviera. Till thena French phenomenon, it became
an international resort for the jet set– as rich celebrity travellers werethen called – typified by one event,the 1971 wedding of Mick Jagger to
Nicaraguan beauty Bianca Pérez-Mora
Macias. The Rolling Stones were thehottest act on the planet, two Beatles
were guests, and the nuptials turned
into a paparazzi riot.
It is simply known as 'St Trop' now, adiminutive which means 'St Too Much',a fitting nickname for a village into which
50,000 people might crowd into on any
high summer day, and still do. The richmoor their gleaming yachts in the oldharbour, the celebrities occupy theirswanky holiday villas, and the trippers
come celebrity-spotting.
Even French ex-presidents turn up, with
Jacques Chirac seen in harboursidecafes and Nicolas Sarkozy taking lunchat Club 55 on Pampelonne beach,the kind of place where you might findBeyoncé at the next table and George
Clooney at the bar. And topless bathers
all around.
Today, St Tropez is glitzier than ever,its yacht-jammed waters and lavishnight clubs drawing A-list names suchas Kate Moss, Bono, Rihanna, Jack
Nicholson, Lady Gaga, Elton John andLeonardo DiCaprio. But there’s still aplace for you at a café of the old port,
sipping the local rosé, watching theworld go by – and hoping the world
sees you. For that is the great sport of
St Trop.

A glamorous yet private hideaway in stunning Saint
Tropez, living the South of France lifestyle doesn't
get better than at the MUSE Saint Tropez. Located in
Ramatuelle and surrounded by forest of umbrella pints,
this bijou property boasts just 15 suites, each named
after famous 'muses'. Make it your base to explore all thesights, sounds and delights of this jewel of the Riviera.
Visit www.muse-hotels.com

11

9

38

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“The 1971 wedding of Mick Jagger
to Bianca Peréz-Mora Macias in
St Tropez was attended by various
members of The Rolling Stones,
two ex-Beatles and Eric Clapton.”
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

39

life feature //In theHeart of BathThe ancient spa city of Bath has been attracting visitors formore than two millennia, drawn by its healing thermal waters
and history. One of its best-kept secrets, the MUSE BathTownhouse, offers unparalleled access to both and to reallyknow what it’s like living within so much history.
Text Christy Yoong

It’s a late spring evening, the sky finallydarkening, and I’m exploring the myriad
pleasures of The Canary Gin & Wine Bar
in Bath. Located on Queen Street, the bar– home to its own Bath Gin even as its
shelves groan with more than 130 brandsof gin from around the world – is one of
the new discoveries I stumbled into while
exploring the city of Bath’s historic heart.

Built on a Celtic shrine that dates
back to the 8th century BC,
the Roman Baths are one of
the city of Bath's most popular
tourist attractions.

40

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

If Bath doesn’t exactly sprawl in the way
that, say, London (a mere 90-minute trainride away) does, its centre is positively tiny,
effortlessly accessible on foot, but packed
with a historical significance that belies its
size. Not for nothing is Bath a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site: just around the cornerfrom The Canary is the Guildhall, whichdates back to the late 18th century. Acrossthe street, literally, is the imposing BathAbbey. While the present-day building wasstarted in 1499, the site has been a placeof worship since Anglo-Saxon times.

Directly in front of the abbey is an evenolder attraction – the Roman Baths, which
first began construction around 60-70AD
on a site that once held a Celtic shrinefrom the 8th century BC, dedicated to
the goddess Sulis (hence Aquae Sulis,
or the waters of Sulis, the Roman namefor Bath). One of the more interesting
exhibits in the Roman Baths is the Beau
Street Hoard, a collection of more than
17,000 silver Roman coins, spanning theperiod from 32BC to 274AD, that werediscovered during the construction of The
Gainsborough Bath Spa.
S e t t o o p e n l a t e r t h i s y e a r, T h e
Gainsborough Bath Spa is the latest
addition to the YTL Classic Hotels portfolio
and its Georgian façade will enclose theUK’s only natural thermal spa within ahotel. It is right next door to the publicly
accessible Thermae Bath Spa (a YTL
wellness operation), which is a quick stroll

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

41

“At the MUSE
Bath Townhouse,time is at astandstill. On theother side of thedoor, history andthe centuries
swirl, waiting yourdiscovery.”from the Roman Baths. A few cobblestone
steps away is another YTL gem andone of the city’s best-kept secrets – theluxurious MUSE Bath Townhouse. Thisgorgeous property is part of Hetling
House, formerly known as Abbey
Church House, and is probably thecity’s last surviving Elizabethan building.

Clockwise from top: The kitchenin the MUSE Bath Townhouse,
with a pink Smeg referigerator
for a touch of colour; The largeorange sofas in the Drawing
Room offer cosy comfort; The
Master Suite's copper bath infront of the imposing fireplace.

42

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

While parts of it date back to the late
16th century, the five-storey MUSE
Bath Townhouse is anything but
antique. The sumptuous interiors
were designed by Peter Higgins
of Bath-based Eton Design, who
was also responsible for the
refurbishment of the MUSE Bray
Cottages in Berkshire, England.
The discreet front door opens intoa soothing garden room that also
includes a large glass table withcushion chairs for meetings orinformal meals. Further back,through a short passage, is thethoroughly fitted out kitchen,with a marble top breakfast
bar for two. Standing out,
i n c o n g r u o u s l y, f r o m a l l

the modern amenities is a pink Smeg
refrigerator, filled with goodies that thehouse manager, Anne Marie Brennan, has
personally selected, including pastries,
confectioneries, cheeses and wines.
One floor up the thickly carpeted stairs is
the Drawing Room, dominated by a pairof plush orange sofas – too large to fit
through the doorway, they were actually
put together in the room itself – and avelvet ottoman. A small library, music
system and Bang & Olufsen flatscreen
see to your leisurely pursuits, while
a well-curated drinks tray add to therelaxing ambience.
The capacious Master Suite, on thethird level, features a tempting copper
freestanding bath, thoughtfully placed
before the imposing fireplace. A king-sized
canopied bed, with 18-inch mattress, silk
bed linen and sumptuous pillows, ensuresa snug night in among the room’s paleteal, silver and grey accents. While thebath easily fits two, an adjoining bathroom,with walk-in shower and twin vanities, isjust steps away.

While MUSE Bath Townhouse is theperfectly private escape for two, there’s
more than enough space for five. Apartfrom a single room on the fourth floor, theQueen Bedroom on the top is a colourfully
decorated self-contained suite, with alarge double bed, fireplace and enclosed
shower amidst the pretty cream, pink andlilac accents.
It will take more than a night’s stay to
fully appreciate the full details – I took
particular delight in the ribbed fabric pig
doorstops – of the luxurious sanctuarythat is the MUSE Bath Townhouse. Yet,
it is its location, within the busiest part ofthe city, that appeals most. As night falls, a
tranquil hush descends and, apart from theoccasional footsteps or subdued murmurs
outside, there is nothing to interrupt yourquiet enjoyment of the house. As you
enjoy a glass of wine while watching the
television or curl up in bed with a book, it’struly impossible to believe that you are in
the heart of Bath. Here, within the MUSE
Bath Townhouse, time is at a standstill. On
the other side of the door, history and thecenturies swirl, waiting your discovery.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

43

life feature //Ever yearned for a Canadian caper or a Scandinavian scamper,
clean sharp air, forests of fir trees, scents of pine or the great
outdoors of the northern climes? Well, you can do all that in Asia
too, especially in Hokkaido, Japan’s most major northerly island, acomplete wilderness 150 years ago and still, today, largely given
over to nature.
Hokkaido’s premier leisure location is the resort area of Niseko,
just a two-hour drive from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.
Overlooked by the towering Mt Yotei, this is a land of forests,
lakes and mountains, Niseko is an all-year round, outdoor pursuits
destination with excellent tourism infrastructure. Plus, of course,
the characteristic Japanese attention to detail and exquisitely
polite hospitality. Well known for its winter sports, Niseko’s premierhotel is Niseko Village, renowned not just for its luxury but for its
express access to the slopes of Mt Annupuri, with its own cablecar system out back. The low-rise Green Leaf Hotel, with a more
intimate environment, is also right next to the slopes.
Whilst the white season experience is what Niseko is famous
for, the area is, in fact, an all-year-round destination for lovers of
the outdoors, adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts and natureramblers. At any time of the year, you will find a host of opportunities
to enjoy the natural environment and many activities to pursue.

Natural Highsin Niseko

Niseko's 'green' season comes in every colour imaginable.
Keith Mundy discovers the beauty of nature in Japan's far north.

Spring, summer and autumn – the “green season” – have their own
delights, and some of the best are available on the hotel premises
across their extensive grounds. For a start, catering to lovers of the
major sports of golf and tennis, there is an 18-hole golf course withgreens flanked by pine trees at Niseko Village and no fewer than
16 tennis courts at Green Leaf Hotel. Playing these sports in viewof the volcanic splendour of the area’s two great mountains, Yotei
and Annupuri, is a special experience.

Clockwise,from above left:
Pumpkins for sale ina farmers’ market,
ready for Halloween;
The Shinsen-numa
Lake trail, strewn
with golden autumn
leaves; Meetingsome canine hikers
on Mt Annupuri.

“Niseko is an all-year
round, outdoor pursuits
destination with excellent
tourism infrastructure.”
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

45

The bear fountaingushing fresh mountainwater; Mt Yotei and
the Shiribetsu River inautumn; Niseko in thegreen season offers
much natural beauty andPure activities to enjoy.

Mountain Highs

For the really energetic, a hike up Mt Yotei is definitely – how else to
say it? – the peak experience. Dominating the skyline, the conicalvolcano rises 1,893m and is notable for its beautiful silhouette.
The crowning glory of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Yotei
hosts more than 130 species of animals, with red foxes especiallyapparent, plus many precious alpine plants. The area’s springs
are famous for their water purity, rated by Japan’s Ministry of theEnvironment amongst the nation’s best.
Of the four hiking routes to the top, the Kutchan trail is the mostpopular, starting off gently, then getting steep and unrelenting,with many switchbacks. Enjoy rare flora along the way and, after aminimum of six hours, you will reach the crater rim. Yotei’s highest
point is about halfway around the rim, marked by a small sign.
Circling the crater, you'll enjoy spectacular views all around, evenas far as the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Closed from
October 20 to June 1, this is a fine-weather hike: in adverse
conditions, the trails can be very slippery in places and the top is
exposed to strong winds and lashing rain.
If that’s a bit too energetic, there’s an excellent alternative:
Mt Annupuri. Climbing this peak is easier, since its slopes are
gentler and its summit lower at 1,308m. The well-used trail firstruns through dense forests before popping out of the trees
onto the main ridge. Here, the trail becomes much stonier, withloose scree. After some meandering, it goes straight towards thesummit, where you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Yotei’s
perfect cone across the valley.
In fact, you can make it even easier by taking the cable car up tojust below 1,000m and hiking on up from there on a steep androcky path enveloped in a dwarf bamboo forest. Quite different
from normal bamboo, this species grows only about two meters
high, but its dark green leaves are big, thick and numerous,
and the plants cluster tightly together, creating a dense massof bushes. From the top, as well as seeing Yotei, you get

46

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

tremendous views across the valley and, northward, out over the
Sea of Japan.
From the south, where Niseko Village and Green Leaf are,Annupuri puts on a great autumn show: the mosaic of coloured
leaves on its flanks glowing in the sun. There’s a kaleidoscope ofcolours, dramatic in changeable weather as clouds cast shade on
the wooded slopes, only to pass and let brilliant hues burst forth in
the sun’s bright rays.

Hidden Lakes

Shinsen-numa is rated the most beautiful among many ponds
and lakes in the Niseko area. Hidden away amid Siberian dwarf
pine, Japanese red pine, Jezo spruce and other tree varieties, themarshy pond lies in perfect tranquillity, reflecting the surroundings
with shimmering beauty. Reached via a trail which begins steep
and rocky, then runs along boardwalks, richly varied vegetation
crowds in on you along the way, highlighted by the deep red
leaves of mountain ash trees and the bright yellow of maples.
Clumps of tall white birches rise higher than other trees, without
much foliage, looking like ghosts. By mid-October, overnightsnowfalls can add to the colour, dusting the trails with white.
Hangetsuko – Half Moon Lake – is quiet and pristine, a crescentof water cradled in the crater of a long-dead volcano, cloaked inforest. On an easy walk, you tread a leaf-strewn trail beneath talltrees with leaves turning from green to gold, then red and brown.
Reaching a ridge that is an old crater rim, you walk along underhuge Mongolian oaks. Acorns crackle underfoot, and squirrels
scurry away with them. A path leads gently down to the water as
the lake emerges through the foliage. At the water’s edge, you
are dazzled by the view across the lake of a magnificent curtain of
multi-coloured forest cloaking the hillsides.

Pure Delight

But even more remarkable is to engage in the exciting activities of'Pure', the dedicated nature activity area of Niseko Village. Here,you find a whole gamut of thrills to experience, all with speciallydesigned features and equipment, where you can stretch yourlegs and flex your muscles in more than 20 ways, pushing yourlimits and following your passions.
In the Pure Action area alone, there are as many as 10 activities,
with names like Crazy Ladder and Pure Battle, where you climb,
fly and fall from heights without a harness, with air cushions toprotect you and nets to catch you. You can balance on the Highor Low Wires, have a go at the Mini Swing and the Mini Jump,
and get some amazing ups and downs with bungee jumping andtrampolining.
For this year, Pure has been redesigned and revitalised, with a newarea called Pure Adventure featuring three major attractions: the

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

47

life feature //Fuwa Fuwa Slider, a gigantic slide; Water Ball, where you walk onwater inside a huge inflatable sphere; and the Fuwa Fuwa Maze, alabyrinth to get lost in.
Highlights for many visitors are the dramatic aerial activities of Tree
Trekking and the Zip-Line Tour, forest adventures amidst a canopyof green. You make your way through the treetops along hanging
bridges and ropes, and fly through the air on a zip line, with a
special harness to keep you safe.
Back on the ground, you will find many more activities, such as
two fun forms of golf, called Park Golf, played with a bigger balland club than regular golf, and SNAG Golf. SNAG stands for "Start
New At Golf" and it’s a fun way to introduce kids to golf, usinga plastic club, a ball similar to that for tennis, and a rubber teemat. Then there’s Disc Golf, which is not really golf but a gamewhere you throw a frisbee towards a series of targets arranged asa course. You can also enjoy kite flying, with a colourful variety ofkites available to play with. For keen players and new players as
well, there are courts for beach volleyball and badminton.
In addition to all this, you can saddle up too: the Pure area has
dedicated trails for cycling and riding. Mountain biking is done on
trails that include jumps, bumps, bridges, see-saws and otherchallenges. Horse riding is available on gentle, Hokkaido-bornhorses on the riding course around Niseko Village. Or else there is
the Draft Horse Experience, riding a magnificent draft horse with a
special instructor.
Small children have their own Kids’ Area, a safe adventure parkwith play features in natural wood. If you have brought your dog
along, then you can exercise your pet at the Dog Run, a large
fenced park where it can run around off-leash or where you cantake it through a number of training items.
If you’re tired out from all the above, or just plain lazy, take a Golf
Cart Tour. Easy and fun to drive – though you must still have a

48

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

During Niseko's green
season, you can
indulge in outdoor
activities like golfing,
zip-lining and kayaking.

driving licence to do it – golf carts for two or four people can be
hired for tootling round the Pure area. Or if you want to get above it
all, you could take to the air in a tethered hot air balloon: rise 30m
up and appreciate a whole new perspective of the surroundings.
Lastly, if you want to keep things really simple, just take a walkaround the grounds. There are paths you can follow throughout
the Niseko Village area, strolling in the splendid natural
surroundings. But the really great thing about Niseko is this: if you
want to explore true wilderness, some terrific experiences are athand in short drives from the hotel.
For water sports, the Shiribetsu River offers everything from lazyflat-rafting and gentle- to high-energy whitewater rafting, the last at
its best in late spring and early summer when the snow melts andthe river’s upper levels are gushing with fast-flowing water. Hiking
to hidden lakes is another great pastime, especially in the autumn,
when the leaves turn to gold, orange and red, providing a dazzling
display of nature at its best, or in June and July for the beautiful
wild flowers.

Pumpkin Party

While the squirrels are collecting acorns, the farmers are bringing
in the pumpkins. Hokkaido is known for its superb local produce,from the excellent seafood found in the nearby seas to the fine
local beef, and especially for its seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Come fall, pumpkins feature prominently and chefs in the hotels
use them to make special dishes.
Visiting Niseko at this time, you’ll see pumpkins everywhere.
Grown in the area in many wondrous shapes, sizes and colours,
they are energetically promoted all around town, decorating
roadsides, house frontages and shopping centres – especiallythe big round orange ones – in one great pumpkin party. In the
farmers’ markets that are a colourful local feature, you see a hugevariety of squashes, some of them carved with jolly Halloween
faces as the American custom makes inroads in Japan.
Niseko is always in season, and the “green season” is actually
every colour imaginable, courtesy of nature’s bounty, which isabundantly found in Japan’s invigorating far north.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

49

life report //Organise a wickedweekend withfriends, family or
clients with the
Cameron Highlands
Resort's Murder
Mystery in the Misty
Mountains package.

The Knives
Are Out!

Inject a dose of wicked fun and games into yourweekend with a Murder Mystery Dinner amidst the mistswathed hills of Cameron Highlands.
Photography Yong Keen Keong50

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Invoke your long-dormant inner Agatha Christie or Chief Inspector
Barnaby over a round of wicked fun and games at the Cameron
Highlands Resort. The emerald jungle and misty hills of Malaysia’s
most popular hill station might be soothingly inviting by day but
could easily prove to be a hotbed of intrigue, mischief and mayhem
once night falls. After all, the highlands did prove to be the real-life
setting for the still-unexplained disappearance of legendary Thaisilk king, Jim Thompson, who vanished without a trace one Easter
Sunday afternoon. Was it tigers that got the enterprising Americanor was it something more sinister? Only time will tell.
Spinning yet another web of intrigue around this local lore is
the talented events team at YTL Hotels. Crafting this signatureexperience, titled Murder Mystery in the Misty Mountains, up to 60
people may participate at any one time, each one taking on new
guises, and forming a completely new party that wouldn’t seemout of place in a game of Cluedo. Preparations for this whodunit
experience begins way in advance as character dossiers areprepared and handed out, enabling each one to arrive for the startof the dinner in character. You might, for example, be given the roleof an international man of mystery or a roué. Later, you might findyourself seated next to your great-aunt Millicent, who’s transformed
herself into a cabaret singer. Part of the fun lies in the dressing
up and the murder mystery dinner always begins with a cocktail
session, designed, in part, to loosen up any remnant inhibitions

as well as to help you get to know the other characters who’ll becalled into play as the evening goes on.
The fun really begins once the dinner is underway. The knives (or,perhaps, a revolver) will soon be out and guests are encouraged
to hunt for clues all around the Tudor-inspired property or evenblackmail fellow guests surreptitiously at the table in order to keep
mum about certain potentially damning pieces of evidence thathave you branded the murderer. There’s no fun without prizes atthe end and the organisers have ensured that everyone leaves
happy, with awards and accolades going to the Best Performer,
Super Sleuth and so on. It is, of course, unthinkable that one
embarks on the long drive down to the flatlands after such an
exhilarating evening. So, the Murder Mystery in the Misty Highlands
is best ended by finally retreating, after nightcaps in front of thefireplace, to the luxurious comfort of the resort’s beautifully
appointed rooms. You may choose to stay for a single night but
the Cameron Highlands Resort is best enjoyed over a double- or
triple-nighter. There’s plenty to do, of course, including teeing off
on the golf course that’s just right across from the resort, to jungletrekking, bird-watching, tea-drinking and strawberry-picking. If theexcitement of the previous night proves a bit too much to bear,recover in style over a few hours’ of sybaritic bliss at the awardwinning Spa Village Cameron Highlands. Now, that’s a treat we
certainly wouldn’t mind killing for.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

51

life feature //Vistana Penang
Bukit Jambul offers
the hectic executive
traveller a respitefrom a busy day,with spacious
rooms overlooking
panoramic vistas,
while still seeing
to all his or her
business needs.

SuitesWith
A View“The introduction of our fully refreshedSuite Wing delivers the brand’s promiseof Vibrance, Verve and Value, designedwith much insight into the needs oftoday’s traveller, adding yet anotheroption for our guests,” says Wayne Lee,
General Manager of Vistana Penang
Bukit Jambul. Targeted at mid-range
business travellers, the hotel features arange of facilities required by those on
a working trip. For meetings, seminars
and big dinners, the main hotel houses
10 meeting rooms and a ballroom, while
for short, casual discussions, the hotel’s
Hub247 is private and comfortable enough.

Spacious suites
and great views
enhance the businesstravellers’ experience.

Text Jan Yong Photography Law Soo Phye

The newly refurbished Suite Wing of Vistana
Penang Bukit Jambul is, literally, a breath of
fresh air for the busy executive needing aplace of respite after a hectic day. All of theexceedingly spacious suites feature private
balconies that look out to interesting vistas,with beautiful views of the Penang Golf Cluband Penang Second Bridge.
When you step into the stylishly appointed
suites, you will appreciate the generous
open plan of the living and dining areas.
There is plenty of room for you to reflect,
put on your thinking cap or simply chill out
in front of the 50" LED television with local
and cable channels. The bathroom, too,conspires to put you in a relaxing mood,with its minimalist design complemented bya range of signature bathroom essentials
created exclusively for Vistana Hotels by
Mangosteen Collection.

If you need more space at any time ofthe day, visit the newly unveiled 24-hour
Executive Lounge on the second floor thatadjoins the main hotel. Here, you can keep
up-to-date with the 24-hour news channels

52

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

or avail yourself of the business facilities
such as printing and free WiFi, along witha complimentary cup of hot coffee or tea.
And, if you need some action, take a shortwalk to the gymnasium located on thesame floor. It’s open around-the-clock tocater to your demanding hours. If that’s toomuch work, try a few laps in the swimming
pool instead.

The Suite Wing, comprising 185 two- andthree-bedroom suites, are in addition to
the existing 221 guest rooms and 17
suites located in the main hotel. Easily
accessed via the second floor of the hotel,
each suite features a master bedroom
with a king-sized bed, while the remaining
rooms have the option of a cosy queensized or two single beds.

“The fully refreshed Suite Wing
delivers Vistana’s promise ofVibrance, Verve and Value.”

This being Penang, you have the assurance
that your F&B needs are always takencare of. There is Barista at the main hotel,
which offers coffee and local favourites any
time of the day, while a short walk away
is the Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandarrestaurant. For your shopping needs,
Kompleks Bukit Jambul shopping centre is
within walking distance, while Queensbay
Mall is a short drive away.
Vistana Penang Bukit Jambul’s strategic
location is another plus point, making it abreeze for business travellers commuting toand from the Penang International Airport – amere 7km away – while other attractions,such as Bayan Lepas Free Industrial
Zone, Subterranean Penang International
Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE),
Bukit Jambul Complex and Penang Golf
Club, are even nearer.

Book now by calling 04-646 8000 or visit
our website at www.vistanahotels.com.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

53

U

life profile //nited
In sport

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur celebrated the spirit of sports, while
playing host to quite a few sporting legends, at the recent 2014 Laureus
World Sports Awards held in the Malaysian capital. Ong Chin Huatcaught up with some of the stars during the Laureus All Star Unity Cup.
It was a treat for soccer fans at the Royal
Selangor Club as they were able to see
their idols play in the first-ever Laureus
All Stars Unity Cup in the run-up to the2014 Laureus World Sports Awards heldin Kuala Lumpur recently. Being up closeand personal with Paulo Ferreira, Steve
McManaman, Hidetoshi Nakata andQuinton Fortune as well as rub shoulders
with football legends like Ruud Gullit, Vitor
Baia and Ronald de Boer, not to mention
Sir Bobby Charlton, certainly made theday for the specially invited audience and
VIP guests.

Quinton Fortune of Team YR1M
and Gaizka Mendieta of Team
Laureus battle for the ball during
the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup.

54

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

With former England boss Fabio Capelloand the legendary Johan Cruyff – withassistance from Michael Laudrup – ascoaches for the charity match, some lucky
fans, incuding local actor Fahrin Ahmad,
as well as the international sporting media
turned up at the club to see their footballheroes in action, and they didn’t disappoint.
With deft legwork and smart tactics often
seen only in international matches, thesecelebrated football players garnered loudcheers from the crowd and the game was
all played with zest and for a good cause.
The exhibition soccer match featured
two 30-minute halves, comprising two
teams selected from the Laureus All Stars,
pairing up with selected Malaysian juniors
from Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M),
representing the Under-19 and Under
12 sides.
During the charity match, also attended
by Youth and Sports Minister Khairy
Jamaluddin and Laureus Sport for GoodFoundation chairman Dr Edwin Moses,
Laureus and YR1M jointly announced apartnership to benefit Malaysian youths
through sports. Among the VIPs present
were YR1M trustee Tan Sri Lodin Wok
Kamaruddin and YR1M chief executive
officer Ung Su Ling. Dr Moses said thefoundation, which supports over 140
sports-based community programmes in
34 countries, would transfer its know-how to
YR1M through proven training programmes
and skills development courses.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

55

life profile //Laureus and YR1M have also agreed tohold a Laureus Sport for Good Summit
in Kuala Lumpur later in the year to allow
members of the Laureus global network
to share knowledge, compare techniquesand learn from one another to ensure thebest possible development programmes
could be delivered to young people
around the world. Over 150 youths, sports
practitioners and development leaders are
expected at the summit.
Dr Edwin Moses presenting an
autographed t-shirt to
Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh of
YTL Corporation.
The Laureus statuette isdisplayed during the Laureus
World Sports Awards 2014
Nominations Announcement.

“Laureus is not just about the awards
ceremony. It is also about the year-roundwork of the foundation, which uses sports
to improve the lives of young people
around the world,” said Dr Moses. “Thisis the 15th year of Laureus, and we havehelped millions of youngsters since.
Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia is the Laureus
CSR (corporate social responsibility)
partner. Over the last few months,
Laureus Ambassadors and I have visited
events organised by YR1M and haveseen the amazing work they do. We are
truly delighted to be working with suchan excellent partner and we hope ouractivities will make a difference to young
people in Malaysia.”
YR1M’s Ung said: “Edwin and Sir Bobby
are true giants of the sports world. It isa pleasure to be able to work with themand other great Laureus sportsmen andsportswomen to help young people inour country.” Laureus Ambassadors are
expected to inspire and encourage local
youths at grassroots level by taking partin Laureus-YR1M projects in Malaysia overthe next three years.
Dr Moses and Sir Bobby are membersof the Laureus World Sports Academy,a unique grouping of 46 living sports
legends, who volunteer their time to act as
global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport
for Good Foundation, whose mission is touse sport as the means to combat someof the world’s toughest social challenges
facing young people today such as
juvenile crime, gangsterism, HIV/AIDS,56

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

discrimination, social exclusion, lack of
education, landmine awareness, obesityand other health problems.

Breakthrough of the Year Award, after
winning the World MotoGP Championshipat just 20 years and 266 days.

The foundation helps children from theslums of Mumbai to the favelas of Rio deJaneiro and the minefields of Cambodia.
It attempts to improve the quality of lifein the poorest areas of Nairobi as wellas the disadvantaged inner city areas ofthe developed world. Laureus-supported
projects aim to show every day thedramatic successes that sports canachieve with young people coming off
drugs, leaving gangs, entering education,
finding jobs, gaining confidence, getting fit,making friends and stepping up to become
positive role models in their communities.

Among members of the Laureus WorldSports Academy present were Sir
Bobby Charlton, Sebastian Coe, Nadia
Comaneci, Michael Johnson, academy
chairman Dr Moses, Ilie Nastase, Mark
Spitz, Daley Thompson and Steve Waugh.

YR1M is a charitable foundation set up
to benefit Malaysians from all walks oflife, particularly the less fortunate and theneedy. The foundation organises activities
that use education and sports to improvetheir quality of life. This year’s Laureus
World Sports Awards on March 26 washeld the following night at Istana Budaya
after the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup,drawing a crowd of international sportingand social stars. The winners, as voted by
the Laureus World Sports Academy, wereannounced at a globally televised awards
ceremony.
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch was
specially flown in to host the event anddelighted guests with his witty repartee.
The entire stage was a spectacle in itself –special effects and light works impressed
the audience as did holographic
duplicates of Cumberbatch, all talking
among themselves and with the audience.
Germany’s Sebastian Vettel, the youngest
four-time Formula One champion in history
was named Laureus Sportsman of theYear, while US swimmer Missy Franklin,at 18, became the youngest ever winnerof the Laureus World Sportswoman of
the Year Award. Spain’s Rafael Nadal
bagged the Laureus Comeback Award,
while Marc Márquez received the Laureus

Hidetoshi
NakataInterspersed
betweentheawardspresentation were performances by
the Wrecking Orchestra Dance crew
who entertained the audience withslick dance moves in the dark, with
only fluorescent lights illuminating theirbodies. Jamie Foxx made a surpriseappearance and sang several hit songs
and did a convincing Ray Charles
impersonation to entertain the crowd.
Adding some show biz glamour was
German actor Daniel Brühl, who played
Niki Lauda in the film Rush, as well as
Chinese supermodel/actress Du Juan
who was quite a sight in a black satin
gown with a plunging back. Fans of former
footballer and actor Eric Cantona cheered
and whistled as their idol appeared onstage to present an award.
After the awards ceremony, guests were
ferried to the After Party held at Marini’s
on 57. The celebrity guests mingledwith each other and feasted in a pop-up
Nobu restaurant where sushi and sashimi
were served. Seen partying were Nacho
Figueras, Nakata, Gullit, Brühl, Fortune,
and Raphael Holzdeppe. Cumberbatch,surrounded by bodyguards and a hordeof female fans popped in for a quick drink
and obliged a few guests with selfies.
Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports
Awards fund the work of the Laureus Sport
for Good Foundation. Since its inception,
Laureus has raised over USD60 million(RM82 million) for projects that have helped
to improve the lives of millions ofyoung people.

“Football is still
an amazing
game eventhough it is now
much faster,
more technicaland difficult.”
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

57

life profile //life profile //What do you think of football today?
Football today is much quicker, morecommercially oriented with TV rights, etc.
It’s a big business and we need to growand move with the times. It brings joy tolots of people. I think FIFA did a great job
in the way they changed the game, sothat’s good.

Steve
McManaman

How do you keep fit?
I go to the gym but I can’t run anymore
because of my knees. I do a little bit ofboxing and play golf… things like that.

Ruud Gullit
The Laureus All Stars Unity Cup event also
gave rising talents in the Malaysian footballacademy a lifetime opportunity to play
football with the legends of the game. In
between his job as the official commentatorof the exhibition match, Ruud Gullit spoke
to YTL Life on football and what he has
been up to.
You were both a player and manager –which do you prefer?
A player, of course! But I’m too old to play
now and my knees have given way but I still
feel young.
What do you think of the high salaries
football players earn today?
When I was a football player, they also said
I earned a lot of money. That's just part ofthe business.
How did you use to prepare for an
important match?
I didn’t do anything special really. You justneed to believe in yourself, have strengthand confidence, and always think positivein what you are going to do
Did you have to have a special diet?
Our diet was fixed by the club. We had
pasta, chicken, fish and veggies.

58

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“The Laureus All Stars Unity Cup
event also gave rising talents in
the Malaysian football academy alifetime opportunity to play footballwith the legends of the game.”

What kinds of challenges did you face
as a coach of a football team?
There were many challenges. You andyour team are only as good as your last
victory. You need to keep motivating yourteam all the time and push them overtheir limit. You have to keep doing it all thetime by talking to them and giving themconfidence. Different players have different
personalities and some are easier to workwith than others.
What is the most memorable match
you have ever played?
It would have to be winning the European
Championship with Holland in 1988…
nothing beats playing for your own country!
Where do you live now and how do you
spend your time?
I live in Amsterdam and I do quite a lotof television work, presenting as well as
commentary.
Any regrets?
The worst thing an athlete can have isan injury.
If you had not become a football
player, what do you think you would
have been?
Oh! That’s a difficult question … I like musicso I think I would have become a musician
even though I don’t play any instruments.
Any team you support today?
I enjoy watching Bayern Munich play.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

59

life profile //Felipe’s
Top 10Life as a Formula One driver is seen
by many as exhilarating. Living life in
the fast lane brings about a certain setof privileges such as the keys to every
city you happen to race in. When
Formula One champion Felipe Massa
raced into Kuala Lumpur recently, heknew exactly where to go and what
to do. As precise and definitive as his
manoeuvres on the racing track are,the fast and furious Brazilian thrilled
the crowds at the Malaysian GrandPrix 2014 and shared with YTL Life
his Top 10 list on what he likes about
the city and beyond, both on and off
the race track.

the tyres significantly – degradation can happen very quickly.
The weather here is also very unpredictable as it can suddenly
rain heavily. But all these factors mean the race is always
exciting for the fans. I always look forward to a good raceat Sepang.
3.Pangkor Laut Resort
This is the place I go to recharge and relax, especially after arace. I indulge in watersports such as water skiing, jet-skiing
and swimming. The place is so private and secluded; it’s
where I can escape from the entire world and just be myself.
This is the first trip for my son to Malaysia and I can’t wait toshow him Pangkor Laut Resort.
4.Ferrari
I live in Monaco and when I am there, I like staying home,surrounded by my family and friends. To get around theprincipality, I use several cars but my favourite is a Ferrari
599 GTO.
5.Starhill Gallery
Oh, shopping is nice at Starhill Gallery! I just bought a Richard Millewatch from a boutique here and I love it! Starhill is a worldclass destination for luxury lovers and shoppers as it has
the most sought-after brands and designer goods on sale.
It also has great restaurants so everything is all under one

3

Text Ong Chin Huat Photography Ting Yang Shan

1. Richard Mille
Richard is a dear friend and one of the most incredible
watchmakers of this generation. He has been my sponsor
since 2004 and we have collaborated on several watches
together. Among them are the Richard Mille three specialedition tourbillon watches, including the RM 006, RM 009
and RM 056 as well as the RM-005FM and the RM-011. I
have a soft spot for his watches.
2. Sepang International Circuit
I like the Sepang race track very much. It’s a nice place torace. I started twice in pole position there. The heat andhumidity make it tough for the racers. The heat also affects

60

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Felipe Massa enjoys relaxing at
Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

61

life profile //roof. You can shop till you drop then go and eat till you literally
fall asleep!

Dining at Shook! is a must for
Felipe Massa when in Kuala Lumpur.

6.The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur & The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur
Normally, I stay either at The Ritz-Carlton or the Majestic
Hotel. They are very different but I like both. The Ritz-Carlton
is classic and grand whilst the Majestic has an old-world
ambience and is rich in history. Both have their unique charmand advantages. The Ritz-Carlton is nearby shopping havens
whilst the Majestic Hotel is opposite the beautiful railway
station and in a quieter part of town. I couldn’t choose between
the two as I love both equally.
7.Durian
Although I cannot eat spicy food, I like Malaysian fruits such as
durian and mangosteen. I follow a special diet and eat salads
and lots of vegetables, fish, chicken and steaks but I need to becareful with what I eat. Before a race, I eat plain pasta withoutsauce for energy. But if I’m not racing, then I can have pastawith cream or tomato sauce. I also enjoy Bordeaux wine… but
definitely not before a race.

8. Italian Style
Where fashion is concerned, l like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.
Prada for its innovative materials and fabrics; Dolce & Gabbana
for its well-cut suits and jackets.
9. Shook!
I come here all the time when I’m in KL. I just like Shook!'s
ambience and variety of food. The location is fantastic and,with constant updating of its menu, I never get bored of theplace. I also like its open kitchen concept. Being able tosee the chefs at work and the food being cooked right infront of me makes this place special and unique. My
favourite is the grilled wagyu sirloin done medium
rare and the signature dish of snow white dancing
prawns tossed in hot mayonnaise and sprinkledwith walnuts, to be washed down with a 2008
Château Figeac Saint-Emilion.
10. The Sporting LifeI like football. I play whenever I can. I also playtennis and indulge in watersports and go-karting.
I organise a charity kart race every year and many
top racers have taken part. My job requires me tokeep fit so I run, cycle and go to the gym everyday. I work out no less than three hours each day.
I lift weights as well. Not to bulk up but to become
strong. You need to have good concentration
when you drive. I think about a lot of things while
I am racing such as the control and balance ofthe car and the set-up. To succeed as an F1
driver, you need discipline and self-belief. You alsoneed to be very humble and have your feet on the
ground yet stay motivated by always thinking how to bebetter in every race.

62

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

63

life of luxury //Layers Of Beauty

BaublesandTime

A deeper meaning shines behind the beauty of Carrera y Carrera’s Seda Imperial
gem collection. Behind the exquisiteness of the stones and cutting-edge techniquesof the craftsman is a 4,600-year-old legend of a Chinese princess forced to marry asavage Khan. In revenge, she hid in her shawl the best-guarded mystery of the Far East
– the secret of Imperial Silk embroidery – and threw it into the ocean. Centuries later,
the captain of a Spanish ship, sailing from Manila to Acapulco before returning home,recovers the shawl. It turned up in the possession of the captain’s lover, who passes it
on to a young embroiderer, thus giving birth to the famous mantones de Manila. The silk,
hand-embroidered Manila shawl, a fusion of Chinese tradition and Spanish insignia, is theinspiration for the Seda Imperial collection. Drawing from the splendour and beauty of theshawl’s embroidered floral motifs, the collection is created in similar fashion, with varying
flowers encompassing different meanings. The true stars of the entire collection are theroyal heron and orchid flower, both of which carry symbolic significance in the historicand popular composition of the shawl, and wrought into fine jewellery by the artisans at
Carrera y Carrera.

Brighten up yourevery day – withfabulous timepieces
and gems.

Diamonds And Dial

Feathers And Stars

Inspired by the softness and shape of abird’s feather, the Omega Constellation‘Pluma’ takes its name from the Latin
word for ‘feather’. Among the most striking
design elements of this delicate 27mm
model is the mother-of-pearl dial thatcomes in natural white or blue – a hue thatis created by coating the underside of awhite piece of mother-of-pearl with black
paint. A soft, wavy pattern, cast from theiconic claws on the bezel, is engraved on
the dial and recalls the gentle lines of afeather. The dial is further decorated with
11 diamond indices, while its heart, aswith the rest of the Constellation line, ispowered by the reliable Omega Co-Axial
Calibre 8520.

64

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Into The Deep

The superlative diving legend gets an upgrade as Rolex brings back a contemporary
version of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller from 1967. Defined by its water
resistance of up to 1,220m and the groundbreaking helium escape valve on theside of the case, the 2014 Sea-Dweller 4000 incorporates these elements as anintegral part of the legendary design along with additional enhancements, including a
Cerachrom bezel made from ceramic that is impervious to scratches and ultraviolet
rays, Chromalight display with long-lasting luminescence, Oysterlock safety clasp
and the Rolex Glidelock extension system. Within its 40mm stainless steel superalloycase are the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring and Ref 116600 mechanicalmovement with bidirectional self-winding Perpetual rotor.

Jaeger Le-Coultre takes high jewellery
watches to new heights with the
Duoplan Joaillerie , which combines
diamonds and dial in one alluring piece.
Dressed in brilliant cut diamonds,
this bejewelled timepiece is poweredby the venerable Calibre 101, thesmallest movement ever made. Thisdelicate watch is designed to look
like a bracelet, where a ‘secret’ watch
is hidden under a flower motif flap
adorned with diamonds. Radiating
ultimate aesthetic appeal and supreme
elegance, this timepiece merges thedual art of exceptional watchmaking
and fine jewellery.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

65

FIT
&

Becoming fitter and more fashionable is a goal many people have. Meet the
talents behind a new reality TV show, filmed on location at Tanjong Jara Resort,
who set the standards for the 12 contestants seeking to be Fit for Fashion.

Louise Roe

Text Ong Chin Huat Photography Kenneth Foo Location Tanjong Jara Resort

FABULOUS

Fashion journalist, wellknown TV host and allround fashionista.

Statuesque and elegant, Louise Roesits on a makeshift chair on the wellmanicured grounds of the Tanjong Jara
Resort in Terengganu, coconut fronds
swaying overhead and the sound of waves
breaking in the distance. Her make-up
is perfect despite the humidity and theocean breeze gently blows strands ofher luscious butterscotch locks acrossher face. An attendant hair stylist rushes
up, brush and hairspray in hand, anddeftly adjusts her mane so that her faceis unobstructed for her take. When the
director motions to the cameraman tostart, Roe, right on cue, delivers her lines
eloquently. The take is flawless and the
director gives her a thumb up.

66

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

As a fashion journalist, TV host andall-round fashionista, Roe exudes theconfident and professional image of
someone who’s a natural in front of thecameras – and the perfect host for the
new reality TV show, Fit for Fashion.
“Fit for Fashion is about 12 contestants
who are put through their paces and,each week, they face physical and fashion
related challenges.” Roe says, addingthat those two areas are interdependent
on each other. “If you want to wear
fab clothes and look amazing andconfident, then you have to be ingood shape… you need to have ahealthy, functioning body, great skin andclear eyes.”

Roe’s own complexion and eyes aresparkling when she turns up at the beachfronted villa for our interview and photoshoot. Dressed in a short blue print kaftan,
her crown is framed with a gold headpiece,
which gives way to her tumbling wavy hair,projecting an ethereal and hippy PreRaphaelite vibe. After the make-up artist
touches up her eye liner and adds moregloss on her lips, Roe is ready, smilingdemurely and pouting innocently as she
crosses her long tanned legs, shod with apair of gold-braided strappy Jimmy Choo
stilettos, and poses for the camera.
“The show is both aspirational andinspirational,” Roe tells YTL Life. “Its

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

67

“It’s unparalleled. Seeing
monkeys pulling coconuts off
the trees is the coolest thing
ever and the beach at yourdoorstep is something I havenever experienced before. It
was very tranquil.”contestants come from all walks of life –from parents, people in their late 30s,
younger people who should be in better
shape than they are, or people with badhabits like smoking. They learn skills thateverybody can benefit from. It’s not justabout wanting to become athletes ormodels.” Roe surmises by saying: “Somecontestants are overweight and some areunderweight. It’s really about learning tobecome the best version of yourself.”
Roe recalls a very dramatic scene during
the second episode at a waterfall. “I
can’t give too much away but even I was
blindsided by what had happened.” Drama
aside, Roe says that what struck her was
the camaraderie among the contestants:“They were very supportive even though
they were competing against each other.”
The challenges took a toll, physically andmentally, and “I spent a lot of my time having
one-to-one with some contestants to keep
their spirits up,” she says. And with all that
expended energy while filming the show,
Roe says what she liked best about staying
at Tanjong Jara Resort during the 10-week
stay was hearing the waves while falling
asleep. “Seeing monkeys pulling coconuts
off the trees is the coolest thing ever andthe beach on your doorstep is something
I have never experienced before. It’s very,
very tranquil.”As someone who has covered fashion
for most of her career, being the host for
BBC’s long standing TV series The Clothes

68

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEShow as well as the NBC hit, Fashion Star,
and MTV International’s Plain Jane, Roe isprobably more clude-in than others whenit comes to advice on looking good. “Youhave to start from within. You can buy as
many designer dresses and shoes as
you want but, until you feel good about
yourself on the inside, you won’t pull it
off or walk into a room with a sparkle thatturn heads. Self-confidence is the mostimportant accessory.” This, she hastens toadd, is easier said than done. “Exercise isdefinitively a great start as it makes you lookbetter. Also, having honest and supportivefriends around you, and wearing reallyfabulous high heels!” Roe laughs.
While some people have innate style,others can definitely learn some rules. “Mymain thing is, forget trends and designers,
and focus on your own body shape.
Women should look at themselves in the
mirror and realise which parts they want toaccentuate and which to hide, and thenwork one’s wardrobe around that.” Theother trick is colour. “So many people hidebehind black and grey. I feel happy when
I wear colour as it lifts my mood.” And herfavourite hue? “I love wearing red; there’s
nothing like wearing a red dress.” Whileshe declines to define good taste, she
can easily describe bad styling: “Being acomplete fashion victim, where you boughta head-to-toe look from the runway. There’s
no style in that; style only happens when
you personalise your own look and makesomething your own.”
As for herself, Roe likes the 1970s look.
“That slightly boho era. People like Lauren
Hutton and Ali MacGraw have this reallysimple and sexy way of dressing. It might
be just a cut-off denim shorts and white
shirt, but it’s so stylish without overdoingit.” Marchesa is one of her favourite
designers to wear when she is hostingon the red carpet and, in all her years ofcovering fashion, she has learnt not to takeit too seriously. “I’m very passionate aboutfashion and I believe in its power to makepeople feel differently about themselves,
but it’s important to have perspective
as well.”become fitter. The aim of the show is not tomake them models; it’s to make them more
confident, and to look and feel better about
themselves.”
With his lean and muscular physique, Tyler
has a workout and diet schedule as hardand firm as his abs –he runs every morning,no matter where he is, for 30 minutes. He
then has a lean and high-protein breakfast
from “clean sources”, such as egg whites,chicken breast and fish with raw veggies
and fruits. He then schedules a workoutin the afternoon at the gym for at least 45
minutes where he incorporates weights. “I
eat most of my calories at breakfast andmy larger meals come before noon,” Tylersays. “Then, throughout the day, I eat five tosix small meals, two of them being protein
shakes. I try not to eat after 7pm.”

Todd
Anthony
Tyler
Model and professional
fashion photographer.

Heads turn when Todd Anthony Tyler walks
into Nelayan Restaurant in Tanjong Jara
Resort. Commanding attention, however, isnothing new for this model turned celebrity
fashion photographer. Dressed in a sky
blue cotton shirt and navy blue trousers, his
outfit fits him like a glove as he sidles up to
the bar for his photo shoot. In his role for Fit
for Fashion, Tyler is usually the one behindthe camera, cajoling and egging on the 12
contestants to put their best face (and body)forward. Right now, though, the tables areturned and he’s the subject instead. Unlike
the show, where some contestants needed
to be constantly badgered to get the bestout of them, Tyler doesn’t need instructions:like a true pro, he changes poses and facial

expressions with each click of the camera,using his eyes and subtle shifts in his bodyto create visual interest within the frame.
With his experience in the fashion business,it’s no surprise that Tyler represents the
fashion aspect of Fit for Fashion. With 10
years’ experience as a model and another12 years as a fashion photographer, Tyler
shares his expertise with the contestantson the show. He’s also a judge at theelimination stage. He says the participants
were selected on the basis that they wanted
to make a physical change in their lives. “It’snot necessary weight loss they are after,”
Tyler says in a low baritone. “Some want
to gain more strength, while others want to

Looking as if he had just stepped out fromthe pages of a glossy magazine, Tyler is inundoubtedly peak physical form but he’s
the first to confess that he hasn’t always
been this shape. “When I first got married,
I slowed down a bit and got comfortable,”
Tyler says with a smile. “My wife and I
cooked big meals together, and I wasn’t
going to the gym a lot.” All that marital bliss
added up to 95kg, a big difference fromhis present weight of 80kg. “I came to a
moment when I couldn’t recognise myself
in the mirror; I didn’t identify with myself andI didn’t like what I saw.” This motivated him
to get back into shape: “Recalling how I
looked like at 95kg definitely gets me out of
bed every morning and start running.”
His eyes light up when he talks about
Tanjong Jara Resort. “This place has themost wonderful beach. I look forward to
waking up each morning for my run. It was
heaven to see the sunrise. It’s so quiet ataround 7am, with only one or two fishermenaround. The beach was really the highlightfor me.” Tyler also enjoyed the pool andsays the service he experienced was
exemplary. “The service was very attentive
and polite. It wasn’t obtrusive at all. As I ama very private person, the staff respected
me and my space, and gave me privacy
when I wanted it.”

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

69

life profile //life profile //Like a Greek goddess, Christine Bullock
appears to float beside the lotus pond at
the entrance of the award-winning Spa
Village in Tanjong Jara Resort. She takes
tiny steps and works her pace in front of
the photographer, tilting her head andsmiling sweetly. With the rays of the lateafternoon sun glistening on her caramelhued highlights, Bullock, dressed in a
floaty white frock with an asymmetrical
hemline, gold jewellery and strappy highheels, attracts the attention of a few
passersby. She smiles at them but remains
composed, her warmth and friendlinessshining through, both for our photographer
and her admirers.
As the fitness expert and trainer on Fit
for Fashion, Bullock, along with the othertrainer, Mitch Chilson, is entrusted withgetting the contestants in their best possible
shape. “We trained them morning andafternoon, and put them through physicalcontests and also judge them at the endof every episode,” Bollock tells YTL Life.
“The hardest part for me was judging thecontestants and eliminating them,” says theformer ballerina turned fitness trainer who
is currently based in Los Angeles. “I foundit difficult because, in my normal work as
a personal trainer, I would never eliminate
one of my clients,” she says. “My job on
the show is to provide them with the toolsthat will change their lives for the better.
Physical activity is really an example of what
you can do in other areas of your life. You
can gain your heath back through balanceand strength, speed, agility and nutritional
tools we provide.” Bullock says that theaccomplishments the contestants makein the challenges create breakthroughs inother areas of their lives where they might
have had blocks.
It’s easy to see how Bullock was voted
by lifestyle website Racked LA as thehottest trainer of 2013 as well as the go-towellness expert on E! Channel and an arrayof other TV shows and fitness magazines.
Her enthusiasm for fitness and life ingeneral is infectious and she speaks withconviction and passion about the subject.
“The biggest tip for keeping fit and staying

70

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINESTAY IN SHAPE

Here are Mitch Chilson’s tips toget fighting fit.
• Drink more water – about two litres
per day.
• Plan on exercising every day. If you
miss a day, no problem. But if you plan
to work out three times per week andmiss one or two, you are in trouble.

Christine
Bullock
Fitness expert and trainer.

slim is preparation,” she says. “You haveto prepare to create fitness and nutrition aspart of your daily lifestyle, so it becomes adaily habit.” Another tip is to find a form offitness that you enjoy: “Don’t force yourself
to run on a treadmill when you’d rather
play tennis.”With a BA in psychology and education,
Bullock’s repertoire includes Pilates, yoga,
Barre, TRX and High Intensity IntervalTraining (HIIT). “I get bored very easily, so
I mix it around. I listen to my body every
morning as to what I want to do. Somedays, I will feel up to doing a high intensity
workout; other times, I might be low inenergy so I will do yoga to regain my focus,
or Pilates to tone the hidden corners of mybody and create these long, lean muscles.”Her favourite days, however, are when she
goes to dance classes. “I was a dancer
growing up, so I love going to hip hop orballet classes.” Those who only have 10
to 15 minutes to spare for exercise should

listen to their bodies. “If you are feelingenergetic, then do some high intensity
workouts like squat jumps or quick burstsof running. This increases your metabolism
for 24 to 48 hours afterwards. If you are
low in energy, then do something lessenergetic like core work. Planks are a great
way to work your entire body.”
When it comes to food and nutrition,
Bullock says she’s a ‘flexitarian’, preparing
her meals in advance for the entire week. “I
eat healthy most of the time because I think
about what I put into my body and how itwill affect me in the future. Instead of looking
at the negatives and worrying about myexterior like my six-pack or biceps, I think
about the positives and how eating well will
beautify my skin, whiten my eyes or clean
my liver. And, when I have cravings for foodthat isn’t so healthy, sometimes I will eat
it but, mostly, I make healthy alternatives.
The key is eating foods which satisfy yourtaste buds.”

Mitch
ChilsonTrainer, coach andprofessional athlete.

Apart from being a trainer and coach,
Mitch Chilson has also been a professional
athlete in his own right. A two-time ESPN
Martial Combat MMA Champion, winning
the 147lb Thepprasit Stadium Muay
Thai Championship in Thailand, Chilson
also has a solid base in Brazilian jiujitsu and is one of only seven Muay Thai
instructors outside of Thailand certified by
the Grandmaster of Muay Thai, Yodtong
Senanan. In Fit for Fashion, Chilson is thefitness trainer to the contestants, where heputs them through a gruelling pace withworkouts and challenges designed to,
not only raise their fitness levels, but also
help them realise their full potential. Of
mixed parentage (his mother is Japanese,while his father is American), Chilson
have been living in Singapore for the lastnine years, having moved there to work
for a fitness gym. More recently, he has
been working with the largest martial arts
academy in the world, Evolve Mixed Martial
Arts in Singapore. “People see exercise
as a drudge because they don’t enjoy it.
They equate exercise with pain. People
need to change their mental associations
with exercise and see it as fun. Trying tofind ways to make exercise enjoyable isbest way to make it part of your lifestyle,”
Chilson says.
Fit for Fashion airs on 16 October 2014 on
StarWorld at 940pm, Malaysian time.

• To bur n more fat, try interval
training. Instead of doing steady statecardio (which is aerobic exercise done
at a constant tempo), use interval
training. Intervals are going from highintensity to low intensity. Research
has proven that the constantchanging of intensities burns more
fat calories. Once you stop steadystate cardio, your body stops burning
calories. With interval training, youburn calories at a higher rate and for
longer after you ﬁnish.
• For faster fat loss, reduce the amountof carbs you eat at night. Carbs areused for energy and if your body isbusy breaking down carbs, it's hard toburn fat. Reducing starchy carbs will
also improve sleep.
• Balancing your meals improves
health and energy. Have protein, carb
and a little bit of fat at each meal. This
prevents blood sugar spiking andcrashing, which will help reduce andcontrol your appetite• Stay on your food plan by planning
your meals ahead of time. This
increases the likelihood of sticking
to your diet plan. It also removes
the temptation to eat something
you shouldn't. If you already have apacked lunch, you will be less likely to
hit the drive-through.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

71

beautiful life //It’s A Wrap

No matter what the season is, a scarf is a sartorial security blanket that can add theperfect touch to any outfit. Scarves in the summer make perfect sense, especially
one of silk or light linen fabric that comes in bright colours and statement prints from
Alexander McQueen. The lightweight and cooling material won’t make you sweat;
instead, the brightness and eclectic patterns enhance the look of the outfit effortlessly,
adding a finishing touch that binds the entire look.

Give your outfits a lift as you stride
elegantly into town with Sergio Rossi
Rossi’s
Flora , a black suede wrap-up sandal
with fougère ‘climbing vines’ madefrom shaded rhinestone pavé thatsurround the ankle. An expression of
the brand’s artisanal skills, this sandal isa conceptual synthesis of two inspiring
themes: the organic world of natureand the kaleidoscope combinationof vibrant colours. A woman certainly
can never have too many shoes,
especially one that dazzles as fabulously
as this.

Dressing up
Fashion and accessories that help you make the perfect statement.
Aqua Allure

This season, Kenzo is all about the deep blue. With designs inspired by ocean waves
and imbued with prints symbolic of the sea, the new collection presents an array ofclothing and accessories dedicated to Kenzo’s new partnership with the conservation
charity, Blue Marine Foundation. Fusing classic tailoring with beach living, laser jacketsfeature large, open back vents while drip-embroidered cropped tops resemble the crestof waves. The melted fish print plays an iconic role in bringing awareness to the issues ofmarine pollution and overfishing.

72

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEHigh And Flighty

Wrist Candy

The latest Gübelin cufflinks are the perfect accessory for the contemporary gentleman.
Meticulously handcrafted in Lucerne and available in 18K white, rose or yellow gold,these elegant cufflinks comes in different variations of diamond, black spinel or enamel
accents. Instead of making do with ordinary buttons, complement your personal stylewith a hint of exquisiteness through these geometrically shaped beauties.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE73

Ladies FirstOn her: Dress, Kenzo.
On him: Shirt, suit andpants, Kenzo.

E C
E
I
J
A T
D
M S
O
M

Embrace the UNESCO World Heritage site of Malacca infashions that are timelessly chic yet beautifully au courant.
Photography Edmund Leong/20twelve Studio Photography Assistant Wee Seng-Yeoh Styling Calvin Cheong Hair Shawn Goh
Makeup V V Chen Models Angelina S/ Attitude Model & Laszlo Pop/Base Model Location The Majestic Malacca

LazyAfternoon
On her: Wave print halter
dress, Kenzo.
On him: Floral shirt, denim
suit and pants, Kenzo.

EveningGlamour

On her: Frilled lacecardigan & skirt,
RED Valentino.
On him: Shirt, denim
suit and pants, McQ by
Alexander McQueen.

Bar None
On her: Dress,
M Missoni.
On him: Sweater,
shirt and pants,
Kenzo.

On the Town

On her: Sheer blouse, palmstriped jacquard coat andmatching skirt, Kenzo.
On him: Shirt, McQ
by Alexander McQueen;suit and pants, Kenzo.

Out the
Door

Scalloped-hem crop
top and matchingmini skirt, Kenzo.

Colourful
PrintsOn her: Knitted cardiganand tube dress, M Missoni.
On him: Sweater and blackslacks, McQ Alexander
McQueen.

spa life //In the Sun

Lace print pink peplum
top and red slim fit
pants, RED Valentino.

beautiful life //beautiful life //For the Loveof YouFragrances and skincare to pamper yourself with.

Scent Voyage

Collecting all 15 colognes in the Cologne Absolue collection by Atelier Cologne is akinto gathering the pockets of nature that define different parts of the world – from the silkybouquet of Calabrian bergamot to the soothing scent of Egyptian jasmine. The latest
addition to the Cologne Absolue range is Cedrat Enivrant, which reinvents the bitterlemon by accenting the refreshing floral citrus of Moroccan cedrat with Mexican lime
and basil to give this fragrance an instant stimulating effect. The initial jolt is enough towake you up, evoking the senses and memories of summer at the beach. The scentcalms down to an elegant citrus that, despite its brightness, feels neither sharp nor
overly zesty.

A Seductive Trail

Dress your skin with an enchantment offeminine mystery through Ralph Lauren‘sMidnight Romance . A fragrance of
passionate desires, Midnight Romance
carries sophistication and elegance.
The sensual scent of sweet floral musk
contains mixed notes of pink peony andblack vanilla, being both confident anddelicate at the same time.

84

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Eastern Promise

Korea’s leading luxury holistic skin carebrand, Sulwhasoo, has introduced yet
another breakthrough in the Renodigm
EX Dual Care Cream . This anti-aging
day cream has the dual function ofprotecting the skin from the damaging
effect of sunlight and heat while
maintaining its youthfulness. With astrong UV protection of SPF30 PA++and TPF40, this herbal medicinal formula
is made from the best of Eastern herbs
and ingredients, such as red ginseng
and mume fruit, two of nature’s miracle
workers. Utilising traditional techniquesof the East, this natural solution tocombat aging is a must-have for thoseliving in hot and humid climates.

The Hero SerumThe search for a multi-functional skin care product is finally over. Kiehl’s PowerfulStrength Line-Reducing Concentrate is the ultimate solution for those seeking to
improve skin texture and radiance, as well as reducing the appearance of lines andwrinkles. This super serum is formulated with a potent dose of Pure Vitamin C, a
powerful antioxidant that boosts the natural production of collagen in the skin whileshielding it from free radical damage.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

85

spa life //spa life //UniqueMalay
Rituals
At Tanjong Jara Resort
in Terengganu, the essenceof the predominantly Malay
state is captured in its
17th-century architecture,
cuisine and activities,
especially, in the traditional
treatments offered at its
award-winning Spa Village.

At Spa Village Tanjong Jara,
restorative healing techniques
have been handed down forgenerations, using indigenous
herbs and plants found in the east
coast state of Terengganu.
Text V Durga

The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia holds a certain mysticalallure. From the slower pace of life characterised by betel leafchewing pakciks with toothy grins and skullcaps, to the rustic
charm of wooden houses overlooking the emerald sea, the culture
here is steeped in age-old traditions. The Malay Archipelago is alsorich in traditional practices and restorative healing treatments thathave been influenced by the convergence of Malay, Arab, Indianand Chinese cultures over the centuries.
At Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu, the essence of the
predominantly Malay state is captured and revived via its 17thcentury architecture, cuisine and activities offered. It is also hometo the award-winning Spa Village Tanjong Jara, which offers amyriad of treatments for the weary guest. I had the pleasure ofsampling the Tuam Pasir (Heated Sea Sand Therapy) recently.
While waiting for my experience to begin, I was given a sarong asa memento to take home, purportedly so that I could connect withand recall the impending treatment when I return to the rat race.
I am ushered into a softly lit wooden warong with a thatched roof,
and surrounded by ferns and greens to recreate the village feel. As I
sit listening to the soothing tinkling of piped-in gamelan music, while86

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

87

spa life //Hot sand, fenugreek and black seeds are heated in a frying
pan and placed on a cotton cloth that is folded into a pouch.
The aroma is enticing enough that I want to nibble on it! The oil
is first applied to the body before the hot pouch is used as apressure massage. Apparently, it provides strength and vitality,
and is effective for joint pains, severe inflammation, mothers in
confinement and when the weather turns chilly. However, it is notadvisable for sunburnt skin or on open wounds.
For the next hour, I am in total bliss as the therapist deftly works
on my body using her fingers and palm. Applying long strokes,
she gently eases away the knots and attempts to remove thekinks from my muscles, which were a little fatigued from a fullday’s hike to the Chemerong Waterfall. Concentrating on one
body part at a time, she alternates the massage with the hotpouch and I slowly drift in and out of slumber.
Too soon, my session comes to an end and I ask for permission
to sleep for a few minutes as the hot pouch has totally beaten thenormally gung-ho me into submission. I snooze for 15 minutes
before finding my way back to the warong, where I am served thesame herbal tea I had before the treatment started, except thatit’s hot and without honey. Meant to have a detoxifying and antioxidant effect, I find it calming.
sipping cold herbal tea made of pegaga root, betel leaf, ginger andhoney, I can’t help but gaze at the bubus adorning the wall. Despite
the availability of modern fishing trawlers and boats, fishermen here
continue to use these contraptions occasionally to bring in thecatch of the day.

Revitalised, I stroll back to my room with heightened senses,
hearing the gentle breeze blowing and waves crashing against therocks. A pakcik gives me a friendly wave as he rides by on his
bicycle with a cartful of soiled towels. It’s such old world charm andthe main reason why guests keep coming back to Tanjong Jara.

As is the norm in all Spa Villages at YTL Hotels, every spa
experience is preceded by a pre-treatment ritual in accordance withthe practices in the area. In the East Coast states of Malaysia, mandi
bunga, or flower bath, is a common practice among Malays todispel negative energy, ward off bad luck and attract good fortune.
Believed to have originated from the palaces, this special bath wasundertaken by the future ruler before his coronation day. Presently,
this ritual is especially important for Malay brides to give that added
radiance as they prepare for their traditional marriage ceremony.

“Random, colourful
flowers are used in thebath, in addition to limau
purut (kaffir lime).”

Mandi bunga is typically performed using three, five or seven typesof flowers. At Spa Village Tanjong Jara, random, colourful flowers
are used in the bath, in addition to limau purut (kaffir lime). There
are many theories surrounding the use of flowers and one of whichdeems that every colour carries a specific energy path or vibration,
hence, the more colourful the flowers, the better the cleansing effect.

river, stream, spring, waterfall, lake and well. For every tumbler oflukewarm water my therapist pours, she utters a blessing (purity,
sincerity, health, beauty, happiness, prosperity and longevity).
Lastly, she hands me the tumbler and asks that I make a wish. I
oblige and hope it comes true soon. Guests can also request to
have the mandi bunga in their rooms or without a massage.

Clad in a sarong, I am led into an walled open courtyard where mytherapist explains the concept of Sucimurni practised by the resort.
The journey of revival emphasises purity of spirit, health, and wellbeing. She starts by pouring water on my feet, slowly moving up mybody before reaching my head. In ancient times, the mandi bunga
was performed using seven different sources of fresh water: rain,

I dry off, don a sarong and make my way to the spacious
treatment room. My therapist explains that the ingredients used
for all the therapies are found in indigenous herbs and plants
in the area. My massage oil is comprised of a combination of
coconut, citronella, eucalyptus and clove, which is intended to
improve blood circulation.

88

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Tuam Pasir spa experience is priced at RM355++ for 80
minutes and RM455++ for 100 minutes. For enquiries, contact
Spa Village Tanjong Jara at +609 845 1100.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

89

life cuisine //Steamy Pleasures
Famed for its Tales, Trails & Traditions tagline, the Cameron Highlands Resort
also boasts another ace up its stylish sleeve – Taste. The new hot pot menu
at its Gonbei Restaurant proves tempting enough to head to the hills for agourmet experience to remember.
Text Diana Khoo

Emerald jungle swathed in spidery clouds of mist and a crisp
coolness in the air, there’s something to be said for the tranquil
hills of Cameron Highlands. Perched along the spine of Malaysia’s
Titiwangsa Mountain Range, the Highlands has been the preferredhill station of the colonial elite ever since it was discovered in 1885
by English surveyor William Cameron.
Today, aside from tourism, the Highlands is also renowned for its
agricultural industry, with local farmers cultivating an abundance of
produce that include vegetables, strawberries and flowers.
Many parts of the Highlands itself are covered with undulating tea
plantations, which makes for a truly beautiful sight. Certainly, thetradition of taking afternoon tea here is strong, with the Cameron
Highlands Resort boasting one of the area’s finest scones, to beaccompanied with pots of local Cameronian tea and homemade
strawberry jam, at its famous Jim Thompson Tea Room. But oncenight falls and the temperature drops, few things warm the heartand soul the way a hot pot dinner at Gonbei, its Asian-inspired
restaurant, can.
A traditional Chinese meal, hot pot is now enjoyed all over China,
Mongolia, Korea and Japan as well as most parts of South-East
Asia. In Malaysia and Singapore, hot pot is usually referred to as“steamboat”, while the Japanese call it shabu-shabu. Fuss-free,warming and convivial - as it promotes a highly-social way ofcommunal eating - hot pot essentially comprises fresh ingredients
cooked in a continuously-simmering pot of stock that takes prideof place at the centre of the dining table.

At the Cameron Highlands Resort, few pleasures beat congregatingaround a bubbling pot of delicious goodness at the Gonbei Restaurant.

90

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

It is said that the tradition of eating hot pot dates back centuries,
originating from the time of the Mongols who favoured horse meatand mutton in their bubbling soupy stew. This method of cooking

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

91

life cuisine //Steamboat 101

Simple steps to hot pot heaven.

and eating soon found favour among the Han Chinese who added
a variety of ingredients, including fresh vegetables and seafood.
Today, most Hokkien Chinese families celebrate the night before
the Lunar New Year with a hot pot feast, which they call jian lohr.

All you need is a big pot and a
hot plate or flame to continuously
keep the broth simmering.
Prepare the key ingredients.
You’d need protein that may
be provided by a variety ofmeats and seafood as well as
vegetables, followed by starches
in the form of noodles.

One of the reasons why hot pot has proven so popular is that it
requires no slaving away at a hot wok – all you need is to gather
everyone around to cook whatever catches their fancy andenjoy. Preparation is done in advance, with platters and plattersof assorted leafy greens, sweet cabbage leaves, meats (thinlysliced to facilitate the cooking process), noodles and seafood.
Fresh eggs are also a favourite accompaniment – perfect to crack
into the soup for a flavourful poached treat – while small dishes ofdipping sauces, like soy and chilli, are served alongside for extra
doses of spice or flavour.

Long chopsticks are ideal forfishing out goodies from the pot,
while a soup ladle and a strainer
spoon are also basic tools inevery steamboat dinner.

The stock may be meat or seafood-based and may be mild or
fiery, depending on one’s preference. Few can deny that hot pot isbest enjoyed in a cooler climate, making Gonbei the perfect venue
at which to experience all the steamy pleasures of an authentic hot
pot experience. There are no rules, really. All you need to do is load
the pot up with all your favourite things, close the lid and let it cometo a boil before tucking in.

Meats must be thinly-sliced toensure they cook quickly andevenly.
Processed seafood like fish balls
and crab sticks are also hugely
popular in steamboat dinners.

There are a few tips, though. Put in items like the meat andcabbage first as they take longer to cook while adding more depth
and flavour to the stock. Leafy greens are best saved for a quick
dip before immediately fishing them out, lest they overcook. The
same goes for quick-cooking ingredients like fish and prawns. It is
customary to enjoy the egg and starches at the end of the meal,
ensuring the choicest ingredients are all eaten up first. It is also
perfectly acceptable to ask the waiter to top up your stock several
times over the course of the meal as the soup level may run low,
due to evaporation and, of course, imbibement.

Mushrooms and tofu are also
a great match for hot pot. For
a rich touch, add hard boiled
quail's eggs to the line-up ofingredients.
Condiments are also appreciatedbut not absolutely necessary.
You may also wish to drizzle
sesame or shallot oil into thestock as it boils to give it an extra
depth of flavour and aroma.

Part of the perks of enjoying hot pot in Cameron Highlands isthe dizzying choice of farm-fresh produce available for the table.
Gonbei serves only the freshest local ingredients to ensure eachdip into the pot of simmering, fragrant broth is a truly delicious one.
Choose from six choices of stock before selecting your meat or
seafood platter. A vegetarian option is also, thoughtfully, available.
Then pick away at the buffet spread of accompaniments, withchoices that range from highland vegetables to bean curd,
mushrooms and noodles. A station for condiments and garnishes
is also provided. Other than that, there’s nothing else youneed except, maybe, a cold beer or a glass of perfectly-chilled
Sauvignon Blanc on hand to cool things down when the night
gets really steamy.

92

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Gonbei’s Menu
Clockwise, from top:
A dizzying array of
farm-fresh treats todunk into your hot
pot; thinly-sliced
meats are a must;
Cameron Highlands'
chilly weather makes
steamboat dinners an
absoute delight.

• RM75++ per person includes hot pot with a choice of
two types of broth, a meat or a mixed protein platter, buffet
varieties and dessert of the day.
• RM100++ per person, includes hot pot with a choice of two
types of broth, a seafood protein platter, buffet varieties anddessert of the day.
• RM20++ for an additional portion of meat or mixed platter.
• RM25++ for an additional portion of seafood platter.
• RM30++ for every child aged between six and 12 years.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

93

Auspicious

80!

life profile //Lim Fang Tat is the talent and namebehind Pangkor Laut Resort's famous
Chinese restaurant, Uncle Lim's.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure to experience the charms of Malaysia’s
Pangkor Laut Resort, chances are you would have dined at its Chinese
restaurant known simply as Uncle Lim’s Kitchen. Celebrating his
auspicious 80th birthday-milestone in 2014, the talent (and name) behind
Uncle Lim’s Kitchen talks to YTL Life.
Text Felicia Lee Photography Kenneth Foo & Law Soo Phye

Three decades is a long time. But for Lim Fang Tat, it has been
an unforgettable culinary journey. Having served nearly 29 years
with YTL Hotels – owner of Pangkor Laut Resort and a string ofother award-winning properties worldwide – Lim is somethingof a legend in the group. Diners sing his praises for the steadystream of inventive and delicious dishes that emerge nightly fromthe kitchen, while staff and colleagues alike know and admire theintegrity and humility of this seldom-seen but widely-known chef,
who is popularly known as Uncle Lim.

tender age of eight, Uncle Lim learnt the basics from his father,a cook himself. Being a food buff, the younger Lim’s flair forexperimenting with different ingredients and textures to create
unique flavours led him on a self-taught path to greatness.
Working as a chef, Uncle Lim quickly carved out a reputation
at some of Penang’s renowned restaurants. One thing led toanother. He was for a time operating a restaurant specialising infusion food. His talent and commitment to serving only the finest
dishes has earned him recognition from near and far.

For those unfamiliar with his story, Uncle Lim was born in thenorthern island-state of Penang to parents who had emigrated
from China’s Hainan province. Having started cooking at the

Uncle Lim’s life was to take a different turn when, at age 49, he
was invited to work at Pangkor Laut Resort, a newly opened
property located on a private island off the west coast of Malaysia.

94

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

95

life profile //life profile //“No matter where you go or what you do in life,
prove to yourself and others what you are worth
but never forget your principles and beliefs.”

Uncle Lim's Special
BIRTHDAY Feast

Start your banquet with a traditional Four
Seasons appetiser platter before moving
on to a nourishing Hock Chew-style fish
maw soup. For mains, pick four dishes froma selection of seven, before ending with
red rice wine mee sua and Shanghainesepancakes. The menu is
as follows:

Dine under an umbrella-inspired
roof at Uncle Lim's.

• Four Seasons Platter.
• Hock Chew Fish Maw Soup.

Having been there since its opening, he remains an essential
figure in the resort’s operations and counts himself as its oldest
employee as well as the one with the most years of service.
Uncle Lim makes the day-to-day cooking look easy. Harnessing
his invaluable experience, the octogenarian chef skilfully whips
together a mouth-watering menu of Chinese dishes that havedrawn effusive praise from the resort’s sophisticated clientele.
Dining at Uncle Lim’s Kitchen is quite an experience, startingwith the approach. Strolling across the wooden walkway,
past sea villas and clear, lapping waters, guests arrive to amarvellous ambience – the roof of the restaurant resembles
an open umbrella. Guests may catch glimpses of fishing boats
chugging past as the sun sets, a setting that is truly relaxing
and romantic. Once seated, an attendant will inform guests ofthe day's specials and what’s available on the menu. Uncle Lim
often breaks new ground serving dishes catered for guests withdifferent preferences, while also taking inspiration from an everchanging array of fresh local produce.
The traditional concept of a menu was initially too restrictive for
Uncle Lim, who realised that he could incorporate different styles
and ingredients to create a wide array of food. It was in 2000 thata menu was drafted as a guideline for guests as to what’s on

96

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

offer, but still upholding the idea of bespoke dishes upon request.
At Uncle Lim’s, menus are often adapted to please the palateof each individual guest. The Hainanese considers what he’s
doing as part of a long heritage, creating modern dishes withtraditional techniques and ingredients that reflect the flavours androots of the Hock Chew and Nyonya traditions he picked up from
Penang. Among them are family recipes that are passed downfrom one generation to another. His first dish, taught to him byhis father, was traditional Fuzhou sweet and sour fish maw soup,which has now become the signature and most popular dish at
Uncle Lim’s Kitchen.
The chef finds pleasure in simple things. He’s not above tucking
into a bowl of plain white rice for sustenance. He enjoys the boatride from the resort every morning to Pangkor Island nearby toselect fresh ingredients for the restaurant. Daily strolls amidst theresort’s lush greenery are still a ritual the hale and hearty 80-yearold commits to as a way to unwind and stay healthy. Wheneverhe can, Uncle Lim visits Hainan Island, home of his forebears
to catch up on developments. It also helps him stay grounded,giving him a sense of his place in the world. “No matter where
you go or what you do in life, prove to yourself and others what
you are worth but never forget your principles and beliefs.” Wordsof the wise, indeed.

Select four from the following seven items:• Stir-Fried Sea Cucumber with black
mushrooms and broccoli.
• Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab served with
Kampung Koh Chilli Sauce.
• Fantasy Lobster diced and stir-fried with
Chinese black bean sauce.
• Aromatic Steamed Pangkor Grouper
fresh from the fisheries of Pangkor Islandand fragranced with lemongrass andchilli.
• Stir-Fried Scallops with Ginger Wine.
• Braised Abalone with Homemade
Beancurd.
• Herbal Chicken, steamed free range
chicken with traditional Chinese herbs.
• Hock Chew Red Rice Wine Mee Sua
with handmade thin wheat noodles from
Pangkor Island.
• Shanghai Pancake.
Available from 1 September to
31 December, 2014, Uncle Lim's special
Birthday Feast is priced at RM360++
per couple and is available at
Pangkor Laut Resort.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

97

life’s moments //Get Creative!

Gratitude is ingrained in local Balinese
culture; it is the art of giving thanks
daily for all that they have. In thatsense, there are ceremonies forpractically everything. By making
traditional flower offerings known
as canang the way locals do, I am
often reminded how thankful I am tobe living in such a beautiful place – aplace that nourishes body, mind andspirit just by being there.

Everyone who has been to Bali agrees
there’s magic in the air. But the peaceful,unspoilt north-eastern coast of the island
exudes a subtle vibrancy that is all its own.
Wati Sharron Hopley, Resident Manager of
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, shareswith us her favourite things to see, do andexperience in one of Asia’s most celebrated
patches of paradise.

Om, Sweet Om

Nothing beats starting your day with a sunrise meditation session
with Luh Manis, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali’s resident yoga
teacher and recreation manager. There’s only one word that best
describes this – “magical”. You sit on the beach at 6am just as the
sun is coming up and it’s always an awesome way to start the day.
Also, meditation allows you to think up and fulfil the intention for the
day as well as honour the day ahead. Perhaps, this is how the “riseand shine” mantra came about.

Starry, Starry Nights

The resort’s unique Massage under the Stars
treatment is, really, pampering at its best. Where
else in the world can you enjoy a massage undera black velvety sky twinkling with stars and withthe sound of the ocean all around?

Veggie Might

The menus at the resort are all preparedwith the input of a certified wellness andnutrition consultant so it’s easy to eat
healthy without having to sacrifice flavour.
My top dish would be the chef’s raw
vegetable lasagne. It looks absolutely
gorgeous, tastes likewise and is just so
good for you!

A Boost Of Juice

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is famous for its menu ofwholesome, healthful juices. My favourite has to be the orange,aloe vera and lime juice, which is simply bursting with Vitamin C.
The sweet Balinese oranges work great in helping to regulate bloodpressure as well as heal skin problems, not to mention putting a
glow on your face. Aloe vera, meanwhile, grows in abundance here
at the resort and is widely known for its healing, medicinal properties
as it helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively. For best
effect, you should start your day with this, ideally before breakfast.

Black Is Beautiful

The beautiful black sand beaches in Bali’s north are actually made of lava
rocks from the eruptions of Mount Agung. It’s also a natural foot reflexology
path. Guests have told me they feel so much more grounded and balanced justby walking on these rocks. And I recommend long walks on these ebony-huedsands after a long flight or if you simply need to energise your life.

life’s moments //Healing Waters

An excursion to the nearby Les Waterfall is a journeythat will take you through pristine jungle where you
can catch sight of tropical fruit like avocados andmangosteens growing in their natural habitat as well as
spot bright chilli patches. You will also pass bamboo
groves and get the chance to meet and chat with thelocals. The waterfall itself is spectacular; get under it for
an amazing, totally natural shoulder massage!

Transform Your Life

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is also
known for its bi-annual Oracle Retreats. It
has been hailed as “life-changing”. We seeamazing transformations for those who
seek to work on their spirituality. We havemulti-faceted programmes that last several
days and may include workshops on yoga,
meditation and holistic aromatherapy, all ofwhich are conducted by renowned facilitators
and are designed to help guests achieve
greater balance in body, mind and soul aswell as a heightened sense of inner peaceand awareness.

life’s moments //School Of Life

With the frenetic pace of life in modern
society, many of us are becoming increasingly
disconnected from our bodies and souls. We
come to rely only on our minds, which is not
the way nature intended it to be. Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali’s unique School of Life
programme reconnects guests to a balanced
way of living, which includes learning life-longpractices on health and well-being in a settingof untouched nature and the elements

Under The Sea

I think one of the best in-house activities you
can indulge in at Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali is snorkelling. Not many people know
there’s great snorkelling fun in the waters
right off the resort. The clear waters makethe whole area seem like a bath tub – albeit
one where stingrays, moray eels, fish in every
colour of the rainbow as well as gorgeouscoral platforms can be found.

Wati Sharron Hopleyis Resident Manager
of YTL Hotels’
Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali.