TREASURED PLACES,TREASURED MOMENTS

12 things

Discover new adventures
Down Under with Marriott

springinto style

Fashion meets paradise at
Pangkor Laut Resort

primatepossibilities

Inside Monkey Island Estate’s
eclectic Monkey Roomrobertocoin.com

PRINCE SS F LOWE R

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

CONTENTS
life on the cover
16

Guest chef Luca Binaschi brings theenchanting flavours of the French
Riviera to Pangkor Laut Resort.

life style18

At the private island retreat of
Pangkor Laut Resort, the treasured
moments are embellished with thisseason’s colourful offerings froma host of fashion labels.

16
life feature
28

Savouring afternoon tea in the
Writers’ Room at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur is an underrated delight.

30

With its ambience of tranquillity andjoie de vivre, the pool area of
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur is a havenfrom the cares of the world.

32

28

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s Club
Lounge is a place for travellers tocall home beyond their suite.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

34

Weddings at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
may be small, but they are big onstyle and atmosphere.

38

At Gaya Island Resort, indulge in an
exclusive private dining experiencefeaturing the tastes of Sabah, froma traditional rice wine to its take on
the classic Provençal bouillabaisse.

30
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WHERE BUSINESS MEETS COMFORT:TURKISH AIRLINES LOUNGES
Turkish Airlines Corporate Club members can take advantageof the Turkish Airlines Lounges and experience our award-winningfacilities, including free Wi-Fi, rest areas, showers, private changing rooms
and an exquisite selection of world cuisine.

* Please contact your account manager for detailed information.
To become a member and start receiving benefits ofTurkish Airlines Corporate Club please visit:
corporateclub.turkishairlines.com

CONTENTS
life feature56

It is said that it takes a village to raisea child. In the case of Spa Village, it
has taken many villages to develop
and nurture it to the successful brandit is today. We speak to Lai Ping Chik,
Senior Vice President, Spa Division,YTL Hotels, about the factors behindthe brand’s success and endurance.

60

Honouring the healing traditionsof the balian at Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali.

64

From speedboat adventures tococonut spa treatments, a stay at The
Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui offers laidback yet luxurious ways to enjoy thepleasures of this island.

68

52

The allure of Japan’s cherry blossoms
brings holidaymakers to Niseko
Village, Hokkaido, home to Hinode
Hills.

72

Autumn in Australia, with its crisp,
fresh air and cool breezes, is a perfecttime to enjoy leisurely strolls andindulge in luxurious experiences. Hereare 12 unique, unforgettable autumn
adventures for you to enjoy in Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane.

42

No visit to Cameron Highlands iscomplete without a hotpot dinner.
Here’s how Gonbei restaurant at
Cameron Highlands Resort
elevates the experience.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Relive memories of Tanjong Jara
Resort by recreating the mouthwatering aromas and exotic flavoursof Malay cuisine at its Secrets ofa Malay Kitchen experience.

52

Take in the historical and culturalsites of Malacca with the resident
historian from The Majestic
Malacca as your guide.

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The Leica Q2 Reporter
With special armouring

LEICA STORE KUALA LUMPUR @ AVENUE K | +603 2163 1818 | WWW.LEICA-STORE.MY

CONTENTS
life feature
78

The Westin Perth is the jewel
in the city that gold built.

80

Unusual London walks fromThe Academy.

84

78

How a sacred thermal springinspired Spa Village at
Gainsborough Bath.

88

When gossip and politics meetat Monkey Island Estate.

92

Stay at Threadneedles Hotelfor a lesson in history withpubs as your textbook.

96

Springtime strolls in Edinburgh.

100

A 350-year-old love story witha Dutch girl in The Hague.

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PORTFOLIO OF LIFE
104

The world of YTL Hotels.
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEHOME OF THE
TASTEMAKERS
122

Italian architect Andrea Destefanis
shares some insights into The Starhill’srenovation process undertaken byhis architecture and design firm,
Kokaistudios.

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EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief KENNETH TAN (k.tan@imv.com.sg)
Managing Editor EUGENE PHUA (e.phua@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor JACQUELINE DANAMARTArt Director GOH WEI LEE
Picture Editor KENNY NGUYENCONTRIBUTORSCHINTOO, ETHAN CHU, EZRA T, JUNE MONG-LOFTIN, KATE KU, LAW SOO PHYE,
MARCUS WONG, MUNA NOOR, SHALINI YEAP, TAN LAE-HOON

PRODUCTION
Production Director ANNA TSIRELNIKOVAPrepress INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES
Printer KUAN PRESS (621940-X)
No. 1 Jalan Perindustrian PP7, Taman Perindustrian Putra Permai
43300, Sri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

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

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

PRESIDENTMICHAEL VON SCHLIPPETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPUBLISHED BY

PRODUCED BY

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

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

14a note from tan sri ( sir ) francis yeohTtraces its millennia-old origins to an abbey for monks—hencemonkey, a corruption of monk—which many believe gave it
its present-day name. At The Gainsborough Bath Spa, thehotel’s history stems from Roman Britannia where, in 43AD, theconquering Romans built a temple to Minerva, the goddessof arts and, latterly, war, on the site of its hot springs. And in
London’s The Academy, enjoy a guided walking tour of therich neighbourhood to re-live 17th-century London, when thearrival of theatres in the Bow Street area ushered in all mannerof undesirables, leading to London’s first police force.
Meanwhile, in Niseko Village, the world-famous sakura
season will doubtless provide many Instagram-perfectmoments. As will, of course, the continuous flower calendar
that brings forth tulips, narcissus, wisteria, roses, sunflowers
and the iconic lavender fields. I’m sure you’ll agree with me
when I say that these flowers have a restorative power that
embodies the magic of nature. As Hollywood legend Audrey
Hepburn once described so elegantly: “To plant a garden is tobelieve in tomorrow.”

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

his issue of YTL Life is centred on spring,which brings to mind a quote by Irish poetand philosopher John O’Donohue: “When one
flower blooms, spring awakens everywhere.”Thus, our cover story is dedicated to one of
the crown jewels in the YTL Hotels portfolio,
Pangkor Laut Resort. Here on this private island retreat, spring
blooms eternal in the two-million-year-old rainforests enveloping
the resort, where guests have enjoyed many a treasured moment
over the decades. On this slice of paradise that moved a dearfriend to tears—the late and great tenor Luciano Pavarotti—
guests reconnect with nature at their own pace, from the healing
therapies at the opulent Spa Village to the exquisite luxury offeeling sand between their toes as they take in kaleidoscopic
sunsets at Emerald Bay.
The island was also the recent stopover for the talented
chef Luca Binaschi of Muse Saint-Tropez, who starred in aone-of-a-kind Treasured Places Dining Series at Pangkor LautResort’s Fisherman’s Cove restaurant.
While the northern hemisphere celebrates spring, thesouthern hemisphere sees the golden advent of autumn. The
coming months Down Under offer plenty of outdoor pursuits
across our three Marriott properties in Melbourne, Brisbane
and Sydney. Using these well-situated hotels as starting points,
you can enjoy unique experiences such as the Vivid Sydneyarts festival, shuck freshly picked oysters, sample curated
flights of Australian whiskies and, for the adventure-inclined,
go wreck-diving to marvel at the beauty of Moreton Island’scoral ecosystem off the coast of Brisbane.
Over in the United Kingdom, YTL Hotels continues to charm
guests with our diverse offerings of accommodations steepedin history. Monkey Island Estate, located on the Thames,life on the coversavouring
saint-tropez
guest chef luca binaschi brings theenchanting flavours of the french riviera
to pangkor laut resort.
Words by LAE-HOON TAN. Photography by LAW SOO PHYE

Celebrated chef
Luca Binashi fromMuse Saint-Tropez.

I

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEn January, YTL Hotels & Resorts launched its Treasured
Places Dining Series to provide its guests with oneof-a-kind gourmet dining experiences. Diners at
Fisherman’s Cove in Pangkor Laut Resort were treatedto a taste of Saint-Tropez by guest chef Luca Binaschi
from Muse Saint-Tropez. Italian chef Binaschi, 27, isa man who extols the style, elegance and sophistication of
French cuisine. Having built impeccable credentials working
at the iconic Michelin-starred restaurants of eminent chefs
such as Pietro Volontè, Eric Canino, Pierre Gagnaire andArnaud Faye, Binaschi’s epicurean creations are defined bya creative multitude of flavours, textures and colours that areharmoniously balanced and elegantly presented.
For A Taste of Saint-Tropez, Binaschi curated a fourcourse menu, starting with an amuse-bouche in the formof a simple and light leek terrine. It was a visually arresting
work of art, evoking the patterns and colours of a seascape.
The rectangular portion of well-cooked, neatly trimmed
leeks from Cameron Highlands was set in the middleof the plate, surrounded by playful patterns of piquanthorseradish vinaigrette.
The sabayon of the starter was incredibly rich, thickand creamy, and was tempered by zesty lemon drops andgenerous dashes of paprika. Lightly seasoned and fired, thepieces of rock lobster from Sabah were succulent and firm,complemented by strips of bok choi. The butternut veloutethat followed was intensely flavourful, buttery and velvety
smooth, with hints of hazelnut and celery cress, topped withsprinkles of Sungai Manik-harvested puffed rice.
With each course served, a sense of anticipation andhigh expectation was steadily built for the main course– and it did not disappoint. The red snapper served withbouillabaisse was utterly delectable. The fish, caught fromthe Straits of Melaka that surrounds Pangkor Island, wasfantastically fresh. Lightly cooked, the tender flesh was firm
and moist. The sweetness of the caramelised fish skin wasbalanced by refreshing lemon drops and the peppery flavourof rocket leaf, while the bed of finely diced courgettes on
which the fish lay provided a lovely textural contrast. The
piece de resistance was the bouillabaisse, which was poured

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life on the cover

by Binaschi at the table. It was truly exceptional – a deeply
flavourful and fragrant broth, built on layers of aromatics that
included earthy, sweet floral saffron; liquorice-reminiscentfennel and subtle notes of zesty orange.
In a nod to his roots, Binaschi offered the traditional Italiandessert of panna cotta to round off the meal. The mango
panna cotta that was presented in elegant concentric circles
set on a base of white chocolate was tangy, creamy, silky
smooth and delicately firm. Slender blades of tarragon on
the mango cubes surrounding the panna cotta added a fresh
spring taste that countered the sweetness of the fruit.
Binaschi’s gastronomic offering was a winning combinationof the finest and freshest local produce, transformed throughFrench culinary techniques to evoke the tastes, textures andcolours of the French Riviera. The Taste of Saint-Tropez at
Fisherman’s Cove was truly a complete feast for the senses.
For more information, go to www.pangkorlautresort.com

Clockwise fromabove right:
Fisherman’s Cove at
Pangkor Laut Resort;mango panna cotta;
BBQ Sabah rocklobster sabayon;
Straits of Melakacaught red snapper
on a bed of finely
diced courgettes
and served witha bouillabaisse.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

life style

18

GETAWAY

GLAMOUR
at the private island retreat ofpangkor laut resort, the treasured
moments are embellished with thisseason’s colourful offerings
from a host of fashion labels.
Location: PANGKOR LAUT RESORT
Producer: EZRA T
Photography: CHINTOO
Styling: ETHAN CHU
Hair: MEI CHOI
Make-up: YUAN
Models: JOAO FILIPE AND ERIKA BARLETA/ICON MODEL MANAGEMENTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life style

MORNINGS AT PANGKOR LAUT RESORT OFFER ROSE-TINTEDSCENIC VISTAS OF SKIES MIRRORED BY THE SEA, WITHCALMING SEA BREEZES FROM THE STRAITS OF MALACCA.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn her: PHILIPP PLEIN
shoulder pad tank top Hawaii
and crystal mini skirt Hawaii

life style

AT PANGKOR LAUT RESORT’S HILL VILLAS,
GUESTS ENJOY SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE
TWO-MILLION-YEAR-OLD RAINFOREST
CANOPY AND OBSERVE THE MAJESTIC
FLIGHT OF HORNBILLS.

THE YTL L
LUXURY MAGAZINEPHILIPP PLEIN shoulder pad shirt
and Cady short trousers;
BALMAIN B II rose gold sunglasses

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life style

On her: PHILIPP PLEIN T-shirt dress Hawaii;
BALMAIN Mono folded shopping bag
On him: PAUL&SHARK knitted T-shirt, trousers and slippers
Left
BALMAIN B II rose gold sunglasses
PHILIPP PLEIN bikini stones skull with crystal swimsuit bra

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAT SPA VILLAGE PANGKOR LAUT, IN-HOUSE EXPERTS
ON AYURVEDIC, MALAY AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE
MEDICINE OFFER CONSULTATIONS AND THERAPIESTO REJUVENATE AND REVITALISE. MEANWHILE, THE
SIGNATURE BATH HOUSE EXPERIENCE INVITES GUESTSTO ENJOY A JAPANESE ROTENBURU POOL, MALAY
CIRCULATING BATH AND SIGNATURE SHANGHAI SCRUB
BEFORE TREATMENTS COMMENCE.

life style

ON THE NORTH OF PANGKOR LAUT ISLAND, ONE
FINDS EIGHT PRIVATE SANCTUARIES, EACH UNIQUE IN
DESIGN AND OFFERING A COMBINATION OF THREEAND FOUR-BEDROOM CONFIGURATIONS WITH ITSOWN POOL, DINING SPACE, IN-HOUSE CHEF ANDPERSONAL BUTLER TO OFFER UNFORGETTABLE STAYSIN THE SECLUSION OF YOUR OWN ESTATE.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn her: ROBERTO CAVALLI
kaftan natural green
On him: PAUL&SHARK
swim shorts

life style

On her: PHILIPP PLEIN shoulder padtank top Hawaii and skinny denim
trousers; BALMAIN Officier black/brown sunglasses and B-Army
shopping bag
On him: PAUL&SHARK vacation shirt
and Bermuda shorts

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEDAY EXCURSIONS AT PANGKOR LAUT RESORT INCLUDE
A PEEK INTO MALAYSIAN HISTORY, WHEN THE HISTORICPANGKOR TREATY WAS SIGNED IN 1874 THAT SIGNALLEDTHE OFFICIAL BEGINNING OF BRITISH COLONIALISM IN
WHAT WAS THEN MALAYA. ON THE ADJACENT PANGKORISLAND, COLOURFUL TOWNS, TRADITIONAL MALAY
HOMES AND FISHING VILLAGES OFFER A GLIMPSE OF
THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR DAILY LIVES.

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life style

OTHER ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURES TAKEYOU ON A DISCOVERY OF SECLUDED BAYS WITHPERSONALISED GOURMET PICNIC BASKETS.

On her: PHILIPP PLEIN silk short dress
On him: PAUL&SHARK zipped sweatshirt
and knitted jogging trousers

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LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life style

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEOn her: PHILIPP PLEIN mini
dress monogramOn him: PAUL&SHARK cotton
shirt and trousers

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life style

AS THE SUN SINKS INTO THE HORIZON, HEAD TO THE ISLAND’SSTUNNING EMERALD BAY, WHERE YOU WILL BE WELCOMED BY A
BRILLIANT SKY BATHED IN PINK AND GOLD AS WELL AS A PRIVATECANDLELIT TABLE FOR THE MOST ROMANTIC OF DINNERS.

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life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The Writers’ Room is theperfect place to enjoy
afternoon tea as it once
hosted such literary greatsas Graham Greene andWilliam Somerset Maugham.

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as w. somerset
maugham would
savouring the traditional repast amid old-world
charm in the wrtier’s room at the majestic hotel
kuala lumpur is an underrated delight.
Words by LAE-HOON TAN

N

For more information, visit www.majestickl.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

estled in a corner towards the back of The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur’s historical wing is the Writers’ Room. Its location is
an assurance of privacy and exclusivity as the Writers’ Room
exudes old-world charm and quiet understated luxury. A
pair of rattan peacock chairs takes centre stage in the foyer,
with worn leather travel trunks stacked against a nearby wall.
Framed vintage prints of exotic birds and botanicals hang on the creamcoloured walls, while tropical plants and palm leaves in tall brass vases provide
refreshing green accents.
A variety of collectibles in display cabinets and on the long sideboard
at the end of the room tells stories of travels and adventures. But it is theold leather-bound books that take pride of place on the open shelves,appropriately so, as the Writers’ Room pays tribute to famous authors,
including William Somerset Maugham and Graham Greene, who found restand inspiration at the hotel in years past.
Plush sofas with scatter cushions in red and gold and comfortablearmchairs are arranged in cosy clusters around Persian rugs, a striking
contrast against the dark wooden floorboards. Ceramic table lamps cast awarm glow over the room, while high above, wooden ceiling fans rotate andwhite muslin curtains dance gently in the breeze.
The Writers’ Room is the perfect space for the very definition of a luxurious
pastime – afternoon tea. The experience begins with a cup of optimallyinfused tea, chosen from a curated selection of exquisite teas. Afternoon tea
delights are presented on a three-tier stand in the shape of a moon gate.
On the bottom tier are petite open-faced sandwich squares topped withsalmon and a variety of delicate finger sandwiches (egg, cucumber, chickenwith cranberry); in the middle, freshly baked scones (plain and raisin) withhome-made jam and clotted cream; and on the top, mouth-watering sweet
pastries and cakes. Separately, hot savouries (spring rolls, Scotch eggs andquiche tartlets) are presented in a single-tier metal tiffin box.
White linen napkins, silverware, and bone china tea cups and saucers
decorated with whimsical floral patterns complete an opulent, enticing
afternoon tea service.

life feature

an urban oasis
with its ambience of tranquillity and joie de vivre,
the pool area of jw marriott kuala lumpur
is a haven from the cares of the world.
Words by LAE-HOON TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINET

Steps away from the swimming pool are the Cabana
Poolside guest rooms, a retreat that feels anything but
ordinary. Generously sized at 55 square metres, they comewith a choice of a king or twin beds. The stylishly luxurious
rooms are elegantly appointed, and include a freestanding
bathtub as the centrepiece of an opulent marble bathroom.
The pool area also offers ample space for outdoor
entertaining. Private events at the poolside, from intimate
gatherings to weddings or birthday celebrations, can be
specially curated. And for a unique melding of outdoor andindoor experiences, simply make your way down a few steps
from the pool terrace into the charm of the Bayu Ballroom.

he pool area on the sixth floor of JW Marriott
Kuala Lumpur is an oasis of calm and relaxation.
A cool breeze blows gently as you step out onto
the large open terrace surrounding the 20m-longswimming pool. Bordered by lush tropicalgreenery, the concrete paved tiles of the pooldeck function as a smooth segue to the pool, with its clear blue
water an irresistible invitation for a morning swim, or to simply
float the day away. Recline on a lounger and bask in the warmthof the tropical sun while savouring refreshing cocktails or lightsnacks served from the adjacent outdoor bar. Alternatively, enjoy
a languorous lie-in on one of the capacious daybeds shaded bya large patio umbrella. If seclusion is preferred, you can retire
to a cabana, which has curtains for added privacy.

For more information, visit www.jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Elevate your stay in
Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Bintang
district by booking one of the
Cabana Poolside rooms at
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur.

life featurea s a nc t ua ry fordis cerning gue s t s
the ritz-carlton, kuala lumpur’s club lounge is a place
for travellers to call home beyond their suite.
Words by LAE-HOON TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature
Dinettes for two to four persons each are carefully spaced
throughout the room so guests can enjoy quiet conversations
while savouring the gourmet offerings and beverages
available throughout the day. In addition, the ladies andgentlemen of the Lounge stand discreetly in the background,
waiting to extend the finest personal service to their guests.
The Lounge offers its guests six complimentary culinarypresentations per day: breakfast; light lunch; afternoon tea
that includes The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s blend of tea;
cocktails featuring The Ritz Fizz, a signature concoctionof blue curacao, amaretto, sparkling wine and lemon juice;
evening hors d’oeuvres; and a selection of desserts andcordials to end the night on a sweet note.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge experience is defined by
exceptional service and style that discerning cosmopolitan
travellers can be assured of at every visit.

he Club Level of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
is a building separate from the hotel, with its
own street-level entrance for drop-offs or pickups, and a private ground-level reception for its
guests. Around the corner from the reception,a short flight of steps leads to The Ritz-Carlton
Club Lounge, an area reserved exclusively for Club Level guests
above the age of 12, with features and amenities thoughtfully
curated for travellers on business or leisure. The Lounge is atastefully appointed space, bathed in natural light from a wallof glass on one side, while a pair of French doors open out toa patio the length of the Lounge. Tucked away towards theback of the Lounge are individual work cubicles that provide
a high level of privacy, a meeting room, and a Business Centre
fully equipped to meet the needs of the business traveller.
With its contemporary comforts and dark wood-panelled wallsthat convey a warm, refined ambience, the Lounge is the ideal
space for guests to work, meet, or simply unwind and enjoy
some respite.

For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/
kualalumpur

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Above and left: the distinguished and bespoke service afforded to guests at The Ritz-Carlton Club
Lounge is an experience in itself and will leave indelible memories.

life feature

your fa iry ta l et ol d your way
weddings at hotel stripes kuala lumpur may be small,but they are big on style and atmosphere.
Words by LAE-HOON TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature

here is something relaxed and wonderful about
small weddings. Surrounded by your closest
loved ones, you can interact with each guest andbuild deeper connections, making your guests
feel more valued, and creating more personaland memorable experiences. However, a small
wedding doesn’t mean having to compromise on style or thetype of day you want.
The Snug on Level 2 of Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur is acosy, inspiring venue for new beginnings. It offers optionsof combining spaces to create a unique environment inwhich to enjoy tailor-made experiences, exquisite food andexceptional service. Here, you can create your unforgettableoccasion and celebrate the day of your dreams. Spanningalmost the full breadth of the hotel, The Snug is a blend ofcontemporary design and urban chic, with its stripped-backwalls giving it an industrial edge. It is a distinct multifunctional
space that is striking in bold originality, rich in character anduncommon details—perfect for stylish, one-of-a-kind events.
At the same time, it is an incredibly personal place, with awarm and inviting ambience of intimacy and exclusivity thatcan be accentuated with flowers, candles, fairy lights andany other elements in keeping with your chosen aesthetic.
Bespoke menus and mouth-watering cuisine that combines
creativity and gastronomic flair elevate your special occasion
into a sensory experience for you and your guests.

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life feature
The Snug is completely flexible and can accommodate
up to 120 guests for wedding ceremonies and sit-down
receptions. There is also room to dance the night away!
Alternatively, you may opt for a smaller al fresco ceremony
and celebration with up to 50 guests at the rooftop by thepool that provides unobstructed vistas of the stunning
Kuala Lumpur skyline.
For a unique melding of indoor and outdoor experiences,consider hosting your reception at Brasserie 25 on Level 1
that opens up to a covered outdoor terrace the length of
the restaurant. There, up to 80 guests can sip champagne,
wine or cocktails and mingle. With its red brick arcades,
mid-century copper sputnik chandeliers and dark woodfloors, it exudes a rustic charm.
The friendly, professional team of event coordinators at
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur stand ready to help you designand create the celebration of your dreams, with all the little
touches that make a difference, making the planning processeasy and stress-free. They will also be able to provide a listof tried and trusted suppliers who can assist in creating theideal celebration for you and your guests.
At Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, you can celebrate the most
momentous occasion of your life just the way you imagine it
to be: intimate, joyful, romantic and fun.

This and facing pages: cosy with stripped-back walls giving it an industrial
edge, The Snug on level 2 is a unique and inspiring multifunctional spacefor one-of-a-kind events.
Previous spread: Man Tao Bar is a relaxing space with unobstructed viewsof downtown Kuala Lumpur.

For more information, please visit www.stripeskl.com

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Gayan Bouillabaisse is athoughtfully curated seafoodmenu featuring a much-loved
French Provençal-inspired seafood
bouillabaisse made from the
freshest locally sourced ingredients.

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life featuret he g aya nbouil l a ba is se
at gaya island resort, indulge in an exclusive private
dining experience featuring the tastes of sabah,from a traditional rice wine to its takeon the classic provençal bouillabaisse.\
Words by LAE-HOON TAN

39

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEIThe Gayan Bouillabaisse at Gaya Island Resort is a sensory
feast, featuring craft cocktails and a thoughtfully curated
seafood menu, experienced in an equally distinctive space– the Gazebo at Fisherman’s Cove. Situated on the rooftop,
the wooden Gazebo offers panoramic views of verdant tree
tops, an open sea and the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the
distant horizon, while evoking an ambience of intimacy andexclusivity. A private paradise that truly befits the gourmet
dining experience.

nspired by the abundance and variety of fish,
crustaceans and mollusks found in the waters
surrounding Gaya Island, the team at Gaya Island
Resort’s Fisherman’s Cove decided to create its own
version of the classic Provençal bouillabaisse. Using
locally sourced produce and indigenous ingredients,and subtly influenced by the culinary culture of the local
communities, the result is a seafood broth that is unique incolour, aroma and flavour. Quintessentially Gayan.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Dashes of pesto and succulent cherry tomatoes complete
the plate. A refreshing calamansi-lime sorbet cleanses thepalate in preparation for the evening’s entree that is served
over three courses.
The first course features shellfish and black tiger prawns set
on a bed of ribboned zucchini in an aromatic bouillabaisse.
The second course stands out with generous portions ofSabah rock lobster and freshly caught local grouper in a
deeply rich bouillabaisse, accompanied by lightly charredfennel and leek, with nuances of orange zest. Closing off theentree is the bouillabaisse, robust and intensely flavourful,served with garlic bread.
Complementing the courses are a delectable rouilleof anchovy, garlic and potato, and a spicy tangy sauce ofbird’s eye chilli, shallots, mustard seed and lime juice. The
epicurean journey ends on a decadent note, with an offeringof luxuriant chocolate fondant and vanilla ice cream.
The Gayan Bouillabaisse at Gaya Island Resort is an
intimate experience of a sumptuous meal, prepared the
Gayan way – with passion and heart.

In the air, the heady aroma of the bouillabaisse wafts,
gently awakening your appetite for the gastronomic journeyahead. But first, savour a couple of lihing-infused cocktails.
Lihing is an artisanal rice wine, brewed according to uniquefamily recipes by the Kadazan-Dusun community of Sabah.
It is produced from a mixture of glutinous rice and yeast,
fermented for one to two months in a traditional jar called thetajau. A light shade of amber gold, the lihing tastes like sherry,making it a delightful aperitif on its own. The pale goldenhued White Shangria is a concoction of lihing, white wine andpineapple, with hints of sweet citrus and tangy lime. It is light,
smooth and crisp, a perfect long drink to enjoy as you unwind
and watch the sun set. Alternatively, savour the Monkey Pea,
its bright blue liquid calling to mind tropical blue skies. A
blend of tequila, blue curacao and lihing, complemented bymuddled banana and splashes of calamansi, it is aromaticand flavourful, with an edge.
Dinner begins with an amuse-bouche of tuna tartare,crusted with black and white sesame seeds and served withroasted sesame dressing and alfalfa sprouts. The appetiserthat follows is an array of crispy fried, grilled and blanchedcalamari pieces, sprinkled with paprika and Cajun spices.

For more information, visit www.gayaislandresort.com

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life featureThis and facing pages: from freshly caught seafood
and unique lihing-infused cocktails such as
Monkey Pea, to the stunning scenery afforded by theal fresco Fisherman’s Cove Gazebo, the private Gayan
Bouillabaisse dining experience is simply spectacular.

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life feature

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

hot for hotpot
no visit to cameron highlands is complete without
a hotpot dinner. here’s how gonbei restaurant at
cameron highlands resort elevates the experience.
Words by MUNA NOOR. Photography by LAW SOO PHYE

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life featureThis and facing pages:
cooking around a heatedhotpot at the semi-al fresco
Gonbei restaurant is a great
Asian favourite as it provides
a warming meal during rainydays and cool weather.

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ike boba tea before it, hotpot is the Asian culinarycraze that’s taken the world by storm. The
Malaysian dining scene is no exception. Although
not one to follow frivolous trends, Cameron
Highlands is well ahead of the curve. The hilltop
retreat has been dishing up hotpot for almost
two decades. For the uninitiated, hotpot is a do-it-yourself
dining experience where diners commune around a cauldronof piping hot broth to collectively cook an array of raw proteinsand vegetables. Considered a cold weather comfort food, it
may seem an unlikely pastime for the sweltering lowlands oftropical Malaysia – but it’s perfectly suited to the cooler climateof Cameron Highlands.
Located around a three-and-a-half-hour’s drive away fromthe capital city, the former colonial hill station sits more than
1,200 metres above sea level. Cameron Highlands is also
the salad bowl of Malaysia and a source of hotpot’s prized
ingredients. Little wonder that next to the colonial traditionof taking afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and freshly
baked scones, hotpot has emerged as a Cameron Highlands
delicacy. After the sun goes down and the temperature takes
a dive, it’s the go-to dinner here.
The cooking style is said to have originated in China morethan 2,000 years ago. In Malaysia and Singapore, gourmands
use the term hotpot and steamboat interchangeably todescribe the same thing. To be pedantic, it’s not: thereceptacles differ. Steamboat refers to the ring-shaped
receptacle with a funnel at it its centre; hotpot is, well, a steel
or ceramic pot, often subdivided to accommodate more than
one broth at a time.

This and facing pages:
dining at Cameron Highlands
Resort allows guests toenjoy meals in a variety ofsettings, from an opendining concept restaurantthat merges seamlessly into
the lush jungle to a candlelit
private gazebo.

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CHEF EDWARD SUGGESTS A MORECONSIDERED APPROACH, ONE THATTAPS INTO THE ROMANTICISM OF THE
HIGHLANDS WITH ITS DECIDEDLY
UNHURRIED PACE.

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life featureThis and facing pages: personalise your hotpot broth complemented
by the freshest local produce featuring farm vegetables, succulent
seafood, prime meats and noodles to dip into the simmering fragrantbroth of choice.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

and bones are boiled with fresh ginger for eight hours totease out their rich flavour, after which they are seasoned
to taste. Nothing is wasted. Trimmings from fresh Cameron
Highlands vegetables are simmered for six hours to create
a surprisingly flavourful base, while the fragrant tom yum
incorporates chillies for punch and aromatics like lemongrassand galangal to create the sweet, mildly spicy flavours of thisThai soup.
The use of vegetable broth, abundance of locally grownvegetables and fungi, and inclusion of soy proteins such as
soy skin and silken tofu make hotpot an easy dish to veganise.
For those otherwise inclined, there are generous ribbons ofAustralian striploin, firm pink chicken breast, and glistening
slivers of seabass and succulent prawns. Special requests
such as crab, lobster or Wagyu can also be arranged withenough advance notice.
Although the mounds of produce, expertly cut and sliced
to cook quickly and evenly, can be overwhelming for firsttimers, Chef Edward and Gonbei’s wait staff are on handto offer guidance. A good place to start is to turn the heat
all the way up on the portable butane burner and once thebroth has come to a boil, turn it down to a simmer.
If you choose, you can plonk all the ingredients in at one go.
No fuss, no muss. It sounds like a recipe for mushy vegetables
and rubbery meats, but in this instance the phrase ‘too many

Gonbei restaurant at Cameron Highlands Resort has been
serving hotpot since 2016. Its elegant semi-al fresco setting
and stellar reputation have made it the most sought-after table
here. Reservations are required, particularly on weekends.
Gonbei’s version lies squarely in the realm of hotpot. A basic
serving for two is a lavish spread of bottomless vegetables,
raw proteins and noodles served with a choice of broth, all ofwhich can be replenished upon request.
To be clear, broth is the foundation of any hotpot and differs
according to region and country. The fierce mala pepper
heat of Szechuan, pickled cabbage of north-eastern China,
simmered lamb of Mongolia, or Japan’s kombu dashi-based
shabu-shabu or sweet soya sauce and mirin-based sukiyaki
are a sampling of the variety out there. It’s also matched by amind-boggling array of dipping sauces that can be mixed in
an infinite number of combinations: Chinese barbecue sauce,sesame paste, chilli, soy sauce and even raw egg yolk. In a
nod to local palates, Gonbei turns out an addictively moreish
anchovy paste (belacan) sambal.
The broths at Gonbei are a labour of love, and diners canselect any two from a choice of vegetable, chicken and tomyum. Even as breakfast service is under way in the Dining
Room, Cameron Highland Resort’s Chef De Hote Edward
Chung and his team are busy preparing the resort’s signature
dinner experience. Chickens are blanched before their skin46

life featurevegetables first, then proteins, with eggs and noodles tofinish. Every ingredient has the capacity to alter the flavourof the broth, he explains. Fat from the meats cloud the soup,
eggs if stirred into the bubbling soup create an egg drop
consistency, and the starch from the noodles changes theconsistency of the broth.
By slowing down, you’ll enjoy those in your company
as you animatedly recount that last round of golf you had
together, or conspiratorially trade theories surrounding themysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson after spending
a day on the trails with the resort’s resident naturalist andlocal guide, Madi.
The very things that make hotpot a convivial, typicallycommunal enterprise – the sharing and co-cooking duties– are also what makes it a surprisingly insightful date night
dish. Whether it’s agreeing on the broth base or deciding theorder in which the raw ingredients are cooked and distributed,
hotpot is an exercise in seeking consent and compromise,and of care and consideration. A hotpot night can reveal a
lot about your dining partner. Ultimately, hotpot is savoured
in so many ways that there can’t possibly be hard and fastrules, merely recommendations. Perhaps this is why hotpot
is so beloved. It’s a dynamic, choose-your-own-adventure
gourmet experience that’s interactive, illuminating and an
act of love. Happy hotpotting.

cooks spoil the broth’ doesn’t apply – the more mouths tofeed, the more eyes on the pot. With open communicationand cooperation, no minced chicken-and-chive-stuffed
dumpling or fish ball will be forgotten. Everyone can take theirturn at plopping their favourite ingredient into the bubblingvat or ladling it out when done, to be divvied out or dunked
in the dipping sauce of their desire. Hotpot is often likened to
Asian fondue for that reason. That description better suits lok
lok, a Malaysian street food that involves dunking skewered
ingredients into a vat of roiling soup and smothering it in abuffet of sauces before consuming, usually late at night froma food truck. Hotpot, on the other hand, is a seated, skewerfree affair.
The expediency that the one-pot cooking style affords is
another reason for its meteoric rise. In households in China,
families can congregate around a communal pot to partake ina quick, nutritious meal before rushing off to their respective
workplaces. In Taiwan, it can be a convenient act of self-care,as time-starved office workers can sidle into a restaurant
booth, devour a solo portion and return home knowing ahealthy, hearty meal is warming their insides.
Chef Edward suggests a more considered approach, onethat taps into the romanticism of Cameron Highlands withits decidedly unhurried pace. Bathing one ingredient at atime in the scalding soup – a minute for the slivers of brightorange pumpkin and Cameron Highlands’ famed corn,
seconds for the beef and prawns until they turn opaque –is a healthier way to dine. It retains the inherent sweetness
and rich nutrients of farm-to-table produce and allows you
time to digest your food. Chef Edward also has some tips:

For more information, visit www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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Secrets of a Malay Kitchentakes you through all thesteps, from purchasing
ingredients right up to
preparation and cooking.

k it chenc onfidence
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

relive memories of tanjong jara resort
by recreating the mouth-watering aromas andexotic flavours of malay cuisine at its
secrets of a malay kitchen experience.
Words by MUNA NOOR

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Mouth-watering
traditional recipes arebrought to life for adelicious finale.

H

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staggering – freshly butchered meats to one side, newly
harvested fruit and vegetables on the other, much of it onlygrown in Southeast Asia and cultivated in back gardens andprivate orchards. The benefits of the town’s position facing
the South China Sea is on full display here. Crab, wholegaroupa, stingray, cuttlefish, squid, prawns, cockles andclams are stacked up in a raw or preserved state.
The resort’s chef is on hand to navigate the market’s
maze of stalls and to bargain on your behalf. Should you
desire to work with a particular mystery ingredient, don’t
be shy to enquire. Between their loud exhortations of priceand quality assurance, traders will willingly pause to explain
where their produce comes from and proffer a sample. Thisis Terengganu hospitality.
The second half of your Secrets of a Malay Kitchenexperience takes place on the verandah at Di Atas Sungei,
the resort’s premier restaurant and the location of breakfast
and dinner. Blackboards and stern teachers are noticeably
absent in this culinary classroom as jovial chefs Dolis and Hadi
gently guide you through the ins and outs of Malay cooking.
Malaysia’s food is globally celebrated and for good reason.
Its ethnic and cultural diversity – and complicated history – arereflected in its cuisine. The influence of colonialism and thespice trade is apparent in the Portuguese, Chinese, Indian,
Sri Lankan, Indonesian and Arab flavours and flourishes. This
includes the Malay delicacies of Terengganu.
You can select two main course dishes from Di Atas Sungei’smenu. As is usually the case in Asian dining, these are usuallydesigned for sharing. Rendang, a slow-cooked meat dish of
reduced coconut milk and spices, is the resort’s most popularolidays aren’t limited to exotic settings andlazy days by the pool being waited on handand foot – not that we don’t approve of suchthings. In the past decade, there’s been arise in demand for experiential holidays thatallow you to immerse yourself in the storied
artistic and cultural tapestry of your destination. At Tanjong
Jara Resort, in the beautiful coconut-tree and beach-lined stateof Terengganu, the Secrets of a Malay Kitchen experience is ahands-on private cooking class for two or more culinary-curious
guests that lets you do just that.
Imagine the wonderful aroma of a curry you savoured
during your stay wafting through your kitchen long after
you’ve returned home to the drudge of work and dull
weather. Thanks to the way the human brain is wired, nothingis as evocative of memory as smell. Learning how to whip up
a dish or two unique to your vacation destination confers
other benefits too. It’s a useful skill to master, one that can
win friends and influence people. A dinner party serving
authentic Malaysian cuisine? Who can resist?
Tanjong Jara Resort’s Secrets of a Malay Kitchenexperience begins with a trip to the wet market. An easy
10-minute journey across the wide Dungun River, it’sparticularly bustling on a weekend, which in Terengganu is
a Friday and Saturday to reflect the cultural practices of theEast Coast state’s Muslim majority populace.
This is no sterile, Styrofoam- and Saran-wrappedsupermarket run. Once you’ve gotten over the initial assault
on your senses, the market is an eye-opening window into
Malaysian life. The abundance and variety of produce islife feature

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The term literally means estimate and is used by seasoned
cooks. After all, who needs spoon and cup measurements
when you’ve been conjuring a slap-up Malay feast on a regularbasis. At Secrets of a Malay Kitchen, you’ll learn the divine
wisdom of pecah minyak. Used in the preparation of dishes
like rendang and curry, it’s the key to perfecting Malay dishes
and occurs when the oil separates from the ingredients.
As Malay dishes can sometimes be laborious in nature,some liberties must be taken for the sake of convenience. The
peeling, slicing, dicing and deveining of prawns and filletingof fish are done for you. Traditionally, a batu lesung (pestle
and mortar) or batu giling (stone pin and trestle) are used topound and blend ingredients; these are whisked away andblitzed for you in a blender. This may be a shortcut, but you’reon holiday after all and probably have a massage booked for
4pm. None of the flavour is lost, and it’s more likely that you’llrecreate these dishes at home this way.
Assailed by the appetite-inducing sounds of sizzling andthe throat-catching aroma of chilli and spices, there’s little
chance of being distracted by the disarmingly rustic scenerythat surrounds you. After barely toiling over a hot stove,
you’re savouring the authentic fruits of your labour, with narya bit of washing up or cleaning required.
You’ll graduate from Secrets of a Malay Kitchen with a fullstomach, a sense of achievement and a gift bag laden withthe tools of your trade: an apron, headkerchief and a copyof the recipes that you’ve made. Thank yourself that you did.
Your friends and family will, when you treat them to a spreadthat recreates your holiday memories and the warm andconvivial communal dining culture that made your Tanjong
Jara escape so special.

choice and is as ubiquitous a Malay dish as satay. Usually
made with beef but increasingly with chicken, it’s traditionallyreserved for special occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid)to mark the end of Ramadhan and a month of fasting; andkhatam Quran, which celebrates one’s completed cover-tocover recitation of the holy Quran. Meanwhile, ikan bakar(barbecued fish) makes the best use of the area’s freshly
landed tropical fish. Dressed in a piquant chilli-based garlic,galangal and tomato marinade, then wrapped in banana leaf
or foil and grilled, this sweet and succulent parcel of protein
will enliven any outdoor gathering. Assam pedas is a sweetsour southern speciality that is little known outside Malaysia.
Made with fish or prawns, it’s sure to showcase your culinary
chops and impress the most demanding foodies. Best ofall, the dishes can be customised to accommodate dietary
restrictions and tastes.
Although Malay cooking is complex in flavour, kitchen
novices will be pleasantly surprised to discover how simple
it is to execute. The base ingredients are often the same.
There are the spices: star anise, cinnamon, cardamom andclove, collectively known as empat kawan (four friends); andthe aromatics such as garlic, galangal, shallots, onions (redare preferred), red chillies (large, small, fresh and dried),lemongrass and torch ginger. Thanks to global supply chains,
all can be found in any good Asian supermarket. Only theratio of the ingredients is modified according to the dishand location. States in Peninsula Malaysia’s north-east like
Kelantan and Terengganu, for example, prefer their dishes
sweeter; those in the south such as Negeri Sembilan andJohor like it hot.
Besides learning how to cook a prized dish from scratch,
you’ll also get to grips with handed-down Malay cooking
techniques. Cantankerous celebrity Gordon Ramsay wasfamously introduced to the concept of agak-agak when he
was in Malaysia filming his TV show Gordon’s Great Escape.

For more information, visit www.tanjongjararesort.com

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life featureThis and facing pages:savour authentic dishes
at an equally authentic
ambience which recalls
the palatial settings ofMalay rulers of yore.

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Imaginations are coaxed to wanderback to the past with meandering
600-year-old narrow pathways andred-brick Dutch colonial buildings.

w here his t oryc ome s t o life
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take in the historical and cultural sites ofmalacca with the resident historian fromthe majestic malacca as your guide.
Words by LAE-HOON TAN. Photography by MARCUS WONG

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alacca was a thriving trading port fromthe 15th to 19th centuries thanks to its
strategic position in the Straits of Malacca,
which connected the maritime routes
between Asia and Europe. For morethan 500 years, a succession of trade andcultural exchanges flourished and evolved under the colonial
rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, resulting in a uniqueand rich tapestry of multicultural heritage and tradition. This
facet of the city was duly recognised when it was inscribed asa UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008.
There’s no better way to gain deeper insights into a placethan by personally experiencing it, soaking in its atmosphereand engaging with its residents. The Majestic Malacca has
specially curated programmes that will allow you to do all
this and more, providing you with a unique experience ofMalacca’s fascinating history and culture. With its Resident
Historian as guide, you will be treated to an enriching andentertaining journey through the historical and cultural sitesof the city.
On foot or bicycle, visit the cultural and historical enclavesand go behind the scenes to experience and learn theirsignificance. Explore ancient monuments, historic landmarks
and age-old places of worship. Be captivated by architectural
splendours and cultural treasures, from traditional arts, crafts
and trades to delicious local cuisine.
Your excursion concludes with afternoon tea in the
Library of The Majestic Malacca. The Kristang Afternoon
Tea features the best of local tea delights that also reflect
Malacca’s multicultural influences. Enjoy delectable culinary
offerings that include sweet Portuguese egg tarts; bunga
telang (blue pea flower) glutinous rice with home-made kaya
(coconut jam); and sago pearls in coconut milk with melted
gula Melaka (palm sugar syrup).
THE MAJESTIC MALACCA CYCLING TOURTake in the most interesting sights and landmarks of Malaccafrom the seat of your bicycle.
The journey begins at the entrance of The Majestic
Malacca, a restored Straits Settlement mansion, completewith its original porcelain tile flooring and teakwood fittings.

The two-hour bicycle ride fromThe Majestic Malacca takes
guests to the old city of Malacca.

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life feature
Then, make your way to Bukit Cina, where the 15th-century
Hang Li Poh’s Well (also known as King’s Well) can be foundnext to Poh San Teng Temple, built in 1795.
From there, cycle past picturesque shophouses andtownhouses that line both sides of Jalan Bunga Cina andJalan Temenggong. Continue past the Church of St Francis
Xavier towards Red Square, which is dominated by the redwalled Stadhuys, Southeast Asia’s oldest Dutch building built
in the 17th century; the 18th-century Anglican Christ Church;
and the stately Dutch-style Clock Tower constructed in the
19th century.
Take a breather and enjoy a bowl of cendol, a local dessertof shaved ice topped with coconut milk, gula Melaka andgreen rice flour jelly, from a stall located opposite the ClockTower. Refreshed, continue your journey across Tan Kim Seng
Bridge into the core zone of the Malacca heritage site.
Ride along the narrow Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street),the thoroughfare of Chinatown, past Cheng Hoe’s Cultural
Museum and onto Jalan Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street).
Also known as Harmony Street, this is where you will findthe oldest places of worship of three different faiths: Cheng
Hoon Teng Chinese Temple, established in 1645; Kampung
Keling Mosque, built originally in wood by Indian Muslim
traders in 1748; and Sri Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Hindu
Temple, founded in 1781.
Then, cycle along Jalan Kampung Pantai, passing by Hang
Jebat Mausoleum and shophouses where small familyowned businesses still operate. Soon, you’ll go over Chan
Koon Cheng Bridge and head to Jalan Bunga Raya, linedwith coffee shops, old-fashioned sundry shops, traditional
medicine halls, goldsmith shops and textile retail outlets,
among others.
The tour ends back at The Majestic Malacca, where you’llenjoy a delectable Kristang Afternoon Tea in the Library as
you recount your adventure to fellow travellers.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE MAJESTIC MALACCA WALKING TOUR
Alternatively, explore Malacca on foot and make the most of
your time discovering the built and living heritage attractionsin this historic city.
The journey begins at The Majestic Malacca, where you will
be regaled with a fascinating account of the history of the
1920s Straits Settlement mansion. Walk out the front gatesof the hotel onto Jalan Bunga Raya, vibrant with the warmthand noise of trade and commerce, and continue to Jalan
Kampung Jawa. Cross Java Bridge to Bridge Lane, once a
hub of opium dens, gambling houses and brothels. Stroll
along Jalan Kampung Pantai before making a turn onto Jalan
Hang Kasturi (Second Cross Street), where traditional trades
still thrive and local artisans practise their crafts, serving
locals and tourists alike.
Venture into the workshop of a third-generation signboard
carver and maker, and learn about the dying art of handcarving
Chinese wooden signboards. After that, continue to Jalan
Tukang Emas (Goldsmith Street) and feast your eyes on the
distinctive architectural styles and details of the places ofworship of three different faiths.
Next, pop into one of only three shops remaining where54

life featureThis and facing pages: guests of The Majestic Malacca can spend an
experiential two hours exploring prominent historical landmarks andsampling the local dessert, cendol, before returning to the hotel fora unique and delectable Kristang Afternoon Tea.

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you can see the art of handcrafting beaded shoes (kasut
manik) being practised. This type of footwear is a culturalpride of the Peranakan community, particularly the women,
known as Nyonyas, who would wear the shoes with theirkebayas. Continue on to Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street),the heart of the historic enclave, which was the commercial
centre during the colonial Dutch era. From there, turn into
Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street) and be charmed
by the beautifully conserved shophouses and townhouses
that used to be the family homes of the wealthiest tradesmenof the time.
Walk past the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum before
crossing the river towards Red Square, where the red-walled
Stadhuys, Anglican Christ Church and the stately Dutch-style
Clock Tower stand. Sample a delicious local dessert, cendol,
at a stall opposite the Clock Tower, and enjoy a short respite
before resuming your journey.
Finally, wind your way down Jalan Bendahara and Jalan
Bunga Raya back to The Majestic Malacca, where your ramble
ends with a Kristang Afternoon Tea in the Library.

For more information, go to www.majesticmalacca.com

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two decades ofhonouring healing
traditions
it is said that it takes a village to raise a child.
in the case of spa village, it has taken many villages todevelop and nurture it to the successful brand it istoday. we speak to lai ping chik, senior vice president,
spa division, ytl hotels, about the factors behindthe brand’s success and endurance.
Words by LAE-HOON TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life featureraditionally, particularly in Asia, matters of health,wellness and beauty were kept in the domain of
the home or the village. Families relied on ageold recipes or the local apothecary for physical,
emotional and mental well-being. Therapeutic
massages, home-brewed tonics, freshly pickedbotanicals pounded into pastes, and homespun salves for cuts,
sprains and the like, were part of day-to-day healthcare.
So, when the idea of a spa was proposed for the luxurious
Pangkor Laut Resort, Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of
YTL Hotels, was firm that it was not going to be a Westernstyle spa. It had to be one that would reflect the locale andits community – in this case, Malaysia, with her multi-ethnic
population, each with its own rich heritage of traditional
healing. There would be a hut each, dedicated to the threemain ethnic groups in Malaysia – Malay, Chinese and Indian– with authentic practitioners offering treatments from theirindividual cultures.
This was the genesis for the ethos and name of the spa
brand that came to be known as Spa Village. Spread overfour acres, Spa Village Pangkor Laut looks and functions like avillage, offering healing and wellness treatments that honour
the cultures and traditions of the respective local communities.
The Spa Village brand has stayed true to its core purpose
even as it expanded into new markets. From the flagship
Spa Village Pangkor Laut, opened in September 2002 by thelate Luciano Pavarotti, to the additions of Spa Village Kuala
Lumpur, Tanjong Jara, Cameron Highlands, Gaya Island andMalacca, as well as the destination Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali, each property has been conceptualised to celebrate thehealing culture of the locale in which it resides.
EXPERIENTIAL INDIGENOUS HEALING AND WELLNESS“Spa Village is a pioneer of the concept of experiential
indigenous healing and wellness,” says Lai Ping Chik, SeniorVice President, Spa Division, YTL Hotels. Through its speciallycurated healing treatments and wellness programmes, guests
are introduced to an authentic experience of each locality inwhich a Spa Village is located. “For example, in Spa Village
Cameron Highlands, guests can look forward to treatments

Above: Lai Ping Chik is Senior Vice President of the Spa Division
at YTL Hotels.
Below: Spa Village Gaya Island’s treatments utilise only the finest local
ingredients, while its spa programmes reflect the cultural healing
traditions of Sabah’s many indigenous peoples.
Facing page: Spa Village Pangkor Laut comprises a number of speciallybuilt structures designed to facilitate an extensive range of treatmentsfrom Bali, China, India, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.

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based on the traditions of the indigenous people (Orang
Asli) who live in the jungles of the Highlands. Spa Village
Majestic Malacca is the only centre in the world dedicated to
the Peranakan (mixed Malay and Chinese heritage) healing
culture. In Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok is a standalone
retreat devoted exclusively to promoting Balinese therapies.”
Ancient healing practices of local communities, combinedwith the therapeutic properties of ingredients found in thesurroundings, are delivered in beautifully designed properties
in some of the region’s most gorgeous locations. The result is
an experience that is one-of-a-kind and unforgettable.

member of the pioneering team behind the Spa Village brand.
“It was not easy at first to get them to share their knowledge
and secrets, but in the end, they were convinced of Spa
Village’s passion and genuine desire to promote traditional
healing and wellness, as well as indigenous natural products,
to a wider audience.”
To ensure authenticity and efficacy of its treatments, a lotof time is spent on carrying out in-depth research, including
exploring and studying the local surroundings, its botanicals,
understanding the treatment processes, recording the recipes
and regularly meeting with the elderly healers. “We don’t
just scratch the surface. And if something is not good enoughfor our guests, we’ll omit it,” Lai Ping declares. Following
this extensive, and intensive, exercise, unique healing andwellness treatments are innovated for the respective spas,
driven by the firm belief that Spa Village guests deserve
only the best. In Lai Ping’s view, however, the most importantfactor behind it all is the Spa Village people, who work
together to serve the guests and each other. “To ‘servewith our hearts through our hands’ is the spirit and guiding

BRAND APPEAL, SUCCESS AND ENDURANCE
Spa Village’s brand appeal, success and endurance can be
attributed to its philosophy of honouring local healing culturesand spa traditions through imaginative healing and wellness
treatments in unique, stunning locations.
“From the beginning, Spa Village sought out healers andpractitioners to fulfil its quest of providing authentic spas andspa treatments to deliver holistic wellness,” says Lai Ping, aThis page: Spa Village
Malacca is the world’s only
spa to base its therapies
on the healing heritageof the Baba-Nyonya or
Peranakan culture – a unique
combination of Chinese andMalay influences.

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Facing page: Spa Village
incorporates various
international and local healing
and wellness traditions, as is
the case of (clockwise fromtop left) the bathing poolsat Spa Village in Pangkor LautResort, jamu at Spa Village
in Bali, massage pavilions in
Cameron Highlands Resort,and aqua massages at
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui’s
Spa Village.

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life featureprinciple behind the training programmes for our people andis built into the Spa Village DNA.”BUILDING A LEGACY, MAKING AN IMPACT“As much as the well-being of our guests is very important
to Spa Village, the well-being of our people is equally, if not
more, important,” Lai Ping states. “This is because if ourpeople are well taken care of, they will, in turn, take excellent
care of our guests.” The Spa Village personnel’s inherent
talent for healing is honed by modern training programmes
run by the YTL International College of Hotel Management,
the educational arm of YTL Hotels. These programmes aim to
help the personnel deliver the best possible experience for
their guests. At the same time, they provide the employeeswith opportunities for career growth.
“For many of Spa Village’s personnel, such opportunities toreceive training and have a career are life-changing, not justfor themselves, but also others around them,” Lai Ping adds.
“They are able to contribute financially to improve the lives of
their families and communities, or become visible role models
who inspire others to aspire.”

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINELOOKING AHEAD
Two decades on, Spa Village has expanded and thrived, withfive Spa Villages across Malaysia, one at The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui, Thailand, and a luxury destination Spa Resort inBali, Indonesia. Also in its portfolio are luxury spas in the UK
and Japan. On the horizon are plans to establish more Spa
Villages and destination Spa Resorts to complement its current
sole property in Tembok, Bali. It will continue to researchand develop more unique healing and wellness treatments
and experiences that remain true to their roots. And it will
also continue to invest in building a strong, well-trained andmotivated team – the hands that heal with heart.

For more information, visit spavillage.com

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he a ling wit h
he a r t s a nd h a nd s
honouring the healing traditions of
the balian at spa village resort tembok, bali.
Words by LAE-HOON TAN. Additional reporting by KENNETH TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life featureThis and facing pages: situated in the tranquil, coastal environment of northeast Bali, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali provides the perfect holistic retreat.

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S

palm forests line the way. Melodic birdsong intermittently
breaks the silence, while the scents of frangipani, jasmine andylang ylang perfume the air.
In the distance, the majestic Mount Agung looms. It is here
where you discover the ideal place in which to immerse bodyand soul in the pure spirit of Bali.
Balinese spirituality is strong and omnipresent. It takes
the form of faith merged with an ancient belief in the spiritsof the natural world. It is manifested in the many customs,
rituals and ceremonies that ensure the delicate balance ofthe spiritual, mental, physical and emotional.
In keeping with this deep-seated sense of spirituality,

ituated in an environment that is at once peaceful,beautiful and yet untouched by the frenetic
development of Bali’s southern regions, Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali on the island’s northeast coastis the perfect holistic retreat. Sink your feet into
the mineral-rich black volcanic sand warmed by thetropical sun. Take deep breaths of the fresh air as gentle sea
breezes cool your skin. Be lulled into a state of calm by the
hypnotic rhythm of the rolling waves.
From the bucolic resort, you can easily walk along theshores or village roads to the nearby village of Tembok, with
its exquisite temple complex. Majestic coconut groves andlife feature

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the Balinese are therefore more inclined to seek out theservices of a balian than a medical doctor when they are
feeling out of sorts, have any aches or pains, or are ill. A
balian is a healer who acts as spirit medium, diviner, casterof spells and masseur. Possessing massage skills and relying
on ancient knowledge of healing handed down throughgenerations, the balian will first determine the nature of
the ailment. Once that is ascertained, he will decide on themassage techniques, modifying them accordingly during
the process. Using his hands, sometimes complemented byother elements from nature, the balian instinctively begins
working on the problem areas.
Long strokes. Vigorous pushes. Painful squeezes. Gentle
rubs. The massage styles are dynamic, therapeutic and62

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Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali’s programmes introduce
guests to healthy, sustainable
life practices, tools andstrategies to enhance theirhealth and well-being.

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uplifting. The hands of the balian gradually take away
the aches and pains. In the end, balance is restored andrejuvenation is complete.
In honour of Balinese culture and traditions, Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali offers its guests a tailored programmeof wellness that combines the therapeutic properties ofnatural local ingredients and the age-old healing practicesof a balian. In short, rejuvenation through hearts and hands.

For more information, visit www.spavillageresort.com

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ta l e s oft he isl a ndfrom speedboat adventures to coconut spa
treatments, a stay at the ritz-carlton, koh samui
offers laid-back yet luxurious ways
to enjoy the pleasures of this island.
Words by KATE KU

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K

This page, from top: Tides’ centrepiece bar is the perfect spot for anafternoon drink; the Swim Reef is the largest of its kind within a resort
in Southeast Asia.
Facing page: The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, located on the northeasternpart of the island, is a stunning 58-acre oceanfront hotel built on thesite of a former coconut plantation.

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oh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island,
is known to visitors around the world for
its friendly locals, white-sand beaches thatseemingly stretch forever, and a way of lifethat has stayed much the same for decades.
Part of a collection of 42 islands in the Gulfof Thailand, Samui is a calmer and more peaceful haven thanits livelier counterparts, Phuket and Krabi. This idyllic getaway,
which is just an hour’s flight from Bangkok, is known both in its
past and present for bounties of coconuts of which Southern
Thailand has in abundance.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, a resort that sprawls across
58 acres from cliffs to shore, the island’s coconut-producing
heritage is best appreciated at Tides, the pool-fronting al
fresco bar where guests sip on freshly prised coconuts anda rotation of cocktails blended by creative mixologists.
It’s a place to enjoy cool refreshments and citrus-cured
specialities while getting a signature Samui tan. On the other
hand, guests seeking educational pursuits—while getting
wet—head to the resort’s swim reef, the largest of its kind inSoutheast Asia. The reef has more than 50 species of marine
fish in the thousands that can be fed during specific times
each day. Artificial coral reefs create an environment in whichclownfish and corals flourish.
But if you’d prefer to experience the sea up close instead,
The Ritz-Carlton Speedboat is available for half- and full-day
charters. Zip through the Gulf of Thailand’s waters on theelegant craft to nearby destinations such as Koh Phangan,
Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong National Marine
Park. The marine park, located northwest of Koh Samui, is
composed of 42 islands and spans 100 square kilometres.
Here, you’ll discover exotic wildlife and sea creatures,

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comprises eight treatment suites, three massage pavilions,a yoga pavilion, lap pool with cabanas, and a relaxation
sala to maximise precious post-treatment me-time. Here,
ingredients specific to the location – such as coconut,
healing herbs and fresh flowers – are used in therapies, suchas Samui’s Coconut Heritage, for instance. The treatment
begins with the spa’s famed revitalising Songkran Shower,
followed by a coconut scrub and a relaxing coconut flow
massage that lasts an indulgent 90 minutes. The spa
experience is capped with a nurturing coconut hair masque.
The Blessed Flowers treatment, on the other hand, focuseson the magic of flowers and begins with a gentle exfoliation
using a blend of raw flowers, aloe vera and fruit enzymes.
Then, a warmed flower poultice is used to hydrate skin, which
is followed by a flower balance massage that works along aperson’s energy meridians to create a sense of harmony fromwithin and without.
At The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, it’s easy to fall in love with
the island’s natural beauty and palatable sense of peace.

hidden mangroves, waterfalls, secret coves and lakes. Packa picnic lunch and take in the location’s marine wonders bysnorkelling, hiking, kayaking, diving and sailing. Alternatively,
enjoy an exciting time of ocean fishing or dolphin spotting.
For those wishing to enjoy the laid-back luxury of theresort instead, there’s Pak Tai, an open-air pavilion thatserves southern Thai delicacies prepared according to therecipes of the chefs’ mentors – their mothers. And if tasting
Pak Tai’s delicately nuanced dishes makes you crave more
Thai flavours, the Southern Thai Gastronomic Journey is foryou. The experience begins bright and early with a visit to a
local market to select the freshest produce. A chef is on-handto offer tips and pointers on selecting the best ingredients.
Immerse in the bustling market’s cacophony of sights andsounds as friendly islanders introduce their home to you.
Grab a chance to buy local snacks or fruits, each of which
is prepared or sliced in front of you. Then, head back to theresort where your culinary immersion becomes hands-on.
The resort’s chef will educate you on the ways in which toprepare Southern Thai dishes, ranging from zesty salads todelicious curries.
Another way to savour the island’s relaxing vibes is throughthe resort’s spa. The cocoon-like Spa Village Koh SamuiFor more information, go to www.ritzcarlton.com

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life featureThis page, clockwise from above: Pak Thai’s private dining alcoves face
the resort’s unique reef pool; Spa Village Koh Samui’s signature pre-spa
Songkran Shower ritual is inspired by the annual Songkran festival involving
the joyful throwing of water; Spa Village Koh Samui’s lap pool with cabanas.
Facing page: Angthong National Marine Park is just an hour away by
speedboat from The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

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life featuresakura season
Words by SHALINI YEAP69

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the allure of japan’s cherry blossoms
brings holidaymakers to niseko village,
hokkaido, home to hinode hills.

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Named to pay homage tothe rising sun, the luxuriously
appointed apartments of
Hinode Hills embrace wabisabi aesthetics, backgroundedby the majestic Mount Yotei.

C

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ome spring, Japan’s landscape is covered in pink
as nature puts on a spectacular show. Clusters
of soft pink and white-petalled flowers bloomingon leafless branches mark the start of sakura or
cherry blossom season.
In true hanami spirit – a centuries-old customof flower viewing – locals and visitors plan their entire holidays
around the flowering schedule. They hurry and gather to admire
the beauty of the cherry blossoms, which have a remarkably
brief lifespan.
It is almost a shame that these delicate petals fall at the peakof their beauty, but therein lies the symbolism of the Japanesesakura – a metaphor for the fragility and ephemeral nature oflife. Even before the first leaves form, the cherry blossoms are
already in full bloom and they wave delicately in the wind before
falling to the ground with the promise that they will be seen
again next spring.
Cherry blossoms appear around February in Okinawa andmove north leaving a pretty trail of pink. By April or as late
as May, the blossoms would reach Hokkaido, home to Niseko
Village and YTL Hotels’ latest luxury accommodation, Hinode
Hills, whose name pays homage to the rising sun.
This unique residential development with luxury hotel
services sits at the heart of Niseko Village and at the base of
Mount Niseko Annupuri. The skiing cognoscenti know this placeas the powder mecca of Japan.
Inside, contemporary styles and Japanese aesthetics coexist, with the latter’s wabi-sabi philosophy – that celebrates
the acceptance of imperfection – providing relief and respitefrom the obsessions of the modern world. Instead, authenticity,
natural forms and an appreciation for nature meld beautifully
within the walls of Hinode Hills.
When one thinks of the all-season alpine destination thatis Niseko Village, its champagne powder would likely firstcome to mind. Not far from here is the Makkari Shrine wherecherry blossoms abound. With the backdrop of Mount Yotei– dubbed the Mount Fuji of Hokkaido – still capped in snow,
blue skies and cherry blossoms in full bloom, it is a postcardperfect picture that won’t be forgotten.

For more information, visit www.hinodehills.com

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life moments

au t umn a dv en t ure s
in s y dne y,mel bourne a nd
brisba ne
autumn in australia, with its crisp, fresh air and coolbreezes, is a perfect time to enjoy leisurely strolls
and indulge in luxurious experiences. here are
12 unique, unforgettable autumn adventures
for you to enjoy in these amazing cities.
Words by LAE-HOON TANTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

From top: Vivid
Sydney; Sydney
Opera House.

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life moments

Clockwise from left: chef Luke Mangan; Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel;
Sydney Oyster Farm Tours; Harbour Bridge.

SYDNEYDISCOVER SYDNEY’S OLDEST BAR
Custom’s House Bar is a historic gastro pub and sundrenched beer garden located in Sydney Harbour Marriott
Hotel at Circular Quay. Built in 1826, the historic venue
successfully blends tradition with innovation, retaining its
original marble bar counter that is now heritage-listed.
It serves more than 20 international and craft beers fromits iconic chrome beer tap, as well as classic to inventive
cocktails, wines and spirits. Delicious hearty gastropub
fare completes the experience.

GET A TASTE OF LIVING ON AN OYSTER FARM
Sign up for Sydney Oyster Farm Tours’ Immerse Yourself
package to visit the Sheridan family’s farm in Broken Bay
for an authentic oyster farm experience. You’ll get to meetsecond- and third-generation oyster farmers, visit theoyster leases on Hawkesbury River, and learn how to open
the molluscs. Cap the tour with a sampling of the famous
Broken Bay Oysters at your private in-water table.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEENJOY A UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE 87 METRESABOVE SEA LEVEL
Savour a three-course menu on the Harbour Bridge SouthEast Pylon, served by leading Australian restaurateur and chef,
Luke Mangan. Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout seats up to 20
guests at a long, communal dining table, with stunning viewsof Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and sunset over
Sydney Harbour. Also included is a short, customised tour of
the Pylon Lookout & Museum as you make your way up 200
steps to the Lookout level, where you’ll enjoy this elevatedgastronomic experience.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A VIBRANT FESTIVAL OF
LIGHT, MUSIC, IDEAS AND FOOD
Vivid Sydney is an annual festival that brings together someof the most brilliant, boundary-pushing artists, thinkers andmusicians to showcase the soul of the city. From 26 May to
17 June 2023, Sydney comes alive with mesmerising art displays
and 3D light projections, exhilarating live music performances,thought-provoking debates, and deep-dive discussions bysome of the world’s brightest minds.

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MELBOURNE
SAMPLE CURATED FLIGHTS OF AUSTRALIANWHISKIES AND GINS
A bustling spot in the heart of Melbourne’s central business
district, the stylish M Bar, Melbourne Marriott Hotel’s new lobby
bar and lounge, features an extensive selection of whiskies,
spirits, signature cocktails, champagne, fine wines and craft
beers. Pair the drinks with delicious appetisers and sharing
boards. And on Friday evenings, enjoy acoustic performancesby talented local artists who bring a touch of soul and melody
to the atmosphere.

caption here

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life moments

This page, clockwise from left: Pt Leo Estate;
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa; TarraWarra
Estate; wine tasting at Pt Leo Estate.
Facing page, clockwise from top left:
Melbourne Marriott Hotel; Farmer’s
Daughters restaurant; provenance-based
cuisine at Farmer’s Daughters restaurant;
M Bar at Melbourne Marriott Hotel.

EXPLORE A THREE-STOREY LOVE LETTER TO GIPPSLAND
AND ITS PRODUCE
Farmer’s Daughters offers a unique approach to provenancebased cuisine and a creative culinary experience thatcombines retail, dining and grazing. Spread over three levels,
the Farmer’s Daughters restaurant, delicatessen and rooftop
bar at 80 Collins Street transport visitors on a seasonal journeyfrom the city of Melbourne to the rolling hills, mountains,rivers and beaches of the region. It sources its produce directlyfrom farms in Gippsland, the food bowl of Victoria andhome to artisan farmers, producers, growers and agrarian
thought-leaders.

landscaped 37-acre property, it provides an array of spa services
and bathing experiences to renew, repair and recalibrate. Its
on-site restaurant, Thyme, presents meals designed by awardwinning chef, Karen Martini, using locally sourced, seasonal
produce. You can plan to spend a relaxing day here with theentire family as children are welcomed.

DISCOVER THE RESTORATIVE POWER OF WATER
An hour’s drive from central Melbourne, the serene Alba
Thermal Springs & Spa on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula
is dedicated to offering a luxurious spa experience while
respecting the natural environment. Located on a beautifully

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEDRINK AND BE MERRY
There’s no autumn activity in Australia that could be morequintessential than exploring its wine regions. East of
Melbourne is Yarra Valley, the state’s oldest growing region.
Visit unique cellar doors such as TarraWarra Estate, where youcan enjoy a stunning tasting experience beneath a grassy hill;or Pt Leo Estate, home to single-vineyard, hand-harvested
wine, and the iconic Laura and Pt Leo restaurants, where youcan expect meticulously created dishes, complemented byincredible 180-degree views of the stunning Sculpture Parkand Western Port Bay.

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BRISBANETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINELIVE BRISBANE LIKE A LOCAL
Stay at Brisbane Marriott Hotel, located in the central business
district next to Brisbane River, and discover the city by ferry
while enjoying the amazing vistas. Visit nearby sights such as
South Bank, Brisbane Showgrounds and Queen Street Mall.
Venture out to Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane’s newest
restaurant and entertainment precinct, which is home to local
breweries, fine-dining restaurants, bars, live entertainment
and even yoga by the river. After a full day out, retreat to yourluxurious guest room and soak up scenic views of Brisbane
River by night.

relax as you take in the breathtaking views of the region’s
top wineries and unparalleled sky-high vistas between yourpremium sip-stops. You will also get to select a bottle of winefrom each winery to take home.
FIND SANCTUARY IN A WELLNESS HAVEN
Kailo Wellness Medispa is a private and peaceful retreat
for those looking for premium treatments and products.
Combining a strong holistic wellness philosophy with the latest
world-class techniques, Kailo gives its clients the confidence
to look and feel their best via its skin health, medical aesthetics
and lifelong wellness services. From advanced corrective
skin treatments to vitamin therapy and unique spa rituals,
Kailo offers something for everyone in a calming andminimalist space.

HOP ON AN ELEVATED WINE TOUR
Elite Helicopters Wine Tour will take you on an unforgettablejourney of some of the most beautiful wineries in the greater
Brisbane area. With an experienced pilot at the controls anda delicious lunch provided, all you have to do is sit back and76

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EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF TANGALOOMA WRECKSRiver to Bay’s new high-speed boat tours from Brisbane
to Tangalooma Wrecks take less than an hour, allowing
adventurers more time to explore the coral ecosystem
of Moreton Island. The iconic Tangalooma Wrecks is afavourite snorkelling spot, featuring sunken ships anda marine wonderland of turtles, dugongs, dolphins, more than
200 species of fish and 130 species of coral. You’ll also learn
about the wrecks, Moreton Island, Moreton Bay and theirimportance to the locals and the region.

From top: Kailo
Wellness Medispa;
snorkelling withRiver to Bay; River toBay’s fast tour boats
travel at high speedwith minimal impact
to the environmentand other river users.

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Facing page,
clockwise from left:
Brisbane Marriott
Hotel; The Overflow
Estate 1895 andKooroomba
Vineyard andLavender Farm, twoof the wineries thatguests will visit withElite Helicopters
Wine Tours.

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all that glittersthe westin perth is thejewel in the city that gold built.
Words by MUNA NOORT

has garnered plaudits for its chic design and stellar service.
Connected by the free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus service
and nearby railway line, it’s a convenient jump-off point formeetings in the central business district, body surfing inFremantle, or café and boutique trawling in the leafy suburbof Subiaco.
Setting the tone for your stay, the portraiture of homegrownstreet artist Rone on the hotel’s stone artifice shrugs off any
perception that this is a cookie-cutter corporate hotel.
Rooms are light-filled, spacious and designed by
Melbourne-based design firm BAR Studio. Stylishly furnishedwith contemporary flair, its soothing neutral palette is theperfect showcase for the bold artwork that hangs in the rooms
and common areas. They’re inspired by the hues and texturesof the state’s dramatic oceanic and desert landscapes.

he chilled out, sun-drenched capital of Western
Australia, Perth has the egregious reputationof being one of the most isolated cities in theworld. Its revenge response has been a fetchingglow-up that has transformed it from gold rush
town to 2023’s must-visit destination.
The East End of Perth is representative of this change.
Recently revitalised, the historic heart of Perth was once
an industrial area. Today it’s one of its most exciting postal
codes. It’s also home to Hibernian Place, a 2,000-squaremetre central plaza that has fashioned itself as a magnet for
beautiful people, fantastic food and creative events.
The 368-room, five-star Westin Perth sits at the centre of
Hibernian Place. A striking metal-and-glass monolith amid aconcentration of heritage-listed buildings, The Westin PerthTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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For more information, please visit www.westinperth.com

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sets Hibernian Place alive in the evenings, and on weekends,
the seasonal high tea experience at Haven Lounge has
become a sensation for its tiered tower of confections thatcan be paired with glasses of Moët & Chandon.
There’s more at your doorstep. Wander the historicalquarter to discover the town that gold built – The Perth Mint
(still in operation) and Old Treasury Building stand testament
to Australia’s frontier years. Then take in the impressive
aboriginal art at the nearby Art Gallery of Western Australia.
For retail therapy, check out the upscale thoroughfareof King Street, where multi-label store Cult Status andluxury brands like Gucci trade. Your good taste deserves atoast; Goody Twos, the Japanese basement bar that servesaward-winning whisky and izakaya titbits is just the place.
For gifts, Perth City Farm is a treasure of good vibes andethical and sustainable local produce. And if you can resist
the temptation, Sue Lewis Chocolatier’s incorporates native
ingredients like saltbush and lemon myrtle into her covetedchocolate bonbons.
You’ve barely travelled more than one kilometre fromthe hotel. Beyond this distance lies silvery ribbons of sand,sapphire waters and emerald wine valleys to explore.
With The Westin Perth poised to be your comfortable andexquisitely stylish base, all that this Western Australian oasis
has to offer is yours.

All rooms come with the usual bells and whistles.
Breathtaking vistas of the city are revealed upon entry by anifty feature: automatic blinds and curtains. The corner rooms,
in particular, benefit from the floor-to-ceiling windows; while
suites have exclusive access to the Executive Club Lounge
and its private haven for breakfasts and evening canapés.
The Westin hangs its success on your happiness, and staff
will go above and beyond the call of duty so that you leavefeeling more invigorated than when you arrived. Thanks toWestin’s signature Heavenly ® Beds, a night of restorative
sleep is guaranteed, while the highly rated Bodhi spa,
located on the fifth floor of the hotel, extends your sense ofwell-being thanks to its tranquil setting and pampering faceand body treatments.
For those who like their dopamine hits harder, The
Westin’s Fitness Studio is open 24 hours a day and has fresh
gear on loan in case you forget yours. With numerous parks
close by, why stay indoors when you can run the curves of
Swan River and across the Matagarup and Causeway bridges
or through Elizabeth Quay to King’s Park? A low-impact swim
in the hotel’s gloriously heated, infinity pool is your reward
upon return.
Balance is essential, and Perth delivers on Australia’s
reputation as a gourmet paradise. At The Westin Perth, you
can wake up to breakfast at Garum. The Roman Osteria,presided over by celebrity chef Guy Grossi, is nestled inside
the restored Hibernian Hall and serves a decadent first meal.
Its aperitivo, that quintessential Italian pastime of libations,

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taking the pathless travelledunusual london walks from the academy.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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Situated in the heart ofBloomsbury in London’s West End,The Academy comprises fiveGeorgian townhouses combined
into one charming luxury hotel.

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Guests of The Academy can walk four minutes to the British Museum (above) or take a slightly longer stroll of 15 minutes to the Royal Opera House (below).

Located in the beating heart of Bloomsbury
in London’s West End, The Academy wastransformed from a collection of five Georgian
townhouses into a charming luxury hotel that is
a proud member of the prestigious Small Luxury
Hotels of the World club. After a multi-million
pound transformation overseen by New York-based designer
Alexandra Champalimaud, this 50-room-and-suite property is
the perfect address to take you from tranquil Georgian squares
to all the culture that this English capital has to offer.
As a Malaysian who’s lived in London for 17 years, let me
guide you on two different half-day walks from The Academy

to Covent Garden, with seven unusual stops along the waythat will take you from ancient Egypt to an English ballet andonwards to an immersive Monopoly board experience.
If you walked from The Academy to Covent Garden, it
would take a brisk 20 minutes. You’d get there in less time thanit takes to read the morning paper, but where’s the pleasurein that?

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE KINGS, PICKPOCKETS AND
ROUTEMASTERS WALKOur first stop would be the British Museum, one of theoldest museums in the world, with a wondrous collection of
Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, European and Middle
Eastern galleries. See ancient mummies and learn the true
story about Cleopatra in The Egyptian Room. In The Middle
Eastern Rooms, marvel at the extravagant hunting rituals of
the last great Assyrian king, Ashurbanipal, who reigned from
669 to around 631 BC.
Guided tours for our next stop, the Royal Opera House,
are back, offering visitors a chance to step into the stunning
Covent Garden site. But we’re not going to do that today.
We’re going on the Stages & Cells of Covent Garden Tour tolearn about crime and theatre in this part of London. In the 17th
century, the arrival of theatres in the Bow Street area usheredin pickpockets, highwaymen, murderers, sex workers and gin
palaces, leading to London’s first police force – the notorious
Bow Street Runners. Some of the stories you’ll discover on82

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Chez Antoinette is highly regarded for its artisanal French cuisine and is just two minutes away from the London Transport Museum.

immersive gameplay as you attempt exhilarating challenges
and build your London empire. Just don’t end up in jail!
If you’re a guest of The Academy, we also recommend
discussing with their Guest Services team for more ideas onthings to do. They can also connect you with the expert teamat Travel Curious to tailor experiences just for you. And be sure
to pre-book before you check-in at the hotel.

this tour include the tale of the infamous Charles Macklin, whoused his acting skills to get away with murder, as well as how
the Bow Street Runners tried to blend in with the chorus on theRoyal Opera House stage to foil a diamond heist.
It will be time for lunch right about now, so we’re going
to Chez Antoniette, a French café in Covent Garden’s famousMarket Building, for its gourmet tartines (French organic openfaced sandwiches), which come courtesy of chef Marion Bohe
who trained at the renowned Institut Paul Bocuse.
One of my favourite places is the London Transport
Museum, which is housed in a former fruit and flower market. Itfeatures buses, trolleybuses, railway carriages and locomotives
from across the history of transport in London. It packs in a lot
more than you might expect given the limited space available.

For more information, visit www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

THE SUN DIALS, SCI-FI, BAZAARS AND
MONOPOLY WALK
Another half-day walk from The Academy for some surprisingexperiences is this one, which takes you into the Seven
Dials neighbourhood. The area is known for its collection of
independent shops, restaurants, bars and heritage buildings.
Seven Dials is located at the intersection of seven streets: Neal
Street, Earlham Street, Shorts Gardens, Monmouth Street,
Mercer Street, and the two sections of Covent Garden. Rightsmack in the centre of the seven streets is the Seven Dials
Monument, a column topped with a sundial, that serves as alandmark for the neighbourhood.
The Forbidden Planet London Megastore is the world’s
largest and best-known science fiction, fantasy and cultentertainment retailer. It is 929 square metres of floor spacewith 25,000 action figures, books, comics, graphic novels, toys,
games and all the best merchandise from your favourite series.
Even if you’re not a geek, the sheer amount of paraphernalia isa sight to behold. And if nothing else, you could get cool gifts
for friends and family.
After an Indian lunch at Cinnamon Bazaar, whose chef isinspired by old-world marketplaces, you might be ready forsome real-life Monopoly. Experience the game come to life
as you roll the giant dice and move around the interactive
board at Monopoly Lifesized. Be entertained by 80 minutes of

Left: Forbidden
Planet’s famous
LondonMegastore on
Shaftesbury
Avenue.
Below: Cinnamon
Bazaar’s modern
Indian menu isinspired by bazaar
market cuisine.

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celtic g odde s se s
a nd rom a n t empl e s
how a sacred thermal springs inspired
the spa village at gainsborough bath.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE84

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life feature
in one sacred site? Well, local Celtic beliefs prevailed, andthe two merged into one to become Sulis Minerva. Sacrifices
were likely made to the goddess at the temple as more than
1,000 Roman coins were discovered in the waters along withinscribed tablets and other personal items such as jewellery.
The baths were a huge draw and people travelled acrossthe country to bathe in the waters and worship at the religious
temple. After the Romans withdrew from Britain in the early
fifth century, the baths were neglected and later destroyedby floods. Aquae Sulis lay dormant and forgotten for 1,300
years until the 17th century, when English doctors began toprescribe the drinking of the thermal waters to cure illnesses.
The first Pump Room opened in 1706, allowing patients toaccess water directly from the spring. It eventually became
the centre of the Georgian social scene, visited by Jane
Austen and later Charles Dickens. The Pump Room today is
still the place to be seen for afternoon tea and dinner.
In 1878, the city surveyor, architect Major Charles Davis,
discovered the Roman remains of the baths and endeavoured
to excavate these over the next few years. The site was opened
to the public in 1897 and has been excavated, extended andconserved throughout the 20th century. In 2011, a huge £5.5
million redevelopment project restored the Roman Baths to
its present glory.

he Romans constructed their extensive spa
complex in Bath in 43AD. That is how long there
has been a bathhouse culture in this elegant
city in the valley of the River Avon. The first
guardians of the sacred hot springs at Bathwere the Dobunni, an Iron Age Celtic tribe. They
were already living in the British Isles when Rome invaded
Britannia in 43AD. The Dobunni worshipped Sulis, a sun deity
and goddess of the thermal springs at Bath. When the Romans
arrived, they built a temple to Minerva, their goddess of war,
wisdom and medicine near the hot springs. They also built agreat bathhouse complex called Aquae Sulis. But how did the
Celtics and Romans reconcile the worship of two goddesses

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The Georgian Pump Room has been the social
heart of Bath for more than two centuries, andboasts among its previous patrons Jane Austen
and Charles Dickens.
Below, far right: the gilt bronze head of thegoddess Sulis Minerva is one of the best known
objects from Roman Britain.

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signature therapies of the original Spa Villages in Malaysia.
The Bath House experience invites guests to take the springwaters in the privacy of the hotel spa. Guests will begin theirvisit with a spa circuit that includes dipping in two natural
thermal pools of varying temperatures, visiting a traditional
and an infrared sauna, a steam room and an ice alcove.
There are elegant relaxation areas for reading, meditating,engaging in quiet conversation or just enjoying the delicious
hot chocolate made from a Georgian recipe.
To enjoy a stay with a Roman vibe, I highly recommend
Roman Renewal, which layers three different treatments
throughout your 85-minute experience. It starts with a salt,

For a thermal spa experience that is a little more special
and private, book yourself into an exclusive spa guest
room at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel to enjoy the inbathroom access to the thermal waters. The luxury hotel
occupies two Grade II Listed buildings, with distinguished
Georgian and Victorian façades in the heart of the city andis centred around the healing treatments of Spa Village Bath.
The Gainsborough is the only hotel in the UK to have theexclusive privilege of having access to the natural thermal,
mineral-rich waters.
Spa Village Bath honours the Roman thermal water
heritage as well as the healing traditions inspired by select86

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Tapping into the original
thermal springs, Spa Village
Bath offers a contemporary
perspective on the city’s
thermal water heritage.

lime and ginger scrub to soften the skin, followed by a bodymassage using Vitamin E, almond oil and camellia oil. Whilethe body hibernates in the after-glow of your massage,
you’ll enjoy a facial of uplifting rose essential oils to restore
radiance to your complexion. You’ll leave the treatment roomglowing like the Roman Empress Livia.
After a long, exhilarating, but tiring day of sightseeing,
there can be no better salve for your limbs than to pop
down to the Spa Village. Book the 50-minute Re-Energising
Bamboo Massage, a technique from Southeast Asia that uses
warm bamboo sticks to knead away muscular tension and torelease stress using peach oil. The rolling and kneading ofFor more information visit
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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bamboo stimulates and heats the body, enhances circulationand dissipates toxins. In China and Japan, the bamboo has
long been believed to have healing properties. Anotherunique body treatment is the hour-long Thermal Candle
Massage. A special oil-infused candle is melted to release thearoma of rose, aloe vera and cotton oils, and is then gently
poured over the skin to melt away tension and to relieve tired,aching muscles.
Whether you embrace the Roman philosophy of healing
or dabble in the Southeast Asian therapies of bamboo
massages, your visit to the thermal springs of Bath will befollowing royal footsteps. The wife of King James II, Mary of
Modena, was unable to conceive an heir, but after taking thewaters in The Cross Bath, she promptly became pregnant
with a son. It was either the thermal waters or the effectof the waters that, according to Roman historian Tacitus,
encourages bathers to be a little flirty!
Queen Anne, who ruled England from 1702 to 1714, visited
Bath to take the waters regularly, seeking a cure for gout.
Her visits prompted the renaming of The New Bath to The
Queen’s Bath.
Once you’re back in your room, light a scented candle andsay a word of thanks to the gorgeous Celtic Roman goddess
Sulis Minerva.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAt Monkey Island
Estate, there areseveral artworks
featuring monkeys,
which are also known
as singerie paintings.

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life featureanenglishqueen,
a p opea nd l o t sof monk e y
mis chief
when gossip and politics
meet at monkey island estate.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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T

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here are many islands on the River Thames inBerkshire, a small well-to-do county on the westernedge of London. Most are small and uninhabited,but one boasts a luxury hotel and a long, remarkablehistory. That island is Monkey Island, near the villageof Bray. There are no live monkeys on the islet, but
the paintings of these primates in various poses in the pavilion arequite infamous. They were commissioned from the French artist
Andien de Clermont in the 18th century and are called singerie
paintings, as the word for monkey in French is singe.
There are several explanations for why it’s called Monkey
Island, but let’s start with the one that’s heavy on political gossip
and light on historical fact.
It’s been said that the island was used by Elizabeth I as a
refuge from plots to kill her during her reign. After the queen
was excommunicated by Pope Pius V in 1570, there were threeattempts on her life. The name of the island may have evolved
from a superstition that if you were touched by a monkey you
would turn into one to keep papist assassins away. Althoughthese Elizabethan intrigues occurred 200 years before themonkeys were painted, it has not prevented mischievous politicalsatirists from using the paintings to mock the Catholic church.
In the painting about fishing, the angling monkeys represent
Queen Elizabeth I’s rule subduing the submissive emissaries ofthe pope, who is represented as a fish. Another picture shows an
animal eating a snake, while the pope’s coat of arms has a snake
symbol; again, this has been read as Elizabeth I demonstrating
her power over the Vatican. The painting with a languid monkey
reclining with a pipe represents Elizabeth’s courtiers, and they
are being rowed by a subservient smaller female monkey dressedin the pope’s colours.
Elizabeth I may or may not have visited the island, but historical
records do confirm that use of the island goes all the way back to
1197. There was an abbey on the island called Monk’s Eyot, withthe word ‘eyot’ being archaic English for ‘island’, and corrupted
into Monkey Island today.
In 1723, the island was bought by Charles Spencer, the 3rdDuke of Marlborough who was a keen angler. He set out to build
his private fishing idyll by commissioning two buildings from
Palladian architect Robert Morris: a two-storey Fishing Temple
and an octagonal Fishing Pavilion. It is in the pavilion that theMonkey Room can be found, where de Clermont paintedmonkeys punting, hunting and fishing.
In the 19th century, the island did enjoy royal visits from King
Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, as well as celebrities suchas opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, poet Siegfried Sassoon,
composer Sir Edward Elgar, and author HG Wells and his on-andoff lover Rebecca West. As Monkey Island can only be reached
by bridge, boat or helicopter, you should plan your own unique,full-service luxury stay before your next visit to the UK.

For more information, please visit www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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life featurea pub crawl
through fires,
plagues and wars
stay at threadneedles hotel for a lesson in history
with pubs as your textbook.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTINTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

an evolving client base of invading Angles, Saxons, Jutes andScandinavian Vikings.
Taverns as early military recruitment centres? Not such abarmy idea, actually. In 1189, Richard the Lionheart used aninn called Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham to recruitsoldiers for his crusade to the Holy Lands. Some taverns
also offered rooms for weary travellers such as merchantsor pilgrims, as written about by Geoffrey Chaucer in his
Canterbury Tales around the 1380s.
Threadneedles Hotel, an elegant Autograph Collection
property, is brilliantly located in the heart of the City of
London, making it an excellent choice if you want to immerse
yourself in the history of the City’s pubs that have survived
fires, plagues and wars over the centuries. Threadneedles
Hotel is a former Victorian bank that has been transformed
into a discreet, boutique-style property, less than a kilometrefrom Tower Bridge and The Shard. Start this historic pub walkfrom the hotel and it will take you to six of the oldest and mostevocative pubs in the Square Mile, all of which have inspired
Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens.

he French have their cafes, Americans theirsports bars and the British have their pubs.
Alehouses, inns and taverns in Britain were
known as public houses, which is where theword ‘pub’ hails from. It’s where village, parish
or town residents gather to relax, drink andforget their worries. History tells us that the British pub actually
started life as an Italian wine bar and dates back almost 2,000
years. Alcohol has been drunk and served throughout the
British Isles in one form or another since the Bronze Age.
However, the origins of what we now recognise as the pub
started to appear during the Roman occupation of Britain andwere known as tabernae or shops that sold wine.
Many of these wine shops were quickly built in AD43
alongside Roman roads and towns to help quench the thirstof the Roman legions. While Romans drank wine, it was alethat was the early Briton’s tipple of choice and these tabernae(where we get the word ‘tavern’ from) quickly adapted toprovide the locals with their favourite drink. These taverns
survived after the Romans left Britain in AD410 and catered to92

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THREADNEEDLES HISTORIC PUB WALK

1. JAMAICA WINE HOUSEST MICHAEL’S ALLEY, CORNHILL,
EC3V 9DS
Start at Jamaica Wine House. It’s not easy
to find, but that makes the challenge moretantalising. Look out for a red stone facadewith dark green-and-black metal window
supports. It was built on the site of London’s
first coffee house frequented by SamuelPepys in 1652 amid a labyrinth of medieval
courts and backstreets near Monument.
Affectionately known as the Jampot, the pub
has historic links with the sugar trade andplantations of the West Indies.

2. THE GLOBE
83 MOORGATE, EC2M 6SA
The second pub is locatednorth of Jamaica Wine
House. The Globe is near
Moorgate and Liverpool Street
underground stations as wellas the Barbican Centre. The
pub is special as it runs along
the line of the ancient Roman
wall and has a breathtaking
rococo exterior. The Globe is
run by Nicholson’s, which has
been managing ale and gin
establishments since 1873.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

3. YE OLDE MITRE
1 ELY COURT, ELY PLACE, EC1N 6SJ
Ye Olde Mitre is often described as the hardest pub to find in
London but here’s a clue, it’s near Hatton Garden. It was built
in 1546 for the servants of the bishops of Ely. Queen Elizabeth
I is said to have once danced around a cherry tree in its backgarden with Sir Christopher Hatton, her Lord Chancellor and aroyal favourite.

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4. CITTIE OF YORKE
22 HIGH HOLBORN, HOLBORN,
WC1V 6BN
Tucked in the heart of London’s legal
quarter, the historic Cittie of Yorke pub
reminds one of a pirate’s galley. Inside you’ll
find a wooden-beam ceiling and a greatiron fireplace in the centre of the room.
The Welsh poet Dylan Thomas apparently
composed an impromptu ode to the pub
when it was called Henneky’s Long Bar.
This has been a pub site since 1430 andwas reconstructed in Victorian times to its
original design.

6. YE OLD WATLING
29 WATLING ST, EC4M 9BR
Your historic pub crawl ends at Ye Old Watling, which basks in the shadeof St Paul’s Cathedral on Watling Street, one of Britain’s greatest arterial
roads of the Roman and post-Roman periods. The pub was burnt down in
the Great Fire of London but was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren in 1668 tohouse his workers and provide somewhere for them to drink. The plans for
St Paul’s Cathedral were drawn up in what is now the dining room of the pub.

Finally, make sure you’ve booked a table at Socialize, the modern British brasserie at Threadneedles Hotel,
as you’re not likely to want to wander far for dinner after ‘researching’ all these pubs.
For more information, please visit www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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5. YE OLDE CHESHIRE CHEESE
145 FLEET STREET, EC4A 2BU
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a rambling,
twisting 17th-century institution and isprobably London’s most famous pub.
Since it was founded, it has hosted literary
greats like Charles Dickens, GK Chestertonand Mark Twain. Although the inside isunassuming at first glance, the uniqueinterior sprawls out over at least four levels,and customers discover new areas at each
visit. Be sure to head down the narrow stairs
to the lower vaults, which are thought tobe even older than the 17th-century upper
storeys. Sadly, the saucy pictures on the tiles
around the fireplace are no longer there.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEa pril show er s a nds a k ur a bl o s s oms
springtime strolls in edinburgh.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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URBAN BLUEBELL DELLS
Take a walk down to the Royal Botanic Garden 30 minutes
away to see its annual daffodil and bluebell displays. Even

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E

bluebells create cerulean carpets. In local folklore, bluebells
that are white and not blue are said to have been visitedby fairies, and they are called fairy flowers. As you would
imagine, the most likely places to see these spring flowers
are in the woods. However, it is possible to enjoy them inthe city as well, even if you’re staying at the centrally locatedGlasshouse Hotel. This Autograph Collection property,
converted from the 170-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church into
a 77-bedroom hotel, is nestled between Edinburgh’s historic
Old and New towns.

very April, a drowsy Edinburgh stirs graduallyfrom its winter slumber. The days are longer,
springtime bulbs poke their heads out of
the earth, pink sprinkles of cherry blossoms
cascade down, and the city celebrates Eastertraditions and holidays. It’s the perfect time tovisit the Scottish capital. At other times of the year, a visitor
notices the elegant, formal neoclassical lines of Edinburgh.
But spring softens the city’s Georgian architecture andpaints it with a watercolour wash.
The earliest Scottish flower to bloom in spring is theblackthorn, with its froth of white blossom. Then, furry silvergrey catkins start to appear on goat willows, followed by thestar-shaped flowers of the wood anemone. In the woodlands,

life feature
closer to The Glasshouse Hotel and a mere 15-minute walkaway is Dunbar’s Close, a wonderful oasis of peace, just off
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Dunbar’s Close was designed in thestyle of a 17th-century garden and its formality is a delightful
canvas to springtime blooms.
To really enjoy all the delights of the 37 acres of the Princes
Street Gardens, allow yourself at least half a day. The gardens
are divided into two parts by The Mound, a man-made hillthat connects Edinburgh’s New Town with Old Town, andwhere the Scottish National Gallery is located. First designed
in 1777, it only took on its current shape in 1820 when the New
Loch, or lake, was completely drained.
Although bluebells are the start of the springtime show
in these urban gardens, there is lots to hear as well. Listen
out for woodland birds singing from the branches. The
blackcap, wood warbler, nightingale and chiffchaff would
have migrated thousands of kilometres to the UK to breed.
Do also look out for other woodland wildflowers among thebluebells, such as the delicate white stars of stitchwort andthe nodding pink spikes of early purple orchids. And there’s
more than just colour as the flowers have a subtle sweet scentas well.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN EDINBURGH
If you think Japan has cornered the market on cherry
blossoms, think again. Edinburgh has its share of sakura

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life featureThis page: The
Glasshouse Hotel’s
77 bedrooms include
the Calton Hill Suite,which has directaccess to the hotel’sroof garden.
Facing page, fromtop: Dunbar’s Close;
Princes Street
Gardens; gorgeouscherry blossoms
in Edinburgh.
Previous spread:
Calton Hill and Royal
Botanic Garden.

beauty as well. One of the things that stands out the mostwhen spring arrives in Edinburgh is the pink buds that takeover the bare trees around the Old and New towns.
For some Instagram-worthy photographs, I recommend
going to Princes Street Gardens to get shots of Edinburgh
Castle and New College on the Mound with a frame of pink
blossoms. Then, head to the Royal Mile at Canongate Kirk
for voluminous cherry blossoms. This 17th-century church isframed by two tall, mature cherry trees.
One of the most spectacular spots to view the blossoms
is The Meadows, where long rows of cherry trees create pinktunnels. The best spot to be is just in front of the green street
sign of Coronation Walk. And if you’re lucky enough to get
access to one of the many private New Town gardens, there
are glorious standalone blossoms to behold.
For great views of cherry blossoms in New Town, look out
for the 46-metre-tall Melville Monument and the buildings
around North St David street in St Andrew Square.

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

99

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINESPRING WEATHER IN EDINBURGH
The springtime weather in the city is a constant surprise,so pack both your wool hat as well as your sunscreen.
The temperature can dip to -2˚ Celsius but then rise to acomfortable 15˚ Celsius with little warning.

GETTING TO THE GLASSHOUSE HOTEL
If you arrive in Edinburgh by the Caledonian Sleeper, thehotel is a short walk from Waverley Rail Station via the
Calton Road exit. If you are arriving by tram, the hotel is justacross the road from the final tram station at York Place.
And if you’re a theatre lover, you will be pleased to find thePlayhouse Theatre right next to the hotel. For those who love
shopping, St James Quarter, a retail galleria on Princes Street
that opened in 2021, is located directly across the road fromthe hotel.

life featurem y girl wit ha pe a rl
a 350-year-old love story witha dutch girl in the hague.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINET

he painting Girl with a Pearl Earring is probably
one of the most visited pieces of art in The
Hague, making it the Dutch Mona Lisa. It was
the inspiration for a bestselling historical novel
by Tracy Chevalier, which in turn was adapted
into a film in 2003. Girl with a Pearl Earring was
painted around 1665 by Johannes Vermeer, one of only 36
paintings (approximately) by one of the masters of the Dutch
Golden Age. However, Vermeer’s reputation languished after
his death for two centuries until the French rediscovered him
in the 1870s.
And just as Vermeer’s work was being appreciated again
from the 19th century onwards, this painting of his walked
onto centre stage at the end of the 20th century. Girl with a
Pearl Earring was chosen as the image for the poster for theblockbuster Vermeer exhibition at the National Gallery of Art
in Washington in November 1995. Since then, she has neverlooked back.

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Girl with a Pearl Earring was at the famous Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam from 10 February to 4 June 2023 as part of thelargest Vermeer exhibition in history. No major Vermeer
exhibition would be complete without Girl with a Pearl
Earring. The British art historian Alastair Sooke has described
the painting in this way: “Swivelling to her left, she glances
suddenly in our direction, her soft face as luminous as themoon in the night sky. She wears a voluptuous blue andyellow turban on her head, while an improbably plump pearl
hangs from her earlobe. A speck of bright moisture adorns
the corner of her mouth, which is open as though she isabout to speak.”To the viewer, it looks as if the girl is about to address you,but as she does not say a word, the spell remains unbroken.
And the viewer remains enchanted forever.

This page,from above:
Girl with a Red Hat
by Johannes Vermeer(circa 1665).
Vermeer’s Girl with a
Pearl Earring(1664 to 1667).
Facing page,from top:
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam presentsa journey through art
and history, from theMiddle Agesto Mondrian.
Of Vermeer’s 37
paintings, 28 could
be seen at the
Rijksmuseum’s
exhibition dedicatedto the artist.

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From February to June 2023, successful entries from the Mauritshuis’ #MyGirlwithaPearl open callare shown in a digital frame in the famous gallery where Girl with a Pearl Earring normally hangs.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Emilie Gordenker, the former director of the Mauritshuis
museum, explained that 17th-century viewers would havelooked at Vermeer’s painting and recognised a type of
picture known as a ‘tronie’. During the Dutch Golden Ageand in Flemish baroque art, a tronie is a study of a head andshoulders dressed in exotic clothing. The exotic element inthis painting is the turban, which gives an oriental frisson to
the canvas, suggesting places far away from western Europe.
It’s worth remembering too that the great Dutch Maritime
Empire began in the early 1600s and lasted until 1750.
Malacca was ruled by the Dutch from 1641, while Indonesia
was colonised by the Dutch East Indies Company in the
1600s, so the exotic was always going to be mysterious andalluring in their art.

To fill the pearl-shaped hole in its heart while Girl witha Pearl Earring is on loan in Amsterdam, her home at theMauritshuis museum in The Hague is featuring art inspired
by Girl with a Pearl Earring and created by fans, which will be
displayed until her return from the Rijksmuseum.
In 2022, the Mauritshuis sent out an open call to reimagine
the 1665 masterpiece with a fun, personal twist. The My Girlwith a Pearl exhibition is the result, and it attracted 3,482
submissions from art lovers everywhere who recreatedthe famous painting in various mediums and materials—
from textiles, glass beads, balloons and flower petals, tobuttons, wood, clay, ceramics, vegetables, shells, Legobricks and even tattoos. Mauritshuis has curated 170 of theserecreations, which made their way to The Hague, and they’re102

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From left:
The Gallery of
Honour within
the Rijksmuseum
showcases
masterpieces by thegreat artists of the
17th century.
The Hague Marriott’s
premier location in
the International
Zone allows thehotel to cater toboth business andleisure guests.
The Hague Marriott’s
Family Room suiteis the perfect choice
for a family break inthe city.

For more information, visit www.thehaguemarriott.com

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now on rotation via a digital frame where their muse usuallyhangs. My Girl with a Pearl is also a clever extension of theMauritshuis’ long-running Instagram series of the same
name, where it collects and showcases all sorts of tributes tothe alluring yet relatable painting.
The Mauritshuis website states: “The presentation My Girlwith a Pearl shows that the girl is recognisable in everything
and everyone. In a son or daughter, in buttons, an iron or justa few swipes of a brush.”
Girl with a Pearl Earring may have a huge reputation
around the world, but it’s actually quite diminutive in size,
measuring only 44.5cm by 39cm. However, if you’re staying
at The Hague Marriott, neither your style nor love of spaceneeds to be cramped. This modern hotel offers the comforts
of a second home, while being located close by to all thecity’s major attractions, including the Mauristhuis andScheveningen Beach.
The Hague Marriott’s Family Room suite is the perfectchoice for a family break in the city. Measuring 46 square
metres, this accommodation features one bedroom with aking bed and a separate living area completely furnishedwith a sofa bed. Spacious in design, the Family Roomaccommodates a maximum of four guests. What’s more,cribs are available upon request.

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

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

gayaislandresort.com

pangkorlautresort.com

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

tanjongjararesort.com

cameronhighlandsresort.com

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

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

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

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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

jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

stripeskl.com

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

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the starhill is the new home of the tastemakers in kuala lumpur that offers the best of experiential
retail in a boutique environment; exuding elegance and a refined home-like ambience infused withwarm hospitality and stylish aesthetics for all its touch points. a fine curation of one-of-a-kindflagship stores of global premium brands in high fashion, timepieces, jewellery, wellness andlifestyle indulgences pair up with the best of international and asian cuisines in cafes, bistrosand restaurants, awaiting all who have a discerning palate for style and taste.

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thestarhilldining.com

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

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

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

thesurinphuket.com

spavillageresort.com

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

majesticmalacca.com

majestickl.com

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

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

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

theglasshousehotel.co.uk

hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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

theacademyhotel.co.uk

monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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

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

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

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

muse-hotels.com

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westinperth.com

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the 368-room westin perth is located in the revitalised east end of perth known as the historic
heart of the city, close to shopping malls, elizabeth quay and the vibrant swan river precinct. thehotel is the cornerstone of hibernian place, featuring a lively and eclectic mix of bars, cafés andrestaurants.

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

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

marriott.com.au/melmc

marriott.com/sydmc

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

brisbanemarriott.com

thehaguemarriott.com

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

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

ritzcarlton.com/higashiyamanisekovillage

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niseko-village.com

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

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AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

AC Hotel Kuantan.

AC Hotel Penang.

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

ac-hotels.com

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PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I GAYA ISLAND I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCA I
KUALA LUMPUR I TEMBOK, BALI I KOH SAMUI I BATH

spavillage.com

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

home of the tastemakers

q&a:andrea destefanis
the italian architect shares some insights into
the starhill’s renovation process undertaken
by his architecture and design firm, kokaistudios.
Words by EUGENE PHUA

to spend time with friends and family. Then, we designed
the interior to be cosy. We used materials and items that areconnected to the hospitality industry, instead of being purely
for commercial use.
YOU MENTIONED THAT THE STARHILL IS MORE OF A
LIFESTYLE SPACE. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?
Lately, online shopping has become popular. For example, in
China a lot of people come to malls not to shop but to meettheir friends and to go to nice restaurants. So that’s why malls
need to become lifestyle places, and to do that, they need tohave a different relationship with the city. In all our projects,
we always try as much as possible to fight the concept of a
traditional mall. We call it the mousetrap: a small entrance,
everything is closed off, you don’t know what time it is, youshop shop shop, and then you leave. We don’t like that.

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WHAT INSPIRED YOU AND KOKAISTUDIOS DURING
THE RENOVATION PROCESS FOR THE STARHILL?
The main inspiration was a conservatory or a winter garden.
It’s an open space with a lot of natural light. We wanted The
Starhill to be strongly connected to the city and we wanted
to bring as much natural light into the space as possible, tomake it a more lifestyle space not only for shopping but also

HOW WAS YOUR WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH YTLDURING THE RENOVATION PROCESS?
It wasn’t really working for somebody but working withsomebody. There wasn’t a traditional architect-client
relationship. We often do renovation projects, and the clientis always very important in these kinds of projects. They know
the building better, all the history and all the secrets. They
know the soul of the building. And right from the beginning,
we were all working together, with other companies as well.
It was clear to everybody that The Starhill needed to change.
And we all agreed that The Starhill should be a place forcommunity, a place to welcome as many people as possible.
We wanted to create a completely different feeling forpeople—almost like it’s their home. It’s more of a place torelax, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy life.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF, NOW THAT YOU’RE
HERE SEEING THE STARHILL AFTER THE RENOVATION?
We design for the people. When you see everybody
wandering around, taking photos or enjoying their time inyour project, that’s what makes me the most proud.

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