HE

Y

T

L

Wedding
Wonderlands

Celebrate your big
day in style andluxury at YTL Hotels’
five-star resorts

Cook Like
A ChefExperience theart of Malaysian
cuisine at Pangkor
Laut Resort

Rainforest
Rituals

Discover the healing
culture of theindigenous Semai
tribe at Spa Village
Cameron Highlands

L

U

X

U

R

Y

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

L I F E

YTL
Tcontents

T H E Y T L L U X U RY M A G A Z I N E

40

Wedding
Wonderlands

Celebrate your ‘Big Day’ in styleand luxury at one of YTL Hotel’s
many five-star Resorts.

YTL

FEATURES
14

Rainforest Rituals
The age-old healing secrets of Pahang’s
Semai tribe can be discovered througha one-of-a-kind treatment at Spa Village
Cameron Highlands.

20 Cook Like a Chef
Wok this way for a Malaysian gourmet
experience like no other that will having
you thinking you might just be the next
Bobby Chinn.

26 A Hands-On

Experience

Rejuvenation and education coalesce as002

the Spa Academy Discovery Path at Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali heals andteaches you how to as well.

H

E

Y

T

L

L

U

X

U

R

Y

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

L I F E

14-47

T

WEDDINGWONDERLANDSCELEBRATE YOUR BIG
DAY IN STYLE AND
LUXURY AT YTL HOTELS’
FIVE-STAR RESORTS

32 Heart & Craft
Tanjong Jara Resort’s HandicraftTour takes culture vultures onan exploratory journey throughthe heartland and heartbeat of
Malaysian handicraft, Terengganu.

38 Unique Unions
Lasting 12 days, a traditional
Peranakan wedding is an affair filledwith symbolism and curious practices.

COOK LIKEA CHEF

EXPERIENCE THE
ART OF MALAYSIANCUISINE AT PANGKORLAUT RESORTRAINFORESTRITUALS

DISCOVER THE HEALINGCULTURE OF THE
INDIGENOUS SEMAITRIBE AT SPA VILLAGECAMERON HIGHLANDS
53386_YTL_COVER K 1

cover credits

17/7/09 5:02:08 PM

Photography Lo @ Untold Images
assisted by Gerard
Styling Yugo Tham assisted by Yuki Wong
Hair & Make-up Tonyyan @ Ivan & Max
Hair Studio
Model Yulia P. @ My Model Management
Shot entirely on location at
The Estates at Pangkor Laut
Model wears Catherine gown, Phoebeheels and chain necklace Justin Yap

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

contents

T H E Y T L L U X U RY M A G A Z I N E

58

48
48-73
STYLE

48 cocktail chic
Elegant party ensembles befitting
the exclusivity of The Estates at
Pangkor Laut.

58 The Spirit ofAdventure

Cosmopolitan luxury and intense pleasure
are the hallmarks of the World of Davidoff.

60 Taking the FallAs temperatures dip and the global
economy still hangs in a balance,
designers show various approaches tofacing both with style.
004

64 Little Pleasures
Diminutive in size but notin craftsmanship andenjoyment.

66 Miracles ina JarForget Botox and having to gounder the knife. Face the battle
against ageing with a new slew ofbottled wonders.

68 Original Odysseys
Four ways to enjoy creative treatments
using unique methods at Spa Village.

64contents

T H E Y T L L U X U RY M A G A Z I N E

REGULARS
08
10
12
84
96

Glory Box
Editor’s Note
The Buzz
YTL Hotels
Viva La Diva!

74

74-83

78

LIFESTYLE
74 Technology
The global recession has compelled
big companies to change the way
they reach out and engage with theircustomers; plus the new Apple phone,
become the Beatles with Rock Band,
foosball is finally ‘art’, a new portableprojector and how we might all soon
be seeing RED people.

76 Design &A SophisticatedTouch
The Armani/Casa 2009-2010 collection
explores understated glamour and
Italian elegance in a celebration of
textures and expert craftsmanship.

80 Dining
The healthy organic food enjoyed at
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is in
the hands of the talented Chef Danny;plus celebrate the Mooncake Festivalwith decadent champagne version at
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s awardwinning Chinese restaurant, Li Yen.

Architecture
A Toronto restaurant decides to go
tongue-in-chick with its design; plus
fill that ‘space’ in your living roomwith the new Kubruck chair, gorgeous
new interpretations of traditional
Japanese chocin lamps and Royal
Selangor introduces a brand new
alloy in a sleek new range.

76

006

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

H

E

Y

T

L

L

U

X

U

R

Y

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

L I F E

YTL
T

editorial director
YTL Hotels Marketing Communications

Management
Chief Executive Officer Datin Azliza Ahmad Tajuddin
General Manager Loo Kit Choong
Editorial & Art
Managing Editor Aster Lim
Editor Eugene Ng
Sub Editor Yung Ro Han	creative director eireen ooi
	art director ng geok mei
	graphic designer penny chew
chief photographer leon bin yee
senior photographer alvin liew
Sales
Account Managers JoJo Wong, Joyce Lee
Production
	senior traffic executive azahari hj. hussain
Contributors
Anis Ramli, Aziz Abdul Draim, Choo Ai Ling, Gerard, Helen Oon,Johnny McGeorge, Kelvin Oon, Lo, Matt Armitage, Ooi Ying Nee,Tan Lee Kuen, Tony yan, Yugo, Yuki Wong
PUBLISHED BY
YTL Hotels
11th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza, 55, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
PRODUCED BY
Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd (Company No. 7408-K)
Lot 7, Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Section 13
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7952 7000 Fax: +603 7960 0151
E-mail: ytllife@bluinc.com.my
COLOUR SEPARATION BY
digiscan services sdn bhd
no. 26, jalan 4/62a, bandar manjalara
52200 kuala lumpur, malaysia.
PRINTED BY
Atlas Cetak (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Wisma Atlas, No. 2, Persiaran Industri, Bandar Sri Damansara
52200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

YTL Supports A
Healthy Planet
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of YTL Corporation. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in YTL LIFE are the writers’ and not necessarily
endorsed by YTL Corporation and/or Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd. They are not responsible or liable in any way for the content in any of the advertisements, articles, photographs orillustrations contained in this publication. Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning advertising and circulation should be addressed to Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd. YTL Corporation and
Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd accept no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and any other such materials. The Editorial Team reserves the right to edit and/or
re-write all materials according to the needs of the publication upon usage. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by suficient return postage.

editor’s noteI have often feltthat the discerning
quality of YTL Hotels
has always been thediversity of what it
has to offer. This is
no generic franchise,
every property is
distinctive and its
character is reflected
not only in its lookand feel but also inthe very experiencethat guests take away. I believe that this is also theappeal that attracts prospective wedding couples toour hotels and resorts.
For here there are no faceless event areas but
spaces infused with the warm personality of ourresorts, coupled with enthusiastic teams that arededicated to crafting personalised experiences for
all, and what is a wedding if not an experience at
the most personal level.

In Unique Unions the 12-day wedding ritual of
the Peranakans, the unique heritage that infuses
The Majestic Malacca, is revealed. Discover how
destination weddings are redefined in Wedding
Wonderlands. Original Odysseys ventures intocreative spa therapies as Spa Village evolves the
spa experience. The skilled artisans and craftsmenof Terengganu, where Tanjong Jara Resort resides,
are explored in Heart and Craft.
As the pace of the world we live in increases, it
becomes harder to take a moment and to reach out
for that authentic experience. Within these pages,
we hope that YTL Life brings it straight to you. To
reveal that a dream wedding is possible without thelogistical nightmare, that the essence of a culture
and craft generations in the making has not been
lost and that perfect rejuvenating spa therapy awayfrom the world is just a decision away.

In this issue of YTL Life we focus on exploring theseauthentic experiences in all forms, from weddings
to ancient craft, in search of that personal touchthat takes any experience to another level.

Authentic
personalised
experiences
await you at YTLLuxury Resorts

010

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

the buzz | ytl news

You Go, Boss! Premier hotel chain The RitzCarlton, Kuala Lumpur has proven yet again that it
isn’t only their guests who are important to them;
but also the people who work for the hotel. The fivestar hotel, known for its stellar butler service, cameout tops in this year’s Hewitt’s Best Employers in
Malaysia (BEM) study for a record third year running.
The hotel also topped the list in 2003 and 2005.
The Hewitt study was conducted between Sept 1 andNov 21, 2008 and involved three surveys of eachparticipating organisation: the CEO/Most Senior
Executive Questionnaire, People Practices Inventory
and Employee Opinion Survey. The study also involved
visits to the organisations for face-to-face interviews
with employees and top management and for survey
data verification. The Hewitt study is in its fourth year
in Malaysia.

It’s Good
to Be
Green YTL
Corporation
Berhad has
once again
made a Top
10 list of green
companies
with green
initiatives
in Malaysia.
The list wascompiled andpublished by
local lifestylemagazine
KLue andhighlights
importantcontributions by giant Malaysian corporations in today’s
global bid to go green. The article highlighted YTL Groupof Companies’ efforts to increase the total amount of
renewable energy generated from 21GWh to 25.8GWh
last year, which equates to almost 39% of their totalenergy use. This in turn has resulted in the decreaseof the company’s total level of emissions: the level ofsulphur dioxide they emit each year has been reducedby over 60% in the last decade. Besides all this, YTL has
also been taking intiatives to clean up rivers using a newtechnology and is involved in the Climate Change Week
initiative. The corporation was also an active participant
in this year’s Earth Hour campaign.

Through Darkness Comes LightYTL Corporation celebrated Earth Hour in grandstyle as it committed more than 20 of its iconic
properties (including its resorts, and commercial
and residential properties) to participate in theunprecented event where millions from all over theworld turned off their lights for one hour startingat 8.30pm on March 30, 2009. The celebration
took on a two-prong attack as Lot 10 held a special
Earth Hour unplugged performance where local pop
group Trez, a cappella outfit 39 and rock band PG165
entertained the gathered crowd. Hannah Lo hosted
the event while other local celebrities StephanieChai, Deborah Henry and Will Quah also showed up
in support. Over at Starhill Gallery, the Tree Theatre
Group initiated the countdown while Sean Ghazi and
Deanna Yusoff performed torch-lit crowd favourites like Louis Armstrong’s It’s a Wonderful World and Dream A Little Dream.
Young environmentalist and performer, Jes Ebrahim also took to the stage singing songs about the environment which he isso passionate about. Before the lights were turned back on, The Five Arts Centre performed a contemporary piece entitled‘Wayang Lampu’. Shook! restaurant also got into the act with a specially-devised Earth Hour menu featuring the freshest
organic foods in honour of Mother Earth.
012

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

ThE World’s
Best! Pangkor
Laut Resort hasdone it again! At
the recent 2009
Small Luxury Hotelsof the World (SLH)
Gala Awards heldat the Salon Opera,
Intercontinental
Paris Le Grand, oneof Malaysia’s mostluxurious resorts
clinched ‘Best Hotel’,a truly distinctive
and exceptional
accolade in the worldof luxury travel. The
award was voted onby members of The
Club of Small Luxury
Hotels of the World(SLH), and granted
to the hotel thatexceeded guests’
expectations through the exceptional delivery of The Club benefits, which left a lasting and memorable impression on theClub members. The exclusive private island Pangkor Laut Resort is not only world-renowned for its two million-year-old
rainforest surroundings and its nod to eco-tourism but also for its attention to detail and the hospitality of its staff.

Spa Hurrahs The luxury spa brandSpa Village continues to fill its ‘trophy’
cabinet when it was recently awarded
two new accolades by two leading UK
magazines, Elle UK and UK Tatler. The
Malay-inspired Spa Village Tanjong Jara
(pictured top right) was described as“luxurious but unpretentious” by Elle
UK as it featured alongside nine otherworld-renowned spas (some in super exotic
locales such as Oman, Halkidiki and Ischia)
in the magazine’s elite “Top 10 Super Spas”
List. Over at the magical island of Bali,
sister property Spa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali cemented its position in the prestigious
UK Tatler Spa Guide’s ‘101 Best Spas in theWorld’, making the list for the second year
running. The guide lists Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali under ‘Natural Wonders andis described as “utterly unpretentious andauthentic, but with a crack team of knowhow therapists and deliciously inventive
food... everything in the spa is 100 per
cent natural while still being wowingly
effective”. Tatler’s Spa Guide is renowned
for its discernment and thoroughness when
researching “the top spas that really work”.
TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ I NE

013

Rainforest
Rituals
The Semai people are one ofthe oldest and most peacefulegalitarian societies in theworld. What other secrets
do these unassuming people
hold? The Cameron Highlands
Resort’s luscious Spa Village
has the answer
by Ooi Ying Nee photos by johnny Mcgeorge

JUST as the world's eclectic cultures andsuperstitions are eroding in the wake ofmodernisation, ancient healing practices areunder threat. Folk medicine as it happens is slowly
being regarded as mere folklore.

photo ytl online library

As these wisdoms fail to transcend generations,botanical remedies for common ailments are now
left to grow unnoticed. Neighbourhood Chinese
medicinal halls, once fixtures in marketplaces, havelong shut down. The rest now cater only to thedwindling few who still believe in these medicinalpractices of yore.
And if ancient healing practices of more establishedcivilisations are being usurped by advancements in
Western medicine and pharmaceuticals, what more
the largely unstudied and disappearing rituals of theSemai people?
The Semai are one of the largest of 18 Orang Asliindigenous minority peoples who called Peninsula
Malaysia home long before the armadas of distant
kingdoms came ashore. Yet there are only about
26,000 Semai left today.

While much of the Semai's culture is widely studied
by anthropologists around the world, this semisedentary people remain as the country's true
hidden secret. Contrary to the "primitive" label thathas long tarnished the reputation of these shy, closeknit people, the Semai are a sophisticated bunch.
For one, they live in an egalitarian society thatespouses gender equality, a concept that otherwise
more "civilised" cultures have lost or haven't yet
grasped. Moreover, in Semai society, a confrontation
is often met with resignation or a shrug. Giving andsharing is pervasive and rarely calculated. Resolutein upholding two primary values — non-violence andsharing — the Semai are also often referred to as
one of the most peaceful societies in the world.
And some anthropologists have even argued that
the Semai's animistic religion may be similar to theprimordial religions that pre-dates, and may havebeen a precursor to, age-old Hinduism.
A Semai man is believed to have once said thatthe land is a "living entity, with spirituality anda sacredness of its own.” His words are not only
profound, but speak great volumes. The Semai

Ingredients usedin the Semai spa
treatment

A doting Semai
father sharing an
intimate momentwith his son
The Spa Village
Cameron Highlands
offers guests a
tranquil ambience
to enjoy its Semaiinspired treatments

may very well be the rainforest's oldest and closest
confidante, holding secrets of Malaysia's 130 millionyear-old tropical Eden. Few, unlike the Semai,
can identify some of 38 different wild species offruitbearing trees and at least 51 species of traditional
vegetables for consumption and cultivation.

The Semai-inspired
treatments at Spa Village
Cameron Highlands
provide a window into thelives of this ancient tribe

Bright colours are often
a hallmark of a Jim
Thompson collection

and much less their in-depth knowledge of thejungle's secrets to health and wellness.
These previously unlocked secrets have neverthelessbeen unearthed at the Spa Village Cameron
Highlands, located at the Cameron Highlands

the semai are not only dependent on
the forest but share a deep
spiritual relationship with it
The Semai are not only materially dependent on theforest but share a deep spiritual relationship with
it. They are known to harvest bark extracts, leaves
and juices for healing rituals. What may seem likejust a shrub or a weed, may in fact be one of the
45 different plants with healing properties known
largely only to them.
There is, perhaps, much we can learn from the
Semai. Despite this, little effort has been made tohighlight the Semai people's culture and traditions
016

Resort. In line with the Spa Village brand's ethos ofhonouring the ancient healing traditions indigenous
to the locale where it operates, holidaymakers
can now experience first-hand the Semai-inspired
beautification and cleansing treatment, “Jungle
Secrets of Anti-Aging For Her.”In more ways than one, the extensive Semai “Jungle
Secrets” package is a unique marriage of opposing
notions. For one, it uses an amalgamation ofingredients from the region that are prized by people
T HE Y T L LU XU RY M AG A Z INE

The Semai folk canbe seen all along theroad up to Cameron
Highlands selling
produce scoured fromthe jungle like honeyand petai

your chest or your abdomen. The spa sojourner will
be apt to find herself in a state of complete
relaxation even before the highlight of the Semai
spa experience commences.

The therapy is very much a
convergence of the old and thenew. It is a modern and luxurious
spa experience that incorporates,
without sacrificing the authenticity
of, ancient Semai beauty regimens.
The treatment draws from the ageold wisdom of Semai midwives,
who apart from helping Semai
women at childbirth, ensurethat the woman's health, beauty
and wellness isn't compromised
soon after.

Living a semi-sedentary life that is exposed to theharsh elements of the rainforest may be hard on the
Semai. But the Semai are certainly no strangers toluxurious massages, which the Spa Village's adept
therapists have mastered.
The massage is unique as it uses a sensual oil
derived from black pepper, tea, jasmine and the
key ingredients found in Semai healing rituals —minjau and patchouli. And the avid spa aficionado
will be able to identify multicultural nuances in its
techniques, be it the long kneading strokes akin to
traditional Malay massages or the Thai technique of
applying pressure to various points of the body.

The half-day spa experience begins
with the Spa Village Cameron
Highlands' signature bath in aporcelain tub brimming with whatsmells like a refreshing vat ofhot lemon tea. The spa therapist
explains that the steamy infusion
is in fact a blend of ginger, kaffir
lime leaves, pandan leaves andtea. The integral Semai ingredient
here is the essense of the Sepang
bark that lends the bath its rusty
red tint. Used traditionally by
the Semai to help new mothers
shape up from the inside out, theantioxidant is prized for its healing
and cleansing properties.

from two very different worlds. One can expect tobe pampered by concoctions of tea — prized by the
English who brought it to Cameron Highlands in thefirst place.
But also, the Spa Village does its best to source thebest ingredients known to the Semai. These elusive
people may have an extensive knowledge bank ofhealing plants, but the fact is supply of these plants
is scarce. Many of these plants are discovered byhappenstance as they grow wild and scatteredthroughout the vast rainforest. Some plants
are even impossible to source. For example,
some Semai healing rituals use the buds of theworld's largest flower, the elusive Rafflesia.
Although the blooms are indigenous to the region,
they should be gazetted, if they aren't already, as
endangered species.
018

And solitude seems to be the common element atplay here. Instead of being rushed off to anothertherapy, the Spa Village invites its guests to takea moment to lay on the lounge, accompanied only
by a luscious heated pillow comfortably placed on

The sybaritic “Jungle Secrets” therapy promises
to invigorate the five senses and elicit a spiritual
rejuvenation that is nonpareil. Without a doubt, theSemai spa experience is a boon to the weary soul, aperfect pampering for the woman wanting to escapethe heat, dust and the bustle of the inner city below
the verdant, highland plateau this resort calls home.
But ultimately, the greatest luxury the therapy
affords is the opportunity to be let in on the little
known secrets of the Semai people and the ancientjungle in which they live.

There is no better way to experience the diversity of Southeast Asia's age-old healing rituals and bouquet oftherapeutic botany than a day at one of the six Spa Villages in the region. Renowned for its stellar menu ofdelectable spa offerings that espouses the healing culture of the locale, no one Spa Village encounter is thesame. With therapies that promise to heighten your virility or purify the mind, you would be hard-pressedto find a therapy that didn't tickle your fancy or pique your curiosity.

While soaking, guests are given
a tray of sugar and honey scrub
meant to exfoliate the skin and a
spreadable tea and honey pastethat serves as a face mask.

The signature bath is a beautifully sensual
experience that is the pinnacle of the spa's offerings.
This is exactly how the Spa Village has ratched up
its luxury quotient that has earned it a handsome
array of international awards. Quite unlike a dip in
any urban spa, the Spa Village's therapeutic bathis an intensely personal experience that allows its
guest to soak in complete solitude — away from thepitter patter of other guests and even the eyes of
the attending therapist. The bathing experience not
only soothes the tired body, but calms the mind.

If a guest opts for an afternoon spa session, she will
ultimately emerge from the spa just when the sunsets, leaving a vestigial vermillion hue in the sky.
She will then be left to soak in the tranquility ofher very own spa pavilion surrounded by the frosty
mountain air and end her pampering experience ona refreshing note — with helpings of Spa Village's
secret anti-aging Fountain of Youth brew.

More local delights

Penganten Melukat
Traditionally used to prep the bride for her wedding day, this Balinese body cleansing therapy begins
with the Mewangsul, the island's indigenous massage followed by the Meodak body scrub. The treatment
continues with a moisturing slather of Empehan (fresh milk) and an indulgent Mersiram Sekar (floralbath). Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali; www.spavillage.com
Peranakan Signature Experiences
Enjoy the healing heritage of the Baba-Nyonya, Malaysia's uniqueSino-Malay people. Moulded around a person's cool or warm energies,
this therapy combines age-old remedies using indigenous ingredientsthat are believed to cleanse and reinvigorate. Take for instance theMalacca Palm-Sugar and Honey Body Scrub, which helps replenish
the vitamins and minerals needed to heal dry skin. Or the Shiok Shiok
Sejuk experience that incorporates the hardboiled Egg Rolling Therapy(believed to settle hyperactivity and reduce swelling) and a yummy anti-inflammatory Cucumber Aloe
wrap. Spa Village Malacca; www.spavillage.com
photo ytl online library

A view of theexterior of the
Spa Village
CameronHighlands

Soon after, the guest will be treated to a delectable
top-to-toe, warm body scrub of ground rice, green tea,jasmine and ginger. To allow the skin to absorb thehealing properties of the scrub's fresh ingredients,
she will then be wrapped up in an intimate cocoon
made of layers of warm towels, as part of a therapy

reminiscent of the Semai's body binding ritual.
The puriying effect of the exfoliant is so
immediate, leaving the skin moisturised and refined,that it will surely put most commercial beauty
scrubs to shame.

T HE Y T L LU XU RY M AG A Z INE

Traditional Royal Malay Treatment
Indulge in this regal Spa Village encounter that caters to the different needs of men and women. The man
can look to improve valour and virility with the Hang Tuah traditional Malay facial and body massage.
While the woman deserves nothing less than the Tun Teja body massage and beauty scrub that are
indulging and fit for a princess. Together they will then relax in a herbal bath in their private garden, before
receiving a typical Malay therapy — scented body steaming that uses specially blended oils. Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur; www.spavillage.com

THE Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ INE

019

Cook
Like
A ChefLearn to cook
the Malaysian
way at Pangkor
Laut Resort’s
Chef's Kitchen
Experience,a culinary
adventurethat will haveyou not only
manning thestoves but
catching yourown dinner too
byTan Lee Kuen

photo ytl online libraryphotographs by Kelvin Oon

W

e stood on the rickety
wooden planks of thefishing farm watching
Hilde struggle with
her line. "Lean inand let the line go
slack," said Chef
Dolis. "Then pull up
and start reeling itin." Hilde did as instructed and sure enough, she wassoon bringing in her catch, a small red snapper.
Hilde and Chef Dolis were part of a jaunty group out
catching their own lunch as part of the Chef's Kitchen
Experience at Pangkor Laut Resort. The growing
popularity of culinary travel had prompted the
Resort's Executive Chef Suni to create an exclusive
dining experience at the Resort. The resulting Chef's
Kitchen Experience is a gastronomical and pamperingexperience for the holidaymaker looking for a taste of
local life through its food. Malaysians are rightly proudof their culinary heritage which is rich, flavoursome
and varied, and guests at the Resort have a chance
to learn to cook Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine inhalf-day classes with breakfast, lunch and a massage
thrown in for good measure.
The programme, now into its second year, has provenpopular with guests. Keira Knightley has participatedin it – two framed photographs of the actress smiling
beatifically with the chefs hang on the wall of the
Chef's Dining Room.

enough food for a party with much larger appetites
than ours.
After breakfast, we were whisked away on a
speedboat to the fishing farm. Along the bumpy way,
we stopped by the corals to feed the fish and watch
other tourists' attempts at snorkelling in a rather
crowded bay of boats. The fishing farm on Pangkor
Island is a quaint little number sitting about 200
metres from the beach. It floats on a crisscross ofwooden planks, each box with a net full of fish, anda wooden hut in which the workers hide from thescorching sun. Ten wolf-like dogs roam the floating
mass. The dogs were reared and live on the farm,
fearful of neither water and people. Everyone had a
hand in fishing, and our haul for the day was three
red snappers and two garoupas, all of which would beserved up later for lunch.
By now the sun was beating down mercilessly andwe were rather glad to hop back on the boat andreturn to the Resort. The main portion of the day's
experience was conducted in a little purpose-built
outdoor kitchen in the Feast Village. Placemats
and folders with the day's recipes were arranged
in a semi-circle before a stove top; aprons andhead scarves were thoughtfully laid out on the chairsfor participants.
Our first lesson for the day was the preparationof 'Soto Ayam', or spicy Malay chicken soup. The
essence of Malay cooking, and much of Asian

The chef's kitchen experience is a
gastronomical and pampering experience
for the holidaymaker looking for ataste of local life through its food

The day started at 8.30am with a hearty breakfast
which included toast, eggs, sausages, fried noodles,
crepe accompanied by strawberries, salmon canapé
and all sorts of pastries. The chefs went the wholenine yards with breakfast and certainly there was022

cooking, is the intensive preparation of ingredients.
The preparation of the soup alone involves 11 herbs
and spices, including lemongrass, cumin, coriander
and turmeric.
Herbert and Hilde started the show with Chef Ali andan assistant Malay chef hovering over them dolingout instructions. With the ingredients beautifully
prepared for us, they could get right down to cooking
and it wasn't long before the fragrant smell of sautéed
spices wafted in the air, whetting our appetites. There
were plenty of laughs as Herbert played comedic
sidekick to his wife who was expertly working theT H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z INE

feast village photo ytl online library

There were no celebrities the day I participated, but
two lovely couples up for a bit of fun and laughter –Herbert and Hilde from Austria and Jason and Anna
from the UK. The cuisine was Malay, and our guiding
chefs were Chef Ali Harun and Chef Dolis. Both chefs
had been with Pangkor Laut Resort for well over 10
years, and were amiable and friendly.

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z INE

023

ladle and it wasn't long before we were tucking into
the clear, spiced soup.
After the light meal, we had an hour's break, andit was off to the calm oasis of the Spa Village fora massage. The massage given is according to themenu of the day, and today we were treated to a
Malay massage, which is all about long, soothing
strokes. I fell asleep, and woke up feeling much too
relaxed to want to cook, but we still returned to the
kitchen to prepare the main dishes.

European and Asian cooking, and the easy availabilityof Asian ingredients in Europe these days. "You canenjoy home-cooked Malay food at home now," Anna
said playfully to Jason. They both live an hour awayfrom London.
Over dessert, Chef Watanata, the executive chef of the
Resort's other restaurant, The Straits, graced us with afruit carving demonstration. The Thai chef regaled us
with stories of her fruit cutting apprenticeship as wellas the tips and techniques of her trade, all the while...the salty air was making our stomachs
growl as we sat down to lunch on food
we prepared ourselves
For the main courses, we cooked up the chilli paste
for the grilled fish (which was prepared by theprofessionals) and ‘Rendang Ayam’ (chicken rendang).
Chicken rendang is a richly flavoured Malay dry curry,
seasoned with a wonderfully fragrant mix of exotic
spices, coconut, lemongrass and lime leaves. Anna
and Jason had their turn behind the stove, working
under Chef Ali's instructions.

carving and scraping away at a large papaya with a tiny
sharpened fruit knife. The result was a delicate orange
and green crysanthemum.

By lunchtime, the aroma of the food and the salty
air were making our stomachs growl a little. We
were not disappointed with lunch and sat down to ascrumptious meal of food we had prepared ourselves
and the fish we had caught earlier prepared by the
kitchen. The participants laughed and talked over fish– steamed, grilled, fried and raw – and the chicken
rendang. Talk turned to the difference between"I really enjoyed the day. It was a wonderful way toexperience a little bit of the local culture through its
food," said Hilde and it was with warm smiles and afull stomach that the little group walked away, taking
with them a slice of local life.

That shaping of the flower signalled the end of
the Chef's Kitchen Experience and as the groupdisbanded, certificates of participation were handed
out to our delighted little group.

For enquiries on the Chef's Kitchen Experience, call+603-2783 1000

Chicken Soup/Soto Ayam
Ingredients:• 400g raw chicken bones• 150g chicken meat
• 1ltr water• 40g onions• 30g shallots• 15g garlic• 20g galangal,
peeled, sliced• 1 stalk lemongrass,bruised and tough outerleaves discarded• 3 pcs lime leaves• 50g potatoes, cubed• 50g carrots, cubed• 1 tbsp chopped fresh
coriander/cilantro roots
024

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z INE

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z INE• 1 pc cinnamon stick• 8 pcs cardamom seeds• 5 pcs star anise• 3 pcs cloves• 30g coriander powder• 20g cumin powder• 10g fennel powder• 10g turmeric powder• 20ml oil• Salt and pepper

For garnish:• Quartered tomatoes• Sliced spring onion• Fried shallots• Coriander sprigs• Lime wedges

Method:1. Boil water, then add
chicken bones to makechicken stock. Simmer
for 20 minutes thenstrain, discard bones andreserve stock.
2. In an electric mixer,
blend the onion, shallots,
garlic and ginger to asmooth paste.
3. Heat the oil in a pot
and sauté the blended
paste together with thelemongrass and galangal
at medium heat.

4. When fragrant,
add cinnamon stick,cardamom seeds, staranise, cloves, coriander,
cumin, turmeric andfennel powder. Add alittle bit of water to makea loose paste.
5. Stir until mixture
is even, then add lime
leaves, potatoes, carrots
and chopped coriander
roots. Simmer for 20
minutes.
6. Garnish, serve hot,then enjoy.
025

A Hands-On
Experience
Immersing himself
in the Spa Village
Resort Tembok,
Bali’s signature‘Spa Academy
Discovery Path’,Matt Armitage
Not Only Learns
How to performthe ‘effleurage’ on
his wife, but Also
discovers just how
deeply the Balinese
way of life haS
permeated the very
core of this fivestar spa resort
all images ytl hotels

O

f all the trends in travelling,
cultural tourism has been
one of the most rapidly
expanding areas of recent
years. While the benefits ofthis kind of trip are obvious– you get a more authentic
snapshot of the way othercultures live – it doesn’t
always fit the bill. The adventure and exploration
sound nice but sometimes you want to kick back andmake the most of the touches and facilities that aluxury resort brings. Fortunately it doesn’t have to bean either-or decision.
As my wife and I found, properties like the Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali give you the best of both worlds.
A small and intimate boutique resort in the Balinese
village of Desa Tembok with just 27 rooms, two suites
and two private villas, it’s a low-key, relaxing retreat
on the quiet and relatively undisturbed north-east
coast of the island, nestling in the shade of theimposing Mount Agung.
And w i th a staff largely
recruited from Tembok andits surrounding villages, theResort and its guests arevery much connected to thistraditional community. Almost
every family seems to havesome connection to the Resort,whether it be as supplier offresh fish, parent to a memberof staff, or nephew or niece ofsomeone working there.
A walk along the black volcanic
sand of the beach behind the
Resort at daybreak and sunset
is always accompanied by anendless procession of smiling
friends, cousins, brothers andsisters on their way to fish or tofavourite swimming spots. Add
to that the concerted effort ofthe staff to learn every guest’s
name and after a day or two
you feel like you’ve been part ofthis extended family for years. It
seems to be part hotel policy
and part of the openness of
the Balinese people.
Beyond the tree-lined gates028

of the Resort, people carry on living in much thesame way as they always have. Chickens and otheranimals wander through gardens and across roads.
Old ladies sit on their porches watching the day pass
by. Fishermen winch their boats in and out of the
rocky surf.
And even if you don’t venture too far from the
Resort grounds, everything has been done to weave
the Spa Village experience and Balinese culture
together to give each guest a unique tailor-madeexperience. Take time out from the pool or thebale to learn how to make the intricately woven‘ canang’, a traditional handicraft made fromyoung coconut leaves. This is the method used to
produce the extremely complicated woven ducks
that the housekeeping staff place on your bed in
the evenings.
It’s the same story at the Wantilan Restaurant where
Chef Danny Lau puts together daily menus madefrom that morning’s fresh local ingredients andalways includes a number of local dishes like ‘bakso’– a light beef broth – amongst the options to give
guests a chance to taste the hot and spicy food thatis quintessential to this part of the world.
We chose to start our first day with an introduction
to ‘pencak silat’ – a centuries-old Indonesian martial
art that is an alternative to yoga – and watched as
the fishermen took their ‘jukong’ boats out for themorning catch. Having the instructor to ourselves
was just one element of the highly personalised
experience that lies at the heart of the Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali philosophy.
This customised approach is evident even before youreach the Resort. Guests are asked to choose between
one of four of the Resort’s signature ‘Discovery
Path’ experiences – Balance, Creativity, Vigour andSpa Academy – and a tailor-made programme is put
together and presented to them on arrival as theyreceive their welcome shoulder and neck massage.
‘Balance’ is about relaxation and centres on spa
treatments and the space you need for reflection.

‘Creativity’ sets you on a path to experience therich cultural history of the island with an insight into
many of its arts and crafts conducted by the resort’s
own staff; and ‘Vigour’ is for those who want amore energetic experience, with yoga and ‘silat’
sessions as well as hill treks, snorkelling, diving andcycling all available.
We had decided on the more immersive Spa Academy
experience, hoping to experience the Resort’s worldrated spa and get to its core with a five-day Balinese
massage programme. The Resort already contains
a training facility for YTL’s own spa assistants
and personnel, and a special Balinese massage
programme is also open for professional massage
therapists who want to master its gentle techniques.
So, according to the Resort’s Resident Manager,
it seemed like a natural progression to make thatteaching expertise available as a service to guests.
Our seven-day, six-night Spa Village Academy package
included 20 hours of private tuition in Balinese
massage (though other options can be requested)According to Ely, the palm slide helps to increase theelasticity of the skin and helps your subject to relax as
deeply as possible. That much of the work in Balinese‘urut’ is done with this movement explains why it’s soeasy to fall asleep during the massage and wake up
feeling invigorated rather than as though someone
has been performing exploratory intra-muscularsurgery with their thumb.
My favourite movement was the effleurage, a gentle
stroking technique that helps to release the ‘aaahs’and ‘ooohs’ from the ‘patient’ and is used to bookend
the proper work on each section of the body. Whilesome of the terminology can sound a little clinical– Ely trains professionals, after all – all these little
actions with a partner are incredibly intimate, as mynot ordinarily overly romantic wife duly noted.
With a flourish of effleurage from the base of mywife’s spine and up to her shoulders and under her
collarbone I proceeded, directed by Ely, to my first
proper palm slide up her spine along the left shoulder
and down the upper arm while my left hand rests atthe base of the spine.

as well as a daily 50-minute spa treatment, so thatyou can relax and unwind and experience the way theprofessionals do it.
Unlike the course for therapists, it is aimed at couples
that are absolute beginners and concentrates onpractical, hands-on sessions rather than classroom
lectures on physiology.
And the lessons begin...
Admittedly, our first session was a little bit daunting,and it was coin-toss time to decide who’d strip
off and lie down first. Although four hours oftuition a day sounds quite gruelling for a holiday, it’sreally just you touching your partner for a couple ofhours before swapping roles. Fortunately, our able
expert Ely quickly put us both at ease and got goingwith the demonstration.
Balinese massage is quite gentle compared to manyof the ‘urut’ (traditional massage) strains in Indonesia
and consists mainly of gliding strokes and pressure
applied with the base knuckle of the hand. And while
Ely made it look easy, applying the homemade Istri oil(which means woman in Indonesian) made of ylang
ylang and pandan to my wife’s back and sliding both
palms in graceful arcs up her back, when I tried the030

same thing it was more wrench than glide.
The trick, as I learned, is actually in the stance.
Standing more or less sideways on to the massage
table and swivelling at the hips with your knees bent
allows your body weight to guide the motion smoothly.
Another key is to always keep at least one hand inconstant contact with your partner throughout themassage, as it maintains the feeling of togetherness
and intimacy throughout the session.
It’s also a lot more complicated than just sliding yourhands round. Ely made it look easy by demonstratinga basic Balinese massage to me on my wife, explaining
what she was doing and what each movement wascalled at every juncture. As we realised, it’s not reallya formal learning process: the sessions are taken at
your speed, according to your knowledge and fitnesslevel, and, of course, the amount of ‘modelling’ yourpartner is prepared to endure.
Once the demo was over and my wife fairly glowing
with pleasure and relaxation, it was my turn to lay
the hands on and get to work. The first thing that Ely
taught me, after adjusting my appalling posture, wasthe different movements needed in Balinese massage,
the most important of which is the palm slide.
THE YTL LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

(the muscle healing and repairing drink taken after eachtreatment), we quickly developed a new appreciation
for the levels of preparation, skill and effort all the Spa
Village treatments actually take.
So, over the next few days we ran through the arms,
legs (front and back), stomach and the all-importanthead and shoulders section by section before trying
to weave them all together and perform the allimportant solo massage on day five. By day four wewere both able to pretty much run through the wholething with minimal guidance from Ely, and by day five
we could both execute a pretty good if not exactly
spa standard massage.
While we felt quietly pleased with ourselves, we were
not expecting the genuinely touching reception thatawaited us at Taman Gili, the resort’s laidback chillout area by the Wantilan Restaurant. Ely and manyof the other staff members who had helped make ourstay so memorable were waiting to toast our successwith canapés and cocktails.
Did this experience help improve our knowledge of

Through the explanations of theBalinese massage we begin to understandthe gentle spirituality that permeates
throughout the culture
As I was nervous about the amount of pressure toexert, Ely counselled caution: areas like the spine
can be damaged by too much or inappropriate force.
Then, with an almost kneading motion Ely had me
lift the flesh along the side and the belly in smoothhorizontal movements towards the spine.
It may sound simple but the real trick is in seamlessly
running the different movements together so thatit feels like a continuous flow rather than a seriesof disjointed actions. But what really put it into
perspective were the afternoon spa treatments.
As the week progressed we began to better understandthe care and attention that went into making the
massages and other treatments an enjoyable experience
for the guest, as well as the physical demands it placeson the Spa Village therapists. And with extra lessons inmaking the ‘boreh’ (the almost edible body scrub madefrom rice, cloves, ginger and galangal) and the ‘jamu’
THE YTL LU XU RY M AG AZ I NE

Balinese culture? Certainly, it was deepened by theamount of contact we’ve had with Tembok villagers like
Ely. Through the explanations of the Balinese massage
we began to understand the gentle spirituality thatpermeates the culture; through the ‘jamu’ and ‘boreh’
making sessions we began to understand the foodsof the culture, whose ingredients are reflected by thefood served at the Resort.
We met fishermen, labourers, shopkeepers and villageelders. We had long conversations with at least adozen members of the Resort staff and got to be on
first name terms with around 30 of them. Everyone didtheir utmost to provide us with the most pleasurable
holiday experience we could imagine; not in that ultraefficient way, but with gestures like hand-signed cards
on the bed. So, when we left the following morning
for the spectacular trip to the airport at Denpasar
via Ubud we hoped we left as friends as muchas guests.
031

HeartandCraft
At Tanjong Jara
Resort, guests get
to luxuriate in
the classic Malayarchitecture of
the Resort. But
they Can also
experience it firsthand through A
Handicraft Tour
which takes themon an explorationof Terengganu'sfinest artsand craftsby

Tan Lee Kuen

photographs by Kelvin Oon

The reception at
Tanjong jara Resort isinspired by royal Malayarchitecture

Terengganu's position in theheartland of Malay culture has
blessed it with an abundanceof traditional arts and crafts.
Together with Kelantan up north,Terengganu is home to some of
the country's finest craftsmen,
which means that visitors to theregion can find a concentrated
array of exquisite crafts in wood, metal or cloth.
The craftsmen of East Malaysia are schooled in the
traditional style by being apprenticed to a master. In
most cases, knowledge is handed down through thegenerations of families specialising in a certain typeof craft.

The prevalent crafts are dictated by the available
local resources and Terengganu has a good supplyof solid wood and copper, making it ideal for excellent
woodwork and brassware. One particular type ofwood, 'cenggal', is excellent for boat-making as it
is tough, and water- and mould-resistant. As such,
Terengganu is especially famous for its woodwork,
primarily in making boats. And when the monsoon
season comes, fishermen unable to go out to sea
offer their woodworking skills, providing the industry
with an abundant supply of skilled carpenters.
Then there's also songket , an intricate brocade
painstakingly woven with gold or silver threads,
another speciality of the state. This cloth used to be
the exclusive reserve of royalty, but is now commonlyworn on auspicious and ceremonial occasions.
Due to its close proximity to these skilled craftsmen,
the architecture and interior design of Tanjong Jara

Resort reflects the elegance of ancient Malay palaces.
So authetic is its design that the Resort actuallyscooped the Aga Khan Award for Architecture. In fact,
the work of skilled local craftsmen can be spotted allover the Resort. While on languid walks, keep an eye
out for the eaves, which are usually cut out in thesimplified shape of the clove spice, a common pattern
in Terengganu. Eaves hide the edge of the roof andprevent rain from spilling indoors. The criss-crosspattern over the windows is a ventilation feature ofvernacular architecture called 'sarang', or nest, andwas a traditional way of cooling the house before airconditioners became the norm.

Handicraft Tour, led by the knowledgeable Captain
Mokh., also the resident naturalist at the Resort. The
full-day tour is conducted in Marang, Pulau Duyong
and the state's capital city, Kuala Terengganu.
Guests are given an insight into local life as theymeet the individual craftsmen and hear their stories
whilst witnessing them at work. Captain Mokh., anentertaining host with lots of interesting stories totell himself, acts as translator.
The tour kicks off in Marang, a district famous for its

the individual blades. The price of a complete 'keris'
starts from RM500 and can spiral up to more thana thousand Ringgit. According to the craftsman, F1
superstar Michael Schumacher acquired a Malaysian'keris' on his last visit to Terengganu.
A more feminine craft would be batik designing andprinting and for this guests are taken to the Noor Arfa
Arts Complex. In true entrepreneurial spirit, Noor
Arfa, a husband and wife team, transformed itself
from a small shop in Terengganu into a mammoth

The keris was the weapon of choice forancient malay warriors, and walking aroundwithout one was akin to walking naked

Patrons of the Spa Village Tanjong Jara are given
pretty batik sarongs as gifts, while the relaxation
hut within the spa's walls hides an array of local
handicraft on display. Admire the wooden cupboard
with carved fish ornamenting its doors or thecompartmentalised cupboard, a replica of a traditional
piece of furniture found in the royal palace. The
brass serving tray and teapot is also another local
speciality, as is the ornate spice holder. In the library
sit two antique musical instruments, testament to thefine craftsmanship of Terengganu.

seafood (a sculpture of a lobster and squid peeking
out from a bowl graces the town centre) and its'mengkuang' (screwpine leaf) products. Guests willvisit the Lamaka trading centre, which is part of thegovernment's One District, One Product campaign
whose aim is to rejuvenate local handicrafts. Weaving'mengkuang' has provided housewives around thearea with much-needed income as they transform theleaves into bags, gift boxes, photo frames and such,
which the centre will sell on their behalf. 'Mengkuang'
grows wild in the jungles of Terengganu aroundbodies of water, and villagers supply the leaves.

Most spectacular of all is the grand reception area of
the Resort. This area, with its pitched wooden roof
and intricate latticework, was modelled after theBalai Rong found in old Terengganu palaces. The roof
was especially commissioned and took five months tobuild, making for an impressive entrance.
In the interest of promoting local handicraft throughexperience, Tanjong Jara Resort offers its guests a

feast tanjong jara resort architecture photo ytl hotels

The Resort's Anjung
Suite reveals intricatearchitectural details
such as the eaves of
the roof

The next stop on the tour is the 'keris' blade maker,
who works in a little brick and zinc hut by the sideof the road where the sounds of hammer against
metal ring out in the air. Inside, you will find Pak Azmi
and his nephew sweating over their work beside afiery furnace, each pounding alternately on a sliverof metal made up of a mix of iron, copper and lead.
The 'keris' was the weapon of choice for ancient
Malay warriors, and in those days, walking aroundwithout one was akin to walking naked. The 'keris'blade is blunt, and death is caused by the poisonouscomposite of the blade. These days, the 'keris' hasa purely ceremonial and decorative function, and
Pak Azmi is one of only four remaining blacksmiths
specialising in 'keris' blades in Terengganu.
The hilt of the 'keris' is made by craftsmen of anotherfamily who also work in a little shack outside theirhome. In this workshop, soot is replaced by wood chips
and hammer with chisel. Three male generations sit
in one shack, patiently carving and chipping away
at the wood to fashion smooth, curved hilts (which
are sometimes gilded with gold) and holders for
TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z INE

Weaving 'mengkuang'is a popular handicraft
industry in Malaysia's
East CoastMore Malay
design influences
can be seen
all around the
Resort, such as
this cupboard in
the Spa Village

Keris makers
hard at work intheir workshop

complex that houses a garden resplendent withgorgeous water features and a café to boot. The twostorey building has a shop on the first floor, while
batik-printing, 'songket'-weaving, basket-making andglass-crafting demonstrations are held on the lower
floor. It is not uncommon for visitors to order batik to
be shipped back to their homes.
The Resort's
resident batik
expert sketchinga turtle
The famous
boatmakers of
Terengganu

Batik is a wax-resist dyeing technique used on textile,
done by hand using a pencil-shaped 'canting' or byusing brass blocks to replicate patterns. In comparison
with Indonesian batik, Malaysian prints are brighterand more colourful. The more popular motifs arefloral or geometrical, as the Islamic religion forbids
the depiction of animals in decoration. A reviving
interest in batik over the last few years has helped
increase its profile, and Malaysian batik designs havefound their way into Italian fashion collections.
Next on the list is Pulau Duyong, a little island off
the coast of the state capital Kuala Terengganu andhome to the boat makers of Terengganu, who wererecently the subject of a moving and educational
one-hour documentary on The Discovery Channel.
Boat making in Terengganu has a long history, andwas largely influenced by Chinese boat-builders on
ships en route to the ancient trading port of Malacca.
Terengganu boat makers are some of the finest in
the world and Pak Haji Dollah is the acknowledged
master. The octogenarian does most of his work in his
head, without needing to put any sort of blueprint on
paper. His boats are the stuff of legends. It takes him
up to three years to finish a small yacht, and uponcompletion it can cost than a million Ringgit. Students
from the local university take up apprenticeships at
his shipyard, ensuring that younger generations will
carry on his legacy.

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z INE

A close-up
view of the hiltof a keris

Finally, after a quick lunch, the last stop of the tour
is at the brass-maker, working hard in a nondescript
workshop in Kuala Terengganu. While silver is thought
by Malaysian royalty to be the symbol of wealth andpower, brass is the metal of the common people. The
craft in Malaysia dates back to 500 B.C. during the
Dong Son period, and it is believed that immigrants
from South China were the ones who brought along
their brass-making skills to Malaysia when they set
up home on the East Coast. Brass goods range frompots, pans and kettles to vases, bowls, candelabras
and musical instruments, and are still popular with
Malay households today.
Terengganu is so much more than just beautiful
beaches, breathtaking islands and the famous Rantau
Beach turtles. With so much exquisite traditional
handicraft as part of ot its tourism repertoire, visitors
can easily take a little bit of Terengganu back homewith them: a lingering memory of their visit to this
idyllic and intensely cultural part of Malaysia.

For enquries on Tanjong Jara Resort's Handicraft Tour,call +603-2783 1000037

Unique Unions

the couple’s lunar birth dates), the marriage would becalled off with no ill-will between the two families.
• Four days before the wedding is ‘Hari Kupas Bawang’(Onion Peeling Day), when friends and relatives gather
to peel onions and garlic that will be used to cook andgarnish the food served during the wedding. There is alsoa ‘Hari Menyambal’, when as many as 20 sambals areprepared to represent the harmony of the impending
match, and also a ‘Hari Tumbok Tepung’ (The Day The
Flour is Pounded) where rice is sifted, sorted, soaked
then milled and pounded in wooden mortars.

The Peranakans traditionally celebrate marriage withelaborate customs and rituals which are all but almost
lost today. YTL Life delves into some of the more curious
and interesting practices of the Baba-Nyonya ‘Kahwen
Dua Belas Hari’ (12-Day Wedding) celebrations EUGENE NG
bymatchmakers, an archaic mantle few are keen to takeon now.

• The actual 12-Day Wedding ceremony begins after all

guests have left the wedding banquet. The ceremony
is called ‘Cheo Thau’ (Initiation Ceremony) and is
the most sacred. Offerings, prayers and rituals are
performed. The bride and groom also dress in whitesuits, which will not be washed or worn again until
each is eventually buried in them at their deaths.

Here is a potted guide to some of the more interesting
long-lost facts about the traditions and beliefs involvedin Peranakan marriages:• Matchmaking was the norm in the past and thebride and groom usually didn’t meet until the dayof the wedding. In the past, boys who protested too
vehemently at this permanent ‘blind date’ have been
known to be disowned while girls escape with at mosta pinch or a slap.

• A Peranakan bride’s wedding ensemble can weighas much as 5 or 6 kilogrammes and features lots ofjewellery. The Peranakans are known for their affinity
for ornamentation and lavishness.
• A ‘Jia Zhuang’ (Wedding Trousseau) is presented tothe daughter of a Peranakan family by her parents.
The gift items vary depending on a family’s financial
status. In those days where assets and heirlooms
were inherited only by sons, these gifts were a way of
distributing some of the family wealth to the daughters.

• Peranakan families are matriachal so it was usually

the husband who stayed with the wife’s family after
the marriage. It is, however, also surmised that thispractice stemmed from the fact that most of thegrooms were immigrants and so had no family homein this country.

cultural heritage. The ceremony is Chinese in rituals,
attire and practices, while the Malay influence can beseen in the form and manner of the language used,similiar in the way Malay elders phrase their words
during matchmaking (called ‘pantun’ which means
using Malay in a lyrical manner).

038

In the traditional Peranakan ceremony, the ritual is called ‘The Berandam’, where
the bride’s hair is groomed and trimmed and her fringe tied into tiny tufts at bothsides of the forehead with either a white or red ribbon (symbolising purity andluck respectively). It is usually performed by the mistress of ceremonies and it isbelieved that she was able to tell if the bride-to-be was still a virgin. If the hairalong the forehead tended to curl and did not respond to the comb, it signified thatthe girl was “experienced”. Some Nyonya brides choose to retain these tufts as asymbol of their virginity until they gave birth to their first child.
Spa Village Malacca has adapted this ritual focusing on the cleansing and massaging of the hair and scalp
along with the gentle combing of the hair. From a therapeutic standpoint, this process removes dead hairand helps unblock hair pores while the scalp massage invigorates, improves blood circulation and releases
tension in the scalp. All this is done while you lie back, relax and recline in a comfortable chair while
watching black and white re-runs of classic P. Ramlee movies, the 1960s Malaysian screen and music icon.
photo corbis

to be sanctioned by heaven and if the almanac expert
deemed the match unfavourable (based on observing• Perhaps the most curious thing happens on thelast and final day of the ceremony. On this day, themarriage is confirmed by proof of the bride’s virginity.
Twelve elderly ladies, including the mothers of brideand groom are invited for the ritual. The bride’s parents
invite the groom’s mother to inspect a bloodstained
handkerchief (bim poh). She will be asked to test its
authenticity by squeezing lime juice on the cloth as afalse stain will run. However, the groom’s mother willusually decline as it is demeaning to the bride and thistask is left to the mistress of ceremonies. Once bothsets of parents are happy with the inspection, a ‘sireh’(betelnut) set is presented to the bride’s mother as asign of respect for the bride’s virtue.

Echoing its Peranakan heritage, the Spa Village Malacca in The Majestic
Malacca draws plenty of inspiration from the culture of the Babas and Nyonyas.
Inspired by the elaborate 12-Day Peranakan Wedding ceremony, each and every
guest will enjoy a soothing pre-treatment Hair Ritual.

• Symbolism is rife in Peranakan weddings. Whitesymbolises purity, red for luck; during the first visit to
the woman’s house, the delegation must consist of aneven number of female relatives (to symbolise fertility)
while omens are also fervently noted. If the delegation
visits while the family is eating a meal, it’s a good
omen. If it so happens the potential bride is washing
her hair on the day, the marriage might actually becalled off!
• In the past, all Peranakan marriages were expected• During the ‘Makan Choon Tok’, the first time thecouple share a meal as husband and wife, both will
perform their duty as caring spouses by feeding eachother a variety of dishes. At the same time, two tallcandles are also lit, representing bride and groom, withthe first candle to burn out signifying that the one it
represents would be the first to pass away.

Here Today, Hair Yesterday• The wedding ceremony reflects the Peranakan dual

The sad truth is that, today, many traditionalcustoms and rituals often disappear in society’s rushfor modernisation. One prime example would be theelaborate 12-Day Wedding ritual of the Peranakans, ahybrid Malay-Chinese culture unique to both Malaysia
and Singapore. It was widely practised in the past andwas truly a decadent, serious and superstitious affair.
But amongst the younger generation of Babas (male)and Nyonyas (female) today, a lot of this knowledge
has been lost as it is usually passed down from• The marriage bed is called ‘Ranjan Kahwin’ andis often ornately decorated with beadwork andembroidery featuring motifs such as birds, rats andcrabs (seen as fertility symbols by the Chinese.) A
young child, preferably a boy from a family who has
many sons, would be asked to roll three times acrossthe bed before the wedding in the belief that his ‘maleenergy’ would increase the bride’s chance of having
baby boys.

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

Each guest will also receive a Peranakan-inspired hair comb as a souvenir of their visit to the Spa Village
Malacca. www.spavillage.com

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ I NE

039

Wedding
wonderlands
Add more wow
when you take yourmarriage vows asfour of YTL Hotels’luxury resorts
introduce distinct
and gorgeous ways
to start your life ofnuptial bliss
all images by

ytl hotels

The Intimate Island
Pangkor Laut Resort - As the jewel of YTL Hotels'
star-studded crown, the romance that can befound on this luxury private island resort cannot
be understated. With picturesque sunsets, roaming
wildife, stunning ocean views, and a mysterious
rainforest at its heart, Pangkor Laut Resort has
already long been a romantic favourite amongst
honeymooners and couples on weekend breaks.
The Resort does not lack man-made charms. Its Sea
Villas are quite a sight to behold; the resident Spa
Village Pangkor Laut is a multiple award-winnerand offers a host of Aryuvedic, Malay and Chineseinspired treatments. And its restaurants - Feast

Village, The Straits, Uncle Lim's - offer sensational
Western and Asian cuisine.
So it wouldn't be hard to imagine how this intimate
island could easily be the perfect location for a wedding
reception. You could opt for the red carpet treatment all
the way by chartering a private limousine, or arriving instyle by helicopter, treating your guests to a cruise on ayacht or even a round of golf on a nearby course.
But the highlight will of course be when the couple
tying the knot take their vows. And for this, the Resort's
Emerald Bay will provide a spectacular backdrop for
one of the most important moments of anyone's life.

A Romantic HighBalinese Bliss
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali - The Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali offers all visitors an opportunity
to revitalise, both physically and spiritually, throughits multitude of specially designed spa treatments.
In fact, the whole of Bali is a highly spiritual placeand on this serene island, secluded on its northside, the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is an ideal
location for those in search of a soulful wedding.
Putting paid to the old cliché that weddings arestressful affairs, this international spa resort
will offer the beautiful couple and their guests a
044

completely relaxing experience instead. The Resort
will take care of the necessary wedding details;
couples can choose to conduct the nuptials at
the Resort's beautiful black volcano sand beachand everyone can choose to indulge in Balinese
massages and innovative spa treatments.
And by night, amazing moons have been seen anda blanket of stars covers the night sky over the
Resort. Bali truly is a place of romance with souland nowhere is that better experienced than at the
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali.
THE YTL LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

Cameron Highlands Resort - Misty nights, naturein full bloom, red roses, succulent strawberries, andthe perfect chilly highland weather to snuggle up to
your loved one while sipping local tea, the romanceof Cameron Highlands has long been known since the
British discovered it as a respite from the scorchingtropical heat of the lowlands.
Filled with unsolved legends, a sense of history andlocal folklore, this is all encapsulated in the bucolic
Cameron Highlands Resort. The Resort is anotherfavourite amongst couples looking for a romantic

THE YTL LU XU RY M AG AZ I NE

weekend getaway and once there, it is easy to see why,
not least because of the Resort's Spa Village which
offers an intimate His and Hers spa treatment.
As a location for a wedding reception, the Resort
will lend an air of grace and colonial charm to theproceedings. The ceremony will be held on a private
terrace while the Resort will be decorated in a variety
of beautiful local Cameron flowers. The blissful couple
can even cuddle up by the fireside at night. Tranquility,
natural beauty and romance: what better way to startmarried life.

045

A Royal Wedding
Tanjong Jara Resort - Set amongst swaying coconut
trees, a golden sandy beach and rich with local culture,
Tanjong Jara Resort is the epitome of the perfect
Malay-inspired luxury beach resort. With architecture
inspired by ancient Malay palaces, it also then makes
for a royal location for a wedding.
The marrying couple will find many gorgeous spots forphoto opportunities at the Resort, such as the naturalrock formations that jut out into the crashing waves of thesea. The extensive stretch of beautiful beach is ideal forcouples to take long romantic walks as they contemplate
their future. And the wedding party can be staged either
on the beach or in the Resort's expansive gardens.
At Tanjong Jara Resort, the wedding couple can also
opt to include Malay elements into their celebration
with a traditional 'kompang' greeting or a performing'gamelan' troupe during the reception. A grand affair
can be expected by all.

To find out more about holding your wedding at any of these YTL Luxury Resorts, please call Michelle Lee at +603-2179 8114;
email milee@ytlhotels.com.mycocktailchic
Elegant party ensembles
befitting the exclusivity of
The Estates at Pangkor Lautphotography Lo @ UNTOLD IMAGES assisted by Gerard
styling Yugo tham assisted by yuki Wonghair & make-up Tonyyan @ Ivan & Max Hair StudiomodelYULIA P. @ MY Model Management

shot entirely on location at The Estates at PANGKOR LAUT

Floral dress Diane von Furstenberg

Kaya dress
and Phoebe heels
Justin Yap

Megan top, Michella songket skirt and chain necklace Justin Yap

Floral dress Diane von Furstenberg;
Gladi heels Justin Yap

Yulia bustier top, Dani skirt andchain necklace Justin Yap

Catherine gown, Phoebe heels andchain necklace Justin Yap

Pink chiffon top and shorts Fendi; Grey platform sandals with ankle strap buckles (in basket) Gucci

Patterned velvet dress Diane vonFurstenberg; Ankle boots Gucci

The Spiritof Adventure
Cosmopolitan luxury and intense pleasure are
the hallmarks of the World of Davidoff
by Anis Ramli

products. A man who appreciated the arts,
Zino’s aim for the World of Davidoff throughZino Davidoff SA was simple: for others toexperience “pleasure and enjoyment of
the beautiful things in life” through avaried range of premium products.
Zino Davidoff SA works with its
licensed partners to create a
range of lifestyle products that
acknowledges the philosophyof the founder, Zino Davidoff.
Each leather bag, writing
instrument, fragrance and timepieceb e a r t h e q u i n tesse n t i a l D av i d off
h a l l m a r k s o f f i n e q u a l i t y, s t y l e ,authenticity, honesty and positive lifestyleembraced by Zino. The spirit of joie de vivre,
combined with the company’s professional
expertise in treating every customer with special
attentiveness, has contributed to the company’s
success today.

In 2008, the World of Davidoff introduced theDavidoff Adventure Fragrance, with Ewan
McGregor fronting its advertising campaigns.
The scent and style of the new fragrance
was inspired by the world's great
wildernesses and raw, masculine
emotion. With its air of adventure thatis both daring and elemental, the
new fragrance marks a new era for
the Davidoff fragrance portfolio.
The World of Davidoff encapsulates
the romance of travelling in luxury andstyle. With the launch of its first flagshipstore in the world in Kuala Lumpur's premier
shopping centre Starhill Gallery, this luxurious
brand will continue to be an inspiration to theglobal citizen with its lifestyle of motionand exploration.

The World of Davidoff, Adorn Floor,
Starhill Gallery, KL; www.davidoff.com

The year 2000 marked a new direction for theDavidoff brand as the company repositioned itself to meet theneeds of a more active and modern target group. A new logo
was unveiled to convey the contemporary lifestyle positioning
and Zino Davidoff Trading AG was established to handle theluxury accessories products. In strengthening its position asa luxury lifestyle brand, the World of Davidoff revealed its‘Very Zino’ lifestyle concept at the world’s premier timepiece
event, Baselworld 2008, with an exquisite collection that bears
all the classic hallmarks of the World of Davidoff.

The name Davidoff was once associated with the luxurious
tobacco house. And then in 1980, Zino Davidoff SA was founded
as a legally separated and independent company from thetobacco business. Since then, the name Davidoff has crafteda niche market for purveyors of fine luxury goods that today
include leather goods, timepieces, fragrance, eyewear, textiles(ties), and writing instruments.
The name ‘Davidoff’ itself translates to ‘good life’, a fact thatwas distinctly personified by brand founder and Davidoff head,
the late Zino Davidoff. Born to a Russian family in 1906, Zino
embraced the passion for fine life upon inheriting the family
tobacco business founded by his father, Henry, who opened thefirst shop in Geneva in 1911. Through energy and determination
Zino steered the company towards success when he took overin 1930. In the next 25 years, Zino would build the company’s
reputation as an internationally renowned brand that058

Zino’s determination to offer the best quality products endeared
him to his legions of loyal fans, and he in return would travel tothe four corners of the globe searching for the next inspiration
to perfect his crafts and offer nothing short of the best. His
eye for impeccable quality led him to insist on only the world’s
finest craftsmen, respecting their work not just as a work ofart, but also a personification of ingenuity and precision.

The watches in the collection were both subtle in approach
yet iconic in style, combining the masterly composition offinest components and outstanding Swiss craftsmanship. The
extended ‘Very Zino’ collection includes writing instruments
produced by German craftsmen that are a celebrationof precious metals with the finest leather. The leather
collection, manufactured in Italy, forms a harmonious
addition to the overall concept. Handcrafted stylistic
details emphasise refined luxury with classic and informal
styles perfectly tailored to all of the very different
requirements of a modern lifestyle on the move. The
leather range also highlighted new contemporary shapesthat are both practical and stylish. With this launch, Zino
Davidoff SA took an important step towards realising its
vision of today – to become a leading global accessories
brand on the luxury market.

Zino was known to friends and colleagues as a man with asense for essentials, who understood enjoying the moment,
and who made this enjoyment a philosophy – it's the real thingsin life that make it worth living. Even after his demise in 1994,
Zino's legacy has lived through the Swiss luxury brand thattoday offers some of lifestyle’s most exquisite and luxurious

The World of Davidoff is also home to some of themost iconic fragrances, including Davidoff Cool Water,
introduced in 1988 and is one of the most successful
fragrances ever to be launched. The legacy ofDavidoff’s unique sense of art de vivre is embodiedin each Davidoff fragrance for both men and women.

emphasises quality and prestige, courting celebrities, writers
and politicians to embrace his brand and philosophy.

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z IN E

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ IN E

059

style | runway

Taking the FallAs temperatures dip and the global economy
still hangs in a balance, designers show various
approaches to facing both with style Choo Ai Ling
byEastern Promise
Dior - Notorious for his outrageously lavish spectacles, John Galliano’s pret-a-portercollection effortlessly reconciled high fashion sensibilities with commercial viability. A riff on
the orientalism of Paul Poiret, an artistic Parisian craze dating back almost a century, Galliano
offered harem pants, rich gilded brocades, and Asian influences in general with the distinctive
luxe Dior touch. Far from looking like an ethnic mish-mash from an arts and crafts bazaar, ikat
patterns, cheongsam fastenings and paisley prints had never looked so lush and exquisite.

Cocoon chiC
Bottega Veneta Men - When faced withthe hard facts of life, Tomas Maier’s response
was to go soft – with the reassuring embraceof a much-loved cardigan. Knits were thefoundation of Maier’s Fall collection for men,in everything from the obvious (sweaters andsuch) to accessories (a cashmere bow tie). To
maintain the illusion of reassuring feel-good
fuzz, even materials like suedes, velvets, andcashmeres were treated to give thema gently worn character. The
colour palette
reinforced this
comfortingcollection with agentle spectrumof chocolate,mocha, and gray.

Divine Intervention

Keeping it Real (Lanvin)
Lanvin - Forget fantasy, Alber Elbaz was emphatic about offering wearable
classic fashion which could be worn and re-worn for Autumn Winter. Elbaz
evoked the 40s in the abbreviated, sober chic of the dresses and suits
although the designer’s exquisite cutting, with its bias wraps, drapes, subtle
knots, and bunchy bows added dimension and modernity. Make no mistake,there was nothing banally austere about this collection, Elbaz elevated it bysneaking in plenty of sparkle into the seams from time to time, adding giant
tubular neckpieces and including accessories like fur stoles.

060

Bottega Veneta Women - Sultry eyes, sleek chignons
and ruby lips adorned the models slinking down the
catwalk swathed in Tomas Maier’s tenderly glamorous
collection which called to mind the screen goddessesof the golden age of cinema. As per Bottega Veneta’s
credo of stealth luxury, Maier’s exquisitely realised pieces
revealed themselves best at close quarters, like a creamcoat over a strapless dress – only someone close enoughto touch the wearer will realise that the dress is not mattecotton canvas but leather and can perceive the organza
overlay of the coat. There was also a new undercurrent oferoticism to this collection like the lingerie corseting built
into the rib section of covered-up jersey dresses which
outlined the bosom but in an outrageously classy way.

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ IN E

061

Eighties is EnoughOut of Africa

Gucci Men - Frida Giannini’s men’s collection for Gucci isalways deeply rooted in music and this Fall, she was inspiredby the all-singing, all-dancing Klaxons and the Mystery Jets.
These two bands with their decidedly 80s vibe could easilypull off the shiny, tight little jacquard suits, primary-coloured
shirts matched with skinny ties, leopard-print knits, two-tone
loafers, tonic jeans and checkerboard trimmed cardigans
which stalked down the catwalk. However, this is fashion for
the unforgivingly thin as Giannini reduced the already wafer
proportions of her menswear to a positively toothpick point.

LV Men - Building on Louis Vuitton’s rich heritage as
purveyors of fine luggage, menswear studio director Paul
Helbers took “the travelling wardrobe of an African king”
as the starting point for his Fall men’s collection. Apartfrom the odd salamanders snaking around some of the
hardware on the clothes, Helbers took a less literal routeand placed emphasis on quietly luxe sartorialism. Someliberties were taken with pieces which departed fromtraditional luxury and offered a technological option likea cloque blouson in nylon rather than silk, or a jacket in a
shimmering nylon and wool moiré.

Disco Inferno
Gucci Women - Sexy glam is what Frida Giannini
does best – no existentialist designer angst about
offering anything apart from accessible clothes
channelling current trends luxuriously which arethen lapped up the world over. This collection
would not look amiss in any glittery hedonisticnightclub as short, shiny and tight ruled. Boots
were black, snug and thigh-high while leggings
were patchworked in suede, leather, and patent.
To top this off, Giannini showed kimono T-shirts or,for evening, tiny, drapey irridescent-crystal meshdresses inspired by Tina Chow.

062

Dynasty Warriors
LV Women - Marc Jacobs unabashedly mined the 80s
for more kitschy exuberant style although this timearound Jacobs offered a snapshot of ruffles, ruching, andpoufiness. Looking rather suspiciously like a homage to
Christian Lacroix, lace, lamé and leather were worked
into 80s proportions with a big nod to power shoulders
which ran from grosgrain bow-smothered balloon puffs to
the wide short coats almost as broad as they were long.
For a leather goods company, bags are crucial and thisitineration sprouted pie-crust frills and gilded monograms.

style | retail

LittlePleasures

Diminutive in size but not incraftsmanship and enjoyment
compiled by Choo Ai Ling

Femme Club Befitting a collection
dedicated to women, Montegrappa‘s
Piccola range redefines the role ofthe pen as not merely a writing
instrument but a glamorous
personal accessory. Everydetail of Piccola is femininity
personified: theoctagonal shape reaches
up to create a slightly conic
effect, the clip with the traditionalrotating sphere features sinuous
curves and the glittering resin
reflects the enchanting soul of
this pen. All these expressions ofwomanliness combine with the plissé bandand the 18K gold nib in a pen which is smallenough to keep in a purse. Made with platinumparts, the pens are available in purple, beige, redand blue, a big enough array of colours to matchany outfit. Available at Cortina Watch Espace,

Adorn Floor, Starhill Gallery; +603-2142 1171

A walk to remember No stranger to exquisiteness, Van Cleef &Arpels charming woman’s watch is a celebration of one of the world’s mostscenic cities, Paris. The aptly named Journée à Paris watch
has a special disc with a female character enjoying Parisianlocales. The partially viewable disc makes a full revolution
each 24 hours and highlights sights like the Tuileries, Ilede la Cité, the Avenue Montaigne, the Paris Garnier
Opera, the Eiffel Tower and Place Vendôme. Only 80
pieces will be available with a choice of 18K white orpink gold cases. The main dial is mother of pearl withgold inserts, and the black 24-hour disc is onyx withgold and various gems. The watch itself is beautifully
decorated with 201 diamonds around the bezel while themechanical movement inside ensures that this is as much
haute horlogerie as it is jewellery. Indulge Floor, Starhill

Gallery, +603-2142 8669; www.vancleef-arpels.com
064

Tech Talk Despite looking rather macho,

Heavenly Bodies Since 2003, purism andIn fine form Rado’s allceramic True Collection possesses
the kind of curved silhouettes
which study the purity of lines. The
Rado True Chronograph is now
available in specially treated mattefinish platinum which absorbs
light and imbues the timepiecewith a sensation of warmth. Under
its dome of sapphire crystal, thegalvanised dial underlines the
monochrome impact of the watch
and has strikingly clear graphics
which offer excellent readability.
Featuring three perfectly balanced
counters, these three finely drawn
circles echo the shape of the dial.
Each counter reads with a directdrive hand, while two are scaled
for the seconds and minutes. Adorn

Floor, Starhill Gallery,+603–2144 3668; www.rado.com
T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AG A Z IN E

innovation have been united in Montblanc’s most famous new
writing instrument line, ‘StarWalker’. This year, the signature
Starwalker is re-envisioned for continual fascination with theBlack Mystery line with an intriguing pattern laser-engraved
into a richly lacquered cap and body. Highly polished platinumplated fittings and clip ensure a look of classic sophistication
although now the traditional Montblanc star mysteriously“floats” in the crystal clear resin cap top. Available in rhodiumplated 14k-gold nib fountain pen, fineliner and reliable ballpoint,
the updated Starwalker reaffirms its dynamic and cosmopolitan
pedigree. Available at Cortina Watch Espace, Adorn Floor,

Starhill Gallery; +603-2142 1171

Richard Mille’s RM 023 Automatic is apparently
designed for both men and women. Like all
Mille creations, the watch is focused solely on
timekeeping and details like the winding rotor offer
variable geometry which can be set to the owner’s
activity level before it leaves the workshop. The
weight segment along the rotor’s outer edge ismilled from a special tungsten/cobalt alloy, and therotor’s ball bearings are created from synthetic
ceramics while the double barrel system lowers
wear and tear on the movement and evens out
variations in the flow of power to the movement.
This extreme care and attention to the rotor
and winding aspects of the watch are directly
connected with the necessity of an even energy
supply and ensures timekeeping is as precise as
technologically possible. Adorn Floor, Starhill

Gallery; +603-2142 0669; www.richardmille.com

Ship Shape If you fancy carrying a piece ofhistory around with you, Romain Jerome’s Tourbillon
Steampunk A la Grande from the Titanic-DNA collection
could just be the ticket. The oxidised steel bezel is theresult of an extraordinary blend of authentic steel fromthe wreck of the famous ship lying 3840 metres under
the sea, and from the Harland & Wolff shipyard in
Belfast. True to its moniker, this timepiece features a
generously sized 50 mm-diameter case that reaches afull 53 mm including the screw-locked crown. Fashioned
using 80 hand-applied rivets, the dial-free Tourbillon
Steampunk proudly displays its personalised RJ 2
movement. The nautical theme is strongly represented
by the transversal cross - symbolised on this model by four bolts vividly evoking watertight hatches used in the marine
world and an off-centre bidirectional oscillating weight shaped like a ship’s anchor on the rear of the movement. Available atKhronos - Unique Horlogerie, Starhill Gallery; +603-2141 9021; www.romainejerome.ch
TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ IN E

065

beautystyle& grooming
watchesAcross the Pond, another doctor is making waves. Dr. Brandt’s
skincare range is much more than just a “doctor brand”. As apractising celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Fredric Brandt searches
for state-of-the-art ingredients and technologically advanced
delivery systems that mimic his in-office procedures. His skincare
range is the natural evolution of his professional practice andfans have experienced flawless, ageless-looking skin in minimal
time. Among his most raved about products is the Laser in a
Bottle Laser Relief that uses minuscule encapsulations to treat
unwanted lines and wrinkles. This potent cocktail of green tea,and vitamins A and C, has Madonna calling herself a fan.

Extreme care

Similarly, research dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone
believes that the best approach to ageing is through aholistic practice of eating right, targeting inflammations
with nutriceutical supplements, and taking care of skin withcosmeceuticals. His take on ageing is that “wrinkled, sagging
skin is not the inevitable result of growing older. It is a disease
and you can fight it.” The Neuropeptide Facial Conformer
from his Perricone MD Cosmeceuticals is based on his ‘Brain-

Delicate cycle When skin is sensitive, it needs extra
loving care. Beaubelle’s Swiss Organique range not only works
gently but contains 97 percent certified-organic ingredients,
so the skin gets Earth’s pure plant benefits and nothing else.
Among these ingredients are organic lavender and jojoba oil –great calming and moisturising boosters – that are harvested
and processed with great care to sustain their dynamic living
elements. Beaubelle Skin and Body Care Day Spa, S15, Pamper

Miracles in a Jar

Forget Botox and having to go under the knife. Face the battle
Anis Ramliagainst ageing with a new slew of bottled wonders

Floor, Starhill Gallery, KL; +603-2148 4898

The thing about beauty these days that is we allwant to see results fast. If the wrinkle does not disappear
overnight, the cream is destined for the bin. But lest we forgetthat Rome was not built in a day, having a face overhaul is best
done gradually for more permanent and longer-lasting results.

Beauty Connection’ philosophy, which essentially postulates
that as we age, certain elements of the skin’s repair systemdeteriorate too. In ageing, that element happens to be tiny
strings of amino acids called neuropeptides that provide alink between the brain and the action of nerves in the skin.

A quick fix for ageing, wrinkly skin is Botox, all the rage andfashionable, but unforgiveable to some, especially those whohave witnessed first hand the horrors of frozen smiles andemotionless faces. But what about those who are, shall wesay, financially-challenged? Are they destined to live out
their golden years in an ever-losing battle against ageing?
The good news is that Botox isn’t the only solution available.
With conventional bottles of lotions and potions – minus theheadache of debilitating debt – it is now possible to get thesame result without having to go under the knife.

The Neuropeptide Facial Conformer works by reintroducing
the element to the body to help its own repair system retain
youthful skin and halt premature ageing. It helps decrease
the appearances of wrinkles while increasing radiance andelasticity, simultaneously offering other delicious side
benefits such as reducing puffiness, dark undereye circles
and the appearance of tiny veins.

Ironically, many of these new products have been developed bydoctors who have advocated Botox for years. For example, Dr.
Patrick Bowler, one of the UK’s leading cosmetic physician andlaser surgeon and author of The Nervous Girl’s Guide to Nip &Tuck: Look Ten Years Younger with 80 Non-Surgery Treatments,
has made good on the promises made in the book. His own range
of Vitage skincare products brings idebenone, an otherwise
exclusive-clinic-use-only ingredient, mainstream. Idebenone isconsidered one of the most powerful antioxidants available and, in
Vitage, has the ability to repair and regenerate the skin.

066

And if you still need to be convinced of the virtues of bottled
beauty therapies, listen to the words of Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh.
Once known as the Botox-go-to-guy in Hollywood, Dr. Sebaghsays that “anyone can do Botox, but can they do a good job
with it and stop you looking like a clown? Skincare will give
you the glow.” To illustrate his point, Dr. Sebagh created his
own range of products that ultimately gave birth to the termthe ‘Sebagh Effect’. Central among the range is his CrèmeHigh Maintenance that uses hyaluronic acid to hydrate, linoleic
acid to smoothen and green coffee extract to protect against
aggressive environments. The result is skin that looks healthy,
glows with beauty and whose lines have been subtly smoothedaway for an ageless appearance.

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z IN E

Photo corbis

all stories by

Talking Heads Few things are more stressful than finding
clumps of hair in the shower or in a brush. While hair sheds naturally,
excessive shedding could signal a more serious problem. To get to theroot of the problem, Nioxin hair care system is specifically designed toaddress thinning hair and hair loss problems, working on the conceptof treating the skin where hair grows. Intrigued? Find out more at
Etec Salon and if you are one of the first 50 customers, you get toexperience the Scalp Treatment at a special rate of RM65 (RRP RM140).
Etec Salon, S26, Pamper Floor, Starhill Gallery, KL; +603-2145 1218

TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZ IN E

International skincare guru Dr
Sebagh knows a thing or two
about women’s wrangles withwrinkles. The former botox
doctor has lasso-ed the latest
peptide technology for its
Serum Repair that provides alight ‘tightening’ and ‘lifting’effect on skin. Also designedwith potent hydrators to keep
skin moisturised and happy.

Ken’s Apothecary, Lot 10, KL

Body Bliss
From the Sundari
Body range comes
this soothing andmoisturising blendof Coconut andCalendula Oils thatprovides superbly
delicate hydration
for the entire body.
Based on Ayurvedic
principles, Gotu
Kola helps firm andtone while Lotus
Oil calms the mind
and skin. With ahigh concentrationof quality natural
botanicals andkeeping harshchemicals to aminimum, the oil isperfect for instantly
delivering moisture
to all skin types.

Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur,
The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur;+603-2782 9090

067

beauty & grooming

Original
Odysseys
The Spa Village
experience can often
take the unsuspecting
therapy-seeker on
unexpected andinnovative journeys.
Here are four spa
treatments that combine
creativity with age-old
healing wisdoms and will
leave you purringin pleasureby tan lee kuen

photos by YTL Hotels

Physical Ova-tures Egg Rolling Therapy Think hard-boiled eggs and most people would think of making an egg
salad. But the Spa Village has devised a totally unique use for this food and are using it as a tool for a therapeutic massage
that combats hyperactivity. Wrapped in a muslin cloth, hard-boiled eggs are rolled onto the body. This is said to be extremely
beneficial to stressed individuals who are sensitive to heat and prone to tight muscles and cramping as apparently hard-boiled
eggs have the special ability to calm the mind and draw excess heat from the body. Delicious as a filling for a sandwich, in thehands of the Spa Village specialists, hard-boiled eggs now also make for... dare we say it... an eggs-cellent spa eggs-perience!
Destress with the Egg Rolling Therapy at Spa Village Malacca; www.spavillage.com
T H E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z I NE

069

Solid as a Rock Tunku Batu (Heated Stone
Therapy) This is a unique therapy derived from the ancienthealing practices of the Malays and the indigenous people of
Malaysia, known as Orang Asli. Large stones are heated thenused to massage the body. The stones exert pressure on the
body and helps hasten the body's elimination of toxins, alleviate
joint pains, loosen tense muscles and even break down excess
070

fats. This popular Spa Village offering echoes its philosophy inhonouring healing traditions of the region in which a Spa Village
is located. Heated stone therapy has been used for centuries by
locals as an addition to a normal massage. It is often performed
on women in birth confinement while for men, the therapy issaid to enhance agility. Warm up with the Tunku Batu at Spa

Village Cameron Highlands; www.spavillage.com
T H E Y TL LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

Sands-on Experience Tuam Pasir (Heated Sea Sand Therapy) In keeping in line with its philosophy, Spa Village
Tanjong Jara draws inspiration from the most bountiful of natural resources found in its surroundings - golden sea sand from its
beautiful beach. This is an ancient Malay formula practised by our forefathers and is thought to have healing power for strengthand vitality. It is often used for joint pains, severe inflammation and is a popular treatment for mothers in confinement. Hot sand,fenugreek and blackseeds are heated in a frying pan then wrapped into a cotton pouch. The therapist applies medicated oil tothe affected area and uses the pouch to apply a therapeutic pressure massage. Truly a spectacular vernacular spa experience.
Experience the sands of time with the Tuam Pasir treatment at Spa Village Tanjong Jara; www.spavillage.com
T H E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z I NE

071

Mixed Massages Campur-Campur Reflecting thecultural melting pot that is Malaysia, the Campur-Campur
treatment is something of a distinct signature of the Spa
Village. As its name suggests ('campur-campur' means 'a
blending of varieties' in Malay), this therapy combines thebest of techniques in Malay and Thai massage. An original
creation of the Spa Village, this internationally renowned
spa brand demonstrates its quest for constant innovation by
combining touch, tone and aromatherapy in this tantalising072

therapy. So popular amongst loyal purveyors of Spa Village,
the Campur-Campur treatment can be found in almost all
Spa Villages. During the session, a traditional steam pouch
filled with steamed herbs is pressed along the body as thescent of lemongrass and pandan (screwpine) leaves engage
the olfactory senses. Engage in the Campur-Campur

treatment at Spa Village Kuala Lumpur, Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali, Spa Village Malacca and Spa Village Pangkor
Laut; www.spavillage.com
T H E Y TL LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

Astral Healing Starlight Gazing Through its signature four 'Discovery Paths' therapies, the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
already demonstrates an innovative approach to the world of luxury spa treatments. But with its utterly hypnotising Starlight Gazing
treatment, it has stumbled upon an outright winner. This treatment doesn't involve any massage techniques, or special ingredients. It
is as simple as it comes and is pure genius: all you do is float on an inflatable mattress in the Resort's swimming pool under a starry,starry night while listening to "theta" wave music, the same music astronauts listen to on their return leg to Earth. It is relaxing,
meditative and therapeutic, and has even been described as a perfect way for one to heal from within. Float away with the Starlight
Gazing treatment at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali; www.spavillage.com
T H E Y TL LU XU RY M AG A Z I NE

073

technology

Freevolution

Full
speed
ahead
It might look thesame as the iPhone 3G
but the new 3G S from theprolific computer company
claims to be as much as twice as
fast as the previous model. It also
addresses complaints about previous
models by providing cut and paste, MMS
and a higher resolution 3.0MP camera with
autofocus. Most importantly, the highest spec
model now includes 32GB of storage which makes it agenuine convergence device that can hold most of yourmusic, video and still image needs. Other highlights
include a nifty compass application that integrates withother geo-tagging applications, and a voice control
function that works with your music library as well as youraddress book. And for data security types there’s Remote
Wipe which allows you to erase the phone’s data if it’s lostor stolen. www.apple.com

The global recession has compelled big companies to change
the way they reach out and engage their customers
by Matt Armitagein lightened pay packets and rising bills.
For a small business, it could potentially make thedifference between breaking even and going under,
and when you consider that a simple text message
is enough to instantly activate a promotion, it’sa considerable marketing tool. But Twitter isn’t
the only technology that’s allowing companies toforge closer links with their customers.
Companies are building special applications –called widgets – and creating groups for platforms
like Facebook that keep customers up to date on
the latest developments on products, services
and promotions. While it may be of limited
benefit to say, an air freshener manufacturer,
others like global software company Autodesk
are using these tools alongside traditional
marketing efforts to provide a more customised
and responsive service.

Many firms, especially in the service sector have been using
employee blogs as a ‘value added’ service for years, often acting
as an unofficial tips and service channel for customers getting togrips with a new product or service. But with online services like
Twitter they are finding they can have a real time relationshipwith customers that is designed to promote their business. The
micro-blogging network is currently taking the world by storm,complemented by its compatibility with geo-tagging which tags
the location of people who post their comments through GPSenabled 3G cellphones.
A coffee house with a loyal following can post promotions like‘buy one get one free for the next two hours’ to boost traffic ona slow afternoon. It’s certainly not a replacement for websites
and blogs, but it’s an easy and free way of reaching out to andrewarding customers who are also feeling the recessionary pinch074

really, this wee beastie may look like a voicerecorder but the Pico is actually a projector
capable of broadcasting images up to 50-inches
wide onto any suitable surface. Great for air
warriors who can’t fit a full projector into theirhand luggage, it’s just as much fun for the hotel
suite or the waiting lounge, especially as you canplay direct from the integrated SD card slot. And
it can also record direct from an AV source andencode directly onto a memory card. Tiny twin
speakers complete the package but you can plug in your own. It will also connect
to computers, iPods and other media storage devices to give you maximum
flexibility. www.aiptek.com

It also helps to humanise businesses that are often seen as
international monoliths. By following blogs, tweets and Facebook
groups written by identified individuals, customers are able toforge a genuine relationship with the posters, even if they havenever met or spoken in person.
The revolution has even reached as far as the holy grail of the
television commercial. By using sites like YouTube where people
can upload videos free of charge, companies can bypass thecostly procedure of buying TV advertising space, and in theprocess allow their video shorts to be more creative, compelling
and longer than the predetermined lengths of most commercials.
And importantly, as these sites track the numbers of views andallow viewers to post comments, you can gain instant feedback
on your efforts.
Admittedly, it’s something of a reversal of some of the ‘free’models being touted before the downturn, like the ad-supported
model that was supposed to provide everything from free music
downloads, to cellphones, software suites and even airline flights,
in exchange for sitting through a number of adverts. Now it’s theadvertisers themselves who are looking for free solutions rather
than providing them for others. But it may well have changed theway we communicate with the people we buy from forever.
T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGAZ I NE

Want the ultimate stillcamera with a massive
24MB resolution?
Not content with
upsetting the film
industry with its modular camera
system, RED now seems intent on making its cameras
dominate the still arena too. The company ruffled feathersby making HD cinema quality movie making available ata fraction of the hundreds of thousands of dollars movie
cameras traditionally cost, and has been used in major
movies like the recent Tom Hanks blockbuster Angels& Demons. Now that same modular system will takeindustry beating stills and still be set up for eye-watering
motion capture. www.red.com

Ape Tech? Nothing to do with monkeys

We Love Them, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! We don’t often cover games but the
September release of a special Beatles themed edition of the rock star fantasy titled, RockBand for Xbox, PlayStation and Wii is too good to miss. Coming complete with mock-ups of
Ringo’s drum kit, Paul’s Hofner bass and John’s Rickenbacker guitar, players take on the roleof their favourite Beatle while performing some of the band’s best loved hits. You reprise
their career from the early days to the height of fame and even follow their steps into thehallowed Abbey Studios to ‘record’ some of the material. www.rockband.com

A Beautiful Game It’s so much easier to justify toys when they look likeart. A collaboration between GRO Design and TIM Modelmakers, ‘The Beautiful Game’redefines the horrible space taking lump that is the foosball table. With its stadiumstyle arching shape, the interior features a state of the art lighting system that is moreart gallery than bar floor and the polished handles and chrome players with theiretched numbers demand to be called sculpture. Best of all, you can play it and tell
your other half you’re participating in an act of social and existential performance art
rather than playing with the boys in the basement. www.eleventhgame.com

photo corbis

With economic recession biting hard in many
countries, companies are having to rethink their plans toengage consumers. For many companies, that has meant
swapping from paid services to free ones. Many companies are
finding that the social networking tools that are bringing people
and communities together can also be used to create compelling
content for their businesses.

RED Alert,
Part Deux

T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA Z I NE

075

design & architecture

Fowl PlayA Space Odyssey Reflecting the need forpracticality and the avoidance of anything excessively
trendy or showy in these troubled economic times is
the Kubrick chair by designer Marc Sadler. Conveying aclassic shape and traditional elegance, the chair is also
defined by updated materials namely a polyethylene
body with iroko wood legs. Available in a lawn-swing,swimming pool and illuminated version, the sporty
armchair adapts easily to any space and environment,indoor oroutdoor. www.

Moody, sexy and refreshingly witty, Toronto-based Ultra is a
restaurant cum bar that has its tongue firmly in chickby Aziz Draim

serralunga.com

Fluid lines Sinewy curves have always been

Change is good, but when done extremely well, change
can be great. For the past five years, Ultra Supper Club has
been Toronto’s foremost night joint. World-class cuisine andinfectious music have attracted the city’s most beautiful
people to this place. Which then begs the question: why onearth would owner Charles Khabouth want to fix somethingthat’s not broken?
“After five years, we felt it was time to push boundaries,” hedivulges, “to explore the next evolution of the Ultra brand whileat the peak of our success.” For starters, Khabouth shortened
the name - doing away with its somewhat pretentious label – tojust Ultra. It’s a name that is easily more ‘hip’ thus the interiors
now have to rightfully justify the new image.
Enter Toronto’s very own award-winning creative firm Munge
Leung, the very people responsible for the restaurant’s original
look. With every intention to produce something that “pushes
boundaries”, the designers stepped outside of the box andinto... the chicken pen?
“It’s a pretty surreal thing to see 13-foot images of chickens in a
restaurant/night club,” says Kevin McCall of Device222, Munge
Leung’s sister company. McCall is of course referring to thescary-looking roosters printed on to transparent screens now
delineating the space within Ultra’s main dining area. These
images are the works of artistic photographer Stephen Green076

Armytage. Dirty yet delicious farm animals though they are,through the lensman’s expert eye for portraiture, the domestic
birds are represented here as noble beasts that wittingly lendmuch-needed notoriety to the restaurant cum bar.

one of Royal Selangor’s strong trademarks. Arresting
design is another. In its new Domaine collection, Royal
Selangor infuses these two strengths into a range ofsleek champagne accompaniments. All elegant lines andsexy curves, single and double chillers plus an ice bucket
are complemented by a caviar chiller, flutes, trays (allin pewter) and a cork extractor made of Stannium ™, a
new alloy by Royal Selangor. The only other accessory
that you’ll need then? A bottle of bubbly, of course. www.

royalselangor.com.my

Yet the feathered fantasy doesn’t end there. When entering
this establishment, one comes across a prominent 25-foottable made of solid oak with Baroque-inspired aluminium legs
shaped into various bird legs. The handiwork of designers from
Castor, the table is big enough to fit 24 diners and is also used
as an impromptu runway when necessary. Elsewhere, a whitefeather backdrop anchors the bar while oversized light fixturesin the lounge area have feather motifs lining the inside of thelight shades. The fail-proof colour scheme of red and black
gives the interior a sexy attitude.
“Well, besides the immediate humour (there are) a few
additional connotations that we are playing with here,”
McCall reveals. “We’re really poking fun at the night club
scene (especially in Toronto)” he continues, referring to the‘cock fight’ male clubbers get into when competing for the
opposite sex.
Then there’s that whole notion of chickens as noble beasts. “Weseek to draw attention to the viewer that chickens are beautiful
animals, not just for consumption,” McCall adds. “I’ll be interested
to see how much chicken they sell here for dinner.”
T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA ZI NE

Blow in the Dark Japanese wunderkind nendo takes the traditional chocin paper lantern and reinterprets it as‘Smash’, a specialised polyester that can be manipulated through hot press forming technology. Its light rip-proof skin allows
it to emit a beautiful glow when light passes through, making it the ideal lamp material. Due to its unique properties, ‘Smash’also allows the user to shape it like one would when blowing glass. The end result promises a collection of objects whose
varied imperfections are reminiscent of the infinite formal mutations of viruses and bacteria in response to environmental
changes. It’s a revolutionary technology that literally takes your breath away. www.nendo.jp
TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZI NE

077

A SophisticatedTouch
The Armani/Casa 2009-2010 collection
explores understated glamour and
Italian elegance in a celebration of
textures and expert craftsmanshipby Aziz Draim

As se aml e s s a n dsophisticated as the markhe has sewn into the worldof high fashion, designer
Giorgio Armani’s good taste
has created an exclusive style ofsubdued glamour for the worldof modern living. Thatstyle comes courtesyof Armani/Casa.
Now nearing a decadesince its launch, the
new Armani/Casa
collection offers anever-greater degreeof versatility andindividual awarenessto the most discerning078

images courtesy of armani/casa

clientele with the launch of a new kitchen, an exclusive new line offurnishing fabrics as well as several numbered and signed limited
edition pieces.
This collection – unveiled at the Salone del Mobile 2009 – isdisplayed in a series of single brand stores located in Milan. Eachstore carries one of three principal themes: furnishings, kitchen
design and textiles.
In the neighbouring two stores at Via Manzoni 31 and 37, theinterior design label has introduced a delicious range of new
furnishings and accessories made to aid one’s quest for residential
harmony. Six new limited edition pieces, or ‘jewel furnishings’
as they are referred to, are displayed here. All are strictly madein Italy, produced from matchless materials through precise
craftsmanship before each one of them is then numbered andsigned by Armani himself. The space at Via Manzoni 31 is also
reserved for Armani/Casa’s exclusive line of textiles for interior
design developed in a partnership with textiles firm Rubelli.
T H E Y T L LU XU RY M AGA ZI NE

Meanwhile, the store located at Via Pisoni 2 consists of apermanent space dedicated to showcasing kitchen systems by
Armani/Casa. Currently taking pride of place is the label’s second
kitchen system “Calyx”, which is borne from a collaboration
between the label and Italian company Dada. Like Armani, Dada
produces kitchen systems of the highest aesthetic value andfunctional content.
Beauty Beyond Skin Deep In spite of the various
collaborations, the new Armani/Casa 2009-2010 collection

breathes as one: it’s a refreshingly sophisticated and sensual
offering. Meant to be a delight to the senses, the collection isdefined by top-notch skills and technology expressed in precious
finishes that are in a class of their own. Fancy some lizard skinon your sofa, chaise lounge or perhaps as an accent to a writingtable? How about greige leather printed with a shagreen effect ona limited edition cocktail bar, or some beautiful rosewood with its
entrancing grain pattern to tease the onlooker?
Rich and multi-textured, the collection also sees the use ofsophisticated varnishing techniques involving liquid metalor black nickel to emphasise opulence and radiance. The
palette is signature Armani: warm hues intermingle with earth,tobacco, greige, charcoal grey and dark green.
Not Seeing is Believing Bringing the notion of ‘sleek
and seamless’ to a new height, the new Calyx kitchen can bebest described as the “disappearing kitchen.” This is due toa revolutionary and very practical design that allows its user
TH E Y TL LU XU RY M AG AZI NE

to conceal the kitchen’s working area behind wide doors. The
result? A kitchen that is free from visual clutter. Additionally,
since it occupies the outer rim of a room as opposed to theentire area of a room, the Calyx system can either be revealed
as a practical area or hidden from view within the living or
dining room it resides in.
Here’s another plus side: Calyx is made of an exclusive selectionof materials, finishes and colours that stay true to the Armani
aesthetic code. The system’s exterior skin is lacquered in a

sophisticated shade of greige and recess handles adorn the
doors. On the other hand, the interior of the doors and claddingof the entire vertical surface inside are created in plain silvercolour techno fabric, then covered with glass panels. Black
hard granite defines the countertop while shelves and drawerinteriors are brushed a sexy shade of green.
The Fabrics of Being No cosmopolitan abode is complete
without rich fabrics. Armani/Casa’s first range of interior
fabrics – a collaboration with Rubelli – is a feast of jacquards,
damasks, velvets, curtain fabrics and, of course, yards andyards of silk. Designs find inspiration from the 20s and 30s,
reinterpreting materials and decorative themes, among themthe stylised treatment of plant motifs, sinuous lines and animal
prints. Reptile print-effects find their way onto velvets while one
particular jacquard reveals a print reminiscent of briarwood.
Classic Armani designs of checkerboard canvas, chess squares,
plains and mini patterns are renewed to bring a new dimension
to the luxurious standard of living Giorgio Armani advocates.
079

diningNature’s Bounty

The dining experience at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali reflects
its core philosophy: Fresh, natural and in the case of the food,organic. and The man behind it all is Chef DannyYou can evenenjoy Chef Danny’s
superb cuisine in a
private dining settingat the Resort

by matt armitage portrait by matt armitage

How big is your team at Wantilan
Restaurant? I have five staff, all local
Balinese. I have a pastry chef and a local chef,
Nioman. We’re a small but very supportive team.
I immediately fell in love with the Balinese culture
and people when I got here. The lifestyle here isvery friendly and relaxed and people do thingsout of the goodness of their hearts.
Wh at wa s yo u r v i s i o n f o r t h erestaurant? Our concept – running throughthe whole resort, the spa and the restaurant – isto focus on fresh local ingredients, in particular,organic ingredients. My vision for the restaurant
has always been to enhance the spa experience
for the guests. As the spa treatments are basedon simple, natural ingredients I wanted that samephilosophy to be evident in the menus I created.
Was it a deliberate choice to use
organic produce? We wanted everything to
be as fresh as possible, and we also wanted things
to have the goodness and the extra taste thatusing organic ingredients brings. And the blacksoil – the volcanic soil – here is amazing, so many
fabulous things can grow in it. And coming here
and having the freedom to explore a new island,
ingredients and cuisine meant I could expand myknowledge and feed that into the resort menus. A
lot of items like mesclun salad and runner beansthat would normally be imported can be grown
here organically. And working with the farmers
has given me the opportunity to experiment withgrowing many different foods.

080

T H E Y T L LU XU RY MAGA Z I NE

photo ytl online library

Chef Danny Lau joined YTL Hotel’s Pangkor Lautresort in 2002 as a kitchen hand, rising quickly to theposition of Sous-Chef under his mentor Chef Wai at the acclaimed
Fisherman’s Cove restaurant at both the Resort and its sisterestablishment at Kuala Lumpur’s Starhill Gallery. With a uniquetalent for combining flavours and ingredients, his meteoric risecame as no surprise and as such, he was the natural choice toconceptualise and run the kitchen at Wantilan Restaurant, Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali’s signature dining outlet.

What kind of support has YTL Hotels
given you for the restaurant? I have been very
lucky. YTL Hotels as a company has always had a very strong
environmental and eco-vision for its properties, as well as
its work on initiatives in the wider community. So, given thelocation and size of the Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, we
knew we had the perfect opportunity to try something thatwould cut down on our carbon footprint and reduce the foodmileage as well as to benefit the local community in terms ofsustainable food production and to ensure that our guests

were getting a dining experience that was as healthy as the
spa treatments they were sampling.
Do you grow any of the produce at the resort?
It’s in our plan to have a herb garden and grow some otherthings here. We hope to have that fully operational in the next
few months. We’re still a very young resort and anything to dowith growing takes a lot of time to establish. Our relationshipwith the local village is excellent and we source as many of
the fresh items, especially fish, as we can from the villagers.
Where do you get the rest of the produce? We
work with some organic farms in the region of Kintamani,
near Mt Batur, about an hour’s drive into the hills fromT H E Y T L LU XU RY MAGAZ I NE

Tembok village. It’s a highland region so the climate is much
more temperate than down here at the coast. That’s one of
the reasons we’re able to grow so many items that would
normally have to be air-flown.
D o es wo r k i n g w i t h f r es h a n d s e as o n a l
produce put extra demands on your kitchen?
It’s one of our biggest challenges. It forces us to be very
flexible and creative. We’re very lucky to have so many
fishermen working close by, supplying us with fish andseafood straight from the nets. Take a walk down the beachand you’ll see it’s only 50 metres from the resort to where
the fishermen keep their boats. So what they catch they bringstraight to us.

081

Wantilan
Restaurant

Seafood comesstraight fromthe nets of local
Balinese fishermen

So you really do plan it all that day? Every day,early in the morning I go and inspect the catch and we startdesigning the menus from there. For guests who stay forseven or eight or nine nights, they will see and experienceand taste the diversity in what we are able to do here. Everynight will be a different dining experience.

And all that helps to set Wantilan apartfrom most spa restaurants? Yes, of course.
Another one of the benefits of being a relatively
small resor t is that we are catering in quantities
suited to a fine dining experience. It also allows us togather direct feedback from the guests about individual
menus and combinations of foods, which is especiallyvaluable as our clientele comes from so many different
countries with so many different national palates that aresuited to different combinations of food. So that way, we
are more able to customise the dining experience to ourguests’ enjoyment.
082

T H E Y T L LU XU RY MAGA Z I NE

photos ytl online libraryThat’s why the restaurant has a set menu in
the evenings? Yes, because everything is fresh andbecause we want to put together an experience for the guests,
the best way to manage those goals is with a hand-crafted set
menu. Obviously, we also consider any dietary requirements
specific guests have, so the menus can be tweaked according
to individual needs.

dining

Champagne
Superlunar
Li Yen Chinese restaurant adds a dash of
decadence to this year’s Mooncake Festival
by eugene ng

Chinese people from all over the world celebrate
many festivals yearly, each with its own symbolism,
rituals and food.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, better known as the Mooncake
Festival, certainly has all of these elements. Held on thefifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the festival
originates from the time of the Yuan Dynasty(1200 A.D. to 1368 A.D.). The first mooncakes
were used as containers for secret messages that
informed the people of China to revolt against
the ruling Mongols on that particular day. The
rebellion succeeded and a new tradition was born.

Tui’, White Lotus Paste with Double Egg Yolk, Lotus Paste with
Single Egg Yolk, Red Bean Paste and more.

Li Yen’s Mooncake Festival promotion runs from Sept 3 toOct 3, 2009. Opening hours: Noon-2.30pm (Mon-Sat), 10.30am2.30pm (Sun) and 6.30pm-10.30pm (daily); +603-2142 8000

Today, children can still be seen aroundneighbourhoods on lantern parades but themost popular and favoured experience during
this time is the giving and receiving, and ofcourse, consuming of these symbolic mooncakes.
Traditionally, mooncakes are round or rectangular
pastries, consisting of a thin tender skin enveloping
a sweet, dense filling usually made from lotus
seed paste. And to further push the element ofsymbolism, a mooncake can also contain a wholesalted duck egg yolk, representing the full moon.
In recent years, mooncakes have undergone a
rapid evolution, and now, all sorts of mooncakes
can be found using all sort of ingredients: redbean, durian, coffee, walnuts and all manner of
new and inventive combinations.
None, however, sound as tantalisingly luxurious
as The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s star offering
this year: Moët & Chandon Champagne Mini Ping
Pei. After thorough experimentation, the chefs
at this five-star hotel’s award-winning Cantoneserestaurant, Li Yen, have come up with a delicious
recipe that infuses the famous bubbly into the pingpei skin. Led by Dim Sum Chef Tan Tiong Guan (LiYen’s dim sum enjoys a fine reputation in the city),
the restaurant is also offering other varieties ofmooncakes including Durian Mini Ping Pei, ‘Kam
T H E Y TL LU XURY MAGAZINE

083

ytl Hotels | The Estates at
Pangkor Lautytl Hotels | Pangkor Laut Resort

Voted the world’s best resort, multiple
award-winning Pangkor Laut Resort
promises the privileged visitor
an experience of exclusivity andelegance. Its home is the private
island of Pangkor Laut, blessedwith pristine beaches bathed in thewaters of the Straits of Malacca.
The accommodation is luxuriously
appointed and the resort boasts
unparalleled hospitality and attention
to detail. On the gastronomic front,
guests can enjoy a wide range of
cuisine, whether dining at the new
Feast Village at Fisherman’s Coveor by the sea. Add the tropicalsun, luxurious surroundings andthe services of the Resort’s worldrenowned Spa Village – which
combines the healing arts of India,
China and Malaysia – and it is
no wonder that this is the choice
holiday destination for internationalcelebrities and the most discerningof holidaymakers. Tel: +603-2783
1000; www.pangkorlautresort.com

Intimate Experiences
Enjoy leisurely sunset excursions thatprovide the perfect setting for a romantic
evening. Cruise around the island on
board the Resort’s large traditional‘tongkang’-style teakwood boat which
will anchor at Emerald Bay where you
will witness one of the world’s mostbeautiful sunsets. From there the Captainwill sail off to a quiet cove where you’ll
be served a delicious four-course dinner
at a table set only for you.

In a small secluded cove near
Pangkor Laut Resort rest the eight
wonders that make up The Estates.
Each of these individually crafted
enclaves is reminiscent of the
traditional South East Asian way
of living of days gone by, when an‘estate’ was made up of a number of
special purpose buildings scatteredamidst gardens of astounding beauty.
Comprising either two, three orfour bedrooms, each Estate offersa private infinity-edge pool, as well
as discreet living, dining, bathing
and sleeping pavilions in various
adaptations of Malay architectural
traditions. There is also a private
vehicle and driver assigned to each
Estate should guests decide to leave
the seclusion of their villa to dine in
one of the Resort’s restaurants or togo for a treatment at the Spa Village.
The Estates is truly the perfect luxury
hideaway. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.pangkorlautresort.com/estates/

Emerald Bay
A centrepiece of the Resort is themagnificent Emerald Bay, consideredby many independent international
travel consultants as one of the mostbeautiful beaches in the world. Herethe beach is kept as pristine andnatural as possible. This intimate
bay remains as it has been foreons, providing the perfect place
for swimming, sunbathing or simply
spending time together.

Rainforest Revelations
There are three jungle treks through therainforest that are accompanied by ourexperienced resident naturalist. The
walks are free of charge and offer afascinating insight into the spectacularvirgin rainforest that is estimated to beover two million years old. Some of theinteresting wildlife you may spot on theisland includes crab-eating macaquemonkeys, tropical monitor lizards andyellow pied hornbills.

Privileged Tranquillity
Reflecting a South East Asian aesthetic,
each villa at the Estates offers complete
privacy to its privileged guests and iscrafted to provide refined eleganceand luxurious comfort. Polished tropical
hardwood floors are accented by
textured fabrics that add warmth to theelegant bedrooms with their podium
beds; bathrooms and vanity areas are
wonderfully spacious, and crafted withfine attention to detail.

Integrated into the Environment
Each and every individual Estate is aunique experience - tailored to blend
comfortably and stylishly into its naturalenvironment. In fact, the entire Resort
was built with integration in mind,
so that it not only blends in with theenvironment, but actually becomespart of it. A variety of wildlife roam
the area so don’t be surprised to findyourself dining with a peacock or
waking up to the call of monkeys.

Sterling Service
Every Estate is assigned an EstateManager, at least two dedicatedattendants and a Chef, all of whom
will aid in unobtrusively addressing
and coordinating every aspect of each
guest’s tenancy. During meal times,
guests can give specific instructions, orbe as adventurous as they want, as all
our chefs’ culinary skills span a wide
range of both local Asian specialties
and Western cuisine.

ytl Hotels | Cameron
Highlands Resort

ytl Hotels | Tanjong Jara Resort

Set amidst tea plantations and rolling
hills, this tranquil boutique hideaway
promises visitors all the splendour,romance and nostalgia of Cameron
Highlands’ grand colonial heritage.
Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s
largest hill resort and is the only placein this tropical country where you canfind tea plantations and strawberries,
while enjoying a temperate climate.
Largely unchanged since its colonial
heyday, this ‘little corner of Englandin Asia’ is still dotted with Tudorstyle cottages and is a place wherescones and afternoon tea will notseem out of place. The Resort itself
is representative of all this: withtall French doors, timber-beamed
ceilings, plantation shutters and evena fireplace adding old-world charmto the surroundings. It also houses
a Spa Village as well as an 18hole golf course and 56 luxuriously
appointed rooms and suites which
weave in the wondrous colours andtextures of Jim Thompson’s famed
Asian silks. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

The Spa Village
Today, Cameron Highlands is stillhome to many tea plantations, being
Malaysia’s largest tea-producing
region. The treatments at the Cameron
Highlands Spa Village feature healing
therapies based on produce from thesurrounding jungles and ancient tea
rituals. This authentic blending of culture
and product, along with the tranquil
ambience of the lush highlands, makes it
a unique and therapeutic healing retreat.

An evocation of the elegance andgrandeur of 17th century Malay
palaces, Tanjong Jara Resort is the
only luxury resort that sits along
Malaysia’s beautiful East Coast
beaches. Built on a 17-hectaresite that blends in with its natural
surroundings, the 99-room Resort isan embodiment of the gentle Malay
arts of service and hospitality. Witha philosophy based on the conceptof ‘Sucimurni’ (which emphasises
purity of spirit, health and wellbeing), Tanjong Jara is the perfectplace to escape and rejuvenate. The
Resort offers four different luxurious
accommodation options, eachcommanding stunning views of theSouth China Sea and appointed
in a fashion fit for a Malay king.
Tanjong Jara is surrounded bysleepy fishing villages, shadedby coconut palms, alongside ameandering river teeming withwildlife – providing guests with anauthentic taste of the region’s spirit
and culture. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.tanjongjararesort.com

High on Golf
The Resort sits alongside the only
18-hole golf course in the area. The
well-manicured course comprises
luxuriant green fairways with welldeveloped trees, fine sand bunkers,
tricky greens and forgiving rough. At
5,000 feet above sea level, it has been
carved with precision out of the foliage
and forests of the area. Tree-covered
mountains also provide a spectacular
backdrop to this stunning course.

Taking Tea
The Resort takes its tea-time very
seriously and the Jim Thompson Tea
Room is a cosy retreat and the perfect
spot for this time-honoured English
tradition. Savour finger sandwiches,
light-as-air pastries and home baked
scones as well as fresh Cameronstrawberries. For a local twist, try thescones with exotic local fruit like banana
or mango. Complementing this spread isa wide selection of quality Cameron teas.

The World’s Most Innovative Spa
The Spa Village Tanjong Jara wasrecently awarded ‘The World’s Most
Innovative Spa’ by UK’s Tatler Spa
Awards, a testament to the uniquenature of the Malay healing culture
found only on the East Coast of
Malaysia. Ancient Malay healing
traditions are honoured through thesignature Asam Roselle, ‘Panglima’ –Warrior Massage and ‘Syurga Tujuh’– Seven Steps to Heaven programmes.

Diving off a secluded Island
Just off the Resort, approximately
45 minutes by speedboat is Tenggol
Island which is part of the fabulous
Terengganu Marine Park. Famed for
its untouched coral gardens and rare
species of marine life, it has over 20
dive spots for both the beginner andexperienced diver. The Resort alsooffers its guests the chance to gain their
PADI Open Water Diver licence whileon holiday.

The Heart of Malay Culture
Culture is an integral part of the
Tanjong Jara Resort experience, andthis manifests itself in a myriad ofways.Guests can enjoy cooking lessons
which will introduce them to the various
culinary arts of Malaysia. Or indulge inactivities like playing ‘congkak’, learning
the Malay martial arts ‘silat’ or go on
handicraft tours to witness traditional‘kris’ blacksmiths, batik painters, ‘songket’
weavers and shipmakers at work.

ytl Hotels | Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali

ytl Hotels | The Majestic Malacca

The key to every YTL Luxury Spa
Resort is the marriage of luxurious
accommodation and sterling service
with beauty, tranquility and a senseof sanctuary. The Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali is all that andmore. Inspired by the Spa Village
Pangkor Laut, this newest jewel in
YTL Hotel’s crown embraces thesame healing ethos of celebrating
local culture, honouring the ancienthealing traditions of the region andinfusing each visit with the essenceof the surrounding location. Set in alandscape of great natural beauty,
this 31-room luxury spa resort offers
guests the best of Balinese massage,
wellness and spirituality therapies
which seek to restore not just the
body and mind, but also to replenish
the spirit through a range of carefullydesigned programmes. The seclusionof the Resort also offers guests theopportunity to get away from thestresses of the world and rejuvenate
within a place tailor-made for thatvery purpose. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.tembokbali.com

Following the Path
Each guest is invited to select a Discovery
Path based on an analysis of their needs– choosing from Balance, Creativity or
Vigour – with each offering a combined
range of tailored treatments and activities
designed to restore equilibrium to bodies
and spirits. Those who wish to improvetheir personal skills in the art of Balinese
massage can join the Spa Village
Academy and undergo private training
with a group of skilled therapists.

The Majestic Malacca is the first
luxury hotel and spa in the historic cityof Malacca. Faithfully restored andlovingly refurbished by YTL Hotels, the54-room Majestic Malacca resonateswith historical significance even while
it has been thoroughly updated tocater to the needs of today’s upmarket
traveller. Architecture, décor anddining all reflect the legacy of thisancient city’s history, and take guests
on a luxurious journey into the past.
The Majestic Malacca also houses
the newest Spa Village which offers
luxury-spa seekers such delights as thewarm-energy treatment of Malaccan
palm sugar and honey scrub and a hotnutmeg and rice rolling body massage.
An icon of Malacca’s past has now
become something to be desired in thepresent. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.majesticmalacca.com

Meditate upon the Stars
Unique to Tembok Bali is the Starlight
Gazing experience, where youcan enjoy the hypnotic pleasureof stargazing while floating on
the Resort’s infinity pool. You do
this listening to Ultra Meditation
music, designed to induce the brain
into a synchronized theta stateof consciousness, found to aid in
expanding and enhancing memory
and learning capabilities.

Cuisine Designed to Rejuvenate
Seafood is drawn daily from thelocal ocean, fruit purchased fromlocal farmers, and only the freshestof ingredients are used in every dish.
With captivating views of the Bali Sea,
set just above the slate-hued beach,the open air Wantilan restaurant offers
ever-changing flavourful regional andinternational cuisine. And organic
products, as available, are the first
choice ingredients.

The Peranakan Spa
The award-winning Spa Village opens
its sixth wellness centre in The Majestic
Malacca. Adhering to the brand’s
philosophy of honouring the healing
traditions of the local region, the Spa
Village Malacca is the world’s only
spa to base its therapies on the healing
heritage of the Baba-Nyonya culture
and offers treatments which uses a local
specialty gula melaka, also known aspalm sugar.

Dining Sensations
Malaysia is a country that is world
renowned for the diversity and depthof its culinary options. And nowherein the country is this more evident thanthe multicultural mix that is Malacca –the unique merging of cultures in thishistoric city has resulted in a novel
marriage of cuisines, both Chineseand Malay, known as Nyonya food
– which is truly a feast for both thesenses and the palette.

A Haven of History
In this small town that was once
occupied by the world’s major colonial
powers of the Portuguese, Dutch andEnglish, The Majestic Malacca rests
peacefully on the banks of the Malacca
River. Reflections of this historic trading
port resonate within the intimacy andluxury of this beautiful hotel, designed toprovide experiences that are anchoredin the past, but woven together withevery modern convenience.

ytl Hotels | Spa Village

ytl Hotels | Eastern & Oriental
Express

YTL’s multiple award-winning Spa
Village brand has developed aninternational reputation within
the luxury spa market and grownfrom strength to strength over theyears. Besides the original Spa
Village Pangkor Laut, there are
now five other Spa Villages – Spa
Village Kuala Lumpur, Spa Village
Tanjong Jara, Spa Village Cameron
Highlands, Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali and the Spa Village
Malacca. What’s unique about all
the Spa Villages is that each draws
inspiration from the healing culturesof its particular region and blends
traditional therapeutic remedies witha modern methodology. Whether in
Pangkor Laut, Kuala Lumpur or Bali,
the Spa Village is a sophisticatedand rejuvenating experience, notjust because of the quality of its
services but simply because the Spa
Village is more than just a place: it’sa philosophy. Tel: +603-2783 1000;
www.spavillage.com

Spa Village
Pangkor LautPaying homage to thethree major culturesof Malaysia, ancient
Chinese, Malay andIndian treatments
drawing from thecountry’s abundance of
natural resources havegenerated international
acclaim and accolades.

Spa Village
CameronHighlands
A unique haven forrelaxation wheretea is the foundationof the experience.
Located in the cool
upper reaches of the
Malaysian Highlands
amidst dense jungles
and rolling tea hills.

The Eastern and Oriental Express isn’t
just a train service. It’s an expressionof the heart. A confirmation of
the indomitable spirit of humanendeavour. A priceless pilgrimage– into the heart and soul of South
East Asia. Where nostalgia reigns
and timelessness begins. On what isregarded perhaps as the most exotic
train journey in the world, the routeand its stops have been designed togive passengers maximum comfort
and convenience, with the entire
journey crafted to provide theluxurious experience of a lifetime.
At its maximum length, the Eastern& Oriental Express is a quarter ofa mile long and has 22 carriages.
Inside it is a haven of comfort, styleand luxury. Tel: +65-6392 3500;
www.orient-express.com

Spa Village
Tanjong Jara
The Spa Village
Tanjong Jara is a
sanctuary of wellbeing anchored in
the ancient Malay
way of life. It featuresunique restorative
treatments handed
down by authentic
Malay healers.

Spa Village
Kuala Lumpur
With treatments
anchored in thecultural diversity andrich healing heritageof the region, KL’s
most stylish urban
retreat combines
ancient practices witha host of the mostblissful spa therapies.

Spa Village
Malacca
The newest addition to
the Spa Village family,
it is also the only spa
in the world to baseits treatments on the
Peranakan culture,
which is native to
Malacca and is a crossbetween Malay andChinese traditions.

The Perfect Vantage Point
The air-conditioned carriages are perfectvantage points from which to tour theregion. The Restaurant Cars, Saloon Car
and Bar Car are located in the centreof the train while the Observation Car
with its open deck area is located at thevery end. It is an ideal spot for watching
South-East Asia go by as you trundle
along the train’s magnificent route,passing through several Malaysian statesand South Thailand.

Stately Accommodation
The interior walls of the compartments
are panelled with cherry wood andelm burr, with decorative marquetry
friezes and intricate design inlays.
The delicate embroidery work on
the pelmets was done in Malaysia,
and the bespoke carpets hand-tuftedin Thailand. While guests dine atnight, the steward transforms thecompartment from a living room to a
magical bedroom.

The Finest Cuisine
Chefs on board the E&O Express areinternationally renowned for their ability
to create a tantalising variety of Easternand European dishes, using the finest
fresh seasonal ingredients. The service
is also top of the line and equals theworld’s finest restaurants. Each morning,a breakfast of freshly baked croissants,
coffee or tea, juice and fruit is delivered
to your compartment to be enjoyed inluxurious privacy.

ytl Hotels | Villa Tassana

ytl Hotels | Bray House

Set amidst a tropical forest on
a craggy cliff overlooking thebeautiful emerald green of theAndaman Sea is this lesser known
gem on the YTL Hotels portfolio of
luxury holiday destinations. Locatedjust 15 minutes away from Phuket
International Airport on the island’squiet, undeveloped North Western
coastline, Villa Tassana offers theprivileged visitor a vacation ofmodern sophiscation married witha hearty dose of Thai hospitality.
Spread out over a generous 2,800
square metres, the Villa features 3
large bedrooms with ensuite bathand dressing areas, a 15 metresswimming pool, separate living
and dining pavilions, a kitchenand even a maid’s room. For thoselooking to ‘get away from it all’,Villa Tassana is ideal for a spot of
splendid isolation, or for spending
quality time with family and friends,
all while enjoying nature in all its
glory, and warm, homely 5-star
service. Tel: +603-2783 1000

Thai-Style
The Villa is staffed by one
dedicated attendant and a chef who
between them will address all yourhousekeeping needs, unobtrusively
coordinate all aspects of yourtenancy and best of all, prepare
fantastic homestyle Thai dishes for all
your meals and even upon special
requests. The food is top-notch
homecooking so be prepared to fallin love with Thai cuisine.

The latest jewel in YTL Hotels’ stellar
collection of properties began life
as a manor house stable in the late
17th century. Today, it has been
lovingly restored and transformed
into an elegant, high-design
boutique homestay. Featuring aneclectic mix of interiors spanning
the Art Deco period of the early
1900s in the lounge right up to its
sophisticated contemporary kitchen,
Bray House is an experience of the
English gentry lifestyle with bespoke
service and an intimate atmosphere.
Designer furniture, vintage
accessories and vivid splashes ofcolour create an atmosphere thatmarries the modern and the classic.
Each of the three bedrooms has its
own theme: a lullaby of white, forexample, or a symphony of Tuscany
red in another. The House also has acourtyard and water feature createdfrom a natural spring found in thegarden. Tel: +44 1628 771171;
email: info@braycottages.com

The Rarest Luxury
The most precious aspect of the Villa
Tassana experience is the intimate
privacy it affords. Perched above
a secluded cove, enveloped by thesight and sounds of nature, awayfrom the madding crowd and with
only your own party for company, it
truly encompasses the contemporary
essence behind the romantic notionof ‘splendid isolation’. A rare luxury
indeed, if not the rarest.

Island Activities
Naithon Beach, Andaman White
Beach and Hin Kaw Beach are a mere
five minutes drive away. Guests canalso enjoy the first-class spa and sports
facilities located at the neighbouring
Trisara Hotel. There are three fantastic
golf courses nearby, including theexclusive Blue Canyon, and also a
range of luxury motor yachts available
to explore Phuket’s many bays, islands
and dive locations.

Ye Olde England
Located in the idyllic village of Bray,near Windsor, experience the heartand soul of old England with its
twee period houses, traditional pubs
complete with beamed ceilings andfireplaces and a parish church that
dates back to 1293. The county ofBerkshire, one of the oldest in England,is also blessed with magnificent
buildings and picturesque woodlands
scenery and riverscapes.

Culinary Excellence
Humble Bray is considered one of theculinary centres of the world housing
many famous restaurants. The mostinternationally renowned are The Fat
Duck owned by Heston Blumenthaland Michel Roux’s Waterside Inn,
which each boasts three Michelin
stars. No wonder then that Bray isalso home to numerous ultra-desirable
residences of many well-known
British celebrities.

Sterling Service
All housekeeping needs will be
addressed during your stay but theservices of a butler and private chef
can be accommodated upon request.
The House’s Concierge service include
aiding with restaurant reservations andarranging excursions to nearby Windsor
for a private tour of the famous Eton
College, Henley-on-Thames, river cruises,
golf, horse-riding and other English
country pursuits.

ytl Hotels |JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

ytl Hotels |The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

The JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur
was designed with the businesstraveller in mind. Located in thecity’s business district, this five-stardeluxe hotel is the ultimate venue
for meetings and functions. Facilities
include 48 flexible meeting room
options (including a grand ballroom)
within the property, the adjoining
Starhill Conference Centre andthe Carlton Conference Centre at
The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur, all of which areconnected via link-bridge. There isalso a Business Centre providing
a full range of business services.
Rooms feature ample workspace,a plush high-back executive chair,broadband connection and otherstandard communication services(two-line speaker phone, fax modem,
voicemail). Tel: +603-2715 9000;
www.marriott.com

Based on the philosophy that
great service should never merely
be reactive and compliant but
anticipatory and spontaneous,
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is
Malaysia’s only 5-star luxury boutique
hotel offering a full personal butler
service. Its location in the heart ofthe city’s prestigious Golden Triangle
district makes for easy access to thetrendy Bukit Bintang area: Starhill
Gallery, one of the city’s premier
shopping centres, is linked to thehotel via an enclosed sky bridge.
With 365 elegantly appointed
guestrooms (including 110 suites and1 penthouse), 25 meeting rooms,
three exceptional restaurants and anaward-winning ‘tropical’ Spa Village,
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
is one of the city’s finest businesshotels where combining businessand pleasure is as effortless as themasterly service it provides. Tel:
+603-2142 8000; www.ritzcarlton.com

Starhill Gallery
Today’s truly outstanding cities blend architecture and design,
art and fashion, music and culture with a state of mind. And
Starhill Gallery, integrated with the hotel, is an effortlessly
elegant and cosmopolitan environment that reflects theessence and spirit of this city. Delivering “A Gallery of Rich
Experiences”, seven luxurious floors offer exclusivity crafted
for those who seek experiences out of the ordinary. Here,the world’s premier retailers present a palette of uniquepersonalised shopping experiences, making it easy to combine
business and pleasure at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Feast Village
On the lowest level of Starhill Gallery, guests can enjoy aunique dining experience at the Feast Village, where 12
restaurants are brought together to create a multi-ethnic
culinary experience like no other in the world. Design draws
from nature here; walls are asymmetrical and serve not toseparate, but rather provide peaceful enclaves where people
feel at rest. Rice paper from Japan combines with slate andikat from Indonesia, granite from China, silk from Thailand,
and timber from Myanmar to create an essence of Asia. The
Feast Village is truly one-of-a-kind.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
An entire all-suite wing makes up the second tower of The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur. Sumptuous two and three bedroom
suites designed and decorated to the finest international
standards offer guests a unique standard of accommodation.
Each suite includes a dining room and lounge area as well
as a gourmet-style kitchen where guests can self-cater or use
the private catering services provided by Starhill Gallery’s
Feast Village. Guests may choose to have the Executive Chef
prepare a private dining experience – and every suite comeswith its own private butler. It’s a home away from home.

The Carlton Conference Centre
A 30,000 square foot, 25 meeting room, three-level facility
connected to the hotel at levels 1 and 2. This classicallydesigned, yet state-of-the-art facility allows The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur to host events from 10 to 400 guests. The
Conference Center also connects via enclosed sky bridge tothe upscale Starhill Gallery, a KL city landmark featuring someof the world’s most exclusive brands and dining experiences.
Guests can also choose to hold functions in the Member’sLounge or at the adjacent Pool Deck, which is perfect for
unwinding after an intense day’s meeting.

viva la diva

Move Over,
Madonna

Hell hath no fury like a woman dumped by herhusband for a younger supermodel Lady Cristal Champers
byDisneyland’s fireworks display pales in comparison to
Lady Prudence’s celebration of freedom at her stately home.
She is celebrating her ‘D-Day’ – no, not of the military kind but
D as in Divorce from her husband who dumped her for a young
Russian model younger even than their youngest daughter.
Although the fire has long gone out of the marriage, for Lady
Pru, it is the loss of prestige and face. She may need him like ahole in the head but her pride is wounded.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” snarled Lady Pru
as she went on the rampage, cutting off the sleeves of all her
husband’s favourite designer suits and dispatching the rest to
the local charity shop. His priceless collection of fine wine andvintage brandy was auctioned off at a charity event and therest she toasted to her freedom with guests at her summer
garden party. This, she knows, will hurt him more than anythingelse in the world.
Like me, Lady Pru does not do doom and gloom. Blue bloodruns in her veins, albeit illegitimately. Her great grandmama, aroyal mistress, was known as a ‘frisky filly’ in her younger days
– wild and free and ready to be ridden, and with a reputation
to have romped with more Lords, Viscounts and Earls than in
Burke’s Peerage aristocratic listings.

have been abandoned by their husbands for younger models.
This First Wives’ Club is of the same ethos as Ivana Trump withher most famous pronouncement when she divorced Donald
Trump: “Don’t get mad, get everything!” These ladies aretriumphant in their new lives living in luxury with their big fat
alimony and the de rigueur toyboys.
Lady Pru has her very own arm candy whom she acquiredat her last London soiree in Annabel’s, London’s favourite
watering hole for high society. Across the room was the
hunkiest young Cuban ‘stallion’ barely out of nappies, olive skin,dark curls and eyes that shone like a wild animal. Lady Pru, askilled huntswoman, went for the kill. She purred, “What’s yourname?” The young man, aware of his spell on this middle-aged
lady on the wrong side of fifty but loaded, flashed a seductive
smile and said, “I am Moses”. The crowd parted like the Red
Sea on the dance floor as Lady led Moses away to her boudoir.
At the garden party, Lady Pru parades her toyboy like a prizedthoroughbred. If Lady Madonna can have Jesus as a toyboy,
why can’t Lady Pru have Moses? Not to be outdone, Lady Pru
is now checking out orphanages in Africa to adopt a child or
two. Move over, Madonna!

So Lady Pru decides to celebrate her single status in style witha garden party. With her stiff upper lip curled into a fake smile,
she welcomes her guests with air kisses and air hugs so that
she won’t crush her impossibly flamboyant hat designed by
the divine high society milliner Anton Marriette. The hat isshaped like a cat lying down on a cushion, modelled after
her beloved Bengal cat Queen Sheba.

Illustration EDWARD MAK

Queen Sheba wears a diamond-studded collar and sleeps
on the softest silk cushion in a miniature four-poster bed
draped with the finest French lace in gold and black tomatch her exquisite golden fur peppered with black spots.
She feasts only on smoked salmon, choice cuts of steak andlactose-free milk. At the garden party, cat and lady parade
among the guests poised and elegant but ready to flash claws
whenever a guest mentions her husband and that Russian ‘bitof fluff’ as Lady Pru calls her.
This lavish party is basically an ‘up yours’ to her exhusband. She wants to show him that she has moved
on. Her guests are mostly aristocratic wives who
92

THE YT L LU XU RY MAGA Z I NE