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LIFE FEATURE
30

Celebrate memories of alifetime at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

34

Escape to the stunning andsecluded Pangkor Laut Estates

38

The best spots for delicious Malay
cuisine on an East Coast road trip

48
42
42

The latest menu offerings at
the recently refurbished Feast
Village and Fisherman’s Coveat Gaya Island Resort

18
LIFE ONTHE COVER

48

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur’s
opening transforms one of thecity’s best-known neighbourhoods

24

Tales of afternoon tea and ahost of other British traditions at
Cameron Highlands Resort

52

LIFE EVENTS
24

Visiting Chef Lino Sauro expounds
his brand of Sicilian cuisine at The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur

26

A sampling of Kristang cultureat The Majestic Malacca

Highlights from this year’sStarhill Gallery Fashion Week

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Thrills and spills: The Chapman’s
Challenge at Pangkor Laut Resort

54

28

18

A collaboration to revive
traditional Malay art forms
with Pink Jambu, Tenun Pahang
Diraja and The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

54
10

CONTENTS
58
DESIGNER LIFE
Our edit of summer fashion
essentials presented atHotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

68

58

LIFE FEATURE
68

High country: where to go, what to
do and where to eat in Niseko

72

Culture and the arts: a quieter
side to Paradise at Spa Village
Resort Tembok, Bali

76

The chic Sydney Harbour Marriott
Hotel at Circular Quay ups its
game with refreshed interiors andexciting new restaurants

76
82

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Bath tales: exploring the city ofBath and The GainsboroughBath Spa86

Summer sizzle in the south ofFrance at MUSE Saint Tropez

92

82
12

Make The Glasshouse Hotel
Edinburgh your base when
exploring the Scottish capital

CONTENTS
96

LIFE STYLE

Presenting an ensemble of themost talked-about high jewellery
and timepieces

100

LIFE MOMENTS

96

12 Things to do in Edinburgh in 48
Hours: we do the planning so thatyou don’t have to

100

106

PORTFOLIO
OF LIFE

The world of YTL Hotels

122

MY LIFE

A chat with Maximilian Busser
of MB&F

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

86

122
14

A Note from Tan Sri (Dr) Francis Yeoh
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kenneth Tan (k.tan@imv.com.sg)

EDITORIALART

Editor Mark Lean (m.lean@imv.com.sg)
Chief Sub-Editor Jacqueline Danam
Editorial Assistant Allisa Noraini

Group Creative Director IMV
Shabir Mahmood (s.mahmood@imv.com.sg)
Project Art Director Parvez Mahfooz
Picture Editor Kenny Nguyen
Designer Le Thu Trang
Designer Thao Truong

Hotel Stripes sits on a piece ofland in central Kuala Lumpur where
YTL Corporation established its
first office. Edgy, sleek and designaware are descriptions many have
conveyed about this hotel thatmelds effortlessly into its location,
where much of the Malaysian
capital’s history began.

PRODUCTION

Group Production Director IMV Anna Tsirelnikova

CONTRIBUTORSDiana Hubbell, Renyi Lim, Marco Ferrarese, Simon Pridmore
M Wilson, Vishal Bhaskaran, Kenneth Foo, Prestine Davekhaw
Isabella Plaza, Marcus Wong, Ting Yang ShanPRODUCTION
Prepress: Asiatype
Printer: Percetakan Zanders Sdn Bhd (205766A)
No. 16, Jalan BK 1/11, Bandar Kinrara, 47180 Puchong
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

A

ADVERTISING SALES AND MARKETING

Director of Sales Venis Loo (v.loo@imv.com.sg)
Sales Manager Xana Lai (x.lai@imv.com.sg)
Administrative Manager Jaclyn Teh (j.teh@imv.com.sg)

PRESIDENT

COO

Michael von Schlippe

Anna Tsirelnikova

PUBLISHED BY

s you leaf throughthe pages ofthis issue of YTLLife, we hope
that
you
are
also
savouring
our exceptional
YTL Hotels hospitality. It is ourquintessential brand of service
that extends, for example, fromour thoughtful butlers at Pangkor
Laut Estates, the attentive serveur
at ‘M’, the all-day-dining restaurant
at MUSE Hotel Saint Tropez, andthe personable front desk staff at
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, part ofAutograph Collection Hotels.

Farther afield, we feature
two of our United Kingdom
properties: Threadneedles Hotelin the City of London and The
Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh. Bothoffer unique keys to the cities inwhich they are located – central
locations,conversation-starting
design, stellar food and beverage
offerings, and of course, thestaff, all of whom are committed
to delivering the highest service
standards – and always with asmile. Visitors to Edinburgh Festival
Fringe, the world’s largest arts
festival, will find The Glasshouse
Hotel Edinburgh the perfect basefrom which to explore the city andits attractions.
In Australia, the Sydney Harbour
Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay is
yet another exceptional property
in an unsurpassed location. We
look forward to welcoming you to
all YTL Hotels’ properties aroundthe world.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEYTL Hotels & Properties Sdn Bhd
8th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza
55 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

PRODUCED BY
Indochine Media Ventures Sdn Bhd
B-7-13A, Gateway Kiaramas
No. 1, Jalan Desa Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

16

17

life on the coverlife on the cover

CAPITALCOOL
The recently unveiled
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
imparts a stylish edge
to one of the city’soldest neighbourhoods.
Words MARK LEAN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

18

19

life on the coverlife on the cover

THE POOL AND ITS OPEN-AIR DECK ARE
BOTH IDEAL VANTAGE POINTS TO SAVOURSTUNNING SKYLINE VIEWS (PERFECT FOR
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY PHOTOS)OVER DOWNTOWN KL.

The rooftop pool overlooks
Kuala Lumpur’s skyline;
guestrooms and suites
are a unique blend ofcontemporary design andurban chic, reflecting thehistory and character ofthe neighbourhood.

B

20

21

How to get there
The Medan Tuanku Monorail
station is a three-minute walk from
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur. The
monorail service connects to Bukit
Bintang where shopping malls
like Lot 10 and Starhill Gallery arelocated, as well as to KL Sentral,
which offers direct connections
via the Express Rail Link to Kuala
LumpurInternational
Airport(KLIA). Taxis are also available fromboth KLIA and KL Sentral.
For more information, please visit
www.stripeskl.com

Just as perspectives of thepast are accented in Hotel Stripes
Kuala Lumpur’s design lexicon,
the thoughtful room amenities
comprise the ultimate in comfort
with
in-built
technology
intune with the high degree offunctionality that today’s world
travellers expect. These include
plush bedding that guarantee agood night’s sleep, wall sockets
withconfigured
international
adapters, complimentary Wi-Fi,
HD televisions, espresso coffee
machines,
adjustablebedsidereading
lights,complimentaryminibars,
andfornostalgic
touches, selections of traditional
local sweets such as coconut candy
and preserved plums.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

ack
in
the
late
19th
century during
thehalcyondays of theindustrial age,
Kuala Lumpur
was a vibrantcommercial centre, propelled by
the then-Malaya’s booming tin
mining industry. The hub of the tin
trade was along Jalan Kamunting,a street initially lined with wooden
and thatched buildings. But after adisastrous fire, new brick and tile
shophouses with inner walkways
spanning five feet, ingeniously
designed to shield pedestrians
from the scorching tropical sun
and rain, were constructed by the
British colonial administration.
These buildings continue to stand
today, serving as both echoes of
the city’s not-so-distant past anda thoughtful counterpoint to its
quickening rhythm of urbanisation.
Similarly, a sense of history as
well as an edgy take on design
pervades the 184-room Hotel

Stripes Kuala Lumpur, the second
Autograph Collection Hotel in
Malaysia, which officially opened
on 18 February 2017. AutographCollection Hotels is part ofMarriott International and features
134 handpicked boutique hotels
around the world, each of which has
been individually curated, speciallycrafted and shares an emotional
connection with its locale.
Locatedonthestoriedthoroughfare, Hotel Stripes Kuala
Lumpur brandishes sleek of-themoment interiors, interlaced withvisual reminders of the Malaysian
capital’s textured multiculturalurban heritage. Exterior brick wall
facades form an intricate networkof shade in certain parts of thebuilding, while framed black andwhite photographs of the city fromdecades past, sourced from thecountry’s National Archives, adorn
the guestrooms.
While heritage elements arehighlighted as part of the Hotel
Stripes Kuala Lumpur experience,
the hotel’s staff emanates ayouthful, enthusiastic and eagerto-please vibe. From seamlessarrivalstocheck-ins,
guestsare made to feel welcome themoment they step into the hotel,
and this engaging and thoughtful
hospitality continues throughout
the duration of their stay.

life on the coverlife on the cover

FROM SEAMLESS ARRIVALS TO CHECK-INS, GUESTS ARE MADE TO FEEL
WELCOME THE MOMENT THEY STEP INTO THE HOTEL.

22

At Brasserie 25, Hotel Stripes
Kuala Lumpur’s restaurant takes
inspiration from the bistros ofdowntown Paris; the interiors
are a mix and match of red brickarcades, 1950s copper Sputnik
chandeliers and elegant darkwood floors. Flavoursome dishes
to taste include the foie gras
terrine with fig jam on a toasted
brioche, the hearty roasted chickenwith ample portions of mashedpotatoes and winter vegetables, aswell as the succulent lamb shankserved with steak fries and roasted
tomatoes. In the afternoons, tocomplement business or social
meetings, a French-style tea, Le
Gouter, a popular ritual inspiredby Hotel Stripes’ sister hotel MUSE
Saint Tropez, is presented at therestaurant. Expect both delectable
sweet desserts from exquisitely
made — and authentically French— bite-sized cakes and macarons
along with Malaysian-influenced
nibbles such as curry puffs andsavoury tarts, accompanied by23

either tea or coffee. On the subjectof coffee, next door to the hotel
is a KL institution, the Yut Kee
coffeeshop,
known
nationallyfor its locally blended beans
with a serious caffeine kick andfor its time-honoured variety ofHainanese dishes like pork chops,
beef noodle soup, fish porridge, as
well as its picks of fried rice dishes
including a tasty salted fish version.
Also nearby is The Row, comprising
22 shophouses that were built in
the 1940s, all of which have been
retrofitted to house restaurants,
cafes, art galleries and othercreative enterprises.
These days, the neighbourhood
where Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
is located matches old with newand past with present. And just as
it was during the time when Jalan
Kamunting attracted people fromaround the region who sought
better lives for themselves andtheir families, the area continues
to evolve; always turning the page,
and always creating new stories.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur’s
lobby (above)
and The Snug (right).
Facing page:
Brasserie 25 exudes arustic charm with its red
brick arcades, mid-century
copper Sputnik chandeliersand dark wood floors.

Elements in the four room
categories — Deluxe, Executive
Deluxe, Studio and Executive
Studio — include an abundance of
space, whilee the warm light beige
and gold interior colour schemes
conjure an atmosphere of warmthand welcome.
The infinity swimming poolon the top level of the buildingis the hotel’s outdoor social hub
where guests can mingle andunwind. The pool and its openair deck are both ideal vantage
points to savour stunning skyline
views (perfect for Instagram-worthy
photos) over downtown KL. This isbest appreciated at sunset with acocktail or two and a tray of chic
Asian nibbles prepared in the styleof Chinese buns from the poolsidebar, Man Tao — soon to be thecity’s latest must-visit spot.
On the same floor, guests
can enjoy a seamless andcomprehensive workout at thehotel’s fully equipped state-ofthe-art gym. While downstairs onlevel three, a series of six flexiblepurpose meeting rooms — Studio
S/T/R/I/P/E — ranging from
50sqm to 80sqm, are primed for
productive presentations, press
events and product launches.
In the mornings, breakfast isserved at The Snug, a cosy yet
minimalist space decked out in
masculine tones of black, bronze
and grey, and industrial design
motifs such as stripped-backwalls. Guests are tempted with abuffet selection of both Asian andWestern breakfast staples.
Freshly brewed coffee and tea,
along with an all-day takeaway
section comprising juices, fruits,saladsandsandwiches,areavailable until 6pm.

life events

All about the shows featuring
Malaysian and international
design talents at the recent
Starhill Gallery Fashion Week.

24

Top row from left: Syomir Izwa
Sen-Gupta; Valentino; iKarrtini.
Above from left: Celest Thoi;
ae’lkemi by Alvin Fernandez;
Nurita Harith. Below from left:
iKarrtini; Kenzo.
Facing page: Mita Tam
Style Studio.

A HOST OF SHOWSTOOK PLACE FROM
12 TO 15 APRIL.

S

tarhill Gallery’s Fashion Week
Kuala Lumpur Spring/Summer
2017 was a highly anticipated
event in the fashion-forward city’s
buzzing scene. A host of shows
took place from 12 to 15 April thatfeatured clothes from Valentino, Kenzo, McQ
Alexander McQueen, M Missoni, Debenhams,
Mita Tam Style Studio and iKarrtini. On 12 April,
Australian label ae’lkemi by Alvin Fernandezmade its Malaysian debut, while on 14 April,creations by Malaysian designers Celest Thoi,
Nurita Harith and Syomir Izwa Sen-Gupta cameunder the stylish spotlight.

25

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINESHINE ON

life events

Life Events

Challenge,
Accepted

Life Events

From left: Richard
Macdonald, Tom Sarginson,
and Sarah Mangelsdorf.
Below: Pangkor LautResort’s general manager,
Philippe Cavory.

I
THE CHAPMAN’S
CHALLENGE IS A
TRIBUTE TO BRITISH
COLONEL SPENCER
CHAPMAN.

26

Clockwise from top right:
Stephen Spencer Chapman;
Michael Davis and Chris
Cable; Harriet Brown andMatt Poole; Poole’s time of
46.44 was a record-breaker
for the Challenge.

27

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Pangkor Laut Resort’s annual
endurance event,
the Chapman’s Challenge,
attracted an internationalroster of participants.

n its second year, The Chapman’s
Challenge took place at Pangkor LautResort from 12 to 14 May. A tributeto British Colonel Spencer Chapman
who braved both elements andenemy during the Second World War,the rigorous competition comprises
a 3.8km road run around the island,followed by a 2.4km trek through pristine
rainforest, and finishing with a one-kilometreswim in the waters of Emerald Bay. This year’s
top five multinational qualifiers included Matt
Poole from Australia, Rikigoro Shinozuka from
Malaysia, Harriet Brown from Australia, Stephen
Spencer Chapman from the United Kingdom
and Irene Chong See Win from Malaysia.
Among the popular post-race activities werecelebratory drinks at Chapman’s Bar as wellas signature treatments at the resort’s awardwinning Spa Village.

life events

Tlife eventsheMajestic
Hotel
Kuala
L u m p u r
recently joined
luxury
batik
house
Pink
Jambu
in
playing
host
to a select group of guests for a
special promotion of Tenun Pahang
Diraja (royal woven silk of Pahang).
Pink Jambu is a quintessentially
Malaysian brand launched by
YM Tengku Marina Ibrahim 25
years ago.
Gracing the event as theguest of honour was Kebawah
Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku
Puan Pahang, Tunku Hajjah Azizah
Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, thePink Jambu celebrates its silver jubileewith Tenun Pahang Diraja at
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Words VISHAL BHASKARAN

28

From top: Puan Maisura, YM Tengku Marina
Ibrahim and Datin Noor Zihan; YM Tengku Marina
Ibrahim, Jeff Mong and Ferizada Muthanna;
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea His
Excellency Dr Yu Hyun-Seok; Kebawah Duli Yang
Teramat Mulia, Tengku Puan Pahang, Tunku
Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan
Iskandar; YM Tengku Marsilla Tengku Abdullah.

29

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEA CELEBRATION
OF SILK

royal consort to the Crown Princeof Pahang. Tengku Puan is thefounder of Tenun Pahang Diraja,
who has taken an active role inreviving this dying art over the past
10 years.
HRH has also published a book
— Tenun Pahang Diraja; Warisan,
Tradisi dan Falsafah — thatoutlines the heritage, the tradition
and the philosophy of the exquisite
art form.
According to Jeff Mong, theGeneral Manager of The Majestic
Hotel Kuala Lumpur: “It is only
natural that we should host thiscollaboration between Pink Jambu
and Tenun Pahang Diraja as The
Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur stands
proudly as an emblem of the pastin our modern world. It is important
to help nurture our Malaysian
heritage and craftsmanship as alegacy for our future generations.”

HRH HAS ALSO
PUBLISHED A
BOOK — TENUNPAHANG DIRAJA;WARISAN, TRADISIDAN FALSAFAH —THAT OUTLINESTHE HERITAGE, THE
TRADITION AND THE
PHILOSOPHY OF
THE EXQUISITEART FORM.

LIFEFEATURE

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COLONIALCHARMANDINIMITABLEGLAMOUR
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achopulent,
beautifully
decorated spaceat The Majestic
Hotel
Kuala
Lumpur holds astory embodied
with soul andheart. The city’s
iconic historic property —a national
heritage site dating to 1932 —is no stranger to dazzling social
events, sophisticated receptions
and weddings remembered bygenerations to come.
Weddings have generated someof the fondest memories: vintage
black-and-white photographs of
newly-wed couples standing on
the famous steps of the original
Hotel Majestic, like those of Mr
and Mrs EH Wong in 1960, still findtheir way back to the hotel today.
So, too, do the happy couples.
For example, Mr and Mrs Georgede Silva, who held their wedding
reception at Hotel Majestic in
1966, commemorated their golden
anniversary at The Roof Garden atlife feature

life feature

the start of this year.
The elegant white steps leading
up to the original Majestic Wing are
now a highly sought after locationof the next generation of newlyweds, many of whom capture that
picture-perfect moment in front of
the hotel, with their families besidethem. It is a highlight of what isoften a grand affair, given that theMajestic Ballroom upstairs, in all
its pillarless, chandeliered glory, iscapable of seating 1,200 people fora splendid banquet.
Weddings, however, are but anelement of many in the cultivationof one’s highly personalised story at

AT THE SMOKE
HOUSE,GENTLEMEN CANSTAGE A BACHELORPARTY WITH A
TOUCH OF CLASSBY RESERVING ITSPRIVATE DINING
ROOM.

the refined, stately atmosphere ofold Malaya. In the evenings, guests
are entertained by The Solianos –the descendants of the legendary
maestro Alfonso Soliano — allof whom channel his verve andpanache with their renditions ofsongs popular in the late 1950s,
around the time when Malaya
gained its independence. The
adjacent Tea Lounge, which looks
out onto a neatly trimmed lawn,
is a picturesque spot for daytime
celebrations over afternoon tea.
On level four, The Roof Garden— a striking outdoor setting withcapacity for 120 to 150 guests— lends itself magnificently to a
cocktail soiree or a vow renewal
ceremony. Combined with winningviews of Kuala Lumpur’s historicmile, it is all the more reason to set
your sights soaring for your next
celebration at The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur.
For more information, visit
www.majestickl.com

33

The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur is the only place
in town to make yourspecial occasions come
spectacularly alive in thetimeless glamour of its
diverse event spaces.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

32

The Majestic. The hotel’s treasurechest of spaces — some cosy, others
larger and full of life — are there to
be explored and claimed as one’s
own. The Orchid Conservatory,
for instance, is a favourite venue
for intimate lunches or dinners for
up to 20 people or bridal showers
complete with afternoon tea. It isalso a wonderfully romantic spot fora proposal, amid the glass atrium’s
plethora of colourful phalaenopsis
orchids — a botanical marvel thatcannot be found anywhere else
in Malaysia.
At The Smoke House, gentlemen
can stage a bachelor party witha touch of class by reserving its
private dining room, which comeswith a chef who is always ready tocreate a unique menu for up to
10 guests. Johnnie, the amiablebarman, is an expert at rustling up
classic cocktails such as the whisky
and soda stengah or the tropical
Jungle Bird. The on-site bespoke
tailor and Truefitt & Hill’s grooming
service will ensure that the groom
and his friends look their best.
The
delightsofColonial
Cafe and its classic colonial andHainanese-inspired cuisine in the
Majestic Wing will appeal to anyone
seeking to hold a birthday party oran anniversary to remember. Witha seating capacity for 120 guests
that stretches to two covered
courtyards, its pristine whitetablecloths, timber panelling andcomfortable cane-backed leather
chairs come together to recreate

life feature

life feature

THE NINTH
ESTATES
Exquisitely designed andsurrounded by jade-hued foliage,
these luxury abodes at Pangkor
Laut Resort are extraordinaryon all levels.
Words DIANA HUBBELL

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

34

35

life feature

life featureIf exclusivity is the heightof luxury, then it’s hard
to conceive of a more
luxurious
experience
than a stay at Pangkor
Laut Resort, an elitehideaway that has set
the standard for five-star
service in Malaysia since it opened
more than two decades ago. This
stunning hideaway is the only signof human civilisation on this jungledraped island, surrounded by theglittering waters of the Straits ofMalacca. Luciano Pavarotti, justone of a host of A-listers to stopby over the years, once proclaimed
it paradise and the description
still rings true today. Thanks
to the resort’s environmentally

Situated on the northernpart of the island, The
Estates feature luxurious
comforts with separate living
and dining pavilions as well
as a private pool offering
dramatic views; all set amid
pristine rainforest.

JACUZZIS, INFINITY
OR SWIMMINGPOOLS AND SALASFOR STRETCHINGOR SUNNINGCAN BE FOUND
THROUGHOUT.

36

Guests who request for a
specific Estate at the pointof booking will be contacted
by YTL Travel Centre toadvise its availability.

of specialities from Eastern andWestern cuisines. From a romantic
meal for two to a family gathering
for 10, all you have to do is ask andyour private team will make it so.
Withunparalleledservice,absolute privacy and architecturaldesigns that perfectly complement
their spectacular settings, thisgorgeous assortment of Estates
represents an opulent experience
like no other.
For more information, please
visit www.pangkorlautresort.com/
accommodation-the-estates

37

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

responsible policies, the island
remains every bit as lush and lovely
as it has always been. Guests
strolling along the coral-speckled
sands of Emerald Bay often spy rare
great hornbills, while troupes ofmonkeys can be spotted cavorting
through the trees.
Ensconced in rainforest on thenorthern edge of this idyllic isle lie
the Estates, eight opulent havens
evoking the grandeur of life incolonial Malaysia’s most stately
houses. Each of these two- to fourbedroom properties showcases
state-of-the-art amenities pairedwith exceptional design. Jacuzzis,
infinity or swimming pools andsalas for stretching or sunning canbe found throughout.
No two are exactly alike andeach has its own distinct allure.

Estate Five sports a magnificent
view of the sunset and Estate Ninefeatures a rock garden, giant chessboard and a communal spa pavilion
inspired by Japanese onsens.
For those hoping for panoramic
vistas, the hilltop Estates offer truly
breathtaking ones, while beachlovers may opt to stay in Estates
One, Two and Four, all of which
provide unimpeded access to thesandy shores of a sheltered cove.
Guests at these sanctuaries aretended to by private butlers andchefs. Should you feel an urge toembark on a guided jungle walk, asunset cruise or simply to lounge at
one of the resort’s secluded bays,
a driver can easily whisk you toyour desired destination. There arevirtually no limits here.
Whether you rise with the sunor prefer to linger a little longer
in bed, your chef can prepare amorning feast at whatever time
you choose. Order anything you
crave and the chef will whip it
up while your butler pours tea,coffee or freshly squeezed juices.
In the evenings, dinner is however
you imagine it, with a vast array

LIFEFEATURE

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Right: Chukai town
is home to an array of
establishments serving ahost of local delights.
Below: Tanjong Jara Resort
offers its own selection ofdining choices.

life featureeninsular
Malaysia’s
east
coast promises a quieter
pace of life. It was herethat Malay settlers, Arabsailors and Chinese migrantsintermingled, thus creatingsome of Malaysia’s mostdiverse mix of cultures and an
intriguing blend of their cuisines.
It is easy enough to travel to Terengganu,
the east coast’s longest littoral state, from
Kuala Lumpur using the East Coast Highway E8.
Leaving Kuala Lumpur by 10am, a recommended
lunch stop is at Temerloh, one of Pahang’s mostsizeable settlements. The town, to the southof famous Taman Negara National Park, is thebest place to try ikan patin masak tempoyak,
the local silver catfish cooked in durian paste.
Sauteed with ginger, lemongrass and tempoyak,
this Pahang speciality uses the durian’s strong
taste and spices to pack a punch.
One enters Terengganu proper after
bypassing Kuantan and proceeding north along
the E8 highway. The best initiation to zestierlocal flavours is at the small town of Chukai,
which lies beside Kemaman River.
Restaurant Tong Juan is well-known for
its crabs, the shells of which are stuffed withcrabmeat topped with whisked egg whites andflash-fried to golden perfection. The succulent
meat along with the crispy topping is best
enjoyed with the restaurant’s homemade garlicflavoured chilli sauce.

life feature

THE BEAUTIFUL PROPERTYWAS DESIGNED IN THE
STYLE OF A 17TH-CENTURY
MALAY PALACE.

Left: the beaches andislands of Malaysia’s
east coast are a hugedraw for visitors.
Below: the semi-detachedsingle-storey Anjung Rooms
are spacious havens.
Every Anjung Room features
a symmetrical outdoor baththat sits in its own
private courtyard.

For more information, please visit
www.tanjongjararesort.com

40

41

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Also in Kemaman is Hai Peng Kopitiam, aspot for staples such as strong local coffee androti benggali with kaya — a Malaysian tea-timetreat composed of of freshly baked bread andjam made from coconut, eggs and caramel.
Drive farther north on the E8 for an hourpast bucolic coastline to reach the seaside townof Dungun. About 15 minutes from the town is
Tanjong Jara Resort. The beautiful property, awinner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture,
was designed in the style of a 17th-century
Malay palace and is set on a stretch of golden
sandy beach that greets the South China Sea.
Before that, stop by the town’s bustlingmarket for apom, a dessert made from flour,
eggs, sugar, baking soda, coconut milk andwater; goreng pisang (banana fritters) and ikan
celup goreng, Terengganu’s version of battered
fried fish minus the chips.
For those wishing to further explore themarket, one of Tanjong Jara Resort’s mostanimated personalities, chef Ann, takes guests
on morning excursions, offering tips and tricks
on selecting the freshest seafood.
One of the state’s most famous offerings,
keropok lekor, accompanied with a sweet andspicy chilli sauce, is available at the market andat Teratai Terrace, one of the restaurants at
Tanjong Jara Resort. This traditional fish cracker
is made from sago flour and seasoned with salt
and sugar.

life feature

life feature

Fresh offthe Boats
East Malaysian delicacies and just-caught seafood
are just some of the highlights at the revamped Feast
Village and Fisherman’s Cove — two of Gaya Island
Resort’s culinary destinations.
Words RENYI LIM

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

42

43

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THE SHEER VARIETY OF CUISINES ON OFFER AT FEAST VILLAGE —USUALLY EVERY GUEST’S FIRST PORT OF CALL AT THE RESORT — GOESFAR IN TERMS OF HIGHLIGHTING MALAYSIA’S DIVERSE FOOD CULTURE.

Situated on the rooftop
with a breathtaking
view of Mount Kinabalu,
Fisherman’s Cove
serves seafood-themed
dishes as well as
scrumptious desserts.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Feast Village’s beautifully lit
refreshed interiors featuregeometric tiling.

s anyone with a voracious
appetite for exploration
will agree, getting toknow a new land isnever just about seeing
and doing — it is also
about tasting. Exotic,
unfamiliar flavours canunearth a whole new way of appreciating the
locale you’ve arrived in (or even returned to),and this is certainly true of Gaya Island Resort’s
dining experiences.
The sheer variety of cuisines on offer at Feast
Village — usually every guest’s first port of callat the resort — goes far in terms of highlighting
Malaysia’s diverse food culture. The restaurant’slaid-back, soak-in-the-sunlight ambience serves
as a clever counterpoint to its lively international
open-kitchen
concept,
where
different
counters offer Asian and Western dishes. The
restaurant’s newly refreshed interiors are brightand welcoming, transforming the space withmodernist floral and bamboo-tiled motifs,
gleaming wooden panelling and comfortablecream-coloured chairs, earthy brown seats andpunchy lime cushions.
An enjoyably interactive experience is verymuch part of the Feast Village experience,life feature45

life feature

AS ANYONE WITH A VORACIOUS APPETITEFOR EXPLORATION WILL AGREE, GETTINGTO KNOW A NEW LAND IS NEVER JUSTABOUT SEEING AND DOING.
extending to breakfast, lunch and dinner. In themornings, diners have options of tasting items
from the noodle and pancake stations. Evenordering a la carte delivers its own sort of fun in
the form of grill-it-yourself beef or chicken satay,
both of which arrive over smoking charcoal with
peanut sauce, made from the chef’s special
recipe, and cubed white rice cakes.
There are ample opportunities to try dishes
that can’t be found in other parts of the world,like Tuaran mee — springy egg noodles said
to be the favourite comfort food of Sabahans,made in the village of Tuaran. The same goesfor the nasi goreng Gaya, which consistsof local-style fried rice with fish crackers,
pineapple salad and fried chicken, as well assatay pizza, topped with bite-sized morsels oftender chicken and mercilessly spicy slices offresh chilli. On the rooftop of Feast Village isFisherman’s Cove, which specialises in locallysourced seafood. A recent design addition is atransparent roof on the outdoor deck area thatprovides, on nights when skies are clear, starlit
dining experiences.
Here, besides a daily rotation of chef’s
specials, diners can also enjoy extraordinary
views of Mount Kinabalu. Amid whitetablecloths, exquisite tableware and a gentle
breeze that sweeps in from the ocean, diners
can have their fill of mangrove crabmeat tarts, anumami medley of marine crystal white prawns,
squid, clams and cockles scented with aromatic
native herbs, and slender strands of spaghetti
entwined with Frutti de Mare or fruits of the sea.
A large part of the appeal of Fisherman’s
Cove is its commitment to serving line-caught,
responsibly sourced seafood in support ofsustainable fishing practices. The Catch of
the Day selection ranges from tiger prawns tofish found in local waters such as coral trout,garoupa or red snapper, depending on what theseas around Sabah have gifted to fishermen thatmorning. Guests are entirely in control of how
they’d prefer their fish prepared. For instance,
broiled with sea salt or steaming gently in anutritious soy broth.
Curious diners might want to go with a wholly
East Malaysian style of cooking, where the fish is
pan-fried and topped with Borneo sambal — aheady mixture of onions, shallots, lemongrass,galangal and the unmistakable pungency ofbelacan shrimp paste, served with a portionof steamed red rice grown in the undulating
highlands of Ranau. It is just the sort of dish thatwill have you longing for Gaya Island Resort
long after you’ve left.
For more information, please visit
www.gayaislandresort.com

PRESENTS

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINECORPORATE
GIFT BOXES
Gift box with 3 assorted chocolate bars, 300gr bag with chocolate squares,
chocolate cream jar, 2 assorted teas
Gift sets are customisable.

ARMANI/DOLCI / F-1-4 EXPLORE FLOOR / STARHILL GALLERY / 181 JALAN BUKIT BINTANG, KUALA LUMPUR
FOR TELEPHONE ORDERS, PLEASE CALL +603.2710.3803

The regional cuisine andexquisite fresh seafood
prepared by Gaya Island
Resort’s skilled chefs is aplay on the senses.

46

LIFEFEATURE

LIFEFEATURE

7 D O H V  R I 
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life feature

THE REGION’SSTRAWBERRIES, AS
LUSCIOUS AND SWEETAS ANY IN THE WORLD,ARE SO RENOWNEDTHAT FAMILIES COME
FROM ALL OVER JUSTTO PLUCK THEM.

50

1930s English-style cottage. With
its handsome French doors, timberbeamed ceilings, and furnishings
covered in richly patterned textiles
and silks, the place marries classiccolonial grandeur with modernday comforts. Opulently outfitted
rooms with canopied beds and luxe
amenities would be reason enoughto pay a visit, but what sets theplace apart is its connection withthe surrounding area’s storied past.
More than a few traditions
from the British upper crust liveon through the hotel. During
the afternoon, guests gather in
the Jim Thompson Tea Room,
named after the legendary silkmerchant and man of mystery, fora proper afternoon tea. Served
on bone china and tiered platters,
the sumptuous spread includes
a decadent array of pastries,
sandwiches, and, of course, warm,
buttery scones served with clotted
cream and the resort’s own jam
made from local strawberries.
As cosy as it is to curl up in the

grand room, some guests prefer toventure outdoors. In such cases,
a private butler prepares a lavish
picnic right in the heart of a tea
plantation. Since the resort has
exclusive access to the location,
there is nothing to intrude upon
the natural serenity. It is ideal
for couples who can bask in thesurroundings while being served
course after course of bite-sizednibbles while reclining on cushions.
Back at the resort, guests
continue to be spoiled for choice
when it comes to fine dining.
Though entirely different, both ofthe primary restaurants at Cameron
Highlands Resort turn to regional
traditions for culinary inspiration.
Gonbei celebrates the local love of
hot pot, also known as steamboat,a Chinese speciality that pairs
perfectly with the crisp evening air.
In this stylish, casual eatery, guests
gather around steaming pots filledwith broths ranging from Japanesestyle seafood to spicy tom yum
to beef-bone with Chinese herbs.
Farm-fresh vegetables, springy
noodles, beef, chicken, shellfish,
and tofu all simmer right at thetable, making for a wholesome,
restorative meal that diners of allages can enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Dining Roomchannels the apex of British colonialrefinement. In the morning, a

breakfast spread adorns the space
and waiters offer guests their firstcup of coffee or made-to-orderbrunch favourites such as omelettes
and waffles. In the evening, candles
cast an ethereal glow as guests
savour contemporary renditionsof Continental fare such as soup
made with local tomatoes crowned
with golden puff pastry or meltingly
tender braised lamb shank.
The recipes may have evolved
over the years, but the enchanting
atmosphere is the same one thathas lured generations of travellers
to this escape.

Cameron Highlands Resort’s
architecture dates from the
1930s; the elegant décorof the Jim Thompson Tea
Room embodies the oldworld charm and gentilityof the colonial plantation
lifestyle from a bygone era.

For details, please visit
www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

WITH ITSHANDSOME FRENCHDOORS, TIMBERBEAMED CEILINGS,AND FURNISHINGSCOVERED IN
RICHLY PATTERNEDTEXTILES ANDSILKS, THE
PLACE MARRIES
CLASSIC COLONIAL
GRANDEUR WITH
MODERN-DAY
COMFORTS.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Dining at Cameron
Highlands Resort sees
traditional English cuisine
meeting the many tastes ofAsia in a mouth-watering
symphony of flavours
and experiences.

Though only a few
hours’ drive from
Kuala Lumpur,
C a m e r o n
Highlands might
as well be inanother world.
Here,
1,500
metres above sea level, the cooler
all-year-round climate was what
first drew British colonialists, whowere reminded of refined English
countryside escapes. They left
behind a landscape spotted withrose gardens, quaint cottages, androlling tea plantations. The region’s
strawberries, as luscious andsweet as any in the world, are so
renowned that families come fromall over just to pluck them. The
colonial legacy runs deeper thanmere aesthetic shifts in scenery,
however, and tall tales of the hill
station have enthralled generationsof historians.
Nestled among the verdant hills
lies Cameron Highlands Resort,a rustic-chic lodge built out of alife feature51

life interview

life interview

From Shore to Shore

Award-winning executive guest chef Lino Sauro reveals
the art of bringing the essential flavours of his Sicilian
homeland to The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.

“T
Lino Sauro and some of his delectable creations. Clockwise from above: Cassata, moderntake on the traditional Sicilian Ricotta Cheesecake; Polipo, charred and citrus-glazed octopus,
capsicum and sundried tomato aioli; Polipo , charred citrus-glazed octopus, risone, capsicum,
sundried tomato aioli, chilli and pistachio pesto. Facing page: Ostrica, oyster, sherry vinegar
jelly, wasabi chips and Avruga caviar.

Words RENYI LIM

o me, the flavoursof Sicily are allabout
comfortfood,” explains chef
Lino Sauro, on theafternoon
beforehe is due to debut
hisfour-course
dinner menu at The Library in The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur. “I grew up in a family of farmers
and I had seven siblings, so my earliest foodmemories are of my mother, who was always at
the stove, cooking for all those hungry mouths.”

River to a village in Peru so that I could learn
local cooking techniques. I like immersing
myself in the culinary heritage of each country
I’m exploring.

As one of a regular seriesof guest chefs who let theirskills shine at The Library, hestepped away from his kitchen
at Gattopardo Ristorante diMare in Singapore recently
to deliver his interpretationsof classic southern Italiandishes to equally ravenous
Malaysian gourmands.

How did you select wines topair with your menu?
I started off by looking at
how peppery, sweet, warm or
spicy each dish was, and thenmade my selection from theoptions that The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur offered mefrom their cellar. I opted fora chianti from Tuscany andsouthern Italian white winesthat could be easily matchedwith seafood, as I wanted toensure that the wine wouldn’t
overwhelm the food, and vice-versa.

What sparked your interest in cooking?
I initially wanted to be a chef in order to go
travelling, but I ended up travelling so that I
could cook! I’ve visited the Amazon River, Peru,
Chile, China, Laos and Cambodia. I’ve spent thepast 12 years in Singapore.
Do you enjoy going off the beaten track?
I once trekked to the middle of the Amazon

52

What do you think of our local food offerings?
I ventured out to Soo Kee Mee and ordered
as many dishes as I could feasibly fit onto
the table. I prefer the street food here much
more than I do in Singapore. It seems morehonest, somehow.
What, to you, is a classic Sicilian dish?
Pasta con le sarde – bucatini pasta with fresh
sardines, anchovies, wild fennel, a little bit ofsaffron and among other things, a sprinkling ofSicilian lemon zest. It’s a 2,000-year-old recipe,
so you can’t go wrong with it.
For dining reservations at The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur, please call +60 3 2142 8000 or
email dining@ritzcarlton.com.my

53

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEEver one for immersing
himself in each country’s
culinary heritage, Sauro took
the opportunity to enjoy a little well-deserved
downtime with his family, thanks to the“outstanding hospitality” of The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur. Working with The Library’s kitchen
team was an equally memorable experience,a process he describes as, “absolutely cool”.
He adds: “For some, it was their first timeencountering Sicilian cuisine, but they were so
helpful and collaborative.”

Which of your dishes proved most popular in
Kuala Lumpur?
The risone with charred citrus-glazed octopus,
capsicum, sun-dried tomato aioli, chilli andpistachio pesto. I think Malaysian diners were
intrigued by the risone’s texture because they
ate the dish expecting it to be rice, but were
surprised to find it was actually pasta.

LIFEFEATURE

LIFEFEATURE

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AND#HINESEFLAVOURS FRAMESTHEHISTORYOFACULTUREWITHROOTSGOINGBACKYEARS
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life feature

life featureT

he sun is setting
over the Straitsof Malacca, andnot far from thewater’sedge,
families
have
gathered at aseries of outdoor
eateries to feast on seafood.
Though the restaurants in question
are far from upscale, the mood isboisterous and the multinational
crowd is in high spirits as they dig
into platters piled with Portuguese
chilli crab, incendiary sambal
shrimp, and fishes grilled whole. As
the evening wears on and the beer
flows, voices rise in a cacophonyof languages: English, Mandarin,
Malay, and Kristang.
The latter is a mixture of
Portuguese and Malaythat clings
to survival thanks to the few
thousand left in the region who
still speak it. Officially known as
Portuguese Eurasians, the Kristang
are the descendants of Portuguese
settlers who controlled the region
in the 1500s. Today, approximately
1,000 Kristang inhabit the pastelpainted houses of the Portuguese
Settlement on the outskirts ofMalacca. The small community
still honours the traditions of theirancestors. Before Lent, the streets

Top two images: the interiorof The Majestic Malacca
has a timeless elegancewith authentic antiques andoriginal porcelain floors.
Bottom: Christ Church wascompleted in 1753 as a
Dutch Reform church.

56

For more information, visit
www.themajesticmalacca.com

Top: The Bar at the Mansion
is the perfect place tounwind and relax.
Above: Portuguese
influences can still befound in the historic townof Malacca.
Left: the heart of The
Majestic Malacca is a
restored 1920s Straits
Settlement mansion.

57

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE KRISTANG CONTINUETO SERVE THEIRDISTINCTIVE CUISINE,
A FIERY FUSION OF
PORTUGUESE AND MALAYDISHES, ENRICHED WITH
EXOTIC SPICES AND LACEDWITH PIRI-PIRI CHILLIES.

break out into a raucous water
fight. For Fiesta de San Pedro, men
and women don traditional garb
inspired by 14th-century Portugal
and dance with abandon. Christmas
transforms the neighbourhood
into a sea of twinkling lights so
spectacular that Malaccans of all
faiths flock to see it
The Kristang continue to serve
their distinctive cuisine, a fiery
fusion of Portuguese and Malay
dishes, enriched with exotic spices
and laced with piri-piri chillies.
These addictive specialities areare on the menu at Melba at The
Mansion, the signature restaurantat The Majestic Malacca.
Situated in the original historic
house at the heart of the hotel,
this grand dining area, with its highceilings and fine china, presents a
far more refined picture than the
humble eateries in the Portuguese
Settlement. In lieu of plastic
tablecloths and paper napkins,
waiters in crisp formalwear pour Old
World wines as an accompaniment
to the neatly plated dishes.

RIGOROUSLY
SOURCED LOCALPRODUCE AND
PRISTINE SEAFOOD
ELEVATE THIS SOUL
FOOD TOFINE DINING.

Yet
despitetheartfulpresentation, these Kristang dishes
are every bit as authentic as theirstreetside
counterparts.
Many
come from family recipes thathave been passed down throughgenerations and faithfully recreatedby Melba at The Mansion’s expertly
trained chefs. Rigorously sourced
local produce and pristine seafood
elevate this soul food to fine dining.
Throughout it all, bold salty, sour,savoury, and spicy flavours thatcharacterise both Portuguese andMalaysian cooking shine through.
A dish of eggplant slowbraised with soy sauce and lime
is impossibly silky, while a velvety
prawn curry is smooth and rich.
Some of the Kristang specialities,
such as a crab shell stuffed withsweet crabmeat and chicken, leanmore heavily on the Portugueseside, while others are almost purely
Malaysian. Even the simplest
staples such as fried rice or laksa,
with toothsome noodles swimmingin a delicately spiced curry broth,are prepared with reverence here.
Regardless of what you order,
the best way to enjoy is it to shareit with friends and family. The
Kristang believe in the power offood to bring people togetherin celebration. It’s one of theways that they have managed tomaintain their identity and why
after half a millennium they are stillsuch an essential part of Malacca’s
cultural fabric. This cuisine is aboutcommunity and maintaining a living
connection with history. It is, simply
put, food fit for a feast.

life style

life style

Summer of Verve
Whether you’re an edgy techno hippie or a loyal
monochromatic minimalist, this season doesn’t
disappoint with its candy colours, punchy
geometric prints and subtle floral details thatpair up with duo-tone fabulousness.
PHOTOGRAPHY ERIC CHOW/BLINK STUDIOSTYLING ANDREA KEE

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEElena wears: Printed
cropped top, cut-off shorts
and earrings, all H&M.

58

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life style60

Fernando wears: Shirt, Kenzo. Cropped pants, H&M. Shoes, Zara. Briefcase, Braun Büffel.

61

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEElena wears: Top, Kenzo. Skirt, Khoon Hooi. Earrings, H&M. Bucket bag, Braun Büffel
Fernando wears: Sweater, Kenzo. Pants and sunglasses, both H&M

life style

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life style

62

63

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Fernando wears: Printed
shirt and shorts, both
Debenhams.
Elena wears: Striped shirt
dress, Mita Tam. Straw
visor and cross-body bag,
both H&M

life style

64

Elena wears: Dress, McQ by Alexander McQueen. Earrings, H&M

65

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Fernando wears: McQ by Alexander McQeen. Shorts and fedora, both H&M

life style

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life style

66

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Fernando wears: Suit, H&M.
Printed shirt, Debenhams.
Elena wears:
Dress, M Missoni.
Necklace, H&M

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Make-up Ling Chong using
YSL Beauty Hair Lucas

Tee/Number 76

Models Elena Cheurinaand Fernando

Skinner/Base model
management

life feature

life feature

All
SummerLong
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

The pleasures of Niseko Village
extend far beyond the wintermonths, into the season where
the sun shines brightest and therolling landscape brims with lifeand colour.
Words RENYI LIM

68

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life feature

life feature
putting skills at the Snag golf course. Leave
enough time to chase the stunning views thatthe terrain offers: a 10-minute ride on the
Annupuri summer gondola to a 1,000m-highobservation deck will leave a lasting impression
on your family’s vacation memories. On a clear,temperate summer’s day, you’ll even be able tospot Funkawan Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
If you have the nerve for it, a hot air balloon
ride can be the crowning glory of your trip to
Niseko Village, providing a bird’s eye view of themountain range some 30m below. Once you aresafely back on solid ground, embrace the gifts ofthe terroir by sampling the seasonal delicacies
in the village. Stalks of tender asparagus, ripeand juicy melons, and pearlescent sweetcorn(slathered with Hokkaido’s famously creamy
butter) will have you wishing that summer at
Niseko could last forever.

A 1.4KM PULLEY-MOUNTEDTOUR ON THE COUNTRY’S
LONGEST ZIP LINE
WILL KICK-START THE
ADRENALINE IN
YOUR SYSTEM.

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

Y

KEEN GOLFERS WILL RELISH THE OPPORTUNITY TO
CONQUER THE 6,845-YARD NISEKO VILLAGE GOLF
COURSE, WHILE THOSE WHO ENJOY A CHALLENGE CANHEAD FOR THE FAIRWAYS OF NISEKO GOLF COURSE.

can head for the undulating, rolling fairwaysof Niseko Golf Course, designed by Arnold
Palmer, and primed for par 72 action merely 20
minutes away by car. Seekers of a different sortof green should venture forth into the area’s
great outdoors, where paths for biking, running,gentle walking and hardcore trekking abound.
You will certainly be fully deserving of asoothing soak in Wakka Spa’s Hinoki cedar woodbath at Hilton Niseko Village if you manage
the six-hour hike to the top of Mount Yotei,
an inactive stratovolcano that punctuates the
skyline of Niseko Valley. If that is too daunting
a prospect, a 1.4km pulley-mounted tour on
the country’s longest zip line or a round ofhorseback riding and tree trekking at the Pureat Niseko Village nature activity centre will kickstart the adrenaline in your system.
Young visitors with oodles of energy to spare
can go wild at Niseko Village’s Pure Action andPure Adventure inflated activity park, catch thewind over some kite-flying, and work on their70

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

ou don’t have to beartistically inclined toappreciate the riot ofsummer colours that
explodesacrosstheplainssurrounding
NisekoVillage
every
year.
From
mid-April
onwards, it is impossible not to stare in awe atthe delicate wildflowers and rare alpine plants
carpeting the 462-hectare Japanese mountain
resort. There are reddish-purple rhododendrons
in abundance, great swathes of white andyellow chinguruma flowers, rows of towering
sunflowers, and perhaps most breathtaking ofall, whole blankets of bright pink moss phlox.
Staying at Niseko Village during the region’s
warmer months is an exploration of all thesenses. Whether you make the serene interiorsof The Green Leaf Niseko Village or the chic,
modern Hilton Niseko Village your home, thescenic base of the 1,308m-tall Mount Niseko
Annupuri is yours to traverse to your heart’s
delight. Those seeking the ultimate mountainsanctuary can take refuge in one of eight richly
furnished, two-storey townhouses at Kasara
Niseko Village Townhouse.
Keen golfers will relish the opportunity toconquer the 6,845-yard Niseko Village Golf
Course, while those who enjoy a challenge

Explore the wilderness
on a mountain bike or on
horseback. Either way, you’ll
be rewarded with fresh air
and the kind of lushness that
only Mother Nature
can offer.

Tree trekking allows thrillseekers to traverse along
the treetops with a safety
harness using zip lines,
ropes, hanging bridges andnets, while a hot-air balloon
ride affords a panoramic
bird’s-eye view of the Niseko
mountain range andMount Yotei.

71

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LIFEFEATURE+ H D U W  R I
6 X Q U L V H4(%94,,58529-!'!:).%

4(%94,,58529-!'!:).%

6ENTURETOTHELESSEXPLOREDSIDEOF"ALIINTHENORTHWHERETHECRISPCOUNTRYAIRIS
FRESHER THESUNSHINEANDTHESMILESARE
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pa Village Resort, Tembok on
Bali’s northeastern coast holds
the key to the rich cultural
treasures of the island and issurrounded by the bounties
of Mother Nature. The oceanstretches away to the horizon
in front; the mountains, mothervolcano Agung and the vast crater wall ofancient Mount Catur, rise behind, circled byunspoilt countryside and traditional villages.
This is Bali’s heartland, a world away from thebustle of the towns in the south.
At 5.30am, the ocean is like gently undulating
liquid glass. Waiting to take us out on a dawn
cruise, drawn up on the black sand, is a shiny
white, wooden fishing canoe known as a jukung.
We find our places as the driver Komang
holds the craft steady. He and a colleague put
their shoulders to the outriggers to free theboat of its earthly anchorage and set it free onto
the water where it belongs. Once we are afloat,
Komang hops in and expertly manipulates therudder and motor to get us going.
The sky over the neighbouring island of
Lombok to the east is already light. Komang
cuts the motor and we sit absolutely still in the
middle of the flat, inky, blue-black sea. The
horizon starts to be streaked with yellow, redand orange. Then the edge of the star of theshow appears, glowing bright and illuminating
the surface of the ocean.
We see now that we are not alone. There
are many jukungs around us, some with multicoloured sails up and skittering across the sea,others trolling slowly for fish to feed hungry
families and to sell in the market. Komang
guides us back to the beach, skilfully surfing
on a rippling wave. We ease ourselves out of
the boat, and thank him for giving us such amemorable morning.
Next, we head for the hills. Les is a pretty
hillside village with narrow lanes and numerous
charming Hindu temples. Striking out across thesurrounding rice fields, we find ourselves on apath skirting a stream and then climb throughplantations of bananas, jackfruit and pineapples.
Stopping by a lady cutting open an enormous
jackfruit casing to expose the fruit within, we
ask to taste some and she obliges. She watches
our faces as we bite into the rubbery flesh, andsmiles broadly when she sees our pleasure.
A kilometre or so farther along theincreasingly forested track, we come upon the
Yeh Mempeh falls, where the river drops some
40m in a long narrow horsetail. We broughtswimsuits and climb gingerly over the wet
rocks into the shallow rock pool formed by theincessant torrent. The spray cools us instantly
and we tentatively test the strength of thisnatural power shower: bracing but bearable isour conclusion.
Back at the resort, it was soon time for a
spa experience. The resort’s spa has a menu
emphasising and celebrating the healing
traditions of its Tejakula location. Fresh-fromthe-garden ingredients such as basil, neem,
mint and lime are combined to gently exfoliate
the skin as part of the Sangkarajaya therapy. Thisis followed by a treatment to relax scalp andfacial muscles. A rhythmic full-body coconut oil
massage completes this invigorating treatment.
Guests also enjoy frequent opportunities
to learn about Balinese home crafts as well as
immerse in local customs. The good humourof the staff as they share their traditions is
infectious. We have a lot of fun writing on
lontar palm leaves, mixing traditional healthgiving elixirs called jamu from herbs and spices,and creating traditional religious offerings for
the Balinese gods, small woven palm dishes
containing flower petals, rice, a piece of candy
and a burning incense stick.
The gods have certainly blessed us withunique experiences and cultural insights during
our short stay in Bali’s heartland. We are alreadyplanning our return.

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The philosophy of well-being at Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
extends beyond the traditional spa treatments available and encompasses every aspect of the resort,from activities and lifestyle to architecture and cuisine.

For more information, please visit
www.spavillage.com/tembokbali
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE RESORT’S SPA HAS A MENU EMPHASISING AND
CELEBRATING THE HEALING TRADITIONS OF ITSTEJAKULA LOCATION.

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LIFEFEATURE

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THE FLAGSHIP RESTAURANT IS SILVESTER’S, WHICH
PAYS HOMAGE TO THE CITY’S EARLIEST BUTCHERS, THE
SILVESTER BROTHERS, WHO WERE ONCE BASED HERE.

Customs House Bar has been a fixture in Circular Quay for over 160 years.
Facing page: The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel makes you feel at homewhether you’re here for business or on a relaxed family holiday.

greeted with a warm and engaging welcome. A
new booking app helps to make check-ins anddepartures as seamless as possible.
The flagship restaurant is Silvester’s, whichpays homage to the city’s earliest butchers,
the Silvester Brothers, who were once based
here. An all-day venue, the 120-seat restaurantis classy yet the light-filled atrium continues to
exude a casual air. Interiors feature a clever mixof textures as seen by the distressed timberflooring juxtaposed against brown marble andcarpeting; plush chenille banquette seating
versus barrel chairs and wooden tables. Open
kitchens showcase the preparation of the
freshest Australian fare, which comes from
paddock to plate. Dishes such as the Cone Bay

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEO

ne of the greatest draws
in Sydney is its beautiful
harbour along with theiconic Sydney Harbour
Bridge and Opera House.
Fronting the sparklingwaters at Circular Quay,
the well-placed Sydney
Harbour Marriott Hotel and its stylish rooms
offer splendid views of this legendary location.
The hotel has recently undergone a
multimillion-dollar makeover, resulting in a
fresh contemporary look, a new reception area
as well as exciting new restaurants and bars.
Arriving at the hotel, you step into the gleaming
new marble lobby and reception, where you are79

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barramundi with coorong pipis and parsnip, as
well as the Darling Downs Grainge beef eye
fillet, bone marrow and kiphler potatoes, arecooked in a style that nod respectfully to theSilvester Brothers and their craft.
Three Bottle Man is Sydney’s charismatic
new laneway café on Bulletin Place, named after
the 18th-century British Prime Minister William
Pitt, who famously always carried three bottles
with him. With its long marble bar and originalchequered floor, the cafe offers healthy breakfast
options, an all-day snack menu featuring dishes
like turkey and brie sourdough with smashedavocado. And, of course, three choices of every
drink! In the evenings, with tables spilling out
into the laneway, the laidback bar attracts both
locals and visitors.
The Customs House Bar has been a fixture in
Circular Quay for 160 years. With its makeover,this historic watering hole offers a traditional
pub atmosphere as well as a scenic outdoor
patio under the trees. Menus take inspirationfrom modern Australian cuisine featuring
substantial sharing plates like the Meat Lover’s
Platter composed of beef brisket, mini chorizo,
smoked sausage, pulled pork, Westmont pickle,
smoked jalapeño mayo and soft buns.
The Sydney Harbour Marriott has always
enjoyed an excellent position in the city’scentral business district. It’s close to world-class
shopping on George Street, Circular Quay, The
Rocks, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
Now, the hotel steps up as a serious contenderin the city’s food and beverage scene, offering afabulous choice of settings for pre-event drinks,
leisurely lunches or celebratory dinners.
For more information, visit
www.marriott.com.au

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE SYDNEY HARBOURMARRIOTT HAS
ALWAYS ENJOYED AN
EXCELLENT POSITION
IN THE CITY’S CENTRALBUSINESS DISTRICT.
Three Bottle Man can beaccessed via Bulletin Placeor from within The Sydney
Harbour Marriott Hotel andoffers comfortable seating
both inside and out.

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The city entrances with culture, history,
art and performances — all the right the
ingredients for a rewarding weekend trip.
Words MARK LEAN

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BATH
TALES

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life feature“B

The beautiful city of Bathhosts some of the finest
museums and attractions
in Europe, including theRoman Baths (right andbelow right) and Bath Abbey(below left).

ath is the worst
place to get any
work done,” soremarkedthehumanist British
politician William
Wilberforce
inthe 19th century.
The city, embedded in the rolling hills ofSomerset, has a history dating to AD 60 when
it was a Roman colony, regaled for its healingwaters attributed to the blessings of the goddess
Minerva. These famed springs containing over a
million litres of mineral-empowered waters havehealed both kings and commoners.
Today, Wilberforce’s view holds even greatersway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citypulses with thriving culture, arts, theatre andfood scenes, attracting local and international
visitors to its compact, cobblestoned pathways
lined with charming shops, cosy cafes andnotable restaurants. Also in the area is the city’s
only luxury hotel The Gainsborough Bath Spa
and its Spa Village, both of which have placed

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Bath on the radar of travellers who expect only
the best.
The Grade II-listed 99-room hotel and its spa,
named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough,comprises a quartet of former hospital structures— Bellott’s and Royal Hospital Building — thatoffers exclusive access to the city’s famous
healthful thermal waters.
Room interior design is the work of New
York-based Champaulimaud Design, combining
subtle tones of grey and white that frame
upholstery with hints of bucolic English country
scenes. Amenities range from a high-tech
selection of iPod docking stations, flatscreen
HD televisions, retro Roberts radios with
Bluetooth connectivity, complimentary WiFi, and for guests’ comfort, radiant-heatedbathroom floors.
All guests have access to the thermal poolsat Spa Village. Known as the Bath House

experience, it involves a sequence of natural
thermal pools with differing temperatures,
infrared and conventional saunas, a steam
room, an ornate ice cove and spaces designed
for unwinding while sipping a custom-createdtraditional Georgian hot chocolate pepperedwith cloves and chilli.
The treatment rooms are elegantly
appointed in sophisticated shades of grey. Opt
for an invigorating Ginger Renewal treatment,
composed of a body exfoliation using ginger andminerals; a neck, shoulder and back massage
using ginger oil and hot stones to unknot kinks;
and ending with a warm body wrap to seal in all
the healing and nurturing properties of ginger.
Beyond the spa, the city and its cultural
attractions beckon. In summer, Bath switches on
its considerable charms with events such as theIford Arts Festival, held at Iford Manor’s Peto
Gardens with opera performances in English,

ROOM INTERIOR DESIGN IS THE WORKOF NEW YORK-BASED CHAMPAULIMAUDDESIGN, COMBINING SUBTLE TONESOF GREY AND WHITE THAT FRAMEUPHOLSTERY WITH HINTS OF BUCOLICENGLISH COUNTRY SCENES.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

For more information, please visit
www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Created by award-winningChampalimaud Design,
the rooms and suites at
The Gainsborough BathSpa are custom furnished,subtly referencing period
details combined with
contemporary forms.

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concerts and proms. In mid-July, visitors descend
on the city for the annual Bath Carnival. This
year’s theme takes on a South American rhythm,
complete with a Mardi Gras procession.
During the second week of September, thecity celebrates one of the United Kingdom’s
most respected writers. In its 17th year, The
Jane Austen Festival is based on a theme from
Northanger Abbey, published in 1817 and set
in Bath. Among the planned activities are tours,
theatre productions and book readings.
For a dose of culture and history from adifferent time, the American Museum is the only
museum outside the United States displaying
America’s multi-textural art forms. Located in
Claverton Manor, the museum features exhibits
such as the Jazz Age: Fashion and Photographs,
taking place until 28 October. Besides the workof photographer James Abbe, who captured
the modern world’s initial fascination withcelebrities, the show includes displays of fashion
objects from 1919 to 1929.
Bath is, indeed, a place where one gets little
work done, though its distractions are invariably
more welcoming that what Wilberforce imagined
two centuries ago.

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Perennial Sizzle
Words MARK LEAN

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For decades, Saint Tropez’s relaxed glamour
and high style has been a magnet for theinternational jet set. At MUSE Saint Tropez,
guests enjoy the best of these two worlds.

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sit alongside art galleries paying
homage to art styles the town
is known for around the world.
There are also pastry shops such
as La Tarte Tropézienne and its
eponymous cream-filled brioche,
which was put in the spotlight by
the When God Created Woman
film crew who came for theirafternoon tea breaks, and enjoyedby countless other people since.
Inspirations are aplenty in thischarismatic location. First-time
visitors are never the same once
they leave.
Saint Tropez (or if you’re
local, St-Trop) invariably sparked
the genius of artists, painters,
photographers and writers, all ofwhom were drawn to the town’s
creative energies in their multitude
of forms. In the process, these
individuals, the likes of whom
include Paul Signac, Matisse, Pierre
Bonnard, Albert Marquet, David
Hockney, Donald Sultan and Stefan
Szczesny, became legends.
A short distance from Placede Lices, known around theworld as an epicentre where theinternational jet set converge,along the route de plages, is the88

THE AREA’S VISCERAL BEAUTY IS
MATCHED BY THE HOTEL’S CLASSIC MINIMALISTINTERIORS, COLOUR-COORDINATED IN WHISPERSOF LIGHT CARAMEL AND CREAMY WHITE.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis chic retreat reflects
the laid-back glamourof the Riviera.

he jury is stillundecidedonwhether it was
Brigitte
Bardotwho vaulted Saint
Tropez to world
attentionafter
the release ofher career-defining 1963 film When
God Created Woman. Or whether
it was the former slumberingfishing town on the Côte d’Azur
that set the scene for the French
actress’s ascent to superstardom.
Regardless of what the answer may
be, neither the celebrity nor the
town has been the same since.
By ambling through Saint
Tropez’s cobblestone paths thatline its streets six decades later,
one still detects a charming
Bohemian frisson. This extends
from hippie-chic fashion behindwindow displays to shops peddlingquirky objets d’art and posters,
encouraged by Bardot in thoseearly years, when the magic wasjust beginning.
Here, boutiques that coined theterm resortwear long before suchshows became permanent fixtureson the fashion world’s calendar

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MEALTIMES, TOO,ARE CELEBRATORYAFFAIRS AT M,
WHICH SERVESBREAKFAST, LUNCH
AND DINNER. THE
MENU IS FOCUSEDON LOCAL GARDENPRODUCE AND
HERBS AS WELL AS
SEAFOOD.

90

vast gardens, distilling through atechnique known as hydrolat, thepurest oil extracts combined witha water base. This process ensuresthat the oils deliver maximum
healthful
benefits
andthat
guests derive the best restorative
experiences from their treatments.
Guests at MUSE Saint Tropez
are known to stay for as long as
two weeks – ample time to settle
into Saint Tropez’s easy rhythm andalmost effortless routine of languid
afternoons and evening glamour,
if one so desires. The hotel’sheated pool is its social heart withan adjacent bar facing cabanasand lounge chairs perfect forsinking into. To keep cool on hot
afternoons, request the bartenderto rustle up a MUSE cocktail. Or
try a decadent Ladurée glace inflavours such as chocolate, lemon,
caramel, pistachio and vanilla.
Mealtimes, too, are celebratory
affairs at M, which serves breakfast,
lunch and dinner. The menu isfocused on local garden produce
and herbs as well as seafood.
For instance, Mediterranean red
mullet, flavoured with sundried
tomatoes, served with Venere redrice and diced with chorizo Iberico.
An artfully plated dish of codwith shellfish sauce and mousselineof sweet potato offers celebrationsof colour, contrasting flavours
and the freshness of just-caught
seafood. Desserts are all about
local fruits — red berries with Saint
Tropez rosé along with nougat ice
cream sprinkled with nuts from
Piedmont, and dried fruits. All
dishes from the menus at M arealso available for in-room dining
if guests prefer some alone time
because at MUSE Saint Tropez,
every whim is entertained andevery request fulfilled.

From a warm welcome
on arrival to the sundappled retreat to concierge
services for organising
helicopter transfers or
restaurant reservations,the hotel is dedicated tomeeting every guest’s needsaround the clock.

TO KEEP COOL ON HOT AFTERNOONS,REQUEST THE BARTENDER TO
RUSTLE UP A MUSE COCKTAIL.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

more recent but equally legendary
MUSE Saint Tropez. The elegant
15-suite property is gift-wrappedin a stunning well-tended tiered
landscape. Towering cypress trees,pine forests, olive groves and rosebushes surround this ultimate
sanctuary for the discerning.
The area’s visceral beauty ismatched by the hotel’s classic
minimalist
interiors,
colourcoordinated in whispers of light
caramel and creamy white. Eachsuite (10 of which have private
plunge pools) pays fitting tributeto 20th-century muses and theirfirst names — Jean, Audrey,
Sophia, Edith, Juliette, Greta,
Catherine, Colette, Josephine,Ella, Gala, Lauren, Grace and Ava.
The furnishings in the suites are
the work of Henryot, the company
that designed pieces for France’s
former royal house of Versailles,
while bedding comprises sublime
800-threadcount Egyptian silk andcotton-blended sheets.
Intrinsic to MUSE Saint Tropez’s
philosophy of well-being and joie
de vivre, some suites are equippedwith spa amenities including
massage tables. Therapists, trainedin classic spa techniques andinformed by intuition, utilise herbs
and plants prevalent in the hotel’slife feature

For more information, please visit
www.muse-hotels.com

91

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MODERN
CLASSICHistoric Edinburgh attracts
visitors from around the world
all year round. The Glasshouse
Hotel Edinburgh, located at thecentre of this storied city, is theideal base from which to explore
its many attractions.
Words MARK LEAN

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W

ith
a
population
reaching
over
half
a
million,Edinburgh,afriendlycity with ahilly landscape, is both quaint and easy to getaround by foot or public transport. Divided into
two distinct quarters, the ancient Old Town
and the more recent Georgian Old Town, thecapital of Scotland is a pleasure to explore all
year round. At the heart of the city, landmarks
such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace
are veritable treasure mines of history, while
Arthur’s Seat, a hilly volcanic outcrop with active
shale deposits, make for an adventure-filled
day out.
Another of Edinburgh’s popular attractions— Calton Hill, the perfect vantage point fromCALTON HILL, THE PERFECT VANTAGE POINT
FROM WHICH TO VIEW THE CITY AND ITSSURROUNDING AREA, IS A MERE TWO-MINUTE WALKFROM THE GLASSHOUSE EDINBURGH.

94

Enjoy a delicious picnic
at the roof garden of
The Glasshouse Hotel
Edinburgh; the hotel’sfacade is partof the former Lady
Glenorchy Church.

The Snug, on the other hand, is a cosy space
to meet for meetings over coffee or snacks, andtransforms in the evenings into a bar replete with
communal open fire — perfect for the colder
months. One of the hotel’s central highlights
is its well-manicured rooftop garden, a flexible
space that makes for a romantic wedding setting
and impactful product launches. In the summer
months, a Perrier-Jouet champagne bar opens
in the garden — the perfect accompaniment to
the picnics held when the sun is out.
The hotel’s central location makes it
convenient to reach both the airport and thetrain station. To get to the airport, hop on a tram
on a 40-minute trip that begins at York Place,next to the hotel. Waverly Station, the city’s
main train interchange is also steps away.
For more information, please visit
www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

Clockwise from centre:
Calton Hill, a scenic vantage
point, is a two-minute walkfrom The Glasshouse Hotel
Edinburgh; The Henderson
Gallery at the hotel
incorporates a 160-year-old
church facade into its space;
The Brasserie; the 16 luxury
Studio Suites are accented
with silver-coloured textured
walls, purples and plums.

TRY DISHES SUCH AS CROWDIE, AN
INVENTIVE DISH FEATURING WHIPPEDCROWDIE AND LEEK ROLLS, SPRINKLED
WITH POMEGRANATE AND RADICCHIO.

95

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

which to view the city and its surrounding area,
is a mere two-minute walk from The Glasshouse
Hotel Edinburgh, an Autograph Collection
Hotel. The 77-room five-star property is both
historic and modern. Its entrance is composedof the former 160-year-old Lady Glenorchy
church’s facade. Designed by neo-Gothic
architect John Henderson, the church was partof a series of chapels built by Lady Glenorchy(1741 — 1786) all over Scotland and Wales. Thisparticular structure with its Tudor windows now
melds seamlessly with the rest of the sleekly
created interiors. This gives The Glasshouse
Hotel its one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
All rooms and suites are air-conditioned,
and equipped with Nespresso machines,
complimentary super-fast fibre optic Wi-Fi; arange of Aromatherapy Associates bathroom
products; dining tables for two; writing desks,
en suite bathrooms; in-room mini bars, as wellas personal safes. Room highlights include

the hotel’s signature Garden View category
with accommodations that have access to a
0.8-hectare rooftop garden as well as private
seating areas to enjoy morning coffees or
evening cocktails. The hotel’s 16 Studio Suites
are a spacious 50sqm each, and feature either
balcony city or garden views; swivel televisions,heated bathroom floors; and lounge areas.
The Glasshouse Hotel’s two restaurants —The Brassiere and The Snug —are all about
making the most of local produce. The former
capitalises on its culinary team’s farming andforaging experience deliciously resulting indishes that give respectful nods to Scottish
cooking techniques, all of which are presented
in delightfully innovative fashion.
Try dishes such as Crowdie, an inventive
dish featuring whipped crowdie and leek rolls,
sprinkled with pomegranate and radicchio;and the rustic ox tail barley and dark ale pie,
served with beef, thyme potato mash, shallots
and turnip baked in salt. For those with larger
appetites, the hearty Scottish steak mince andvenison burgers in a brioche bun, accompaniedwith Lochnagar cheese, woodland mushrooms,
cherry tomatoes and watercress might dothe trick.

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RockRoyalty

A monumental diamond discovery is theinspiration for Chopard’s latest stellarhigh jewellery collection.

life style

Fantastic
Fables

The animals of Noah’s legendary ark takecentre stage in Van Cleef & Arpels’ charming
jewellery ensemble L’Arche de Noé.

A

he energy andemotionalc h a r g eemanatingfrom
thisgem are truly
incomparable,” said Chopard’s
artistic director and co-president
Caroline Scheufele of the Queenof Kalahari diamond. Weighing 342
carats with the most prized D colour
and perfect F clarity, the stone withthe expertise of Chopard’s ateliers,
was crafted into 23 diamonds, fiveof which were honed into cushion,
brilliant, heart, emerald and pear
cuts, each weighing over 20 carats.
“Faced with this rough diamond, we
had a number of potential options. I
wanted to explore every possibility
and to represent all diamond
cuts,” explained Scheufele. The
Gardens of Kalahari, the collection
derived from the illustrious Queenof Kalahari, comprises two rings,
a necklace, a bracelet, a pair ofearrings and a secret watch.
www.chopard.com

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With its glittering processionof animals, the maison’s newhigh jewellery collection
takes an affectionate look at
the tale of Noah’s Ark.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE“T

tale as old as time comes tolife in Van Cleef & Arpels’ highjewellery collection, L’Archede Noé, as the dazzlingcollection that takes a leaf
from the story of Noah’s ark.
It features a compendium of beautiful animal
pairs, spanning a great cross-section of theanimal kingdom. The 60-piece collection, set inbrilliant assortments of hard and fine precious
stones, comprises clips shaped in the forms ofelephants, parrots, penguins, racoons, koalas,zebras, monkeys, rabbits, stags and evenMorpho butterflies. Adding undeniable cachet
to the collection is the Mystery Set composedof three mystical creatures: the phoenix, theunicorn and the pegasus.
www.vancleefarpels.com

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FabulousFive

The Reflet watch is theperfect balance between
a jewel and a timepiece,
combining jewellery
creativity andwatchmaking expertise.

A quintet of standout pieces
from Baselworld 2017.
Words VISHAL BHASKARAN

T

he centenary of
Basel’spremierwatch
exhibition
was an exercise inhorological vision,
creativity
andtechnical expertise. Here are our
top picks.

Patek Philippe World Time
(RM517,500)

Reference 5131/1 depicts the world
map from the perspective of theNorth Pole in cloisonné enamel,with depth and realism afforded bytrue-to-life colours on the 18-caratgold dial plate.

2

4

Throughthe decades
70 years after its
launch, Boucheron’s
Reflet maintains its
enduring appeal.

Romain Jerome Deep Blue
Octopus (CHF19,950)

This 25-piece limited edition
featureselementsofthecephalopod. Eight screws matchthe tentacles, while the inner strap
incorporates its suction cups.

Omega Speedmaster Racing
Master Chronometer(from RM33,500)

The distinctive minute-track style
debuts with this new collection,offered in stainless steel or 18-carat
Sedna gold for its 44.25mm case.

5

Chopard Mille Miglia Classic
XL 90th Anniversary Limited
Edition (price upon request)

Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70
Years Tourbillon Chronograph(from RM570,100)

1

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis 90-piece limited edition has
snailed counters on the white dialsurrounded by a tachometric scale.

98

This piece was created anddesigned by Ferrari around thebeating heart of its Hublot engine.

O

ne
of
Boucheron’s
mostelegant releases, the Reflet
is a timepiece as current
today as when it was createdin 1947. Highlights include
sculpted gadroons around its
light-reflecting dial capture, referencing the
maison’s drapery tradition. Blow gently on the
timepiece’s glass surface, and as if by magic, ahologram of the Vendôme column appears —a hint at the house’s historic Paris address. The
defining feature of the Reflet, however, is its
invisible clasp that allows for interchangeable
straps. This year, Boucheron releases eight
new straps in either leather or fabric, adding
to the collection composed of — fittingly —70 variations.
www.boucheron.com

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life moments

12 things to do
in edinburgh in
48 hours
The Scottish capital is a thrilling showcaseof culture, cuisine and the arts. Here are aselection of activities designed to maximise
your time in the city.
Words MARK LEAN

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AS THE SUN RISESOVER EDINBURGH,
TAKE A SHORTWALK UP CALTON
HILL, WHERE
YOU WILL FINDPANORAMIC VIEWS
OF THE CITY AND
THE RIVER FORTH.

6.05amcalton hill
As the sun rises over Edinburgh,
take a short walk up Calton Hill,
where you will find panoramic viewsof the city and the River Forth.
Warm clothing is recommended, as
the morning winds can be chilly.
8.30amthe brasserie
The light-filled Brasserie at The
Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh is justthe spot to tuck into a traditional(and delicious) Scottish breakfast of
haggis, blood pudding, sausages,
mushrooms, bacon and an egg
served sunny side up.

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2.33pmnational museumof scotland
Spend an afternoon uncovering
the mysteries of Ancient Egypt (31March to 3 September) along withother exhibits spanning the historyof Scotland, the worlds of nature,art, design, technology, fashion,and science at the National Museumof Scotland. Admission is free.
www.nms.ac.uk/national-museumof-scotland
3.30pmsummerhallAs
the
UnitedKingdom’s
third largest multi-arts centre,
Summerhall, the site of a former
brewery, is where all artistic pursuits
converge in Scotland. Check out
its
website(www.summerhall.
co.uk) for a comprehensive list ofactivities and exhibitions taking
place throughout the year.
8.20pmthe gardener’s cottage
As one of the city’s top tables,
The Gardener’s Cottage makes

Clockwise from far left:
National Museum of
Scotland, Edinburgh Castle,
Rosslyn Chapel,
The Gardener’s Cottage
and Summerhall.
Facing page from top:
Calton Hill and a Scottish
breakfast at The Brasserie.

for a dining experience toremember and savour. Highly
recommended: the seven-course
dinner menu that showcases
seasonal ingredients sourced in
the area, the dishes of which takeon a decidedly garden theme.
www.thegardenerscottage.co
9.01amrosslyn chapel
Spending a morning at Rosslyn
Chapel and its surrounding forest,
both of which came to world
attention in the film The Da Vinci
Code, is a journey back in time(to 1446 when the chapel wasconstructed).
www.rosslynchapel.com

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11.00ammercat tours
Meet outside St. Giles Cathedral,
located on the city’s High Street,for one of Mercat Tours twohour walking adventures thatcover historic locations such as
Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh
Castle, as well as themed
ghost and underground tours.
www.mercattours.com

life moments

11.45amyvette jelfs“I think my hats are desirable
because they reconnect people totheir humanity … my clients feel the103life moments

life moments

FOR DINNER, HEAD TO STOCKBRIDGE, AN UPSCALENEIGHBOURHOOD WITH AN INTERNATIONAL SELECTION OFRESTAURANTS AND BARS.

COMPLETE THE EVENING WITH A
GLASS OF THE FINEST SCOTTISHWHISKY AT THE GLASSHOUSEEDINBURGH’S THE SNUG.

presence of the person who crafted
the object,” explains milliner
Yvette Jelfs. For a made-to-orderstatement creation, visit Jelfs at her
workshop in the National Scotland
Trust building.
www.yvettejelfs.com

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8.10pm Stockbridge
For dinner, head to Stockbridge,
an upscale neighbourhood withan international selection ofrestaurants and bars including
Stockbridge
Restaurant
andPurslane, both of which highlightthe freshest local ingredients.
10.42pm The Snug
Complete the evening with a glassof the finest Scottish whisky at The
Glasshouse Edinburgh’s The Snug.

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Stockbridge.
Facing page
clockwise from top left:
Yvette Jelfs millinery,
The Snug, Arthur’s Seat
and The Glasshouse
Hotel Edinburgh.

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2.18pm Arthur’s Seat hike
Writer Robert Louis Stephenson
described the 251-metre Arthur’s
Seat as “a hill for magnitude,
a mountain in virtue of its bolddesign,” and it is certainly truethat the views are both impressive
and inspiring. The climb takes
approximately 45 minutes, covering
terrain that is part of a now-extinct
volcano that erupted 340 million
years ago.

7.20pm The Glasshouse
Hotel Edinburgh
As the city winds down for the day,retreat to one of The Glasshouse
Hotel’s Studio suites with cityfacing vistas — perfect for sunsets.

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This luxurious resort is set on a private tropicalisland on the Straits of Malacca. Villas either
fringe the hillside or are gracefully balanced on
stilts over water. An award-winning Spa Village
offers world-class treatments derived from
Chinese, Indian and Malay healing traditions.

Tanjong Jara Resort on the east coast ofPeninsular Malaysia embodies the essence of
Malay culture and traditions. Facing the South
China Sea and surrounded by the lush green
beauty of the local countryside, Tanjong Jara
Resort reveals a quieter but equally attractiveside to Malaysia.

Evoking the splendour, the romance and thenostalgia of one of Malaysia’s oldest hill
stations and its grand colonial heritage, Cameron
Highlands Resort with its luxurious rooms andaward-winning Spa Village is the best place totake in the area’s rolling hills, tea plantations,rose gardens and strawberry farms.

www.tanjongjararesort.com

www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

www.pangkorlautresort.com

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Set within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park,
Gaya Island Resort is a jewel located off thecapital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. Golden sandy
beaches and crystal-clear waters teemingwith marine life are compelling attractions,while its Spa Village offers opportunities tosample authentic Borneo-inspired healing andwellness therapies.
www.gayaislandresort.com

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Located along Bukit Bintang road at the heart ofKuala Lumpur, JW Marriott is ideal for businessand leisure travellers. With world-class shopping
malls nearby, this conveniently located hotelwith its extensive range of facilities is one of
the city’s finest.

Fully restored to its former glory, this elegant
1930s property marries history with world-classhospitality. Dining options include Hainanesefavourites at Colonial Café as well as aninteractive dining experience at Contango, while
the rooms are a blend of contemporary style andold-world finesse.

Hotel Stripes is the second Autograph Collection
hotel in Malaysia. It combines a modern vibe andhistorical references to its location, one of
Kuala Lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods. With
contemporary guestrooms and suites, the hotel
is a convenient base to explore the Malaysian
capital’s many attractions.

www.majestickl.com

www.stripeskl.com

www.ytlhotels.com
www.ytlhotels.com

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Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle
business district, this stylish luxury hotel isconveniently positioned for upscale shopping,dining and entertainment. It is home to an awardwinning spa, and gourmands will be delighted by
the indulgent Afternoon Tea experience as well
as Li Yen’s stellar Cantonese cuisine.

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This former Victorian bank has been transformed
into a discreet, boutique-style hotel, crowned byan elegant stained glass dome, an unexpected findin the city’s heart. The hotel exudes grandeur
in a thoroughly modern way,–while service ispolished; it’s also unpretentious amid the bustleof Square Mile.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers the only
natural thermal spa within a hotel in the UK.
The hotel is a moment’s stroll from BathAbbey, the high street stores on Milsom Street
and the Roman Baths, which makes it a choicelocation from which to explore the city and its
nearby attractions.

Shook! Shanghai occupies the penthouse floorof The Swatch Art Peace Hotel, a Renaissancestyle 1906 heritage landmark on the Bund. The
celebrated restaurant features a show kitchen
where signature dishes from four cuisine styles
are created and adapted from seasonal trends
and ingredients.

www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

www.shookrestaurantshanghai.com

www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis luxury boutique hotel is considered one of
the best places to stay in Edinburgh, with cosy
contemporary interiors, warm Scottish service
and consistently spectacular views of the city
centre, Calton Hill or the hotel’s 0.8-hectare
rooftop garden.

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portfolio of life

www.muse-hotels.com

Two gorgeous and luxurious villas, with nine andsix bedrooms respectively, offer countrysideliving, tranquillity and peace, as well as the
security of an exclusive residential estate. The
villas, ideal for exploring the famous Costadel Sol, are in close proximity to all typesof amenities.

An authentic Japanese machiya architectural setting interweaves the modern and the traditional
in a genteel village environment. Niseko Village offers shopping and dining options aplenty. Mere
moments from award-winning hotels, residences and lifts, its slopeside location allows for seamless
ski-in, ski-out access.

www.muse-hotels.com

www.niseko-village.com

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A glamorous and private hideaway in the southof France, MUSE Saint Tropez is all about thehigh life. Located in Ramatuelle and surroundedby forests of umbrella pines, this boutiqueproperty features just 15 suites, each of whichis named after famous ‘muses’. Make the hotel
your base to explore the sights, the sounds andthe delights of the Riviera.

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Black volcanic sand, the majestic Mount Agung,the deep blue of the Indian Ocean and the mysticalBalinese way of life come together in style at Spa
Village Resort Tembok, Bali. Located in the northof the island, the resort is a haven of wellness,where guests can enjoy all the benefits andpleasures of spa life in tranquil surroundings.

Regarded as the cradle of Malaysian history,
Malacca in its heyday was a port-city that welcomed
spice traders, sultans and warriors. Soak up the
magic and the history at The Majestic Malacca,
the city’s finest hotel, built in the 1920s, andfurbished with interiors indicative of the city’s
rich culture.

The Eastern & Oriental Express epitomises the
grandeur, luxury and romance of rail travelfrom a bygone era. Journey amid the trappingsof old-world opulence across three countries,
through the entire length of Peninsular
Malaysia, on a route connecting the Southeast
Asian metropolises of Singapore and Bangkok.

www.thesurinphuket.com

www.spavillageresort.com/tembokbali

www.majesticmalacca.com

www.ytlhotels.com

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Situated on Pansea beach, one of Phuket’s
most private stretches of sand, The Surin
offers a perfect slice of Thai beach life. The
cottages and suites are built into a carefully
conserved landscape. From sumptuous cuisine towatersports, The Surin combines idyllic tropicalcharm with the warmth of Thai hospitality.

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The Spa Villages celebrate the healing culture of the region in which each is built. Each spa village
has its own character and authenticity, honouring local healers and traditions that have been
passed down the generations.
PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I KUALA LUMPUR I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCA I GAYA ISLAND I TEMBOK, BALI I HANGZHOU I BATH

www.spavillage.com

www.feastvillage.com

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Feast Village at Starhill Gallery is the first of its kind in Malaysia. It offers unparalleled dining
experiences featuring 13 upscale restaurants with an exotic array of cuisines ranging from Asian toMediterranean. The meandering lane ways of the rustic, multi-ethnic Village and its multi-coloured‘time tunnel’ take diners on journeys of sensorial discovery.

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portfolio of life

Each Australian Marriott hotel is situated within the central business district of its city andideally positioned to serve business and leisure travellers. The 563-room Sydney Harbour Marriott
is set in the heart of Circular Quay, overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The 186room Melbourne Marriott is close to the city’s theatre precinct, shopping districts and Chinatown.
Brisbane Marriott, with 263 rooms and four suites, is placed between Brisbane’s CBD and theFortitude Valley hub, close to shopping, riverside dining and the city’s commercial district andcultural attractions.

Embrace the new Vistana vibes in three choice locations across Malaysia. Experience friendly,
efficient service, be it at check-in or departure. The comfortable rooms come with practical amenities
that are suited to work or relaxation, plus there is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Relax
at Barista, the 24-hour coffee bar, and adjacent communications centre, Hub 247, for a quick
business breakfast, or sit down to fresh hot meals at Cafe. Vistana Hotels is always welcoming,
always connected.

www.vistanahotels.com
www.marriott.com

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my life

Q&A:
Max BüsserYTL Life catches up with the founder ofexperimental watch brand MB&F to find out
about his creative processes, family holidays
and peripatetic life.
Words MARK LEAN

H

how does your schedule
in a year look?
The ‘book-ends’ are thecraziest, meaning the first threemonths of the year with SIHH
and Baselworld (we participate
in both) and the last four months where our little
brand participates in about 10 watchmaking
events worldwide. So I tend to be much morecreative between April and September when
there are fewer operational distractions.

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do you find time for holidays?
Now that I have a family, I do. Before I could
go for a couple of years without. My company
was my life. As we live in Dubai next to the sea,holidays are mostly hiking around mountains
during summer or visiting northern European
regions. We had five fantastic days in Stockholm
last year.
have your creative processeschanged over the years?
Very much so. 12 years ago at the beginningof MB&F, I doodled and sketched, letting my
pencil roam consciously or unconsciously on thepaper. Now, concepts just ‘appear’ in my head.
It is weird and often unnerving. An idea will justform itself in my mind and I can play with it in 3D
as if it was a computer CAD program.
what is the most important thing
mb&f has taught you?
An important lesson is that my ideas are worth
nothing without all the talented people aroundme who transform these ideas into reality.
what projects are you currently
working on?
Too many! New MB&F Horological and Legacy
Machines, performance art pieces with fellowcreators, co-creations we are designing for
our friends from L’Epée, Caran d’Ache andothers, and the artists we are curating in our
MAD Galleries. My mind is a little cluttered!
Oh, I am working on a second brand which I
hope to maybe launch at the end of 2018 or inearly 2019.

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38 mmStarhill Gallery • Tel: +603-2144 0035 • Pavilion KL • Tel: +603-2141 7885 • Suria KLCC • Tel: +603-2181 8723 • Gurney Plaza Penang • Tel: +604-227 0088